The Antipathy of the English Lordly Prelacy, Part 2 · Chapter 8 · Section 1

The Antipathy of the English Lordly Prelacy · Part 2 · Chapter 8 · Section 1

p. 307CHAP. VIII. Containing certaine Conclusions deduced from the Premises; with the judgements and resolutions of divers of our ancient Writers and Martyrs, and some of our learnedst Bishops and Authors in Queen Elizabeths raigne, touching the pretended divine Iurisdiction of Bishops, their Treasons, Rebellions, Temporalities, large possessions; and the uselesnesse, unprofitablenesse, and mischeivousnesse of Lorldy Bishops, and their government in our Church.

YOu have now seen a large black Catalogue of the Treasons, Rebellions, Conspiracies, seditions, contumacies, State-schismes, Wars, Vproares, and Antimonarchicall practises of our Prelates against their Soveraignes, with their severall stratagems to undermine the Lawes and liberties of the Subjects, and worke the ru…ine and disturbance of our State in all ages; give me leave now in the close of this Relation, to draw some usefull undeniable con…lusions from the premises, worthy his Majesties, and the Parliaments most serious considerations.

The first is this, That our lordly Prelates in all ages since 1they became such, have been the greatest Rebels, Traytors, Conspirators and Opposites to our Princes; the chiefest Incendiaries and firebrands of all Warres, Seditions, State-schismes, and disturbance… which have infested our Realm…; and the archest tyrants, oppressors of the people, and invaders of our Lawes and Liberties, of all other Callings and Professions of men, severally or joyntly considered.

Secondly, That the Prelates Lordly jurisdiction over p. 308their fellow-brethren, contrary to Christs institution: the greatnesse of their wealth and temporall possessions; their admission to temporall Offices of greatest authority and trust: their sitting as Peeres in Parliament, and Judges in some tempo…all Courts; their residence in or about the Court, and advancement to be Counsellors of State; their neare relation to… and privy intelligence with the Pope, whose sworne vassals they were of old: the Antichristianity of their calling, which depends wholly upon the selfesame grounds and principles as the Romish Heirarchy doth; and the secret curse of God upon those Princes and Kingdomes who have erected, supported, and countenanced these Antichristian Lords, and imployed them in the greatest State-offices, against the expresse inhibition of Christ; wi…h the pride, avarice, malice and ambition, which insep…rably accompany their Lordly Chaires of pestilence, are the cheife grounds of our Prelates forementioned Treasons and extravagances; and that as long as they and these grounds continue, we must ever expect the selfesame examples, fruits and effects from this generation of Vipers, what politick courses soever shall be excogitated to prevent them.

3Thirdly, That our English Lordly Prelacy, stands in direct opposition to Regall Monarchy and civill Vnity; and that our Prelates Maxime, No Bishop, no King, is a false and idle Paradox, refuted by the premised histories, and the experience of all ages.

4Fourthly, That the calling of Lordly Prelates is neither Divine nor Apostolicall; but rather Antichristian and Diabolicall, as these fruits thereof demonstrate. And to speak ingenuously; the first thing that caused me to suspect our Prelates calling, not to be divine, (and thereupon induced me to search into the bottome of it, as farre as my poore abilities and leasure would permit, till I found it to be so i…deed;) was the pravity of their actions, and enormities of their lives: In which if I have erred, it is in following my Saviours infallible rule, Matth. 7.15. to 20. Beware of false Prophets which come to you in sheeps cloathing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves; ye shall know them by their …ruits. A good tree cannot bring forth evill fruit, neither can p. 309a corrupt tr…e bring forth good fruit: wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

Fifthly, That it can neither be safe for King nor State, 5to tolerate Lordly Prelates, or to admit them to manage the chiefe Offices, Councels, and affaires of the Kingdome, to which th…ir consultations and imployments for the most part, have …v…r proved pernicious, as ancient and present experience abundantly testifie. And that the readiest way to provide for our Kingdoms and Churches future security and tranquillity, will be utterly to suppresse and remove them from all such offices and consultations.

Sixthly, That those who have beene so perfidious and 6rebellious to our Kings and Kingdome, will hardly prove faithfull and trusty in matters of Religion, in which they have extraordinarily prevaricated in all ages; and not a little of late yeares, as is too manifest by sundry evidences and complaints in Parliament. And here give me leave to recommend …n… serious consideration to you, how dangerous it is to intrust our Religion in the Prelates hands, grounded upon these words of our famous **Licet sit expediens quod uni Populo partiali futeli, praesit unus Episcopus, nō tamen quod toti populo fideli praesit unus solus. Tum quia minus malum est ut populus partialis & parvus inficiatur ab uno Episcopo, quàm ut totus, vel fer… totus populus Christianus inficiatur ab uno capite, qui omnibus praesit. Ockam. Dialog. l. 2. Tract. 1. p. 3. c. 30. ad 8.Occham Who writing against the Pop…s Monarchy, alleadgeth this reason among others against it; that there is greater danger of poysoning …he people and whole Church by one supreame head, then by many. We know all the Bishops of England are to be consecrated by the Archbishop of Canterbury for the time being, and are subject to him, as Primate and Metropolitan of all E…gland, taking an **See Antiquitates Ecclesiae Brit. throughout.Oath of Canonicall obedience to him; so as they all, in a manner, depend on him: Againe, we know that no Minister can be ordained, or admitted to Preach, or instituted to any living as an Incumbent, or Curate, but by these Bishops; who take upon them to visit… silence and suspend them at their pleasure; yea, and to dispose of most Patrons benefices to whom they please: as we see by late wofull experience. Suppose then (which I trust shall never happen) that any to whom the Crowne of England shall descend should be ill affected to our Religion; if he should make choice of such an Archbishop (and he of other inferiour Prelates) sutable to his disaffecti…on, who must ordaine all other Bishops, Ministers, and may suspend and silence them, or deny to admit those that p. 310are Orthodox at his pleasure; how easily might our Church and Religion by one over-potent Arch-bishop, or Prelate, backed by his Soveraigne, be undermined, suppressed, and eradicated in a short space? Whereas if this jurisdiction were devested from the Bishops, (which are but 26. and depend on one Arch-Prelate) and setled in the Ministers which are many, and more independent on the Prince then they, our Religion would be farre more secure, and the Ministers and people lesse subject to be infected with Romish Innovations, which one Archbishop of Canterbury is now able sodainly to poyson our Church and people with.

8Seventhly, That these Bishops were the chiefe instruments to introduce, advance and support the Popes Antichristian authority, usurped jurisdiction, and erronious doctrines among us;Hence most Papists n…w live neare Bishops Cathedrals. and to revive them again, when diminished or extinguished; the Pope and popery still raigning among us, till the Prelates attainted by King Henry the eight in a Praemunire, were inforced, sore against their wils, to renounce the Popes authority, to acknowledg him the supreame head on earth of our English Church; and by speciall Letters patents and**37. H. 8. r. 17.1. E. 1. r. 2. Acts of Parliament, to confesse all their Episcopall jurisdiction to be derived not from God, or the Pope, but ONELYONLY from, by and under him their Soveraigne. And I dare further averre (for ratification of this Conclusion) that the Prelates of Italy, Germany, France, Spaine, Hungary, and Poland, are the maine pillars, which support the Popes Monarchy, false Doctrines, Ceremonies, and Superstitions in those Countries and Kingdomes; which would soone turne Protestants, were but the Bishops suppressed, and their great temporall revenues taken away; the enjoyment of which Antichristian dignities and possessions, engageth them to maintaine and uphold the Pope, and popery against their consciences. The truth of which will appeare by most of the transmarine reformed Churches, who could never utterly abandon the Pope with his Doctrines and superstitions, till they had extirpated their Lordly Bishops.

…. That as long as our Lordly Prelates continue, there will not onelyonly be a possibility, but a probability of bringing p. 311in popery and the Pope againe among us; since their Lordly Hierarchy is supported onelyonly by popish Doctrines, Canons, Ceremonies, and Principles, which they are engaged to maintaine, to preserve their tottering thrones from ruine. How farre the Pope his Doctrines and Superstitions had of late in a little time serued themselves into our Church, almost to the utter ruine of our Religion, and of the Ministers and professors of it (persecuted and driven out into forraine Countryes,) and that onelyonly by the Bishops and their instruments machinations, is so well knowne to all, and so abundantly discovered to and by this present Parliament, that I need not relate it… OnelyOnly this I dare say, that if ever they get head and life among us againe (as they did in Queene Maries dayes, and that principally by the Prelates meanes) it will be by our Lordly Bishops activity; who if once totally suppressed, both Pope and papists would utterly despaire of ever reducing England to their vassallage.

Eighthly, That Bishops have done a world of mischiefe to our Kings and Kingdomes, as appeares by all the premises, but little or no good that I can read off; And as for the diligent preaching of Gods word, and publishing Christs true Religion, the chiefe and almost onelyonly duty of Bishops; from Augustine, the first Archbishop of Canterbury (and first introducer of the Popes authority, errours and superstitions among us…) till Cranmers time, which is above 800 yeares, I thinke there was not one Archbishop guilty of it; The like I may say of other Seas; and I presume I may justifie, that some two poor Country Curats or Lecturers in our dayes, have converted more soules to God by their diligent zealous preaching, then all the Archb…shops of Canterbury put together, most of whom I read to have been Rebels, Traytors, State-officers, & persecutors of Religion; but very few of them soule-converting Preachers. Why then should …hese **Malmesbury, de Ge…tis Pontificum, in the life o… A…sel…e, with others forecited. p. 12.13.Popes of another World (as the Pope of Rome once stiled them) be still tolerated, when they have done so much mischiefe, and so little good to our State and Church?

Ninthly, That the endowing of the Prelates, with great 9Temporall revenews, was the very bane and poyson of Religion, and one principall cause of the Bishops rebellions, p. 312Treasons, and exorbitances forementioned; And therefore they may both with good conscience and reason be substracted from them and put to better us…s; and they like other Ministers, be confined to one comp…tent living with cure, there con…antly to reside and instruct the people, like Bishops in the primitive times.

10Tenthly, That our Lor…ly Prelates will be still undermining the Lawes… and lib…r…ies of …he Subjects, his Majesties royall p…erog…tive, his Eccle…asticall and temporall jurisdiction, and vexing his Subject… in their Courts, till both their usurp…d Authorities… and Consistories be better regulated, or totally abolished.

11Eleventhly, That the very Spirit of insolency, contumacy, t…eachery, sedition, rebellion, ambition, pride, covetousnesse, vaineglory, malice, hypocrisie, tyranny, and oppression is almost inseparably united to the Chaires of Lordly Prelates, since they infect almost all who once sit in them; and either infuse these vices into them, or augment them in them; none growing better men, but most farre worse by their Sees.

12Twelfthly, that the government of our Church in common, by a Presbytery or Synod of Ministers… or any other way used in the primitive Church and other refo…med Churches can no way be so pernicious or inconvenient to our Kings and Kingdomes as the Government by Lordly Prelates is and hath been. Our Prelates chiefe objection in point of Monarchy, against a Presbyteriall or Synodall government, is, **See Bishop White… Epistle before his Doctrine of the Sabbath: Heylyn in his Antidotum Lincolniense; and moderate answer to H. Burton.that if this forme should be introduced, the King and Nobles must submit ther…to, and be liable to their excommunications. But this is a foolish Bugbear, which recoyles and lights heavily on their owne heads. For the Archbishops and Bishops of England (and those of forraine Countrys too) have many times, not onelyonly excommunicated their Soveraignes, but also interdicted their Kingdomes, enjoyned hard penances to them, absolved their Subjects from their allegiance, and oathes, armed their people and strangers against them, and deprived them of their Crownes; offering them more and greater affronts, and requiring more submission from them, then all other their Subjects whatsoever. Did ever any Presbytery doe the like, or take so much p. 313upon them? or did they ever deal so with their Princes, as our Prelates did with King Iohn, or with Edward, and Richard the second? If yea, then prove it: If no, then this is no solid objection, but a malicious suggestion against the Presbyteriall and Synodall Government. In a word, I would demand this question of the Objectors, whether Kings, and great men, when they scandalously offend, be subject to the censures of Excommunication by the law of God? If so, then why may not the Presbytery and Synode of Ministers anathematize them, as well as Lord Bishops and Popes? If not, then there is no feare of such a censure, to which they are not liable by Gods Law or mans.

These twelve conclusions are sufficiently warranted by the premises; yet for the Readers better satisfaction, I shall back them with some passages and Authorities of our owne approved ancient and Moderne Writers, Martyrs, Prelates, and Authors of speciall note, and so conclude.

