The new arival of the three gracis, into Anglia Lamenting the abusis of this present age.

¶ THE NEW ARIVAL OF the three Gracis , into Anglia .

Lamenting the abusis of this present Age .

¶ Esay . 58.34.24 .

¶ Cry now , as lowde as thou canst , leaue not of , list vp thy voyce like a Trumpet , and show my people their offencis , and the house of Iacob their sinnes .

To his moste Louing and frendly

Father : ( V. Villiam Beeston Brewer ) S.B. wisheth continuall health , with end-lesse felicitie .

WHen , and at such time , beloued Father , I had called to my remembrance , the great good wil , and wished benefites proceeding from you , towardes me : and on my part very slenderly deserued in comparison , the acquiting of suche curtesie : After many inuentions had , by what meanes to shew forth some such occasion , howe to gratifie you , as a sure shewe of obedience , thereby to occasion no lesse good will to folowe , then formally by you was begon . And calling to ininde one of the graue sentences of Seneca , which sayeth , That the remembrance of benefites ought not to be forgotten , and that a smal thing geuen willingly , is more acceptable then great riches with euell will : And that the will of the geuer , and not the value of the gift , is to be regarded : rhese documentes and such like , vrged me to deuise some thing , whereby you might perceiue in me , not only my obedience to fatherly parentage , but also to proue such a sonne ( good will being first preferred ) to be more worthy a benefite , Diogines then to haue geuen , which benefite that I looke for , is your continuall societye and fatherly affection , to abide wyth no lesse good will , then hitherto it hath bene : To that end therfore , I haue taken vpon me to write this worke folowing for you to loke vpon : And although it seeme barren for lacke of a more furniture , and altogether pore , like vnto the wryter : Neuertheles , I hope you wil except it with no les good wil , in comparison of mortall fieshe , then Iesus the sauioure of mankinde , who excepted the two mites put into the treasury by a pore widow , Luke . 21. being all the substance that shee had : so this small worke of mine , being all the substance that I possesse ( as touching good will ) haue with no les imparted the same vnto you , which woorke beareth the name of the three graces , Thankfulnes , Plenteousnes , and Liberalitie : which if you peruse thorowly , I doubt not , but it wil content your minde so , as occasion may serue to further remembrance , considering that to attain vertues , we haue good desire , Marcus but to obtaine vices , we put to all oure workes : such is our corruption , Aur. for the which cause , euery desiring minde to obtaine knowledge , oughte to take heede where vertue is to be learned : Socrates for the les time man hath to liue , which may be perceiued from the day of birth to the houre of death , with what spede it hasteneth , and the time stayeth for none : to be ready prepared to the hauen of peace , to the ende our mortal enemy raigne not ouer vs , the more earnestly ought man , in vertues study to be proceding in : my louing Father ( therfore ler this my worke be so accepted , as good wil in his continuaunce , may further a greater : And as concerning this already finished , there can nothing be amended or rightly corrected , but by that , which surmounteth , and is better then it , Plato . as vice by vertue , falshode by truthe : wrong by iustice : folly by wisdome : ignorance by learning , and such like . For the which cause euery perticular being considered , I doute not but that you wil as fauourably receiue this my trauaile with no les good wil , then I in presuming to dedicate the same vnto you , whome I account moste worthiest : not for affection but for your godly life and christian religion : in the which , the almighty father , sonne , and holy ghost strengthen with continuance , that bothe father , and sonne , by the holy ghost : with father , sonne and holy ghost , may praise the almight in the celestial heauens , worlde without end . Amen .

Your obedient sonne , Steuen Batman .

THE EPISTLE TO THE READER .

WHen and at such tyme , ( belouid ) as the miserable state , and maners of men were espied : the vntruthes , the craftie imaginacions and wicked practises , of peruersse , and frowarde persons : Then by diuine sufferance diuers learned and auncient Fathers began , no soner the euils perceiued , to set foorth against such ( their abusis ) with the threatnings of gods vengance for the same , diuers and sundry ensamples , to the withdrawinge of such , as much as in them lay , from the infernall pit , prepared for offence : to that ende , that as carefull Parents , perceuing their children to wander from the line of obedience , mought in time , by mesurid correction , bring them from such their disorder , to a better passe . In which so doing , although some children , by ouermuch sufferance , in the beginning of their enterance , through induranci , & hardnesse of heart , not only neglect theyr tymes from such obedience , but also as froward Imps continew in their vngodlynesse , shall for their so doing reape no lesse infamy then the Zodomits dyd , Example Gen. 1 Exod. 2. who refusing the intreaty of that auncient Father Lot , were consumid with Fyer : or as when Moyses , rebuked him that wrongid the Hebrwe , very charitably , but he tooke it ill , and spake iniuriustye , saying , bout thou kill me , as thou dyddest the Egiptian , &c. Not far unlike , are the aunswers of sundry Scctarians , in these dayes , who for brotherly repprehensions geueth the like answers , Note h●w discreetly Nathan the prophet rebuked Dauid , after he had committed adoultery & murder , 2. Re. 2. he said not angerly , thou hast don wickedly , but with an apt ● meete ●militude , he intrappid him by the wordz of his owne mouth , Steuen being with the Iewes in counsail , dyd boldly reprehende them , sayinge among other things : Dye stiffenecked , and of vnū●●umcised heartes and eares , ye haue alwayes resisted the holy ghost , as your forefathers did , so do ye , a worthy note to such as will enter into iudgment in matters of religion , before they know what it meaneth : and although that among many , some may haue iudgment , yet after the maner of men , it is not iustice , therfore most metest to be reformed , when the Thessalonians walked vnquietly , the Apostle Paul , 2. Thess. 3. with brotherly reprehension saide vnto them : why walk ye inordina●ly working not at all , but being curius , and busibodies : and therfore he rebuked them . Many diuerz and sundry ensamples ther are , which moueth brotherly affection , to consider such substaunce , for the which cause , after many auctorities vewid , and diuers historis redd , & being mo●id , not with a few griefes , to see this present tyme so alterid from kinde , deuised this slender , and vnfurnished woork , to the profit of my Countrey : & yet not altogither so vnfurnished , but that by diligent perusing , some good thing may be founde . It was good will , that forced me to write according to my skill : yet considering with my selfe how far vnable I was to frame that which affection monid , after good will had inforcid : In remembring the Bee , with the same affection , went forwarde : For among the Bees , such order is , that when the young beginneth to flye , Bartho . de pro●● . and that he apply him selfe with carying : first he learneth by the greater to gather war , then to frame the work , which being don , them to gathering the honey , that those neat wrought selles , may be filled , and in such tyme , as the season ferneth , that or euer the frosts appere , Gesnerus each Bee , may haue sufficient to preserue him from the baraine Winter or colde , so as a poore Bee , the Waxe being gatherid , from the substance of many flowers and by meanes of the sweete smelling blues , huny is increasid , wherwith to suffise each Bee in the extremitie of coulde , the war to keepe safe from cold , the honey to preserue life , and to comfort such young as in the meane time is increased . And as the wax is profitable , Isidorus Aristotle in the dark to yeld by art his light , to the greate comfort of the beholder , so is the hunney for the inward partes of men , being moderately taken , to keepe the body from putrified humors : by the Bee , the wax , and the hunney , I considered the diligent painfull Christian , the profet of actorites , the gift of the holy ghost : these three , moued mee , to this my sely labour , far vnfit to come among the master Bees , but for as much as the smaller or feebeler sort , are defended by the great , by the means of indeuer : so hope I to bee , because good will hath presumed in stead of learning , to frame that which may doo good to the most , and harme with the least . Thus gentill Reader vse my labour , with suche brotherly affection , as by my work , thou maist perceue my meaning . In which so doing , I commit thee vnto the tuicion ( by prayer ) of the almightie God for euer and euer AMEN .

By Stephan Batman Minister .

SOMNIVM . WHen that Saturno , Planiet he , in midst of Libra spred , I F and Hyems , force , began to hie , with dolers in my bed A thousand woes , gan me oppresse , to sée the world such as each creature , in his kynd , the one , at other grutch . Dismaid in mind , to se such chaunce , to happin countri then Obliuion , she that grace forgot , alew●ring many men , To folow fancis lore , without remorse of payne , and Gospels predication , to holde as thing but vayne . For to bewayle so ill a chaunce , it dentyd so my mynde , I H when vewid was myne own deserts , gainst Christ my god so kinde Then to deuise some theame at large , wherby the rest to warne , T M swéete Charites , hir selfe applyed , to kéepe me ay from harme . She gaue me charge , my quiuering hand , the Pen to held full fast , with spéede to wryte what she me bad , though long , yet at the last Then setling so both hand and pen , as pleasid hir to deuise , whose words in order folowed so : few wisemen will despise . From Eanus , he the god of Eyer , the whole earth now dooth vew , not sparing one , but each degrée , by what meanes to pursew If victory , were shure to get , then looke for present doome , that restlesse rage , of his so toyles , iust friendship to consume . These thrée , to further thine intent , so guyded shall by me , W S who hiet Aglaia , thankfulnesse , to vertue doth agrée Then , Thalia , the most plentius , to yeld each dayes increace , Euphrosine , that liberal dame , which scarcite doth seace . These thrée to gyde thy pen aright , shall dayly thée attend , against that huge , Enceladus , though , Terra , Enc●lad●s huge monster which signifieth contempt of al good orders . ●ous an ile betwen Sardina & Africa , where n● venemus thing mai lyue . him defend By force of valiant Tonos , he , to Etnas , fiery flame , that Iupiter , which rules on hie , such furious rage to tame . If Albion she , except thée not , I will the straight conuay , to Ebosus , Sardina , eyle , where thou shalt beare such sway As Gargites , olde Gereons , dogge , although he seme to byte , shall sterue for meat , and pine away , though it apere in sight In these my wordes conceue a showe , such frindship so to frame as Ioue , the iust may be obaid , with lasting prayse to name Then Charites so doo me cal , a frind to Troyan eyle , who wisheth shure no smal renoume , to such so happy soyle , ( And why ) for that the welthy is , or that of strength hath store , ( no no ) , but for because that Ioue the iust , as yet doth fauour more , Her state , her peace , and her renoume , to try hir trusty loue , which being found , W W vngratefull then , full soone , will her remoue , Poore Cynon he , for landes defence , the Troyans , did forewarne was for his labour naught except , till they had felt the harme , But then to late , or Cacus . Gesnerus Preterit● . Bartholome Anglicus . so now foresée , left Gallia , a Calchas bréedes and so in steade of holsom hearbes , may light on poysonid weedes . The Panter , he example geues , when so disposid to spoyle , by hyding of his head from beastes , as though he ment no goile : By sauor swéete , they folowe still , and he them both alure , till place conuenient so him please , their death he doth procure . To read , to write , or to indite , for cuntries thine defence , seace not , but do thy selfe imploy , looke for no recompence But at the handes of Charites , euen I reward will thée , when vitall breath , is spent and gon , with Christ thy Lord to bée ,

