To apply this then to our present purpose .

The Waldenses were a People in France , who tooke this their By-name from one Waldus , a wealthy and honest Acts and Monuments . Citizen of Lyons . This Waldus chanced , with diuers of his rich neighbours , to be one day making merrie , when in the midst of their mirth one of their companie fell downe sodainly dead . This accident amazed all , but wrought more effectually with him , who was more sensible and apprehensiue of Gods hand in the sodaine and vnexpected stroke ; insomuch , as afterward fearing the like death might befall him , he reformed his life , gaue himselfe to almes , and prayer , and to the frequent reading and meditating of the Scriptures ; and withall , exhorted others of his kinsfolke , neighbours , and friends to doe the like . Wherein he so farre preuailed , that many sober Christians adhered to him , and a great reformation followed in that place : at which the Diuell , & his Disciples , the Libertines of those dayes , repining , information thereof was giuen to Rome , that Sinagogue of Satan , against these poore soules , and their pietie was accounted Heresie because they could not finde the Popes Supremacie ( a maine and head Article of the Romane Catholique Faith ) confirmed in the Scriptures . For this and other such honest and holy Heresies , the King of France was excited by the Papacie to butcher his owne poore subiects , with he performed which incredible cost and crueltie .

Now I demand ( with our Sauiour ) Thinke you were these Waldenses sinners aboue all the people that dwelt in the Citty of Lyons or in the Kingdome of Fraunce , because they suffered these things ? I tell yow , nay ; but except we repent we shall all likewise perish .

The massacre in France is yet fresh bleeding in the memorie of men that liue and sawe it , when vnder colour of reconcilen , of a marriage betwixt a reformed and deformed Catholicke , the innocent partyes were wonne from their Serpentine wisedome , and so charmed as there remained nothing in them but the simplicity , sincerity , & security of Doues ; wherein asleepe in peace , they were at mid-night awaked with the shricks and grones of their murthered friends , and all-togither be came sharers in the Crowne of Martyrdome .

What then shall wee thinke these holy Saints , sinners aboue all that dwelt in the Citty of Paris and Kingdome of Fraunce , or now dwell in the Kingdome of great Brittaine , because they suffered such things from Antichrist and his followers ? I tell yow , nay ; but except we repent we shall all likewise perish .

All these died for their sauing Faith , euen that Faith which was able to saue their Soules from the Iustice of God and the violence and iniurie of Sathan , could not saue their bodyes from the Tyrannie of their owne Prince , who ought to haue beene their safeguard : so mercifull is God , so mercilesse is man .

But see the iust iudgement of God vpon Shepheards that prone wolues ; the King neuer prospered after , but was often affrighted with the lamentable shrikes of men , women , children intermixt , as if the massacre had still sounded vengeance in his eares : which noise not only himselfe , but diuerse of his neere attendants did professe to heare often with wonder , horror , and amazement .

And thus languishing a long tyme he fell at length into a strange and generall bleeding at all the open parts of his body , which could not be staunched till he died : as if Nature by Gods commandement , would not strengthen the vaines , to hold in that guilty blood , which vnnaturally and prodigally had powred out so much innocent blood .

He that will take paines to reade the historie it selfe and to consider euery circumstance aright , shall be fully satisfied , in the particulars , and may from thence see what foule dealing wee are to expect from Papists , let their words and promises be as faire , and their treatyes , conclusions , and vowes as serious and solemne as they please . There they may obserue the simplicitie of the Admirall , otherwise a wise man , but wearyed with warre , and beleeuing that reconcilement firme , which he desired might bee so , and knew to be so vpon his part , he was wonne or wrought from himselfe by glorious promises , and rockt asleepe in senseles security and ease ( the bane of bold and braue spirits ) not to be awaked by the thicke and loud alarums of all his friends . There they may obserue how the contrary faction of the house of Guise , seemed to be disgraced , and left the Court for a colour , as if they tooke it ill to be iustled out by the Admirall their aduersarie . There they may obserue how the Queene Mother tutors her sonne to dissemble ; and still sets a head vpon the faction shee hated , thereby to breake them and betray them and religion togither . For religion neuer receiued greated blowes then from false heads and false hearts soulderd on for that end by art and deuilish policie . There they may obserue and see , ( and be a stonished at it ) a young King protest and sweare publiquely , contrarie to his inward purpose , and dissemble so artificially , that after the fact , being retired , he demands of his Mother , and of other his flatterors in priuate , If he had not playde his part well . Perhaps he expected a triumph for lying , for periurie , for dissimulation , and for betraying the too-credulons hearts of his faithfull people , as Nero did for fidling , and fireing of Rome .

There is nothing written but is written for our learning , if examples can make vs to beware and to be wise .

Wee liue intermingled in our Land with the subiects of Antichrist , vnto whom wee are more odious then the Iewes to Caesar , or Pontius Pilate , or to any of the Romanes : Those only sought subiection of the body , these of body and soule ; Those tooke , these watch to take occasion and opportunitie of such massacres amongst vs , as in other places , with all bloody expression of vnreconcileable hate , they haue found and effected .

Our Sauiour when he sent out his Apostles to preach , and to plant the Gospel , told them they should goe as Sheepe among Wolues , and will'd them therefore to be wise as Serpents , and innocent as Doues . We are their followers in Faith and in Fortune ; and it is no wisedome in vs to arme the Romish Wolues against our selues , or yet to suffer them to be armed or to arme themselues with Force , Office , or Authoritie to doe vs a mischiefe . Especially , since we haue the Lawes of the Land inabling vs to disarme them , in these and all other respects . And for my part , I beleeue it is no part of inhumanitie or tyrannie to execute the Lawes for the generall safeguard against the seacret and seditious conspiracies intended or imagined against vs ; But I thinke it Treason to the Church and State , and Rebellion against God , the King of Kings , to sit still till these arme themselues , and disarme vs , the more safely and speedily to effect a Massacre : which ( I am fully perswaded , and they will smart for it who are not so perswaded with me ) they will neuer forbeare any longer , then till they can fit and furnish themselues for it ; nor will they abstaine from it , for any other respect of Age , Sexe , Office , or Innocencie , then for the attendance of the first , neerest , and fittest occasion and opportunitie offered to do it surely ; which rather then they will long be without , and long for when they are fit for it , they will prouoke it by force and all meanes possible in their power : yea , they will faine a cause rather then want it , to serue their turne , as a colour for their crueltie .

