Christs Victory over Satans Tyranny, Book 6 · Part 6

Christs Victory over Satans Tyranny · Book 6 · Part 6

p. 154MARTIN LVTHER.

THus proceeding in our Storie (by the ayde of Christ) we approach vntounto the time of Martin Luther; at what time it pleased God by his great merciemercy to reforme the desolate ruines of religion by the industrie of this Luther, sent & set vp by the mightie spirit of Christ, to abolish the abuses and pride of Antichrist, which so long had abused the simple flocke of Christ.

Many prophesies went before of this time, as of the aforesaid prophesie of Iohn Hus and Ierome of Prage, that a hundred yeares come and gone they should giuegive account to God and him. This prophesie was in the yeare one thousand foure hundred and fifteene; so to this time one thousand fiue hundred and sixteene was iust an hundred yeares.

Philip Melancton maketh mention of a Monke about fiftis years before this time, named Iohn Hilton, in Thuring, who was cast into prison for speaking against certaine abuses of the place and order where he liued: and being weake and feeble, hee desired the Warden of the Couent to respect his wofull case; he rebuked him for that which he had spoken: he said he had spoken nothing preiudiciall to their Monkerie or religion, but there shall come one in the yeare one thousand fiue hundred and sixteene, which shall vtterly subuert all Monkerie, and they should neuer be able to resist him.

The Angell falling from the high pinicle of the Popes Church into the Riuer Tybris in the yeare 1500. might well portend the ruine of the Pope.

p. 155And the strange sight in Germany as before in the yeare 1501. of the crosses seene vponupon mens garments, and figures of c…ownes of Thornes, and of Nailes, and of drops of bloud fell from heauen, that many daies after the women carried them vponupon their garments, might declare the like.

Likewise the other Dreame of Iohn Husse as before: how that some abolished the Images of Christ in his Church of Bethelem: but next day new Painters painted the same, and more Images of Christ, and fairer, and the Painters with the multitude of the people said, now let the Bishoppes and Priests put out these Images if they can, whereby much people reioiced, and I arising vp felt my selfe to laugh: he interpreted the painting of Christs picture, his preaching of Christ which should be destroyed, and the other Painters new Preachers, whose Doctrines the Bishops and Priests should not bee able to resist.

By these and such like prophesies it was euident, that the time of restoring the Church was not farre, as also the hearts of the people, which at that time were inflamed so with hatred against the pompe and pride of Rome, and there contempt and derision beganne to arise on eueryevery side, for there de…estable doings were not so secret, but they were seene and abhorred. Wherevpon grew many prouerbes of derision: as, what is this to see the world round about, for that these shauelling priests none may rout.

It is a saying in Italy, as soone as a Priest receiueth r…sure the Diuell entereth into him.

It is a saying in Germany, the neerer Rome the further from God: and that all euill beginneth in Nomine Domine, alluding vntounto the Popes Bulles: and when Bulles come from Rome binde well pour purses.

He that goeth once to Rome séeth a wicked man: hee that goeth twice knoweth him, he that goeth thrice bringeth him home with him.

The Court of Rome neuer regardeth the sheepe without the wooll.

Once were wooden Chalices, and golden Priests: now we hauehave golden Chalices and wooden priests.

Once Christians had blind Churches, & light hearts: now they hauehave light Churches, and blind hearts.

Many are worshipped for Saints in heauen, whose soules bee burning in Hell.

It was a saying in France foure hundred ye…res before this time, that Satan was let loose at Rome to destroy the whole Church.

Thomas Becke… writ to the Cardinals, that it was a common Prouerb, that there is no right in Rome.

By these and such like innumerable Sayings it doth appeare what Iudgements the people had in those dayes of the Romish Clergy, which was of GOD as a secret prophesie, that Religion should bee restored shortly, as it came to passe in this yeare one thousand fiue hundred and sixteene: in which yeare Doctor MARTINE LVTHER first beganne to write: before whom Picus Mirandola, and Laurentius Valla, and last of all Erasmus Roterodamus had somewhat broken the way before, and had shaken the Monkes houses, but LVTHER gaue the stroke, and plucked downe the foundation, all by opening one veine long hid before, wherein lyeth the touchstone of all truth and Doctrine: as the onelyonly origine of our saluation, which is our free Iustification by our Faith only in Christ: the laborious trauels and constant preachings of this worthy man: because they are at large in the History of Iohn Sleydan, I neede not to stand thereon.

Luther was borne in Isleben in Saxony, hee was a Student in the Uniuersitie of Magd…burge and Erford: where Veselus was an old man, as before is mentioned: of whom it seemeth to bee that Luther speaketh of an Old Man there, of whom hee learned many things touching Faith, and hee thus expressed vntounto him the Article of remission of sinnes: wee may now generally beleeue onelyonly, that sinnes are, and hauehave been remitted to some, as the Diuels beléeue p. 156they were remitted to Peter, or Dauid, but that Gods expresse commandement is, that eueryevery man should beléeue particularly his sinnes are forgiuen: and this is confirmed by Saint Bernard, in his Sermon vponupon the annunciation, adde that thou beléeuest thy sinnes are forgiuen thée; this is the Testimonie that the Holy Ghost giueth thee in thy heart: and this is that the Apostle saith, a man is freely iustified by Faith: by whose words Luther said hee was strengthned, and at last by prayer and reading he perceiued that Doctrine more euidently.

After hee began to expound the Epistle to the Romanes and the Psalmes, so Diuinely that hee seemed to all the faithfull and learned a shining light, which beganne to cleere after the long cloudy sky; hee shewed the difference betwixt the Lawe and the Gospell: Hee confounded the errour that then raigned in the Schooles and Sermons, teaching that men merite remission of sinnes by their proper workes, and were iust before GOD by outward Discipline, as th… Pharisies taught. But Luther expressely shewed that sinnes are freely remitted for the louelove of the Sonne of GOD, and that wee ought faithfully to embrace this bountifull gift: His life was likewise correspondent to his profession, whereby it appeared his words were not lip-labour, but proceeded from the heart, whereby many notable personages consented with him in his opinions: at this time Luther altered nothing in the ceremonies, but taught this onelyonly doctrine as the principall of all others; to wit, the Doctrine of Repentance, of remission of sinnes, of Faith of true comfort in time of aduersitie, eueryevery man receiued good taste of this sweet Doctrine.

A Dominick Frier named Tecell, caused the Popes indulgences to be carried and sold about the Coontre…. Luther beeing moued with the blasphemous Sermons of this shamelesse Frier, set vp certaine positi…ns against Indulgences openly vponupon the Temples: This Frier hoping to obtaine the Popes blessing, assembled certaine Monkes, and sophisticall Diuines, and commaunded them to write something against Luther, and in his Sermons, he taught that Luther was an heretick, and worthy to bee burned, and he burned Luthers positions, and the Sermon he writ against indulgences: This forced Luther to intreat more amply of things and to maintaine the truth. Frederick Duke of Saxony, in the presence of the Emperor, besought Erasmus, his opinion, if Luther had erred, he answered his opinions were good, but he desired he would moderate his stile.

Now Luther, the plainer to expresse the doctrine of repentance, of remission of sinnes, of Faith and of Indulgences, Hee added also these matters; the difference of Diuine and humane Lawes; the Doctrine of the vse of the Lords Supper, of Baptisme and vowes; touching the Question of the Popes power, Eckius was the Author thereof, to the intent to inflame the wrath of the Pope and Princes against Luther.

Upon this the Supper of the Lord was published to be vsed in both kindes: priuate Masse was omitted, and the Monasteries abandoned, but this alteration was by Carolastadius in the absence of Luther.

He held in contempt the seditious Doctors of that time, as Monetarius and the Anabaptists, but especially the hor…ed Bishops of Rome, who arrogantly affirmed that Saint Peter had not onelyonly the charge to teach the Gospell, but to gouerne common-weales.

In the yeare of our Lord one thousand fiue hundred and one and twenty,1521 Luther entred into Wormes being sent for by the Emperour Charles the fift King of Spaine, and Arch-Duke of Austrich, who in the first yeare of his Empire made an assembly of Princes in his regall Citie. And whereas Luther had published three yéeres before, certaine new propositions to be disputed on at Wittenberge, against the tyrannie of the Pope, which were torne in péeces and burned by the Papistes. Wherevpon, they began to tend to vprore, and yet Luther maintained openly his cause against the Clergy: Wherevpon by the solicitation of the Romaine Legates, LVTHER was sent for by the Herauld of Armes, with Letters of safe conduct by the Emperour and Princes: wherevpon hee came as before p. 157and was visited of many Earles, Barons, Knights, Gentlemen, Priests and the Comminaltie, who frequented his lodging vntill night.

He came contrarie to the expectation of many, and of his aduersaries; for they thought he would not come, because his bookes a few dayes before were condemned by publique proclamations, and many perswaded him not to submit himselfe to any danger: who answerd, since I am sent for, I am resolued to enter into Worms, in the name of our Lord Iesus Christ, though I knew there were so many Diuels to resist me, as there be tiles to couer the houses in Wormes.

The fourth or fift day after he came to Wormes, he was enioyned at foure of the clock in the afternoone, to appeare before the Emperor, Dukes, and other estates of the Empire, to vnderstand the cause he was sent for. And standing before them, he was commanded silence vntill he was interrogated. Then was asked him, whether those books were his which were written in his name, a great company of them lying before them? and if they were thine, whether thou wilt recant, and reuoke them, and all that is contained in them, or rather meanest to stand to that which is written in them? Then Luthers Aduocate desired that the titles of the books might be read, which was done.

Luther answered, Hée could not but acknowledge those bookes to be his, and that he would neuer recant any clause thereof: and for the iustifying of them he desired some time to consider, because there be questions of faith, and the saluation of the soule, wherein it were dangerous, and a rash thing to pronounce any thing without good aduisement.

After they had consulted, the Officiall said, Though thou doest not deserue to hauehave opportunity giuen thée to determine, yet the Emperour of his méere clemencie g…anteth thée one day: to morrow at this time thou shalt render before him; conditionally, thou do not exhibit thine opinion in writing, but pronounce the same with liuely voyce.

At which time, when he was appointed to answer, he answered to this effect; All my books are not of one sort: there be some in which I hauehave so simplie and Euangelically intreated of the religion of faith and honest conuersation, that my very enemies are compelled to confesse they be profitable, and worthy to be read of all Christians; and the Popes Bull iudgeth certaine of my books inculpable: if I should reuoke these, I should condemne that truth which friends and foes confesse.

There is another sort of my books, which containe inuectiues against the Pope and doctrine of the Papists, as against those which hauehave corrupted all Christendom bodily and spiritually, with their pestiferous doctrine, and pernicious examples: for I cannot dissemble this, when the vniuersall experience and common complaint of all beare witnesse, that the consciences of all faithfull men hauehave béen most miserably intrapped, vexed, and most cruelly tormented by the Popes lawes, and doctrine of men: and further, their substance deuoured, specially in this famous Countrey of Germanie.

