A true and a kinde excuse vvritten in defence of that booke, intituled A newe description of Irelande Wherein is freely confessed 1 The cause of the writing of that booke. 2 How that booke was brought into obloquy and slander 3 A reuocation of all ouersightes that through ignorance were published in that booke. 4 A bulwarke or defence of all truthes contayned in that booke. Pleasant and pleasing both to English, and Irish. By Barnabe Rych, Gent. Seruant to the Kinges most excellent Maiestie.

A TRVE AND A KINDE EXCVSE Written in defence of that Booke intituled , A Newe description of Ireland .

1 The cause of the writing of that Booke .

IT is a meere vanity to gather treasure , when a man knowes not who shall spende it , and no lesse folly for him that will spend his wittes in the writing of Bookes , when there are so many malicious readers , that are still ready to wound the best indeuours , with the poysoned speares of slaunderous tongues .

I haue bin diuers times it cited by my friends , amongst the rest by some Aldermen of Dublin , to write an Apology ( as they tearmed it ) wherby to satisfie some cittizens & others , that were much offended with my booke intituled . A New description of Ireland .

I thinke their meaning was , they would haue had me to haue written a Reuocation , of some such thinges , which ( as they sayd ) were not so probable as reprehending .

I haue at their requestes indeuoured both , I haue acknowledged a Reuocation of such ouersightes as through ignorance haue passed my penne , which in their places shall be expressed , and I haue againe set down an Apology in the defence of those truths that doe concerne the glory of God , and the seruice of the king .

Vpon the perusing whereof , I hope those that neuer sawe the booke , and yet were drawne to a disliking against it , by lying reportes , will hold themselues satisfied .

For some other that will needes number themselues amongst those that haue guilty consciences , if I haue vnawares rubbed vpon any hidden sore , it is against my will , I haue done it but as the blindman shoots the Crowe , & being but a matter of chance medly , I hope I shall obtaine a pardon of course , and so much the rather when I protest I meant them no harme .

To come now to my purpose , & to speake truely , vpon what occasion I writ that book , if I should say , that I was drawn vnto it by commiseration , and through a compassionate loue : I know not how I should be beleeued , especially amongst them that will scarcely beleeue that God is a good man but as their ghostly fathers will please to giue them leaue .

But thou that art vpright of iudgement , and hast wisedome to discerne of good and euill , to thee I appeale ( but giue the sequel leaue , to plead it owne defence ) then censure thou : For the lawe of wisedome is in thy mouth . Pro. 22.

It is now some 40. years ago ( or there abouts ) since I first came into Ireland , since which time , it is not vnknown how many commotions , how many rebellions , how many murthers , how many massacres , how many treasons , & how many reuolts , haue ther bin set on foot , & from time to time conspired plotted & put in excecution ▪

It is no nouelties to heare of wars , both forraine & ciuil sometimes of rebellions , sometimes of treasons . But to haue continuall vprores areared by subiects against their Prince , to haue treason vpon treason , rebellion vpon rebellion to be euery day in action stil in insurrections , on in others neck , it is more than ordinary ▪

Subiectes haue sometimes betaken themselues to armes , when they haue been oppressed by tyrannous princes , & although they haue no warrant in the worde of God so to doe , but are expresly commaunded to the contrary , yet to free themselues from oppression , wrong and iniury , they haue some colour to countenance their rebellion : but for the Irish , what can they alledge for their traiterous demeanours against that late gratious Queene of famous memory , that gouerned with such mercy and mildenes , that if loue and lenitie might haue mittigated the rigour of crueltie what did shee neglect , that might not haue won them to a dutifull obedience : if clemency might haue preuailed , with what affability did shee gouerne fourty and odd yeares : if mercy , pitty and compassion might haue moued them , what pardoning , what protecting and what tollerating with offences : if bounty and liberality might haue lenified their rebellious dispositions , what contributions , what stipends , what pencions , and what dayly payes out of her coffers , besides other giftes and prefermentes , bountifully bestowed vpon those that came begging and crauing to her Court in England , and what was hee that was returned backe againe without some gracious rewarde ?

From whence was it then that so many seditions , so many commotions , and so many rebellions were dayly set on foote , and euery day conspired , practised and put in execution , still one in anothers necke .

Why the world doth know it , they were the practises of Papists , it is the poyson of the Popes doctrine , that inciteth to seditions , to rebellions , and that setteth subiectes against their Soueraignes .

It is an Axiome of Theologie , holden and defended by Iesuites to murther Princes , and this is holden by their greatest doctors , as Sanders , Parsons , Alline , Stapleton , and diuers others : so that popish religion teacheth , alloweth and defendeth treasons , rebellions , and periuries .

And looke into their great Bellarmines writinges , that hath taken such paines in the behalfe of the Pope : and you shall finde that his wholl doctrine consisteth in nothing , but that the Pope may degrade Emperours , Kinges , Princes , and Potentates , that hee may abrogate their lawes , may dispence with their subiectes for their alleadgeance , that they may take armes against their Soueraignes , and that they may rebell : see heere the iust iudgement of God , vpon that proude and wicked generation , whome hee hath giuen vp to the monstrous sinnes of murther and treason , the most hatefull offences , that the wickedest man can commit , and such sinnes , as aboue all other are most hated and detested , and yet they are maintained , admitted , and vpholden by the Pope , and that viperous broode , that be of his generation .

The papistes doe seeke to compell but they will not bee compelled , they grudge at easie penalties , and at sleight restraintes , when they themselues , doe exact most cruell , and vnchristian-like tragedies : what inquisiting , what burning , what murthering by hundreds , and by thousands , without any respect , eyther of innocency or of ignorance : but of what persecution can our Papistes of Ireland , charge that gratious Queene , vnlesse because shee would not suffer the firebrand of Rome to take her crowne from her head , and to giue her subiectes leaue by treason and rebellion , to depriue her of her estate in that kingdome : they can not say that shee euer inflicted any corporall punishment vppon them for their religion , nor yet exacted any paymentes ●ut of their purses , as shee did from the recusants in England .

But Papistes will say , there is neyther law nor reason whereby to compell men against their consciences : but those that are professors of the gospell , if they be caught within the iurisdiction of these Ba●amites , they shall be compelled both against their consciences , and against the ve●●ty of Gods worde , or they shall indure both torments , torture , and bitter death it selfe , if they will not de●e their faith , but although Papistes are accustomed to borrow their precepts , from Turkes and infidels , yet Christian Princes doe fetch no presidentes from Tyrantes .

How be it Saint Augustine , a father most reuerently receiued in the primatiue Church giueth this memorandum : The Donat●st●● rather then they would be forced from their vaine fantasies , slewe themselues , yet this did nothing fray the Church of God from compelling them by the rigour of Princes lawes , without any respect of their wilfull desperation .

Now whither a Christian Prince , is not aswell tyed in conscience to reduce his subiectes to the true knowledge of God , as to teach them their obedience towardes himselfe , I wil not dispute , though the holy scriptures doe furnish vs with sundry presidents making for that purpose , but 〈◊〉 refused to gouerne those that were not found in the Christian faith : for ( sayth he ) I that am a Christian , cannot become your Emperour , that are the disciples of Iulian a 〈◊〉 from Christ .

Here might be a more ample addition concerning this matter the wich I will not take vpon me to medle with .

But that princes haue power to commaund for truth , and to make lawes for Christ , standeth not onely with probabilitie , possibility , reason and nature , but also with euident vtilitie , necessitie , religion and equitie , confirmed expressely by scriptures , and plainly warranted by the lawes , actions & examples of the most famously learned , and renowned .

Who maketh any doubt but that the Almighty God in deliuering the sword into the hands of Princes , giueth them a direct charge aswell to prouide that true religion be maintained in then realmes and dominions , as ciuil iustice ministred : and giueth them no lesse power to punish Schysmes , heresies , & Idolatries , and such other offences of the first table committed against God as to punish murthers , thei●es , and such like breaches of the second table , with such other sinnes of treason and rebellion as concerneth but themselues .

But for this matter of conscience , so much pretended by our Irish Catholikes , I thinke there is neuer a papist in Ireland , that is well able to distinguish truely of conscience what it is .

They make a matter of conscience , of euery popish fantasie , of euery willfull opinion blindly conceiued , & obstinately maintained , without knowledge , wisedome , or vnderstanding ▪ euery hereticke , euery sectary doth stand vpon his conscience .

The Turke that denieth Christ , and vpholdeth Mahomet , will say as our papistes doe , his conscience doth leade him so to doe , & they can alledge , why thus did our fathers , they beleeued thus , & in this beleife they both liued and dyed .

The popish priests doe teach the Irish , to doe as their Fathers haue done before them , and this doctrine is the right ready way to leade to Hell : Walke you not in the precepts of your fathers , neither obserue their wayes , nor defile your selues with their Idols . Ezec. 20.

Let them not bee as their fathers were , a disobedient , and a rebellious generation . Psal. 78.

Poore Ireland may rue the errours of their fathers , they haue felt the fruites of their fathers Idolatries , of their rebellio●s , of their contemptes , and of their disobedience , both to God , and their Prince , and they may say with Hezekia : Our fathers haue trespassed , and done euill in the sight of the Lord our God , and haue forsaken him , and turned their backes , and lo● our fathers are slane by the sworde . 2. Cron. ●9 .

And therefore it is a strange doctrine that is taught by those shauelings , to teach the poore people to disobey God , and to followe their Fathers : our papistes are taught by their ghostly fathers , as wee vse to teach Parrats , that can say , Bewar● the Cat Parrat , but knowes not what a Cat is : so they be taught to speake of the Catholicke Church , and the Catholike faith , and to pretende then consciences , when they lacke all vnderstanding of God and godlines : and yet the poore ignorant papistes will keepe such a st●●re with the Catholicke Church , the Catholicke fayth , the Catholicke religion , the Catholicke seruice , and all must bee Catholicke : but when their Ghostly fathers shoulde come to an issue to make proofe in the matter , they are faine to returne a Non est inuentus .

Thus the people of that Countrey haue beene blinded and led astray since I haue knowne Irelande , and those seducing spirites , their Fryers , their Iesuites , and their ignoraunt popish Priestes , vnder a pretence of Religion , seeke nothing else but to hatch vpp and to drawe in Rebellion , colouring out all their impieties , vnder the showe of the Catholicke faith .

By these holy pretences , they haue peruerted and misledd a number of good people throughout all the partes of that kingdome , and that of all sortes and degrees , that without doubt would bee both tractable and conformable to the lawes of God and the obedience of the Prince : their zeale in this religion wherein they are so blindly ledd , is an euidence what feruency they would showe , if their eyes were once opened to beholde the light of the Gospell , now if the creatures of God are to bee pittied , if there bee any compassion to be had , one Christian to an other , who would not commiserate this people that are thus carried away to their destruction , that are thus blindly ledd in darknes , by these instruments of Sathan .

These thinges considered ( though not affying in mine owne witt or learning ) yet nothing doubting but that there be many good people in Ireland , to whom God hath giuen the spirite of iudgement and vnderstanding , for their sakes therefore , and further to expresse my good wil and the loue that I bare to that Countrey , I indeuoured a Booke , which I intituled , A short suruey of Ireland . wherein I plainely discouered who it was that had not onely blinded the simple and ignorant sort , but also had seduced those that tooke vpon them to bee wise and learned : In which booke I laboured nothing else , but so to display the Pope , in his perfect colours ( and but according to the Scriptures and as the word of God had testified of him ) that I dare confidently auowe , there is no Papist so simple , ( or at the least , if hee will not ioyne obstinacy with ignorance ) but that hee shall playnely see that Idolatrous priest , that hath so bewitched the worlde with a showe of holinesse , to be that man of Sinne , to be that instrument of the Deuill , to bee indeede that Antichrist , that hath beene so much prophesied of , and of whom wee haue beene so often forewarned by the holy scriptures .