Assuredly they will then call our Sacrificing Treason , if it can serue their turne to breed a quarrell , when they haue vs vnder hatches , and haue fitted themselues with authoritie and strength to doe vs a displeasure .

But you will aske what should moue me to thinke so , since they haue not found vs bloodie towards them ?

I answer , though they haue not found vs such , they haue fain'd vs such in their writings , and what they faine vs to be , we shall surely find them to be in their workes . Their Posteritie beleeue their sayings , and in Foraine parts they thinke , and will not be perswaded otherwise , but that we haue vsed all cruelties against them , and haue cast them to be worried and torne assunder by wild Beasts .

Notwithstanding , whatsoeuer they write of vs at their pleasure , thereby to exasperate their partie , to breed a detestation of our Liues and Doctrine , and to stirre vp compassion for the benefit of their persons ( all which are as easily effected by lyes as by truth , when preiudice possesseth the hearer , and both sides cannot be heard indifferently ) yet it is certaine they beleeue not their owne lyes , but in their owne soules rest secure that we will do them no violence , how much soeuer we know our selues to be their Masters , except we be vrged and prouoked , beyond the patience of men . Yet this assurance of our lenitie doth no good to winne and soften their affection , but doth rather much hurt , to imbolden their presumption . They know our tenets , our practise , our natures ; It is the Romish Milke onely which makes all that tast of those Adulterate Teates to be vnnaturall Wolues , Fratricides , and Parricides . The Powder-Treason was tryall enough of this truth , where Digby , Grant , and the Winters , with others not of the worst natures ; and Rookewood , who appeared to be of himselfe a man of tender and good affections , apprehensiue of other mens sufferings , & inwardly touched with naturall hate of the euill entended , yet all these were so hardned by their subtile and satanicall Guides , vnder colour of the Romane Catholique good , and the merrit of the worke , as they shut the eyes of Nature against Grace , and obstinatly , and desperatly resolued to pursue the bloodie plot to the vttermost , though the innocent suffered with such as they iudged nocent , yea-though that blow had giuen an end to the honour of our Nation . Whereas vpon the contrarie part , our clemencie and Christian charitie therein appeared , who fell not vpon them in furie and rage to root them vp , when the occasion would haue giuen countenance to such a reueng , nor importuned our Superiours to extend the punishment answerable to the crime , but wept to consider the scandall of our Countrimen , and thought it enough , that some few of the chiefe Malefactors suffered a death appointed ordinarily for Traytours , without the exact inuention of any new torture proportionable and suitable to the merrit of their cause ; when I am fully perswaded , had it beene possible , the Diuell could haue made our Religion guiltie of such a villanous attempt , in any place where they had beene Masters , as we were here , it would haue cost vs a generall Massacre , and all Nations would haue risen vp against vs , and expeld vs their Dominions , as persons vnworthy to liue in the World , or to breath the common Ayre with bruit Beasts , much lesse with Christians . For neuer could Hellish villanie before cause the Name of Christ be so blasted and blasphemed as it might be now through the euill occasion of these Antichristians . Neuer could that be thought the true Religion , which dig'd so deepe for a false foundation , and tooke so much helpe from Hell to aduance it .

Notwithstanding , it may be feared through our remisnesse , not searching the festered sore to the bottome , or through our too tender pittie ( for they will not call it mercie , and Christian charitie , though Rookewood alone had the grace to acknowledge , that as their Act was without example , so his Maiesties mercie in proceeding against them , the Actors onely , was without president ) some of this Spirituall generation , may ( as Cicero said of Cateline ) creepe into the Senate House againe , the place they would haue blowne vp , to fire the Commonwealth by Faction , whom their former traines of grosser Treason could not blow vp . For if the Lord in iustice should so deale with vs , and permit this to be done , we had no more to say for our selues , then the Isralites to the Prophet , 1 Kings 20. 42. Especially when men thus affected for point of Faith ( I speake not of their honours ) are admitted into this high place of Councell , which by Iustice might be that against them , as long as they continue of that Religion , as the Sanctuarie was against the Moabites , though Conuerts , for ten generations , and against the Edomites , and Aegyptians , vnto the third generation , Deut. 23. 3. It is dangerous hauing such blood in the Bodie of the State , though in the extremest parts , but to haue it in the heart and bosome , nay , about the head , to heare , and see all , and to haue a hand in the highest and most seacret Councell , and in compounding the fundamentall Actes of State , is so dangerous in my poore iudgement , as it makes me say in this respect also , If we doe not repent , we are like all likewise to perisp .

What all perish with Massacres , as the Galileans did ? Yes vndoubtedly , except we thinke the young Wolues not so cruell and bloodie as their Syres , or that they account vs lesse Sinners , and lesse Heretikes , then they thought the Waldenses , and the Albigenses , and our innocent neighbours in France , Bohemia , the Palatinate , Hassia , and other parts of Germanie , and through the Christian World to be , whom they haue so serued successiuely vpon all aduantages presented or obtained . Assuredly if a Lambe be a Lambe still , a Wolfe will be a Wolfe still , and their Spirituall guides ( whom they follow with blind obedience ) both traine them vp , and lead them on in blood . You shall not heare of a Minister in the Head of the Troopes , pressing to enter a Worke , or to charge the Enemie with an ambitious and eager forwardnesse ; well may they informe , animate , and rectifie the consciences and courages of such as goe on , and assist them by prayers , but they are no open Actors in blood ; whereas it is ordinarie , as it appeared at Ostend , and all other places , for Friars , Priests , and Iesuites armed with holy water , and a red Crosse on their Shoulders , to leade on the Troopes most furiously and desperatly , and to mount the place which they are appointed to enter , before all others , except they be commanded backe by Leaden Bulls , or Iron Arguments . And what they doe publikely , they faile not priuatly much more to inculcate , thereby to breed a detestation of our persons and profession togither , and to beget and cherish an vnreconcileable hate betwixt vs . For they know if Kings , Princes , and People , recouer their wits , and become sober , the kingdome of Antichrist must downe at an instant , and the deeper they haue drunke of her dregges , the more they will hate her , and their owne former drunkennesse .

Our blessed Sauiour proceedes farther , in the fourth Verse , to relate that which befell to eighteene persons , who were buried vnder the ruins of a Towre , being part of the Wall of Ierusalem , adioyning to the Fish-poole of Siloah , whereof mention is made in the third Chapter of Nehemiah , the fifteenth Verse , demanding of his Auditorie , whether or no they thought them greater sinners then all other men that dwelt at Ierusalem , subioining his infallible iudgement , saying , as before I tell you , nay ; but except ye repent , ye shall all likewise perish .