If then I should reuoke these, I can doe none other but augment force to their tyrannie, and not only open windowes but wide gates to such an infernall impietie, the which will extend more wide and with more libertie then yet she durst, and by the testimonie of this my retractation, their insolent and malitious Kingdome shall be made most licentious, and lesse subiect to punishment, If I Luther should do this by the authoritie of your most excellent maiestie.

The third sort of my books I hauehave written against priuat persons, such as with tooth and nayle labor to protect the Romish tyrannie, and deface true religion, which I hauehave taught and professed; I confesse, against these I hauehave been more violent then my profession required: if I should recant these, it would come to passe that tyranny and impietie shall raigne, s…pported by my meanes.

… Neuerthelesse, as Christ when he was examined of his doctrine before Annas, and hauing receiued a buffet of the Minister, said, If I hauehave spoken ill, beare witnesse of the euill. If Christ, which was assured he could not erre, refused not to hauehave testimony giuen against his doctrine, how much more I that cannot but erre, ought earnestly p. 158to intreat, if any will beare witnesse against my doctrine: and if any can by Scripture conuince me of error, I will reuoke any manner of error, and be the first that shall consume my books with fire. I conceiue no greater delectation in any thing then when I behold dissentions stirred vp for the word of God; for such is the course of the Gospell, as Christ saith, I came not to send peace vponupon the earth but a sword: I came to set a man at variance against his father.

And we must thinke our god is terrible in his Councels against his aduersaries, lest the condemning of the word of God turne to a huge Sea of euils, lest the Empire of this yong and bounteous Prince Charles bee lamentably and miserably begun. I could amplifie this with authorities of Scripture, and Pharo, the King of Babylon, and the Kings of Israell, who then most obscured the bright Sunne of their glorie, and procured their owne ruine, when they attempted to pacifie their Realmes in this manner.

Then the Emperours Ambassador checked Luther, saying, he had not answered to any purpose, and that he ought not to call in question things long time agoe defined by generall Councels: therefore they required whether he would reuoke or no. Then he answered, If I be not conuicted by testimonies of Scriptures and probable reasons (for I beléeue not the Pope nor his generall Councels) I will not nor may not reuoke any thing: for it is vngodly to doe against my conscience.

Then the Embassador replied; if all such as impugne that which was decréed by the Church and Councels may once get this aduantage, to be conuinced by the Scriptures, we shall hauehave nothing established in Christ…ndom.

Luther answered, the Councells oft gainsaid themselues, and that he was able to proue that Councels hauehave erred: and night approaching, the Lords arose; and after Luther had taken his leaue of the Emperor, diuers Spaniards scorned and scoffed at him, hollowing and whopping after him a long time.

After, there were bills set vp against Luther, and others with him: but this was subtilly done of his enemies, as it was thought, that there might be occasion offered to infringe the safe conduct giuen him, the which the Romane Embassador with all diligence indeuoured to bring to passe.

When he was sent for to the Archbishop of Triers, they protested vntounto him they sent not for him for disputation, but beningly and brotherly to exhort him: and they said, though the Councels had erred, yet their authoritie was not thereby abased, neither was it lawfull for eueryevery man to impugne their opinions, and that Decrées, Traditions of men, and Ceremonies were established to represse vices according to the qualities of times, and that the Church could not be destitute of them. the trée is knowne by his fruits. These lawes hauehave much profited.

And they alleadged that Luthers books would breed great tumult and incredible troubles, and that he abused the common sort, with his booke of Christian liberty, incouraging them to shake off their yoake, and to confirme in them a disobedience, and that now the world was at another stay then when the beleeuers were all of one minde.

And albeit he had written many good things, and doubtlesse with a good spirit, yet now the Diuell hath attempted by wily meanes that all his works for euermore should be condemned: and by these last workes, it is easie to know the tree by the fruit, not by the blossomes, often repeating in his Oration that this admonition was giuen of singular good will and great clem…ncie: in the shutting vp of his Oration he added menasings, that if he would abide in his purposed intent, the Emperour would exterminate him his Empire.

Luther answered to this effect, That the Councell of Constance had erred in condemning this Article of Iohn Hus, That the Church of Christ is the communion of the predestinat, and that we ought rather to obey God then man.

There is an offence of faith, and an offence of charitie: the slander of charity consisteth in manners and life, the offence of faith and doctrine consisteth in the word of God; and they commit this offence which make not Christ the corner stone. And if Christs sheepe were fed with the pure pasture of the Gospell, and the faith of Christ p. 159sincerely preached, and if there were good Eclesiasticall Magistrates who duely executed their office, wee should not néede to charge the Church with mens traditions.

And that hee knew and taught, that wee ought to obay the higher powers, how peru…rsly soeuer they liued, so that they inforce vsus not to deny the word of God.

Then they admonished him to submit himselfe to the Emperour and the Empires Iudgment, hee answered hee was well content, so that this were done with authority of the word of God, and that he would not giuegive place except they taught sound Doctrine by the word of God, and that St. Augustine writeth, hee had learned to giuegive honor onelyonly to the Canonicall bookes of the Scripture, and touching other Doctors, though they excell in holin…sse, and learning hee would not credit them vnlesse they pronouced truth, and St. Paule saith, proue all things, follow that which is good, and againe, if an Angell teach otherwise let him bee accursed, finally, hee meekely besought them not to vrge his conscience, captiued in the bands of the word of God, to deny that excellent word.

After the Arch-bishop sent for Luther to his Chamber, and tould him for the most part that at all times holy Scriptures hauehave ingendred errors, and went about to ouerthrow this proposition that the Catholike Church is the communion of Saints, presuming of cockle to make wheate, and of bodily excrements to compact members; Martin Luther and one Ierome Schu…ffe his companion reproued their follies.

Hee was oftentimes assayled to reforme the censure of his bookes vntounto the Emperour and Empire, or to the Generall Councell, which he was content to doe, so they would iudge them according to the word of God, otherwise not, aleaging the words of the Prophet, trust you not in Princes, nor in the children of men wherein is no health, also, cursed be hee that trusteth in men: and when newes came hee should returne home, hee sayd, euen as it hath pleased God so it is come to passe, the name of the Lord be blessed, and sayd, hee thanked the Emperour and Princes that they had giuen him gracious audience and graunted him safe conduct to come and returne, and said hee desired in his heart they were reformed according to the sacred word of God, and sayd, hee was content to suffer any thing in himselfe for the Emperour, but only the word of God he would constantly confesse vntounto the latter end: About a yeare after this, Luther dyed, when hee had liued almost thrée score and thrée yeares, and had béene Doctor thrée and thirty yeares, hee sayd at his death, O heauenly, eternall and mercifull Father, thou hast manifested in mee thy deare Sonne Christ, I hauehave taught and knowne him. I louelove him as my life, health, and redemption, whom the wicked persecuted, maligned, and iniured, drawe my soule to thée, and sa…d thrise, I commend my spirit into thy hands, thou hast redéemed me, God so loued the world, that hee gaue his onelyonly Sonne that all that beleeue in him should hauehave eternall life, and so he dyed, whose death was much lamented:

In the yeare 1516. the aforesaid French King receaued from Pope Leo a Iubile, and pardons to be sould, and so in England vnderunder the pretence of warre against the Turke, they perswaded the people, that whosoeuer would giuegive tenne shillings should deliuer his soule from the paine of Purgatory, but if it lacked any thing of tenne shillings it would profit them nothing: at that time Martin Luther was in Germany, who vehemently inueyed against these indulgences, aga…nst whom Iohn Eckius put forth himselfe, they disputed before the people, at last eyther of their arguments were sent to Paris to bee iudged by the Sorbonists, the iudgment was long protracted: In the meane time Pope Leo condemned Luther for Heresie and excommunicated him, he appealed to the next Councell.

Pope Leo commanded Luthers bookes to bee burned openly, Luther also burned the Popes decrees and Decretalls in the Uniuersity of Wittenberge.

In the yeere 1517. the Pope hauing crea…ed one and thirty Cardinalls, thunder, and lightening so strake the Church where the Cardinalls were created that it stroke the little child Iesus out of the lappe of his mother, and the keyes out of St. Peters hands, being Images in the Church of Rome.

In the yeare 1519. newes was brought to Pope Leo at supper, that the Frenchmen p. 160were driuen out of Italy, hee reioycing said God hath giuen me thrée things, I returned from banishment with glory to Florence, I hauehave deserued to bee called Apostolike, and thereby I hauehave driuen the Frenchmen out of Italy, as soone as he had spoken hee was stricken with a suddaine feuer and dyed shortly after.

What Godly man hath there euer beene for this fiue hundred yeares, either vertuously disposed or excellently learned, which hath not disproued the misordered and corrupt examples of the Sea and Bishop of Rome from time to time vntill the comming of Luther, yet none euer could preuaile before the comming of this man, the cause to bee supposed is this, other men spake but against the pompe, pride, whoredome, and auarice of the Pope, Luther went further with him, charged him with his Doctrine, not picking at the rine, but plucking vp the roote, charging him with plaine Heresie, as resisting against the blood of Christ, for whereas the Gospell leadeth vsus to bee iustified onelyonly by the worthinesse of Christ and his bloud, the Pope teacheth vsus to séeke our saluation by mans merits, and deseruings by workes, whereupon rose all the Religious sects, some professing one thing, some another, eueryevery man seeking his owne righteousnes▪ but Luther opened the eyes of many which before were drowned in darkenesse, to behold that glorious benefit, of the great liberty & frée iustification set vp in Christ Iesus, but the more glorious this benefit appeared to the world, the greater persecution followed the same, and where the Elect tooke most comfort of saluation, the aduersaries tooke most vexation, according as Christ sayd, I came not to send peace but a sword, therefore so great persecutions in all the world followed after Luther, but in no place more then in England as shall be declared.

In the yeare 1517. one Cardinall Campeius was sent as Ambassador into England, to gather money for warre against the Turke, the Cardinall of Yorke caused him to send to Rome that hee might be ioyned in Legacie with him, and sent him red cloth for his seruants, that he might come mo…e gloriously; at eueryevery towne hee was receiued with procession, accompanied with Lords and Gentlemen: at Black heath the Duke of Northfolke, with a number of Prelates, Knights, and Gentlemen met him richly appareled, and in the way hee was brought into a Tent of cloth of gould, where b… put on his Cardinalls Robes and tooke his Mule towards London, this Cardinall had eyght Mules laden, the Cardinall of Yorke, thinking them not sufficient for his State, sent him twelue mules more w^t empty Coffers couered with red, the next day these twelue Mules were led through the Citty as though they had beene laden with treasure and other necessaries, to the great admiration of all men, but passing through Cheapeside, the people pressing to behold them, one of the Mules broke his coller and ranne vppon the other Mules, and they running together, ouerthrew diuers of their burthens, and so there shewed the Cardinalls treasure, with great laughter and scorne o… many, and the boyes and girles gathered vp peeces of meate and bread and rosted egges, horse showes and old store of such baggage, crying out, behold here is my Lord Cardinalls treasure, and the Mulers greatly ashamed, gathered vp their treasure as well as they could and went forward, then hee was brought to the Cardinall of Yorke, and then to the King, this Cardinall of Yorke, at all times at dinner and supper was serued with his Seruitoures kneeling, and many Noble men of England wayted vppon him, such was his monstrous pride.

