MY lord , although god hath geuen vnto you synguler prudence , magnanimitye , and other vertues requisite to the place wherein he hath ordeyned you , and in th affayres that he hath put in your handes : Yet neuertheles , forasmuche as ye dooe esteme me for a seruante of his sonne ( whome aboue al ye desyre to obeye , ) I am certen that for the loue of him , you wil gently receyue that , which I write vnto you in hys name : as in dede I pretende no other end , but that in folowyng that , that you haue begonne , you might more and more aduaunce his honoure , vnto the tyme that you shal haue established his reigne in suche perfeccion , as it may be knowen in the world . And also you shal know , that withoute aduauncyng anye thing of myne owne fantasy , al that I write shal be drawen oute of hys pure doctryne . If I considered not other causes then the dignitie and greatenes where ye be : there wer no meane for a man of my qualitye to wryte vnto you . But forasmuche as you refuse not to be taught of the master , the whiche I serue : but that rather you preferre to al the rest the grace that he hath geuen vnto you , to be one of his disciples : I thynke that I haue no nede to make vnto you any long excuse or preface , because I fynd you sufficiently dysposed to receyue all that shall proceede of hym . We haue all to render thankes vnto our Lorde GOD and father , in that he will be serued of you in so excellente a woorke , as in settyng foorthe agayne ( by youre meanes , ) the pure and true rule of hys seruyce in Englande : and in causing the doctrine of health to haue place , and to be there faythefullye publysshed , for all them that will heare the same . And for that as he hath geuen vnto you suche vertue and constancye to pursue it vnto this time against so many temptacions and difficulties : And for that also that he hathe strenghtned you in blessynge all youre deuyses and laboures , for the prosperyng of them , they be thynges that styrreth all true faythefull menne to magnify his name . But in the meane tyme , beecause that Sathan ceasseth not to rayse vp by all wayes , newe combates , There is nothynge more hard then to cause the woorde of god peaceablye to rewle emong the people . and that it is a thynge of it selfe so hard as there canne bee nothynge more harde then to cause the woorde of GOD peaceablye to rewle emonges the people ( the whiche of theyr nature are geuen to lyes : ) And forasmuche as there be so many cyrcumstances which in these dayes empeache the course of the same , and aboue all , that the supersticions of the antechriste hauyng taken roote of so long tyme , may not easely bee taken awaye from theyr heartes : Methynketh you haue great nede to be confyrmed by holye exhortacyons . And I doubt not , but that experience teacheth you to feele the same , whiche shall bee the cause to make me to procede the more frankelye , beecause that my purpose ( as I belieue ) shal be conformable to youre desyre . And albeit that my exhortacions shall bee superfluous : yet I am sure that you wil beare with the good zeale and affeccion , that stirreth me to doe it . Wherfore according to reason , I belieue that the necessitie which ye feele , shall cause that the same shal bee a greate deale the better receyued : Howesoeuer it shal bee , I beseche you my lorde , that it may please you to geue me the hearynge in some aduertisementes which I entend brieflye to declare vnto you , hopyng that when ye shall haue hearde it , at the least you shal fynde some sauor for to bee reconforted , and to take a great deale the better courage to continue the holye and noble enterprise , in the whiche god hath appointed you to be employed vnto this present .

I doubte not but the greate troubles whyche happened vnto you not long agoe , haue beene vnto you verye harde and annoyouse : and moste of all for that manye myghte haue taken occasion of slaundre , for asmuche as they were moued ( in some parte ) vnder the shadowe of chaungyng the Religyon . Wherefore it cannot bee but that it hathe beene vnto you a verye harde assaulte , aswell for the cares , whiche myghte come vnto you , as also for the mutenies of the malygners and Ignorauntes , and also for the feare and trouble of the good . Truelye the brute that I haue heard a farre of , hath caused me to haue great grief in my hearte , vnto suche time that I dyd knowe that God had begonne to put some remedy . Neuertheles , for that , that they be not yet al pacifyed , and that the deuill may renewe them agayne : you shall call to remembraunce that , that the holy story recyteth of the good king Ezechias : that is to saye , at suche tyme as he hadde abolyshed the Supersticyons in Iewerye , Ezechias at his fir●… reforinyng of the church was sore oppressed of enemies and reformed the state of the church according to the law of god , that then he was so oppressed of his enemies , that he was