The tragedies of tyrantes Exercised vpon the church of God, from the birth of Christ vnto this present yeere. 1572. Containing the causes of them, and the iust vengeance of God vpon the authours. Also some notable comfortes and exhortations to pacience. Written by Henrie Bullinger, and now Englished.

Of the fyrst Tragicall Acte or persecution after the birth of Christ , in which Herod surnamed the great , slew the young and innocent Children . Chapter . i.

AFter the persecutions of the faithfull in the auncient holy Church , hereafter I will declare the persecutions of the christian Church , which began immediatly after the byrth of Christe , in the reigne of Augustus the Emperour .

When Christe in great pouertie was borne in a certen stable , ther came wise Herode the great firste persecuted our sauiour men from the East vnto Ierusalem , declaring the birth of the late borne king . With this tidings Herod ( whom they call the greate , and Ascalonite ) beinge merueilous affraied , for he doubted lest the new borne king shoulde driue him out of the kingdome of Iudea , whiche then he possessed at pleasure & good will of the Romanes : he determined to slay this newe and latelye borne Kinge whilst as yet hée lay in his swath clothes . And beinge ignorant wl● was the lately borne kinge , yet ki●●inge that hée was borne at Bethe● beecause hée would bee sure not to 〈◊〉 him : caused all the infantes of Be●lem and the places néere about , sut● were two monethes ould or young bée slayne by his officers , and s●ours . Amongst which his officers souldiours , this moste cruell T● fownd some , that were not a frai● commit this straunge tragedie , an●●ell murther . For the murderers , vngodly rakehelles , the seruantes 〈◊〉 butcherly kinge , departinge vnto A cruell slaughter . ●thelem , fulfilled his commaundm● killinge all the younge children o● ●thelem and the borders about , w● doubtlesse the numbre was not s● For , which is horrible to heare , an●●trarie to the nature of mankinde , spared not somuch as the tendre in● in their cloutes , but haled them their mothers brestes : wherby arose a great and miserable cla● schritches and outcries of them , 〈◊〉 most deare pledges and children were pluckt away by most vniuste Tyranie and so cruelly and vnkindly murthered . Mathew the Euangelist maketh mencion of this sorow and heuines , by whom Math. 2. this storie is diligently writen , and for the better settinge foorth to the eie the greatnes of this miserie and calamitie , the woordes of Ieremie are by him aleaged who writeth thus : A voice was heard in Rhama , lamentation , weepinge , and mutch mourninge , Rachell weepinge for her children , and would receaue no comfort because they were not . In which woordes this is also to be noted , how persecution doth not only touch and appertayne vnto those that are tormented or slayne , but vnto those also , who , although they suffre not the same thinges : yet do they loue them , and are ioyned vnto them that suffer , so that by the paines and suffryng of their frendes they sustayne great gréefe of mynde , and thereby themselues do suffer , and are partakers of persecution .

Herod mooued this persecution not so mutch for the infantes to slaye them , but for our Lorde Jesus Christe to séeke him , finde him , and kill him .

Wherefore these innocent Infantes were slayne for Christes sake , and they whose Children they were sustayned this great sorrowe and heauenesse for Christs sake , although at that time they vnderstoode not the misteries of God .

And therefore verie well these glytlesse children , with their parentes are numbred among them whiche haue suffered persecution for Christes sake . Neither is it to bée doubted , but these children by the force and efficacye of the frée grace and promise of God , were in the league and therfore had receyued Cyrcumcysion , the signe and token of the league , and were the sunnes of God , and then also were endued with the crowne of martyrdome for Christes cause . Curious questions touching these Children .

Since therefore God of his mercye , and goodnesse hath so gloryouslye delte with these Children , let these curious questioners cease here to inquire , what God did meane , & why he suffred these séelly and giltlesse babes to be slayne for Christes sake ? Why he deliuered not them also as he dyd Christe , whome he conuaied by flight into Aegipt ? why he suffred the cruell Tyrant to commit so foule a murther ? doth anie sutch vnaccustomed crueltie & sauagenes delight God ? Likely enough it is , that at that time when these thinges were doone , troublesome and carnall men vttered foorth mutch sutch like talke . But the Godly , and men of sownde iudgement , do quite reiect sutch thoughtes and questions , nether do they speake against the gouerment of God why hée premitteth this or that , but with all their hart they say with Dauid : The Lorde is iust in all his wayes , and holly in all his workes . Although the innocent children were depriued of this present life , yet were they rewarded with euerlastinge lyfe , and endued with vnspeakeable glorie and honour . As for the mourninge and sorowe of the parentes , God could requite that , sundrie waies .

And God , likewise , who is displeased with crueltie , who also doth no euell , nether suffreth it to bée doone vnpunished , vseth euell déedes , wrath , and sauage crueltie of his enemies vnto the commodity of the faithful , their deedes therwhile being naught , and nothyng therby the better . Poison is euil by his own nature , but by the skil of the Phisitions the which is naught by nature is applied in medecines vnto the commoditie of men . So said Ioseph to his brethren that thei imagined mischief against him , when thei sold him into Egipt , howbeit god turnd it to good , so likewise doth God in persecutions . For in this first persecution , wée béeholde euidently , as it were in a glasse , what is the substance & state of al other persecutions . For although this persecution were very cruel & vnkind : notwithstanding it tended vnto the saluation & glory of all those whom it touched . And likewise al other persecutions of the faithful , although they be sharp & cruell , yet are they profitable & honorable vnto those that suffer them . And like as the wise wil not much dispute in this place , why god suffred those children to be slaine : so are the faithful of a moderate and quiet mind in persecutions , nether do they accuse god demaunding why he doth this or the for wicked men , suffring the godly & innocent to be oppressed . For they know , & beleue , the gods gouerment is in al things good & iust , & without all reprehention . And like as the giltlesse innocents were killed for christes sake and amongst them Christ was sought to be slayne : so in al persecutions the faithful a● murdered for Christs sake , & Christ is he whom the persecutours séek and study to make away . And like as christe then was nether found , nor slain , but escaped so al persecutions may slay the godly , but they are neuer able to extinguish christ . But as Herod , contrary to his hope & expectation , notwithstanding this murther could not be careles nor quiet in mind : so likewise , al persecutors , although thei kil neuer so many yet ar thei not at rest but alwaies remaining in feare , & carefulnes . Ambition and desire to rule only enforced Herod to commit these horrible slaughters : al other persecutions likwise The cause of this persecution . haue sprong foorth from the like disease & euill affection . For in times past what stirs ambition , & desire to rule , haue moued in the kigdoms of Iuda & Israel it mai be known by the tyrannical déeds of Saul Abner , Iereboam , Athalia , & such lyke . And in our age manie of the clergie , and ecclesiasticall ordre , hauinge obtained great honours : do feare least their glory , pompe , ritches , pleasures , prefermentes and honours should decay , if the Gospell were fréely preached . Sutche therfore for their kingdome , and pleasures : with Herod , oppose themselues against Christe and his woord , and are not stroken with horrour in eggynge foorth vnto , or executinge a cruell déede , so that themselues may lurke safe and quiet in their neastes . To conclude , like as this gréeuous and cruell persecution of Christe , béegan immediatly after his incarnation by slaughter of the innocent babes : so is there nothing that the churche of Christe must looke for vntill the last iudgment , but persecutions .

Of the second Tragical Acte or persecution , wherein Iohn the Baptist was beheaded , Jesus Christ the Sunne of God crucified , and his Disciples dispersed . Chapter . ii .

THe second persecution began Iohn Baptist firste preacher of the Gospell . at one time , with the preaching of the Gospell , & Iohn the Baptiste firste preached the Gospell , as S. Marke witnesseth writting : how that the Gospell of Jesus Christe the Sun of God , began so as it was foretold by the prophets , namely by the forerunner of of Christ , who prepared his waies , and made the mindes of men apt and ready to receaue Christe . Whiche Iohn the Baptist , pointed vnto Christ , as it were What Iohn preached . with his finger , testefinge that he was the Lambe of God , that shoulde take away the sinnes of the world . The same exhorted men to beléeue in Christe , and sent his disciples from him to Christe , as vnto him in whome dwelled al fulnesse , and through whom only the way was open vnto euerlastinge life : affirminge that hée was the verie Sunne of God , into whose hande the father committed all thinges , and whosoeuer béeléeued in him should haue euerlastinge life , and whoso béeleeued not , vppon him remained the wrath of God . Therewith also he sharply rebuked the vices of men , exhortinge all to repentance , pronouncinge vnto the impenitent and vnbéeléeuinge , the wrath of God and destruction to hang ouer them . These are mentioned by the Euangelistes Mathew . 3. chap. Iohn . 1. and. 3. chap. and Luke . 3. chapter .

For this doctrines sake , when as manie hated John and his disciples , and specially the high byshoppes and priestes , who by messengers sent vnto him required an accoumpt of his doctrine , endeuoringe to stoppe , and hindre him from that function . Afterwarde , when he had rebuked Herode called Antipas of incest , which was sun to Herod surnamed the great , that slew the children ( for the same Antipas had taken away Iohn . 1. his owne brother Philippes wife and his daughter , and kept her openly for his owne wife ) when , as I say , hée had preached against that wicked déede mutch blaminge the filthines of the fact was by the sayd Herode apprehended , and cast into prison . Then on a time , Iohn taken . when Herod had made a solemne feast for his nobles and courtiars : amonge his greate and manie cuppes beinge ouerséene and merie with wine , promised large rewardes vnto Herodiadas the daughter , a strumpet , béecause shée had daunced in his presence , where shée beinge instructed by the ould harlot her mother , required the head of John the Baptist . Herod although hée knew● John to bée a godly and holy man , yet sending the executioner : commaunded the innocent man without iudgment , his cause beinge vnhearde , shamefully , and through tyranicall lust to bée slayn in the prison . The daughter presented the Head of John to the incestuous harlot Iohn beheaded . her mother , in the feast , and euen as shée was sitting at the table . Which cruell déede , what greife and sorow it brought to Johns disciples , and al other godly men : euerie faithfull man maye easely repute with himself . Wherfore this persecution by Herode committed , not only touched Iohn : but was greenous also to the rest of the faithful .

Doubltesse su●ch carnall reasons as these are , perplexed the mindes of manie Sundry●e opinions of this dede . that time , why God suffred that man to be afflicted that was so dear vnto the Lorde , and greater then whome there was none borne of a woman ? Why permitted hée him by incestuous persons so miserablye to bée slayne in prison , and they the meane time drowned in riotinge , drounkennes , and dauncinge ? why hée suffred that holye head , disdainfully to be touched and abused by the handes of a filthie harlot ? These thinges are straunge in the sight of men , and the fact it self is horrible , yet no wyse man ought to accuse God in permittinge the same , which doth all thinge in iudgment , and iustice yea , if hée chaunce at these dayes to sée verteous and godly men , miserably slayne by the vngodly and wicked , and rereprochefully vsed , thus hée reasoneth with himself : if God could beehold it , that so holy a man , Gods freende , the first minister of the Gospell , should so dispightfully bée murthered in prison , and his head also reprochfully handled : wée ought lesse to merueyle if now like wise hée suffre the like to béefall to his fréences , who are not yet in so great estimation , and dignitie as John was .

But like as Johns cause was not therfore vniuste , and Herodes iuste , in that hee preuailed , and oppressed , and slew John : in our age likewise their doctrine and faith which abide persecution , and are wofully slayn for Christ and his woordes sake , is not therfore the woorse , nether the faith of the persecucions and murthers for that cause the better .

Semblably , as there was none other Causes of Herods parsecution . cause that mooued Herod to this persecution and greeuous slaughter , then that hée would not bée rebuked in his wickednes , neither offend his bousinge mates and incestuous harlot : so , manie persecutions are raised by those that will not bée reproued for Idolatrie for their sins and wickednesse , persecuting the innocent , that they may please wicked men , which prouoke them vnto it .

In the same age , after John the baptist , Christes doctrine . vnder Tyberius the Emperour , our lorde Jesus Christ béegan to preache the gospel , and to pronounce remission of sinnes , and life euerlastynge through faith in him , and also béegan sharply to withstande , and speake against the false doctrin of the Teachers namely of the Pharises , Scribes , and preistes seuerely accusinge their hypocrisie , couetousnes , and other crimes , warnings them also of the wrath of God which hunge ouer them , and exhortinge moreouer all men to repentance . Hée declared this doctrine , and deuine power , by sundrie wounders and miracles , wherby it is set clere , and vndoubted , and as a man should say shewed with handes , that hée was the sunne of the liuinge God , the lorde that had power ouer satan , sinne , death and hell .

But the high bishops those Teachers or religious men as they call them , which alonely ruled the roste , and were of greatest auctoritie in the counsell of the Jewes , the priestes likewise , and Leuits , acknowledged not Jesus , as indéede he was , to be the true Messias : but they maliced him , and laid waite to take away his life . And at somtimes they called him Samaritane , somtime they said hée was possessed with a diuell railinge , and reprochinge his doctrine , which they could in no wise abide , béecause it was quighte contrarie vnto theirs .

For they spake litle or nothinge of Pharisaical doctrine . faith , but of woorkes only , how wée were iustified by the lawe or obseruing the law , but specially by sacrifice : likewise they taught litle of Charitie , but applied all to their auarice makinge of the lordes house a verie shoppe of Merchandize . For in the temple were shéep and Dxen , and doues to bée sold , for sutch as offred sacrifice , and for their farther gaine they had set vp tables for vserie , and exchange . But Christe making a scourge of small cordes : draue them all out of the temple , as well the shéepe oxen , and doues as those that sold them , as also the bankers , and exchangers , and all that sold religion for monie .

Wherfore , for this cause only they Christes persecution . dayly persecuted Christe , goinge about to stone him or kill him , and hée oftentimes conuaid himself away , flying out of Iudea in to Galile , and sustained paciently sundrie afflictions , reproches , and traueyles . And last of all , hée was béetraid , and sold by one of his owne disciples , apprehended , and brought into the ecclesiasticall iudgment of the priestes , and by Pontius Pilate , the Romane Lieutenant , condemned to the death of the crosse , for no other cause , but for that , as indéede he was , hée affirmed himselfe to bée the verie sunne of the liuinge God , the trew Messias or Christe , the only , and eternall sauiour of al the world . But before that he was brought vnto the Lieutenant : the seruants and ministers of the priests shamefully mocked , & misused him in the high bishops hal : they blindfolded him , & spet in his face , buffeted him , reprochfully and disdainfully intreating his diuine wisdom Accusation aginst christ and maiestie . In the morning , when they brought him before the lieutenant they falsly accused him to bee a seductor of the people , a seditious fellow , & well worthye to be hanged on the Crosse .

But Pilate , when he had diligently examined all the matter , vnderstanding the cause : sundrye times pronounced that hee was not guiltie , and that hee could not condemne him by lawe , and notwithstanding that hee was innocent , yet was he handled dispightfullye . For he was led vnto Herod , & by him contemptuously abused , flouted of his courtiars and galantes , with all scornfull demeanure . He was compared vnto Barrabas , the most notorious théefe , His passion and murtherer of that age , whom the Jewes preferred before Christ , supposinge that hée was woorse then that wicked villayn , whome all the worlde hated . Hée was scurged also , and crowned with a crowne of wreathed thorns , and being in this sorte miserably handled and tormented : was brought foorth into the sight of the vnthankfull people . But for al this , there was no grace nor pardon to bée found , specially amonge the preistes , egginge the Lieutenant to condemne the innocent , and the hée shoulde permit them to leade him to execution , & to crucifie him béetwen two théeues . And when hée was in moste gréeuous paines , and the very panges of death : he was moste outragiously intreated with blasphemous frumps , scornes , and reprocheful vsages . For the préestes with many other mo walking before the crosse vttred foorth sundrie horrible and gréeuous woords against him , which are by S. Mathe diligently set downe in writinge . Amongst which most gréeuous temptations and iniuries , in the midst of these sorowes , Christe yéelded vp the ghost vpon the crosse .

Whilst Christe suffred these thinges his disciples were miserably dispersed , and all the faythfull conceaued wounderfull and incredible sorowe for the passion , and death of Christe . Manie fearfully doubted , least at that time the doctrine of the Gospell were wholy extinguished . So that this persecution which was against christe : both touched and troubled the whole Church , and all the faithfull . And although the enemies of Christ hoped that they had gotten the conquest , and destroyd the doctrine of the Gospell : notwithstandynge , their victorie made not the pharisaicall doctrine one iote the better , nor the doctrine of the Gospell : the woorser . For it is no good consequent : the Pharises put Christe to death , wherefore , their doctrine is true , and Christes false .

The cause which moued the Pharises , and al other enemies of Christ to persecute him : surely was none other , then the they were desierous to retaine their owne erronious doctrine , & oppresse the gospell with the followers therof , wherby they might with securitie enioye their raigne , lustes , and pleasures . And likewise in our age , many of the Papists do persecute the faithful for none other cause

This is a comfort vnto vs , that in so great afliction , when the disciples were scattered , & Christ of all men forsaken : yet only Iohn amongst al the other discipls durst boldlye approche to the crosse of Christe , and ioyne himself vnto Mary the vndefiled and perpetuall virgin the mother of our Lord , and Mary Magdelen Cleophas , with other moe . Heere , by their infirmitie the power of God is declared . Likewise Ioseph , and Nicodemus valiently béehaued themselues . Like as at this day also it falleth out , for wher as the trueth is taught to bée so greuously pressed with persecution , that there séemeth to be no man that taketh regard or care therof : then most times by the meanest sort , and not seldome by noble and great personages , there bée newe and fortunate fowndations laid , wherby the trueth is wonderfully increased . Wherfore wée must not in the greatest persecutions , cast of our hope and comfort .

Here , béefore althinges , this is to bée obserued , that wée iudge far otherwise of Christes death and passion , then of the death and affliction of Iohn and other sainctes , who haue suffred persecution for God and the truethes sake , and with their bloude borne recorde to the heauenly trueth : but wée ought far more excellently to accompt of the blood and death of Christe . For as hée is the euerlastinge sunne of God , and life vnto all those that béeleue in him : so his blood , death , and passion are a clensinge sacrifice , and a propitiation for the sinnes of the whole worlde . For by his death wée obtayne life , and by his bloodshed wée get remission of sinnes . And vnto this opinion all the doctrine of the Prophetes , and Apostles bear witnes , specially the epistle of Saint Paule to the Hebrues . Wherfore our life and forgiuenes of sinns , is reposed in the deth and passion of Christe only , and not in the martyrdom , or passion of any sainct .

Since therfore , Christe is the head of his Church , and hée suffred so manye thinges : by his example the church also learneth that it must suffer many things , as it is abundantlye shewen in the writings of the Euangelists and Apostles .

Of the thirde Tragical Acte or persecution , wherin the Apostles were taken and scurged Steeuen was stoned , the Church and congregation of Ierusalem banished , & dispersed . Chapter . iii.

THe third persecution of the church , began alitle after the Ascencion of christ into heauen which is the feast of Pentecost or Witsontyde , when the Apostles earnestly preached the Gospel , and had gathered together great and worthye Congregations vnto Christe .

The same is verye dillygentlye and copiously described in the Actes of Apostles Sermons . the Apostles . The Apostles preached then openlye the Gospell of Christe in Ierusalem , only in the name of our Lorde Iesus Christ , which was crucified and raised from the dead , in whom if they béeléeued , was remission of sinnes , & life euerlasting , that al men therfore ought to béeléeue in him , bée baptized and ioyne in fellowship of the church repent and liue a godly lyfe , & looke for saluation in none other thinge , for that there is none other name vnder heuen giuen to men wherein they may be saued : but the name of Iesus Christe . These Sermons , the Scribes and Seniours at Ierusalem coulde not abyde , wherfore thei laide hand vpon the Apostles , and shut them vp in Prison , and brought them before the counsel , where quarreyling and chidinge with them : they forbid them to preach this Gospell of Iesus christ . But the Apostles frankly professing that in this behalfe by no meanes they might obey them , but that God must rather be obeyed then men : were neuertheles much , and gréeuously thretned by the Magistrats & elders .

Vpon occasion hereof , the Church being Sorrowe , and praiers of the church . strock with great heauines : prayed hartely vnto God for continuance in the Gospell . And when as the Apostles went forward constantly in teachyng , and Christe effectually woorkinge in them confirmed the trueth of their doctrine with great miracles , that a great numbre of men followed them , so that the Churche was daily increased by thousandes : then the magistrates & officers setting vppon them a freshe , cast the Apostles againe into prison , intending to put them to death . But by the intercession and meanes of Gamaliel the lawyer that was Pauls master : they were delyuered , but notwithstanding whipped , and sharply forbidden , that they should not preach the Gospel of Iesus Christ . Who departing out of the counsell and Court : praysed God that they were founde worthy to suffer reproch for his name .

Shortly after , blessed Steeuen burning Steuen stoned . in the spirite of Christe , and with great zeale disputing in the synagogs against the skilfull in the lawe , and stoutly defendyng the doctrine of Christe : was cast into prison and brought to arainement , and falsly accused . Who although he clered hymselfe with sufficient , wise , and graue reply : yet it nothyng avayled him , for hee was condemned to die , and stoned to death .

There followed not long after a very Actes . 8. vehement and sharp persecution of the christian Church , described by Luke in the Acts of the Apostles , by these words : There ●rose about that time , a greate persecution against the Church which was at Ierusalem , and they were al dispearsed through the Regions of Iudeae and Samaria , sauinge the Apostles . For Saul wasted the Churche , entring into euery mans house , & haling forth Men and women , deliuered them to prison . Yea , Paul himselfe concerning this his persecution against the church , spake thus in presence of King Agrippa : Actes . 76. truli I was determined with my self to do many things against the name of Iesus of Nazareth .

Wherof partly I dyd somwhat at Ierusalem , and many of the Saints I committed too Prison , hauing receaued auctoritie of the cheef prists , on whom also I gaue iudgment when they were executed . I punished them also in the Sinagogs , compelling them to blasphem ( that is to denye the Christian faith , whiche is a great blasphemie ) and raging against them aboue al measure , I persecuted them vnto strange Cities .

