The true report of a late practise enterprised by a papist with a yong maiden in Wales, accompted emongst our Catholiques in those partes for a greater prophetise, then euer was the holie maide of Kent, till now on Sundaie beyng the iiii. of Marche this present yere 1582. in the Cathedrall Churche at Chester, before the whole assemblie then at a sermon she confessed how she had been seduced by a ronegate priest, and how by his instructions she had feined to see certaine visions, whiche like wise followe in due forme. The pervsyng whereof, the reformed Protestaunte shall finde cause worhtie to laugh at: the wilfull papist matter is to bee ashamed at: and all sortes of people good example to be warned at: truly set doune without any maner of parciallitie, by Barnabe Riche gentleman. Pervsed and allowed accordyng to the order appointed.

The report of a late practise enterprised by a Papiste .

THe vnaduised regard of the worlde now a daies ( courteous reader ) in pubilshing printed vntruthes , to bryng in varietie of vanities ( for the better satisfiyng of idle heades ) almoste withdraweth my mynde from my pretensed purpose . But for that I am moste assuredly perswaded , and not induced onely by reportes , but confirmed by learned and discrite beholders , my self beeyng an eye witnesse to some parte , it maketh me therefore nothyng doubtfull to laie open to the worlde , a thyng of moste assured veritie , and with all a moste pestiferous practise of a groshedded Papiste but lately put in vre : Not doubtyng but that all thynges shall drawe to a good exigent , since the groundes be so certaine .

And whereas it maie be wondered , why amongst the rest my self onely adicted to Militarie profession , should dare presume to enter into those matters , which by Antichrist and his vpholders are deemed to be more then demy heauenly : Know you , that two speciall causes haue drawne me to it : The one the seriouse perswasions of deare freendes , namely ( amongst many others ) Maister Richard Ioyner a Phisition dwelling in Chester , sometymes a disciple of the Popes , and a cheefe companion in Oxenford , with our late halowed , Sainct Edmunde Campion , and now ( by Gods permission ) both hym self freed from his former follies , and desirous that others should be warned of the like .

My seconde reason is , for that I finde the matter so simple , as I esteeme it to insufficient to deserue the ouerlooking of the learned , and yet so pernicious , as it could not escape the scoffe of a Souldier , who as in tyme of warre , he is bounde to his Countries behoofe with his Pike , so in causes that grow within compasse of his coniecture ( beeyng profitable to the Commonweale ) ●e is not to with holde his penne .

So it is , that hauyng been in Irelande vpon her Maiestes affaires , I made my returne accompanied with the worshipfull Captaine Thomas North , brother to the right honorable the Lord North Captaine Thomas Maria Wyngfeeld with sundrie others that can likewise testifie a truthe in this cause , it was our chaunce to ariue at Chester on Satirdaie beeyng the thirde of Marche this present yere 1582. where amongest other matters of worthinesse , we heard greate good reporte , of that graue and studiouse diuine Maister Goodman , who as we vnderstoode the next daie was appoincted to preache , we beyng desirous to staie our Iourney on the Sabboth day , addressed our selues to Churche , where to our greate edification , wee heard the learned discourse of Maister Goodman , whose bolsome aduertisements , tended to the confusion of errour , admonishyng his hearers , to beware of the subtill practises of Papistes , whiche were continually busied with sedusing the simple and ignorant .

In the ende of his Sermon , there stoode foorthe in open veiwe a young Maiden , called by the name of Elizabeth Orton borne in Orton Madocke in the Countie of Flint , & Dioces of Chester , about the yeres of fourteene or fifteene of proper personage , and the Daughter of Ihon Orton yet liuyng , and dwellyng in Orton a foresaied . This young Maiden , before the whole assembly there present after the Sermon , deliuered this protestation Verbatim as followeth .

¶ The Confession of Elizabeth Orton vttered by her the fourth of Marche last past , in the Cathedrall Churche of Chester .

GOod people , you shal vnderstand , that J Elizabeth Orton haue been seduced by a vile runnagate Papist , named Sir Hughes , once Scholemaster in Orton Madocke , where my father dwelleth , who hauing ( as J right well perceiued since ) an intent to deceiue the simple and Ignorant people , and to cary them from the light of the Gospell into the darkenesse of Papistrie , abused the simplicitie of my tender yeres , and brought me to beleeue , that if I would not doe as he instructed me , J could neuer be saued , and so puttyng me in feare that my soule could not otherwise escape eternall damnation , he wrought me at length to yeeld to his perswasions and allurements , and caused me to take vppon me , that J sawe Visions of the fire of Purgatorie , and affirme that I was laid therein , and of the Masse , and of the Mother of Christ , and sundrie others which of truth J did not see : But now beyng of more discretion then at that tyme I was , and knowing better of true Religion ( God be therefore thanked ) then at that tyme J did , I doe here before God and you protest , that those Visions whiche are reported to bee seen of me , J neuer did see neither did know , what suche matter meaneth , neither did euer see any Masse , or any signe of fire of Purgatorie , or any such thing in vision or out of vision , but was misseled by the wicked counsaile , and false practises , of that naughtie fellowe Hughes , to affirme and saie , J sawe suche thynges as J did indeede neuer see , whereof J doe hartely desire you all to beware of trayterous Papistes , and to take heede how you harken or giue eare to suche forged and vaine tales and reportes , as are raised vpon those vnseene visions of myne , and to praie to GOD for me , that it would please him to forgiue all my offences , and this offence especially , whiche I committed of simple Ignoraunce , beeyng thereunto perswaded , by such a craftie and subtill seducer .

Her speeche beyng thus ended , Maister Bauyan the Maior of Chester inuicted Maister North , Maister Wyngfeeld , and my self to goe home with hym to Dinner , where wee founde very worshipfull entertainement , there dined likewise other Aldermen and Townes men of Chester , amongst whom I enquired , what might be the meanyng why the yong Maiden had made this open protestation , I was aunswered , that it was now almost two yeres past sith she had feined in Vision to see our Sauiour Iesus Christe , with the Virgin Mary his Mother , S. Anne our Ladies Mother , Mary Magdalene , Sainct Ihon Babtist saiyng Masse , accompanied with the Apostles : and that she had seen Purgatorie and been in Purgatorie , with many other like reuelations , the whiche she either so cunnyngly counterfeited , or at the least her beholders that were present duryng the tyme of her extasies , were so credilous , or peraduenture willyng to haue furthered her in her purpose , that it was streight waies imagined , by a multitude of dull headded Papistes in those partes , that God had raised that little yong Prophetese , to the greate glorie of their holie Father the Pope , and to the high aduauncement of their little wheaten God : And although that sith that tyme she had passed the examinations of so Honorable as the Erle of Darby , and so reuerende as the Bishoppe of Chester with sundry others , yet she still stoutly stoode to her tacklyng , mainetaynyng her vnseene reuelations to bee true , till now at the length by the admonitions of this good father Maister Goodman , she was become penitent , confessed a truth , and in our presentes , and that open assembly so disclosed and detested her errour as you haue heard .

