The mynd and exposition of that excellente learned man Martyn Bucer, vppon these wordes of S. Mathew: Woo be to the wordle [sic] bycause of offences. Math. xviij. Faythfully translated in to Englishe, by a faythfull brother, with certayne obiections [and] answeres to the same

The mynd and exposition of that excellente learned man Martyn Bucer / vppon these wordes of S. Mathew : Woo be to the wordle bycause of offences . Math. xviij . Faythfully translated in to Englishe , by a faythfull brother , with certayne obiections & answeres to the same .

Mathew . 15. Euerye plante that my heauenly Father hathe not planted , shall be pluckt vp by the rotes .

¶ Printed at Emden . 1566.

¶ To the godlie Reader .

VNderstandinge ( dearly beloued in the Lord Iesus ) by a faithfull brother , of the contention that nowe is in my natiue countrie , concerninge popish apparrell and ceremonies , to the greate greife & sorowe of the godlie , and to the reioysinge of the enemies , ( whiche hopeth dayly for the rest of theyr father dregges ) I thought it mete ( as one wyshing good to my countrie ) to translate the worke of that excellent instrumente of the Lordes vinyarde Martyn Bucer , entreatinge vpon the wordes of our Sauyour , wrytten by S. Mathew in the .xviij chap. sayenge : Woo be vnto the wordle bycause of offences : wherin he declareth not only what an offence is , & how it is taken , but also as occasione dothe serue concerning rites and ceremonies of the churche , to the great comfort of the godlye . Wylling and requyring that ye stand fast in the lybertie , wherwith Christ Iesus hath made you free and wrappe not your selues in the yoke of bondage . For it is not nowe tyme to slippe backe from the lybertie of the Gospell , but manfully to abyde therin , yea euen , though it be with lyfe to confirme the same as worthie souldiars in Christes church , alwaies lokinge for the comyng of our Sauyour Iesus

Thus fare ye well .

The mynd and exposition of that excellente learned man Martin Bucer , vppon thes wordes of Mathew : Woo be to the world , because of offences . Math. xviij .

HEre Christ speaketh not of suche offences as the good are wonte to geue vnto the euill , but of suche as the euill geue vnto the good , or to those that endevour to become good & godlye . These offences ( as may be gathered by the places of scripture which make mencion therof ) are what thinges so euer be spoken or done , geuinge any occasion of synne , either because they are euyll of them selues , or elles because they are not discretly done and accordinge to Christian charitie . For this cause Paul in the .2 . epist. & .6 . chap. to the Corinth . exhortynge vs , that in nothynge we geue occasion of offence , dothe declare by those thinges which he mencioneth by & by after , that then we geue no offence at all , when we approue our selues in all thinges as the ministers of God : that is to say , when we so behaue our selues in all thinges which we either speake or do , that they may make to edification and appeare to be done in the spirite of Christ . Where vppon we may take that to be an offence , the definicion of an offence . what soeuer we say or do that maketh not to the furtherance of Godes glorie and the saluation of our brethren , procedyng of a sound and vnfayned fayth and ordred accordinge to syncere and true loue .

Nowe this mynde and purpose all the wicked haue not , I meane to do all thynges to the glorie of God and the commoditie of men : and therfore not only all that they speake or do may well be called offences , but they themselues also because their whole lyfe is nothinge elles but an offence , are of the Lord hym self before in the .13 . chap. called an offence . Seynge therfore the world is nowe full of such offendors , it is not without great cause that the Lord here saith : It is nedfull that offences should come . For seyng there be so many euill trees , there muste needes be great abundance of euill fruite also . Moreouer euen the verie electe , because they are neuer free from synne , being alwaies compelled to say : Forgeue vs oure trespasses , as we forgyue them that trespasse against vs , do gyue many occasions of offence , when so euer they speake or do any thyng that procedeth not of faith and loue . Therfore Paul exhorteth and beseche those men to beware that they receiue not the grace of God in vayne , geuing occasion of offence to no man . He exhorteth vs also to the same thinge as often as he willeth vs to walke circumspectlie & warely folowing in all thinges the will of God . For we are planted to this ende , that we should beare fruite , and bringe many to true righteousnes and godlines . wherfore yf we committe any thinge either in word or deed , which tendeth not to this ende , we geue therin occasion of offence , and do contrarie to our vocation : and forsakinge the kyngdom of Christ , we promote the kingdome of Sathan : which thinge howe horrible it ys for a Christian man to do , who seeth not ? For this cause S. Paul in the xiiij . to the Rom. and in the .j. epist. & .viij. chap. to the Corint . Vehemently detesteth euen those offences which they that vndiscretly vse the Christian libertie gyue vnto the weake by suche thinges as of themselues in dede are not euyll , but yet are not done accordinge to charitie .

When the newe Testament was confirmed by the bloude of Christ emonges the electe , wher soeuer they were , and of what stocke and kynred so euer they came , and that without any law of ceremonies : then were all rites and ceremonies included in the precepte of loue , & all kyndes of meates and dayes were made then alike . But yet when many of the Iewes were conuerted vnto Christe , theyr faith was more weake then that they durst vse this libertie . They abhorred all such meates as were forbydden by Moses lawe , and specially such as were offered to ydolles : And this was the infirmitie of theyr faith , that they were not persuaded , that to the faythfull nothyng can be vnpure . Nowe , those that of loue had no regard or verie litle , which seeketh in all thinges the saluation of our neighboures , dyd eate all kyndes of meates in the presence of all men , hauyng no respecte to the infirmitie of faith in many , and so they gaue vnto them a dowble offence . For either they caused them through their contempt to fale to variance and discorde with them , or elles they allured them to vse the like libertie , but yet with an vnlike fayth , so that they wold not sticke to eate all kyndes of meates indifferently althoughe theyr consciences dyd perswade them that it was synne so to do . Agaynst the firste offence Paul wryteth Ro. 14. Yf ( saith he ) by occasion of meate thy brother be greued , thou walkest not nowe charitablie . Concernyng the second offence , thus he writeth : albeit he addeth somwhat also touchinge the fyrst : All thinges in deed are pure , but it is euyll for the man that eateth with offence , it is good neither to eate flessh neither to drinck wyne , nor any thinge elles wherby thy brother stumbleth or is offended , or made weake . Wher he saith he stumbleth , I vnderstand that to be spoken of the first kynde of offence , concerning variance and discord . Where he sayth , he is offended : I vnderstande that of the second kynde of offence , in that he vsinge his libertie peruersely , & by his example drawing hym that is more weake to do the same , is to hym as a snare , whyles he geueth hym an occasion to eate that thinge against his conscience , which he iudgeth not to be lawfull . And where he saith , or els is made weake , I iudge that to be spoken of those men , who seing their brother do that thing which ( as they are yet persuaded ) is against the lawe of God , do not turne so farre backe that they will fale to variaunce and contention with them , neither do they follow that with they thynke to be euyll and vnlawfully done : but yet they are greued in the meane tyme , and beare lesse zeale and loue to the gospell and the mainteyners therof , especially such as then vse the liberty therof and this in dede is to be made weake .

