THERE are two kinds of questions ( gentle Reader ) which are in controuersy betwixt the Catholikes and Protestantes ; the one kind is of fact , to wit , Whether Luther was the Author , and beginner of the Protestants Church and Religion ; whether before him it were visible and had Pastours ; whether he and the first Protestant Preachers were sent to preach Protestancy , and the li●e : The other kind of question is of Christs doctrine or law : For example , whether Christ taught good workes do iustify , be necessary to saluation , meritorious , and such others . Why a a question of Fact is handled rather than of doctrin At this present I treate not of this second kind of question , but only of the former and that for three causes . First the questions of Doctrine are innumerable , but the questions of Fact , few . And many haue handled them , and that most exactly , but these , few haue touched , and ( for ought that I know ) none of purpose hath hitherto written of the Authour of Protestancy , and in that manner as I intend to write . Secondly there are few questions of doctrine of that nature , that all other controuersies of faith depend vpon them ; but the most questions of Fact are such , as if they be well decided , al other Controuersies of religion are at an end . Such kind of question this especially is , which now I handle , Whether Luther were Author and beginner of the Protestant church and Religion For if it be made manifest , that he was the Author and Beginner of it , euery one will straihgt see that it is not Christs Church & Religion , but Luthers deuise and inuention . Thirdly in questions of doctrine , or law , Protestants want not some pretext of Scripture ( as neither any Heretikes wanted ) and therfore diuers tymes they are ready to debate these kind of Questions , in which ( as Tertullian sayth ) they pretend Scriptures , Prescrip. c. 15. and with this their boldnes shake some , and in the dispute weary the constant , catch the weake , & send away the midal● sort with scruple and dou●ts . But in questions of Fact they are destitute not only of al pretence of Scripture , vnles it be some most vaine , but also of all testimony of men and help of reason , and stand only vpon their owne sayinges , & are conuinced by the testimonies of the whol world , and sometyme also by their owne confessions , and therefore are brought to debate these kind of questions no more willingly , then is a theefe to his tryall . Neither do they in these disputs either weary the constant , or catch the weake ; but shew their owne weaknes and wilfullnes vnto all kind of men . And this is the cause why Ministers are so loath to dispute of the Church , because the Church , being a company of men , includeth many questions of fact , as of antiquity , succession , continuance , visibility , mission , ordination of Pastours , and such like ; in which points there is little colour , or shew on their part .

2. Fourthly , Protestants exact more difficult poofes in questions of doctrine , then they can demand in matters of Fact . For in matters of Fact , wherof the scripture speaketh nothing , they must be content with testimonies of men , against whome no iust exception can be made , or they must refuse all triall of these kind of questions . But in controuersies of doctrine , they account those only to be lawfull proofes , which are taken out of the scripture . Neither doe these satisfie them , vnlesse they be plaine & (a) (a) Melan. & Brent . in Hospin . fol. 107. Colloq. Ratisb . sess. 11. expresse , and ( as they say ) word (b) (b) Vorst . respons. ad Slad . for word containe that which is in question , or at least be so pregnant and strong , that they (c) (c) Luth. de seru. arbitr. fol. 440. Lib. 6. confess . c. 4. stopp all m●ns mouths that they can gainsay nothing . For it is the common fault of Protestants , which S. Augustin saith , himselfe was guilty of , whiles he was an heretike , that they will be as certaine of all things as that seauen and three make ten . Nay they yield not alwayes to these kind of proofs ; For what can be sayd more expressy , more plainly , more literally , then the scripture saith , that man is iustified by workes , and not only by faith ; that , that which our Sauiour gaue with his hands to his Apostles after his last supper , was his very body and bloud , and such like : & yet the Protestants yield not to these kind of testimonies , but deuise figures and shiftes to delude them . Catholiques proofes in controuersies of doctrine are certainly Theological demonstrations , because they are clearly drawne from the proper principles of Diuinity , to wit , from cleare words of God confirmed by the tradition of the Church and vnanimous exposition of the Fathers ; which kind of proofe is as great and strong , as either Diuinity or law , or any Science whatsoeuer which is founded in words either doth affoard , or the nature of any law or science which is grounded in words ( as Diuinity is ) can beare or affoard . And as the Philosopher saith well , it were starck madnes to exact any other kind of proofes of any Profession , then the nature therof can affoard . 1. Eth. 1. But because heretiques expound what words soeuer as they list , and litle set by the authority of the Church or Fathers , and the vnlearned hardly perceaue what kind of proofe is a Theologicall demonstration , & such as Diuinity can affoard no greater , or which is the true sense of Gods word , or how great the authority of the Churh and Fathers ought to be ; therefore with them , Catholiks proofs in points of doctrin , albeit in truth they be Theological demonstrations , take litle effect Wheras on the other side Catholique proofes in matter of Fact , are not only Theologicall , but also ( that I may so speake ) Mathematicall demonstrations , because they consist of one principle which is grounded not only vpon the foundations of Diuinity , to wit the word of God together with the exposition of the Church and Fathers but also is manifest by the light of reason : which kind of principles these are , That Gods Church hath alwayes him : that it is one : that it is the auncientest of all Churches : that it is alwayes visible : hath alwayes Pastors , and the like : And of another principle , which may be tryed by our sense and experience , as that the foresayd properties agree neither to the Protestants nor to the Anabaptists , nor to any hereticall company . And therfore these kind of demonstrations moue euen the most obstinate heretiques , and are euident euen to the most ignorant and vnlearned persons .