It is he that hath drawne the kingdomes of the world to drink of the Cup of his abhominations : it is he that hath hardened the heartes of this poore people of Ireland , aswell against their God , as against their prince : and it is he that I haue sought so to discouer to the Irishe , that he might no longer deceiue : and this I did aswell for the glory of God , for the seruice of my prince , as for the loue that I doe beare to a number of that cou●try people , to whom I doe with , as I doe to my selfe .

I was not ignorant , but that it would be obiected , that I being no Churchman , nor had no cure of soules , it would therefore be thought a matter impertinent for me to meddle with .

But I say , that the Lawe of God and the Law of nature both , doe binde euery Christian , to haue care ( not onely of his friend ) but if hee shoulde see his enemie , in a dangerous path , that leadeth into that peryll that hee foreseeth not , I say hee that suffereth his brother so to perishe , and will not call vnto him , and giue him warning of the danger , hee is guiltie of his death , and his bloude will bee required at his hands that so suffereth him to perish .

Thus we are taught by the word of God , & thus I am sure we are bound euer , christian one to another .

If my lines haue not taken that effect that I desired , I haue done my good will , and haue contented my selfe with the writing of them , knowing mine owne intent , that was onely desirous to intice but not to intrapp , and rather purposed to profitte many , then to offend any .

The publishing of this booke , which ( as I haue sayd before ) concerned nothing but a discouery of the Pope , became offensiue , but not so much to the lettered sort of papists ( I meane , to those that doe protest knowledge and learning ) as to those that were ignorant and vnlearned , that I am sure doe not vnderstand the grounds of their own religion , nor do scarsly vnderstand what themselues doe read : but are better practised , in Gesta Romanorum , in the seuen wise masters , in beuis of hampto , & in the lying Legend , then they be in the Bible or Testament , or in any other book that doth concerne true godlinesse : yet these were they that began to grudge and murmure against me ▪ avowing me to be a most malicious enemie to Ireland , that neuer had any 〈◊〉 meaning to Ireland but haue pittied a number of poore people in that country , that are capable of obedience and discipline , if they were not misse-led .

From this I tooke occasion to write a seconde Booke , the which I intituled , A New description of Ireland : wherein I haue in a more ample manner inveyed agaynst Popery in generall , but not agaynst any one papist in particular , sauing , that I haue a little glanced at a disgrace that was offered vnto me , by some one or two that to shew themselues to be others , stretched their authoritie a little beyonde their boundes , and whereof I coulde haue beene well reuenged , if I hadde beene but halfe so malycious towardes them , as they shewed themselues towardes me .

I must confesse , this discourteous dealing with mee , whetted me so much the rather , to the writing of that booke , wherein I tooke occasion to make manifest the fruites of the Popes religion , howe it not on●ly sequestereth from GOD , and all goodnesse , but it is so farre contrarie to that Christian charitie , whiche our Poplinges will so much bragge of , that beesides it ●●●teth to sedytion , and rebellion , it breedeth a contempte of those thynges appertayninge to that moralitie , that putteth a difference betweene ciuill people and 〈◊〉 beastes .

Wee see it here in Ireland , where the very hat●ed they beare to the gospell professed by the English , 〈…〉 , that are not yet reduced to 〈◊〉 , rather to 〈◊〉 their accustomed vncleanelines , and to retayne themselues in their barbarous customes and inhumane l●athsomenes , rather then they woulde take any example from the English , either of 〈◊〉 , or any maner of decency .

Such malice is there in Popery , that it 〈◊〉 and impugneth the rules and principles , aswell of Christian p●et● , as of humane societie .

To conclude , that poore booke intended for his maiesties seruice especially that is now so much exclaymed at , that they say is such a 〈◊〉 and slander to the whole realme of Ireland : that hath beene so ●ifted , so ouer-lookt , and so narrowly searched into , to find eyther worde or syllable , that might be disproued or taken houlde on , is not yet taynted 〈◊〉 detected with any vntruth : A 〈…〉 of , what they are not ashamed to doe 〈…〉 mannes censure that 〈◊〉 a faithfull subiect to the King , that is not a papist , that is not a traytor in heart ▪ that hath not 〈…〉 conscience & findeth 〈…〉 to be 〈…〉 any man that is not 〈◊〉 , that is not blinde on the one side , and will see too much on the other , censure me in Gods 〈◊〉 .

And now to winde vp all , I woulde be ashamed , and confesse my selfe to be worthy of punishment , if I should write in the deprauation of a countrey , that is reple●●shed with so many honorable , with so many worshipfull , and with so many worthy personages , of all degrees of all estates , and of all professions : and as in that booke it selfe , I haue already acknowledged , and do yet againe reacknowledge by that which followeth .

2 〈…〉

I Haue hitherto truely set downe 〈◊〉 very occasion 〈…〉 those two bookes ▪ the 〈◊〉 as I haue sayd a true discouery of the Pope himselfe in particular ▪ the seconde a detection of popery in generall : wherein although I haue ●ypped vp the barbarous customes , the vnciuill demeanures , and the vncleanely behauiours that are vsed amongst the Iry●he in the remote parts of the country : yet I haue not done it so much to vpbraid them with this their barbarisme , as to make them to 〈…〉 the Popes doctrine , that is the author 〈…〉 , and hath so bewitched them with malice towards the 〈◊〉 , for ●elig●ons sake , that they will neither drawe example , nor president from them , that might either concerne the glory of God , or then owne good .

But because I see I shall haue occasion hereafter , to speake of these matters in a more particular manner , I will 〈…〉 time deliuer , what hath beene the occasion that my 〈◊〉 was brought into that mislike as it was , amongst some of the Irishe .

There is nothing more distastfull in there double dealing dayes then the writing of bookes , especially if they be of a reprehending humour : for these galde 〈…〉 , that liue with corrupted consciences , are so afraide of rubbing , that they will both wynch and kicke at any man that they thinke woulde but touch their festered sores .

I haue read an olde author , that speaking of the nature of the swine , will needes perswade that a hogge ( by a certaine instinct ) doth knowe himselfe to bee the most 〈◊〉 , the most vnprofitable , the most harmefull , and the most loathed beast amongst all others , and hauing this w●e●ing of himselfe , that hee is good for nothing , but as the prouerbe sayth , Till 〈…〉 to the pot , he knoweth likewise that men doe neuer seeke to lay 〈◊〉 of him but eyther to hange a yoake about his necke , or other whiles to thrust ringes through his nostrelles , or more likely to kill him out right , and this is the cause ( sayth mine author ) that the swine doe so cry and yell ( as they are seene to doe ) more then any other Cattell , when they are taken , or when a man doth but offer to lay handes vpon them .

An excellent resemblance to a vicious man , that knowing his owne guilty conscience , to bee corrupt and wicked , and branded , perhaps with some loathed deformities , doe thinke that a man cannot write nor speake any thing against vice or villany , but he must rub him .

Some of these Hoglinges ( as it should seeme ) haue had the pervsall of my lynes , and as I doe gather by some circumstances , haue not onely wrested out matter to their owne discontent , but haue sought to whet on others to be as angry as themselues : but amongst the rest of these find-faults , that are so displeased with my booke , what should I say to him , that in the presence and hearing of no lesse honorable then the Lord Deputy himselfe , would avowe , that booke to be no better then a libell , that was first intended for the glory of God , for the seruice of his maiestie : And that was licenced to the presse by authoritie , that the Kinges maiestie himselfe hath pleased to pervse , that our gratious yong Prince , vouchsafed the like , that was dedicated to the most honorable and worthy Earle the Lord high Treasurer of Englande , and to bee shorte , that was both seene and permitted by the most of the Lords of his maiesties most honorable counsayle .

Now for him that in so saucy and malipert a manner , woulde tearme that to be a libell , that hadde beene thus surueied and ouerlookt , did rather argue a minde ouer loaden with malice , and a tongue fraughted with lying and slandering , then any token eyther of wit or modestie .

But as wee are taught , wee must doe good against euill , and the rather to showe a charitable disposition : I will doe as I am taught , to pray for him , and in no worse language then we bee taught in the Letany , to pray for his Maiesties most honorable Counsayle , That it woulde please God to indue him with grace , witte and vnderstanding .

But that I am pressed in mine own defence to make it known howe my Booke became to be so exclaimed at , I woulde omitte to speake of one occasion that was offered at an honest Aldermans house at Dublyne , who kindly feasting his neighbours and good friendes , where a woman ( if I may tearme her to bee a woman that hath forgotten to blush ) but such a creature there was that amongst the wholl assembly , beeganne to picke quarrelles both at me and my booke , belying and slaundering both it and me , with such false and vntrue reportes , that a number of those that had neuer seene the booke it selfe , beleeued all to bee true that shee reported : And being thus caryed from hand to hand I was brought into a generall obloquie throughout the whol citie of Dublyne , but especially amongest the citizens wiues , amongst the which there bee a number of graue , wise , and sober women , that I haue euer esteemed and helde in reuerent regard but we see the malice of a wicked woman will seeke reuenge , if it bee but on a dogge , but what should ▪ I say to this womanne reporter , that in some respectes I coulde resemble to nothyng more like then to a Pipe of Tabacco : and let her goe for smoake , fortitude doth shew it selfe more worthy in suffering then in doing wrong .

Iason the Thessalian , beeing assayled and wo●●ded by an enemie who hadde an intent to haue stabbed him , hadde an impostumation opened , which saued his life : so the stab of disgrace that is offered by an enemie , may serue to cure & heale our neglected and hidden infirmities .

A wise manne may make great profite , by the reportes of his most malicious enemies , who discouering his imperfections , may learne thereby to mende his faults : but this argueth our vile corruption , when our best offices are performed by our worst acquaintance .

But now to speake to the mayne poynt , howe my Booke beecame to bee so contemptible to the Irishe : it was the papist indeede that pyckt so manie quarrelles against it : and although they would not openly manifest the matter , but tooke other occasions whereat to be angry , yet that was the hidden griefe , that stirred vppe their Choler , they cannot indure to heare their holy father so truely translated , from the Vicar of Christ , to bee indeed , the Vicar of the Deuill .

It is truth , that in those two Bookes , I haue made manifest aswell of the Pope himselfe , what he is , as of his religion whereunto it draweth , but without any malice or ill intent to any particular man in Ireland , but in pittie and commiseration of a great number .

And although that the Popes wholl broode of vermine , as Fryers , Iesuites , Seminaries , and other Popish priestes , haue vowed themselues agaynst the truth of God , yet there be a number of others , that are misse-ledd , and dayly seduced by these blinde guides , that it may please GOD to open their eyes in tyme , and to receiue the truth of the Gospel with a sober mildnesse .

He that beleeueth not to day , shall haue grace giuen him , and he may beleeue to morrow , in the meane time , I doe not despise him , but I doe both pittie him , and pray for him .

These be the men to whom I haue adressed my lynes , and doe charitablie beseech them , not to respect who it is that hath written , but to consider what it is that is written , let them then iudge as it shall please God to put in their mindes .

And although that at this tyme , my desire bee rather to take away offence , then to giue offence , yet I cannot dissemble with religion ; but that I must needes make manifest this holy Catholicke broode of Rome , that deceiueth the poore people of Ireland and ( as our Sauiour sayde by the Pharises ) that oppresseth the poore widdow and fatherlesse , that lyueth in idlenesse , in whooredome , in practising of murther , treason , rebellion , and Summa summarum , in all manner of mischiefe .

They be the Agents and Factors , for the most insatiable marchant in the 〈◊〉 , I meane the Pope that selleth Gods lawes , his owne traditions , hee selleth sinne , hee selleth righteousnes , hee selleth CHRIST , hee selleth the blessed Sacramente of his fleshe and bloude : hee selleth the workes of Saintes , hee selleth Christes merites , hee selleth the people of God , he selleth holy orders , hee selleth pardon and remission of sinnes , hee selleth GOD and all his ordinances , and all for money .