very lykelye to be a loste and desperate manne . It is not withoute cause that the holye Spiryte notablye expresseth that suche afflyccyons happened vnto hym immediatelye after he had established the true religion in hys persit ordre . For it was verye lykelye , Whoso goeth aboute to set furth the glorye of GOD , shall haue persecucion that as soone as he went about to set foorthe the glorye of God , he shoulde not haue hys realme peaceable . So all faythefull Princes and Gouernours of Countreyes be aduertised by thys exaumple , that the more they shall employe theyr labour to put out all Idolatrye and procure that god be truely wurshypped ( as he ought ) the more theyr fayth shall bee proued , Why God suffereth godly Princes to bee tempted . by dyuers temptacions . God suffereth it , and so will haue it , to declare the constancie of hys , and to exercyse them , that they shoulde haue regarde to an hygher thyng , then thys worlde . The deuil laboureth priuely to destroy al godly doctrine . In the meane tyme the deuil also doth hys offyce , entending by al couert and hidden meanes to destroye the good doctrine , because he cannot openlye attayne to hys desyre . But folowing the admonicion of saint Iames ( who sayeth vnto vs : that in consideryng the pacience of Iob , we muste take hede to th ende , ) we must also caste oure eyes vpon the end , whiche was geuen to the sayde good kynge . The good ende that GOD geueth to the godly . As god succoured hym in all hys aduersities , so in th ende he remayned victorious . Consideryng that , and for asmuch as hys hand is not now any shorter than it was than , and that he hath at this day in so gret recommendacion the defence of his people , truth and veritie , as euer he had : Doubte ye not , but that he wil helpe you , and not onelye for one tyme , but in as many temptacions as he shall send vnto you . If the moste parte of the worlde resiste the Gospell , and lykewyse enforceth themselues , with all rage and violence , to empeache and hyndre the settyng furth therof : The ingratytude of men doeth euer more resist God approching vnto them We ought not to thynke it straunge . For it is the vnthankefulnesse of menne , which euer haue bene and shal be , to recoyle when GOD approcheth to them , and also to stumble agaynste hym , when he will charge them with hys yoke . Moreouer , for that of theyr nature they bee geuen to hipocrisie , they maye not endure to bee brought to the light of the woord of GOD , whiche discouereth their infamye and shame , nor to be drawen out of the supersticions which serueth vnto them as hyding places , for to geue them shadowe . It is then no new thing , if there bee greate contradiccion , when one goeth aboute to brynge them to the pure obedyence of GOD . Iesus brigeth the swerd with the gospel And also we haue aduertisemente of oure Lorde Iesus , the whiche sayeth to vs , that he hathe brought the sweorde with his euangelye . But this muste not astonyshe vs , nor make vs wurse willynge or fearefull : for in th ende when men shall haue well mutined and put furth all theyr malices , they shal be confounded in a momente , and shal ouerthrow themselues , with theyr owne violences . It is true ( as it is sayde in the seconde psalme ) that god shall not but laughe at theyr styrrynges , Howe god laugheth at the malicious stirring of persecutours . that is to say , that in dissimulyng he shall leaue them tormented , as the thyng touched hym not . But for all that , in th ende they shal be alwayes drieuen backe by hys power , of the whiche if we be armed , we haue a good perfite and inuincible municion againste all conspiracies , whatsoeuer the Deuilles maye procure agaynst vs . And in th ende we shall knowe by experyence , The Gospell that maketh a reconciliacion betwene god and vs , can also a pease men that as the gospel is the messenger of peace , & of the reconciliacyon betwene God and vs : So can he aswel for vs pacifye men . And by thys meane , we shall feele that Esai hath not sayd in vayne , that when Iesu Christe shall reygne emonges vs by hys doctrine , the sweordes shall be conuerted into plough shares , and the speares into Sythes . In the meane tyme , albeit that the malice and Rebellion of men are the occasion of sedicion and mewtenies , which ryseth agaynste the Gospell : Yet neuerthelesse it behoueth vs to take hede to our selues , God some time chasteneth vs by the euil persones . and to knowe that god chasteneth oure faultes by them , which otherwise cannot serue but to Sathan . It hath bene an auncient complaynte , that the Ghospell was the cause of all euilles and calamities , Some lay the faulte of sedicion to the gospell . whiche happened vnto men . In deede we see by the histories that not longe after the christianitie was spredde in all places , there was not almost a corner in the worlde whiche was not horriblye afflycted . The mocyon of the warres was as an vniuersal fyer lyghtened in all countreyes . The floudes in th one syde , the Pestilence and famyne in the other , an horrible confusyon of ordre and pollicye , in manner that it was lykelye that the worlde shoulde bee clearelye ouerturned . We haue also seene in oure tyme , sythe the gospel hathe begonne to be abroade , manye myseryes : So that euerye manne complayneth that we bee in an vnhappye worlde , and there is verye fewe that feeleth not the wayghte of the burden .

