A preface to the Kynges hyghnes

AN EXHORTATION TO the people , instructynge theym to Unitie and Obedience .

AS IT IS TO AL OTHER creatures , by the power of God brought forth into this world , naturally giuen by his goodnes to desyre their ende and perfection , the which they be ordeyned vnto , so it is to the nature of man , who of al other here in erthe is moste noble , and of dignitie moste excellent , as he that is with reasone indewed , the moste heuenly thinge , wherof bodily creatures and erthly , may be parttakers , by the whiche as by the chiefe instrument , he may seke and inserche al conuenient meanes , wherby he may attayn the better to suche ende and perfection , as by the goodnesse of god to hym is appoynted : and all though this desyre be to all mankynde common , and euer hath bene of what religion so euer they be , yet we mooste , christen people , whiche be of Christes flocke , and lyghted with the spirite of god , make profession of his name , aboue al other ought to be therof moste desirous , as they which haue by the singuler benefite of god , a more sure knowlege , & a more sure ground , to leane vnto , them any other people in erth , for we haue the expresse & manyfest doctrine of god , by the whiche we ar taught and instruct the streyght and sure waye , to the attaynynge of our felicitie , the whiche standeth nother in worldly honour , plesure , nor high dignitie , no nor yet in any secrete knowledge of subtyll philosophie . For than it shulde not be common but to fewe , 〈…〉 and the multitude of christen people shuld be excluded from it : But according to the hole course of the doctrine of our moste louynge master Christe , it resteth only in faythfull loue and charitable vnitie . 〈…〉 . This testifieth our master him selfe , in his gospel by his own worde , commaundynge vs aboue al other thing in this Act. 4. charitable vnitie , to be coupled and knytte togither , none otherwyse than he is with the eternall father in diuinitie . To the which agreeth all the processe of the doctrine of Paule , ●ala● . 3. the trew interpretour of the mynde of Christe , who euer exhorteth vs , as we be membres of one body coupled to our heed Christe , 〈…〉 1. so with faythful loue of him to lyue to gether in this charitable vnitie , which is the ende as he faith of al preceptes and lawes , as the tynge wherin standeth the perfection of a christen mynde : from the whiche no manne of what state or degree so euer he be , at any tyme is excluded . For this pathe is open to all men that wyll it seke , whether they be pore or ryche , yong or olde , sycke or hole , this way they maye entre . And by this way to their perfection & felicite they maye attayne : of the whiche dere frendes you may highly reioyse , gyuing thankes to the goodnes of god , who by our mayster Christe hath so declared this way , & so indifferently opened it to vs al without exception of any person , Rom. 3. or preferment of any certayn kynde of lyfe or degree , that no man there is , but he may be parttaker of this perfection and felicitie . For as dere is he to god , that is a plowman or labourer of the erthe , as is the moste royall kynge or prince in his high maiestie , if he loue his master Christe with no lesse affecte than doth he . Ep●e . 6. As dere is he to Christ who is a cobblar , as is the greattest philosopher , if he with his simplicite , haue no lesse trust in the promysses of god , than hath he with his hyghe philosophie . AS dere is he to god , Coloss. 3. who is a marchant abrode in the worlde trauaylynge for his lyfe , as is the monke in his cloyster mooste religious , yf to the worde of god he gyue no lesse truste in his tranaylle and busynesse , thanne dothe he in his trauquillitie and quietnes . And in conclusion of what sorte , crafte , or condicion so euer man be , though in this polityke life and worldly , there be great diuersitie , yet before god , who loketh into the harte , there considerynge the sure fayth and truste in his promysse and worde , there is no regarde of person nor degree : Rom ▪ 12. but to all proportionably accordynge to their faytfull loue and charitie , he gyueth his hygh rewarde and eternalle felicitie . This is a sure and stable ground of our trewe religion : this is the comforte of all faithfull hartes , of this reioyse you , most christen people , in this fyxe your hope : & you shal fynd therin great and inestimable quietnesse . Leane to this anchor , and you shall easyly passe the stormes of this worlde : stable this in your hartes , and in the myserable and wretchyd state of this lyfe , short and transytorie all aduersitie you shal bere with equall mynde and righte paciently . For to him that hath vnfaynedly Christe printed in his harte , and is armed with the fayth and sure loue of him , who gouerneth al by his high prouidence , all worldly aduersite , which cometh not to him by his owne negligence and faut , is to hym torned into ioye comforte and playne felicitie : 〈…〉 , 12. and this is the greattest benefyte that mans mynde may receyue here in the erthe , of the doctrine of Christe , of the whiche benefyte euery man desyreth to be partaker : for euery man desyreth quietnes of mynde , euery man iugeth therin to rest all felicitie , there is no man so madde and so with out sence , that aboue all thinge in his harte desyreth not to inioye and imbrace this quietnesse and tranquillitie . Wherfore dere frendes this appereth to me a thynge moste meruaylous and wonderfull , to see vs all , soo desyrous hereof , and soo fewe to take the streyghte waye to the attaynynge of the same , but ledde by bypathes , somme by vayne pleasure , somme by ambition , and somme by curious knowledge , and cloked superstition we runne to our owne ruyne , plaine myserye , and destruction .

In so moche that sommetyme whan I do consyder with my selfe the nature of manne , and his excellent dignitie , he appereth to myne eye , of all other creatures moste wretched and myserable , who by the goodnesse of god beinge ordeyned to so hye felicitie , by his blynde folye falleth to soo manyfeste miserye . For the whiche cause , thoughe I haue many tymes with my selfe in a maner lamented the state and condicion of man , who so lyghtly slyppeth frome his dignitie , yet neuer more than nowe of late I haue bene constrayned to the same , by the reasone of a greatte blyndenes raygnynge amonge vs , here in our countreye , wherby this charitable vnitie , in the whiche restethe our felycitie , and quietnesse of mynde , is greattely broken and dissolued , by the whiche blyndenesse this spirytualle bodye , this churche of Christe , wherof we be all membres , yf by trewe and faythfull loue we be knytte to our spirituall hedde , Ephe ▪ ● . is disseuered and in sondrye partes deuyded and rent . For what vnitie maye there be iudged to reste amonge theym , where as that one estemeth an nother to be an heretike , or at the leeste a scysmatyke ? What christen concorde and vnitie maye in those hartes reygne , where as one iudgeth an nother to be a foolyshe Pharisee , or a superstitious papyste ? one to be of the newe fashyon , and hym to be frantycke : and an other of the olde , and hym to be foolyshe blynde and diabolike . Howe may these myndes with such iugementes one of an other in loue be knitte to gether , 〈◊〉 . 1. and be of one sentence in Christ , the which aboue all thyng Paule dothe require : Howe may such myndes be as it were membres of one body ? how may they receyue the lyght of the spirite , whiche be in spirite so diuided ? vndoubtedly by no mene : for there Christ doth not reigne no more than light in darknes doth shyne , where as is nother concorde peace nor vnitie , wherin is grounded al christen policie : 〈…〉 For vpon this faithfulle vnitie and loue in Christe , and vppon this charitable fayth in him is buylded Christis churche , and this is the stone , whervpon it was first founded : This is the rocke , wherby it is susteyned : this is the key , whiche shal make open to vs heuen gatis , against the which nothing may preuayle . Wherfore frendes considerynge that this vnitie is the principalle grounde of all Christen life , which semeth in som part by our own blindnes lately to be broken here amonge vs , to the entent we may somewhat the better amonge our selfes , by the grace and fauour of the holy spirite of god , of whom cometh all vnitie , both restore and conserue the same with quietnes and tranquillitie , I shall nowe at this tyme fyrste gether certayn causes of the dissolution and brake of this vnitie , and so afterwarde adioyne certayn meanes , whiche by the goodnes of hym that gouerneth al , may in some part helpe to the restitution of the same , that so consequently we as membres of one body , by spirituall loue coupled to gether and knytte to one heed , may at the last somwhat the better attayne to our felicitie . This processe I wyll vse .

Howe be hit in the fyrste begynnynge this you shall vnderstande , that I canne not by wordes most christen people , declare vnto you the sorowe of mynd , which lately I haue conceyued by a common blyndnes , here reignyng among vs , which taketh fro me in a maner al swetenes of lyfe , the grefe wherof is greatter than I can expresse , and the cause why brefely I shal by your pacience , first in some parte touche , bycause hit is somewhat to my purpose : I haue all my lyfe hitherto , for the moste part , gyuen my self to the study of letters , occupienge my selfe in dyuers kyndes therof , both in secular studies and in holy scripture , but euer referrynge all my labour and peynes to the knowlege of Christe , as to the ende , of righte to be proposed to all christen myndes : hauyng this hope & comfort euer before myn eies , at the last to employ my labours take● in the same , here in my natyfe countrey , to some vse and profyte therof . This was the thynge that made all my labours euer to seme lyght : and this hope was euer the chiefe comforte of my mynde : for borne we be al , and brought forth of nature , not only to lyue as brute beastes do , seruynge the bodye , but suche gyftes of mynde , as god of his mere goodnesse hath gyuen vnto vs , Galat , 6. to employe echeone to the profyte of other , and so to lyue in perfyte ciuilitie . This ende I euer loked vnto : This was the chiefe comforte I hadde in this worlde , and as me seemeth no smalle comforte to anye honeste mynde . But nowe frendes sythen I am lately out of Italy , where as I haue bene many yeres in studies , hyther retourned into my countreye , and haue taken somme experience of your maners here at home , I am almost , playnly to say , depriued of this comforte , I am almoste putte out of this hope . For suche blyndenes I haue obserued to reigne amonge you , suche diuision , suche discorde of myndes , that foly hit were for me , amonge suche troubled hartes to conceyue opinion to inioye this , moste desyred of all men , that is , quietnes and tranquillitie : in so moche that if it were not for the greatte goodnesse and hygh wysedome of our moste noble prince , who nothynge more tendereth in erthe , than the conseruation of this vnitie , ye and if it were not for the greatte opinion , whiche I haue euer hadde of you moste christen people , whom I haue obserued always religious , and desyrous of truth , I shulde vtterly be putte in dispayre , and shuld more gladdely flee from my countrey , and from your conuersation , than here to tary among you without hope and comforte of quietnes in suche tribulation , and in suche prepetuall myserie , as vndoubtedly we shal be wrapped in , by our owne blyndenes , excepte in tyme we resiste the same . For this blyndenes hathe so corrupte our iudgementes , that to the corruption therof , of necessitie , by the ordynaunce of god , Ep●e . 4. muste folowe confusyon , and of all quyetnesse and of swete chrysten lyuynge playne destruction . For the whyche cause , whatte sorowe I haue inwardly conceyued , I can not now outwardly by wordes expresse : in soo moche that if I hadde not somme hoope to tempre this sorowe , my harte coulde not supporte the vehemencye therof , but the goodnes of our prince greattely dothe comforte me , whome I thynke by the high prouidence of god , to be gyuen to vs in this tyme to remedye this common , and pernicious blyndenes , reygnynge in vs . For daye nor nyghte nothynge his grace hath more in mynde , than the maner and meane , to take away this blyndenes frome our hartis : and mooste lyke a chrystian prynce , no thynge he more studyeth , thanne to conserue amonge vs , this spirituall and christen concorde and vnitie , no thynge he more takethe cure of , than to remoue al suche thynges , as to his high wysedome dothe appere , to be impedymentes , or in any parte lettes or hyndraunces to the settynge forwarde of the same , by the whiche yet somewhat I am styrred and moued to conceyue myne olde hope ageyne , to the whiche also moche moued I am by the goodnesse of your nature , mooste christen people , whome I perceyue to be as dilygente and studyous of the truthe , and as desirous to haue knowlege of the syncere and pure religion of Christ , as any nation vpon erthe , and in no men I se to be more prompte redy●cs to receyue the same , than euer I haue obserued in you . Wherfore in this parte also great hope I haue , that whan you be instruct playnly and clerely of suche blyndnes , as reigneth among you , right gladdely you wyll flye from the same , auoydynge with all diligence the causes therof , & promptly admitting the remedies of the same : the whiche purpose yf you ones conceyue and stable in your hartes , it is not to be vouted , but the goodnes of god shal set it forward , 〈…〉 and bring you out of this daungerous blyndenes , whiche nowe so reygneth in your stomakes , mortified & colde for lacke of charitie .

But nowe to the purpose , after that I haue in somme parte declared the affecte of myne owne mynde , I shall breuely touche and declare this common blyndnes , whiche reygneth among vs , and so recite certayn chiefe and principal causes , wherof the same blynd●es hath taken his foundation and grounde , to th entent that somewhat the better , suche remedies as by the goodnes of god , and prouidence of our prince , shall hereaf●●r be applyed to the same , may take effecte , and ●rynge forthe their frute , to the common comforte of all christen hartes : the whiche whyle I do , I shal beseche you paciently most christen people , to here me , and with indifferent iudgement , by no affection corrupt , to wey such thynges as I shal set before your eies . But here som of you perauenture shal greatly meruayle most christen people of this my purpose & enterprise , so boldly to affirme & to take vpon me , to declare suche blyndenes to reigne amonge vs , specially in this tyme , wherin by the iugement of many wyse men , the truth is declared and opened to our eies , after suche maner , that we playnly condempne all our forefathers of ignorancye , gyuynge thankes to all mighty god , for so manifest declaration of truth nowe in this age by his goodnes to vs opened : To whom this I wyll fyrste in the begynnynge say , that all be it some thynges by the goodnes of god , and diligent prudence of wyse and polityke men , are brought to lyghte , whiche before tyme from our forefathers were couert and hyd , yet of suche moment and weyght they be not in dede , wherfore we oughte to condempne all the antiquitie : and all our forefathers for the ignorance therof , vtterly to caste into the depe pytte of helle : nor yet of suche sorte they be not , that by the inuention of them , we may iustely so glorie , as by them to be delyuered from al blyndnes and ignorancye , for yet blynde we be , and excepte we take diligent cure , in this blyndnes Blyndeness● we shal dye . For that blyndenes is almoste incurable , to the which is ioyned prowde arrogancy , so that of this doubte there is none , that al though in this our age many thinges are brought out of darkenes to lyghte : yet of suche nature they are not to be iudged , that we shulde therby be constrayned to confesse , of truth to haue the clere sight . This benefyte is to great for our age to beare , wherin as it appereth to me , by discorde , diuersitie of iugementes , and contrary sentence , truthe is almost ouerthrowen , and dryuen away , which is of this nature , ●phe . 4. that she neuer wyll appere , but onely in suche hartes , whiche withoute corrupte affection be pure and syncere : therfore to pronounce blyndnes to reigne in vs I wyll not feare , and nowe procede to declare the same : wherin fyrste most christen people , this you shal vnderstande , that of all kyndes and sortes of ignoraunce and blyndnes , whiche occupieth our myndes , I wyl not nowe speke . For that matter were ouer large to entreate , and not conuenient to your eares to here : For as moche as ignorance and blyndnes , after the sentence of the auncient lerned men , to whose mynde I do therin agree , is the fountayn and mother of all vicious affectes and myserie . For man dothe nothyng that is yuel , Pl●●●in Ti●●● A●●● . Eth. 7. but he hath som pretext and colour of good , wherby he is induced to the execution of his dede . For this is a sure grounde , no man wyttyngly and wyllyngly wyll do hym selfe hurt , nor no suche thyng whiche is to hym yuell , except to hsi iugement it appered good : so that euer by som fals perswasion reason is corrupt , & blinded with affection . But this blindnes in ordryng the natural affectes & desyres to naturall reason , which euer hath ben common to mankynde , and euer shal be duryng this worlde , I wyll sette a parte , euen lyke as I wyl also , the ignorance and blindnes of the nature of thinges , whiche cometh by lacke of knowlege of letters , and hygh philosophie , wherof our nation is somwhat rude , and moche more I fere shortly wyl be , by a contempte of letters , whiche dayely growethe in amonge vs . Of these . ii . kyndes of blyndenes I saye nowe at this tyme , I wyll not speake , but I wyl touche . ii . other kyndes of this blyndnes , concernyng pure religion , and trewe honour of god , whiche are more pernicious to al ciuyle order and polycie , than the other be , of the whiche the one bryngeth in , the disobedience to common lawe stablyshed by common authoritie , the other the contempt of religion , which is the foundation & ground of al good & true policy . The first I may call a superstitious blindnes , the whiche by longe processe of time , is roted in our stomakes vnder the pretence of religion : The seconde me semeth may wel be called an arrogant blyndnes , whiche lately is growen in here among vs , by lyghtnes of iugement , contrary to all religious opinyon , and Christen ciuylitie : the whiche both so manifestly reigne in our hartis , that this thynge to declare by longe processe & many wordes may playnly appere superfluous . For as touchinge the superstitious blyndnes of many , we haue had lately amonge vs lamentable experience , to al honest hartes greuous and sorowful , of the whiche many wordes nowe to speake , I can not without great sorowe : for a sorowfull case it appered to me to see suche men , so notable , bothe of vertue and lernynge , as by common fame , some of them were reported to be , whiche lately haue suffred , so sturdely to stycke in a manyfest superstition , that rather they shulde chose to lose theyr lyues , than to be remoued frome their opinion , wherin they stode so styffely , vnder the perswasion of true religion : For it appered to them to pertayne to the religion of Christe , by necessitie the byshop of Rome amonge al christen nations , to haue suche superioritie , as of many yeres he hathe , abusynge their pacience , vsurped vppon them : In the defence wherof , as it had ben an article of the fayth , they boldly , with more pacience than wysedome , suffred their deth , the whiche thinge in dede as hereafter shall appere , is a playne and manyfest superstition , and spryngeth out of superstitious blyndnes , bryngynge forth pernicious and sturdy obstinacy , with disobedience to princely authoritie , and to lawes authorysed by common counselle and good policie , to the obedience wherof , we are bounden by the lawes of god and of nature , so long as they stande in full strength and power , with no repugnancy vnto the same . The blyndnes of these persons I am sure all you moste christen people , of harte do lament , and specially of somme of theym , whose fame of lernynge and vertue , throughout Christendome was spredde , but as you ernestly lament and sorowe the blyndenes of the same persones , soo I truste you wylle with all harte and mynde , auoyde suche superstition and blynd obstinacye , and suffre it not to take any roote and grounde amonge you , wherof myghte succede ruine bothe to vs and our posterite , of this thing in many of you , whiche conceyue the matter as it is in dede , with dewe obedience in hart admittynge the same , I doubt nothynge at all , but certayne I am , that their example shall be to you of small moment and weyght : in so moche that to speake any worde of that matter to some of you , after law stablyshed thervpon , & lerned iugement declarid therin , semith to me almost superfluous and labour in vayn . But yet for as moch , as som other there be among you of lesse knowlege , and weaker conscience , of this thinge hereafter in his place I shal somwhat say and open to you at large my sentence therin , But nowe I wylle returne agayn , ferther to descrybe and declare vnto you this superstitious blyndenes and blynde superstition .