Such as were forced to abiure in King, Henry the eyght his raigne, after the first begining of Luther, because there is a great many, and nothing but their bare name ricited, I referre thee to the booke at large.

IHon Coines alias Laueland was detected for contemning the Sacrament of the Altar, and because he receaued not at Easter, who after died at St. Martins.

Robert Ward Shoomaker of St. Brids Parish in Fleetstreet detected by thrée wittnesses for holding opinions against the Sacrament of the Altar died in the Counter of …redstreet.

p. 161Mathew Ward, Marchant-venturer, committed to the Counter in Breadstreet, for that he being Priest, was married, and kept company with his wife, and because he was a Sacramentary, and despised auriculer confession, and priuate Masses, and defended the Communion to bee ministred to the Lay people in both kinds, and maintaining that Priests ought to hauehave wiues.

Herman Peterson, and Iames Gossen, Taylers, Duch-men, were committed to the Counter in Breadstréete, because the said Iames was not confessed in Lent, nor receiued at Easter, which he said came by the counsell of the said Herman, which councelled him rather to giuegive thrée or foure pence to the poore then to be shrieuen.

Thomas Lancaster, imprisoned in the Counter in the Poultry, for bringing in prohibited bookes.

Iohn Wilcocke, a Scottish Frier, committed to the Fléete, for preaching against Confession and Holy-water, against praying to Saints, and against Purgatory; that Priests might hauehave wiues, and that the people ought not to pray for soules departed. Also, Iohn Goodale was prisoner there.

Nicholas South, committed to Newgate, for not being shrieuen in Lent, nor receiued at Easter.

There was apprehended for heresie in Couentry, Robert Hatchets, Shomaker, one Wrigsham, 1519a Glouer; one Lansd…ll, a Hosier, with thrée others: and one Mistris Smith, a Widdow, because they taught their children and families the Lords praier, the Beleefe, and the ten Commandements in English; they were imprisoned, some in places vnderunder-ground, some in Chambers, and other places: after they were sent to Blackstocke Abbey, where they were imprisoned whilst they were there; their Children were sent for before one Stafford, Warden of the Gray-Fryers in Couentry, who examined them of their beleefe, and what errors their Fathers had taught them, charging them vponupon paine of death, which their Fathers should suffer, that they no waies meddle with the Pater-noster, Creede, and ten Commandements in English, which is heresie. After their Fathers were brought againe to Couentry, where foure yeares before they had borne Faggots in the Church and Market. The Bishops and Doctors, they and the said Gentlewoman before them, who told them they should weare Fagg…ts portraied in their cloaths, to signifie they were hereticks. Robert Hatchets answered, we desire no more but the Lords prayer, ten Commandements, and Creed, in English, which I am sure eueryevery Christian ought to hauehave. Wherupon they were iudged all to be burned, except the Gentlewoman, who was pardoned: and because it was euening, and her sight dim, the Somner offered to go home with her; as he led her, he heard somewhat rattle in her sleene, and taking it from her, and looking vponupon it, he found it was the Lords Prayer, the Creed, and ten Commaundements in English; so he brought her backe againe to the Bishop, where she was presently condemned, and burned with the sixe before. There was another in Couentry, called Robert Silkes, which escaped from taking, and two yeares after was taken in Kent, and sent to Couentry and burned. Then the Sheriffes went to their houses, and tooke all their goods and Chattels to their owne vse, leauing their wiues and children nothing to liue by.

Henry Voz and Iohn Escy, two yong Austen Fryers,1522 were disgraded, because they would not deny the doctrin of the Gospel, called Lutheranisme, & they thanked God for deliuering them from that abhominable priesthood, and making them Priests of his holy order, and that he had receiued them as a sacrifice of a sweet odor. The greatest error they were accused of, was, that men ought only to trust in God, because mē are Lyers. They went ioyfully to the place of execution, protesting they died for the glory of God, and the Gospell, beleeuing in the Sonne of God, saying; This is the day we long desired, being in their shirts, they ioyfully imbrased the stake, praysing God, singing Psalmes, and making testimony of their Faith. A Doctor seeing their iolity, bid them take heed so foolishly to glorifie themselues: they answered, God forbid we should glory in any thing but the Crosse of Christ: Another councelled them to hauehave God before their eies; they answered, We trust we carry him truly in our hearts. When the fire was kindled at their feete, one of them said; me thinkes you p. 162strew Roses at my feete▪ Henry being demaunded whether Luther had seduc…d him? Yea said he, as Christ seduced his Apostles. He said also, that it was contrary to Gods Law, that the Cleargy should be exempt from the iurisdiction of the Christian Magistrate, and that Byshops hauehave no power but only to preach the word of God. They were burned at Bruxels, after their death their Monastery was dissolued at Antwerp. Their President was called Iacobus Lutherianus, he was forced to recant, but his mind renewed by the holy Ghost, and he fled to Luther.

A Scholler borne at Abbevile, in King Lewis his Pallace, tooke away the Host from the Priest at Masse and brake it in peeces, and trode it vnderunder his feete. He was burned in the Swine-market, the peeces of the Host and the pauement whereon it was trodden, were gath…red and laid vp amongst the Treasures of the Pallace.

After Adrianus the sixt, who succeeded Iulius, came Pope Clement 7. whose life is in one verse described; Bellorum hic fomes, cunctorum lerna malorum, 1523he was poisoned with diuers of his Cardinals & familiars with the smoak of torches. In his time wro…e Nicholas Michiauellus, who proueth; that through y^• ambition of Popes procéedeth almost all euils & wars amongst Christian men, and that before the yeare 500. in all politick affaires, the Bishop of Rome euer obayed the Emperors and Kings, & that the Cardinals, in the first beginning of them, were nothing but Popish Priests: but after they inuaded the Temporall and Spirituall Iurisdiction, vsurping aboue Kings and Emperors. By thrée manner of waies the Romain Bishops did créep vp, by excommunications, by indulgences, and force of Armes.

In this yeare the Turk wrote to the maister of the Rhodes, to deliuer vp the Isle as followeth.

Solimanus Tsaccus, King of Kings, and Lord of Lords, most mighty Emperor of Constantinople and Trapezuntis, &c. Unto the Reuerend Father Philip Vilerius Liladamus, great Maister of the Rhodes, to his Knights and the Communalty there: The pitty of my afflicted people, and your extreame iniuries, moue me. I command your speedy surrender of your Ile of Rhodes, you may obtaine Our Grace to depart with your riches: or if you will remaine in our Dominion, your liberty shall not be diminished, either in Religion, or paying of tribute: if you be wise, preferre peace before cruell war: if you be ouercome, looke for extreame cruelty, from which neither your force, forraigne ayde, nor your wals shall defend you. I sweare, by God, the Maker of Heauen and Garth, by the foure Histo…ographers of the Euangelicall Histories, by the 8000. Prophets that came from Heauen, and by our mighty God Mahomet, aboue all others to be worshipped, and the Spirits of my Father and Grand-Father, and by this my Sacred, Royall, and Imperiall Head, from our Palace at Constantinople. The very same yeare the Island of Rhodes was lost, and yéele…d to the Turke, to the great hindrance of all Christendome.

Henry Sudphen, 1524was desired of the Cittizens of Breame, to come thither to preach: when they had heard him, they hyred him to bee their Preacher: when the religious rout vnderstood thereof, they desired of the Senate that such an Heretike might be banished the Towne, which preached against the Catholike Church. The Senate sent for the head men of the Parish, and shewed them the complaint of the religious men. They answered; They knew no other but that hee was a learned honest Preacher: yet if they can proue that he taught any thing contrary to the Word of God, they will be ready with them to persecute him, otherwise wee will not suffer him of malice to be driuen away. The Senate certified the religio…s of this answer, then they certified the Byshop thereof, who sent two of his Councel to Breame for the Preacher: they receiued this answere of the Senators; That being he was hyred of the Church-wardens, and was not conuicted of Heresie, they could not obtaine of the Cittizens that he should be carried away. Wherefore they desired the Byshop, that he would send his learned men to dispute with him, and if he were conuinced he should be punished, else he… should not depart. After when newes came that he preached more and more haynous ma…ter against the religious. Then they admonished the Cittizens of Br…ame, into what ieoperdy their Common-wealth p. 163might fall by their Preachers preaching, contrary to the decrées of the Pope and Emperour. Further, they said, the Preacher was the Prisoner of the Lady Margaret, and got Letters of her to require her Prisoner, but all would not serue. Then the Byshop decreed a prouinciall councell to be holden at Bream…, which was accustomed to be at Bucksted, whereunto this Henry was called, but the Cittizens detained him at home: Then Henry gathered a summe of his Doctrine into a few Articles, and sent it with his Letters vntounto the Arch…bishop, offering if he were conuicted of any error by the Word of God, he would bee readi… to recant. But shortly after the religious set vponupon the Church-porch the Bull of Pope Leo the tenth, and the Decrée of the Emperour, made at Wormes, notwithstanding, he procéeded daily in preaching the Gospell. The Papists sent their Chaplaines to eueryevery Sermon, to trap him in his wordes, whereby many of them were conuerted, and the greater part of those that were sent, did openly witnesse his doctrine was Gods truth, against which no man could contend, and such as in all their liues they had not heard, and that they must beléeue the same, if they would be saued.

At last this Henry was sent for by Letters, by the parishoners of M…ldrophe, to preach the Gospell to them, and deliuer them out of the bo…dage of Antichrist, and because he had preached two yeare at Breame, and that there were men sufficiently instructed in the Gospell to build further: and that the Papists there, were for the most part vanquished, and that their folly was knowne euen to women and children, and that Diedmar liued without a Pastor in the midst of Wolues, he could not with a safe conscience deny their requests.

When he came thither he was ioyfully rec…iued of the Parish-priest, and others: The Papists hearing hereof, before he had preached, stormed and fumed, especiallie the Prior of the Black Monastery, who went to the Officiall, to take councell what was to be done, least they lose their Kingdome, they tooke councell to withstand the beginning, that he might not hauehave leaue to preach, least their crafts and wickednesses being laid open, it were folly after to resist, remembring what happened at Breame.