Caelius Sedulius Scotus, 11Sedulius.one of the ancientest of our owne Writers, flourishing about the yeare of our Lord 390. determines thus of the parity of Bishops and Presbyters by divine right, against our Lordly Prelates doctrine in these dayes, in his Exposition on Titus, Chap. 1. For a B…shop must be blamelesse, &c. He calleth him a Bishop, whom before he named a Presbyter. Before by the Devils instinct parties were made in Religion, and it was said among the people, I am of Paul, but I am of Apollo, and I am of Cephas, the Churches were governed with the common Councel of the Presbyters: But after that every one thought those whom he baptised to be hi… not Christs, it was decreed throughout the World, that one chosen … of the Presbyters should be set over the rest, to whom all the care of the Church should appertaine, and that the seeds of schismes should be taken away. In the Acts of the Apostl…s it is written, Acts 20.17, 28.Acts 20:17Acts 20:28tha… when the Apostle Paul … came to Miletus, he sent to Ephesus and called the Elders of that Church, unto whom among other things he spake thus: Take heed to your selves, and to all the flocke over which the Holy Ghost hath made you Bishops, to feed the Church of God which he hath purchased with his owne blood. And here observe more diligently, how that he calling the Elders of but one City Ephesus, doth afterwards stile them Bishops; These p. 314things I have alleadged that we m…ght shew how that among the Anc…ts, fuisse Presbyteros quos Episcopos, Pr…sbyters to h…ve been THE SAME THAT BISHOPS WERE: But by little and little, that the seeds of dissention might be utterly extïrpated, the whole cure was tra…sferred to one. And on the 1 Timothy 5.…. It is demanded (writes he) why Paul here makes no mention of Presbyters, but onelyonly of Bishops and Deacons? Sed etiam ipsos in Episcoporum nomine comprehendit: But truely he also compreh…ndeth th…m in …he name of Bishops.

22Anselme.To him I might annex our famous Gildas, in his Acris Correptio Cleri Angliae; our Venerable **In quo vos Spiritus sanctus posuit Episcopos. Dixerat enim suprà Presbyteros Ephesi Miletum vocatos, quos nunc Episcopos, id est, superin …pectores nominat. Non enim una civitas plures Episcopos habere potuit, sed eosdem Presbyteros, ut verè Sacerdot…s sub nomine Episcoporum significat. Conjunctus est enim gradus & in multis pene similis.Beda, in Acta Apostolorum, cap. 20. Tom. 5. Col. 657. and Alcuinus, de D…vinis Officijs cap. 35.36, Epistola. 108. ad Sparatum: and Comment. in Evang. Ioannis, l. 5. to. 25. Col. 547, 548, 549. Who maintaine the selfe same Doctrine of the Parity of Bishops and Presbyters, declaime much against the pride, Lordlin…sse, ambition, domineering power, and other vices of Prelates; and conclude, that a Bi…hopricke is Nomen Operis, non honoris; A name of Labour, not of honour; A worke, not a dignity; A toyle, not a del…ght. But I rather passe to Anselme Archbishop of Canterbury, a man without exception, and the greatest Scholler in his age; who neare 600 yeares since, in his Enarration on the Epistle to the Phillippians. cap. 1. vers. 1. resolves thus. With the Bishops, that is, with the Presbyters and Deac…ns: for he hath put Bishops for Elders, after his custome. For there were not many B…shops in one City, neither would he intermit Presbyters, that he m…ght desc…nd to Deacons: But he declares the dignity and excellency of the Presbyters, whil…s he manifests the same men who are Presbyters to be Bishops. But that AFTERWARD one was elected, who might be preferred before the rest, it was done to prevent schisme, le…t every one drawing to himselfe the Gospell of Christ, should divide it: Constat ergo Apostolica institutione omnes Presbyteros esse Episcopos. It is therefore MANIFEST BY APOSTOLICALL INSTITVTION, THAT ALL PRESBYTERS ARE BISHOPS, albeit NOW those greater ones have obtained that Title. For a B…shop is called an Overseer; and every Presbyter ought to attend the cure over the flock committed p. 315to him. In his Commentary on the first Chapter of Titus v. 5, 7. he hath the selfesame words that Hierom and Sedulius used before him, concluding from Acts 20.17, 28. and Phil. 1.1. Apud veteres cosdem fuisse Presbyteros quos Episcopos. That AMONG THE ANCIENTS PRESBYTERS WERE THE VERY SAME THAT BISHOPS WERE; and that the Churches were then governed by a common Councell of the Presbyters. As therefore Presbyters know, that they out of the custome of the Church, are subject to him who shall be set over them; so Bishops must know; SE MAGIS CONSVETVDINE, Quàm DISPOSITIONIS DOMINICAE VERITATE PRESBYTERIS ESSE MAJORES, ET IN COMMVNE DEBERE ECCLESIAM REGERE: that they by CVSTOME, rather then by truth of Divine Disposition are greater then Presbyters, and **Therefore it is of right and duty.OVGHT TO RVLE THE CHVRCH IN COMMON with them. From which pregnant Authority, even of an old Archbishop of Canterbury. I observe:

First, That by Apostolicall institution, Bishops and Presbyters are both one and the same; and originally continued so for a season.

Secondly, That the imparity now between them …s onelyonly by custome, not by divine institution, and crept in by little and little by degrees, after the Apostles time.

Thirdly, That every Presbyter is still truely and properly a Bishop over his owne flock.

Fourthly, That the Church of God at first was governed onelyonly by a common Councell or Synode of Presbyters, not by Bishops.

Fifthly, That Presbyters even at this day not onelyonly may, but ought to governe the Church in common with the Bishops; as they did both in Epist. 5.6… 10.Ignatius, bbApologia. adu. Gentes. c. 39.Tertullians, ccEpist. 6.18.28.39.45.Cyprians, and ddAdv. H…r. l. 4.43, 44. c. 4.Irenaeus time, as others have proved at large. See the Answer to Bishop Hals Remonstrance. Sect. 8, 9.

Sixthly, That Bishops were first eeCypr. Epist. 33.58. Hierom ad …uagr.elected, created, and instituted by the Presbyters;**Flacius Illericus in the end of his Caral. Test. veritatis. therefore by their owne maxime, (Ordinans est major ordinato) are greater and better then Bishops; the rather, because Presbyters Quatenus p. 316such are of Divin…, and Bishops quatenus Bishops but of humane institution: and Presbyters as such, by Anselmes owne resolution in his Commentary on 1 Tim. 4.14. may of right ordaine Elders, as well as Bishops.

Neither is Anselme singular in his opinion, in avouching the parity and identity of Presbyters and Bishops, since Athanasius, **In Ephes. 4. Tom. 3.239.Eph 4Ambrose, Hierome, Chrysostome, Theodoret, Primasius, Remigius, Rabanus Maurus, Haym…, Theophylact, Bruno, in their Commentaries on Phil. 1.1. Acts 20.17, 28. 1 Tim. 3. Tit. 1.5, 7. and on Ephes. 4.11, 12. with sundry **See A Catalogue Se. p. 1.2, 3.other Fathers delivered the same opinion in their writings before his time. A truth so cleare, that learned **Consultatio. Artic. 14. Oper. Parisiis. 16.6. p. 952.Cassander, though a Papist, confesseth, Convenit autem inter OMNES, olim Apostolicorum aetate, INTER EPISCOPOS ET PRESBYTEROS, DISCRIMEN NVLLVM FVISSE, SED POSTMODVM ordinis servandi, & sch…smatis vitandi causa Episcopum Presbyteris fuisse praepositum, cui soli Chyrotomi…, id est, ordinandi potestas servata sit. That then this truth which is granted on all hands by ALL (both Theologues and Canonists) among the Papists, should now be questioned, nay contradicted and and damned for Heresie by our Prelates, seemes strange and monstrous unto me. But to proceed on in our owne Writers.

33Aelfrick Canons.In the **Henr. Spilmanni Concil. Tom. 1. p. 576.586. Episcopi & Presbyteri Ordo VNVS.Canons of Aelfrick to Wulfinus a Bishop, about the yeare of Christ, 990. Sect. 17. There is no more difference between a Masse-priest, and a Bishop, then that a Bishop is constituted to confer Orders, and to visit, or oversee, and to take care of those things which belong to God, which should be committed to too great a multitude, if every Presbyter should doe it. For both VNVM TENENT EVNDEMQVE ORDINEM have one and the selfesame Order; although that part of the Bishop be the worthier. And in certaine old Saxon Chapters of incertaine Edition about the same time. Know that your degree is next to ours, & penè CONIVNCTVM esse, and to be almost the same or conjoyned to it. For as Bishops supply the place of Apostles in the Church, so doe Presbyters of the other Disciples of the Lord: whence we ought to be mindfull of so great a dignity.

p. 317John Salisbury our famous Country-man flourishing about the yeare of Christ, 44Iohn Salis.1140. De Nugis Curialium. li. 8. c. 17. and 23. writes thus of the pride and sedition of Bishops. Thou must admire to see the various houshold-stuffe and riches, as they say, of Croesus among them that preach poore Christ: They live of the Gospell without preaching the Gospell, and it is well if they live onelyonly, so, as they doe not also ryot. They so gape after gaine, that they contemne the things that are Jesus Christs; and are neither worthy the honour nor name either of a Pastor or hireling. They d… that which makes them to be feared of all, to bee beloved of none; they preac… peace, yet make division; they shew and counterfeit humility, that they may challenge pride. In fulnesse they dispute of fastings; and what they build up with words, they pull downe with deeds. The workes they doe, beare witnesse of them; you may know them by their fruits. It is not sufficient for them to sheare and devoure the flocke by liberty of a divine Law, unlesse they also implore the ayde of secular Lawes: and being made Officers to Prince…, they feare not to commit those things, which any other Publican would easily be ashamed of. In the meane time they are servants to pleasure or avarice; and those who have chosen and admitted them to their custody, they spoyle and oppresse; and desire the death of those whom they ought to foster both in flesh and spirit: Truly they beare in mind …hat of the Prophet. Behold I have set thee over the Nations and over Kingdomes, to pull up and to destroy, to pull downe and to scatter, &c. Nor they doe not onelyonly contend but fight for a Bishoprick. The Ancients heretofore were dragged against their wils to a Bishoprick, and went willingly to Martyrdome: they feared the chiefe Chaire, worse then a prison or crosse. But now the Prelates sp…ke quite contrary; we will not, say they, be Martyrs, but the glory of our Sees we will not give to another. Yet there is something in which they seeme to imitate the constancy of Martyrs, to wit, if they are to contest for a Bishoprick. It is reported by some, and it is true, that ambitious men have sometimes, yea often contended for the Bishopricke of Rome, and not p. 318without brotherly blood, hath the High Priest entred into the holy of holies. This verily is to succeed Romulus in paricide, not Peter in feeding the flock committed to him. More then civill Warres are againe stirred up betweene Caesar and Pompey, and whatsoever was presumed, wha…ever was impiously done at Philippi, Lucade, Murina, in Aegypt, or in Spaine, a prelaticall Warre accomplisheth. Doe they therefore procure the effusion of Christian blood, that it may be lawfull for them above other men, according to their pastorall duty, to lay down their lives for the Flock? Doe they therefore pull down the Churches, prophane holy things, that there may be some thing for them to build up and sanctifie? Perchance they dash Nations one against another, disquiet Kingdomes, violently take away the goods of Churches, that they may make matter of promeriting to themselves; that they may compose al things, that other things concu… ring they may lay hold on a necessity of commiserating and providing for the poore. But if they doe it, that they may safely doe any thing without punishment, that they may collect mony; that they may foster, dilate, and corrupt flesh and blood; trouble their Family, or seek their owne glory, domineering over the Lords heritage, and not being exanimo, an example to the flock, although with their lips and in simulation of office they put on a Pastor, yet they are more like to Tyrants then Princes. Philophers say, nothing is more pernicious to man then man; and among men a secular, or Ecclesiasticall Tyrant is most pernicious, Yet verily in both kinds the Ecclesiasticall is worse then the secular. For if Salt hath lost its savour, it is good for nothing, but to be cast out and troden under feet of men. So he long since determined.