O Anglia , Chius an esse by greece in the sea ●e geum which as Sirab● writith that it cannot be re●●embrid , 〈◊〉 ●rith in the country was any adoulteri among them selues committed . thou of Chius , learne thy god and prince to feare ,

where none a●oultry there was found , or one that would vpreare Him selfe agaynst his Prince or king , each other sought to saue , as lasting prayse re●ounes therof , all vicis did depraue . Sence tyme that Engist thee possest , as fléeting hast thou béen , as Chemmis , the whole waighty payse , most strange is to be séen Herodotus , so doth expresse , huge woodes , and trées there bée , with hills and dales , in wondrus sorte , as dayly such may see . As into Egipt , will resort , this strange s●ight to peruse , a land , to swem , there to be séene , on this some hap may muse But what for this it séemes a toye , if naught but so ye meane , some better grayne I wish to séeke , a brode in felds to gleane . By figured show some thing is ment , if so you please to mark if not by this , then now giue eare , to more effect doo hark When that Camillus , Aspiracis● . hae . did beseedge , Hetruria , coast and soyle , and that the Trurians did perseue , ere long to haue the foyle . Among the auncient , Falisi , a skoolemaster there was which did deuise by treason so , that he might bring to passe , For to betray such Romans young , which he had ther to gyde , ●y trayned craft , so gat them foorth , till foes they had espyed , And then by gyle , surrendrid them , into Camillus gard , wher he for traytours fact so don , receued a iust reward , Which was all naked , to be beate , with those his scollers shure , vnto the place , from whence he came , thus iustice did procure , For this vntruth , of traytour fell , that such his countries spoyle , a guerd●n had , for vicious fact , a iust reward for goyle , He thought great riches to haue had , the wicked thus pretend , god graunt all those whose mindes are such , euen so to make an end If flattering , Parasite , were not , then none , would shure be found wher now not one , or two ther is , thée dayly doo abound : But who that sées , and yet is blynd , a dimnid sight hath shure , his woes with other , eake also , ther sorowes do procure . If euery one which seeks by gayne , the commons to oppresse , by cullered licence for the time , mought haue the like redresse : Then such procurers would shure cease , & plenty would beare sway which if not séen vnto in time , in stead of wealth decay . Let this suffice , in proose do write , in hope that country thine will thee regard like faithful frend , as vertues lawes assigne . When hatrid , and necligence : expellith loue , and diligence , powre , and auctoritie , regardeth not minoritie , Selfe loue , with Ipochrisy , are frindes vnto cruelty : when all these gestes in some place raignes , Ere long , will fall some sodayne chainge .

OR euer , the fundacion of the world was layed , Exodus . 3 The many names groweth to no var●etie : the substance is of one equalitie . The Lord Iehouah , the Iews dyd o●●● , naming it Nomen in effabile , a name not to be spoken : because it con〈◊〉 the 〈…〉 of GOD . the great Elohim , ( Iehouah ) Adonai , Gubernator , Deus , or omni ●otent God . When Moyses demaunded saying : who shal I say hath sent me , was aunswered , ego sum , qui sum , I am that I am , hath sent thée , euen that most triumphant king of kings , who before al worlds , saw what should insew from time to time , did pronosticate , by diuers and fundry his seruaunts . Some Patriarks , Prophets , and Apostels , with sundry other people , out of euery nation vnder heauen : aforewarning to the rest common or vulgar people , som by proficy or prophisy , some by reuelacion , some by interpretacion , some by dreams , some by wonderfull Prodigius and most miraculus sightes , ( to the end ) that ouer what dominion , Realm or cuntrey so euer any of these appeared , eyther by sight in act , or show by word , the people in any such dominion , what soeuer mought know , by such for warning to eschew , those daunger● : that else might insew . Dame Charities , being framed from out of the mightie Elohim , so wrought , as soone as she had auctorite , which was not , till man was framid in liuely substance . And then began she to show forth the substaunce of her fundacion , which was , is & shal be , among the obedient vnto the end . And those here associate were , Aglaia , Thalia , and Euphrosine , thankfulnes , plenteousnes and lyberalite , whereby these being settelid in man , shuld yelde forth some such fruit as it had recsued , to the honoure prayse , and immortall fame , of such a moste mercifull and heauenly father , Lord and king : in as much therefore , Gen. 4. as in the tyme of our forefathers ( longe tyme passid ) ther fell vppon the earth suche fluds of waters , wherby the whole world was ouerspred , and that al flesh died , by the rage of the same , sauing Noah , and his famely viii , sowles . And wherefore , bicause they regarded not , neither beleued the same to insew , till they saw the extremite of the flud , so spéedily to ouerwhelme them , all hope then frustrate , and past remedy : The preparinge of the Arke , made them not afrayed , neither the enterance of the flud , for so longe as any land , mountayne , or hill , was to bée gotten vnto , so longe hoped they of safety ( such vayne hope deceyued them ) wherefore they peryshed , such was the incredulite , at that tyme , and much worse , notwithstanding former insamples , in these our present tymes : from after the sayde , Deluuium , or flud , no soner being retornid to their former , or preordayned course . And that the Sunne , Moone , and Stars appeard in their pulcritude and kynde , then , euen in the very presence of the late slayne carcasis , such showed Obliuion , in the brest of Noah , that after a few grapes eaten , became so infebelid in the heade , that most disorderly laye , to the great sorow of his two sonnes , Genesis 9 Sem and Iaphet , although , Cham , being also one of their bretheren , did most vnreuerently laughe at his fathers nakidnes , for the which he was a curssud . Gene. ●9 When ( Lot ) through wine , forgat him selfe , his offence was such as mouid a parpetual remembrance ( to be ware ) Zodoma , Gomorra , Adama , Zeboim , & Zoar , or euer they were destroyed , they had warning their of , by there forefathers , that perished through the flud , and also by the comming of the messengers vnto ( Lot ) . The children , of Israel , had warning also before they fel into captiuite , Exodus 1 for as long as Ioseph , gydid or gouerned Egipt , vnder Pharao , so long they continuid in peace , and tranquilitie . But there rose vp a new king in Egipt , Out of this saide chapter of 〈◊〉 is 〈◊〉 note or warning : not to trust the 〈◊〉 words of aliante . which knew not Ioseph . And he sayde vnto his folke , behould the people of the children of Israel are great and myghtier then wée , come and let vs play wiesly with them , least they multiply . And lest it happen , that if there chaunce any war , they ioyne themselues vnto oure enemies , and fyght agaynst vs . And so get them out of the lande : so the children of Israell were by the Egyptians , held in bondage , without mercy . Behould the skill of the Egiptians , they being in doute of such great increase , would not suffer the Israelites , no more among them . &c. And yet for all that , reasid not to oppresse them in such sort , as this second booke of Moyses makes relacion . Be it knowen vnto thée , thou now florishing Anglia , whom God so gyde with continuance , that sence thy first a ryuall by that noble ( Brutus ) thou hast sufferid many greuous attempes , And also ben subuertid by forraigne powre , if thou wilt know by whom , reade Robertus de Auesbury , Rogerus Houenden , Iohu G●wer . Iohn bale Iohn slow Forsard , Harding , Mathae Paris , Mathaei Westomasteriensis Policronicon , Supplementi Chronicarum . Polidory Virgilij cum alijs . The first subuercion of this eyle was by the Britans , ( called Gigantes ) as of Corineus , which inhabited Cornewal and such lyke , of whome came our originall , by successiue liue from Brute . But the second ouerthrowe was by Iulius Ceasar and his Romans who about fyue hundred yeares gouernid this lande , This ●ē gist after the opinion of som author● , 〈…〉 by 〈◊〉 the name of Englishe men came first callid Hengist men , then in pre●ces of tyme English men : which said name continueth to this present . but as touching the origynall from Brute . Iulius Ceaser , was the first that brought the Britans in subiection , and after the ende of the sayd yeres the Romaines left both tribut and cuntry , rather then to defend it agaynst the Scots , & Pysts . The Britons were afterward conquerid by Hengist king of the Sarons , vnto whom the Bretons vnaduisedly , had before geuen to much entry , which Sarons , were afterward conquerid by Swane , and other the Danes , and these Danes with the Sarons , & Britans remayning were all conquerid by William bastard Duke of Normandy . And since that time continued most victorius , to the perpetuall fame of English men , and long tyme may if gréedy desier be not the cause of her ouerthrow . This being dewly considerid in these our present dayes , would geue occasion , to foresée a greate mischiefe which else ere tonge will inshew . The cause is , the people of foraine nations , so fast do increase , and the commodites of this our natiue soyle doth so fast decrease , that it cannot be , but that within short space . Except the prudency of some foreseight , al to be transformid vp●down . The gracis mouid me ( as in a dream ) this farforth to speak wher in is ( or ought ) both thankfulnes to God , ●ale . y● un●ig● of both churches . for such warning with thankefulnesse to God , for so happy a prince called Elizabeth , of the Debrues called Elischabeh , as much to say , as the rest of my God , ●●●aris . which when the ancient City Niniue was warned by Ionas , the Lords Prophet , they repentid so , that they were pardonid of all their sinnes , Ierico , for resisting , ( the Lord miraculusly ouerthrew ) as also Ierusalem , the often ouerthrow of kingdoms & Cities was for disobedience of the lawe , contempt of the worde , ne●ligence in not looking to the same in time , Luk. 6. Num 22. is so great an ensample before our eyes , Caecus caecum ducit , ambo in foueam cadunt , which if selfe wil , with laciuius lust , do so blind that it cannot be espied , then , Asina Balaam admonet , if their remayn so much fear of gods v●ngans for oppression among such as pr●fesse Christ , and as yet deny the works therof , as remayned in Balaams Asse , who for fear of the Angell , shronke vnder his maister , then I doubt not , but euery such Christian which shall happen vppon this my trauayle , shall finde no small commoditie , and thereby so occasionid to pray vnto God , for amendiment whereof , that ere long all euill actions may be amendid , Mat. 5. Mar. 9. which being don . Vos estis sal terrae , lux mundi , then shall Angliae florish , which God graunt , to the ouerthrow of Antechrist , to the setting home of those Strangers , whose comming is neither for the loue of the Gospell , nor obedient of Lawes , but such as haue committid murder , hourdome & thefte and obstinate Papists , as diuers honest and godly persons of their owne natiue counteris haue testified : not with rigour , but by fauor , not of pretendid force , but by princly auctorite . Ex fructu arbor cognoscitur . So God graunt in time an effect . La●brymae Croc●dil , ( caucto . )