3. And hence ariseth a fift cause of handling rather questions of Fact then of doctrin , because the fruit of debating those questions is reaped with more facility and of far more . For wheras few but diuines do themselues perceaue the true meaning of the testimonyes of Scripture wherwith the questions of doctrin are debated ; as the true meaning of the law , few but lawyers themselues do see ; all perceaue the meaning of those testimonyes wherwith the questions of fact are disputed , Epist. dedicat . exercit . cont . Baron . who will affoard an attentiue eye to see , or eare to heare . And heer upon Casaubon wrote , that for to insinuate into the mind of the Reader any opinion now in controuersie , Baronius historyes are of greater force , D. Flauignie . then Bellarmines disputes . And sayd also sometyme , as one most worthy of credit , who heard him , told me , that whiles he read Bellarmines disputations , he began to doubt of all Religion , but whiles he perused Baronius Annales , he felt himselfe by little & little drawn towards Papistry : which thing might wel haue befallen him and such others , not because Cardinall Bellarmine proueth lesse soundly , for the nature of the matter , the truth of Catholik Religion in questions of doctrine , then Cardinall Baronius doth the same in questions of Fact , but because such is the nature of the testimonyes , wherewith the truth of Catholike fayth in questions of doctrine is proued , that they are lesse euident then the testimonyes wherewith the Catholike truth in matters of Fact is proued , and also haue many thinges which seeme to be contrary and repugnant to them . Whereupon it falleth out that some hearing or reading controuersies of doctrine disputed between Catholikes and Heretikes , and not being able of themselues to discern betwixt truth & shew of truth , either follow neither party , but become vncertaine or Atheistes , or content with any shew of truth take that part to which any affection of their will doth draw them . Whereas none by hearing or reading controuersies of Fact , becommeth not more confirmed in the Catholik faith or more auerted from heresy . And therefore Tertullian counsaileth vs , Praescrip. cap. 1● . not to dispute with Heretikes out of Scripture , by which questions of doctrine are disputed , but aduiseth vs to appeale to antiquity , succession , and such like which concerne questions of fact .

4. Lastly , though the fruit of disputing both those kind of questions were equall , yet sith the Author , by order of nature , goeth before the thing whereof he is Authour , according to the order of Nature we ought to intreate of the Author of Protestancy before we dispute of Protestancy it selfe . For ( as well sayth Tertullian ) nothing but God alone is without beginning which how much it goeth before in the state of all thinges so much ought it to go before in the handling of them , Lib 5. cont Mar. Lib 3 cont Mar. that the state may be knowne . And other where : Nothing is knowne before the beginning is knowne . Wherfore I will begin my first dispute concerning the Protestant Religion of the Authour ther●of : Yet before I do that , I must set downe and determine what a Protestant , or the Protestant Church and Religion is , and what is necessary for one to be a Protestant , and discouer the vncertainty of Protestants . And this much touching the matter which I haue made choice of to handle in this little worke and the causes thereof .