And fyrste to th entent ye may better perceyue the reste of my communication I shall shortely touche , as moche as shal be expedient to my purpose , the difference betwyxt true and perfyte religion , & fals and vayn superstition , for the whiche brefely to say without longe disputation ,

True religion is this , 〈…〉 with syncere and pure spirite to honour god , and with most reuerent loue and ardent affection of harte and mynde to worshyppe the diuine nature , by Christ in our dayes to mankynde declared , as author of al thinges , fountayne of all goodnes , and gouernour of al. This teacheth vs our mayster Christe , the very true doctour of all trewe relygion , in his gospel , instructynge the woman of Cananee , 〈…〉 feruently desyrynge the knowledge therof , where he saith vnto her , that the very true worshyppers of god be suche as in spirite and truthe worshyppe him in harte . For lyke as he is of nature spirituall , & nothinge but truthe , so he delyteth in suche honour and worshyppe , as in truthe of spirite cometh out of the harte , and spiritualle power of man , and not onely out of his lyppes , or by any other exterior signes declared : It is the honor of harte that he doth require , who only loketh into the hart of man , with him there is no place of dissimulation . wherfore aboue al thing as the course of his lyfe and doctrine openly declareth , 〈◊〉 2● . Hypocrisye hym moste hyghly displeasyth : for as god is syncere and pure truthe , so accordyngely with fals fayned hypocrisye , he is moste offended : soo that trewe religion is with the inwarde affect of harte , the trewe honour of god , though it be set out also , to the face of the worlde , by outwarde token and ceremonie . And this we lerne of our master Christ : The which thyng also his apostel Iames playnly confyrmeth , where as he sayth , Iacob . 1. that pure and clene religion stondeth in brotherly loue , and euery one to his power helpyng eche other , to commune the gyftes of god , to our common comforte , and so liftyng vp our hartes from all worldly affection , to put our hole confidence and truste in his goodnes , liuing in him and not in our selfes , there settynge all our comfort and ioye , louynge hym with harte aboue all thynge , and all thinges for him . In this christen people , shortly to conclude , stondeth the puritie of trewe religion , in so moch that he of what state & condicion so euer he be , that thus loueth god , as maker & gouernour of al , with reuerent drede of brekynge his precept & commandment , euer beryng to him louyng fere & fearful loue , with hart obedient to the same , This man I say is a pfyte religious man , though he be nother couered with sainct Benets cote , nor yet with saynt Francys : ye & though he be at ploughe and the carte , and labourynge the grounde , yet may he be as perfite in religion as the moste perfyte monke lyuynge in his cloyster . But here frendes I wolde not ye shulde of me take occasion , to condemne all these monastical sortes & kindes of religion , which for the conseruation & setting forward of this pure and perfyt religion of Christ by holy & reuerent fathers haue ben inuented & constitute , longe & many yeres by common authorite among vs receiued : for this opinion I wold not haue you to conceiue , which abhorrith from christen ciuilitie . But by this meane I shal induce you , to perceyue somwhat the better this blynde superstition , whiche is a playne contrary to pure religion , the whiche as you haue harde requyreth ardent loue of god , myngled also with some reuerent feare : for euery christen hart must feare to breake and transgresse the commaundement of god . Wherfore we must bere towarde god both fearefull loue and louynge feare , the which thynge as you shall nowe here , 〈…〉 . hathe minystred the grounde to all superstition , whiche brefely to saye is nothynge elles , 〈…〉 but a scrupulous and a seruyle maner of the honourynge of god , conceyued in the harte of man , by ouermoche feare of the transgression of the commaundement of god , whiche bringeth in corrupte iugement , makynge vs to iudge that thynge , to pertayne to his honour and trewe religion , whiche dothe nat in dede , but hangeth onely of mannes constitution . As by example , some of vs are so superstitious , that if they here not .iii. masses euery day in the honour of the Trinitie , though they haue busynes of great necessitie : yet greuousely they iudge them selfes to offende the maiestie of god . And some if they crosse not them selfes at sainct Iohnns gospell , or kysse nat the paxe in the masse tyme , thynke in that day scante to spede well , suche is the superstitious fere in many mens myndes , whiche hath gyuen occasion to so many sortes and kyndes of monasticalle lyues , and solitarie religion . For many men consideringe the dangers abrode in the worlde , ministred to them by manyfolde occasion , and weyinge with them selfes their owne fraylnes and imbecillitie , wherby they perceyued they coulde not resist the common pleasures and vanities of the worlde , and so fearyng to be trapped therby , fledde into wyldernes & solitarie places , auoydyng the worldly companye , there lyuynge at the firste , in greatte quietnes of mynde : by whose example many other moued , by lyttel and lyttel , grew to a great company , and made in wyldernes as hit were a lyttell polycie , amonge whom at the begynnyng bothe vertue and lernynge , came to great perfection , in soo moche that other obseruynge theyr constaunce and austeritie of lyfe , lyuinge abrode amonge the common pleasures , begynnynge to distruste to their kynde of lyues , fearyng the displeasure of god , with ouermoch drede of liuing abrode , iudged superstitiousely the pcrfection of Christis religion , in that solitarie kynde of lyfe onely to remayne , by the reason wherof that nombre nowe in our days is ouermoch growen , whiche so haue fylled monasteries , that many cities almoste be lefte voyde , to the great ruine of common ciuilitie . But of this hereafter , and to retourne to the pourpose , nowe after that by these few wordes , somwhat I thinke you do perceiue , what is true religion , and what superstition , and wherin they differre . For as true religion is the honour of god , with reuerent fere of disobeying of his preceptes , so superstition is a scrupulous honour myngled with ouermoche and seruyle feare , with meruaylous disquieting of the weke conscience & blynde , the whiche by corrupt iugement taketh suche thynge to pertayne of necessitie to the honour of god , which in dede nothyng so doth , but hangeth onely vpon mans consent : so that by this I saye nowe you shall be induced playnly to confesse , moch blynde superstition to reigne in your hartes , as I shall nowe partely note . For all sortes and kyndes of superstition , here to prosecute , shuld be ouerlonge , & nothinge necessarie to my purpose : sufficient it shal be som to descrybe , the reste leauyng to your owne examination .

And fyrst thinke not you , that like as there hath bene some to the great sorowe of honest myndes , which lately blynded by superstition , haue iuged the vnitie of Christis churche , vtterly to be broken , by pluckynge frome the pope , his vsurped power ouer vs and superioritie ? so there be some other of no lesse blyndnes , whych if the organes shoulde be plucked oute of the churche , and the curyous syngynge tempered and broughte to a conuenyente meane , ye or yf the prayers commonly sayde amonge vs in temples in a strange tongue , of the people not vnderstonde , shoulde openly be rehersed in the mother tongue , to the entente that the affecte of the harte myght therby rather be styrred , to the trewe honour of god , whiche I say wolde lykewyse iuge with no lesse superstition , Christes relygion vtterly to be ouer tourned . And further if to priestes the mynisters of goddis worde , libertye were graunted by common authoritie , to marye and take wyues for the auoydynge of Fornycation , wolde they not thynke , that christian purytie were vtterly than extincte ? ye and if the holy dayes and masses also celebrat vpon the same , were brought to lesse nombre , than wolde they say , Christ were vtterly driuen awaye . And yet ferther yf monasteryes shoulde be mynisshed , and of theym the foundations altered , ye thoughe it were to the hygh settynge forwarde of vertue and lernynge , yet wolde many of you thinke , Christis relygion vtterly therby to peryshe . Suche is our blyndnes , suche is our foly . And what trow you concernyng the sacramentes , that many of vs haue not also of them very folyshe & superstitious opinion , lokynge onely to the outwarde sygne and ceremony , nothynge consyderynge the inwarde and heuenly mysterie ? Be there not som amonge vs thynke you , that wold iuge their children not to be wel baptised and christened , if they were not dipped in the fount quite ouer the heed , wherby the childe oft tymes conceyueth his deth ? & yet this is but a rite & a custome , diuersely vsed amonge diuers nations , & nothing ꝑteining to the substance of the sacrament . Be there not som also , the whiche yf their frende were sycke , and in daungier of lyfe , and so at the laste taken by dethe , before the priest coulde aryue to minister to him , the hoste , and extreme vnction , wolde playnly thinke and iudge that he shuld die a damned sowle , and sore lament therfore , the departure of their frende , as though in suche a case , the wyl and purpose were not sufficient . Be there not also some , the which in confession , if for lacke of memorie or a lyttell negligence , they dydde not recyte all their dedes with the circumstance of the same , wold plainly iudge , voyde the absolution ? Yes vndoubtedly . Of this sort among vs there be dyuers and many , whiche by manyfolde superstition , haue their iudgementes so corrupte , that al be it that by the power of princis and common authorite , the abuse of suche thinges , wherto they haue ben long accustomed , shuld be reformed & brought to better frame , yet in their hartes and myndes they wold not wel beare it , but styl against suche alteration and refourmyng to true religion , wold murmur and grudge , moued by their blynd superstiiton : suche is their madnesse & grosse opinion , they do not well ponder and wey , the nature of politike thinges and indifferent , whiche be of this sorte , that in processe of tyme by littell and littell euer grow to iniuste extremitie , in so moch that of necessitie they require prudent reformation : ayenst the which they sturdely armed with superstition , euer repugne , bicause they lack right iugement , to discerne betwixt thynges worldly & politike , and thinges whiche hange of the necessite of nature , and of the scripture and gospell of god , the whiche thinges contrary to the other , whiche by nature be indifferent , neuer admyt chaunge nor innouation , no nor yet tempering by dispensation , as hereafter in his place more playnly I shal declare . But nowe I thinke dere frendes , in some part , by this whiche I haue said , our blyndnesse and vayne superstition , whiche thus reygnethe in our hartis , is open vnto vs , in so moche that hereby you may perauenture be styrred , to fynde by diligent examination of your owne consciences , manye other sortes of this superstition , the whiche all to correcke and amende , lette vs not cesse continually to pray to him , who is only author of all trewe religion . And this nowe consequently I shal procede , in lyke maner , brefely to touche , the other kynde of blyndnes , whiche reigneth in vs no lesse thanne dothe this , and with more hyndrance to all good order and ciuilitie . For yet better it is , blynded with superstition , to admyt suche thinges to be of the law of god , whiche be not in dede , than by arrogant blyndnes , to derogate the authoritie therof , and so bringe in the contempt of religion , whiche is the common gate of all myserie and myschiefe bothe priuate and publyke . For in that mynde or in that common weale , Roman. 1. where as is no respect of god & good religion , there al thynges muste nedes runne to ruyne and confusion .

And firste to declare what I meane by this arrogant blyndenes , 〈…〉 this you shall vnderstonde , that lyke as superstition is scrupulous and seruile honour of god , coupled with ouermoch fere , so contrary this blyndnes in religion , is by a fayned & dissimuled honour of god vtterly seperate from all fere and drede of his punyshment : in so moche that suche menne , in whose myndes reigneth this arrogancie , if hit were not for feare of mannes lawe , wolde brynge to ruyne all order and policye , they wolde haue all thynges whyche nature hathe broughte forth to the common comforte of manne , to be in common , iudgynge this inequalitie in possession of thynges , where as somme haue to lyttell , and some ouer moche , to be playne ageynste Nature , and manyfeste iniurye , they wolde in all thinges serue their owne fantasye , they wolde in harte be subiecte to no ceremonie , lawe , nor mannes tradition : for that they saye agreethe not to the libertie of a Chrystian manne , who is free frome all bondage of lawe , and subiecte to no ceremonye , the whiche they say be only snares and stayes vnto weke myndes , nothynge agreing vnto theyr dignitie .

Thus with greatte wordes many of vs booste and blowe , euen as though we were equall with sayncte Poule , for bycause that we canne reherse certayne of his wordes perteynynge vnto the same lybertie , but the meane tyme we serue our affectes , and to them in al this libertie be vtterly subiecte more than any slaue vnto his master : for whether so euer they drawe vs , thyther heedlonge we runne , & them wilfully we folowe , makinge no resistence therto : wherin dere frendes what arrogant blyndenesse this is , Trewe lybertie . Galat. 4. manifestly I trowe you see : this to bragge in wordes of christen lybertie , beinge so subiecte to vayne affectes and all myserye , frome whiche a harte that inioyith that libertie , is nete and pure , in no poynt seruynge therto , but by spirituall comfort so is confirmed , that all such affectes he treadeth vnder foote : wherin stondeth this libertie , whiche maketh a man obedient with a gladde harte to all ceremonies and lawes , wherof by this arrogant blindnes a great sorte of vs be manifest despisers , as you daily not without sorowe , who so wyll aduerte , may by experience both here and see . For somme there be amonge vs , whiche of their owne foolishe fantasie , generally all traditions do condempne , though that they be neuer soo good and conueniente to the conseruation of the spirituall policie , as vndoubtedly many of them be : All ceremonies they haue in derision , and calle them plaine hypocrisie , thoughe they were neuer so well of holy fathers ordeined and institute , to stire the deuotion of simple mindes to christen puritie : all ecclesiasticall lawes they vtterly abrogate , though they be yet amonge vs receiued and authorised by common authorite , all counselles they vtterly condemne , as thinges gouerned and ruled by playne and manyfest tyranny , and as for pilgremage and veneration of sainctes they haue for playne idolatrie , and soo lykewise purgatory and praying for them which be deed they repute folyshe simplicitie : fastynge also they in no case wyll admyt , though it hathe ben approued of al antiquitie : Holy dayes they wyll admitte none , fearynge peraduenture the occasion of the remembraunce of god , whome though in worde they besily confesse , yet by their dedes they vtterly hym denye , and out of theyr hartes playnly him caste , 〈…〉 accordynge to the nature of this blynde arrogancy , which vnder the pretence of religion despyseth the same as vayne superstition : lyke as also vnder the pretext of iustyce and good policie , it couertly subuerteth all good order and ciuilite . And as for the sacramentes , thynk you to them , some of this sort haue any reuerence , the whiche they iudge to be onely as doome sygnes ? truly none at al : in so moche that and yf it were not for the goodnes of our prince , whome they se stedfastly stande in the defence of the same , they wold sure before it were longe , as ryghtes ecclesiasticalle and ceremonies , vtterly condemne them also , and put them quite out of memorie . For such is their pestilent persuasion , that all thinge they wolde as it semeth bringe to confusion , nothinge admittynge at all , but that whiche is in scripture expressely conteyned , whiche they also wyll vuderstonde after their owne fantasie , to the contrarienge wherof yf you bring the sentence of any auncient doctour , as of Ierome , Austyne , Gregorie , or Ambrose , their authoritie by and by they trede vnder fote , sayinge they were men , to whose iudgement they be nothinge bounden at al : And if you begyn to reson with them to conuince thēof this their blynd arrogancy , streight waye your reson they shake of , saying it is drawen out of sophisticall philosophy : & so after this maner many of vs our arrogant blyndenes , blyndely defende , from the which by no meane we wyl be deliuered , but sturdely stande in the defence of the same : whiche thynges frendes is soore to be lamented . For these men vnder the presence of libertie , couertly purpose to distroye all christen policie , and soo in conclusion bringe al to manyfest ruine and vtter confusion . For what can you loke other of them , whiche so arrogantly dispise all ceremonies , rytes , and ecclesiastical lawes , al holsome customes and traditions , but at the last also the certayne ruyne & destruction of all christen puritie , and true religion ? And if it were not that by the high wisedom and policie of our prince , I haue greatte hoope and sure truste some remedies shortly to be prouided , wherby our hartes shal be purged of such blindnes concernyng religion , Galat. 3. I might me semeth make a sure conclusion , that shortly we shulde ▪ se brought in here in our countrey by this our owne blyndnes , our owne confusion , the whiche nowe as one of the effectes consequent , and of necessitie annexed to the same , amonge other I wylle brefely shew . For frendes of this be you assured , this blyndenes of religion reigninge in our hartes , as I haue declared , partely by superstition , and partly by arrogant opinion , ● . 〈◊〉 . 4. can not longe contynue without dyuellishe effectes , of the whiche some we se all redy , to our great sorowe put before our eies , and some I wyll touche , whiche all men do not obserue , though some of them be all redy put in effecte , and some by all coniecture are lyke to succede , excepte by his prouydence chiefly , who gouerneth all , they may be from vs aduerted and vtterly turned away .

What meruailous effectes , howe diuers and straunge this dyuellyshe blyndenes worketh in mannes mynde , I wyll not , no nor if I wold I can not all expresse . 2. 〈◊〉 . 4. For euen as god hym selfe is nothynge but truthe and wysedome , so the dyuel is nothynge but blyndnes and foly : and as god by wysedom , 〈◊〉 of Bly●denesse . as by the chief instrument worketh all that is good both in heuen and erthe , soo the dyuell by blyndnes worketh all that is euyl , here in mannes lyfe : and with that as with the chefe instrument , impugneth euer be●yly the workes of goddis wysedome and prouydence , as by example , by the blyndnes comynge of the lacke of knowledge of thynges he maketh mans mynde rude and ignorant , lettynge hym therby frome the admyration and contemplation of Nature , and of all power therof , wherby elles he myghte be styrred to consyder the bountyfulle goodnesse of god , of whome nature taketh all her vertue and power . By this blyndenes also he bringeth man to the obedience of his vayne and beastely affectes , by the reason wherof he neuer tastethe of the swetenes of vertue , and into that gardein he neuer doth entre , ye or yet if he doo , there he can not tary at all , but streyght way is caste out agayne , to that Eue beynge ouer obedient . Genesis . 3. This I coulde confyrme by many places of scripture , But I wylle not nowe tarye thervppon , nor be about to expresse vnto you the hole course of this dyuellyshe blyndnes , nor the romblyng effectis , whiche the dyuell by this instrumente bringeth forth here in the myserable and wretched lyfe of manne , to the common distruction of all vertue order and ciuilitie , wherof he is by his corrupte nature ennemy : but I wyl somwhat touche only certayn effectis , and them somwhat open to you , the whiche this blyndnes in religion , whiche I haue shewed , ye or rather we in our lyfe dayely & playnly do shewe , to reigne in our hartes , partly by vayne superstition , and partly by arrogant & light opinion , hath and dothe daily bringe forth here in our countrey . And fyrst as touchinge the effectes of blind supstition , what it hath done all redy it is to you al , more manifest than nedeth declaration . For what disobedience to common lawes , good and expedient to the welth of this realme , Ro●●3 . and what disobedience to the princely authorite , to the whiche by goddis lawe straytely all trewe subiectes are bounden , hath lately bene shewed , and hath succeded as an effecte of this blynd superstition , we dere frendes to the great sorow of suche myndes , as of harte desyre the common quietnes , these days paste haue sene in them , whiche nothinge fearynge the crueltie of peyne , haue to the worlde testified by their deathe their disobedience , moued by vayne and fals superstition , whiche grewe in their hartes , and there was stablyshed vnder pretexrte of trewe religion : by the whiche perswasion they more boldly than wysely , by the iudgement of wyse men , suffered their deth . So that in this playnly moste christen people here you may se , the moste dyuellyshe effecte of this superstition , whiche induced men of such lernynge , of suche wytte , and of suche perfectnes of religion , as some of them which suffred , were noted to be , so to be disobediente to common authorite , & so wilfully to repugne ageinst the same that more gladly in their superstitious opinion they ranne vnto deathe , and with more pacience sufferynge the same , semed it to desyre , then many of vs desyre the swetenes of this lyfe or pleasure therof . Suche was their blyndnes , whiche so blynded their hartes , that contrary to al cours and lawe of nature , they gladly that thinge suffred , that man naturally euer doth abhorre . But as I sayde herein you may se the great strength and power of sturdy superstition , whiche so hath ouerrunne the wyttes of witty persons , coloured with the spice of religion , that al power of nature they vtterly ouercame : but of this effect I wyl speke no more , trusting that the example of these shall gyue vnto you all sufficient warnynge and monition , to auoyde all suche blynde superstition , & yet hereafter in his place I shall not pretermytte somewhat to say concernyng the instruction of your weake conscience and knowlege in this behalf . For what disquietnes reigneth in these hartes , whiche by superstition are corruptly infecte , by the reason wherof they be as it were into dyuers partes rent , I wyll not be about here to expresse , but leue it to the iugement of them , which fele them selfes vexed therwith . For here was my purpose , only to touche this effect of superstition , to the declaration whereof , these fewe wordes as I think haue ben sufficient . wherfore consequently I wyll nowe procede to other , whiche nedeth longer declaration , for as moche as all men do not them obserue , for priuely they be cropen into our bosomes , and dayely dothe more and more there increase , the thynges be suche , that I wold you myght them iustely deny , but of your owne hartes I shall haue testimonie , your owne conscience shall wytnesse with me .