Now , as touching the cause that mooued Paule , the Preistes , and people of the Iewes to persecute the Church : was almost none other , but a sinister & vnseasonable zeale & affection which they bare for the lawe of Moyses , and the ceremonies , which being lead with errour : they ment to retaine and preserue , and could not therfore beléeue in christ , nor his Gospel . For thei supposed that thei should be iustified & saued by righteousnes of the law . Contrariwise , the gospel teacheth vs that wee shal not be saued by works of the law , but by faith in Christ . At this stone the Iewes haue stumbled , & fallen , & perished , as S. Paul witnesseth in these words : I protest for them that Rom. 10. they haue the zeale of god , but not according to knowledge . For , beyng ignorant of the righteousnes before god and studeinge to establish their owne righteousnes : they were not subiect vnto the righteousnes which is allowed of god . For Christe is th' end of the law vnto the iustification of al that beleue . Likewise in another place : Israell whiche Rom. 9. ensued the Lawe of righteousnesse attayned not to the lawe of righteousnes , ( that is to say was not iustified ) because they sought it no● by faith , but by workes of the lawe . For they haue stumbled at the stumbling stone , as it is written : Beholde : I lay a stumblyngstone , and a rock to hurt and make men fall and who so beleueth in him shal not be ashamed .

In this our age likewise , and for the Cause of persecutyon at this time same very cause , they aboue all other , haue most vehemently , and sharply persecuted the christian church , that haue bin better men then the residew , and lesse giuen to carnal affection . Thei hate the Gospell , and persecute the professours therof , bicause they confesse & ernestly defende , that wée be iustified , and saued by faith only in Christ , and not by any woorkes . Supposing that by this doctrine good woorkes are taken away , and nothing regarded , that men are made carelesse , and stirred vp vnto wickednesse , which is not to bée suffred in the churche . But there is a far other vnderstanding in the question of good woorkes , then thei either thinke or vtter , nether are they contemned , and naught set by , although the glory of Iustification which apperteyneth vnto Christe only , bée not ascribed vnto them . For vnto faith is iustification ascribed , bicause the same dependeth on Christ only , that Christe only may haue al the glory , & he alonly be our saluation and righteousnes , as wée haue in another place declared more at large .

But beefore wee proceede anie farther : let euerie man , I béeseche yée , weigh with himself , how great and gréeuous this persecution was against the firste Church of Christe , and how that they which were not slayn , notwithstandinge receaued great sorowe , through the death , punishment , and torments of their brethren , that which Luke also hath not passed ouer with silence , wrytinge after this maner : The holly men caried foorth Steuen , and made great sorrowe ouer him . What , and how great sorowe , greife , Actes . 8. and miserie did they féele , who although they were not slayne : yet were they spoyled of all their gooddes , driuen into banishment , and brought to extreame pouertie and beggerie ?

Heerewithall also , let euerie man consider , what Church it was that suffred so gréeuous persecution , forsooth euen the most holly and moste perfecte Church of al. For of this Church Luke witnesseth , writinge : They were all filled with the holly ghoste . And of al Actes . 4. the multitude that beleued ther was one hart and one soule , and no man called anie thinge that hee had , his owne : but all thinges were common amonge Actes . 2. them nether was there amonge them enie that lacked . Likewise : They continued euerie day with one accord in the temple , praisinge God and giuinge thankes beefore all the people . In this Church , Congregation , and fellowship , were the Apostels of our Lorde , and his threscore and ten disciples , Ioseph of Arimathie , Barsabas or Barnabas , Nicodemus , with other woorthie men moe , but cheifly the holy and vndefiled virgin Marie , mother of the Lorde Iesus Christe , with diuerse other vertuous and deuout wemen , whose vertue and renoume is disciphered in the Euangelicall history . In this Church there were no diuisions , no schismes , and the numbre of them that béeléeued was aboue fiue thousande . To conclude , there was no Church in the Earth more excellent , holy , perfect , or more acceptable to God .

Howbeit , god which suffred his owne Wee muste not ask why God suffereth his churche to bee persecuted . sun to bée crucified , suffred also this holy Church to fall into sutch afflictions , and so general a persecution , as we haue declared béefore . And who is now so wicked and curious , the in respect of this persecution , dare step foorth and dispute against God , and question with him : wherfore he suffred his dearly beloued frends to bée so gréeuously afflicted whiche had deserued much better , and so many good & godly persons amonge whom christes mother was one , whose most pure hart the sharp sword of sorow and heauines had perced through ? why likewise god gaue vnto the faithlesse Iewes & hipocrites , so great power ouer godly , and iust men ? why raught he not his helpynge hand to his Church , to help it , causing the neither Steeuen should bée stoned , neither the Church beinge spoyled of their goods be made poore , or banished , nether they which liued in sutch concorde togither , with great sorow , so miserably bée plucked a sundre , and scatred abroad ? It pleased God it should be so , who is the eternal wisdom , & doth no vniust thing . And that which pleased God : pleased also the holly Church , which nether murmoured , neither disputed agaynste the lord , but receaued persecution willingly , and by the grace of God endured it paciently , knowyng and beléeuing , that God , who was omnipotent and mercifull , would so moderate the persecution that it should tende to the commoditie of the Church , as it also came to pas . In the same minde it béehoueth all the faythfull to bée in all maner persecutions , and patiently to submit themselues to the pleasure of God .

Mutchlesse héerby may the reasoning of somme men take place , who gather out of persecutions , that if the doctrine were true , and faith right : God would ayde them , and not deliuer them ouer into their power , that are altogether out of the way concernyng doctrine and béeléefe . For in the persecution of the primitiue church , these men , as apperteinyng to the body : had the victorie , whose faith was false , and they that were soundly persuaded suffred persecution , were driuen away , & slain , which slaughter & calamity notwithstanding , dyd nothing in damage the true faith . And in our age also the case standeth none otherwise , neyther for the persecutions which the Churche induereth , the faith and doctryne therof is lesse to be regarded , or worse therfore to be iudged . The true faith and doctrine , d●pend vpon no victory , but onely vpon God , and his worde .

Of the fourth Tragical Acte or persecution , in which Saincte Iames the Apostle was slayne , and Peter cast into Prison . Chapter . iiii .

ABout the yeare of Christe . 45. Herode surnamed Agrippa , sunne to Herode the great , & brother to Antipas moued the fourth persecution against the Iames Apostle slayne . Churche , wherof Luke speaketh in the Actes the. 12. Chapter . There he declareth how Herod had decréed to molest certen of the Churche , & that he had alredy slaine with the sword Iames the brother of Iohn the Euangelist , ( who also was one of the three whome the lord vsed most familiatly , and to whom hee opened his secretes ) and not content with this cruell déed , procéeded farther , and call Peter into prison to the intent to put him also to death .

And because these twaine were the cheefest amonge the Apostles : the whole Church was strooken in great sorowe and heauines for this persecution , and specially Iohn , who was mutch greeued for his brothers death . The Church feared also , least they should lease their faithfull pastor Peter , as they had doone Iames , wherfore Luke writeth , that dayly they powred foorth prayers vnto God for Peter , which prayers were not without effect . For the Angell of the lorde came into the prison to Peter , and deliuered him out of the souldiours hold , losed his theines & bandes , opened the iron gate , and set him at libertie in the open streete , from whence by ● and by hee departed out of Ierusalem .

This great affliction the Church indured pacientlye , neither murmured against Christ , expostulatyng with hym why he gaue vnto Herod that wicked verlet , sutch power against his dearly-beloued ones ? why he suffred his whole Church , and specially Iohn his best beloued of all the Disciples , to be touched with such heauenesse ? why he deliuered not Iames , as he dyd Peter ? they knew that God dyd nothing rashly nor without cause , but euery thing wel & rightly . Wherfore , the faithfull in persecutions must likewise be semblably persuaded . For if euer men had nede to make their complaynt to God : then had they néede , neuerthelesse there were heard no complaynts , no murmurings , but earneste and humble praiers . Wherfore in aduersitie , let the faithful flie vnto God in praier , requiring his grace that hée would gouerne al thing to the glory of his name and vnto our saluation , and whatsoeuer he doth that wée submit our selues willingly to his holy will and pleasure .

Moreouer , no man in the Primitiue Church called the doctrine of the Apostles into question , because Iames was slaine with the sword , and Peter cast into prison . For none of them said thus : if the apostles doctrine were true & iust : God would not haue suffered them to haue bin oppressed of the kings , which erred in the faith , leadyng also a filthy , and wicked lyfe . Therefore at this day lykewise , the doctrine of the Gospell is not to be doubted of , for that the teachers and followers therof , are by the Lorde delyuered ouer into the enemies hands of the Gospell , and miserably and cruelly by them intreated : for the truth notwithstandyng is euerlasting & inuincible . Paul in the same cause writeth , that he was afflicted for the gospel euen vnto hands , but the word of god was not bound .

The cause that stirred Herod to persecute the church , was his owne peruerse 2. Tim. 2. minde , which lothed christ , & his word . Moreouer , the Iewes gréedely thirsted the Apostles bloud , wherfore Herod to currie fauour with them : shed the bloud of the Apostles . This Luke witnesseth in these words : And when he saw this ( namely when he had slain Iames with the swoord ) to be acceptable to the Iewes hee proceeded also to apprehende Peter , meaning after Easter to bringe him forth to the people . Like as in our age , many princes do persecute the faithfull for none other cause , but that with their cruel butcherous Tragedies they might gratefie those Fathers of Rome and their adherentes , who also vnsatiably do thirst all their blood which cleaue only to Christe and his Gospell , and set nought by , & abhor their superstition , and Idolatrye .

Of the. 5. tragical acte or persecution , wherein Paule and the Christian Church sufferd many thinges , and the Apostles ended their liues full of afflictions , by sheadyng their bloud . Chapter . v.

THe fifte persecution againste Paule that Apostle continued many yeres , the Church also which beléeued the Gospel partly for Paule with whom they suffered , and partly for the Gospel of Christ abode sundry troubles and afflictions , & by that meanes was partaker of this persecution .

For when Paule had begun to preach Actes . 9. 2. Cor. 12. the Gospel at Damascus , about the yere after Christe . xxxiii . and iourneynge through Arabya was retourned to Damascus , and there disputed earnestly against the Iewes : Aretas the King layyng watche at the Cittie gates , sought hym to kyll hym , when the faithfull not beyng able otherwise to saue hym , let downe Paule by a Rope through the wall in a basket , and so with great care and dillygence they kept him aliue .

At Antioch also in Pisidia , Paule gathered Actes . 13. together a great congregation vnto Christ of Gentiles and Iewes , but the Iewes which would not imbrace Christ stirryng vp a persecucion against Paule and Barnabas , draue them out of that Citie , and Region .

In Iconium also , the Iewes agayne Actes . 14. mo●ued a tumult against Paul , wherhe with his companion Barnabas were in forced to prouide for themselues by flight . Also in Listra the same Iewes brought Paul so far into hatred , that being stoned & drawn forth of the towne as dead : yet christ raised him again to do him seruice At Phillippos in Macedonia Paul and his fellow Silas , were taken , scourged with rods , and cast into a very straight prison , out of whiche notwithstanding Christ deliuered him , that he might yet preach the Gospell , to moe nations .

Moreouer at Thessalonica there was Actes . 17. agreeuous persecution moued againste Paul , wher he was constrained through helpe of the faithfull , to escape away by night . The lyke he suffred at Berroea . At Athens , the Philosophers and wyse men of this world , reprochfully termed him a trifler , rayled at hym , and mocked Actes . 18. hym , as the like was done to the lord himself . Likewise in the famous citie of Gréece called Corinthe , hée was apprended and brought to the lieutenantes seate of iudgment and sharply accused , but then also the Lorde deliuered him out of the power of his enemies .

But what gréeuous thinges Paule Actes . 19. 1. Cor. 1. suffred in Asia at Ephesus , are by himselfe recited in these wordes : I woulde not haue you ignoraunt , brethern , of the trouble and affliction which hapned vnto vs in Asia , how we were wonderfully greued aboue our power , that we were in dispaire euen of lyfe . But we receiued a decree within our selues touchyng death , that wee shoulde not trust in our selues , but in God whiche raiseth the dead . In Luke also in y● Act. of the Apostles there is set forth a notable description of the tumult which was at Ephesus . Vpon occasion of which tumult there the faithfull remayned in great sorow , heauines , and daunger , also by reason of the continuall waite layyng and persecutions , wherwith the vnfaithfull both Iewes and Gentiles persecuted them . After so many daungers , Actes . 〈◊〉 afflictions , and most greuous traueles , when Paule was arriued at Ierusalem bringing with him a great , and ritch treasure , whiche he had gathered as a donatiue for the pouerty of the citie , and relm● : there againe the Iewes raised a most wofull sedition , & apprehending Paul scourged him biterly wher he had bin vtterli destroyd , vnles the Tribune comming in al spéede with his souldiers had taken him out of their handes . This beinge doone : hée was by the tribune brought into the Ecclesiasticall Act. 23. court , where hée was also scourged , and vnworthely intreated . Afterward , bicause of the great treason of the Jewes being guarded with a sufficient power of horsemen , and footemen hée was sent from Jerusalem to Caesarea , vnto Foelix the lieutenaunt , Beefore whom when he came : the cheif of the Iewes accused him , layinge manie thinges to his charge , wherin al though hée could not bee fownd giltie : notwithstanding hée was committed to indurance , wher hée remayned the space of two whole yeeres . Act. 25.

Moreouer , he was euelly delt with Act. 2 7. all by Festus also the new lieutenaunt who succeeded Foelix , & after ward with other prisoners deliuered ouer vnto the Centurians and souldiours , imbarked , and with a longe and daungerous iourney brought to Rome .

But Nero then reigninge at Rome Act. 28. hée remayned agayne prisoner there two yeres . Some are of opinion that at this time he was slaine with the sword by Nero , others thinke that hée was acquited in iudgement by Nero : as hée himself witnesseth in the ij . to Timoth. the .iiii. chapter , and béeinge so set at libertie , that hée departed directly intoo Spaine , as béefore hée had declared in the Epistle to the Romanes , that hée was desierous to take in hand that iourney . Rom. 15. And traueylinge through Spaine , and France , they say how hée came the seconde time to Rome , in the later yeres of the reigne of Nero , and there was slayn with the sworde at Neroes commaundement . But this wée leaue as vncertain : howbeit this is euident , wherin all doo agrée , that the most holly Apostle Paule was putte to death at Rome , vnder Nero.

The traueiles , afflictions , and sundrie calamities whiche for none offence Paules affliccions . hée sustayned , but for Christ his woord , and the Churche , the Apostle himselfe imputynge them to his enemies , and false Apostles : reciteth in a bréeif catalogue in these woordes : Are they the ministers of Christe ? I speake like a foole , I am more , in labours more abundant , 2. Cor. 11. in woundes surpassynge them , in prison more commonly , in death Deut. 25. often . Of the Iewes I receaued fiue times fourtie stripes sauynge-one , I was thrise scourged with roddes , and once stoned , thrise I suffred shipwrak night and day haue I beene on the deepe sea . In iourneinge often , in daunger of waters , in daunger of theues , indaunger of mine owne countriemen in daunger of the heathen , in daunger in the Citie , in daunger in the wildernes , in daunger in the sea , in daunger amonge false brethren . In weerines and traueyle , in watchinge often , in hunger and thirst , in fastinge often , in colde and nakednes . Beeside those thinges which happen outwardly vnto mee , for the heape of them dayly riseth against mee , which is to say , the care for all Churches of Christe .

Now therfore , by so many afflictions which Paule sustained , and by the victory & good successe of his enemies , can it be gathered that Paules doctrine was erronious , or else God would haue defended him , nether haue suffred him to haue bin ouer whelmed with so many calamities , and reproches ? Shal wée ther fore ; dispute against god , whi he suffreth wicked men somutch to preuaile against the faithful , and his holy ministers ? or why he permitteth the sacred Churche of Christe to suffre so mutch in it selfe , and in the faythful pastor therof Paule ? The godly men suffred all these things patiently and ouercame them , and continued alwaies constant vnder the crosse .

The cause why the Iewes were enemies to Paul , & to the church : surely was none other then y● , wherwith being before mooued , they persecuted Christ , & the apostles , as we haue declared before .

Moreouer , hystories beare recorde , that the twelue Apostles in all their life Al the apostles after afflictions were put to death . time , and durynge the tearme of their administration in the gospel : sustayned gréeuous afflictions , and were all of them for Christe and his woords sake , persecuted , and put to death .

Although all writers doo not agrée of their kinds of death , yet they al constanly affirme , that thei were miserably slain . Peter and his brother Andrew , were both crucified . Iames the elder , as wée haue shewen before , was béeheaded by Peter and Andrew . Herod surnamed Agrippa . Whose brother Iohn the Euangelist the béeloued Iames the elder . disciple of Christ , only of them al is Iohn Euan. reported to haue died a naturall death . Notwithstandyng hée was apprehended and brought bounde out of Asia to Rome , and conuented béefore Domitian th' emperour , and there , as Tertullian writeth , plunged ouer head and eares in hot boylinge oyle . But after that , the lorde graciously prouiding for him , this cruell déede nothing indamaged his life : hée was banished into the Isle Pathmos . Phillip was nayled to a crosse , & there hangynge : was stoned to death . Barthelmew , thei say , was by his enemies Phillippe . most horribly flayne , and afterward béeheaded . Othersome say hée was Bartelmew . burnt . The enemies of Christe , thrust Thomas through with a sworde , and so , as it is reported , they dealt with Mathew . Iames the younger , the pastor & Thomas . doctor of the church of Ierusalem , was throwne downe headlonge from an Mathew . Iames the lesse . high place , and afterwarde slayne beinge buffeted with stones vntill hée died . Likewise both Apostles , Simon Simon , and Iude. and Iudas Thaddaeus ended their liues , beinge by the heathen slain in a certen temple of Idols . Some also say that Mathias was crucified , others say Mathias . hée was stoned , and béeheaded . Al these bare witnes of Christe , not with their mouth and doctrine only , but with ther blood also , and for the trueth of the gospell which they preached , were contented to die with wel willing , and moste valient courage .

Now , for as mutch as all the Apostles were slayn by the enimies of God Note . who obtayned the souerainitye ouer them as apperteyninge to the bodye : shall wée therfore say that superstitions of Gods enemies were right , and the Apostles religion and doctrine false and erroneous ? who shall accuse God , bycause hée deliuered not his seruantes from a reprochfull death but that hée gaue to the worst men in the whole worlde , sutch power agaynst his holly Apostles ? Who although they were ministers of the trueth , and innocent men : yet were they put to death for the greatest enemies of God , as malifactours and wicked persons , for sutche were they accused to bée : and therefore , at this our age , in the lyke cause , wee must iudge so of their beléefe & doctrine , who ar shamefully executed for christs sake , as indéede the trueth standeth in the sight of Christe .

¶ Of the. 6. Tragicall Acte or persecution , which was vnder Nero , and of the seuenth which was vnder Domitian , and of the eight vnder Vlpius Traian , Emperours . Chapter VI.

PAulus Orosius an olde historician , who liued in the time of Austine , and wrote vnto hym seuene bookes of Storyes , beginneth the recitall of the persecutyon of the Christian Churche , from the persecution whiche Nero had moued , which hée accounteth the first whose order the later Historicians also insued . And we lykewise , in describing the Tragedies & persecutions committed against the Church : wyll follow the same order , as consequently they follow one another . But since it is manifest , that the fiue aboue recited persecutions , were before these , as the scriptures do shew , that which Orosius maketh the firste , we make the sixt : although the matter be of no great importance in this respect .

Orosius writeth , that Nero firste ( that is to say among the Roman Emperours ) Nero persecuteth the Christians gaue forth commaundement , that at Rome , and in al other prouinces belonging to the Roman Empire , the Christians shoulde bee molested , and slayne . And that this was his determination to roote oute the Christian faith & all Christians wheresoeuer they were .

The causes that moued Nero to persecute the Christians are not so dilygentlye set downe by christian historicians , as they are by prophane writers , Suetonius Tranquillus in the lyfe of Nero and Cornelius Tacitus in the. 15. booke of the lyues of the Emperours . Nero the emperour was the sinke of al beastly sinfulnesse , fulnesse , chiefly of lechery , and vnspeakable incest , defilyng himselfe against al course of nature , so that in all Histories of you shal not finde his match . This horrible wickednesse he openly committed at Rome without al shame , in sight of the Senate , and people . But there was no man that durste speake against hym , mutch lesse to reproue him , or assay to punish hym , but euery man winked at hym , the most filthy beast in the meane time doyng what he list .

Wherfore , God being offended with the citie of Rome : punished it with fire , Rome punished with fire as Sodome was . as he did Sodome & Gomorrha euen by Nero himself , when as for his Sodomitical beastlinesse , hée deserued to be burned himself . And séeing Rome winked at his naughtinesse , and did not the which it ought to haue done : the horryble Sodomite Nero , caused the citie to be set on fire . For being certen places in the cittie wherewith Nero mislyked , and the streates and passadges there verye narrow : he caused the houses to be sette on fire , that after they were brent , they might be builded againe more faire , and sumptious . He himselfe beheld the fire out of Mecoenas tower , saying : that he much desired to se the burning of Troy which he beheld now som what resembled by that burning of the citie , singing therwhiles the destruction of Troy , and delighting himselfe with beholdyng the great fire . Suetonius reporteth , that from that time that Rome was firste built , it neuer sustayned so much hurte by fire : for it continued alwayes burnning the space of six dayes and so manye nights . The same is also diligentlye described by Tacitus .

But when the fire through the wrath of God had brent farther then Nero had Nero imputeth the fire to Christians . thought it shoulde , and indamaged the Citie with an vnrepayrable losse and hinderaunce , the citizens which had sustained so great harme , were very much moued , and ●ffended . Wherefore the Emperour Nero , to the intent that hee might put ouer from himself the 〈◊〉 of the déede , raised a rumour among the commons , that this whole mischeif was long of the Christians , that they were aduersaries to the Gods and Religon of the Romans , and wicked burners of cities and townes , who also in that sort had defaced the citie . And that this report might séeme to carie some trueth and auctoritie : hée cast manie Christians into prison , and examined them by tortures and tormentes , that they should confesse how the citie was set on fire by them . And in dede there were some fownd , who not beinge able to abide tormentes , but rather wisshing to die : falsly accused themselues & other Christians , confessinge that they had set the citie on fire .