¶ In these three principall vertues , are contayned the liberalitie of a Christian , thankfulnesse , plentiousnes , & liberalitie . FRom Ioue the iust I Aglaia , Aglaya . am , a grace of liuely hew which being placed in mortal wight , such sight may n●t me vew , As carnall man , by shewes of loue , in armes them imbrace , no such am I , of substance sure , but aye a liuely grace . Not séene , nor felt , so pure am I , I let you vnderstand a thousand bodies I possesse , in euery soyle and land With thousand thousands , to the same : as proofe ful wel doth showe , in euery wight , which séekes by right , all euils to forgoe : Aglaia she , doth doceate , when good of frindes they gayne , with thankfulnes to yelde dewe prayse and to acquite with 〈◊〉 ▪ How to deuise by mindfulnesse , to make dewe recompence , gainst such as they offendid haue , and that with diligence . And those to whom , we haue done ill , is sure the persons thrée , Father , Sonne , and holighost , one perfit god we sée : By whose great prudency and skill , the world framid so with euery vitall thing ther in , the Hart the Hynd and Ro The byrds which suore in ayery sky , twixt cloud & earth so gréene , a liuely show to earthy wight , most comely to be séene : The creping worme , the beasts likewise , some sauage ferce & tame , not one of these that liues one earth , but Adam gaue a name . By means wherof they knowen are now , Gen. 15.2 Adam , terra , Earth . their force their might & strength & so by man in these our daies , are brought to thral at length : The hugy Whale , with mighty fish in showles after their kind , subdewed are by mans deuise , thus natures are assinde The Dragons ferce , the Serpent strong , with tongue & téeth doth sting , by means of hearb the grows one earth , which vertue forth doth bring : To cure such sore , to seace the payne , agayne to bring to ease , those persons as infectie are , I plenty do apease , What had bin growing on the earth , or wher had earth now bene if plenty had not so possest , why nothing had bin séene : Ere that the world framed was , a nothing did remayne then naught at all of truth appeard this proueth very playne . Till mighty Ioue , by word so willed , an earth straight to apéere , that being done , with splendent shine , of ayre substance cléere : With Sun and Moone , with glitering stars , the heauens to adorne , diuisions then twixt day & tide , the Moone the night , the morne . Then Ver , the spring appearid so , by helpe of Titans grace whose gliding beams , by moisterid heat , grene herbs brought forth a pace Which being done dame Aestas shée , to hasten the effect the dearling ●eare of Aglaia still , no time did not neglect , A waiting nimphe or one of the somer seasons . But laborid so , till that she had , her Messis louer trew among the Siluan shrudes him found , the ripenid frutes to vew Therby to saue each growen increase , ere Hyems did appere , commaunding Autum to make haste , as time doth so require . That plenty grow may on the earth , as god hath so decréed ( and why ) because that man on earth , thereon may dayly féede To learne likewise of Copia shée , wher aboundance is of store two féebler sort of brethren ours , we do augment the more . The Sotherne winde Libbes . For as the winters force is such , when Libbes , his strength extends to ouerthrow that former grew , and stiffenid trées then bends , So will the lord our god in déede , cut of such cankered wéeds , as will and do refuse to help , the poore with friendly déedes . Glacie y● frosen e●se o●cice . Exod. 10. And as by force of sharpenid windes , dame Glacie , beareth sway , yet heat of Sunne doth force to yeld , and so consume a way : So shall those gréedy grashops they , that Egipt did possesse , be forcte againe from thence to flye , perhappes with out redresse . If that they do not so relent , as christian lawes requier with Pluto be in fernall hel sure paid shal be their hyre : Vlisses he hath sayled so long , Virgil. Ouid me . Vlissis soc● in fues . in vaine delight and lust , that all his men transformid are , to beastly shape vniust . Some to Wolues , which do deuoure , and some to Vipers kind , which doth consume each other so , that small is left behind : Some to swyne , which dayly swelles , one delicates so fine , and like the master Dog doth byte , when other fayne would dine . To gredy dogs , some likened are , which kéepes the Neat from hay , and yet them selues reaps small increase , as gredy guts beares sway Like foxes other some ther bée , which through craft and goyle , by vsery in watching steps , their brother séekes to spoyle . Deuising how by cautall such , so lurking in their den , to dispossesse the sely sort , Foxes false , no men Among the rest great Apes I saw , which pleased Vlisses best , with frisking gamboles twixt the roopes , dayly so were prest . Who Cimia , hyght with voice did speak , which when I did perceue I ceased not till that I had withdrawen him by leue To know why those transformid were , Daniel the 1. Nabuchodonosor the 4. king of the babilonians Virg. li. 6 Aenei●os . and do continew still , whose answer was ▪ by Ioue the iust , his promise to fulfill . Bereft from shape , through vile delite , as now you may behold , like to that Babilonion king , as scriptures do vnfold And we as Apes among the rest , such flatering mates were when , in roiall courts , and noble place , we ruled as did men . By meanes of false Ipocrisy , each other do deride , like Gorgons , transformed were , and thus like Apes we bide Briarens he our gidon is , by power we rule and raigne , Discordia she , in Plutos cell , doth threaten lasting payne . To those which plentie had on earth , and yet for scarcitie sought , their furious rage , with Chimera , a lasting place hath bought And for as much as we do doubt , of ioyes for to inshew we will conitinue as wée are , lo this is certayn trew Not leauing now , our wontid lore , each one of vs in kinde proceading so as we began , in this you know our mynde . When goods we haue , all men vs loue , as kings among the rest if naught at all , then Begger like , in ragges must be adrest For Gospels predicacion , preach still who that will wée sée therin none other grace , we will not come their till . The sayng of the wicked . For who that will the Scriptures feare , shall euer bée in doubt when Skie doeth fall then Larks shall haue a place to sore about , Thou Hidra fell , deuoyd of grace , reforne and that with spéed els lasting payn shal be thy gayn , the Lawe hath so decréed .

Thalia , Plenteusnes .

PLentifull are the works of the Lord , Psal. 130. in wisdom hath he made them all , for with the Lorde ther is mercy , and with him is plenteouse redemption , for as by the plentifull gracis proceading from God , the children of Israell wer delyuerid , so shall euery such nacion likewise , that seeketh by obedience , obtayn the lyke : haue due consideracion then , of the plentifull gracis proceading from God , héere on earth , to féede not only our corporall bodies , with the fruits growing on the same , for the tearm of our natural liues , but also , the vnspeakable vertues , which doo as mighty riuers so plentifully ouerwhelme , in manner the whole face of the earth , that scharcely or not at all , any one is able to say , he neuer haue passid by , or through them , or being at one tyme or other , mould so , that not one of the séeds of mankind is able to excuse him selfe for the not knowing of so plentifull gracis , proceding from so mercifull and heauenly father : in what damnable state , case , or being , are those men , who lasciuiously liuing in this vate of misery , do séeke to escape from that , which séeks to saue them , Tantulus a gredy tyrant being in the water can not dri● , hauing food in seyght ● cannot feed . and to imbrace that whi●h vtterly ( if continuance remayne in ill ) to consume and destroy them , * * Polidori Virgil● vrbanitas aedagi orum li. Tantaleum , poculum libernus , the very heathen Philosophers hath not ceasid , to depict out dyuers and sundry warnings , and all to that ende , that vertues might be imbraced , and vice subuertid & ouerthrowen , because , that like as some festcrid vlcer being once rootyd in the flesh and toucheth the bone , seaceth not by littel and litle , till it haue by such infection , masterid the whole body , and brought it to subiection , forcing it , to geue place vnto death , the first ende of corporall life . Therefore , For that there are ii . deathes the first death is the end of the body , the second of soule . as corrupt infections be the cause of the bodyly death , so the wicked thoughts ingendering contempt of godlines , hastens the soules distruction : who would not therfore , seyng so great daungers to inshew , by meanes of disobedience , séeke to please so excellent a Lorde and protector , that so mercifully and so plentifully powrith forth before vs , so many seueral gracis , therby to pluc● vs , ( yea ) as it wer by force , from so many euils , which for sinne is left to possesse vs : for as gold is tried in the fornace , so that good men be tried in tyme of aduercite , which aduercite is the dayly resisting , of the flesh agaynst the spirit . The awayting of our aduersary , Leo rugens , to none other end is , but to destroy , not the bodies of men only , but also their soules . And in getting inordinat goods through the desier therof , maketh such most miserable Beggers , from the knowledge of God . And the vayne hope in this life maketh them think to be frée from such sinne , when in very déed they are most bond imppes of that infernall fuery . Ecce appropinquat hora . Mat. 26. Such is the sufferance of our iuste Judge , when he seeth whervnto man is inclined & in that his felicite is wholy set on those things which his fleshy eyes beholdeth , regarding it more better assurance , then the promised place to come , what followeth but a flat distrust of gods promises , to this ende therfore is Satan , sufferid to be among the sonnes of men , to styre vp strife , to vere and molest them , for which disobedience , first of all the great Dragon that olde Serpent was cast out , no more to be among the Juste , for enuy wherof , as a roring ●ion , he séeketh to deuour the whole race & posterite of mankind , notwithstanding his power recheth no further then the Lord permitteth , as manifestly apperith by that pacient Iob , Iob. 2. whom the Lord of Ostes sufferid for a tyme to be molestid , saying vnto Satan : al that he hath , be it in thy power , only sée that thou spare his life , the constancy of that iust moueth euery true Christian to hope , that after dark and stormy tempest of tribulacions in this life , for the hauen of felici●e or triumphant glory , ( not by due desert , but by grace ) only in Christ , and none but he , a sufficient warning , is this , to those that haue ●yes to sée , mouths to speak , ears to heare , hearts to conceue with a continuall wisshing , for the coming of our only Lord and sauiour Christ Jesu . But to those that haue eyes , & sée not , ears and heare not , because they loue not , mouth to speake , and doo not , harts to conceaue , and regard not , Rom. 1. in such the Gospell abides not . Because God hath geuen them ouer to vnclennes , through the lusts of their own herts , to defile their own bodies , among them selues , which chaunged his truth , for a lye , and worshipped and seruid the things that bée made , more then him that made them , which is to be praysed for euer and euer Amen . And as they regardid not to know God , euen so God delyuerid them vp vnto a lewd mynd , that they should do those things that were not comely being full of all vnrighteousnes , fornicacion wickednesse , couitousnes , maliciousnes , full of enuy , murther , debate , dicept , euil conditioned , whisperers , bakebiter● , haters of God , disdaynfull , proud , bosters , bringers vp of euyll thinges , disobedient to father and mother , without vnderstanding , couenant breakers , vnlouing , truce-breakers , vnmercifull , which men though they knew the righteusnesse of God , consider not how , that they which commit such things , are worthy of death , not only they that do the same , but also they which haue pleasure in them , that do them . What plentiousnes can be more then this , wher such store of ensamples are , to bring vs from vyce to vertue , from being in bondage , to perfect fréedom , from sorow to ioye , from pouerty to riches , from werines to ease , from sicknes to health , from corruptible thoughts to selestial mocions , praysing and lawding God , for his so plentious gracis ( worthy deseruing thanks ) to him which liueth for euer and euer . The obstinate for all this will not be reclaymed , and therefore voyde of all hope by this my warning , without the greater grace & mercy of God , in Christ Jesus . The very heathen are to be preferrid , before such , whose words remayne , to the vtter ruen of all vnthankfull Christians .