After this , I had inteligence of a Pamphelet that was secretly spread , wherein was described the maner of her Visions , penned by some Archpapist that was ashamed to put to his owne name , and yet of suche accoumpt amongst our Catholikes in those quarters , that it carieth better credite then either the Epistles of Sainct Paule , or the Gospelles of the fower Euangelistes : and by the reportes of sundrie credible personages , diuers Copies of it are sent ouer the Sea as a precious present , some to Fraunce , some to Rome , but very many into Irelande .

The Copie of this Pamphelet was giuen me by Maister Gondman , the whiche when I had ouerlooked , I founde in it suche profounde and deepe doctrine , as although before me in my yonger daies , I had ouer read the famous Histories of Sir Beuis of Hampton , of Sir Guy of Warwicke , of the Frier and the Boy , of Howleglas , of Frier Rushe , and sundrie other like , yet I dare boldly affirme , that this for matter and circumstaunce doeth farre exceede and goe beyonde them all : yea , and nothyng put doune but might bee approued by good authoritie , and throughly confirmed by Legenda Aurea : Were it not pittie then that so worthie a worke as this , should be still thus smothered vp amongst our Catholikes ? the whiche questionles if it were published and brought to light , could not bee but accoumpted of , euen amongst children and fooles .

Receiue then with reuerence this precious peece of worke in due maner , as it was first penned by that greate Clarke Iohannes siue nomine , sauyng that in the margent I haue coated doune certaine principall poinctes worthie to be noted : willyng thee ( freendly Reader ) before thou aduenture to peruse it , first to sanctifie thy self with Crossynges and blessynges , it skilles not how fewe , Pater nosters in Latin the more the better , halfe a dosen of Creedes maie very well suffice , but as many Aue Maries as will fill a quarter Sacke , this doen , feare not then thou maist reade it at thy pleasure : But if thou wilt vse it to thy better auaile , reade it fastyng , then make thy Dinner with a pound of Potato Rootes , and I warrant thee it shall make thée as holy as a poke full of the Popes pardons , and thus followeth the text .

¶ The true reporte of two miracles or visions that appeared vnto Elizabeth Orton , Daughter to Ihon Orton of Orton Madocke , beeyng in the Countie of Flint and Dioces of Chester , the one , the first of February , the other , the fower and twentie of the same Moneth in this present yere . 1580.

An honourable thyng no doubt , to publishe lyes . VNderstanding by the testimony of Raphaell the Archangell , it is an honorable thing to publishe the workes of GOD , and readyng in the Monumentes of the auncient fathers , the holy Bishoppes did vse to declare vnto the people , What a multitude of Fathers he hath brought her for his incouragement , he hath named S Augustin who blamed a Gentlewoman , we can not tell wherfore . suche Visions and Miracles as had happened amongst them , whereof S. Augustine hymself so well liked , that he blamed greatly a noble Gentlewoman of his acquaintaunce for not reuealing the power of God shewed vppon her .

Wherefore , being incouraged by the holsome admonition of an Aungell , and examples of so many graue fathers of greate antiquitie , I am the rather induced to communicat vnto the deuoute Reader , certaine merueilous Visions that our Lord hath reueiled of late vnto a yong girle , to the increase of his honour , His Honour you must vnderstande the Masse , his enemies bee the Protestantes , the poore afflicted flock are the Papistes . confusion of his enemies , and comforte of his poore afflicted seruaunts , whom he hath yet staied , within the vnitie of his Catholique Churche , protestyng faithfully that in this writyng , I shall neither adde nor deminishe * *

Nor yet say truthe .

Her frendes that wer furtherers of so notorious a lye , whose zeale towardes Poperie is suche that thei care not what thei do to maintaine their follie . He feares aforehande that you will smel out a lye , therfore you must nedes beleue that all is true , otherwise a lye is not worthe the tellyng .

any thing , but sincerely reporte ( as nere as my memorie can beare away ) what I haue learned of the partie her self , and other her freendes , that were witnesses of so greate a wonder , in whose honestie and credite I haue suche affiaunce , that I am sure they would not be abashed to iustifie the truth what thei haue seene and heard before any man liuing , wherein if some thing should seeme to the hearers vncredible , let hym not measure Gods omnipotent power by his owne infirmitie , but with all meekenes let hym indeuoure to applye these heauenly Visions , as a speciall warnyng to hym self , for the amendyng of his owne life : And because the matter maie bee of the Reader better conceiued , I will first declare what the company ( that remained with the saied young wenche ) did obserue , duryng this extasie , and then I wil open her Vision , as by diligent examination , I receiued it from out her own mouth .

This girle hauyng to name Elizabeth Orton , beeyng about the age of thirteene or fourteene yeres , and brought vp according to the corruption of the tyme , in ignorance and libertie , * * Somthyng in knauerie instructed by obstinate Papistes . vppon Candelmas euen at eight of the Clocke within night , this present yeare of our Lorde 1580. sittyng by the fire , A matter to be wondered at , to se a woman weepe . began to weepe sodainly , whereat the beholders were sodainely amased , especially because thei knewe her to bee in perfect healthe , and in her owne fathers house , where she might bee moste bolde , and while she thus continued , or rather increased her weepyng , one of her freendes demaunded the cause of her heauines , vnto whom she made no aunswere , wherewith incontinently a whole fountaine of teares issued from her eyes most habundantly , very lamentable to the beholders , and fallyng doune vppon her knees before her stepmother , with others that were present bitterly weepyng , sobbing and sighing , she spake as followeth .

My tyme is appoincted , I haue to remaine but a little space with you , wherefore if I haue offended any of you all , as I knowe I haue doen , euen as you looke to obtaine forgiuenes of God for your owne sinnes , I desire you for his sake to forgiue me ( a miserable sinfull creature ) those thynges wherein I haue offended you . The whiche wordes beyng vttered with merueilous vehemencie , made all the companie that heard the same astonied : And when they had aunswered we forgiue with al our hartes , she arose and thanked them , wherevpon incontinently turnyng from them , she stared and fixed her eyes towards one place , as beholding some bodie , and ioynyng bothe handes in most reuerent maner saied these wordes : Iesu forgiue me , Iesu forgiue me a sinfull wretche , sweete Iesu forgiue me , wateryng her praiers with salte teares . Afterwardes pausing a while and turning againe to the assistaunce , she spake againe on this wise .

God hymself I thanke hym of his goodnesse hath freely forgiuen me my sinnes and wickednesse , I know it , I know it , A badde forgiuenesse , if you marke the sequell . for he hath so promised me , loe where he standeth , beholde I see hym , let me goe to hym , let me imbrace hym , I see hym stand here before my face , accompanied with his holy Mother , beholde she standeth by hym , and russhyng her self with very greate strength , offered towardes the place where she saied Christ appeared vnto her , castyng both her armes abroade , as one readie to embrace , then ioynyng them againe to her bodie very fast , she saied : Now I haue hym , I haue hym in myne armes , O good Lord forgiue me , thou knowest what greate desire I haue to come vnto thee , fy fy on this wretched worlde , here is no goodnesse in it , I defy the worlde , I defy the world .