Nowe a godly and a charitable brother rather then he would that this should come to passe , ought to auoyd the vse of all vnnecessarie thinges , because the kyngdome of God is not meate and drynke , but righteousnes , peace , and joye in the Holy Goste : Much more ought he then rather neuer to eate fleshe , then by his libertie to geue occasion to his brother so to stumble that he should therby either fale in to an hatred & contempt of hym , or elles contrarie to his fayth and conscience should attempte to do the same thinges that he doth . In deede S. Paul in the first epistle and .8 . chapt . to the Corinth . speakinge of this later kynde of offence , concludeth in this maner : Wherfore , if meate offende my brother , I will neuer eate fleshe whiles the world standeth .

But we must note in all these thinges , that he continually vseth the name of a brother . For of that plante whiche the father hath not planted , that is , of the reprobate , we muste haue no regarde : Whom in dede the more godly you are , the more you shall offende . This therfore muste be our cheife entente and purpose , so to do and order all thynges that they make to the edifyeng of our brethren . So shall it come to passe , that some tymes we shall see cause to vse oure libertie , and some tymes not to vse it . For when wordes are to be approued by deedes , the libertie that is preached must nedes be confirmed with examples . This dyd Peter and Barnabas with certeyne other Iewes very godly at Antioch . And therfore when they dissembled the same agayne for feare of such as came from Iames , Paul withstode Peter openly and blamed hym vehemently . Gal. ij . This example ought to be well consydered . For if Peter in this slypperye place tooke a fale , what is he that ought not herin to be carefull , & take good heede of the lyke daunger : They that came from Iames , were brethren : and therfore it semed that it was better for them not to touch any fleshe for euer , then to giue them an occasion to stumble , or to be offended , or at the least made weake . Therfore Peter semeth not without good cause to dissemble & hyde from them his libertie , for whose sakes he dissembled . But if you will haue respect vnto them for whose sakes Paul was zelous & carefull , you will then say that Peter dissembled without cause , and that he was worthely reprehended of Paul . For he had preached vnto them that by Christ alone all men are iustifyed : and therfore the ceremonies of the Lawe were not necessarie . Which thynge he had confirmed before by his owne example , eatynge indifferently all maner of meates , and that both godly & profitablie . But when for feare of those which came from Hierusalem , he dissembled agayne & cloked this libertie , he sore offended the Gentyles , causynge them to doute of this doctryne , that by Christ only we be iustifyed and saued : of the Gentyles there were manye , but of those that came from Hierusalem , there were but fewe . Moreouer , the offence geuen to the Gentyles , was such as myght haue caused them vtterly to fale away from Christe : whereas , yf the Iewes had ben offended , it myght peraduenture haue ben a cause only of some discorde , where by some emonge them might haue ben weakned , or elles through weaknes of conscience might then have defiled them selues : but yet they should not haue ben so cleane alienated from Christe , but that some of them might haue ben wonne agayne to sounde and perfecte faith , when Peter according to that his example which he had before geuen them , should diligentlie and soberly haue declared vnto them the cause of his libertie , as Paul afterwardes dyd . To conclude , seyng we should continuallie presse forwarde towardes the perfection and fulnes of fayth , there should more regard haue bene had of the Gentyles , which were already come to a cleare knowledge of Christ , then of those which as yet dyd sticke to the ordinances & ceremonyes of the world : which also through longe custome & obseruation might haue bene the more confirmed in theyr errour . This dyd Paul consyder , when he wold not circumcise Titus : And he reioyceth that he gaue no place to those that contended for that matter , not for an houre . And this dyd he that the veritie of the Gospell myght continue .

Furthermore , we must consydre , whether they be true or false brethren , whiche goe about to diminishe & impaire the Christian libertie : for we must haue onlye a regard to the true brethren . For albeit we ought at all tymes to haue such a consyderation of all men , yea euen of the professed enemyes of the truthe , that we geue occasion to none to speake euill of our welldoynge , & for that cause also we must forgo and forsake euen much of our libertie : yet ought we this alway to do in such sorte that the truth of the Gospell be not hyndred thereby . As for example : If a man would at this daye , for the obstinate enemyes of the Gospelles sake ( which do abhorre and blaspheme all that commeth from vs , he applieth this doctrine of offences by example of outward thinges , to our time & state of religion . seyng they abhorre & blaspheme Christ hym selfe and his Gospell ) styll dissemble the libertie of outwarde thynges , whiche the false churchmen haue taken from the people of God by subtiltye and tyrannye : he in so doyng should not only make them nothyng the better , but rather more confirme them in euill & greatly offende those whiche haue receaued Christ , whiles he shoulde still preache vnto them the naked truth and vtterly voyde of examples .

For there is no smale numbre whiche will hardly be perswaded , that all thynges are layed vppe for vs in Christe alone , when there is so much attributed & so much credit geuen to mans inuentions . Out of dout there is great faulte committed herin nowe a dayes , not onlye of the common people , but euen of the head & cheif standard bearers of the Gospell nowe revyuinge and springinge vppe agayn . In dede I confesse that what so euer hath ben ordeyned against the libertie of externall thynges , Emonges these are to be placed cappes , typpettes , copes , surplesses , cakebreade . as difference of persons meates , dayes , places , & other like thinges innumerable , hath ben alltogether brought in by the rable of Antichrist yet because the comon people were persuaded that all suche thinges were commaundementes of the Church , ruled and guyded by goddes spirite : therfore they receaued them generally as thynges procedinge from godes will and appoyntmente . Note here why and when we ought to vse our libertie : that is , when the people lacking instruction , esteme thes ceremonies as thinges commaunded of God , or elles not . And for this cause we muste euen in these oure dayes be circumspect in vsynge the libertie purchased for vs by Christ , and with Paul somtymes circumcise Timothy : that is to say , for oure partes , vse well some ceremonyes which other men abuse : sekyng ( as it were ) an occasion by that meanes , to preache Christ syncerely and purely . Albeit thes inuentions of men can by no meanes be compared to circumcision and such like ordinances of God .

But what is the common practise of men in thes matters : many there be , which fearinge the sclaunder of the crosse , & in vayn sekinge to please bothe men and God , yea euen there , where the gospel hath ben long preached , when nowe wordes and talke requyre examples of workes and deedes , the pretences of the faint and colde gospellers . pretendyng other mens weaknes , wheras they are alltogeather clogged with theyr owne infirmitie : do not only continue still slaues them selues to mens traditione : but also bryng other men in to the like slauery and bondage . Oh , say they , nothyng is to be attempted rasshely : thes thynges haue continued many yeares : they can not be taken awaye sodenly : We must haue a regard to the weake . If we should goe hastely & rasshely to worke , we should not plante the Gospel but ouerthrowe it . But thes faynt harted Gospellers I wolde haue to consydre what this sayenge meaneth : The kyngdome of God suffereth violence , and the violente take it by force . Math. xj . And moreouer that thes thinges are not rasshelye or vnadvisedlye attempted , but when they be chaunged wher as Christ is not yet preached , and without fayth : but they are not so wher Christe is alreadye preached , and the nette of the Gospell hath bene so longe caste forthe , that it hathe in maner taken so much as in that countrey or place may be taken , and nowe nothinge remayneth , but to bryng credit to our wordes and to confyrme the same by examples of doynges . Surelye the case standynge thus , suche workes also as men haue put their confydence in more then in Christe , must be forsaken , & men must consydre that there can be no felloushipp betwene Christ and Antichrist .