Wherfore immediatly , there was a proclamation published by the emperour against christians , in which it was commaunded , that in Rome and al prouinces thei should be rooted out , as enemies to the gods and religion of the Romanes , and men practised in burning & setting on fire . And this was the beginning of the persecution , and blouddy tragedie . For some in reproche , and for a mockyng stocke , were sowed into the skinnes of wild beasts , as Tacitus writeth & cast vnto dogs to be torne . Other were brent , some ●a●●●ed and crucified , and so destroyed with sundrie and most cruel punishments , inso mutch that ( as Tacitus writeth ) the common people of Rome were mooued with greate pitie towards them . But with Nero ther was no mercy , no end of torments . In this persecution were slayne , as historicians do testifie , and we also haue declared before : the Apostles Peter & Paul. There be also numbred by Chroniclers many notable and godly men , whiche in this persecution suffred gréeuous affliction , reproches , & punishment of bitter death not at Rome only , but here & there in other prouinces of the Romane empire .

Since therfore , this persecution was Wee must not dispute with God . first moued by Nero for a filthy & horrible cause , who shall accuse God for graunting such power to a wicked , and Sodomiticall person , against so many thousands of holy and innocent men , yea freinds of God ? or why hee suffred the christians to be brent for house burners and did not rather hale foorth Nero the true house burner and beastly Sodomit castinge him into the thickest of the people to bee torne in peces ? when therfore , in our age , the lyke do happen : let all men humbly submit themselues to the power of God and his mightye hande , beare their crosse with pacience which the Lord layeth vpon them , giue laud and praise vnto God , and constantlye cleaue to his holy worde , whiche at Neroes time was also true and iust , although it was behouefull that the faithfull should suffer afflictions , and Nero ouercome them , and haue power ouer them , with his prophane , and superstitious Relygion .

After this , about the yere of our Lord 97. with intollerable and diuellish pride Diuelyshe pride . Domitian the Emperour set foorth him self , sunne to Vespasian , brother to Titus , by whom the Citie of Ierusalem was destroyd , the Iewes vanquished in battle , and opressed . The same was not ashamed to boast himselfe to be God & Lord , and would so be called and worshipped of al men , and the which no Emperour Note . required before him , he commanded that they should kisse his féete , wherin no Emperour followinge hym dyd the lyke , except Dioclecian onely , a cruell Tyrant , and a murtherer of holy men .

This Dominitia set a broch the .vii. persecutions against Christians , in the which many holy men were driuen into banishment , many flayne or spoyled of their goods , and troubled most bitterlye . Iohn the Euangelist Amongst whom Iohn the Apostle and Euangelist was brought prisoner from Ephesus to Rome vnto the Emperour , and there tormented . Flauia also , and Domicilla of greatest nobilitie in the citie , with diuers other mo , were by Domitian sent into banishment . But Iohn afterward returned vnto Ephesus , and there died in the yere of our Lorde . 102. after the passion of Christe , 68. and the third yéere of the reygne of Traiane the Emperour .

After this , about the yéere of our lord . 110. Vlpius Traiane , a mightie and victorious Emperour , was the cause and authour of the eight persecution against the Christians , in Rome , and in other places vnder the Romaine Empire . Whiche thynge cheifly prouoked him , and other Emperours that came after him to persecute the Christians , bicause they thought good that there should bee no Schisme suffred in the empire , specially in religion , but that there should bée one only religion receaued , whiche their forefathers had obserued béefore time . Now that disagréement in religion nourisheth contentions and hatred a thing not to bée suffred in any empire Moreouer , that they feared gréeuous calamities , and punishments , if their gods were not woorshipped after their accustomed maner , and therfore the Christians , bicause they hated their temples aulters , sacrifices , images , and hollydayes , blamyng and disdaynynge the religion of the Romanes : were in no wise to be suffred . Wherfore , if any calamities should chaunce to rise in the Romane Read Cyp. against Demetri . empire , as are troubles , dearth of corne , famine , warre , seditions , pestilence , diseases , with other discommodities : by and by the Romans burthened the Christians with the cause of all these anoyances , for contemnyng their gods and religion , and doyng contrarie vnto the same . That they woorshipped one God , acknowledgyng Christ alone the sunne of God to bée the only sauiour , openly pronouncyng , that the Romane religion was false and of the diuel , that their faith in Christe was true & right , nether that God ought to bée worshipped with images and temples , sacrifices and hollydayes , but in spirite and trueth , accordyng to his woorde .

As for the Romans , and other nations abroad in the worlde , they were altogether addicted to superstitions , valiently sheadyng their blood , leesing their goods , and liues , in defence of their religion , exhortyng other firmely to retain the same . For they boasted how they receaued the religion of their elders , which were no fooles but excellent wisemen : Moreouer that there were many learned men in their collegies of priests , & that their beléef was confirmed with manie notable wounders and miracles , that whilst they obserued that religion they obtayned sundry great victories , and the whole empire of al the worlde , attributyng al their good successe and salftie , to their religion , which had remained manie thousand yéeres , not béeyng so new and but thyrtie yéeres ould as was the christian religion . That their Gods were friendly and liberall vnto them : helpyng them in sutche sorte , that they wanted nothynge , on the otherside the christians were poore and vnfortunate : wherfore they should doo amisse if they erred the breadth of one heare , or spared the sacrilegious enemies of their ancient and victorious religion . Wherfore , these causes which wee haue now recited , prouoked the Romane Emperours to persecute the Christians . The causes of the persecutions likewise in our age are not mutche vnlyke whoso Traians persecution . weyeth them both vprightly .

Wherefore , in this persecution moued by Traiane there was an vnspeakable deale of Christian bloud shed ▪ At Ierusalem Simeon Byshop of the citie , beinge an hundred and twenty yeares ould , was crucified . S. Ignatius also the seruant of Christe , and Disciple of the Apostles , was brought from Antioche where he was Bishop vnto Rome , cast vnto wilde beastes , and by them torne in péeces . Their Tragedies were so cruel , their slaughters so great , the sheadinge of Christian blood so horrible : that Plinie the seconde , a wise gentleman , and lieutenant to the emperour , wrate vnto the emperour , giuinge vnto the Christians , a singulare testimonie of their innocencie . This epistle is to bée séene in the 〈◊〉 booke of Plinies epistles . By which meanes the state of Christians was some deale the more at quiet .

Yet in respecte of this persecution which was great , and lasted longe time God is iust and the faith true . wherin were destroied many thousand Christians , the Christian religion ought not bée iudged false or worse to bée estéemed of , or that the gentile and profane religion of the Romanes is righteous and sownd . For throughout the whole world , and in all ages the Christian religion is only true , righteous , and constant : nether hath God doone amisse , in giuinge the Ethnickes so great power against the faithfull . For by meanes therof , the Christian faith is nothinge diminished , nether by punishment , nether by sheadinge of blood : but it is rather increased in all partes of the worlde , wherfore it is not without cause amonge our forefathers growen into a prouerbe : the field of Christ is dungged and made frutefull with Christians innocent bloud . Wherfore let vs al likewise now be of good hope in midste of persecutions , and sheadinge of miserable , innocent , Christian blood .

Of the. 9. Tragical acte or persecution , which was vnder Antoninus Verus , with his brother Lucius , and what worthy men exhibited Apologies of the christian faith vnto the Emperours . Chapter , vii .

THe yere of Christ , 170. and. 178. the Roman Emperours , Marcus Antoninus Verus , and his brother Lucius for none other causes then we haue aboue recited : sharply persecuted al christians , that generallye were vnder the Romane Empire . This persecution Historicians call the fourth , but I terme it the ninth . The exacte description and at large therof , whoso desireth to beehold : let him reade the fourth , and fift bookes of Eusebius ecclesiasticall historie . In this persecution were slayn , not only many of the Christian Church but also the moste famous and renowmed doctoure of that age , who in teaching and writing , set frooth the christian relygion , enlarged it , and defended it commendinge their doctryn with their most holly life , and bearinge wytnes therto with theyr owne blood . Among whom was Polycarpus , Discyple to the apostles , an extreme ould father , and minister of the congregatyon at Smyrna , whom they call the doctor of Polycarp . Asia , and father of the Christians : also the holye and paynfull Minister of christ , Pionius : both these with many monotable christians , were burnt Lykewyse Pionius . the most lerned and faythfull mynysters of Christ : Iustinius a philosopher , and Iraeneus Byshop of Lions in Iustinus . Iraeneus . France , whose bookes in defence of the christyan fayth , agaynste all kyndes of errours and heresies : are yet extant : were slayne wyth the sword .

But chifly at Lions and Vienna in France nigh the riuer Rhodanus : was very mutch cruelty and extremitie shewen . This persecution is described by the ministers of Christe dwellynge at Vienna and Lions , in an epistle vnto the brethren of the congregations of Asia and Phrygia , let him read that list herof , Phoianus the foure first chapters of the firste booke of Eusebius ecclesiastical historie : there among other thyngs , they declare how Photinus bishop of Lyons , a worthie man , learned , and holly , and aboue foure score and ten yéeres old , and therfore féeble of body , but valiant of minde and without all feare , was brought to the place of iudgement : of whom when there was required an accoumpt of his fayth , with a wounderfull courage hée professed Christe and the Christian faith : wherfore hée was by the rashe & furious people stroken , buffeted , spurned , & without al regarde of age or callyng , reprochefully abused , so that he was drawen backe agayne to the prison for dead , where not longe after hée yéelded vp the ghost .

In the same place , are singularly described the cruel torments , wherwith the holy men were long time tormented , as Maturus . Sanctus . Blandina . Maturus , Sanctus , and Blandina , a woman of singular courage & constancy in the true faith , with Attalus borne of a noble race , in faith more noble . All these Atalus were slayne with most cruell and continuall tormentes , bicause they would not yéeld one iote from the trueth .

They write moreouer , how that the common raskall multitude in this persecution was so sauedge , cruelly pricked foorth with anger and rage : that they left nothyng vndone that appertayned to the most cruell and ignominious vsedge of them . For they would not permit the bodies of sutch as were slayne in prison , to bée honestly buried , but cast them to dogges , who if they left any thyng , that they burned and threwe the asshes into Rhodanus : these turmentours in the meane time criyng alowd , as it is reported , behold , the Gods haue reuenged themselues on the enemies of the Ethnicke religion , where is now their god ? what maner of faith and religion is this , that spoyleth them thus of their liues ? Thus thei reioiced , & triumphed Triumphyng of the people . like conquerours that had defended and confirmed their owne religion : and on th' other part , the Christians remained in great sorow , heauines , and daunger . Whoso desiereth to vnderstande more of this matter , let him read it in Eusebius in the epistle aboue recited .

Moreouer , there is set downe by Hermannus Contractus , in his chronicles , an whole catalogue of principall blessed martirs that suffred in this persecution . Wherfore , the which I haue often sayd , I say againe : is there any man so simple and deuoyd of iudgment that dareth to say that the doctrine and religion of the holy Martyrs and witnesses of Christe was false , bicause God deliuered them ouer into the handes of their enimies , gentils , and vnfaithful ? ether that their doctrine & religion was tru and righteous , bicause as apperteyninge to the body they vanquished , slewe , and oppressed the faithfull ? And who is so presumptious that he will dispute with God , why hée suffreth his dearly beloued Church to bée cast down , and ●roden vnder foote , with so many afflictions , and calamities ?

But in this age , & the next following God through his grace , raised euen among the gentiles , worthie & renowmed men , learned , holy , & wel disposed , who offred vnto the Roman emperours , to the Senate , & lieutenants : bookes written with diuine instinct , perspicuous , and wise wherin they declared the innocencie of Christians , confessing the faith of christ praising , & defendyng it , shewinge also , how falsly the christians were charged with notorious crimes that were layde against them . This kinde of writyng they terme Apologies . In which apologies , thei vttred such constancie , and valientnesse of minde : that thei durst also to discipher , and disproue , the errour & vanitie of the Ethnick religion . I minde to set downe in this place , a catalogue and rehersal of al sutch as wrote Apologies , & I wil note also the time of doyng of al those things out of Eusebius , that al men may perceaue how couragiously the Christian religion set foorth herself openly , and without all feare , in midst of persecutions , glisteryng therin as it were the sunne , howbéeit there whiles the vnfaythfull persecuted the same as heresy & deceite , and washing the Christians in their owne blood .

In the yere of Christ 119. Quadratus a graue and holy man , preferred an Apologye Quadratus or defence of the Christians vnto the Emperour Adrian . After sereous Granius . whom , the yere of our Lord. 122. Seremus Granius , one of the nobillytie of Rome , wrote also and Apologie to the same Emperour . Likewise Aristides a famous man , made meanes vnto Adrian Aristides . in the same maner . Al whose writtings preuailed so much with the Emperour : that he directed his letters vnto Minutius Fundanus lieuetenant of Asia , In the eccles. Hist. boke . 4. cha. 9. commaundynge hym , that thence forward hée should receiue no accusations against Christians for their relygion , vnlesse they were accused of other crimes , and offences .

Afterward , in the yere of our Lord 141. Iustinus . Iustinus a Philosopher , a man not only most renowmed at Rome , but also in other places : preferred an Apollogy for the christians , vnto Antoninus Pius the Emperour . Which selfe same request almost , Asianus Appolinaris , byshop of Asianus . Appolinaris . Hierapolis , and Milciades who also exhibited their owne Apologies vnto Antoninus . But the Emperour Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Pius , in his letters sent to the Lieutenantes of Asia , commaunded them that they shoulde in nowise molest the Christians . The copie of this Epistle is to be found in the. 4. Milciades . booke , and. 13. Chapter of the ecclesiasticall History . Besides all this , Athenagoras a Philosopher of Athens , wrote Athenagorar . an Apology and defence of the Christians , vnto Marcus Aurelius Antoninus , and vnto Lucius Aurclus Commodus , whiche defence is yet extant , both in Gréeke and Latine .

At Rome also Appollonius a Senatour , Apollonius . a noble gentilman and wise , being accused of the Christian religion : wrote a worthy booke of our Religion , and of the innocency of the Christians , and reade it in Rome in the Senate . Notwithstandyng hee was condemned to dye , the yere of our Lord. 188.

Last of all Tertulian , about the yer●e Tertulian . of our Lord. 209. wrote a singular boke in behalf of the Christians , wherin hée declareth their innocencie , and the folly of the Ethnick religion , and contrariwise the trueth and excellencie , of the Christian faith . This booke is yet remaininge in our daies .

By these and like reasons it appeareth , that our true , auntient , & vndoubted Christian faith , although the worlde contemne it , raile at it , and persecute it : neuerthelesse is the only true , and autenticke faith .

Of the. 10. Tragicall Acte or persecution , vnder Seuerus , and of the. 11. vnder Iulius Maximinus , of the. 12. vnder Traiane Decius , of the 13. vnder Valerianus , and of the 14. vnder Aurelianus the Emp. Chapter . viii .

ABout the yere of our Lorde Iesus Christe . 204. Septimius Seuerus the Emperour , a prince of a firce disposition , began sharpely to persecute the Christian church . And in sundry places in all prouinces of the Romane empire many woorthie men of the faithfull , were tormented and slayn , amonge all whom , as cheif , is numbred Leonidas , father of the most renowmed doctour Origen . Whose goodes after his death were all confiscate , his wife and children amonge whom was Origen , brought to extreme beggerie . At Carthage , Perpetua , and Faelicitas were cast vnto wilde beastes and by them torne in péeces . And manie sutch like accidentes chaunced in other places .

After this , Iulius Maximinus persecuted the Church of Christ . The same commaunded that specially the doctours and bisshoppes of the Christians should Note . bée sought out , that those with their sermons and preachings seduced the simple people , and mooued tumults in the empire : and therefore that they ought to be put to death the peace and quie●nes might be restored in the empire , & the subiects quight discharged from that troublesom doctrine . There were slaine in this persecution very many ministers of the congregations , among whom , as cheif ar numbred most worthy men Pamphilus & Maximus Origen also at the same time to the farther comfort of the Church , wroate a Origen , booke of martirdome , where hée sheweth that true Christians ought openly to professe with their mouth , and expresse in their déedes , the faith which they haue receaued , and if occasion also shal serue : to bear witnesse therof with their owne blood . At the same time sprange vp the froward heresie of the Helchesaites heresie . Helchesaites , who taught that it was sufficient to retaine the true faith in a mans hart and that it skilled not if a man were in enie daunger , to denay the same with his mouth : Although this doctrine doth openly repugne against the doctrine of the Gospell and Apostles , as is to bée séene the .x. of Mathew , and .x. to the Rom. This persecution conteinued thrée ▪ whole yéere , duringe which time there was mutch precious , and innocent blood shedde .

Afterwarde , the yere of Christe 252. or accordinge to the supputation of other 254. Traianus Decius the emperour persecuted the Church yet farre more cruelly , sending a broade through out all the empire most vehement , and bloodie edictes . And this is the twelueth persecution of the Christian Church , which distroyed manie excellent and worthie men . For there were ●layn in this persecution Sixtus bysshop of the Congregation at Rome , who was beheaded , & Laurence his deacon broyled vpon a gridiron as Prudētious writeth by whom also is described the martirdom of blessed Hyppolitus , who was torne in sunder by wylde horses . Babilas also bysshop of Antioche was then slayn , a very famous man , and a noble minister of Christe . This Babilas , desiered Babilas that the chaine wherwith he was lead vnto execution , might bée buried with him for an ornament , and delight vnto him Serapion beinge first hacked with seradion . manie woundes and stabbed through , at the last was cast downe headlonge from the top of his owne house . Macharius , Alexander & Epimachus : were burnt . Manie virgins most singularly with vertues adorned were most miserably tormented and at length cruely slayn , as Appollonia , Eugenia , Victoria , Theodora , Anatholia , Ruffina and manie moe . There is extant in Eusebius in the sixte boke of his ecclesiasticall history , the 13. chapter , the Epistle of Dionisius Bisshop of Alexandria writen vnto Fabianus of Antioche , wherein he reciteth the blessed Martirs which suffred martirdome in Alexandria vnder Decius . Likewise in Hermannus Contractus in his cronicles , is to be found a longe Catalogue of Martirs that in diuers places of the Roman Empire , suffred vnder Decius . In fine in this twelfe persecution vnder Decius , it is not able welnigh to be recited what plenty of precious and holy bloud of innocent Christians was shed , and many notable men besids made away .

This cruell persecution was scarce fully finished : when immediatly y● . 13. began about the yere of Christ . 260. at commaundement of the Emperour Valerianus . In whiche persecution were beheaded two of the chief doctours of the Christian church , in Italye , Cornelius bishop of Rome , & in Affrica , Cyprian byshop of Carthage . There be also manye moe numbred in the cronicles , that at the same time receaued the crown of martirdom . At whiche time , the moste cruel punishment of flawing was commonly vsed against christians , to proue if by that meanes they would bée reduced from the christian to the Ethnick beléefe : but it was in vaine .

I cannot in this place passe ouer , but Martirs prouoked with pleasure to reuolt . I must make some bréef rehersal of such thinges as are written of these persecutions vnder Detius , and Valerius , by Sainct Ierome in the lyfe of Paule the firste Eremite , who reporteth that the persecutors studied not onely to defile the innocencie of the christians through dread , & practice of such punishments and torturs as the lyke had not bin heard before : but also by prouocation of lust and plesure . For when they could not ouerthrow them with torments , they tempted them with pleasures , to cause them to fall , offring vnto them bewtifull wemen that should allure them to lechery : In which place he sheweth of a certen martir that bit of his toung betwene his teth , & spet it in his fine miks face , that he might be so deliuered from her . At the same time Paule the Eremit fled into the wildernesse and liued a solitary life in a certen den , vnto whom beefore hée died came Saynct Antonie . And these twayne were the first beeginners of Eremites life , that is to say , of those that lead ther liues in wilde and desert places , as though it were out of the worlde , a life full of hardnes and shapnes , laboringe with their handes , and vsinge great abstinencie . Saint Ierome writeth that Antony died the yéere of Christe . 661. and in the .xv. yeere of his owne age . And out of this fountaine in processe of time , sprange Monkerie , which the Origin all of Monkes Friers , and heremites . holy Church of Christe knew not at all when it was most excellent , and pure . Béesides that this life hath no warrant nor commaundement from the woorde of God , and is nothinge else but an inuention and deuise of men that were a fraide .

And like as in those former persecutions , they indeuored to pluck the christians from the trueth , through alurementes of pleasure : so likewise in our age many are carried awaye from the true faith and confession thereof , and after knowledge of the trueth they are wrapped in errours through pleasures honours , glory , ritches , prefermentes , gret offices , fat benefices as they terme them , or great reuenewes of the church .

The yeare of our Lorde Christ . 273. Valerius Aurelianus obtayned the Empire , whom Historicians make the Aucthour of the . ix . persecution , which according vnto our accoumpt is the. 14. This Aurelianus at first beginnyng of his raigne , was gentle and friendly towards Christians , but towards th' ende he changed his conditions : and through perswasion of naughty persons , suffred himself to be abused , fully determinyng with him selfe to persecute the Church of Christ . Eusebius testifieth in the 7. boke , and. 26. Chapter , of his ecclesiasticall history , vnto whom also Orosius agréeeth , that he rather intended to execute this persecution , then fully accomplished the same . Howbeit the Church at that time was in great peril & heauenesse , but when contrary vnto expectation the Emperour was taken away : the persecution ceased , and became nothinge .

Of the greeuous woful and long tragicall Acte or persecution , being in number the. 15. vnder the Emperours Dioclecian and Maximian , wherein innumerable Christians were martired and slayne . Chapter . ix .

NOne hath written more dillygentlye Eusebius bisshop of Caesarea . of the persecution of the Emperours Iouius Dioclecian , and Herculius Maximian then Eusebius in the laste booke of his ecclesiasticall historye . For he lyued at that time , & behelde the doyng of many things whereof he writeth . Wherefore the full and true discourse of these matters muste be borrowed of him , which although it be terrible : yet is it there withall pleasant , & profitable to be read . As for me I mean but breifly to touch the chiefest poyntes .

