GOD at all times doth liuely repre­sentVVherfore god doth send Mon­sters. by certeine tokens and after a wonderfull sort, either his wrath or [...]: And ch [...]efely the [...] chaunges, the encrea­singes [...] of Kingdomes and Empires: As wée maye sée in Da­niel Daniel. the eight, where after the fourth Monarch, the kingdome of Antechrist is also foreshewed: to the ende that all true faithfull men and Christians should bée admonished in good time, and shoulde take heede of his trumperies and deceites, and of his Idolatryes, and execrable blasphemies, and of all his diuine ser­uice: the which hée hath so greatly, and with such craft vnder the shewe and appearaunce of truth va­lued, that it is to bée feared least that the elect and faithfull bée deceiued and wrapt in his errours, as Ie­sus Christ saith, Mathew Chapt 24.Mat. 24.

Euen so then God hath declared great meruailes and many monsterous tokens and signes duringe thatMany monst­rous signes [...] barberous and pernicious domination. And nowe hée hath sette foorth this horrible figure of this po­pish Asse▪ whiche was founde dead at Rome in the ryuer of Tyber, in the y [...]e of [...] [Page] thousande [...]re hundreth foure score and si [...]téene: And in the same he representeth and setteth out so pro­perlye, [...] so opensye, and cleerelye, the manner of the Popes kingdome, that it séemeth that mans indu­strye or cunninge coulde not make nor sette out one such figure▪ Wherefore wée must confesse that God himselfe hath set foorth this abhominnable Popedome vnder one such figure, for to make it to bée behelde and séene of men.

Truely this is not a figure which is for to signi­fie and declare any grace or fauour: But it is a wit­nesse of a [...]tible wrath [...] by the whiche GOD de­clareth his ho [...]t [...]le indignation to this [...] call doth [...]ation of the Pope, for [...] doth not onely [...] chast figure, but also [...] [...]isshapen members [...]

First of all, the heade of the Asse is a descriptionThe head of the Asse. The Church is a spiritual body and kingdome. of the Pope▪ For the Churche is a spirituall bodye and kingdome, assembled together in spirite. And therefore it cannot nor ought not to haue a mannes head, nor a visible Lorde. But onely the LORD IESUS, which formeth the heartes inwardlye, by the holy Ghost by fayth, kéepeth, reneweth, and gouerneth them as Lorde and head. Contrary vnto these thinges the Pope hath made himselfe the visi­ble and outwarde heade of the Churche: And for that cause the Pope is signified by the heade of this Asse, ioyned with a mannes bodye. For as it is not séemely that a mannes bodye shoulde haue an As­ses heade: euen so is it altogether vnsmelye that the Pope of Rome shoulde bée the heade of the Church.

For the holy Scriptures doe vnderstande by theVVhat y^e Asse doth signifie in the holy Scrip­turt. Asse, the externall and carnall lyfe, and the Ele­mentes [Page 2] of the worlde: As in the thirtéenth Chap­ter of Exodus. And as much difference as there is betwéene the brayne of an Asse and the reason and witte of a man, so muche difference there is betwéene the doctrine and ordinaunces of the Pope, and the Doctrine and instruction of the sonne of God.

For in the Popes kingdome there is nothinge but mannes traditions and ordinaunces whiche beare authoritie▪ by the which hée hath enlarged his ly­mittes and boudes, and hath exalted himselfe in dignitie: These are the rockes vppon whiche hée is builded. But as soone as he should heare the woord of Iesus Christ to sounde, and that hée shoulde suf­fer that [...] preached, hée shall sodothelye come to [...] this is the cause where­fore alwayes hée [...] so muche the Coun­sells.

But although it bée not compared to the woorde of God and the holy Scriptures, but onely to the naturall equitie and lyght of mans reason: wée shall finde that his brayne is the brayne of an Asse.

The whiche the Canonistes themselues doe wyt­nesse, settinge foorth this matter, that a méere Ca­nonistA Canonist is an Asse. is a very Asse and a beast. Their bookes doe confirme the same so cléerely and playnelye, that hée which shall knowe them, will not aske, what is hée whome they call Asse. For a Canonist is hée which hath studyed in decrées, or in the right Canon, the Popes Scholler, hauing the Pope for his Schoole­master.

Secondly, the right hande lyke vnto the foote ofThe right hand an Elephaunt, signifieth the spirituall gouernement of the Pope, by the which hée amazeth and feareth all the weake and fearefull consciences And [Page] [...]n very deede, he hurteth and killeth an influit num­ber of soules, through so many decrées and intollera­ble ordinaunces that hée maketh: by the which hée chargeth, tormenteth, and casteth downe the poore consciences, with sinnes and terrible a [...]guishes, with­out any necessitie or [...]e [...]asion. As the Elephaunt which is a beast very great and meruailous to behold, which destroyeth, treadeth downe, and breaketh all that that he can lay foote vpon.

For what is the spirituall kingdome of theThe spirituall kingdom of the Pope. Pope, but a cruell but therye and [...]aughter of con­sciences? The which tormenteth, burneth, woun­deth and destroyeth the soules after a tyrannicall sorte, against the woorde of GOD, constrayninge and compelling men to confesse him, indusinge and per [...]ading them to make vowes, eyther of pouer­tie, or of chastitie, and others: bringing in Masses, full of impietie and vngodlynesse and false penaun­ces: making promises, and after breakinge them: suffering and afterwarde forbidding, establishing his pardons and bulles: And finally tourning the soules from the true fayth and Christian lyfe, for to leade them vnto a vaine and friuolous simulation of out­ward woorkes; and vnto a false shewe of holynesse. Ac­cording to that which is sayde in Daniel, Chapt, viij.Daniel. [...] He will put to death the people of the Saints. And in the second Epistle to Timothe, Chapter. iiij. But after2. Timot. 4. a. 3. their owne lustes shall they (whose eares itch) get them an heape of teachers, and shall tourne their eares from the truth, and shall bée giuen vnto fa­bles.

