The recantations as they were seuerallie pronounced by VVylliam Tedder and Anthony Tyrrell (sometime two seminarie priests of the English Colledge in Rome and nowe by the great mercie of almightie God conuerted, vnto the profession of the Gospell of Iesus Christ) at Paules Crosse, the day and yeere as is mentioned in their seuerall tytles of theyr recantations vvith an epistle dedicatorie vnto Her Maiestie and their seuerall præfaces vnto the reader, contayning the causes that mooued them to the same.

THE Recantations as they were seuerallie pronounced by Wylliam Tedder and Anthony Tyrrell : ( sometime two Seminarie Priests of the English Colledge in Rome , and nowe by the great mercie of almightie God conuerted , vnto the profession of the Gospell of Iesus Christ ) at Paules Crosse , the day and yeere as is mentioned in their seuerall Tytles of theyr Recantations .

With an Epistle dedicatorie vnto her Maiestie , and their seuerall Praefaces vnto the Reader , contayning the causes that mooued them to the same .

NOSCE TE IPSVM . NE QVID NIMIS .

LOVE AND LYVE

printer's device of John Charlewood

AT LONDON , Printed by Iohn Charlewood and William Brome . Anno Domini . M.D.LXXXVIII .

portrait of Queen Elizabeth

DIûa potens cuius decantant Sydera laudes , Quae tibi dante Deo regia s●eptra tenes . Pro te pugnantem crûdelis sensit Hiberus , Quique domi volûit te spoliare , Deum . Sceptra tibi se● firma manent , et firma manebunt , Es quoniam f●lix te protegente Deo .

To the most noble , vertuous , and gracious Princesse , Elizabeth by the grace of God , Queene of England , Fraunce and Irelande , defendresse of the fayth . &c. Your Maiesties two late conuerted Subiects ( from Papisme , vnto the profession of the Gospell of Iesus Christ ) Wylliam Tedder & Anthonie Tyrrell , wysh long health and a most prosperous raigne , and finally the eternall health of body and soule with Iesus Christ in the worlde to come .

NExt vnto the infinite mercie of almightie God ( most gracious Soueraigne ) we haue to thanke your Maiestie that we liue , not onelie this short and transitorie life , which is but a passage vnto death : but so to liue , that we may die to liue for euermore . For what other assurance haue we of eternall life , but to die in the true faith of Iesus Christ : of the which , whosoeuer maketh wracke , it cannot bee but hee must perrish euerlastinglie . Howe miserablie we haue beene tossed on the sourges of schismes & deuisions , howe sore we haue beene ouerwhelmed with the waues of heresies , and ouerflowen with the floods of Idolatrie and superstition , howe vnnaturallie we haue beene carried away from our dutifull allegeance , and howe miraculously we haue beene brought home againe : your Ma. in viewing this short discourse that followeth , in part may vnderstand . And since it hath pleased God to conuert vs vnto his trueth , and your highnes to pardon our offences and trecheries passed , we can not doubt , but behauing our selues like true and perfect paenitents vnto almighty God , and dutifull Subiects vnto your highnes : You will vouchsafe to protect vs for the time to come , against all our enemies and aduersaries whomsoeuer . Jn hope whereof , wee haue presumed to present your Maiestie ( as a Newe yeeres gift ) the first fruites of our repentaunce , beseeching God so to endue vs with the gift of perseueraunce , that we may fructifie better for the time to come . And thus beeing loth to offende your Maiestie with manie words , most humbly crauing pardon for this that wee haue doone , wee ende with our humble and hartie prayers , that your Maiestie may long liue and raigne ouer vs , to the setting forth and aduauncing of Gods most holie worde , comfort and consolation of all good Christians , and confusion of Antechrist and all his adhaerents , wherevnto vnfainedlie we saie Amen .

Your highnes most humble and dailie Orators . William Tedder . Anthonie Tyrrell .

THE Recantation made at Paules Crosse , by William Tedder Seminarie Priest , the first of December , Anno. 1588.

PSALME . 118. Impulsus euersus sum vt caderem , et Dominus suscepit me . I was sore shaken that I was like to fall , but the Lord hath vpholden mee .

Wherunto is adioyned : The recantation or abiuration of Anthonie Tyrell , ( sometime Prieste of the English Colledge in Rome , ) pronounced by himselfe at Paules Crosse the next Sunday following , in the same yeere .

Seene and allowed according to the order appointed .

AT LONDON , Printed by Iohn Charlewoode , and Wylliam Brome . Anno. Dom. 1588.

❧ To the Christian Reader .

BEfore you come to the reading of this my recantation , J thought good to aduertise you , first of the cause that moned mee to publishe it in print , which is the satisfaction of all my Countreymen . First , of them that were present at the pronouncing of the same , for though they did heare mee speake in that place where I did vtter it , yet hearde they not all that heere is sette down , for the shortnes of time caused me to omitt that which I did . Secondly , I haue added something more then was in that copie : such are moste of the authorities noted in the margent , out of the Scriptures , and certaine verses , which heere I haue put downe . Thirdlie , I thought it not sufficient to haue pronounced it in one place : I know it had beene sufficient for the assembly there present : But , my desire is , that all her Maiesties Subiects whersoeuer , though they heard me not , shold haue if it please them , a copie of my Recantation in theyr hands . First to peruse for their satisfaction . Secondly to prayse God for myne effectuall conuersion .

I am nowe to entreate the Christian Reader , not to consider so much the stile wherein I haue written it , as the affection wherewith I did write it : and when you haue seene the same , I beseech you to pray God to continue me in that good worke , which his maiestie hath begun very gratiously in mee .

Your harty welwiller William Tedder .

¶ The Recantation of William Tedder Seminarie Prieste , pronounced by himselfe at Paules Crosse , the first of December . Anno. 1588.

ALthough euen from my childehoode in a manner , I haue béene noseled vp in the faith or rather error of the Church of Rome , ( bothe my Parents béeing vehemently addicted to the same ) Yet my fault was so much the greater , because I did not onely obstinatlie , but also in a manner desperatly persist in that Sinagogue against mine owne conscience . For I was alwaies distracted in minde with doubts of the greatest points of that Religion . As of the Pope his authoritie . The doctrine of transubstantiation . The presumption of fréewill . The fancy of purgatorie . The derogatorie sacrifice of the Masse , and such like . In the which opinions I waded so far , that if the helpe of the Lord GOD had not beene at hand , it had béene to mine vtter ruine and confusion .

But séeing it hath pleased God to call mee backe againe , I will say as Dauid said : Psal. 94. If the Lord had not helped me , it had not failed but my soule had beene put to silence . Againe , I was in greater faulte , for though I thought they could prooue these Articles by authoritie of Counselles and Fathers , and as they beare men in hand by good reasons , yet could I finde not so much as the grounde of one worde for them in the holy Scriptures . And thus béeing ouerwhelmed with so great waters , Psal. 69. I was constrained to say with the Prophet : I sticke fast in the deepe myre where no grounde is , I am come into deepe waters so that the floods runne ouer mee .

Thrée causes there were which kept me so long in mine obstinancie and errors , which béeing compared with the cause of my returning againe , are of no force at all , because they were foolish and of men : the other , was onelie of God , whose thoughts are not as the thoughts of men .

The first of these causes which turned me so farre from the waie , was the great delight that I had in the studie of Naturall Philosophie . And in this point I was perswaded , that I shoulde more profit in the partes beyond the Seas , then here at home in mine owne natiue Countrey , and therefore , partlie by the instigation of my Father , and partlie for the desyre that I had to sée forraine Countries , and most of all for the loue that I bare vnto the studie of Philosophie , I repaired vnto the Countries beyond the Seas , little considering the daungers that might ensue thereof , as the displeasure of God , the displeasure of my gracious Prince , and the offence of all my Countreymen .