The Christian Churche enioyed peace and tranquillitye a fewe yéeres , from the raigne of Aurelian , vnto the xix . yéere of the raigne of Dioclecian and Maximian , about the space of . 28. yéeres . For the Christians had commonly their Churches , and godly congregations and méetinges together , professing and exercising their relygion openly without any feare : wherein also they had the assistance of lieutenants of prouinces euery where , vnto whom the Christian Relygion was knowne , ●nd many of great power in the Emperours Court , as namely Dortheus and Gorgonius , who being Christians : aided and defended them of their owne religion . The Christians also in the begining of this peace and quietnes agreed very well together , were feruent in the worshipping of God , and of holy conuersation , and therefore the number of the faithful increaced very much , so that it was néedefull to enlarge their Churches , and places of common prayer .

But in processe of time , that feruent Abuse of peace . loue of Relygion began to waxe colde , and ther arose dissentions & contentions , cheifly amonge bisshops and doctours , who beinge addicted to strife & vnquietnesse : fell sore at debate amonge themselues , handlynge their controuersies , whereby the people were nothing edefied : wherfore , the Lorde taking away his hand from his people : suffred the faith lesse Gentiles to lay their handes vpon his Churche , to scoure away the ruste which daily increased more and more . And this is the .xv. persecution of the Church which Orosius calleth the tenth .

At the béeginning of this persecution the Lord dealt verie gently , not giuyng the reigne and bridle immediatly to the persecution , and suffringe the Churches to be destroyd : but the onset of the persecution was béegun by the souldiours . And doubtles vnto this purpose apperteineth that which is written by Otho Frisingensis in the. 3. book and. 45. chapter , speakinge of bleassed Mauritius . Mauritius . Who marchyng forward into Germanie , vnder Maximian with his legion of men which were all Christians , goinge against the Bacharides , whome Eutropius termeth Bongarides , a troublesome and seditious kinde of people , to bring them to dutie and quietnesse : & when the armie had passed the Alpes , and was arriued into the country of the Veragri , whiche at this day they cal the lower , Vallesia : there Maximian commaunded his souldiours to sacrifice to the Gods , that they might obtaine good fortune , and victorie against their enemies . Then Mauritius answered , that hée would not so doe , nor the residew of Christians that were vnder him , franckly professinge himself & his company to be Christians , for whom it was not lawful to do sacrifice to the gods . Wherefore , they were first craftely deuided , and some sent to Solodorum , Bonna , Colen , Santum , and abroad vnto other places for defence sake dispersed . Last of all , the greater part of the legion whiche remayned with Mauritius neare vnto Octodorum , whiche is at this day called Martenacum , and Agaunum , whiche is nowe called by the name of S. Maurice : which was slain by the heathen souldiours . S. Ierome reporteth , that the expedition against the Bagaudae , was in the yéere of Christe , 290.

I cannot , nor I ought not in this place Foelix and Regula . let passe to make mencion of Foelix and Regula being Germans , who were also of Mauricius companie : both these & diuers other moe , whose seruice it pleased God that he woulde vse to preache Christ to the Gentiles : by flight escaped from the slaughter at Octodorum , and first they came to Glarona , and so along the Lake were brought vnto the most auncient citie of Zuirick , in which at the time the Ethnick idolatry florished , wher they preached simply the Christian relygion , and as wée haue shewed in the beginning of this booke , purely & faithfully without any aditions of man . The same they approued valientlye , and at length confirmed with their bloud . For after manie , and diuerse torments they were slayn with the sworde by Decius the Romane lieutenant that dwelte in the castle of zuirick . And these most holly Germans , haue left vnto vs the most holly and precious treasure of the Gospell , and Christian fayth . These our Apostles , or rather teachers , sent vnto vs from heauen , are farre more auncient then the counsailes . These liued and taught , and are blesledly departed this life , béefore the Papisticall Churche was establyshed in forme and manner as it is : for at theyr time there was not that Papacie which afterwarde ensued : there were then no Images in Churches , there was no sacryfice of Mas , no inuocation of saints , no Munks , no institutions or foundations of Abbeies , for they lyued in those yeres after Christe whiche wée haue before noted , so that the Christyan fayth hath contynued amongst vs , and also the auntient Congregation of Zuirick aboue . 1270. yeares , whiche I praye God alwayes with his grace to preserue .

But when this losse whiche the Churche had sustayned , and this token of the wrath of God against his people had mooued but fewe in the Churche to repentaunce , the more parte remaynynge carelesse and impenitent , and alwayes procéedynge farther in theyr vnthankefulnesse : God also increased the correction , suffryng the Churche to bée oppressed with a moste sharpe persecution . For in the .xix. yéere of Dioclecian , which was the. 306. after the birth of Christe , in the month of March & euen on Easter day , were published euery where edictes from the emperours Edictes against christians . againste the Christians , wherin was charge giuen , that Churches and Oratories of the Christians shoulde bée plucked downe to the grownd , the Bibles and all bookes of holly scripture burned , and whosoeuer of the Christians hée were that were in any honour office , and dignite should bée disgraded and made imfamous , with many other commaundmentes of that sorte .

Shortly after , it was commaunded by another edict from the emperours , that in euery place the bysshops and ministers of the Church , should bée apprehended and constrained to do sacrifice to the Gods , & if anie spake against it : they should be enforced therto , or slaine . Héerevpon ensued a miserable and cruell slaughter . For the christian byshops , doctours , and ministers of the Churches , were thicke and thréefolde led and drawn to the temples of Idols to do sacrifice : and manie times those that lead them mooued with certein compassion : exhorted them whom they lead , to holde their peace , and if they woulde but dissemble as though they dyd sacrifice : they woulde then lette them departe . But they declared with a loude voyce , that they neither had Sacrificed , neither woulde Sacrifice , but that they were the seruantes and ministers of Christe , wherfore vnaccustomed and new tormentes , and diuerse tortures and punishments were laid vpon the Christians , in execution wherof : the tormenters and officers were more wery in appliyng , then the Christians in suffringe them . For they through thée goodnes of God , continnued constant in the Christian faith vnto death : notwithstandinge certen , through feare and greatnes of paine and torment : renounced their faith , to the wounderfull sorowe and greif all the godlie .

At Nicomedia in Bythynia , when Done at Nicodemus . the emperours commaundement and proclamation was openly set abroade and both emperours at that present soiurned at Nicomedia , a certen noble citizen and of great dignitie in that city rent downe the emperours edict and tore it all to péeces , wherfore with out delaye hée was brought vnto the emperours . Who after that hée had confessed that hée was a Christian , and that whiche hée had doone hée did it on a feruent zeale : hée was deliuered vnto the hangemen and Iurmagantes , who tormented him with sundrie torments vntill hée died . But amonge the outragious tormentes wherewith they martyred him , there neuer appéered any one sygne of sorrowe in his countenaunce .

At the same tyme were tormented and slayne the chéeife Prynces and nobles of the Emperours householde , amonge whom Peter after sundrie vexations and tortures , was layde vpon a Gridyron , and roasted , with this moste cruell kynde of deathe , endynge his lyfe . Lykewyse Dorotheus , and Gorgonius , Gentilmen of the Emperours Chamber , after the bitter taste of sundrie tormentes : were laste of all hanged .

Anthimus also bysshop of Nicomedia was at that time slayne with the sword and with him a great numbre of cityzens , as shéepe followynge their sheapheard through tormentes and death , with a most constant faith .

In Nicomedia at that time , there arose Nicomedia the Emperours Pallace burned . a great fire suddeinly within the kinges palace , as who should say that God ment to punishe the extreame crueltie of the emperours and the heathen people which had burned , and broiled so manie innocent , and godlie men . But the same chaunced which befell at Rome in the time of Nero , for like as hée imputed the cause of burninge the citie vnto the giltlesse Christians , beeinge cause therof himselfe : so these emperours published new commaundementes , wherby they strayghtly charged , that the Christians should bée extinguished with fier , & sword in euery place .

In Syria likewise , the faithfull Doctours , Persecucion in siria . noble and vnnoble , men and women , younge and ould , were drawen by heapes into prison , in so mutch that the prisons and common places of the citie were full of prisoners , and but few men there were that walked abroade , the place resemblyng the shew of a forlorne wildernesse . Wherof when the Emperours were aduertised : they willed that sutche as would do sacrifice to the gods should bée released , the residew that continued in the christian béeléefe , should bée put to death with moste cruell kindes of tormentes .

The people of Tyrus also , in the land In Tyrus . of Palestine , whole flockes as it were of men and women , in places of common resorte for shewes , were thrown vnto wylde beastes , and when the wild beastes were more gentyl towards the Christians then the men , neither forced vpon them to teare them , yea , rather teare their kéepers and maisters that egged them to others : notwithstanding these faithlesse tyrants crueller then all beastes , ranne vpon the miserable christians , woundyng them , stabbyng them and cruelly without all pittie murtheryng them .

A strainge kynde of crueltye also the vngodly in Egipt , and Thebais , practized against the faithfull , wherwith they In Egipe . slew infinite numbers of them . They vsed in certayne places to bend downe two Trées , and to bynde the faithfull vnto eche trée by the legge , then to let them rise agayne , and so tearyng the men in péeces . And Vspurgensis reporteth , how at the same time , in one monethes space were seuentéene thousand men martyred , and slayne .

Eusebius in the. 9. and. 10. Chapters of the , 8. booke , describeth the strange torments and punishments of many christians which he himselfe dyd beholde amonge whom he mentioneth one Phileas Phileas . a worthy man , who was a Martir himselfe , and had wroten of Martirs .

There was also in Phrigia a certen famous Citie , wherein all the people , A wofull deede . highest and lowest , young and old , professed the Christian faith . The same Citie the Emperours army beseidged round about , and set it on fire , burninge therin all that euer was , as well men as goodes , that there was not one that escaped Besides there are many other cruell tortures , and punishmentes recited in the same boke of Eusebius , wherby infinit multitudes of christians wer executed to death , & made away in Arabia Cappadocia , Mesopotamia , Alexandria Antioche , and lykewise in Pontus .

But after that these bloudthirstie dogges , Dioclecianus , and Maximianus departed from the empire , there succéeded in their place other tyrantes , maxentius sunne to Maximian , & Galerius Maximinus who persecuted the church nolesse cruelly then theyr predicessours did , neither made they any ende , or moderation , or measure of punishing , staynge Dorothea , or sheadinge of blood . At Alexandria , a noble & honest virgin . Dorothe , was by Maximinus spoyled of all her goods & with other virgines also whiche would not consent to his filthie lust : tormented , and slayne . At Rome , Sophronia wife to the gouerner of the cittie chose rather to die with her owne hand Sophronia . then to bée defiled by a beastly tirant .

By this Tyrant very many christians were driuen into exyle , punished , and slayne as Eusebius copiously declareth in thenéeinth and last booke of his storie . Howbeeit the moste famous amongst them all are thrée ministers of Christe , and his Churche : Syluanus of Tyre , Peter of Alexandria , and Lucian siluanus . ●etrus . Lucianus . of Antioche , who had traueiled very mutch in the scriptures , as S. Ierom reporteth . These woorthie men , not only by their teachinge and writinge : but also by their bloud and death haue borne testimony to the christian faith , and haue cleaued vnto christ constantly to death .

This cruell and rare kinde of persecution , continued from the yeere of Christe . 306 vnto the yere . 320. that is to say about .xv. yéere in the whole . For in the yeere of Christe . 321. Constantinus the emperour in the .x. yéere of his reigne , gaue peace and rest to the miserable , torne , and almost oppressed Church : & indéede , from the time that Christe suffred his passion vnto that present : there was no persecution more cruell , or that continued longer then this , wherin notwithstandinge the Church through faith preueiled , ouerthrew , and caste downe al false religion and Idolatrie .

But that I may returne vnto the accustomed talke whiche I haue vsed Christian Relygion . before this , in the discourse of most persecutions , is there anie man I béeséech you , which dareth avoutch that the Ethnick religion of the Romanes , was therefore iust and true , bycause the Romane emperours defended and enlarged the same , castinge downe , and defilinge the faith of the Christians with their owne blood most cruelly , & bicause the● obtained prosperus successe against the Christians , the Christians the mean season tastinge none other but the crosse afflictions , miseries , and most cruell death ? And who is hée now , that will dispute with God , why hée suffred sutch naughtie knaues , and wicked varlets with so many and diuerse kyndes of calamities , molest and trouble sutch men as were dearely beloued vnto him ? Who will de●aunde whether hée did well or ill , since God doth no vniuste thing ? But hée proueth his seruantes with the crosse and afflictions , like as Gold and Siluer are by woorkmen tried in the fier . This the faithfull know very well , and therfore if our wretched and impatient fleash do mooue any contrary thoughtes ( as it often chanceth : ) immediatly they suppresse them . And Saint Peter saith : humble your selues 2. Pet. 4. vnto the mightie hand of god , and hee will exalt you when hee seeth his time and cast all your cares vpon him for it is hee that is carefull for you .

¶ Of the. 16. Tragicall Acte or persecution , vnder Iulian the Emperour , & of the 17. vnder the Emperour Valens , also of the. 18. vnder Genserick and Hunerick , Kinges of the Vandales . Chapter . X.

FRom the tenth yéere of the reigne of Constantinus Magnus , the church of Christe enioyed peace and tranquillity , when as within xxi . yéeres ( for so many yéeres are accoumpted from the tenth yéere of Constantine vnto the. 31. which was the last yere of his reigne ) it encreased more then at any other time since the natiuitie of Christe .

But not longe after the death of Constantine , Abuse of peace . the learned teachers , and ministers of the Churches , vnthankfully abused their peace , minglynge many contentions , and cauilles with the simple doctrine of their religion , and mutch disagréeinge , and contendinge amonge themselues : they drew the simple people from the vnitie of the Church into sundry sectes , and pluckyng them from the purenesse and plainesse of the true faith , with their doubtfull doctrine : they filled their heades with sundrie altercations . At which time sprange vp the blasphemous Arrius heresye . doctrine of Arrius , who affirmed that our Lorde Iesus Christe the sunne of God was not of one essency or béeinge with the father , nether very , and eternall God . With this poyson at that time , Constantius one of Constantinus sunnes , was infected , for Coustantinus left béehind him thrée sunnes , béetwéen whom he deuided the empire : Constantinus the second : Constantius , & Constans This Constantius was offended with the true & faithfull ministers of the Churches which withstood the doctrine of Arrius , and sent them into exile . But he persecuted most vehemently Blesied Athanasius and with him many m● , wherof some he Athanasius . threw into most strait prisons , greuously afflicting the faithful , as is declared at large in the ecclesiasticall history . This persecution béegan aboute the yéere of Christ : 343. but bicause valens the emperour , who was also difiled with the herésie of Arrius renued this persecution : wée will atribute them both to the Arrians comprehendinge them vnder the name of Valens persecution .

God chastised his Church for contentions , falling out , disagréements , & scismes , not only in this Arrian persecution , but also in an Ethnick the like wherof it suffred many before the reigne of Constantinus , as wée haue hether to declared . For the emperour Iulian opposed himself sharply against the Church of Christe , laboring to bring it back vnto the aun●ient superstitions of the gentiles , about the yéere of Christ 366.

This Iulian was at the first a Christian , and a reader in the holy Catholick Iulians reuoltyng . Church , but when he had falne into acquaintance and frindship with certayne Philosophers , and chiefly with Libanius the Sophist : he began by litle and litle to fall from the Christian faith , and at last receiued the relygion of the Gentiles againe , wherin he became so blind and hard harted : that he washed awaye the Baptisme of Christ : yea he was so farre possessed by the Diuell , that he vsed very much Magicall arts , applying his whole studye vnto sutch thinges as were plesant , & exceptable to the diuell .

But after that he came to the empire , hauing obtained a great victorie against the Almaynes nigh to the citie Strausbrough of whom he slew . xxx . M : with all his power hée bent him selfe against the christian religion . The temples of Idoles which Constantinus had shutte vp , and in which vpon paine of death he commanded that none should do sacrifice : Iulian set them open agayne , and sacrificed in them vnto Idols , and gaue all men leaue to sacrifice . So that the Gentile religion and Idolatrie verie mutch increased vnder him : and sutch Gentilisme encreased . as in the time of Constantinus had hid themselues , hopyng that shortly there would come soome change : brake then abroade into light , and violently assaulted the Christians . The emperour him selfe , spoyled the Churches , and the ministers of the Churches , of all their priuiledges , immunities , liberties , and dignities , which Constantinus had giuen them . Hée forbid also the Christians all schooles , that they should not learne poetrie , oratorie , nor philosophie : meaninge therby to make them vnlearned , that they should not bée able to confute the Ethnick relygion , out of the booke of Ethnick writers . Himself also wroat certen bookes against the Christian religion , wherto verie well answered . S. Syrillus , byshop of Alexandria .

Moreouer , he termed Christians disdaynfully Christians termed Galileans . Galileans , and Christ himself the Galilean . He dyd not only confiscate the goods of the Church : but also layde great tributes , and exactions vpon the christians : there withall also mockyng , and floutyng them saying , that theyr God , that is to say our Lord Iesus Christ forbid them to heape vp treasure , commaundyng them that whoso tooke from them their coate : they should giue hym their cloak also . So that he both spoyled , & flouted the Christians , and whatsoeuer trouble or reproche hée put them vnto he sayd how they ought to beare it wyllyngly and patiently , for so their Christ taught them to doe .

And lyke as Constantinus the great , tooke away the Images of the Gentile The Romane Ensigne changed . Gods out of the Romane ensigne or standard , placynge in the stead of them a white crosse : so contrarywise Iulianus restored the Images of Iupiter , Mercurie , and Mars , that the Christians worshipping th' ensigne , and bowing them selues before it , shoulde séeme to worship the Gods. Likewise all that were appoyncted to warfarre , and receiued their natiue or rewarde , must caste a grayne of frankincense into the fire vppon the Aulter , and so worshippe the Gods.

This thing troubled hym very much A francke confession . For when certen Christian souldiours had vnaduisedly done the same , & wayyng the matter more dyllygently , perceued what they had done : of their owne motion they came vnto the Emperour , and casting away their donatiue in his presence , cryed aloude saying that they were Christians , and woulde continew in the Christian fayth , that whiche they had done they dyd it vnaduisedlye , wherein they had gréeuouslye offended , wherefore they presented there theyr bodies vnto hym that they might suffer for that , wherein their handes had offended . Then the Emperour commaunded that they shoulde all bée lead away to execution , & bée beheaded . But when they were gone out of his presence : he chaunged his minde , & pardoned their liues : notwithstanding he made a law , the thencefoorth no christian should bée admitted to warfare , or into the Emperours court , or vnto any bench of iudgment , or any other kind of preferment .

In euery place also of the Roman empire , Christians were reprochefullye dealte withall , pitifullye tormented and slaine , amongst whom is remembred an antient man , and a notable minister of Christ , Marcus bysshop of Artehusa . The same in former , and more happie times , had destroied the temple of the gods at Arethusa , by reason whereof Iulian hated him , persuading with the citizens that they should constrain him to build vp the temple againe , which béeing impossible for him to do : they required that at the least wise he would contribute sumwhat to the charges . But when he had answered that hée would not giue them the valew of one farthinge : hée was by them most miserably , and cruelly , and Although he were very ritche . to their great shame tormented , and put to death .

Likewise renownied men , and worthie ministers of Christe were martyred , as Gregorie of Alexandria , Eusebius , Nectarius , Zenon , Basilius Ancyranus , and Cyrillus Deacon of the church of Ierusalem . At Heliopolis manie vertuous virgins were brought naked into the Theater , and afterwarde their bellies cut vp and stuffed full of oates and barly , and cast to swine to bée torne .

In Meroe a citie of Phrygia , thrée honest citizens , Macedonius , Theodulus , & Tacianus , when as the day before , the cheif officer of the citie had set open a temple of Idols , whiche had vntyll that time bin shutte vp , to th'eintent there should now be sacrifice done in it , in the night entring into it they plucked down the Idoles , and brake them . But when this iudge and chief officer Amatius began to haue tormented sundry Christians whereby hée might come to knowledge who had broken the Idols : these thrée comming vnto the iudge , desired him not to torment any man for breakyng the Idols , for they were the doers of it . Wherefore they were taken and rosted a great while , & at length burnt . In the same persecution Artemius lieutenant of egipt , bicause he constantly professed the faith of Christ : was spoyled of al his goods , & in the end lost his head : that like wherof many good , and honest men suffred . whoso desireth a more large description of these things : let him read the 6. booke of the Tripartite history , also the histories of Ruffi . Theodo . and Sozo . Moreouer , Iulianus to the intent he might Iulian sendeth the Iewes build the Temple at Ierusalem . molest the Christans , whom hée could not compell to the Gentiles religion : he gaue licence to the miserable Iewes , to returne to Ierusalem , there to assemble themselues togither and to build a temple , and to frequent their sacrifice , promisinge vnto them his asistance for the better accomplishinge the same . But after that a great multitude of them was gathered togither out of al nations and had prepared stuf for their present busines , erected scaffoldes to woork vpon and partly had digged their foundations and partly layd them , being busie about their buildinge : béeholde , a great earthquake shooke the foundations , and cast them downe : there flamed also an horrible fier out of the verie foundations , and a strange and terrible tempest ouer threwe the scaffoldes , shakinge downe what euer they had builded , and slew a great multitude of the Iewes . There was also a terrible boule of fier tumbling there about all the day longe , whiche hindred and indamaged them verye mutch : and wheras béefore the Iewes , and Gentiles triumphed , insulted ouer , and threatned the Christians , Cyrillus bishop of Ierusalem , with great grauity & constancie forewarned them out of Daniell the prophet and the Gospell , that it Dan. 9. Mat. 24. Luk. 21. was not possible that they should sacrifice héere , or else build vp the Iewish temple . So that they , which before this dispersion or scattryng , had in derision the minister of christe : after so great miracles of god were altogether quailed & discouraged .