With these wordes and the like , she mooued her audience to greate remorse for their sinnes , and admiration at the sight , the rather , because thei vnderstood by her sober wise aunswers to all their demaundes , that she had the perfecte vse of her witte and memorie .

After this staiyng her self awhile , and beyng somewhat more quiete , the assistauntes hoped the fit was ended , but loe , besides their expectation , she began againe to bee pittifully troubled , with intollerable paines , and to powre foorthe teares as before she did , but yet more haboundantly , that thei seemed to droppe doune bothe her eyes bigger then Hailestones , vtteryng moreouer these wordes with great vehemencie .

Peruse this circumstance well , and than tell me if a wise manne would beleue that any dunce hedded Asse , would so far ouershoote hymself to perswade so mea●e a vanitie , for an vndoubted vertue . O Lord hast thou prouided for me this Purgatorie the which I see before my face , burning with Pitche Rosin and Brimstone : Lorde I thanke thee thou hast freely forgiuen me , & now O Lorde , the blessed Virgine thy Mother hath likewise promised forgiuenes , but yet she hath not forgiuen me as thou hast doen , I must enter into this fire that doeth so extremely burne , good Lorde I had rather wallowe my naked bodie the space of fower and twentie houres in angerie sire , then once to put the ende of my finger in this fire of Purgatorie , whiche burneth so merueilously : then casting her eyes aside , ioynyng both her handes together , with very deuoute gestures and blubbered cheekes , in most pittifull maner she spake as followeth .

O blessed Virgine and holy Mother of God , forgiue me as thy holie Sonne hath doen , and suffer me not to goe to yonder fire to be tormented in this wife .

Here you maie se what a cruell hatred gentlewoman our Ladie is .

This doctrine is farre fette I can tel you

She continued a certaine space most earnestly crauyng pardon of the holie Mother the Virgine , not for her sinnes ( to my simple iudgement ) alreadie forgiuen her by Christe , but for the temporall punishment due to her sinnes , that then was represented before her eyes , as it shall appeare anone more plainely by her owne wordes to the holy Virgin : In the meane tyme let the Reader vnderstande that her pardone was denaied , where at you shall haue no suche cause to maruaile , in beholdyng the Mother of mercie so harde to bee intreated , O wisely considered . if you consider that she might committ some sinne against the holie Virgine , that deserued condigne punishement , although to saie the truthe vnfainedly , I beleeue that our blessed Ladie did therein more for her , then if shee had quite released her paines , as thei can best testifie , who haue euer sithence perceiued in her life wonderfull alteration .

But to returne againe where I left , A greate grace of God that it did not sette the house on fire . the seelie wenche beholdyng this fire to drawe nerer and nerer , and fearing that she could not escape it , at last yeelded her will to Gods determination , vtteryng these wordes to the Mother of Christ .

Well blessed Virgine Mary , since it is thy will ( good Virgine ) I should enter into this fire , because I can not haue forgiuenesse at thy handes I must bee contented , and now I goe into it , Iesu helpe me , Iesu be mercifull vnto me , wherwt immediatly , she made a shew , both by gesture of bodie & wordes , vttered in suche lamentable wise , that al the lookers on were fully perswaded , this tender girle to indure vnspeakeable tormentes , the space of one houre and more , sustainyng to their iudgementes , * * Or wiseman able to beleue . greater panges then penne is able to write or tongue is able to expresse , for it seemed more terrible then a womans paines in trauaile with Childe , or a man when the stitch teareth his bodie in peeces , and woundeth the harte to death : In so muche that the beholders wondered greatly , how her yong and tender fleshe could indure the same , for she burned within as well as without , that the heate broyled vp to her mouthe , This fire is more hot then the scorching flames of Loue . and her skinne scorched with suche excessiue heate , that hardly could any man abide to touche her to be briefe , for very paine her eyes were couered with a mist , and her mouthe fomed , that all the companie assistauntes dispaired of her life , and were sore greeued to see so heauie a spectacle , and to heare so pittifull a voyce pearcyng their eares , oh , oh , oh , O good Lorde I burne , good Lorde I burne .

The rest of her words were such as became the seruaunt of God , neuer ceasing , whilest her bodie laie in the fire , to occupy her tongue with praising God , and calling vpon his holie name , for helpe and ease of her paine , vtterly defiyng the whole worlde , withall the vanities thereof , sinne , and all sinfull meanes : To conclude , beyng come at the last to an ende of her punishment , and feeling her poore body vnable to indure the paine , she saied : oh that I had one droppe of water to coole this cruell burnyng heate wherein I am , Lorde , Aqua vitae , a precious ointment against the fire of Purgatorie . Lorde , if it bee thy will sende it me : and forth with one of the standers by , spilt vpon her a little Aqua vitae , wherevpon in their conceipte , the burning slaked somwhat , for she said , Lord I thanke thee now some of the greate heate is cooled , I thanke thee good Lorde .

Finally , beeyng throughly released from all her paines , she called often vpon a yong Mayd named Alco Ioua , who had been buried the same daie , and stretching her arme from her , as if she tooke her by the hande , criyng earnestly vppon her to staie till she was readie , for she would come with her : and this is the effect of her wordes and behauiour during the first extasie , that thei could beare awaie who were nearest vnto her as I learned out of their mouthes by seuerall examinations : Muche more then is here written she saied , and did as deuoutly as harte could wishe , but their wittes were so rauished to behold suche a lamentable sight , that thei had no mynd nor leisure to marke euery thing particulerly . Neuerthelesse , by this that is spoken , He that will not credite this tale , it were pittie but he should want a merie tale . I hope the deuoute Reader shal finde sufficient instruction to credit the Vision , that dependeth wholy vpon the girles reporte in order as followeth .

After all her troubles nowe ended , and the Vision now vanished , some of the companie did conueie her to bed , where she had a shorte slumber very vnquiete , and loe this while her sences were so taken , that to their iudgements she lay starke dead , but being at the length awaked , she did complaine that all the ioyntes of her bodie were so weary , as if thei had been stretched out of the Racke .

About this tyme , her Stepmother began to examine her what she had seene and heard , but she desired respite , because of her wearinesse , whereof her saied Mother beyng ill apaied , expected better opertunitie , and within fiue houres after , vnderstandyng the girle to be in very good moode , she brought with her certaine of the companie , that had beene present , who demaunded forthwith whither she did remember her talke to them the night before , whose aunswere was , that she neither remembred them to be in place , nor any communication betwene her and them , wherewith thei were not a little amased , hauyng also knowne her to be in very perfecte health and brode wakyng all the saied while , therefore perswading them selues , that she could not indure those troubles without some straunge alteration of mynde , thei exhorted her earnestly to open what she had seen and heard , wherewith she spake as followeth .