The next day early in the morning, the Prior, with the Chancelor, went to the forty eight Presidents, being vnlearned men, and perswaded them what a seditious Fellow was come from Breame▪ and there-withall, if they would put him to death, what fauour they should hauehave of the Byshop of Breame, whereupon they decréed he should be put to death. Further, they had Letters from the forty eight Presidents vntounto the Parish-priest, commaunding him vnderunder great paine, that he… should send away the said Henry without preaching. The Priest maruelled at their meddling in such matters, being it belonged not to them, but the Parish-Priest onelyonly to receiue and put out a Preacher: and shewing this to Henry, hee said he was sure hee must dye for the Gospell, and it was as neare to Heauen to dye there, as in another place: and being he was sent for, and was sure it would be gratefull to the people, he resolued to preach: and after the Sermon, the whole Congregation be wayled, called together the Priors, deliuered them the Letter from the Presidents, and that they should be fined a thousand Gildrons, if they suffered him to preach. They were moued, because it was against the custome of their Country as aforesaid: yet they concluded to keepe Henry for their Preacher, and defend him. In the after noone hee preached againe, the next day the Cittizens sent Ambassadours to the Presidents, offering to answer all causes for their Preacher, and they declared what godly Sermons he had preached, and the Parish-Priest wrote to excuse himselfe, that Henry neuer intended sedition, but to preach the Word truly, and offered himselfe ready to answere for the saide Henry whensoeuer he should be called: most earnestli… desiring not to credit the Monkes, which being blinde with hatred and Auarice, would suppresse the truth. After he Preached three forenoones and afternoones, and taught cleerelie Iustification to bee onelyonly by Faith in Christ, and not by workes, they all reioyced, and desired God that he would send such a Preacher to continue amongst them. p. 164Finally, this Prior and others determined to take this Henry by night, and burn him before the people should know it.

All the Presidents and others that were in this conspiracy, assembled in the Parish of the new Church, in the Councelors house. They assembled aboue 500. men of the Country, the husband-men would hauehave gone backe againe when they kn…w the matter, but the Presidents compelled them to stay, and to incourage them gaue them thrée barrels of Hamborow beare: at midnight they came in armour, the Monkes prepared them torches, they burst into the Parish Priests house, they tooke away all things, they fell vponupon the Parish Priest, crying, kill the théefe; they pulled him by the haire of the head out into the dirt; then they runne vponupon Henry, drew him naked out of his bed, bound his hands hard behind him, and drew him to and fro so vnmercifully, that a cruell Persecutor of the word cryed, let him alone. When they had led him almost all night barefooted vponupon the Ice, he desired a horse, because …e was weary, and his féete sore cut, they laughed and mocked, saying; must we hire an Horse for an Hereticke.

When they brought him to the fire to be burned, a woman offered her selfe to suffer 1000. stripes, and to giuegive them much money, so they would kéepe him in prison vntill he might plead his matter before the whole Conuocation of the Country: then they were more mad, threw downe the woman, trod her vnderunder féet, and beat Henry vnmercifully; one strucke him behind the head with a Dagger, another struck him with a Mace, othersome thrust him in the backe and raines, as often as he began to to speake: The Chancelor cryed, go to boldly, good Fellowes, truly God is pres…nt with vsus. A Franciscan Fryer came to confesse him, to whom Henry said; What iniury did I euer do… you Brother? The Fryer said; neuer none, then hee saide, What should I confesse vntounto you, that you can forgiue me? when the fire still was kindled, it would not burne, yet they satisfied their minds on him, striking and pricking him with all kind of weapons: then they gat a lather and bound him to it, and cast him into the fire. When hee beganne to pray, and repeate his Creede, one strucke him with his Fist, saying; Thou shalt first be burned, after prate while thou wilt: another trode on his breast, and bound his neck so hard to the Ladder, that the blood gushed out of his mouth, and the Ladder being propped vp with a Holbert, and slipping aside, the Holbert runne through him: then one strucke him with a Mace on the breast vntill he was dead, then they consumed the body in the fire.

Maister Iohn Castellane, 1525Doctor of Diuinity, hauing truly preached the Word of God at Metz in Loraine, and many other Townes, and returning from th…nce, was taken Prisoner by the Cardinall of Loraines men: Whereupon they of Metz tooke certaine of the Cardinals Subiects Prisoners, at length, by meanes from the Pope and otherwise, they were discharged, but Iohn Castellane was kept still Prisoner, and most cruelly handled, but hee perseuered very constant in the saide Doctrine: so they proceeded to the disgrading and cond…mning of him.

EueryEvery ignorant man may see the horrible blindnesse of these vnshamefull beasts, by their hor…ible blasphemies and brutish subtilty, which they vse in their Processe against the Children of God: the preamble whereof followeth in effect.

For as much as thou art accused before the Inquisitor, for maintaining false and erronious Doctrine, and of thine owne good will hast confessed it: remembring also, the lamenta…le admon…ions and charitable exhortations which wee made vntounto thee in the Towne of Metz, which you, like the Serpent Aspis hauehave refused to heare, and considering thy answeres to our Intergatories, in the which by diabolicall Art thou hast hid and kept backe the truth, and followed the example of Caine, in denying to conf…sse thy mischeeuous offence, and considering the great number of witnesses and worthy men that deposed against thee, before the Reuerend man, Doctor Sauin, Inquisitor, and hauing communicated our purpose vntounto diuers most excellent Maisters and Doctors, which hauehave subscribed therevnto. Whereby it appeareth, y^• thou Iohn Castellane hast oftentimes in diuers places p. 165openly taught many erroneous propositions full of the heresies of Luther, against the Catholike Faith, the verity of the Gospell, and the holy Apostolike seate, & so accursedly looked back and turned thy face, that thou art found to be a lyer before Almighty God: therefore according to the common Law, such as through the sharpe darts of their venemous tongue doe peruert the Scriptures, and goe about with all their power to peruert and corrupt the soules of the faithfull, should bee corrected with most cruell vengeance, to feare others to attempt the like, and that all may reioice in Christian concord, all take example of goodnes: therefore hauing God onelyonly before our eyes, and surely considering what measure wee doe mete vntounto others, God will measure the like to vsus againe: wee therefore pronounce sentence definitiue, and Iudge thée excommunicate with the great excommunication, and to be culpable of treason against the diuine Maiestie, and a mortall enemy of the Catholicke Church, and verity of the Gospell, and to be a manifest Heretick and follower of the execrable cruelty of Martin Luther, a stirrer vp of old heresies all already condemned, and so they disgraded him, and deliuered him to the seculer Iudge.

This done, the Bishop, after a certaine manner, intreated the seculer Iudge for him for the louelove of GOD, and the contemplation of the gifts of pietie and merciemercy, for the respect of our prayers, that you will not doe any thing that shall be hurtfull vntounto this miserable man, or tending to his death, or maiming of his body: then the seculer Iudge condemned him to be burned quick, which he suffered most constantly, that not onelyonly many ignorant people were thereby drawne to the knowledge of the verity, but a number, which had some taste thereof, were greatly confirmed.

Iohn Oecolampadius reporteth,1525 how a Prince murdered a good Pastor for preaching of the Gospell, pretending hee was in a commotion: hee sent a c…uell Gentleman with a number of men to hang this Priest: they came to the Priestes house and saluted him: The Priest made them a great banquet, and bad them eate and drinke chéerefully: After dinner the Gentleman told his followers they must hang the Priest: They said, God forbid we should doe such a crime to hang one that hath intreated vsus so gently, his good chéere not yet disgested in vsus: The Priest desired them rather to carry him to prison to there Prince, and propounded vntounto him the gentlenes that he had alwaies vsed to the Gentlemen of the Countrey in spending his goods to entertaine them, and aduertised him of the eternall to…ments which would follow an euill conscience, protesting he had faithfully taught the Gospell, and the cause hee had the ill will of some, was for sharpely and openly reprouing the horrible vices of the Gentlemen: The Gentleman told him he should gaine nothing by preaching in such sort, for the Prince had commaunded him to hang him, whose fauour hee would not loose, to saue his life, so they put him to death.

Oecolampadius reporteth of another godly Priest that when he came to the true vnderstanding of the Gospell: O God, said he, who would hauehave thought it that so many learned and holy men, hauehave wandred out of the right way, and hauehave so long time béen wrapped in errors, or that the holy Scriptures had been defiled with such horrible abuses, for hee neuer vnderstood before that the Gospell was the vertty of God, because it containeth much matter touching the crosse, persecution, & ignomy: after this good Pastor began to preach the Gospell there, but many which repined, that the Gospell should be freely preached, caused him in the night to be taken by certaine souldiours, which bound him hand & foot, and set him vponupon a horse, and led him vp & down by a great rope before his wife and children, & were not moued with their grieuous sighes and teares: after they had kept him long in prison, & that he had indured most terrible torments, as well by his priuy members, as other parts, they iudged him to deth, hauing no other cause against him, but that he had maried a wife: when the Fryers troubled him about Confession, he said he had already confessed his sins vntounto the Lord Iesus, nothing doubting but that hee had receiued absolution of his sins; and I said he shall this day be an acceptable sacrifice vntounto my Sauior Iesus p. 166Christ: for I hauehave done nothing for which I am condemned displeasing to God, which giueth me a a quiet conscience, and let them which thirst after bl…ud, consider that they offend him, who truely iudgeth the harts of men, who saith vengeance is mine and I will punish: I desire to die, I doe not much shorten my time, for I am so leane that my skin is scarce able to couer my bones, and I reioice in nothing but the Crosse of Christ Iesus.

Some could not abide these exhortations, and made signes to the hangman to cast him into the Riuer: after he was cast downe the Riuer was red, which was a token that innocent bloud was shed: they that were present were greatly amazed therat, and returned home pensiue.

An other History by Oecolampadius: an honest man, when hee had wrongfully suffered most intollerable torments, for being in a commotion, and was condemned. A Frier being brought vntounto him, when he was taken out of the dungeon, and see the Frier, Hée cryed with a loude voice; O miserable wretch that I am: now am I betrayed my last houre is at hand: The dreame which I dreamed this night will come to passe. The Frier plucking out a woodden crosse, said poore man confesse thy sinnes in mine eare, and after thou hast receiued absolution at mine hands, doubt not but this day thou shalt goo stra…te to the Kingdome of Heauen: Who answered, thou wicked Frier get thée away from me, for I hauehave long bewailed my sinnes before the face of Christ, who hath forgiuen me, I hauehave no need of thy absolution, which thou thy selfe doest not vnderstand. Thou shouldest long since hauehave amended thy wicked and h…pocriticall life: I know what thou art, thou playest the Ape with mee, thou hast a subtle heart which hath deceiued much people: if thou hast any comfort out of the Gospell let mee hauehave it: if not, get thée away with thy portas: whereat the Frier was confused: The hangman wiser then the Frier, bid him reade him something of the Passion: whereat he would take great pleasure. The foolish Frier had no other consolation but to hold the Crucifix of wood, before him, saying b…hold thy Sauiour which died for thée; Looke on him and thou shalt bee comforted. Hee answered, get thee from mee thou naughty person, this is not my Sauiour; my Sauiour dwelleth in Heauen, in whom I trust that he will not deliuer my soule to eternall death: The Frier crossed himselfe and departed.