The first example proceeded from the tyrannie and malicious crueltie of man , vnder the colourable pretence of Iustice : but this latter example is of the nature of those , whom Ignorance , and Atheisme call and account Accidents . An accident in the iudgement of this Dwarfe Ignorance , and this Monster Atheisme , is such a thing whereof God takes no * * Of this minde was that Papist who being told by a Reformed Catholike that the falling of Black-Friars House vpon the heads of their Idolatrous Priest and people , was a iust Iudgement of God : made answer , That he protested he thought God did not know of it . Which speech of his proceeded out of Ignorance , & then it was pittifull , or out of Atheisme , and then it was damnable . If God did not know of it , they might after be in Hell also without his notice . ( from whence there is no redemption . ) Their Saints and tutelar Angels therefore were verie negligent in their cures and charges , not to giue information sooner : And therefore an old wife ( one of their companie ) being deliuered from the danger , protested , she would neuer pray to Saint or Angel more , nor before a Crucifixe or other Image , but only to her Sauiour and Redeemer , who was able alone to heare and helpe of himselfe . Ps. ●5 . 1 , 2. Es. 63. 16. notice ; a motion which proceeds without the assistance of the First mouer ; an action which is produced by a Secundarie cause , without a Primarie ; or by a cause caused , without a cause causing ; neither of all which can be conceiued by any man that conceiues and grants that there is a God , and that that God rules all the affaires of the World by an ouer-mastering power , and by his wisedome and prouidence guides and orders all actions and passions , euen the death of a Sparrow , the losse of a haire from our heads ( as our Sauiour saith Math. 10. 30. 31. ) that is , minutissima & maxima , the least and greatest passages , to his glorie .

There are others who speake of Accident right and properly , which is onely so in regard of vs . So the Philopher saith , Casus est inopinatae rej euentus , Chance or accident is the sodaine euent of a thing vnlooked for . Arist. Lib. 2. Phys. And therefore the same man saith in his Metaphys . Lib. 1. Imperitia casum fecit , Want of knowledge hath made Chance . S. Hierome saith , in his Commentarie vpon the Prophet Hieremie , Cap 12. Ver. 4. Quicquid in mundo vel bonorum accidit vel malorum , non absque prouidentia , & fortuito casu sed iudicio Dej . Whatsoeuer good or euill fals out in the world , doth not happen by chance or fortune , but by the prouidence , and iudgement of God . Lament. Ierem. 3. 37. Who is he then that saith and it commeth to passe , and the Lord commandeth it not ? Quia Deus voluit eos contingenter euenire , contingentes causas ad eos praeparauit . Th. Acquin . S. 1. Q. 19 Ar. 8.

In the first example then , Man was vsed as an Instrument of punishment , in the second senselesse Stones . Gods hand of Iustice ( as our Sauiour saith whilst he threatens the like to all except they repent ) was in both , and both fulfilled Gods worke alike ; The last , namely , the Stones and materialls of the Wall , not knowing what they did ; The first , namely , Pilate and his Souldiers intending no more then the Stones , the performance of Gods will , or any such thing as the Lord effected , but pursuing blindly their owne plots and politike pretences Act. 3. 17 18. Act. 4. 27 28. of Iustice , did so effect Gods seacret will , for the punishing of a thanklesse , headstrong , and rebellious generation , who began to forget what the Lord had formerly done for them in many deliuerances from Aegypt , and the Red Sea , euen as we haue forgot Eightie eight , the Massacre in France , and the Powder-Plot .

To bring this then to applycation , We see what lately hath befalne the Sinogogue of Satan , the Temple of The dolful Euen-song in the Black-Fryars . Baal , the Image of Dagon , the Sonnes of Antichrist , the Children of Babylon , who sought to bring all the Roman Idolatries , and Whorish Superstitions into the Land : how the Lord ouerwhelmed them , and brought vpon them sodaine destruction , as he had long before threatned in his Word .

Which Iudgement I relate not as a man that tooke delight in blood , or in the miserable and lamentable losse of my own deare Countrimen , or as one that hated the persons of any that then dyed , or now so beleeue and liue to dye worse , except they repent : nay rather , I pittie and bemone their losse , and that obstinate blindnesse which led them into that Pitfall ; yea though I cannot absolutely with the Apostle desire to be wholly cut off for my brethrens Rom. 9. sake , yet I could wish my body so brused , euen to the losse of this life for the saluation of their Soules that suruiue . As for those that are dead I iudge them not , I excuse them not , they stood or fell to their owne Master , their sentence is sealed vp in seacret from vs , till the generall Iudgement , when all things shall be opened , nor dare I breake ope the Seale , to passe my sentence with them or against them , till that time come when the day 1 Cor. 3. shall declare it . But what I write is for the benefit of the liuing , and to celebrate the Iudgements of God , which none ought to conceale , nor for any respect whatsoeuer , to cloke , couer , extenuate , or hide from the eyes of men , since that is a notorious Sacriledge , to steale the honour of the euerliuing God , for dead Idols and dead men , of which he is iealous , and for which theft he will hold no man guiltlesse .

I would therefore aduise in Christian dutie , loue , and charitie , all Magistrates supreame and subordinate , and all people whether interested in the cause and losse or otherwise , to giue glorie to God by a free and open publication of this great worke of his Iustice ; lest Prince , Priest , and People pay for the concealement by some seuere and strickt Inquisition . For my owne part , these few things that I heare for truthes confirmed , againe and againe by eye witnessesse , I shall reueale to Gods glorie and the Churches edification , togither with such simple obseruations as I am directed to make vpon them for the vse of all men . For I beleeue this Iudgement is the more remarkeable , being done vpon them who stand vpon Miracles , for the confirmation of their falsehoods , and make euerie thing such , that may be wrested by wit for their aduantage , either touching our disasters or their owne felicities . And I hope euen the most serious on both sides , who might otherwise iudge my obseruations rash and triuiall , sadly thinking vpon this point , and withall considering and well weighing that this befalls them at such time as they vainely hoped , presumed , & proudly boasted of restautation , when they might rather expect a Miracle from Antichrist , as an Omen of good lucke , and would rather haue fained one ( had not this crosse come in their way ) then wanted such a meanes to seduce the people , and reestablish them in the common mans conceit , will not condemne me altogither to be a trifler in my obseruations , but that some or all of them , may profitably passe vnder the verdict of their seuere censures . In assurance whereof , I proceed to propound them , with such exhortations as our necessitie and this occasion giue me life and courage to make , to my Superiours and Equals vpon our side and theirs .