Yesternight as I sat by the fire , my hart and conscience was grieuously troubled with sencible remorse for my sinnes , then followed teares in suche haboundance , that I had no power to refraine them , and loe this while appeared vnto me , a goodly faire birde , hauyng the bodie of a Sparhauke , the face of a Man , the beake of a Pigion , and feathers of diuers colours , makyng greate speede towardes me , It should be some Purseuaunte from the Pope by his ●ied cote . lightyng vppon my breast , and with his winges couered the same , and very softly first laid his bill on my forhead , then on myne eyes , lippes and breast , that being doen , he declared that he was a messenger from God , chargyng me to bee readie at an houres warning , and to aske them forgiuenesse whom I had offended , and so varnished awaie from my sight .

This saiyng made me to feare that my tyme was now come , and that the Angell ( for so I tooke hym to bee ) would fetche mee , within a while after , hauyng asked forgiuenesse , beholde I might see our Sauiour Christ , She knewe them at the first sight . with the blessed Virgine his Mother , and lastly the fire of Purgatorie outragiously burnyng before me , wherein I lay punished from the breast dounewarde , head , armes and shoulders beeyng free from all paine .

The assistauntes hearyng of Purgatorie , were very desirous to vnderstande the coloure and nature thereof , &c. Who aunswered them againe , that this fire of Purgatorie , The discription of Purgatorie . seemed to her in colour very blewe , and vehement in burnyng , faster boylyng then any water seethyng , and without interruption , casting like Mountaines greate waues , not forward as the Sea , but vpward , especially when there laie any soule tormented , for it appeareth 1 1 That is , when the Pope is charitably disposed , and giues a free pardon with out money . sometime voyde of soules , and then it seemeth to be more calme .

To bee breef , 2 2 Here you may earne to make Purgatorie . this fire in his nature did nothyng agree with our fire , the matter that burned therein was Pitch , Rosine , Grease , Brimstons & boylyng Leade , all conteined in a large Furnace : More I can not remember , sauyng that I asked forgiuenesse : and so ended her vision , Whereof I doubt 3 3 There is none , vnlesse he bee some arrant heretique that will euer doubt of this some incredulos person will make small accompt , that the saiyng of S. Paule maie vee verified in them , Animalis homo non percepit ea que sunt dei : A sensuall man vnderstandeth not those thynges that are of God : And I for my parte beleue it as verely as I thinke him to bee honest that pende it doune . for myne owne parte I am assuredly perswaded that all is most true , as hauing receiued it out of her owne mouthe , with whose good nature and vertuous disposition , I am throughly acquainted withal , therefore I neede not feare to conclude of her with the holie Scripture , In fornace probabit electos dominus , & quasi holo castum accepit eos in eternum : In a Furnace our Lorde hath receiued his chosen , and as a burnt offeryng he hath accepted them for euer : Laus dei Amen .

When it seemed conuenient to the wisedome of God , that his seruaunt should be released of her troubles , it pleased his diuine goodnesse at parting to bestow on her a gift , what she should feele in her self , a deadly hatred to sinne in token of his beeyng with her . For immediatly after , what great care she did take to forgoe ragious othes , idle talke , with other pleasures of the worlde , and breefly what thyng so euer besides she vnderstoode to bee an offence against God , If you mark this sequell well , you shal easly perceiue our aucthors whole drifte , who yet hetherto though he hath plaid the foole , and set doune matter fitte for Children to spout withal , yet now if his witte would serue hym , he would faine play the knaue but that God knoweth his conceipt is so grosse , that euery foole maie finde it . suche of her frends and acquaintance as know her familiarly can witnesse the same : Neuerthelesse , beeyng amongst them conuersant , who had no true knowledge of God , she praied stil of the newe Englishe Primer , and refreined not the Seruice now vsed in Churches , but by the waie it is to bee noted , that all her freendes as many as were priuie vnto her first Vision , of purpose conspired to treade vnderfoote the miracle , more tenderyng the fauour of men , then the displeasure of God . Notwithstandyng , he to whose diuine power nothyng is vnpossible , would not haue so miraculous a worke to bee long secrete , for within three weekes after and three daies , beyng the Feast of Sainct Mathias the Apostle , about seuen of the Clocke at night , the foresaied yong wenche sitting by the fire , began to weepe , as in her former Vision she had doen , wherewith the companie aboute her suspected a storme , and loe immediatly in their hearyng she saied Iesus welcome : and rising vp , offered to goe towardes the place where he appeared vnto her , but one of the companie staied her , to whom she spake as beyng somewhat offended , what will you not suffer mee to imbrace my GOD , let me goe to hym : and because she was somewhat vnruly , they laied her in her bedde , where three strong persones had businesse enough to holde her , for she made muche adoe to rise on her feete , criyng still O God I see thee , O that I might imbrace hym , but perceiuyng her little bodie to weake , she reached her arme towards the place wherevppon her eyes were fixed , saiyng : come lord come , let me haue thee by the hand , beholde I see hym before my face , holdyng in the right hande a 1 1 You knowe thei must nedes haue candell light at that tyme of yere , for by 7. a clocke it is darke in Februarie . Waxe Candle burnyng together with the blessed * * Is not here good rule thinke you , that beyng so few women in heauen as thei saie there is , and yet three of the chefest of them should bee out of their lodginges at that time of night Virgine Mary , S. Anne the holie Virgines Mother , Mary Magdalene , and Sainct Ihon Babtist , whom I see here hard by my beds side , and turnyng from them againe , she saied with very great vehemencie , O Lord , he reacheth his hande towardes me , let me goe to hym , let me imbrace hym , wherewith immediatly by meare force in dispite of them all , she rose vpon her feete , and spreadyng bothe armes she ioyned them againe fast to her stomacke , vtteryng these wordes : I haue haue hym now in armes , O good Lord I haue thee , Iesus help me , leaue me not sweete Iesus leaue mee not : neuer ceasyng to call vpon his holie name . But one of the assistauntes beeyng wearie to heare the often repetition of Iesus , of Christe , and of our Ladie , desirous to put her to silence , saied vnto her : content your self Elizabeth , wee see Christe as well as you doe : Whom she aunswered with indignation , fy vpon thee shamefull wretche full of iniquitie and sinne , how falsly doest thou lye , it is not possible for thee nor any wicked creature to looke vpon him , no corporall eyes can haue the sight of his glorie : myne eyes dasell and smarte to beholde his Clothes , muche more then if I gazed against the Sunne beames at noone , when thei are strongest : And more she spake with a loude hollowe voyce in the throte : Nay , thou shalt as dearely buy it as I haue doen before thou see hym . And hauyng no soner ended her talke , there came vppon her a merueilous greate terrour and feare , whereof insued tremblyng of her bodie , pantyng of her harte , woorkyng of her vaines , fomyng at her mouthe , fallyng grouelyng on her bed for paine , struglyng , and criyng out most pitifully , defiyng the worlde , and all sinfull creatures therein ( for so she termed them ) and callyng without intermission vpon the holy name of Iesus , to be deliuered from all paines , whiche lasted two houres long , most ruthfull to the beholders , and nothyng inferior to her former punishment when she laie in Purgatorie : and this ( as I suppose ) chaunced , for feare she should feele againe the foresaied torment , being ( as it is euident by her owne speech in their hearing ) already represented before her eyes , for she called often Ales Ioua , and Mistris Conway her Grandmother , at length she was admonished in her Vision , to procure that S. Ihons Gospell written by a Priest , might bee tyed about her necke : Whereof beyng very desirous , one of the assistantes offered her the Gospell in writyng , whiche she repelled quickly as made by hym , whom she knewe to bee a sinfull man , and consideryng no lawfull Priest was to bee had , Priestes bee no sinfull menne . she called importunatly for the Minister of Orton , but the messenger loitered and went not : whereof she informed the assistauntes , desiring them in all haste to sende for hym , but one of the companie replied againe , and confirmed it with an othe , that the messenger had gone , whom bitterly she rebuked , and sharpely admonished , that he had sworne falsly , that whiche in deede after diligent inquisition , was found to be true . And now the saied Minister beyng come , he offered her the foresaid written Gospell , two sundrie tymes , perswadyng the same to bee his owne doyng , the whiche she refused , and witted hym to take the paines hym self , for she knewe well he did but delude her : at the last , reachyng the Gospell of his owne hande written ; she accepted it thankfully , and the signe of the Crosse beeyng made by her appoinctment in the ende thereof , it was tied fast aboute her necke , and the same foulded croswise by her appointment : wherevpon she had presently better rest as thei supposed .