For the right hand declareth the inward Ministery, proper to the consciences and soules: where it is expe­dient that the sonne of God our Lorde Iesus Christ do reigne after a gentle fashiō: but this gratious Lord, [Page 3] both exercise héere a pernicious, vniust, and cruell do­mination.

Thirdly, the left hand which is the hand of a man,The left hand the hand of a man. signifieth the ciuile power of y^e pope. The sonne of god hath manifestly forbidden that power or domination to the Prelates of the Church. Luc. 22 chap. saying:Luc. 22. b. 2 [...] The kings of the Gentiles reigne ouer them, & they that beare rule ouer them, are called gratious Lords. But ye shall not be so.

Neuerthelesse the Pope, through so many deceits, engines, crafts and enchauntments, is mounted vnto so high power and authoritie through the instigation of the diuell, that his ciuill Iurisdiction is no lesse then the most purssant King that one can finde. But he hath more, he gouerneth and hath vnder his féete all world­ly Kingdomes and Empires, as souereigne Lorde ofAll kingdomes and empires are vnder y^• Popes feete, Kinges and Princes, whome hée hath ioyned to him for to amplyfie, beautifie, confirme and mainteine his barbarous and cruell power and authoritie. And that is to the ende that the Prophecie of the eyght chapter of Daniell bée fulfilled, saying: Hée shall bée mightieDaniel. 8. g. 24 and strong, but not in his owne strengh.

Finally he is ascended to such dignitie, puffed vp with such pride, fine with such pompe & magnificence, that neuer one heard speake of the lyke thing. There was neuer king or Emperour which hath made so ma­ny warres and which hath shed so much bloud. And in stéede that he ought to haue regard to the dignitie of the word of God, to maynteine, conserue and kéepe the commodities and goods of the Church, according as his vocation & office doe require, he desireth the chiefe and principal dominations of the world, he hath lear­ned to make very braue and gorgeous apparaile, and to enflame and kindle warres. And giuing himselfe vn­to all those goodly thinges, hée treadeth vnder foote, [Page] the doctrine, he forsaketh the Church, he suffereth that all the holy things be set for a pray, that the prophane and temporall things be spoyled, that all be defaced and turned vpside downe.

Wherefore behold what the hande of man signifi­eth:The Popish kingdome esta­blished through mans vvisedom For that kingdome hath bene establyshed onely through the wisedomes, opinions, and councells of men, without authoritie of the holy scriptures: when they say that it is a reasonable thing, that the heire of the Apostolycall seate and the Vicar of Iesus Christ, be not subiect vnto any man. But thankes be vnto our good God, the matter is come vnto this poynt, that ma­ny of the common people, and others also of al estates, doe vnderstande cleerely and playnely inough, the goodly shewes of so many execrable wickednesses, of which all that Popish vermine hath shamed them­selues, and hath defamed the renowne of the Christi­ans.

Fourthly, the right foote lyke vnto an Oxe foote,The right fo [...]t signifieth the Ministers of the spirituall gouernment, and as a man may say, the Porters, who in op­pressing the poore soules, doe vpholde and mayne­teine the Popes kingdome. These are the Doc­tours in Decrées, the Doctours made by the PopesThose vvhich doe vphold the Popes kingdom Bulles, Dataires, Preachers of Pardons, Masse Priests, Confessors aswell of Moonkes as Nunnes: and the chiefest of all this vermine, are the scholasti­call diuines.

For what doth all that detestable filthie compa­ny, but to put into the headde, and to print into the heart of the people those ordinaunces of the Pope, which are so harde and not to bee borne? And to sette them foorth in all their Sermons, in all their doctrine, in their confessions: That thereby they may holde the poore consciences captiue vnder [Page 4] the foote of the Elephant, the which were already too much afflicted and grieued? All those rascalls are as the foote, the foundation and piller of the Popes kingdome, the which coulde neuer so long time haue continued, without the buylding that those héere with the rest of their complices and adherents, haue buylded vppon.

I pray you what doth the Scholasticall diuinitieScholasticall diuinitie. conteine, but vayne, fonde, execrable, and diabo­lycall dreames, and the monstrous dreames of Moonkes, by which they doe enchaunt, treade vnder foote, keepe vnder, and cast downe headlong the poore troubled soules of the afflicted Christians.

Mathew. 24. False Christs and false Prophets shallMat, [...]4 arise &c. Those haue made the Pope an earthly God, yea, they haue exalted and extolled him aboue God: And yet these proude Prelates haue reiected the word of GOD, contemned the holy Scriptures, and haue driuen out from among them and buried Iesus Christ, onely to féede and pamper their fatte paunches. For a simple Bull of the Pope, was more terrible and feareful then the Iudgement of almightie GOD, thundering out his commaundements and threate­nings.

Fifthly, the lefte foote lyke vnto the foote of a Gri­phin,The left foote of a Griphin. signifieth the Ministers of the ciuile or secular power: That is to say the Canonists, the Chaunce­lours and the rascalls making profession of the Canon lawe, which of their owne accorde doe acknowledge and confesse, that the most holy Canons or Decretals, doe smell their most abhominable auarice and ambi­tion.