First , Obserue that the Romane Catholikes ( who are cunning in all their courses ) procured this House , and fitted it in all respects for their purpose ; when doubtlesse they suruaid the strength of the building and capacitie of euerie roome . If the Law should take notice of their vnlawfull assembly ( as that was the least of their feares ) then they had the French Ambassadours House for a Cloake to which it was adioyning . Or if the People should rise ( as this was one of their assayes or tryals before they durst appeare to play in publike , to proue if all men were growne tame enough to be muzled and hood-winked , and whether they would start at holy Water , a Masse , a Procession , or the like ) then the Ambassadours House should be their Sanctuarie , against the force and rage of the people . And because it might be perillous to the Spanish Ambassadour to haue the first publication at or about his House , who hath beene the first and principall moouer to introduce or restore Idoll-worship in this Island , to the generall discontentment of the people , therefore the French Ambassadours House must be chosen , not for the Papists affection , but for ours , as lesse suspecting that Nation for all our antient enmities , then the Spanish for all their new friendship and high alliance hoped for , which they proffred with one hand and snatched away with the other , as if they had beene too great for our Royall coniunction , when ( I prayse God ) ours was too good for their commixtion .

Thus the place is secured against man ; but who can secure it against God ? Not the French or Spanish Ambassadors , though they haue more powre and priuiledge in England to serue their Idols , then the Prince himselfe could haue in Spaine to serue God . For though his Chaplaines were sent thither to satisfie him and vs , yet might they say nothing ( as we heare ) when they came there , to satisfie them .

Secondly , The time is obserueable ; It was their fifth of Nouember , wherein they perished by anticipation , as they would haue dealt with vs before vpon the fifth of our Nouember . Here is the difference , they fell downe , as they would haue blowne vs vp ; and did alone feele the furie of that sodaine confusion , without stirring their Neighbours Houses , as they would haue blowne vs vp , with the necessarie ruine of diuerse places adioyning . And this they suffered from God , when from the King they had in their fond conceites and mistaken hopes , obtained that , for which they would haue made him & his , vs & ours , so miserably suffer without mercie . But we see though Pardons , and tollerations passe freely at Rome , and in other places for politique respects , yet they are not sure , till they be Sealed and Inrolled in Heauen .

Thirdly , Obserue the Play-House stands in that place vnshaken , though too often laden with sin-full multitudes of all sorts , sexes , and sects ; because it professeth it selfe to be no better then it is , a Play-House ; and perhaps some Houses of Corporall Fornication stand there also , because for custome sake , that they may haue the more commings in , they desire to seeme what they are , Brothels : But this House which professeth it selfe for Christ , when it is for Antichrist , and playes with the Word and Sacraments in a most Anticke or Apish fashion , euen when it pretends to be most serious ; and teacheth men to commit Spirituall Fornication vnder the shew of Sanctitie and Holinesse ; this must not stand , but the Lord makes it a spectacle of his Iudgement ; as he made the Beare-Garden long since , whilst they prophaned the Sabbath day ( a day at the Creation ordayned for peace and rest ) in that beastly sport of crueltie betwixt the Creatures , proceeding from Gods curse vpon our Fore-fathers sinne ; which sight should make Adam , Abell , and Seth , with their pious posteritie , weepe ; as it makes Caine , Lamech , Cham , Nimrod , and Esau , laugh , with all their Sauage and impious Seed and succession . These Houses therefore must not stand when they touch vpon the skirt of Religion , to prophane and pollute the holy things of God , whereof man is not so carefull a keeper and zealous defender , as of his own right and interest . It may perhaps not seeme friuolous to some that I mention here , what I haue heard for truth , concerning an other Play-House called the Fortune , in which , repeating their Playes vpon a Sabbath day in the afternoone , at night following the House fell on fire and was consumed to ashes . The Gallorie in the preaching place at White hall , which stood from the dayes of King Edward to King Iames , must fall then vnder the Spanish Ambassadours feet , when he was sent the second time to perfect what he had before but rough drawne . I doe not wonder that it fell then , hauing stood so long ; I rather wonder it fell not before , being oftentimes as heauely laden ( except with the sin of Idolatry ) But that Gods prouidence must reserue it to that instant , at that I wonder ; and me thinkes it told me the Spanish footing was not so certaine in this Land as he presumed , but that whilst his power did tread downe the preaching places of the Land , he might hap to tumble with them , and by opposition giue a happy occasion to reedifie their ruines more strongly .

Fourthly , Obserue no Idols , Crucifixes , Crosses , Holy-Water , Medals , Beades , or any sacred Relique or Agnus Dei , whereof doubtlesse there was great prouision laid in , could preserue or protect from this blow . Let this open the eyes of their superstitious and bewitched Customers , and abate the price and esteeme of such Romish and Anti-Christian Reuel. 18 11. merchandize , teaching wise men to distinguish betwixt toyes , trash , and reall safeguards .

And here I make bold to demand , What became of those Wafer-cakes which the Priest had before turned into gods ( for doubtlesse some were there or in the roome vnder ( which was the Massing place ) reserued for the sicke ) What were all of them brayned with the Timber and Brickbats , and did they perish with the Priest and the rest of the people ? O blind men , lift vp your eyes and see your owne absurdities ! Should I feare the ruines of Heauen , if he who sits at the right Hand of God the Father stood by me , to support the Roofe from his owne omnipotent and my impotent Head ? Reply not ye blind who make others blind with your sophisticating tongues , but pray to God for your selues , as I doe for you , that he would vouchsafe to giue you grace to acknowledge the truth which you cannot choose but see . When our Sauiour rose from the Graue , the Priests hired the Souldiers to say , His Disciples came and stole away his body Math. 28 11. whilst they slept . Had he not risen alone , I should neuer haue beleeued he could raise me ; now I can neither doubt his power or will ; Saint Thomas his seeing and feeling hath resolued me . Hire you some Souldiers ( if Souldiers will be such hirelings , as doubtlesse you may fit your selues with some zealous Reformados vpon promise of absolution ; or otherwise make shift with your owne equiuocating Locusts , armed at all points for the purpose with mentall reseruations and dispensations ) to say , they saw the consecrated Cakes rise alone from vnder the ruines , or I shall neuer beleeue your Transubstantiation , nor can you perswade any to retaine your erronious opinion any longer , or receiue it farther ; except such as you with the Cup of Abhominations haue transubstantiated or transformed Spiritually ( as Medea and Circes did their Guests Corporally ) into such Don Quixshots or Gorgantuahs as would eat vp their God Almightie at a mouthfull , or in their melancholly mood imagine themselues to be such Monsters as could doe it .

