HAuyng zelously waied & considered the great benefite and blessing , that god of his infinite mercy , hath againe so louingly and mercifully bestowed vpon vs , his people of England , me thoughte I say my self of duety forced euen for conscience sake , to stirre vp the myndes of others my brethren , by puttyng them in remembraunce of the same , least we agayne neglectyng and beyng forgetfull of oure bounden duetye towardes god , our heauenly father in this behalf shoulde woorthely feele a greater and more greuous smarte and plage then that , which we alreadye thorough our late frailtye and forgetfulnes haue tasted of : call therfore to mynde my bretherne , howe that of longe and manye yeares before the lighte of the Gospell appered , and shyned amongst vs here in Englande , bothe we and oure fathers were seduced , walkyng blyndly in darknes , and in straye pathes lyke loste shepe , without theyr shepherde , we were nouryshed , fedde , and pampered vp with foolishe fantasies and dotynge dreames of mans inuention with trifles , I say , were we trayned in the broade pathes that led to pardition , drawne by the guydes of Antichriste , destroyers as much as in them is , both of body and soule : Oh cankred caterpyllers thoroughe whose subtill meanes & diuelishe delusions we were so blynded , that we neither knew god nor howe to walke in his holy ways : but styll kept ignorant from all godly knowledge & vnderstanding . It wold be to tedious to make here a rehersall of the whole number of the not necessarie and nedelesse ceremonies , practised through the peuyshnes of Balams balde ones : and therfore I wil not but only treate a lyttell of the woful worshippyng of ymages , and the detestable Masse ( whych bothe ) they myghtily maintained , contrary to the sacred scriptures , as manifestly shall appere .

And fyrste , howe greuously offended we the maiestie of the almighty God , takyng from hym the honor onely due vnto hym , and geuynge the same to carued , grauen , and molten ymages , Psalm 135. and ydols , hauing mouths and speake not , eyes and see not , eares and heare not , neither hauing any breath in their mouthes , being but stocks and stones , the workes of mens handes : and yet howe wickedly worshipped we them , runnyng and gaddyng on pilgremage to them to make amendes for our synful lyfe , sekyng at their hands remission of sins : which is no where to be sought nor had , but at the hands of god only : as witnesseth the Euangelist Marke , Who ( sayeth he ) can forgeue synnes , Mar. 2. Math. 9. Iohn . 24. Act. 4. but God only ? Christ is the way , truth and lyfe , no man cometh vnto the Father but by hym , neyther is there saluation in any other , nor yet is there any other name geuen vnto men , wherein we must be saued , but the name of Iesu Christ : and yet not withstandynge , ( we ) then destitute of this godly knowledge and vnderstandynge , wandred from place to place , from countrey to countrey , to offer , to cary and bryng to them that neyther , sawe nor felte , but yet receauers they had that refused nothing : al was fyshe that came to the net with them : these p●●feryng pilgrimages had that papisticall broode & Romyshe ●able deuised for their own lukers sake which though beneficiall to themselues yet moste abhominable in the sighte of God , and a playne robbyng of God of the honour and reuerence only due vnto hym : wherof thoughe they were not ignoraunt , yet careles .

Secondly , touching the Masse which was their chiefe staffe to stand by , howe were we by them persuaded , coniured , and brought to beleue the same to be a sacrifice , to put away the sinnes , bothe of the quicke and the dead : and that by the vertue ther of ( as they saide ) they transported soules from purgatorye to paradise , purchased eternall saluation : ye , what sore was it not a salue for ? or what diseases wold it not cure ? And after the wordes of consecration spoken , then no bread nor wine to remaine , but were forthwith altered and turned into the very body and bloude of Christe , ye the very same proportion of body that honge on the crosse , to be there foorthe commyng at their commaundemente : they had hym in a strynge in suche subiection , to plucke him to them , and put him from them , at their owne pleasure : the creator to be subiect to the creature . Oh abhominable blasphemye , oh diuelishe detestable and shamelesse sacrificers , directly denying the death of Iesu Christe to be onely sufficient . But now beholde therefore what they are , and what theyr owne doyngs declare them to be , euen the very enemyes of Christ Iesu : they kepte the symple ones ignoraunte , and shewe themselues to bee euen they , Ro. xvi . whome Paule willed vs to be ware of , who with their flatteryng woordes , and sweete preachynges deceaue the heartes of the innocentes : These I saye be they , of that viperous generation , of that fylthye broode , that oure Sauiour Christ warneth vs of , Math 24. Mar. xiii . by the holy Euangelist Mathew . * If any man say vnto you , to here is Christe , or there is Christe , beleue them not . For there shall aryse false Christes , and fals prophets shal do great myracles & wonders : in so much that if it wer possible , the very elect shold be deceiued . And alas howe were we poore selye wretches and innocentes in bondage wretchedly wrapped in captiuitie , of many yeares subiect to these gredy whelpes of Antichrist who without all shame and destitute of godly feare , continual lye poured out vppon , and in maner drouned vs with innumerable blasphemies and hipocritical superstitious ceremonies ageinst God and his truthe . Thus were we by them led towardes destruction of body and soule : Thus were we through that wicked Romish trayne still kepte from the bryght beames of gods holy worde .