And it is a thynge absurde and folish , to goe about to prescribe a longe tyme for the receiuyng of the truth , because falshode and vntruthe hath by litle and litle crepte in , and growne of longe tyme . In dede so shoulde we haue no more holde of Christ then of Antichrist . Dowtles , yf we receyue hym not as sone as we know hym , we shal neuer enioye hym . Moses , Samuel , Elias , Ezechias , Iosias , dealt not in this sorte , marke the daunger yf we receaue not Christ purely , for sakinge all Antichristian ceremonies , so sone as we know him but so sone as they had restored the knowledge of the Lawe to the people , forthwith they abolyshed all abhominations at once , and restored the Ceremonyes of God . Wherefore yt ys to no purpose , that they say which allwayes bragge that there are greater thynges to be vrged and called vppon , then the reformation of Ceremonyes : so becommynge patrones of Antichristes reliques and remnauntes . Ceremonies are the badges or testimonyes of religion , the ceremonies of our religion are only baptisme & the supper : wherfor we shold make no delay in abolishyng of all other ceremonies of antichrist and therfore we begyn also our Religion with the Ceremonye of Baptisme . And also if any man after he is excommunicated for his wickednes , be receaued agayn through hys repentance , he ys straight reconciled to the Churche by the Sacrament of the lordes supper / wherfore they must nedes be very weake in the fayth of Christ , which prolong and differ the remouynge of Antichristes Ceremonyes : And dowtles it wil be longe ere newnes of life appeare in those men yf euer it appeare at all . In dede , we see at this day cold and slacke procedinges in Christian profession in those places wher Antichristes Ceremonyes are borne with all , The cause why antichristes ceremonyes remayne vnreformed . and suffered to continue , and all thynges much more lyuely and effectuall where they be abolished . For if they stay and remayne any tyme vnreformed , there can be no other cause therof but that eyther the worde of God is not thoroughly receaued or not estemed and regarded accordingly . For howe so euer those that suppose them selues to be stronge in the fayth , will excuse them selues that they vse not thes thynges : where is yet , I praye you , their zeale for Christes glorie , or theyr care for theyr brethren : which as they yet still vse them so ( no doubt ) they do it of weaknes of faith . Vndowtedly as there is no agremente at all betwene Christ and Beliall , so syncere & vnfayned Christians can by no meanes suffer them selues to be clogged with any whitt of Antichristes trashe and trumpery yea and withall they will endeuour so to purge the Churche therof as the glorie of God may chefly be therby aduaunced . And further , they will haue such regarde of the weaker sorte that they will do nothyng vnaduysedlye or oute of season , but will teache the weake with all gentlenes to waxe stronger in knowleadge , & labor with examples also to bringe them forwarde , not regardinge the blyndnes of a feawe who are to much addycted to Antichristes Ceremonyes , & perhappes no true nor faythfull brethren , whereby they myght in the meane tyme offende manye other weake ones , who continuallye thynke thus with them selues : If thes thynges were so euill as they are taken to be , they shold surelye be abolished . And agayn , if the other were so good , all men , especially suche as recken them selues Christians , would in deede receiue and embrace them . Thes men surely , if they be electe , shall at the lengthe be confirmed , althoughe all the world offend them , and no man edifye them : but in the meane-tyme , woo be vnto them by whom they are offended . Wherfore as sone as true godlynes and the righte worshipp of God hath ben preached and professed of manye , Antichristes Ceremonyes and rites ought by and by to be abrogated , and the reformation herof may not be prolonged & delayed vntill godlynes be in all poyntes growne to perfection : for elles shoulde they neuer be abolished .

These are in dede ouer mylde and toetoe softe and sobre Christians , which can beare with all suche Antichristian trasshe : lyke vnto them who at Corinth knowyng that an Idol was nothynge , dyd eate thynges offered to Idoles , and bosted ( as thes oure men do ) in this wise : In outwarde matters we are free : what is that to me that an other vseth those thynges nowghtely ? I wyll vse them well . For as these men weakened the fayth of many both in that throughe theyr example they dyd the lesse abhorre Idoles , & also in that for the moste parte , they communicated with them against theyr consciences : so ( no doubte ) do thes our luke warme and mylke soppe Gospellers nowe a dayes . They knowe right well that Antichristes Ceremonyes , that is to say , all suche as haue ben brought in without Godes worde , are not worth a russhe . And because they are outwarde thynges , wherin we haue fredome , they wil vse them frelye , not consyderinge that manye thynges are laufull which are not expedient , & that our libertie ought to be employed to the commoditie of other , whom they in the meane tyme offende and obscure the glorie of Christe : for they confirme them in theyr errour , which as yet knowe not that these thynges are free and at libertie . As for the patrones therof , the professed enemyes of Christe , they cause them to reioyce and sett them a gogge . And finally they weaken the faith of the feble which had forsaken them and cast them awaye . Thus do they forsoth prouyde goodlye for the weake ones , yea they serue rather theyr owne belies , sekyng to gratifye such as eyther are Christes enemyes or elles backeslyders . Marke what they be that contend for superstitious ceremonies For no man besydes these will earnestly contende for superstytious Ceremonyes . This is theyr modest bearyng and delayenge , wher with they are so farre from furtherynge of the Gospell , that by litle and litle they do vtterly abolishe it . Surely we may thanke thes men , Marke the cause why the Gospel goeth not foreward : God will haue no felowshipp with Beliall . that at this daye all thynges are turned vpsyde downe in many places wher the Gospell hath ben longe tyme preached : where as we haue neuer yet sene the lyke come to passe , where , at the earneste & syncere preachinge of Christe , Ceremonyes haue also ben reformed , accordinge to the rule of his word .

For as muche therfore as Christ so sore detesteth offences , and crieth woe vnto the wordle because of offences : woo vnto the man by whom offence commeth : we muste with all diligence , take heede both in these thynges and in all other , that we be offensiue to no man , but especially the litle ones : I meane not in age only , but in fayth and vnderstandinge also . The perfecte knowledge of God and of Christ , is lyfe euerlastinge . What so euer therfore may eyther hynder or obscure it by anye meanes , let it neither be spoken nor donne of vs . But let vs remoue all suche thynges to the vttermost of oure powers . And let vs prouoke them both by exhortations and examples , that they expresse and declare those thynges in theyr lyfe , geuinge no place herin either to theyr owne affections or other mens , seynge that it ys better to be drowned in the sea then to geue offence .

Obiections and Answeares concernynge apparell of Prestes and Mynysters .

¶ An obiection .

THIS apparell was vsed in Kynge Edwardes dayes of Godly men , as Crammer , Rydley , & suche like , therfor nowe Godly men ought not to refuse yt : althoughe also the Papistes beyng vngodlye men euer abused yt .