And brefely to say , this it is , as wel by the blindnesse of this dyuellyshe superstition , as by this pestilent and arrogant opinion , there is growing in among vs here a corrupt iugement one of an other , by the reson wherof , eche one in hart iugeth other to be , eyther pharisee or heretyke , papist or sch●smatike , to the whiche iugement consequently is annexed diuision , & so to the same is succeded of the very true and spirituall vnitie , a manifest dissolution and an open bracke therof by dissention . That this is true I shall in as few wordes as I can manyfestly declare . For if I shuld particularly and at length prosecute this thinge , I shulde be ouerlonge and tedious to you . Wherfore I wyll touche onely as it were certayn common places and generall groundes , wherby we are slypped into this pestilent and dyuellishe diuision of spirite , by the reason wherof , somme of you may perauenture be moued to consider the corruption of your own iugementes herin . 〈…〉 And fyrste in the begynnyng this you must take for a manyfest truthe , that all suche which ouermoche gyuinge to traditions , ceremonies , and ecclesiasticall rytes , and customes , stycke to them as to thinges stable by nature vnuariable , and of necessitie to the saluation of manne required , without the whiche the groundes of Christis religion may not be conserued , 〈…〉 all suche I say lening to a false perswasion , erre , and haue conceyued therby a great grounde of a corrupt iudgement . For this is sure , that rites , ceremonies , and customes of the churche , accordyng to tyme , place , and nature of the people may be varied , as thinges of them selfe nother sure nor stable , ye and necessite it doth require . For euen as al dyet to al men for bodily helth , is not agreable nor conuenient , so all ceremonies to all nations for good religion be nother mete nor expedient . Wherfore the sturdy defence of them in priuate persons contrary to common authoritie , commeth vndoubtedly of a folyshe and corrupt iugement , and roteth superstition : Lyke as contrary this is of no lesse truthe , that all suche persons , whiche traditions of fathers , rytes , & customes vtterly condemne and despise , bycause they fynde them not in holy scripture playnly expressed , and so therfore affirme them to be pernicious to all christen ciuilitie , and as burdeynes of conscience , Matt ▪ 23. iudge them of their owne heedes vtterly to be caste awaye : All suche I saye of the other syde be in no lesse errour , and haue by this grounde and opinion founded a more corrupt iugement , than haue yet the other , therby runnynge into a contempt● of religion . For to this iugement is annexed the ruine of al christen pollicie , whiche is conserued and moche maynteyned by rytes & customes ecclesiastical , ye the groundis of scripture & the very doctrine of Christ without these brefly wold gretly decaye , and I thinke by littell and lyttell vtterly vanyshe away . For as moche as the weake vulgare myndes of the people euer haue benne after this sorte , that withoute somme exterior and outwarde sygnes and ceremonies , their simplicitie coulde neuer be lad to true religion , nor of god to conceyue the diuinitie . Wherfore of this grounde as I sayd , ryseth a corrupte and a pestilent iudgement and mother of all impietie : and out of lyke perswasion it springeth , that many men say , that these rytes and customes ecclesiasticall , are maynteined onely by them , whiche take profyte and lucre therby , and of suche they were fyrste constitute , ordeyned , and stabled for that pourpose and none other , whiche is also a manifest and fals opinion . For many of these rites and customes were inuented of theym , who were bothe in doctryne and lyfe , dispisers of all worldly gayne , ●hell . 2. profyte , and pleasure , and loked only to the preferrement and encrease of vertue and of true religion , and after also were stablyshed by common lawe and generall counsell in euery congregation . This can not be denyed of any man , whiche with indifferency , and syncere mynde , nothinge blynded with affection , weyeth thinges as they be in their owne nature . But somme of vs blinded with suche perswasion , yet procede ferther , and plainly do affirme , that prestis to haue possession , is vtterly ageinst Christis doctrine , and his true religion , litell considering howe that to receiue the gift and benefite of any man , giuen with charitie , nothinge repugneth to Christis doctrine , nor to his simplicitie : and howe that al suche donation & gift was brought in , and stablyshed , by men of perfyte charitie , to this purpose that byshoppes , pristes , and al religious , shuld holly being intent to the preching of goddis worde , therby be maynteined in quietnes and tranquillite . This they consider not , but lokynge to the abuse , wherof doubtles is greate nede of reformation , & therwith blynded , blindly do runne to the condemnation of the thing without reason and iugement . For this is a certain truth and sure , that the perfection of Christis religion resteth not so moch in the refuse of all possession , and wylfull pouertie , as it dothe in the streight vse of these worldly thynges , with perfyte charitie . Ye and though in the begynnynge the prechers of Christis worde , were poore and had nothynge , whiche was conueniente to that tyme , whan mankynd was vtterly drowned in worldly vanitie , yet now in this age , after the stablyng of Christis religion so longe and many yeres , I see no cause why , suche pouertie shoulde be soo necessary , and that possession shulde be soo contrary to christen perfection . Wherfore this perswasion bredeth in our hartes a corrupt iugement and a pestilent diuision , by the whiche somme of vs are slypped to a more corrupt and pernicious grounde , whiche is to flee the order of generalle counsel , and of al interpretation of scripture there commonly receiued . For to this succedeth in a maner the ruine of scripture it selfe , the authoritie wherof declared to man comonly , hangeth moch vpon generall counsell . For though the truth of goddis worde dependethe nothynge vppon the iugement of man , yet the declaration therof , to the face of the worlde , hangeth moche theron : in so moche that these whiche we haue and take to be the true gospelles , and to conteyne the veray doctrine of Christ , we knowe not surely so to do , but onely by feyth and confidence that we gyue to the definition of generall counsell and consent of the same : In so moche that if dyuers nations shulde dissente in the groundes of scripture , 〈◊〉 15. and in the interpretation therof , refuge shoulde we haue none conuenient to chrystian policie , and mete to conserue the polyticall vnitie , yf frome generalle counsayle we shoulde take awaye all order and direction , and to that gyue no obedience at all . This therfore to iudge is playne arrogancye , and the streyghte waye and certayne to brynge all to vncertayntie : so that boldely I dare affyrme , that this perswasyon , hathe sette in many of vs , of many thynges corrupte opinyon . And thus , whatte by superstition , and what by arrogant opinion , many of our iudgementes dere frendes , are fowle and perniciously corrupte , by the whiche we are nowe induced by false and blynde perswasion , to conceyue eche one of other an odious and a corrupt opinyon : by the reasone whereof , somme of vs are called of the newe fashyon , and somme of the olde , somme phariseys , and some schismatykes , and some also playne heretikes : As by example this somwhat to declare such as repugne ageynst the pride of Rome , gladly shakyng of the yocke therof , and wyllyng to receyue some newe doctrine , to the comforte of their myndes : suche , as newe fangled persones , be noted of other to be of the newe facion , ye and suche as besye them selfes in redynge of newe bokes , and scripture , freely condempnynge manye of the olde customes , by processe of tyme growen to great abuse , though their purpose be neuer soo good , yet shall not they scape the note of an heretyke , or els of more gentylnesse , they shall be called but a schismatike : wherin I dout not to pronounce , that they be euyll iudged , and that they whiche so iudge , haue conceyued of them a corrupte iudgement . For the moste parte I dare saye of them , whiche be called of the newe facion , lyke trewe and obedient personnes bothe to god and their prince , wolde gladly with common quietnesse , the alteration of certayne ceremonies and customes of the churche , to the encrease of all vertue and of true religion : and yet contrary they are iuged , euen lyke as many other , whiche are noted to be of the olde facion , bycause they not gladly sette forwarde this newe mutation , but sommewhat styffely stycke in the olde ceremonies , and rytes of the Churche , wherein they haue benne of youthe broughte vppe , and taken of their fathers the same customes , not condempnynge lyghtly the constitutions ecclesiasticall : these I say , are iudged of other to be superstitious and pharisaicall , folyshe and papisticall : the whiche also I dare with no lesse boldnes affirme , than I dyd of the other , that they ar mysiudged : For of them the moste parte vndoubtedly , though they some thynge stycke in the olde customes , as thinges of longe tyme receyued for good order and polycie , yet whan so euer it shal appere by common counsell here in our countrey , them to chaunge and vtterly to abrogate , substitutinge other by common assent , they wyll euer be gladde as true and loyall subiectes , to all suche to be obedient , but in the meane tyme , though lyke quiet modest and obedient persones , they stande in the olde , they are not to be blamed as pharisees , but rather deserue prayse , therin declaring their duetie & obedience , from the whiche lyghtly they ar not moued , accordinge to Poules counsayle with euery newe inuention , by lyght braynes brought in , 〈◊〉 15. contrary to good order and al ciuile constitution . wherfore without fayle many of those of the olde facion , are of the newe lykewise mysiudged and wrongefully taken , as they be of the other : and so , though some of the olde facion be peraduenture yet playne superstitious , for superstition so shortly wil not be pluckid vtterly out of mind , ye and though somme of the newe , be in harte of true religion vtter dispisers , as if it were not for feare of deathe , I thinke playnely they wolde to the worlde declare : yet I doubt not but the most part both of the newe facion and also of the olde , of the truthe be ryght studious , and of true religion moche desirous , and dayly doo praye vnto him , who is the onely fountayne of all vertue & truthe , that it maye please him , so to light their hartes and conscience , that by his grace delyuered from blyndenes , they may at the last se some sparkle of his lyght and truthe : of the whiche nowe one iudgeth an other to be no parttaker at all , but echeone blyndely iudgethe other to be blynde , eche one iudgeth other to erre , and to be slypped from the trewe and catholike faithe , the which some by newe facion pretende to bring in : Diuisyon . and some by the olde study to defende , so that by this contention , whyle euery man besily endeuoreth him selfe , to maynteyne among vs this true and catholike faythe of Christe , the meane tyme is vnder growing secretly in our hartes this lamentable diuision , the very bracke of the grounde of Christis religion , whiche is founded & grounded vppon vnitie , wherof here is amonge vs a playn and manifest dissolution . For he that thinketh that in those hartes resteth christen vnitie , where as one in harte iudgeth an other to be an heretike , he is playne frantike , and lacketh the common sense : he is eyther blynde , or playnely wyll not see , the whiche thynketh , that with suche contrary and corrupte iudgementes may be conserued this spirituall vnitie , which requireth our hartes as in a common bande , to be knytte and coupled to gether in charite : wherof betwixt the newe facion and the olde our hartes are soo voyde and soo colde , that I thinke many of vs there be , whiche withoute grefe wolde see , their christen brother to hange vpon a galowes tree . Suche enuye & malice of one to an other is growyng in amonge vs , that I can not se howe we may iustely be called membres of this spirituall body of Christe : in the whiche as by charitie all partis do flouryshe and growe in vnitie , receyuynge grace and spirituall comforte of that heuenly heed , soo by malyce and rancour , the same falle in diuisyon , and for lacke of that spiryte receyued of that heed , runne into manifest ruine and destruction . The experience whereof here amonge our self dayly we se , where as you may perceyue , one nothing gladde to helpe an other , though he be in extreme necessitie : one nothynge prompte to gyue succour to other , thoughe for lacke therof he shulde incontinent dye , one not redy to instruct an other , though he iuge hym to be in greatte errour and folye : one not redy to beare the weakenes of an other , though he be of greatte simplicitie : but contrarye one denyethe helpe and succour to other , euery one fleethe the instruction of other , no man gladdely nor wyllyngly admonyssheth his christian brother , but suffereth hym to erre , and hath him in derision . For suche is the diuision growyng in by folyshe simplicitie and arrogant opinion , that one of vs in no meane may abyde of the other any brotherly admonition , but euer one hathe an other suspecte , that with some corrupt and newe opinion , he wyll infecte his iudgement , and bringe hym into some pernicious errour , contrarye to Christis catholyke faithe and religion : Thus in spirite and harte we be deuyded , and of this spirituall vnitie is growen a playn bracke and dissolution , which is an effect consequently folowing the common corruption of our iugementes , which we conceyue one of an other : the whiche thynge is open vnto all theym that delyte not in their owne blyndenes , and wyll not lyft vp their eies , this for to see . For al suche , whiche with christen hartes be desyrous of the common quyetnes , and of the restitution of this vnitie , wherin with charitie all Christis membres oughte to be knytte , therby inioyinge theyr sure and certayne felicitie , this canne not denye . And sorowfulle I am , that the thing of it selfe is so open to euery mannes eye : in soo moche that many men of greatte wisedome and prudence , greatly do feare , that to this breache of this spirituall vnitie , growynge in by lacke of knowledge & charitie , shall succede the ruyne of good order , and of the iuste common policye : to the coniecture wherof , by this maner perauenture , whiche I shall brefely touche , they maye be moued . For as moche as all good polycye is euer grounded vppon concorde and vnite , vpon the whiche as vpon the sure and onely durable foundation , all politike order is edified , al ciuile constitutions be ordeyned and stablyshed : Therfore where as that ground fayleth , hauyng therin any bracke , all the reste by reason and necessitie , must fall to ruyne and miserye . For as al storyes the very glasse and true image of the lyfe of man , playnly testifie , there was neuer comon weale , whiche longe dyd endure , whiche layde not of this grounde a sure foundation , And to the conseruation hereof , euer put not moste diligent cure . But what shulde we seke confyrmation of this by story , seinge our mayster Christe of his owne mouthe this hath pronounced , 〈◊〉 , 12. that no comminaltie , where as reygneth this dissolution of vnitie in harte , may long endure without ruine and destruction : wherof we haue sene in our owne dayes sorowful example and lamentable experience , here of our neyghbours in the countrey of Germany , where as for lacke of prudente respecte to the conseruation of this vnitie , manyfestly hath succeded ruine of the common polycie and wonderfull confusion : in so moche that amonge them selfes within the space of .vi. monethes there was slayne aboue an hundrede thousand men . This to all the worlde is open , no man can it denye , and nowe they be so deuyded by sectes and heresies , that scant the shadowe of true religion remayneth in that confusion . And all this hath succeded by the iudgement of men of wytte and polycie , bycause there was not in tyme respecte to the bracke of this spiritual vnitie , whose errour I doubte not , shall be to our example : by them we shal be instructe in tyme to prouyde for the breache of this vnitie . For the thynge is not yet soo depely roted here amonge vs , but that by the fauoure and helpe of hym , who is the verye hedde of all vnitie , by the hye wysedome and prouydence of our prynce , who as the chyefe offycer and mynyster here vnder Christe , nothynge more studieth thenne the conseruation therof , ye and by the goodnes of your owne nature mooste christen people , who I am sure to the restitution of this grounde , wyll be mooste pliable , and with all diligence endeuour your selfe therto . This breche is not yet so great I saye , but that by all these meanes shortly and surely stopped it maye be , by the whiche we all as it were in one course knitte togyther as membres of one body , may runne to gether with this vnitie , wherby we shall surely at the last attayne to that ende and felicitie , the whiche the hye prouydence of god , of his mere goodnes , hath to vs ordeyned and appoynted .

And to the entent we may somewhat the better attayne to the same , puttynge awaye this oure blyndenesse reygnynge amongest vs , bothe by false and vayne superstytion , and also by arrogant and lyghte opinyon , with all the pestylent and dyuellysshe effectes annexed to the same : I shall nowe consequently of this our blyndnes gether certayne causes , wherby our iugementes are thus corrupted by such fals groundes as we haue conceyued : that so at the laste , auoydynge the same with common quietnes , we may the better both restore and conserue among vs this heuenly vnitie .

And here moste christen people , this you shall vnderstande , that lyke as of all blyndnes reygnynge in vs I haue not before spoken , so now in this parte of all causes therof , 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 . I wylle not make mention , for suche kynde of philosophye is not accordyng to your capacitie . For nothing there is here in this worlde , whiche is broughte forthe and made of onely one cause , but lyke as the thinges be of nature dyuers and varyable , so of many and dyuers causes they take their creation , many causes runne to gether in certayne course and order , to the bringynge forthe of all thinge here in this worlde , subiecte to all corruption : and so the dyuers effectes bothe in mans body and also in mynde , sprynge oute of dyuers occasions , as to our purpose nowe at this tyme , this blyndnes which I haue declared to reigne in our myndes , cometh not of one occasion , but of many and dyuers : of the whiche certayne after my iugement moste conuenient before you to be opened , I wyll nowe touche , as brefely as I can , gyuynge you some occasyon therby peraduenture , to the inuention of other , and auoyding of the same . And fyrste one greatte cause of this blyndenes reignynge amonge vs , I note to be vnwyse maysters , 2. Pet. 2. Preacner● . foolysshe teachers of relygion , vndiscrete preachers of the gospell of god , whiche by their madnes and frantyke folye , ye and by their lacke of iugement and discretion , haue broughte you oute of all good facion , they haue ben a great occasion of this common blyndnes , whiche shulde bringe you to the truthe , and shew you the lyght , they haue ledde you into miserable darknes , and almost put out your sight : It is they that of manye yeres haue grafted in your hartes and stabled superstition , it is they which of longe season by their fonne doctrine or rather fonne foly , haue moch corrupt your iugementes . For the people in euery common weale be rude and ignorant , hauyng of them selfe smalle lyght of iudgement , but euer in simplicitie , as shepe folowe the herde , so folowe they their masters , euer treadynge in their steppes , whether so euer they go indifferently : For the which cause the auncient wyse men and olde philosophers , Plato rep. 5. were wont euer to saye , that loke of what sorte , what nature so euer they be , which are maisters , teachers , rulers , and heedes in any citie or polycie : of the same sorte and nature of necessitie , must be all the rest of the comminaltie . For their lyfes , doctrine , and dedes , be to the people chefe example and rules : their doctrine is their bokis , their lyfes he their common glasses , wherin they with diligence euer be tootynge and lokyng , and to their example as moch as they may , they euer forme and facion them selfes in all thinges and in all kynd of lyfe , but specially in forme and facion of religion : for therof , of all other thing , the people of them self haue leest iudgement , and be of the same moste ignorant , as a thinge whiche mooste hyghly passeth the common capacitie of man . For the whiche cause al the antiquitie euer referred the institution therof , to heuenly power & to goddis diuinitie , as we most christen people surely do of ours , the whiche our master Christ receyuynge of the hygh wysedome of the heuenly father , hath most plainly and clerely & in fewe wordes described vnto vs , and by his apostels instructe vs therwith , no man excludynge from the misteries therof , they whiche be common to all mens capacitie . For the gospell is a doctrine of simplicitie , 〈◊〉 gospel . Galat. 5. and nothinge but faythfull charitie , a doctrine so manifeste and playne , that if it were as easye to fulfyll and put in effect , as it is to conceyue and to vnderstande , I thynke there is no manne so rude , nor no manne by nature so ignoraunt , but he myghte attayne to the hyghest mysteries , and to the hyghest knowledge necessarye to the saluation of manne conteyned therin . For suche was the pourpose of our mayster Christe , Matt. 13. Corin. 1. to prescribe a doctrine to all men kynde , open and common . Wherfore he made rude fyshers , and ignorant persones , the fyrste prechers teachers and doctours thereof . But nowe dere frendes , though this doctrine be neuer so playne and full of simplicite , neuer so clere and manyfest of it self , yet it is by the curiositie of our masters and teachers therof , nowe of late yeres so obscured and hydde , so cloked with subtyl interpretation , so mangled by contrarye exposition , that many of vs nowe be in greatte perplexitie , moche dowbtynge of the truthe therof , vtterly ignorant of the grounde and foundation of the same . For where as the chiefe maisters and teachers haue preched and write , contrary one to an other , howe shuld ignorant and simple myndes conceiue any grounde and sure stey , wherto they myghte leane for succour and comforte ? Howe shoulde they fynde any certayne truthe therin ? where they here their masters in such controuersie , whyle somme of them sette vp the authoritie of olde tradition , rytes and customes , as thynges necessarye for the conseruation of good polycie , where other vtterly do them abrogate and damne , as thinges pernicious to all perfyte and true religion : and some purgatorie and praying for them whiche be deed , playnely do condemne , and som openly admyt , some pilgremage & veneration of imagis , as thingis of idolatry manifestly deny , other them preache & sette in full authoritie . But what shuld I here be about to recyte al such thinges , wherin our masters be incontrouersy seing that to al men I trow they be surely knowen ? in so moche that many of the people commonly say , that they wyll no more here prechynges , tyll the preachers amonge them selfes better agree : they wyll no more gyue their eares to such masters , whiche brynge them into so manyfest perplexitie , and som of them haue induced into this fals superstition , and some to the contempte of true religion , so that a great parte of our blyndnes and corrupt iugement , we may most iustely dere frendes attribute vnto the vndiscrete preachers , and of Christis doctrine blynde maysters and techers : who haue not ben content with their tongues onely their blyndnes to commune abrode and testifie , but also with their penne wrytynge the same they haue descriued , and so the iugementes of them which haue ben a lyttel lettered , with their foly by writing declared , they haue most ꝑniciously infected : som by their eloquence , mans lawe , ceremonies & rytes , customes & traditions , so haue exalted , so sette a height , that many simple myndes therby are perswaded , the somme of Christis religion in them to remayne , or at the lest so by them to be maynteyned , that to their ruine or alteration , shall succede of trewe religion the playn decay or innouation : Some other contrary by their bokes haue them so depressed , and vtterly condempned , that they boldely affirme the mayntenance of them to bringe in , of all syncere and pure christianite the vtter destruction , by the whiche Christis glory so hath ben of longe tyme obscured and hyd , that the worlde ( as they say ) hathe gyuen more to the outwarde workes and mans tradition , than to lyuely faith and trust in Christis passion : so that after this maner , as wel by foolysshe bokes as by sonne preachynge , you good people ar brought in a great mammering , your symplicitie semeth to be moche blynded by their curiositie .

Howe be it frendes this you muste nowe consequently take , that all be it great causes of your blyndnes , be these vndiscrete prechers , these curious and arrogant teachers , yet you maye not al attribute to them , you be not your selfes clene without faut : If you your selfes some of you I say , had not sturdy hartes , and ful of obstinacy , Obstinacye . by this superstition folyshely conceyued , though of many yeres it hath growen in your stomakes , yet it shulde not so there be roted , and so styffely of you be defended , that to common authoritie you shuld gyue no place : This declareth in many of vs to be great and manifest obstinacie : like as in some other of vs , easy it is also to see , great lightnes of mynde , and of iugement instabilitie , Lyghtnesse . whiche with euery blast of newe doctrine of our newe masters , be ouerthrowen and ledde , and to euery lyght perswasion lyghtly gyue place , leauynge by and by al olde custome and ceremonie , whiche is no lesse faute than in superstition to be sturdy . Wherfore to excuse your selfes most christen people holly by your maysters , as many of you do , iustly you may not . For though in them be great faute , 1 Corin. 3. and perauenture more damnable than is in you , yet you your selfes be not cleane withoute blame . For these vnwyse doctours of religion , neyther with their proude arrogancye , nor yet with their superstitious symplicitie , if they found not in your hartes a prompt redynes to receyue their opinion , neuer shuld haue place to fasten in you their folyshe doctrine , they shuld not lyghtly stable in you any poynt of vayne superstition , nor yet in your hartis any contempte of good and trewe religion . For lyke as the sede caste in the grounde neuer bryngeth forth frute , excepte by nature the grounde be apte and mete there vnto , soo the doctryne of preachers dothe neuer neyther edyfye nor dystroye , Matt. 13. excepte in the hartes of them , to whome it is communed , there be founde to the receyuynge therof somme promptnes and conueniency . The faute wherof is to our selfes holly to be imputed , for thoughe as I sayde before , the vulgare people be moche ignorant , and of iugement very bare , yet they be not of nature so naked sette forthe here into the worlde , but that certaine sedes in their hartes they haue planted , certayne sparcles of knowledge there they haue grafted , which if with any meane diligence they wyll sette forth & tyll , some iugement they shall haue betwixt good and euil , some discretion they shal attayne , to discerne the good preacher from the vayne , some knowlege they shall haue to perceyue hym that preacheth wel vertue and honestie , from him that precheth his owne folyshe fantasie , by some token & signe they shall discerne him : that is arrogant and sedicious , from him that is meke & vertuous . And of this perauenture here after in his place , bicause I iudge it moche to you at this tyme expedient and necessary , I shall somwhat say , concernyng the difference betwyxt the good preacher and the euyll , and howe you shall knowe one frome the other , whiche shall be no small helpe to delyuer vs from this blyndnes that we nowe be in wrapped , mysiudgyng one an other , wherof nowe in some parte the causes you see , whiche is in dede nothynge harde to perceyue , and I wold to god it were no lesse harde to fynd and apply remedy : but euen as it is in the body of man to fynde the disese , and the cause therof , 〈…〉 though it be not easy nor lyght , nor to euery man open and playne , yet it is not soo harde , as it appereth to me , as with prudent experience to apply remedyes to the same in tyme and place conuenient . And so here lykewyse in this our purpose nowe to note these causes of our blyndnes , as prechers obstinacie , and leuitie of mynde , was no greatte difficultie , but open to euery mans eye : but to fynde out remedies conuenient now to the same , applying them to the restitution of this desyred vnitie , this is not lyght , this is not in my power , this is not of my wytte nor capacitie . Wherfore a great parte of this thinge commyttinge to the prouidence of god , whose order and gouernaunce to lacke I trust yet our synnes haue not deserued , & a great parte to the hye policie of our most noble prince , whose cares , studyes , and thoughtes lye holly therin . I shall nowe in the reste moue , exhorte , & instruct you , most christen people , with certayn thinges , the which for the most parte lye in your owne diligence , & be put in your own power , wher by you may yf you wyll , endeuour your selfe , as I doubt not but ye wyll , greatly sette forwarde bothe the restorynge , and the quiete conseruing of this so moche of all men desired and praysed vnitie . For though it be so that out warde remedyes by foreyn causes adhihyte , may to this purpose gyue moch preferment , greatly promoting and settynge forwarde the same , yet this can not be douted , 〈◊〉 . 3. but that in your selfes stondeth a great parte of the hole matter , as in whom the grounde and foundation therof holly doth lye , none other wyse than it dothe in them , whiche labour in bodily disease , in whom you see , that all be it phisitions by medicines and other out ward remedies moche do conferre to the helth of their pacientes by good experience ministrynge the same , yet a great parte of their restitution lyeth in them selfes by good diet , quiet order , and other good gouernaunce temperynge their affectes , without the whiche all crafte of phisyke lyttell dothe auayle . And yet here in this purpose dere frendes we are in moche better case than they be , whiche are vexed and labour of bodyly disease : for as moche as we haue the presence of our phisition , the heuenly spirite and diuyne power euer attehande , Matt. 28. more redy at all tymes to minister vs remedies , than we by our owne blyndnes and negligent foly lette , be therof desyrous . Wherfore as I sayd , moche lyeth in our selues bothe to restore and conserue this heuenly vnite , we muste dispose our selfes with hart & wyl vtterly to cast away this blynde superstition and arrogant foly , and with diligent indeuour and cure forme our iudgementes with ryght knowlege and conuenient obedience , that we maye therby the better , auoydynge the dissolution of the vnitie spiritual , without al confusion of policie annexed therto , as membres of one body knytte to one heed , here in this lyfe inioye common quietues , and hereafter eternal felicite , wherof you al most christen people by nature are feruently desyrous , the whiche desyre I trust in you shal neuer be founde vayne , but bringe forthe at the last suche fruite and perfection , as to suche ardent desire & noble affecte is due and conuenient . For of this be you certayne and sure , that the infinite goodnes of the diuine power neuer leueth such hartes desert 1. Pet. 2. without succour and helpe , whiche with feruent desyre and sure affiaunce , faithe , and truste annexed therto , diligently seke and inserche therby to haue the knowledge of truthe and honestie . And lette this be a sure grounde stabled in your hartes , of the which you shal neuer be deceyued : for god neuer suffreth them by any meanes to be deluded , Psal. 30. whiche put their affiance and truste in hym , as I doubte not but you doo . Wherfore I wyll nowe procede vnto my purpose .