The second cause , was the feare of worldly shame and temporall discredite , for I feared that then , which I finde nowe to bee true : which is , that they which were once my fréendes , would become my mortall enemies , which by experience I know . I did not consider then , Luk. 12. or els I cared not for that sentence of our Sauiour : Euery one that confesseth me before men , the sonne of man shall confesse him before the Angels of God . And hee that denyeth mee before men , hee also shal be denied before the Angels of GOD . This was the cause that made mee to take a preposterous waie , turning all things to mine own credit , when I should haue turned them to the glorie of almightie God , Matt. 6 , for our Sauiour saith : First seeke the kingdome of God and the righteousnes of the same , and all other things shal be giuen vnto you . Thus thinking to get credit by mine obstinacie , I did loose the fauour of God , the loue of my Soueraigne the Quéenes most excellent Maiestie , and the good will of all true subiects , which I hope to recouer againe , by this my frée Recantation , and my further conuersation from henceforth in my Countrey .

The third cause , was the tickling of vaine glorie , and this cause I am sure doth detaine most of the contrarie side in their peruerse obstinacie , howsoeuer they bragge that they séeke nothing by their dealings but the glorie of God . For , I was not mooued a little to submitt my selfe to her Maiesties mercie , and to embrace the knowledge of the true fayth , seeing the wicked counsell and deuillish deuises of the Pope and his Children , against the Quéenes most excellent Maiestie , and our most déere Countrey . Which counsels I thought they woulde neuer haue put in execution . But when I saw that great practise come to passe , I meane the inuasion of this Land , God so moouing me ( as héereafter I will manifest ) I thought vtterlie to forsake them , although couertlye for vaine gloryes sake I continued a while amongst them . I thought it then a goodly thing , and woorthy of commendation for mee , to defend an euill cause by probable reasons . Yet I knew it was an hard thing for Anaxagoras to prooue that Snowe was blacke , or yncke white , 1. Cor. 1. and for me to prooue light to be darknes , or darknes to be light . For it is written , I wyll destroy the wisedome of the wise , and cast away the vnderstanding of the prudent .

But now , séeing it hath pleased almighty God , to call me to the knowledge of his trueth , 2. Cor. 1● in detestation of this vaine glorie , I will saie with the Apostle : Si gloriari oportet , quae infirmitatis meae sunt gloriabo● , that is , If I must needes boast , I will boast in mine infyrmitie . 2. Cor. 12 And againe , Libenter gloriabor in infirmitatibus meis , vt inhabitet in me virtus Christi : that is , I wyll gladlie boast in mine infirmities , that the power of Christ may dwell within me . Thus haue I bréefely declared the causes which draue me out of the waie , and caused me to delight in vanities , and follow lyes so long , Psal. 4. that if Gods grace had not béene , I had béen cléene cast awaie . But , now I saie againe , Impulsus euersus sum vt caderem et dominus suscepit me , Psal. 118 I was sore shaken that I was like to fall , but the Lorde hath vpholden mee .

But héere you will aske mee the cause of so suddaine a change : I aunswere , that I knowe no other but the grace of almightie GOD , the which worketh when and as it pleaseth him . This grace haue I often refused for the causes before alledged : me thought I heard him saie vnto me dailie , Ecce sto ad ostium et pulso , Apo. 3. Behold I stand knocking at thy dores . Yet was I not ashamed to thrust him out , and to let in his aduersarie the deuill . I hearde him cry within mée , Cant. 5. Aperi mihi soror mea , amica mea , Columba mea , immaculata mea , caput meum plenum est rore , et cincinni mei guttis noctium : Open vnto me my sister , my friend , my Doue , my vnspotted , my head is full of dew , and my locks with the droppes of the night . I heard him giue me these louing titles , but I refused him & gaue him this aunswer : Ibidem . Expoliani me tunica mea , quomodo induar illa ? Laui pedes meos quomodo coinquinabo illos ? I haue put off my coate , howe shall I put it on again ? I haue washed my feete , howe shall I defile them againe ? Thus continued I , vntill hee by his grace so swéetly and forcibly preuented me , that whether I would or not , at length hee compelled my revellious wyll to obey . So that I which once did so little account of the true and auncient faith , that I counted it for an heresie : now I sée euidentlie , that without the same there is no waie to saluation .

Therefore , if euer you pittied anie mans case , I beséeth you haue compassyon vpon mine , considering that it is a thing incident to mans nature to erre and to sin , but to continue and persist in it , is the parte of the deuill . I freelie doo confesse & acknowledge that I haue sinned against God , my Prince , Gen. 6. and my Countrey , as a man whose nature is prone , & the thoughts of whose hart is alwaies bent to mischiefe , I persisted in mine errours a long time , as one that followed the suggestions of the Serpent , rather then the inspirations of the spirit of God . But by his motion , I am returned againe to the shéepfold of Christ . Wherfore I request you all , for the tender mercies of God , that you would receiue mee that returne againe , following the steps of our Sauiour : Luk. 15 who disdained not to receiue Publicans and sinners : who left 99. shéepe in the wildernes and went to séeke one that was lost . I haue béen like the prodigall Son , which loosely and want onlie spent his portion in ryot & luste , and was compelled to eate such meate as the Hogges did . All this haue I doone , I haue spent that Talent which God gaue me , in maintaining the harlot of Babylon , in vpholding the chaire of pestilence , I meane the Church of Rome , I haue fed my selfe with the swill and dregs of mens inuentions and traditions , forsaking the fountaine and foode of Gods worde . All this I haue doone : but at the last béeing by hunger compelled , I cryed out with that prodigall child , saying : Pater peccaui in caelum et coram te , Luk. 15 iam non sum dignus vocari filius tuus : Father I haue sinned against heauen and before thee , I am not woorthy to bee called anie more thy Son . This confession mooued his Father to compassion , who louingly embraced him , receiued him willinglie , and cherished him tenderlie . So I desire you not to refuse me , though I come late home , receiue me againe , and haue compassion . For our Sauiour Christ saith , Matt. 5. Beati misericordes quoniam ipsi misericordiam consequentur , Blessed are the mercifull for they shall obtaine mercie . And truely to haue compassion is a thing wherein a man dooth followe the example of almightie GOD , for Christe himselfe doth say , Luke . 6 Estote misericordes sicut pater vester misericors est , Be you mercifull as your Father is mercifull . Receiue me I beséech you which was a fugitiue , as one that repenteth , as one that desireth rather to bee an abiect in Gods house , Psal. 84. then to dwell in the Tabernacles of sinners . His name therefore who hath so mercifully called me , be blessed for euermore .

But nowe I will come to the purpose , that is , to recant and renounce such errours , as heeretofore I haue maintained , desiring God , that as it hath pleased his heauenly goodnes to giue me the grace to forsake them , so it would also please him , to giue me the gift of perseuerance to continue , that I may no more fall into them againe .

You knowe it is the nature of the Serpent , to kéepe his head whole though he put his body in danger for the defence of the same : but , if a man once bruse his head , he can no longer endure against him but he must of necessitie die . And I can no better compare the huge and weldie masse of Papistrie to anie thing , then vnto a Serpent , therefore in renouncing of it I will begin with the head .

The first Article of the Pope . The Papists doo think , and I did thinke the same , that the Pope was Christ his Vicar , and supreame head of the vniuersall Church héere vppon the earth militant . This Article béeing mightily vpholden , and stoutly defended , they thinke none other of their Bulwarks can be shaken . They thinke also that hee hath such a prerogatiue , that he cannot erre , whereof ryseth this presumption in deposing of Princes , degradation of Bishops , excomunication of all sortes of people without respect , and of most light occasion .