Why proued only out of Protestants . 5. As for the manner wherwith I vndertake to discusse this question of Fact , whether Luther was the first Author & beginner of the Protestant Church , and Religion , I purpose to proue it only out of the confessions of Luther himselfe , and of the three sorts of Protestants , to wit , Lutherans , who professe to follow Luther in all points of doctrine ; Sacramentaries , who notoriously dissent from him touching the reall presence of Christs body in the Sacrament ; and our English Protestants , who differ from both the former at least in discipline & gouerment of their Church : because this kind of proofe out of their owne wordes I find to be both necessary and most effectuall with Protestants . Necessary , because of this question of Fact , neither the Scripture , Necessary . or the Fathers say any thing , as also , because , seeing Protestants deny part of the scripture , and interprete the rest as they please , and will not stand to the sentence of the Church , Councels , or Fathers , account reason Sophistrie , & contem me the testimonies of Catholique writers , they haue left nothing but their own confessions , by which we may dispute with them . And I pray God they do giue place to their own most frequent and most plaine confessions , and not delude them by voluntary and friuolous interpretations ; for then hope may be , that there wil be some end of these controuersies . At least we shall reape this profit by this labour , that by it shall be manifest to all , that either Protestants will heare no testimony , admit no iudgement , no not their owne , which is a most euident argument of a most desperat cause ; or that they shall be condemned by their owne verdict & sentence ; or lastly that there can be no forme of speech so plaine , no words so cleare , no sentence so manifest , which they with their faigned figures & deuises will not wrest , frustrate , and delude ; which is in effect to disanull al kind of proofe which is taken out of words or testimonies whatsoeuer . For I will bring so plaine testimonies of theirs , as plaine can scarce or not at all be deuised ; I will bring so many , as themselues will require no more ; I will bring so weighty , as themselues will demaund none more weighty ; I wil bring them also most freely and often iterated and repeated ; lastly I will bring not only those which indirectly and by consequence proue that which I would , but those also , & that especially & oftenest , which directly testify that which they are brought to confirme . Wherfore either they will not delude these words of theirs , or they wil delude all wordes whatsoeuer ; And either they will not refuse these their owne testimonies and confessions , or they will reiect all testimonies and iudgements whatsoeuer , which is in effect to confesse that their cause is most desperate and most worthy to be reiected and condemned of all .

Most effectuall . 1. This manner also of proofe is most effectuall , for what can be of greater force to conuince a man , then his owne iudgement and acknowledgement of the truth ? Surely vnlesse a man will professe himselfe to be en enemy of truth , By reason . and of the number of them who see good and follow bad , he must needs imbrace that truth which himselfe confesseth . Experience also sheweth the same . By experience . For when our Sauiour could neither by infinite miracles nor euident scriptures stop the mouthes of the Iewes , he so conuinced them out of their owne words , that ( as the Euangelist writeth ) they answeared him not a word nor from that day any durst aske him a question . And the Donatists , Matt. 22. when they made answeare to the Catholikes arguments taken out of scripture , were so intangled in their owne fact touching the Maximinists as ( sayth S. (d) (d) In collat. 3. diei c. 11. Augustine ( they euer more stood dumbe at that● And now we see , that Protestants are tongue-tied at no sort of bookes so much , as at those , which are composed of their owne testimonies . This manner of dealing vsed the holy Fathers against the Pagans , as is to bee seen in Clement , By the Fathers . Tertullian , Origen , Cyprian , Arnobius , ●actantius , Augustin , and others ; and against heretiques also , as appeareth in the sayd S. Augustin . S. Hierome , and others , most often , and the same they most highly commend . For thus writeth (e) (e) In Euseb. l. 7. c. 6. S. Denis of Alexandria : It helpeth me much , that I can disproue them out of their owne wordes . S. (f) (f) Orat. de S. Basil . Gregorie Nazianzen : It is the greatest cunning and wisdome of speach to bind ( the Aduersary ) with his owne wordes . And (g) (g) De Trini . c. 130 Tertullian , of Nouatian : It is a strong kind of proofe , which is taken of the aduersary that truth may be proued euen by the enemyes of truth . S. (h) (h) Lib. 2. cap. 53. Ireneus : We often disgrace them by their owne doctrine . And (i) (i) Lib. cont. Secund. c. 3. S. Augustine : Neither will I bring against thee any other sentences for to shew the errour of Manichee , then out of thyne owne epistle : Which worke of his he (k) (k) Lib. 2. Retract . c. 10. preferreth before al the other which he wrote against that heresy . Nay , the same holy Fathers account this manner of dealing with heretiks necessary , and preferre it before all others . For thus sayth S. Ireneus (l) (l) Lib. 1. cap. 35. It is needfull to disproue the Valentinians by their Mothers Fathers and Ancestours . And in another (m) (m) Lib. 4. c. 14. place : That is a true and vnanswerable proofe which bringeth attestation from the aduersaryes themselues . And (n) (n) Lib. de anima c. 3. Tertullian : The aduersaryes testimony is eftsoones necessary . Againe : I must strike them with their own weapons . And (o) (o) Atha . l. de carne Christi . S. Athanasius , who was most tryed in combates with heretikes : Against wranglers we must oppose their owne arguments , in which ( sayth he ) I haue the greatest hope of victory . S Chrysostome (p) (p) Hom. 3. in epist. ad Tit. also : We must conuince them by this , when we turne their owne ill sayings against themselues , as often as we make those who were the famousest amongst them , their accusers . And lastly (q) (q) Lib. 1. cont. Petil. c. 27. S. Augustine the most fortunate champion of the Church against heretiks seeing that the Donatists could be euidently conuinced by their owne dealing with the Maximinists , exhorteth Catholikes to let alone all other kind of arguments , and still to vrge this only : Remember ( sayth he ) this only fact of the Max minists , cast this in their faces , answere to al obiections by the Maximinists alone And (r) (r) Ibid. cap. 18. againe : I will not leaue this only fact which God hath put before their eyes to stop their mouthes , and to amend them if they be wise , or to consound them if they remayne obstinate . And in like manner , when he saw , that the Donatists cause was quite ouerthrowne by that saying of theirs : Neither one cause doth preiudice another , nor one person another , he thus speaketh vnto Catholiques : (s) (s) Sermi 22. de verb. Apostol. I request you , I bese●ch you for Christs sake , that you remember it , speake it , and haue it euer in your mouthes . There could not be pronounced on our behalfe , a briefer , surer , and plainer sentence Thus you see how greatly the Fathers esteeme of this kind of dealing with heretikes , and how earnestly they vrge vs for to vse it .