All though it be so mooste christen people , that som of vs by blyndnes as I haue shewed before , haue our iugementes corrupte , the which thing dayely also openly to the worlde we testifie , yet excepte affection to wyn owne countrey vtterly blynd me also , this I thinke I may boldly & truly affirme , that for the mooste parte vniuersally , there is amonge vs as true christen simplicitie & good religion , as there is in any other christian nation : or at the least , this I may saye , that to haue the same stabled amonge vs , in wylle and desyre we gyue place to none other : And of this we haue euer had the fame , syth Christis doctrin was fyrst amonge vs preched and taugth . wherfore at the leest this wyll as presupposed , I take to be in vs , and take it also as no small grounde to the rest , Plato . whiche I shall say . for as wyse men write , he hath nowe halfe atteyned vertue & honestie , that of him selfe bryngeth good wyll and desyre , to the attaynynge therof . And our master Christ also this euer as chiefe ground , ●han . 15. requireth in vs , the reste by his spirite in our hartes euer fourmyng : Therfore nowe this presupposynge I shal procede to prescribe and declare vnto you certayne generall groundes , wherby you maye concernyng some such thinges as nowe in these dayes be in great contention , and so of the brack of this spirituall vnitie a great occasion , so form your iugementes with conuentent knowlege and obedience , that you may be in some parte better delyuered , both from vayne and fals superstition , and also from lyght and arrogant opinion , wherin suche iugement as by longe redynge of scripture it hath pleased god to giue vnto me , and suche as I thinke al christen hartes to be fourmed with all , bothe by conuenience and necessitie , suche iudgement I say I shall as it were in a lytel table brefely to you propose , besechinge you all with the same hartes therin to loke , and with the same affectes , the same to rede that I write hit withal , the whiche I testifie god , who only seeth the harte and priuie thought of man , is the very same , wherwith I haue instruct myn own mynd and conscience : Requiryng you also that if I shal appere vnto any of you in any parte to erre , and corruptly to iudge , that it wylle please you with the same mynde to admonyshe me therof , that I wryte to you with all . For euer I wyl be to hyer iugement conformable . And for bycause I write not to them , which be of great lernyng , to whose wysedome the thinges are better knowen than they be vnto me , I wyl vse no longe processe nor clerkely disputation , but to you mooste christen people , whiche be not greatly lettered , I wyl directe my communication , gatheringe in fewe wordes the somme and pithe of suche thinges , as I shall iudge conuenient , to your knowlege and capacitie .

And fyrste to the intent you may see of christen lyfe the excellent dignitie , and what ende chiefly a christen harte ought euer to loke vnto , and so fyrste surely to lay this grounde and foundation whervnto euer we must moche of the rest of our communication , resolue and referre , as to the chiefe ende and principall of all , you must a lytle lyfte vppe your eies , and as it were out of hyer place , diligently behold the lyfe of man , and ther in with som iugement loke , where you shall find that in man here in erthe , by the prouydence of god , set to passe a short and transitorie lyfe , there be as it were .ii. polytees .ii. dyuers maners of liuynge .ii. dyuers ways and fashiones of passing this pilgremage , of the whiche the one is heuenly spirituall and godly , the other ciuile , ● Corin. 3. natural , and worldely : what I meane by these .ii. lyues , I wylle brefely to you declare . This ciuile and worldly lyfe , 〈◊〉 politike 〈◊〉 . is to man naturall , and by nature to hym conuenient , wherin he hathe by the onely and mere benefyte of nature , suche sedes and plantes of truthe and honestie in his harte roted and planted , the whiche , yf by his owne negligent folye , he suffred not by affection to be ouer runne , but with dylygence wolde folowe and nourysshe the same , they whyche I saye shulde vndoubtedly brynge hym to suche dignitie , as to the excellencye of his nature by nature is dewe and conuenient , but bycause man is no aungell , but hath a body frayle and corruptible , subiecte to affectes and all corruption , therfore law ciuile and politike rule entred into this lyfe , & therin of necessite toke place , The necessite of lawes . which is drawen out & stabled vpon the groundes of nature , by her benefite in mans hart planted & layd , to the which groundes , ciuile lawes & ordynances by wyse & prudent policie , stabled in mans lyfe , so long as man is conformable , so longe as man is by them gouerned and ledde , folowynge theym with obedience , other for feare and drede of punyshemente ensuynge their transgression , or for hope & truste of perfyte pleasure or any other worldly thynge annexed to their diligent obseruation , so long I say man lyueth lyke a ciuile polytike and worldly man , and suche maner of lyuynge brefely to lay , The spirituall lyfe . I iudge to be this cyuile naturall and worldely lyfe , wherof nowe we speke . An other lyfe there is , whiche I called heuenly spiritual and godly , whiche is aboue the comon course of nature , not receiuing her groundes of nature , nor of the comon reson of man , but of very reason it self , of the very certayn & true reson of god , which is the very son of god , Iohan. 1. by our mayster Christe ioyned to the nature of man , and by him to the worlde opened . This reason is the very worde of god , and god hym selfe by Chryste to manne kynde shewed , whose doctrine his disciples by mouthe taught , and by writynge haue lefte to our instruction . Howe be it here you muste vnderstande , that to the knowledge of this reasone , by mans reason man him self can not attayn , ● Corin. 1. to this he is blynd , nature is not sufficient , but to the attaynyng of this reson , reson subdued , faith must be therin to him as it were a gyde , fayth must gyue hym iugement and sight , & be as it were his eye , faithe must shew vnto hym al the secrete misteries ther in : ●ebre . 11. and shortly to say fayth must lay al groundis in this lyfe , as nature dyd in the other . And lyke as in the ciuile and politike lyfe feare and hope euer ledde the politike man and worldly , to the obseruation of his lawes : so in this very heuenly and spiritual life , faith and loue , lede man made spiritual , makynge him by loue to lawes obedient : in so moche that at the last by faithfull loue and charitable faith , man is brought to sure felicitie , Galat. 5. 〈◊〉 liberte . and stablyshed in true libertie , that is to say , he is therby deliuered from all corrupte and worldly affection , he is then free from synne and dethe , them vtterly tredynge vnder foote , he is then delyuered from all daunger and feare therof , than he in this mortall lyfe passing the state & condicion of man , Philipp. 3. lyeth lyke no mortall man , but liueth like a Christe , like a god in erthe , and like reasone it selfe , neuer giuinge place to any affection , than he inioyeth suche spirituall comforte and pleasure in harte , as is moche easyer for them to conceyue , which haue had gust & experience therof , than for any man by wordes to expresse this thinge , we whiche commonly gyue place to worldly affection , and with the burdeyn of this body suffre our selfes to be oppressed , as it were a farre of , onely doo se. And euen lyke as we beholde the heuenly bodyes , the sonne , the mone , with the other sterres , and planettes , hauynge no sure iudgement of the nature of them , nor yet of their quantite : so of this spiritual and heuenly lyfe , we se as it were in a clowde and afarre of the hye perfection and excellency , but the trewe iugement therof we do not conceyue , being blinded with bodily affection , 2. Timoth. 1. and holly intent to ihis worldly polycie , by the besynes wherof and vanitie , we vtterly forgette this our high perfection and dignitie , the fulle declaration whereof I wyll not here attent , nor it is not my pourpose : onely this I wolde by these fewe wordes leade you vnto the consyderation with your selfe , of pure christianitie , the which after this rude and brefe description of these .ii. lyues , which I haue gathered out of the doctrine of Poule , shall not be moche harde for you to conceyue : for thoughe these .ii. lyues of their owne nature be distincte and dyuers , for as moche as the one is common to all mankynde , for whether they be Iewes , Matth. 5. sarasynes , Turkes , or Mores , in som polycie they must agree , withoute the whiche is no ciuilitie : though I say in them selfe , they be dyuers , yet in vs christen men , they in one must perfitly agree , they must consent , and in the perfyte couplynge therof resteth the conseruation of this spirituall vnitie , the whiche of necessitie dothe require in common policie a certayn consent and sure agrement . For this is a sure truthe , that worldly policie qualifyed with charitie , Christen ciuyly●● . is therby conuerted into christen ciuilitie , in our lyfe , whiche be christen men , one of theym is the waye to the other , one of them to the other is so knytte and ioyned , that the one without the other can not longe endure , the one without the other shortly wyll decay . For euen like as the ciuile lyfe politike & seperate from peace and vnite , longe by no meane maye be maynteined without destruction : Tit. 3. so the spirituall lyfe and heuenly withoute respecte of common polycie , shortly by necessitie shall falle to confusion . Wherfore this must be taken as a sure and common grounde , that in al christen ciuilitie of greatte and hygh necessitie to all suche thinges , as by common authoritie are stablished and founded , without repugnance to the spirituall vnitie and manifeste doctrine of Christe , the people must euer be obedient , to all suche thynges with gladde harte they must euer agree and consent . For of this we haue in Christis doctrine in many places manifest commandement , ●ebr. 13. bothe of Peter and of Poule in their holy epistles , ye and Christe him selfe sayd , he came not to breake such thinges , as by common lawe were receyued , but rather to stably she , confirme , and make perfite the same , Matth. 5. as bothe his lyfe and his doctrine manifestly declare . Roman. 13. For where as before christen men obserued lawes onely by feare of punyshement , Christ wold haue his flocke to be obedient and fulfyll the same only by loue , & by none other outwarde respecte . And therfore his doctrine is as a corner stone , agreinge to al polycie , and determyneth therin no certayne kynde at al , but as wel may the perfection of Christis doctrine be fulfilled in that state , where as be many heedes and dyuers polyticall , as there as is but one chiefe & principal : So long as policie and lawes therby stablyshed and set , breke not the groundes of spirituall vnitie , there is no repugnance to be made of those which be humble subiectes , 1. Pet. 2. meke & obedient to such thinges as be receiued by common assent . This thing dere frendes I oft inculke and reherse , bicause if it be wel and throughly perceiued , and in our hartes surely grounded , it shall minister vnto vs a great grounde & occasion , to pluck vp by the rotis this fals superstition , whiche in these days disquieteth so many mens feble & weke consciences without reason : And specially if to this we ioyne an other grounde , wherby you shall be brought moste christen people somewhat to conceyue a diuersite and plain difference , betwixt such thinges as be of playne necessitie , & of them self by nature good , and such as be only of a certain conueniency , & by nature be indifferent . The lacke of the iugement and discretion wherof , hath gyuen great occasion to stable in many mens hartes this vayn superstition , and is also no small cause of proude arrogant opinion . For the conceyuynge wherof , this dere frendes you must vnderstonde , that lyke as I sayde before in the lyfe mere polytike & worldly , there be certain groundes , whiche of necessitie , must euer be conserued , and neuer suffre dispensation : and other thinges there be , whiche as tyme and place doth require , euer by lawe ciuile and polycie maye be altered and suffre abrogation : so in the godly life and spirituall , there be also certayne groundes , wherin is founded this spirituall vnitie , whiche by no mans policye maye be chaunged , but euer must stand stable and firme without innouation . And other thynges also there be , whiche by common authoritie maye be remoued , abrogate , and vtterly put awaye , and sto●de onely by conueniency , and haue their power onely of the consent of the hole congregation : as by exaumple , this thing to declare somewhat more at large , 〈…〉 groundes these be of the polytyke lyfe , honour to be done to the diuine nature , whiche gouerneth all , reuerence to be had to our parentes , which haue laboured to bringe vs into the lyght , cure to be had of those whiche come of vs by naturall procreation , to be beneficiall to them , whiche be in necessitie , and to repell from our selfes all iniurie . And in conclusion all suche thinges whiche of lawe ciuile stablyshed , taketh not full power , but haue their strength of the true iugement of naturall reason , pure and not corrupte by affection , all suche be groundes in natural law : thinges resting in policie and ciuile constitution , beinge of nature indifferent , be infinite , and for the tyme and place euer variable , as somme tymes thynges of marchandyse to command to bringe in , and sometyme the same to prohibite , sometymes money of the people by taxe to be gathered , and some tyme the same contrary to restore , is to good policie righte conuenient . Lyke as in some places , the eldest sonne to succede in the hole inheritance for the maynteynyng of the familie , is of some iudged good policie : and in some other places it is playn iniury , so that al such thing as time & place with other circumstance doth require , so euer they be by the iudgement of wyse men & politike , to be chaunged of conueniencye , whan to them is gyuen full authorite to alter & change theym with free lybertie . And lyke maner in the lyfe spiritual certayn groundes as I sayd , there be , whiche must euer be taken as fyrme and stable , Roman. 5. as Christ to descende from the bosome of his father , to be made man for mannes redemption , the fayth and truste in hym and in his promyses Gala. 5. to be sufficient for mannes saluation , the workis of man ciuile without faythe , not to be of power to serue to mans iustifycation , Tit. 3. the mysteries of Christe by his sacramentes to faythfull myndes to be communed . And brefly to say , al such thinges as in Christis gospel by expresse commandment , eyther of our master Christe , or of his holy apostles & disciples be to vs giuen & taught , all such be of mere necessitie , & not indifferent , & by no power in ●eth suffre abrogation : but contrary al other thiges ꝑteining to this spirituall polycie , whiche be not conteyned in the gospel expressely , Matt. 15. or deduced of the same surely , as rites customes and traditions of fathers , hauing no ground but only by prescription of time , al such may be alterid by good order & policie , whan it shal appere to them which haue authorite so conuenient , as the forbiddig of scripture to be red in the mother tonge , & in the churches so to be rehersid , somtime was not without consideration , where as now to many it may otherwise appere , as it doth of pristes mariage , foundyng of chantries , 〈…〉 buylding of monasteries , popes pardons , institution of holy dayes , which al with many other of the same sorte & nature , to wyse men nowe a dais apere plainly to be growen to an iniust extremite . wherfore to alter them it is thought not with out gret cause highly expedient , & to the institution of Christis true doctrine very profitable & conuenient , the whiche by mans constitution & ceremony is vndoutedly moch obscured , & the purite therof almost put out of memorie : in so moche the many men being in that behalf somwhat superstitious , iuge in these constitutions & ceremonies to stand moche of Christis religion , to the which perswasion brought they are for lacke of this discretion betwixt thinges of necessite , & such as be but only profitble and conueniently for the time institute , to the conseruation of the other whiche be groundes necessary , of the which sort without faile be al rites & constitutions ecclesiastical : and yet I do not thynk that by & by they be vtterly to be condemned , as many do with arrogant opinion , bicause they be not of this necessitie & in scripture expressed . For our master Christ , of whom I take this ground , where as he in diuers places puttith difference betwixt his commandment & mans tradition , Matth. 23. he I say him selfe commandeth vs contrary , byddyng vs to fulfyl his commandment , & yet not to leue & vtterly pretermyt the tradition , for such thinges which of long custom haue ben receiued are not so without order to be plucked away , but they require good consideration and pondering of some manifest detriment & hurte , Ephe. 4. to very true religion , before they be vtterly put awaye , & not after the iugement of euery lyght braine so to be condemned , as thinges pernicious to al christen ciuilite . For al though som of them be very vn to & to true religion an open impediment , yet som other there be which be as good & conuenient menes , to induce rude & simple mindes to conceyue the misteries of Christ , & to kepe as by signes the memory of the same . Notwithstanding , this again is true , vpon the other side the none of them be of such necessite , that the altering of them shuld bring in vtterly the ruine of religion . Wherfore with suche superstition and sturdy obstinacye , they ought not to be defended , as many men thynke , for lacke of the sure conceyuynge of this grounde , whiche nowe you haue harde in few wordes touched , the whiche grounde if it had ben stabled in the hartes of some of them , whiche for their disobedience by superstytyon conceyued , lately haue suffered , they wolde not peraduenture so heedlynge haue runne to their dethe , the whiche they so gladly suffered , induced by corrupt opinion : for perswaded they were , that the vnitie of Christis church coulde not by any case maynteyned be , withoute this longe vsurped superioritie , whiche the byshoppe of Rome hath of many yeres by the simplicitie of christen people be magnified in , and that such a heed shuld be stablyshed by the word and doctrine of Christe , here in his churche of necessytie , and not to be a thynge of nature indifferent : & that he shuld also be the vicar of god and vniuersall iudge of all christianitie . This was their perswasion , whiche is the chiefe key of all superstition , this is as it were the fountayne and grounde of all other lyke abusion . wherfore all be it that this ground by the hye prouydence of out most noble prince , and by common authoritie here in our nation , be soo vtterly abrogate and pluckid away , that among you most christen people there is none I thynke so ferre from wit and iudgement , that wyll theragaynst repugne , but as true subiectes be therto obedient : yet for the instruction of some weake consciences , whiche by some fals perswasion , perauenture maye yet be troubled with some scrupulosite therof , I haue thought conuenient nowe in this place , as I promysed before , somwhat to say touching the chiefe poyntes , wherby I haue fourmed myne owne iudgement with knowlege and due obedience , to the intent that you also mooste christian people , conceying the nature of the thynge as it is in dede , indifferent , may with harte and conscience be therto gladlyer obedient , and not only by feare of common punyshment . Wherfore the nature of the thinge as it is in it selfe plainly , as farre as my wyt and lernynge wyl serue , in fewe wordes I shall open vnto you indifferently .