And beyng thus in our chiefe extremitie at an exigent , euen at the pytte brynke of pardition , beholde the mercyfull goodnes of our almyghty God , the God of our forefathers , Abraham , Isaac , and Iacob : beholde ( I say ) the great care of God for his people : who he so derely hath bought euen with the precious bloude of his sonne Christe : behold how God here tendred the workes of his owne handes : ye and behold the sweete and comfortable promyses of our sauiour Christe : moste louingly performed . Nothyng ( saith he ) is in secrete , that shall not come abrode , Mar. 8. nor any thyng hyd that shall not come to light & be know● . For lost plesed our heauenly father of his free mercy then that his worde should be a lanterne to our feete , Psal 119. Ma● . ● . and a lyght to our path wais where as before we walked in darkenes , now dyd the blynde see , and the deafe heare : and to the poore was the gladde tidyngs preached : Psalm 19. This woord gaue lyght and brought foorth vnderstanding euen vnto the very babes , it offred an euerlasting enheritance vnto all those that with constaunt faithe did or doo imbrace it . God stirred vp then his faithful ministers to pronounce the same his wil vnto vs , Psalm. ●7 . to winne his people vnto hymselfe : Oh how mercifully dyd god then blesse vs , and shew the light of his countenance vpon vs , geuyng vs true and skilful shepardes to guide vs , euen such as at his hands had receiued a spiritual vnderstanding They preached vnto vs the kyngdome of god to be at hand . They preached vnto vs the lost shepe of Israel , the gospel of the kingdom of god . They preached repentance , Mathe. ● . * Freely they receyued euen of the good gyfte of god : And freely they gaue agayn : so that thorough the sounde and true doctrine of Iesu Christ taught by them , we were led to the strayght and narrowe waye that leadeth vnto lyfe . Mat. 7. Note therfore nowe , gentyl Christian , the great diuersitie in this pointe , beetwene the fantasies , dreames , and inuentions of the perillous papistes , and how much they varye and disagre with the truth of god taught vnto vs by the faythfull ministers of his most holy and inuincible worde . The Romish broode taught vs , that with gadding on pilgrimage , and offring of money and trifles to stockes and blockes , our sinnes were forgeuen vs , and that those worme eaten ambassadours , and painted Idoles , were as mediators to take vp the matter betwene god and vs : but S. Iames sayeth , Iames. i●● . that these bee lyers against the truth , and their wisedom not to discend from aboue , but is earthly , naturall , & diuelish , and therfore to be detested , abhorred , and vtterlye despised . But the true pilgremage in dede was taughte vs by the trustye messangers of their Master Christ . Pet●er . 2. And which ( of al Christians ) ought continually to be obserued and followed : and this it is , Iame , ● . ● . that we abstayn from sleshely lustes , which fyght agaynst the soule , to visit the prisoners and succourles people , the fatherlesse in their aduersity : to clothe , and couer our nedy naked brethren with som holsom and comfortable garment . &c. But not to apparrell the blunt blocke , that neyther feeleth heate nor colde . and howe is it then possible they shoulde help vs , or do vs any pleasure , that cannot helpe themselues ? ye what neede we anye other mediatour or intercessour , Iohn , i. but him whome we haue alreadye to be our aduocate with the father euen Iesu Christ that righteous one . And thus dydde those holy men of God teache vs , they taughte vs , Christ alone to be oure intercessour and aduocate : and that God alone , absolueth and freelye forgeueth vs for Christ his sake all our sins , if we earnestly repent and beleue , as witnesseth Peter : we are saith he , 1. Peter 1 iustified by faithe only in Christ his blood : let this be sufficient in this pointe .

And now to the second pointe , concernyng the reall presence of Christ to be in their Masse , whiche the Papistes continually taught earnestly affirmed and with tooth and nayle mainteined . Note now I say here , the true vnderstanding thereof taught vs by Christ his ministers , which they lerned in the boke of life , vppon whiche foundation the apostles and auncient fathers and doctours of the Church in this pointe haue builded as vpon a most sure and infallible rocke , Hebr. ix . Act. 7.17 . Esay . 66. Christe ( saith Paule ) is not entred into the holy places that are made with handes , whiche are but similitudes of true thynges , but is entred into the very heauens for to appeare now in the sight of God for vs . Euery priest is ready daily ministring and oftentymes offreth one maner offrynge , Hebr. x. whiche can neuer take awaye synne : but this man after he had offered one sacrifice for synnes , satte hym downe for euer on the right hande of God , and from hensfoorth taryeth till his foes be made his footestoole . Ye shal haue poore folke always with you , Math. 26. Iohn 12. Mark . 14. Iohn . 7. but me shall ye not haue . Also Sainte Iohn in hys vii . Chapiter , ye shall seke me , and shal not fynde me : wher I am , thether can ye not come . Athanasius likewise in his crede sayth , that Christ ascended into heauen , and sytteth on the ryghte hande of God , the father almyghtie : from whence he shall come to Iudge the quicke and the dead . And more ouer in the articles of oure fayth , the thyrde daye he rose agayne from the dead , he ascended into heauen , and sytteth on the righte hande of God , and from thence ( he shal come to Iudge the quicke and the dead : ) which iudgement of the quicke and the dead , if it be already past , then is Christ really present , as the papystes affyrme : But if that dredful day be yet to com , ( as it is the part & duty of Christians to beleue , ) although it be not farre of , then is not Christ now with vs , as in hys humanitye , Mat. 16. Marce. 8. Luc. 9. but ( shal come ) in the glorye of hys father , with hys Angels , and then shall reward euery man accordyng to his dedes : at whose commyng God graunt we may be found readye and not slepyng . Wel then for as muche as that one offrynge of Iesu Christ being all in al , and onely sufficient : To what entent or purpose should we haue such & so many daily sacrifices ? for what are they but a very plain denial of Christ crucifyed , to be a sacrifyce only sufficient for those , that beleue to haue saluation therby ? And thus good Christian brethren , although ther be in holy scripture many more places to bee alledged , which myght be applyed , and aptly serue for the satysfyeng o● Christian consciences in this point , that Christ sitteth at the right hand of the father , as touchyng hys humanitye : Yet I praye you , let these for briefnes presently bee sufficiente , and hereby may ye now see how the iugglyng Masse Priests haue abused the Sacrament of the body and bloude of Christ , whiche mystery of all the faythfull , oughte thus to be vnderstanded : and for this purpose did Christ our sauior institute , ordaine , and leaue it vnto vs to be vsed .