Nowe in feelynge suche blowes , wee oughte to regarde the hande of hym that stryketh vs , and we oughte also to thinke wherfore . The cause why we fele gods scourge . The cause whiche moueth hym to make vs so to feele hys scourge , is not very darke or hard to vnderstande . We know that his woorde , by the which he will kepe vs in health , is an inestimable treasure , and in what maner of recompence is it receaued of vs . Wherfore then , seeyng we esteme not muche that , whiche is so precious to speake of : it is reason that he take vengeance of our ingratitude . We also heare that Iesus Christe sayde , that the seruaunte knowyng the will of hys maister and dooyng it not , is worthy of double chastisemente , for because that we bee so slothfull to obey the wil of oure God , whiche hath bene declared vnto vs , more than an hundred tymes heretofore , we ought not to think it straunge , if he be more sharply angrye with vs , seing that we be more inexcusable . When we cause not the good seede to increase and profite : it is reason that the thystles and thornes of Sathan groweth to prycke and torment vs . Because that we geue not to our creatour the obedience that is due vnto hym : it is no meruayle that men aryse agaynst vs . As I vnderstand ( my lord ) you haue had two kyndes of mutenies , whiche bee risen against the king & the state of the Realme . Two kindes of mutenies at once . Thone be fantasticall men , which vnder the colour of the gospell , would put all to confusyon . The other bee obstynate people in the Supersticyons of the Antichriste of Rome . Altogether deserueth wel to be punyshed by the sweorde , that is commytted vnto you . Seeynge that they quarell , not onelye agaynste the kynge , but also agaynste God , whiche hathe placed hym in the seate Royall , and hath committed vnto you , the proteccion , aswell of hys person , as of hys maiestie , and regall estate . How gods word must be receued But the principal meane is , to doe as much as is possible , to cause that they which sauor the doctrine of the gospel ( to th intent to stycke and cleaue vnto it ) shoulde receyue it with suche humblenesse and feare , that they may forsake themselues for the seruice of god . For they ought to thinke that god wil reuele all , to th entente that they shall profit more ( without fe●ning in his woorde ) then they haue done before . These mad folkes that would the worlde should returne into a confuse & disordinate libertie , be suborned by Sathan for to slaundre the gospel : As that it should not engendre , but rebellion a gaynste prynces , and all dysordre emonges the people . Wherfore al faythfull ought to be sorowful . The Papistes willing to maintain the filthy abhominacions of their Romain Idole , shew themselues open enemyes of the grace of Iesus Christe and of all hys ordynaunces , the same also ought to greeue the heartes of al them , whiche haue good zeale , wherfore they ought to thynke altogether that these be scourges of god , which he sendeth to them : And wherefore ? But onely because that they make none accoumpte of the doctrine of healthe as they ought to doe . The principall remedie to appeace sedicion . Wherfore the principall remedye for to appeace such sedicions is , that they which professeth the gospell , doe truely repayre to the Image of God , for to shewe that our christianitie causeth not dissipacion in the humain lyfe , and geue good proofe & tryall by theyr sobrenes , and temperaunce , that we gouerned by the woord of God , bee not men vnruled and without a brydle . And by theyr good & holy lyfe , stop the mouthes of all euyll speakers . For by thys meanes god ( beeing appeaced ) shal retiere hys hand , and in the place that thys day he punisheth the slaunderers , for the contemning of his word , he shall blesse theyr obedience in all prosperitie . Lawe es & Iustices oughte to bee vncorrupt . Lykewyse that al the nobilitie and lawiers gouerne them selues ryghtlye , and in all humilitie to th obedience of this great kyng Iesus Christ : Makyng holy homage vnto him ( without feining ) of soule and body and all that they haue . To th intente , that he correct and abate that to gancie and folly of them , that woulde tyse agaynst them . Loe , thys is the meane howe Princes of the earth ought to reygne in seruing Iesus Christ , to th ende that he may haue Soueraine auctoritie emonges all , bothe great and