Petrus BlesensisPetrus Blesensis, Archdeacon of Bath, flourishing about the yeare of our Lord 1160. writes thus to the Bishop of Bangor, concerning the wealth and State of Bishops: **Epist. 147…The Title of poverty is glorious with Christ; and that which hath becomed the Sonne of God, ought not to misbeseeme you: The Prince of the Apostles and Prelates saith. **Acts 3.6.Acts 3:6Gold and Silver have I none. Yea, that great famous p. 319**Possidon…us in vita.Augustine (Bishop of Hippo) therefore made no will, because the poore servant of Christ had nothing at all, whereof to make any bequest. It is your duty to live of the Gospell, as the Lord hath appointed, not to goe pompously in the ornament of Cloathes, in the pride of Horses, in the multitude of Attendants. It becomes you as a professour of Priestly and Episcopall holynesse, to …ut of all footsteps of your ancient conversation:**Bibl. Patrum Tom. 12. pr. …. p 947, 943. And in his Treatise of the Institution of a Bishop, dedicated to John Bishop of Worcester, He thus declaimes against the Lordlinesse, Cour…ship, and secular imployments of Bishops, especially those, which concerne the Exchequer. Certaine Bishops abusively, call the liberty and almes of ancient Kings bestowed on them, Baronies and Royalties, and themselves Barons, it being an occasion of most sham…full servitude. I am afraid, least the Lord complaine of them and say, **Hosea 8.4…Hos 8:4They have raigned, but not by me, they have made themselves Princes, but I knew it not. Thou must know, that thou hast taken upon thee the Office of a Shepheard, not of a Baron: Certainely **Gen. 46.34…Gen 46:34Ios…ph being in Aegypt, instructed his Father and Brethren to say to Pharaoh, We are Shepheards: He would rather have them professe the office of a Shepheard, then of a Prince or Baron. Christ saith, Iohn 10.11.John 10:11I am the good Shepheard: But thou art made by him a shepheard or a steward: a stewardship is committed to thee; and know, that thou must give an accoun… of thy stewardship. The husbandry of God is committed to thee, thou hast need of a Weeding-hooke, as an Husbandman; of a sta…e as a Shepheard; of a Weeding-hooke, that as the Sonne of a Prophet, **Ier. 1.101.Jer 1:101thou mayst pull up and destroy, build up and plant; use thy staffe by driving the Wolves from the sheep-fold, by sustaining the weake sheep, by raising up those …ha… are fallen, by reducing those that have st…ayed. But among the fruits of thy Episcopall office, let eternall things be ever preferred before temporall. Let another guide and dispatch thy temporall cares and affaires for thee; but doe thou diligently attend the salvation of soules. The mind consecrated to the discharge of Divine service, ought to be free from worldly imployments. Thou art addicted to p. 320great things, be not taken up with the smallest. These things what ever they are, which …end to the gaine of the World, and pertaine not to the gaining of soules, are small and vile. **1 Cor. 6.4.1 Cor 6:4If you shall have secular businesse, saith the Apostle, appoint those who are most contemptible among you to be Iudges. Thou therefore, O good Prelate, set all things after the salvation of soules; for soules are as far more worthy then bodyes, and all things else that humane ambition causeth, as Heaven it selfe excels Earth in dignitie. Yet at this day, with many, Episcopall authority consists onelyonly in this, that their plowlands are fatted with chalke and dung, that th…ir Fishponds bee multiplyed, that their Parkes and the Ground of their possessions be inlarged; In building Palaces, Mils and Ovens. All the care of Prelates is in increasing their rents: What? is it the voice of our Saviour to the Prince of the Apostles and Prelates, if thou lovest me, till thy Lands, build high Houses; we read that he said to Peter: **Iohn 21.17.John 21:17If thou lovest me, feed my sheep. Thou art the heire and Vicar of Peter, feed my sheep by Preaching; doe the worke of an Evangelist and Shepheard: thou must not be ashamed of the Gospell; if thou beleevest, thou oughtest not to be ashamed of thy Pastorall office. **2 Tim. 4.2.2 Tim 4:2Be instant therefore in season, out of season, fulfill thy Ministry: Thy ministry hath more burthen, then honour. If thou affectest the honour of it, thou art an hireling; if thou imbracest the burthen of it, the Lord is able to increase his grace, that thou maist receive gaine out of gaine, and profit out of profit.A good note for Bishops that meddle with Court and Exchequer offices. If thou shalt drowne thy selfe in the Labyrinthes of Court affaires, especially of the Exchequer, thou shalt suffer great losses of spirituall exercise. **Matth. 6.24.Matt 6:24No man can serve two Masters, God and Mammon. Let it not slip out of thy mind, how in the tonsure of thy head, when as thou wast elected into the Lords portion, how thou hast renounced, the ignominy of Lay-imployments. Yea, in the day of thy consecration, thou hast made solemne vowes to renounce all secular things and imployments (as our **See the Booke of ordination and consecration of Bishops.Bishops and Ministers yet doe in the presence of God, and the whole Congregation) which have bound up thy lips; thou art obliged with the words of thy owne mouth, when p. 321upon the interrogation of him that consecrated thee, thou hast published without any exception, that from hence forth thou wouldst wholly discharge and sequester thy selfe from all worldly businesses, and dishonest gaines, and wouldst alwayes bend thy whole study and care upon divine affaires. What hast thou to doe with the revennues of the Exchequer, that thou shouldest neglect the cure of soules, but …or one short houre?Note this. What, hath Christ elected thee to the receipt of custome? Matthew being once taken from thence, never returned thither againe. Be not therfore in the number of those, who prefer worldly imployments before spirituall, swallowing a Camell, and straining at a Gnat. We read that in the dayes of **Ruffinus Hist. l. 10. c. 2.Constantine, there were certaine Bishops, flattering the Prince, who gave greater reverence and heed to royall Edicts, then to Evangelicall precepts. And there are some Bishops now a dayes, to whom the dispensation of Gods word is committed, who are silent from good things, dumbe dogges, neither able, nor yet willing to barke; they are turned into an evill bow, giving themselves up as weapons of iniquity unto sinne. This exasperates Gods wrath, and accumulates the danger of eternall damnation on many, that certaine of the chiefe Priests and Eld…rs of the people, although they pronounce not judgement in cases of blood, yet they handle the same things by disputing and debating of them, and thinke themselves therefore free from blame, that in decreeing judgement of death, or Let those Prelates who have had their voices in such sent…nces, conside… this.truncation of members (which some of them of late have judicially given sentence of) they absent themselves onelyonly from the pronunciation and execution of this penall sentence. But what is more pernicious then this dissimulation? Is it lawfull to discuss… and determine that, which it is not lawfull to pronounce? Verily Saul did many wayes handle and plot the death of David, and that he might palliate his malice under the shadow of innocency, he said, 1 Kings 18.12.1 Kgs 18:12Let not my hand be upon him; but the hand of the Philistims be upon him. Truely as much as this dissimulation did excuse him with men, so much did it the more damnably accuse him with God. We have an expresse forme of similitude in that Consistorie wherein p. 322Christ was condemned to death: the Scribes and Pharisees said, Iohn 18 31.John 18:31It is n…t lawfull for us to put any man to death; And yet when they cryed, saying, Crucifie him; they pronounced a sentence of death against him with bloody malignity, whom they slew with the sword of the tongue, they protested it was not lawfull for them to slay, and their iniquity was in this very thing so much the more detestable, because that they might escape the censure of men, they covered it with a simulation of innocency. Thou art set over the soules of men, not over their bodies; The Prelate hath nothing that is common with Pilate. Thou art Christs Steward and the Vicar of Peter, neither oughtest thou to give an account of the jurisdiction committed to thee, to Caesar, but to Christ: yet some Bishops by usurped offices and administrations of the world, make themselves obnoxious to the bent of the Court, and as if they had renounced the priviledge of their dignity, expect the sentence of an harder event. He adds this more against the Lordlinesse and Dominion of Prelates in the same Treatise. There are some who repute honours, Vertues and ascribe the glory of their eminency to their merits, which peradventure they have obtained in Gods wrath. The assumption of honour, becomes a temptation, and an occasion of subvertion unto many. Therefore thou must so preside, as thou mayst profit. Woe to those who rule over men, if God set not president over them. Paul glories not of his Dominion, but of his Ministration. 2 Cor. 11.23.2 Cor 11:23In labours more abundant, in prisons more frequent, in stripes above measure, in deaths often. In these things a forme of glorying is prefixed thee, not in precious aray, not in much houshold-stuffe, not in heaping up money, not in Edefices or Cultures, not in enlarging possessions, not in multitudes of Horses, not in pompous rayment, not in a numerous traine: For after all these things doe the Gentiles seeke: But as the Doctor of the Gentiles glories, in **Gal. 6.142Gal 6:142the Crosse of our Lord Jesus Christ, whereby the World was crucified to him, and he unto the World. Repute thy selfe an humble and abject Servant: Let not humility be a disgrace to thee, which adorned the Sonne of God. Of Prelacy thou mayest have glory, but not with p. 323God, but if thou gloriest of humility, thou shalt not be unwise. **Mat. 10.25, 26.Matt 10:25Matt 10:26The Kings of th… Gentiles exercise Lordship over them; but ye shall not doe so… Therefore thou mayst not make thy selfe a Lord, but a Servant. The Apostle Peter saith; **1 Pet. 5.2, 3.1 Pet 5:21 Pet 5:3Not Lording over the Clergie, but being examples to the people. It is pernicious to a Prelate, gladly to heare of himselfe, above that he discernes to be within him. It is frequent to find one among the Bishops who may chance to dedicate the first yeare of his promotion to sanctity; and when in his novelty he became a Lamb, inveterated for some dayes, he is made a most ravenous Wolfe. The same Author in his 15.18.22, 23.25. & 64. …pistles hath sundry notable Passages against the Lordlinesse, Pride, and o…her vices of the Prelates in his age, and of the danger of Episcopacy. A Lord Prelate (writes h…e there) Observes not the face, but hand of him who repaires to him, as being alwayes ready to receive gifts: I wish this Charcter did not suit too wel with some of our Lordly Prelates now.he is of a shamelesse brow in demanding, ingratefull when hee hath received, inhumane if he receive not something; he is unmercifull to the afflicted; meeke to the most cruell; unstable, untractable; tolerable to none, hatefull to all, an enemy of peace, a contemner of faith, an adversary of unity; unfaithfull in his councels, negligent in his actions, furious in anger, remisse in mercy, dissolute in words, gluttonous in banquets, haughty in prosperity, fearefull in adversity. He doth nothing according to reason, but all things according to will; and as if he were degenerated into a beastiall sense, casting away from him the counsell and judgement of reason, he followes his owne appetite. For man being in honour understandeth not, but is compared unto the brute beasts, and became like to them: His ascent is pleasing neither to God nor man: his whole study, whole honour, whole glory, is the whole and sol… authority of his usurped Episcopall dignity, the stretching out of his breast; elevation of his necke, statelinesse of his going, distorsion of his eyes, Vultuosity, and thundring of his threatning countenance; and that I may include many things in few words, t…tum datur elationi, nibil sanctitati, &c. All is addicted to pride, nothing to sanctity, nothing to chastity… p. 324nothing to amity; and finally, nothing at all is left to h… nesty. Behold him speaking, behold him walking

Quas gerit …re min…s? quanto premit omnia fas…u?

What threatnings beares he in his mouth, with how

Great pride treads he upon all things below?

O curas hominum! O quantum est in rebus i…ane!

O cares of men! O how much emptinesse

And vanity Lord Prelates Mindes possesse?

O vaine glory! O bloody ambition! O the unsatiable desire of terrene honour! O the canker of hearts, the subversion of soules, the desire of dignities! Whence hath this plagu… crept up? Whence hath this execrable presumption prevailed; that unworthy men, should covet dignities? and by how much the lesse they deserve to ascend to honours, by so much the more importunately they thrust themselves into them. At this day by right and wrong, at this day to the hazard of soule and body unhappy men runne to the Pastorall chaire: and doe not consider that it is a **The true Title of a Prelates Chaire.Chaire of pestilence to them, whiles they are the cause of ruine to themselves and others. In flocks and heards, witnesse Hierome, the Ramme and Bull which excels in corpulency and animosity, goeth before the rest. But a man more beastiall then all bea…ts, presumes so much more indiscreetly and audaciously to be above his betters, by how mnch lesse he confides to the titles of vertues, or sincerity of conscience; he who hath learned nothing is made the teacher of others, and like sounding brasse and a …inkling Cymball, usurpes the office of Preaching, when as he is an unprofitable …tock, and a dumbe Idoll. This is it which Ecclesiastes deploringly complaines of;**…ccles. 10.6… I have seene (saith he) an evill under the Sunne, a foole placed in high dignity, and wise men sitting in low places. An illiterate Bishop is a dumbe preacher. It is a Prelates duty to instruct the people under him, to render a people acceptable to God, by opening the mystery of the Scriptures. But at this day, such as the people are, such is the Priest; as hi… darknes is, so also is light. Blush O Sidon at the Sea; a Prela…e may blush and grieve, to rule over people, not to profit them; to have taken upon him the office of a Teacher, and to be mute in instructing the people. It is the word of the lamenting Prophet: **Isay 50…Isa 50My people is become a lost flock; their Pastors have seduced them, they are dumb… dogges not able to barke… They ought to drive the Wolves from the flocks, but they themselves are wolves to their owne; taking care neither of their owne nor theirs salvation, they preci…itate the…selves with their flocks, into the pit of eternall death. Thus and much more he.

Not to mention **See Ba…us. Cent…riae …cri…. Brit.Grostheads booke de Ignavia Praelatorum; Or Halredus de Praelatorum moribus; Nigellus Wireker de Abusu rerum Ecclesiae. Gualther Mapes his Complaint against the Pr…l…tes; Ad mal…s Pastores, & ad …mpios Praelatos… Robert Baston, de sacerdotum Luxuriis, or …ohn Purvey de obliquo cleri statu, all declaiming against the Lordlinesse, pompe, pride, wealth, and v…es of Prelates; the most of which bookes the Prelates have suppressed, their titles onelyonly being left upon record: Nor yet to mention the passages of Robert Holkot our famous Clerke, In lib. Sapientiae. lect. 77.163. and lect. 1. in Proverbia Solomonis, to like purpose.