The Lord complaines against his People that they rob'd him of Tythes and Offerings : But you haue rob'd Mal. 3. 8. our Sauiour of Head , Heart , Hands , Feet , of a true Body , of his Humanitie .

Fifthly , Obserue how after the Fact , either those that were reserued or their obstinate friends , clouded the worke of God , and out of malice cast the aspertion vpon man , to their owne disaduantage ; as if God , who would not suffer them to blow vs vp in Parliament , would yet suffer vs to pull their Baalitish Temple ouer their eares in time of their deuotions .

So in the Powder-Treason it was their plot and purpose after the strocke , to lay the fault ( if Gods mercie had not preuented their malice ) vpon the Puritans ( as now they haue gotten a tricke for their aduantage , to nickname euen good Protestants ) & accordingly they had drawne a Proclamation to that effect ready for the Presse . Wherein they charged the Puritans ( meaning hereby , all honest men that are not like them ) with that odious and execrable fact ; and with this draught they were found , and taken in the manner , beyond retracting , or shadowing .

O what honest man can be safe among these Slanderers ? The poyson of Aspes is vnder their lips . If they entend mischiefe , the Innocent man must suffer for it ; if they suffer from God himselfe , his Seruants shall be blamed for it .

But they speake truer then they are aware ( as Caiphas prophecied ) It is true , it is true , O Antichristians , those poore Christians vnpind and sawed asunder the beame which vpheld the flore whereon you stood , from whence you fell .

But they did it onely with Hands lifted vp to Heauen , which will vnpin the principals of Babylon also , and with Sampson , plucke the House ouer the Phelistines , in the midst of their mirth , whilst they are reioycing and triumphing before their Idols .

Sixthly , Obserue the silence of all men at that time and in that action , prouokes God to speake and to doe . Peter himselfe had here need of Paule to reproue him to his face , for he was worthy to be blamed ; yea , some of those that ought to haue honoured their profession with Martyrdome , before they had giuen silent way to the encrochments of Antichrist , shew their readinesse to hold their peace if they should be requested , and say it is their Ps. 39. dutie to doe so . Holy Dauid , a man after Gods owne heart , made once a promise to doe the like , but for all that when it came to the point , he would not , he could not hold his word against God and his Truth , but we see his zealous heart was moued to heat , and he spake with his tongue . Silence in Gods cause was an iniunction layd vpon Peter and Iohn by the Councell , who answered , Act. 4. 19 20. Whether it be right in the sight of God , to hearken vnto you more then vnto God iudge ye . For we cannot but speake the things which we haue seene and heard . It was Saint Paules case , whose heart was so stird when he came to Athens and saw that learned Citie deuoted to Idolatry , as he could not hold his peace , though his person was thereby in perill . That Historie betwixt Theodosius the Emperour and Ambrose Bishop of Millan , makes more for the vertue of the Emperour , then for the valour of the Bishop . It is no great matter to say what the Bishop did , since he for so doing may be censured to be satis audax , but what the Emperour did and said of the Bishop , when his anger was ouer , is to the purpose . For as Sozomen records . Soz. l. 5. c. 18. Theodosius dixit se solum Ambrosium dignum Episcopi nomine nosse . Theodosius said he knew one Ambrose onely worthy the name of a Bishop . And this was for speaking truth , and discharging his conscience , though herein he plainly condemned an action of the Emperors , and doubtlesse crost his present desires .

Let no man cloake his luke-warmnesse or personall cowardice vnder the pretence of modestie , patience , discretion , moderation , prudence , or temperance . He that hath a Soule hoping to be saued , will speake for his Sauiour . Shall there be so many offer themselues to plead for Baal , because he cannot plead for himselfe , whilst few or Iudh. 6. 31. none pleads for Christ , who pleads continually for vs all ? No , no , Let all men assure themselues if they will not speake because they will not be counted factious , furious , and hot-headed fellowes , but discreet , moderate , and prudent persons , fit for preferment and imployment , that yet God can raise vp Stones to doe that which they should , but will not , or dare not ; neither shall they escape the Hand of God , but he will find them out , and punish their falshood and faintnesse in his cause .

Proceed to expresse your Christian courages , therefore O Princes , Nobles , Priests , People ! Behold God goes before you , Who will not follow ? Remember what Nehemiah said to that false Prophet , that hireling , who sought to discourage him , that his example might discourage all the rest , Should such a man as I am feare ? Surely Neh. 6. 11. it doth not become his Place , his Profession . What could a Slaue , a Coward , a Traytour doe more ? O let it neuer be recorded of you , to your perpetuall dishonours , as it was of the ignoble Nobles amongst the Tekoites . Next Neh. 3. 5 vnto them the Tekoites repaired , but their Nobles put not their necks to the worke of the Lord . And what I speake to Ephraim , I likewise speake to Manasses . England and Scotland should be vnited in this . They both looke for examples from each other , both should be examples to each other ; England as the richer in regard of the world , Scotland as being no lesse rich in Spirituall treasure ; England as the stronger , Scotland as the freer ; England as being more engaged for the Royall Presence , Scotland as being more enterested in the Royall birth and education ; England as being neerest the danger , Scotland as being too neere to auoid it .

O all ye Peeres , Priests , and People ioyne with your Royall Head , and remember what he hath often said , written , and vowed , and caused you to say , write , and vow , whilst he hath proued by his learned Labours that the Pope is Antichrist . The truth is too strong to be repulced or retorted , since Bellarmine , that Romish Goliah , with all his assistants , could not wrest the Staffe and Sling out of his hand with Arguments . Nor is our Dauid growne so 2 Sam. 21 faint now with age , that he must goe no more to battell , for feare of quenching the Light of Israel .

You that haue fought Gods battells with him against the red Dragon , the seuen headed Beast , and her whorish rider , with all their armie , & can tell how brauely he hath borne himselfe , and what blowes he hath dealt with his tongue and with his pen . It was Saule and not Dauid that fell vpon his owne Sword . If the Pope be not Antichrist , why hath he written so ? It is Gods Word and his Ier. 20. 7 Pen that hath deceiued vs . If the Pope be Antichrist , then to make a Couenant with him , or to trade with him in Spirituall Merchandize , is to make a Couenant with Es. 28. 15 Death , Satan , and Hell , against God , his Sonne , and his Church .