small . Wherefore my Lorde , in asmuche as you haue the regall estate of the king your Nephieu deare vnto you , and in greate recommendacion ( as you shewe very wel ) I pray you in the name of god , to employe your principall care & vigilancye , that the doctrine of God may bee preached with strengthe , and vertue , for to brynge furthe hys fruite , and not to leaue for any respecte to pursue a ful and an entiere reformacion of the Churche . And the better to declare vnto you my mynde and intencion , I will deuyde the whole into three poyntes . The fyrst shal be the meane to instructe the people well . The remedies againste all sedicion in a common weale . The seconde shal be the taking away of the abuse that hath bene of longe tyme . The third with diligence to correct vyces , and to kepe so good ordre that the slaundres & disordres may not haue such place as the the name of God shoulde bee blasphemed . As to the fyrste I mynde not to declare vnto you what doctrine ought to haue place . But rather I geue thankes to almighty god , that besides that he hathe geuen vnto you the light of his pure knowledge , he hath also geuen vnto you , good counsell and discrecion , to cause hys pure veritie to be preached . So that God be thanked , you be not to teache what is the true faith of christen men , and the doctrine that they ought to receiue . Seing that by youre meane , the true puretie of the faythe is restored . That is , that we belieue and take God for the onelye gouerner of oure soules : that we kepe hys lawe for the onely rule , and spiritual gouernmente of oure conscience , and not to serue him after the foolish inuencyon of man . Also , that accordyng to hys nature , he wil be serued in spirite , and in puritie of heart . Of the other parte , knowyng that there is not but al euil in vs , and that we bee corrupted in all oure knowledge and affeccyons , on that sorte , that our soules being despayred in our selfes be lyke a bottomles pytte , or worlde of iniquitie . And hauing taken away al presumpcion of our wisedome , dygnitie , or power to dooe well : we may haue recourse to the fountayne of al goodnes , which is Iesus Christ , receiuyng that which he geueth vs : that is to saye , the merite of hys deathe and passion . To thintout that by that meane we may bee reconciled to God , that beeyng washed with hys bloude , we shoulde not feare that oure faultes shoulde empeache or hyndre vs , to fynde grace before hys celestiall throne . That beyng certain that ou● synnes be frely pardoned vs , by vertue of hys sacrifice , we shal put therin our trust & assurance , for to be asserteyned of our healthe , and that we bee sanctifyed by his sprite , in geuinge our selues to the obedience of the iustice of GOD , that beeynge fortifyed by hys grace , we shal be vanquishers of Sathan , the worlde , and the fleshe . Finally , that being membres of hys bodye , we feare it not , but GOD will take vs for hys children , and that wee maye haue confydence to call vnto hym as oure father . That we be aduertysed to brynge to thys ende , al that is sayd and done in the church , it is , that beyng retiered from the worlde , wee maye bee lyfte vp to heauen , with our head and Sauior . Wherefore seeyng than that god hath geuen you the grace to restore the knowledge of hys doctrine , whiche hathe beene so longe buryed by the Antichriste , I leaue to kepe you with longer purpose .

And that whiche I haue towched of the manner of teaching , is onely for that the people maye bee ryghtlye instructed , and for to feele that which th apostle sayd : The word of God is a two edged sword that is , that the woorde of God is a sweorde , cutting with two edges , pearsyng the thoughtes and affeccions vnto the mary of the bone . Few godlye preachinges in the realm I saye thys ( my Lord ) for that I thynke there is veraye fewe lyuelye preachynges within the realme . But that the most parte recyteth , as by lecture , I well perceyue the necessytye that constrayneth you thereunto . For fyrste you haue not ( as I think ) your pastours so good and apt , as you desire & wishe , wherfore it is nedeful for you to supply that lack . Secondly there myght chaunce to bee manye lighte spirites , whiche woulde peraduenture leape beyond theyr bondes , sowing some foolyshe fantasyes , as many tymes they doe in newe thynges . But all these consideracyons empeacheth not , The ordinaunce of Iesus Christo oughte in al causes to haue course . but that th ordinaunce of Iesus Christe ought to haue his course as in preachynge the gospel . Nowe ths preachyng oughte not to bee dead but alyue , Prechyng oughte to be liuely . for to teache exhorte and reprehende ( as Saint Paule sayth to Timoth: ) yea in such sorte as if an infidele entre , he may bee wounded ouercome , and taken ( as the same Paul sayeth in another place , ) for to geue glory vnto god . You knowe also , my Lorde , howe as he speaketh of the lyuelines that oughte to bee in the mouthes of them , which will approue them selues good and faythfull ministers of the gospell , that they ought not to haue or vse woordes of rethorike , entending thereby to be in greater estimacyon : but that the spirite of God ought to sounde in theyr voyces , for to woorke in uertue . All the daungers that are to bee feared , ought not to impeache the spirite of God to haue hys libertie , and his course , in them in the which he hath distributed of hys grace , for to edifye the churche . It is true that in the meane time it is good and expedient to stop the lightnes of fantastical spirites , that taketh to muche lycence . Also to shut the gate of al curiosities and newe fangled doctrines . But the best and most conuenient meanes , suche as God hath shewed vnto vs , is , There ought to be a resolute summe of doctrin that should bee preached . that first there bee a summe resolute of the doctrine that al ought to preache , the which al prelates and curates should sweare to folowe : And that none bee receyued to anye ecclesiasticall charge , All preachers oughte to preache vniformly . but he promyse to obserue the same concorde and vnpon . cathechismes for the youth oughte to be had in a christen realme . After that to haue a formall and commen instruccyon for to enstructe the younge chyldren and ignoraunte people , whyche should make them acquaynted with the true doctrine , in such wyse that they may discerne it from lyes and corrupcions , whiche elles myght be broughte in . To the contrarye , belieue my lorde , that the churche of god shal neuer be conserued without Cathechisme : for it is as the seede , to bee kept , that the good grayne peryshe not , but that it may encrease from age to age . Wherfore if you desire to builde a worke of continuaunce to endure long , & which shoulde not shortly fall in decay , cause that the children in theyr yong age , be enstructed with a good Cathechisme , that may learne them briefly , and according to theyr small capacities , to knowe wherein consysteth the true christianitie . The profitablenesse of a good cathechisme . Thys ▪ Cathechisme shall serue for two purposes , that is to say , for an introduccyon to al the people , for to profite wel in that which shal be preached vnto them , and also to discerne in case any presumptuously would attempt to set furth straunge doctrines . In the meane time I say not , It is necessarye to bynde the Pastour● to a certain forme of doctrine written . and also necessary to bynde and restrayn the pastoures and Curates to a certain forme written , for to supplye the ignorauncies and symplenes of some of them , and also the better to shewe the conformitie and concorde of all churches . Thyrdelye , for to brydle all curiosityes and newe inuencions , suche as desyres nothynge , but to runne ryot , the sayde Cathechisme , ( as I haue before rehearsed ) shall serue and bees good brydle for suche folkes : And also in such sorte ordre is to be geuen , in the ministring of the Sacramentes , and in the publike prayers . But in the meane tyme , The vertue of prechinge the Ghospell may not be destroyed you must take heede that suche pollicie destroy not the strength and vertue that oughte to be in preaching of the gospel . And that you employe youre labour● asmuche as ye possiblye can , that there bee good trumpets whiche maye enter into the depenes of the hertes , for ther● is daunger that ye shall not see greate profite of suche reform●cion , Good preching must be ioyned with a reformacion how good and holye soeuer it bee , vnlesse that euen at once with it , the power and vertue of good preaching , bee desplayed and sette foorthe togethers . It is not without● cause that it is sayd that Iesus Christ shall strike the year●he by the Sceptre of hys mouthe , and shall destroye the euyll by the Spirite of hys lyppes . It is the meane by the whiche he will ouercome vs , in destroyinge all that , whiche is agaynste hym . The gospel is in scripture called the kingdome of God . And for that cause the gospel is also called the kingdome of GOD . Also , albeit that th ordinances & statutes of princes bee good helpes to aduaunce and mayntaine the state of christianitie : So likewyse god will declare hys souereygne vertue in the spirituall sweorde of hys woorde with it , setting furth thesame by his pastours . And to th intent I woulde not long trouble you ( my Lord ) I wil come to the seconde poynt which I haue purposed to shewe vnto you . Abuses muste bee cleane taken away It is to abolyshe , and clearely to take away , the abuses & corrupcions that Sathan hath mingled heretofore with the ordinaunces of god . We knowe that vnder the pope there is a bastard christianitie whiche god shall dysalowe in the laste daye : Vnder 〈◊〉 papacie is a bastarde christianitie . forasmuche as at thys daye , he hath