When a resonable soule , from vertue flyeth , Pitagoras it waxeth beastlike , and naturally dieth , For as the soule geuith life to the corsse so iustice ( in the soule ) is cause of liuely force . NIchil cum fidibus graculo , nihil cum amaracino sui , Gellius . What Musick doth dame Graco yeald , that pratling Iaye bedect , Though faire as Fezand fresh in féeld , her corpes is still infect What both auayle the smarting wound with foysterid oyntment ill , No more then Porcus granting sound when pearels are found in swill . SO it may happen for this my toyle , to haue a small reward , of such as nothing lesse doeth mean , each vertues to regard For such reward who lookes forgayn , as wordlings do desier , shall misse of vertues iust report , small guerdon for their heyr . And those which gapes for future ioys , aspiering kings to bée , Gratefulnesse . Cacus , was a priuy conuair away of cattall . not being caulid shall shure fall , these Gracis so agrée Sith plentifull Saturitas , by soferaygne Quéene we haue , to pray I wish , each wight with spéed , that God her state may saue . And so to raygne in quietnes in Secures safety still that crafty Cacus may be spied , and shortnid of his will .

Euphrosine , Liberalitas .

VNto liberalite belongeth mercy , and largnes , which hath had her proceading sence the first creating of all things , a vertue no lesse worthy then eyther of the rest , through mercy , compassion hath béen ouer all , which is the principal cause of our continuance , by mercy we are sauid , by obedience redemid , by liberalite sanctified , who is able to acquite such kindnesse , which prouoketh through plenty , in manyfould forewarnings , dew thankfulnesse , for as those things worldly séemeth vnfit , neither is conuenient to be red , being vntermixed with contrary matter , so ensamples diuine , requier to be ioyned with none other , then auctorite aduised will alow as fit examples to the same : what greater liberalite was ther , euer , then this , which when the eternall God plasmator of all things had made the round world so sure that it may not be remouid . Gene. 2. The Sun to rule the day , the Moone to gouerne the neyght , the gréene hearbes for all liuing beasts of the field , the Seas , fluds and waters , not only for euery kind of fish , but also for ships to flote vppon the same , wherby man may sée the great works of God , and out of the substance of earth , trées of diuers fruits growing from out of the same , with sundry sorts of hearbs , as wel for beasts , of all kynds , of Serpents , Byrds worms as man , in bestowing the same , what greater liberalite could be showed . But aboue al these things , so liberall was our euerliuing God , that he prouided a continuall mancion , for all obedient and beleeuing soules , in the heauens ther to dwell and abyde , after this our passid pilgrimage , neuer more to be molestid and troubled , these and diuers other liberalites geueth occasions to euery carnall creature , to consider so great a liberalite . Rebecca , Gene. 24. Batuels daughter did most liberally aunswer Abrahams seruants sayng , drink my Lord. Moyses in defending Iethros daughter Exo. 2. from the sheperds that would not suffer them to water their shéepe . The children of Israell with most prompt & deuout minds did geue to the work of the tabernacle , Idem . 36. and the holy vestments all thing that was necessary : and the artificers were enforcid to say vnto Moyses , the people bring to much and more then ynough . In which so doyng behold the large lyberalite of the Israelites , but in these our dayes , it is growen to the contrary : as conserning temples , ther néeds no new erecting , thanks be to God , ther are sufficient and moe then are well ocupied , in stead of liberalite , couetous desier hath brought two parishes to one , and the lyuing of both , to half of one , and yet out of that halfe , ( a thyrd ) by inordinat oppression , and although the word of God continue liberall , to the prouoking of each liberalite in his kind , yet is it not so among the sonnes of men , for the which it is to be feared ( not long to be among vs . ) A hungry man being vsed to some slender apetite , and when of that little , day by day , Simule . he be abrydged and lessenid of that little , must needs in the ende consume his corrupt carcase : so like wise spirituall liuings being alredy so néere sifted , that the doner of many such liuings knoweth before he geueth it ( as some of them haue reportid ) the valew therof , & yet notwithstanding the princis dewty , which euery good subiect yeldeth willingly , if he reserue no passel of yn same , yet some part of the fleise he wil be sure of , besid some brybe , at the enterance , ether in money , or ware . In what state shal that poore minister liue , in consideracion of dayly payment , Sequell , when the liuing to be in valew xx . or xxx . pounds by the ycare , he pay out of xx . pound x. pound , I will not say , out of xxx . pound xx . pound or out of xv . x . Such a doner forgiuing diserueth no lesse reward , then , Ahab , for taking of Nabothes viniard , or Iehezi for taking a brybe of Naaman the Assirian , contrary to the sayng of Eliza the Prophet , 3. Reg. 21. 4. Reg. 5. as for such a minister he cannot escape vnpunished , if vnlernid ( then is it for néed ) if learnid then God hath séen according to his wisdome therby to cut of from the kindom imperiall both geuer and receuer . Such gredy doners or patrons , are glad when they haue gotten them vndiscréet , First booke , fable the 5. what profiteth a man to win yn hole world and lose his soule . I will not say Idiots , considering they would sayne haue somwhat , as Esopes Dog , de Cane & carne , hoping of better prosperite , found lesse , being glad of somwhat , excepting it acommodite , as he or they thinks ( for that before they had nothing ) not expecting the charge , but the gayn , not able to gyde him or them selues , much lesse the congregacion , in the mean space , the shéepe starue for want of food , and what shal be come of such shepperds or shéepherds , although by auctoritie of man alowid , the auctoritie will not discharge them , before god , except they haue such consideration of their vnabilitie , that they cease not dayly to frequent the counsaile of the learned , and so by little and little through diligent endeuour , come to a better perfection : very fewe ther are that so bestow their time . I omit such as he carders , dicers , ale knightes fornicators lasciuious spenders , counterfet christians , disquieters of common welth , sedicious persons , quarrellers , studientes in vayne and frivolus Arttes . And tourne them ouer to the Prophet Ieremi as foloweth . Vae pastoribus qui disperdunt , Ieremi. 23 Ezec. 34. & dilacerant gregem pascuae mae . Wo , vnto the shepherds that destroy and scatter my flock saith the Lord , wherfore this is the commaundement of the lord God , of Israel , vnto the shepherds that féed my people , ye scatter and thrust out my flocke and looke not vpon them . Consider England if thou hast not been brought home , accordinge to the promise . Therfore will I visite the wickednesse of your imaginacions , sayth the lord : and will gather to gither the remnant of my flock , from all lands that I had driuen them vnto , I will bring them againe to their pastures , that they may grow and increase . I will set sheperds ouer them , which shall féed them . They shall no more fear and dread , for ther shal none of them be lost , sayth the lord : I haue séen folly among the Prophets of Samaria , that they preach for Baal , and deceyued my people of Israel . I haue séen also among the prophets of Ierusalem , I warning to such as professe the Gospel , to beware of shakinge handes & the enemy . soule aduoultry and presumtuous lyes . They take the most shameful euen by the hand , flattering them , so that they can not retourne from their wickednesse . All these with their Cities are vnto me as Zodoma , & the inhabiters of Gomorra , &c. Héere note the words of the prophets that preach vnto you , and deceaue you : truely they preach vnto you vanitie , for they speake the meaning of their own heart , Let euery true and faithfull man , peruse well this chapiter , not for a tyme but daily . and not out of the mouth of the lord . Am I the god that seeth the thing which is neigh at hand , and not that is far of saith the lord : may any man hide him self so , that I shall not see him saith the Lord . Behold héere am I saith the lord , against those Prophets , that dare prophesie lying dreames , and deceaue my people with their vanities and miracles , whom I neuer sent nor commaunded them . Whether the papist haue thus don ( or not ) with diuers other sectarians . I leue it to the iudgement of the Christian reader . Now consider if the charge be so great against false prophets , idel Persons , and loytering Ministers , what is ther to be said against those gréedy Patrons , spoken of before : the prophet Ezechiel , Eezc . ●● . in the person of God , speaketh as well to the temporal as spiritual , to the king , as to the officer , to the Duke , Carle , lord , Marcus , knight , baron , or others , none are exceptid , from out of the charg of gods commaundement . Lac comedebatis , & lauis operiebamini : gregem antem meum non pascebatis &c. You haue eaten vp the milke , ye haue clothed you with the wol : the best fed haue ye slayn , but the flock haue ye not norished , the weak , haue ye not holden vp , the sick haue ye not healed , the broken haue ye not bound together , the outcastes haue ye not brought againe , the lost haue ye not sought , but churlis●ly and cruelly haue ye ruled them , was it not inough for you to eate vp the good pasture , but you muste tread downe the residewe with your féete , thus my shéepe muste bée fayne too eate the thinges , that ye haue troden downe , &c. Knowest thou not this : Iob. 20. namely that from the beginning euer sence the creacion of man vpon earth , the gladnesse of the vngodly hath bin short , and that the ioy of Ipocrites continuéd , but the twinckling of an eye : though he be magnified vp to heauen , so that his head reach vnto the clouds , yet at a tourne he perisheth for euer , in so much that they which haue séen him , shall say where is hée : hée shall vanish as a dreame , so that he can no more be found : and shal passe away as a vision in the night , so that the eye which saw him before , shall haue no more sight of him , and his place shall know him no more . His children shal be fayne to agrée with that poore , & his hands shal restore them their goods . Achab the king of Israel , 3 Reg. 22. wold not héere Micheas our Lords prophets , because he prophesied no good vnto him , but euill , yet when Micheas was called , he sayd vnto him : héere the word of the Lord . So here that which foloweth , Exempla to the end that the wickednesse of this world may be espied , the better to be eschuid . A certain man profered a benefice , of the valew as he sayd of xl . pounds by the yeare , and that he would bestow it one some honest learnid man : which when a sufficient man was presentid after sertaine talke had , his words were these . Some will not stick to professe & gospell : as though very good christians For as much as it is worth xl . pounds ( and yet not xx . pounds in the Queens maiesties books , you shall giue me thrée yeres value which as he accoumpted came to vi . score pounds . I would know , what the person of that benefice should haue had for his portion to haue liued by , in the meane time . Judge whether this be liberalitte or no : or whether such a Caterpiller were worthy of a learned man or no. No maruayle though ther be so many simple Persons in the ministry , ( ● yit not so many thanks be giuen to Go , as hath bin , ) which some to serue for eight pounds yerely , must haue skil in one facultie or other , as gardening , graffing & such like , or else to serue for lesse wagis : in the meane time , when worldly extremities shall thus hinder diuine studdy : I o●it 〈…〉 oportunisse 〈◊〉 gods aide for the a ●●●omēt ● when the shepherds perish for want of knowledge , what shal the shéepe doo . As for scruing of two cures , neglecting of sermons , when in some place report hath told in vii●x xiiii . yeres was neuer hard past , foure in some place●y one , & none at all . I meruayle not much , seeing the Patrons and giuers of such , is so prodigiously orderid . I will omit likewise the liberalitie of diuers toward such as haue trauelid in the country ( but not Vbique ) for then must it needs perish all to gither . That for their painefull labour , haue had a si●der reward , as much as Nihil . But now to retourne to one more example . A certaine man which profered a benefice , but not the benefit , to such a one , as he supposed would haue bin glad of his