Héereof hee presumeth to prescribe Lawes to the whole Church , the which forsooth without his dyspensation must be inuiolable , Sub pena excommunicationis . And whosoeuer dooth breake them , if it be Emperor , King , Quéene , or what Prince soeuer , he must be deposed , such wickednes hath he practized against the Quéenes most excellent Maiestie , to his vtter shame and confusion , that the Prouerbe may bee fulfilled , God sendeth a shrewde Cowe shorte hornes . But his holines , if it please you , is not contented with this : hee chalengeth to himselfe so great a prerogatiue , that hee wyll make and deface Articles of the Fayth at his owne will and pleasure . Gratian. Quia Dominus Deus noster Papa . Héereof it ariseth , that in that Synagogue , scarce any of the Laye people can tel what they beléeue : for béeing asked a reason of their faith , they saie nothing els , but thus beléeueth the Churche , thus saith the Pope . Whereas in deede , the reason of our Faith should be taken from the word of God , for as the Psalmist saith : Omnis homo mendax , Psal. 116 Euery man is a lyer . And therefore it shal suffise me that the Pope is a man , and consequently a lyer , and may not onelie erre , but also hath already erred , which if I desired not to be briefe I woulde prooue , vnles by thys his supreame vsurped authority he be deified or made a God , which thing to confesse is not onely impudencie but also intollerable blasphemie . I therefore doe héere vtterly detest , abiure , and renounce him , with all his excommunications , interdictions , suspentions , degradations , depositions , irregularities and a thousand such like trifling thunderbolts . I pronounce also his doctrine , not to be according to the holy Scripture , but contrarie vnto it , and therefore I doo freely and ioyfullie recant it , thanking GOD that it hath pleased his di●●ne Maiestie to deliuer mee from the slauery of that Tyrant , desiring him also that I may not fall into his subiection againe .

2 Of the Masse . Next vnto this is their blasphemous doctrine of theyr Propitiatorie sacrifice , which they cal the sacrifice of the Masse . This Masse I once did deuoutlie thinke vpon , hearde with great attention , and with great reuerence I did celebrate , onelie because I thought it was indeede a sacrifice , propitiatorie both for the liuing and the deade : when as the Scripture plainlie testifieth , 1. Pet. 4. that Christus semel pro peccatis nostris mortuus est , iustus pro iniustis , vt nos offecret Deo , mortificatos quidem carne , viuificatos autem spiritu . Christ once died for our sinnes , the iust for them that were vniust , that he might offer vs vp to God , mortified in fleshe , but quickned in spirite . Hetherto also dooth all the Epistle to the Hebrewes tende . It was also commaunded the High Priest in the olde Law , that hee shoulde enter into Sancta Sanctorum but once in the yéere , which similitude the Apostle , in the same Epistle , applyeth vnto the onely sacrifice which Christ offered for our sins vpon the Crosse . The which because he hath once doone , I think it vnlawful to haue any more propitiatorie Sacrifices then that one of our Sauiour Christ . And therefore that which they call the propitiatory Sacrifice of the Masse , I thinke it rather to be a derogatorie blasphemie to the passyon of Iesus Christ . And for that cause I denie that either it is a Sacrifice , or auailable for the lyuing , much lesse for the dead I do also from henceforth vtterly denounce it to be wicked , and an Idoll .

Transubstantiation , 3 Of transubstantiation , and reall presence . a terme inuented in the Laterane Counsell , vnder Pope Innocentius the thyrde of that name , to establish an other error as grosse as it selfe , that is to say : The Reall presence of Christe his bodie in the Sacrament ( as they call it ) of the Altar : is contrarie not onelie to Fayth , but also to naturall reason . For the holy Scripture teacheth vs , that Christ is ascended into heauen , Mar. 16. & sitteth at the right hand of God . And also that it was thought conuenient that heauen should containe him , Act. 3. not according to his diuinitie , which is incomprehensible , but according to his humane nature which is circumscriptible , or to bee contained in one place , for he tooke not onelie the bodie of man vpon him , but also the passyons of a naturall bodie , and therefore hath his proper place . But if they will néedes haue him present in manie places at once , they must also denie that he hath a bodie , and consent to the Eutichian heresey , and saie there was a commission of the diuine and humaine nature , which Athanasius in his Creede denieth , Athanasius in Symbolo . saying : Neque commistionem passus , neque diuisionem , neyther suffering mixture nor diuision . Yet of this matter was I neuer so fully perswaded , but that still I had some doubt of it . And now I renounce it , crauing pardon of God , for defending that which I alwayes doubted of .

The number of the Sacraments in the Church , 4 Number of Sacraments . I acknowledge is no more then two , that is to witt , Baptisme , and the Lords Supper , and these two I finde to be instituted by Christ himselfe in the holye Gospell . The other fiue which they adde , which are , Confirmation , Penaunce , Extreame vnction , Order , and Matrimonie . Because I know not where to find them , neither by the institution of Christ , nor in the Gospell or Newe Testament , I count them not for Sacraments : for I thinke none to haue authority to make Sacraments but God onely , and therfore those two I thinke to be Sacraments and none other .

5 Prayer to Saints . They make a great striuing and strugling to maintaine Prayer , and inuocation to the Saints departed , thinking the mediation of our Lorde and Aduocate Iesus Christ insufficient for vs : This inuocation , I did thinke béeing in that Sinagogue , to bee a necessarie and a conuenient thing , although for the same I coulde finde no ground in the word of GOD . Yet one thing in the same , béeing as I thought then an abuse , I knewe not howe to excuse : and that was the inuocation of diuers Saints for diuers purposes . As , one against the plague , as S. Sebastian . An other against the tootheake , as S. Appolonia . Another against the falling sicknes , as S. Christopher , and dyuers other . As though almightie God coulde not heare vs but by the helpe of these Saints . And thus in calling vpon them , we derogate from the glorie of almightie God . But they say , they desire them but to pray for them , and aske no other grace at theyr handes . Then woulde I gladly knowe of them why they vse these verses in theyr office of S. Peter ad vincula .

Solue iubente deo terrarum Petre cathenas , Qui facis vt pateant caelestia regna beatis .

In English thus , O Peter loose as God commaunds , from vs the earthly chayne , The which to blessed men dost make , the gate of heauen plaine .

☞ And in a Hymne of the same .

Iam bone pastor Petre clemens accipe , Vota precantum et peccati vincula , Resolue tibi potestate tradita , Qua cunctis caelum verbe claudis aperis .

In English thus .

Nowe sheepeheard good , ô Peter milde receiue , The vowes with prayer which we yeeld to thee : By that same power which God to thee did giue , Which mak'st the skyes be shut , and wide to bee .

One thing I meruaile at , that as yet the aduersaries béeing in controuersie , whether the Saints do sée God or not , and yet graunting that Saints cannot heare the praiers of the liuing but by the sight of God , why so obstinatly they defende this point ? And nowe , whereas before I counted it necessarie & conuenient , I count it vaine , and superfluous , and take it for an errour .

Againe , prayer for the deade , 6 Prayer for the dead is a point of great Religion amongst them : which Article they ground vpon an other no lesse absurde then it selfe , and that is Purgatorie , which Purgatorie I sée not vowe they can defende by Scripture , though they séeme contentiously to wrest certaine places of the Scripture , from the true meaning of the same vnto theyr owne meaning , and all to defende this grosse errour of theirs . For they say that those soules that depart out of this life with anie veniall sinne , or els with the Reliques of mortall sinne : must néedes bee purged after this life before they can came to Heauen .

This is a grosse error and is taken out of the Poet Virgil , for in that place where hee bringeth Anchises , to enstruct his Sonne Aeneas of theyr state in hell , he speaketh on the sort .

Quin et supremo cum lumine vita reliquit Non tamen omne malum miseris , Aeneid . 6. nec funditus omnes Corporea excedunt pestes , penitusque necesse est , Multa diu concreta modis violescere miris . Ergo excutentur paenis , veterumque malorum Supplina expendunt , alia pautuntur inanes , Suspensae ad uentos , aliis sub gurgite vasto Infectum eli●itur ●●●bis , aut exuritur igni , Quisque suos patimur manes , exinde per amplum Mittimur Elysium et pauci laeta arua tenemus .

In English thus .

And also when the plesant life is gone with gladsome light , Yet euery mischiefe from those soules is not departed quite , Nor plague of body yet is gone , and so it needfull is , That many things should them desteine which once haue been amis . Therfore they suffer punishment , & for offences past , They haue their meed , of blustring winds , some feele the bitter blast And some in bottom of a gulfe do wash their faults away , And some with flames of scorching fire , for passed sins do pay , Each one of vs his paine doth feele , and then exempt from paine , We walk about these pleasant fields a very little trayne .