condemned the same , by hys woorde . If wee desyre to retiere the worlde from suche perdicion , there is nothyng better , then to folow the exaumple of . S. Paule , who willynge to correcte the euyll that the Corinthians had ioyned to the supper of our Lorde , sayde vnto them : I haue receyued of the Lord , that whiche I haue geuen vnto you . We mu●… returne to the ryght commaundement of GOD . Of that we must gather one generall instruccion to returne to the right and natural commaundement of God : if we wil haue a good and an approued reformacion of hym . For so manye mynglynges as men haue set vp of theyr owne inuencions , there be so many infecctons , which turne vs from the holy vsage of that , that God hath geuen vs , for our healthe . So to 〈◊〉 of halfe the braunches of such abuses , It is not enough to cut of sum of the branches of abuses . it cannot bring again the thynges in perfecte and pure state , beecause that wee then shall haue alwayes a Christianitie counterfette . I say thys for that , that some vnder the coulour of moderacion , bee of opinion to suffre many abuses , without taking them awaye , and they thynke that it is inough to haue taken out the roote of the principal . But contrary wise , we se how muche the seede of lyes is fertile , The seede of lyes is fertile . and that one grayne of that is sufficiente , for to fyll all the worlde within three dayes , as menne bee enclined and geuen vnto . Our Lorde teacheth vs otherwyse , for when Dauid speaketh of idols he sayeth that their name shal not passe by hys mouthe : to th entente to declare vnto vs what horror and detestacion wee oughte to haue them in . And if we considre well how much we haue offended God in the time of our ignoraunce , we ought to be dowbly remembred for to eschew the inuencions of Sathan , The craft of Sathan . who hathe prouoked vs to doe such euil thinges , vsing them as allurementes whiche serueth not , but to seduce the poore & simple folkes . On the other syde we see that albeit menne be sufficiently warned of their faultes , and errours , and be aduertised of them asmuch as is possible : Yet neuertheles , they be so hardened , that no man can attayne to the perfecte ende . Than if there shal be left vnto them some dregges to remaine , it shal be a nouryshemente of muche more and greater obstinacye , and a couerture to hyde all doctrine that may be propouned vnto them . I confesse that it is conueniente to obserue some moderacyon , Moderacion is necessarye , and some ceremonies may be vsed . and that to great extremitie is neither good ne profitable . Lykewyse it is conuenient to vse the ceremonies according to the grosenes of the people : but it maye not bee that that whiche is of Sathan , and of the Antichriste , shoulde passe vnder that coloure . It is for that cause that holye scripture praising the kinges which did destroy the idolatries , The kynges that destroyed Idolatrie . not hauing plucked away altogether : neuertheles gaue vnto them a marke for that they had not destroyed the chappelles and places of foolyshe deuocion . Wherfore my lord , seing that god hath brought you so farre foorth , I praye you continue without any excepcion , to the intente that he maye approue you the setter foorthe of hys temple : in suche wyse as the tyme of the kynge youre Nephieu maye bee compared to the time of Iosias : and that you maye sette al thynges in suche state as there shall reste nothyng to hym , but to maintayne the good ordre whiche god shal haue prepared vnto hym by your meane . I wil allege vnto you an exaumple of suche dregges , whiche peraduenture may rest to bee a litle leuen : the which in th end , will make the paste sowre . Agaynste prayinge for the dead at receiuing of the communion . They dooe in your countreye some kynde of prayer for the dead , when the communion is receyued . I know wel it is not for to aduowe the purgatory of the Pope . I know also that it maye be alleged by aunciente custome to dooe some remembraunce for the dead , to the intente to ioyne together all the membres of the bodye . But there is a peremptorye argumente to the contrarye , that the supper of Iesus Christ is so holye a thynge , that it ought not to bee defyled with no inuencions of men . Moreouer , that in praying vnto god , we ought not lette slippe the brydle of our fantasticall deuocion , but to kepe the rule that Saincte Paule did geue vnto vs : that is , that we take our foundacion of the woord of god . Wherfore such remembraunce of recommendacion is not conuenient to the ordre of the good and due prayer , and it is an euyll addicyon to the holy supper of our Lorde . There is other thynges , whiche peraduenture should be lesse blamed , whiche neuertheles , is not to bee excused : As the ceremony of the Chreame and vnccion . The ceremonie of chreame & vnccion . The chreame hath bene inuented of a foolyshe fantasye by them that