The Bishop of Constance caused Iohn Howghly a priest to bee burned at Merspurge,1526 for that he would not allow the Popes Doctrine in all points.

Iohn Frederick, heyre to the Prince, and Elector of Saxony, was contracted by writings to the Lady Katherine, the Emperours Sister: But when Religion was altered in Saxony, they swarued from their Couenants, and the Empe…ror… Ambassador said, there was no promise to be kept with hereticks.

In this yeare, beeing the seuentéenth yeere of King Henry the eight his raigne, there was great commotion in Suffolke, and Norfolke, by reason the Cardinall had sent commission in the Kings Name that eueryevery man should pay the sixt part of his goods: but it was appeased by the Dukes of Norfolke and Suffolke, and the paiment released by the King.

This yeare the Cardinall tooke vponupon him as the Kings chiefe Councellor: Hee reformed the house and made new Officers in the house of the Duke of Richmond. Also hee established a Councell, and established another h…ushold for the Lady Mary, then being Princes of the Realme. Hee made the King beléeue hee need take no paines: insomuch that the charge of all things was committed vntounto him: he gaue the King the Lease of the Mannor of Hampton Court: and the King licenced him to lye in his Mannor of Richmond, which K. Henry 7. loued so well, whereat some grudged, saying, sée a Butchers Dogge lye in the Mannor of Richmond: His pride was so high he regarded no man, and was hated of all men.

Hee came to Paules the eleuenth of Ianuary, a number of Bishops, Abbots, and Doctors attended him: there hee sate in his Cloth of Estate of rich Cloth of Gold, and Frier Barnes for heresie, and two Marchants for eating flesh on Friday, bare Faggots before him.

p. 167And this day the Bishop of Rochester preached in the reproofe of Martine Luther, and in the honour of the Pope and his Cardinals, insomuch that hee forgot the Gospell he preached vponupon: his Sermon was much commended of the Cardinals and Bishops.

This yeare the New Testament was first translated into English, and brought into this Realme, by William Tindall.

This yéere the good Lodouicus King of Hungary, pursued by the Turk, was faine to take the Marsh, where with his horse falling into a Bogge was swallowed vp and …rowned, his body afterwards found, was royally buried in Uienna.

George Carpenter of Emering was burned in Monuchen of Bauaria,1527 for maintaining of these foure Articles. First, that he did not beleeue that Priests could forgiue sinnes; neither that a man could call God out of heauen, neither that God was in the bread that the Priests hang vponupon the Altar: Fourthly, that the element of water in Baptisme, doth not giuegive grace: Then one asked him whether he feared not his Iudgement, neither loued his Wife and Children, and if he would recant he should returne to them, and be pardoned. Wherevnto hee answered, my wife and Children are so dearely beloued vntounto mee, that they cannot be bought from mee for all the Duke of Bauaria his riches: But for the louelove of my Lord God, I will willingly forsake them: as hee was going to execution, one bid him beleeue the Sacrament of the Altar, and not to beleeue it to be onelyonly a signe. Hee answered, hee beleeued the Sacrament to bee a signe of the body of Christ offered for vsus: Then he said why doest thou so little esteeme Baptisme, beeing Christ was baptized: Hee answered not the baptisme of Christ, but his suffering, was our Saluation: Him this day will I confesse before the world: Hee is my Sauiour in him I will beléeue: Then one bid him put his trust in God, and say if I erre, truely I repent: To whom hée answered, God suffreth me not to erre: Then one bid him not to hazard the matter, but to choose some Christian brother not to confesse thy self vntounto, but take Councell off: He said it would be too long: Then one said, Our Father: He answered, truely thou art our Father, and no other, this day I trust to be with thée. The other said, Hallowed be thy Name: He answered, my God how little is thy Name Hallowed in this world: Then he said, thy Kingdome come: He said let thy kingdome come this day vntounto me, that I may come to the Kingdome: the other said: Thy will be done in earth as in heauen: He said for this cause, O Father I am now héere that thy will may be finished, and not mine: Then the other said, GiueGive vsus this day our dayly bread: He said th' onelyonly liuing bread Iesus Christ shall be my food: The other said, And forgiue vsus our trespasses as we forgiue them that trespasse against vsus: He answered, with a willing minde doe I forgiue all men, friends & aduersaries: The other said, Leade vsus not into temptation, but deliuer vsus from euill: He answered O my Lord without doubt then shalt thou deliuer me, for I hauehave laid my hope onley on thee.

Then one said doest thou think it necessary after death to pray for thée or say Masse for thée: He said so long as the soule is in my body pray for me that God would giuegive me grace & patience, with all humility to suffer death with a true faith: but when my soule is from my body I hauehave no néed of your prayers: He was desired of certaine to shew some signe of beliefe when he was in the fire: Hee answered, so long as I can speake, I will call vponupon Iesus; I hauehave neuer séene the like constancie of a man, his countenance neuer changed colour: he went chéerefully to the fire and said this day will I confesse my God before the whole world: when he was in the fire, he stil …ryed Iesus, Iesus; and so ioyfully yéelded vp his spirit.

Leonard Keyser of Bauaria was burned for the Gospel, h… being a Student … Wittenberge; was sent for by his Brothren, if euer hee would sée his father … he should come with spéed: and as he was comming, by the commandement of the Bishop of Passaw, he was taken by his Mother and Brethren: His Articles were first that faith iustifieth: secondly, that works are the fruits of faith: Thirdly, that the Masse is no Sacrifice or Oblation: That Confession, Satisfaction, the vow of Chastitie, Purgatory, difference of dayes: for affirming onelyonly two sacrifices, p. 168and inuocation of Saints: Hee maintained three kindes of Conf…ssion; the first of Faith, which is alwaies necessary: the second of Charitie, which serueth when any one doth offend his neighbour, hee ought to reconcile himselfe againe. Mat. 18. The third is to aske Councell of the ancient Ministers of the Church: sentence beeing giuen against him, he was disgraded, he was rounded and shauen, & clothed in a short gowne, a round Cap set vponupon his head all cut and iagged, and so deliuered to the seculer power; As hee was led to burning, hee said, O Lord Iesu remaine with me, sustaine and help me, and giuegive me force and power: In the fire he cryed O Lord Iesu, I am thine, hauehave mercy vponupon me and saue mee; this was the blessed end of that good man.

In this yéere the Senate & people of Berne, which are most of power amongst the Switzers, assigned a Disputation within the Citie, and called vntounto the same the Bishops of Constans, Basil▪ Sed…ne, and Lozanna, warning them to come themselues, and bring their Diuines, or else lose their possessions: they appointed that the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament should onelyonly bee of authoritie, granting safe conduct to all that would come thether, that there should bee no chiding, that eueryevery one should speak his minde freely, and in such sort that it might be written, and whatsoeuer should be there agreed vponupon, should be ratified, and obserued throughout all their Dominions; there were ten Articles to be disputed vponupon as followeth.

1 The true Church wherof Christ is head, proceedeth of Gods Word, perseuereth in the same, and heareth no other man voice.

2 The same Church maketh Lawes without Gods word, therefore we are not bound to mens traditions, but in as much as they be consonant to Gods word▪

3 That Christ only hath made satisfaction for the whole world, to say there is … ny other way to saluation, or meanes to put away sinnes, is to deny Christ.

4 That it cannot be proued by Scriptures that the body and bloud of Christ is really and corporally receiued in the Sacrament.

5 The Masse, wherein Christ is presented & offred vntounto his Father for the quick and the dead, is against the scriptures, & a cont…mely to the sacrifice of Christ.

6 That onelyonly Christ is to be called vponupon as Mediator to God for vsus.

7 That in the Scriptures there is no place after life wherein soules should b… purged: wherefore prayers, ceremonies, yearely Dyrges and obits, which are bestowed vponupon the dead; also lampes, tapers, and such other things profit nothing.

8 That no Images should be set vp to bee worshipped …p the Scriptures, and therefore they are to be taken downe in Churches.

9 That Matrimony is prohibit…d to no kind… of men by the worde: but eueryevery whoremonger is by the word sequestred from the Communion of the Church.

10 That single life vnchast & filthy is most vnséemely for priesthood.

The Bishops would not come but sent their Diuines: then the disputation was begun by Swinglius, Oecolampadius, Bucer, Capito, Blaurer, and diuers others defended the Conclusions. Amongst others, Conrado Treger an Austine Fryer of great fame impugned them: who at last when hee sought for help besides the Scriptures the Masters of the Disputations would not suffer him so to doe: Wherefore hee departed out of the place, the disputations ended, the foresaid conclusions were approued, by the common consent of the most part, and were ratified & obserued in Ber…e, and proclaimed by the Magistrate in sundry places thereabouts: and Masses, Altars, and Images abolished in all places, and immediately after was the like reformation at Constance, and after at Geneua.

Pope Clem: 7. in this yéere conspired with the Uenetians, & raised a great army, and proclaimed war against the Emperor about the possession of Italy: the Emp…ror sent his army to Millaine, & tooke the City & Castle; marching towards Rome, took it & spoiled it, & besieged Pope Clement, with his Cardinals in mount Adrian, and took the pope, who could not be ransomed vnderunder 40000. Floreines: This Pope bare great hatred against the Family of the Columni, because it was imperiall, and threatned the Cardinall thereof to take away his Cardinals hat, who answered, p. 169if he so did, he would put on a helmet to ouerthrow the Popes triple Crowne. Our Cardinall of England hearing of the captiuitie of his father the Pope, stirred vp the King all he might fight with the Emperour, and defend the Faith, and he should receiue a great reward of God. The King answered he was sorie for it: but where you would hauehave me defend the Faith; I assure you this warre is not for th… Faith, but for temporall possessions: I and my people can by no meanes rescue him; but if any treasure may helpe him, take that which seemeth to you conuenient. Then the Cardinall made out of the Kings treasure twelue score thousand pounds, which he carried ouer the Sea with him: then the Cardinall sent his commission to all Bishops, commanding fastings and solemne processions to be had, wherein they did sing the Letany after this sort: Sancta Maria ora pro Clemente Papa: Sancte Petre, ora pro Clemente Papa &c.