But is not this a monstrous hypocrisie , that the Pope will be called the seruant of seruants , and yet will take vppon him to be the Lord of Lordes , and King of Kinges ?

The Pope is a more detestable enemie to the true Catholicke Church then eyther Turke or infidell , for those that seeke to vphoulde his abhominations , those hee maketh Saintes , and those that doe impugne his doctrine by the scriptures , them hee persecuteth , and against those Princes where hee cannot preuaile with those excommunications , his curses , and his Bellowing Bulles , them hee seeketh to confounde by poysonyng , by stabbing , or by murtheryng in one sorte or another .

Spoyles , massacres , and treasons , euen to the destruction , and murthering of Princes , by their seruantes and subiectes ( if a pryest doe but say the worde ) are accounted iust , honorable , meritorious , holy , but for a Prince to defende his owne right , or in executing iustice vppon such of the Popes Vagaboundes as are sent to seduce , to conspire , and to practise villanie , he is an hereticke , a schismaticke , a disobedient childe to the Church , and he must be poysoned , stabbed , or blowne vp with gun-powder , there must be some thing exployted against him , hee must not liue , if God doe not defend him .

This is the fruite of the Popes religion , and these be the practises that are vsed by papistes , lette euery man therefore looke well to his leader , that he be not blinde , for both the guids that are blinde , and those that are blindly led , shall altogether , fall in the ditch , it shall be no excuse to say , I was thus taught by my ghostly father , or this is the fayth that our forefathers haue dyed in .

When the worde of God is preached vnto men that be wicked vnto whom God hath giuen no grace to receiue it , then are they nothing thereby amended , but their heartes are the rather , the more obdured , and the more the word of God is preached vnto them , so much the more obstinate they become , and the more mischiefe they intend : after this manner the heart of Pharao was hardened , when the woorde of GOD was deliuered him by Moses , hee hauing no grace to receiue it , the more Moses indeuoured to expresse it , the more sturdie was he to withstand it .

But what neede we trauell into Egypt to fetch presidents , when wee haue so many home examples heere in Ireland , where the truth of Gods gospell hath beene so long preached , and the people euery day growne more obstinate then other , that are rather giuen vppe to beeleeue lies , legendes , fables , dreames , visions , olde wyues tales , and a number of such other mockeries .

The Papistes haue euer more beene full of Myracles , but in their Legende of Saintes , and in many other foolishe Bookes , they haue fayned them so grossely , that they are ashamed to heare of them , but GOD sometymes , suffereth those that haue no loue to his trueth , to bee deceiued by lying Myracles , for as the children of the trueth , shall naturally incline vnto the truth , so the children of the Diuell whose heartes are full of lyes , shall naturally consent to bee ledde away with lyes .

I might yet inlarge a great deale of other matter , but my conclusion is that the whole glory of the Popes Church is nothyng else but trash .

3 A Reuocation of all ouer sightes that through ignorance were published in that Booke .

I Am come to the matter that is most of all looked after , and that I am sure is especially wisht for , and that is A Reuocation of my ouersightes : I know not how to behaue my selfe honestly in this businesse , for to square in out to there contentments that doe desire it , would wound mine owne credit , & to reitterate those things that might pleade my excuse , would sooner breede a newe warfare of words , then settle that quiet that I could wish : but they say , there is better safety in an vniust warre , then in a patcht peace .

I confesse , that if I had but halfe so farre ouershot my selfe , as reportes were giuen out , a Reuocation in wordes onely would bee too little to make amends , for I would acknowledge my selfe to be worthy of shame and punishment both .

But because the booke is extant to be seene , & to answere for it selfe , I thinke my best course will be to set down those oppositions that haue beene obiected against me , aswell by those that were but misinformed by other mens reportes , as of those that made malitious collections , exhibiting those thinges against me for slaunders , that were shamefull for them to bring into question , if they had beene well aduised .

Me thinkes an easie perswasion might induce wisemen to beleeue , that he that will vndertake to inuey against Poperie , eyther by word or writing shall want no enemies in Ireland , that wil both rayle and rage against him , and will so ouer load him with lies and slaunders , that if they can not breake his backe , they will yet be sure to cracke his credit : amongst the rest of those vntruths that were obiected against mee , one is howe I should affirme in my booke that there is neither ciuilitie nor humanity to be found amongst the Irish , but that they are inclined to all maner of brutishnes .

And although I neede no other answere to this but to turne them to my booke , that they haue so slaundered and belied , yet for better satisfaction I say , it is truth that I haue spoken of the manners and customes that are vsed amongst the Irish in some partes of the Country , that are not yet so conformed from there vnciuill demeaners , nor so perfected in the complements of humanity , but that they retayned still their accustomed vncleanelines : now if I should say that in some partes of England it selfe , there bee many people that are both rude , ignorant , and verie clownish , as it is well enough knowne there are so ( indeede ) could this be a disparagement to the whole realme ?

But they will say I haue made no exceptions amongst the Irish , but haue numbred them all to be in one predicament , let me intreate them but to ouerlooke my Epistle to the Reader in that booke where they shall finde these wordes .

Doe not thinke mee to be so generall , but that I doe make a great differnce betweene those that are rude , vnciuile , vnreuerent , vncleanely , and vntaught , and those other againe , that are milde , modest , kind , curteous , and that are euery way indued with wit , reason and vnderstanding . And I doe make the like exceptions betweene those that are irreligious , superstitious , Idolatrous , seditious , rebellious , that do retayne Iesuites , Seminaries , and other Traiterous Priests , then of those that contrariwise are professors of the Gospell , that doe imbrace the holy Scriptures , and doe indeuoure themselues in the seruice of God , and in obedience to their Prince .

I hope I may reuoke this without any disgrace , I haue beene charged with a lie , and I renounce it .

A second obiection was , that I had taxed the Irish in generall to bee more sauage and cruell then the Canibals .

This is as true as the first , and needeth no other purgation , then what is contained in the booke it selfe , and first in the 36. page , I say that those of the Irish that haue reduced themselues to ciuilitie ( were it not for their Religion ) are otherwise of very good conuersation : and aswell in their manners as in the decency of their apparell , they are very modest and comely . And in the 17. page , Although the vulgar sorte through their dull witts & their brutish education can not conceiue what is profitable for themselues and good for their Countrey , yet there be some others , whose thoughts and minds are inriched with knowledge and vnderstanding , that haue done good in the country , and whose example heerafter may giue light to many others . For I thinke that if these people did once vnderstand the preciousnes of vertue , they woulde farre exceede vs , notwithstanding our long experience in the soueraigntie of vertue .

You may see now , I haue no such conceite against the Irish , in generall as they haue fabled , but that I thinke there be good amongst the bad , and bad amongst the good , I might therefore haue reuoked this accusation , as he that reuoked a long relying letter but with one word Ment●ris : yet I will not doe so , but I will borrow a Lawyers plea , Non est factum .

It is yet againe obiected against me , that I haue vpbraided the whole Irish nation with their rebellious dispositions : with their cruelties , with their murthers , with their treasons , and that I doe make semblance as though there were neuer a sound subiect in Ireland , neyther in life nor religion : if these reportes were but halfe of them true , I might be ashamed to drawe any breath in Ireland .

I would to God that neyther my selfe nor any other man besides could iustly reproue them for their rebellions , for then insurrections , and for their treasons and murthers both , but to thinke that there is neuer a sound subiect in Ireland , it were pittie I should liue to haue such a thought in Ireland , but let mee proceede as I haue begun , let mine owne lines pleade mine own excuse , in the 52. page , I haue set downe these wordes . I know there bee in Ireland a number of worthy subiects , that cannot be detected , nor their fidelitie and trust to their Prince by any meanes impeached , And in the 111. page , I know amongst the Nobilitie of Ireland , there hath beene , and there are still , many honorable personages , and so there are of many other gentlemen , that without all doubt are as foreward , as ready and as willing to serue their Prince , as any other whosoeuer . And yet againe in the 54. page of my booke , I haue often sayd , that there be many good people in Dubline , and so through all the partes of Ireland besides , men of all sortes , of all professions , and of all degrees that are not to bee detected .

What haue I omitted to commend in the Irish , ( I meane of those that are worthy of any comendations indeede ) but I haue done them right , I haue giuen them their due , I haue not forgotten those that be fewest in number that are godly affected to religion as in the page , 91. God be thanked Ireland was neuer so destitute , but there hath beene a number of good people natiues of that Country , that hath zealously and religiously professed the Gospell . And therfore those that could spie out the discommendations I haue giuen of those that be bad , and could not see the prayses I haue giuen to those that be good , it should seeme they are not perfect sighted , but I would I could intreate them yet to put on their spectacles , and to looke into diuers parts of my booke that doe pleade my excuse , they should find in the 14. page , this honest protestation : I doe know neuer a man in Ireland that I doe hate , or that I do wish any harme vnto , and therefore if I happen to glance at the abuses of those that be all , let not those that be good thinke themselues thereby to be detected , or so much as touched .

They should find againe in my Epistle to the Reader : I would not haue it thought , that I make any difference betweene the English & the Irish , in respect of their birth , for I know there be as worthy men in Ireland , as in England .

And in the last leafe of the booke againe , for a farwell : I hope there is no man that will accuse me of partiallity , to say I haue more forborne to speake against the follies of the English , then against the manners and customes of the Irish , or that I doe otherwise distinguish betweene them , but value them both a like , the good to the good , and the bad to the bad .

I knowe not yet therefore what Reuocation I should make , but to say that eyther I haue beene wonderfully mistaken or shamefully belied . I might yet speake of other accusations , that haue beene greiuously inforced against mee , howe I haue mocked at their Irish customes , scoffed at their holy welles , derided their Irish Saints , and one in sober sadnes tooke it very greiuously that I had termed , their Fryers their Iesuites & their Priests to be the Popes vermine .

I warrant ye , they that could spie me out these faultes , they were not blinde they were none of these heritickes , that will say the pater noster in English : but they say open confession must haue open shame Peccaui . I haue sinned , and here I doe make open Reuocation for I reuoke welles Saints Fryers , Iesuites , Priests , Pope , Deuill and all : And I would all that knowes me in Ireland would take example by me and do the like .

Thus much for Ireland in generall that they say I haue so detected in my booke , & now for Dubline in particuler that I hope I shall aswell satisfie and giue content .

I haue written 3 seuerall Chapters the 15. the 16. and the 17. that doe particularly concerne the Cytty of Dubline , the heade of the 15. chap , A true description both of the Cytty and Cittyzens of Dubline .

The head of the 16. Of some defectes in the gouernment of Dublin , the head of the 17. Of the trade and trafficke that is vsed in Dublin ,

In the first of the three , which is the 15. Chap. I haue a little crossed Maister Stanihurst that in his description of the Citty of Dublin , doth so florish it out with such gorgious buildings ( as he termeth them ) that the world doth knowe , when hee writte his Cronicle , made but a sorry showe , to what it is now . But Stanihurst sought to please by flattery , and I by plaine dealing , he paintes it out more gorgiously then truely , but my description in these wordes following . To speake the truth of Dublin as it deserueth first the Towne it selfe , is conuenient enough , pleasantly seated aswell for the serenity of the ayre , as for the pleasing walkes , that are round about the Citty on euery side : And this commendation , I thinke bee more properly true , then that sumptuous description that Maister Stanihurst hath made of it . Now how I am conceited towardes the Cittizens themselues let mine owne lines witnes : which doth like wise follow in these wordes . The Cittizens themselues are wonderfully reformed , in manners , in ciuilitie , in curtesie , both themselues and their wiues , modest and decent in their apparell , and they are tractable enough in any thing , Religion onely excepted .