contented not themselues with the administracion of Iesus Christe , and that they would counterfet the holy spirite by a new doctrine , as though the water were not sufficiente enough for that . And the whiche is called the extreme vnccion , hath bene retayned by a foolyshe affeccyon of them , that haue will to folow the Apostles , hauing not the same gift that they hadde . For when the Apostles dyd vse the oyle vpon the syck , The oile vsed vpon the sycke by the Apostles . it was for to heale them by miracle : when the miracle ceassed , the figure ought no more to be vsed . Superfluous cerem●nies are to be pared of agayne . Wherfore it should be a great deale better that the thynges shoulde be so pared of agayn , as they may be most agreeing to the pure woorde of God , and may serue to the edifyinge of the church . Howe wee oughte to beare with the weake . It is true that we ought to beare with the weake , but that is for to strengthen and bryng them to greater perfeccion , that is not to say that in the meane tyme we ought to please fooles whiche desyre now this & now that , & know not wherefore . I knowe the consideracyon wherefore many are troubled : it is that they feare that to much alteracion cannot bee borne with , principallye when one will haue regarde of hys neyghboures , with whome he desyreth to nourishe frendship and amitie . A man would gladly gratifye them in dyssymulynge many thynges . Thys oughte to bee borne with , in worldly affayres , where it is lawefull to yelde one to an other , and to geue some of our ryghte to bye peace : but it is not al one of the spirituall gouernaunce of the Churche , As touching gods woord , we maye not yelde to menne for fauout . the whiche oughte to bee ordred accordynge to the woorde of God . In that it is not in oure lybertye to yelde in anye thyng to menne , in respecte of theyr fauoure . Lykewyse there is nothynge that dyspleaseth GOD more , then when we will by oure humayne prudence , moderate or temper , or refourme , or sette foorthe , or drawe backe , anye thynge agaynste hys wyll . Wherefore if wee will not dysplease hym , wee muste close oure eyes in respecte of menne . As to the daungers that maye happen , wee oughte to eschewe them as muche as we maye : but not in declynynge from the trewe and ryghte waye , for wee haue hys promyse , God by his promise will assiste vs in walkinge the right way . that he wyll assyste vs in walking the right way . So that it resteth not in vs , but to doe our office in recommendynge to hym that , Why the wyse of this world are manye tymes voyd of their hope . that shall folowe . And for that occasion the wyse of thys world be many tymes voyde of their hope , for that , that god is not with them , when they truste not in hym , and in hys helpe in serching by meanes , which he condemneth . If then wee wil haue the vertue & strength of god on oure syde , let vs folowe symplye , that he sayeth vnto vs , and aboue all , wee oughte to kepe thys generall rule : The reformacyon of the church is the worke of gods owne hand that the reformacion of hys churche is the woorke of hys hande . Wherfore it is necessarye , that in thys matter , men suffre themselues to bee gouerned by hym , the whiche whether it bee in restoryng or in kepynge hys churche , will most commonly procede by a merueylouse and straunge meanes and wayes , vnknowen to menne . Wherefore to restrayne thys reformacyon that ought to bee diuyne , by the measure of our witte , and to make that whiche is celestiall subiecte to the earth and the world , is agaynst al good reason . By that I exclude not the wisedome whiche is very requisite to obserue all propice and good meanes , and not to excede eyther on th one syde or thother , in any extremitie , for the wynnyng of all the worlde to god , if it should be possible . It is requisite that the wisedome of the spirite rule , and not of the fleshe . But it is nedefull that the wisedome of the spirite shoulde rule , and not of the fleshe . And that hauyng examined the mouthe of the Lorde , wee require of hym , that he will be our guyde and conducter , soner than to folowe oure owne wittes : and when we shal require it in that sort , it shal bee easye for vs to exclude many temptacions , that maye staye vs in the middes of the waye . Wherefore my Lorde , as you haue begonne to reduce Christianitie vnto hys perfect state in England , and not in trustyng of youre selfe , but to bee mayntayned by the hande of GOD : as vnto thys daye ye haue felte hys myghtye hande , doubte ye not , but that he wil helpe you vnto the ende . For if god mayntayneth kyngedomes and Lordeshyppes of infydels that bee hys enemyes , If GOD maintaine the kyngdomes of Infidele●… , much m●… he will of the faythfull , by muche more reason , he will take into hys garde , them that bee obedyent vnto hym , and dooe take hym for theyr Superyoure . I come now to the