That thou Christian , shouldest come there vnto , with a penitent hart , for thy former offences , fullye and earnestlye purposyng through the assistance of the almighty , to put vpon thee , the new man , which is created after god in righteousnesse , and holynes of truth , & stedfastlye beleuynge , that through the passion , bloudshed , and death of Christ , vpon the Crosse , which the bread & wyne as holy signes do represent , thou hast , I say , obtayned full remyssion of thy synnes . And in thys fayth , with reuerence and humblenes of hart , eate and drynke the mysteries of the body & bloud of Christ . And this glorious worke hath oure almyghtye and gratious God the father , wrought in & by his sonne Iesu Christ , our sauiour , for the saluation of as many as stedfastly beleue the same . And thus is to be vnderstanded of this pure & holy Sacrament : and not that after the subtyl sorcerye and coniuration of the priest , being finished , the bodye of oure sauiour Christe to be forth with there , in the ful proportion of hys humanitye . For as Sainte Austen witnesseth , the bodily presence of Christe , ( concerninge his humanitye ) is in some one place of heauen , but hys diuyne presence was , is , and shal be there , here , and in all places , where it shal please , hym , alwaies ready to assiste those that faythfully ar gathered together in his name . And agayne he sayeth , as concernyng the presence of hys fleshe , The Church had Christ but a fewe dayes , yet nowe it holdeth hym faste by fayth , though it see hym not with eyes . Cirillus , lykewyse wryteth , that all thoughe Christe toke awaye from hence the presence of his body , yet in the Maiesty of his Godheade , he is euer here . Also Gregory affirmeth , that Christ is not here by the presence of hys fleshe , and yet is absent no where by the presence of hys Maiestye : And thys I take to be so playnly sayd , to satysfye in thys poynt , as that there nedeth no more rehearsall of any other authors : But if thys suffyse the not , resorte then vnto the golden booke of that worthye Cramner , late Archebyshoppe of Canturburye , where thou mayest haue grounde woorke and sure foundation sufficient to buyld thy faith vpon in thys poynt : and then with an vpryght conscience iudge indyfferently , howe muche the dyuelishe and erronious doctrine inuented by the papists , dysagreeth and varyeth from the sacred woorde of God , and the opinions and mynds of the fathers , and the Doctors of the primatiue church . Wel thus were we instructed : thus had we ( I say ) the truth of god taught and opened vnto vs : we were dayly fed and nourished with the liuely words of god . In the settyng forth and teachyng wherof , when the preachers had diligently traueled , and through their zelous earnestnes in the declaration of their Master Christ hys message they had so instructed and taught vs , that thereby we were somewhat trayned from the daungerous & perillous pathwaies of perdition , wherin we were before blyndly led : and that by the assistance of God through those hys ministers wee were broughte to some vnderstandyng and knowledge of hym , and hadde some taste and swetenesse of the Gospell of Iesu Christe , which is the pleasaunt path way , the leadeth to eternall saluation : Then seased they not but continually and louyngly exhorted vs , not to bee forgetfull of the greate mercye that God hadde so louynglye shewed in the reuealynge of hys truthe vnto vs , styl puttyng vs in remembrance to perseuer in the same , Proue 23 , applying our hartes vnto learning , and our eares vnto the words of knowledge , 2 , Timo , 3 , to continue in reading the holy scriptures , which is able to make vs wise vnto saluation , throughe the fayth whiche is in Christ Iesu . Thus wer we then taught , ye infinite numbers of godly instructions were geuen vs by these schoole masters worthy of their office : 1 , Peter , 2 These wer true instructors , these were they that Peter speaketh of , euen the true prophets of the chosen generation of the holy nation & peculiar people , that shewed vs the vertues of him , that called them out of darkenesse into his marueylous lyght , into the which through the great mercy of God & their paynful trauel , industrye , & dayly preaching , we were trayned , & according to the same a whyle we walked . Alas , in dede but a whyle , for al to soone we began to be weary of our welfare : we disdayned wel doing , & waxed forgetful of the great goodnes of almyghty god toward vs : we were vnthankefull , for the great benefites , receaued at his hands , we herkened not diligently to the worde● of God , pronounced by his messangers , but necglected our duties , both toward God and hys mynisters : & yet not withstandyng our peruers carelesnesse then , such was the pity & mercy of God ( tendering vs as the father his children , ) that he would not sodenly , so sharply deale with vs , as our desertes deserued , for so litle regarding so worthy a Iuel ( his holy woorde ) but rather louyngly warned vs by the mouthes of his seruaunts , & chosen vessels , to kepe vs that we should not fal from hym . They , I say , cryed out to vs for the amendment of our lyfe , that we should leaue of synne and wickednesse , and follow vertue , that we shold remember the great mercye & wonderful worke of god , in reueling his truth vnto vs . And that we should with earnest and zelous hartes embrace it : & whyle we had the light , to beleue in the light , that we might be the children of lyght , least darknes again ouerwhelmed vs . Thus were we then daily taught , and put in remembraunce : Feruente was the loue of Goddes worde in these hys chosen , and carefull were these shephardes , for the flock committed to their charge : but careles we were , & coldly affected , nothyng regarding or passing for their godly admonitions and warnings : which our carelesnes when they perceiued , and that gentle and louyng persuasions woulde not preuaile , then thundred they oute the plages , whiche god had