WEll ouertaken ( neighbour BALTHASAR ) where haue you bin this longe tyme ? for I haue not seene you in your shoppe these 3. or 4. dayes .

I have bin washing , shauing , and triming ; in the Countrye .

Then I trust you can tell vs of some good newes ? for men say all newes are to be heard of at a Smyths Forge , a Barbers shopp , or at a mill .

Verely I can heare of little or no good newes in the Contry to be had , wherefore I pray you neighbour Benion , tell me in sadnes , what doe you heare ?

Suerly ( neighbour ) I can tell you of very good newes , wherat ( I trust to God ) we all shall reioyse , & this is the matter : I came no sooner into the Citty , and had gotten a Chapman for my buttons , ( but in comming by a Smiths Forge ) I heard say : there was a worthy Parlament appoynted and a gratious day set , wherin ( euery man , conserning his religion ) should be permitted freely to speake without any lett , or interruption : and also heard without any perceality , And then whosoeuer hath the best on his syde , in the Trueth ; it was concluded that his religion should take place , he preferred of the Kinge : and the Trueth set vp aboue all .

But ( tell me ) is that possible ?

Yea truly , but what would you saye if I were there present , and hearde all the same parley , euen from the beginning to the end .

Suerly I would say then that this Realme should be most happy of all nations vnder the Sonne , yea and moreouer that the Lord would blesse and prosper such magistrates in all things that they tooke in hand : Now therefore I pray thee tell me more of this matter , but wast thou in deed from the beginning to the end of this parley ?

I heard al that was there spoken and concluded amongst them .

What were the company there assembled , canst thou tell ?

Yea : For there was none that sate in Iudgment , vnlesse they were of great dignity , honour , or worship : Videlicet .

1. The Kinge which executeth true judgment without percealety : and he sate vppermost in his royall seate :

2. The Counsell ( which are good aduouching alwayes therunto ) & they sate next vnto him .

3. The Lords Spiritual ( who are zelous for the trueths cause ) and were placed next them .

4. The Lords Temperall who are redy to defend the Trueth ) and they were placed next them .

5. And lastly the comons ; who are redy to liue therin : ( euery one of these aforesayd , so much as they may attayne grace therto of the Lord ) and they sate in the nethermost roome .

Such a one as in lyke maner feared the Lord , and is desyerous that all things mought be done for the best according to Gods will .

Then ( first of all ) I pray thee let me heare what the speaker sayd : and what matters were their cheifly handled by him conserning the effect o● principall causes of theyr assembly for it should seeme ( by this thy saying that there were matters handled of great importance ?

These or the lyke so farre as my memory would serve me were the words of the speaker .