7. And Protestants ought the more to allow this kind of proceeding with them , because they much commend it , and preferre it before all others . Luther : There (t) (t) De ser. arbit . fol. 442. is no stronger proofe , then his owne confession , who is accused , and his testimony against himselfe . And againe : No (u) (u) Inc. 1. 1. Pet. fol. 449. man can conu●nce a lyer better then by his own words . He●husius : The (x) (x) Lib. de Coma. sh●rtest way of al to conuince an aduersary is that whi●h is taken out of his owne confession , wherwith he openly acknowledgeth that which is obiected . Lucas (y) (y) Epist. Euchar. Osiander : The confession and testimōy of the aduersary is of greatest authority . Peter (z) (z) Loc. tit . de Iudaeis fol. 3●0 . Martyr : Surely amongst other testimonyes that is of greatest weight , which is giuen by the enemies . D Bancroft : Let (a) (a) Suruey c. 8. pag. 14● . vs take hold of that which they haue graunted . You may be bold to build vpon it for a truth , that they are so constrayned to yield vnto . D (b) (b) Cont. 292. c. 14. Whitaker : It must needs be a strong argument , which is taken out of the confession of the Aduersaryes . For the testimony of the aduersaryes is of force against themselues . And (c) (c) Praef. in Cant. againe : It is a notable matter and encreaseth much the triumph for to be proued by the testimony of the aduersaries . And D Morton in the Epistle dedicatory of his answere to the Protestants Apology : Which kind of assistance of learned aduersaryes the Apologists themselues haue layd down for the greatest reason of satisfaction , & we do accordingly admit . Nay , they begin to vse this kind of arguing against vs , and vaunt much therof : Who may not ( sayth the sayd . D. (d) (d) Apol. l. 1 cap. 25. Differences betwixt Protest . manner of dealing & ours . Morton ) iustly congratulate the Protestants happines , whome truth it selfe proceeding out of their aduersaries mouths doth patronize ?