For euen as the Griphins doe not easely let goe that that they haue once caught or layde holde on: E­uen so these maynteiners and raueners of the Pope, [Page] doe holde fast all that which they can get, and let not lyghtly goe the pray: and as through the hookes of the Canons they haue entrapped almost all the goods of al Europe: and they holde them so fast, that one cannot pull them out of their clawes, for the Canons do serue to their insatiable auarice. This deadly Harpy hath deuoured all the world: she hath taken away all the goods: she hath endamaged the soules and bodyes; she hath stollen vnto hir all honours.

Sixtiy, the belly and the stomacke, the which do re­sembleThe belly and the stomacke of a woman the belly and stomacke of a woeman, signifie the body of the Pope: That is to say the Cardinals, Archbishops, Bishops, Abbots, Moonkes, Priests, and other execrable spirituall Martirs, and all the rest of his bawdes, and fatte hogges, which haue none other care all their lyfe time but to féede and pamper their paunches with delycious wynes and delycate dishes: to séeke their ease and all the allurements and entise­ments to whoredome, & to kéepe themselues in al plea­sures and Idlenesse, and to giue themselues vnto all monstrous infamies. The which they may very well doe, and fréely: For they haue many priuiledges, wherewith they are wel armed and munited for to be exempted from all punishment. As we doe sée this Po­pish Asse who sheweth before all mens eyes openly,VVhat it is to she [...] the belly naked▪ and without any shame his belly of a woeman, naked and bare: euen so these, without any shame, doe lead a dissolute and wanton lyfe, full of all filthinesse and wickednesse. That which they doe is to the horri­ble offence and hurt and to the vtter ruine & destruction of the youth of all nations as the déede it selfe déeth suf­ficiently declare.

There is a manifest description of this in Daniel, and in the seconde Epistle vnto Timothe the thirde [...]. T [...]. 3. a. 4 chapter▪ wher it is sayd that t [...]ey are more gréedy vpon [Page 5] voluptuonsnesse then the louers of God. Also vnto the Philippians the iij. Chapter. They doe make their bel­lyPhilip. 3. d. 19 their God.

Let vs heare also that which is sayd in the secondThe description of the popish Clergie after 3. Peter. 2. Peter. 2. c. 10 Epistle of Saint Peter the seconde Chapter. Name­ly them that walke after the flesh, in the lust of vn­cleanenesse, and despise the gouernement: presumptu­ous are they, and stande in their owne conceite, and feare not to speake euill of them, that are indignity. When the Angells which are greater both in power and might, giue not railing iudgement against them be­fore the Lord.

But these as brute beastes, ledde with naturall sensualitie and made to that ende, that béeinge taken they shoulde bée destroyed, speake euill of those thinges whiche they knowe not, and shall perishe through their owne corruption. And shall receiue the rewarde of vnrighteousnesse, as they whiche count it pleasure to line deliciouslye for a season. Spottes they are and blottes, deli [...]htinge themselues in that they deceiue you, in feastinge with you. Hauinge eyes full of aduontrye, and that cannot cease to sinne, begylinge vnstable soules: they haue heartes occu­pyed with couetousnesse, detestable followes.

Which forsakinge the right waye, haue gone a­s [...]raye followinge the waye of Balaam the sonne of Bosor, whiche loued the rewarde of vnrighteous­nesse: But hée was rebuked for his iniquitie, for the dumme beast, whereon hée sate speakinge with mans voyce, forbadde the foolishnesse of the Prophet. These are wells without water, and cloudes caryed aboute with tempest, to whom the blacke darkenesse is reser­ued for euer.

For in speakinge swellinge woordes of vani­tye, they begyle with wantonnesse through the [Page] lustes of the flesh men that were cleane escaped from them which are wrapped in errours, promisinge vnto them libertie, and are themselues the bond seruaunts of corruption.

And truely this doth liuely sette out the Pope, andThe liuely pa [...] [...]ing out of the popish king­dome. paynteth him in his right comoures, and vnco­uere [...] fu [...]ye the feminine bellye of the Popishe Asse.

Beholde howe the f [...]thy and vile single lyfe of the papisticall Priestes and Moonkes, must bée figured and declared, whiche haue defiled the holy maryage through execrable filthynesse.

For in verye déede, holynesse and honestye of Ma­riage cannot [...]ee sette out and represented by such an vnshamelesse and [...]honest Image. But rather it is beautified by the woorde and blessing of GOD, and by greate meruayles, and as it were decked and gar­nished with a goodly argument, and placed in a highe place.

It is [...] true that there are others also whiche d [...] hurte and de [...]le themselues with a manifest turpitude and filthynesse, as wée maye speake this of the Panyms and Turkes, and as there bée a greate manye prophane people amonge the Christi­ans, adulterers▪ whooremaisters, whoores and most wicke Wolues.

Yet notwithstandinge those doe nothinge but that is to the great preiudice of theire renowne, and in daunger to loose all honour: as they are neuer without feare, whether they bée hanged on the gal­lowes, o [...] that they bée euill spoken off, or that eue­ry manne doth mocke them, ly [...]nge out theire tongue, or that they bée torne in péeces by force or outrage. But these wicked villames, effeminate, im­pudent,The Pope and his, are without shame. bellyes full of all filthynesse, doe couer and [Page 6] cloake themselues with the name of CHRIST, and dooe lette slippe the bridle vnto all maddenesse and wickednesse, and doe giue themselues licence without fearinge anye punishment, without ca­ringe to bée rebuked: And not onely that, but al­so with all these detestable villanyes, they woulde bée called spirituall, the holye Fathers, and the Catholicke Churche. And béeinge not yet con­tent with that, they goe aboute to pursue, cha­stice, and spit [...]e in other mennes faces, bicause of the moate that they sée in theire eyes, and of the Gnatte and lyttle Flye that they doe sée them swallowe downe: And yet they will not that anye shoulde checke and rebuke the greate beame thatThe Popish Clergie wil not be rebuked. is in theire eye, nor the Camell that they haue swallowed downe: But on the contrary [...], that the blemyshes so apparaunte and euident maye bée hydde and couered, yea▪ beautified and sette out with the tytle of IESUS CHRIST and of the Church.