But after that Iulian was slayn in battel agaynst the Persians , which was in the yéere of christ . 367. there was quietnes agayne restored to the Christians , which notwithstanding continued not long . For Valens , with his brother Valentinian , obtaining th' empire : was seduced by the Arrians : & although his brother Valentinian were sound in the Christian faith , yet hée neuerthelesse about the yéere of thriste . 371 began to persecute the godly christians , intending to bring them to the Arrian heresy . But the church constantly withstoode him , wherfore the faithfull and Catholicke bishops , were by him sent into banishment , and many of them tormented and finally slayne .

Since therfore at that time , there reigned such tirranny in euery place , and the ministers of the churches & other faithfull men , were nowher in salftye , but were commonly reprochefully intreted spoyled , plucked out of their houses and stayne : at length the Church decréed to send some notable embassedge vnto the Emperour , complaynyng of their iniuries , and requiryng his maiesties clemency , helpe , and protection . To which purpose were sent. 80. of the chiefest , the their countinaunce , and credit might be the greater . Who when they were com to Nicomedia to the Emperour , & had exhibited their supplication : the Emperour was greuously mooued against them yet dissemblyng his anger , charged priuely Modestus one of his seruants that he should destroy al those byshops . But because hée doubted , lest if they shoulde be openly executed , the people might chance to raise a tumult : they were all imbarked in a Ship , as yf they shoulde be sent into banishment . And when the Ship was come into the midest of the déepe sea : the mariners setting it on fier themselues escaped away in boates thus in one Ship were . 80. holy seruants of 80 Legats miserably brent . God consumed with fire . Which most cruell tragedie and impious fact , stroak the Church of God into most greuous , sorowe and heauinesse .

But who so is delighted to vnderstand the most firce Barbarousnes , and most outragious tragedies , & heinous murthers , which haue bin committed against the holy faithfull of Christ : let him read the. 7 , booke of the Tripartite historye , and the fourth of Socrates , and Theodoretus , where these thinges are setfoorth at large . I omitte in this place to set out the persecution of Athanaricus Athanaricus King of the Gothes . King of the Gothes , whome others call Athalaricus . Hée persecuted the Christians about the yéere of Christe , 373. whereof some he flewe , some hée banished . But because some reporte , that they whiche suffred these thinges were Arrians : therefore I thought it not conuenient to recken this among the persecutions of the holye Catholick Churche .

Howbeit after that the Vandales had possessed Affrica driuyng the Romans thence , about the yéere of Christ . 443. being then peace throughout all the empyre : Genserick King of Vandales and Lord of Affrica , being infected with the Genserick King of the vandals . Arrian heresie , as were Constantinus , and Valens the Emperours , intended to enforce the christians to the Arrian heresie , whervpon there began a bloudy , and butcherly slaughter . For he shut vp the Churches of the faithful , and spoiled the Ministers , whereof many hée killed with hunger , and to be short : he left nothing vndone whatsoeuer before him Dioclecian , and Maximian the most cruell tyrants , had practized against the faithfull . Whom notwithstanding hée could not enforce to reuoult , for all their most greuous , and cruell punishments .

After Genserick , there succéeded him both in his kingdome and tyrrannie , his sunne Honorius , in the yéere of Christe , 476. who persecuted also the Christians most cruelly for the profession of the trew faith . The whole storie of this persecution is described by Victor bysshop of vtica , which liued in those bloody times . After Honoricus , there succcded in the kingdome Gundamundus , in the yéere of Christe , 484. who likewise as his predicessours did : persecuted the Christians . The like afterward To whome Fulgentius wroat . also did Trasimundus the yéere of Christe . 503. by whom were at one time . 220. bysshoppes banished into Sardinia : but Hildericus sunne to Trasimundus , recallinge them home again out of exile , restored them to their churches in the yeere of Christe . 523. This Hildericus was a good prince , & sound in the Christian religion , but in the yéere of Christe . 530. he was by Gilimer taken by a trayn and cast into prison , and reprochefully vsed . Howbeit Gilimer enioyed the crowne not longe , but was by Bellisarius ( as Procopius reporteth ) about the yéere of Christe . 535. vanquished and stain , with whom the kingdome of Vandales also toke his ende . This persecution vnder the Vandales continued in Affrica about fouerscore yéeres .

Of the 19. Tragical acte or persecution which was the longest , and most greeuous of all other vnder Machomet , which the Sarracens and Turkes haue mantayned agaynst the Churche of Christe . Chapter . xi .

BY meanes of these persecutions , which wée haue heatherto declared which are to bée accoumpted as certen Chastisement , and corrections of God , few in the Church were brought to any repentance or amendment , but many became rather the worse : for sundry heresies and schismes , as namely of the Macedonians , Nestorians , Pelagians with diuerse other arose , increasinge more and more , the recitall whereof were now to tedious : by occasion wherof gréeuous contentions , troubles , and disagréement fell out not only amongst the learned : but also amongst the common people and the vnlearned sort , giuinge occasion of great and outragious diuisions in religion ouer all the East . Béesides , in the west the bysshop of Rome wickedly aduaunced himself and his Church aboue al Churches and ministers of Churches throughout all Christianitie , and that expresly against the holy doctrine of the Gospell , and the writinges of Gregory the pope . Wherfore while matters continued in this state , God suffred his Churche to bee touched with most sharpe troubles , and oppressed with greeuous persecutions .

For in the yéere of Christe . 613. was The beginning of the false prophet Machomet . first knowne , and béecame famous in Arabia the wicked hypocrite , and most craftie verlet Machomet , whom some terme Muhammat : the same from his youth vpward was a merchant , but afterward hée boasted that he was a prophet sent from God . There had ioyned themselues vnto him certen wicked and stubberne Iewes , and also one Sergius a munke , an apostata and an heretick : ●i whose aduice and ayd , he deuised a new lawe , which hée called Alcoranus , for Alcoran what it signifieth . this woord Alcoran signifieth a mingle-mangle of lawes . In whiche hee erred directly from the scriptures of both testamentes , wherin are set downe the true lawes prescribed by God , béeside whom wée haue no néede of anye other booke of lawes : howbeit Machomet hath set foorth a new and peculiar lawe to his Sarracens , Turkes , and all that shall hereafter béeléeue in him , which law of his , is in very déede a miserable feined deuise , impure , false , and full of filthy fables , that it was great meruell how wise men could giue credite to such absurde , and doubtfull trifles . Howbeit therin appeareth the dreadfull wrath of God against al such as ar not contented with the doctrine of Christ , & the holy scriptures : for it followeth deseruedly , that al the are not contented with the truth to beléeue Iohn . 9. 2. Thes. 21. it , afterward they giue credit vnto lies , & ar shamefully deceued , & seduced .

In this his law , Machomet the diuellish and false prophet , hath instituted , The whole summe of the turkishe religion . God . and diuised a new religion , altogither repugnant to the faith of Christ . He acknowledgeth the ther is one God maker of heauen and earth whom onlie we must adore and call vpon , and that wée must not worship or honour any other Gods , Idols , or Images , whiche the Sarracens and Turkes doo hate excéedingly . But hée doth not acknowledge according to the effect of the holly scriptures , the diffrence of the persons in one and indiuisible substance of Godhoode , the Father , the Sunne and the Hollye ghost , but hée impugneth , and raileth at Christe . the blessed Trinitie . Likewise , hée confesseth that Christ was a great prophet borne of the holy and vndefiled virgin , who was taken also vp into heauen , but as for that poynct which is peculiar to the true and liuelye faith : hee doth not confesse that Iesus Christe is the euerlastinge sunne of God , very God and man , the only mediatour of God and men who being crucified & slayne for our sake , arose again from the dead , & sitteth on the right hand of god , being of one power with the father in heauen . These things he blasphemeth and impugneth deneing that christ was crucified wherefore he teacheth also erroniously touching remission of sins , which onli we obtaine by faith in christ which was crucified , Remission of sinnes . ye he is altogether ignorant of faith & iustification by faith in Christ , deuising Faith and iustification sundrie woorshippinges and meanes to attayne saluation , namely by fastinge praying , giuinge of almes , sustaininge many & great labours , suffring mutch trouble , valientlye fightinge for the Machometan religion , and dyinge in batteill . Hée is also of opinion that a man may fulfill the law , and demerite saluation by his owne woorkes : hée Workes . hath his Moonkes & Priestes , in whose merites hée reposeth the hope of his saluation . Hée confesseth the resurrection Eternall lyfe . of the bodie , but hée speaketh altogether carnally and impurely of felicitie , as though in Paradise wée shoulde enioye bodely pleasures , meat , drincke , beutie of the body , as if it were in the blessed Ilands called Beatorum insulae , or else in a certein Vtopia .

Hée despiseth the Euangelicall and apostolicall Congregations , rites , and Sacramentes . doctrine , as hée doth also our holly assembles and congregations , commaundynge all that béeléeue in him to bee circumcised after the Iewish maner , nothyng regarding our Baptisme : hée raueth and rayleth at the sacrament of the body and bloud of Christ , and al the fourme and ordre of the Lordes supper which was instituted and appointed by Christe : hée contemneth all christian vsedges , and hath instituted peculiar congregations , temples , rightes , and ceremonies : hée commandeth the sixt day of the wéeke , which we cal Friday , to bée Holydayes . kept holiday : he apointed fasting daies & purging with water : hée commaunded them to pray fiue times in a day : he forbid Prayers to pray vnto saincts & creatures , but vnto God only , which is trueth in déed : but hée teacheth to pray vnto others beside Christe . Sutch praiers are not acceptable vnto God , bicause they are not made through Christe , through whom wée pray vnto God our father in heauen , 1. Iohn . 2. wherat hée mocketh . But S. Iohn saith : Who so hath not the Sun , hath Matrymony , and deuorcement . not the Father : Hée altogether prophaneth holly matrimonie : for vnto men hée giueth licence to marie as many wiues as they liste , and that which is iniurious and dishonest , to forsake them without cause at their pleasure , and discretion . Hée forbiddeth them after the Iewish maner to eate swynes fleash , hée debarreth them also from wine , howbeit the ritcher sort haue deuised certen costlye kinds of drinks , wherby they become nolesse drunk then with wine . And this is the doctrine of the diuell , wherof Paul intreateth in the first of Timothy , the. 4. chapter . And whatsoeuer I haue sayd of the Machometan faith : the same ar al to be vnderstood of the Turkishe religion or supersticion , which at this day is vsuall among the Turkes . And as for these thinges , I haue reported them verye bréeflye , that those that knowe not the Turkish religion : may haue a brief extract , not of the whole relygion : but of the chiefest poynts , and opinions therof . The wrath of God . Now through indifferent view of these things which we haue recited : who doth not vnderstande that through the moste gréeuous yet most iuste wrath of God , the world is by him most sharply punished , since that he hath suffred so absurde , filthy , & wicked relygion to take place ? and here withall , let vs also beholde and weigh , what a cruell and continuall persecution which indureth also to this day , this impiou● ▪ and Machometan faith hath raised againste the holly Church of Christe , and the true faith .

Machomet that false prophet and What the Sarracens were . murdrous seductour of the worlde , had persuaded his Sarracens , that they are the true children & heiers of sarra wife to Abraham , and that in respect therof : béelonged vnto them all the promises made vnto Abraham , namely that his séede should rule all the world , and therfore hée exhorted the Sarracens that takyng weapon in hand , they should valyently assay to possesse al the kingdoms of the world as their owne inheritaunce .

The Sarracens were a barbarus and rough people of Arabia , whiche before that time were called Agareni , the same receauinge stipende of the Romanes , fought vnder them in the warre against the Persians . But when hée which bare the name of generall , & had the charge of the army in geuing them their pay , had reprochefully called them dogs , saying : who shal giue mony enough to this company of dogs : thei reuoulted from the Romans , and beinge perswaded by Homer their cheifteine : they chose Machomet to be Machomet is made King. their prince , speciallye since he had perswaded them that they shoulde not bée called Agareni of Agar the handmaide , but rather Sarraceni of Sarra the lawful wyfe , by reason whereof , as it is sayde , they were the Lordes , and heirs of all kingdomes . These things were done in the yéere of Christe . 623. But this seditious , murderous , and wicked villaine Machomet , so soone as hée had obtayned the Empire : began to enlarge and set foorth his abhominable religion with the sword , and to enforce men to receaue it , persecutyng also and oppr●ssing the true Christian faith . And for the better ratefiyng hereof , hée continued in this trauaile the space of . 9. yéeres vnto the yéere of our Lorde . 632. Vnto al that would follow his relygion he promised felycitie , glory , Empire , victori , ritches , and after this life the pleasure of Paradice . And by this menes he gat vnto him great multitudes of men , specially when at the beginning things prospered so wel with him , for why , the common people followeth good fortune victory , and ritchesse : hatinge as mutch the crosse , and persecutions . Hée willed them moreouer to persecute all sutch as spake agaynst , and reprehended the Alcoran . Wherfore many reuoulted from the Christian faith , and all vertuous and true Christians were oppressed with gréeuous persecutions : & this was the beginning of the Sarracens kingdome . After the death of Machomet , the Sarracens called their chief princes Amiras , which as some saye , signifieth as mutch as the name of Emperour . Whose names , and most famous conquestes , are described in histories vnto the yéere of Christe , 870. They made many great warres : and fought sundry battailes , and obtayned conquestes against the Emperours of Constantinople and other kinges and princes . They subdued Persia , Babilon , Syria , the citie of Ierusalem , and gat sundry great victoryes in Asia , and Affrica , in whiche places they terme their Princes Souldans , souldanes . or Sultans , and Caliphas , that is to saye chiefe Princes , and Capitaines in battaile . The Sarracens haue made irruptions into Italy , Spaine , & France , spoiling all that euer they could , wasting , burning , & bearing away innumerable spoiles . But how miserably the Church of christ was torne in péeces , how much christian blood shed in so many prouinces duringe the space of so many yéeres it is impossible to set foorth in woordes . For at length the Sarracens were driuen out of Spayne by Ferdinande the great , the yere of Christ 1487 & out of Affrica they were expulsed the yéere of Christe 1517. but the Turkes succéeded in their place , for Selimus emperour of the turks slew , and draue the Sara . out of Affri .

Hervnto also apperteineth that miserable The holye warre . slaughter , wherin there was an vnspeakable déele of blood sheden , which is commonly called the Holly warre , wherin the Christians went about to recouer Ierusalem , and the holly sepulcher of the Lorde , out of the Sarracens and Machometans handes , whereby they brought none other thinge to pas but béeinge not able to obtaine the sepulcher : they hastned themselues to their owne graues and destruction , & through their vnfortunate warre , brought the miserable Christians of the East into hatred , great daunger , and persecution , so the welnigh , they lost all that was remaininge . But to the intent that this great gréeuous , longe , and cruell persecution which the Sarracens haue exercised against the Christians , may bée the better knowen : I mean to declare the whole discourse of the warre .

In the yéere of Christe , 1. 84. there The originall of the Sarracens warre . came out of the East , a certen Anchor , whom historiographers do call Peter the Heremite . The same filled the eares of princes and men of all other sortes , declaring vnto them the miserable state of the Christians in the East , whom the Machometan Sarracens oppressed with wofull tyranie , and verie mutch molested : wherfore that it was right néedfull for the Christians in the west , to haue some care ouer them , and gatheringe an armie both to ouercome the Sarracens , and release the Christians . Shortly after vrban the ii . being Pope , and schollar to Gregory the seuenth called togither a counsel at Claromont in France wherin it was decréed , that the christians with Claromont . counsell . all their power should make warre vppon the Sarracens , take Ierusalem , and the holy Sepulcher , and so delyuer the Christians from their tyrrannye . This counsell was pernicyous and hurtfull to the Christian commonwealth , and had the very same end with the counsel which is described in the firste booke of Kinges , the last Chapter . For al things were vnfortunate , and the Christians were not only not released from the tirannie : but most part of them slayne , & afterward oppressed , and afflicted more gréeuously then before . And albeit many holy and good men , vpon a vertuous zeale yéelded themselues and consented to the warre : yet lacked it the foundation of Gods worde , whiche shoulde haue commaunded them to take Ierusalem and the holy Sepulcher from the Sarracens , and to take in hande so great and dangerous a warre . For although they atchiued sundri noble aduentures , and possessed manye places : yet was there no constant Fortune as to holde that which they had taken , or to establish peace for the oppressed christians . The byshops also in their counsells touching this warre gaue but euell counsell vnto Princes , and many other godly christians , as they haue done also in manye other matters . Other deceits and troubles which wer annexed hereto , for breuytie sake I omit at this present . The Claromont counsell was holden the yéere of Christ . 1095.

After the Claromont counsel immediatly The. 1. expedition . began Peter the heremits war , who ledyng foorth with hym certen thousandes which voluntarely offred themselues in this expedition : marched through Hungary into Asia , but atchiued ther no noble exploit worthy of memorye . And this was the first vnluckie iourney .

Shortly after two rashe and troublesome The. 2. expedition . priestes , whom Historicians call Volcomar , and Goddeschar , hauynge gathered an vnfit multitude of the common people : began the second expedition into Asia . But when they were come into Hungarie spoylyng althynge , rebyng , and vsing themselues disordinatly , so that the Hungarians iudged them worse then they vnbeléeuyng Sarracens , they gathered an army , and slew those lewde The 3. expedition . pilfring varlets .

In the yere of Christ . 1096. Godfree and Baldwine of the famile of Bullein , Dukes of Lorraine tooke in hande the. 3. expedition into Asia . These gathering an army of a hundred thousande horsemen , & three hundred thousand footemen : tooke many cities of Asia , and Ierusalem also . Vrspurgenfies reporteth , that ther was so much blood shed there , that in the very temple the bloude was aboue the hooues of the Horses . The yéere of Christ . 1119. Ierusalem taken the citie of Ierusalem was taken by the Christians , and made head of the newe kingdome of Christians in the Easte , wherof duke Godfree was created king . The same reigned one yéere , after whom succéeded seauen Kinges in order , which reigned in all about one hundred yéere & in the yéere of Christe . 1189. all things were lost agayne which they had taken . The. 4. expedition .

After that tidings were come out of the East , how Ierusalem was taken , and a new kingdome established many were pricked forward to take their iourneie thyther hoping for ritches , & kingdomes . Wherfore in the yéere of Christe . 1101. William duke of Poicters , with .100000. men tooke in hand the holy warfare . And this was . the 4. expedition , which was not also very prosperous , for there returned home again not many mo then a M. men . Although Ierusalem was thus taken by the christians : notwithstanding the Sarracens ceased not from war : but vrged them so sharply the they wer enforced to su foraid , when as S. Bernhard abbot of Clarauallis ioyned himself in this vnlucky war , and taking diuers iournies in hand exhorted The. 5. expedition . the christian princes to take this war vpon them , and at length brought to pas the Conrade the 3. being emperour , Ludouick kinge of France . Friderick duke of Sueuia , Welphus duke of Bauaria with many other princes moe , with great power béegan this expedition : but these also profited nothinge , for their armie dyinge in sundrie places in forrein countreys , the princes scarsly returned in safety . This great expedition was made in the yéere of our Lorde . 1147.

Afterward Ierusalem was taken , as we haue said béefore , by a very great power of Sarracens , with an vnspeakable losse and spillyng of Christian bloud . Which heauie tidinges béeinge arriued in the west : forthwith there béetooke them vnto armour , Friderick Barbarossa the emperour , Philippe kinge of France , Rychard kinge of England , and with them many princes moe . These tooke in hand the. 6. expedition into the east , The. 6. expedition . the yéere of Christe . 1189. With an excéedinge great power , who notwithstandinge brought nothing to passe but this only , that the noble prince Friderik the emperour fell into a riuer and was drowned , the armie for the most part died with sicknes , the residew whereof the numbre was not great , returned home miserably .

After this ther apoynted again a new The. 7. expedition . and which was the. 7. expedition , two most puisaunt princes , the kinges of Fraunce , and England , in the yéere of Christe . 1191. and came into Asia , wher léesinge a great multitude of men : they were constrayned to leaue Ierusalem to the Sarracens .

In the yéere of Christe . 1198. Henrie The 8. expedition . sunne to Friderick Barbarossa , béegan the viii . expedition into Syria : but at the first receauinge a foile : hée returned againe without doinge any thinge .

After all these expeditions : Pope Innocentius the 3. a craftie & presumptious The Lateran counsell . man , went about afresh to beegin this warre , caulinge at Rome a great counsell , such as hath not bin séene thée like , in the yéere of Christ , 1215. but hée died in the midst of this busines , after whom succéeded Honorius the 3. who with no lesse diligence applied the same matter , feigninge , like a false prophet , that hée had seene a vision , and that it was said vnto him by Saint Peter that in the time of his reigne : Ierusalem should bée recouered . Wherfore , the ninth expedition was taken in hand towardes Ancon , whiche once was Ptolomais . Then was taken Damniata , yet with more losse then profit vnto our men , which was taken the yéere of Christe . 1222. and lost the next yéere followinge . To be short , there was almost nothinge gotten by the warre , for euery thinge had but litle good successe . The. 10. expedition .

In the yéere of Christe . 1228. Fridericke the seconde Emperour of the name , a wise , noble , and victorious prince , vndertooke the tenth expedition into Syria , where vanquishynge his enemies : hee tooke certayne principall Citties among which also hée wanne Ierusalem . But See howe the Pope helpeth the Christians . whilst this good prince maketh warre agaynst the Infidels : Pope Gregorie the .ix. inuaded Apulia , and tooke his natiue kyngdome and countrey , and therefore contrary to his intent and purpose , hée was enforced to take peace with the Soldane , and so departe . Which déede of the Pope , Abbas Vrspurgensis , in his chronicles doth woorthely blame moste sharply .

Afterward , in the yéere of Christ . 124● Ludouick king of Fraunce , with his brothers The 11. expedition . Robert and Charles , lead foorth an armie passing wel appointed into Syria : where hée founde no better fortune then others before him had done . For Robert was slayn , & Charles taken by the Soldan the army discomfited , and the kynge Ludouicke hardly escaped with a few . And this was the .xi. vnhappie expedition . The. 12 expedition .