After the tyme that I had exercysed a parte of my youthe in secular studies and in philosophy , and therby formed my iugement with som knowlege of nature , and of thinges perteynyng to the maners of man in the ciuile and polytike lyfe , I toke streight forth holy scripture in hande , therby to instructe my mynde with the lyghte of the doctrine of Christe , the onely comforte of true & faithful hartes , to the which ende al my labours and studies in other kynde of letters I euer referred & directed , as to the thing , which all Christis scholers oughte euer to loke vnto . But as sone as I hadde exercysed my selfe a fewe yeres therin , and some lyght of iugement by the comfort of Christis spirit gathered in the same , wherby I myght the better discerne thinges , whiche stonde in worldly polycie , from the groundes of scripture and pure christianitie : and as soone as I hadde conceyued with my selfe the perfection therof , the sincere simplicitie conteyned therin , and the quietnes of faythefull hartes and pure consciences , whiche to the stablysshynge therof , was surely adioyned , I began with my selfe sore to lament , to se and consider the state of the worlde commonly , howe far it was slypped from that heuenly perfection , and celestial conuersation , and both with my selfe diuers and sondry tymes , and with other with whom in studies I was conuersant , of the causes therof I beganne to consider and reasone ? in the enserchynge wherof , all be it many and dyuers causes I founde , whiche now to reherse were ouer longe , & not to my purpose : Yet this I wyl say dere frendes nowe vnto you , that fewe other I se of gretter efficacy , than this vsurped long and many yeres superioritie of the pope , whyche for the maynteynynge of his authorite vnder the cloke of religion , hath brought in amonge christen nations moche fals superstition , and for the mayntenance of his hye pride & cloked tiranny , hath amonge christen princis many tymes to the greatte ruine of common quietnes , sette greatte diuision . For who is he that of storye hath any consideration , whiche playnely bothe not see , how fewe christen princis there be , whiche for the settynge vppe of this arrogancy , hath not ones one agayne an other drawen their swerdes , to the great effusion of christen blode , and ruine of all good ciuilytie , ye and yet which is worste of all , they haue ben perswaded therby to sette vp Christis honour and religion ; O lord what a blyndnes was this reignynge in princis hartes , and what a superstition one christen man to kyll an other vnder the pretext of Christis religion ? And as for the abuses of that authoritie as well in pardons and dispensations as in interdytes and excommunication , I thynke there is no man so blynd , no nor yet nation so farre from iudgemente , nor so farre from the commonsense and trewe consyderation , the whyche that dothe not see , and obserue . For amonge christen men no nation there is , whiche beynge obedyente to that authoritie , hath not felte by pyllynge and pollynge , and tyrannycalle exaction , euer couered with the pretexte of religion , of these abuses the playne and manyfeste experyence . This thynge I haue obserued dere frendes longe and many a daye , not withoute greatte sorrowe and dolour of mynde , and yet somme hope euer I haue hadde ones to see , of these thynges a iuste and a true reformation , as welle in other countreys and nations as here at home in our owne nation . This hope I hadde , wherwith I very moche eased my sorowe and doloure , lyuynge in great desyre to see the thynge putte in effecte . Wherfore dere frendes now of late , at such time as I retourned oute of Italye , hyther home to myn owne countrey , here to finyshe in quietnesse the reste of my lyfe , seruyng our prince , if I were in any poynt able , to the whiche ende of youthe I appoynted all my studies : whan I retourned I say , and sawe this thinge partly put in effect , whiche I soo longe desyred , the whiche desyre I testifie god was to his honour , what ioye , what gladnes in my hart and mynde , I therof conceiued , I wyll not nowe be about to you by wordes largely to expresse . But this I wil say vnto you , the gladnesse that I conceyued of pluckynge awaye this superioritie , was not so moche for the stopping of the profites , which to the imparyng of this realme , was no small thing , wherin the moste parte of mens eyes are chiefly fyxed , as it was for the hope I had of the reformynge of common religion , and of the purgynge of vayne superstition , wherwith many symple myndes here in our nation , haue ben greatly infect : the chiefe cause wherof hath bene this superioritie of the see of Rome : in so moche that this I thinke truly I may say , that euen as Rome by mekenes & charitie , was the fyrst occasion of communynge and propagation , ye and stablyng also long and many yeres of Christis doctrine and true religion here in our nation , so nowe the same by pride and arrogancy , by processe of tyme hath ben the chiefe and principall occasion , of ouermoche extollyng mans tradition , and the very open gate of all superstition , so that nowe by the stopping of this gate , great hope I haue ones yet to see , Christis doctrine restored agayn to the pure and natiue simplicitie , and to the olde simple purite . And to the conceyuynge of this hope moche moued I am by the hye vertues of our moste noble prince , whose highnes boldly I dare affirme , no thing more desyreth , than the restitution of Christis true doctrine here in our nation , and that to see flourishe in the hartis of his subiectes , declaringe in lyfe the frute of the same . To this tendeth all the cures , thoughtes , actes , and dedes of his royall maiestie . Wherfore me semeth not without a cause my hope is conceyued , if this be true that all antiquitie hath approued , suche as be princis , suche be their subiectes , whose trace euer foloweth all the comminaltie . Seing therfore oure prince to be of this pourpose and desyre , and of suche iudgemente and policie , that beste he knowethe the meane of the restitution hereof , why shulde not I conceyue this gladdenes , and stable hit in my harte ? why shoulde not I reioyse , or rather why shuld not all we be glad and reioyse most christen people ? Truly we ought to gyue thankes to almyghty god , by whose prouidence , we haue this noble prince now reigning in our tyme . And surely I doubte not , but that the goodnes of god , who hath inspired his harte with lyght and iugement to conceyue the ground of this popes superioritie , and to his honour to plucke hit downe , shall also gyue hym the same lyght and grace to fynde out all conuenient menes to the mayntenance of the same , that it may procede with a common quietnesse bothe to the comforte of our present age and of the posterite , and that so therby hereafter may succede the restitution of the pure doctrine of Christe and syncere religion , with the pourgynge of all fals and vayn superstition : This is my hope and this is my truste , of the whiche as I sayd at my retorne here into my countrey , great gladnes I conceyued , the whiche contynually I nouryshe in my harte , with sure hope dayly the same to increase , howe be it herin I fynde the nature of mannes affecte , and that to be trewe whiche of the wyse and auncyent Socrates , ofte was rehersed , that in mannes affecte , plesure and peyn , sorowe and ioye , were neuer seperate , but as the partes of a rynge euer coupled togyther , and euer knyt one to the other , as it were by a common chayne . For thoughe it be soo that of this acte of pluckynge downe this popyshe authoritie , moste iustely as me semeth I haue conceyued this gladnesse , yet it is not perfyte and syncere , there is in my harte a certayne sorowe myngled with the same , whiche hath moche defaced my gladdenes and ioye . For sory I am & of the very hart , to se that thing whiche you all moste christen people , I am sure with no lesse sorowe lately haue sene , that is to say , to see so noble an acte , so good and so profytable , so open a gate to the restoringe and stablyshynge here amonge vs a very true and common weale , whiche coulde neuer lyghtly haue hadde place , standynge this outwarde and tyrannicall authoritie . For euer it shuld to the prince haue ben a lette and an obstacle , at suche tyme as he shuld attempte any refourmynge of true religion , to see I say ageynst so noble an acte , suche men repugne , suche men to be disobedient , whose vertues I euer trusted shoulde haue benne to oure prince , to wchynge the restitution of his true common weale a chiefe instrumente . For what vertues were in somme of them , superstitious symplicitie set a syde , all the worlde knoweth . Wherfore suche vertues so to be corrupt with superstition , that therby they shuld be induced to be disobedient to their prince , and to suche holsome lawes , I can not but of hart sore to lament , I can not but be sorowfull , that suche blyndnes shulde be ioyned to such knowlege , & such vertue shuld be blurrid with such vice , & such an acte so wisely conceyued shulde be blotted with disobedience so folyshly declared . This maketh me sory & sore in hart to lament , and truly to saye not so moche for their causes , who for theyr disobedience , accordynge to the course of lawe , iustely haue suffered , as for yours mooste christian people , whose symple and weake consciences , not able peraduenture well to conceyue the nature of thynges , as they be in dede , by their disobedience and sturdy obstinacie , may in some part perauenture be moued to conceyue of this acte some scrupulositie , by the reason whereof in you may succede , disquietnes of mynd , diuersly drawen by diuers obedience . Wherfore partly to the auoydynge of myn owne sorow conceyued by suspicion of your simplicitie , and partly to do my duetie in setting forthe of so manyfest a truthe , I shall as brefely and clerely as I can set before your eies , the nature of the thing , vsinge therin no longe scholasticall disputation , and this processe obserue . Fyrst I wyll shewe vnto you , that this superioritie is not of the law of god , prescribed vnto vs for the necessitie of our saluation , but that it is a thyng indifferent , the disobedience wherof , bringeth not to our sowles damnation . Secondly I wyll shewe you , howe it fyrst grewe in , as a thinge conuenient , and to the conseruation of the vnitie of Christis churche expedient . Thirdely I shall declare howe that as it hath bene many yeres vsurped , it is to the very spirituall vnitie , nother necessarye nor yet conuenient : and so I truste sommewhat the better your consciences shall be delyuered , from suche scrupulositie , as may take from your myndes christen quietnes and vnite .

And fyrst most christen people this is of you al as most open and manifest , to be taken as a sure truthe , that all be it the olde testamente , wherin god to the people of Israel declared his first wil , be called the scripture of god , and his very lawe : yet for as moche as Paule testifieth , 1. Corin. 10. all thinges to them as in a shadowe grossely there to be shewed , accordyng to their rude capacite , the which to vs after clerely were opened by our mayster Christe , to whose glorye all the lawe tended . Ephe. 1. we therfore may say all the lawe of god in Christe to be as in a somme conteyned , Coloss. 1. who is the perfection and ende of all lawe , it is he only that in the olde lawe was figured , and now in the newe law of the gospell openly is to vs declared : in so moche that this boldely we maye affyrme , goddis lawe holly and perfitely in the gospell to be conteyned , for as moche as Christ , in whom all law of god is fully as in a some gathered , is there to vs clerely taught , Roman. 8. & nothing to be necessary to our saluation , wherof in the gospel we haue not expresse mention , or at the leste oute of that deduced by some certayne reason , and open demonstration . For as touching the traditions of faders , though they be moche expedient to the increse and maintenance of Christis gospell and truthe , yet of suche strength and power they be not , Marc. 7. that to their obseruation , we be of necessytie bounden , vnder peyne of vtter damnation , nor yet they be not of any suche necessitie , that to the alteration of them , ye or vtter abrogation , ensueth by and by the ruyne and destruction of all christen ciuilitie and religion . Wherfore though it were soo , as it is not in dede , that this superioritie of the pope , were to vs by tradition descended & gyuen , yet it is not of this nature and necessitie , that without hit we can not attayne to our saluation . For by suche bonde no christen nation , at anye tyme receyued any mans tradition . This therfore we may affirme now dere frendes , as sure and true , that if we can not fynde this superioritie clerely vnto vs in the gospell expressed , nor of the same manifestly deduced by clere interpretation , it is not to our saluation of hye necessitie : the whiche thinge to seke , and out of the gospell to pyke , I thynke is lyke , as to seke and to pyke darkenesse out of the lyght . Ageynst the popes authorytie . For to my iugement all thynge there indifferently weyinge , all appereth playne contrary : in so moche that to me considering the some and hole cours of Christis doctrine , he semed nothinge lesse to go about , than to stablyshe amonge his disciples , and amonge theym that wold make profession of his name , any such superioritie : but leuyng all suche thynges to princes worldly polycie , purposed to drawe the hartes of his scholers from all suche ambicious and vayne desyre , and turne them to the sight and contemplation of suche thynges , as be celestial , and of nature pure and euerlasting , seperate from al this worldly vanitie , euer wylling them to hang vpon the desyre of suche thynges , Ma●● . 23. as bretherne to gether knytte in a certayn equalite , vtterly excludyng al contention for any maner superiorite : he euer taught his disciples as membres of one body , coupled together in perfyt loue and vnite , to hang vpon him only , Ioan. 17. as vpon the true heed & fountayn of al suche thynges , as they shuld euer desyre , leauyng the order of al worldly thinges , as I saide , to suche as by office haue cure of the same : for as moch as that perteyneth to worldly policie , wherof he wolde haue his disciples to haue in a maner contempt , & to be in the world as out of the worlde , & rather to refuse al suche besy policie & careful study of transitorie thinges , than therby to be let from the office of pure christianitie , which chiefly doth rest & stonde in this with despisynge of all such thinges , with feruent hart and affection euer to desyre thinges , Matth. 19. euerlastyng and eternall . To this runneth the course of al Christis doctrine , which by his mouth he taught , & by his disciples to vs in writing hath left , in so moche that of his doctrine to gether , that among his disciples , he shuld stable any suche superiorite , & so therby to deriue it to the bishoppe of Rome , is manifestly to turne al thing vp so down , & to the cleane contrary : the which thinge Christ him selfe in dyuers places of his gospel particularly doth teache & expresse . For where as his disciples not yet perfyte nor lyghted with his spirite , but hauynge a lyttel of the spirite of the worlde , stroue amonge theym selfe for superyoritie of place , he made aunswere , instructinge them this , Princis of the worlde , and other , Marc. 10. whyche haue not as yet the heuenly guste , stryue for suche thynges , as they whiche haue theyr hartes fyxed therin . But you whom I wolde haue to conceyue other desires , shal not do so , for as moche as all suche contention cometh of playne arrogancye , frome the whiche I wolde haue you vtterly to abhorre , and stablynge in your hartes by humilitie , the contempte of all suche thynges , contende alway to the desyre of the heuenly and celestiall , to the whiche if you wyll attayne , euen as this chylde here stondynge amonge you , 〈◊〉 . 19. liueth in simplycite vtterly without care of worldly vanitie , so must you leauynge asyde all contention for all worldly thinge , and all superioritie , beare hartes pure without affection , euer lokynge vp to the heuenly conuersation , therin settynge all your comfort and ioye , after this sentence Christe answered to his disciples , stryuynge amonge them selfes for superioritie , moued by ambition : wherin he manifestly declareth , that if he had purposed to stably she amonge them any order of superioritie or degree , he wolde then moued therof haue made some mention , commandynge the reste to gyue obedience , to suche heed and order : but in all the course of his doctrine , you shall neuer fynde any mention or memory of suche institution and polycie . For this is a sure thynge of you all to be taken as moste true , Th●●nde of Christis doctry●● . that the chief poynt of Christis doctryne stondethe in this , to perswade all those , whiche wolde be his true disciples , this to conceiue , as a chiefe grounde with obedience to al worldly policie , not beinge contrary to the glory of god , 1. Corin. 7. to vse these worldly thinges as passingers & pylgrims , nothyng restinge thervpon , & to be in the worlde , as out of the worlde , and to vse this lyfe as a meane to lyfe , wherof this is but a shadowe , puttynge no affiance nor truste therin , but holly to hange vpon hym , who is the onely fountayne of all goodnesse and truthe , Matth. 10. and with the desyre therof to haue their hartes euer inflamed , with vtter contempte of all suche thynges , whiche therto do put any obstacle and impedimente . This vndoutedly is as it were the marke , which our master Christ hath before our eies set , wherat he wolde haue vs euer continually to shoote : this is as it were the hauen , to the which he wolde haue vs to direct our course , saylyng in the troublous stormes of this lyfe : and this to stablyshe in our hartes was his chiefe purpose , and so to institute in vs the spiritual lyfe and godly , wherof before I haue made mention : And as for the worldely lyfe and polytike , he came not nowe to stable nor institute , whiche by the benefyte of nature he hadde before sufficiently founded , but he came to bringe vs to an hygher perfection , and to make vs playne spirituall , treadynge vnder foote all thynges temporal . And this is not my fantasy and dreame , Christe by his owne worde manyfestly dyd expresse it many tymes , Iohan. 17. Luc. 22. sayeng , He cam not into this world to reigne nor to rule , but to minister vnto vs heuenly doctrine , and to exhorte vs to contemne those thynges , whiche so blynd commonly mans hart , he sayd oft , his kyngdome was not of this world : whiche is most manyfest in this , that he neuer taught one poynt of worldely policie , but euer refused the institution and direction therof , as to him he made answer , whiche required the diuision of his inheritance by his iugement , sayeng , who hath made me a iudge in suche matters , ●uc . 12. the which to redresse is not my purpose ? & to him that presented before him a pece of money with the image of th emperour , 〈◊〉 . 22. he bad render that to hym , for therwith I haue nothing to do , but to god gyue thy harte and affection of pure mynde , whose image is there prynted and sette , as of hym , who is onely lorde therof . This euer he refused the cure of suche thynges , as pertayne and belonge vnto the cyuile and polytyke lyfe , and yet to them he was euer obedient , as the hole course of his lyfe manyfestly doth declare . He was circumcysed and purified , 〈◊〉 . 3. he kept the sabbot daye , and was baptysed , he payde tribute to the prince , ye and to the hole lawe was so obedient , that accordynge to the course therof he suffred his deathe , the whiche all he dyd for our instruction , teachynge vs neuer to dispyse , M●●●h . 27. nor to be disobediente to suche thynge as by common authoritie is commonly receyued , but euer with humble and meke obedience , therto contende , and desyre to attayne the fruition of suche thinges as neuer shall fayle nor decaye . Wherfore dere frendes , seinge that the doctrine of our master Christe is of this sorte , euer drawynge vs frome the loue of this worlde to hygher consyderation , forbyddynge vs vtterlye all contention for any superioritie of order and degree , leauing all suche thynges to ciuile and worldly polycie , the instytution whereof he euer refused , as a thynge base and vyle compared to that doctrine whiche he euer taughte . All this consyderynge I saye , and well ponderynge in mynde indifferentely , to affyrme , that Christe stablysshed amonge his disciples any suche superioritie , makynge therby Peter chiefe heed , and also consequently the byshoppe of Rome , that he therby vppon all christendome shoulde be a chiefe iuge , and vppon all princis and lawes to haue authoritie with interdites and dispensation , theym to tempre and reule at pleasure , ye and vppon the worde of god alone to haue power of interpretation : this to my iudgement , whan I weye the thinge with my selfe , appereh to me , more than madnes and extreme foly . For this passethe all pryde and arrogancy , this is aboue all tyranny , Christen nations were neuer so madde , by any open decree or consent in counsell generalle , euer to gyue to any one manne , suche authoritie : but vndoubtedly by the symplicitie of christen people , and by the pacience of good princis , ye and by the arrogancye and pride of those , the whyche haue vsed and occupyed the See of Rome , it is growen by litle & litle into this intollerable tiranny : the which after this sort as it is vsed , to affirme to be of the lawe of god , and of necessite , is playn contrary to the law of god , and moch to the obscurynge of his glory . But yf you wyl se dere frendes the authoritie of Peter , whiche to all other apostels was equally gyuen , withoute any superioritie , shortly I shal declare it vnto you .

Lyke as the lyfe whiche Christe came to institute , and stablyshe in the hartes of them , whiche wolde folowe him , was of an other sorte and degree , of a hyer puritie and excellency , than was the lyfe of them , whiche loked no ferther than to thynges present , drowned in all worldly & vaine affection , and folowed only the course of the lyfe politike , wherof I spake at large before : so is the power and authoritie , that he gaue vnto theym , whiche with sure faythe and truste in his worde , folowed hym and his doctrine , of an other sorte and greatter excellency , than euer before Christe was gyuen to man in this worlde , or stablyshed by any policie , there was neuer before him suche thinge gyuen to mortall man . For to whom was hit euer sayde , what soo euer thou byndeste or loosest in erthe , the same in heuen shall lykewyse be loosed and bounde ? And yet to Peter this power was gyuen , and to all the apostelles with equalite . There was neuer before Christe emperour in Rome , nor sens Christ prince out of christendome , whether he were gret turke or sowdan or amonge the mores any kinge most myghty of power , that euer had any suche dignitie , to none of them all was euer gyuen suche power . For their power and authoritie , resteth onely in the lordshyppe and dominion , gouernance and rule of those thynges worldly vnstable and transitorye , the which al as vyle by nature and of small dignitie , Christis doctrine techeth to treade vnder foote , and to a hyper degree he lyfted the hartes of his disciples , Ioan. 10. and soo gaue theym hygher authoritie , Matth. 15. as to lose manne from all myserie of synne , though the synne were neuer so great , and to sette hym in sure state of felicitie : and who so euer he were and of what nation , The anthorite of Peter . condicion , state , or degree , all indifferently to lose from synne , yf they wyll with perfyte faythe and sure truste in Christe professe his doctrine folowynge euer the perfection of the same . To this fayth and truste being in Peter and in the other apostels our master gaue this diuine power , and this is the very key of the gate of heuen , which as you se openeth to all men the gate indifferently , there is no man excluded from entrynge therin , Galat. 3. but all , puttynge their holle affiance in Christe folowynge his doctrine , shall be admytted withoute difficultie .