¶ Answeare .

¶ The manner of the faste , which Iohns dyscyples vsed being good , was not therfor also exacted of Christes dyscyples : but rather for that yt was an obseruacion of manes deuyse corruptly abused of the Pharesies , no more mete for the syncerytye of the Gospel , them old barrels for newe wyne , or newe clothe for an old garment , so nowe the fillinge and clowtinge vp of old Popishe apparell , with the newe purenes of the Gospell , must yether cause corruptione to burst and lose bothe , or els make the rentinge of the newe from the old worse .

¶ Obiection ,

¶ Seing som men which be nowe Preachers , dyd in Kynge Edwardes dayes vse this apparell with feruent zeale and good conscience , the same nowe refusynge yt seme not to be moued with zeale and conscience , but of desyre of novelties and singularitie .

¶ Answeare .

¶ Paule did fearve God in feruent zeale & good and pure conscience euen from his progenytors , yet comynge to more knowleadge , did fynde & confes thes thinges to be hurtfull and vyle , whiche he had esteamed and vsed as profytable , and albeyt he had circumcysed Tymothe , yet wold he not suffre Tytus to be cyrcumcysed : so some suche as proceade in knowleadge and experyence dothe fynde this apparrell vyle and hurtfull , which befor they thowght profytable and not hurtfull . And albeit that charitie dyd moue them to beare with the weake , as it did Paul in circumcysynge Tymothe , yet faythefullnes to keape the truthe of the Gosspell , wher yt hathe bene longe preached , cawsythe those same Preachers not to yealde or shrynke for anye force or portunytie , as Paul not circumcysyng Tytus , not of syngularitie and desyre of novelties , but of faythfullnes , zeale , and good conscyence .

¶ Obiection .

¶ Because all Byshoppes in Ingland , and manye other good Preachers , which had once refused this apparell yet nowe by occasione haue receauid yt agayne , and but fewe ther be that still yet refuse yt , therfor yt semeth more expedient , and les domage of offence and dysagrement in the churche to bringe fewe in smale estymacion to a conformytie with the Byshopes , & theyr multitude muche estemed : them eyther to reduce the Byshoppes to other inferiors , or suffre inferiors to dyffre in those thinges from them being Byshoppes .

¶ Answeare .

¶ When as Paul and Peter being at Antioche did bothe eate meate wyth the Gentylls , and at the comyng of certayne from Iames , Peter fearinge them of the cyrcumcysion withdrewe & seperated hym sealfe , so as other Iewes then with Barnabas weare browght in to that Ipocrysie & dissymulation : then Paul openly withstode Peter as worthie of reprofe by suche dealinge , compellinge the gentills to Iewishe observacions , and so not rightlye proceding to the truthe of the Gospell . Therfor yf right procedinge to the truthe of the Gospell , haue once made bothe these parties to agree , leauinge of Popyshe apparrell , as Paul and Peter in leauinge of the Iewishe rites , and the feare and respecte of some personnes moue nowe the one partie , as Peter was moued to shrinke to reicted rytes agayne in suche a case : the most expedient waye to auoyde danger of offence and dysagrement in the church , is withoute regard of personages , feare , or pleasure of men , to keape and mayntayne the truthe of the Gospell with synceritie , and lybertie vnseparable from the same .

¶ Obiection .

¶ Christyan obedyence requyreth obseruacion of all thinges indifferent , commanded by auctoritye : apparell is indifferentt nowe in Ingland , commanded by auctoritie : therfor christiane obedyence requyreth obseruacion of yt .

Answeare .

¶ Washinge of handes before meates amonge the Iewes , was a thinge as indifferent of yt felfe as this apparell , & not so moche abused of the Pharysies as this of the papistes , and beynge commaunded and vrged by them that had auctoritie , Christ teachinge true Christian obedience , defendith not the obseruinge of it , and chargyth suche as do obserue and vrge it , with breakinge of Godes commandementes for their owne traditions , ypocrisie , and blynd leadinge the blynd , and so concludeth as euydentlye maye appeare , that the obedience and auctoritie of Christians consysteth nether in commandinge nor observinge , but rather rotyng vp all such plants not planted by his heauenly father .

¶ Obiection .

¶ Yf the Prince maye therto be persuaded all Byshoppes seame that they wolde be glade to abolish thes garmentes of the popishe blassphemous and ydolatrous presthodes , but yf the Prince will force all Mynisters to receaue and retayne them , or els putt them out of theyr lyvinges and mynisterie , then yt seameth better to keape lyvinges , libertie of syncere doctrine with this apparrell , then without yt to lose lyvinge , keape sylence and leaue the churche destytute of so manye good preachars , yea & so offend a godlye Prince , by whom God hathe gracyouslie restored the prechars & preachinge of Christes Gospell .

¶ Answeare .

¶ If all Byshoppes and Preachers resspectinge God , & the cause only haue wyshed and persuaded not to vse this apparell , as Ioab not to nombre the people , and yet respectinge the Prynces commandemente contrarye to theyr formall wyshinge and persuadynge shuld yelde in dedes as Ioab did . Then weare to be feared suche sequell of plagues on the people with great greife to the Prynce , nowe heare as was then there : and as the Ismalites destroinge manye of the Ammorytes accordinge to Godes commandementt , yet leauing some relyques of the same by theyre owne neglygence , or affection , or pollycie , weare continually corrupted , polluted , & plagued with the Ammorytes , so is it to be feared in Ingland , that the abolyshinge of muche Papystrye accordinge to Godes will reueled by his worde , and by reseruinge of some reliques of the same by humayn negligence , affectione , and pollycie , shold cause this realme contynually to be polluted , corrupted , and plagued with Papistrie : thes thinges well consydered moue many good preachars to be constantt , zealous , and syncere , as in will and doctrine , so in conuersacion and manners , reprouyng and refusinge all thinges propre & belonginge to Papistrie : especiallie to the Idolatrous blashphemous and traiterous presthoode , moste pestilent enemye to all Christyane auctoritye , and princelie dignitie , and therfor manye good preachers the rather dysposed for the preseruacion of the Prynce & the people , losinge lyuinge , lyfe to confyrme theyre doctryne preached , then keapinge liuinges with flattery , with danger of the Prynce , & the people to buyld & bringe agayn , that which by faythfull preachinge hathe bene destroyed , reprouid & refusyd , so can no such preachers be put to sylence , theyr dedes declaringe & confyrminge theyr doctryne : nor suche be thought to be left destytute of those preachers , by whose doctryne & manners also the church is taught as to knowe and embrace true doctryne , & syncere rites & manners , & so shall Godly & faythfull doctryne confyrmed with lyke dedes , by Godes grace gyue no offence , butt vnfayned thankfulnes to a godly Prynce restoringe & receauing true doctryne with syncere rites and manners to Godes glory , to the Prynces honor , & the people edyfycation thorowgh Christ our Lord . Amen .

¶ It is good for a man to be feruent in good thinges . Galat. 4.

A prayer mete & necessarye for oure tyme and all tymes to be vsed .