Beyng demaunded , why she desired the Ministers helpe , her answer was , that 1 1 This could not bee true , for bothe Christe and Sainct Ihon Baptist stode by , and thei were bothe Priestes , or els the Pope would neuer haue suffered them to haue saied Masse , now Christe was the first that euersaid Masse on Maundie Thursdaie , when he said hoc est corpus meum , & Sainct Ihon Baptist song masse , as you shal perceiue by the whiche followeth presently . although he was a Minister , yet beyng in hart a Catholike , she tooke him to be more fit then any other that were aboute her , and hoped that GOD would not bee offended , knowing her present necessitie and want of a lawfull Priest .

Here I would wishe the Catholike Reader to vnderstande , that Sainct Ihons Gospell maie be lawfully vsed , by the learned iudgement of the famous Iesuit Father Robertes : But whereas Gods holie spirite stirred the girle in all haste to sende for this minister , it is to be referred to his secret dispensation , whose good will & pleasure was ( as it seemed ) to haue him in place , that he might also beare witnesse to the truthe against him self and his owne profession , accordyng to the testimonie of our Sauiour Christe : Ex ore tuo , te iudicabo serue iniquam : O naughtie seruaunt , I will iudge thee out of thyne owne mouthe . Immediatly after , she vttered many wordes in his hearyng to the detestation of the 2 2 This same Protestants Religion hath so displaced our holy Father , that the deuil himself will neuer be able to salue the sore again . Protestauntes Religion and Seruice , as hereafter followeth : the whiche truely at that instant did worke in his harte greate remorse .

Aboute this tyme , one of the companie reached to her a little Crucifixe , You maie perceiue by this , that there was good company . the whiche she receiued with very great reuerence , and caused it to be laied in her bosome , taking occasion thereby , to call vpon Christ crucified , whom the picture presented , crauyng still for mercie and forgiuenesse : but what neede I ( saied she ) to haue the Picture of Christe , when I see hym present before myne eyes , and poincted her finger towardes hym .

Then she fell to exclaime against the Religion of the Protestauntes , and dispising it wonderfully vttered these wordes : Fie vpon this wretched worlde , and fie vppon the naughtie Religion now vsed , fie vppon their wicked and accursed Churche , moste abhominable in Gods sight : I will neuer enter into it as long as I liue , to heare their accursed Seruice , vnlesse I be caried thether by force : O that you did now beholde the difference that I see betwene both . This is like to bee true , you might perceiue that one of them had a crucifixe so ready .

With these wordes and the like , she wearied the eares of the hearers , as beyng ( in deede ) them selues of the same Religion , that the holy Ghost through her mouthe accompted damnable and accursed .

Thus I haue declared the effecte of her doynges and saiynges , during the second extasie , as nere as I could carie the fame awaie , by the relation of those that were aboute her all the saied tyme : And now remaineth her * * If the Vision contain as good matter as this that is past , t is worthie the hearyng . Vision to be opened , whiche by Gods helpe shall bee laied doune sincerely , as I receiued it from her own mouth worde for worde , and thus it foloweth .

This honest companie he might haue saied . The assistauntes whom our Lorde did especially elect to bee witnesses of this straunge miracle , gatheryng by her wordes and behauiour , that she had now seene and heard greater misteries , then in her former Vision . Therefore , For feare it should haue been forgotten , and what pitie had that been . beyng not able to content them selues any longer , the next daie after , earnestly desired to heare the truthe of the last extasie , as thei had heard of the first , to whose expectation as duetie required condescending , she vttered the same after this maner and forme .

Yesternight standyng by the fire in the olde Hall ( as you knowe ) amongst the rest of our family , there appeared vnto me a goodly old man all in white , who after he had made twoo or three turnynges before my face , returned to the newe Parler , The old man went out of the olde Hall into the newe Parlour . from whence he was come as we thought , whither also I followed hym to see what he did , but missing him there , I made hast towardes the vpper Chamber , where I hoped to finde him , and loe sodainely no small number of Waxe Candles burned in my fight , whereat gazing with greate admiration ( for that I had neuer seene the like before ) & perceiued the foresaied old * * Here you maie see the wisedome of God , to send an old man of his arrande for had it bin a yong man , it had been somwhat suspicious , but thei had good store of candell light , that was the best . man him self againe approched nere me , I was afraied : but he comforted me saiyng , bee not afraied , for here is none will dooe thee hurte : then pausing a little he saied moreouer , art thou contented to doe after me : I aunswered that I would gladly dooe after hym if he came from God , I am ( saied he ) doubt nothing : Wherevppon I wilde hym to tell his message , wherefore with very familier speeche , he admonished me of my nature , muche inclined to vice , bodie subiect to greate troubles and daungers , whereof I should feele shortly the effecte , if I would not preuent the same in due tyme : therefore he exhorted me to fast and praie , whereby he saied I should ouercome my euill destinie .