To be a Mahumetane is to be an open profest enemie , which is in comparison honourable ; but to be an Antichristian , is to be a Traytour , For Christ in shew , against him in deed , which is superlatiuely detestable . To be a Iudas , though one of Christs Apostles , is worse then to be a Pilate , though a condemner of Christ . Antichrist of all the enemies of the Church , is the most perillous and most pernitious .

But what need all this ? What cause haue we to feare the reentrance of Antichrist ? What shall euerie shadow afright vs ?

I answer , We doubt not the sodaine reentrance of Antichrist , but his slye insinuation , and their wiles who pretend to worke reconcilement , and say that humour is too much stird vpon both sides . We would not haue conference with the Serpent , nor cast an eye vpon the forbidden Fruit , though neuer so beautifull . Is it not a little Gen. 19. 20. one ? made way for a great offence . We are will'd to come out of Mysticall Babylon , as out of Spirituall Sodome , not to looke behind vs as if we long'd to turne Apol. 18 4. & 11. 8. backe , nor to touch any vncleane thing , but to flee the garment polluted with the flesh . This puritie becomes Virgines and Angels , who will not mixe with Spirituall Fornicators . Such Soule chast Spirits shall onely see the face of the Bridegroome in glorie . We feare to looke of a Moabitish woman , lest she proue a snare and a stumbling Num. 25 blocke to the Princes and People ; or to take a fauor from Antichrist , lest it proue to our Church and State as Achans wedge to the Hoast of Israel . Iudg. 7.

What hope of reconcilement is there , where the erring side holds it to be a fundamentall veritie , that they cannot erre . To abate , is to denie their grounds , they know it , they haue set downe their rest vpon it , and this alone forceth them to maintaine shamelesse errours with an obstinate and womanish will , hauing nothing to defend their nakednesse , but these arguments that they are old , and belong to an infallible Chaire . For if they should confesse in one , all Babylon were ouerthrowne .

The experience of Charles the Fifth , and Ferdinand his successour , mightie Emperours , armed with all aduantages which man can thinke vpon , to procure reformation and reconcilement , and studiously and constantly employing their power and policie to that end , with great zeale and affection to the cause , and faire probabilities to effect it , may notwithstanding in their bootelesse endeauours resolue the World how vaine a worke it is to vndertake or attempt such an enterprize which God hath reserued to himselfe to accomplish . It is an easie worke to draw vs to them by corruption , but it is too hard a worke for man to draw them to vs by reformation , which is a kind of regeneration . The passages of the Councell of Trent may instruct vs sufficiently what to hope of their reformation , except we long to be deluded ; and for vs to come on vpon their side , and take vpon vs the least marke of the Beast which we haue cast off , therby to buy our peace , and to endeare our entertainment , is to wound our owne Consciences , and to sinne with a high Hand against the Light of Knowledge . And hauing thus swallowed one abomination ( which God forbid ) a reprobate sense will make roome for all , and men , by the iust Iudgement of God giuen ouer , will begin to beleeue those lyes in good earnest , which at first they heard and repeated in ieast .

Leaue that great worke therefore , to the Reconciler of Heauen and Earth , to the Moderatour and Mediatour betwixt God and Man , who will consume the Man of Sin 2 Thes. 2 ( by degrees , not altogether ) with the Breath or Spirit of his Mouth ( by the powrefull preaching of the Word , and effectuall working of the Spirit ) and will abolish and destroy him with the brightnesse of his comming ; till when we shall haue Antichrist , though impotent , old , and in a consumption . Thus let vs guard our owne , for it is probable God will no more vse the temporall power or policie of Princes in the totall and finall supplantation and eradication of Antichrist , then he did vse them in the first planting of the Gospell of Christ . They are to be nursing Fathers and nursing Mothers , not generating and naturall Parents to the Church , that Christ may be all in all .

Consider this well ye moderate minded men , and shew vs a way how we may be such politique Christians , as to please God and the Diuel , Christ and Antichrist togither ; 1 Kin. 18 21. Or let vs leaue haulting , and declare our selues plainly for Christ by open action as well as profession .

Therefore leauing that which is improbable , and perhaps , impossible , Let vs follow after charitie , and pursue 1 Cor. 14 1. that which is both possible and probable , that is , The vniting of the Reformed Churches within themselues . And to this end consider what things they are that keepe vs deuided . Whether they be points of Doctrine , or points of Discipline . Whether matters substantiall and fundamentall , or ceremonious and circumstantiall . Whether of necessitie and vnalterable veritie , or of indifferencie and variable conueniencie .

If of the first sort , then consider whether they may be reconciled by clearing or remouing some termes diuersly vsed and vnderstood , or by silencing some peremptorie expressions and absolute definitions , setting a modest bound to the inquisition of curiositie and singularitie in matters vnsearchable .

Whether we may be accorded in the generall heads , and the branches and consequences left free for the exercise of euerie mans seuerall gifts , so they depart not from common vnitie , and giue not publique scandall by obstinate opposition .

Whether this or some other way may be found of reconcilement .

If the questions be of the second sort , then whether the formes & diuersities of gouernment may be left free to euery Nation and Church , without the breach of brotherly loue and charitie , and of the vnion and communion of Saints .

Whether , although we iudge it fit to hold those formes amongst our selues in Great Brittaine , and to continue them , being setled , without alteration , yea , to perswade them what we can vpon others for vniformities sake ; If it be charitable to suffer other Christian Churches without ( holding the same faith with vs ) to be embroyled and exposed to ruine , thereby to settle them amongst such as hold them not to be indifferent . And whether vpon the other side it be charitie in them who are at libertie , to condemne vs and all other Churches of Antichristianisme , who vse those formes and esteeme them indifferent .

Whether it can be imagined that we will in France by Treaties , Articles , and Arguments , or in the Vnited Prouinces by reall assistance , or in the Palatinate by chargeable Armies , deale so seriously and effectually for the vpholding and replanting of Religion , as long as these differences remaine vndetermined , vnsetled , vnreconciled , as the Papists doe for the planting of their Superstition , or , as we would doe if in all respects we were perfectly one .

And whether the Religion in France the Vnited Prouinces , and the Palatinate , be not the same in substance with that in Great Brittaine , which we should not doe well therefore to discountenance and abandon for the outward forme sake .