Euen so truelye, there is neither sacryledge [...], nor murtherer, thée [...]e, nor whooremaster, whiche abuseth the maiestie of the name of the sonne of GOD and of the Churche, for to hide theire exe­crable filthynesse, but that whoorish bellye of Ante­christ.

And therefore the murthers, theftes, the mon­strous whooredomes, the horrible wickednesses of this Idoll of Rome, doe surmounte a greate deale the wickednesses, crueltyes, and maddenesse, of Nero.

Seauenthlye, the scales of Fishes, wherewithThe scales o [...] fish. the arme, the féete, and the necke of that Popishe Asse are coured, and not the bellye nor the brest, dooe signifie the Princes and seculer Lordes. For the [Page] sea is oftentimes taken in the Scripture for the worlde, and the fishes for the men of the worlde: As Iesus Christ himselfe interpreteth the Nets of Saint Peter, Mat. 4. when hee sayde, I will make you fishersMat. 4. c, 19. of men.

The scales doe signifie an embracinge or tyingeVVhat y^• scales doe signifie in the Scripture. Iob. 41. 2. 6. together; as the Lorde fayth in the. 41. Chapter of Iob. His body is couered with scales, as it were with [...]eeldes lockt in, knit, and well compact together. One is so ioyned [...]o an other, that no ayre can come in. [...]uen so the Princes and other greate Lordes of the worlde haue alwayes cleaued and stande [...]astThe princes do cleaue alvvayes vnto the Pope. together, and are yet at this daye lynked and tyed vnto the Pope and to his barberous, and tyranni­call kingdome.

It is very true, that they cannot allowe, hyde, neither prayse, nor cloake, his dronkennesse, his glut­tonye, his horrible whoore [...]omes, his vnlawfull vo­luptuonsnesse: For one cannot rightly there perceiue any scales which doe couer his stomacke and his bel­ly. Notwithstanding that by their cloaking thereoff, in [...] their eyes, and sufferinge that that they doe see, they are so much the more surely tyed and lincked [...]ast to the necke, legs; féete and armes: that is to saye, they doe embrace, defende and mainteine his greatnesse and magnificence, and his barbarous and tyrannicall estate, as an estate lawfull and or­deined by the woorde of GOD. And that same doth exalt and li [...]t vp his crest very proudly and with an arrogant and proude obstination.

To conclude, they do confirme his spirituall and poli­ [...]ique gouernment, by decrées and ordinaunces not to be borne with: they doe beautifie them with goodly E [...]n [...], and do establish his pompes and royall facul­ties through straunge doctrines.

[Page 7]Furthermore, to the ende that the ground & foun­dationAn [...]echrist made strong by the giftes and foundation [...] of Princes. of that retrayt of Antechrist be more firme and sure and to endure and continue the longer, they doe make lay mens testaments and willes, they heape vp to them reuenewes, they constitute Monasteries, they buyld Temples, they doe ordaine Conuents and Col­ledges of vnmaried people, as of Markettes and open Faires of such manner of Canonists, Dunces Sophi­sters, Beggers, Preachers for money, Confessors and Doctors: and as of publique exercises and Theaters, of whom one can heare nothing to sounde, but of the spillyng and marring of the celestiall doctrine. And for to speake briefely, the great goods the riches and fauou­rers of the world are so wel and so firmely and strong­ly tyed and fastened vnto him, that there is neyther winde nor blast, there is neither spiritual doctrine nei­ther word of God, which can seperate or plucke them, from him.

Eightly, the head of the olde man issuing out ofThe head of the olde man issu­ing out of his buttockes. his buttockes, doth signifie the decrease, the oldenesse, and the ende of the Popes kingdome. For the fore part or the face in the holy Scriptures doth signifie the encrease or aduauncement: and the hinde part or the backe, or the buttockes, doe signifie the declynation and the ende, as you haue y^• lyke speach in the viij. chap. of Saint Paul to the Hebrewes: That which is disanul­ledHeb. [...], d. 1 [...] and waxed olde, is ready to vanish away. Then that monstrous figure declareth that the barbarous ti­ranny of the Pope is now come vnto his last ende, and that of himselfe it ought to waxe olde and come to nought without any swoorde or outwarde violence, as it is foreshewed in the eight Chapter of Daniel, Daniel. [...]. g. 25. that he shall bée destroyed without hande. For there is so great encrease of supers [...]itions, and such a bun­dell and fardell of vices, that of necessitie his owne [Page] waight must cause him to fall downe: and that the gronings, complaynts, and sighings of all people & na­tions may be heard: Forasmuch as the word of God hath discouered and reuealed before all mens eyes, his impietie, malice and crueltie.

Euen so the glory of this worlde passeth, and the playe is nigh at an ende. After this sorte then wée doe sée, that that Image or figure agréeth properly with all the Prophecie of the eight chapter of Daniel: and that the one and the other are agréeing with the Papisticall kingdome.

Ninthly, the dragon comming foorth of y^• arse of thatThe Dragon comming foorth of the Asses arse popish Asse, and casting out of his open mouth a great flame of fire, signifieth the horrible buls and the terri­ble lyghtnings of excommunication, & the tempestious threatnings which the Popes and his adherents doe spewe out furiously vpon all the worlde, when they doe sée their ende nigh at hande, and that they must perish sodeinely.