The Cardinall passing the Seas, went out of Callice with the Bishop of London, the Lord Sandes the Kings Chamberlaine, the Earle of Derby, Sir Henry Gilford, Sir Thomas Moore, with many other Knights and Esquires, to the number of one thousand and two hundred horses, hauing in his carriage foure score Wagons, and threescore Mules and Sumpter Horses: he bestowed great summes of money in hyring Souldiers, and furnishing out the French Kings armie, and appointed certain English Captains, in the K. of Englands name to go against the Emperor to rescue the Pope: hee caused Clarentius king at Armes, to ioyne with the French Herald, openly to defie the Emperor; wherupon ensued great troubles in England, Spain, the low Countries of Flanders, Brabant, and Zeland: all which his priuie policies and treasons, were shortly after known to the King.

In this yeare a Iew in Constantinople was baptized and became Christian,1528. which thing vehemently exasperated the Turks against him: and fearing it should be some detriment to their Mahumeticall law, they sought to kill him, which they did, and cast his dead carkasse into the stréets, commanding that none should burie it. Wherin the glorie of Christ appeared: for the dead corps lying there nine daies, was as fresh coloured, without corruption or smell, as if it had bin aliue; whereat the Turks being astonished, took it vp and buried it.

The Cardinall hauing defied the Emperour, as before, and made him displeased with the King of England, he further whispered in the Kings eare, that the Emperour had euill intreated and imprisoned the Kings Embassadours in Spaine: by which meanes the Emperours Embassadour in England was imprisoned, and his goods seised, vntill Letters came to the contrarie, and then he was set at libertie. When the Embassadour complained vntounto the Cardinall, hee layed all the fault vponupon Clarentius, and that Clarentius had defied the Emperour without the Kings knowledge, by the request of the Herald of France, and that at his returne he should lose his head at Callice.

Clarentius hearing hereof, came priuily into England, and was brought vntounto the King before the Cardinall knew it, to whom he shewed the Cardinalls commission, and their gentle intreatie.

When the King heard hereof, and had mused a while, he said, O Lord Iesus, hee that I trusted most told me all these things contrary: well Clarentius, I will be no more so light of credence. And from thence the King neuer put any more trust in the Cardinall.

Some write that the Cardinall did beare the Emperour such malice, because when the Pope was imprisoned, as before, the Cardinall wrote vntounto the Emperour to make him Pope; and he sent him an answere that pleased him not: whereupon he writ menacing Letters vntounto him, that if he would not make him Pope, hee would make such a rufling betwixt Christian, Princes as was not this hundred yéers before, to make the Emperour repent, yea, though it cost the whole Realme of England: the Emperour returned him answere, bidding him looke well vntounto it, lest through his doings it should cost him the Realme of England indeede.

Thus King Henry came to the Title of Defender of the Faith. When Luther p. 170had vtterd the abomination of the Pope and his Clergie, and diuers books were com into England. Our Cardinall to find a remedie for it, sent to Rome for this title of Defender of the Faith. After, the Uicar of Croydon preached, that the K. would not lose it for all London and twenty miles about it. When this glorious title was come from Rom…, the Cardinall brought it to the King at Gréenwich: and although the King had read it, yet in the morning were all the Lords and Gentlemen sent for that could be, to come and receiue it with honor. In the morning the Cardinall went thorough the backside to the Frier obseruants, and som went round about, and met him from Rome: part met him halfe way, and some at Court gate; and the King met him in the Hall, and brought him into a great chamber, where was a seat prepared on high for the King and Cardinall. Whilst the Bull was read with all pompe, wise men laughed: then the King went into his Chapp…ll to heare masse, the Cardinall being inuested to sing masse: the Earle of Essex brought the bason of water, the Duke of Suffolke gaue the asasy, the Duke of Northfolk held the Towell, and so he pr…ceeded to Masse. When Masse was done, the Bull was againe published, the Trumpets blew, the Shawmes and Sackbuts played in honor of the Kings new stile; and in the midst of dinner the Heralds proclaymed his new stile: this was ended with great solemnity.

Not vnlike to this was the receiuing of the Cardinals hat, when one had brought it to him to Westminster vnderunder his cloak: he clothed the messenger in rich aray, and sent him back to Douer, appointed the Bishop of Canterbury to méet him, besides an other company of Lords and Gentlemen: when it came to W…stminster, it was set vponupon a cubbord with Tapers about it: the greatest Duke in the land must curtsi… thereto, and to him empty seat. And thus much touching Cardinall Wolsey.

He founded a certaine new Colledge in Oxford; for furniture whereof he gathered together all the best learned hee could heare of; amongst whom were Clerke, Tindall, Frith, and Tauerner, who after were found to be hereticks (as they call them) and were cast into a prison of the Colledge where salt fish lay, through the stinke whereof they being infected, the said Clerke, being singular in learning, died.

One Simon Grineus hearing a Sermon of Faber Bishop of Uienna,1529. after the Sermon he followed Faber, and declared vntounto him that of good zeale he had somewhat to say to him, and said, he was very sorie that a man of such learning should confirme such …n…elious errours, which might be refuted by manifest Scripture. Polycarpus vsed to stop his eares when he heard any monst…us errours, how then do you think he would hauehave heard you reason what the Mouse did eate when she gnaweth the consecrated Host? who would not bewayle the blindnesse and ignorance of the Church? Then Faber asked his name: he tolde him his name was Grineus; and he fained he was sent for by the King, and had no leisure now to reason vponupon this matter, and shewed that he was desirous of his acquaintance, and intreated him, both for his owne matter and the Common-welth, he would come the next day vntounto him. He willingly promised him. When he was returned to supper, a stranger, an old man of great grauitie told him, the Sergeants would by and by come vntounto the lodging, sent by he King, to carrie Grineus to prison, whom Faber had accused vntounto the King, exhorting Grineus straight way to depart the Town without delay, and so departed. Th…n we tooke Grineus and carried him vntounto the Riuer Rhyne, and conueyed him ouer in a Boat, and returned. In the meane time the Sergeants were at the lodging, wherefore we iudged that this cruell purpos… was frustrate by Gods prouision; therefo…e let vsus giuegive thanks to God, which giueth his Angels to be our kéepers, and with quiet minds fulfill the office of our vocation.

P…trus Flistedius, and Adolphus Clarbachus, singular Diuines, for differing from the Papists touching the supper of the Lord, with diuers other of the Popes traditions and ceremonies, by the Archbishop and Senate were burned in Cullen: this was by reason som diuines had preached that the punishment & death of such as these were, would pacifie the wrath of God, which at this time plagued Germany; for the sweating sicknes did then mortally rage and raigne throughout all Germany.

In this yeare Solymanus the Turkish Emperour passed th…rough Hungarie, with p. 171an Armie of fourtéene thousand fighting men, and came into Austrich, where he exercised extreame crueltie; some he bereft of sight, some he rent and mangled in pieces, cutting off their noses, eares, handes, armes and priuie members, deflouring Uirgins, cutting off womens paps, openings their wombes with childe and burning the yong babes: then he besieged Uienna, and assayed to vndermine it, and the wals being ou…rthrowne, he assaulted it desperatly; and seeing the Souldiers within desend the breach valiantly a month, he brake vp the siege, and returned with great dishonor.

The Emperour came to Strawsborough,1530. and commanded the Protestants to be present at Masse which they refused to do: and he called the Prince Elector of Saxony to beare the Sword before him at the Masse; and the Diuines resolued, because he was sent for, to beare the Sword and not to heare Masse: therefore hee might there present himselfe. There was an Assembly holden, and diuers Decrées made against the Protestants; and Faber and Eckius forged confutations against them, with diuers other troubles.

At this time the new Testament was newly translated, and imprinted by William Tindall; wherewith the Bishoppe of London was grieued, and deuised how he might destroy it. The Bishop being at Antwarp, and desirous to bring this purpose to passe, communed how he would buy the New Testaments. One Packington, which was a fauourer of Tindall, but made the Bishop otherwise beleeue, said, My Lord, I can doe more in this matter then most Merchants: for I know them that hauehave bought them of Tindall, and for money I will assure you to hauehave eueryevery booke of them that is printed and vnsolde. Hee …ade him get them, and hee would pay for them: for he intended to burne eueryevery booke of them at Paules Crosse. Hee hereupon declared the matter to William Tindall: so the Bishop had all the bookes. After this Tindall corrected the same againe, and had them the second time newly reprinted; so they came abundantly into England. The Bishop sent for Packington to know the reason thereof: he said he bought all that were there, and these were new printed.

One George Constantine was apprehended by Sir Thomas Moore L. Chancelor of England for heresie. My Lord asked him who it was that maintained Tindall Ioy, and a great many more of you? I know they cannot liue without helpe; and thou being one haddest thy part thereof: I pray tell me who helpeth them thus▪ My Lord, quoth Constantine, I will tell you truly: It is the Bishop of London; for he hash bestowed amongst vsus a great deale of money vponupon New Testaments to burne them, which hath bin, and yet is, our only succour. By my troth, quoth Moore, I think the same: I told the Bishop so much before.

The Townes of Zurick and Berne being at contention with the Townes of the Cantons, stopped all the Straits that there could no victuals passe vntounto them; wherefore they prouided a power to come against them of Berne and Zurick, and fought a great conflict with them: in which fight Swinglius, being Minister of Zurick, was slain, and after his dead corps taken by his enemies and burned: when his body was burned to ashes, his heart was found in the midst of the fire whole, which could not be without the great miracle of God. The like happened after to Thomas Cranmer Archbishop of Canterbury.

In this yeare the King held a Parliament at Westminster: diuers Articles were put vp against the Clergie touching their excesses and extortions, and there was prouided for pluralties and non-residents, and for buying and selling of pardons. This so displeased the Clergie, that they called the commons hereticks and schismaticks: and the Lords put a book of articles against the Cardinall, that he procured the Legat without the Kings consent, whereby he took away the right of all Bishops, that in all writings to Rome and other Princes he wrote Ego & Rex meus, that he standered the Church of England to be brought into a reprobate sense, sending to Rome to be Legat, to reforme the Church, and carried the great Seale with him to Flanders, and that without the kings consent he sent commission to conclude a league betwéen the King and the Duke of Florence, and that hauing the French pocks, he presumed to come and to breathe on the King, and that hee had caused the Cardinalls Hat to p. 172be put on the Kings coyne, that he had sent innumerable substance to Rome to obtaine his Dignities, to the great impouerishment of the Realme, with many other things.

The princely possessions and great pride of the Clergie in those dayes, did not only farre excéede the measure of subiects, but surmounted the estates of Kings and Princes.