8. But , by their leaue , there are many and great differences betweene their and our kind of proceeding in this matter . First many of the Catholikes , whome they produce against vs , wrote before their Religion was risen , & therfore we answere that of them which S. Hierom answered of the ancient Fathers , who liued before Arius appeared : Lib. 2. contr. Rufin . Before Arius ( sayth he ) arose in Alexandria like a noon-tide Diuell they spake some things innocently and not so warily which cannot escape the obloquie of certaine peruerse men . And which S. Augustin answered of S. Chrysostom when the Pelagians alleadged his testimony . Discoursing ( sayth he ) in the Catholike Church , Lib. 1. cont Tul. c. 6. he thought not that he was otherwise vnderstood None was yet troubled with such a question ; you not yet iangling , he spake more securely . But the Protestants which we produce liued al after that protestancy was both bred and hatched , & after the Catholike fayth had for many ages shined through out the world , and therfore could not be ignorant what wordes of theirs might make for the Catholike fayth , Cassander Erasmus-Cornelius Agrippa . Marsil of Padua . and preiudice their owne cause . Another difference is , that none of the Catholikes whose testimonyes Protestants alleage against vs , is accounted of vs for a man sent extraordinarily of God , and much lesse for a Prophet , Euangelist , or Apostle . Nay , Beatus Rhenanus Faber Stapulensis , Orthuinus Gratius . many of them are obscure writers , and of small or no reckoning among vs , some of them are not held for Catholikes of vs , and some of them euen by the iudgments of Protestants themselues are our open enemyes . But the confessions of fayth which we cite against Protestants containe their faith , so that they cannot be reiected of them , vnles they will renounce their fayth . And of the men whose testimonyes we produce , one is accounted of them a (e) (e) Humf. ad Rat. 4. Camp . God , another a Prophet an (f) (f) Colloq. Aldebur . Schusse●b . Catal. 13. Hunius praefat. de liber . arbit . Euangelist , an Apostle , a third Elias , an Angell . His writings are held for inspired from heauen , for a rule of fayth , and equall to the writinges of the Apostles . Another is called a (g) (g) ●●anae . lib. 4 , de Eccles. c. 9. Beza ep. 6. great and admirable Prophet , others are esteemed for lights , lampes , bright starres , props , founders , parents , renewers of the Protestants church and religion . Others are men extraordinarily sent and diuinely raised to lighten the world ; most of them for very learned , famous & well deseruing of the Protestant religion ; & finally all for sincere Protestants . The holy Fathers were wont to refute both the (h) (h) Iustin . dial . cum Tryphon . August . l. de ciuit . Chrysost. hom. 26. in 2. Cor. Cyril . l. 6. in Iulian. Pagans superstition and the (i) (i) Hier. cont. Vigilant . Ambros . serm. 5. de Sanctis . Hilar. l. 1. & 6. de Trinit. heretikes errours out of the Diuels confessions . Of which kind of proof (k) (k) Apol. cap. 22. Tertullian , vsing it , maketh this account : What more manifest then this fact ? what more sure then this proofe ? Belieue them , they speake true of themselues , who vse to credit them when they lye . No man lyeth to his owne disgrace . And S. (l) (l) Lib. ad Demetr. Cyprian : Who so sayest that thou worshipest the Gods belieue euen them whom thou worshippest . And likewise Minutius in Octauio : Neither do they lye to their owne shame , especially if some of you be by . Belieue themselues witnessing that they are Diuels , and confessing the truth of themselues . But our proofe taken out of the Protestants confessions of faith & out of Luther & such like famous Protestants testimony against Protestancy , is much more euident and stronger ; both because it is more likely that men will confesse the truth , though against themselues , then the Diuell the father of lyes and sworne enemy of truth ; as also because the confessions of the Diuel were extorted from him by force , as the Fathers themselues doe acknowledge , but these of Luther and his mates come most freely from them . Belieue therefore ( O Protestants ) your chiefe leaders , Note . your founders , Instructors Prophets , Euangelists , & Apostles , in that which they freely & of their own accord confesse of themselues & of their doctrine . Euen by the testimony of your own Prophets & teachers belieue , that Protestancy is newly risen , first founded by Luther , & before knowne to none . No man willingly lyeth to his owne shame ; no man freely confesseth that which ouerthroweth his owne cause , but which he cannot deny . No man knew protestancy better then they , no man fauoured it more then they . Who ( sayth Caluin ) is to be credited touching Popery , more then the Pope himselfe ? De ver ● Eccles reform . And whom shal we belieue touching the author and hatching of protestancy amongst the Lutherans , rather then Luther himselfe , Melancthon , the Century-writers , Kemnice , Schusselburg , and the like ? Or amongst the Sacramentaryes , rather then Zuinglius , Bullinger , Bucer , Peter Martyr , Caluin , Beza , Plessie , and such others ? or amongst English Protestants rather then Iewell , Fox , Whitaker , Fulke , Humfrey , Perkins , and the like , whose frequent and plaine confessions we heerin produce . A third difference between our and the Protestants manner of proceeding in this kind of proofe is , that Protestantes oftentymes alleadge Catholikes testimonyes corrupted , mangled , and falsifyed ; and sometymes also the obiections which they make against themselues , insteed of their answeres , as Cardinall Peron not long since shewed Plessie to haue don before the French King , conferenrence at fountaine Bel-caue . euen by the iudgment of Protestant themselues . And it were easy to demonstrate that D. (m) (m) Apol. part. 1. l. 1. c. 23. l. 2. c. 41. part. 2. l. c. 35. l. 2. c. 41. Morton hath done the like in his Apology . But I produce the testimonyes of Protestants certaine and entiere , at least for that sense for which I alleadge them . For I haue cited none in this worke which either I haue not seene with myne owne eyes , and for the most part haue quoted not only the bookes and chapters but also the leaues and pages , or if I haue wanted the booke , I haue cited them out of some good Author . The fourth difference & that of great moment is , that the Catholiques , whose testimonyes Protestants alleadge against is ( if so be they were true Catholikes ) were alwayes ready to reuoke and recall whatsoeuer they had written contrary to the catholik fayth , & to submit all their wordes or writings to the censure of the catholike Church , which to be the mind & disposition of all Catholiks , Protestants themselues confesse . For thus writeth D. (n) (n) Contr. 2. q. 5. c. 8. Whitaker : This is the condition , this the consent of the Popish Church , that all hang their saluation vpon one man , and submit themselues to one mans iudgment . And D. (o) (o) Apol. part. 1. l. 2. cap. 31. Morton : Is there any Papist that thinkes any decree of the Pope can be contemned or broken without cryme or heresy ? Which sith it is so , in vaine do they obiect any Catholikes words against the Catholike fayth . For either they are not contrary thereto , or if they be , they are already reuoked , recalled and disanulled by himselfe . But the mind and proceeding of Protestants is far otherwise , who subiect not their opinions to the iudgment of the Church , but as they thinke that she may erre , so will they hold their opinions notwithstanding her sentence to the contrary ; and therfore iustly may we produce their testimonies against their owne Church .