Richardus Armachanus Archbishop of Armagh,Rich… Armacha…nus. flourishi…g in the beginning of Wicklif… time, about the yeare of Christ 1350. De Questionibus Armenorum. l. 11. …. 1. determines thus.Li. 11. De questionibus A…nenoru… …. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.

That neither the Dominion nor Ministry of temporall things belongs to Ecclesiasticall dignity, but rather deminishes i…. For the Lord prohibited the Dominion of temporall things to his Apostles and Disciples, saying; Possesse neither gold nor moneys in your purses; Mat. 10.19. If thou wilt be perfect, go… and sell all thou hast; & give to the poore. Now it cannot bee of Ecclesiasticall dignity, which the Head of the Church hath prohibited to his members: or at least would not have them to po…sess… Whence it appeares, that the dominion or possession of temporall things doth in no wise essentially appertaine to Ecclesiasticall dignity, but rather diminisheth it. In the second Chapter he averres, that these states and degrees of p. 326Patri…rch, Archbishop, Bishop, &c. were invented onelyonly out of the devotion of men, not instituted by Christ and his Apostles. That no Prelate of the Church, how great soever; hath any greater degree of the power of order, then a simple Priest. In the fourth Chapter, hee proves, that the power of confirmation and imposition of hands that the Holy Ghost may be given thereby, appertains to the jurisdiction of th… Presbytery, Which he manifesteth by Acts 7. & 14. 1 Tim. 4. and by the practice of the Primitive Church after the Apostles time. In the fourth and fifth Chapters he demonstrates, That Priests are called Bishops by the Apostle. Phil. 1.1. 1 Tim. 3. Titus 1. and Acts 20.28. Et quod ordine succedant Apostolis, and that they succeed the Apostles in order. In the sixth Chapter he proves, That all Priests and Bishops are equall as to the power of Order: And in the fourth Chapter he punctually determines, That there is no distinction found in the Evangelicall, or Apostolicall Scriptures, betweene Bishops and simple Priests called Presbyters; Whence it follow…s, Quod in omnibus est una potestas & aequalis ex ordin… ; that in all of them there is one and equall power by reason of Order: And that for ought he can find, the Apostle Paul doth not in any of his Epistles distinguish between the Order of Presbyters (that is) of Apostles, and Bishops. That every one who hath the cure of others, is a Bishop. Which the name of a Bishop importeth and manifesteth. For a Bishop is nothing else, but a superintendent, or watchman: From whence it is evident… that besides the power of Order, hee hath nothing but a Cure.

Iohn Wiclif…e.Our famous English Apostle John VVicklife, (as Master Fox oft stiles him) delivers the selfesame doctrine of the Identity of Presbyters and Bishops, Dialogorum. l. 4. c. 14. De Sacramento ordinis. f. 124, 125. Some men (saith he) multiply the character in Orders: But I consider whether their foundation or fruit be in the Scripture. But one thing I confidently averre; That in the Primitive Church and in Pauls time, two Orders sufficed: The Presbyter, and the Deacon. Likewise I say, that in Pauls time a Presbyter and Bishop suit idem, was the same. p. 327This appeares by the first of Timothy, chap 3. and T… tus chap. 1.

And herein that profound Divine Hierome justifies the same, as appeares Distinct. 74. Cap. Olim. For then was not invented that distinction of Pope and Cardinalls, Patriarchs and Archbishops, Bishops, Archdeacons, Officials, and Deanes, with other Officers and private Religions, of which there is neither number nor Order. Concerning the contentions about these things, that every one of these is an Order, and that in the reception thereof, the grace of God and a character is imprinted, with other difficulties, which ours babble about, it seeme… good to me to be silent, because they neither establish, nor prove what they affirme But out of the faith of Scripture, it seeme…h to me to suffice, if there be Presbyters, and Deacons, keeping the sta…e and office which Christ hath imposed on them. **Quia certum videtur, quod superbia Caesar…a hos gradu… & ordines adinvenit.Because it seemes certaine, that Caesarian Pride invented these other degrees and Orders. For if they had been necessary to the Church, Christ and his Apostles had not been silent in the expression of them, and description of their office, as those blaspheme who magnifie the Popes Laws above Christ. But a Catholicke ought to receive the office of these Clergy-men out of the Scriptures authority, out of the Epistles to Timothy and Titus; Neither ought he under paine of sinne to admit these new Caesarian inventions. Thomas Waldensis, Wickliffes professed Antagonist. Tom. 1. l. 3. Artic. 3. c. 29.30.31, 32. Tom. 2. c. 117, 118. and Tom. 3. c. 60.61, 62, 63. brings in Wickliff…, proving by many arguments, That Bishops and Presbyters are all one and the same by divine institution and Gods Law. That the Ordination of Presbyters belongs not onelyonly to Bishops, sed etiam ad simplic…m Sacerdotem, But even to a meere Priest as well as to them; That one ordained a Minister, by a meere Priest alone, ought not to doubt of his Priesthood, or to seeke Ordination elsewhere, if he rightly discharge his ministeriall office; That a bare Priest may supply the place of a Bishop in conferring Orders, &c. And **Histor. Angliae p. 474. Ypodigma Neustriae. An. 13…9. p. 144…Thomas Walsingh…m with others testifie: That in his time one Lollard, that was a Priest, did commonly ordaine and create another. p. 328And o…er that every Priest had as great power to conferre the Sacraments of the Church, as the Bishops had. In a word, Wickliffe affirmed, Dialog. li. 4. c. 26. Fox Acts and Monuments. p. 414.That there were twelve Disciples of Antichrist which plot against the Church of Christ; to wit, Popes, Cardinal…, Patriarchs… Archbishops, Bishops, Archdeacons, Officials, Deanes, Monks, Canons, Friers, Pardoners: All these twelve (writes he) Et specialiter Praelagi Caesarij, and specially Caesarean Prelates, are the mani…est Disciples of Ant…christ, Because they take away the liberty of Chri…t, and burthen and hinder the holy Church, that the Law of the Gospell should not have free passage as in former times it had, So that he d…emed the calling of Bishops, Antichristian: And as for their Temporalties and s…cular offices, He posit…vely maintained, Thomas Walsingham Hist. Angl. p. 205.302. to 307. Fox Acts and Monum…nts. p. 398, 399.414. Holi…shed… p. 411.That Popes, Cardinals, Bishops, and other Priests, might not civiliter dominari, rule like Temporall Lords, or beare any civill office, without mortall sinne; That it is a sinne to endow them with temporall possessions: That no Prelates ought to have any Prison to punish or restraine offendors, nor yet to purchase large temporall possessions or riches: And that no King ought to impose any secular office upon any Bishop or Curate: For then both the King and Clerke should be, Proditor Iesu Christi; a betrayer of Jesus Christ. Which he manifests at large. Dialog. l. 4. c. 15, 16, 17, 18.26, 27. Where he proves, That the temporall Lords, have grievously sinned in endowing the Bishops and Church with large temporall possessions; That warres and contention have risen thence: that this endowment hath reversed Christs Ordination and procreated Antichrist, to the manifold deturbation of Christs Spouse. Whence Chronicles note, that in the dotation of the Church, an Angels voyce was then heard in the ayre, This day is poyson powred into the whole Church of God. And from Constantines time, who thus endowed the Churches, the Roman Empire and secular Dominion in it hath still decreased. Therefore if Kings would preserve their Dominions intire, and not have them diabolically torne; if they would reforme and preserve the peace of the Church, and keepe their Subjects …oyall, and p. 329not have them Rebels, Let them study to reforme the Church according to Christs Ordinance… under whose government it will be most prosperously regulated, an… all warres, symony, with other misch…ifes will cease. Concluding, that it is not onelyonly lawfull for them to take away these temporalities from the Church which abuseth them, but that they ought to doe it under paine of eternall damnation in Hell, seeing they ought to repent of this their folly, and to satisfie for the same, wherewith they have defiled the Church of Christ. Finally, **Dialog. l. 3. c. 3…. f. 72.hee stiles the Bishops, lesser Antichrists, who following the great Antichrist, forsake and banish the office of Preaching which Christ hath designed to them, and bring in th… office of spoyling those that are under them, feeding upon the sheep of Christ.

William Swinderby, William Swinderbya Martyr under Richard the s…cond, had thi… Article obje…ed to him, that hee held. **Fox Acts and Monuments, p. 431.434. Edit. 1610. and Edit. ult. vol. 1. p. 609 619.113.615.616.617.That all Priests are of like power in all …hings, notwithstanding that some of them in this World are of higher and greater honour, degree, or preheminence. And concerning the wealth, possessions, and Lordships of Prelates he thus affirmed before the Bishops who convented and examined him. As anen…t the taking away of temporalities, I say that it is lawfull for Kings, Princes, Dukes and Lords of the World to ta… away from Popes, Cardinals, fro Bishops and Prelates possessions of the Church, their temporalities, and their almes they have given them, upon condition they should serve God the better, when they verily seen, that their giving and their taking, beene contrary to the Law of God, to Christs living and his Apostles; and namely in that they take upon them (that shoulden be next followers of Christ and his Apostles in poorenesse and meeknesse) to be secular Lords, against t…e teaching of Christ and Saint Peter, Luke 22 Reges gentium: Et 1. Pet. 5. Neque Dominantes in Cle… ; and namely when such temporalities makes …hem the more proud both in heart and array, then they shoulden been else, more in strife and debate against peace and charity, and in …vill ensample to the world, more to be occupied in worldly businesse; Omnem solicitudinem pro ijcient…s in …um: and p. 330drawes them from the service of God, from edifying of Christs Church, in impoverishing and in making lesse the state and power of Kings, Princes, Dukes, and Lords that God hath set them in, in wrongfull oppression of Commons for unmightfulnesse of Realmes. For Paul saith to men of the Church (whose lore Prelates shoulden so…veraignely follow.) Habentes victum & vestitum hii… contenti simus. If men speaken of wordly power and Lordships, and worships, with other vices that raigne therein, what Priest that insues and has most hereof (in what degree so he be) he is most Antichrist of all the Priests that been in earth. This hee thus …urther backes and seconds. Truely me seemeth that all Christian men, and namely Priests, shoulden take keepe, that their doing were according with the Law of God, either the old Law, either the new. The Priests of the old Law weren forbidden to have Lordships among their Brethren; for God said, that he would be their part and their heritage. And Christ that was the highest Priest of the new Testament forsook worldly Lordship, and was here in forme of a servant, and forbade his Priests such Lordships, and said, Reges g…ntium dominantur eorum, &c. Vos autem non sic, that is, The Kings of the Heathen beare dominion and rule, &c. But you …hall not doe so. And as Saint Peter saith, Neque dominantes in clero, &c. Not bearing rule and dominion of the clergy, &c. So it seemeth me, that it is against both Lawes of God, that they have such Lordships, and that their title to such Lordships is not full good. And so it seemeth me, that if they have been thereto of evill living, it is no gre… perill to take away from them such Lordships, but rather needfull, if the taking away were in charity, and not for singular covetousnesse ne wrath… And I suppose that if Friers, that been bound to their founders to live in poverty, would breake their rule, and take worldly Lordships, might not men lawfully take from them such Lordships, and make them to live in p… verty as their rule would? And forsooth it seeme…h me, that Priests oughten all so well to keep Christs rule, as Friers owen to keepe the rul… of their founder. Ieremy witnesseth how God commendeth Rechabs Children, …remy 35.for that p. 331they would not break their Faders bidding in drinking of Wine; And yet Ieremy proffered them wine to drink. And so I trow, that God would commend his Priests if they woulden forsake worldly Lordships, and holden them apayd with lifelot, and with cloathing, and busie them fast about their heritage of Heaven. And God saith, Numer. 18. That is, You shall have no inheritance in their Land, nor have no part amongst th…m; I will be your part and inheritance amongst the children of Israel, Deut. 18. The Priests and Levites, and all that be of the same Tribe, shall have no part nor inheritance with the rest of Israel, because they shall eate the Sacrifices of the Lord and his oblations, and they shall take nothing of the possession of their Brethren: The Lord himselfe …s their possession, as he spake unto them. And the fourteenth chap…er of Luke: Even so every one of you which forsaketh not all that he possesseth, cannot be my Disciple. And Ierome in his 14 Epistle. hath the like words: And Bernard in his 20 Booke to Eugenius the Pope. And a…so Hugo in his booke De Sacramentis, the second part of his second booke the 7 chapter. And also in the 12. q. first chapter, Duo sunt. and in the chapter Clericus. And againe, Bernard in sermone de Apostolis upon this place; Ecce nos reliquimus omnia; Behold we leave all, &c. Chrysostome upon the Gospell of Saint Matthew, &c.