These points in the humilitie of my Soule , and as in the presence of God the Searcher of the Heart , and the Iudge of all men , and all actions , I present with all feare and reuerence to the eye and consideration of my Superiours , not with any purpose to contend or saucely to censure the contrarie resolutions of such as God hath placed ouer me in authoritie , or to giue them the least offence or distast by propounding these things publikely , or as a man that thought my selfe able to direct in these bottomlesse Depths , or to saile in these Seas by my selfe and my owne skill without Compasse , where no Land can be seene ; but hoping hereby to giue occasion , to men of place and abilitie , to studie the point , and to pursue it to purpose to a finall resolution and determination . And if these poore vnworthy papers of mine shall euer haue the happinesse to kisse his Maiesties hands , or the hand of any that may whisper a plaine truth into his Iuditious eare , then I humbly desire he may know ( and from my Soule , and the sinceritie and simplicitie of my Heart , I speake it ) that nothing could haue moued me to write what I haue done ( lest thereby I should offend his Maiestie , whose wisedome hath beene pleased to run a contrarie course ) but onely that I feared to offend God by concealing this truth from the eares of his Maiestie , and the rest of his loyall Officers and louing Subiects , which I am fully perswaded God put in my Heart to the end I should vtter it . And to incourage me and prouoke me the more to this worke , the infirmitie of this Season and of my body with it , are continuall messengers telling me I must make hast , for I am not likely to stay long here , but I must appeare before his Tribunall , where Kings and Beggers Pr. 12. 2. stand vpon euen termes , and where men shall answer , as well for the concealing of truth , as for the venting of falshood . The Pestilence also walkes about the Street , and enters euerie mans dore at night or noone-day without knocking ; This also makes me the bolder , as men that are in the heat of warre , dare do more then vpon cold blood . But my hope is in the vnspeakeable mercie of God , that he will perswade the Heart of his Maiestie , and all others that shall reade this Treatise , that whatsoeuer is herein vtrered , proceeds from an vpright and good intention , thereby to helpe to vnite the reformed Churches in one , and to remoue or qualifie such differences as hold them deuided , to the great aduantage of the enemie : Wherein if I haue tatled to little purpose , or perhaps a little too much , it is because I am able to doe nothing but tattle ; but were I able to doe more , I would doe it , that our deuisions might not be told in Gath , nor our nakednesse published in the Streets of Askelon , to the reioycing of the publike enemie .

For I know how much it concernes the Reformed Churches that they should be vnited in one ( if it be possible ) that the humours of men might be mittigated , and made in loue with Peace , which is so much in their mouthes .

And I know how much it concernes the prosperitie of our Church and State , and the peace and prosperitie of all Reformed Churches , that England and Scotland should first be perfectly vnited .

I know what aduantage euen in opinion , much more in action , the enemie takes from our deuision ; and I feare euen some of those who pretend to be Chyturgions to close the wounds , do make them wider vpon purpose by pressing the Flesh too hard . Force neuer did good , especially with fierie natures , but mollifying Oyles of interchange and abatement , may by kind conference close and consolidate all differences .

And vpon the other side I know how much those Spirits haue disaduantaged the cause , that haue made their breath bellowes only to blow vp contention by opposing Superiour powers with violence , and dipping their pens in Gall and Vineger , haue exasperated the humour without any other profit to the cause then prouoking of farther prosecution , where patience , submission , and expectance might haue qualified and allaid the heat .

In which regard I could wish that men howsoeuer forward and zealous that way , would be warie how they stirre vp coles of contention by writing against Iuda , as if they writ against Aegypt , lest they kindle a fire to the great hurt of the Reformed Churches , which may waste that strength and Spirit within , that , employd abroad , would waste and consume the foundation of Babylon . I specially I wish this course were taken at this time , when his Maiestie hath beene gratiously pleased to condescend to our weaknesse , and to secure our feares and iealousies , by open protestation , that his whole intention is to procure and effect the good of the Reformed Churches and Religion , in all his designes ; that he will neuer entertaine Treatie to the contrarie ; and to resolue vs of this ( a thing that he need not ) hath made a fearefull imprecation against himselfe and his posteritie , in case he do otherwise . It is no more then reason that we beleeue what we heare him say and sweare , and shew so much good manners at least , as to meet him halfe way vpon our knees , when he wooes and inuites vs to come ; attending a while with silence and patience his Maiesties leasure and pleasure , for the timely fulfilling and perfecting of these promises ; which as it is my resolution to doe out of dutie , so I wish it were the resolution of all others ; especially considering if euer we may haue hope in outward meanes for effecting amitie and vnitie amongst the Reformed Churches ( a thing so much desired by all that know how to desire that which is good ) we may expect it in his Maiesties peaceable Reigne , who is made by God an able instrument to this end , being acquainted with all the controuersies that trouble the Church , and exercised in all the differences both concerning fundamentall and circumstantiall points , and armed with power , art , and argument beyond all other princes , to accomplish this worke , which would make him more famous , being finished and compounded by his meanes , then if he had conquered the whole world .

And now to conclude by returning to the Romane Catholiques , I desire them that they would not slightly passe by that Iudgement of God executed vpon their Brethren in the Black-Fryars , but that they would lay it to heart , and confesse ingeniously it was neither Chance nor Accident that did it , but the Hand of Gods power , which is in all actions , yea , in the ouerthrow of that house wherin the children of Iust Iob feasted . Shall there be euill in a Amo. 3. 6 Citie , and the Lord hath not done it ? Who is he that saith and it commeth to passe , & the Lord commandeth it not ? Confesse then your wisedomes had charmed many wise and sensible men , but you could not charme senselesse Stones . Man may be mocked and deluded , God cannot . Submit your selues therefore to him , Kisse the Sonne lest Ps. 2. 12 he be angry , and so ye perish from the way , when his wrath is kindled but a little .

Acknowledge your Pope to be Antichrist , that Man 2 Thes. 2 of sinne , that Sonne of perdition , that sits in the Temple of God as God ( that is dispensing , pardoning , absoluing , binding the conscience , making new Articles of Faith , which none but God can doe ) exalting himselfe also aboue all that is called God , and worshiped , that is , aboue Kings , Princes , and Gouernours , Ciuill and Ecclesiasticall , aboue Saints and Angels , whom he appoints to be worshiped , and canonizeth or condemneth at pleasure .