In the yéere of Christe , 1270. Kynge Ludouicke lead foorth an armie againe into Affrica against the Sarracens , which maketh the xij expedition , but there a sicknesse inuadyng the army : the kynge himself with one of his sunnes died , for hée caried thrée foorth with him into battel , & a few of the people returned home salfe .

Although in this warre , which was first kindled by Peter the Heremite , afterwarde proclaimed by the Claromont counsell , and successiuely mantayned by meanes and prouocation of Popes , there was no constant successe , so that it was manifest vnto all men that God would blesse it with no prosperous preueile : and séeinge that Ierusalem was lost agayne , and the state of Christians in the East was béecome most miserable from whom by reason of the warres , persecutions were not taken away , but rather augmented : notwithstandinge these vnfortunate Bysshoppes , with this vnspeakable effusion of Christian bloode , were not satisfied , neyther coulde bée broughte to yéelde or relent at these perpetuall and great discouragementes For Gregorie the x. callinge a great counsell at Lions , in the yéeare of our Counsell at Lyons . lorde . 1272. went about to renewe the warre , but all in vaine , for so mutch as therby manie had sustained sutch and so manie miseries , and calamities both of body , and goodes . And Matthaeus Palmerius in his Cronacles writeth : How that many thousandes of Christians being slayn in Syria by the Sarracens , the residew for feare departed the cuntrey : whiche was doone the yéere of Christe 1291. about whiche yéere Paulus Aemilius , and the French Chronacles do report , that this holy or rather vnhappye warre , was ended , which continued in all . 196. yéeres , whereof the like is not heard of in any history . And this warre vnto the great damage and oppression of the Christians , was first kindled by Peter an vnknowne heremit ( of whom vrspurgensis . pag. 240. many boast verye mutch , others not without cause haue doubted whether he were a man or any thinge else I know not what , many haue said that he was a dissemblinge hypocrite ) holpen by the Counsell and prelates , and this mutch is sufficent to haue spoken of the Sarracen persecution , Wherfore let vs now come to the Turkishe .

The persecution of Turkes , wherewith Originall of Turkes . they haue molested the Christians is in some respect ioyned and coupled with the Sarracen , makinge it more gréeuous and cruell : And the Turkes are a people of Tartaria , whiche in the yeere of Christe . 764. brake forth of their owne confines through the gates Caspiae , & planted themselues in Asia who first seruinge vnder the Sarracens for wagies : afterward increasinge their power by good successe in warres , about the yéere of Christe . 1051. they created them princes amonge themselues , who perpetually haue afflicted , and persecuted the poore Christians , for they also had then receaued the Machometan religion .

It is not to bée doubted , but that God hath sent this cruell , and superstitious nation of Turkes for a scourge vnto the Christians . For like as in the tyme of Salomon , when as he fell from the lawe of God , and suffred his wiues to build temples vnto Idoles : there sprange vp and increased enemies against him , and all the kingdome : so likewise amonge the Christians , when Pope Boniface the. 8. committed many thinges repugnant to the Christian religion , bringing in the Iubilee of the Iewes , which was The popes Iubilee . abolished by christ , wherby the redemption through Christe was no litel déele diminished : at the same time in the yéere of our lord , 1300. sprang foorth that sharp rodde , namely othomannus prince of the Turkes , who at the béeginninge was but a shéepheard . From this sprange out Original of Othoman the firste Prince of Turkes . all the princes , and emperours of the Turkes which hetherto haue obtayned the empire , persecuting the Christians with vnspeakable harmes , wasting , and destroying whatsoeuer the Sarracens had left , and haue established sutch a kingdome : as hath desended and enlarged it self ( alas therwhile ) with impregnable force against all power . Othomannus hath amplyfied his kingdome large and wyde , wounderfully indamaginge , vanquishynge , and murtheringe the Christian Gréekes , which were vnder the empire of Constantinople .

After the death of Othomannus , there Orchannes the. 2. succéeded him in the Turkish Empire his sunne Orchannes , in the yéere of our Lorde , 1328. The same ensued his fathers steppes , gréeuously afflictynge the Christians , hée béesiedged the Cittie Nicea , whiche when the Emperour of Constantinople would haue deliuered from siedge : the armie of the Christians was miserably slayne , the Cittie yéelded , and the Christians most truelly dealt with all .

In the yéere of our Lorde , a thousand thrée hundred and fiftie , Amurates the first of that name , thirde prince of the Turkes , succéeded his father Orchannes . Who sendyng an armie ouer the Sea : tooke the cities Hadrianopolis , Seruia , and Bulgaria , whom when the Christian Amurates the. 3. princes assaide to driue away , were also with their armies slaine by the Turkes .

Baiazetus the first , fourth Prince of Baiazetus . 4. the Turkes , béegan to reygne in the yéere of our Lorde . 1373. The same hath vnspeakabli in damaged the Christians : and among other things he besieged Constantinople very hardly the space of eight yeres . And when the Emperour of Constantinople had desiered help of other christians : Charles the .6. king of France , Sigismund of Hungary , Iohn Duke of Burgundy , Rupert Duke of Bauaria with other princes , sent him aid gathering an army of . 80000. men . But all these vpon Michaelmas day were by the Turkes slayne at Nicopolis , in the yéere of Christ 1395.

Machomet the fift prince of Turks , Machomet . 5. in the yéeare of our Lorde 1399. came vnto the Empire . He vanquished Sigismund Kyng of Hungarie in a battle at Columbeciū , & very mucth indamaged the Christians , in the yéere of Christe , 1409.

Afterward in the yéere of Christ 1416 Amurates . 6. Amurates the. 2. was created the sixte Prince of the Turkes . The same made war with Laudislaus king of Hungarie and Polande , when Laudislaus through the help of God vanquishing Amurates , enforced him vnto conditions of peace , verye necessarye and profitable for the Christians . This peace was confirmed by an oth : at whiche time the state of Christians was in good case ouer the Turkes , had not Pope Eugenius the 4. vnluckely troubled all . Who sending Iulianus Caesarinus in embasiedge into Hungarie : perswaded Ladislaus the King that hée was not bound by the othe whiche hée made to kéepe peace with the Turke , for that no man ought to make peace with Infidels or heretickes , and the othes and promises made vnto them are not to be perfourmed . There were also diuers other which prouoked the king Ladislaus that he shoulde vse and employe this happye successe whiche God had geuen him against the Turkes , vnto the commodytie of the Christian common-wealth , that the Turke was nowe in great feare , and troubled at that present with warre by the Carmani , wherefore that it were an easie matter to vanquish him . With these perswasions this yong Prince , this vertuous and well meannyng King , breakinge the peace , violatynge his othe , made warre vppon the Turkes , and pitched his tentes betwen Danubius and Adrianopolis , neare to The reward of periurie . the Citie Varna . Against whome came foorth Amurates , accompanied with fourscore thousande men , greatly blaming the periurie of the Christians , and their breakyng of the peace , where hée slewe the young king which had bin deceiued by other , with many moe princes and noble men , and as Platina witnesseth in the life of Eugenius the. 4. in that battle were slayne , 3. C. thousand Christians . The battle was fought vpon S. Martins éeuen in the yéeare of Christe . 1444. Who so desireth to reade a larger description of that wofull calamitie : let him peruse the Hungarian historie of Antonius Bonfinius , the 6. booke of the 3. Decade .

But Amurates not being satisfied with this victory : immediatly conuaighing his army into Greece , slew the Emperour of Constantinoples brother with all his power , and wasted Peloponesus with fire and pilledge : and sutch Christians as were reserued from the slaughter : he lead away into most miserable slauery . And this was the great good prouision and commoditie , whiche the counsell of the bloody and periured Pope Eugenius purchased to the Christians .

After these calamities and gréeuous Machomet the. 7. persecutions : yet were there greater mischeiues , which by the iust iudgment of God oppressed the Christians . For in the yéere of Christe . 1450. Machomet the seconde Sunne to Amurates was made the seauenth Prince of the Turkes . The same for the valientnesse of his déedes was surnamed the great , and called the first Caesar or Emperour of the Turkes , because hée tooke awaye valiently by force that Empire whiche The firste Emperour of Turkes . from the time of Constantinus the great , the space of . 1121. yéeres had continued vnder the dominion of the Christians , and brought it in subiection vnto the Turkes .

For in the yéere of our Lord. 1453. he Constantinople taken . besiedged costantinople the head of the empire , with a great power . And when he had besiedged it the space of 50 continual dais , & assaulted it with munition , at length the 29 day of May , he increased the assault with al his force from the morning vntill most part of the dai were spent , & at the length took it . Héere nowe it cannot bée recited , with what sauadge crueltie , wantonesse , pride and disdayne the barbarous Turkes vsed the miserable Christians without al mercy . Constantinus the Emperour who was pressed and troden to death by the multitude of men , béeing sought out and haled from the residew of the dead carcases : had his head strocken off , which béeyng set vppon the point of a speare , was carried about in despight & derision of the christians . Some report also that ther were 40000. Christians slayne , CLM. carryed away into captiuytie and sould . The exact discription of this most miserable calamiti , and vnspeakable persecution : is to be found in Nauclerus histori .

Also Ioannes Auentinus a writer of Machomets great victories . histories , reporteth that this wicked Machomet surnamed the great , besides the two Empires of Trapezunce and Constantinople , tooke away moreouer from the Christians . xii . famous Kingdomes , and 200 famous Cities . Also in the yéere of Christe 1469. hée made an irruption into Styria , and béesiedged the citie Graecium : whereby such feare inuaded the christians , that from Saltzbrough which some suppose of olde to bee called Iuuania , vnto Monachum , in Bauaria , they fled in such hast : that they regarded not their Children whiche fell out of the wagons and Chariots by the waye . The same at that time they called the Turkish flight .

In the yéere of our Lord God . 1481 Baiazet . 2. second emperour of Turkes . Baiazetes was created seconde Emperour of the Turkes , and the eight prince from Othomānus . Thesame persecuted also the christians cruelly , and brake into Wallachia , & Hungarie , where néere to the riuer Morana vanquishyng the Christians : in reproch and dispight cut of the noses of all the prisoners which he had taken : He made warre also against the Venetians , sendynge foorth againste them Scender a Bassa into Frioll , who sacking and spoylyng farre aboute carried away many Christians captiue , of whome thrée hundred thousande were most pitifully slayne at the shoare of the riuer Tiliauentum . Many thinges also moe haue bin commited cruelly against the Christians by this most barbarous , and Turkishe Tyraunt Baiazete .

In the yéere of our Lorde . 1512. the. 9 Selimus . 3. Emperour . prince of the Othomanni , and the third in order of the Turkish emperours Selimus , began to reigne . The same quite destroid the Sarracens & Mammaluces commaundyng that their last Sultan Tomombeius most ignominiously shoulde bée hanged , which was done the. 13. day of Aprill , in the yéere of our Lorde . 1517. when hee had taken Alcharyus or Memphis the greatest and most famous Citie of Egipt . And by this meanes the Turkish Princes obtayned thrée excéedyng great Empires , to wit , of Trapezunce , Constantinople , and Egypt : and so continuallye the Rodde or Sworde which God hath prepared againste the Christians is fortified and increased .

Solimannus succéeded his Father Selimus in the Empire in the yéere of Soliman . 4. Emperour . Christe . MDXIX . béeinge the tenth Prince , and fourth Emperour of the Turkes . The same tooke Bellogradum or Alba Graeca , a passing stronge Citie and the key of all Hungary , which was in the yéere of Christe . MDXXI .

After this in the yéere of our Lord. 1523 hée béesiedged the Ile of Rhodes , and Rhodes . compelled it to yéeld . Then afterwarde in the yéere of Christe , 1526 ▪ hée discomfited and slew Ludouick kinge of Hungarie with all his armie . Againe , in the yéere of our lorde . 1529. hée brought an army into Austria , & béesiedged vienna Vienna . the head of the cuntrey , which although hée obtayned not yet hée woundrouslye indamaged the Region , with fier , spoylinges , murther , and captiuity of many thousand Christians , whom hée caryed thence . Beesides this , in the yéere of Christe . 1537. hée ouercame the Christians againe in Hungarie , and did them verie mutch harme . After whiche in the yéere of our Lorde . 1541. hée tooke Buda . Buda the Metropolitan Cittie of all Hungarie , and also the whole countrey . But bicause all these thinges are fressh in the memories of men , whiche were done within fiftie yéeres , I thought it sufficient only to touch them and repete them : For it is not vnknowne what greate harme hée did , and what autragies hée committed in Hungarie about the time that he dyed , which was in the yeere of oure Lorde M. D. lxvi . when he tooke Ligethum , where either hee slew or caried awaye as prisoners Lige 〈…〉 most part of the Christians , whiche in deede were verie manie .

And now last of all , what the Christians haue to looke for at the handes of Selimus the .ii. sonne to Solimannus the selimus . 5. Emperour . xi . Prince of the discent of Othomannus and the fift Emperour of the Turkes , who bega to reigne in the yeere of Christ M. D. LXVI . the experience it selfe hath taught in the yéere of our Lorde , M. D. LXX . in which he tooke the noble Kingdome of Cypres , slaying manye thousand Christians , whom he had tormented and then slaine : or carying them awaye into perpetuall , and most cruell seruilitie .

I suppose that in this place , manie Note . will marueile at this rehersall of the Sarracenicall , and Turkish persecutions , which are not of opinion themselues that they should be accompted among persecutions : but rather among warres , wherof the reason and nature is farre otherwise sions are not excused that were infected with errours : Semblably in these Sarracenicall and Turkish warres , I haue applied the name of the Christian churche ( like as I admonished in the béeginning of this booke ) vnto all those that are called Christians , whom the Turks for the names sake do persecute by reason of an hatred which they beare to the christian faith : although many do much want of the simplicitie , and puritie of the Christian religion : neither by any meanes therby are the errours of the Romish Churche excused .

The thinges which first incensed the Motions vnto these persecutions . Sarracens and Turkes , to commit these furious cruell tyranycall Tragedies , these warres , & persecutions : was cheifly the Diuell himselfe , who is excéedingely delyghted with sheadynge of mans blood : secondly the hatred of the trew Christian faith , and a gréedye desier to rule farre and wide : couetousnes to hea●e vp ritches , and to liue sumptushoppes theretelye : also a zeale and Rome , Pope , Cache wicked and false which be now at th● met , with other causes which her after shal bee declared .

And this mutch I thought bréefly to set downe , concerninge the Sarracenical and Turkish persecutions . And it is to bée wisshed , that all those which are Christians and would so bée named : woulde soundly & surely acknowledge , that this gréeuous tyrany of the Turkes , is a very true persecution , laid vpon vs from aboue , to sée if haply men would bée brought vnto wisdome , wherby to embrace ernestlye the pure doctrine of Christe , studeinge more to lead a Christian life then hetherto they haue doone : for surely vnlesse wée do soe : wée must néedes looke for farre woorse .

But now in these Sarracenicall and Turkish persecutions , to returne vnto that whiche wée haue often admonished béefore : I aske this question , if ther bée any man of so small or froward discretion , that dareth avouche that the Machometan religion is true , and the Christian false : bycause the followers of machomet in euerie place haue ●● among per●● oppressinge the Chrismōg warres , whermously railinge at nature is farre otherwise And who dareth deney , that all these religions , and Churches which Saynt Paule the Apostle conuerted to the faith of Christe , are now ouerturned , and destroyed by that filthie , and horrible Machometan beast , and that the most impious , & froward faith of Machomet , yea rather that lothesome abhomination is there established : And who is so presumptious , and deuoyde of all religion , that bicause God of his iust iudgement permitteth the Turkes to commit so manie thynges , which hée coulde easely prohibite : will therefore dispute with God , and demaunde of him , wherfore hée suffreth so mutch bloud to bée shedde , so many thousande Christians to bée slayne ? How hee can abyde so manie vnspeakable calamities , miseries , and afflictions of the godly , and that so many hundred yéeres ? And why rather hee distroyeth not with Thundre and lightdiffe●● from Heauen , the impure , and Churche of ●●ire of the Turkes , or ca●shoppes thereo● ▪ to gape and swallow Rome , Pope , Car● abhomination ? But which be now at this ●e and great causes why God , who is true , holy , and righteous , suffereth and permitteth all these thinges . Furthermore , long sithens hée Dan. 2. Mat. 24. Luk. 21. foretolde by Daniell the Prophete , and Christe himselfe prophiseth in the Gospell , that the last persecution before the later Iudgmente , shoulde bée so sharpe and great : that there was neuer the like vpon the earth ether heard , or sene . And I am of opinion , that the final iudgment and the redemption of all the faithfull , & glorious clarification , and blessed rewarding , is not far of from vs . Lorde Iesus Christe , take pittie vpon thine aflicted Church , and vouchsaue to comforte and helpe it in this latter cruell , and moste rare kinde of persecution .

Of the. 20. and last Tragical Act or persecution , which the Bishops of Rome haue moued and practized against the Chur 〈…〉 of Christ , certen hundred 〈…〉 Chapter . 〈…〉

THe Papistical pe 〈…〉 next to the 〈…〉 much the more daungerous : how much the lesse it was to bée looked for , and so much the more cruell : because it is practized by those who of all other oughte moste to bée séekers of peace and quietnes , and sutch as would bée accoumpted most soundest in relygion , and most hollyest of all other in the Church , as vnto whom Christe hath giuen all power in the Church , that in matters of faith they may rule all thinges accordinge to their pleasure , and to bée the head and vniuersall pastours , ouer the Catholick church of Christe . For all men knowe , what titles the Pope , and all his spirituall persons do boaste of .

But in the béeginninge of this booke , wée haue declared that there bée sundrie vnderstandynges and distinctions , not onely of faith , and Religion : but of the Church also , ouer which the vngodlye séeke to rule . There is also very great difference béetwéene the auntient Churche of Rome , and the firste Bisshoppes thereof : and the Churche of Rome , Pope , Cardinalles , and byshops which be now at this day .

The antient Byshopes of the Church The firste Bishops of Rome were Martirs . of Rome , whiche lyued and sate there from the yere of Christ . 70. vnto the yere 314. and during the time of Constantine the great were in number . 32. who wer all faithfull in their callyng , profitynge the Churche by teachinge , and otheir meanes , and for christe and his Gospels sake were martyred and slayne . They medled not at all with the ciuill gouerment there was no Court of Rome , no senat of scarlet Cardinalles , no guarde for the body , no other superfluities , which now adayes are frequented by Popes . Histories of credit do confirme this same , such as were not writen in flatterie of the Popes . Also the name of Pope at that time was not proper onely to the Bysshoppe of Rome : but other Bishoppes also abroade in other Prouinces were called by the same name . For Aurelius and Ciprian , Byshops of Carthage Ambrose Byshop of Millaine , and other Byshops in other places , were also called Popes . And lykewise Saincte Ierome termeth S. Augustine whiche was Bysshop of Hippo , in certen Epistles by the name of Pope . For this Papa , or Pope , what it signifieth . woorde Papa Pope , in the Syracusian tounge signifieth as mutch as this word Pater a Father , as Suidas testifieth . For it behooueth the Ministers of the church to be faithfull fathers of the people , 1. Cor. 4. as Sainct Paule writeth .

Moreouer , amonge all the Byshops of Rome from Constantinus the great , and Pope Syluester , vnto Gregorye the firste which were in number , xxxvi . ther was not one within compasse of . 280. yéeres , that vsed the pompe , pride , maiestie , and power , which the Popes vse accustomably now now a daies . Their The auntient Popes aucthoritie . aucthoritie was great amonge other Churches and Byshops , because for the most parte they were learned and skilfull men , neither infected with heresies as some other Byshops in other Churches were , but principally : because thei were Ministers of the same Churche whiche the Apostles planted at the béeginninge , Apostolick Sea. which was therfore called the Apostolick Churche , and the Apostolick seate , and Sainct Peters Chaer. Howbeit the title , and name of the Apostolick seat was not giuen only to the Romane Church : but vnto other Churches also , namely Ierusalem , and Antioche . And this woord , seate , signifieth not a iudgment seat , or a princes throne : but an ecclesiasticall preachers pulpit . So Tertul. de prescript . haeres . that our forefathers in the ould time termed the aboue named churches , Apostolike seates of the Apostolicke doctrine , bycause the Apostles taught in those places , and from those Apostolick Churches , the Apostolick doctrine stretched foorth vnto other Churches , aswell farre as nere . Wherfore those places in which is not the Apostolick doctrine , can not glory of the Apostolick seat , although indéed it were ther many hundred yéeres béefore . For there is also a seate of the Diuell , as Saynt Iohn declareth in the 2. Chapter of the Reuelation .

But in the time of Pope Gregory the first , whiche was within . 300. yéeres after the birth of Christe , the Church of Rome was so farre from the dominion which now it obtaineth : that Gregorye very vehemently with stood Iohn , which was bisshop of Constantinople , who ambitiously sought to haue cheif place , and superioritie in the Church , & would also bée called vniuersal bysshop . Which title , notwithstandinge and greater to , the bysshops of Rome do vse at this day : but Gregorie said that this was a Deuilish pride , and the malice of Antichriste . Hée that lust let him reade the fourth , & sixte books of Saint Gregories Epistles touchinge this matter .

Howbeit not longe after the death of From whence the Romish church receiued her power . Gregory , Bonifacius the 3. vsurped that title , which was graunted vnto him by Phocas the emperour , a naughtie and wicked man . For Otho bysshop of Frisingen a writer of Cronacles , in the v. booke , and eight Chapter : reporteth how Pope Bonifacius the 3. had obtained of Phocas the Emperour , that by his aucthoritie , power and commaundement the Churche of Rome might bée cauled , and also bée indéede , the head of all other Churches . Beda also writeth the same . And Vrspurgensis saith : that Rome ought to bée mother of all other Churches . Nauclerus writeth : that al other Churches in the worlde , ought to obey the Churche of Rome , and the Bishop therof . Wherby it may bée easely perceaued how that this decrée of Phocas the Emperour , whom all Hystoricians do verie mutch reprooue : was no decree or institution of the Apostles , made by Peter or Paule .