SPEAKER . For as muche as I at this tyme ( although vnmeet therunto ) am appoynted to speake before the Kings highnes , as also before you all Right , high Honorable , an● worshipfull here assembled , in matters appertayning to a common welth , sowell for soule as body . Therefore must I first of all in most humble wise craue perdon of his Majestie , and also of all you Honorable , and worshipfull in this audience that if any thing chaunce ( for the want of skill audacitie , or wisdom ) to escape my mouth , it may be taken to the best according to my good meaning . Thus it is ò most renoumed Prince , and you Honorable Lords Spirituall & temperall , together whith you worshipfull , and commons of this present Parlament here assembled & also be it knowne vnto you all : That the cheif and principall thing wherethrough all Nations , Kingdoms , Princes , People , and commonwelths are vphoulden , kept , and preserved from harmes and destruction is God , which God therefore , ought ( of all Nations , Kingdoms , and People ) most cheifly and aboue all other things to be feared , loued , obeyed , honored & served . And seeing that your calling is cheifly to that end : also that all your cares and Industryes is now gratiously bent therunto , in somuch as this honorable assembly is come together there about : I beseech you therefore ( in the name of the same liuing God ) to heare me For as-much as it is not vnknowne vnto the Kings highnes , as also to the honorable , and worshipfull here assembled , that although the scriptures haue bin ( to the same effect aforsayd : most plentifully read vnto the People these many yeres according to the Kings appoyntment and good intention yet not-withstandinge we see that the liues of the People ( for the most part ) are become worse and worse , ( sowell among the learned , as among the layhood ) and the cause is for that the Preachers themselues , doe not desyer to become such as they would frame theyr hearers to be ▪ And not that alone but also by thAt meanes ) and for the want of obedience ; there are spr●ng vp , sondry sect ; and sortes of religions here among vs at this daye so thatt euery one ( being notwithstanding contrary mynded one towards an other ) will haue his owne for the best yea although they must all needs graunt , that there is but one onely trueth [ it would be to long to resyte how many haue bin deceiued and are yet , through superstition and Idolatry , likewise how many ( in these ) haue taken to their selues A freedom and liberty of lyfe in comitting wickednes ] out of their miscōrstuing of holy scriptures . And more ouer how m●ny haue bin expulced the vniuersities for their dissobedience ▪ forsaken heir benefice and exhibition gathered together their conventikles , Pr●ached false and sedicious doctrine , ronne here and there ●here ●hey myght be hearde , an●●atinge the People against obedience , due to the goo● , manly , 〈◊〉 . 2. and po●e●ke lawes and ordinances of theyr Prin●es and gouernours : A●●ik●●ise wh●t ●●●s●●g vp of tumults : wh●t murdering and ●on●um●ng one of an other is come to ●●●e daylie ( in other lands ) therabout : videlicet about religion & the True●h , it woulde be , I say , too long to re●vie for s●eedy reformation wherof , a●d that the lyke inconuenience in al● ( whi●h God forbid ) co●e not to pass● with in this Land , but rather may in tyme ( through your good providen●e and Noble wisdoms in the Lord ) before seene and peruented . May it therefore please the Kings Majestie , the Lords Spirituall and Temperall together with the worshipfull and commons here assemb●ed , to let proclamation go forth into all coasts of the Land , and that it be permitted and graunted , of euery Religion one ( at the least ) to come into the pe●lament house , there to speake freely his mynd conserning the Trueth , and the effect or ground of his religion . And when eueryone hath sayd his mynde , and your princely wisdome aduisedly and deeply ) considered therof , as which of them all shall go nearest the Trueth : So may you then doe your best in the Lord that the Trueth onely may take place for as-much as God ( who alone is worthy of all honour ) is a spirit , and wil none otherwise be honored saue in spirit and Trueth . And thus , to th end all enuy , contencion and disobedience , mought once seace amongst vs ( that now boast so much of ●hristianity ) and that all godly loue obedience , vnity , peace and concord , in the Trueth , myght come in place , whereby God myght rightly be honored , Iesus Christ myght faythfully be beleeued , the King and you all that beare authority ; dutifully obayed ▪ the People that are vnder you become blessed : and the common welth alwayes florish to your euerlasting fame : ] I make an end . Referring all thing here spoken to the Lord , and your wisdomes to consider of , and so I committ you to God and to his good tuicion , who is well able to endow you with his heauenly wisdom or holy spirit for to doe in all , his wil Amen . And so he ended .

This was no doubt a maruellous good waie for to bring all to one vniformity of Religion , as also for to fynde out the Trueth : [ if so be the King & majestrates , when they haue harde all spe●ke ; can discerne the Trueth and true religion from all others ] which thing they may easily doe when as the Lord shall see it good , for as much as the Trueth is playne , and seeketh no corners , and they also Gods Ministers appoynted to that end , but yet thou hast not tolde me what was sayd to this matter , nor what ensued therupon .

Then sayd the King this mans consell is very good : let therefore proclamation go forth and let them come before vs [ to wit ] of euery Religion one : and then shall euery one say his mynde freely conserning his Religion , and conserning the Trueth : And ( for my part after I haue heard euery one speak , and aduisedly consydered therof according vnto the Trueth of the Scriptures , I wil by the grace of God giue true Iudgement without perceality because that God ( whose minister I am ) mought rightly be honored in Spirit and in Trueth .

Then spake the Counsell , all at once , and sayd , God saue thee ( ò Kinge ) for euer : For ●e likewise are good advouching thereunto , and therefore wish ( with all our haertes ) that it mought euen-so come to passe .

After that spake the Lords Spirituall and sayd , God blesse the King in his determination , for we also are zealous for the Trueths cause , and therefore woulde gladly that it were manifested .