This is a meruaylous power to man gyuen , to plucke man so myserable and wretched out of al myserie , and to putte him in the state of felicite : And with this power our master Christ sent forth his disciples , instructe with his spirite , to all the worlde , by the prechynge of his doctrine to turne them out of their wretched trade and misery , and to wake them out of their dreame : for drowned mankynde was with worldly affection , and fynally to put them in remembraunce of the benefytes of god and of their dignitie , and that so by his doctrine they at the last inspired and styrred vppe , myght attayne to their felicite . This was the chief authorite & power , to th apostels by our master gyuen , to the puttyng in vse wherof he institute certayn mistical sacramentes , wherby man shuld be styrred to receyue grace & fauour of almyghty god , The sacramentes . and so com oft to the memory of the great benefytes of the goodnes of him , which he by his grace hathe aboue all other to vs of his flocke specially opened and communed . To this tende all the sacramentes of Christe institute , to brynge vs I say to the remembrance of suche benefyte , as he to all theym , whiche by sure saythe hang vpon him , hath surely promysed , as I shal more playnly herafter declare . So that dere frendes in fewe wordes to conclude , this high power and greattest that euer to mankinde was gyuen in erth , to the apostels of Christ gyuen was this . Fyrst , of al myserie of ●ynne man to release , not as of them selfe , but as of the ministers of god , so to all other to be deriued , 〈◊〉 . ● . who so euer in Christ wold put sure confidence & truste , as in the fountain of al saluation : Ma●● 6. and then so this doctrine to preche to al mankynd indifferently , as to the creatures of god , only to his image formed & made . by the hering wherof , they at the last considering their owne dignite , myght be brought out of all misery : and so thirdly by the communynge of the misticall sacramentes therof , myght therby inspired with grace & the heuenly spirite , Luc. 22. be styrred to the memorye of his infinite benefyte and goodnes ; which to vs not deseruyng he hath communed , by the reason wherof consequently , we deliuered out of this misery & wretchidnes , might attayne vndoubtedly to suche felycitie and quietnes , as he of his mere goodnes hathe to vs by his worde and promise appointed and determyned . This is the authoritie & power in these fewe wordes described , whiche Christe in his gospelle to his apostels hath communed , and so cōmunid that indifferentely to all without inequalitie , he stablyshed it in them , ye and in all other whiche with like faith and confidence in him beleue , and succede in their place , leauynge al worldly vanities aside , & tredyng them vnder fote , hang only vpon him , as he that hath aboue al other the true superioritie , and is of all churches the very true heed . And that this is a certayne and sure truth , of the gospell in many places we haue most manyfest testimony , where as Christ instructing his apostelles to the preachynge of his worde , sayth vnto them all without exception of any , Matt. 18 . what so euer ye loose in erthe , the same in heuen shall be losed : and also what so euer you do there bynde , the same in heuen shall be bounden also , that is to saye , who so euer he be , to whom you preache my worde , of what countreye or nation , secte or religion , if he by your preachynge tourne to the confession of my name , trustynge therby faythfully to haue saluation , to him you shal haue power to declare , that he is therby delyuered from bondage of all synne , and loosed frome it by my vertue and power , to him communed and declared openly by you , whome I make the ambassadours of my wyll : ● . Corin. 5. And lyke wise whom so euer you see to denye me in erthe , despisynge my doctrine by you preached , and refuse the confession of my name , all suche by this same power , you shall vtterly condempne here in erthe , and to the same my wyll in heuen shall be agreable , and the same shall confyrme . After this maner our maister spake to his disciples , gyuynge them power to the prechinge of his worde . To the which sentence also in an other place his wordes do agree , whiche he spake after his resurrection , whan he sent forth his apostels , to preache to al the world , inspirynge them with his holy spirite , after this maner saying , Howe at your going forth vpon this heuenly embassage you shall receyue the heuenly spirite , Ioan. ●0 . by whose grace you shal haue with al this power , that whose so euer synnes ye lose , the same shall by and by be released to them , and whose so euer you bynde and iudge not to be relesed , they shal with the bonde remayne , as moch to saye , as what synne so euer it be , or what sorte or condition be the synner of , so that he with sorowfull hart confesse the same , trustynge by the goodnesse of me onely to be delyuered frome his myserie of synne , if you by the spirite , whyche I haue nowe gyuen vnto you , iudge hym to be released in erthe , your iugement shal be confyrmed in heuen , and if by the same spirit , which I haue to you gyuen , you iuge him contrary to be worthy of condempnation , to that my wyll in heuen shall agree , and with this power nowe I sende you forthe . These wordes declare moste christen people manyfestly , that this hygh authoritie , by Christe was vndoutedly gyuen to his heuenlye messangers & apostels , whan he sent them forth to preache his heuenly doctrine , by the benefyte wherof man shulde be quyte delyuered frome al kynde of synne and myserie : but that this same was to all them gyuen equally , this is not to all men so manifest & playn , this many men denye , affirmyng y● to Peter it was giuen with a prerogatiue of excellency , and so therby to the bishop of Rome , in whose place he only dothe by their sentence succede , they attribute a superioritie . This they say & only they say , but as for sure grounde of scripture , their sentence to confirme , playnly there is none . For as touchynge this , whiche is of al other , most chief , Matth. 18. that to Peter Christ spake particularly , gyuynge to hym this power , that was vndoutedly , bicause he beinge of faith more feruent , and as it appereth of greatter stomake , ye and as it shulde seeme also by many signes , of better vtterance and eloquence . For the whiche cause he of the olde interpretours of scripture is euer called the mouthe of the apostels : he I saye hauyng these giftes , spake before the rest , and so to him particularly Christe sayd , he wolde gyue the keyes of the kyngedome of heuen , but he sayde not , that vnto hym alone he wolde gyue them . For after whan he gaue theym in dede , he spake to all indifferentely . And ferther yet this same power whiche he said he wold gyue to Peter , was not of any other sorte , then that , whiche he gaue to al other , as it appereth by the wordis , but euen all one , and runnyng to the same effect , as to release and bynd sinne with like authorite , and therby to make open the gates of heuen . Therfore to affirme suche prerogatiue , onely bycause he spake to Peter particularly , semeth a weake and a sklender grounde , seing that he dydde not say that to him alone , he wolde gyue such authoritie , and besyde that whan he gaue it in dede , he than gaue it equally . And yet more ouer , he that indifferently weyith the same place , with the circumstance therof , shal fynde playnly , that speakynge to Peter he spake also to all , as he for all answered . For euen as the question was not asked of Peter alone , but of al equally , so necessaryly the promysse of power to al was at the same tyme indifferentely opened , thoughe Peter as spokes man to the rest , onely made answere : but Peter alone had not that fayth , the whiche is the foundation and sure stoone , whervppon Christe buylded his churche , to the which was made the promyse of this power , but of that feythe they were all indifferently , though Peter with more feruent affect out wardly it declared , & the faithe it was that Christe founde in them , whiche moued hym to make the promyse of that hyghe power , the whiche he after gaue indifferently to all other , whiche with lyke faith are sent forthe and appoynted by his churche and faythefulle congregation , to preache the fruite of his heuenly doctrine abrode to the people , Luc. 22. to their comforte & saluation . Of this place therfore to gether any prerogatiue of power to be gyuen to Peter , is but a weke coniecture , & a feble ground , & like to the same which is gatherid of an other place , where Christ sayd to Peter he had prayde for him , that his faithe shuld not fail , & that after his conuersion he shuld confirm his brethern , the which wordes he spake to the comfort of Peter , forseinge by his prouidence the wekenes of his faithe and imbecillitie , whiche he shewed aboue the rest of his apostels . Wherfore beside the common confort , which he gaue to them al , that they shulde syt with him in his maiestie , at the extreme iugement of al , to take oute of Peters harte , the dispayre therof , whome he knewe shulde after denye hym , and thryse deny hym , he promysed his faithe shoulde not fayle , and that by the occasion therof he shuld confirm his brethern , to put faith in him , whose goodnes was not soo offended with suche infidelitie , but that by sorowfull harte and repentance he shortly recouered his fauour agayne . Wherof al christen hartes may take a notable example and syngular comforte , to the auoydynge of al desperation : but as for any superiorite of power hereby to be gyuen to Peter , to all them whiche indifferently weye the circumstaunce of this place , it can not but appere a weyke grounde & feble coniecture : and yet weyker is this , whiche of an other place of the gospell as most principall is taken , where as Christe demaunded of Peter , whether he loued him more than the other of his apostels , ●●n. 21. the whiche he affirmed , to whom Christe then sayde and commaunded , that he shulde than fede his flock , and that he rehersed thrise to gyther , wherof is thought manifest al the hole matter . But in this leauynge other answeres of many wyse men made , I wyl shewe you my sentence & iugement , that Christe there intended no suche thing at all , nor to stablyshe in Peter any superiorite therby , was nothinge his purpose , as it semeth manifest for as moche as he sayd onely fede my flocke , not addyng or puttyng to any argument or token of any higher power and authorite , but only thrise rehersed that thinge , whiche is the common office of all his apostels , and of al other , which be appoynted to be preachers of his worde , the whiche thing as it semed by inculcation he wold fasten in Peters harte , ye and soo consequently in the hartes of all them , whiche of his name wyll make profession . That thing I say he wold fasten in hart , which is of al his doctrine the chefe ground and foundation , that is to say , that who so euer by mouthe and outwarde confession , professe to loue Christe , and to be a sheparde of his flocke : thenne must he in dede , and by outwarde demonstration openly declare , when occasion requyreth , the inwarde affect , to the entent that the worde and dede may in effecte agree . For he that by mouthe sayth he loueth Christe , and by dedes dothe hym deny , Tit. 1. he is no mete disciple of the doctrine of Christe , nor mete apostle , nor sheparde for his flocke , for his confession doth not profite nor edifie the inwarde affecte of all christen hartes , may not onely in wordes , Matth. 23. but in dede be declared : without the whiche thou shewest thy selfe to be an hypocrite , Hypocrisye , and a dissemblyng professour of Christis doctrine , the which hypocrisie aboue all thinge Christe doth abhorre , and hath as ennemy . Wherfore as I thinke , Christe asked Peter thrise of his inward affecte , and was not content onely with the outwarde confession of loue by mouthe , whiche may by dissimulation be couered and cloked , but gaue him commandment to fede his flocke , with that faith & with his heuenly doctrine : and so in effecte to declare his loue , the whiche though Christ without dede outward who lokith into mens hartis , right wel doth know yet to the comforte of other , and to their instruction , we muste euer as occasion requireth : so declare our inwarde affecte , with loue and charitie by outward workes to the profyt of other . This doctrine maye well be taken of this inculcation and ofte rehersall of these wordes to Peter , but as for any superioritie of power , therby to attribute vnto hym , playnly to me semeth a dreame , where as of power is made no mention . Wherfore of the groundes of scripture , and of Christis gospelle dere frendes no man can take sure argumente of this prerogatiue , as by these places ye maye see , whiche are amonge other of all moste chiefe and principall . For of the rest be taken yet more feble coniectures , the whiche haue many yeres troubled all the worlde , and blynded these popes with arrogancy , and in all other stabled moche superstition , to the greatte ruyne of Christis pure doctrine and of all good religion . Wherfore frendes seinge that the manifeste doctrine of our master , so playnly sowneth to equalytie of power , in all the apostelles indifferently , and onely by lyghte coniectures menne maye be ladde to the contrarye , I wotte not why we shulde so styffely defende this authoritie , so febly founded , and so wekely , as you partly haue hard by scripture grounded .

And moste specially seinge that the practyse of the same authoritie in the tyme of the apostelles , whiche moueth me aboue all other argumentes , out of the gospell drawen , and wordes of Christ wrytten , is vtterly contrarye , ye and many yeres so continued in the begynnyng of Christis churche , the whiche I shall nowe breuely to you also declare , wherby you maye better be instructed , thanne by argument oute of scrypture drawen , wherin lyeth moche controuersie . For this is to be thoughte as a certayne truthe and sure , that the apostelles so inspired with the spirite of god wolde neuer put in practise thynge contrarye to the doctrine of their maister Christe , which they had so newly receyued , and so stablyshed in their hartes . Wherfore though Peter lyke as he euer dydde in the presence of his mayster , shewe hym selfe moost prompte and redy with faithfull hart and loue to serue hym in all thynge , so after his Ascension vppe to his father , shewed hym selfe mooste studiouse in the preachynge , and in the fyrste stablynge of his newe and godly doctrine , euer redye to preache and common the same , to the foundynge of his churche and faythfull congregation . Yet this ye shall fynde in obseruyng his actes and practyse of his lyfe , and of all other Christis apostelles , that he nother of hym self preched this doctrin , any prerogatyue of power , aboue other vsynge therin , nor yet they any suche thinge gaue vnto hym , in settynge forthe the same . As of the fyrste acte , whiche the Apostelles dydde , hit is verye euydente and playne , when they shoulde supply the roume of Iudas , 〈…〉 Peter onely dyd purpose the thing , whiche after they perfourmed , by election and common authoritie , gyuyng to hym no prerogatiue at al of any hygher power , sauinge only that he as most eloquent & bolde proposed the matter , whyche they fynyshed by their common assent . And after the same maner in the creation of Diacons , this order was obserued , whan certayne were appointed to minister in lower office to the hole congregation , while the apostels occupied them selfe in prechynge of Christis doctrine : 〈…〉 this thyng was not done by the authoritie of Peter alone , but by the common agreement of all the rest , whiche at the begynnynge of the churche , were in that lyttell congregation . And at such tyme as the gentyles beganne to receyue the doctrine of Christe Peter dydde not by his authoritie commande or appoynt , whiche of the apostelles shulde god to Act. 8. preache vnto theym , to the increase of Christis churche , but he hym selfe with Iohn were sente forth of the other this office to do : whiche argueth , that aboue the reste he had no authoritie , for than he myght of him selfe haue done that thing whiche he dyd not , but with the authoritie of the hole congregation was sent forthe with Iohn , & with equall authoritie together they preached , to the common edification of Christis churche , in no poynt shewyng any prerogatiue therin . But this thynge is yet moche more euident , by the entreatynge of a controuersie , which at the begynning rose in that lytel church , the order wherof yf you obserue with diligence , you shall most manifestly see , that to Peter was gyuen no prerogatiue of authoritie : The controuersie rose by the reson of some whiche preched to the gentyles , that circuncision Act. 15 . was necessary to their saluation : this thinge beinge in great controuersie , was not defyned by Peters authorite , but referred to Ierusalem to the counsell of the apostels , wherin this order was obserued . Peter fyrst declared his sentence and mynd , how that this circuncision was but a ceremony , and to the saluation of the gentyles nothing necessary : after whom spake Poule & Barnabas to the same sentence , but after them all , Iames gaue iudgemente of the thynge , declarynge of them all the common sentence , and sent it forthe by writinge , not as a thynge determined by any prerogatiue of Peters authoritie , but by the assent of all together , agreinge in vnitie . Wherby ye may se dere frendes , that Peter , as it were giuing place to Iames at Ierusalem , in that tyme shewed no argumente of any hyer authoritie , but rather contrarye of that place hit shulde seme , that Iames shoulde be of greatter authoritie , for as moch as he pronounced the common sentence and iudgemente of all . But after myn opinion , nother Iames was heed , nor yet Peter , but all with equall authoritie and one assent , laboured mooste besily , to common abrode this heuenly doctrine , to the saluation of man in euery countrey , this of their actes is most manifeste and clere .

But aboue all other yet to me of the dedes and doctrine of Paule this doth most manifestly appere : And fyrste that he in Arabia , Syria , and ●ala . ● . other places , as he hym selfe testifieth manifestly , this I say sheweth mooste surely , that Peter was then no suche heed of the churche , as many men dreme , that of hym as vicar of Christ , al power shulde be deriued to other . For then Poule without his institution , wold neuer haue attempted to preache , not hauynge of hym his authoritie , the whiche is iudged to be of suche necessite , that the denienge of his superioritie , shuld bring in euerlastinge damnation . And besyde this loke what he dyd at Antyoche , where as Peter vsing a lyttell mannes policy , gaue place to the wekenes of the Iewes , withdrawynge hym self from the company of the gentyls & their facion of lyfe , was boldly of Paule reproued , ●ala . ● . as one that shuld with suche ceremony and dissimulation , offende the libertie of Christis gospelle , whiche indifferently to the maners of all nations shulde be accommodate and applyed , without respecte of ceremony : this he dyd manifestly , which I thinke he wolde neuer haue doone , if he hadde iudged in Peter to be any suche hyghe authoritie , but rather he wolde haue confourmed hym selfe to the doctryne of his heed , hauynge suche superioritie , beinge the onely liefetenaunt and vicar of his maister : but playnely he iudged no suche thing , he neuer conceyued no suche power aboue other in Peter to rest . The which is also of an other of his dedes more yet manifest , he saith that Galat. ● . after he had longe tyme preached the gospelle of Christe amonge the gentyle nation : He ascended to Ierusalem , there to conferre with Peter , and other there beinge the pyllers of the churche , not bycause he doubted of his owne doctrine , wherof he was so sure , that if Peter had preched contrary , ye or any aungel of heuen , therof he wold Gala. ● . haue had lyttell regarde , he had his doctrine of so sure a grounde : but he ascended onely gyuing place to the wekenes of them to whome he preached , whom he thought rather to wynne , hauing his doctrine to Peters , and other there being of great fame agreable , the whiche he dyd in dede . For of them he saythe , thoughe they were neuer so greatte , by suche collation to hym self he had no profytte , no thynge he there lerned , that by the goodnesse of their common mayster Christe he hadde not lerned before . Wherfore he saythe , he departed frome Ierusalem , not as one that toke Peter for any hedde or gouernoure of the churche of Christe , but as one of equall authorytie , hauynge his doctryne and power of the verye same grounde , that Peter hadde made with hym , there with Iames and Iohn , Galatas 2. as it were a leage , a confederacyon , and a socyetie , ye and as a companyon with hym nothynge inferiour in power , agreed togyther , that euen lyke as they chiefly shuld enterprise their office , to exercise amonge the iewes , inducynge them to the truthe of the gospell , so wolde he and Barnabas his companyon go to the gentyles , theym by all menes to allure to this heuenly doctryne of their mayster , and so as it were the hole worlde deuydynge amonge them with courage , pourposed it to subdue , and bringe mankynde from the study and cure of these vayne thinges frayle and transitorie , to the desyre of suche thynges , whiche by nature be euerlastynge stable and sure . This ye se dere frendes by Poules actes and dedes , how in Peter he neuer knewe no such superioritie nor prerogatiue of power , nor in no place nor tyme dydde submytte him selfe therto : the whiche also by his doctrine , he clerely dydde confyrme , as in few wordis I shal now to you declare . The some of Poules doctrine and the chiefe poynt therof , 〈…〉 whiche he receyued of his mayster , stondeth in this , to perswade vs despisyng al thinges worldly and transitorie , 〈…〉 vsynge them as we had them not at al , euer to loke vp to them whiche be eternall , and in them to haue our eies surely fyxed , and distrustinge oure owne power , workes , and dedes , Tit. 3. as thinges by the whiche we can not euer lastynge lyfe deserue , put our hole truste and affyance in Christe , by whose onely goodnesse we may attayne our saluation , 〈…〉 hangyng vpon him faithfully , as vpon the onely heed and fountayn of all good , 2. Corin. 5. of hym onely lokynge to take lyght and grace , Roman. 12. wherby we may in this lyfe walkyng as in a pylgremage , knytte to gyther all by charitie , as by a common bande , and lyke membres of one body coupled in spirituall vnitie , by the mere benefyte of our heed , and his infinite goodnes , at the laste attayne to our perfyte ende and felicitie , 1. Corin. 2. there inioyinge such celestiall comfort & heuenly pleasure , as nother tongue can expresse , nor harte of man thinke . This is in fewe wordis as hit were the somme of the doctrine of Paule , wherin ye see the chiefe grounde to be , Ephe. 4. the faithe and sure truste , that we muste conceyue of this heed our mayster Christe , by whose mercyfulle goodnes we shall be saued , and not by our owne workes , nother by circuncision , sabbotte day , Ephe. 2. Galatas . 5. Colo●t . 2. nor ceremonye , but onely by the faithefull loue , that we muste beare to that heed , euer obedyente to walke in outwarde workes , accordynge to his commaundement , whiche with loue we must do , one euer therby helpynge an other , to the intente that we all togyther maye so at the laste be cowpled in dede to this heed , of whome nowe here we hange , whiche is oure onely comforte . Of this heed I say Poule makethe ofte and moche mention , as of the thynge whiche is mooste necessarye to our saluation , but of any other heed here to be chiefe in his churche , Ephe. 1. Colos● . 1. as his vycar in erthe , to whose iudgement as to his owne al the worlde shulde be obediente and conformable of hygh necessitie , he neuer speaketh worde , he neuer gyuethe to vs any sygnification : whiche I thinke he wolde haue done , if it had ben so necessary to our saluation , and to the vnitie of Christis church so stronge confirmation . And though to somme peraduenture this argumente appere weyke , bycause it semeth not wel to folow , Poule maketh no mention therof , therfore it is not so : Yet to me consyderinge the thinge as it is , with the circumstaunce therof , it appereth almoste a sure demonstration , seinge that Poule makyng soo moche mention of the heed of the churche of Christe , inculkynge it so ofte as a thinge mooste necessary , if he had thought , that Peter had bene an vnder heed of Christe hym selfe , as some saye nowe in his churche stablyd , as necessarye to the conseruation of the vnitie therof , I thynke I say in some place he wold haue made mention therof , or elles plainly his doctrine had ben insufficiente , lackynge the declaration of that thynge , whiche to the stablynge of Christis doctrine , is of soo hyghe necessitie . But this Paule neuer dydde , but the contrarye playne . For he neuer toke Peter for hedde of his Churche : whyche thing also I am sure Peter , if it hadde ben putte to hym , wolde haue vtterly and cleane forsaken it , specially after that sorte to be of suche necessitie . 〈…〉 Paule toke him as his compaignion equall with hym in power and dignitie spirituall , both two despisers of dignitie temporall . I am sure , if Peter were alyue , that he wold thinke nothing more contrary to the doctrine of his master , than to affyrme of suche power anye superioritie , as nowe is to him against his wyll ascribed to be of suche necessitie , that withoute it the doctrine of Christe shoulde runne to ruyne and decaye . And that man without the confession of suche power , shuld fall to sure perdition . This I am sure Peter wolde abhorre and Paule also , This they Ephe. 4. wolde thinke to be plaine contrary to the simplicitie of Christis doctrine and vnitie . Wherfore frendes seing that nother the places of scripture indifferently weyed , nor the practyse of the same in the tyme of the apostels to the world declared , serue to the ascribynge of any prerogatiue of power to Peter , or aboue the reste any superioritie , and seynge also that bothe the dedes and doctrin of the mooste diuyne Interpretour of Christis gospelle Paule , sound to the contrary , as I haue manyfestly shewed , I see no cause why we shuld of suche necessytie , attrybute to the bysshoppe of Rome suche superioritie , that the defection from the same , shuld blotte any nation , with the crime of heresie or of scisme , and so consequently induce any scrupulous suspicion of euerlastyng damnation . But playnly to say , the assertion of such supiorite , after this sort appereth a great madnes , extreme foly , & playn superstition : the whiche thing thoughe of scripture it selfe as I haue towched , be manyfest and playne , yet the same I wylle in as fewe wordes as I can , fearynge leest I shall be tediouse therin , bothe by storye and probable Argumente declare vnto you , and so it shall be manyfeste , that this thynge is not of suche greatte necessitie , to the conseruation of the vnion of Christis churche , as many menne blyndly do iudge .