The Sea of Rome béeyng exalted after How the Byshoppes of Rome vsurped . this maner : the bishops which consequently ensued , began more & more to busie and medle themselues with ciuile matters , neither sought they only for power , and dominion : but deuised how they might plucke their necks from the emperours iurisoiction , and extol themselues aboue them , how they might challenge & bryng in subiection vnder them , their prouinces , peoples , and maiestie . But in the meane season they quight forgot their submission and duty , departing far wide from thence , & became altogether Popes rose against Emperours . vnlike vnto the first bishops of Rome At length the matter proceeded so farre : that they durst boldly withstande the emperours , and rise agaynst them , for euen so Gregory the .ij. and Gregory the .iij. Popes of Romes , opposed themselues against Leo the .iij. and Constantine the .v. emperours . For these calling certen counsels , vnto which there assembled a great numbre of learned men , and bishops of Asia , Grecia , and other regions , they argued the controuersie of Images : namely , whether it were lawfull to haue and to woorship the Images of Christe , and the holly saincts in the Churches of the Christians . Whereas at that time it was concluded , and confirmed out of the holy scriptures , and doctrine of the auncient fathers , that Images ought not to be worshipped , nor to be suffred in churches , but to bée taken away whersoeuer they were founde . But after that th' emperours had giuen foorth commaundment to the Popes , and vnto other vnder the Roman Empire , that all of them accordyng to the woord of God , and the meaning therof discussed in this present counseil , should take downe th' images out of their Churches : sutch was the presumption of the Popes , that béeyng called to the counsel : they neither appered , and afterwarde by their owne aucthoritie , contrary to the commandement of the Emperours : Anno Domini . 739. they called peculyer Counsels of Italian Byshops , wherein they decréede the Images ought bée to retained in churches , and more worshipped then euer they had bin before . Nether presumed they onely thus farre : but withdrue the Emperours subiectes from due obedience towards hym , excommuncaityng the Emperours themselues withoute cause , raising morouer tumults & great feditions , wherein the Emperours lieutenantes and debites were slayne , as namely , Paulus at Rauenna : and Mauritius with Adriane his sunne in Campania . And by this meanes all dutifull Emperour of Constant . by Popes driuen out of Italy . seruice , and obedience was denied to the Emperours , & they were driuen from the gouerment of Italye . But by what right , the Popes brought these thinges to passe by their practizes : euery man that is indued with common sence , and hath any knowledge of iustice , mai soone vnderstand . Al these things were doone with in . 30. yéeres after the yere of our lorde 724 , or nere therupon , vnto the yéere of our Lorde . 754

In the yéere of our Lorde , 750. Pope an honest practise . Zacharie the. 1. of that name , tooke vpon him temporall matters , & began to medle with the ciuill gouerment , & assisted to depose the king of France from his crowne and to place another in his rowme . For through his help and counsell , Hilderik king of France of the antient familie of Merouingi , was deposed from the crown , and Pipine of the familye of Charles , thurst into his place .

But shortly after this great benifite of the Popes : Pipine brought an army of Frenchmen into Italy against Estulphus king of Lumbardy , when hauing taken in war the greater parte of the cuntrey , hée gaue it for reward vnto pope Steuen the second , and then first S. Peter obtained an inheritance , who béefore the time , the space of . 700. yéeres : neuer had any : and although that Constantius the emperour sent Embassadours vnto Pipine , that hée would not alienate the Prouinces of the Romane Empire : yet notwithstanding Steuen the Pope gladlye receiued those Prouinces , peopls , and ciuill gouerment whiche certenly S. Peter would neuer haue doone , forasmuch as hee refused the charge ouer the poore . Actes the vi .

The Popes followinge thereafter , immitated the déedes of them which went before , nothinge lyke the déedes of the Apostles . For Hadriane the Pope , lykewise receiued all those thinges willyngly which Charles surmamed the great , King of Fraunce , gaue vnto him when he had vanquished and ouercome the Lumbards , and taken prisoner Desiderius their King. But Leo the third attempted more . For he tooke vpon him the aucthoritie ouer all the Empire , which then appertayned to the Emperours of Constantinople , and crowned Charles Emperour of Rome withoute Charles made Emperour by the Pope . the knowledge and consent of the lawfull Emperours , when as then , as Palmerius accompteth , the west had lacked their owne Emperour the space of . 330. yéeres .

The yéere of Christe 860. Pope Nicholas Emperours swere to the pope . the firste ruled the sea of Rome , a passinge ambitious man institutinge sundry thinges not appertayning to the gouerment of the Church : but to confirmation and establishinge of the popishe tyrany . First that no prince , no not the emperour himselfe , should bée present in the counseiles of the Clergie . Also that no lay man should set in iudgment ouer a clarke , or ecclesiasticall person . Moreouer that the Popes decrées and sentences , ought to bée iudged by no man : yea , that the Pope is subiect vnto no ciuile power , bicause he is God . Reade Antoninus Titul . xvi . Paragra . 9. and likewise in the decrées , in the 76. and. 28 ▪ distinction .

Afterward in the yéere of Christ . 962. the Popes of Rome grue vnto so great power : that when Otho the. 1. emperour of that name , came vnto Rome , hée must néedes take an othe vnto Pope Iohn the xii . that hée would defende the inheritance of Peter , &c. Reade the. 63. distinction which béeginneth : Tibi Domine Ioanni .

But in the yéere after the birth of our Lord & sauiour Christ . 1000. the tyranny of Popes against the emperours brak foorth into light : for casting away their yoke from their neckes : they béegan fréely to bear rule at their owne plesure nothinge regardynge any Magistrate , yea bringynge Princes , kynges and Emperours into subiection vnder them and compellyng to obey them , or otherwise through deceit and couen , bryngynge them to the bent of their bow . For I pray you what horrible tragedies and turmoiles did pope Gregory the seuenth stirre vp against Henrie the fourth ?

For , not only hée excommunicated him and intreated him most disdainfully : but also discharginge his subiectes , princes , and nobles that were vnder the empire from their othe and allegeance : raised a sedition against him , causing an infinitie deale of blood to bée shead . Who so is disposed : let him reade this most cruell and strange historie , in the yéearlye recordes of Ihon Auentine , and in other historicians .

Pope vrbane the .ii. which succéeded vrban . 2. Gregorie in the sea of Rome , his verie true and vndoubted Disciple , in the Claromont counsell was causer of the most cruell warre , which the Christians made against the Sarracens , wherof we haue spoken béefore . Béesides , hee prouoked Conrade the prince of Italye to rebell against his father the emperour Henrye the fourth , which was a deede altogither against nature .

Likewise Paschalis the .ii. egged the Paschalis . 2. sunne Henrye the v. against his father Henrye the fourth , and thrise accursed him tausinge the bysshoppes of Ments , and Coleine , & wourmes , in his palace of Ingelheim by force to turne him out of his imperiall ornamentes , disgrading the good ould emperour , and adorninge therwith his sunne Henrye the fifte . If anye man can bée delighted herewith : let him read this wofull historye , in his Saxonie of Albertus Crantius the fir●● booke , the xx . chapter .

The same Paschalis was troublesom also vnto the emperour Henrye the fift , and was the cause of mutch bloodshead , and all only for the donation and gift as they call them of certein ecclesiasticall benefices , and prefermentes , which vnto that time the emperour had alwayes , and now the Pope went about forcibly to take them away . But that which hée could not bringe to passe the same afterward Calixtus the. 2 assaid , nether relented vntill hée had taken away from the emperour the same right of donation of spirituall prefermentes . Wherof Abbas Vrspurgensis hath writen diligently . These thinges were doone in the yéere of our lord God 1122.

But the Popes of Rome were not Popes oppresse the emperours . contented with this : but the later sorte haue insued the trade of their predicessours , touching wickednes and mischeif in persecutinge the emperours . For afterward they béecame gréeuous vnto them , neuer makinge an ende of cursing seditions , warres , and perpetuall fraud and deceipt , vntill at length they had oppressed the wéerie emperours , and exalted their seate aboue theirs , placinge themselues in power and superioritie aboue all other . Who so desireth to haue 2. Thes. 2. a sounde , and perfect knowledge of these matters : let him reade the storye of Fridericus Barbarossa , and those thinges which the Popes Adrian the fourth , and Alexander the thirde , practized against him , of which the later most presumptiously trode vpon the Emperours necke with his foote . Also what Caelestinus the fourth wrought against Henry the first . Let him also there béeholde with what arrogancie , pride , and insolencie , Pope Innocentius the third , a loftie and bould Preist , vsed against Philip the Emperour . But specially let it bée well considered , what the popes Honorius the third . Gregorie the .ix. and Innocentius the. 4 committed wickedly , and deceiptfully against Fridericke the seconde , a notable and most excellent Emperour , & a man indued with most singular giftes , whom most vnworthely and reprochfully , they troubled & afflicted , as they did likewise his sunne , Conradus , the fourth emperour of that name .

These contentions , persecutions , and most cruell and perpetuall warres , béetwéene the Popes and the emperours : continued . 181. yéeres béeginning in the time of Gregory the 7. vnto the enstaulinge of Alexander the fourth , and vnto the yéere of our lord . 1256. About which time writers of histories , & Cronacles , do make an Interregnū , or space while none ruled , which indured the terme of xvii . or xviii . yéeres , vnto the election of Anno 1271. the emperour Radulphus of Habspurge . And although in the meane time certen princes were chosen , as Alfonsus , and Rycharde , wherof the laste tooke vpon him the charge , and gouerment of the empire : yet all these princes were so terr●fied with daily molestations , and deceites , wherwith the Popes had hetherto troubled the emperours , that no man would willinglye take the empire vpon him , since euerie man euidently béeheld that by possession therof hée could obtaine no quietnes nor profit , but only damage Kinge of Rome without Rome . and vexation . For although Germanye had the title of the Romane empire : yet Rome was not the head of their empire , but of the Pepes & if that haply through their great charge , trouble , and payne leadinge an armie into Italye , they had by force possessed the citie : so soone as they were returned again into Germanye , the Pope by and by reposessed the same .

Moreouer , the kinge or emperour of the Romans , receiueth no great commoditie Se Theodor Nyem of scismes . 3. booke 43. chap. and sleidan . de Monar . Pag. 120. 171. 172. nor reuenue out of the Romane Empire , so that vnlesse hée haue otherwyse prouision , and liuinge of his owne hée is scarce able thereof to mayntayne his port , and dignitie . Yea , and béesides this : the Popes haue molested , and gone about to take awaye by force of armes , their patrimonie whiche haue taken vpon them the Empire thereof . Wherfore , princes that were of wealth and substance , haue not easely bin persuaded to take the Empire vppon them . And Radulphus Erle of Habspurge , when as hée accepted the election : yet could hée neuer bée persuaded to goe to Rome , to receaue the Crowne of the Empire , for hée alwayes aunswered , that hée was affraid by the example of manye whiche haue gone to Rome , wherof but fewe haue returned agayne . And that hée might cléerelye discharge himselfe from that Cerberus : hée cast into his mouth Romandiola , whiche vnto that time béelonged to the empire .

The Popes of Rome haue vsed sundry strange practizes , to bereue kinges and Emperours of their power , and to extolle themselues aboue Kinges and Princes , or rather to cast than downe vnder their féete . Their chiefe power consisted in excomunication , or hauing excomunicated Excommunication . any Prince : they withdrue the subiectes from obeying him , and exhorted them to raise tumultes , and fall away from him : moreouer they egged subiectes and seruantes to rebel against their Lords , & Maisters shamefully discharging them from their Loialtie and oth , vnder this title & pretence , that there ought no honor , nor obedience be shewen or vsed vnto excomunicate persons , nor The popes Legates . oth kept towards them . Then sent they abroad into all Prouinces subtile men , Legates with Bulles or Letters , and with the Apostolick power , as they terme it , through whose meanes they bread sundrye conspiracies , partly with the Bisshops of the Prouinces whom they put in minde of their dutifull obedience to the Sea of Rome , partly with Princes of the Empire , and with all other that were of ani power , or aucthority . Thus hauinge gotten certen of those in their faction , and raising a dissention amonge the people , the next was that there must a new Emperour , bee chosen : and then fell they together by the eares whiche héeld with the old Emperour , and they which tooke part with the new . Wherevpon many horrible , & wofull miseries Warres and sedition . haue ensued , as ciuill warres , seditions , murthers , burnings , and generally all kindes of calamities : wherwith the good Emperours somtimes béeing wearye , many times ouercome by force : haue bin constrained to geue place and abide these thinges , and in the meane while the Popes haue with more arrogancye and bouldnesse aduaunced their head . Al these thinges may bée séene as it were in a Mirrour , in the histories of the emperours Henrie the fourth . Henrie the. 5. Frederick the firste , and Frederick the seconde , and others , whome wée haue béefore named . And so at length the Popes haue ouercome and béecame stronge , as Daniell writeth , but not by their owne power .

Béesides this also , they haue vsed the Counselles benifite of counselles vnto the confirmation , and preseruation of their kingdom . For in those dayes they made themselues rulers of the counselles , vnto whiche they called men of their owne faction , who in no poynt would gainsay the Pope . And because that of oulde times sutche counselles as then were holden by most godly and learned men , were of great aucthoritye : they were also verye mutch regarded of all men which the moste hollye father ( for so hée was supposed to bée ) with his adherents had concluded in their assemblies . And thus vnder the title of counselles : the Popes mightely brought their driftes to effect .

There was also a newe deuise , and Cruciata or Croysados . such a one as the like hath not bin heard of before , inuented in the Claromont counsel , vnder Pope Vrbane the second which by a new name they called Cruciata : or Croysados . They preached the Crosse , but farre otherwise then dyd the Apostles . For they preached the Crosse of our Lord Iesus Christ , namely , how that through his Crosse and Passion , wée are clensed from our sinnes , and by Faith obtayne eternall felicitie . But the Popes Cruciata or Croysados , was a certein kinde of Alarme . For the preachers of this Cruciata , exhorted the christians to signe themselues with the Crosse , ( lyke as souldiers in warre for a signe or token , doo weare white or red skarfes ) and that they should march into the East against the Sarracens , as we haue shewed before . And they preched that they whiche were signed with the Crosse in this warfare : obtayned indulgencies , that is to saye , remissions of sinnes , and if they were slayne in battle : should be partakers of eternall felicitie .

Afterward , these suborned preachers Mendican● Friers . of the Popes , not onely preached the crosse against the Sarracens : but also against the Christians , namely againste the Emperours , whome the Pope had proclaimed to bée hereticks , & generally against al that would not adore the pope , & obey all his commaundements . And by this shift , the Popes haue gathered very great and well apoynted armies almost withoute any charge , obtayning their power , wealth , and greatnesse wherunto they bée nowe growne , by verye force .

But in this matter the foure orders of begging or mendicant Fries haue doone the Popes verye good seruice , whiche first béegan in the time of Pope Innocentius , and Honorius , both the. 3. of that name , which kinde of people the Christian Churche wanted the space of MCC . yéeres , and that with more quietnesse and commodytie then hath since the time of their béeginninge , and approbation ensued . Howbeit in prechynge and settyng foorth of the Cruciata or Croysados : the Dominican Friers haue taken most paine , who by preachyng this Cruciata or Alarme , obtayned the name of preaching Friers . Whom Preachyng Friers . the Popes in consideration of their paines and dillygent seruice : haue indued with Priuiledges , and honours , and loued them more tenderly then the restdue . Of whose trauile employd to the plesure , and furtherance of the pope many thinges might be written .

At length the state of Christianytie proceeded so farre , after the time of the The Pope vaunteth himselfe to be Empe. kinges Radulphus , and Adulphus , vnder Albertus the firste , in the yéere of Christe . 1300. that the Pope vaunted hymselfe to be Emperour . For at the same time , Bonifacius the. 8. brought in agayne the yéere of Iubilee , which was abrogated by the Apostles . Actes the. 15 Chapter , promising forgiuenesse of sins vnto all the would come to Rome : vpon the first day of which Iubilee , being adorned in his pōtificalrobes : he came abroad shewing himselfe as Pope to all men , & blessing the people : the next day he came foorth in his Emperiall apparell , openly declaring that the Empire and Papacie together with all ciuill and ecclesiastical power , were in the popes hands . These things are written by Albertus Crantzius , in the eight booke , 26. Chapter of his Saxonie . The same Pope also set foorth Decretals , whiche are called the Decretals of Bonifacius the eight , where in muche more impudentlye hée challengeth all power to the Popes .

This power or rather tirannie , and intollerable arrogancye , not longe after Bonifacius : Iohn the twenty and two , Iohn the. 22 against the emperour Ludou . 4. put in practise , and declared towardes Ludouick . For he most reprochefully misused him , excommunicated him , cast him into gréeuous warres , causinge an vnspeakable deale of mans bloud to be shead , throughout all Germanie . These thinges are described dilligently , and at large , by Iohn Auentine in the seuenth booke of the yeerely recordes of the Boi : whiche I declare for this intent , that who so desireth to haue an exacte knowledge of these thinges : may know wherto finde it .

Moreouer , in the reigne of Ludouick Zurick excommunicated . the fourth , as also before , vnder Friderick the second , the Citie of Zurick béecause it tooke part with the Emperours against the Pope , keeping alwaies their oth and allegance towardes hym : stood many yéeres excommunicated , whiche was not withoute great hinderance of the commonwealth , although since that time it hath againe bin indued with sundrye priuiledges , and honours . At which time the first ground and foundation of the Swicers league , through the gifte of God was layde most happely , Ludouick the Emperour most largely and liberally graunting to the same , and fauoring the Swicers , whom I pray god to blesse , and kéepe , and defend moste mercifully .

Nowe perhaps you wyll aske mée , whether these Actes of the Popes and Emperours , and the increase of the Popish power and aucthority , doo any thing appertaine to the persecutions against the churh , wherof at the beginning we purposed to write ? yea indeede , altogether , & surely most properly they appertaine to the same . For in asmuch as the first bisshops of Rome persecuted no man , but themselues suffred persecution , & were Martires , and those whiche next followed were most parte of them holye and faithfull doctours , subiectes to the Emperours and ciuill Maiestrates , and ruled ouer no Prouinces nor Peoples so that none of them were Princes , and the later Popes in these laste times stirred vp moste gréeuous persecutions within the circute of Christendome : it is expedient to know by what means and maner , how , why , and when , the state of the bysshops of Rome was so shamefully deformed and chaunged , that the later Popes béecomminge so farre diffrent from the first bysshops : béecame Lordes of kinges , and emperours , and cruell persecuters of them . Now therfore , so many moste cruell and sharpe warres , which the Popes béeing aduanced to so great power haue stirred among Christians , in which sutch aboundance of Christian blood hath bin shead : maye they not rightfully be reckned amongst the persecutions of Christians ? For like as abroad they haue bin sticklers of most gréeuous warres vnto the Christians against the Sarracens and Turkes , as wée haue declared béefore : so haue they bin also at home aucthours of persecutions , troubles , and destruction to Christians . Doth not this verie well deserue the name of a persecution , when as Christian emperours , with such as duetifully obeyd his hestes , ar by Popes vexed and wasshed with their own blood discourteously dealt withall with weapons , and warlike torments , which , as we haue shewed béefore out of historys , many yéeres with infinite spillinge of blood , were most cruelly and tyrannically committed ? But in the midst of so many calamities , the wofull kinges and emperours perpetuallye suffringe affliction , and miserie : at length they and theirs quayled , and gaue ouer , and the Popes béeinge conquerours : triumphed , and althinges hapned accordinge to their desier , and so they established their power , that they might stand heerafter in awe of no man , but rule at their pleasure without all controulement .

And in very déede , these are not vnlike vnto Daniels prophecy , wherin hée hath left thus written : While the vngodly are a growyng : there shall arise a king with an impudent face , which shall vnderstand darck sayinges , and his power shal encrease but not in his own strength and hée shal destroy aboue measure , and all that hée goeth about shal prosper , and hée shall destroy the valient and holly people . And through his craftines , deceit shal prosper in his hand , and hée shal magnifie himselfe in his hart , and in his prosperity hée shall confound many . Yea hée shall rise vp against the prince of princes , but hée himselfe shal bee destroyed with out hand . Daniell the .viii. Chap. But if I would here declare the vnspekable deal of mans blood , which by means Warres for sicill , and Naples . of Popes hath bin shead in Sicile , Naples , and Apulia : surelye the recitall would bée ouer longe . For , from the time of Innocentius the. 4. vnto Clemente the vii . the space of . 284. yéeres : sumtime the Germans , afterward the Frenchmen again the Spainiards against the Frenchmen , then a fresh the Germans against them , then againe the Frenchmen and Hungarians were by Popes called to sutch and sutch kingdomes , and sutch and sutch peoples were at warre , and by them set togither by the eares . All which troubles are diligently set downe by historicians .

Moreouer , through the immoderate , Popes rulers of faith and the Church . and vnlawfull power or rather tyranny of the Popes , no lesse also by other meanes , blooddy persecutions and murthers haue risen . For after that , as wée haue shewen béefore , they had mightely vsurped vpon all Ecclesiasticall and Ciuill iurisdiction , and power also ouer counselles : then might they afterward institute and ordeine all ordres of the Church the doctrine of faith and religion , rites and customes in the Churche , at theyr owne will and pleasure . And hereof arose persecutions . For who so euer resisted : those they cried out vppon for heretickes , and vnder that pretence persecuted them . And this same ( béesides the warres of the Popes ) I terme properlye the Papisticall persecution agaynste Christians , and the Christian Churche , whiche was mooued againste the godlye and faithfull onely for their faithes sake , as it was sumtime in the primitiue Church . Wherfore , like as at the beeginninge , the first faithfull were persecuted by the Emperours of Rome : euen so towards the ende of the worlde , the faithfull of the latter times do suffer persecution by the Popes of Rome . But vndoubtedlye the Lorde will come shortlye to iudge both the quick , and the dead .

But to the end that this matter may the better bée vnderstoode , and for the more exact knowledge therof : it cannot Errours crept into the Church bée denied , that many errours and abuses not now first , but sumwhat béefore haue crept in and haue bin receaued into the Church , so that through continuance of time : they haue growen into custome . Which thinges with manie other moe , in processe of time are confirmed , and cheifly by the Popes forced vpon men , and by subtile practises but specially by the swoorde inlarged , and preserued : in so mutch that many perceauynge the errour , yet durst not openly withstande it : for they saw well , that they might not so do without daunger of their owne bloud . But cheifly in these later times this custome hath preueyled , which I wil now recite .