For this is the latter and most furious rage andThe latter tem­pest of the Ro­mish An [...]echrist madnesse of Antechrist: this is his latter endeauour, yea, if peraduenture these rauenours may kéepe whole that abhomination, through the [...]stonishments and threats of the bulls, and afterwardes through lyes, wrongs, cursings, enchauntments, pricking iniuryes, and bitter scoffings of his goodly Rhethoricians, as Eccius, Fabor, Emserus, Wicelius, and other lyke.The Popes Rhe­thoriciners Notwithstanding the time is come that wée haue no more néede of such ayde nor of such defend [...]urs. For what shall the Dragon winne to bite the cloudes? What shal [...]e gaine to burne the aire with his flames? And truly there is none that feareth those poysoned bulls and full of cursings and enchauntments: For­asmuch as the lyght of the truth is so cléerely kindeled and lyghted.

[Page 8]Tenthly, for that this Popish Asse hath bene foundRome, the place vvhere the po­pish Asse hath bene found [...]. at Rome, and not at an other place, doth confirme that which hath bene recited before, that the same cannot be vnderstanded of any other power and domi­nation then of Rome.

For at this daye in our time, there is no power which is lyke or more greater in the Citie of Rome, then that of the Pope. For GOD hath alwayes declared by meruaylous signes and tokens in those pla­ces which those signes doe signifie and betoken some thing, as it happened in Hierusulem, and for that that this Monster was founde dead, that is an argument that the ende of the Popes kingdome draweth on fast.

And wée must haue neyther sworde nor any strength of man for to put it downe: But the hea­uenly vertue, shall cause that of himselfe it shall bée o­uerthrowen. For this prodigious Monster was not killed by any counsell or meanes of men: But was founde dead, and was reuealed by the singular proui­dence of God.

Finally, I would admonish euery one not to despiseVVe must not despise y^• mon­strous signes such a prodigious signe sent of the Maiestie of GOD, and to beware of the pestilent contagiousnesse of Ante­christ and his members, and to flée from him. And to be afrayd of him.

It is most certeyne that GOD hath vsed to­wardes vs a most greate benignitie and gentlenesse, for that hée hath sette foorth before vs, Antechrist in a figure so vyle and disformed, as paynted in a table and lyuely sette foorth, that one may easely assayle it with handes, that God will effectually prouide for our health, and desireth that we be drawen out of that detestable retrayte of immortall impietie of that straunge beast.

[Page]And as touching the Papists, according as their bay [...]yng phrensie and their impe [...]uous madnesse well meriteth, they may thinke on this, or let them not be angry: As in déede there is neither signe nor miraclesThe Pope & his do conde [...]p [...]e all signes and miracles. sent by the hande of God, which can moue them ney­ther astonish or warne them. But as Gyants without feare, they doe beat and fight agaynst the lyghtnings and thundrings▪ and doe follow their fathers, Pha­rao and Chore, whereoff the one was drowned in the waues of the Sea, and the other swallowed vp in the earth: and both of them are sunke euen to the bottome of hell. But we for our parts lette vs reioyce and take comfort, & let vs put this signe in the number of those who do declare vnto vs y^• day so long desired, so health­full, so goodly, the comming of our Lord and redéemer Iesus Christ.

In the meane time, let vs suffer our enemies to do as they lyst, and to kicke obstinately against the pricke. And let vs behold whether the troubles that they haue heaped vp more and more, shall be to molest and grieue God or themselues. Neuerthelesse I am not much an­gry with-them, forasmuch as they are so desperately madde, and that they doe so trouble the heauen with the earth.

O good God, if I were so paynted foorth at Gods hande, with a figure and shape so odious and terrible, I could in no manner abide and suffer it. For eyther I should dye for very feare, except that I had an heart of yron or stéele, as they haue: Or els I should burst and cleane a sunder, with despite, choler and madnesse. What is he then that goeth about, eyther by counsell or by commaundement, to obtayne of them, that they would pardon the Lorde Iesus one such contumely and wrong which is done vnto them by such an Image or figure.

[Page 9]Inasmuch as they being reprehēded or reproued with one onely letter of the word of God, are sodeinly enfla­med with anger and rage? For as much as the Lord doth suffer them to ele [...]a [...] themselues against him, al­though that they doe band [...]e his word after so wicked and cruell fashion. Yea, in the figure of a Diuell theyHe meaneth the execrable Idoll of the Cake in the Masse. doe set him foorth the one to the other, for to laugh and mocke: and yet it doth not anger him▪ makinge him to beléeue that the same is good to his Church, and that they doe it by his commaundement. What is héeThe horror of the papisticall impietie. that dareth thinke any other thing, or gaynesay them, except that he is willing that all their furies, paines, enchauntments, and torments of hell do fall vpon him? For their fury is irremissible and is not with­out great force, for as much as they are of the high Gods exalted aboue all the gods, according to that that Saint Paul and the Pro­phet Daniel, spea­keth off.

THis Popish Asse is of himselfe a mon­strous figure, fearefull & horrible, and the more that one doth behold him, the more terrible he appeareth. But behold which is the most terriblest of all, that God himselfe hath formed and reuea­led this monster, as a figure full of fearefulnesse. For if any workeman had drawen it, painted or engraued it, one might well mock of it, and not to passe on it. But bicause that the holy diuine maiestie hath formed and made it and that he hath set before vs such a figure, it behoueth all men to tremble▪ when and as often as the same doth come in their remembraunce: and that they be estonned & amazed, as of a thing of which one may easily coniecture of the thought, counsell and will of God.