pr●ffer . I haue quoth he , a benefice in my hand , to bestow , and it is worth a hunderid pounds by the yeare . And if you know any ●●uett man , that wold beare the name of person . I would giue him xx . marks , or rather then fayle xx . pounds , and discharge him of al dewties so that he shuld haue that quietly to liue with al , because the corne , and other tithes , wil be a great stay to my house keping , wh● perhaps he kepeth worse house with al that , then his predecessour before him did , with his own possessions . And as for the great liberalitie of others , who hauing the gifte of diuers benifices , bicause they will not be séen to receue money them selues , vseth this fetch , as soone as any suche liuing falleth into their hands , forthwith one of his or their seruants , shal vnder a culler haue it , so that when any of the clergie co●meth , crauing master or worship , to bestow it : wo be to that place wher spirituall pro●●●cion , 〈◊〉 ●ay temporall mens ●●age● : the ministrie brought to beggery , & 〈…〉 to ge●tilitie . the answer is made , with al my hart , you shuld haue had it , but it is now to late , I haue giuen it already , they the suter as voide of all hope , taketh his leaue , which being no sooner gon , he to whom the benefice was ip●crised , taketh the person , vicar , or such curate by the sléeue , & saith , if to pleasure you with this benefice , ( which may be better called a Malifice by that tyme all be considered ) what will you giue a good felow to obtayne your sute , whose answer if it be nothing , then as short a farwel : if somewhat , according to the desire of Capax , then he shall haue it perhaps as much ag●yne , as the first frutes commeth to , he shall pay for that frindship , & such scape very well , if nothing be not taken from of the sayd liuing , for some yerely reward , such wicked dealing of men consumeth the one and other , as rust doth the yron , as mothes the closh , as sinne , doth the soule , which is not to be recouered . The occasion which moued Euphrosine to speake , is bicause the world should better vnderstand , the liberalitie diuine , and seing all things from thence proceadeth of loue : we therby should so loue each other , that the frutes of play● dealing ( without Ipocrisie ) might 〈◊〉 ●●ode to our mortall fame , and 〈◊〉 ●elicitie , which till it be re●●●red , and vsed in his kinde , non● other thing is to be lo●ed for , then a subuer●ion generall . The greate aboundant liberalities from God : should moue vs to such liberaliti● , as worketh each saluacion , and not damnation . But for as much as Sathan , the enemy of all flesh , hath to blinded the eyes , of the greater noumber , no maruaile why the world continueth in such great wickednes , for the which may wel be sayd . Mat. 22. Multi enim sunt Vocati , pauci Vero electi . For many be called and fewe are chosen . If to speak of the liberalitie of the heathen , read the auncient Philosophers , whose notes are sufficient to reasonable mindes , and although , far from the knowledge of the true god , yit notwithstanding in their liues , Theater 〈◊〉 of the heathen was call●d Iupiter . & maners , ( more iust ) for that the one sought not to oppresie nor v●●s the other , neuerthelesse confessed one principall God , whom they called Iupiter : the which they held as chiefe , aboue their other gods , by whose intelligence the world was made . And that he was the first , before al other creatures . O you auncient Britons who hath bewitched you , to flye from the vengaunce to come , bring forth therfore the workes of repentance , and behold how mightely god hath deliuered you : from falling into many vayne & supersticious errours , aboue those Nations , which for ensample folow : be no more such gréedy gatherers , for the which shall perish : but be liberal , with such Christian consideracion , as may increase a perpetuall fame , Aristotle for wher honest & vertuous men be aduancid , and well rewarded , it stireth the courage , of them that haue any sparke of vertew , to increase therin , with all their force and endeuour , wherfore next to the helping , & the reléeuing of a commonaltie , the greater part of liberalitie is to be imployed , on men of vertew , and good qualities : wherin is to be required , a good election & iudgement , that for hope of reward of fauour ( vnder the cl●ke of vertew , be not hidden the most mortal poyson of flattery . ) Liberalitie that is vpon flatterés imploied : And vpon gréedy Caterpillers , which when they know not how to liue , procure aduantages of actes , to spoyle a common wealth , not sparing temporall , nor spirituall , though for a time florish , is not only perished , but also spoyled and deuoured ●e is liberall that delighteth more in good renoume , Seneca . ( then in money ) for as liberalitie maketh frendes of enemies : So pride maketh enemies , of frindes , Socrates . Paucunius reporteth the greatest part of godlines is to knowledge the greatest part of gods goodnes , toward vs , & to giue only prayses vnto him , from whence all thinges are yeldid to our purposis : The aunciant Panimes , Pagan godes . had gods of dyuers sorts ; how beyt , the chese of all were these , which they callid , Dijs electi , chosen gods , from heauen , which godes , as they thought somtime , dycendid from heauen to earth , as Ianus , Saturnus , Iupiter , Geminus , Marcurius , Apollo , Mars , V Vlcanus , Neptune , Sol , Orcus , Vibar , Tellus , Ceres , Iuno , Minerua , Luna , Diana , Venus , Vesta , with as many strange & seuerall gods and goddesis esteming some of more dignite then other , as of one Cautius , a God so namid among the rest , whom they much honoryd , also the goddice Lunica , whom they comendid their women quick , and great with child , to send them safe deliuerance : the God , Opes , among the gentils , was callid , the God of the Babe new borne , euen as Lucina , was goddice of the mother which b●re it , their custom was , that during the time of the mothers quickning , she carried the image of their God Opes , vppon her belly , made fast to her girdle or garment , till the houre of her deliuery , so that if the child were wel born , the parents that day made greate oblacions to the Idol , if it happenid the child to bée dead born , strayght way the parents , of the child , dy● beate the image to poudre , or els bourn it , or drown it : The gentils also had an other God callid Vaginatus , which God , was hanged , about their childers necks , to kepe them that they wéept not , much , for that they supposid , if their children dyd wéepe much in thier youth , they should suffer great troubles , in ther agée : with diuers other Gods as Cumius , Victoria . The old Romayns lykewise had also diuers godes , as Ruminus , Stellinus , Adeon , Mentallis , whom they called the God of wit , such wit among the supersticius Romaynes transformid into ydolatry , as it appearech not shaken of vnto this present . The Iewes also had diuers godes , for the which they were diuersiy plaged , in that they reuoltid from the trew and eternall God , Exo. 32. Num. 21. Iudg. 7. 4. Reg. 17. 4. reg. 19. 3. reg. 18. 4. reg. 21. Daniel . 6 as for ensample the golden Calf , as for Baalim Astaroth among the Israelites , Rempham , Moloh , Rimmon , a God of the Assirians , Dagon , among the Philistians , Nefrah , Baal , Bell , the men of Babilon made Socote , Benoth , the men of Cutha made Nergall , the men of Hamath made Asima , the Auites made Nibbaz , and Tharthake the Sepharnites , burnt their children in the fier , for Adramalech , & Anamelech , with a pe●●iferus company , of gods , besid it doth appere in the sacaryd scripturs how & in what maner they were plaged , which ensamples are left vnto vs to beware whom the ●nds of the world are come vpon , or at the least not far of , it is come to passe in these dayes among such as are namid Christians , to haue as many godes , ●dealtery , waywardnesse , a l●c●●rer , one that telleth more than all , abstinate persons , 〈◊〉 , ●●atter●●● with the 〈…〉 wherof 〈◊〉 all disorder . 1. Cor. 15. as euer had any other nacions before vs which seemeth very strang , which is the only cause , why the greater n●umber , are drawen , from the feare and obedience of the myghty God , by whom we haue our being . As Maechus , Morosus , Carnifex , Pantolabus , Pertinax , Rapax , Colax , Philopolemus , Philosarchus , Pigricia , Inuidia , Luxuria , Auaricia , ●a , Gula , Insolentia , Poliphagus Inuentus , Mergus cum Asinus , with such ara●lement as were not to be supposid to dwell in one such , so little eyle , where as so many godes , are raygning & possessing the bodies of men , no maruayle though their be so littel liberalite , for the euery such person hath not inough to make dew sacrifice to each of their gods , no maruayle though mens mynds , be thus wandering & dayly forgetting of their dew obedience to God , Prince and cuntry , when they are drownid by carnall corruption , to be aquainted with so many : no maruayll thought man hath ben like●id to the Moone , which seaceth not her changing , for that man continueth not in one stay , nether in mind nor body , and that in the midest of life we are in death , but then to whom ought euery one to flée , not to fancy , not to carnall friend , but vnto God , and seing that in the midest of life there is none other help , but in the crosse of Christ crucified , by the which we are dead , vnto the world , and lyuing vnto God , how much are wée bound to thanke him for the same , felix quem faciunt aliena pericula cautum , then all th●se deuouring godes , would soone be ouerthrowen , for as much as the dyuell vseth , in diuers and sundry of his ministers , dayly to poscesse and torment the minds of men , therby , to with draw them from God , how much are those bound to the al mighty , which geueth them warning in such liberall sort , as in these our dayes is most manifestly sene , the ensamples are many , of the which I wil resit one Zacheus Luke 19 I contrary insample to the mind of some . in distributing of his goods , and making of restitucion was very large , and liberall , thus he sayd vnto our Lord , ( behold Lorde the halfe of my goods I geue to the poore ) if I haue don any man wrong I restore foure fold , a good example for these present dayes , to euery such person , whose consience dayly accuseth them , for wrong gotten goods , from the poore , from the fatherlesse & widow to restore to euery one his owne , then would God his kingdom increace , and Sathan●s diminish , consider what a speciall grace is geuen to euery one that is torne in the tyme of Christian lawe which is the Gospell . And seing the innumerable fancis of men , in the which they haue seperatid them selues from 〈◊〉 now through the bright shi●ning Gospell of Christ all these detestable fancis are 〈…〉 that dareth take the name of a Christian , and 〈…〉 folow that which in the e●●erance of this 〈…〉 , but to God : some 〈…〉 , ●hat at the tyme of his enterance , he had neither 〈…〉 reason to performe , them may it be 〈◊〉 , if he neuer heard the Gospell preachid , thaught , or réed , if he aunswer no , then apperith n●●ligence , if yea , then indigent or con●●ptions , b●th are rewardid with death , the one in that through negligence he did not , the other in that to folow sensuall appetite , he wold not , & therefore could not serue God & Mamon , which Mamon , is the God of worldly delights , as also Esculanus , the God of mynes of gold & siluer , Pecunia , of metals , Fessoria , of traualors and pilgrims , to kepe them from wéerinesse , Pelonia , to dryue away enemies out of the lande , Esculapius of sick men , Spinensis , to kepe corne , from thystels and such like . Rubigo , the vines , Fortuna , of fortunate successe , with Silla , Marius , Muta , Genoria , Stimula , Murcia , with many others , not worthy the rehearsall . These people long tyme past , were not more troubled , in deuising gods , for such their purposis , as the most part in these dayes are , by dayly practising , how to begyle each other , so that the craftiest marchaunt , is counted the wisest man , the common drunkerd , the best felow , the riotous Ruffian , the best companion , the filthy adoulterer , the amorus louer . The blasphemist swarer , the truest dealer , the most Ipocrit , the perfectest Christian : &c: the wicked in their generacions are wiser , Psal. 7 Eccle. 8 Luke . 16 them the children of lyght , neuerthelesse , they shall perish , the wraught of the Lorde shall consume them , for their delicate fare in the world , they shal suffer hunger of soule , for their oppression , payne , for their easy lyues , Apoc , 22 most horrible ends , come Lord Iesu , for the dayly oppression of the faythfull , is great : and ease them from out of this misery , when and at such tyme , as thy Godly wisedome shall apoynt .