In the dayes of the emperours Lotharius , Originall of the Cannon law . Gratianus . and Conrade the .iij. or as other some say of Fridericke , about the yéere of Christe . 1130. Gratianus Bononiensis a Munke of the order of Benedictus , gathered together the sentences of the counsels , fathers , and popes , touching sundry matters apperteinyng to religion & the Church , and setfoorth that work abroad which is commonly called Decretum , or Decree . After Gratianus , certein popes , as Gregory the. 9. Bonifacius the , 8 Clemens the. 5. & Iohn the. 22. following the example of Gratianus : haue gathered also , & with the help of certein munks and Doctours : they patched together sentences and iudgements of Popes , concernyng rites , and institutions , and businesses apperteinyng to Churches , and ecclesiasticall orders . The same are called Decretales , and Extrauagantes , and were added vnto Gratianus Decretum , and all of them togither do make the body of the Canon law . This law béegan to bée taught in schooles , which all other followed in doing the like in their Scholes , and Vniuersities vnder the pope ecclesiasticall iudgmentes , and administration of the Church . ●y which menes Schooles and vniuersities whiche are called the Schooles of lawes & Canons came vnder the Popes iurisdiction , wherein the scholars , Maisters , and Doctours , muste take an othe to bée obedient vnto the Pope , and the 〈◊〉 of Rome , or vnto sutch as are obedient vnto him , or against his lawes , and institutions ▪ Yea this matter hath proceded so farre : that the emperours also , as well as all other bysshops , must take an othe vnto the Pope . The fourm of which Othe : is extant in the Decrées , & Decretals . Swere to the Pope . And by this meanes the Pope hath made subiect , bound , & béeholding vnto him : al sortes , and orders of the Church .

Héereunto oppertaineth , that at the same time with Gratianus , not longe after , accordinge to the supputation of other , about the yéere of our Lorde . 1172. Peter Lumbard . Peter Lumbard , whom they call maister of the sentences , wroat , and setforth 4. bookes of the Christian faith and doctrine , which were receaued into the Schooles , as was the body of the lawe : so that like as Gratianus is aucthour of the Canonistes , & doctours of the Pontifical lawe : so Peter Lumbard is aucthour of the scholasticall diuinitie . For the Doctours of those times , and cheiflye mendicant friers , read Lumbardes sentences openly in schools , and haue written vpon the same , as Albertus , Thomas , Bonauenture , Scotus , and many other . And according vnto these sentences : they ordred the doctrin of faith , and all other affaires of the Church . At which time the Christian doctrine was wonderfully torne & cut into sundrie questions , wherof they commonly disputed and argued in the scholes and holy sermons , or rather skoulded , wherby the Christian doctrine , béecame altogither vnlike vnto Agreement of the Church . th' auntient Apostolike singlenes , & integritie . Althings were referred and subiected to the sea of Rome , and the pope vnto whom al the Canonistes , & diuines were bound by an othe . And this is the conspiracie of the clargie , which they cal & vaunt to be the consent of al the church , in faith , & doctrine . Howbeit in veri déed it is none other but this conspiracy which we haue héere recited . Wherfore , out of this fountaine and welspryng , flowed the greuous papisticall persecution against the Christian Church . For whosoeuer misliked with the Popes Monarchie , and conspiracy of the clergy , which they terme consent and agréement of the church , and did not speake althinges according to the intent of the Canonistes , and Theologistes : vpon those they ran in flockes , and through the Popes helpe , and asistance of the seculer arme : they proclamed them euerywhere hereticks , persecuted , and oppressed them . Touchyng which purpose , in the Decretals there is extant a decrée of Pope Lucius the third the effect whereof is this . Whosoeuer A popishe decree . thinke otherwise of the Sacramentes then the holy Church of Rome thinketh and lykewise , all whom the Pope shall condemne : let them be accoumpted for heretickes , and excomunicate persons . Ther is added also an explication how the ciuill Magistrate shall procéede against sutch , which if hée wyll not doe : how they shall procéede against the disobedient Maiestrate . The thirde booke the seuenth Title of Heretickes , Chapter , Ad abolendum . To abolish . &c.

Hereunto accorded the counsell , which Counselles do consent . as wée haue before admonished , the Popes had vnder their owne power , for by occasion of them they haue alwayes kept their consent and agréement , and all that euer resisted the same : those haue they oppressed , put to flighte , or quight rooted out . For whatsoeuer were decréed in the counselles : the same must be brought to effect , & immediatly put in execution , whereunto all Maiestrats wer bound , and as many as were able to beare armour . The sum of papisticall counsel .

In the yéere of our Lorde , 1215. Pope Innocentius the third , held a great counsell in Lateran at Rome : the manner and forme of the indiction , Abbas Vrspurgensis hath expressed in his Cronacles , whiche comprehendeth verye many thinges , the cheife summe wherof bée these . First of making warre vpon the Sarracens , and recouering Ierusalem , and the holye Sepulcher . The second of rooting out heresies . The third of mendinge of manners , and refourming the Church . The same Chapters were propounded almost in al counsels , which haue bin holden from that time hitherto . They all intreate of thrée poyntes . Of repressinge the force of the Turkes , of rooting out of heresies , and of refourming the Church .

But although they haue celebrated many Counsels , within the precinct of 300. yéeres and more : yet haue they in none of them refourmed that was amisse , Counselles wherby it might deserue the name of a reformation . For errours and superstitions with sundrye abuses moe , are not taken away but more increased mutchlesse haue they reformed anye whit in the head ( as they speake , ) or members of the Church . And although the whole world , during the space of certen hundred yéeres haue woorthely accused the abuses , and most corrupt state of the ecclesiasticall order , with other enormities of the Church , which well deserue to be taken away and mended : Notwithstandinge they haue not touched them with their little finger , and therfore oftentimes arise some greater discordes , and they fall farther of from the Christian discipline . Yea , & all such as séeke for , and require to haue some true reformation , reprehending the disorders and abuses , and specially the popes vnlawfull aucthorytie , the filthye , and lecherous lyfe of the Clargye , which all men are constrained to confesse to bée very culpable : the same men neuerthelesse are condempned for scismatickes , and Hereticks , & ar sharply persecuted .

For vnto them all are Heretickes : Whom the Pope calleth heretieks . whosoeuer do not submit themselues to the Sea of Rome , and the Pope in all thinges , and beléeue in althinges which that Sea beléeueth and commandeth to bée beléeued , accordyng to the aboue named conspiracie : and so Lucius the pope defineth Heretickes in his Decretall , wherof we haue made mention before , in the Chapter Ad aboliendum , to abolyshe . Wherefore with them it is not sufficient that a godlye man confesse all the articles of the antient , true , vndoubted , and Apostolick faith , saying : that hée beléeueth in one God , the father &c. that hée also alowe , and confesse the foure orders of our beléefe set foorth by the auntient counselles , and S. Athanasius , and whatsoeuer are taught and confirmed out of the holy scriptures of both Testaments : & moreouer doo condemne the heresies which were conuicted & condemned in the antient counsels . In ould time this kinde of confession was sufficient enough for christians in the auntient church but amongst these men all these things aveile nothinge , neither suffice to the confession of the faith , but a man muste néedes confesse and beleue in the church of Rome as it is now vnder the Pope , and follow the consent thereof : or else he shall léese honour , goodes , bodie , lyfe and all .

And therefore during the time of the Counselles cause wars . and persecutions . Counsels , before , and after them , haue bin many bateiles , murthers , and foule wastings committed , nether were these things done onely against the Sarracens and vnfaithfull men : but with mutche more extreamitie and crueltie against Christians , which would bée indéed , and named Christians , and not papists , and which disallowed and also be wayled the pride , and tyrany of the Pope , his great and manifest abuses and deprauations of holy thinges . Wherefore in the ould time it grewe into a prouerbe : Euery counsell breedeth warre : which is to be vnderstoode of Papisticall counsels , and found indéed to be true by proofe .

For that I may passe ouer in this place , warres and moste bloody persecutions of faithfull men , but enemies to the Sea of Rome , whiche were waged and committed in the reigne of Pope Innocentius the thirde and certen other Popes next ensuing : let vs onli examin those thinges which are not farre past the memory of men that are aliue . The The counsell of Constance . counsel of Constance , I pray you , what warres , persecutions , burninges , wastyngs , and murthers purchased it vnto Boheme , & Germanie ? He that knoweth not this : let him learne it at least wise out of Pope Pius the seconde , who when he was called as yet Aeneas Syluius , wroat these thinges very dilligently in his storye of Boheme . The troubles , seditions , & slaughters , which the counsel of Basile brought forth are in part recited The Counsell of Basile . by Platina in the life of Eugenius the fourth . But béesids this , we haue a more fresh and certeine example of the Tridentine Counsel , which beeing first appoynted at Mantua , and afterwarde at Vincentia : was at the last by Paule the thirde in the yeare of our Lord. 1542 called at Trident nigh Athesis , wholy in manner and fourme as we haue béefore recited , whiche was conluded and The Trident counsel ended by Pope Pius the fourth in the yéere of our Lorde . 1563.

Howbeit , what thinges were doone Persecurtions of our time . certen yéeres before this counsel , and also since , against holie and faithfull men , which only beleeued in the Gospell , but not in traditions of Popes nor in the sea of Rome , by Leo. x. Clement . 7. Paul. 3. and ▪ 4. Iulius , the 3. Pius , the .4. and. 5. and by this present Pope Gregorye the. 13. the space of . 53. yéeres : I néede not repeat . For they are knowen vnto God and al the world , and as it were writen in heauen , vnto which place the blood of all innocents together with the blood of Abel : crieth from the earth vnto God for vengeance . Many gréeuous , longe , and bloodye warres for sundry causes were waged in those yéeres , but at the same time no lesse gréeuous and bloody persecutions wer committed against the faithfull : for faith , and religions sake . Faithfull and Godly men were reprochefully and iniuriously dealt withal , apprehended , thrown out of dores , driuen into exile , spoyled of their goods , beheaded , hanged on gallowes , burned , vexed with al kindes of tormentes , and punishment . And by this meanes were oppressed tormented , & slayne , hundred thousands , of faithfull men and professours of the Gospell both in the higher , and lower Germanie , in Scotland , England , Spaine , Note . ( which found out the new practize of the inquisition ) in Italie , and other regions . But cheiflye what hath bin doone in France : ther is no man at this day but knoweth . And there are extant whole bookes written of the gréeuous , and long Papisticall persecution , and the thinge doone is yet fresh in memory , wherfore it is not néedefull that I should specially declare it againe at large , since yet at this present they make no end of their crueltie , and sheding of blood . Since therfore , thei which would séeme to be Fathers , and pastours of the church , do make themselues executioners of this last papisticall persecution : wée may not only compare it with the olde persecutions , but in respect of the greatnes prefer it aboue it .

Moreouer , as in auntient times the ould persecutors of the church were egged forwarde to rigour through an vnsatiable desire to rule , to th' intent they might kéepe and increase their dignitie , pleasures , ritches , and superstition : so likewise is the Papisticall persecution committed for the same cause . But like as the Christian faith in the ould time was no whit the lesse estéemed of for the persecutions : so at this present the Euangelicall doctrine is nothinge the woorse nor viler , bicause the Papists do persecute the professours of the Gospell , and manie times ouercome them . There are sundrie causes , why God suffreth this to bée doone , neither ought any man to accuse , or call the iudgment of God into question .

And this mutch I had to saye of the persecutions which the Church of Christ hath suffred from the birth of our Sauiour vnto our time : comprehendinge breefely the whole summe , wherby the matter beeing otherwise verie large : might seeme ouerlonge , and tedious to the reader . Howbeit , much more might and oughte to haue bin written of thys manifold , and ample argument .

Of the Sundry causes , why God suffreth the Christian Church to be torne with Tyrantes and afflicted with persecutions . Chapter . xvii .

HEerafter I intende to declare , the causes and effectes of the aboue recited persecutions of the christian church , which doo worke in the faithfull , And although I haue already almost in euery one , shewed them : notwithstandyng ther remaine some more speciall , which are of vs with more diligence to bée considered .

Persecutions are sent to the Churche by the iust iudgment of god , as the scripture plainely witnesseth were sent vnto Iob the hollie man , and Seruant of Iob. God : the Crosse , affliction , and persecution from God . Vnto which purpose , God vsed Satan as an instrument , prescribing him bonds how farre he should persecute Iob. And Satan through his malice stirred vp the rauenous and gredie people of the Chaldees , to breake in vpon Iobs goodes , to spoile him , and bringe him to pouertie . Then Iob , although hée vnderstood y●●through the instigation of Satan , hée was in sutch sort endamaged by wicked , and rauenous men : notwithstandinge hée tooke regard vnto the principall cause of persecution , and hée saide not as the maner is now a daies , that hée was sore afflicted by Satan , and maliciouslye spoiled by the Chaldees : but , said hée , the Lorde hath giuen and the Lord hath taken away , the name of the Lorde bée blessed for euer .

Likewise , the scripture in the same Captiuitie of Babilon signification , calleth Nabuchodonosor the seruaunt of God , which persecuted his people , and lead them captiue into Babilon , for so it is writen in the second booke of Paralipomenon , the last Chap. wherfore God sent his Prophetes vnto them , exhorting them to repent , but they mocked at them . And therfore the lorde béeinge displeased with them : brought vpon them the king of Chaldees ( which was Nabuchodonosor ) and diliuered then into his hands . Likewise in Daniel the. 9. & the Lorde watched for a shrewd turne , and hath brought it vpon vs : Our Lord God is iust in all his woorkes , which hée hath doone . And although they were the Chaldees which lead away the people of God into hard , and sharpe captiuitie : notwithstandinge the Prophets of God , Ieremie , Ezechiel , Daniel , with many other hollie men , which sawe , and felt these thinges : chose rather with Iob to ascribe their affliction & persecution vnto God and his iustice , then vnto the vnbéeléeuing and wicked men . So likewise at this day , the faithfull had rather to suppose , that they abide their afflictions at the handes of God : then of men . For they know , that men can do nothing vnlesse God permitt them . And in that he permitteth them : againe thereby they know & béeléeue that all thinges are done , & suffred by him to bée doone : by his iust iudgment , and for the profit of his people .

Wherfore , by all these thinges we mai The godly suffer persecution . vnderstand , that the crosse , afflictions , & persecutions ar sent from God , & laid also vpon holy and Godly men . And as touching Iob : God himself bereth witnes : that hée was a single and righteous man , fearing God , and eschewing euell whose like was not vpon the earthe . Moreouer , all men acknowledge and confesse , that the Prophetes , Iohn the Baptiste , and the Apostles : were holly men , and the seruantes of God , and yet notwtstanding they al suffred persecution . Besides this , S. Peter writeth : that Christians should not suffer as théeues , or malefactours : but only for God , and the truethes cause . The first epistle of Peter , the. 4. chapter .

Secondly , God sendeth persecution vnto sutch , as ought to bée the people of God , and partly also are indéede , and so are named : but are not so innocent , pure , and holly , as of duetie they should bée , as wée sayd erewhile of the people of God , which were lead away into Babylon : And Cyprian testifieth , that the cause of the persecution at his time vnder the Emperour Decius : was the dissolute life of the faithfull . Eusebius sheweth the like causes , where hée describeth the persecution of Dioclecian . And it is séene , that booth giltie and vngiltie , good and bad , altogither are subiect to the crosse . I call vngiltie , those whiche béeynge vnlike to the children of this worlde : are not defiled with all kynde of wickednesse , neuerthelesse haue their imperfections , and as it were , certein moales and staynyngs . Wherefore , they confesse their faultes and defectes vnto God , and glorie nothyng of themselues . Accordyng vnto which sence and opinion , Iob sayth : Surely I know it is true , that no man is iust if hee be compared to God . If hee will striue with him : hee is not able to aunswere him vnto one for a thousand . And althogh I haue doone some iust deede : yet will I not answere , but intreate my iudge . And Dauid in the. 142. Psalme saith : Enter not into iudgment with thy seruant O Lorde , for there shall no liuing creature bee iustified in thy sight . Wherfore , those which bée giltlesse , although they bée subiect to persecution with the most wicked men : notwithstandinge they murmur not against the Lorde , but accordinge to the scriptures they confesse and say : Thy iudgements are iust , O Lorde , and all thy waies are trueth , and holinesse .

Thirdly , persecutions are sent from god vnto the Church , to declare his glorie , and Maiestie . For when the Disciples vpon a time , had enquired of the Lorde touching the man that was borne blind , whether hée or his parentes had deserued the same by their offences : the lorde answered them , as appéereth in Iohn the ix . chapter , that this was doone , that the glory of God might bée declared in him . The like also hée said of the sicknes of his frend Lazarus , in Iohn the 12. that the infirmitie was not vnto death : but sent to the glorye of God , that the sun of God might bée glorified therby . For in persecutions , the power of God is declared wherby hée preserueth his in the midst of afflictions , and when hée séeth time , deliuereth them with great glory , as it is euidently expressed in the stories of Daniell , Hester , and Esdras . Wherfore , it is writen by Saint Paule : wée haue the treasure of the Gospell in earthen vesselles , that the excellencie of the power therof may be Gods , and not our owne , while in althinges wée ar pressed but not wronge : we are in trouble but wée do not want , wée suffer persecution but wée are not therin forsaken , caste downe , nor perishe . wée carie the mortification of our Lorde Iesus Christe about with vs in our body , to the intente that the lyfe which commeth by Iesus Christe : may bée made manifest in our body , the .ii. to the Corinthians , the. 4. Chapter . For which cause , the same Apostle writeth how it was said vnto him by the Lorde : my grace is sufficient for thée , for my strength is made perfect through weaknesse , the 2. to the Corinthias , the xii . chapter . The trueth is knowen by persecutions .

There is also another cause of persecutions , for that it pleaseth God through them to reueale the trueth vnto men : namely , when the faithfull béeing apprehended in persecutions , and brought into iudgment : do plainly and openly professe the Gospell . And our sauiour christ saith : you shal bee brought béefore Lieutenantes and kinges for my sake , that this may bée a testimonie to them , and the Gentiles . Mathew the x. Chapter .

Moreouer , by persecutions whiche God layeth vpon the Church : hée prooueth the same how strong and constant it is , purgynge those that are vncleane , like as Goldsmithes vse to trie & clense their golde , and siluer in the fier . For if the fleash continue in rest and idlenesse , féelyng no maner of aduersitie , oftentimes it waxeth wanton , and lasciuious : wherfore God exerciseth his seruantes with persecutions , to awake them that they should not to mutch be wedded vnto temporall thinges , but with more ernest desier séeke for thynges eternall . Vnto which purpose and meanyng S. Peter writeth : Deerely beloued , bee yee not troubled in this heat , whiche now is come among you to trie you , as though some straunge thyng had hapned vnto you : but rather reioyce , in as mutch as you are made partakers of Christes passions , that when his glory appereth : yee may be mery and glad . Peter the first Epistle , the. 4. chapter . Wherunto also tende the wordes of the Apostle S. Paule : We reioyce also in tribulations , knowyng that tribulation bringeth pacience , pacience bringeth experience , experience bringeth hope and hope maketh not ashamed . Paule to the Romans , the. 5. chapter .

Agayne , when the Lorde layeth the Persecutions are tokens of the iudgment of God vpon the wicked . Crosse vpon those whom hée loueth , and suffereth men which are not altogether wicked to bée afflicted , but sutch as feare God and serue him , although notwithstandynge they haue some blemishes : therwithall hée sheweth what wicked men , & the children of this worlde must looke for . Like as the Lord himself witnesseth , who bearyng his owne Crosse when hée was lead to execution , sayed : It it be thus in the greene tree that beareth frute : what shall bee in the drye and vnfrutfull ? And Saint Peter : For 1. Peter . 4. it is time ( saith hée ) that iudgment begin at the house of god : then if it begin first with vs : what shal bee the ende of those that obey not the gospel of God ? And if the iust bée scarce saued : where shall the wicked & sinful man shew his face ?

By persecutions also God draweth vnto him , and directeth in the right way those which before that time walked not strait in the waies of the Lord. And hée complaineth by his prophetes , and blameth his people , that being put in mind of their duty with many stripes , yet wold they not turne vnto him .

Moreouer , in persecutions & afflictions , there is geuen vnto vs matter & occasion of trouble , that we may bring foorth good works with pacience , & w ᵉ a good hope , that we may cal vpon god in our passions , & neuer waxe wery with calling : like as the Lord. Iesus hath manifestlye taught vs in Luke the. 18 chap. And in very déed we finde this dayly to be true , that wée are slouthfull and cold in prayer : when wée are gréeued with no persecution , nor Persecutions awake vs . touched almost with ani kind of aduersity .

Last of all , God exerciseth the faithful with persecutions , swiping from them , as it were , the dust of worldly desire or fleshly lusts , that they should not perish in their sins , with the wicked worlde . For it is sure , and true , which S. Paul writeth : But when we ar iudged of the lord : we are chastined that we should not be damned with the world . 1. Cor. ca. 11.

Now when we be thus instructed : we must humble and submit our selues vnto the mightye hande of the Lord , who when he seeth his time , can deliuer vs againe , when it shall séeme conuenient vnto his good plesure . Wherof we haue an example in Dauid , who when he was persecuted by his owne sun Absolon , among other thinges he saide : If I haue found fauour in the sight of the Lord : he will restore mee . But if he say vnto me , I haue no delight in thee : Behould I am here , let him doe vnto mee that which is acceptable in his sight . The same Sainct Peter willeth al men to do which suffer persecution , writing thus : Wherfore , let al them that suffer afflictions , according to the will of God , commit their soules to him with well doyng , as vnto a faithfull creator .

These causes , and effectes of the persecutions 1. Pet. 4. of the Christian Churche , I haue bréefly chosen out amongst many , lest that the store and ouer long reciting of them at large : should be gréeuous vnto any .

The End