This Article therfore with the rest , is superstitious , vaine and ridiculous .

7. Workes of Supererogation , Workes of supererogation as they call them , are so vaine and foolish , that I meruaile that wysemen at anie time will confesse any such to bee . For the holie Scripture sayth , that when we haue doone all that we can , we must call our selues vnprofitable seruaunts . Truelie for my part , I knowe not why they should so bind God vnto our works , that if wée doo them , he cannot choose but saue vs . For all that we can doo commeth from God , and we are bound to followe , and accept of the good inspirations of him . But this worde Supererogation , dooth signifie that the worke which we doo , is more then we are bound to doo , which taketh awaie the grace of God as the Pelagean dooth , and fortifieth our fréewill so much , as though it had neuer béen lost . But truely I think and beléeue our Fréewill to be so wounded , that not onely it is not able to doo more than we ought , but also it can not performe the which we ought to doo . Let them of the aduersary part contend and wrangle neuer so much to the contrarie . The grounde of thys their vngrounded doctrine , Luk. 10. is taken out of the Parable of the Samaritane , which tooke compassion vpon him , who discending from Ierusalem to Iericho , was wounded by Théeues . For paying the Hoste of the house for his charges , he told him that whatsoeuer he laid out more than he had giuen him , at his return he would pay him againe . Yet consider they not , that in that Parable our Sauiour exhorteth vs to mutuall loue & neighbourly charitie , and that euery man is bounde to doo good vnto his neighbour in time of néede .

They denie that faith is sufficient to iustifie vs in Gods sight , without our owne merits , 8 Good woorkes . contrary to the doctrine of the Apostle in his Epistles to the Romaines , and Galathians . For good works are indeede required at our handes , not as the cause , but as the effect of our iustification . And for this cause workes are required at our hands , to be a testimonie of our Faith , and a cause that other men may giue the glorie vnto God : for our Sauiour saith , Math. 5. Sic luceat lux vestra coram hominibus , vt videant opera vestra bona et glorificent Patrem vestrum qui est in caelis . So let your light shyne before men , that they may see your good works , and glorifie your Father which is in heauen . Then is it consequent , that our iustification commeth no waies of our selues , but onely by faith in Christ Iesus .

After this followeth a most ridiculous doctrine , 9 Indulgences and pardons . of the Popes Indulgences and pardons , wherein he dooth most insolently arrogate to himself , the dispensations of Christ his passion , applying that to the forgiuenes of sins , the forme of which hath an arrogant kind of spéech , as thus . If a man fast one Friday with bread and water , he shal haue plenarie indulgence , and if he fast so on another day , his pardon shal be limitted for certaine yéeres , as 10000. &c. or some such like , or els a pena et culpa . I alwaies thought these trifles vaine , but now I sée the blasphemie of them . For it is scant possible to get these great Indulgences , but by wearing a paire of Beades , or a Graine , Medall , Crucifixe , Picture , Agnus Dei , or such like tromperie . It would be too tedious to set downe the manifold kinds of these Indulgences , which al tend to one ende , that is , to the lessening of the vertue of Christ his passion .

10 Images . Exo. 20. The seconde commaundement plainly forbiddeth vs to make or to haue any grauen Image , or the likenes of any thing to worship it . But the aduersarie excommunicateth them that denie the necessitie of Images in Churches , as it is to be séene in dyuers of their Counsels . For say they , it is lawfull , not onlie to retaine them , but also to worship them . The which if it be not against the seconde commaundement , let them looke vnto it , I for mine owne part doo sée it , and am ashamed that euer I was so blockish , as to thinke a block or a stone to bee necessarie or godlie , I thought it so once , but nowe I cannot be so perswaded . For he that hath any reason in him to discourse , or sence to perceiue , cannot be so void of reason , or so sencelesse as to exhibit honor or reuerence to a senclesse Image , when the same Image , if it had sence , would not onely refuse that worship , but also would willingly fall downe to worship or adore the workman that made it .

11 Communion in both kinds They hold and defend that the Laye people may not receiue the Communion vnder both kinds , which doctrine is repugnant to the institution of Christ . For he said vnto them that were present with him at hys last Supper , Take and eate , and drinke ye all of this . For though the aduersary say , that the Laye people haue not the priuiledge to receiue the Cup , because the Apostles who onely were present at that supper were Priestes , and not Laye men : it holdeth not , for by the same reason , a man may also barre the Laye people from receiuing of either kinde , for the Apostles were Priests , and only present at the Supper , ergo it is vnlawful for any to be pertaker of that Supper but onlie Priests . And yet Christ himselfe in another place saith , Ioh. 6. Vnles you eate my flesh and drinke my blood , you shall haue no life in you . And these words he spake not only to the Apostles , but Turbis Iudeorum , to the company of the Iewes , and therfore I count their dealings iniurious to the people , their doctrine blasphemous , & their proofe to no purpose .

Finallie , all such Articles , 12 Dyuers other Articles . which are repugnaunt to the word of God : I vtterly refuse , as in speciall , the Seruice in an vnknowne tongue , the prohibition of the reading of Scriptures to the Laye people , the forbidding of the translation of the same into a vulgare tongue , Pylgrimages , Vowes , and to conclude , all such Articles , as are contrarie to the Articles of Religion , set downe by publique authoritie , I doo vtterly renounce and abiure : and on the other side , I doo willingly , and without compulsion , and gladly with reuerence , receiue , embrace , and fréelie professe , the sayde Articles set forth by publique authority , as doctrine without superstition , and most agréeable to the word of God .

Thus haue I generally recanted mine errours in matters of Religion , and nowe , will I accuse my selfe and my dealings , touching my disobedience towards my Soueraigne the Quéenes most excellent Maiestie . I haue most stubbornly and wilfullye transgressed her Maiesties Lawes . Knowing first the offence of going beyond the Seas , and yet caring not for that , I procéeded further , and willinglie was priested at Rome . Thirdly , maliciously I came into my Countrey , with a will to seduce her Ma. Subiects from the true and sincere Religion , and make them subiects to that tyranny , vnto the which I was my selfe subiect . Then being banished , I returned againe into my Countrey , with the same intent that I came in first , and for these great faultes of myne I am most hartily sorrie , and in the bowels of Gods infinite mercy , I desire all them , that any waies by my meanes haue béene deceiued , & doo nowe repent , to forgiue me . Likewise those that haue not as yet their harts mooued by my example , to forsake theyr errours and amend their opinions .

Thus first of all I aske forgiuenes of almightie God , whom like a most ingratefull & wilful wretch , I haue most gréeuously offended . First , in abusing his gifts , which of his fatherly goodnes he had bestowed vpon me . Secondly , in refusing and reiecting his holy inspirations . And lastly , by prouoking others to offend by my example . And all this haue I doone , not like vnto them , vnto whom our Sauiour promiseth a milder iudgment in the latter day : but like vnto them of whom S. Paule speaketh : Rom. 1. Which when they knew God , did not honor him as GOD was to be honoured , and therfore my damnation had béene the greater if I had persisted . But séeing that it hath pleased him , which hath preserued mee from my Mothers , wombe to call mee to his wonderfull light , I desire you all that are héere present , to giue him thankes for the same : for there is more ioy in heauen before the Angels of God , Luk. 15. for the conuersion of one sinner , then for 99. iust persons which neede no repentaunce . Desiring also his diuine Maiestie , that he would not remember mine olde wickednes and follie : Psal. 143 for if he would enter into iudgment with his Seruants , there shoulde none be iustified in hys sight . But that he would think on the passion of our Sauiour Iesus Christ , by the which hee hath most mercifully redéemed mee , desiring him also , that it hath pleased his diuine Maiestie , to call mee to the light of his trueth : so it woulde please him to bring al them which now do liue in blindnes , to the same . Secondly , with humble hart I aske forgiuenes of the Quéenes Maiestie , most humbly submitting my selfe to the mercy of so godly a Prince , whom when she called her Subiects to their duetie & obedience , not by seueritie and rigor of the Law , but like a pittifull mother , by mercie : I haue not onely not heard her , but also , ( with sorrow I speake it ) I haue contemned and set light by .