Is there any man in the world which would not be afraide, if he should see a wicked spirite, or a phancie, or if he doe heare any sodeine bruite or noise, or any gro­ningGod doth shewe himselfe irreconcilable vnder y^e figure of the Popish Asse. or lamentation of spirites. Yet notwithstanding one ought not to estéeme the same but as a false visage or a play of little children, in comparison of this Image and monstrous figure. In which god himselfe appeared in a terrible forme, shewing an vnappeasable seueri­tie. Wee must necessaryly say, that there is a terrible indignation of God kindled against that Idoll of An­techrist, the which all that company and rascalls of the Pope, doe stirre vp and prouoke as of a set purpose and of an hard froward stubburnenesse: & the beginings doe agrée so well and so fitly, that one can in no wise doubt.

For as much then as Sodome had of so long time [Page 10] and through so execrable misdéedes prouoked Gods wrath: and as the ruine béeinge nigh at hande, there rested but a little time to repent them: then shée dyd giue hir selfe fréely vnto all execrable wickednesse, and hardned hir selfe with such obstinacy, that she did plain­ly mocke God, and did exalt hir selfe against him with an intollerable fiercenesse and cruelnesse. But scantly the heauen had giuen hir cléerenesse the next day mor­ning, but beholde it was sodeinly swallowed vp & con­sumed. We must not doubt, but that all that band of the Pope doth spinne all one thréed. They haue hether­to let [...]ippe the bridle vnto all detestable filthynesse: rebellious people & altogether obstinate against God: beeing drawen from the iust obedience of mans▪ domi­nations, as if they were bretheren germaines of Epi­cures: yea, and not beléeuing as the Diuells doe, who doe tremble when they heare God spoken off▪ as the Scripture sayth: and vnderstandinge nothing of hea­uenly things, haue no more care of the blessed life and of eternall health and saluation then the most grosses [...] Asse that euer was. As in very déed they haue this opi­nion of the Gospell, that it is a fable: and doe iudge of the Christian faith, y^t it is the faining of a Poet with­out grace or fauour, according to that goodly sentence & Oracle of Epicures, al is nothing els but dust & mocke­ry, and all is nothing. And although that before the time of their fall & ruine they are exhorted by so many straunge figures and fearefull signes sent of GOD, for to call them to repentaunce: yet neuerthelesse they are the more obstinate and out of all order: in such sorte that they doe heape vp, nourish and augement more and more, a proude, negligence and arrogant profanations: In so much that with muche adooe they themselues can suffer their rashnesse, boldenesse and wickednesse. [Page] And as though there were no heauenly and celestiall anger, nor maiestie in heauen for to breake and disperse their rages▪ in the meane season doe mocke of these fearefull signes, as if they were deceiuing shadowes, or flying dreames.

Such a foolish boldnesse and brutish assuraunce is an euident argument of the inen [...]rrable wrath▪ of the Lorde, who will suppresse and consume those hoggish Epicutes, and dull asses, before they are a­ware of it. Then onely with feare and trembling they will learne to crye and howle. But God of his owne accorde will not [...] them▪ as it is sayde in the first Chapter of the Prouerbes▪ [...]ée haue forsaken my coun­ [...]ay [...]e,Pro. 1. d. 25 and haue despised all my corrections: There­fore shall I laugh in your destruction, and mocke you, when the thing that yée feare commeth vpon you.

One may knowe for a truth that Sathan is a great and a mightie spirite▪ who holding vnder him she vnderstandinges and mindes of men as slaues, bendeth, and driueth them with such violence, that not onely they doe plunge themselues within the vi­ces (which séemeth rather to bée a woorke of a little diuell▪ learning his occupation). But also doe make open warre against God of their owne frée will. For we must thinke, what that tyranny is: how desperate that furor and madnesse is▪ when a miserable man be­ing constrayned and compelled in his conscience, can put foorth that woords, and to confesse for certeyne, this is the woord of God, of which I doe not doubte: But although that the sonne of God hath pronounced if, the Apostles haue preached it: Yet neuerthelesse I will shut the eyes, I will stop the eares for to reiect it, & will withstand it hand & foote, & will persecute & con­demne it as a pernicious heresy. And if ther be any one in y^e meane time which wil render obedience vnto god, [Page 11] to beléeue the gospell, and will not consent with me: I will kill him▪ I will banish him from his enheritance, I will not suffer him to dwell in any place: And will doe all that in despite of the word of God.

O good God, had I euer thought in al my lyfe time, to haue séene so great sinnes, such a rage and so furi­ous crueltie of the enemyes of y^e Gospell, at such time as I did not yet but lay the first foundation of this cause? And neuerthelesse (alas) I doe see those thingsThe vvorde of God & his truth called heresie by the Papists. now, béeing constrayned to heare, that the word of god the truth that is confessed and knowen, to be called he­resie: and to be banished and driuen away most vilay­nously, as buryed.

Of right such vip [...]rs are figured and noted by the Dragons head, which commeth out of the arse of this Popish Asse, spewing out a retrayt full of filthinesse.The Popish Asse a peece of carrion vvith­out lyfe. But thankes be vnto God, both the Dragon and the Popish Asse are but a péece of carrion, and shall take vnto them agayne neyther lyfe nor strength, nor shall neuer recouer their dignitie & tyranny (the which they doe promise neuerthelesse) for any thing that the diuell doth in them. For it is sayd in the Créede, I be­léeue in God the father almightie. It is said also that he that abideth in vs, is more greater then hée that is in the world. And although that the diuell haue great power, yet he shal not be altoge­ther puissant. This is an infallible rule.