9. The fift difference , & which is much to be noted , is , that Protestants alleadge Catholik witnesses in matters of doctrin , in which some tymes by reason of the obscurity of the matter a man may chance to erre & slip ; August . l. 11. cont. Faust . c. 5. or els in such matters of fact , as were in times or places far distant from them , so that themselues could not search the truth , but belieued the reports of others . Such a question is that of Pope Ioane , in which Protestants cite no Catholike author which liued not some ages after that time , wherin Pope Ioan is sayd to haue beene . Or if they produce any Catholike Author in any matter of fact , the truth wherof he might haue tried , either he is of no credit , or the matter is such , as it turneth to no preiudice of the Catholike faith . But we heer produce Protestants in a matter of fact , & such a matter as they could most easily know . For what was more easy , then for Luther and his fellowes to try either then or euer since , whether , when he first began , there was in the world any Protestant company , whether it were visible , whether it had Pastours , and the like ? For who can thinke , that only the Protestant company could lye so close hid , that neither in all Luthers time or euer since , either the being , or the estate or condition , or place or Pastours , or any thing at all therof could be espied out of so many Arguses , which now in one whole age haue sifted all corners of the world to find it out ? And besides , this is such a question of Fact , as vpon the decision therof an end may be made of all controuersies betweene Catholikes and Protestants . For ( as I sayd before ) if Luther be the Author and beginner of the Protestant Church , it is certaine , that it is not the Church of Christ , nor to be followed of Christians , Note . but to be forsaken & detested . To which I ad now , that if Luther himself & such & so many learned & famous Protestants as I haue cited , do by many wayes , & so plainly confesse , that Luther was the Author therof , it cannot be doubted , but that he was in truth the Author of it . For I alleadge not men of small credit among Protestants , but such as are of greatest authority with them ; nor a few , but many ; nor of one nation alone , but of diuers , to wit , Germans , Italians , French , English , Scottes , Flemings and others ; nor Protestants of one sort or sect , but of all three namely Lutherans , Sacramentaries and English Protestants . So that they could not beare false witnesse in this matter either for want of knowledge , because they were many and learned & of different countries , and most diligent in searching the matter , and the matter it selfe most easy ; nor for want of good will towards the cause , because they were all most earnest Protestants . And to refuse the testimonies of such witnesses in a matter of fact , in their owne time , so easy to be knowne , and so diligently searched of them , what other thing is it , then obstinately to refuse to know the truth of this matter so important to be knowne , and wherby may be made an end of all contentions in Religion ? Wherfore let Protestants say as they please , Note . that in questions of doctrine they will not depend vpon Luther , Caluin , or any one , or all their doctours together , but vpon the scripture alone : Neuertheles in matter of fact , wherof the scripture saith nothing , such as this is ( for the Scripture telleth not what was the state and condition of the Protestant Church when Luther began , in what place it was , what Pastours it had , who saw it , and the like ) either they must confesse , that they refuse all triall & knowledge of so important a truth , or they must giue credit to the deposition of sufficient witnesses . And if euer men were or can be sufficient witnesses of any matter of Fact , Luther and those Protestants which here I produce , are sufficient witnesses of that which I bring them for to testify . And thus much touching the cause why I proue Luther to haue been the founder of Protestant Religion only by the testimonies of Protestants .