And then spake the Lords Temperall and sayd , God preserue the King , and graunt him good suckcesse in all that he taketh in hand : for we are redy , to the vttermost of our power , to defend the Trueth , were it once made knowen .

Then last of all spake the commons and sayd , God prosper the King in his good purpose , for wee stand also ready to liue therin , mought we once know certaynlie which were the Trueth .

The God of all Trueth blesse them with his euerlasting blessing : make manifest his Trueth vnto them , and then geve them and vs all grace to liue in the same . But what followed I pray you tel me .

Vpon this the proclamation went forth into all quarters , and therevpon came into the Parlament house 4. men diuersly Apareled : also of sundry myndes or Religions , Videlict A Catholick [ comonly called a Papist . ] A Protestant , [ c●monly called a Liber●in . ] A Puritan [ comonly called a Rebell . ] And a playne Plowm●n whose religion was vnknowen , [ comonly called an Heretique . ]

Now of Fellowship let me heate more of this matter , for there is like alwaeys to i●sue some good sporte , where so many Players doe resorte .

After such tyme as they all ( kneeling vpon their knees ) had craued perdon , and lisence euery man to speak freely his mynde , without any interruption , for the profe of his Religion , and the manifesting of the Trueth , and that free liberty was graunted them . Then was it concluded also , that the Catholick shoulde speake first , next after him the Protestant , 3. the Puritane , and last of all the playne Plowman .

Suerly this was excellent wel , now then ( as thou louest me ) let me heare what good stuffe the Catholique coulde bring for his old rusty Religion .

Then the Catholique after his humble submission made to the K. and to the Honourable and worshipfull there assembled ) he sayd .

Most Noble Prince , & you all most Honourable & worshipfull audience : In as much as you haue most graciously graunted me to speake for my Religion and the Trueth , so I most humbly beseech you all to heare me : Be it knowne vnto you all that the Catholique generall Religion , had her first foundacion , as it is thought , neare vpon 1● . hundred yeares past , and hath remayned in force [ and no other generall Religion , among the Christians with in Europe , knowen or frequented ] vntill about 80. yeares past , that one Matin Luther ( some●ymes a ffryer ) tooke vpon him , vpon a displeasure taken aganst the Pope , to wryte dispitefully there agaynst : and this our Religion was instituted acc●rding to the holy scriptures by a generall councell of holy Fathers : For after such tyme as they , out of a great zeale towards the Trueth beheeld the increase of all Iniquity amongst the People , in somuch as Chr●st and his doctrine was almost forgotten : yea and more ouer fearing least , in processe of tyme , the Natiuety , Death , and Passion of Christ , together with his doctrine , lyfe and miracles , as also the doctrine , lyfe and miracles of the Prophets , Apostles , Euangilests , and holy fathers , should likewise be altogether forgotten , especially n●w in these last lisencious dayes , wherin they vnderstood , in the Spirite , that all iniquity would abound , lyke as it is come to passe at this day : Then they thought it good to call a generall Councell at the which counsell they ordayned , not without the holy Ghost , the festiuall dayes throughout the yere , like as they yet remayne in the Church at this day ) some in commemoration of Christes Natiuety , some of his circumsicion : some of his Death : some of his Resurrection , and some of his Assention into heauen , &c. Likewise they ordayned other Festiuall dayes in commemoration of the deaths and martirdomes of holy saints , videlicet . Prophets , Apostles , Euangelists Martirs , and confessors , &c. They haue also ordayned holy sacraments and ceremonyes , together with an vniformity of God-service , to be vsed in the Church onely to houlde in memory before the People ( in their right significations ) those holy things which the gospel of Iesu Christ requireth in the Deede ) of all men : and yet notwithstanding were then ( almost of all People ) forgotten : Moreouer they ordayned and established , that the Gospells and Epistles , &c. should be ( as a New Testament ) coadioyned to the olde : and read dayly in the Churches for holy scripture , and so to be taken for euer : they also ordayned and built many Churches for holy vse , Fastings , prayers , Almesdeeds , confession of sinnes , with contricion and satisfaction to be made for the same , with many other good things more which were too longe to resyte : And now ( right noble and honourable audience ) in what Feare , obedience , and reasonablenes the People were houlden ( euen vntill this our last Age ) vnder Catholick Religion , and her sacraments and cerem●nyes , I need not much to speake of , but will rather leaue it to the Iudgmen● and consideration of all those that be wise and of auncient yeares among you , & knew their conuersation : And therefore ( to be shorte ) I hold my Catholique Religion to be of most antiquety , ordayned by the consent of the holy Ghost , and grounded vpon the Trueth And thus I conclude , who soe houldeth vpon the Catholiq Religion ( In his Right Institucion he houldeth vpon the True Religion : And who soe houldeth vpon the Catholique Church houldeth vpon the true Churche : And thus he ended .