And the very latter words in the selfe same Chapter are these : Dubline is not yet so destitute , but that there are some , aswell learned Diuines , as other graue and godly Cittizens and Townes-men that God hath blessed with the light of his word , that doe dayly indeuoure themselues to giue good example , seeking no lesse to aduance the glory of God , as the honour of their Prince , and the good of their Country .

Mee thinkes these words were enough for those that were wise to number themselues amongst those that bee good , and not to finde fault with the reprehensions of those that bee ill .

But heere is a matter now obiected against mee , that in this Chapter I haue taxed the Cittizens of lacke of loue to his Maiestie , for their receiuing and harbouring of the Popes vermine , which ( they say ) lies not in the Maior to redresse , but it belongeth to a more superiour authority , I protest I am sorry that ther should be a man found in Dubline , that would take exceptions at this , and these thinges were better to be buried with silence , then to bee discoursed with diligence , but if it bee a fault to speake against the entertaining of popish priests in Dubline , that are wel knowne to be his Maiesties protested enemies , I haue committed that fault through ignorance : for I had thought , that the Cittizens of Dubline in generall , that haue receiued so many liberall giftes , such gracious grants , and large liberties , from diuers and sundry Princes of England , and that are so bountifully confirmed , by our most gracious King that now is , I had thought the Cittizens of Dubline , in respect of their loue and duty to so good and gracious a King shoulde at the least haue restrayned ( though not punished ) that brood of vipers , that doth practise nothing but treason and contempt , both against his Maiestie & his proceedinges .

And I perswaded my selfe againe , that the Mayor of Dubline that is so great a magistrate within his owne precinct , that hath the managing of all affayres within the Citty and that standeth vpon his prerogatiue within his liberties , and will haue no more to medle but himselfe , that may hang , that may draw , that may punish , and hath his Maiesties sword committed vnto him for the same purpose , if all this be not sufficient warrant for the Maior of Dubline , to hunt out of his iurisdictions , those sowers of sedition those peruerters of his Maiesties good subiectes and those malitious enemies to their king , it is pitty that he hath not a new Charter , wherein these seruices might be better warranted vnto him : I doe not speake of the Mayor that is now of the time present , but I speake of all that are past , and of the rest that are to come : for if euery Mayor within his liberties , and euery Bishop within his diocesse throughout Ireland , would doe their duties , God would be more honoured , the King better obeyed , and the people vnited in that loue and amitie , that now is dissipated , by this contrarietie in Religion . In the 16. chap. speaking of some defects in the gouernment of Dublin , the greatest fault that is ther armed at , is the prophanation of the Sabboth day , that day which God hath commanded to bee kept holy , & should be dedicated to his honor , that day is most polluted in Dublin , & euery alehouse from morning till night is pestered , with drunkards with blasphemers , I will not speake of whore-hunters , but indeede with all kinde of disordered people .

It is truth , that in England ( and else where that I know in Christendome ) there are drunkards , there are blasphemers , & there are whore-hunters too many , but the rate penal lawes to restrain them , but especially on the Sabboth day , and in England , there is not any one permitted to keepe a tippling house , but hee must from yeere to yeere enter into bond , and good sureties with him , to keepe good rule and order : and I thinke there is no man that professeth to bee a Christian , be he Protestant or Papist , that will thinke I haue offended in this , and therefore I shal not neede to make any Reuocation in the matter , because I hope there is no man agreiued at it . I would be sorry to reitterate the occasion that bred offence , betweene the two Sheriues and my selfe : because my desire is rather to qualifie , then to reuiue matter of vnkindnes , but what soeuer hath formerly past betweene vs , I protest I am so free from malice towardes them , that I doe not know them from other men , when I meete them in the streets , what meaning they haue towardes mee , I know not , if it be good I would be glad , if it be ill , I care not : the worst I doe wishe vnto them , is , that it would please God to inspire them with his spirite of truth , and as I wish it from my heart , so helpe me God .

And although I must confesse , I haue euer hated Popery , yet I protest I neuer hated papist for his religion , but pitted him , especially he or they that I know to be ignorantly led , and seduced by others , for I hate not the man , though I hate his religion .

And let me now craue pardon of the Cittizens of Dubline in generall , but to lament that calamity pittifull to bee spoken of , that in the Citty of Dubline , where the word of God hath beene so plentifully preached in such continuance : & that should giue light & example to all the rest , both of citties and towns through out all Ireland : and are not able to make a yearely choyce of a Mayor and two Sheriues , that will either goe to Church , or willingly take the oath of alleadgeance to his Maiesty , & that they haue no other to imploy for his Maiesties seruice , but such as will impugne his Maiesties lawes .

But they will say a Papist may bee a sound subiect , I will not denie but hee may bee so : but I will aske our Papistes of Dubline or else where , but this question , what they doe thinke , whither at Rome or at Remes , or where soeuer otherwise , where popopery beareth sway , whither they would put a knowne protestant in comission for the seruice of the Pope : they would sooner put out both his eyes and carry him to a stake : but what a gracious King is this , that seeketh but an oath for his securitie : And of whom ? marry of those that haue such cunning to equiuocate and haue so many dispensations in a readines , that what they sweare to day they may reuoke to morrow & y ● are taught by their priests , that when they are brought before such as they account for hereticks , they may both sophistically sweare & sophistically answere

This I hope may suffice for a Reuocation of all ouersightes that I haue commited against the Cittizens of Dublin in the 16. Chap. of my booke . And now to speake somthing for the credit of that city , & to deliuer truely but what I haue receiued from some of the Cittizens themselues , & not of the inferiour sort , but from some of the best Aldermen of the citty of Dubline , who foreseeing the partialitie that is vsed by officers of all sortes ( that bee papistes ) that doe execute there places not only to the great detriment of his Maiesties seruice but also when any of his Maiesties best affected subiectes , that are knowne to be religious , & haue conformed themselues to his Maiesties proceedings , if any of these shal light into the laps either of a Sergeant , a constable or a Iayler that is a papist , he shall bee afflicted and exacted on with more rigour & cruelty then if hee were amongst Turkes or Iewes , where contrary wise , if a papist be brought in question although it be sometimes for his disobedience towardes his Prince there is scarce an officer that wil do his duty to aprehend him , or being aprehended there will hardly befound a Iayler that will scantle him with any short alowance belonging to an offender , but will rather entertaine him as a friend , And the more repugnant he sheweth himselfe against his Maiesties proceedings , so much the more fauour the Iayler will shewe him . These officers that I speake of be such as are belonging to cities and townes corporat , yea to the citty of Dubline it selfe , amongst the which there are some that on sunday mornings will first heare a masse , then after that they will attend the Maior to Christchurch , & hauing put him into his pue , they conuey themselues from out of the church into a tauerne where they sit til the Sermon be done , that they must wait of the Mayor backe againe to his house . I doe not speake this in any malicious humour , wherby to indignifie the city of Dubline , amongst the inhabitantes whereof , although there be some few that be ill , yet I know there be a great number of most worthy citizens that do shew no lesse zeale and feruency in the worshipping of God ▪ then loue and loyaltie to the seruice of the king , who for the better aduancement of those affaires that doe belong to his maiestie , do wish and desire , that not onely the Mayor and Sheryues in euery Citie and towne corporate , throughout the Realme of Ireland , should receiue the oath of alleageance , but that there should not be a Sergeant , a Constable , a Iayler , or any other pettie officer admited , but such as are tractable to his maiesties proceedings & submissiue to take vppon them , the oath of obedience .

But some perhaps will say , that the Citties in Ireland ( no not Dublyne it selfe ) is able yeare after yeare , to make choise of a Mayor and two Sheryues , that will willingly take the oath of obedience to his maiestie , the which if it should bee true , ( as God forbid it shoulde so bee ) what a gratious clemencie then in a prince , that will suffer a people to inioy so large liberties , as euery Cittie throughout that realme is commonly infranchized , that are so repugnant , and opposite vnto him .

To come now to the 17. speaking Of the trade and trafficke that is vsed in Dublyne : some of them doe exclaime against me , that I haue wonderfully wronged the cittie in speaking against their multitude of Alehouses , which they call Tauerns ; but as good lucke woulde haue it , there bee others beside my selfe that haue founde out that fault , and first a most reuerent and worthie magistrate , the Lord chiefe Barrone of his maiesties Exchequer in Ireland , who in his oration to the late Mayor of Dublyne , when he came to take his oath at the Chequer barre , gaue him aduertisements , of that superabundance of Alehouses , and of the abuses and inconueniences that did grow by the sufferance of them .

There was a learned doctor likewise , that openly exclaimed at the abhomination that was vsed in those multitude of Alehouses , in a Sermon at Christ-Church , before the Lord Deputy and the state , and before maister Mayor himselfe , and those fewe of his brethren , that doe vse to come to Church .

But if it be a fault in me more then in the rest to speake against these things , let it passe for one of my ouersights , for I see he that speakes against pride drunkennesse and lechery , shall want no enemies .

There followeth now a grieuous quarrell , and aboue all the rest most bitterly agrauated against me , and there hath beene inquirie made in the matter whither I haue belyed the Citie or no in saying , the Aldermens wiues sould ale : my wordes are , The best sort of women , as Aldermens wiues and the rest of the able sort , are those that doe brewe .

Now let it be vnderstood ( as without dissimulation I ment it ) that some Aldermens wiues did brew ale to the intent to sell it againe by the dosins , by the barrell , or by the great ( as we call it ) is this such an indignity to all to say that some haue done so : or what discredite to her that shoulde so doe , any more to brew ale , then to make malte , or to indeuour any other thinges , that belonges to good huswifery , that euery wise womanne is to vnder take .

It is not the brewing of ale , but the number of idle huswiues , that vnder the pretence of selling , do keepe filthy houses , shamefull to be spoken of , this is it that offendeth .

But I can tell where this and worse matter too , was agravated agaynst me to some Aldermens wiues , by a femall creature , and by such a one ( I warrant you ) that doth thinke her selfe to be in as good request as Pudding Tabacco .

But let me say for mine owne excuse , for the Aldermen of Dublyne themselues , there be many of them my good friends , whom I dearely loue , there is not any one of them that I thinke to bee my foe , or that I doe hate , and therefore to slander them with matter of vntruth , I would be ill ashamed .

Now for their wiues in generall , and for all the rest of the citizens wiues of Dublyne ( that be of the better sort ) I protest it confidently , and I speake it from my heart , I neuer heard women les infamed or misse-reported , in any citty or towne wheresoeuer I haue trauayled : so that if Thucidides rule be true , that those women are to be accounted most honest , that are least spoken of , I say the citizens wyues of Dublyne , may march in equall ranke with those women that are least steyned or misreputed .

In a fewe wordes now to expresse mine owne meaning , first for this construction that is made against me about the brewing of ale : I doe confesse of mine owne knowledge , that there bee diuerse Aldermens wyues , and many other women beesides that neuer vsed it : but if they hadd , it is not the brewing of Ale that I find fault with , nor with the selling of it , by those women that are honest , but by those that are well knowne to be shameful liuers , it is agaynst them and against no other , that I do exclaime .

I doe acknowledge likewise that Alehouses , and victuallyng houses be both of them necessary , and therfore howsoeuer they interpret my words , those that be wise , can conceiue of my meaning : these typling houses by honest housholders , and not by these knowne strumpets , that vnder the colour of selling ale , doe liue in that loathsomnesse of life , too shamefull to bee spoken of .

There is yet one other vnkindnesse conceiued agaynst me , for speaking of the extortion that is vsed by the Bakers of Dublyne , that will bee sure to make their breade after double the rate , that corne is sould for : a matter especially looked into in euery Citty and towne . And as it appeareth in the Englishe Cronicle , the liberties of London , haue beene ceased into the handes of the king for this tollerating , with the inormity of Bakers , and it hath euermore beene thought a matter most behouefull to punish ( and that with all extremity ) this extortion in Bakers , because it onely pincheth the poorer sorte , that are worst able to beare it .