In Henry the fourth his dayes the Temporalties in the possessions of the Clergie of England amounted to three hundred twentie two thousand marks by the yeare. And it appeareth by a Libell giuen to Henry the eight, compiled by one Master Fish, that the Cleargie had gotten into their hands more then the third part of the lande of the Realme, and the goodliest Lordships, Mannors and Territories are theirs, besides the tenth part of corne and all things else, and seruants wages: and they looke so narrowly to their tythes, that they will hauehave the tenth egge, or else the good wife getteth no rights at Easter, and shall be taken as an her…ticke; beside what they get by their foure offering dayes, prouing of wills, priuie tythes, offerings to pilgrimages, and at their first Masses; eueryevery one that is buried must pay somewhat for Masses and Dirges to be sung for them, else they will accuse their frinds and executors for hereticks. What money get they for mortuaries, by hearing confessions? and yet will keepe no Councell; by hallowing of Churches. Altars, Superaltars, Chappels and Bels, by cursing men and absoluing them againe for money. What a multitude of money gather the Pardoners in a yeare, by cyting men to the Court and releasing them for money, and what abundance the begging Friers get yearly. There be two and fifty thousand parish Churches in England, and eueryevery house in the Realme payeth a pennie a quarter to eueryevery of the fiue s…rts of begging Friers, which is twenty pence yearely for eueryevery house in England. And the number of the Clergie, reckoned with men, women, and children of the Laie…ie, are but one of foure hundred; and their substance draweth nigh to the halfe of the whole substance of the Realme; and they doe nothing therewith but exempt themselues from the obedience of your grace, and translate all power to themselues, and that your subiects may rebell against yon, and be vnderunder them, as they did vntounto your noble predecessor King Iohn: they then interdicted the Realme; wherefore your Realme hath stood tributarie, not to any temporall Prince, but to a cruell diuellish bloud-sucker, drunken in the bloud of the Saints and Martyrs euer since: and what doe they more? nothing but apply themselues to hauehave to doe with eueryevery mans wife, daughter, or mayde: that Cuckoldrie and baudry should raigne amongst your subiects, that no man should know his child: and that their bastards should inherite eueryevery mans possessions, they hauehave made an hundred thousand idle whoores in your Realme, which would hauehave gotten their liuing honestly, had not their superfluous riches inticed them to vncleanenesse and idlenesse: they catch the p…cks, or be burnt, or the leprosie, and beare it vntounto another; yea some one of them shall boast amongst his fellowes that he hath had to do with an hundred women. When they hauehave intised mens wiues vntounto them, they spend away their husbands goods, and make the women runne away from their husbands; and runne away themselues with the wife and goods, bringing man and wife, and children to idlenesse, theft, and beggerie. Who is able to number the broad bottomlesse Ocean full of euils, that this sinfull generation may lawfully and vnpunished, bring vponupon vsus? Who is shee that will worke for three pence a day, when she may hauehave at least twentie pence a day to fleepe an houre with a Frier, Monke, or Priest? and who will labour for foure pence a day, that may hauehave at least twelue pence a day to be bawde to one of these? What a sort are there that marrie Priests Lemans but to cloake the Priests incontinencie, and that they may liue of Priests for their labour? and who is he, though he be grieued neuer so sore for the death of his Ancestor, rauishment of his wife or his daughter, robberie, trespasse, maime, debt or any other offence, dare lay it to their charge by any way of action? if he do, then by and by he is accused of heresie, and except he beare a faggot they will excommunicate him, and then all his Actions be dashed.

Notwithstanding, the statute to Mortmayne, they doe daily get into their hands p. 173more lands: the Kingdome of the bloud-suckers is like to preuaile aboue your Kingdome; for to them is giuen daily out of you Kingdome, and that which is once giuen them, neuer commeth from them againe. What Kingdome can indure, that …uer giueth and receiueth nothing again? All their colour for their gathering these things into their hands, is, that they pray for vsus, to deliuer our soules out of Purgatorie: without whose prayers, and especially the Popes pardon, we could neuer be deliuered thence: but the truth is, there is no Purgatorie, but it is a thing inuented by the couetousnesse of the spiritualtie. And if there were a Purgatorie, if the Pope can deliuer them there with money, he can deliuer them without; and if hee can deliuer one, he can deliuer all, and so destroy Purgatorie, and then is he a cruell tyrant, without all charitie, if he keepe them in prison and paine vntill men will giuegive him money. They will not let the New Testament goe abroad in the mother tongue, lest their cloaked hypocrisie, and that their cruelty, vncleanenesse, and vnmercifulnesse be seeue, and that they seeke not Christs honour but their own, that remission of sins are not giuen for the Popes pardon, but for Christ by true faith in him. And except your Maiestie suffer their hypocrisie to be disclosed, the people will think you take away their liberty from them, to buy their soules out of Purgatorie by giuing to the spiritualtie, as their predecessors hauehave done: therefore let their hypocrisie be vttered, and that shall be more speedfull in this matter, then all the lawes that possibly can be made.

The Author of this Booke was fled to Tindall, where he wrote this Booke for feare of the Cardinall: when the King had read this, he caused his Wife to send for him home, he was brought to the King, and after he had communed with him, and was afraid to goe home, the King deliuered him his Signet for a Token, to deli…er to the Cardinall, that he should not trouble him. The Cardinall answered; Though this discharged him, yet he had no discharge for his Wife, and sent for her, and had troubled her, if her…Daughter had not béene sicke of the plague, of which sicknesse, the said Fish within halfe a yeare after dyed, and she marryed one Baynham, which after was martyred, as followeth in this Story. To preuent the spreading abroad of this Libell, there was a prohibition sent out …y the Bishop of London, for calling in this the New Testament, and diuers other Books translated into English: the names whereof, because they are many, I omit, and leaue you to the booke at large.

King Henry, about the twentith yeare of his raigne, made an Oration vntounto his Commons, that though it had pleased God to send him a faire Daughter of a Noble woman, and of him begotten to our great comfort and ioy: yet it hath beene told vsus by diuers great Clarks, that neither she is Our lawfull Daughter, nor her Mother Our lawfull wife, but that we liue together abhominably in open adultery: and when our Ambassadors were last in Fraunce, motion was made that the Duke of Orleans should marry our said Daughter: One of the chiefe Councellors said, it were well done to know whether she be his lawfull Daughter or no; because hee begat her on his brothers Wife, which is directly against Gods Law: Thinke you my Lords, that these words touch not my body and soule, and that it doth not daily and hourely trouble my Conscience: I doubt not but eueryevery one of you would seek remedy when the perill of your soule, and losse of your inheritance is laid vntounto you. For this cause I hauehave asked Councell of the greatest Clarkes in Christe…dome: and for this cause I hauehave sent for this Legate, as a man indifferent to know the truth, and settle my conscience; and if the Queene be adiudged by the Lawe to bee my lawfull Wife, it would be the most acceptable thing in my life, both to cleere my conscience and for the good qualities which I know to bee in her, besides her Noble parentage, as almost this twenty yéeres I hauehave tried, so that if I went to mary againe, & the mariage lawfull, I would choose her before all women, & if the marriage proue vnlawfull, I shall sorrow the departing from so good a Lady, and louing a companion▪ but much more lament that I hauehave so long liued in Adultery, and hauehave no true heyre of my body to inherit this Realme: Therefore I require you to make our minde knowne to our Subiects that they may pray for vsus.

p. 174The Quéene hearing thereof, answered, it was a great maruell that they would make question of this now, after they had béene married twenty yeares, and no question in the meane time, and that all the learned at the time of the marriage did conclude it was lawfull, and that both their fathers, being so wise did not foresee it, if there had béene any such doubt, and the King my father sent to Rome, and with great costs obtained a dispensation, that I beeing one brothers wife procar…ally knowne, might without scruple of conscience marry with the other brother lawfully, which licence vnderunder lead I hauehave yet to shewe, but I may thanke you my Lord Cardinall onelyonly for this trouble, this is of malice, because I hauehave won…red at your high pride, and abhorred your voluptuous liuing, and little regarded your t…ranny, and for the malice you beare to my Nephew the Emperour because he would not make you Pope by force: and the Quéene appealed to the Pope.

The King to try out the matter sent first to the Pope, then to most part of al… Uniuers…ties, first the Pope sent his two Legats, Wolsey and Campeius to hear… and decide the Case, they cited the King and Quéene personally to appeare, or else by Proctors; at the day, the Legats with their crosses, axes and pillers were set, the King was ready to heare the determination, requiring to hauehave an end, notwithstanding from month to month, they detracted the matter vntill August, the King not taking it well to bee so vsed, sent the Dukes of Northfolke and Suffolke vntounto the Legats, requiring them to hasten an end and to deferre no longer, it is the manner of Rome, about the beginning of August, during the Dogge dayes, to hauehave a solemne vacation, in which neither Schooles bee vsed, nor any Terme kept.

Cardinall Campeius pretending the order of Rome, whereof he was a member, answered, hee neither could nor would goe against the ordinance thereof, and before October he would procéed no further in the cause: t…e Dukes séeing their pretended excuses, and that by no wayes they would be intreated, burst out in open defiance, the Duke of Suffolke clapping his hands on the table, sware by the Masse▪ there neuer came Legate or Cardinall from Rome to doe good in England, so in anger they departed from the Cardinall: the King for quietnesse was content to tarry… vntill October, but before October came, Campeius was called home by letters fr…m the Pope, so the matter was left vndiscussed, the King seeing himselfe thus deluded, sent againe to Pope Clement, desiring to h…ue an answere of the cause, the Pop… would take a pause, and after send him word.

Twelue Uniuersities agreed in one consent, that the mariage was vnlawfull, and repugnant to the word of God, and that no man is able to dispence with it, but nothing was heard of from Rome, wherefore the King assembling his Parliament sent the Lord Chancellour with twelue of the vpper house, to noti…e the determinations of the Colleages as afore said, vntounto the lower house: And the same year… the King sent out a Proclamation for the abollishing of the Pope and establishing of the Kings Supremacy, and hee brake off with the Cardinall and caused him to be attainted in Premu…ire, and to bee apprehended, and the Clergy maintaining th… power Legatiue of the Cardinall, incurred the like premunire, wherefore the Spirituall Lords were called by processe into the Kings Bench to answere, but befor… the day of appearence they submitted themselues to the King, offered him an hundred thousand pounds to pardon them by Act of Parliament, and offered him the Title of Supreme head of the Church of England, which they would neuer confesse be…ore, whereby the Pope, by the prou…dence of God, lost his whole Iuris…iction an… Supremacy in England.