**Walter Brute.Walter Brute, this Swinderbyes Disciple, was **Fox Acts and Monuments. Vol. 1… p. 622.642…653.Articled against before the Prelates, for maintaining the same positions his Master did; namely, That all Priests are of like power in all points, notwithstanding that some of them are in this world of higher dignity, degree, or preheminence. And touching the wealth and Temporalties of Prelates and Clergy men, and the taking away of tbem; he thus concludes in his Examination before the Bishop of Hereford. As touching the taking away of temporall goods from those that are Ecclesiasticall persons offending habitualiter, by such as …re temporall Lords, I will not affirme any thi…g to be lawfull in this matter (as in other matters before) that is not agreeable to charity; And that because it is a hard matter for a man to take another mans goods from him without breaking of charity; because peradventure hee p. 332that taketh away is the more moved to such manner of taking away, by reason of the desire he hath to those goods, which he endureth to take away; or else because of some displeasure or hatred to the person from whom he goeth about to take away those goods, more then that he from whom those goods be tak…n …ould be amended. Therefore unl…sse he that taketh away be onelyonly moved of charity to the taking away of such goods, … dare not affirme that such taking is lawfull: And if such taking away proceed of charity, I dare not judge it unlawfull; because that the Bishop of Rome which received his temporall dominion of the Empe…our, when the Emperour rebelled and was not obedient unto him, deprived him from his t…mporall jurisdiction: How much more then may temporall Lords doe the same, which have bestowed upon them many temporall Dominions and Lordships, onelyonly to the intent that they might the better intend to serve God and ke…p… his Command…ments? Now if they perceive, that they be against the Lawes of God, and that they be ove… busily occupied about wordly matters, I cannot see but that they may well enough take from them those temporall goods which to a good purpose they gav… them. But if in time to come after this, those that be… temporall Lords shall take from Ecclesiasticall persons such temporalties, let him that desireth to understand this, read the Prophet Ez…kiel, in the chapter of the shepheards of Israel, which fed themselves in stead of their flock; and so let him read the Apocalyps of the fall of Babylon: Let him also read the Popes Decretal… against Hereticks; and in those he shall find, that the taking away of the temporalties from the Clergy shall come to pas…e for the multitude of their sinnes. This opinion, That the temporall Lords might t…ke away the temporall goods from Church…, offending habitually; w…s likewise maintained about the same time by **Fox Acts and Monuments. Vol. 1. p. 572.Nicholas Hereford, Philip R…ington, John As…on, and generally by all the Wicklivists of that age; and that without any danger at all of sacriledge or sinne, with Walter Brute his limitations; which opinion the Lordly Prelates of England … very importunate to cause them to recant by force, and flattery.

p. 333William Thorpe a Martyr in Henry the fourth his raigne: William Thorpeaverred: **Fox Acts and Monuments. Vol. 1. p. 700, 701.707. The viciousnes and pride of Priests, infecte…h al the world.That the covetousnesse of Priests and pride, and the boast that they have and make of their dignity and power, destroyeth no… onelyonly the vertues of Priesthood in Priests themselves, but also over this, it stirreth God to take great vengeance both upon the Lords, and upon the Commons which suffer these Priests charitably. Whereupon Arundel the Archbishop said to him; Thou judgest every Priest proud that will not goe arayed as thou doest, **It is pity Bishops cannot sweare.by God I deeme him to be more meek that goeth every day in a Scarlet gowne, then thou in thy thredbare blew gowne: Whereby knowest thou a proud man? And hee said, Sir, a proud Priest may be knowne when he denyeth to follow Christ and his Apostles in wilfull poverty and other vertues, and cove…eth worldly worship, and taketh it gladly, and gathereth together with pleading, menacing or with flattering, or with Simony any-worldly goods, and most, if a Priest …usy him not cheifly in himselfe, and after in all other men and women after his cunning and power to withstand sinne. And finally he adds, that the viciousnesse of these foresaid named Priests and Prelates hath been long time, and yet is, and shall be cause of wars both within the Realme and without; and in the same wise these unable Priests have been, and yet are, and shall …e chiefe cause of pestilence of men, and murren of beasts, and the barrennesse of the earth, and of all other mischiefes, to the time that Lords and Commons able them through grace to know and to keep the Commandements of God, inforcing them then faithfully and charitably by one assent, to redresse and make one this foresaid Priesthood, to the wilfull, poore, meeke, and innocent living and teaching, specially of Christ and his Apostles. So hee.

Iohn Purvey a Martyr about the same time,Iohn Purvey… in a Treatise of his declared, how the King, the Lords,**Fox Acts and Monuments. Vol. 1. p. 711. and Commons may without any charge at all keepe fifteene Garrisons, and find 15900 Souldiers (having sufficient Lands and revenues to live upon) out of the temporalties gotten into the hand… of the Clergy, and …ained religious men, which never doe tha… which pertaineth to the office of p. 334Curats to doe, nor yet to secular Lords. And moreover the King may have every yeare 20000 pound to come freely into his coffers and above; also he may finde or sustaine fifteene Colledges more, and 15000. Priests and Clarks with sufficient living, and an hundred Hospitals for the sick, and every house to have a hundred Markes in Lands: And all this may they take of the foresaid temporalities, without any charge to the Realm… whereunto the King, the Lords, and th… Commons are to be invited. For otherwise there seemeth to hang over our heads a great and marvellous alteration of this Relme, unlesse the same be put in execution: And if the secular Priests and fained religious, which be Simoniacks and Hereticks, which faine themselves to say Masse, and yet say none at all according to the Canons, which to their purpose they bring and alledge, 1. q. 3. Audivimus, & Cap. Pudenda, & Cap. Schisma: by which Chapter such Priests and religious doe not make the Sacrament of the Altar, that then all Christians, especially all the founders of such Abbies, and endowers of Bishopricks, Priories, and Chaunte…ies, ought to amend this fault and treason committed against their Predecessors, by taking from them such secular dominions which are the maintenance of all their sinnes. And also that Christian Lords and Princes are bound to take away from the Clergy such secular Dominion as nous…eth and nourisheth them in Here…ies, and ought to reduce them unto the simple and poore life of Christ Jesus and his Apostles. And further that all Christian Princes (if they will amend the malediction and blasphemy of the name of God) ought to take away their temporalities from that shaven generation which most of all doth nourish them in such malediction. And so in like wise the fat tithes from Churches appropriate to rich Monks, and other religious, fained by manifest lying and other unlawfull meanes, likewise ought to debarre their gold to the proud Priest of Rome which doth poyson all Christendome with Simony and Heresie. Further, that it is a great abhomination, that Bishops, Monks, and other Prelates be so great Lords in this World, whereas Christ with his p. 335Apostles and Disciples never tooke upon them secular dominion, neither did they appropriate unto them Churches, as these men doe, but lead a poore life, and gave a good testimony of their Priesthood. And therefore all Christians ought to the uttermost of their power and strength, to sweare that they will reduce such shavelings to the humility and poverty of Christ and his Apostles; and whosoever doth not thus, consenteth to their Heresie. Also that these two Chapters of the immunity of Churches are to be condemned, that is, Cap. Non minus. & Cap. Adversus. Because they doe decree, that temporall Lords may neither require tallages nor tenths by any ecclesiasticall persons. He writes much more to the same effect.

The noble Martyr, Sir **Fox Ac…s and Monuments. p. 514.517, 518.522. Walsingham Hist. Angliae. An. 1413. p. 429.Iohn Old Castle, Lord Cobham professed,Lord Cobham. That the will of God is, That Priests being secluded from all worldlinesse, should conforme themselves utterly to the examples of Christ and his Apostles, be evermore occupied in Preaching and teaching the Scriptures purely, and giving wholesome examples of good living to others; being more modest, loving, gentle, and lowly in spirit then any other sorts of people. Where doe ye finde (said hee to the Prelates) in all Gods Law, that ye should thus sit in judgement of any Christian man, or yet give sentence of any other man unto death, as ye doe her… dayly? No ground have ye in all the Scriptures, so Lordly to take it upon you, but in Annas and Caiphas, which sate thus upon Christ, and upon his Apostles after his ascension: Of them onelyonly hav… y… taken it to judge Christs members as ye doe, and neither of Peter nor Iohn: Since the venom… of Iu…as was shed into the Church, Yee never followed Christ, nor yet stood in the perfection of Gods Law: …y venome, I meane your possessions and Lordships: For then cryed an Angell in the ayre (as your owne Chronicles mention) Woe, woe, woe, This day is venome shed into the Church of God: Before that time all the Bishops of Rome were Martyrs in a manner: and since that time we reade of very few: But indeed one hath put downe another, one hath cursed another, …n… p. 336hath poysoned another, one hath slaine another, and done much more mischiefe besides, as all Chronicles tell. And let all men consider this well, that Christ was meeke and mercifull; the Pope (and his Prelates) is proud and a Tyrant: Christ was poore and forgave; the Pope is rich and a malicious manslayer, as his dayly acts do prove him. Rome is the very nest of Antichrist, and out of that nest cometh all the Disciples of him; of whom Archbishops, Bishop…, Prelates, Priests, and Monks be the body, members; and these pild Friers the tayle. Though Priests and De…cons for preaching Gods word, ministring the Sacraments, with provision for the poore, be grounded on Gods Law, yet have these Sects no manner of ground thereof. Hee that followeth Peter most nighest in pure living, is next unto him in succession. But your Lordly Order esteemed not greatly the behaviour of poore Peter, what ever ye prate of him.

Peirce PlowmanPierce Plowman, **Passus. 15.2, 4, 8.an anci…nt …nglish Poet writes to the same effect.

If Knighthood and kinduite and commons by conscience,

Together love lelly, leeveth it well ye Bishops,

The Lordship of Lands for ever …all ye lese

And live as Levitici, as our Lord ye teacheth.

Deut. 8. Numb. 5. per primitias & Decimas, &c.

And the Author of the same Treatise, in his **Fox Acts and Monuments. Vol. 1. p. 528.529, 53….532. Edit. ult.Plowmans complaint of the abuses of the World: writes thus against the Lordlinesse and wealth of B…shops and Priests. Lord thou saydst Kings of the Heathen men be Lords …ver their subjects, …nd they that usen their power be clepen well doers. But Lord thou saydst, it should not bee so among thy servants, but he that were most, should be as a servant. And Lord thy Priests in the old Law had no Lordship among their brethren, but houses and pastures for their beasts: but Lord our Priests now have great Lordships, …nd put their brethr…n in greater thraldome, than Lewdmen that be Lords: Thus in meeknesse forsaken. The deed sh…weth well of th…se Masters, that they desiren more maistery for their owne worship, then for profit of the p…ople. For wh…n they be Masters, they n… pre…che… p. 337not so often as they did before. And gif they preachen, commonly it is before rich men, there as they mowen beare worship and also profit of their preaching. But b…fore poore men they preachen but seldome when they b… Masters: and so by their workes we may seene that they are but false glossers. O Lord deliver the sheepe out of the ward of these Shepheards, and these hired men, that stond…n more to keep their riches that they robben of thy sheep, than they stonden in keeping of thy sheep. And Lord geve our King and his Lords heart to defenden thy true shepheards and sheep from out of the Wolves mouthes, and grace to know thee that art the true Christ, the Sonne of the heavenly Father, from the Antichrist, that is, the Son of perdition, &c.

Sir Geoffry **The Plowmans Tale.Chaucer our renowned Poet, writ…s much the same effect.

The Emperour ga…e the Poet sometime,

So high Lordship him about,

That at last the sely Kyme,

The proud Pope put him out;

So of his Realme is in doubt:

But Lords b…ware and them defend

For now these folk been wondrous stout.

Moses Law forbade i… th…,

That Priests should no Lordships weld:

Christs Gospell biddeth also

That they sho…ld no Lordship… held,

Ne Christs Apostles were never so bold

No such Lordships to them embrace,

But …neren her …eep and keep her fold:

God amend hem for his grace, &c.

This Booke of Chaucer was authorised to be printed by Act of Parliament, in the 34. and 3…. Hen. 8. C. 2. When the Prelates by the same Act prohibited both the printing and reading of the Bible in English, such was their piety.

About the same time there was a device or counterfeit letter fained under the n…e of Lu…ifer Prince of darknesse,Lucifers Letter. written to the pers…cuting Pr…l…tes of England in p. 338those times, and transcribed by Master Fox out of the Register of the Bishop of Hereford and written (as some thinke) by William Swinderby or some other Lollard; The coppy whereof I shall here insert, because it lively sets sorth the use and benefit that the Devill makes of our Lordly Prelates, and the ill effects of their great wealth and power, to the great prejudice both of our Church and State.