¶ And fyrste herein to me it apperethe a thynge moche meruaylous , by what meane this thynge to be of so great necessitie , shulde enter in to mens fantasies and myndes , specially of lernyng and iudgement , consideringe that frome the tyme of Peter vntyll the tyme of Syluester byshoppe of Rome , in the reigne of Constantyne , aboute the space of .iiii. hundrethe yeres , of this heed with such superioritie was no mention at all . For this by certayne storye is knowen , that all that tyme the byshoppes in euerye place chiefe and princypalle , as Ierusalem , Antioche , and Alexandria , were bothe chosen and institute of the hole congregation , or els by the priestes , to whome was gyuen of the multitude suche authoritie , and no mention is had all that space , that they ranne to the bysshoppe of Rome , as theyr common heed and superiour , whyche at the same tyme was rather , as by probable coniecture we maye gather , longe and many a daye , inferiour vnto the churche of Ierusalem , & Alexandria , I meane not in power & authorite , for therin was sure equalitie , but in vertue and knowledge of Christis doctrine , whyche in Alexandria and in Antyoche , as nere to Ierusalem , toke fyrst greater ground , than it dyd in the citie of Rome , whose pryde & worldely polycye many a daye , moche resysted to the truthe of the gospel , and that heuenly humilitie therin to vs taught , the which nothing was agreable to the imperial pryde , in the emperours then reygnynge . Wherfore christen men there secretly in corners made their assembly , and priuy profession of Christes name , auoydyng the persecution of the wycked emperours , whose arrogancy was clene contrary to Christis simplicite . And thus at Rome it continued without great encrease of Christis doctrine longe & many yeres , where as at Alexandria and Antioche was at the begynnyng moche more open profession of Christis name and doctryne , the whiche may well be gathered of the multitude of lerned men and religyouse , wherof at the begynnynge of Christis churche was in Alexandria and Egypte , in Antioche , and in the parties of Grece , as story maketh mention , far greatter nombre , than there was at Rome , or here in the weste parties of the worlde , where as Christis relygyon toke more slowe encrese , than it dyd in the easte , where it beganne . For at Rome vntyll the tyme of Constantyne it neuer toke so notable encrease , his vertue goodnes and authoritie , moche altered the policy of Rome : for his fame and example greattely styrred the hartis of the common peple , whose iugementes euer moche folowe theyrs , whiche be in authoritie , by theyr example moche they fourme their myndes , theyr trade of lyfe they studye to expresse : so that vntil this good emperours time , thoughe before at Rome it had a good grounde , yet it was not so stablished by authorite of prince it did not so florishe in the face of the worlde , but christen men liued there in moche subiection , and specially at the begynnynge , when for their relygion , they suffred moche miserie , & persecution . But nowe to the purpose , al this space of thre or foure hundreth yeres , nother the byshop of Ierusalem , nor of Antioche , no nor yet Alexandria , neuer shewed argument of any superioritie of power dewe to the byshoppe of Rome by the doctrine of Christe , they neuer gaue to hym of necessitie , and of the gospell dewe any poynt of obedyence , they were not institute , nor made by his authoritie , they neuer cam to his iugement for sentence , as to the vicar of Christ : but often tymes by collation , they toke one of another the trewth of scripture , and therof the trewe interpretation therby they founde oute , to that euer gyuynge dewe obedience , but of that hyghe superiorite , all that tyme was no mention , no worde , nor by story and lytel sygnyfication ? whiche is also mooste manifeste by the celebration of the fyrste counselles generalle , whiche were congregate by the princelye authoritie , without mention of any suche superiorytye , gyuen to the byshoppe of Rome , the whiche thynge to proue is more open thanne nowe nedeth any declaration . Wherfore hit can not be thoughte , to be of suthe necessytie , specyally seynge all that tyme at the begynnynge of Christis churche , whenne the doctryne of oure mayster was mooste pure , and not corrupte by mannes inuentyon , but as hit came from the fountayne , syncere and clere , was entred and stabled in the hartes of them , which therof made professyon , there is noo storye made oone tytle of mention , of anye suche superyoritye to the bysshoppe of Rome to be gyuen , no nor yet to none other , speciallye that it shoulde be of suche hygh necessitie , that without it Christis doctrine coulde not stande , the whiche to all menne that haue eyes , and consider the storye of the begynnyng of the churche , stode than in greatter puritie , than euer hit dydde , sens the tyme that we haue had this one hed , stablisshed with suche authorytie and power , the whiche thynge is so manyfeste and playne , that no manne consyderynge the antiquitie , and comparynge it with the posteritie , maye denye this . For this to the worlde is open , in so moche that this thynge to be of necessyte to the saluation of man , as many men dreme , now also to confyrme with moch argument and reson , appereth vtterly superfluous . Howe be it this I wyll saye , a great lykelyhode that this shoulde not be necessary is this . Fyrste , that all the aunciente and good Interpretours of Christis Gospell amonge the grekes , whome I iudge to haue more lyghte in the holye scripture , as they had in al other letters and lerning , than any other nation , that euer yet receyued the trewthe of Christis religion , the whiche without profe here of me , is open by theyr workes to all men , that with diligence them wyl rede . Al these I say with one consente , kepe sylence of this authoritie to be gyuen to the byshoppe of Rome of suche necessitie , in theyr workes therof ye shall neuer fynde mention , the whiche is not like , they wolde haue done , if they had iudged it to be soo necessary a thynge , and a gospell truth of Christ institute , and stabled : besyde this if this ground were trewe , then shulde al the Indians all these thousand yeres haue runne headlyng to damnation , which neuer toke the byshop of Rome heed of Christis churche and his vicar in erthe , nor of hym neuer toke tradition , and yet they haue ben , ye and yet be nowe in our dayes , vnder Preter Iohn , their kynge and heed , of Christis doctrine deuout & true professours , and with vs in al the groundes of scripture vtterly agre , in ceremonies and rytes ecclesiasticalle , there is moche diuersitie , as it is necessary , accordyng to the nature of the contrey and people . The same thynge myght be sayde of them in Armeny , whiche neuer wold be obedient to the byshoppe of Rome , but hadde amonge them their heed , whom they called their catholyke , as he that was a trewe professour and maynteyner of the catholyke faythe . The same also myght be sayd of the Greke nation , whiche neuer wolde confesse the obedience to the church of Rome , to be necessary to the saluation of man . Wherfore chiefely by the byshops of Rome , they were most vniustly noted , not to be as membres of Christes vniuersall and catholyke body . But now al these nations , Indians , Armenians , and Grekes vtterly to condemne , and seperate them from the benefit of Christis passion , wherin they haue had euer their chiefe comforte and trust , only for bycause they wold not , nor were not to this heed , as to the vycar of Christe obedyente : All these I say to condemne and caste theym into the depe pytte of hell , semeth playne madnesse , and moste blynde arrogancye : and I pray god , that they whiche so blyndly do iudge , be not for their owne iudgement rather to be condempned . For this iugement hath no grounde neyther of scripture , nor yet of reasone , but is a playne blynde superstition . For as I haue shewed you before , that thynge to attribute to god of necessitie , vnder pretense of religion , whiche in dede is not so , but hangeth only vpon mans constitution , is moste playn and manifest superstition . Wherfore dere frendes , seinge that neyther scripture , storye , nor good reason dryueth vs to confesse this superioritie that tyme taken as of Scripture necessarye , for than his decree hadde bene ryghte foolysshe , by lawe to stablyshe that , whiche of the gospelle doctrine shuld be so necessary . But to the purpose , he thenne was made heed , but not by authoritie of the generall counselle , but onely of the emperour , who by his prudence and policie , thoughte it expedient to stablysshe one heed , to order suche thinges and putte in effecte at all tymes , whiche were by generall counsell conceyued and decreed concernynge the interpretation of scripture , the controuersie wherof at the fyrst begynnyng was onely there intreated , and no other thynge perteynynge to polycye : Suche thynges were euer lefte to the iudgement of Princis , and of euery commynaltie : and there the dyuersitie of opinyons in scripture were euer brought to a certayne vnitie and concorde . This Authoritie only had the bysshoppe of Rome at the fyrste begynnyng of his superioritie , as it apperethe by generalle counsaylles , and with this he contynued manye yeres , neuer attentynge farther , vntylle at the laste by longe warres and moche greatte dyuision amonge princys , the Empyre of Rome fell in moche ruyne and decaye , the whyche gaue the fyrste occasyon to this greatte heddy power and authoritie of Rome . For as the Emperour decayed by prowde dyuysyon , so the pope increased by symple superstytion . For to that authorytie whiche firste he had of Constantyne , his successours in the empire added moche more , gyuynge theym priuiledge and possession , with moche worldely authoritie and iurysdyction , thynking therby moch to honour god , whose vicar in erth he soone after beganne to call hym selfe . For as soone as this authoritie , by emperours was stablyshed , than he of hym selfe beganne to call generall counsayle , and there many other thynges to decree besyde scripture , whiche were iudged partely to be good for the conseruation of Christis doctryne , as dyuers decrees , and ecclesiasticalle lawes , and partely for the mayntenance of this vnitie of heed , which then appered for the auoyding of schisme and diuision , to the world almost necessary , and specially after that purgatorie after a newe facion was inuented , and surely iudged to be : for therby chiefelye beganne his reygne , thenne came in pardones and reseruation to his owne see , than crope in the difinition of thynges by his hye authoritie , than entred excommunication and interdytes vpon all princis and christen nations : for after that the emperours by symple superstition came to that poynt , that to the popes they iudged theym selfes to be subiectes , and not to be in full authoritie , tyll before his presence they were intronised and crowned , what other prince coulde there be , whiche shuld not iuge him selfe inferior to the power of him , which by him selfe was almost able to make an emperour ? So that brefely to say , & not ouer For there is one vnite spiritual and an other politicalle , vppon the whiche as vppon the chiefe groundes , 〈…〉 is stablyshed al polycy , bothe spiritually and worldly , wherof you shulde nothynge meruayle at all , if ye coulde conceiue the wonderfull nature of this vnitie , whervppon is founde the hole ingyn of this sensible worlde , as in the whiche all the partes therof both in the heuenlye bodyes and in the erthely creatures , are as in a chayne coupled and knytte : and yet ferther the very nature of goddes diuinite , as ferre as man may therof any thynge affirme , as grounded in the same . For god is no thyng but vnitie , & vnite is god , ye and this incomprehensible nature of the mooste meruailous trinitie , in vnite is founded . but this as a thynge passynge our capacite , we wyll sette a syde , and meruayll no thynge at all , that in this vnitie , wherof not without cause so moche mention we make , resteth as in the ground al good & vertuouse policy , & is th end to the which al good lawes and ordynaunces euer must loke : And as in the spiritual lyfe , we must euer moste regarde this vnitie spirituall , so in the worldlye muste be had respecte of the polyticall , 〈…〉 the which brefely to deseribe is nothing els but a concorde , agrement and a consent of all them whiche be in one polyce , to the receyuynge and puttynge in vse suche lawes , 〈…〉 constitutions , and ordynances , as by polityke wyttes are deuysed to the conseruation of the worldly quietnes and tranquillyte to the whiche as to the chiefe ende , onely euer loked they , whiche without the lyghte of Christe , haue in any countreys stablyshed any polycie . For to this ende loked Plato , where as in his deuysed common weale , with the communitie of thinges , he pourposed aboue all thynge to grounde therin this vnitie . To this ende loked the aunciente Grekes , and the wyse Romaynes , with all theyr ciuyle constitutions , stablyshyng good order in their cities and townes . The other vnitie spirituall is of an other sorte , Spirytuall vnytie . and bringeth man to an higher consyderation , whiche is this , all obedience presupposed and taken to all ciuile and polytike rule , a certayne consente of spirite and mynde , Ephe. 4. and as it were with one harte a heuenlye conspiracye , to the attaynynge of heuenly thynges , whiche by god are to manne , puttynge his onely truste by fayth in him promysed & appoynted , by the hope wherof he treadynge vnder fote all worldly vanities , 2. Corin. 4. euer lyueth in desyre of heuenly thynges and celestiall , the sure trust wherof gyueth to mans harte inestymable quietnes , and maketh him to be obedient to al worldly policye , and thoughe hit be not good , yet paciently it to beare , this hope and trust giueth man suche courage , that all worldly thynges he easily hath in contempte , vsinge them onely in this lyfe as in a pylgremage , Hebre. 13. where as we haue as saynte Paule sayth , no dwellyng place . This spirituall vnitie was stablyd in his flocke by our maister Christe , 2. Corin. 5. good polycie . Howe be it this in fewe wordes I shall declare , that this heed with suche power as hath of many yeres ben therto attribute , is in no poynt conuenient to the conseruation of this vnite , but rather a great occasion of the breche of good christyan ciuylitie . This remayneth in the laste place now to be declared , wherin I shal not nede long to stond . For who so euer consydereth with hym selfe the vsurped authoritie , in dispensynge with the good and catholyke groundes and canonyke , propowned by generall counselles , and the sellynge of the same , the interditynge of countreys and nations vpon worldly causes , with excommunications chiefely sente out for the same , vpon the good christen flocke , I thynke he shall fynd & shortly se , that this superioritie , as it hath ben vsed , is lyttell conuenient to christen ciuilitie : specially if he ioyn to this the authorite by pardons abused , & plucking soules out of purgatory , with the reseruyng of causes to his own power , & definition of causes by apellation referrid to his popely authorite . These thinges who so considerith , he shal shortly perceiue , what inconueniences among al christen nations doth rise of this heedy authorite , and what blynd superstition is therby grounded in all Christis religion : For though in euery particular church & prouince it be conuenient to haue one heed to gouerne , for the auoyding of confusion , wherfore byshops were institute aboue all priestes in euery church cathedral , as testifieth al antiquite , yet by lyke example therof to induce , the same to be so conuenient in the hole body , as it is in euery parte , is playne foly , and not without manifeste lacke of iudgement . For where as in the hole body of Christis churche be so many sondry nations , and therin besyde the diuersities of tongues and maners , so diuers polycies and ordynaunces of lawes , that one man therof to haue knowlege and experience , which is required to the ryght iudgement of causes , it semeth impossible . How shuld it be thought conuenient in suche a body to constitute one heed with suche authoritie , to whose iudgement in all causes to hym deuolued and brought , all the reste of christian nations shulde stonde and be obedient ? For thoughe he were a man of mooste hye perfection , and of wysedome mooste polytyke , seynge that the administration of Iustice and equitie standeth a greate parte in the knowledge of the particular circumstaunces of causes , howe shuld he to so many nations , of whom he hath no knowlege nor experience , giue iustice with truth & equitie ? For it can none other wyse be , but that one man and one hede , so ignoraunt of thynges , not hauyng particuler instruction therof , shal be impotent and lacke power , be he neuer so good , to satisfie all suche persons and causes , whiche by appellation out of diuers countreis and nations , shuld thither be referred : by the reason wherof shuld succede many iniust & wronge iudgementes , as we both by olde story , to whose gouernance he commytted his church , as to his very vicar in dede , euer faythefullye haue trusted vpon him , with sure fayth and confidence . Wherfore frendes if we with louinge harte one to an other , hange vppon hym as vppon the hed and onely fountayne of all good , & passing this lyfe in the vse of these thynges traunsitorye and vayne , as in a pylgremage , euer desyrynge to come to our home , there to enioye thynges stable and sure : doubte ye not but we then gouerned by his spirite , his onely vicar in erthe , thoughe we neuer knewe pope nor cardinall , shall kepe his trewe vnitie , whiche is conserued , as by the chief grounde , by faithful loue in hym and louing charitie one to an other , euery one gladde to succour other , euery one gladde to instructe other as his christian brother . This we maye doo withoute mention of the bysshoppe of Rome and knowlege of that heed , and so conseruynge the groundes of scripture and of the gospell of god , which are but fewe in nombre , easye to be kepte in memory , wherby liuynge in christen ciuilytie with obedience to our prince , and to all suche thynges as be stablyshed by comon authoritie here in our nation , we may at the laste attayne to our felicitie , though we neuer here worde of this superioritie , whiche is a thyng of nature indifferent , by the reson wherof it taketh his power & strength , of the common consente of man and agrement , and so som christian nations may it receyue and maynteyne , and some hit reiecte without offence of anye groundes of Scripture necessarye to mannes saluation , and withoute anye breche of the christian vnitie , Schysme & heresye . by schysme or heresie : to the whiche shoulde insue euerlastynge dampnation . For heresye and schysme are not iustely to be ascrybed to anye nation , 1. Corin. 1. excepte they slyppe from the manyfeste groundes of scripture in the gospel expressed , or in generall counsayle receiued by interpretation , where as of the wordes of scripture was gathered diuerse sentence and variable , concernynge suche thinges as of necessite perteyne to mans saluation , of the whiche sorte this superioritie of the byshoppe of Rome , which he hath by the pacience of christen prynces longe abused , is none , as I thynke now is open clerely to you all . Wherfore dere frendes I doute not nowe at all , Obedience . but that ye consyderynge the nature of this thynge , as hit is in it selfe , whiche is not of necessitie to mans saluation , but a thynge indifferent , whiche may be receyued , and maye be reiecte by common consent , I doubte not I say , but that ye wyll without scrupule of conscyence , of harte therto be obedient , ye & to al other thing , which by common authorite here in our contrey hereafter shal be decreed , concernynge the reformation of al suche thingis as perteine to religion , and to the purgynge of vayne supersticion : I dout not but that the redresse of all ceremonies in the church , customs & rites ecclesiastical ye wil gladly we ought rather to gyue obedience in such thinges to princely authoritie here in our nation , than to suche thinges as be propouned by general assemble and congregation , 〈…〉 where as is no power of commaundement in thinges indifferente , but only instruction and brotherly exhortation , wherof Christis doctrine taketh all his grounde and foundation , without any ciuile punyshement or compulsion . For Christ requireth the hart , to his worde frankely and frely gyuinge obedience , ye and the ende and perfection of his doctrine and commandment , is to induce man by loue to vertue , causynge alway his disciples , that thyng to do by loue onely moued , which other obserue for feare of punyshement . For the which cause as I thynke , suche thinges as were propowned in the fyrste counsels longe & many a day , were not called lawes , byndynge man with authorite , but only canons and certayne rules , wherwith man frely customing him self , might be gentilly induced to folow the trade of vertue & honestie . And this to be true , 〈…〉 declareth a lawe made of the emperour Iustinian , wherby to suche rytes and customes ecclesiastical , as from the see of Rome and general assemble , were deriued to many other nations , he gyueth power and strength of lawes , settyng them in ful authoritie , the whiche before bounde no man , but were receyued at libertie . Wherfore it appereth , that suche thinges , as by generalle counsell are propowned , and to christen polycye thought conuenient , be of no strengthe , power , nor laufull authoritie and oblygatorie , vntylle they be of euery nation receyued by common ass●t , by the vertue wherof they may ageyn be dissolued and vtterly abrogate , as tyme and place prudently considered , the same shall requyre . This you muste thinke , and this you muste doo , with mekenes and obedience , moste christen people , if you wyll be of the christian flocke . And soo after this maner frendes , formyng your iugementes , and fleing from al superstition , you shall among your selfe , moche sette forwarde the truthe of the gospell and of all good religion , and soo consequently lyuing to gether in brotherly loue , euery man in his offyce doinge his duetie , we shall at laste by concorde and vnitie attayne to our ende and perfyte felicite .

¶ And thus I truste moste christen people , that you nowe after this consideration had with your selfes , as well of the spirituall lyfe , with the power therin of Christe gyuen to all them , whiche by perfyt faith trust in hym only , as of the worldly and cyuile , with mans constitutions deuysed by policye : and also that you nowe after ye haue herde somewhat the difference betwixte thynges of necessitie to be receyued for mannes saluation , and thinges , whiche be but onely of men deuysed , for the conseruation of the same , I truste I saye , nowe this consideration hadde , that you se somwhat the meane , howe that ye shal instructe your worldely punyshement , to none you wolde then be obedient , but all whiche is contrarye to your appetites in your hartes you wolde despise , and soo the verye lawes of Christe , ye and Christe him selfe , shortely you wolde lyttell esteme : for this contempt of all tradition , shal induce in many suche arrogancy , that all they shall iudge to stande in mans opinion , & so neyther Christe , nor his gospell they shall willyngly defende , but rather flye frome the confession of his name , then therfore to suffre death and worldely shame . For suche is the nature and malyce of mans harte , that if you take ones frome hym relygious obedience , and feare of relygion conceiued by longe custome and processe of tyme , he shall by lyttell and lytell , by arrogant opinion , fall in to the vtter contempte , and inwarde dispysynge , of all trewe relygion , and so lyue without any inward feare in harte of god , or hereafter of any punyshment : to the which what wyl folow , al the world dothe see , for then nedes must ensue the ruyne of all ciuile order , and of all good worldly polycye , wherof good and trewe religion is the mooste stable and sure foundation . Wherfore frendes for the instruction of your iudgementes in this behalfe also , and for the auoydynge of this euyl , whiche is yet worse than the other , for better it is to man , and more agreable to lawes of god , and nature , to suffre vaine supersticion , than to bring in corrupte contempt of religion : somewat I wil herin nowe to you say .