Lastly , I aske forgiuenes of you that bee héere present , in whom I thinke that I sée all my Countrymen present : desiring you to forgiue all such offences , as I haue committed against GOD , the Quéenes Maiestie , and against you .

God saue the Queene .

THE Recantation or abiuration of Anthonie Tyrrell : ( sometime Priest of the Englishe Colledge in Rome , but nowe by the great mercie of God conuerted , and become a true professor of his word . ) Pronounced by himselfe at Paules Crosse , after the Sermon made by M. Pownoll Preacher : the eight of December . 1588.

IERE . 31. verse , 19. Postquam conuertisti me , egi paenitentiam : et postquam ostendisti mihi percussi faemur meum . After thou haddest conuerted me ( O Lord ) I did repent : and after that thou hadst shewed me the grauitie of my sinne , I stroke my thygh for shame .

Séene and allowed according to the order appointed .

AT LONDON , Printed by Iohn Charlewoode and Wylliam Brome . 1588.

❧ To the Christian Reader .

MY Recantation made at Paules Crosse the day & yere aboue written , is nowe published . I thought it expedient ( good Christian Reader ) to set out together withal , this short discourse by waie of Praeface , for these respects which followe . First , that I might make a supplie of such necessarie points , which at the time of making my Recantation , ( hauing but halfe an howre allowed me ) I was enforced to omitt . Secondlie , that euerie good man , vnto whom the viewe of my recantation shall come , might thorowlie be satisfied of my vnfained meaning in the performance of this action : the which as it concerneth the euerlasting health or detriment of my soule , so of all other men I were most miserable and wretched , if I should anie waies be infected with hipocrisie or dissimulation . Thirdlie , that I might the better stop the slaunderous reports of the aduersarie whom I haue forsaken , whose pens and speeches ( I am sure ) will nowe bee so much the more vehement & sharpe against me , by how much I am miraculously escaped and deliuered from them , who no doubt wil seeke to obscure the glory of God in this his wonderfull and prouident worke , and to defame me for the furtheraunce of their owne cause , all that they can .

These respects mooued me to adde some-thing more for the perfectyng of the thing , that neyther that which I had purposed to haue spoken , might be vnsayd , the Reader better satisfied , and the aduersarie ouerthrowen .

As concerning the first poynt , wheras I could not in so small a portion of time , set downe the causes that mooued me first to forsake the Pope , to suspecte his religion , to make my vnsayned submission vnto her Maiestie , together with the causes that brought me back againe : what the shortnes of time then forced me to omit , heere now I haue supplyed by my penne .

The first and principall thing that mooued me to forsake the Pope , and to contemne his religion , ( next vnto the great mercie and prouidence of almightie God ) was his notorious trecheries & vngodly practises , against our moste gracious Queene and Soueraigne : vnto the happie consideration wherof I came not , vntil such time as it pleased God to stoppe me of my course , ( which was in raunging vppe and downe her Maiesties Realme , in sowing the seed not only of false doctrine , but also of sedition and rebellion ) and bringing me into prison for as it is written , Tribulatio dat intellectum , Tribulation giueth vnderstanding : & finding my self within the daunger of her Maiesties lawes : I began better to consider the cause and quarrel that I had taken in hand , remembring that saying of Cyprian : Non ▪ paena sed causa facit martyrem , that is Not the payne but the cause maketh a Martir . I found that my cause did more concerne the Pope then any Religion , and that rather I was to be conuicted for matter of high Treason , then to be persecuted with any extremitie for matter of meere conscience : For that all the world knoweth , that her Maiestie neuer did put any to death for matter of meere conscience or Religion .

In the consideration of my cause , which cheefely was for the defence of the Pope : I remembred how Pius the 5. had excommunicated her Ma. & remoued so many of her subiects from their dutiful & natural obedience , as stoode perswaded of the authority of his accurssed censure : the which ( to speak truly ) my conscience alwayes detested , & hardly could my stomack be brought to dygest such an vnsauourye pill , vntill such time as by false perswasion , I was contaminate altogether . Beeing therfore ( as I sayd ) brought by the prouidence of God into prison : I came into this happie consideration , that the defending of the Pope his quarrell : would rather make me a Traitour then a Martir , & that my cause would sooner prooue high Treason , then true Religion . For remembring the cause and effect of the Pope his excommunicating of her Maiestie : I found it was nothing els , but to disposesse her of her Crowne & Royaltie , & that Doctor Moorton , a man of little learning , and lesse Diuinity , after that he came into England to publish the same , who trauelling all the North partes : gaue authority generally vnto all the Priestes , to perswade her Ma. Subiects , as well in foro conscientiae , as in foro exteriori , ( as they tearme it ) to withdrawe their naturall obedience from their Prince , and to prepare them selues for rebellion . What effect this Excommunication wrought : the sequell declared by the Northen rebellion . I remembred also , that Pope Gregorie that succeeded him : dealt a great deale more subtilly , & more dangerously then his predecessour , for wheras Pope Pius had excommunicated her Ma. openly : Gregory the 13. dispensed with all Papists , that it might be lawfull outwardly to professe obedience , and to acknowledge her Ma. their lawfull Queene & Soueraigne : and yet inwardly to retayne a traiterous minde , and to practise all the tretcheries against her that they can . Examples of this matter I need not produce : the actions and confessions of such as haue been executed for their treasons , can well witnes . I considered more ouer , the sending of Saunders into Ireland , with a company of strangers for an inuasion , & how that Stukeley had beene imployed to the same purpose , had he not been as false to the Pope , as he was to his Soueraigne . These & the like considerations , at what time I was first committed prysoner into the Counter , made me to suspect mine owne cause , & quarrell that I had taken in hand , and God assisting mee with his grace , I humbled my selfe , and did write a Letter of submission vnto an honorable Counseller of this Realme , vnto whom I dyscouered my knowledge of such vile & horrible practises , as I did knowe to be intended against her Ma. and the state . I dislyked the Pope & his Religson , that noseled men vp in such abhominanable treasons , and desired to be better enstructed in matters of faith and saluation , and that I might come vnto a more true and godly profession , then before I was brought vp in . My petition was fauourably accepted , I was not only pardoned mine offences : but I was also restored into grace and fauour : And thys was the first time .