¶ Significacions of the later day to bee at hand with approuid prophises , auouching the same , taken out of the holy scripture , by auctorites as followeth .

W● vnto thée , Esay . 29. O Ariel Ariel , thou Citie that Dauid dwelt in , goe on , from yere to yere , & let the Lambs be s●ayne , I wil lay séeg● , vnto Ariel , so that ther shal be heuy●es and sorow in it , and it shall be vnto me , euen as an aulter of slaughter , I wil beséege thée round about , and fight against thée through a bulwark , and will reare vp diches against thee , thou shalt be brought down & shalt speake out of the ground , and thy spéech shall goe lowe , out of the dust , thy voyce also shall come out of the ground , Ariel , after 〈◊〉 ▪ Dieron●● interpr●tacion , 〈…〉 , y● 〈◊〉 mind ● of the faithful , which is the Citie of god , Leo dei mei , which being oppress●● , because of offence , is as a Leon that lost hath her young . like the voyce of a witch , and thy talking shall whisper out of the dust , more ouer , the noyse of thy ●●raing enemies , shall be like thinne dust , and the multitude of tyrants shall be as dry straw , that cannot tarry , euen sodenly and in hass , shall ther blast go , thou shalt be visited of the Lord of Bosts , with thunder , earthqua● , and with a great noyse , with storm & tempest , and with the flame of a consuming fier : and the multitude of all nacions , that fyght agaynst the Ariel , shal be as a dream , euen so shall all they be that make warre against it , and strong houldes to ouercome it , and that lay any séege to it : in conclusion , it shal be euen as when a hungry man , dreameth that he eating , and when he awaketh his soule is empty : Or as when a thirsty man dreameth , that he is drinking , and when he waketh he is yet faynt , and his soule hath appetit , euen so shall the multitude of all nacions , that feyght against Sion : pon●er these things , once , in your mynds and wonder , blinded are they themselues , * * Let the wise learn what is ment , by the dronken and vnstable . and the blynd gyds to other , that are dronk , but not with wine : they are vnstable , but not through strong drink , for the Lord hath couerid you with a ●umbering spirit , and hath closid your eyes : your Prophets also , and your rulars , that should sée , them hath he couerid : And the vision of all the Prophets , is become vnto you , as the words of a book , that is sealid vp , which men deliuer vnto one that is learnid , saying : read thou it , and he sayeth I cannot , for it is sealid : * * A notable mistery , for this present time , be twixt ● . stoles , the tayle lighteth on the ground . Admirare . Deut. 6. So hath he from the bondaige of papall tyrany . Iocl . 2. And the book is geuen vnto him that is not learnid , saying : read thou it , and he saieth I am not learned . Therfore thus hath the Lord sayd : for so much as this people , when they be in trouble , doo honour me with their mouths , and with their lips , but ther hart is farre from me . And the fear which they haue vnto me , proceadeth of a commandiment that is taught of men , therfore will I do maruayles among the people , euen merueylous things , I say and a wonder : and when thy sonne asketh thée in tyme to come , sayng what meaneth these witnesses , ordinancis and Lawes , which the Lord our God , hath commandid you . Then thou shalt say vnto thy sonne , we were Pharaos bondme● , in Egipt , and the Lord brought vs out of Egipt , with a mighty hand , and the Lord showed signes and wonders for the deliuery of his people Israel , therfore sayeth the Prophet Ioel : Ye shall wel know that I am in the midest of Israel , and that I am the Lord your God , yea and that ther is none other , and my people shall no more be brought to confusion , after this wil I powre out my spirit vppon all fléesh , and your sons , & your daughters shal prophisie , your old men shal dreame dreames , and your young men shal sée visions : yea in those dayes I wil poure out my spirit vppon seruantes and maydens : Admirabilis . I wil shewe wonders in heauen aboue , and tokens in the earth , be neath , blood , and fier , and the vapour of smook , the Son shal be turnid into darknesse , and the Moone into blood , before that great and notable day of the Lord come : A liberall and most merciful proffer , to miserable fleshe . A principal note , by the way , of the right vse of the Sabboth Exo. 31. And the tyme shall come , that whosoeuer callith on the name of the Lord shal be sauid . And the Lorde sayd vnto Moyses , speak vnto the children of Israel , and say : in any wise sée that you kepe my Sabboths for it is a Signe , betwéen me and you , in your generacions , for to know , that I the Lord , am he , that doth sanctifie you , kéepe my Sabboths , therfore , for it is holy vnto me , he that de●ileth it , shal be slayne , for whosoeuer worketh therin , the same soule shal be rootid out , from among his people : Six dayes shall men work , and in the seuenth day , is the Sabboth of the holy rest , of the Lord , whosoeuer doeth any work on the Sabboth day , shall dye : Wherefore let the children of Israel kéepe the Sabboth that they obserue it throughout , their generacions , that it bée an appoyntement , for euer , for it is a Signe , betwéen me , and the children of Israel for euer . Such wonderous Signes hath the Lorde shewed from tyme to tyme , to the end that euery Christian man should haue dew regard , to this so holy a commaundement : from Mount Sinai , the thundering voice , Exo. 20 Exempla Gen. 2 Exo. 16 Exo. 20 Nume . 28 Nume . 15. 2 Esd. 13 1. Mach. 2. 2 Mach. 15 Mat 12 1. Reg. 21. was a signe of force which ought not to be broken , not a rest for man only but also the whole familie and cattaile . The obseruacion of the Sabboth , had his originall , beginning of that that is sayd , & written , God blessed the seuenth day , and sanctified it , bicause that in it , he rested from all his workes , the Isralites gathered the vi . day a double quantitie of Manna , bicause that on the Sabboth they should rest , to the intent that man should labour to get the true rest . And on the Sabboth day ther wer offered two lambes , & vpon the other dayes but one , except in solom fea●ts . The man that was taken gathering of stickes , vppon the Sabboth day , was by gods commaundement stoned to death ( of Nehemias , the Gentiles , Iudas , Machabeus Nichanor , with others . ) Concerning the obseruacion of the Sabboth , for farther proofe réede the auctorities : The Pharises said vnto the disciples of Christ , that did pluck and eat the eares of corne , ye do that which is not lawful to doo , on the Sabboth day , but the lord said vnto them , haue ye not read , what Dauid did &c. Then foloweth : Mat. ●● Luke 6. the sonne of man , is also Lord of the Sabboth day , there are diuers insamples why it was lawfull for Christ to heale the diseased on the Sabboth day , for that being perfect God , Idem 1● . Idem 13 Idem 23. Iohn 19 Act 1● . Luke 14. and man , he did not only heale the festerid or putrified bodies , but also their sowles . The Sabboth day , for vs Christians , is moste apte , and conuenient to heare the word , and law of God , and the Prophets . The which are red euery Sabboth day : Likewise our sauiour Christ , in fulfilling the law , gaue vs this commaundement saying , which of you hauing an Oxe , or an Asse , fallen into a pit , and wil not pul him out on the Sabboth day . Num licet Sabbato sanare , they to whom Iesus spake which , were the Lawiers & Pharises . Answered nothing therfore , as the sabboth ought to be kept , holy from bodely workes , so ought all men to eschue vicious thoughtes : and craftie imaginacions . And when any occasion of doing good , by any maner of way , ought to be shewed , that then it be don , with Christian endeuour , and puritie of mind . In which ●o doing , the sabboth is both reuerently , and holily obserued . But the crabbed & wayward natures of this time , present , haue so much presumed vpon this text and others , that some hath and doth , as blind baier●s , not spared to labour and trauayle , on the Sabboth day , without any need or occasion at all , aleaging , notwithstanding , that necessitie hath no law , so that vnder the culler of necessitie , they vse al daies a like . Applying the text of the sacred scriptures , not to the will and commaundement of god , but after their owne carnall fancies : for the which ther so great abusing of the reuerend Sabboth . Ioel. 3 The Lord will show strang signes from heauen , fier , & brimstone , storme , and tempest , which shal be the porcion for the wicked : The Sonne , and Moone shal be darkenid , and the starres shall withdraw their light , the Lord shall rore out of Sion , and crye out of Ierusalem , that the heauens , and the earth shall quake with all , but the Lord shal be a defence vnto his own people , and a refuge for the children of Israel : Ieremi . 25 I haue rysen vp early , I haue geuen you warning in season , but you would not heare . Behould therefore the words of the Lord , that are at hand , to plage vs , as he hath plagid others , and that euery ( obstinate ) shal be scatterid as dong , vppon the earth : Pray therefore to God , to blesse his preachers , that the Gospell may flourrish ( as it ought ) or els we perish .

¶ Prophecis by perticuler .

WHen thou art in tribulacion , Deut. 4 By this word [ thou shalt ) the spirit of God mou●h men tore pentance . Esay . 2. and when all these things that be here spoken of , are come to passe , thou shalt retourne agayn to the Lord thy God , and be obedient vnto his word .

THis is the word that was openid vnto Esaie , the son of Amos , vppon Iuda , and Ierusalem , it will be also in the last days , that the hill where the house of the Lord is buldid , shal be the chéefe among hils , and exaltid aboue all little hils : and al nacions shall pray vnto him , & the multitude of people shall goe , speaking thus , one to an other , let vs go to the hill of the Lord , and to the house of the God of Iacob .

HHare the word of the Lord , O ye children of Israel , for the Lorde must punish them , that dwell in the land . And whyle ther is no truth , ther is no mercy , ther is no knowledge of God in the land , Oseas . 4. but swearing , lyeng , manslaughter , thefte , athoultry haue gotten the vpper hand , and one bloud gyltinesse foloweth an other . Therfore shall the land ●e in a miserable case , and all they that dwell therin , shal be rootid out .

IN the later days , it wil come to passe , that the hil of the Lords house shall be set op hygher then any mountayns or hils , yea the people shall prese vnto it , Macheas 4. and the multitude of the gentils shall hast them thither saying : come let vs go vp to the hill of the Lord , & to the house of the God of Iacob , that he may teach vs his ways : and that we may walk in his pats , for the Law shall come on t of Sion , and the word of God from Ierusalem , and shall geue sentence among the multitude of the heathen : and reforme the people of far countris .

FOr mark the day cometh , that shall bourn as an ouen , and all the proud , yea , and all such as do wickednes , shal be as straw : Mala. 4. and the day that is for to come , shal bou●n them vp , saieth the Lord of Hostes , so that it shall not leaue them , nether roote nor branch : But vnto you that fear my name , shall the Sonne of righteousnesse arise , & health shal be vnder his wings .