prepared , being then euen at hande for vs : and wherof we might assure oure selues , vnlesse spedye repentaunce and amendment of oure former wickednes and dissolute lyfe . And was it not then preached , and daily by them cryed out in our eares , that if we wold not hearken vnto the words of the lord pronounced vnto vs by his ministers , and with obedient heartes walke accordyng to the same , Deu 28.4 that then we should go wast , and be made an ensaumple & a iesting stock to all nacions ? Ye was it not by them most certainly saide , that if we continued in our vnthankfulnes , God woulde geue vs into the handes and gouernment of a forraine prince : Deute 28 Ieremy 5 Barn● , 4 , and that god woulde bryng a nation vpon vs from far , whose tongue we shold not vnderstand , which shold neither regard the person of the olde , nor haue compassion on the young ? Did they not threaten vs in the name of the lord with sworde , hunger , & pestilence , if we considered not the great blessings of god , beyng thankefull for the same : and framed our lyues according to hys gospell ? Amos , 8 Did they not with Amos prophecy of the hunger of the worde of god to come vpon vs , and that we should go from sea to sea , and from the South to the East to seeke it , and should not find it ? were not these terrible threatninges dailye preached and pronounced vnto vs , the rather to moue and stirre oure heartes and myndes to loue & embrace gods truthe , and the better to consider the louyng kyndnes of God towardes vs ? But alas , all would not helpe , the gentle persuasions , the terrible threatnyngs , as wel the one as the other wer in vayne . So much were we with carelesnes corrupt , wallowing in wickednes , so fylthelye infected with vyce , so much contemnyng spirituall instructions , so lustyng after carnall thynges of this worlde , so addicte to our own willes , so puft vp with pryde , so little brotherly loue amongest vs , so altogether care lesse , that we neither regarde God nor his ministers : we were not obedient to the voice of our teachers , Pro 5. nor harkened not vnto them that informed vs : The warnyng of the Prophets we toke but for wynd , Rom. 6. * we were the seruauntes of synne , and did not obey with harte vnto the forme of doctryne , whereunto we were deliuered : we were hearers of the worde , but not doers , we deceyued our selues : Iames 1. for he that heareth the word and doth it not , is like vnto a man that beholdeth his bodelye face in a glasse : for as soone as he hathe looked vppon hym selfe , he forgetteth foorthewith what his fashion was : but happye is the hearer and that dothe folowe : whiche we dydde not but wholy neglected , and therefore dyd kyndle the wrathe of the lorde against vs : And the lord then hydyng his face and swete countenance from vs , perfourmed his promise , and iustelye poured vppon vs the plages wherewyth he punisheth those that disobeye his godlye wyll , and transgresse his holye lawe and commaundements . For did not then the king of glorye and power , whose heauye wrathe thorough our peruersnes we had purchased , sodenly take from vs our noble and prudent prince king Edward the vi . so worthye an ympe , so vertuous , so forwarde , so gratiously grounded in christian religion , so altogether geuen to aduaunce and set forth the glory of god , as that the like of him in godly skil , and of so tender yeares , the earthe didde not conteyne : The lyuyng god had so blessed him , endued and so plenteously replenished his princely harte with a spirituall and heauenly vnderstanding , that he had made him more meeter to inhabite the holy heauens , there to he hold the mighty maiesty of god , them to continue on this corrupt erth amongest vs wicked wretches , that liued in security & waxed forgetful of the great benefits and vnspeakable blessings of our heauenly father : And therfore did god take from vs our so ioiful a iuel , our pereles prince , & with him the word of life , the swete & comfortable gospel of Iesu Christ , whiche nourished and was the pretious preseruatiue of our soules : And for our vnthankfulnes suffred vs again to be made dronke with the spirite of error : and as the lothesome dogge to his vomyte , or the filthy sow to her wallowing in the myre , so were we turned agayne to our olde abhominations : we worshipped idoles , we serued straunge gods of wood and stone , we did the workes of the heathen , whereby we highlye offended the maiesty of the almightie : who therefore gaue vs ouer into the hands & gouernment of a straunge king and nation , according as he promised by the mouth of Ieremy , Ierem , 8 , * sayinge : I will geue theyr wines vnto aleantes , and their fieldes to destroyers , and so it came to passe : for they who vtterlye hated vs , reigned ouer vs : we were subiect , I saye , vnto a nation fully infected with filthy idolatry , and all abhominations of the Romish superstitious hipocrisy , ( a nation ) with whome for their presumption and pride , not Lucifer him selfe in his chiefest arrogancye might compare : a vitious people , which daily deuoured both wiues and widowes , & defloured maydens , a broode of caterpillers , that wast consume , and destroye all where they come , a merciles people , and destitute of the true knowledge of god . What should I say , euen a people , hated and abhorred of vs , and of all nations : And yet we wer then in subiection to them : Psalm , 10● Then was the world turned vp side down with Englande , mercy and pitye were fled the realm , and merciles cruelty supplied the place , iniquitie had the ouerhand . The true teachers and preachers of his worde , the ministers and chosen vessels of Iesu Christ , i , Cori. 4. i. Thessa . 2 were then made as it had bene gasyng stockes to all the worlde , reuiled , euil spoken of , despised , emprisoned , and that onely for professing their maister Christ : but happy ye twise happye are they and all suche , for the spirite of god , i , Peter . 