OH Lord God maker of all thinges , thou the art fearful & glorious , thou righteous & marcyful . Thou which onely art most gracious , onely liberal , onely iust , almighty & euerlastinge : thou that of thyn accustomid & riche mercyes deliuerydst thyn electe and chosen from all trouble , vouchsaffe for thy Sonnes sake to delyuer , and preserue vs from all euill , and also from doynge of those thynges , whiche thou in thy holye word hast forbidden . Oh be gratious vnto vs , and thinck vpon thy couenante made with oure forfathers of olde , as Abraham , Isaac and Iacob , thy true , and faythfull seruauntes . And geue vs all suche hartes , that we may vnfaynedly loue , and serue the by true obedience to thy holye Lawes , and Commaundementes . Send vs inwarde peace in conscience , that we maye be at one with the , so that thou neuer forsake vs in the tyme of trouble : be vnto vs in all oure nede and necessytye as a suer rock , defence , buckler and shyeld , that vnder the winges of thy deuine maiestye we maye be saffly kepte , and couetyd , that Sathan and his wicked imppes neuer preuayle agaynst vs , by anye cruell tyranny , or oppression . But graunt ( good Lorde ) for thyne owne glories sake , yea for thy Sonn Christe Iesus sake , that we in the tyme of tryall maye shewe oure selues as valiaunt warriours firmlye & constantly to fyght vnder thy banner , and not lyke cowardes at euery blast of winde , be redy to rune away , starting back , and slyding from the felowship of Godes sayntes . Thincking here in this wicked world for a longe tyme to enioye the riches and pleasures therof , the whiche tyme yf we consyder is but as one drop of rayne comparid to the hole sea , yea yf for this short and momentanie tyme we might gete the hole worlde , and loose oure owne soules , what shuld it profit ? or what is there ( oh Lorde ) to redeme our soules agayne with all : In euery souldyer that in this world takethe in hand vnder his Capitayne to fight , there is requyred in hym , that he be stoute , valiaunt and manly , that when the pinche of the battayle commith , he may then surely stand and fighte in hope of victory . Euen so lyke wyse ( oh good Lord ) it is required of euery one of vs , whiche professe thy holy ghospell , that we shew our selues manfullye to fyght for the defence of the same , that when the brunt of persecution by Godes prouidence to vs is mynistred , we may then shew our selues as true and faythfull Christyans , to fyght that good fyght for an eternall tryumphe & victory , in geuing & offring vp oure owne bodies , for a sacryfice vnto the Lord our God , who is euer ready to strenghthen them that put theyr full trust in hym . Oh good Lorde , graunt for thy names sake vnto vs suche plentie of thy grace , that when time requirethe , as we do beleue in hart to iustyfication , euen so by mouthe we may make true confession to saluation , that the frute of the same may be to vs in the latter daye , ioye , comfort , and eternall consolation , thorough Iesus Christ , by whose deathe & merytes we are made inheretours of hys euerlastinge kingdome . To whome with the Father , Sonne and Holye Ghoost be prayse glory and dominion world without ende . AMEN .

OH Lord destroy all the workes of sathan : confort thyne that are in adversytie : helpe those that be in troble for thy names sake , haue mercy vpon vs , and make vs thy true faithfull obedient & thankfull sernaunts , Lorde inclyne oure hartes into thy testimonies , and not into any vnlawful luste . Oh turne away oure eyes , that they behold not vanytie , but quycken thou vs in thy lawe : bestowe vpon vs thy worde ( oh Lord ) so that we never abuse it , neither turne it vnto wantonnes , but that entering into the grace of true repentaunce we may therein increase , and therein contynew , and that tyll oure lyues end .

¶ To the Reader .

TO my faythfull Brethren , we geue thankes to God for your constancie and vpryght delynge in this gret controuersie now raysyd by packynge of enemys about the wearinge of popish apparell , and as ye haue well begonne , ther is no doubt , but the Lorde in mercy shall kepe ye pure and blameles to the ende . It hathe byne no small ioye and comfort to many godlye and good Churches , which dayly and howerly prayeth for your perseuerance , and that it wolde please God to ease it , when his good will and pleasure is . So on the other syde muche lamentynge the blyndnes of those that goeth about to defende it : but especiallye those that are become persecutors of their godly & faithfull brethren : but as charite requireth we desyre God neuer laye it to theyr charge , but geue them grace to ryse agayne vnto whom we leue them wether they stande or falle . Let Lottes wyfe be a warnynge in tyme to take hede . Moses that blessyd seruant of God wolde not alter the valew of a curten , or a lytill pyne in the Arcke , so zelous was he in the Lordes worke : nor neuer brought any thynge out of his owne heade to the people : But had always the warrant of the worde for hym , to conclude , what so euer may be obiected agaynst the refusars of those ydolators garmentes , for what so euer they brynge , may be redused into this poyntes , that Godly men ether nede not or ought not to be scrupulous in so small a matter , which answer ye shall vnderstand as folowith with an answere to a question at the end hereof . The Lord for his Christ sake make Ephrahim and Manassis agre , that we maye all with on hart and mynde vnfaynydly seke Godes glorye , the edificacion of his people , that we may lyue in all godly peace , vnyte , and concord . This grant , o Lorde , for Christ Iesus sake , to whom , with the , and the Holy goste , be all prayse , glory , and honor for euer and euer . Fare ye well deare Brethren .