All those that write , and despute , and labour the point so eagerly about personall and visible succession , thereby to retaine you still in their superstitious bonds , doe but labour to proue the Pope to be Antichrist . For prouing a visible Temple of God at Rome , they proue a visible Antichrist to be there . The Field was well knowne to be Math. 13 the Householders , wherein he first sowed Wheat , & the enuious man after sowed Tares . If it had belonged to the enuious man , why should the Householder or his Seruants complaine ? Might not he sowe what Graine he would in his owne Field ? But it was not his Field , it belonged to the Householder , and therefore his intrusion , to intermingle Seed for the spoyling of the whole crop , was an effect of Enuie .

The Doctrine of Christ and Antichrist is mingled in your Church , as the Tares and Wheat both in one Field ; doe but distinguish that which is of God , and that which is of man , and the controuersie is cleared .

We confesse you haue sauing Truth amongst you , but it is mingled with all-condemning falshood , as Apotheocaries mixe poyson and preseruatiues . And therefore the rising of Antichristianisme in the Church , is called , A Mysterie of Iniquitie , for the subtile and close creeping in of Errour , and winding about the Root of Truth , so that they seemed all one , and of one age . This Mysterie began to worke euen in the Apostles time , and good men perhaps , out of good entention , were made Seeds-men against their wills , whilst one inuented one thing , another man another ; one added this Ceremonie thereby to intice the people , another that to win the Heathens from a grosser Idolatry to a lesse , as they thought ; and thus doubtlesse if Errour be examined it shall be found to be verie old , and much of it fathered vpon none of the worst men ; nay , much of it will be found to be so ancient , as the time when it was brought in , and the person who introduced it , will hardly be found ; yet if this be compared with the pure Wheat of the Word , which God by his Sonne , and the Ministerie of his Seruants the Apostles of Christ , hath sowne in the Church , it will easily be found to be Tares and trash of humane inuention . Doe but cast Mar. 5. 15. out the Diuell therefore , whose name is Legion or Multitude , and the man is ours which is amongst you , and will sit quietly at Iesus Feet .

Acknowledge also your Rome , as it is the Seat and Sea of Antichrist , and the Head Citie of your Church , to be Babylon ; and as in the ruines of Shilo , Ierusalem was Ier. 7. 12 taught to see her future miserie , so in this shadow , behold what the Lord will doe ( though perhaps mystically , as Rome is mysticall Babylon ) to the Sinagogue of Satan , which you now stile the Romane Catholique Church , when it shall be fulfilled which the Spirit of God proclaimes , Apocal. 18. 2. Babylon the great is falne , is falne , &c. Not that I beleeue the Citie it selfe shall be ruined and burnt , the Houses and Temples puld downe , and your Pope no more named ; but that I thinke the Truth shall be reuealed to such as now sit in darkenesse and in the shadow of death , and then Kingdomes , and Countreys , and Churches , will one after another reforme themselues , and forsake the Doctrine of Diuels , that absurd Superstition and Idolatry , which you now zealously , out of a scornefull Ignorace , exercise , thinking you doe therein God good seruice . This seemes to be Hieroms opinion vpon these words , 2 Thes 2. 8. Quem Dominus D. Hieron . Com. in Mich , C. 5. interficier Spirituoris . Haec interfectio non abolitionem significat ( ●aith he ) This interf●●tion doth no signifie a totall abolition , but a cessation of euill life which they led before . Et destruet illustratione aduentus sui . And shall destroy with the brightnesse of his comming . Nun quam autem destrueret , si interfectio , abolitionem sonaret , cum iam esse cessasset .

But let vs returne to consider the words vsed by the Angell , Apocal. 18. 2. Babylon the great is fallen , is fallen , and is become the habitation of Diuels , and the hould of euerie foule Spirit , and a cage of euerie vncleane and hatefull Bird ; For all Nations haue drunke of the Wine of the wrath of her Fornication . ( Marke the note of vniuersalitie , whereof the Church of Rome so much glories , All Nations ; Marke also the Metaphor vsed to expresse beguiling Errour , Drunke ; The most wise and learned man , may be ouertaken and mistaken in drinke . ) And the Kings of the Earth haue committed Fornication with her . ( Marke the Metaphor , doting Lust will doe much . ) And the Merchants of the Earth , are waxed rich through the aboundance of her delicacies . ( Marke the Metaphor , for couetousnesse and commoditie will preuaile verie farre , and make euen good men looke through their fingers ; but for bad men they will easily be perswaded to proue such Merchants as Iudas was , and to sell their Master Christ for pleasure and profit . ) Here is the strength of Wine , of Women , and of Wealth , or of the King , ioyned 1 Esd. 3. 10 , 11 , 12 against the strength of Truth , yet at length , Magna est veritas & preualet ; Truth is strongest , and beares away the victorie . Yet Truth must struggle for the victorie , her opposites are strong enough to striue , and will not be conquered till we haue fought vnder her Banner , and resisted vnto blood . Heb. 12. 4.

Now after you haue heard and considered this aduisedly , then attend to that which followes immediately after at the fourth Verse . And I heard another voyce from Heauen , saying , Come out of her my People ( God hath a People , God hath a number of Elect names , God hath a Church in Babylon . ) that ye be not partakers of her sinnes , and that ye receiue not of her plagues ; For her sinnes haue reached vnto Heauen , and God hath remembred her iniquities . Reward her euen as she rewarded you , and double vnto her double according to her workes : In the Cup that she hath filled , fill to her double . How much she hath glorified her selfe and liued deliciously ( Marke ; what she hath assumed , challenged , and arrogated to her selfe . ) so much torment and sorrow giue her : for she saith in her heart , I sit a Queene , and am no Widow , and shall see Es. 47. 8. no sorrow . ( Doth any Church boast so but the Romish ? ) Therefore shall her plagues come in one day , death , and mourning and famine , and she shall be vtterly burnt with fire , for strong is the Lord God , who iudgeth her . Stronger then all the Kings that would defend her . And doe not say , or hear others saying , that such as perished were greater or lesse sinners then the rest of the Romish Idolators that suruiue ( since we iudge not their persons , but opinions and actions ) For except ye repent , ye shall all likewise perish .

The Lord open your eyes that you may discouer Antichrist in the midst of his masking , and open your eares that you may heare Christ in the midst of the Candlesticks , and turne your hearts from following the vanitie and Idolatry of those superstitious Fathers of your Flesh , that you may beleeue the Veritie of God the Father of your Soules , and so possesse an eternall habitation with him in Glorie and Immortalitie .

Amen .