4 , and the spirite of glory resteth vpon them , that he railed vpon for the name of Christ . For suche as God hathe chosen to himselfe , haue bene in respect of the world , wretched miserable , turmoiled with manifolde troubles : for so is the promise of almightye God , Iohn 1● * Because ye bee not of the worlde , the worlde doth hate you , and all that will liue godly in Christe Iesu ( saieth Paule ) shall suffer persecution . Let therfore the fruites of the late godly ministers , shewe of whence they were . For suche was I say , their stedfastnes in Christe Iesu , and suche was their feruente zeale , loue , and hartye affection towarde GOD , and hys holye worde : which they so perfectly preached , and faithfully taught , that for the aduauncement thereof , and the better strengthning of the faithe of their weaker bretherne , 2. Tim. 2. they were content like constant , faithfull , and worthy souldiours of Iesu Christe theyr graunde capitayn , not only to suffer hunger , cold , railing , mocking , buffeting , whipping , and imprisoning : but also to geue their body to the fire , there to be consumed to ashes . Oh terrible tyme , Oh pitifull spoile , and Oh miserable murder & destruction of gods houshold . i. Peter , 2 , * but then was the time come , that iudgement must begin at the house of god : 2 , Tim , 2 , * They wer vessels sanctified vnto honor mete for the lorde . This didde they through the assistaunce of the holye ghoste , for the aduauncement of gods glory , 2 , Tim , 2 , * and for the electes sake , that they might also obtayne the saluation whiche is in Christ Iesu with eternall glorye : patientlye and meekely , as lambes receiued they deathe , Saplen . 5 , * Whose lyfe of the foolyshe was thought to be verye madnesse , and their ende to bee without honour : but they are coumpted amongest the children of God , Hebr , vi , and theyr portion is amongest the Saintes . * Thoughe in the syght of the vnwyse , they appeared to dye , and theyr ende to bee verye destruction : yet are they in reste , and their hope full of immortality . Rom , 8 , 2 , Cor ●… . 5 Hebr , xi , * They confessed theymselues to bee as straungers and pylgrems vppon the earthe . They were no gredye gapers for prefermente , neyther benefice , nor Bishopryke , nor anye other worldlye promotion or dignitye : although largelye offred and promised ( yf they would haue forsaken their maister Christe , and hys woorde ) coulde tempte or ouercome theym , nor with drawe theyr earneste myndes from God : They woulde not be fedde with eye pleasures , they estemed not the tryslyng treasure of thys transitorye worlde , nor the vayne and peryllous pompe thereof , as the vayneglorious beallye god Byshoppes and woorrieng wolues , who then sucked theyr innocente bloude , dydde : but suche was the godly constantnesse I saye , of those lambes of God , that they were nothynge myndefull of the countrye , wherein they then were , but were desyrous of a better , that is to say , Sapie . 3. a heauenly* . For God had proued them , and founde them mete for hym selfe : As golde in the furnace hadde he tryed them : * They wer led by the spirite of God , Rom. 8. bycause the spirite of God dwelled in them* : Wherefore God is not ashamed of them , euen to be called their God , and hath prepared for them a citye , euen the heauenly Ierusalem . Now is the promyse of Christ perfourmed in them : Iames. 1. * he that endureth , when he is tryed , shall receaue the crowne of lyfe , prepared for them that loue him , whereof they are nowe partakers . for he that looseth his life for my sake , saith Christ , Math. 19. shal fynde it : euen these therfore were of that number that haue geuen their lyfe for their Master Christe hys sake , and in the defence of hys truth : therforē haue they receaued the reward of a Prophete , whiche was encrease of knowledge in this life , and euerlasting ioye and felicitye in the worlde to come wherof God for his mercies sake , make vs with them to be partakers .

But Oh England , be myndful how God then of hys iuste iustice , reuenged the vnmercifull persecution , & bloudshed of those his innocent lambes , Prophets , Martyrs , & sanctifyed soldiours , whose bloud cried vengeance in the sight of god , vpon the vnthankefulnes of his wycked enemyes , whiche euen then fel vpon vs , & our countrey : what numbers of plages , them followed one in an others necke , mysery dayly increased , the common wealth went to ruine for want of those , in whom the feare of god was graffed : who being alreadye murdered , or for conscience sake , fled their countrey , or remayning at home , absented themselues , to auoide the daunger of being consumed to death by fyre . But in a myserable state is the realme , where the guyders of the flocke are withoute vnderstandyng , and wher the truth of God is not taught . Whereof the experience was then bothe to well seene and felte : for whoe in those dayes were they that florished , or whoe as the tearme goeth , ruled then the roste , in ecclesiasticall causes ? But the Romysh race of princelyke prelates , the monsterous myghterd men , whose ruffle and rauenous procedynges , for wante of Godlye skyll , or throughe a dyuelyshe obstinacye , for lacke of good will to guyde theyr flocke , what Christian harte lamenteth not to remember ? For in place of true teachers of the gladde tydinges of Iesu Christ , we hadde detestable destroyers , poysoned peruerters , and shamelesse shadowers of the same : whose onely care , studye , and trauell , tended to trayne vs vp , and kepe vs in ignorance and blyndnes , accordyng to their wonted maner , to kepe and mayntaine in full force , the whole rable of the Romyshe abhominations , to exalte and kepe in hys pompe the monsterous Antichrist of Rome , as chiefe and supreme head & gouernour of the Church : which title by the autoritye of the Scriptures belongeth to euery prince , within his owne dominions , as well in causes ecclesiasticall as temporall , and yet wer not they eyther ashamed , or afrayed of thys theyr wicked