As he thus communed with me , beholde I did see our Sauiour Christ and his Apostles after him , accompanied with the blessed Virgine Mary , Sainct Anne the holie Virgines Mother , and Mary Magdalene : Wherewith the audience interrupting her talke , examined the Maide of their habit and formes : who tolde them that Christ and Sainct Anne did weare Purple roabes , our Ladie Scarlet , all the rest white garmentes doune to the grounde , It should seeme he had come lately from the Barbers . our Sauiours bearde somewhat shorte , & the heires of his hed thinne , and bothe in colour very blacke , the heire of his holie Mothers heade was Abraham colour , hangyng doune her shoulders moste decently , her face shined brighter then any Christall , her voyce amiable beyond measure : but her blessed Sonnes countenaunce she could not discribe , because of the lightnesse therof , for her eyes dazled to behold his Roabes , 1 1 It should seme his roabes were of Purple in Gr●●ne , for that is a verie cleare colour able to dasell our eyes . and his voyce semed to her terrible as Thunder , that she shaked for feare at euery woorde , holdyng continually in his right hande a Waxe Candle burning . Sainct Anne was of lowe stature with a hoarie heade : That was Christes graundmother . Mary Magdalene she marked not , sauyng that she rembreth certaine white places in her head , by pluckyng the heires for sorrowe , cariyng in her hande a peuter bottle full ( as it seemed ) of some Belike t was Aqua vitae for some of her frendes that were in Purgatorie . liquour . Muche she rehearsed of the Apostles perticulerly , the whiche I haue omitted here to auoide tediousnesse . And so hauyng satisfied their requests , she returned to her former talke , as hereafter followeth .

As soone as this heauenly quire had presented them selues before me , I began forthwith to feare that thei might be some wicked Sprites or Goblines : wherevpon Christe stepped towardes the place where I stoode , and reached me his hande to bee felt , the whiche I did handle as the hande of any other man , where withall he spake these wordes .

A ghoste although it appeare in the forme of manne to thy sight , yet beyng handeled , it hath not fleshe & bones , as thou maiest feele in myne : and then he repaired again to his former place .

After this , my guide ( whom I supposed to haue been Sainct Ihon the Babtist ) laboured muche to reconcile me vnto Christe , the whiche he saied might not be , vnlesse I would reconcile my self vnto his Church , and continue in a right faith : for he certified me that I was blindely led , and lacked the true knowledge of his holie will , often repeatyng that I beleued amisse : At length beeyng not able to auoide his importunitie , I demaunded whither I muste beleeue as my neighbours doe , meaning the Catholikes , who absent themselues from the new Seruice now vsed : Euen so saied he , beleeue as thei dooe , and absent thy self also from that wicked Seruice if thou wilt bee saued : Whereat I staied a long tyme , and seemed as one very loath to yeeld , for castyng in my mynde the daungers and troubles that might insue thereof . In the meane space he trauailed muche betweene Christ and me , perswadyng still in his name to promise amendment .

But vnderstandyng that his perswasions could take no place , he represented before myne eyes the fire of Purgatorie , & threatned sharply to plundge me therein if I would not relent : the sight whereof so frited me , that I yeelded to forgo the Church , as I would haue doen gladly to abide any worldly torment , rather then I should be laied againe in that burning furnate : Clapt handes , and so t was a bargaine . and ioynyng my hande to his , I confirmed the former promise , the whiche I meane by Gods grace to parforme , for any punishment in this worlde , because I can not feele greater , then alreadie I haue suffered in Purgatorie : Ye maie perceiue the wenche though she was yong , yet she had wit to make her bargaine And withall I added , vnlesse I bee brought thether by maine force : wherewith he replied , that they are blamelesse who be forsed , and their compellers aunswerable for the fact . To conclude , after many words he commended vnto me Beades hallowed , as of singuler vertue to praie withall , and farre exceeding the Beades vnhalowede Muche more talke he had with me that I haue vtterly forgotten , but in the ende findyng me very tractable , he commended me vnto a Catholike Priest by name , demaundyng whither I knewe suche a one ( this Priest had been at that instant in the Parishe Church adioynyng , openly proclaimed for a sedicious person and seducer of the people ) my aunswer was that I knewe hym not , whereat he seemed to be angrie , chargyng me that I vttered an vntruthe , for I had seen him twice ( the whiche indeede sit hence I remember well ) and commaundyng to searche for hym amongst the Apostles , whom diligently perusing , I said that I could not finde hym : wherevpon he replied , then thou knowest hym well , learne of hym what to beleue , his counsaile if thou followe thou shalte be saued : It should seme he was some of our Ladies chaplines , that she vndertoke so much for his honestie . Follow his counsaile saide our Ladie and thou shalt be saued I warrant thee : the which I had no soner promised to doe , but loe incontinently I was conueied into a Churche very little , where I behelde an Aulter furnished for Masse , with a goodly Crucifixe of pure gold , placed in the middest thereof , and at either ende tapers burnyng , before the whiche on either side stoode Christe and his Mother , hauyng roles of Waxe Candles burnyng , foulded aboute the wrist to their armes , the rest kneelyng downe deuoutly before the Aulter , and the Angell that I had seene in the beginnyng of my first vision in the likenesse of a ●ir●s , fittyng vpon the said Aulter , then stepped forth Sainct Ihon ( before named ) and first sprinkeling the companie aboute with holie water , That was fort●are of Buibeggers Saict Ihon Baptist a Massyng Prieste . went straight towardes the Aulter , where he began Malie in his foresaied white garmentes , sauyng that now I marked he had a Crosse on his breaste , an other on his backe aboute the middest , where he preached in Latine , an vnknowne language vnto me as I supposed : Pershe knew it was latine . in the meane tyme I counted the Apostles , whose number I remember well to bee iust eleuen , all the whiche at eleuation very deuoutly knocked their breastes . Thus hauyng receiued hym self alone , for I did see no bodie Communicate with hym , the Masse ended , In came the Serten and putte out the candelles , and so the Cocke crewe and it was daie . the lightes were putt out , and the sight vanished : therewith immediatly myne eyes were opened , that I behelde you all aboute me , and so endeth her Vision .

But afterwardes beyng examined by a Catholike of the Masse more perticulerly , You maie perceiue that the Chalice was but siluer ▪ though the Crucifixe were gold . she described in very good order diuers thynges belongyng to Masse : as the siluer Chalice , shorter and broder then the Communion Cuppe , the Hoste with letters therein grauen , and the Ceremonies also she noted , as his standyng before the Aulter , the booke remoued by one that attended and serued , That was when he said Dominus vobiscum . the turning of his face towardes them : Briefly , in all poinctes agreable to the Masse after the Romaine vse restored by the counsaile of Trent , and preached by the Seminarie in England . Finally , certaine Gentlemen beeyng moued with the fame of these newes , made meanes to see the saied yong girle , the eight of Aprill , * * This can not lye , when all is sette doune so per●●●●e . Anno. 1581. and intreated to vnderstande out of her mouth , what thei heard of her by others , but she had vtterly forgotten all , in so muche that beeyng asked diuers questions , as her beyng in Purgatorie , and at S. Ihons Masse , and she remembred nothyng : whereat the sayd Gentlemen were greatly astonied : at last one of the company suspecting the malice of the ghostly enemie , caused her to make signe of the * * Some gentilman that had greate experience in the vertue of a Crosse . Crosse on her forhead and breast : wherevpon incontinently , she opened bothe the Visions at large , and vttered & more then she could remember at any tyme before . * * Yea and more then euer was heard of before to bee true , and yet this is no lye for see here witnesses inough to confirme a greater lye then this .