Thus hauing declared the first & principall cause , that moued me to forsake the Pope and to exchange my religion : I shall in a woord or two set downe the causes that made mee to fall backe againe , the which ( next vnto the prouidence of almightie God , that so had appointed it ) was , as I breefly repeated in my recantation , my corrupt affection : For hauing all the dayes of my life been trayned vp among Papists , enstructed in their Schooles , and hearing continuallye their Sermons , reading their Bookes , and giuing my minde little or nothing vnto the studie of holy Scriptures , refusing alwayes either to heare or to read any thing that might contrary my first conceiued opinion , and hauing all my freendes & acquaintance of the Papists parte , thinking that I should be left desolate and naked when I were departed from them , and hauing more regard vnto the shame & obloquie of the world , for altering my religion , then vnto the testimony of a good conscience for my godly and wel doing , and not being so thankfull vnto almightie God for so great a benefit receiued , as I ought , or so carefull to preserue my selfe from the daunger of falling into the like offence agayne , not hauing my soule thorowlye clensed from the dregges of corrupt affection : And falling into the companye of such , as I could not bee but greatly endangered by them , partly by perswasion , and partly by flatterie , partlye by fayre promises , & partly by intreaty : I was at the length so bewitched , as ( forgetting my dutie vnto God , my allegeance vnto my Prince , and looue vnto my Countrey ) I condiscended to returne vnto the Pope agayne , and then God with-drawing from me his grace : I was not so well minded before , as I became nought & corrupt afterward , nor did not so well acknowledge a truthe , shew a repentaunce , and make a submission : as I endeuoured afterward to heape lye vpon lye , in slaundering of my selfe , in defending the Pope , and in vndooing of all the good which before I had doone . In the which minde , after that I had framed an Epistle vnto her Ma. for to excuse the Pope , his Seminarie Priests , and to father slaunders on my selfe & other men , and had written an Apologie and other Libels to that effect , I was speedilie conuaied out of the Realme , thinking first to haue trauailed to Rheames , and afterwarde to Rome . And directing first my course into Scotlande , ( for that I feared to finde anie secure passage at any English Porte ) I came to Leeth of purpose , there to take shypping for Fraunce , but finding no passage readie , I tooke the next opportunitie offered mee in a Flie-boate to Hamborough , in the which after I had sayled fiue or sixe daies , and comming neere vnto lande , behold , there happened such a suddaine tempest & storme , that neither Maister Mariner , or passenger , thought euer that hee shold haue escaped drowning . I seeing the imminent perrill and danger , I called to memorie the dysobedient fact of Ionas , who beeing commaunded of God to goe vnto Nin●uie , transported himselfe towardes Tharsis : who with the like tempest was punished of almightie GOD for his transgression ; I applyed the example vnto my selfe , I thought I had greeuouslie offended in forsaking my Countrey , & falsifying my faith vnto GOD and my Prince I vowed , that if it would please God to deliuer mee from that present danger , and to saue the whole company that they might not perrish for mee , I woulde desist my purposed iourney , and returne againe into Englande with what perril soeuer . To be short , it pleased God to heare my petition wee came safe to Hamborough , where after I had remained awhile , I repayred vnto her Ma. Comissioners that were come thether , who can beare witnes of my repentaunce . Not long after , I came back of mine owne accord into England , and submitted my selfe vnto her Maiesties mercie . Her highnes graciouslie pardoned mine offence , and so was I restored vnto grace againe , and this was the second time .

Good Lord , what should be the cause of my fall againe ? O altitudo diuitiarum sapientiae et scientiae Dei . O wonderfull depth of Gods profounde Iustice and iudgments . My time was not yet come that I was to bee called effectuallie , something yet remained that God would haue perfected and doone , for the further aduauncement of his glorie , for the which hee permitted me to fall more miserably than before I had done . And like as Peter became worse & worse in the denying of his Maister , and neuer repented him vntyll Christ looked backe vppon him againe : euen so became I worse then euer before I had beene , and was past all hope almost of repentaunce , had not Christ looked backe vppon me in the very last moment of time : for being fallen into the peruersitie of my former opinion , neither feare of death , shame of the world , long imprisonment , could once alter mee , but if I had beene called vnto my tryall anie time within halfe a yeere after , I had I thinke , died as obstinatlie as anie before me had doone . Howe it pleased God at the last to conuert me , I haue set downe in my recantation , I neede not heere report it againe , & thus much I thought good to make a supplie of that , which if time had permitted me , shoulde haue beene deliuered at such time as I made my publike recantation : the which once I had thought altogether to haue concealed , but that I remembred , that Secretum Regis abscondere , bonum est , opera autem Dei reuelare , honorificum : that is , To conceale the secret of the King , is a good thing , but to manifest the wonderfull workes of almightie God , is a most honorable thing . Now come I to the second cause , to giue thee ( Gentle Reader ) a fuller satisfaction , that my former recantation hath beene doone without all hypocrisie or dyssimulation .

As my recantation was publicke , and before an honourable , worshipfull , and woorthy assembly , so I hope that their harts were so mooued , that most of them we●e enclined vnto pittie & compassion , howbeit , such as heard me not , & shall onely peruse this dombe Letter . I knowe not howe they may stande perswaded of my true and faithfull meaning , and the more hardlie they may be incensed against me , when perhaps they shall heare of my former Lybelles and Letters written in the defence of the Pope , and all Seminarie Priests , at such time as I was returned vnto the Pope again ; that hauing written so vehementlie in their behalfe , in reproofe of my selfe and myne owne confessions , with protestations that all that I had doone , was but in deepe hypocrisie & dyssimulation : and now affirming the cleene contrary , may yet suspect me of double dealing , and stand in doubt what to beleeue . For if I did saie true then , I must dissemble now : and if I saie true now , I coulde not but write falshoode then . For thy better satisfaction in this point ( good Christian Reader ) least thy good opinion of mee might be carried awaie by the fraudulent practise of the enemie againe , I haue sette downe the true causes that moued me first to reiect the Pope , hoping that they be such , as no honest or good man may denie them : which beeing found to be true in the sight and knowledge of euery man , I leaue it then for the indifferent Reader to iudge , whether I had iust cause to forsake the Pope as I did , & whether I haue written anie slaunder against him . His dooings beeing far worse then that I haue alreadie spoken , and whether I had good cause to suspect his religion , sith that our Sauiour saith , That euerie Tree is knowne by his fruite , and the fruites that the Pope yeeldeth , beeing nothing els but horrible practises and Treasons , I see not but that the Tree ( as I said in my recantation ) together with the body and braunches , is to be hewen downe .

As for my Lybels and writings that I haue penned and made in his defence , the more they rome with protestations , the more a wise man hath cause to suspect them ; for surelie they come all from that foule spirit which first was throwne out , and beeing returned againe , he brought seauen worse then him selfe to hold more sure possession . But consider ( good Christian Reader ) the wonderfull power and mercy of almightie GOD , in this one onely thing . Had I beene assured that I had setled my former fayth and Religion vppon a stable grounde , had not my conscience cryed out against mee , at what time the finger of GOD did effectuallie touch mee , woulde I ( thinke you ) after that I had wilfully forsaken the fauours and mercies of my Prince , the libertie of my Countrey , the possibilitie of preferments , and after I had so desperatlie committed my selfe vnto the open shame and obloquie of the world , to the daunger of death , & in the extreamitie of sicknes when I could hope for no life , haue repented mee of that which I had doone , and make such a ditection of my faulte , & such a publique recantation as I haue doone , verilie I thinke no wise or reasonable man woulde euer thinke it ; and therfore , if this be not a sufficient and a strong argument to prooue my vnfained repentaunce , I can but crie with the Prophet , Iudica me Deus , er discerne causam meam , Iudge me O Lorde , and dyscerne my cause . I can but referre the matter vnto thee heauenlie Iudge , that in the latter day must iudge me and all man kinde : and thus much touching the fulnes of satisfaction .

Now lastlie I thought good to sette out this Praeface for to encounter the enemie , who as I heare , hath published in Print my former Lybels , subscrybed with mine owne hande , for the which I giue by these presents al the world to vnderstand , that whatsoeuer I haue written heeretofore in the defence of the Pope , it hath beene in the time of my seduction , in the zeale of Papistrie , and therefore those wrytings are not to bee regarded of anie wise or godlie person . And truelie the Papists haue deceiued themselues in the publishing of those Pamphlets : for , if Charitie coulde not haue perswaded them to conceale them , me thinkes that policie shoulde , for they doe but minister matter vnto me to aunswer them , wherin I shall be constrained to lay open their nakednes , which otherwise I thought to haue couered , & they heape moe coales on their owne heads then they bee aware of . I saie no more at this time , vntill I vnderstand further what they haue doone . And thus hauing absolued so much as I thought necessarie to ad by waie of Praeface , I doe referre thee ( gentle Reader ) vnto the Recantation it selfe , crauing pardon if I haue troubled thee ouer long . From my chamber at S. Katherins the 31. of December . Anno. Domi. 1588.

Your paenitent Countryman and wel-willer in the Lorde , Anthony Tyrrell .

❧ The recantation or abiuration of Anthonie Tyrrell : &c.

COnsidering the notorious & outragious trespasse , after so many mercifull remissions , that not many monthes passed , I publiquelie committed at this place ( right honourable , worshipfull , and welbeloued ) in the dispersing of certaine infamous Lybels , to the great dishonor of almighty GOD , contempt of true Religion , displeasure of my Prince , scandall and offence vnto all good and godly Christians , reioycing of Gods enemies , and mine own eternall rebuke and infamie : I was a fearde least that my name for euer had béene blotted out of the Booke of life , and that no place had béene left mee in thys world for true repentance .