DEarly belouyd , you that haue wytte , vnderstanding , and wyll to be instructyd in this controuersie now raysyd in the Churche about apparell , at thys tyme thys shall suffyce . Yt is true that the teachers of handye craftes affyrme , that no man can attayne to suche excellente perfeccyon in worke , as maye be disputed of by reasone , muche lesse when the rule of religion muste be framyd accordynge to the rule of Godes wyll , which is the rule of all perfeccyon , may we loke that any thyng can so perfectly be performyd of vnperfect man , that in all poynts yt may answere to the perfeccion that God requirith : neuertheles God requirith his seruice to be suche as hym sealfe is , deuyne , pure , syncere , vnmingled , and in no parte corruptyd , and as lacke of strenthe shal not excuse vs , in that we can not , so neclygence makythe vs more wickyd , yf that we may performe , and we will not . Fyrste we are requityd to loue God with all our hartes , all our myndes , and all our strength , that precisenes is comendable , which withholdith not a lytill , when all is requiryd . Thou shalt be perfect with thy Lorde thy god . Deut. 18. Thou shalt not bende ether to thy ryghthande , or to the leafte . Thou shalt nether adde , nether diminishe of that which is commaundyd . Thou shalt not inquier for the gods of the Gentyls , sayinge : Howe dyd those Gentyles serue theyr godes . Thou shalt not do so to the Lorde thy god . For whatsoeuer the Lorde abhorreth , that dyd they to theyr godes . God wyll haue his children so to abhorre these supersticion , that they shuld fle euen from that infeccion that comythe by hearynge . The zeall that God requirith . Furthermore , so many thinges as ar commandyd of leprous , menstreous , dead bodys , were many , which myght not be touchyd without defyling , what other thinges were they in that rude people , God kepe vs from all outwarde shew of Popery . but exercises of precyse purenes and cleanes , the obseruance of suche shadowes , althoughe it hath byn longe synce abolyshyd , yet the euerlastinge truthe remaynyth : muche more in presence of the bodye , that no prophane or defylyd thinge may be minglyd with gods seruice . Moreouer god forbydyth all strange corruptious mixtures , when he forbyddyth them to sowe land with diuers seedes , to plowghe with an oxe and an asse , to weare lynyne and wollen to gether . For lyberte & costome euen in the leaste matters bredythe boldnes , & in hys commandement god hath also respecte to the kynde of apparell . Fynallie when this cleanes is streachyd euen to brute beastes , marke well . who wold not beleue that God requirith an vtter detestacion of all vncleanes , especially in religion . Seing all these lawes perteyne to the fyrst commandement , accordinge to the same precise rule dyd the holy fathers exercise them selues vnto puryte , therfore it is neuer rede that the godly Patriarches dyd sacrifyce vpon the Idolators alters , but whythersoeuer they remouid , Example of holy men . always they buyldid newe alters . Furthermore Abraham wolde not take a thryde of the Kynge of Sodoma . Iacob buryed the earinges that weare ornamentes of supersticion , with the Idoles them selues . Moyses to blemishe the seruice of God wolde accepte no condicions at all , there shall not remayne on house , saythe he very precislye . Dauith wold not take the names of the Idoles in his lypes . Ezechias brake the brasen serpent , not only changyd the vse of it . What greter herytykes can ther be , then the Papistes ? The Holy ghost praysithe those godly Kinges , which destroyed the highe places , as Ezechias and Iosias , in whiche places somtyme the people dyd worship god . Elyazer wold not fayne that he dyd eate swynes fleshe . S. Pawle byddythe , Refrayne from all shew of euyll . S. Iohn forbyddyth vs to salute an herytyke . And Polycarpus his disciple , as Ireneus wytnessith , when he mett an herityke , wolde not gyue hym other answere , but that he knewe hym to be the Deuells eldeste sonne . for suche feare had the Apostels & theyr disciples , that they wolde not comunicate withe on worde with any that had corruptyd the faith . Fynallie S. Pawle in playne wordes commandyth precisnes , Ephe. 5. sayinge , Take hede that ye walke precislye or exactlye , for so the greke worde signifieth . Last of all , let vs not forget what our Sauiour Christ saythe : He that is faythfull in the leaste , wyl be faythfull in the moste . Who also teachith vs , howe faythfully and precislye we shulde walke , what colde be more precisly spoken of , the law shall passe vntyll all be fullfyllyd , and he that breakyth one of the leaste commandements , and teachith other so to do , ether by worde , or by example , shal be least in the Kyngdome of heauen . Yt is euident by these reasons and examples , that no precisenes or scrupulosite in godes religion , can be to muche or blame worthie . Towchinge the substance , ther is no controuersy , but yt is lawfull as the good creature of god , and to this purpose pertayne those sayinges : The kyngdome of heauen is nether meate nor drynke . Meate commendith vs not to god . Whatsoeuer enterithe in to the mouth , defylyth not the man . All thinges ar cleane to them that ar cleane . & other lyke places of scripture , all which they pertayne to the matter or creature & substance only , not to euery vse , fassion , or maner of vsynge . It is to muche doltyshenes , not to vnderstand all thynge a ryght , excepte we wyll also conclude of the same places , that by glotony , dronkenes , whordome , disquisyd aparell , and suche lyke , the lawe of god is not broken . garments therfore that ar vrgyd in respecte of the forme and vse , they are not indifferent , and fyrst of the ende , which they labor so muche to proue that it is chaungyd , that those thinges which before were vsyd to supersticion , now are commandyd for order & comlynes . No godly man doubtyth , but the Quenes Maieste intendinge an other end in commanding of those thinges , then the Papistes vsyd them for . But who so well considerith the nature of those thinges , shall playnely se , that the end which thé commander propoundyth , dothe not folowe , but accordinge to the diuersite of them that vse them , and them that iudge of them , a cleane contrary end ensuythe , for many popishe prestes vse them to the same supersticious end that they dyd in Popery , and greatest of all is the multitude of ignorant people , that iudgith none otherwyse of them . Cor. 8. All men haue not knowledge , for some with conscience of the Idole , euen yet do eate meate offred to Idoles . So Gedeon made an Ephode , Iud. 8. not that the people shulde go a whorynge after it , yet was it the destruction of hym and his howse foreuer . Secondly it can not serue for order and comlynes , Cor. 14. which hath in it no necessary cause of edifying . Let all thinges be donne for edifying . Nether can it be conuertyd to the comlynes of the Christian Churche , which is the chaste spowse of Christ , which is taken from Antichrist , and the fylthye whore of Babylon . What consent hath Christ with Belyall ? what porcion hath the faythfull with the infydell ? or what agrement hath the temple of God with Images ? Yf the reason of S. Paule be examynyd , 2. Cor. 6. by the which he dissuadith the Corynthians from eating of meate offeryd to Idoles , the same may be also extendyd to garments consecratyd to Idolatry . The nature of cerymonies and rytes is to make the vser to haue felowship with the principall of that religion , as the Iewes of the alter , Christians with Christ , and Gentils with Deuells . As manye as are partakers of the breade which we breake , are partakers of the bodye of Christe . They therfore that eate meate offeryd to Idoles , are partakers of deuells . And as many as are baptized haue put on Christ : it is not to be fearyd , leaste as many as weare antychristes robes , wil take more yf auctorite comand it , neyther dothe the auctoryte of the Christian Magistrat excuse vs , except we thinke , that Sergius Paulus myght permyte that S. Paule had forbydden the sentence of Iamys , which is , Act. 15. Deut. 12. that the gentyls shulde abstayne from the polucion of Idoles , God will borowe nothynge of Idoles to garnysh or become his religion . thou shalt not do so to the Lorde thy god , but rather he commandyth vtterly to destroye theyr alters , woddes , pyllers , and theyr very names . He forbyddyth them also to brynge any thinge in to theyr howses that belongythe to Idoles . Esaye chap. 30. byddyth those that are earnestly turnyd to the worshippe of god , to cast awaye the reliques of Idolatrie , You shall , sayth he , put out the couerynge of the Imagis of syluer , that is all thing belonging to Idolatry . & the precious vestyments of the golden Imagis , and thou shalt caste them awaye lyke a menstrous clowte , and saye vnto yt : Anawnte , or get the hence . Fynallye when all godly men abhorre the monstrous apparell of Fryers , Monkes , Chanons , I can not se , by what order they shulde exteme the ornaments of Popishe Preastes , whose order is as wyckyd as Freyers , Monkes , or any other , which thyng may be sayd of the reste of the Popishe ceremonies , which may all with lyke precepte and coloure , & by as good reason be receuid in the Churches as those . But admyttinge that these thynges were neuer so indifferent , yet it can not be that we shulde thynke them lawfull , for vs to vse them : for euen those thinges , which by them sealues are lawfull , when an other circumstance is ioynyd to them , then become they vnlawfull for a Christian to vse them , as in these cases . First we can not cast of all doubtfulnes , hauing so many reasons on our syde , and so manye examples bothe of learnyd men , and best reformyd Churches , but in all thinges most indifferent . Saint Paule chargith euery man to be certanly persuadyd in his owne mynde , which some men vntruly translate , Let euery man abownde in his owne sence , for he that with doubt of conscience eatyth , which of it sealfe is lawfull , is condemnyd , because he doth it not of fayth . Now the assurance of fayth muste be sought no where , but in Gods worde . Secondlye , thowghe we shulde satisfye our consciences , yet this man is defylid , which is not persuadid by Gods worde , but encreased by our examples , that he dare do that , whereof before he doubted , and this is to geue an offence , as they commonly call it to anger them , for they that are best pleasyd with these matters , are most offendyd , that they stomble and falle , we must not do what so euer is lawfull , but what so euer also is profytable to edifying : nether must we only regarde what lyberte permyttyth , but rather what our brothers proffyt requiryth . Thyrdlye , we maye not altogether neclecte what infydells iudge of vs in the vsynge of thinges lawfull by them sealfes , and therefore S. Paule byddeth them that are callyd to the feastes of the gentyls , so sone as mencyon is made of meate offeryd to Idoles , to abstayne from eatinge of it , because of hym that tolde of it , and his conscience , not of hym sealfe , but of an other . What the Papistes iudge of vs , maye easely be seene by this , the Harding for the retayning of those Popishe cerymonies , conteynith hope that popery shal be restoryd : what the ignorant people iudge of the reamnants of papistri retaynyd , wyse men may well consyder . Herunto might haue byne ioynid the sentences of olde Doctors , Iustinus , Ireneus , Tertullianus , Agustyne , Ambros , Chrysostums , Celestinus , & almost all the rest , for abhorrynge the customes and ryghtes of the Iewes and gentyles and heritykes , but Gods truthe nedyth not mans auctoryte , except they that be against vs , in this cause wyll appeale to the fathers , them shall they perceyue , that in nomber both of Doctors , and sentences , we shall be nothinge inferior to them . In the meane tyme this maye suffyce , to shew fyrst that the precysians is blameles , secondly the garmentes ar not indifferent , & thyrdly that thowghe they were indifferent , yet ther is sufficient reason at this tyme , why we shoulde not weare them . Come Lord Iesus , and make an ende of thys wyckyd wordle , that thy sainctes may come to gether , that we may synge with the in thy holy hyll for euer . He that ouercomith , shal be crownyd . Pray , pray , as the Apostell Peter sayth : the end of all thinges is at hand .