IEsus , went out , and departid from the Temple : Bartholome de proprietatibus , ●erūi● Lib. de cimo quarto . And his Disciples came to him , for to shew him the bulding of the Temple ( in Ierusalem ) and Iesus sayd vnto them , sée ye not all these things . Verely , I say vnto you ther shall not be left here , one stoue vppon an other that shal not be cast down : And as he sat vppon the * * Mount Olsaete , to in Iurie neigh vnto Ierusalem , & so namid because , of the plenty of Oliues that grow ther on , at the foot of the sayd mountayn runneth the brook torrens , Ce●ron , which brook christ passed ouer to the garden Gethsemane , ●ousing there to walk . Mathae 24 4 Esdras 13. mount Oliuet , his Disciples came vnto him saying : tell vs when these things shal be , and what signe shall be of thy comming , and of the ende of the world , & Iesus aunswerid & sayd vnto them : take head that no man deceyue you , for many shall come in my name saying : ( I am Christ , and shall deceyue many ) and ye shal here of warres , & of the rumors of warres , but sée that ye be not troublid , for all these things must come to passe , but the end is not yet : For nacion shall rise against nacion , and realm agaynst realm , and ther shal be Pestilence , hunger and earthquaks , in certeyn quarters , all these are the beginning of sorows . Then shall they put you to trouble , and shall kill you , and ye shal be hated of all nacions , for my names sake : & then shal many be offendid , & shall betraye one an other , and shall hate one an other , and many false Prophets shall aryse , and shall diceyue many : and because iniquite shall haue the vpper hand , the loue of many shall abate , but he that indureth vnto the ende , the same shal be safe .

MOreouer when ye sée the abhominacion of desolacion , whereof is spoken by Daniel the Prophet : Stand where it ought not , let him that readeth vnderstand , then let them that be in Iuery , flée to the mountayns , and let him that is on the house top , not decend down into the house , & let him that is in the féeld , not tourn back agayn , vnto the things that he left behind him , for to take his clothes , with him , wo shal be to them that are with child : and to them , that geue luck in those dayes , but pray that your flyght be not in the Winter , for ther shal be in those dayes , such tribulacion , as was not from the beginning .

BUt before all these , they shal lay their hands on you , and persecute you , deliuering you vp to the Sinagoges , and into prisons , & bring you before Kings and Rulers for my name sake . &c. Mar. 13 Sinagoge , were huge temples of the Pharises and rebellious Iwes . Luc. 21 Yea ye shal be betrayd of your fathers , and mothers , and of your brethren , and kinesmen , and friends , and some of you shall they put to death : and hated shall ye be of all men for my names sake , yet ther shall not one heare of your heads perish , by your paciens possesse , your souls , ( after these and other things ) ther shal be signes , in the Sonne , and in the Moone , and in the Starres , and in the Earth , the people shall be in such perplexite , that they shal not tell , which way to tourne them selues , the Sea , and the waters shall rore , and mens hearts shal fayle , them , for fear , and for loking after those things , which shall come on the earth , for the powers of heauen shall moue , and then shall they sée the sonne of man , come in a cloud , with power and great glory , when these things beginne to come to passe , then loke vp and lift vp your heads , for your redempsion draweth neygh .

VErely verely , I say vnto you , hereafter shall ye sée heauen open : Iohn 1 D●phan sew the heauens open being the first Bart●r . Actes 7 Iohn 16 And the Angels of God , ascending and descending vnto the sonne of man : These things haue I sayd vnto you , because you should not be offendid : They shall excommunicate you , yea the tyme shall come , that whosoeuer killeth you , wil think that he doeth God seruice , and such things will they doo vnto you , because they haue not knowen the father , nether yet me , but these things haue I told you , that when that houre is come ye might remember them , that I told you .

THe spirit speaketh euidently , that in the later tymes , Paule 1. Epistle 4. cap. to Timo. some shall depart from the faith , & shal geue héede , vnto the spirits of errour , and diuelish doctrine of men , which speak false , through Ipochrisi , &c.

THis vnderstand that in the last dayes , shall come perelous times , Paule 2. Epistle 3. cap. to Timo. for men shal be louers of their owne selues , couetous , bostars , proud , cursed speakers , disobedient to father and mother , vnthankful , vnholy , vnkind , trucebreakers , stobberen , false accusers , riotous , ferce , dispisers of them which are good , traytours , heady , hie minded , gredy vppon volupteousnesse , more then the louers of God , hauing a similitude of godly lyuing , but haue denyed the powre therof and such abhore .

THis first vnderstand , that ther shal come in the laterdays , mokers , which will walk after their own lusts and say , where is the promise of his coming , for since the fathers died , all things continue , in the same estate , wher in they were at the beginning , for this they know not , 2. epistle of S. Peter . and that willengly how that the heauens a great while a goe , were , and the earth that was in the water , aperid vp out of the water , by the word of god , by the which things , the world that then was perished , ouerflowid with the water , but the heauins verely , & the earth which are now , are kéept by the same word in store , & reseruid vnto fier against the day of Iudgment , & perdicion of vngodly men .

BEhold the Lord shal come with thowsands of Saincts , to geue iudgement against al men , & to rebuke al that are vngodly among them , of all their vngodly déeds , which they haue vngodly committed , Iude epistle . & of al their cruel speakings which vngodly sinners haue spoken against him .

VNto him that louid vs , and wasshid vs from sinnes in his own blood , and made vs kings , and prestes , vnto god the father , Reuelation . be glory and dominion for euer and euer . Amen .

¶ Ane aduised prophesie . ¶ In Anno 1041. this picture was found in the temple of the Iacobines in Geneua , against the wicked gouernement of papall dignite .

This picture was made by Iacobus Iaquiri de C ui tate Taurini 1041.

Iudicabit iudices iudex generalis , Hic mihi proderit dignitas papalis , Siue sit Episcopus siue Cardinalis , Reus cōdamnabitur , nec dicetur quales . Hic nibil proderit quinquam allegare , Neque exciperere neque replicare , Nec ad apostolicum sedem appellare . Reus codamnabitur , nec dicetur quare . Cogitate miseri , qui vel quales estis , Quid in hoc iudicio , dicere potestis , Idem e●it dominus , iudex actor testis .

The substance of the Latin h●rce .

THe mighty Ioue the iudge of all , which fitteth in throne aboue Shall iudge each Papal dignite , the rable whole remoue Such as the one the other is , and Cardinals like wise For their deformid flattery , the Lord wil them dispise And iudge of al , both quick and dead , when Popes shal boyle , in bulles of lead .

AS from the beginning , from the first token , or appered show vnto Noah : the Rayne bow , the fier from heauen , the prophising by the Prophets , the starre at Christ his birth , the prophises sence , the innumerable Cōmets , Hailes , Thunderings , Earthquakes , strange deaths , prodigius birthes as well of creatures as beastes , famins , hungers , sedicions , false religions , sectes , opinions , fantasies , with an innumerable inormities , all these suffiseth not to be forewarninges to the most part of the world , for the which cause , as the end of these few insamples , so shal be the end of such insolent persons be .

SIbilla Albunea , or Tiburtina , one of the tenne Sibelles , Polichro●●con . Cro●ica●nm prophised of the ruen of Romae , which came to passe in that tyme , when Iulius Caesar , came with sword to race the same , the Ancient figures weare these . R.R.R. F.F.F. which signified . Regna Romae . Ruet .

IN thrée thinges , twise told , showes Romes destruction , Prophecie Con●adum Licosthenem . Pucerus in libro de diuinatione . Nauclerus . Platina . Sword , fyer , and hunger , concludes the subuersion . THe raigne of the Romans , or this ruinate shal be , by sword fier and hunger , the gods so decrée .

IN Anno. 315. Constantine the great contended against Maxencius : for shewing shameful crueltie against the Christians : about which tyme was great persecusion in the church : there appeared in the aier a banner or ●isplaied ensigne , wheron was figured the figure of Christ on the crosse , after which figure cusued great persecution .

CElestinus same time Pope of Romae , Warning before death . Fasciculus temporum . Warning by viūo● . prophised of Bonifacius the eight , which came to passe accordingly he came to his Pope●●m , by crafte , like a Foxe , he raigned by force like a Lyon . And for his crueltie , was put to death like a dogge .

IN Anno. 1046. as histories relate . Benedictus , the ninth Pope , after his buriall , he was , or the deuil in his likenesse , séen in an horrible figure , Licosthines . Platina Loke in Bartholomeus . and Gesnerus for the propertie of a Beare The glory of this world is folishnes before goe , he must be worshipped in spirite and v●ritie . Mar. Anno. Warning by v●sion and death hauing the body of a Beare , the tayle of an Asse , clothed in his pontificall vesture . And being asked why he was so deformed , should answer , bicause without lawe he gouerned , and as a cruel tirant vsed oppression . In this straunge figured apperance , should séeme some aduised interpretacion : the appering of the Pope in the shape of a beare séemeth contempsious and wilful , and as the Beare aboue all thinges loueth honey , so the popes for the most part hateth not money . And where as to such a monstrous body , was ioyned the tayle of an Asse : by the tayle may be signified : the whole rable of papistical prelates , which as concerning the true acknowledging of the Gospell are but Asses , for that some knowes & wil not , others not knowing regards not , the rich and costly garments or vesture , may signify the golden copes and costly ornamentes , where with suche beares are clothed in the church , esteming more such glittering attier : with the tradicion of men , then a plaine or comely garment , with the gospel of Christ .

IN the yere of the foundacion of Romae , 720. and in the 42. yeres of Marcus Aurelius , the xx . day of August , about the going down of the Sunne , in the realme of Cicil , in the Citie of Palermo , a pert of the sea , ther chaunsed a meruelous and terrible tempest no lesse miraculous , then wonderfull . A hideous Monster sitting , in a caudron fastened to fower whéeles , like a Chariot or Waggon , drawen of two Lions & two beares be hind casting out fier , with horrible stinck , which sight amased not a fewe , the feare was so great through out the Citie , that women with childe were with great daunger deliuered : and diuers being fainte harted died through feare . After this Monster had bin in the most partes of the Citie , he came to the Palace or place , wher the pirates were , A good ensample for such as seekes to liue by other mens goo●es . or robbers on the sea , being inhabitantes of the sayd Palerna , who had robbid certain of the Numidians a people so named , of their substance , staying at the gate , which being shut did cut of one of the Lions eares and with the blood therof wrote as fo●●weth . R. A S.P.I.P. which carectes signified . Redite , Aliena Si vultis , Propria , in pace , Possidere , render to others that which is theirs , if you in quiet will possesse your own . Although this figure , with diuers others , did terrefy the people in time past , and their conuersions likewise from their euiles : an ensample to vs of our amendment . Notwithstanding such is time present , Mat. 4. Vigillate , et Orate . that neyther the Prodigious births , the miracuculus signes , nor dreadful threatned plagues withdraweth the world from contempt , for the which such careles liuers shal be plaged with . F.S.H.P.D.D. Fier , Sword , Hunger , Pestilēse Death Damnacion .

A Saxon Monument .

Multi enim sunt vocati pauci Vero electi .

Math. 22. Witodlice manega zint , gelathode & featha gecorene , Manega , ga zurete , & halega , featha heothan . Many be called , but fewe doth spéede , As many be warned , yet fewe take héede . More head then wit , more haire than wull , Makes England thriftles , and yong heads dul , When neckes be long , no hoe in the filling , And pleasures preferred , in lands small tilling . When diuers fashions in apparell are worne , And beggers being more pore , so nearely are shorne . When one won backe , is shewed diuers countreys lore , A monster must needes be , so tolde before . When Glandene will be the whole world it selfe , A Spaniarde , Italian , French , Flemmishe and elfe . All shewed in apparell , when this is at prime , Then some place be heedefull , for sure it is time .