I protest I cannot revoke this as an ouersight , that I haue spoken agaynst the Bakers , but doe rather inforce it , that eyther they should be reformed or else that the country Bakers , that wil make their bread according to a true assise might be suffered ( as they be in other wel gouerned Cities ) to serue the market , which euery man doth admire , is not suffered in Dublyne : And now to speake without dissimulation , there is nothing wherewith the city of Dublyne is more wounded with disgrace , then in sufferyng so many filthie alehouses , and in this bearing with the extortion of Bakers .

Thus you may see that although I haue glanced at abuses that are vsed by some that are ill , yet it is without any impeachment of those that be good , and therefore those fault-finders haue but discouered their malice , and done me no disgrace .

The truth is , the wholl drift of my Booke is against Popery , how should it then be befriended in Ireland , where those that wil be afraid to reade it , will make no conscience at all to slander it .

I know not whither I may tearme it to be blindnesse or obstinacie , or blindnes and obstinacie ioyned both together , in a people ( sencible and wise enough ) that yet are trayned to neglect the holy scriptures , to reuerence visions lyes and fantazies : that are led from the Church of God , to the superstitious , and abhominable Church of Idolatry : that are wrested from the obedience of the Princes wholsome lawes , that inciteth to vnitie and concorde , to the durtie decrees and ordinances of a superstitious priest , that leadeth to destruction : that doth so neglect the means of their saluation : that they will not search for the truth , but are so maliciously blinde , that they will not open their eyes to looke towardes the light : that with the Iewes do throw stones at Christ and will driue him away , when he commeth to preach , that with the Nazarits , will thrust him out of their citie with violent hands when he commeth to offer himselfe vnto them .

I know not what I should say of the people of Ireland , whither it be through the confidence they haue in their priestes , or in the distrust that they haue of their owne iudgementes , or in the litle credite they haue in Gods promises , that biddeth them seeke and they shall finde : but something there is that maketh them afraid for they dare not looke on a booke , that is either repugnant to their religion , or that doth contradict Popery .

I haue not spoken these thinges against the Irishe , tauntingly , to vpbraide them , but I speake it louingly to admonish them : & as the preacher that seeing some of his parishioners to frequent his Sermons , more for fashion sake , and to take a little nappe of sleepe in the time of his sermon , then for any zeale or deuotion to the doctrine hee taught , yet hee wished them still to come to Church although but to take their accustomed nap , hoping in time to take some of them napping , and so to awaken them with the power of Gods worde , to make them more attentiue to those thinges that did so nearely concerne their saluation : euen so say I , let those that haue read ouer my former booke , but to the end to picke quarrels against it , & to slander it with vntruthes , let them do so ( in Gods name ) with this that followeth , let them read it ouer I care not with what pretence , let them be angry still at mine honest meaning , it may happen to enlighten some of their eyes that haue beene long blindfold , and I care not to offend mame so I may please some .

4 A Bulwarke or Defence of all truthes contayned in my Booke .

THe matter that I haue to defend is , that al that I haue written against Poperie is true , and hee that defendeth truth is armed with authoritie , if all the world were against him , and hath law full power to pronounce the Pope himselfe with al his Cardinals to be hereticks , the brood of Antichrist , and the ministers of Hell and damnation .

In my former booke , I haue slightly touched the fruits of the Popes doctrine how it stirreth vp subiectes against their princes how it draweth to rebellions , treasons , murthers , mutinies , mischiefes , and to all manner of impieties .

Now to fortifie this , and to make it more manifest , I will further approue , how this poyson of the Popes doctrine , inciteth the people , from that trust they shoulde haue in God , to affie themselues in Saints , how it maketh men to flie from Gods mercie , to other mens merits , howe it excludeth Christ , and setteth vppe a Pope-holy righteousnesse of workes and deseruings , and to conclude , howe it draweth from God to the Deuill , and from that euerlasting life , which Christ hath purchased for vs with the price of his bloude , to the fire of hell , and euerlasting damnation .

It is Popery , that maketh newe relickes , that setteth forth vnshamefast legendes , that deuiseth false myracles , whereby to deceiue the people , that giueth them pardons for money , for many thousand thousand yeares , that promiseth them helpe in their needes , and effect in all their desires , that maketh open ma●tes of the giftes and graces of God , that causeth men to runn from place to place , from Saint to Saint , from shryne to shryne to increase their offeringes , and to deceiue the people .

They are papistes that bragge of reuelations , of visions , they walke in wonders aboue their reaches , they take away Christ the mercie seate , and will needes comprehend God in his maiestie , by the iudgement of their reason , and pacific him with their workes .

True Christian diuinitie setteth not God forth vnto vs , neyther in his maiesty , nor in any manner of similitude , but streightly forbiddeth vs from the curious searching of his maiestie , which is intollerable to the body of man , but much more to the mind , wee must not therefore , bee curious to search out the nature of God , but diligent to know his will , as it is set out to vs in Christ : there is nothing more dangerous then to wander with curious speculation , to search out God , for as God in his owne nature is vnmeasurable , incomprehensible , and infinite , so he is to mans nature intollerable .

Let him then that would bee in safety and out of perill , brydle that clyming and presumptuous spirit , and seeke to knowe God but according as by the scriptures , he setteth himselfe forth to be knowne in his sonne our Sauiour .

Then hee that hath to deale in the matter of his iustification , and desireth to knowe how God is to be found , that iustifieth and accepteth sinners , let him know , there is no other , but the man Iesus Christ , that hath sayd himselfe : No man commeth vnto the father , but by me Iohn 14.

He that seeketh any other way , doth but wander , and hee that searcheth any other knowledge , is as far astray .

But to whom can we liken God , or what similitude canne wee fashion vp , that may resemble the brightnesse of his glory ?

A most horrible Idolatry to figure out the Image of God the Father , like an old man with a gray beard , with a tryple crowne on his head like a Pope , the holy Ghost , they figure like a doue , and the blessed trinitie with three faces .

Now for the Image of Christ , there be so many similitudes , as there be workemen to carue or to paint him , when euery one vseth his owne fancie to drawe him into what forme or ●auour he list , and therefore it was merily spoken by an Irishe man , who beholding an image that had beene paynted for Christ , swore that it looked so like an Englishman , that he loued it the worse .

Zenophon would needes perswade that if beastes could paynt they would portray out the image of God in the liknes of a beast , when God spake vnto the children of Israell , they sawe no similitude whereby they might fashion God into any shape or likenes , they onely heard a voyce , which voyce they were willed to obserue and keepe : It is enough that wee beeleeue Gods promises , but not to portray him out in similitudes , nor to dispute of his wil , and for those that haue beene curious to search out the cause of predestination , they haue bin wrapped in intollerable doubts , the which Saint Paul concludeth to bee all onely the will of God , for the proofe whereof he brought in the evident example , how Iacob was chosen , & Esau reproued , both before they were borne and before they had committed eyther good or euill .

The papist seeketh his iustification in his owne workes , the which being well considered , is lesse then himselfe , for the worke man is much more excellent then his worke : nowe if the article of iustification bee once subuerted , then is all christian doctrine ouerthrowne , for who are they that doe impugne this christian righteousnesse , but Iewes , Turkes , Papistes and hereticks for he that hath once lost Christ , must necessarily fall into the confidence of his owne workes .

To forgiue sinnes , to make righteous , to quicken and deliuer from death , and the deuill , and to giue euerlasting life , these are not the works of any creature , no not of Angels , but of the soueraigne maiestie the creator , and maker of all thinges .

Christ ( sayeth the Apostle ) hath giuen himselfe : but for what hath he giuen himselfe , not for our good workes , not for our vowes , not for our pylgrimages , not for our mas●ing , not for our holinesse , nor for our righteousnesse , but for our sinnes , Gala. 1.

Here is now a downe fall to the Popes pardons , to purgatory it selfe , to vowes masses and other abhominations : this gunshot beateth downe Popery , it layeth all works , merites , and all other superstitious ceremonies flat with the grounde , for if our sinnes might be taken away , by our owne workes , merites , and satisfaction , or whatsoeuer otherwise , what needed the sonne of God to be giuen for them .

Now if we did but consider of the greatnesse of the price , that the sonne of God must needes be giuen for it , & would yet thinke of any other satisfaction , whereby we might redeeme our selues we should be very iniurious , to the precious bloud of Christ .

Wee might heere againe yet further consider , that sinne is a mightie tyrant , that is not to be vanquished by the power of any creature , but by the infinite power of Iesus Christ the son of God that gaue himselfe for it .

Then what doe the papistes , that doe thinke to ouercome sin , by their owne workes and merites , but in establishing their own righteousnesse , doe deface and plucke downe the glory of God , and most perniciously doe set at naught , the precious bloude of Christ , which he so freely hath giuen vnto vs .

But our Papistes I thinke , are vtterly ignorant of the grieuousnes of sinne , & do dreame it to be of no great force nor power but that it may easily be put away , by good workes , by a popes bull or by a priests blessing .

Then they make certayne distinctions , between sinne & sinne some to be greater and some to be lesser , when there is no sinne , how sleightly so euer accounted of , but is rewarded with death , & damnation , if Christ be excluded , neither is their any other meanes whereby to repayre it but by the sheading of his most precyous bloud .

Why then thou foolish holy Pope , wilt thou beare me beleeue thou canst make mee righteous , with thy Bulles , with thy pardons , with thy indulgencies , or with thy other tra●h , that am euery day , euery houre , euery minute and euery moment , a sinner committing sinne against the almighty himselfe , & that in grieuous and haynous maner , as contempt of God , blaspheming his holy name , despising his holy worde , prophaning the Sabboth day , with a number of other like concerning the first table ? admit that I haue not committed murther , theft , whordome , and such other sinnes actuall agaynst the seconde table , yet in my heart what sinne haue I omitted , but that I am a sinner , and a continuall transgressor of all the commaundements : why then if my sinnes be so infinite , so horrible and detestable , who could repayre them , who could satisfie for them , but he that hath paid the price with his bloud ?

But will you see now the subtiltie of Sathan , to those that beegin , to lay holde on Christ by faith , to them he seemeth feareful putting them in minde of the grieuousnesse of their sinnes , and of that which is a small fault , hee maketh a very Hell , and dryueth them as much as he can to despayre of Gods mercies , neuer ceasing to accuse their consciences , and all to make them to flie from their anchor holde : to them on the other side , that hee insnareth , to trust in their own works and merites , them he lulleth asleepe in securitie , they make sinne no sinne , they thinke to repayre it , but in going to a Saints shryne , in setting vp a holy candle , or in forbearing to eate egges on Friday .

There is nothing more contrary to the nature of flesh & bloud then to be reprooued in those thinges , wherein they think themselues to deserue greatest prayse , to say they be sinners , vnrighteous , wicked , the children of wrath , when they thinke they haue made themselues righte us and holy by their good workes , by going on pylgrymage , by praying to Saints .

The wisedome and righteousnesse of the flesh is growne so proud and stately , that they cannot indure to heare of the righteousnesse of grace and faith : but that righteousnesse , which knoweth not the righteousnesse of Christ , is double sinne : and therefore these holy sinnes that are committed , bearing the shew of righteousnesse , are farre more daungerous then those fleshly sinnes indeede , that all the world doth acknowledge to be monstrous , and the more wise , righteous and holy , menn are without Christ , so much the more hurt they doe to the gospell .