¶ An Answere to a question , that was mouyd , whi the godly men wold not weare a surples .

ALthoughe we muste nedes confesse , Answere . that we haue to much consentyd heretofore with the Papiste in robbing and bereuinge God of his glory & honor , yet may we not now in the lyght of Gods truthe contynew a partaker with you in the adulteracion of Christes sacramentes , contrary to our consciences & knowledge , wherein we iudge our sealues onlye , not preiudisynge other mens doinge , whom we leaue to God , before whom they ether stand or falle . For oure partes we must render accompte , not obstinatly bent against any thing that shal be approuyd by Gods worde .

We are persuadyd , Maior . that we may not vse any thinge repugnant to Christian lyberte , nor mayntayne an opinion of holynes wher none is , whiche were Ipocrisy , nor consent to Idolatri , which were denyall of the truthe , or discorage the godly , incoragynge the wyckyd , nor distroying the Churche of Christ , which are bownde to edifye , nor consent vnto confusion , wher God requiryth order , nor shew disobedience , wher God requiryth to obeye .

Minor . But in vsynge of a surples , we shulde do that which is repugnaunt to Christian lybertie , maintaine an opinion of holines , where none is , shew consent to Idolatry , deny the truthe , dyscorage the godly , and incorage the wyckyd or vngodly , consent to confusion and shew disobedience , wher God commandithe to obeye .

Conclusion We may not with good conscience , as we are persuadyd weare a surples .