Why so many Protestants testimonyes are alleaged . 10. As for the reason why I alleadge so many Protestants , that is , that it many appeare , that it is not the priuate testimony of some one or few , but the generall consent of them all , or at least the common sentence of many of them . And if I seeme to any Catholike ouer tedious in heaping vp so many testimonies of Protestants , I pray him to consider , that I write not this book to Catholikes to confirme them in the Catholike faith , who I know to that end doe not need the testimonies of Protestants ; but that I write it partly to Catholikes , for to furnish them with store of Protestants testimonies to stopp their mouthes , and to shew them that they are right Heretikes , that is , condemned ( as the Apostle speaketh ) by their owne iudgement , to which end a few testimonies of theirs would not suffice . And therfore to such as intend this end the multitude of testimonies will not be troublesome . For who , that indeauoureth to vanquish most obstinate enemies , will complain of the abundance of good soldiers wherof he may make choice ? And if I had rehearsed only some few testimonies , and named the places where the rest may be found , some would haue cauilled , as M. Iewel did against D. Harding , that I had cited dumbe witnesses . Besides , seing the iudgments of men are diuers , it may fall out , that what kind of testimonyes seem strong & forcible to some , others acount but weake and litle to the purpose ; and therfore it was behofull , that there should be as it were a store-house of Protestants testimonies , that euery one might take what weapon he thinketh fittest for him , & vse it against them . But especially I gathered these testimonies of Protestants for the Protestants themselues , that by their owne mens iudgement I might withdraw them from their errour . And therfore I was not so fearfull to bring too many for Catholikes , as carefull to prouide inough for Protestants . In which I could hardly offend by multitude . For as S. (p) (p) Lib. 1. Vigil saith , Mans mind possessed with the errour of a false opinion , is hard and slow to perceiue truth , with how many witnesses so euer it be vrged therto . (s) (s) De gestis cum Emerit . Or as (q) (q) Lib. de Patient . Tertullian writeth : much talke in matter of edification is not foule if at any time it be foule . And (r) (r) Lib. 1. cont. Iou. S. Hierom : delay is no losse , when by delay the victory is more assured . Wherupon S. Augustin counsaileth vs , not to regard and delay whatsoeuer , so we bring good proofe of what we say . Besides , (t) (t) Whi. cont. 295. c. 17. l. 1. de script . c. 11. sect. Sadeel . in Refut. Posnan . c. 12. Protestants deny that we ought to iudge of them by one or few ; though they be Pastors , and (u) (u) White in defence of his way . c. 7. write that M. Brierly in his Protestants Apologie , although it be stuffed with all kind of Protestants testimonies , hath brought but a few testimonies . And as S. (x) (x) Lib. 3. cont. Cres . c. 6. Augustin saith of the Donatists , they are ready to deny what they can . Or as S (y) (y) 3 Epist. ad C●esipb . Hierome speaketh : Shutting their eyes deny what they would were not . For what could be more inpudently denyed , then that which D. (z) (z) Lib. 3. de Eccles. c. 6.8.49 . Field denieth that when Luther began , the publique and generall face of Religion in the Westerne Church was Papisticall ? These men need haue their mouthes shut , and their eares stopt with multitude of testimonies . For as (a) (a) Instit. 3. c. 25. §. 3. Caluin saith ) it is the part of wicked & furious obstinacie , to discredit so many and so authenticall testimonies . Or as an (b) (b) Praefa . Synt. conf. other sayth : If in a matter of great importance one only witnes were alleadged , what place would his testimony find ? But vnder so many and so great witnesses as are heere produced , all pretext of not receauing the truth is taken away . In so great certainty of so many witnesses , how is there so great loue of darknes , that they open not their eyes to see the light ? To which I add that saying of Varius in (c) (c) Lib. 2. de finibus . Cicero : Either these witnesses will suffice , or nothing will suffice Neuerthelesse , that I might both somewhat ease the wearines of Catholikes in reading so many testimonyes , and better set before the eyes of Protestants the force of their testimonyes , I doe for the most part marke in the margent those testimonyes which are most forcible , & after I haue recited them all , I gather the force and summe of them togeather which he may read , who loatheth to runne ouer so many . Why many testimonyes of the same man .