If wee shoulde compare blasphemers , publicans and harlots , to those holy hypocrites , we should finde them the more likely to obteyne grace , for they when they offende haue remorse of conscience and doe not iustifie their wicked doinges , but the other dare affirme their idolatries , their wicked worshippinges , & their other abhominations , to bee the workes of righteousnesse acceptable vnto God , and thinges auaileable to saluation .

So long therefore , as the opinion of righteousnesse abideth in men , so long there is also abiding incomprehensible pride , presumption , securitie , contempt of the grace and mercy that is promised in Christ .

The doctrine of the gospell taketh from men , all glory , wisedome , righteousnesse , and giueth them to God alone , to whome they belong , the gospell is a doctrine , concerning Christ , which is neyther law nor worke , but our righteousnes , sanctification & redemption , That he might be made an oblation for the sinnes of the whole world , that our sinnes might be forgiuen for his sake , and not for the workes of the law , nor our owne righteousnesse : we acknowledge and confesse that there is nothing in vs that is able to deserue grace and the forgiuenesse of sinnes : but that at wee obteyne it by the free mercy of God , onely for Christes sake , whereby we doe not seeke to set forth mans worthinesse , but Gods mercy offered vnto vs in Christ .

For Christ and the Law cannot agree together in the conscience , the one must giue place : and he that cannot beeleeue that God will forgiue him his sinnes , for Christes sake , how can he beleeue that his sinnes shall be forgiuen , for the workes of the law , which no man yet was euer able to performe .

They that doe mingle the law , and the gospell together , doe perueit both , for either Christ must remayne and the lawe giue place or ▪ the law must remayne , and Christ must giue place .

For he that will needes couple the law with the gospell , doth not onely blemish and darken the knowledge of grace , which Paul so often speaketh of , but also he taketh away Christ with al his benefites .

The law indeed was giuen to vtter sinne , death and damnation , whereby to driue vs to Christ . The Law is our schoolmaster to bring vs to Christ saith the Apostle Gala. 3. and our Sauiour himselfe in the sixt of Iohn : Do not thinke that I will accuse you to my father , there is another that accuseth you , euen Moses in whome you trust .

One place of Scripture conteyning some threatening of the law , beateth downe all consolations besides , and so shaketh all our inward powers , that it maketh vs to forget iustification , grace the gospell and Christ himselfe .

The law no doubt is holy , righteous and good , & consequently , the workes of the law are holy righteous and good , yet notwithstanding a man is not therby iustified before God , but made the rather subiect to the curse .

And although there be nothing more necessary then the lawe and the workes thereof , yet by the same a man may be brought to the deniall of Christ , for of the lawe many times commeth a trust and affiance in workes , and where that is , there can bee no affiance in Christ : the righteousnesse of the lawe is to fulfill the law according to this saying of the Apostle , He that shall doe these thinges shall liue in them , but the righteousnesse of sayth is to beeleeue according to this saying : The righteous manne dooth lyue by fayth .

Now the Papistes that doe so much indeuour to establish the righteousnesse of workes , doe thereby tread downe the righteousnesse of Christ , for although it be true , that workes must followe faith , yet in the worke of our saluation , there must bee no medly , we must relye in the one or in the other : now faith worketh not but beleeueth in Christ , who is our propytion , and remission of sinnes , but the effect of the law is not to make righteous and to giue life , but to shewe forth sinne , and to destroy , and although the lawe sayeth , Hee that shall doe these thinges shall liue in them , yet I would but see a Papist , that could poynt me out but one man , that had so performed the workes of the law , to merite eternall life by his owne deseruings : who so euer seeketh to make himselfe holy by the lawe , what canne he imagine , but that God beeing angry , must needes be pacified with good works , & what workes can he now performe wherin he findeth not some imperfections , his fasting , his praying , his worshipping , his sacrificing he thinketh still that he hath omitted somewhat , or that he ha●h not done them as hee ought , they cannot therefore quiet his conscience .

If our reward should be according to our workes , there should no man be saued , when our best deedes ( compared to the law ) are damnable sinnes , neither by it is any flesh iustified as it appeareth in the 3. to the Rom. for the fulfilling of the law , is onely to beleeue in Christ : neyther is it written in the gospell , hee that worketh , but he that beleeueth shall be saued , and therfore they that doe seeke heauen by works , are such as doe not vnderstand the treasures that are layd vp for them in Christ .

There is no man so foolish to condemne good workes ( as the Papist most slaunderously reporteth ) but wee condemne confidence in good workes , that should eyther iustifie or make righteous whereby the precious bloud of Christ should be made altogether vnprofitable , for those that doe seeke their iustification by Lawe , or workes , what is it else but a flat deniall of Christ .

But here commeth reason now to debate the matter , who hearing of iustification by fayth , beginneth to storme : what sayth it are all my good workes then nothing worth ? haue I fasted , haue I prayed , haue I bin charitable in bestowing my money to build chappels to builde chanteryes , to giue perpetuities to massing priestes , to buy Coopes , vestments , Crosses , and chalyces , & are all these nothing worth , haue I laboured in vaine ?

In any case therefore when wee come to debate of these matters away with reason , which is an vtter enemie to fayth , and leaneth not to the righteousnesse of fayth , but to it owne righteousnesse , or at the least to the righteousnesse of the lawe : now wher Law and reason are once linkt together , there fayth looseth her virginitie : for mans reason taketh more pleasure in measuring of God , by her owne imagination , then by his worde , and doth those with better will and greater zeale , that shee her selfe hath chosen , then those that God hath commaunded .

And therefore if with the papist , we should goe about to measure the thinges appertaining to fayth and saluation , but according to the rule of reason , wee should finde both great absurditie and many impossibilities : for who can beleeue the articles of the Christian fayth , that Christ the sonne of God was conceiued , and borne in the wombe of the virgine Mary , that he was borne and suffered , the most reprochfull death of the Crosse : that the dead shall rise at the last day ? and howe absurde and foolish dooth it seeme to reason , that in the Lordes Supper , the body & bloude of Christ , should spiritually be offered vnto vs , or that the Sacrament of baptisme should be the receiuing of the holy Ghost : or if we had no better speculation then to looke with the eyes of reason how could we see or beleeue the blessed trinitie ? but how foolish and impossible did it seeme in the iudgement of reason , when God sayde vnto Abraham that he should haue a son of the withered and barren body of his wife Sara ? we may therfore conclude and that vndoubtedly , that in the searching out of thinges that are diuine , there is nothing more vnreasonable , then that which we call naturall reason : The wisedome of the flesh ( saith Saint Paule ) is enmitie with God : And therefore when God speaketh , reason iudgeth his words to be heresie .

The papist doth attribute the merit of grace , and the remissiof sinnes , to the worke wrought , for they say that a good worke before grace is auaileable to obteyne grace of congruence , beecause it is meete and conuenient that GOD shoulde rewarde such a worke , but when grace by this meanes is once obteyned , then the good workes following doe deserue euerlasting life as a due debt .

For the first worke before grace God is no debter , but beecause he is iust and good , it therefore behoueth him to approue such a worke , and to giue grace for such a piece of seruice : but when grace is obtayned , God is become a debtor , and is constreyned of right and dutie to giue eternall life : for now it is a worke don in grace and therefore it maketh gratious .

Now if a man , of his own abilitie may performe a worke which is not onely acceptable in Gods sight , but is also able to deserue grace of congruence , & get of right and duty eternall life , what neede is there then of the grace of God , of the forgiuenes of sins or of Christ himselfe ? he might well haue spared his bloude and bitter passion : we are able to craue for our selues , and to worke our owne saluation by our owne deseruinges .

But if the Pope , with all his religious rable were not both blind and malicious , they could not choose but see , and would not let to confesse it to bee a most horrible blasphemy , to thinke that there is any worke whereby to pacifie God , when wee see there is nothing that could appease him , but that inestimable price , euen the death of his Sonne : away then with these Popish satisfactions of workes , of merits , of vowes , of ceremonies , both before grace & after grace , throw them altogether with their first founders , into the bottomeles pit of hell .

Whatsoeuer is not of faith , is sinne , sayeth the Apostle Rom. 14. and therefore he that would deserue grace by workes going beefore faith , goeth about to please God with sinnes by heaping one vppon an other , and therefore thou canst not deserue grace by thy workes .

The Pelagians doe grant asmuch of grace as the papistes do , for they say that menne may haue a good purpose , and a loue of grace , of their owne naturall strength , for ( say they ) God hath giuen good Lawes : and a manne may keepe them of his owne naturall strength , or else the commandements were giuen in vayne .

And may not infidelles and misbeleeuers attayne to this merite of congruence ? for the Papistes doe grant that it commeth of naturall strength , and yet it should not follow of congruence that they shall receiue grace , nor yet attayne to the remission of sinnes , for howe should a man without a speciall grace abhor his sinnes : for if men may doe good before grace , then we may gather grapes of thornes , and figges of thistles : we see now , that the first parte of Christianitie dooth consist in the knowledge of our selues , and of our owne vnworthinesse .

The seconde part ( if thou wilt be saued ) thou must not seeke thy saluation in thy workes , but in Christ that was crucified and dyed for thee , for God hath reuealed vnto vs , that hee will bee vnto vs , a mercifull father , and without our desertes ( seeing wee are able to deserue nothing ) will freely giue vnto vs remission of sinnes , righteousnesse and life euerlasting , for his sonne Christes sake .

This is our beliefe touching Christian righteousnesse , against these horrible and monstrous blasphemies of papistes , concerning their merite of congruence , and worthines of works .

Christian righteousnesse is Christ apprehended by faith , and dwelling in the hearte , but to giue a true rule of Christianitie : first wee are to consider that a man must be taught by the Lawe to know himselfe , and to vnderstande that all haue sinned , and haue need of the glory of God , Rom. 3 and that There is not one righteous , no not one : Psal. 14. when a man is thus humbled by the lawe , and brought to the knowledge of himselfe , then followeth true repentance , and heere hee beeginneth to sigh and to seeke out for succour , and vtterly dispayring of his owne strength , hee findeth this comfortable consolation : Sonne , thy sinnes are forgiuen thee : beleeue in Iesus Christ , who hath taken thy sinnes vppon him , whose stripes haue made thee whole .

This is the beginning of health and saluation , by these means we are deliuered from sinne , iustified and made the inheritors of life euerlasting , not for our owne workes and deserts , but for our fayth whereby we lay hold vppon Christ .

When we haue thus laide hold vpon Christ by faith , through whom we are made righteous , nowe followe good workes ; and that is , to loue God aboue all thinges , call vpon him , giue thanks vnto him , prayse his holy name , confesse his goodnesse & mercie towardes thee , beginne nowe to loue thy neighbour as thy selfe , doe vnto him as thou wouldest bee done vnto , helpe the needy , comfort the afflicted , giue almes to the poore .

These be good workes indeed , for this hearing of masses , this worshipping and offering to Idols , this going on pylgrymage , to the holy Crosse , to Saint Patrickes Purgatory , this giuing to lasciuious priestes : leaue this to the Papistes , the generation of Antichrist , and the rest of that holy rable of the Popes Vermine , that dares take those priuiledges to themselues , that doe properly belong vnto Christ alone , he onely forgiueth sinnes , hee onely giueth righteousnesse and euerlasting life .

Good workes are outwarde signes of true faith , which do not iustifie of themselues , but are as testimonialles to the worker , that he is already iustified , so that workes are out the fruites of fayth : good workes are all thinges that are done within the limites of the lawes of God , in which God is honored , and for which thankes are giuen to God .

That faith that bringeth forth good workes doth iustifie , but the works doe not iustifie , and this iustifying fayth is the free gift of God without our deseruinges , for by this faith giuen vs thus by grace , we attayne the benefite of Christes death , which onely iustifieth vs , so that good workes are the fruites of a good faith .