And firste this you shall vnderstande dere frendes , as a common grounde , that al be it rytes , customes of the churche , & traditions , ecclesiastical lawes and decrees , & brefely al thynges besyde the gospel and doctrine of god receiued among christen nations , be of this sorte and nature , that they be not of necessite to be receyuyd , and as the gospell necessary to our saluation , nor to them of necessitie we are euer bounden , vnder peyne of damnation , but as tyme and place requyreth by common authorytie , in euery countrey and dyuers polycie , they maye suffre abrogation , and maye be altered and moued by the pleasure and common consent of the holle , in euery churche & nation , where they be receyued : yet you may not with the contempt of this popes authoritie , and vnder the pretence of the same , all theym by and by , of your owne hedes vtterly condemne , without exception , as thynges ꝑnitious to Christis relygion , but tary ye must a whyle , temperyng your tonges , and be not to hasty of your iugementes , vntyll the tyme they be abrogate by common authoritie , and other in their place substitute by common assent . For this is a certayn and sure truth , that ceremonies we muste haue , Rytes & customs ecclesiastical . rytes and customes , all maye not be lefte , the whiche be so conuenient menes to induce rude & symple myndes , to memory , & to the conceyuyng of the mysteries of oure relygion , that if they were vtterly wyped we call relygyous , argueth and declareth manyfestly other moche lacke of reason in them that so do , or lyttell regarde of Christis relygion , of the which who so euer with right iugement consider the begynnynge , shall playnely see , that Christis religion was moch lyke vnto this monastical profession , & vnder princis and rulers of the worlde toke the fyrst ground , and fyrste begynnyng , after the maner of this solytarye lyfe , wherin lyue these which ●e good religious men . For howe sayncte Ihon Baptyst , 〈…〉 who was the fyrst preparer and messanger of this heuenly lyfe , lyued in myldernes and solytarie , all the world knoweth : and howe our master Christe with his apostelles lyuyd moch after the same rate , and euer taught the same , I do not saye as our fatte monkes doo nowe , Ma● 19. but as in a monastycal lyfe with the dispisynge of all worldly thynges and transitory , all they that rede the gospell lykewyse do se : And of the actes of the apostles it is mooste manyfeste , howe all that professyd Christis name lyued , 〈…〉 hauynge al thynges in common , as many do yet in these monasteryes , and long after in Egypt and in Arabye , in Spry , and in Grece , al those which were most notable masters of Christis doctrin , & in life professed the same , liuid in wyldernes & solitary , dispisyng of the world , al vayn plesures & transitorie , not only in wordis , but in lyfe & dedes , to the whiche of suche thynge was euer most iustly gyuen more credite : and afterwarde in Rome it grewe in by suche a maner of secrete profession . For longe it was vsed amonge them there , that all suche as wolde folowe the doctrine of Christe lefte all worldly comforte , and fledde to this solitary lyfe , there lernynge in prayer and pouertie this , as the chiefe ground of our religion , with the hope & confort spiritual receiued of our master & his doctrine , to dispise this life & thynges transitory , euer lokynge to an other , & there to inioye thynges stable & sure . And this by lytell & lyttell vnder greate princis and rulers of the world our relygion so grewe in , by the prouidence of god , vntyll at the last it was spred ouer all , and occupyed a greate parte of the worlde , as to all men it is open and playne . But yet this is also sure and ce●tayne , that amonge all nations , after it was stabled , some there were euer from the fyrst begynnynge , whiche made profession of this solitary lyfe and monasticall relygion , some euer iudged therby to drawe nere to the steppes of their mayster , and somewhat nere to folowe the fyrste institution , of the doctrine of Christe , then they doo , whiche lyue abroode amonge the pleasaunt troubles and paynefulle pleasures , here in the common life : of the whiche sentence & minde haue ben always many auncient wise and holy menne , perfyte bothe in vertue and lernynge , as Ierome , Austyne , Gregorye , and Basylle , with many other , whose names to reherse were superfluous . wherfore dere frendes this hole kind of the whiche bicause you can not fynd in scripture mencioned , 〈◊〉 you thynk of christen myndes it shuld not be affirmed , and that it is but a popysshe inuention . Wherin frendes vndoutedly moch you erre , and ouer boldly iuge , for thoughe the pope therin hathe his power mysvsyd to the mayntenaunce of his owne glorye , as he hathe done in many other thynges beside , wherby he hath long illudyd symple myndes , yet the thynge in it selfe was of no pope inuentyd , wherof is mention with the famouse and notable doctours of oure religion , bothe latynes and grekes , before suche tyme as the pope had amonge al byshoppes any superiorite , and moche before it grewe to this intollerable tyrannye : these auncient maysters of Christis doctrine , as moche as they maye of a tradition , say & affirme such a place to be , wherin mans sowle shall be purged from alle spottes of worldly affection , printed therin by the immoderate loue and pleasure had in worldly conuersation , before the tyme it may attayn the eternal fruition of euerlastynge thinges , and with aungelles to inioye the heuenlye meditation . But of this sorte to be as in our dayes it is of many folyshely affyrmed , amonge the olde authors there is no mention , none of them iudge it to be suche a place , out of the whiche any popes power may delyuer mans sowle at his pleasure . This thyng semethe to be an inuention of man of late yeres , & of the olde fathers no tradition . wherfore after that maner it to deny I thinke were none errour at all , but the thynge vtterly to take awaye , semeth to come of moche arrogancy , and greatte lacke of iudgement and reasone : for that thynge to deny constantly , wherof there is noo certayne grounde nor sure , is playne foly and lacke of discretion . For as to affirm purgatorie to be , there is no grounde of suretye , so it to denye hath moche lesse certaynte , for scripture giueth sure argument to nother of them both . wherfore as to affirme hit to be , as an artycle of the faythe , and to the saluation of man to be of necessite , I think it great folye : so to deny it to be a holsome tradition to the conseruation of the christian lyfe moche conuenient , I iuge it to be playn arrogancy , specially considerynge that to the assercion therof we haue the consent of many auncient greatte lerned holy and vertuous men , whose example and iugement , I wold rather moue you to leane vnto moste christian people , and to their sentence rather to be conformable , than to certayn lyght wyttes , nother fourmed with lernyng nor iugement , and whiche is chiefe of all , voyde of vertue , to assente , and to them to be plyable , whose lyghtnes both in this and many other thynges hath benne a great occasion to the corruption of some of your iugementes , and hereafter excepte you be ware shall be moche more . For vnder the colour of bryngynge in lyberte from bondage of tradition they wolde induce you to admitte only fete , the whyche of somme of his disciples was nothynge approued , he taughte vs a greatte grounde for the admission of all suche inwarde and aboundant deuotion , though the outwarde deede appere to the worlde a superfluouse operation .

And as for prayinge to saintis is a thinge , whiche hath ben long and many yeres receiued both of the greke churche and latyne , 〈…〉 not as a thyng to the whiche we are bounden by the expresse commaundement of god , but as a thyng consequent therto , 〈…〉 for in scripture exaumple we haue one , to desyre an other to praye for hym , whiche sayncte Poule dyd ofte and many tymes , 〈…〉 . wherof is gathered consequently to be a thyng lykewyse conuenyent , to desyre theym , whose vertues are of Christe approuyd , to praye for vs , that we al together as membres of one bodye , maye receyue grace of our heuenly heed . And thus to praye to saynctes in no parte dothe derogate the honoure of god . For the praying thus to them is to praye to god , and is nothynge differente in effecte , but to praye to them as of whom we shulde truste as of authors and gyuers of that thynge , whiche we by prayer demaunde and desyre to gette and obtayne . This were by the honour of theym , to plucke downe the honour of god , 〈…〉 and playne ydolatrie , and this is forbyd in holy scripture , as the other maner is , as a thynge agreable therto , conueniently receyued , though it be not of high necessite . And so brefely to conclude in this matter , to haue in honour images of saintes , as thinges , wherby you may be put in mynde and stired to the folowynge of their vertues , bothe in lyfe and maners to expresse the same , is no poynte of idolatrye , but amonge christen men a thynge of great conueniency to be receyued , lyke as pilgremage and prayenge to them also is not to be condemnyd , but as a thynge wherby we hyghly honour god , to be admyttyd : therby declarynge to hym our humble and meke hartes ful of charite , where euery membre requiring the helpe of eche other , hangeth vpon that comon heed and fountayne of all goodnes . After this maner prayeng to sayntes , hath euer ben receyued of all the antiquitie , from whose steppes christen people , let vs not in euery thinge lyghtly slyppe , but rather folowe them in suche thynges as be good and conuenient , than without iugement to reiect al thinges whiche be of nature indifferent , approuyng onely them whiche be of hye necessitie : and by the expresse word of god to vs in his doctrin taught , as many of vs doo , whiche is as I haue often sayde , as a common fountayne of the corruption of our iugementes , to the takynge awaye of many suche thynges , which haue ben of many good men and wyse , stablyshed to the settynge forth of Christis doctrine with charytable vnytie . For of this ground it spryngeth also that some men forbydde vtterly to praye for theym , Prayer for the deade . the whiche be deed , bycause it is not in scripture conteyned expressely , and bycause whan they departe they go incontinent eyther to heuen or to helle , howe be hit of that they be not sure , nor to the denyinge of purgatorie , as I said before of scripture , there is noo certayne grounde : but to scripture after the sentence of holye fathers , the contrarye is rather agreable . But lette it be , that there were noo purgatorye at all : Thynke not you deere frendes , that it is a conueniente thynge , and to charitie conformable , that euery man shulde desyre after deathe good to his frende , and by prayer to god , to open his louynge mynde , that he boothe in lyfe and also after his deathe constantlye euer beareth toward his brother ? There was neuer nation so rude and barbarous , that wolde forbydde one to wysshe good to an other bothe a lyue & deed . Wherfore amonge vs christen menne , whiche are sure that our frendes after deathe shall remayne other to peyne , or pleasure , amonge vs I saye to raygne any suche opinyon , that we shoulde not praye for theym , and wyshe theym to be partetakers of the good , and not of the euylle , apperethe extreme maddenesse and mooste rude vnkyndenesse : specyally seynge that we haue no certaynetye , whether hit pleasethe god to take theym other to payne , or to pleasure . And thoughe that this be trewe , that to the one certaynly , they are by the prouydence of god determyned and appoynted , yet we therof beynge vncertayne , in desyrynge and wyshynge to them the best , can not doo but wel , in as moch as we declare therby to god the charitie of our hartes : ye and ferther I shall saye to you , thoughe the prayer that we make for theym that be deede , shoulde not be to theym profytable at all , for as moche as they be other in state of grace or damnation , yet in our prayer I thynke neuer the lesse our mayster dothe delyte , and takethe to his honour our aboundante deuotyon and feruent charytie , as he dyd the oyntment of Mary , whiche was to no man profitable . Therfore seynge that beside the consent of many of the auncyent doctours , oure maysters of our relygion , the thynge in it selfe appereth so conuenient to reason , to humanyte , and aboue al to christian charite , I se no cause why we shuld it so reiecte as a thyng to the doctrine of Christ nothing conformable , to the whiche vndoubtedly , and to very christian charytie , it is moche agreeable , the which frendes if you also iudge & in harte think , you shall increase amonge your selfes brotherlye loue and vnitie , and moche more if some of you wold after the same maner tempre your iudgementes in many other thynges of the same sorte , which ouer lyghtly ye condemne , bicause they appere to take their groundes of this popyshe authorite , of the which though many thynges euyl haue issued & sprong , yet this can not be denied , but moch good was also to vs deriued fro the same , them as in goddis commandment . For if a man had dere frendes , 〈…〉 al the faith which is in al men , and as saynt Poule sheweth most manyfestly , of that sorte that he myghte therby remoue mountaynes out of their places , yet if he had not ioyned therto a charytable harte and mynde , euer prompte and redy to shewe the same in effect and outward dede , as occasion is ministred , that faith nothyng shuld to him auayle at all : 〈◊〉 lyke as contrary , if one man worked all the outwarde workes in the worlde , if they were not in fayth roted and grounded , to him they shulde nothynge profyt nor helpe , so that nother dedes alone , nor yet naked faythe without charyte , be not sufficiente meanes to brynge man to his saluation , but charytable faythe and faythefull charyte , 〈…〉 . be requyred of hye necessitie : this is the grounde , this is the ende , and in this stondeth the hole perfection of all christian religion . Wherfore auoydynge dere frendes the great blonderyng now● a daies made of faythe and workes , in fewe wordes this I shall to you say : If you wyl be of the flocke of Christ , and of the nombre of them which be true professours of his name , you muste not onely by mouthe and in worde your faythe testifie , 〈…〉 . but in dede the same also to the face of the worlde declare to his honour and glorye , not iudgynge your owne dedes to deserue your saluation , but that euer referryng to his onely goodnes & mercy . This Christ teacheth vs by his owne mouth , where as he sayeth in his gospell , that suche as by mouthe onely calle vnto him , confessynge his name , shall not by and by entre to the kyngdome of heuen , but all suche as in effecte and in dede fulfyl the wyl of his father , there shal haue place . So that frendes of this you may be assured , that it is not inoughe for vs to saye , I beleue well , & then care not what ye doo . A more pestilent opinion , & more pernicious to Christis doctrine was neuer I trowe amonge menne then this , to saye that faythe alone , without charitable workes , is sufficient to mans saluation . For this I wyl say to you of the doctrine of sayncte Paule , that it is nother our fayth , be it neuer so great , nor yet our workes , be they neuer soo many , Tit. 3. that can deserue our saluation , it is the mere goodnes and mercy of god , which shal be our saluation , the which he of his only goodnes hath promised to giue vs , if we beleue faythfully in hym , and truste in his promysse with faythefull harte , and in outwarde dede obey his commaundement , and walke in the same : soo that as moche are we bounden to worke as to beleue , & yet nother of them both , no nor yet bothe of them to gether , be able to deserue our saluation , but this onely lyeth in the goodnes of god , to whom it hath plesed to make vs this promysse , that yf we truste in hym with faythefulle harte vnfaynydly , and in outwarde dede folowe his commaundemente without hypocrysye , we shall haue euerlastynge lyfe : vnto des of our heuenly doctrine , but euer in all suche thynges , whiche by nature are indifferent , and be not of the expresse commaundemente of god : we must conceyue this iudgement , that when so so euer it shall appere to them , whiche be in authorytie prudente and polytike , any suche thynges to alter and chaunge , as tyme and place require for good polycie , therto euer to be obedient with mekenes and humilite , as sone as they be chaunged by common authoritie . In the whiche thynges also we muste vse in our iudgementes this temperaunce , theym neuer to condempne lyghtly , and with arrogant opinion iudge vtterly to be caste away , thoughe they haue ben in vse neuer so longe , vntyll the tyme that by common counsayle they be abrogate and iudged to christian pollicy to be nothynge expediente , by them whiche haue of suche thynges perfyte iugement : the whiche if we do mooste christian people with prudence obserue , we shalle by this meane soo fourme our affectes , and in some partes soo correcke our iudgementes , that as of the one syde we shall auoyde al blynde supersticion , so we shal of the other syde eschewe all arrogaunt opinion , and so consequently some what remedy this common blindenes , 〈…〉 which therby is chiefely growen amonge vs , to the great ruine of Christis heuenly doctrine , and his spirituall vnite . This meane we muste folowe and ensewe , if we wyl attayne to our felycyte , of the whiche dere frendes maruayle you nothyng at al. For by a certain meane the armonie of this hole worlde is conteyned in this natural order & beautie : by a meane al ciuile order and polycye is mayntayned in cities and townes with good ciuilitie : by a meane mannes mynde with all kynde of vertue garnysshed , is broughte to his naturall perfection and lyght : And by a meane all trewe religion without impyetye or superstytion , is stablysshed and sette forthe to goddis honour and glorye in all chrystian natyons and countreyes : ye and soo by a meane we shall , mooste christyan people , chiefely auoyde this daungerous diuisyon growen in amonge vs , by the reason wherof , somme are iudged to be of the newe fashyon , and somme of the olde . For whan●e that one seeth an nother , euer to suche thynge gladdely conformable , as by common counsaylle is determyned , made , and decreed , neuer repug●ynge in harte therto , nor yet condempnynge arrogantly all soche thynges as haue benne receyued longe and many yeres withoute discrecyon , but euer abydynge the sentence of common authorytie , the meane tyme frely therto beinge obedient : when euery one I saye this seeth in eche other , I can not tell howe any diuision shoulde growe in among vs , I can not telle why one shoulde calle an other pharisee or yet heretike : If we wold after this maner and meane agree in iudgement , the supreme hede here of our churche , 〈…〉 . whiche apperethe to many of you straunge and newe , bycause of the longe custome of many yeres . If you consyder with your selfe the nature of the thing , as hit is indede , there is in hit nothynge nother strange nor new . For what strangenes is this , a hole congregacyon and perfyte , as this is of our nation , to electe and chose theym a heed polytike with free libertye , whiche may with his hyghe wysedome directe and redresse all suche thynges as pertayne vnto christian polycye ? This hathe benne euer common and in vse , sythe the fyrste institution of Christis churche . And thoughe that christen pryncis and nations haue longe stonde in this polycye and obedience to Rome , yet to that they be not bounden , that the defection frome it and disobedience shulde induce suspition of heresye or schisme , whyche are thenne onely to be imputed , whan any pryuate manne or holle nation slyppethe frome suche groundes of scripture , as he of necessitie requyred to mannes saluation : of the whiche sorte the defectyon frome the popyshe authoryte is not to be iudged nor thought . And this thynge moste manyfestly prouethe a lawe made of the mooste Christian emperour Iustinyan , 〈…〉 . wherin he gyuynge pryuiledge to Constantynople , openly decreeth , that churche no more to hange of the see of Rome , as it seemed to doo frome the tyme of Constantyne : but that the archebyshoppe there shulde be chosen of his owne churche , hauynge authoritie also to create & institute other byshops vnder the same see , without runnynge to Rome for authorite . wherby you maye moste clerely se , both that this superioritie of Rome , was not at that tyme iudged to be of suche necessite , and of the lawe of god , as nowe many thynke : and that the emperour also was hede of that churche , hauynge ful authorite to order all suche thynges as perteyned to christian polycy , as by many other lawes whiche he made , it is moste manyfest . Wherfore frendes our prince here , who is of no lesse authoryte in this our churche of Englande , than was the Emperour Iustynian at Constantynople , this authoritie of Rome so to brynge to order , and as supreme heed in the polycie of our churche , this thynge to stable , nede not to you appere nother straunge nor newe , seynge the lyke hathe ben done of christen emperours before this longe and many yeres . Feare ye not therfore mooste christian people , to this acte to our nation soo good and profytable , of harte to gyue obedience , the whiche doubt ye not , but god shal so gouerne by his prouidence , that it shal go forth to his glorye , comforte & profyt both of the present age & of al the posterite . And euer haue you this in mind , that to all such thynge as is decreed by common counsell and authoritie here in our nation , you that be vnlerned and ignorant , not hauyng your conscience formed with lyght and knowlege , you ●udgement , which is the true preacher of Christe and religious , from hym that is the preacher of the worlde arrogant and seditious . 〈◊〉 . 15. For chari●ie , as hit is the sure marke of all the chrystian ●locke , so it is moch more the sure note and signe of him that shulde trewely preache Christis doctrine . For yf his lyfe fyrste , whiche is chyefe of all , and also his worde to that do not sownde , if to that it do not agree , you maye boldely conclude bothe hym and his doctrine of all christian hartes to be eschewed , 〈◊〉 2. and to be auoyded none otherwyse than heresye . And yet ferther if you perceyue hym , ceremonies traditions and rytes of the church so to maynteyn as thinges necessary to the saluation of man , ye or contrary them vtterly to damne , as thynges pernycious and contrary to Christis religion : than make you a sure conclusion , 〈…〉 that he lacketh moch discretion , and is other folyshely superstitious , or els arrogantly sedicious , and no mete precher of Christis doctrine . who euer with charite precheth such thynges as perteyne to goddis glory , euer most studiousely settynge forth the same , & out of the workes of nature , wherin the goodnes of god spredeth her self , the true precher euer when he therin beholdeth , somwhat he piketh , wherby he moued , declareth goddes honour and glory of his name : 〈◊〉 . 3. & lykewyse out of the ceremonies , vsed in Christis churche , the whiche withoute good teachynge are but dumbe sygnes , he euer gadreth sommewhat , wherby he induceth manne to the memorie of goddis benefyte and mercy . But aboue al the trewe preacher euer besyly endeuoreth hym selfe aboute the groundes of scripture , and suche as be of necessytie necessarye vnto mannes saluation , theym to stable in all chrystian hartes , and of theym to make sure ground and fundation : And as for all other thynges , whyche stonde in mannes polycye : he euer therin induceth and teacheth obedience to common authoritie , nothynge agaynste the same superstitiously nor arrogantly defendynge , nor yet all thyng besyde the same arrogantely condempnynge : but euer in all his preachynges and teachynges he settethe before his eyes , as chyefe ende , concorde and vnitie , vnto the whiche he euer directeth hym selfe , and his oracyon with prudente symplicitie , auoydynge all diuisyon , whiche is the mother of all confusion : and so atte the laste inducynge the contempte of these worldly thynges vayne and traunsitorie , he perswadeth the feruent loue and desyre of thynges euerlasting , the whiche are stedfast , sure , and stable , and also are to vs promysed , of the mere goodnes of god , if that we wylle with sure faythe and truste of the obteynynge therof be euer to his commaundement conformable and obediente . This teacheth he chiefly , whiche is the trewe and perfyte preacher of Christis doctrine , whom to discerne and iudge , shall be nothynge harde to you dere comforte and ioye , wherof this is but as a shadowe , and an image : the whiche yf you doo moste christian people , this I dare say and boldly to you affirme , that all be it we neuer hereafter knowe nother pope nor cardynall , no nor yet here of counsel generall of all christian nations , yet may we , liuynge togyther in faythfull loue & charitable vnite , lighted by the spirit of god and his heuenly doctrine , hangynge onely vpon his benefyte , passe this lyfe in mooste pure and perfyte christianitie . This we haue expressed by the mouthe of our mayster Christe in his gospelle , who surely promyseth this to euerye multitude gathered togyther in his name , 〈…〉 & to euery faithfull congregation , that whan so euer they assemble to gyther for his glory , with perfite faith and truste in hym , with charitie demaundynge lyght of truthe to passe this lyfe withal to his pleasure and honour , they shall neuer lacke knowledge of suche thynge , which shal be necessary to their saluation , they shall neuer lacke grace to defend them from all suche thynge as shall lede them to euerlastyng damnation . Wherfore most christian people , seinge that the benefyt of god is so open vnto vs , and the lyght of his holy spirite so common , that no man is excluded from it , but he onely that so wyll : let vs not drownyd in vayne pleasure , by our owne neglygence suffre our selfe to be depryued of this goodnes : let vs not being corrupt with worldly affection suffre our selfe to fall from the dignite of our nature , and runne to our owne distruction : let vs not suffre our selfe by any pestilent & diuellyshe dyuision lose the infinite benefite of Christis passion : but let vs with one fayth in hym in perfyt concorde & vnitie with sure truste and hope hange vppon him as vppon the only hede of al christianitie : let vs euery one supportyng & bearyng the imbecillite and wekenes of other , echeone be glad to admonyshe his christian brother , let vs euerye one be gladde to helpe and succour eche other with charitie and pure affecte : and than vndoutedly we shall bothe in this life haue quietnes of minde and tranquillytie , & here after haue the fruition of suche ioye and comforte as god by his prouydence hath ordeyned to the nature of man in immortalytie , the whiche I beseche him , of whom cometh al light , so to lyghte vs in this lyfe , that we maye all as membres of one bodye , hereafter knytte to our heuenly heed , enioy comonly .

FINIS .