Patricke Hamelton a Scottish man, hee was of the Kings bloud and family, beei… of the most ancient and Noble stocke and name in Scotland, was of the Uniuersity of Marpurge in Germany, he openly procéeding so intreated and iudged of matters of the Church, with such praise as passed the expectation of his age, that he made the common people and learned to admire him: Francis Lambert in his Preface D… …icatory maketh mention of him, then he tooke a companion with him, and ret… ned home to Scotland, he was not able to suffer the filthinesse and blindnesse of the Countrey, he was accused of Heresie, and after disputed constantty with the Cardinall p. 175and his Band: he confessed Christ to be his onelyonly Aduocate, excluding the merits of Saints, acknowledged frée …ustification by the merits of Christ, and denied Purgatory: At last he was condemned, and the same day after dinner burned: The King being but a Child by the Testimonie of his bloud, hee left the verity o… of God, fixed in the hearts of many.

William Tindal in his Apology against Moore maketh mention of Thomas Hitten, a preacher at Maidstone in Kent, whom the Bishops of Canterbury and Rochester kept long in prison, and tormented him with diuers torments, yet he continued constant, and at the las… they burned him at Maidestone, for the constant testimony o… Iesus Christ, and of his frée grace and saluation.

Thomas Bil…ey of the Uniuer…itie of Cambridge, a man of excellent constancy. Cambridge taking roote in him, after long barrennes did begin to flourish. He conuerted many of his fellowes to the Gospell: amongst whom was Thomas Arthur, and Maister Hugh Latimer, who was Crosse-kéeper of Cambridge, bringing it on procession daies: at last he forsooke the Uniuersitie, and went to diuers places preaching, associated with Arthur: the authoritie of Cardinall Woolsey was then great, but his pride …reater, which declared the vanity of his life, and of the liues of the Bishops and Clergy. Bilney with others, maruelling at the incredible insolency of the Clergy, which they could no longer suffer, they began to preach against this dignity, and against the Pope.

Then the Cardinall which did not greatly feare any power of Kings, but onelie feared the Gospell of Christ to be preached, least it should detect their Hypocrisie and deceits. Whereupon he caused the said Bilney and Arthur to bee cast into prison, then they were brought before the Cardinall and … number of Bishops into the Charter-house of Westminster: then the Cardinall required of them, wherefore they had taught the people the opinions of Luther, which are condemned, and whether he had not once made an oath, not to preach or defend any of Luthers opinions, but to impugne the same. He said, He had made such an Oath, but not lawfullie: After hee was sworne to make true answere, and not to reueale his examinations.

1 It was laid against him that he preached, though Preachers bee restrained now adaies: yet he had warranty by the Word of God, where he said; Goe i…to all the world and preach the Gospell. By which authority, eueryevery man that hath the gift may preach, and the Pope nor any other can make any law to the contrary, which he confessed.

2 That he said, when crosses were set vp against Walls in London, that men should not pisse there: When there were but few men did reuerence them, but when in euerie corner there was a Crosse, of necessitie men pissed vppon the Crosses: So that when there were but few Lawes in the Church, then men were afraid to offend them: after ward they made many lawes, whereof some are pecuniall, as they call them, and them they doe obserue; those that are not pecuniall they call palea, and regard them not. To this or the like effect, he confessed he spake.

3 If I should suffer persecution for the Gospell, yet there are seuen thousand more that would preach the Gospell as I doe now: therefore good people thinke not much if these tyrants put a man to death for preaching the Gospell. This Article he confessed.

5 That eueryevery Christian man is a Priest so offer vp sacrifice of prayer: and if they murmured against Priesthood, they murmured against themselues: and that we should not pray to Saints nor worship Images.

6 That he should preach at Cambridge: that a Bachelor of Diuinity, or any other knowing the Gospell, should be let from preaching by no man: and if any Bishop did accurse them for so doing, their curses should returne to themselues. All these hee confessed.

Master Luther did recant, and submit himselfe vntounto the punishment and iudgement of the Church: but these Interrogatories were ministred vntounto Master Bilney;

p. 176Whether hee beléeued the assertions of Luther impugned by the Bishop of Rochester were detestable: Whether generall Councells and Constitutions where or ought to be obserued of all men euen for conscience, whether the Popes Keyes were no… profitable, or against Gods word, whether the Catholik… Church may erre, or whether it may bee demonstrated or poynted out, or else whether it is a spirituall Church knowne to God, whether Images of Saints ought to bee worshipped of all true Christian…, whether a man may beléeue that there is not yet any Iudgement giuen vppon the sou…es departed, whether a man may beléeue that our Lady remained not alwayes a Uirgine? whether Holy dayes and fasting dayes may without … bee broken by any priuate man? whether we are bound to be obedient to Bishoppes and Kings as vntounto Parents? whether the Church doo godly, in praying to Saints? whether all true Christians bee Priests, and hauehave the Keyes of binding and loosing? whether faith may bee without workes and charity? whether it is more agreable vntounto faith, that the people should pray in their owne tongue, or in a learned and vnknowne tongue? whether children should be taught the Lords prayer without the salutation of the Uirgine? whether beades be to be denied or no? whether Scriptures ought to bee translated into English or no? whether Organs and all maner of songs ought to bee in the Churches? whether a Bishoppe hauehave any Temporall power? whether it bee a godly Constitution that no man should preach in an others Dioces without lycence of the Bishop? whether vowes of priuate men commeth of the spirit of God? whether we should pray for the dead, or that there is a Purgatory? whether Morall philosophy helpe the vnderstanding of the Scriptures? whether the Popes pardons are to be …eiected? whether there may bee any Morall ver…ues without the grac… of Christ? whether Saluation and damnation come of necessity and nothing to bee in our owne wills? whether Images ought to be taken out of the Churches? whether preachers should exhort men to Pilgrimage or to the worshipping of reliques? hee in a maner confesseth them all.

Hee answereth that he did beléeue the assertions of Luther, and that men were not bound to beléeue Councells and Constitutions, and St. Augustine in his tim… marnailed, that we could liue in safety amongst so many snares of Constitutions, when Adam and Eue could not obserue one.

Fourthly he sayd that the Catholike Church cannot erre in fayth, for it is the whole Congregation of the Elect knowne onelyonly to God, otherwise no man could be assured of his owne or anothers saluation, for it is written, no man knoweth whether …e be worthy of hatred or louelove▪ yet I may truely say of the generall Councell, congregated by the holy Ghost: Behold here the Catholike Church, denominating the whole by the most worthy part: and hee affirmed by the Scriptures, that the faithfull hauehave the I…dgment of their soules as soone as they die, and are in Heauen, and that we are bound to obay Magistrates as Parents, and that the people should hauehave the Lords prayer and the Créed in their owne tongue, that their denotion might bee furthered by their vnderstanding of it, and might be more expert in their faith: I hau… heard many say, they neuer heard any speake of their resurrection, and by the knowledge thereof became more ready to goodnes, and fearefull to doe euill, and he would wish that the Scripture were in our owne tong…e, for St. Paule sath, hee would rather hauehave fiue words in a tongue that is knowne &c. that the Church may be edified, and Ch…isostome bad his hearers looke vponupon bookes, that they may the better remember that which they had heard, and Bead translated the gospell of St. Iohn into English, and where it is obiected, it is daungerous for Heres…e, hee said good Pastors might easily helpe the matter by adding the interpretation of the hard places in the margent: touching pardons, he said it were better that they should bee restrain…d, then any longer to be vsed as they hauehave béene to the iniury of Christs passion.

Further these things were deposed against him, that he should preach at Ipswich, Christ is our Meadiator betwixt vsus and the Father, why then should wee séeke to any Saint for remedy, and to make petition to Saints is great iniury and blasphemie to Christ: and that man is so imperfect of himselfe, that hee cannot merit by his owne deedes, that it was great iniury vntounto our Sauiour Christ, to teach that to b… p. 177buried in Saint Francis Coull, should remit foure parts of penance: what is then left to Christ which taketh away the sinnes of the world: This I will iustifie to bee great blasphemie.

And that it was great folly to go… in pilgrimage, and that preachers in times past hauehave been Antichrists, and now it hath pleased God somewhat to shew their errors; and that the myracles done in Walsingham, Canterbury, and Ipswich were done by the Diuell by the sufferance of God, to blind the people: and that the pope hath not the Keyes that Peter had, except hee follow Peter in liuing, and that it was deposed against him, that hee was twice pulled out of the Pulpit by the Fryers in the Dioces of Norwich: And that hee …xhorted the people to put away their Gods of Siluer and Gold, and leaue offering vntounto them, because it hath often béen knowne, that those things offered, hauehave after been giuen to Whoores of the Stewes: And that Iewes and Sarazens would hauehave bec…me Christians long agoe, had it not bin for the Idolatry of the Christians, in offering Candles, Wax and mony to stockes and stones.

In a Dialogue betwixt him and Fryer Iohn Brusierd, hee proueth thrée points: Firs…, that there is but one Mediator of God and Men, which is Christ: Then our Lady, S. Peter, and other Saints be no Mediators; and whatsoeuer wee aske the Father in Christs Name we shall hauehave, and God saith not in any other name: therfore let vsus aske in his name, least at the day of Iudgement it be said to vsus, hetherto hauehave you asked nothing in my name.

To which the Fry…r answered: I would Maister Bilney that you would search the first Origen of the Rogation daies, which were ordained by Pope Gregory, with Fastings, Prayers, and holy Processions against the Pestilence, by the infe…tion of the ayre, in which time of Procession an Image like our Lady, Painted by S. Luke, went before them: About which Image Angels did sing Regina coeli letare: To the which the Pope ioined, Ora pro nobis Domine, &c. Therefore beeing the Angels did honour the Image of the Uirgine: And Pope Gregory with all the Clergy did pray to her: It appeareth mani…estly we ought to pray to Saints, that they may say like for vsus, which the Disciples said in the Gospell, serue them, and send them away, because they cry after vsus.

Secondly, he proueth the Pope to be Antichrist, in that he exalteth himselfe aboue all that is called God. For the Pope imposeth but a small punishment vponupon them that break any of the …en Commandements; But he that shall violate the popes constitutions, he is guilty of death. What is this but the Pope to sit and to raigne in the Temple of God, that is, mans conscience as God, and the popish miracles are not of God, but illusions of Satan; who as the Script…res witnes, hauehave been loosed this fiue hundred yeares; As it is written, that Satan should bee loosed after a thousand yeares; and they are illusions, because they make them put th…ir Faith in our Lady and oth…r Saints, and not in God alone.

The third is, that no Saint, though his suffering were neuer so great, and his life most pure, deserued any thing for vsus with God, as you may sée by the answer of the wise Uirgins, vntounto the foolish Uirgins, when they craued oyle of them: No say they, least peraduenture we hauehave not sufficient for our selues and you, get you rather to them that sell, and buy, where be then the merits of Saints, whereby they may deserue for themselues and others.

After he was brought againe before the Bishops at the Charter-house afore said; where he was admonished to abiure and recant: who answered, he would stand to his Conscience: but being many times sent for and perswaded, he did abiure: But God not willing to loose such a worthy instrument of his Church raised him againe after his fall, as h…re followeth to be seene.