Fasting is a good worke , but howe ? not to absteyne , from the eating of fleshe , and to pamper the panch with all sortes of fish , till it be ready to surfeit , not to refraine from the eating of an egge , and to make no conscience at the killing of a man : not to make difference of dayes , and to forbeare from butter , cheese and milke , but neuer to absteyne ( neyther fasting day nor other ) to liue in drunkennesse in whordome , and in all manner of loath some sinne and wickednes : not to fast in the honor of a Saynt , and to liue with bread and water one day , & the next day to glut our selues , and to ryot and reuell it out with all excesse .

And what are these prayers that are deliuered in a strange tongue , that are tallied vpon a payre of Beades , that are presensented to Saintes , Images and Idoles , but the works of darknes , of sinne and of damnation ?

All such religion where God is worshipped without his word , and commaundement , is idolatry , and the more holy it seemeth in outward showe , so much the more dangerous : this abstinency of the Papistes in forbearing of flesh , and eating of fishe , their praying vpon beades , their worshipping of Saints , their vowes , their pilgrimages are all Idolatry .

We doe not reiect fasting , and other good exercises as things vnnecessary , but we say that by these exercises , wee doe not obtayne remission of Sinnes : and heerevpon , the papistes both ignorantly doe iudge , and slanderously doe reporte , that wee speake against good workes .

Whether thou eate or not eate , thou art neyther better nor worse saith the Apostle , now if any man would say , if thou eate , thou sinnest or if thou abstaine , thou art righteous , hee should but shewe his ignorance : it is a small matter to eate or not to eate , but when a man doth beleeue , that in abstaining , hee meriteth heauen , or is thereby the more holy , heere God is denied , and Christ is reiected , and the blessinges of God thereby abused , and to thinke that life or saluation , or death , and damnation , dependeth in the obseruation heereof , is a deuillish superstition , and full of blasphemy .

It is truth the papistes doe fast , they pray , they watch , they do lay crosses on them selues , but by this they thinke to appease the wrath of God , to deserue grace , to worke their righteousnes , to make themselues holy : by this , they take from God his Maiestie , his diuinity , his mercy : And doe attribute the worke of their saluation , to their owne merites and deseruings .

Our Sauiour in the 6. of Mathew , reproued those workes that are not performed by faith : but what workes bee those that hee there rebuketh ? euen such as are commaunded by the scriptures , and such as euery true Christian must put in practise , namely fasting , praying , & deedes of almes : for the Scriptures themselues being once corrupted with glosses ( as our papistes do accustome and as they haue made manifest in their Remish Testament ) is no more Gods word : so those thinges that are commaunded by the Scriptures , being once peruerted , and alienated from their true vses are neyther to be accounted for good workes or godly deeds : now what are become of those merits of congruence , before faith when fasting , praying , and almes giuing are reprooued , Christe heere destroyeth not fasting , praying , and almes deedes , but hee preacheth against the purpose and intent , howe they were peruerted , by the Scribes and Pharisees , so we that do seeke our saluation in Christ onely , doe not seeke to destroy the deeds of good workes ( as the papistes vntruely doe report ) but wee say that those that doe seeke their iustification in them ( as the papist doth teach ) are most iniurious to the bloud of Christ .

Turkes and Iewes doe giue almes as plentifully as any Christians doe , yet it is abhominable , for lacke of faith and knowledg of the true intent .

In the offeringes that were made by Abell and Caine , wee see that though the workes that are performed by vngodly persons , doe make as glorious a show , as the deedes of the godly , yet in the sight of God which looketh on the heart , the deede is good because of the man , and not the man because of the deede .

The wrath of God consumeth these holy and faithles workes , as it did Nadab and Abihu : And here if we did but turne our eies vnto the Pharisees , which before the comming of Christ in his flesh , had layed the foundation of freewill , wheron they built their holy workes : see what followed , vpon feruency and zeale , they thrust themselues out of the holy rest of forgiuenes of sinnes , by faith in the bloud of Christ .

Mee thinkes the Pharisees and our papistes doe drawe together in one line , for the Pharisees persecuted Christ , because hee reprooued their holy workes , and our papistes are as angry towards vs , because we renounce their superstitious merites , and seeke our iustification in the bloode of Christ .

Abraham beleeued God and it was imputed to him for righteousnes then Abraham obtained not this righteousnesse before God through the workes of the lawe , for at that time there was no law nor in foure hundred and odd yeares after , then if there were no law , there could be neither worke nor merit , what then , but the bare promise , which Abraham beleeued , and it was accounted to him for righteousnes .

Abell and Caine , They offered their oblations vnto the Lord , but the Lord had respect to the offering of Abell : you see now sayth the papist , that God hath respect to offerings , and therefore works do iustifie : but what blindnes is this that will not suffer them to see , that God had first respect to the person of Abell , which pleased the Lord , because of his faith , their workes were both one , they both offered oblations : what was then the difference ? Abell was faithfull , and Caine an hypocrite , presuming on his owne merit , as our Papistes doe .

It is truth , faith and good workes are neere neighbours , for they still dwell together in a righteous man , but as touchinge their office , there is a great separation , for the lawe can haue no dominion but ouer the fleshe , and faith alone must dwell in the conscience , and sending Moses away with his lawe , there shee planteth Christ with his righteousnes : for the bleeuing conscience must know of no law .

He that hath once receiued Christ by faith , and knoweth that hee is his righteousnes and life , doubtles he will not be idle , but as a good tree he will bring foorth good fruite , for the beleeuing man , hath the holy Ghost , and where the holy Ghost dwelleth it will not suffer a man to be idle , but stirreth him vp to all exercises of piety and godlines , and of true religion , to the loue of God , to the patient suffering of afflictions , to prayer , to thankesgiuing , & to the exercise of charity towards all men : but these good works and this charity following faith , doe neither forme nor adorne my faith , but my faith both formeth and adorneth them .

Faith and workes therefore must be so taught , as the one hee not confounded by the other , for he that teacheth works onely , as the papistes are accustomed , then saith is lost , if faith onely be taught , then carnall men by and by begin to dreame , that workes are not needefull .

Faith is the beleeuing of Gods promises , and a sure trust and confidence of goodnes and truth , and true faith is impossible to be had without the spirit of God , for it is aboue all naturall power , that a man in the time of affliction , when God scourgeth him should then beleeue , that God then loueth and prepareth for his good .

Faith giueth glory onely vnto God , which is the greatest seruice man can doe vnto him , for without faith God looseth his glory , his wisedome , his righteousnesse , his truth and his mercy : And to conclude , there is neyther Maiestie , nor diuinity remaining vnto God , where faith is wanting .

The papist will say , that we must beleeue in Christ , and that faith is the foundation of our saluation , but it iustifieth not except it bee furnished with charity and good works : but faith of it selfe is Gods gift , and Gods worke in our heartes , which therefore iustifieth because it apprehendeth Christ .

Mans reason can not comprehend this , but thinketh of charity and of workes , what I haue done , and what I haue not done , but faith hath no other obiect then Iesus Christ , the Son of God deliuered to death for the sinnes of the whole world , saith looketh neyther to charitie , nor to workes : it saith not what haue I done , or what haue I deserued , but what hath Christ done , what hath hee deserued : the gospell then truely answereth , that hee hath deliuered me from eternall death and damnation , & therefore a true and a stedfast faith must lay hold vppon nothing else but vpon Christ alone .

When I can feele and confesse my selfe to be a sinner through Adams transgression , without my deseruings , why shoulde I not thinke my selfe to bee made righteous againe , through the righteousnesse of Christ , without my deseruinges ?

And therefore he that apprehendeth Christ truely by faith , although he be neuer so much pressed downe with the waight of his sinnes , may yet take comfort , and account himselfe to be righteous , by that onely meanes , that he possesseth Christ by faith : if this faith faile , and that it must giue place to workes or charity , or to another helpe besides , then it is but a fable that Christ is the Sauiour of the world , and God also founde to bee but a lier , that hath not performed , what he hath so confidently promised .

Let vs now acknowledge the lawe to be as it is , diuine and holy , and let vs learne of it , both how wee ought to loue God , and to demeane our selues towards our neighbour , & to aske counsaile how wee should be deliuered from sinne , the power of the Deuill , and eternall damnation : Let vs haue nothing to do with the lawe , which in that poynt doth rather terrifie , then minister comfort , heere let vs flie to the gospell which teacheth vs , that Iesus Christ the sonne of God hath payde the ransome , with his precious bloud and redeemed vs from our sinnes , and here faith alone willeth vs to receiue this , and to beleeue it : and therefore when the lawe accuseth and sinne terrifieth , let vs looke vppon Christ , laying holde on him by fayth , wee haue then present with vs the conquerour of the lawe , sinne , death and the deuill himselfe .

Whosoeuer will diligently consider of the whole argument of that booke called the Actes of the Apostles , shall finde that it teacheth nothing else , but that the holy Ghost is not giuen by the Lawe , but by the hearing of the gospell : for when Peter preached , the holy Ghost forthwith fell vppon all that heard him : & in one day three thousand that were present at the preaching of Peter , beleeued and receiued the holy Ghost : Cornelius receiued the holy Ghost , but not by his almes giuing , but Peter preaching the gospell of Christ the holy Ghost fell vppon him , and of all the rest that were present with him , so that the whole summe and argument of that Booke is , that wee are iustified by fayth onely in Christ , without our workes , and that the holy Ghost is giuen , by the onely hearing of fayth at the preaching of the gospell , and not at the preaching or worke of the Lawe .

Well sayth the papist , if the holy Ghost may be obteyned , but by hearing of fayth and the gospell preached , and that there is nothing else required of vs : alas this is but an easie matter soone performed , but the giuing of the holy Ghost , the forgiuenesse of sinnes , the deliuerance from death , are matters of greater moment then to be so easily attayned vnto : And therefore if thou wilt obteyne these inestimable benefits , there belongs more to it , then eyther hearing or beleeuing .

Thus argueth the papist , and this seemeth conformable to a mans owne reason , and this opinion is well liked , and the Pope , and the deuill himselfe will approue it .

Thus the inestimable greatnesse of the gift , is the cause that wee cannot beleeue it , and because this incomparable treasure is freely offered , therefore wee despise it : but lette Christians learne , that the forgiuenesse of sinnes , Christ and the holy Ghost are freely giuen vs by hearing of faith , and the gospell preached . And that wee must not so much thinke of the greatnes of the thing that is giuen , nor of our vnworthines that are to receiue it , as of the greatnes & gratiousnes of the giuer : we must thinke that it pleaseth God freely to giue vnto vs , that vnspeakeable gift as Christ hath sayd Luke 12. Feare not litle flocke , for it is your fathers pleasure to giue vnto you a kingdome ▪ Let foolish reason now be offended , let the papist neuer spare to rage and raile against vs , let them say we teach men to doe nothing at all for the obtaininge of so inestimable a gift but to heare the gospel preached , let them therfore refraine themselues from going to church , that they might not partake with vs of this heauenly treasure but for those that will exercyse themselues in righteousnes indeede , let them first exercise themselues in the hearing of the gospell & hauinge once receiued that , let them giue thanks vnto God : and afterwardes , let them exercise themselues in those good workes whiche are commaunded in the lawe , so that the lawe and workes , may followe the hearing of fayth : but to seeke any iustification by the lawe or by workes we leaue the one to the Iewes , the other to papistes : the papist teacheth that no man can haue any certayne knowledge whither hee bee the child of God or no , but he that doubteth of Gods good will towardes him , that man cannot beleeue that he hath forgiuenes of sinnes , but imagineth the tenth article of the Christian fayth , and maketh doubt of his own saluation , the papist indeede , hath not this feeling , for it belongeth to none but to him that hath the spirit of God : Knowe ye not your selues , that Christ is in you except ye be reprobate persons , sayth Saint Paule 2. Corin. 13. And in the sixt to the Rom. Hee that hath not the spirit of God is none of his .