**Fox Acts and Monuments. Edit. 1610. p. 462.4…3.I LVCIFER Prince of Darknesse and profound heavinesse, Emperour of the high Misteries of the King of Acharo…t, Captaine of the Dungeon, King of Hell, and controuler of the infernall fire; To all our children of pride, and companions of our Kingdome, and especially to our Princes of the Church of this later age and time (of which our adversary Jesus Christ, according to the Prophet saith, I hate the Church or Congregation of the wicked) send greeting, and wish prosperity to all that obey our commandements, as also to all those that be obedient to the Lawes of Satan already enacted, and are diligent observers of our behests and the precepts of our decree. Know ye that in times past certaine Vicars or Vicegerents of Christ, following his steps in miracles and virtues, living and continuing in a beggarly life, converted in a manner the whole World from the yoake of our tyranny unto their Doctrine and manner of life, to the great derision and contempt of our Prison-house and kingdome, and also to the no little prejudice and hurt of our jurisdiction and authority, not fearing to hurt our fortified power, and to offend the Majesty of our estate: For then received we no tribute of the World, neither did the miserable sort of common people rush at the gates of our deepe dungeon as they were wont to do with continual pealing and rapping, but then the easie, pleasant, and broad way which leadeth to death, lay still without great noyse of trampling travellers, neither yet was trod with feet of miserable men: And when all our Courts were without Suitors, Hell then began to howle: And thus continuing in great heavinesse and anguish, was robbed and spoyled. Which thing considered, the impatient rage of our stomack could p. 339no longer suffer, neither the ugly rechlesse negligence of our great Captain… generall could any longer endure it. But we se…king remedy for the time that should come after, have provided us of a very trim shift; For in stead of these Apostles and other their adherents which draw by the same line of theirs, as well in manners as doctrine, and are odious enemies to us;Placing of all mischeife. Wee have caused you to be their Successors, and put you in their place, which be Prelates of the Church in these later times by our great might and subtilty,The Church never well governed since the Devils were taken of the Church men as Christ hath said of you; They have raigned but not by me. Once we promised unto him all the Kingdomes of the World, if he would fall downe and worship us; but he would not, saying, My Kingdome is not of this World; and went his way when the multitude would have made him a temporall King. But to you truely which are fallen from the state of grace, and that serve us in the earth, is that my promise fulfilled, and all terrene things by our meanes which wee bestowed upon you, are under government. For he hath said of us ye know, The Prince of this World cometh, &c. And hath made us to raigne over all children of unbeleife. Therefore our adversaries before recited did patiently submit themselves unto the Princes of the World, and did teach, that men should doe so; saying, Be ye subject to every creature for Gods cause, whether it be to the King as most chiefest. And againe. Obey ye them that are made rulers over you, &…. For so their Master commanded them; saying, The K…ngs of the Heathen have dominion over them, &c. But I thinke it long till we have powred our poyson upon the earth, and therefore fill your selves full. And now be ye not unlike those Fathers, but also contrary unto them in your life and conditions, and extoll your selves above all other men:Pride in Prelat… ntoed. Neither doe ye give unto God that which belongeth to him, nor yet to Caesar that which is his;Popish Prelates neither give to God nor Caesar that which belongeth to God and Caesar. but exercise you the power of both the Swords… according to our decrees, making your selves doers in worldly matters, fight…ng in our quarrell, intangled with secular labours and businesse: And clime ye by little and little from the miserable state of poverty unto the highest Seats of all Honours, and the most p. 340Princely places of dignity by your devised practises, and false and deceitfull wiles and subtilty, that is,The double jurisdiction of the Popes two swords commeth of Lucifer. by Hypocrisie, Flattery, Lying, Perjury, Treasons, Decei…s, Simony, and other grea…er wickednesse, then which our internall furies may devise. For after that ye have been by us advanced thither where ye would be, yet that doth not suffice you, but as greedy starvelings more hungry then ye were before, ye suppresse the poore, scratch and rake together all that comes to hand, perverting and turning every thing topsie …urvey; so swolne, that ready ye are to burst for pride, living like Lechers in all corporall delicatenesse, and by fraud directing all your doings.Dōinus sanctus Sanctissimus. You challenge to your selves names of honour in the earth, calling your selves Lords, Holy, yea, and most holy Fathers. Thus, either by violence ye raven, or else by ambition, subtilly ye pilfer away and wrongfully wrest, and by false title possesse those goods which for the sustentation of the poore members of Christ (whom from our first fall we have hated) were bestowed and given, consuming them as ye your selves list, and wherewith ye cherish and maintaine an innumerable sort of Whores, Strumpets, and Bawdes,The lascivious & Whorish life of the Romish Clergy. with whom ye ride pompously like mighty Princes, farre otherwise going, then those poore beggarly Priests of the primitive Church. For I would ye should build your selves rich and gorgeous Palaces; Ye fare like Princes, eating and drinking the most daintiest meates, and pleasantest wines that may be gotten; Ye hoard and heape together an infinite deale of treasure, not like to him that said, Gold and silver have I none; Ye serve and fight for us according to your wages. O most acceptable society or fellowship, promised unto us of the Prophet, and of those Fathers long agoe reproved; Whilest that Christ called thee the Synagogue of Satan, and likened thee to the mighty Whore,The whorish latter Church of …ome. which committed fornication with the Kings of the earth, the adulterous Spouse of Christ, and of a chast person, made a Strumpet. Thou hast left thy first Love and cleaved unto us, O our beloved Babylon, O our Citizens, which from the transmigration of Hierusalem come hither; We love you for your deserts, p. 341we rejoyce over you, which contemn… the Lawes of Simon Peter, and imbrace the Lawes of Simon M…gus our friend,Pope successor not of Simon Peter but of Simon Magus. and have them at your fingers ends, and exercise the same publickly, buying and selling spirituall things in the Church of God, and against the Commandement of God: Ye give Benefices and Honours by Petition, or else for money, for favour, or else for filthy service:Wicked & unworthy Mini…ers admitted in the Popes …hurch unworthy bestowing of benefices. And refusing to admit those that be worthy, to E…clesiasticall dignity; you call unto the inheritance of Gods Sanctuary, Bauds, Liers, Flatterers, your Nephews, and your owne Children; and to a childish Boy ye give many Prebends, the least whereof ye d…ny to bestow upon a poore good man: Ye esteeme the person of a man and receive gifts; Ye regard money, and have no regard of Soules. Ye have made the house of God a denne of Theeves. All abuse, extortion,Extortion. is more exercised an hundred fold in your judgement seats then with any secular Tyrant.Perverting of Iustice. Ye make Lawes and keepe not the same, and dispence with your dispensations, as it pleaseth you,Acception of person. you justifie the wicked for reward, and take away the just mans desert from him. And briefely,Bribery. yee perpetrate or commit all kinde of mischiefe, even as it is our will yee should. And ye take much paines for Lucres sake in our Service,Love of Lucre… and especially to destroy the Christian faith.Destruction of true faith. For now the Lay people are almost in doubt what they may believe, because if yee preach any such to them, at sometimes (although it be but seldome seene, and that negligently enough, even as we would have it (yet notwithstanding they believe you not, because they see manifestly, that ye do clean contrary to that yee say; Whereupon the co…mon people d…ing as yee doe which have the government of them and should be an example unto them of well doing;The life of P… pists contrary … their teaching… now many of them lea…ing to your rules, doe runne headlong into a whole s…a of vices, and continually a very great …ultitude flocketh at the strong and well fenced gates of our dungeon. And doubtlesse… yee send us so many day by day of every sort and kinde of people, that we should not be able to entertaine them, but that our insatiable Ch…os with her thousand ravening jawes, is sufficient to devoure p. 342an infinite numbe… of soules. And thus the soveraignty of our Empire by you hath beene reformed, and out intolerable losse restored.The pope increaseth hel…. Wherefore, most specially we commend you and give most hearty thankes, exhorting all you, that in any wise yee persevere and continue as hitherto yee have done; neither that you slacke henceforward your enterprise. For why? by …our helps wee purpose to bring the whole world under our power and dominion. Over and besides this, we commit unto you no small authority to supply our places in the betraying of your brethren; and we make and ordaine you our Vicars, and the Ministers of Antichrist our Sonne,Antichrist. now hard at hand; for whom ye have made a very trim way & passage. Furthermore, we counsell you which occupy the highest roomes of all other, that you worke subtilly, and that yee faignedly procure peace betweene the Princes of the world,The pope a faigned procu…er of peace betweene princes. and that yee cherish and procure secret causes of discord. And like as craftily yee have destroyed and subverted the Roman Empire, so suffer yee no kingome to be overmuch enlarged or enriched by tranquillity and peace, lest perhaps, in so great tranquillity (all desire of peace set aside) they dispose themselves to view and consider your most wicked workes, suppressing on every side your estate; and from your treasures take away such s…bstance as we have caused to be reserved and kept in your hands, untill the comming of our welbeloved sonne Antichrist. We would you should doe our commendations to our entirly beloved daughters, Pride, Deceit, Wrath, Avarice, Belli-cheere and Lechery, and to all other my daughters, and especially to Lady Simony,…mony the popes nu…se. which hath made you men, and enriched you, and hath given you suck with her owne breasts, and weaned you; and therefore in no wise-see that yee call her sinne. And also be yee lofty and proud, because that the most high dignity of your estate doth require suck magnificence. And also be yee covetous; for whatsover yee get and gather into your fardell, it is for Saint Peter, for the peace of the Church, and for the defence of your patrimony and the Crucifix; and therefore yee may lawfully doe it;Promoting of proud and rich Cardinalls. you may promote Cardinalls to the highest seat of dignities without any …et p. 343in the world, in stopping the mouth of our adversary Jesus Christ, and a…leaging againe, that he preferred his kinsfolkes (being but of poore and base degree) unto the Apostle…hip; but doe not you so, but rather call as yee doe, those that live in arrogancy, in haughtinesse of mind, and fil…hy lechery, unto the sta…e of wealthy riches and pride; and those rewa…ds and promotions which the followers of Christ forsooke, do yee distribute unto your friends. Therefore, as you shall have better understanding, prepare yee vices cloaked under the similitude of vertues; alleage for your selves the glosses of the holy Scripture,Wresting of Scrip…ure. and wrest them directly for to serve for your purpose. And if any man preach or teach otherwise than yee will, oppresse yee them violently; with the sentence of excommunication, and by your censures heaped one upon another by the consent of your brethren, let him be condemnned as an heretique, and let him be kept in most strait prison, and there tormented till he die,Tyranny and cruelty by the Pope. for a terrible example to all such as confesse Christ. And setting all favour apart, cast him out of your Temple, lest peradventure the ingrafted word may save your soules, which word I abhorr… as I doe the soules of other faithfull men. And doe your endeavour, that yee may deserve to have the place which we have prepared for you, under the most wicked foundation of our dwelling place: fare yee well with such felicity, as we desire and intend finally to reward and recompence you with. Given at the Center of the earth in that darke place where all the rablement of Devills were present, specially for this purpose ca… led unto our most dolorous Consistory, under the Character of our terrible Seale, for the confirmation of the premises.

p. 344Divers other writings of like argument (saith Master Fox) both before and since, have beene devised:**Acts and Monuments. Vol. 1. p. 656.657. As one bearing the Title, Luciferi ad malos principes Ecclesiasticos; …mprinted first at Paris in Latine; And under the writing thereof, bearing this date, Anno á P… latij nostri fractione, consortiumque nostrorum substractione, 1351. Which if ye count from the Passion of the Lord, reacheth well to the time of Wickliffe, 1385. which was above six yeares before the examination of this Walter Brute. There is also another Epistle of Luci…er Prince o… darknesse, ad Praelatos, mentioned in the Epistle of the Schoole of Prague to the Vniversity of Oxford, set forth by Huldericus Huttenus, about the yeare of our Lord (as is there dated) 1370. Which seemeth to be written before this Epistle. Also Vincentius in Speculo, H…stor. lib. 25. Cap. 89. inferreth like mention of a Letter of the Fiends infernall to the Clergymen, as in a vision represented, before foure Hundred yeares. In which the Devils gave thankes to the spirituall men, for that by their silence and not preaching the Gospell, they send infinite soules to Hell, &c. Divers other Letters also of like device have been written, and also recorded in Authors. Whereunto may be added, that one Iacobus Carthusiensis, writing to the Bishop of W…rmac…, alleageth out of the Prophecy of Hildegard…, in these words; Therefore, saith he, the Devill may say of you Priests in himselfe; The meates of banqueting dishes, and feasts of all kind of pleasure, I finde in these men: Yea also mine eyes, mine eares, my belly, and all my …ines be full of their frothing, and my breasts be full stuffed with their riches, &c. Furthermor…, saith he, they labour every day to rise up higher with Lucifer, but every day they f…ll with him more deep…ly.

Hereunto also appertaineth a story, written, and commonly found in many old written Bookes: In the yeare of our Lord, 1228. at Paris in a Synod of the Clergy, there was one appointed to make a Sermon; Who being much carefull in his minde and solicitous what to say, the Devill came to him, and asking him why he was so carefull for his matter what he should Preach p. 345to the Clergy; Say thus (quoth he) The Princes of Hell salute you (O yee Princes of the Church) and gladly give you thanks, because through your default and negligence it commeth to passe, that all soules goe downe to Hell. Adding moreover, that he was also enforced by the Commandement of God to declare the same: Yea, and that a certaine token moreover was given to the said Clarke for a signe, whereby the Synod might evidently see that he did not lye. Ex Catal. Illyr. Fol. 546.