procedynges , neyther respected they the glory of almyghty God , nor regarded their due obedience to their prince : wherfore they declared themselues to be the same , Ierem , 5 , 1 , Reg , 14 that Ieremy speaketh of : Wyse to do euill , but to do wel , they knowe not : * shewinge themselues as rebellious sorcerers , and stubborne wicked Idolatrers , charmers , & councelers with spirites : they are therfore as in Deuteronomi is mentioned , Deute , 18 euen all corrupt , and made abhominable in their studyes : they be euen they , through whose inchauntmentes , Apoc , 18. al nations were deceaued . They left the commaundements of God , Mark , 15 , and maintained their own constitutions , they made deuision , & gaue occasion of euill , Rom , 16 , contrary to the doctryne that ye haue learned . These be those hipocrits the loue salutations in the market places , Mat , 23 , which deuoure widows houses , vnder pretence of long prayer : they appeare beautiful outwards , but inward , are ful of fylthye hipocrisy and iniquitye : They deale with lyes , sayeth Ieremye : Neuerthelesse they heale the hurte of the people very frendlye , Ieremy 8 , saying , peace , peace , where there is no peace at all : Fye for shame sayeth the Prophete , howe abhominable thyngs , doe they , Ieremi . 9 and yet they be not ashamed ▪ They bende their tonges lyke bowes to shoote oute lyes , and take greate paynes to doe myschiefe : they are a deceatfull people , whiche for very dissemblyng falseshod will not know me , ( sayeth the Lorde : ) With their mouthe they speake peaceablye to their neyghboures , but preuily they lay wayte for him : Oh Ieremy , how truly is thy prophecy fulfylled ? what great and cruell smarte , and torment haue the people of god suffered by the meanes of this wicked generation , 2 , Pete ▪ 2 , * being themselues the bryngers in of damnable sectes , deceauers , and begylers of stable soules : and throughe theyr couetousnesse , make marchaundyse of Goddes people , promysyng libertye , and they themselues the bonde slaues of corruption . These bee the presumptuous stubborne ones , that feare not to murmure , speake yll of , Epistle , Iudas . and despyse the hyer power * . These are of those vngodly that were craftyly crepte in , that tourne the grace of God vnto wantonnesse , that denye God to be the onely Lorde Iesu Christe . Wo bee vnto them : for they haue followed the waye of Cayne , Genes 4 Num , 16. and are vtterly geuen to the errour of Balam for lukers sake , & peryshe in the treason of Chore : * They are cloudes withoute water , Epistle Iudas . caryed aboute of wyndes , trees withoute fruite at gatheryng tyme , twyse dead , and plucked vp by the rootes : they are the ragyng wolues of the sea , fomyng oute their owne shame , wanderynge starres to whome is reserued the mystes of darkenesse for euer . Oh howe lyuely and perfectely hathe oure almyghtye God , by the mouthe of hys Apostles and Prophetes , paynted oute in theyr colours the wycked , deceatful , and detestable nature of thys vyperous generation & bloudye broode : Mat , 23 , at whose handes shal be requyred the bloude of all the Prophettes , whiche was shed from the begynnyng of the worlde : Marc 22 , * woe vnto them therefore , they shall receaue greater damnation , so wycked and dyuelyshe were all theyr imaginations and deuyses in all theyr pestilent procedynges , that what prospered when they ruled : Yea was not the realme a very wildernesse in respecte of that it hadde bene before , when the Gospell of Iesu Christ was preached ? What calamitye , what miserye , what scarsitye ? was not akornes in steade of bread a foode to a number of our poore brethren in sundry places in Englande ? Yea howe pityfully and myserablye , dyd numbers bothe olde and yonge dye in the streates for wante of sustenance ? Oh lamentable chaunge and alteration . Whoe then sawe not in place of plentye and aboundaunce , dearth and skarsenes , for healthe , syckenesse ? Yea numbers of vnknowen dyseases : For peace and quietnes , whiche not longe before wee quietly enioyed , dyscention and warre , not a little hurtful bothe to people and realme : and throughe famyne , syckenes , and warre , were destroyed and grewe fewe in number , bicause we herkened not vnto the voice of the Lord our God : Deut. 28 the blockehouses and bulwarkes whyche shoulde haue bene a defence to vs , and oure country , were spoyled , plucked downe , and raced : oure realme defaced , and made readye as a praye for oure enemyes , who dayly gaped for the spoyle . And howe sodenlye were wee dyspossessed of Caliyse ? For the whiche there hadde bene diuerse and sundrye secrete attemptes before , but neuer coulde preuayle till then , and that throughe the secrete treason of some arche enemye of God , more skylfull to kepe the bodies of selye Martyrs bound in chaines at a stake , enuironed with fyrye faggottes , then with a whyte sticke in his hand to sauegarde so worthye a towne agaynste the force of the armed souldiour . But ( Oh Englande ) neuer dyddest thou , nor shalte vnderstande all the priuye conspiracies and secret treasons , that by that trayterous trayne & Romishe retinue hath ben wrought , so subtyll are they in theyr generation . But nowe was England brought to thys poynte , that where as before it was hadde in estimation , and feared of forreyne enemyes , than was it in feare it selfe , Psalm , 9 , and was become a testing stocke to al nations . Nowe therefore my brethern , whether these were plages whiche we had worthyly deserued , and we at that tyme a wretched & miserable people , in pitifull estate and wofull case or not , I referre it to the indifferent iudgement of those , that either were partakers of the smart in that perillous and daungerous tyme , or that saw the misery and beheld the terrors , which being so few yeares past , I trust be not , or I would were not forgoten : but through these plagues whiche we thus felt , and wherwith god long before had threatned vs by the mouth of his seruantes , the late persecuted martyrs : Herein I say , dyd he declare them to be true prophets . For what thing in those days hapned vnto vs , as a scurge and punishment for our vnthankfulnes and carelesse liuyng , that was not by those the elect ministers of Iesu Christ in their lyfe tyme , Deute , 18 declared vnto vs , shoulde come . Therefore were they true prophetes , and theyr doctrine that they taught , sound and agreable to the will and worde of God : which we regarded not , but neglected : & therefore our wont full and former myrthe , was turned into sorow and care then , vytterly bewailing our poore state , led in captiuity : bicause we had no knowlege and for not regardyng the lawe of the Lorde of hostes , Esay , 5 , but blasphemynge the woorde of the holye one of Israel , Baru , ● , and for forsaking the fountain of wisedom : wherin if we had styll walked , vndoutedly we had dwelte in rest vppon the earthe : Then famished oure soules for want of the liuely foode of gods sacred word : Amos 8 , but better had it bene for vs neuer to haue knowen the way of righteousnes , then after we knew it , 2 , Peter , 2 to turn as we dyd from the holy commaundement geuen vnto vs : whyche then we passed not for , we vnderstoode not the worthinesse thereof , we knew not that by vertue therof , we had health , peace & plenty : we knew not that it was the preseruer of vs , and our countrey , from our enemies : we knew not howe precious a iewell it was , and how swete a refreshing to our hungry soules , til we hungred and thyrsted for it , and coulde not haue it , but in steede thereof , were fed and crammed wyth the moste detestable and Antichristian foode of Rome , wherein was no smacke or taste , no heauenly swetenesse , no spirituall comforte , but rather bytternesse and ranke poison , corrupting both body and soule : and therfore at those dayes , mighte we iustly by wofull experience saye , where the preachers of gods word fayle , there perish the people : Prou , 25 , for then perished the poore selye flocke for want of the good shephardes , Iohn , ●0 , which had geuen their life for their shepe : and we poore wretches straying and wandryng shepherdles , were in daunger of euerye wolfe and bloudye shepebyter , lefte as outcastes , and as a people forsaken , voyde of comfort , without hope , without helpe , saue onely at the handes of our omnipotent god , the great shephard . To whom we were then forced to flye , as to our onely refuge : Then beganne we to beholde the frailtye of our wicked nature : then considered we the heauy displeasure of god , who for our vnthankfulnes had so louingly corrected vs : and of whom in the time of our prosperitie we wee most forgetfull , not regarding hym , tyll beyng rocked in the cradell of care , and as it were in manner ouerwhelmed with the waues of aduersitie and sourges of sorrowe , whiche then caused vs to confesse oure wickednes , and to acknowledge the eternall God to be our onely helpe : Thenne called we to remembraunce the sweete blessynges of God whiche we in the triumphante tyme of the gospell had receiued : and for neglecting whereof , we had now felt and tasted the bytternesse of hys displeasure , who yet more mercifully and louingly delte with vs , then oure deserte deserued . Then beganne we with the prodygall chylde , to retourne from the swyne troughe , and submytte oure selues to the handes of our heauenlye father . Thenne cryed we , Lorde delyuer vs frome the tyrannous and merciles bloudye broode , that dailye persecute thy people . Then cryed we , lorde laye to thy handes , for thy ennemies haue destroyed thy lawe : Then desyred we the Lorde to delyuer vs , and release vs oute of the extreame bondage and captiuitie , wherein we were miserablye wrapped : and to bee restored to oure former fredome and libertye : whereof thorough our vnthankfulnes we were dispossessed : Then he sought we the lord that his worde mighte once agayne be a lanterne to oure feete , and that we mighte once agayne walke accordyng to his holy lawes . Thus in the trouble some and tyrannous time of persecution , in the chiefest of oure calamitie and miserye ( suche was then oure songe . ) Thys canne God doe , and this woorke had god wroughte to make his forgetfull children knowe hym , and the rather to bee myndefull of the greate and mercifull kyndnesse of so gratious a lorde . Oh blessed , ye twise blessed and happye were we that it thus pleased oure heauenly father , to laye his crosse vppon vs , whiche doubtlesse is as necessarye for the Christian soule as materiall foode for the bodye : it made vs knowe hym , whome before thoroughe oure frailtye we hadde forgotten , and caused vs to humble our selues to him , in whose handes our onely helpe consisted , who then of hys endelesse goodnesse , and whose mightye mercye was suche , seeyng that in oure heartes we wer turned vnto hym , & beholding our inwarde and hartye repentaunce for so greuously offendyng his diuine maiestye : of his vnspeakable loue , most carefully and louinglye tendring vs , as the father his children , had then compassion vpon vs , and turned his fauourable countenance towardes vs : and though for a while he had suffred vs to be euill entreated thorough tyrauntes , Psal , 107 , whome he vsed as instrumentes of his wrath , to corrcet vs , yet lo , at the last he harde the mournyng voices of vs poore captyues , and helped vs oute of miserye , and shewed himselfe to bee as he is , a mighty god of mercy , and euen the onlye strengthe of his people , Psalm , 28 , and the defender of the healthe of his annointed : which he wonderfully declared , when we beyng in our chiefe distresse , thraldome , and slauerye to them that dailye pursued vs : Then he in twincklyng of an eye by his mightye power deliuered vs from that miserable bondage , out of that troublesome and dreadefull sea of sorrowe wherein we were , euen as he did the children of Israell , through the red sea from the euill Pharao , whome with all his trayne , in their chiefest arrogancie , as God by his omnipotente power in the same sea ouerwhelmed and drouned : So hath he likewise meruelouslye ouerthrowne oure enemies : who in theyr chiefeste pryde , he hathe smyten downe beefore oure faces : and plaged theym that hated vs , Psalm. 