Now the spirit of God is the onely marke that is giuen to those that are elect , now the Papist that hath not this feeling , if Saint Paules woordes bee true , is a reprobate , for he hath not the marke .

If any man feele in himselfe a loue towardes the word of God and willingly heareth , talketh , and thinketh of Christ , lette that man know that it is not the worke of mans wil or reason , but the gift of the holy Ghost .

So agayne where the loue of the word and gospel , is comtemned dispised , and vtterly set at naught , as we see at this day ( but especially heere in Ireland ) let them assure themselues that it is the worke of the deuill , that so blindeth their eyes and hardeneth their hearts .

Then what are the Papistes but the destroyers of the kyngdome of Christ , and the builders vppe of the kingdome of the Deuill : And as witch-craft couenanteth with the Deuill , so Idolatry couenanteth with God : for thus many prayers , for thus many Paternosters , for thus many creedes , for thus many Aues , for thus many dayes of fasting , for thus many masses , for these and many other matters the workes of the flesh , superstitious follies , and that Idolatryes .

The Papistes doe imagine of GOD , to bee but a marchant to sell them his heauenly graces , for their stinking merits .

If the doctrine of the Papistes be true , God nowe receiueth no more to his mercie , but he receiueth vs to penance , which commonly they linke together with holy workes , but what holy workes ? such as feede them fat , and pampers them in idlenesse , and yet they would seeme to fayne that idoll their Pope to be so mercifull that for a little money , there is neyther penance , nor payne of purgatory , nor fasting , nor absteyning from any filthy sin , eyther of whordome , treason , or murther , but he forgiueth all , and sendeth them to heauen and that with a trice : And as they deale with God himselfe , so they deale with the Saintes , whom they woulde make as malicious and vengible , as the Poets fayne their furies that tormentes the soules in Hell , if their eues be not fasted , their Images visited and worshipped with a Candle , or some other offeringes , which must bee perfourmed in those places , that they themselues haue chosen to heare petitioners , and to receiue their supplications : so that there is no mercy remaining in God , nor in his Saints , but all resteth in the Pope alone .

And the Pope is not onely more mercifull then God , but if a manne may beeleeue our papistes , hee is more powerfull then God : for God ( say they ) if a manne committe a sinne , vppon due repentance , hee forgiueth the offence onely , but not the payne that is due to the offence , sauing that hee turneth an euerlasting payne , but to a temporall payne , and appoynteth seuen yeares plunging in purgatorie for euery deadly sinne , but the Pope absolueth all , both a paena & Culpa , aswell from the payne that is due to the faulte , as from the faulte it selfe .

And whereas God forgiueth no sinne but vpon due repentance the Pope neuer lookes after that , money is the matter that hee standes vppon , he that hath money shal haue a plenary remission for as many horrible sinnes as any man is able to commit , let him choose whether he will repent or no , he shall be forgiuen , & for a neede if a man be disposed to committe a horrible murther the Pope will giue him absolution before hand .

The whole doctrine of the Pope tendeth to couetousnesse to robbe the simple and ignorant people , looke into their purgatory , that onely serueth but to purge mens purses , and wherefore serueth pardons but for the same purpose , their offeringes to Sayntes but to fill their bellies , their treatales and all other trash , what are they but meere cosenages and flat robberies ?

The infinite number of Popish priestes that be in Ireland doth make a great commoditie amongst the silly people , of this only conceit , that for a little money bestowed vppon them , they will not onely vndertake to doe good workes for them , but will also vndertake to stand between God and them , and to take all their sinnes vppon themselues .

Thus powerfull is the Pope if our papists say true , that he can forgiue more then any can offend , but as for God , they make him but an hypocrite , to forgiue vs the fault , but not the payne that is due to the fault : but Pau● sayes he gaue himselfe for our sinnes , if he gaue himselfe to death for our sinnes , without doubt hee is no tyrant , as the papistes woulde make him : hee that will giue himselfe to death for vs , will neyther condemne vs , nor take pleasure in our torment .

What vnkindnesse in our papistes that without any authoritie of scripture , will yet seeke to dispoyle God of his honor , imagining that he hath not deliuered vs aswell from the paine as from the sin : and what blasphemy to thinke that Christs bloud , was not sufficient , to giue full remission to his faythfull , aswell for the one as for the other : or for what intent should the payne be reserued to satisfie towardes God , when all the paynes of Hell are not able to purge one sinne or to satisfie for it , which if it were , in continuance of time , the damned soules should be deliuered from Hell .

For our better vnderstanding let vs heere consider the sinnes which we doe commit , if they should be measured by our selues that doe commit them , they could be but finite : for of men that are of themselues but finite , how should come that which is infinite ? but transgression is increased according to the proportion of him against whom it is committed : the sinnes which we commit then , are against the infinite Maiestie of God , in regard of whom our sinnes are truely infinite : to an infinite offence , then doth belong an infinite punishment , which could neuer be borne nor remitted , but of that which was likewise infinite : God by his infinite grace hath giuen vs his sonne infinite as himselfe to beare it : our Sauiour by his infinite power , hath borne and swallowed vpour infinite paine , and that further by his infinite obedience purchased for vs Gods infinite grace : hee doth then forgiue vs that debt which another hath payd him , hee doth furthermore forgiue vs that punishment , which another hath borne for vs : thus as in the sinnes which wee committ , God had regard vnto himselfe against whom it was committed , so in the satisfaction for the sinne , he had the like respect to that which was done , by our Lord and Sauiour Iesus Christ , and thus against an infinite punishment hee hath opposed an infinite grace : the punishment was infinite in respect of God , grace was infinite for his sake that suffered , who was likewise God and man , but if Christ hath redeemed vs from the sinne and not from the paine , as the papist would perswade , then grace should loose his grace , and we should still remaine in the state of damnation .

Me thinkes our papists should now be ashamed of their Pope that dates thus presume to eclips the glory of Gods mercy , and the worthines of Christes satisfaction : but alas what shoulde I speake of shame vnto them that haue forgotten to blush ? Christ hath chosen vs before the beginning of the world , that we might bee holy and without spot in his sight . Ephe. 1.

If through his chosing and election we be without spot in his sight , what buzzardly blindnes to suppose , that hee will yet haue vs to be tormented in Purgatory , as these popelings do beleeue .

But it will be sayde , why who is so righteous but that hee may say his Pater noster of the which one part is Forgiue vs our trespasses , as wee forgiue them that trespasse against vs ? And it is truth , there liueth no man vpon earth without sinne : notwithstanding , all those that were chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world was layd , are without spot of sinne in the sight of God : so that they are both sinners and righteous : if wee consider our rebellious members , which as Saint Paul sayth , are solde vnder sinne Rom. 7. then wee are greiuous sinners , but contrary , if wee beleeue that by the mercifull fauour of God , hee hath freely giuen vs his Christ , and with him all things , so that we bee destitute of no gift , as Paul doth testifie Rom. 8. then are wee righteous in his sight , and our conscience at peace with God : and what haue we then to doe with Purgatory ?

But leauing a number of testimonies , that might be cited out of the holy scriptures witnessing the promises : let this suffice that is auouched by the Prophet Dauid , whom his 32 Psalme sayth Blessed is he whose iniquitie as forgiuen , And making exposition of his owne wordes , hee proceedeth , Blessed hee whose sinnes are couered .

Nowe who can couer his sinnes from the sight of God , who setteth the most secret sinners that are , in the light of his countinance , that looketh into the very imginations of men , that are nothing else but euill continually ? or wherewith may a man so couer his sinnes , but that they will breake out ? for what can be hid from that peircing sight that seeth in man , that he discerneth not in himselfe , that did first knowe him before hee was created , and hath iustly calculated and cast vp all his sinnes , all his abhominations before they were euer acted or done ?

But wherewith shall wee seeke to couer them , what with good workes , as Adam did with figge leaues ? it is hypocrisie , and the holy hypocrit , & the proud Pharisee , is more odible in the sight of God , then the Publican or harlot .

How then shall we couer our sinnes , for couered they must be , and we must appeare holy and without spot in his sight : how are they then to be couered they are then couered from God , when they be couered by God , then are they couered from his wrath , when they be couered by his mercy , and they shall bee couered by his mercy , when they bee couered by the precious bloode of our Sauiour Iesus Christ , who is our propitiation & righteousnes : hee that seeketh any other couerture then this , seeketh but with Adam to hide himselfe in the thicket of a bush , where the iustice of God will finde him out .

It followeth in the next verse , Blessed is the man , to whome God imputeth not his sinne , and in whose spirite there is no guile : but why is it not sayd heere , blessed is he that hath not sinned at all , or blessed is he that hath not offended or transgressed the law ? because it is sayd else where that all men are sinners , & the Apostle sayth If any man say he hath no sinne , he is a lier , &c.

Or why is it not sayd blessed is he that can so conforme himselfe from a sinner , to become no sinner , that by his owne works and merites , can make himselfe holy .

Because the most righteous man sinneth seuen times a day , yea that great Apostle Paul himselfe was left with a pricke in his flesh wherewith to exercise him , the which when he prayed vnto God to haue it taken from him , he was answered : My grace is sufficient for thee .

He therefore can not be blessed that stands of his owne righteousnes : but Blessed is he to whome God imputeth not his sinne , in whose spirit there is no guile .

But who is now this blessed one , or where is hee to bee found , for if there be none blessed , but he that hath a pure and a cleane spirit , where shall we seeke him ?

But let vs compare the wordes as they stand , in the first verse it is sayd , Blessed is he whose iniquitie is forgiuen , Blessed is hee whose sinnes are couered : it followeth in the second verse , Blessed is he to whom the Lord imputeth not his sinne , in whose spirit there is no guile .

Why then to him whose iniquitie is forgiuen , to him the Lord imputeth not his sinne : And to him againe whose sinne it hath pleased God to couer , that man is reputed to bee of an vpright heart : so that the wordes are expounded the one by the other : those then are not blessed that thinke to couer their sinnes themselues , but those whose sinnes are couered by the mercy of God : And who are those whose sinnes it pleaseth God so to couer ? euen those that doe discouer themselues freely vnto him : the man in whose heart there is found no guile .

Not him that doth make showe to be honest , and yet is full of deceit , as our Merit-mongers , and Iustitiaries , that will acknowledge no sinne , but doe iustifie themselues by their owne deseruinges : but blessed are those that will confesse their sinnes , and righteous by consequence , are those whome God hath iustified in forgiuing their sinnes , imputing vnto them the righteousnes , of his sonne : for seeing we haue lost our originall righteousnes , we haue not in vs any righteousnes greater , then to confesse our vnrighteousnes , neither can wee recouer any other righteousnesse to helpe vs , then that the Father hath imputed vnto vs in his Sonne .

I haue hetherto prosecuted the impieties of popery , howe it secludeth Christ , & burieth all the benefitts of his precious death and passion : I might yet speake of many other abhominations that are hatched vp in the Romish Chruch , as their adoring of Images , their publicke seruice in an vnknowne tongue , not vnderstood by the people , their sacrificing of the sonne of God to his Father for the sinnes of the world , their adoring the eliments of bread and wine , with diuine honour in stead of Christ , their shrift , their releasing of soules out of Purgatory by prayers and pardons , their inioyning of Priests to single life , whereby they doe liue in whoredome , and in loathsome and filthy vncleanes .

These , with many other superstitions , & errours in doctrine , might yet bee spoken of , the which for the present time I omitt : now what account God will exact , for his name blasphemed , his Sonne refused , his sacramentes prophaned , and his worde thus despised , is much to be feared , in the meane time , let vs beseech the Father of glory , to giue vs the spirit of wisedome , knowledge and vnderstanding , and so to inlighten the eyes of our minde , that wee may knowe his wayes , and bee led through faith vnto the knowledge of him that is all veritie .

FINIS .