A…exander Fabritius a Popish English writer,Alexander Fabritius. flourishing about the yeare, 1420. in his Destructorium vit… rum, part 6. cap. 79. prosecutes the same argument thus, Who are more horribly inthralled to the Devils servitude then those who are constituted in the sublimity of honour? Ecclesiasticall men ought to be the light of the Wo…ld, yet where is more abundant darknesse of vices, where more abundant gaping after earthly things then in moderne Prelates who are fatted in both powers, as well temporall as spirituall? where is greater Pompe in all appendicles? Yea, and that so much, that having left the poverty of the Primitive Church, they are now rather to be tearmed Princes of Provinces, then Pastors of Soules: In part 5. …. 4. hee addes, These negligent Prelates, though they be remisse in correcting delinquents against God, yet about their owne proper and personall injury, or derogation of their proper honour, they are found most sharpe and rigid, and willing to remit nothing unpunished; but if any thing be done touching injury offered to God, or touching the diminution of divine honour, there are they most remisse, and take no care at all. Chrysostome speakes well against these. A Bishop (saith he) if he receive not due honour from a Presbyter, is angry and troubled. But if a Bishop behold a Presbyter, negligent of his duty to the Church, or finning in any other wise, against God, he is neither angry nor heares it; because all are solicitous of their owne honour, but have no care at all of Gods honour. And part 6. cap. 26. A Bishopricke is a Title of Worke, not of Honour; whence a Bishop is p. 346called as it were an Overseer, and one taking the care of his flocke, and seeing such intention is a good worke, it appeares the Apostles words speaking thus are true, Hee that desires a Bishoprick, desires a good worke. 1 Tim. 3.1.1 Tim 3:1But from hence it followeth not, that this desire, or the worke of the desire is good, as ambitious men commonly object, desiring to be pompously exalted in worldly dignity, and it rather followeth, the thiefe who would steale a good Cap desires a good thing, therefore his desire unto this is good; but the contrary rather followeth, for he who desires the state of a Pastorall office ambitiously, by this disables himselfe to take it, witnesse Saint Gregory: And it is found in Cap. 8. qu. 1. As the place of government, saith he, is to be denyed to those who desire it, so it is to be offered to those who flie from it. Many Bishops enter not into the sheepfold by the doore which is Christ; but by the Devill who is a lyer: and if man placed by God in Paradice could not there stand long by himselfe, but fell grievously; what wonder is it if our moderne Pastors placed in the Church not by God, but Symoniacally by the Devill, fall horribly. So this English Author though a Papist.

**Thomas Gascoigne in Dict. Theolog part. 3. Ioan. Balaeus. Cent. 8. c. 19. Fox Acts and Monuments. Edit. ult. Vol. 1. p. 929, 930. Hall. 36. H. 8. fo. 171. Holinshed. p. 946.About the yeare 1457. Reynold Peacocke Bishop of Chichester Preached at Pauls Crosse, Reynold Peacocke.That the Office of a Christian Prelate cheifly above all other things, is to preach the word of God: That the riches of Bishops by inheritance are the goods of the poore: That spirituall persons by Gods Law ought to have no temporall possessions. And moreover hee writ a Booke, DE MINISTRORVM AEQVALITATE, wherein he maintained Wickliffs opinion of the Equality of Ministers and Bishops: For which and other Articles he was accused and convicted of Heresie, forced to abjure at Pauls Crosse, had his Bookes burnt by his brethren the Prelates, and was then imprisoned in his owne house during life. So dangerous is it even for Bishops themselves to write or preach any thing against the wealth, pompe, pride and jurisdiction of their ambitious Lordly brethren.

p. 347Anno 1537. Thomas Archbishop of Canterbury,All the Archbishops, Bishops, Archdeacons & convocation, with King H. the eight. Edward Archbishop of Yorke, Iohn bishop of London, Cuthbert bishop of Durham, Stephen bishop of Winchester, Robert bishop of Carleile, Iohn bishop of Exeter, Iohn bishop of Lincolne, Iohn bishop of Bath, Rowland bishop of Coventry and Lichfeild, Thomas bishop of Ely, Nicholas bishop of Salisbury, Iohn bishop of Bangor, Edward bishop of Hereford, Hugh bishop of Worcester, Iohn bishop of Rochester, Richard bishop of Chichester, William bishop of Norwich, William bishop of St. Davids, Robert bishop of Assaph, Robert bishop of Landaffe, Richard Wolman Archdeacon of Sudbury, William Knight Arch-Deacon of Richmond, Iohn Bell, Arch-Deacon of Glocester, Edmond Bonner Arch-Deacon of Leicester, William Skip Arch-Deacon of Dorcet, Nicholas Heath Arch-Deacon of Stafford, Cuthbert Marshall Arch-Deacon of Nottingham, Richard Curren Arch Deacon of Oxford, William Cliffe, Geoffry Dowes, Robert Oking, Ralph Bradford, Richard Smith, Simon Mathew, Iohn Pryn, William Buckmaster, William May, Nicholas Wotton, Richard Cox, Iohn Edmunds, Thomas Robertson, Iohn Baker, Thomas Barret, Iohn Hase, Iohn Tyson, Doctors and Professors in Divinity, and of the civill and Canon Law, with the whole Convocation House and Clergy of Enland in their Booke intituled, The Institution of a Christian man, dedicated by them to King Henry the eight; Printed Cum Privilegio, subscribed with all their names, and ratified by the Statute of 32. Henry the eight, cap. 26. chap. Of the Sacrament of Order. fol. 48. &c. And King Henry 8. himselfe, in his Booke inscribed, A necessary erudition for any Christian man, published with the advise and approbation of all the Prelates & Clergy of England in their Convocation, and of the Lords Spirituall and Temporall, and nether House of Parliament; with the Kings owne royall Epistle to all his loving Subjects before it, Anno 1545. by vertue of the Satute of 32 Henry the eight. c. 26. Chap. of the Sacrament of Order: Doe all thus joyntly determine of the calling, jurisdiction, Lordlinesse, and secular imployments of Bishops. The truth is, that in the New Testament, there is no mention made of any degrees or distinctions in Orders, but onelyonly of Deacons p. 348and Ministers, and of Priests or Bishop…. And of these two Orders onelyonly, that is to say, Priests and Deacons, Scripture maketh expresse mention, and how they were conferred of the Apostles by Prayer and imposition of their hands: And to these two the Primitive Church did add and conjoyne certaine other inferior and lower degrees. And as concerning the office and duty of the said Ecclesiasticall Ministers, the same consisteth in true preaching and teaching the word of God unto the people i… dispensing and ministring the Sacraments of Christ, in consecrating… and offering the blessed body and blood of Christ in the Sacrament of the Altar, in loosing and assoyling from sinne such persons as be sorry and truely penitent for the same, and excommunicating such as b… guilty in manifest crimes, and will not be reformed otherwise; and finally in praying for the whole Church of Christ… and specially for the flocke committed unto them: And although the office and ministry of Priests and Bishops stand c…iefly in these things before rehearsed ye… neither they, nor any of them may exercise and execute any of the same offices, but with such sort and such limitation as the Ordinances and Lawes of every Christian Realme doe permit and …uffer. It is out of all doubt that there is no mention made neither in Scripture, neither in the writings of any authentical Doct…r or Author of the Church, being within the time of the …postles, that Christ did ever make or institute any distinction or difference to be in the preheminence of power, order, or jurisdiction between the Apostle… themselves, or between the Bishops themselves, but that they were all … quall in power, author…ty, and jurisd…ct…on. And that there is now and since the time of the Apostles any such diversity or difference among the Bishops. It was devised by the ancient Fathers of the Primitive Church for the conservation of good order and unity of the Catholique Church, and that either by the consent and authority, or else at least, by the perm…ssion and suff…rance of the Pr…nces and civill powers, for the time ruling: For the said Fathers considering the great and infinite multitude of Christian men, so l…rgely encreased through the world, p. 349and taking examples of the Old Testam…nt, thought it expedient to make an order of degrees to be among Bishops, and spirituall Governours of the Church, and so ordained some to be Patriarks, some to be Metropolitans… some to be Archbishops, some to be Bishops; and to them did limit severally, not on…ly their certaine Diocesse and Provinces, wherein they should exercise their power, and not exceed the same; but also certaine bounds and limits of their jurisdiction and power, &c. And lest peradventure it might be thought to some persons, that such authorities, powers and jurisdictions, as Patriarks, Primates, Archbishops and Metropolitans, now have or heretofore at any time have had justy and lawfully over any other Bishops, were given them by God in holy Scripture; We think it expedient and necessary that all men should be advertised and taught, that all such lawfull powers and authority of one Bishop over another, were and be given to them by the consent, ordinance & positive lawes of men only, and not by any ordinance of God in holy Scripture:Nota. and all other power and authority which any Bishop hath used or exercised over another which hath not been given to him by such consent and ordinance of men (as is aforesaid) is in very deed no lawful power, but plaine usurpation and tyranny. And therefore whereas the Bishop of Rome hath heretofore claimed and usurped to be head and governour over all Priests and Bishops of the holy catholique Church of Christ by the lawes of God; It is evident that the same power is utterly fained and untrue. VVee thinke it convenient, that all Bishops and Pastors shall instruct and teach the people committed to their spirituall charge; that Christ did by expresse words prohibit, that none of his Apostles, nor any of their successors should under the pretence of authority of the sword, that is to say, the authority of Kings, or any civill power in this world, yea, or any authority to make Lawes or Ordinances in causes appertaining …to civill powers: If any Bishop of what estate or dignity so…ver he be, be he Bishop of Rome, or of any other City, Province or Diocesse, doe presume to take upon him authority or jurisdiction in causes of matters which appertaine p. 350unto Kings and the civill pow…rs and …heir Courts, and will maintaine or thinke that he may so doe by the authority of Christ and his Gospel, although the Kings and Princes would not permit and suffer him so to doe, no doubt, that Bishop is not worthy to be called a Bishop, but rather a Tyrant, and a usurper of other mens rights, contrary to the Lawes of God, and is worthy to be reputed none otherwise than he that goeth about to subvert the Kingdome of Christ; for the Kingdome of Christ in his Church is spirituall, and not a carnall kingdome of the world, that is to say, the very Kingdome that Christ by himselfe, or by his Apostles and Disciples, sought here in this world, was to bring all Nations from the carnall kingdome of the Prince of darknesse unto the light of his spirituall Kingdome, and so himselfe raigne in the hearts of the people by grace, faith, hope and charity: And therefore, sith Christ did never seeke nor exercise any worldly kingdome or dominion in this world, but rather refusing and flying the same, did leave the said worldly governance of kingdomes, Realmes and Nations to be governed by Princes and Potentates (in like manner as he did finde them) and commanded also his Apostles and Disciples to doe the semblance, whatsoever Priest or Bishop will arrogate or presume upon him any such authority, and will pretend the authority of the Gospel for his defen…e therein; he doth nothing else (but as in a manner as you would say) crowne Christ againe with a crowne of thornes, and traduceth and bringeth him forth againe with his Mantle of Purple upon his back, to be mocked and scorned of the World, as the Jewes did to their owne damnation, &c. The truth is, that God constituted and ordained the authority of Christian Kings and Princes, to be the most high and supreame above all other powers a…d Officers in this World, in the regiment and government of their people, &c. But specially and principally to defend the faith of Christ and his Religion, to conserve and maintaine the true Doctrine of Christ, and all such as be true Preachers and setters forth thereof, and to abolish abuses, heresies and Idolatries, and to punish with corporall payne… p. 351such as of malice be the occasion of the fame: And finally, to over-see and cause that the said Bishops and Priests doe execut… their Pastorall office truly and faithfully, and specially in those points which by Christ and his Apostles was given and committed unto them; and in case they shall be negligent in any part thereof, or would not diligently execute the same, or cause them to redouble and supply their lacke; and if they obstinately withstand their Princes kind motion, and will not amend their faults, then and in such case, to put others in their roomes and places. And God hath also commanded the said Bishops and Priests, to obey with all humblenesse and reverence, both Kings and Princes, and Governours, and all their Lawes, not b…ing contrary to the Lawes of God whatsoever they be, and that not onelyonly Propter iram, but also Propter conscientiam, that is to say; not onelyonly for feare of punishment, but also for discharge of conscience. Whereby it appeareth well, that this pretended Monarchy of the Bishop of Rome, is not founded upon the Gospell, but it is repugnant thereto. And therefore it appertaineth to Christian Kings and Princes for the discharge of their office and duty toward God, to endeavour themselves to reforme and reduce the same againe unto the old limits and pristine estate of that power which was given to them by Christ, and used in the Primitive Church. For it is out of doubt, that Christs faith was then most firme and pure, and the Scriptures were then best understood,Note. and vertue did then most abound and excell; and thererefore it must needs follow, that the customes and ordinances then used and made, be more conforme and agreeable …nto the true doctrine of Christ, and more conducing unto the edifying and benefit of the Church of Christ, than any custome or lawes used and made by the Bishop of Rome, or any other addic…ed to that See and usurped power sith that time. Thus all the Prelates, Clergie, King and Parliament in king Henry the eighth his dayes.