But beholde , such hath béene the effect , as I hope , of some mens good prayers , such hath béene the great fauour shewed me , in the tolleration of my leude and haynous fact , such hath béene the excéeding clemencie of my gracious Prince and Soueraigne : but aboue all , such hath béene the infinite mercie of almighty GOD , in the renuing and perfecting this act of my conuersion , that I doo not onely inwardlie féele an assured hope of Gods euerlasting pardon & forgiuenes , but outwardly also , I séeme to sée a most comfortable resemblaunce that all you , which haue had iust cause to hate and contemne me , will yet be mooued with compassion .

May it please you therefore to vnderstande , that I am come hether ( as GOD is my witnes ) not of anie compulsion , or for feare of any temporal punishment , or hope of worldly preferment : much lesse induced thereunto by anie false hypocrisie or dissimulation , but onely the frée mercy of almightie GOD so moouing me to confesse my fault , to craue forgiuenes , to renounce those errors that I haue holden & mayntained from my childhoode , of the Sinaguoge of Sathan ( I meane of the Church of Rome ) and to reunite my selfe vnto the auncient Catholique and Apostolique Church of Christ , whereof this Church of England is a part , béeing purged and reformed of all herisie , Idolatrie , and superstition .

But , least you shoulde meruaile by what wylfull follie I was seduced , or rather by what madnes I was mooued to fall into that Apostacie , hauing twise before renounced the Pope , that I woulde so impudentlie returne vnto him againe : To yéeld you some satis-faction in that point , these may bee also to lette you vnderstand , that the chéefest cause , as néere as I can coniecture , was the wonderfull prouidence of almighty GOD , who suffered mee to fall into the profound depth of all iniquitie , that the bottomles depth of my extreame miserie , might call and cry for succor and helpe vnto the bottomlesse depth of Gods infinit mercie , and that out of that huge heape and masse of sinne , shame and confusion , wherein most miserablie I had enwrapped my selfe , he might pick out matter for to set foorth the honor and glory of his holy name . For such is the goodnes of almightie God , that he suffereth no euill so great to be committed , but that hee worketh out some great goodnes of the same , eyther in shewing his iust iudgment and iustice in the punishing of sinne , or his excéeding mercie and clemencie in the pardoning of sinne , or his omnipotent power , that he alone out of such euill causes , is able to produce these notable and good effects .

Perhaps also he would that I should be an example vnto other men of his iustice and of his mercie : of his iustice , that no man presume of his owne power and strength , least that he fal as miserably as I haue doone : of his mercie , that no man dispayre , bee hys offences neuer so gréeuous and manie , for were hee drowned and dead in sinne , GOD is able to reuiue him againe ( as hee hath doone me ) whose name bee praysed for euermore .

Let me yet if you please , adde another cause which more properlie concerneth my selfe , which was mine owne peruerse and corrupt affection . For béeing by the great mercie of almightie God , safely brought out of Sodome , and that mine eyes were opened , & that I did behold & sée the manie deformities of the Church of Rome , yet corrupt affection , brought mee to gyue eare vnto false perswasion , and false perswasion made me most miserablie with Lots wife to looke backe againe . For hauing béene brought vp all the dayes of my life in Papistrie , and trained in the Schooles of the Papists , whereby my knowledge was greatlie peruerted with the groundes of their Religion , it could not be , but that I must néedes bee infected with a great contagion , and according vnto the saying of the Poet : Quo semel est imbuta recens , Horat. seruabit odorem testa diu : With what liquor a new vessell first is seasoned , of the same it will haue a taste a long time after . So , my vessell , hauing in mine infancie euen to these late yéeres , béene filled with no other liquor then that I had drunke out of the Church of Rome . I was the more easily corrupted when I did fall into the companie of Papists againe . And not beeing so thankfull vnto almighty GOD for the benefite of his grace as I should , nor so carefull to conserue my selfe from the danger of sinne : out of one sin GOD suffered me to fall into another , insomuch as peccatum for the most part est causa et paena alterius peccati : one sin is the cause and punishment of another : and beeing fallen into an extreame obstinacie , with what furious madnes I came hether vnto the Crosse , it is not vnknowne , howe héere I behaued my selfe , there were many eye witnesses , from hence I was carried vnto Newgate , where I gloried in that I had doone , from thence vnto the Counter in Woodstréet , where I remained twentie foure wéekes close prysoner in that obstinacie , that no perswasion or good entreatie could conuert me : in so much as if in all that time I had béene called vnto my tryall , as many of my qualitie and condition haue béene , I thinke verilie that I had ended my life as obstinatlie as any of them .

Sed nouit Dominus qui sunt eius , GOD knoweth who are his chosen , and whome God hath determined to saue , no man can take from him .

Behold , I was during the time of mine imprysonment , visited by the hand of God with an extreame sicknes , I languished of the infirmitie vnto the verie death : for , so manie as did beholde me in my greate maladie , thought that I shoulde neuer haue escaped with life : at that time , I hadde all the consolations and comforts that Papists could yéeld mee , and some that shal be nameles , comforted me with the Popes pardons & Indulgences , saying : that I was a happy man , and that my name should be memorable among the Papists when I were dead and gone .

But all these consolations at that time , coulde nothing at all comfort mee : I remembred what was written , Maledictus homo qui confidit in homine , Cursed is hee that putteth his trust in man , and hath not his confidence in God alone . It pleased the Lorde to touch me with remorse , I lifted vp my soule vnto Iesus Christ the Sauiour of mankind : I cried with the Prophet Dauid , Peccaui : and behold , Transtulit Dominus peccatum meum , God hath pardoned & forgiuen me my sinne : and therefore I may verie well conclude with the Prophet , and say : A Domino factum est istud , et est mirabile in oculis nostris , Thys is the Lords dooing , and it is meruailous in our eyes .

Thus haue you hearde a breefe confession of my fault , the causes of my fall , and the wonderfull mercy of almightie God in raysing me vp againe . May it please you with the like patience , to fauoure mee in hearing of the rest , and I shall dispatch it with al the breuitie that I can .

And first of all as touching mine errours that I haue to renownce . I must confesse that I did neuer holde any in perticuler , but those generall groundes of false doctrine which all Papists for the most parte doo holde , which for that they are many and almoste innumerable , I knowe not better where I may begin then by setting the Axe vnto the roote of the Trée , that euery Tree that bringeth not foorth good fruite , together with the body and braunches may bee hewen downe .

The Trée of all iniquitie is the Pope , the roote from whence springeth all false doctrine , heresie and sedition , is his vsurped Primacie . For , whilst hee may gouerne like a God vppon earth , hee forgetteth ●hat there is any God in heauen . Hys pryde in thys ●oint is too intollerable , for he clymeth with Lucifer aboue the Heauens , insomuch as the saying of the Prophet Esay may very well bee applyed vnto hym , which although it be meant of Nabuchodonozor , yet is it not vnproperly applyed vnto this his Cosen Germaine , the wordes are these : Ascendam super altitudinem nubium , et similis ero altissimo : I will ascende aboue the height of the Clowdes , and I will bee like vnto the most highest . Who ascendeth aboue the Clowdes if not the Pope , who extendeth his authoritie aboue the Heauens ? Dooth not hee alone canonize Saints ? Doth not he alone make Martyrs , bee they neuer so rancke and wicked Traytors ? He maketh himselfe coequall with GOD , in forgiuing and pardoning of sinne , hee alone hath power and authority to censure the holy Scriptures , for they are not Canonicall without his making : they may haue no other interpretation but of his allowing . His Decrées , Definitions , Traditions and Ceremonies , are of equall credit with the holy Scripture , for wee are bounde to beléeue them vpon paine of damnation , as well as the other . Hee alone hath the kéeping of the Churches Treasure , which , as they say , consisteth of the merits of Christ and of his Saints : wherein hée committeth an horrible blasphemie , to make the Saints coparteners with Christ in the act of our Redemption . What shall néede many wordes , he is the contayner of all trueth , he cannot erre , so that the resolution of the Papists fayth doth depende vppon the Pope alone . If any Papist doo obiect and say , that I say vntruelie , for that they grounde their Fayth vppon the definition of the Church , I woulde but aske them what Church they meane , surely they meane not the vniuersall Church of Christ , but the perticuler Church of Rome ( if that may be called a Church that is infected with so great a contagion ) and who I pray you is the Gouernour and Ruler of the Churche but the Pope alone ? As for the Generall Counsels whereof they bragge so much , it is a most vaine and friuolous thing . For no Counsell can be called without the Popes sommoning , and no Counsell can bee of authority without his confirming : so that the full resolution of any doubt in doctrine dependeth vppon the Pope alone , be he neuer so vnlearned , neuer so wicked a man .