Now surely ( neighbour Benion ) if this were his talke , and if this be true which he hath sayd : then this is the Catholique Religion ( as I thincke ) layd on such a ground or foundacion , bringing also with it such antiquety ; that I know not presently to the contrary , but he is lyke to beare a ray the best game , yet would I gladly heare how the protestant could answere this matter .

Then the Protestant ( after humble submission &c. ) sayd : O most excellent Prince together with all you Honourable and worshipfull , let me freely speake before you : It is not vnknowne vnto you all at this present that this Popish Religion [ although I graunt she mought happely haue had some reasonable ground in her first Institution ] hath b●n ( since that tyme ) diuersly & sondry wis● , altred & patched , in somuch as sondry Popes haue added sundry seremonyes , Videlicet . some holy water , some holy bread , some other haue set vp ( as bookes for the vnlearned to looke vpon certaine Images , & some haue graunted that oblations should be made vnto them , some other that sight should be set before them other some haue alowed ( for the vnlearned ) beades for to nomber theyr prayers withall : And some haue likewise ( for monyes cause ) graunted out perdon for sinnes , some in one maner some in an other : yea and their service ▪ wherin they ment to serve God , was in a language that the People vnderstood not [ what should I speaka of Masses , Trentalts , and Dirges to be sung for the Dead Hallowing of Palmes , of Crosses , Churches and Church-yeards , likewise of Christning and hallowing of Bells &c. ] And this superstition continued ( like as he sayd therin right well ) till Mr. Doctor Martin Luther , that famous Clarke , who hath disclosed all their superstition , Idolatry , Couitousnes , and whordome &c. which tyme we God be thancked ) haue had for the most part this our protestant Religion , wherin the Gospell or Trueth is sincearely Preached : all superstition , Idolatry and abhomination altogether put downe , and god service in the mother tongue , so that now euery Carter & Cobler can whistle and sing psalmes , and euery man can reason and talke of the scriptures in euery place freely where they come : yea moreouer euery Bishop and Minister may haue his wife &c. And now ( right honorable Audience . ) what fruites and freedom this our liberty of the gospell hath brought with it , since we began to preach , I need not to resyte : but will referre that and all that I haue sayd , vnto your wisdoms to consider of : Thus I conclude [ Right Noble and worshipfull ] that my Religion ( set out and allowed by the Kinge and his Counsell ) hath his ground and foundacion from Christ and his Apostles , and therefore of greater antiquitie then the Catholike Religion by an hundred yeares and more ▪ and is therefore the best , and the gospell which we preach ( say I : ) that is the Trueth . And therewith he made an end .

Lord haue mercy on vs , what shall we say that are vnlearned , in this troublesome tyme of so many Religions and Opinions ? or whom shal we beleeue ? For now ( if this were his tale , and this be true which he hath sayd : doubtlesse he hath so firmely and groundly sayd his plat forme ( that in myne opinion ) no man liuing can remoue it ▪ or goe beyond him . And therefore I see not to the contrary , but that he must needs goe away with the victory , otherwise I am much deceaued : yet I pray thee let me heare what the other could say ?

Last of all stood vp this playne Plowman [ whose Religion was vnknowen : although he had bin so long tyme ▪ by all these 3 aforsayd suspected & bruted for an Heretique ] And ( falling downe vpon his knees ) he sayd : O most puissant Prince together with all your Honorable and worshipfull in this present Parlament assembled . Are you desyerous ( in this contentious and troublesome tyme , wherin all Iniquity doth abounde and wherin also so many Religions , sects , and opinions , are out of flesh and bloud , entred or taken on among the Children of men ) to vnderstand the best Religion , as also the Trueth , and what thing the Trueth is , to th end that God mought be honoured therin ? Then I beseech you of your clemencie heare me speake .