Witnesses . Thomas appe Iones Orton , Recorder to the Right Honorable the Erle of Darby . Ihon Orton , seruaunt to the Erle of Darby . Ihon Edwardes . seruauntes to the Lorde Chaunceler of Irelande . Ihon Humfey . seruauntes to the Lorde Chaunceler of Irelande . Ihon the Minister of Orton . Edwarde appe Iones Orton . Dauid his seruaunt . Ihon Ortons Wife . Owen Werch Thomas his Sister . Annis Werch Thomas a seruaunt Maide , with an other Maide seruaunt . Gyles Orton , with diuers others .

TEll me now ( freendly Reader ) is not this pretie stuffe to bee made so muche accompte of , must not this Religion bee profounde , that is propte vp with suche Pillers as this , and yet thou seest that the greatest fortification of our holie Fathers doctrine , consisteth in Dreames , olde Wiues tales , Vnknowwen scriptures , Traditions of menne , straunge Miracles , Fables , and Follies .

Truely our countrey is to be lamented , in whiche the Gospell hauyng raigned long , and Religion florished so many yeres , yet Superstition preuaileth so muche , that thei be readie to bee leade awaie with suche euident shewes of follie , that vnlesse their eyes were bleared with too muche impudencie , it were not possible thei should bee so deceiued . But what Asse but would haue been ashamed to haue penned doune so ridiculous a matter , vnder suche a shewe of veritie , but that he knew emongest whom to sende it : For truely the foolishe credulitie of the simplest sorte of our ignorant Papistes is suche , that tell them a tale of a Masse , Purgatorie , of holie Water , of the signe of the Crosse , or of any other suche like vanitie : and thei are streght leade in beleef of suche thynges , to bee more then deuine , that ( in deede ) doe moste deserue to bee laught at . You maie see thei are driuen to a bare shifte , that ( for want of better matter ) would foiste in a Religion with suche trashe as this , but vnhappie thei that are so blinded in errour , that thei should not bee able to descerne vanitie from veritie : And this is the cause why thei restraine the Laietie , from the readyng of the Scripture , for otherwise it were not possible , that suche Fables could bee so preciously accoumpted of : And this is the cause that I haue laied open these Visions , to the vewe of the worlde , that those that bee wise might laugh , at the doltishe deuises of our seducyng Papistes , who vnder a shewe of learnyng , deceiues the simple sore with suche manifest vntruthes . But yet to lament the weakenesse of those that be ignoraunt , who bee still readie to entertaine suche trifles , as deuine and heauenly misteries , to feede them in their farther follies .

But I must needes blame our aucthour , what so euer he was , who ( as it seemeth ) hauyng been long tyme schooled in the liyng Legend of Antechrist , hath yet forgotten the cheefest axioma that longes to his profession , whiche is , oportet mendatem esse memorem , who lies must bee carefull to remember , for in knittyng vp his Visions , where he would haue made greatest shewe of veritie , euen there he laies in sight moste manifest vntruthes : whiche I will not toucht in particularities , for that thei bee freuilous , yet will I note them in generall , for that thei bee odious , and deserues no better aunswere , then a scoffe or a mocke .

His exordium taken from the sanctified Archaungell Raphaell might well haue stande , if his cause had been iuste , but now it is confessed , that all these Miracles were but fantasies , and the Prophetesse in her Patheticall extasies , but a sillie Maiden , seduced by a runnegate Papist , as now it is proued : And the matter it self if it bee wisely marked , is enterlarded with contrarietie of vntruthes : in one place she could discribe the roabes whiche Christe should weare , to bee of Purple colour , and presently she feineth them to bee more brighter then the beames of the Sunne : and although she knewe Christe , with his mother the Virgine Marie , his Graunde mother Sainct Anne , with Marie Magdalene , and Sainct Ihon the Baptist , euen at the first sight , bothe of her first and laste Visions , yet when Saincte Ihon should come to saie his Masse , she was afraied of them , and tooke them to bee Goblins , till Christ had giuen her his hande to bee felt .

The assistauntes so many tymes spoken of , our aucthour would perswade thei were Protestauntes , and therefore wearied with her exclamations against Religion now vsed , yet who would beleeue any woorde to bee true , when one of them had a Crucifixe so readie to present , and the reste was so foolishe to suffer her to take it . The Apostles when she coumpted them , she saieth were iuste eleuen , I wonder where the twelfe was , or who it was that was missyng , but it might bee that this Vision was reuealed before Mathias was chosen in Iudas roome , or els it was Sainct Peter that was missyng , for he is Porter in heauen , and therefore could not bee spared out of his office , and I thinke if he had been there , he had been a fitter man to haue saied Masse , then Saincte Ihon , for that he hymself was oure Pope , and therefore should haue so muche the better experience .

Thus thou maiest see ( gentle reader ) that varietie , and impossibilitie are the twoo best st●ynges that our aucthour hath to his bowe , who findyng no other meanes to maintaine his vncertainties , thinketh vnder disseblyng vntruthes , to drawe the simplicitie of the common sorte , from the truthe and right Religion .

But admitte that these feigned Visions had been senciblie seen , and that some apparaunce had been made of these surmised Reuelations , should wee therevppon straight waies establishe a Religion , without any further examination , how thei might stande with the will of God . Our learned Fathers lead by the spirite of Wisedome , when thei heard of suche Visions or Reuelations , thei brought them straight to the touchestone comparyng them to the holie Scriptures , if thei founde them suche as tended to the glorie of God , thei admitted them for good , if otherwise misleadyng to ignoraunce and errour , thei condemned them as illusions sent by the Deuill . But is there any thyng more repugnaunte to Christian beleef , then that God is not sufficient to forgiue vs our sinnes , but wee muste haue a quittaunce sealed from our Ladie , and she that was wont to bee called our Ladie of Pitie , is now become a gentilwoman of too muche crueltie . But our aucthour verie wisely excusyng the matter , thinkes there was some sinne , that was committed against her self , and though that bothe her soonne Christ and she had forgiuen all the reste , yet she might not forgiue that . And beleeue me this maie well bee true , for the Pope hymself is of the same condition , for he hath Pardons for hym that will kill his father , for hym that should commit incestious fornication with his mother , for hym that should bee a rebell to his Prince , a traitour to his Countrey , to be short , Treason , Murther , Robberie , Adultrie , Bauderie , Buggerie : and what not but our holie Father will forgiue you , so you doe not touche hymself , nor none of his broode : but the leaste offence that maie bee committed against any of these , though God and our Ladie bothe would forgiue ye , yet I can tell you the Pope will neuer doe it . But what a pretie wipe hath our aucthour giuen here to our holie fathers Bulles , who the Deuill will make any accoumpte of them now hereafter this , for the Pope though he bee Christes Vicar , yet he is none of our Ladies , and though he maie dispence with matters in controuersie betweene vs and God , yet he hath nothyng adoe betweene vs and our Ladie , vnlesse it bee by the waie of intreatie , and our Ladie I perceiue when she is angred , hath a womans stomacke , she will not easily bee pacified , and then there is no shift but you must to Purgatorie , for Christes forgiuesse will doe you no good , and the Pope can pardon no more , then Christ is able to forgiue : And therefore I perceiue the Prouerbe to bee true , the house is too vnquiet where the good wife weares the breeches , and yet you see it is so in heauen .