O vnhappy Church that resteth vpon such a one . From hence procéeded all my errours in doctrine whatsoeuer : for , whilst I grounded my fayth vppon the authoritie of the Pope , I had small regarde or none at all vnto the holy Scripture , I cared not although I wanted prooues for my doctrine out of the worde of GOD , it was sufficient that I coulde say thus it is set downe by the Pope , thus wee must beléeue : and therefore the Popes Diuinitie may well be called positiue , for it is set downe after his owne fashyon . From hence , procéeded my error of the Masse , that it was a sacrifice propitiatorie for the quick and the dead . From hence , my error of transubstantiation , that the Sacrament of the Lords Supper was to he administred vnto the Laie people vnder one kind , That the publique seruice of the Church was to be celebrat in an vnknowne tongue . That there were fiue Sacraments more then euer Christe did institute . From hence , procéeced my doctrine of Purgatorie , Pardons , Prayer for the dead and satis-factitions . From hence , inuocation of Saints , worshipping of Images , and Pylgrimages did procéede , with many other absurdities too long héere to repeate . Let it suffise , I beseeche you , that in one worde I renownce the Pope and all his doctrine , who for that hee hath mounted so high with the King of Babylon , it cannot be but that the like pryde wil haue the like like fall , and therefore I wyll recyte but hys fall , and there I will leaue him . It followeth in the Prophet , Veruntamen ad infernum detraheris , in profundum laci , Notwithstanding , thou shalt be drawne downe to hell vnto the bottome of the Lake : from the which good Lorde deliuer mee and all good men . And thus much of my errors that I doo renounce .

Hauing by Gods prouidence emptied my vessell of this vnsauorie liquor , may it please you in a word to vnderstand , what liquor I haue receiued in , ( for as the Philosopher sayth : Non est vacūm in rerum natura , ) The liquor therefore that I haue receiued surely is no other , then that which I haue drawne out of the pure Fountayne of Gods most holie word . And I beléeue that all things necessary for mans saluation , are sufficiently contained in Gods most holie word , and that no man is bound to beléeue as an Article of hys Fayth , any other doctrine then is expressed in holy Scripture , or by necessary consequence may be deduced out of the same . And because I would not séeme to be carried from hence foorth wyth anye perticuler spyrite , I doo firmely assent vnto all those Articles of Religion which haue béene set downe by the common consent of the learned Clergie of thys Realme , vnto the which , for that I doo find them in all poynts agréeable vnto Gods most holy worde , I haue most willingly subscribed , and shall defend them God wylling , against all the aduersaries whomsoeuer . And thus much as touching my present beléefe of doctrine .

Nowe lastly it remaineth , that I doo aske perticuler and publique forgiuenes according to the persons against whom , and according to the quallitie of the offence wherein I haue offended . And heere I must confesse to the greater honor of almighty God , that I haue had manie and vehement temptations to hinder me from this action of repentaunce , but the temptations béeing but worldly and fleshly , with the sword of Gods spirit I haue cut them a sunder vnto nothing , and against the shame of the worlde I haue learned to say , Melius est confundi in hoc saeculo , quam in futuro , Better it is to be confounded in this world , then in the worlde to come . And against pryde and haughtines of minde , ( the which temptations dyd much molest me ) I haue learned to say with Augustine , Melior est in malis factis humilis confessio , quam in bonis , superba gloriatio , Better it is when a man hath doone euil , humblie to confesse his fault , then proudly to vaunt of any good deed . And rather I had with the penitent Publican confesse my selfe an open sinner , then with the proude Pharisey to proue my selfe a lyer .

I doo therefore in all humilitie prostrate my selfe first before the mercy seate of the omnipotent Maiestie , crauing pardon and forgiuenes from the bottom of my hart for my many sinnes and offences . Secondly , of the Quéenes most excellent Maiestie , my gratious Lady and dread Soueraigne , whose great mercie and clemencie towards mee , I haue ouermuch abused . First , by liuing fifteene yeeres beyonde the Seas among her Maiesties professed enemies , and foure yeres hauing béene of the Romaine Seminary , from whence I was sent by the Pope and the Iesuites into this her Maiesties Realme . Eyght yeeres I haue conuersed and raunged vppe and down within her Maiesties Dominions as a Seminary priest , ( except some small time that I had beene in pryson ) to sowe the seede of sedition & of false doctrine , and to gaine as many of her Maiesties Subiects vnto the Pope as I coulde . Yet must I protest that I coulde neuer in my life be induced to consent vnto any treacherous practise against her Maiesties person , and that alwaies it gréeued mee , when I did heare her Maiestie mistermed , or vnreuerently spoken of at anie time . I must confesse that I was priuie vnto a great part of the Treason of Ballard and Babyngton , and I discouered my knowledge thereof vnto an honorable Counseller of this Realme : but , after that I was fallen vnto the Pope againe , for the sauing of his credite and his Seminarie Priestes , I denyed all againe , and therfore I doo craue of her Maiesty pardon and forgiuenes againe and againe .

Thirdlie , I aske forgiuenes of the right reuerend Father in God , my Lord Archbishoppe of Canterburie his grace , for that I haue abused his fatherly goodnes with deepe dyssimulation .

Fourthlie , I most humblie craue pardon and forgiuenes of the right honorable my especiall good Lord , the Lorde high Treasurer of England , whose godlie expectation of me , by my sinister and leude dealinges I haue ouermuch abused , and yet his honor alwaies recompensed myne euill with good againe .

Fiftly , I craue pardon and forgiuenes of this honourable , worshipfull , and worthy assemblie . Finallie , of all the world , and especially of all my déere and louing Countreymen , and those whom I haue anie manner of waies deceiued with anie corrupt or peruerse doctrine , praying GOD to conuert them as he hath conuerted me , that I with them , and they with me , may liue together in the Kingdome of Heauen . Most humbly beséeching you , right honorable , worshipfull and the rest , to open the bowels of your compassyon to me , and that you wold not so much respect what mannner of man I haue béene , as to consider what nowe by the grace of GOD I am , and by the same grace shall so continue .

If it may please you to vouchsafe me this my first petition , that euer I requested at your hands in this publique manner , I shal be so carefull by Gods grace to conserue so great a benefite , as I hope neuer to trouble you in the like againe .

It pleased GOD the last Sunday , to reioyce your harts at the conuersion of a sinner , which ioy that then was made , did represent the ioy in Heauen . I hope that he shall reioyce your harts againe to day , and I pray God you may so reioyce your harts euery day , vntill wee come vnto that compleat and perfect ioy , where we may ioy for euer , and say , Haec est dies quam fecit Dominus , exultemus et laetemur in ea , This is the daie which the Lord hath made , let vs reioyce & be merrie therein . God that hath enclyned my harte vnto repentaunce , I hope wil also encline your harts to yéelde forgiuenes . To his Maiestie , béeing thrée persons in Trinitie and one in vnitie , be all honour , prayse , glorie and dominion , bothe nowe and euermore . Amen .

God saue the Queene . Haec omnia superscripta vere et non ficte , ex animo et corde fuisse dicta , testis est mihi Deus : manuque propria sunt exarata . Anthonius Tyrrell .