laste Article , that is , to punyshe vyce , and to reproue slaunders . I doubte not but there is good lawes , and lawfull statutes , wythin the Realme of Englande , People muste by good lawes be kept in Turrian honest discipline for to keepe the people in honeste lyfe . But the greate dysordres and enormytyes that I see in the worlde , constraineth me to desyre you to take also the care that the people be kepte in good and honest disciplyne : and aboue all that ye haue the honour of God in good reputacyon , to the intente to punyshe suche crymes , Crymes must be punyshed . of the whiche menne accustomablye make none accoumpte . I saye it for that , that somtymes , theftes , Robberyes , fyghtynges , and extorcyons shall bee sharpelye punished , for that in those men be offended : and in the meane time whordomes , adulteries , dronkenes , and blasphemies of the name of god , be suffred almoste as thynges lawfull and of small importaunce . Contrariwyse we see in what estimacyon and detestacyon god hathe them in . For he declareth vnto vs , howe muche his name is precyouse , and in what estimacion we ought to haue it : and yet it is by vs , as it were torne in pieces , and troden vnder our fete . Wherfore out of doubte , he wil not leaue vnpunished suche iniuries and dyshonour . Yea , and moreouer the Scripture sheweth vs that by blasphemies a whole realme is infected . By blasphemies a whol realme is infected . As touching adultries , it is a great shame vnto vs whiche professe the name of Christe , that the Pagans haue obserued greater rygour in punishyng therof then we dooe : of the whiche we manye tymes make but a laughing game . When the holy mariage that ought to bee a lyuelye ymage of the holye vnyon that wee haue with the sonne of God , Holy mariage . is defyled , and that the allyaunce whiche oughte to bee most stable and indyssoluble , is vniustlye broken : If wee take not those thynges to hearte , it is a sygne that wee haue no greate care nor loue of GOD . Touching whoredome , it may well suffyce vs that Sayncte Paule doothe compare it to Sacrilege , S. Paule compareth whoredom to sacrilege . for asmuche as by the same the temples of GOD , which is our bodyes , bee prophaned and defyled . Item that the whoremongers and dronkardes bee banyshed from the kyngdome of GOD , in such wyse that it is defended vnto vs to keepe companye with them . Wherefore it foloweth that they oughte not to bee suffered in the Churche . Whormongers and drunkardes ought not to be suffered in the Churche . And thys is the cause that so manye tribulacyons bee thys daye vpon the yearthe . For insomuche as menne pardoneth suche enormities , it must folowe that GOD must take vengeaunce . Wherefore my lord , to th intent to preuent his wrath , I pray you to hold the brydle shorte , & cause that they whiche heareth the doctrine of the Ghospell , proue themselues to bee christen menne , by the holynesse of theyr lyfe . For as the doctrine is the soule of the church , for to geue it lyfe : so the disciplyne and correccion of vices bee as the Senowes for to mayntayne the body in his force & strength . Correccion of vyces . It is the office of Busshops and Curates to take good hede to the same , The office of bishops & curates . to the intent that the supper of oure Lorde bee not polluted by folkes of slaunderous and dyshonest● life . But considering the auctoritie whiche God hath committed vnto you , the principall charge retourneth vnto you , for to set others in the ryght waye , to th intent that euerye one dyscharge themselues of theyr duetie , and cause that the ordre which is established be duely obserued . Nowe my Lorde folowing the protestacyon that I haue made here beefore , I will not excuse my self no longer , neither of the prolixitie of my letters , nor of that , that I haue liberally declared that I had in my hert . For I trust that myne affeccion i● knowen vnto you , according to your wisdom . And as ye be exercised in the holye scripture , you see of what fountayne I haue drawen all that whiche is herein conteyned . Wherefore I dooe not feare that I haue bene tedious and importune in declaryng vnto you , to the best of my power , the good desyre that I haue , that the name of god may be daylye by you more largelye gloryfyed , for the whyche I pray to hym daylye . Praying that it maye please hym to augment his grace vnto you , confyrmyng you by hys holye spirite in a perfect and inuincible constancie , maintaining you against your enemies , hauing you with all your housholde in his holy proteccion , and doing that you administer happelye the charge that is committed to you . So that the kyng may haue occasion to geue thankes to hys Lord God , for that he hathe hadde suche a Gouernoure in hys younge age , aswell of hys person as also of hys realme . So I make an ende my lord , hauynge me moste humblye recommended vnto your good Grace :