AS touching the Propheticall in­terpretacion of this Moonkish Calfe, I will leaue it to the spi­rit: for I am no prophet. Yet ne­uertheles one may well affirme this generally of many such meruayles, that God doth send them as presages and forewarnings of sorrowfull aduentures, motions, brutes, troubles and commotions to come. And I doe exhort Germa­ny to assure themselues boldly and to attende certeine­ly such commings. But to determine of chaunces and to foreshew how long time they shall continue, or in what ti [...]e the delyueraunce shall come, the same be­longeth to the Prophet [...].

As for me, I will desire willingly that the latter day were at hande: the which I also doe thinke, that the dayes wherein we are, are as forerunners of that blessed day, the which will not tary long after. And me thinketh that the cause that I haue to hope so, is not friuolous nor vaine. And in very déede, before time ther hath ben almost a continuation of certeine worlds, in which men haue séene dayly monstrous things, and worthy of great admiration: And at this day all the worlde burning with a terrible heat, bringeth forth mo­tions very pernicious, who commonly are not appea­sed without great chaunges & alterations of kingdoms. To conclude, that the lyght of the Gospell, shineth [Page] now wonderfully, the which commonly was wont to bring with it alterations, troubles and tempests, bi­cause of the hard obstination, and furious ragings of the wicked.

And truly I will not speake but of things which are true: and will shew wherefore God hath set foorth such a signe in that Moonkish Calfe, and for what cause hée hath defiled the religious habite or apparayle with one so vyle a spotte: Forasmuch as without the habite of a Moonke hée might signifie and declare the euills to come as properly and well by any other shew or token. Euen so then it is not long sithence that by his pro­uidence was calued at Langdesberge a certeine Canon Calfe, or a Moonkish Calfe. It declareth thereby, that all religious men and Moonkes ought to haue their eyes thereon still fixed, and that he beholdeth them, and that he hath determined to punish them: For this same yeare he will vse none other miracles, then those which haue respecte vnto such holy and spirituall peo­ple.

For god paynting out of late that excellent MonarchDaniel 8. d of Alexander king of Macedonia vnder the figure and lykenesse of a Goate, besides the Propheticall interpre­tacion of the discomfiture and vanquishing to come: he hath also set foorth and represented the nature of the Grecians, which are wanton as the Goates. And all that that they haue conceiued in their minde how high and harde that it be, they hope to bring it to passe, and to atteine vnto it through good councells, through great viua [...]ilie and stou [...]nesse of the minde.

In lyke manner in this figure of this Moonkish Calfe, besides the Propheticall declaration, there is al­so an Image or figure of the lyfe, of the doctrine of the seruices and obseruations of the Moonkes: And it is possible that thereby there is an aduertisement of the [Page 13] cause of the calamities nighe at hande. That is to saye, that the superstitions, the deceites and wicked­nesse of the Moonkes, doe cause the punishment to in­crease, for as much as by the Pharisaycall doctrine of woorkes, they doe abolish the fayth which is in our Lorde Iesus Christ, and doe transforme and chaunge into the flesh of a Calfe mans heart, which ought to bée the Temple of the holy Ghost. Furthermore, let an other drawe the propheticall sence: as for mée for to please my order, I haue taken vpon me to interpret my Moonkish Calfe: The Canon Calfe shall haue an other for his expositer.

For so much the more willingly doe I take the charge to make this declaration, for that I doe sée that the obstinate courages and more harder then the rockes, of those which shall bée grieued with this my explication, shall bée so much the more wounded and shall bée come more eger. As in very déede they doe arrogantlye despise all that whiche commeth out of my mouth, and doe babble euery where, that all my woordes are as much to bée estéemed as the spittinges of heretickes. For that cause they ought not also nowThe interpreta­tion made for to harden the heartes of those vvhich do giue no credit vnto the aduertismēts of the faithfull. Esa 6. c. 10. to giue any credite vnto mine aduertisement, but doe waxe more harde harted, and doe make themselues more and more obstinate, hurting and molesting them­selues more then euer any did, and forsake not their fil­thy and wicked lyfe, as it is sayde in Esay the sixte Chapter, harden the heart of this people, stoppe their eares, and shutte their eyes, that they sée not with their eyes, heare not with their eares, and vnder­stande not with their heartes, and conuerte and bée healed.

Euen as then Balaam coulde by no meanes obeyThe Papistes hearts hardened after the exam­ple of Balaam. the woorde of God, and although hée was rebuked by his Asse speaking vnto him in a mans voice, yet [Page] neuerthelesse hée could not amende it: so one may say the lyke of those holy Fathers, which haue hetherto stopped their eares at the cléere voyce of the veritie of the Gospell. Nowe they ought to beholde themselues in this Calfe and in the Cowe, as in a glasse, and to consider what they are before God, and what reputa­tion and what voice they haue in heauen. And yet ne­uerthelesse they ought to shut their eyes that they doe sée nothing of all this, whereoff they may repent them­selues, for to auoid the horrible iudgement of God. For there is neither forewarning, word nor signe that couldThe hearts har­dened after the example of Pharao. moue or bend the hard heart of Pharao.

First, that I may speak briefly, thinke not, that the same is a mockery or a fable, that God hath clothed a Calfe with a religious habite, & with a Moonkes coole. Wée must not doubt, but that he noteth by that Image or figure, a certeine assemble of people, of whiche one may cléerely knowe, that the Moonkery is nothing elsThe Moonkery is but a vaine appearaunce. but a vaine appearaunce and shewe of godlynesse, and outward hipocrisie of a holy lyfe allowed of God. For euen vntil this times we poore and miserable men haue had this opinion and haue beléeued, that the holy Ghost dwelleth vnder the frocke, and that the same habit doth couer nothing but the holy Ghost.