11. I bring also diuers testimonies of the same Protestants , especially of Luther , that it may appeare , that that confession slipt not from him vnawares and vnaduisedly , but that it was his constant iudgement , if there can be any constancy in heretikes . For I remember that (d) (d) Praefa . opusc . Cal. Beza , for to couer Caluins foule contradictions of himselfe , wrote ; Lobechius praefat. disput. Whitakad Demonstrat . 1. Sanderi . As if of that which one hath written briefly in some place , ●t were to be gathered what he thought of euery point of doctrine . I graunt notwithstanding , that I haue brought some testimonies which are not so cleare , as of themselues they would conuince the matter ; Yet such they are as strengthen those that are cleare , and of them receiue light . For as in gathering an armie not only stout men but also some other are chosen , who may increase the strength of those that are stout , and likewise may be encouraged by them ; so it fareth also in gathering testimonies . Neither yet did I gather all that occurred : but only such as seemed more to the purpose . It will also delight the reader to see how some Protestants plainly and roundly confesse the truth , others deale more craftily & closely , and in them he shal espy that difference which S. Austin (e) (e) Lib. de peccat . origin . c. 12. noted between Celestius , and Pelagius , of whome he writeth , that he was more open this more close ; he more obstinate this more false , he more free , this more wily . If any aske how it fell out , that Protestants should giue such plain testimonies against their own cause ; I answere , that there were many causes heerof . First the euidence of truth , which maketh its enemies , yea the deuils themselues sometimes to confesse it : The very coyners of lyes ( sayth (f) (f) Lib. 2. cont. Eun. S. Basil ) oftentyms catcht with the euidence of truth , as with a snare , euen against their wills do witnes it . Againe , It is the nature of lyes to bewray themselues , like (g) (g) Lib. 5. cont. Mar. as Tertullian writeth : Theeues commonly leaue something behind them , which bewrayeth them . For as S. Augustine (h) (h) In sentenc . Prof. sayth : It is incredible , that he should not be taken by lyes , who lyeth to take others . Or as S. Basil (i) (i) Lib. 1. cont. Eun. hath : So it is , that euill is not only contrary to good but also to it selfe . And Luther (k) (k) In cap. 12. Mat. in cap. 4. & 37. Genes. himselfe : There is no heretike , who is not found of spirituall men to speak ag●inst himself in his lyes . And els where : This happeneth to the wicked , that by lying they cannot beware not to bewray themselues by their wordes . They lye some while an sometymes , but continually they cannot . At last lyes bewray themselues especially with them who marke and obserue . For there escapeth some word from them with which they are taken . The same confesse (l) (l) Resp. ad Nebul. & admon . vlt. Caluin , (m) (m) Cont. Castel . p. 421. Beza , (n) (n) Cont. 1. q. 2. c. 3. & q. 5. c. 8. Whitaker , and others . Another cause is , because Protestants ( as heretiques are wont to do , and (o) (o) Zuin. ● . de relig. c. de Euch. Hospin . part. 2. fol 90. colloq. Aldeb . fol. 154. Schusselb . tom. 7. catal . p. 126. themselues confesse that they practise it ) accommodate their sayings and doctrine to time , place , and occasions , & therfore vtter those sayings which we here alleadge , before whome and when they thinck they will make to their purpose ; but where they see they will hurt their cause , either they deny them , or seeke by friuolous and fond expositions to auoyd and delude them . So the Donatists ( as (p) (p) Lib. ad Donat. past collat. Augu●● in noteth ) would not confesse that , which would haue confounded them , when the Catholikes vrged it , but after when an other point was in handling . A fourth cause may be giuen , that as the Scorpion affordeth a remedy for her sting , and of the vipers flesh is made the counter poyson ; so God hath ordayned , that heretiques affoard sufficient meanes to refute their errors : Neither yet therfore ( as S. (q) (q) Supr. c. 33. Augustin writeth ) giue we any thanks to them , but to God alone . For that they should for our cause produce & discouer all these things by speaking or writing , truth enforced them , not charity inuited them . And (r) (r) Cont. R. Angl. fol. 343. Luther himselfe : So must the enemies of truth confound and mock themselues for a reward of their blasphemies . And (s) (s) In cap. 4. Genes. againe : Since God ordayneth that folly is always ioyned with malice , Cain bewrayeth himselfe And for this cause the defence of truth is easy against the aduersaries therof . Wherupon (t) (t) Hospi . part. 2. histor. fol. ●9 . Hospinian thus writeth of the Lutherans : They are become grieuous enemyes and aduersaryes , not so much of others , as of themselues ; surely by a most euident testimony of Gods iudgment , and a worthy punishment and confusion for these kind of ambitious and contentious men . Which I would God Protestants would obserue , not in Lutherans only , but also in other Protestants . For they should find , that they haue no heauier aduersaries then themselues , & that Protestants ( as (u) (u) Lib. 2. c. 9. Lactantius wrote of Cicero ) cannot be more sorely confuted , then they are by Protestants themselues .