An Answer to a Seditious Pamphlet, Title page – To the reader
An anſwere to a ſeditious pamphlet lately caſt abroade by a Ieſuite, with a diſcouerie of that blaſphemous ſect.
By William Charke.
1. Reg. 20 11.
Let not him that girdeth on his armour, boaſt, as he that putteth it of.
¶Imprinted at London by Chriſtopher Barker, Printer to the Queenes moſt excellent Maieſtie. Anno 1580.
Decembris. 17.
To the Reader.
THe Lord hath many wayes to bring the enemies of the Goſpel to the louelove thereof. Eſpecially he requireth of vsus the defence of his trueth, and earneſt prayer that ſuch defenſe may reforme the iudgement and conſcience of the aduerſarie. For though there were will and labour for the trueth on both ſides (which is to be wiſhed) yet it is not in him that willeth, nor in him that runneth; but in God that ſheweth merciemercy. This merciemercy we muſt pray at Gods hand, that our planting and watering may receiue of him daily and great increaſes. Therefore, good reader, when this ſmal, or any great defenſe of the trueth cometh to thy hand, reioyce that the trueth is defended, that error and vanitie is diſcouered: but ioyne with that ioye a care to hauehave him brought into the waye of ſaluation, which either ignorantly or wilfully wandreth from the ſame. Hate his errors, but in compaſsion pray for his reformation. Who knoweth whom and when the Lord will call? Moreouer when thou ſeeſt the diligence and boldnes of the enemies ſo great in repayring the ruines of Babylon: pray alſo that we marking what wiſedome they hauehave in their generation, may the rather be prouoked to greater diligence & might infiniſhing the walles of Ieruſalē. Laſt of al let vsus as manie as profeſſe the Goſpel, bring forth fruites worthie of the Goſpel, leaſt the Papiſts on the one ſide, and the godleſſe familie of ſelfeloue on the otherſide preuaile more and more againſt the trueth, for a iuſt puniſhment of our ſinnes in contemning the Goſpel, which by doctrine with diſcipline, and by merciemercy with iuſtice muſt be maintained, and bring forth fruite to the glory of God, and the peace of his Church for euer. Amen.