You haue heard of these 3. ( one being contrary to an other : ) speake the very best that in them was for the aduouching of their Religion and the Trueth : And now as touching the first [ namely the Catholike ] he hath out of a good zeale brought in , so nere as he could conjecture , the first ground of the Catholik Religion , and the long continuance thereof : declaring also that the sacraments , Ioan. 14 a. b c 1. Ioan. 3.4 . a.b.c. signes , ceremonyes , and seruices of the same Church , were ordeyned onely to keepe in memory things passed &c. [ euen like as the seruices and sacraments ceremoniall of the old lawe were in the beginning ordeyned to keepe in memorie things that then were to come &c. Notwithstanding the good life wherevpon all sacraments , signes , ceremonies , or shadowes figuratiue in the Catholik church did point vpon , and which also the holy scripture doe require , and whereout the dutifull obedience towards God and Gouernours doth proceed , ( was of this Catholicke now in these last dayes ) altogether forsaken , rejected and forgotten : ( euen like as it went also in times before with the disobedient and vnbeleeuing jewes , ) & so hath he forsaken the Trueth , whereupon he sayth his Religion was grounded : And therefore the Lorde hath now no pleasure in this Apostated Catholik nor yet in his absurd Religion , wherevpon it is now come to passe that the 2. ( namely this Protestant ) beholding the many-maner abuses and disorderlynesse of life which hath bin now in these latter dayes , found in this Cotholique and his Religion : and for the which no doubt he hath receiued greate chastisment of the Lord , and his Ministers hath declared forth ( to his great reproach ) many of the same abuses before you all very rightly as they were , and moreouer ( out of a great zeale ) hath commended his owne Religion for the best which thou ( O king ) hast now appointed and set vp among vs : Videlicet , the declaring forth of the gospell and holy scriptures among vs . The seruice vsed and read in the mother tongue , to th end all mought heare and vnderstand what is sayd , and then followe the same which is good : as likewise the sacraments & ceremonies ministred in the same tongue , to th end all subjects mought be holden vnder godly and manly obedience , and hue according to the scriptures in one vniformity of Religion according to the kings good meaning therein . Psalm. 1. and. 15.24 . Math. 25. d. ● All these [ say I ] were it accomplished in the deed and in the Trueth is a very good Religion , also were very well sayde of him as out of a singuler good zeale .

Notwithstanding the while this Protestant ( which can readily reproue an other by the scripture ) walketh forth still in all malitiousnes of life ( although he boaste neuer so much of Light , Life , Liberty , Psa. 15. Ioan. 12. g. Rom. 8. b. Math. 7. d. 1. Cor. 6. b. Collo. 3. a. 2. Tim. 3. a. & Freedome by Christe ) he remayneth notwithstanding in darkenes and is the seruant of sinne , or bondslaue of Sathan : ( what should I say of the couitousnes , that worshipping of Images , Enuie , Pride , Extortion , Symony , Vsery , Whoredome together with all maner of Iniquity that now doth abound in this Protestant , so well among the Clergie as the Layetie .

Thus may we see that he likewise in rejecting the good life , Ioan. 14 a. 12. g. Gal. 2. d. Math. 5. 2. Ioan. 4. b. ( which all the holy scriptures , do requier and witnes : and were vpon also all the holy scriptures as also al sacraments , ceremonies , figures or shadowes that good are ) do signifie , figure forth , & point vpon , hath rejected the Trueth . And now beholde I pray you what fruits haue insued since this liberty of life hath bin taken on ? For the longer this Protestant hath preached vnto the people , the worse the liues of the same people are become : Ioan. 8 a 13 a ● . Esd. 16 ● Math. 3.4 . experience hath taught vs : and no maruell , for he [ in forsaking the good life ] hath there withal forsaken the Trueth : and for that cause onelie , the Lorde hath no pleasure in this licencious Protestant , nor yet in his absurd Religion .