The Maior is prouyd by Saynt Paule Gal. 5. who commandyth to Christian libertie , by the example of Christ Matt. 15. who wold not haue his disciples to maintayne an opinion of holynes , note the example of good men . whiche the Iewes had in wasshyng of handes : by the doctryne of Pawle . 2. Cor. 6. who wyll haue no agrement with the temple of God and the Idoles : by the example of Danyel . 6. who openid his wyndowe towardes Ierusalem , lest he myght seame to denye his profession or consent with the wyckyd : by the example of Paule Gal. 2. who reprouyd Peter for the discoragyng of the godly gentiles , and incoraging of the froward Iewes : by the doctryne of the same Apostell . 2. Cor. 13. where he teachith that Mynysters haue power to edifye , not to destroye : by the example of Patriarkes , and Prophetes , which in the worshipping of God , wear by no meanes confowndyd withe the Idolators : by the doctryne of Peter and Iohn actes , which affyrmithe to be more ryght to obey God , then men . But for more euident profe herof , we may let you se some practises of auncient Fathers . Tertulian in his boke De corona militis , lykythe them vnto dombe Idolls , suche as do vse any thinge accordynge to the ornament of Idolles : and further , yf to leane apon an Idoll , is strange from the fayth , fastyng is good , yet the godly wold not vse it that day , as the herytyk dyd . what shall seame apon the habyte of an Idoll . Augustyne ad Casulanum , warnythe not to faste on the Sondaye , least therby consente might be shewyd to the wyckyd Maniches . They that weare any thinge after the maner of Idoles , and yf it be strange from fayth to leane apon an Idoll , what is it to weare the habyt of an Idoll . The fourth Counsell of Toletane Canon . 5. for auoydynge of consent with Herytyckes , decreed that once dyppynge shulde be vsyd in Baptysme . A Papist of our tyme affyrmith that the Apostels to auoyde consent to Iudaisme , abolysshed the Sabothe daye , and sanctyfyed the daye of the Lorde . The great Clarke Orygen , as Epiphanius wrytith in his . 2. boke . Beware of decemblyng . 1. Tome , caryed palme withe thos that offeryd to the Image Serapis , allthoughe he protestyd openly , that he dyd offer vnto Christ , and not vnto Serapis , yet was he excomunycatyd , and cast out of the Church by the Marters and Confessors whiche then were at Athens . The Christian sowdiars which by Iulian sultelte were browght to offer incens , Beware of deceytfull practyses . as it is wryten Historia Tripartita lib. 6. chap. 30. when they perceuyd theyr faute , whiche vnwares they had commytted in consentyng to Idolatri , they rane forthe into the streats professede theyr relygion , testifyed them sealues to be Christians , affyrmyng that theyr handes only had consentyd vnto Paganisme , the nature of true Christian . and that theyr hartes dyd nothyng agre thervnto , and whereas theyr handes had offendyd vnadvysydlye , they wyshyd to bestowe theyr whole bodyes to be tormentyd for Christ , althoughe wyth tormentes and paynes moste creuell and horyble . I trust we nede not to laboure any further for the profe . By the vse of the surples men are iniciat in to the Popes clergye , as it aperith by the Pontifycall , De clerico faciendo . Yf the Galathians by circumcision rather loste theyr lyberte in Christ , then profytyd any thynge , by iniciatinge them sealues in to Iudaisme . How maye you retayne the lyberte in Christ , and profyt in his religion by wearinge the Popes lyuerye , we can not perceaue ? But by the vse of the surples , is mayntaynyd an Ipocritycall opinion of holynes , the Pontificall termithe it Habitum sancte religionis , the habyt of an holy religion . Durand lib. 3. De rationale diuinorum , saythe , That it is Vestis linea , the lyuyne garment , in which they that serue about the seruices of the alter and holy thinges , ought to vse apon theyr clothes , a surples , it is for the whitnes of it , or it signifieth the puryte or chastete , accordinge to that sayinge : Let your garments , that is , your workes , be white at all tymes , that is cleane : Marke what lying signes is in the surples inuentyd by Papistes . but for his name , it figurith the mortificacion of the fleshe . It is callyd a Surples , because that in the olde tyme they dyd weare it apon skynny coates , made of the skynnes of the deade , whiche is vsyd to this daye in certayne Churches , representynge that Adame , after he had synnyd , with what good conscience can the godly weare yt , iudge good Brother . was clothed with suche garments . Thyrdly , it notith Innocenci , and therfore it is put on before all other holye vestures , because that they that are deputyd to worshippynge , ought to excell in lyfe and in all vertues , accordyng to the sayinge of the psalme : Innocencies do ryghtly cleue vnto me . Fourthely , for the bredthe of it , it betokenythe Charite , wherefore they are worne apon prophane and common vestures , it is to be markyd that charite coueryth the multitude of synnes . Fyftlye , for the fassyon of it , in that is it made lyke a Crosse , or Iewes gallows , it fygurythe the passion of the Lord , and they that weare , that ought to be crewcyfyed with the vices and concupiscences . In mayntayninge this opinion of holynes , with all other inuencions , which by lyinge seignes , which they haue had to it , we knowe not howe to auoyde consent vnto that Idolatri , which Durant and the Papiste mayntayne and professe , & to deny the Popes cerimonies , the doctryne whiche we reache , howe shuld it not dyscorage the godly , and incorage the supersticious in theyr errors ? we can not edefye the Church of Christ apparentlye , shewinge our sealues to be on of the Popes clergye . Seing S. Paull Thess. 3. willythe to auoyde all apparens of euyll , and to be shufflyd in a surples , whiche the Popes clergye wear , were rather a confusion then an order , whiche they them sealues wolde be lothe to suffer , if they might get agayne the keys into theyr handes , they wolde crye withe open mowthe , as theyr pontificall teache them , & plucke the surples of our backes by the autoryte of almyghtie God the Father , the Sonne , The surples is an holy garment of the Papistes . and the Holy ghoste . saying , and we take from the all our clerkly habyt , and we put on the apparell of religion , and depose , degrade , and spoyle the of all orders clerkely benefice , and clerkelye lyuinge , Marke the follye of Papistes . and we restore the to the seruitude and ignominie of the secular habyte . Is it not a disorder , that Christians shoulde shewe them selues slaues to the Popes order ? were it not better to serue God in commun attyre , then to please the Pope by disquisinge our selues in supersticious surplessis ? were it not better to obey God , who wyllyth vs to serue hym in spret , and in truthe , then to obey men , followyng the deuyse of Pope Syluester , the fassyon of the Iewes , and practyse of the Papistes : where it not better , by leauynge of a Surples to folow Christ in breakynge mens tradicions , them by the vse therof to be a companion of Popes & Pharises ? Yf this do not seame sufficient to proue the Minor at this tyme , it shal be more at large dyscoursyd hereafter . Concernyng the Quenes Maiestes commandement , herein we acknowledge our sealues bownde to obey in all thynges lawfullye commaundyd , so can not we be persuadyd to vse that in the minysteri , which our consciences teacheth vs to be replenished with Idolatrous Ipocrisye , & also the example of other men which dothe were it , ought nothing at all to moue vs to were a surples in the minysterie , no more then to consent with them in persecutyng those men whom they terme sedicious scismatyckes for leauyng them of . Thus as ye se , shortlye dere Brethren , we leue the surples , as the Popes badge to the shauen Clergye , and you as Gods chosen to the protection of the almyghtie whysshynge , that God may geue vs grace aswell inwardelye as outwardlye , to seke for syncerite , and to wayght with all pacience the good wyll & pleasure of the almyghtye , who wyll & can healpe when pleasith hym . Fare ye well in the Lorde Iesus .

¶ A Godly Prayer .

OH Lord God and heauenly Father , which art a iust Iudge to punishe all them , that do contynewe to offende the , as thou art a Father most pytyfull to receaue to mercy all those , whiche geue ouer themselues to please the , shewe me thy grace and fauour , so that I may be truly touchid withe inward displeasure of my synnes , and that in the place of flattering my self to slepe in synne , I may be so cast downe in hart , that the rather I may truly with mouthe confesse most humbly to geue the , the honour , glory , and prayse , dew vnto thy holy name , and that as thou of thy greate mercy doste instruct vs therevnto by thy holy word , so ( for thy names sake ) make that the same may so lighten and cleare our conscience , that in dew examination of all our hole lyffe , we may truly learne to be angry & displeasid with all our former , and corrupte lyuing . Oh that it may please the to drawe nere vnto vs , in addressyng and guydyng our footsteppes in the true and perfect way of obedyence to thy holy lawes and commaundementes . Send thy holye Angel to nitche his tentes round about vs , that 〈◊〉 his infernall army , neuer preuayle against vs , but allways with strong faith we may thorough Iesus Christ withstand all his crafty engins and snares , knowynge vndoubtedly that thou neuer forsakest them that put their trust in the. Oh let vs not be led by the infirmytie of our vntowarde fleshe , but strenghten vs by the vertue of the holy spiryte . Suffer vs not to lye vnder thy heuy wrathe & vengeaunce throughe Ipocrysye , but rather touche vs so inwardly , that we may without ceasyng , syghe , and grone vnto the , by true and vnfayned repentaunce . And althoughe we be not allwayes so wel disposyd to aske & praye , as we ought to do , yet ( good Lord ) for thy names sake , stretche out thy mightie hande , that by the gratious workyng of thy holy Spirite , our myndes and hartes may be drawen from all erthly and corruptible thinges , so that our prayers may procede of an ernest and inward affection , so that we neuer presume to comme before that with a dobell hart , knowing that whosoeuer askethe and prayeth for anye thing of the , not asking in faith , can not obteyne . Increace our faithe therfore ( oh mercyfull Father ) that we presently may ly●ely 〈◊〉 the benefit of remission and pardon or all our synnes , thoroughe the merytes and death of Christ Iesus our Sauiour , and so work in vs foreuer hereafter to lyue in thy feare , and to stand in awe of thy displeasure , that thou mayst contynew our mercyfull Father world without end . God graunt yt .