This picture folowing on the other side of the leafe , was made by Namtab a Saxon , in Anno 3751. against the abuse of that present time .

Times past hath beene , as nowe to be seeene .

Ezechiel . 4. As wise as Serpents . Esay . 3. As suttle as Deuels . Timothe . 3. As craftie as Foxes . Amos. 2. As rauening as Wolues .

The long schull betokeneth Craftie imagination : The pleasant countenaunce , Flattery : The long necke , Excesse in eating and drinking : The right arme being shorter then the left , betokeneth small Deuotion : The bagge of money Couetousnesse : The left arme , Wilfulnesse : The sworde Crueltie : The straunge disguising in apparell , Pride .

¶ The prayse and commendacion of holy men , to the end , that such works may procead , as may grow to the like commendacion of those which be liuing with a remembrance of certain wicked ones , which do prognosticat that hole number .

BEhould euery one of you that professe Christ , ( without decimulacion ) the substance of verite , 3. reg. 18. leaue of your halting betwéen two opinions , if God be the trew creator follow , him , if the proud Antechristian , be a deliuerer , then follow him , if the tradicions of men , be , to be , preferrid , before the lawe and testimony of Iesu Christ then mark the ensamples as they folow : Enoch , Eccle. 44 walked right and acceptable , before the Lord , therefore , was he translatid for an ensample for a mendement , of the generacion .

NOah , was a stedfast & a righteous man , & in the tyme of wraught , he became a reconsiling , therfore was he left a remnant vnto the earth , when the flud came , and an euerlasting couenant , Gen. 9. was made with him , that all flesh should perish no more , with the water .

ABraham , was a great father of many nacions , Gen. 22. in glory was ther none like vnto him , he kept the lawe of the hiest , and came into a couenant with him , he set the couenant in his flesh , and when he was pr●uid , he was found faithful . Likewise of Moyses , Aaron , Phinches , Iosue , Caleb , Samuel , Nathan , Dauid , Salamon , Elyah , Elyzeus , Hezekiah , Esaye , Iosyah , Ieremy , Ezechyel , Zorobabel , Iesus , Nehemyah , Enoch , Ioseph , Simon the sonne of Onias , with diuers other Prophets , & kings . These in that they walkid , according to the commandement of God , haue left behind them , a perpetual cause , of prayse and commendacions , and as these in godly life practised , to please God , so the wicked , by contempte of the same haue left behind them , a discomendacion of their wicked and most pestilent behauiour .

Abimelech , Iud. 9. the Sonne of Ieroboam , flew thrée score and ten of his brethren , to the intent , he might raygne alone , and yet he ruled not long ther , but sustayned great misfortune , and made and euill ende .

NOtwithstanding that Ioab , was a valiant man , at armes , yet in as much as he deceytfully flew two men , al that euer he had done before was counted as nothing . And so Salomon , causid him to be slayne , 3. reg. 2 notwithstanding , he heald the corner of the aultar .

IOas , 2. Para. 24. the king of Iuda commandid Zacharias , the sonne of Ioiada , the Preste , to be stonid to death , and yet his father restorid him the kingdom , and slew Athalia .

PTholome , 1 Mach. 16. the sonne of Abobus , made the hie Prest , and his two Sonnes a banquet . And when they were mery , and had drunk wel traiterusly he slew them .

It was showed Holofernes , that the children of Israel , preparid themselues , to make resistance against him , Iudith 5. for the which he was exceding wrough , and at the last in his drunkennesse , he was slayne by Iudith .

THe cruelty of Antiochus of Nabuchodonosor , of Pharao , of Herod , of Zambrye , 2. reg. 17. Achab , Achitophel , Benadab , Aman , Balthazar , Alchimus , Ananias and Saphira , 3. reg. 16. Herod , Dioclesian Astiages , Maxinilian , Emperour of the Romans , 1 Mach 9 Cambices , Tomiris , Tullia , Tarquine , Nero , Iulianus , with an infinet numbers , Acto . 2 who Sathan hath not a litlte triumphed at their ouerthrow , Cronicarum . I omit to speak of the Sea of Rome who hath not sparid to put more to death , by tyranicall deuices , then before their originall , was euer heared of , sence the flud : Milions of thowsands , whose blood requirith no small reuenge .

THe very heathen , in their kind , are to be preferrid , before those , and such like , percecuting tyrants , and in especiall the Philosophers , haue left behind , a worthy comendacion of their wisdoms , to the great discomendacion of such tiranny Papal , as Anacharsis , Anaxagoras , Archelaus , Alex , Seuerus , Augustus Caesar , Chilon , Cicero , Crates , Diogines , Democritus , Demostines , Epimenides , Hermes , Homer , Horace , Isocrates , Iustinus , Licurgus , Marcus Aurelius , Pitagoras , Pline , Plato , Solon , Socrates , Seneca , Thales , Xenophon , with many others , whose wise senteuris , and faythfull sayings , are to be found , in our vulgar tong , by such worthy members , as diserue perpetuall fame , for such their paynfull labours .

THe wise , graue , learnid , and ancient Doctors , of the Church , did not in their time more paynfu●●y studie to kepe the Church in purite of doctrine : then the wicked generacions , of papisticall inuencion , haue laborid to bring all to ruen , and decay , to this ende that such lawes as they deuised might take place , and yet in despit of satanicall tyrany , the Lord hath reseruid some since the tyme of Quintilianus , Timotheus , Victorius , Dionisius , Ignacius , Policarpus , Hyreneus , Corinthorum . Origen , Cypranus , Erasmus , Hilarius , Athanasius , Gregorius , Basilius Magnus Ambrosius , Hilarius , Cyrillus , Hieroimus , Auguistinus , Naziazenus . that haue valiently defendid the Gospell to their perpetuall fame , and worthy comendacion , not by writing only , not by preaching and teaching of the sacarid word and Gospell , but also with their blood haue sea●id the sayd testimony of truth : the most part hereof , if not by present death , yet by inprisonment perceusiō , Romae vniuersalis , inquisitionis . with diuers strange maners of punishments , as Huldricus Huttenus , Adamas Sibertus , Albertus Brandeburgen , Alexander Alexis , Andreas Musculus , Andreas Osiander , Antonius Anglus , Arturus Britanus , Antonij , Reuclim , Bartholomeus , Bernardi , Bernardus Zieglerus , Bullingerus , Caluinus , Hieronimus , de Prage , Carolus Molinaeus , Cornelius Agrippa , Conradus , Gesnerus , Gulielmus Tindalus , Ioannes Frith , Ioannes Fox , Ioannes , Hoperus , Oecolampadius , Ioannes Oldecastle , Ioannes Bale , Nicolaus , Herford , Nicolaus Ridley , Robertus Stephanus , Vuolfangus Musculus , Erasmus Rotorodam , Ioannes Iuel , with a number more , which would requier no small volume , to be nominatid at large : All , and euery of these , with the rest godly professors and martiers , although , their bod●ly presence be absent , yet their works remayn , to aperpetuall encouraging , of those which be leuing . The omnipotent God so graunt that this my small enterprise , occasion some that are learnid , to note at large this my short collection , which being done , wil deserue dwe commendacion , for as the enemies of the Gospel of Christ Iesu , haue made Books , by the name of an vniuersall inquisition , and therin haue named , not only the names of the Christian sort , but also their Books , to the ende , that their generacions may the better know what they alow , & what they hate or dislike , so were it as necesseray , for these present dayes , some such Books to be made wherin , the true Christian may both sée and ●now which Books , were to abolished , as well for the maintenance of christian religion , as the wicked ones haue for the glory of theirs which glory shal be don away . rom. 1 The God of peace and loue , so blesse vs , that in all our workes , words , and déedes , Idem . ● . it may be to his glory , with the preseruacion of this our Déene , and countrie : with due obedience in the same , that Satan , may be suppressed : Antichrist ouerthrowen : & that the gospel may haue cléere passage , through the whole world : And that those which are blinde , may thereby be made sée , through the dimned cloudes of supersticion the cléers lighte of Euangelion , the Gospell , and those which are gon astray , may once finde the way home . And that those which are at home , Luke 15. may depart in peace , the after this Pilgrimage here on earth , we may rest with Abraham , Isaack , & Iacob , in the kingdom of heauen . Amen .

¶ A commendacion of such , as desier knowledge , with a wished mind , of the numbers increase .

Striue by truth , thy fame to win , take héed betimes , Imaginacio . ere thou begin Euermore be sure of this , perhappes , thou maist in time else mis. Hold by truth , as ancker sure , euels present , will procure Nothing better saueth life , then to eschue debate and strife . Couit only God to please , prouide in time so followe ease Enuy is not now alone , restles rage doth cause to mone . These notes doth proue by gods decrée , where grace is not none saued we sée Then find your name , by letters due , so shall you know if this be true . WIthout the true knowledge of God , Emblemata . Boecius Periander . Marcusaurelius in the Booke ti titeled the sayings of the wise or Dialogue of Dunces . I doubt good rule to finde , lies highly being magnified , leues of when time assind , Imagine then what flesh doth gayne , a show by proofe of endlesse paine Master then corrupted lust , requiring ayde of Ioue the iust . Beare this in mind what state thou bée , except degrées as order s●ignes Euermore think thou dost sée thy filthy actes which worlde blindes . Séeke so for health , that truth thée gide , tast of her frute whose verdured sap Duly will saue at euery tide , naught else but this will bréede thy hap . Then sée by this such substance iust when name is gon wher to we must . ALexanders , conquest great , could not a God him finde , Philosofia . nor valiant actes mought not prolonge , no such life was assind In midst of wealth , likewise of fame , what country could him hold , such fatall end , by loue the iust , was spéedely controulde . Dardanus , entrance nothing sure , by Percian , ost could once procure , the end of all is death we see , which endes in time our misery THalestris , Hasdruball , Olimpias , Mago , Agathocles Selencus , Poema●● . with many thousands mo , By dent of Sword , were long supprest , vnto their countres wo. MInerue , Ariadne , Sabina , Creusa Helena , Affra , Lauinia . their wisedomes , bewtie , or renoume , wher to now is it come , In histories old , who will vnfold , there is the perfit some . So liue to die , that worldly fame : may after death report thy name . WIlliam that valiant Duke , a Norman by dicent , by dent of sword this land inioyed , Ann. 1066. Gauelkind . Historia . when Harold , did relent Record thereof in stories are , and ●éeke to Kentes renoume , a lawe to hold with fréedom theirs , though valiancy did froune . Use medestie , for such thy hap then lasting prayse shall how , no foraigne power shall thée annoy , of none such be controld Except this warning frendly then , the Prince defend and kéepe relent from sinne , to God do trust , that Christ in cloudes maist méete . Each name so found , geue God the prayse , that liue each may beyond all dayes . FINIS .

IMPRINTED AT London by Thomas East , for William Norton , and Stephen Bateman .

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