5● , * and put the lying lyppes to silence , whiche cruellye disdaynfullye , and despightefullye resysted the truthe of God . Thys meruelous worke hathe our almightye God wrought and broughte to passe by hys electe and chosen seruaunte , and handmayden , our most gratious quene Elizabeth : God I saye the worker , and she the instrument , whome God hadde raysed euen as it were from the graue , to ouerthrow his and her enemies , whiche by all possible meanes most trayterously sought her ouerthrow , destruction , and death . But the god that deliuered Peter forth of prison , & by whose meanes the chaines wherein he was bound fel from him : Actes , 1● , and before whom the iron gates opened of their own accord , that Peter might escape the handes of his ennemies , woulde haue the Romishe Herodes vnderstande , that there is no prison or forte of that force , nor tower of suche terror , or keeper of suche crueltie and circumspection , that can holde or kepe captiue those whome God wil haue at libertie . Well , nowe hath Iudith through Gods assistance , cut of the head of Holofernes , the siege is raised , the souldiors beeyng fled , Iudith with the inhabitantes of Bethulia , ioyfully triumphe , praisyng god for the victory . Thus hath our God , the lord of hostes disappointed that butcherly and bloody broode of theyr mischeuous purpose , which their wicked harts had imagined whose serpentlyke tongues stirred vp stryfe , Psalm , 14 and vnder whose flatterynge lyppes lay hydde the poison of adders , and hath deliuered vs from their tyrannie , euen as the byrde from the foulers snare , and hathe defaced their abhominable wicked and Romish hipocriticall deuises , and displaced theyr false and lothesome goddes of woode and stone . And of hys myghtye mercy hathe restored his woorde vnto vs , which plentifully is taughte and preached vnto vs , by those whiche are spronge out of the ashes of them , that with fyre were consumed : by whome also the Sacramentes are dulie and trulye ministred : Nowe haue we for chaffe , corne , for darkenes , lyght , for ranke poyson ( a preseruatiue ) euen the blessed word of God , to heale vs from destruction , hys holy worde , I say , the liuely foode and pretious preseruatiue of oure soules , whiche hath brought vs quietnes with forreyne enemyes , & domestical peace , plenty health and al thyngs necessary . Oh , how mercifully hath the Lord delt with vs , that of myserable bond slaues , in mysery , in darkenes , and in the shadowe of death , hath made vs free men to haue & vse the libertye and freedome of our conscience , which is a treasure of treasures . Now hath god comforted vs after the tyme that he punyshed , & plaged vs , and for the yeares wherein we haue suffered aduersity , he hath shewed vnto vs hys mercy , and to our children hys glory : Oh that men woulde therefore prayse the goodnesse of the Lorde , Psal , 107 , and the wonders , that he doth for the children of men , who of hys mere mercy hath deliuered vs from those that robbed and spoyled vs , and were to strong for vs , and hath satysfied the emptye soule , and fylled the hungry soule with good : wherefore my good brethren , as oure mercyfull and gratious God hath so done hys maruelous woorkes , that they ought to be had in remembraunce , & as in the day of our trouble , we called vpon the Lord for helpe , who hath now deliuered vs , & geuen vs our hartes request : so should we likewyse now , with earnest hearts & willyng myndes performe that , which we then promysed vnto the Lord our God , which was amendment and newnesse of life , which I hartely wyshe and desyre of God may be , & the which also the Lord doth loke for at oure handes , and he will not be mocked with all : But alas , that notwithstandinge , I see rather a forgetfulnesse in our selues , and synne and wickednesse , rather most shamefully to abound , then any amendmente of lyfe or reformation of oure wycked manners . What pryde what whoredome , what theft , what , dronkennesse , what blasphemye and swearyng , what vsurye , what gredye and vnsatiable couetousnesse , what vntrue dealyng , is daylye vsed ? no regarde of woorde or promyse , no skante the bondes or hande writynges with seale vppon seale is auaylable or sufficient , without trauais in the lawe , and expence of money : Sinne I saye is made but a sporte , for pryde is accompted for cleanlines , whoredome , for a pange of youthe , thefte , a shifter , the drunkard a good companion , the desperate swearer , a lustye courtier , the gredye couetuous vsurer , a ware thriuyng manne , the vntrue and subtyll dealer , pregnaunt and fyne wytted . Thus synne is accoumpted none offence , and as it appeareth , there is neyther regarde or care , for the punishmente of the magistrate , nor feare of the plage of God for the same . But my brethern , do not these abhominable , filthye , and corrupte thynges whiche stynke before the face of GOD , and declare that we thynke in oure heartes there is no god . Shall we dwell in the tabernacle of the Lorde , or reste vpon his holy hyll , that lyue thus carelesly , carnallye , and beastly ? ( No ) but he that leadeth an vncorrupte lyfe , that dothe the thynge that is righte , and speaketh the truthe from hys harte , that vseth no deceyte in hys tongue , and dothe no yll to his neighbour , but perfourmeth that he promyseth vnto hym , and that setteth not by the vngodly : but maketh much of them that feare the Lorde : that geueth not hys money vppon vsurye , nor taketh rewarde against the innocent : and that in all theyr doynges haue the feare of the Lorde before their eyes . And these bee they that GOD wyll blesse vppon the earthe , and in the worlde to come , they shal be partakers of eternall glorye .