Cuthbert Tonstall Bishop of Duresme, and Iohn Stokerley Bishop of London, Cuthbert Tonstall and Iohn Stokerley.in a certaine letter sent unto Reginald Poole Cardinall, then being at Rome, concer…ing the superiority p. 352of Bishops over other Min…sters, **Thom. Beacon …is Reports of certa…ne men, vol. 3. f. 267. Fox Acts and Monuments. p. 972.973.resolve thus: Saint Cyprian saith, undoubtedly all the rest of the Apostles were the same that Peter was, indued with like equality of of honour and power. And Saint Ierome saith thus All the Apostles received the keyes o… the kingdome of Heaven, and upon them as indifferently and equally is the strength of the Church grounded and established. Which Saint Ierome also as well in his Comentaries upon the Epistle unto Titus, as in his Epistle to Evagrius, sheweth, that these primacies long a…ter Christs assention, were made by the device of men, where before, by the common agreement of the Clergie, every one of the Churches were governed, yea, the Patriarchall Churches. The words of Saint Ierome be these: Let the Bishops understand, that they be greater than other Priests, rather of custome, than by the vertue and verity of the Lords Ordinances. And in his Epistle to Evagrius, hee hath like sentence, and addeth thereunto: Whereso…ver a Bishop either at Rome or at Eugubinis, or at Constantinople, &c. Hee is of all one worthinesse, and o… all one Priesthood; And that one was elected which should be pr…ferred before other, it was devised to the redresse of Schismes, left any one challenging too much to themselves should rent the Church of Christ. These words onelyonly of Saint Ierome be sufficient to prove, that Christ by none of these three Texts which be all that you and other doe alleage for your opinion (the three texts are these, Thou art Peter; and upon this Rocke I will build my Church. Peter, I have prayed for thee, that …hy faith should not faile: And thou being once converted, confirme thy brothers, feed my Sheepe) Gave not to Peter any such superiority, as the bishop of Rome by them usurpeth; and that Peter, nor no other of ths chiefe Apostles did vind…cate or challenge such primacy or superiority, but utterly refused it. So these two popish Prelates. Why then shoulld our Bishops challenge any such primary or superiority over their fellow Ministers?

Miles & Clericus.There is a notable Dialogue intituled A disputation betweene a Clerke and a Knight (or a Souldier) concerning the p. 353power committed to the Prela…es of the Church and to the Princes of the Earth; Written by our famous Schooleman Wil…i…m Ocham about the yeare of our Lord, 1330. as **Centur. scri…. Brit. l. 5. sect… 18. p. 396.Iohn Bale records; printed at London in Latin by Thomas B…rthlet, Cum Privileg…o, in King Henry the eight h…s raigne.

Wherein the Clerk complaining, that the Church which in his age was had in great honour with Kings, Princes, and all Nobles, was now on the contrary made a prey to them a…l: many things being exacted f…om them, many things given by them; and that if they gave not their goods (by way of subsidie or supply to the…r Princes) they were violently t…ken from them; that the…r Lawes were trampled und…r feet, their Liberties infringed, &c. The Knight proves first; that Clergy men can make no Lawes nor Canons touching temporall things, but Princes onelyonly, because they have no Dominion of temporall things: and that the Pope is chiefe Vicar, not to those things which Christ now doth in glory, but to imitate those things which Christ did in his state of humility here on earth, because those things are necessary to us. That he committed to his Vicar that power which he exercised on Earth as a mortall man, not that hee received being glorified… For Christ said to Pilate, that his K…ngdome was not of th…s World; and that he came not to be ministred to, but to minister: This testimony is so manifest, that it may confound the man who resisteth it, and make the stiffest …ecke to submit. And when one of the multitude spake thus to Christ, Master, command my brother to divide the inheritance with me: he said, unto him, O man, who made me a divider or judge over you? Luke 12. You heare therefore manifestly, that Christ was made neither a Judge nor a divider in temporall things. Th…refore in that state of his received dispensation, he neither had a temporall Kingd…me, nor yet affected it; Yea, Hee fled from …t, when multiplyin the …read, the people would have made him a K…ng. And in the Commission g…ven to Peter, hee delivered him, not the keyes of the kingdome of earth, but the keyes of the kingdome of Heaven… And it is p. 354apparant, that the High Priest of the Hebrewes were subject to their Kings, and deposed by them (which be farre from you) And that thou mayst know that Christs Vicar is assumed to a spirituall regiment, not to a temporall dominion, receive from Paul himselfe no lesse cleare a testimony. For he saith thus, Every High Priest assumed from among men, is ordained for men in those things which appertaine unto God;Hebr. 5.1.Heb 5:1 not to governe a terrene Dominion, but to offer gifts and sacrifices for sinnes. Thou seest therefore, that the high Priest is set over those things, which appertaine to God; whence Panl writes to Timothy. No man that goeth a warfare to God, intangleth h…mselfe in the affaires of this world. It is manifest then, that Christ exercised no earthly Kingdome, nor committed any such to Peter, For Peter himselfe saith. Acts 6. It is not meet for us to leave the Word of God, and to serve Tables, that is, to dispense temporall things. And although some temporall things may bee dispensed by high Priests themselves; yet it appeares sufficiently, that they ought not to be occupied in governing earthly Kingdomes and Principalities, and in managing secular affaires. After which hee proves at large; That Clergy-men are lyable to pay tribute to Princes; and that Princes may take away their Lands and possessions when they abuse them to luxury, pomp, and their owne private ends, and imploy them for the defence and peace of their Realmee, which he proves by severall testimonies of Scripture. First, by the example of King Ioas, 1 Kings 12. Who prohibited the Priests to take mony of the people, and converted the money which they were to receive from the people towards their maintenance, to the repairing of the Temple. Which act of his God himselfe commends, that he might shew, he was not offended thereat, because he did it not out of covetousnesse, but piety, not out of ambition but Religion. Secondly, By the example of the same Ioas, 2 Kings 12.13. Who tooke all the hallowed things that Iehosaphat, and Iehoram, and Azariah his Fathers, Kings of Iudah, had dedicated, and his owne hallowed things, and all the gold that was found in the treasures of the house of p. 355the Lord and in the kings house, and sent it to Haza…el king of Assyria, to divert him from Ierusalem. Thirdly, By the like example of king Hezikiah, 2 Kings 18.15, 16. who to preserve his people from the king of Assyria his invasion, gave him all the Silver that was found in the house of the Lord and in the treasures of the Kings house; And at that time did Hezechiah cut off the gold from the doores of the Temple of the Lord and from the Pillars which Hezekiah king of Iudah had over-layd, and gave it to the king of Assyria. Now if any say, Hezechiah did ill in this; he answers, that it is said in the 2 Chron. 32. That Hezekiah was blamelesse in all things but onelyonly in the Embassy of the Princes of Babylon. Fourthly, of David, who in case of necessity, did eate the Priests Shew-bread, which was lawfull for th…m onelyonly to eate, and yet offended not therein. 1 Sam. 21.6, 7. Matth. 12.4. Then he addes, that all the Revenews of Clergy men, but that which is sufficient to provide them food and rayment, with which they ought to be content, as Paul saith, ought to be spent in pious uses, and in feeding the poore, Which if they be not imployed in this sort, kings ought to take care of them, Ne animas mortuorum salut emque vivorum defraud…tis: And he concl…des thus, Nee est parcendum materiali templo, ne… his quae dedicata sun… templo, ut salus reddatur, & pax periclitanti populo Christiano. Nec est blandiendum Ecclesiarum superfluitati, imò succurrendum …anta… gentis necess…ati. Hoc non est, quae Deo data sunt revocare, sed illis usibus (q…bus fuerunt data) applicare. Quae enim sunt De… data ea ipsa sunt piis usibus dedicata… Quid enim pot…rit sanctius esse quàm Christiani populi sal…s? Es qiud prec…lus Domino, quàm hostes, rapto…es, & intersect…res arce…e à popul… Christiano? Et p…cem subjecti… & fidelibus emere? Cum ergo in his bona. Ecclesiae expendanur, veris usibus (quibus suerunt dedicat…) redduntur. Thus and much more Oc…am against the secular Jurisdiction, employment, and great… temporall revenues of Prelates, which he thought might lawfully be taken away, and put to other good publik… uses without any danger of sacriledge.

p. 356What this our learned Ockam thought of the parity of Bishops and Presbyters, you may easily guesse by this his determination. Quod Sacerdotes oma…s, &c. That all Priests of whatsoever degree they be, are of EQVAL AVTHORITY, POWER AND IVRISDICTION BY CHRISTS INSTITVTION; but that the Pope is superiour by the Emperours institution, who may likewise revoke this. Which opinion was about the same time justified for truth by Michael Ceenas, Petrus de Corbaria, Ioannes d… Castilione, Franciscus de Arcatara and others; some whereof were excommunicated, others slaine and burnt by the Pope for this verity, as Fox Acts and Monuments. Vol. 1. p. 510, 511. Catalog. Testium veritatis, p. 512.524, 525, 529. Antoninus m. 4. part. Extra…ag… Ioan. 22.Master Fox and others relate. But what Ockam thought of this position; of the power and errability of the Pope, of the temporall possessions of Clergy men, and of the incompatibility of secular jurisdiction with Bishops and spirituall men; the learned may reade at large in his owne Compendium Errorum Ioannis. 22. In his Opus 90, Dierum, & Super potestate summi Pontificis octo quaestionum Decisiones, Printed by Iohn Treschsel in Civitate Lugdunen: Anno, 1496. to which I shall referre you, for brevities sake. OnelyOnly I shall observe this memorable passage out of his Opus. 90. Dierum Cap. 12…. We reade in Chronicles that since the Church of Rome was endowed with temporall riches, about twenty seven called Bishops of Rome have beene insnared in most great, publike and notorious wickednesses, after they were assumed to the Papacy, or in the very assumption to the Papacy; as the crime of Heresie, Idolatry, intru…ion, fostering of hereticall pravity, blasphemy, fornication: and in many other crimes and enormities have they beene involved. These were the fruits of their Lordly power, great possessions, and temporall riches heretofore.

I reade in our rare Historian **English Waldenses, Hist. Angl. p. 101.Matthew Paris, Thomas Walsingham Ypodigma Neustriae, Anno 1166. pag. 36. And Iohn Bale, Centur. 2. Script. Britan. Sect. 96.97. pag. 206.207. That in the yeare of our Lord, 1166. certaine sowers abroad of wicked Doctrine at Oxford, were brought into judgement before p. 357the King and the Bishops of the kingdome, who being devious from the catholique Faith, and overcome in tryall: Facies cauteriata notabiles cunctis exposuit, qui expulsi sunt aregno; they were stigmatized in the face which made them notable to all, and then banished out of the kingdome: VVhat this pravum dogma, or wicked opinion was for which these men were thus stigmatized and exiled, I finde not specified in Paris and Walsingham; but Iohn Bale out of Gu…do Perpin…anus de Haeresibus, relates, that those men were certaine Waldenses who taught; That the Church of Rome was the whore of Babylon, and the barren Fig-tree whom Christ himselfe had long agoe accursed; and moreover said, Non obediendum esse Pap… ET EPISCOPIS. Ordinesque Characteres esse magnae bestiae; That men are not to obey the Pope AND BISHOPS, and that Orders (to wit, Popish Orders) are the characters of the great beast. Had these Waldenses lived in our dayes, they should not have beene branded onelyonly in the face by our Lordly Prelates procurement, but set …n the Pillory, and had both their eares cut off, then banished into forraigne Islands, and there been shut up close prisoners so strictly, that neither their wives, children, friends should have any accesse unto them, nor they enjoy so much as the use of bookes, Pen, Inke, or Paper, onelyonly for opposing Episcopacy, as we know some others have lately been for this very cause. Expertus loquor. So dangerous, so fatall is it for any to oppose our Lordly Prelacy, as these men did in their generation, though …hey smarted for it: Yet this could not deterre our most learned … Gualter Mapes Archdeacon of Oxford, flourishing in king Iohns raigne, about the yeare of our Lord, 1210. from following their footsteps; who in his Satyrs, doubted not to stile Prelates, Animalia bruta & stercora, Bruit beasts and dung: and in his books Ad impios Praelat…s, and Ad malos Pastores, complaines; that Alegis doctoribus Lex evacuatur, Dilatatur impii regnum Pharaonis; comparing the Bishops to wicked Pharaoh for their tyranny and oppression. But of him before.

This Doctrine of his and other our Martyrs, was p. 358this seconded by Sir Iohn Borthwike knight,Sir Iohn Borthwick, Fox, Acts and monuments vol. 2. edit. ult. p. 609, 610. martyred in Scotland, Anno, 1540. as appeares by his answers in the sixth and seventh Articles objected against him by the Prelates.

The sixth Article.The sixth Article.

Agreeable to the ancient Errors of Iohn Wickliffe and Iohn Hus, Arch-Heretiques, condemned in the Councell of Constance, hee hath affirmed and preached; That the Clergy ought not to possesse or have any temporall possessions, neither to have any jurisdiction or authoritie in temporalties, even over their owne subjects, but that all things ought to bee taken from them, as it is at this present in England.