And as touching the 3. [ namely the Puritan ] for as much as he will not liue as a subject vnder all good lawes and ordinances of Kings & Magistrates , Rom 13. 1. Pet. 2. 2. Pet. 2. Tit. 3 a. 2. Tim. 3. a. b. 1. Ioan. 3. a. 4. b. Ioan. 14. 1. Ioan. 4. b. and therefore hath ( out of enuious persumption , and rebellious heart ) forsaken the obedience and godlie lyfe , due to God , and gouernors [ notwithstanding it is required of vs all in holy scripture ] so hath he in lyke maner there with all forsaken the Trueth [ it were too muche to name how many honest hearted and true faythfull subjects , to their Prince haue bin , by this Puritan , belyed slaundered , persecuted , and imprisoned , for that they held them to obedience and the good lyfe , like as they were taught : Mala 3.4 . Psa. 50. ● . Ioan. 13. ● . and would neuer consent to his rebellyous doctrine , nor come to his nightly conuentikles : ] and therefore ( although he , out of his great zeale , sought the reformation of the Church , and yet he himself not reformed vnto obedience and godlines of lyfe ) God hath no more pleasure in this disobedient Puritan nor yet in his absurd Religion . 4. Esd. 16. c. Thus you may see Right Noble , 1. Cor. 3. d. Ioan. 8. d. Mar. 8. d. Ioan. 15. a. Ioan. 14. a. Ioan. 8. d. Luc. 8. b. Mar. 4. b. Matth. 13. b. Esa 6. c. Ioan. 12. f. g. Honourable and worshipfull , how euery one , in his way , seeketh religiously after the Trueth , if he myght any way fynde it . And againe you may see also that the Trueth is neuerthelesse , hid from them all . And why ? for ( if we consider of the Scriptures ) vnto all those that walke without the true lyfe , and godly obedience ( which is required in gods holy word ) all things chaunce in similitudes , parables , and closed bookes : because that men should not see with their earthly eyes or myndes , nor heare with their earthly eares or thoughts , nor yet comprehende in theyr darke stony harts , the secrete works of the Holy Spirit of Christ .

Ioan. 14. b.c. 1. Pet. 2. Rom. 13. a. 2. T●● . 3. a For that cause all People that are zelous for Religion , & for the Trueths sake , [ be they what they be , or dwell they where they shall : so they loue God , and desyer to liue vnder obedience to the King and his good lawes ▪ or , at the leastwise , liueth quietly and harmelesly among the People , bearing a true and faithfull heart to the Prince of the Land ] are to be borne withall in their ignorant zeale for Conscience sake , in asmuch as all good gifts proceed from God , yea and moreouer ▪ Math. 13. for that the tyme of haruest is at hand , in the which the Lord will send out his Angels , to gather together the good wheat into his barnes & to burne the weeds with vnquenchable fyer . Ioan. 1. a. b. 14. a. Ioan. 5. c. 6. e. f. Ioan. 17. 2. Ioan. 4. b. For doubtles the Trueth it self ( wherabout men so striue ) is an other maner of thing then flesh and bloud was euer able to fynd out , for it is the louely lyfe , or being of God , or of his holy word , which lyfe is the thing ( as I sayd before ) that all sacrifices , signes , or shadowes in the whole lawe , as also the Sacraments and ceremonyes of the new Testament ordained in the Christian Catholicke Church together with all that the holy scriptures , Ioan. 3. a b. c. d. &c. Ioan. 16. d. e. f 17. c. ●1. c. Gen. 2. b. 3. a. Prov. 3. c. Apo. 2. b. ● Cor. 15. c. Gen. 3. 2 Cor. 1. d. 3. a. b. c. Deut. 1● a. b 1. Tit. 3. a. 1. Pet 2. ● . Cor. 13. Matth. 7. b. Ioan. 13. d. 14 15. Gal. 2. d. e. Ioan ● . ● . Gen. 2 b. ● . a. d 〈…〉 1● a. b c. do ●oynt vpon : signify and requier at all our Hands , I say , once agayne , the louely lyfe of God , or of his holy worde is the very Trueth [ namely Iesus Christ ] It is also the Tree of lyfe that was planted in the beginning in the midst of the Paradise , or Lust-garden of the Lord [ which tree of lyfe , euen like as the first , through the disobedience in the knowledge , hath lost the same : euen so the second man through the obedience in the lyfe , winneth the same agayne ] it is very true : And therefore to liue in Obedience to God and his holy word , also in obedience to the King , and his good lawes and ordinances , and to loue myne neighbour as myne owne selfe , also to deale louingly & vprightly with all men like as I would be dealt with all . is the effect of my religion , grounded vpon the Trueth , which obedience had his originall from Adam , Abell , Seth , Noah , Abraham , &c and is also confirmed by Christ and his Apostles , &c. and therefore shal continue for euer .