When Marie Magdalen went to the Sepulchre with teares to seeke Christe , to whom although he firste shewed hym self , yet she might not so muche as once to touche hym , yet our yonge Prophetesse , who as our aucthour affirmeth was ignoraunt , an heretique , one that was seuered from the Popes Churche , and therefore by their owne Canons and Generall Counsailes condemned , not worthie to touche any of their holie reliques , and yet she might bee suffered to imbrace Christe in her armes .

The matter that our Author by these Visions would fainest induce you vnto , consisteth especially in these three pointes . First he would bryng you in good likyng of their blessed Masse . Seconde , he would make you afearde of their dreadfull Purgatorie : And lastly , it greeues hym to the harte that any bodie should goe to Churche to heare the worde of God : for if thei could once barre vs from readyng the Scriptures , all the paine were past , all the rest would be easily brought to a good passe .

Now , first for the Sacrifice of the Masse , who doubteth ( vnlesse directly blinded ) but thei must resolutely conclude , that our forefathers , Adam , Lot , Noe , Abraham , Isaac , Iacob , with the rest are stopped from the fruition of Heauen , in that thei could not be partakers of the Reall reception of the Sacrament , vnlesse it were through faith in beleuyng and spirituall feedyng , by the whiche we are likewise made partakers all of one bodie , and all through one faith .

For Purgatorie , if it growe by the multiplication of our sinnes , either in excesse or defecte , what shall wee imagine of the Theefe on the Crosse , who by Christes owne wordes was assured this : To day shalt thou be with me in Paradice : He neuer spoke word of Purgatorie . Or what of Mary Magdalene , whose synnes were freely forgiuen her by Christe , without goyng to Purgatorie . And what of the poore Publicane , that acknowledged hym self a miserable sinner , and yet was iustified by Christe . Or who now hence forwarde will giue any credite to Sainct Paule , who writyng to the Hebrewes 9. saieth : There is no remission of synnes without bloud . When our Catholikes makyng hym a manifest lyer , hath founde a waie to salue all sores through the fire of Purgatorie .

But be that would bee better confirmed in this poinct , let hym reade Ihon Frith against the Bishoppe of Rochester : sir Thomas Moore , and Ihon Rastell , where thei shall finde this phantasticall Purgatorie so vndermined , that no Papist but might be ashamed once to make mention of it .

Now lastly as before I haue saied : the Pope is very vnwillyng that the Scripture should bee in a knowne language amongst vs : but in the steede of them , he hath bequeathed vs Legenda Aurea , the life of Christ , written by a fift Euaungelist , named Bonauentura : We haue likewise their Festiuall , with suche other stuffe . These we maie reade in English , you maie easily gesse why , but the Scriptures we must not heare but in Latin , because thei saie it is daungerous that we should reade the Scripture in a knowne language : so that the right construction of this sentence , Beati qui audiunt verbum dei & costodiunt ipsam , after the interpretation of our holie Father , maie thus be vnderstoode : Blessed are thei whiche heare the worde of God and knowes not what it meaneth . These matters haue been by many men so Clarckly discoursed , and of so long a tyme so learnedly confuted , and therefore by me lightly ouerpassed : I dooe but onely ayme at the intent and wishe the wisest to laugh at the errour .

Thus ( gentle Readers ) you see the course of these vnnaturall Antichristians , who when thei finde no one waie , to maintaine their vngodly opinions , seeke by sequester dealinges to oppresse the truthe . But dissimulation is espied by his contrary , and truthe speaketh in no corners : Religion that is in it self perfect , requireth no fabulous miracles to confirme it : but where vanitie is workemistris , then all thynges are confirmed with shadowes .

Truely it seemeth straunge vnto me , that either blinded errour should seduce vs so sarre , or suppositions of good meaning blind vs so greatly , where the good work is so freuilous .

Let not the God of this world so muche bleare your eyes , be not led awaie with euery blast of reporte : Symon Magus , though he be his craftes maister , he is yet found out by a professed Apostle : and the vngracious practises , and Ceremonious intentes , of our foolishe Masmongers are proued friuelous , beyng looked into by the true Religion . O call your selues home , and remember from whence you are fallen , be not seduced by false Gods , to forsake the true Lambe , that sacrificed for you .

God is truthe , and he that worshippeth hym must worshippe hym in spirite and truthe . Let not phantasies misgouerne you , let not your hartes be hardned against holsome admonitions .

Arme your selues with the readyng of the worde of God , so then charme the Charmer neuer so wisely , he shall not yet be able is compasse you .

Peruse the olde Fathers , examine the holie Scriptures , conferre indifferently bothe literall and substanciall interpretations , and you shall finde that Antichrist the Pope , doth but dissemble with you , and that all his allegations , are but falsifications . The poore Publicant shall be iustified , and the proud Pharisie shall be condemned : Not he that crieth Lorde Lord , but he that doeth the will of the Father . Muche babblyng makes not Religion , nor burning Tapers zelous Orisons : But that Lorde that knoweth the harte and raines , reueileth his wisedome to Infantes , and confoundeth the wisest in their owne ouerwenynges .

The practises that of late daies haue beene brought into this Realme , might confirme our Papistes neither to bee zelous nor honest . Did not Campion sell Pardons to imploye his money against her Maiestie ? did not thei of that confederacie , sell the death of her highnesse with the cheefest Pillers of the state . But the Lorde preserued Elizabeth to the comforte of all true Englishe myndes , and iniquitie is falne into the pitfall , that he hath prepared for other .

And here I must somethyng expostulate with some our hollowe harted subiectes , how thei can without blushyng , pronounce that thei loue her Maiestie , when thei daiely entertaine those Iesuites whiche seeke her destruction .

How maie wee accoumpt them subiectes , when thei reiecte lawes : or men of religious conscience , when in their demeanours thei are so traiterous .

My freendes , turne awaie your face from leasinges , desire the Lorde to deliuer you from liyng lippes and a deceiptfull tongue , and he will make you spectacles of his mercie .

Let not forlorne hope misleade you , or fained miracles withdraw you , nor olde wiues prophesies so misgouerne you , but with all submission acknowledge gracious Elizabeth your soueraigne Queene , who as you are malefactors can and wil punishe you , so in your humble and hartie submission , no doubt she will receiue you to mercie . The Lorde increase her Maiesties raigne , preserue her Counsaile , continue Religion in the zelous subiectes , and graunt amendement to the abstinat Papistes . Amen .

FINIS .