Ioan. 13 c. 14 a 15. a. b. c 1. Cor. 13. 2. Ioan. 3. a.b. c. 4 , a.b. Thus I conclude that my Religion , in the good lyfe , goeth beyond them all , so farre as the Heauens from the Earth , or the Light from Darknes , also that all maner of Religious people ( boast they neuer somuch of their Religions , Preachings , Seruices , Sacraments Seremonyes , Freedomes by Christ , or elswhat ) that are found without this obedience to God and Gouernours , Ioan 8. a. 〈◊〉 8 d. ●oan . 14 a b. 1. Cor. 13. Eph 4 a.b. c. 6. b c. Ioan 〈…〉 Colo. 1. c. 2. b. & without this goodlyfe aforesayd ( or at the least haue not any earnest inclination thereto , somuch as they may in the Lord ) the Religion , their God seruice , and all els that they boast vpon , is nothing worth in the Lords sight : and the cause is they haue forsaken the Trueth , which is the flower and beauty of all good Religions ye● , and is all in all .

Now haue I shewed you [ Right High and Honorable : ] the inconfutable ground of my Religion [ which God of his gracious goodnes hath made knowen vnto me , 1 Cor. 13. 2. c. 13. Ioan 13. c. 14. a. b. and for the which I haue bin long suspected ] together with the vnfallible Trueth , wherout all right obedience vnto God and Gouernours proseedeth and wherout also the right repentance appeareth , Gal 2. d. 3. a. b d Ioan. 14 a b. Gal. ● . ● . Colo 1 c. Ioan. 8. d. 15. a. and the true and liuing fayth is alwayes working by loue , so well towards God and Christ , also towards my neighbour : and wherunto I meane [ by the grace of God ] to indevour my self night and day ▪ by prayer and supplication , to th end I mought once attayne to the same Trueth , without the which there is , for me , no Salvation .

Therefore consider hereof aduisedly , I most humbly beseech you ) so many as haue rejected obedience , they haue rejected the true Religion : Eph 4. d. Ioan. ●● . c Ioan. 14 a.b. Hab. 1. a. Gal. 2. d. And so many as haue rejected the holy and godly lyfe , haue rejected & forsaken the Trueth , [ namely Iesus Christ : ] Therefore am I boulde to say ( as vnder correction and submission ) that this ●y Religion , and this Trueth , whereof I haue spoken , being once fast grounded in our myndes and spirits , is the principall good wherein the Lord hath set his whole delight , and wherout he wil onely be honored & serued : Also werunto all Christian and Catholique Religions , Kings , Princes , Magistrates & people ought of right , for evermore to geue place , as one flocke vnder one shepheard : For it is an Euerlasting lyfe , in the which , and through which , we ( being vnited soule and spirit with God the Father shall rise againe ( in this same flesh , ) and liue with Christ our Sauiour , in ioyes everlastingly : It is very True .

And now as I haue here acknowledged ( right High and Honorable , &c before you all ) one onely true Christian Catholik Religion : so let no man from hence forth charge me to be of no Religion , neither yet to be of all Religions , but rather such a one as would good vnto all , [ to wit ] that all religions , in most louing wise ▪ mought be gathered together ( now in these last dayes ) according to the promisses , through the gospell of Iesus Christ , vnto this onely true Religion aforesayd , of faythfull obedience to God & Gouernours , and Trueth towards all men . For then whosoeuer is a right Catholique Protestant or Puritan , and liueth in the sayd obedience and Trueth , I can in no wise disalowe of him , in somuch as I my self indevour me dayly ( by the grace of God ) to accomplish or attayne vnto , with them , that most holy religion of obedience and Trueth : because there mought bee no more , in th end , saue one God , one Christ and sauiour , one Holy Ghost , one Fayth , one Baptisme , one obedience , one Trueth , one Flocke , one shepheard , euen such is my mynd , & so would I bee conceived of , and no other wise ,