But God hath reuealed héere, that there is nothing vnder that habite but a Calfe. As if he would shewe that there is a Serpent hid vnder the grasse. For the golden calfe of Aaron, lifted vp in the wildernesse, vn­toThe golden Calfe of Aaron whom the children of Israel did represent & giue the honour that apperteined and belonged vnto God, Exo­dus Exo. 32. Chapter. 32. teacheth playnelye what the Calfe may signifie. It is sayde in the 106. Psalme. TheyPsa. 106. c. 2 [...] haue turned their glory into y^e similitude of a Calfe, that eateth hay. It is spoken also of y^e Calues of Iere­boam, made in Bethell and Dan. 1. Reg. Chapter. 12. [...]. Reg. 1 [...] [Page 14] against whome the Prophets haue cryed very sharp­ly. In lyke manner let vs beholde a little that same Moonkish Calfe, howe that his coole doth represent there a figure of all the order of Moonkes, with al their seruices and diuine obseruatiōs, of which they do make so great accompt: as of their Pater noster, so oftentimes repeted, of y^e faire of their Masses, of their goodly songs, and fastings, and other lyke.

But vnto whom is that goodly seruice represented? who is honoured? of whome doth it depende? vnto whom is it tyed and fastened? vnto the Calfe. For the Calfe is clothed with a frock, as we may sée heere. And what is that Calfe? It is an Idoll forged andThe Calfe is an Idoll forged in the spirites of Moonkes. made, abiding and dwelling in their spirites full of de­ceites. What is that that these things doo? They do af­ter this sorte. These holy Masters haue an opinion imprinted in their vnderstanding, that in their Moon­kish and solitary religion, they doe serue and render o­bedienceThe religion of the Moonkes builded vpon ceremonies and outvvard works vnto the true God, the whiche religion they haue constituted in Ceremonies & obseruations of cer­teine outward woorkes, by which they doe thinke that they haue well deserued heauen: and not in the certein­ty & trust which embraceth the benefit of Iesus Christ.

For it is euen thus, that there is no God, either in heauē or earth which would be so serued & worshipped but y^• diuel & the Idols. For none can serue nor obey the true God, but in spirit & truth, Iohn y^e 4. Chapter: ThatIohn. 4. c. 24 is to say▪ in faith and true & spirituall mouinges of the spirit, the which the holy Ghost doth create, stirre vp, & quicken in vs▪ Esa. Chapter. [...]v. Wherfore these falseEsa. 55. religious people cannot offer vnto any their seruices, y^e which they do cloak & hide vnder the name of God, & in the meane time turning themselues from all the ordi­nancesThe seruice of the Monks can­not profit any man. & heauenly manifestations, & cannot bring them back againe, nor set thē vp, but in reioysing & flattering [Page] their vaine imaginations, the which they haue forged of their own braine, dreaming that such seruices & ob­seruations are agréeable vnto God. Such foolish and [...] imagination is nothing but lyings and an Idoll [...] and forged of their owne braine, neither more nor lesse, but euen as the Panims or Iewes doe f [...] straunge Gods. Beholde, this is the Calfe, this is the impietie: this is the carnal opinion couered and hid with the religious habite: this is the Idoll to the which they are bounde and tyed, the which they dooe garnish and beautifie with Ceremonies and with a goodly kinde of shewes. The Calfe doth not liue but of hearbes and grasse. For such hipocrites haue no knowledge of the eternall goodnesse, but doe fat them­selues with the pleasures of this present lyfe: As one may playnly sée that the most puissantest and ample ri­ches,VVhat it is to be nourished & sed vvith grasse and the most greatest pleasures, and the most highest dignities and honours are belonging vnto the people of the Church, as one calleth them. And euen so these Calues haue found grasse for their owne tooth. And this is happened vnto them, that they haue tur­nedPsa. 106. c. 10 their glory into the similitude of a Calfe that ea­teth Haye. For Christ is our true glory, in whom wée must triumph, glory, and reioyce. These héere cleane contrarye, doe séeke an other glorye in their heartes, and doe aduaunce and bragge themselues verye proudly of the trust of their merites and woorkes. Such a Calfe is come in the stéed of Iesus Christ, & in vsurping the name of him, he doth blaspheme and dis­honour it.

Secondly, the Moonkish apparaile rent full of holesVVhat doth signifie the skinne of this Calfe, being torne or rēt. about the thighes, féete, and belly, doe signifie that in that solytarie religion and in those Ceremonies and obseruations ful of deceits, there is no agréeing that is perfect or whole: And yet the holye Scripture re­quireth [Page 15] chiefely and before all things, that the Chri­stians and faythfull be of one felowshippe and vnitie. As it is sayde in the 133. Psalme, O how good andPsa. 133. 2. 2. [...] ioyfull a thing it is: bretheren to dwell together in vnitie.

But these madde braynes, supersticious and too holy Moonkes knew very well to forge, inuent & finde out so many differences of sectes and opinions, as there is of diuers apparayle among them. The Cordehers, that is of the order of Sainct Fraunces, doe magnifieThe frocke de­uided into ma­ny sects. their order: The Iacopins, that is of the order of saint Dominicke, their rule: The Benedictines will in no case loose their honour: The Augustines do goe on the right side: The Charterhouse Moonkes on the lefte: The Celestines doe keepe their company: To conclude, there is not one but that he thinketh himselfe very fine and trimme in his apparel. So we seing that the frocke is rent and torne about the thighes and féete of that Calfe: Although that all were of one will and did a­grée well, asmuch as concerneth the apparell of the Calfe: that is to say, although that all did nourish that obstinate opinion in their hearts: to wit that they did doubt or distrust of the mercie of God: and on the con­trary did leane and stay vppon the affiaunce and car­nall assurance of their woorkes, according to their ob­seruations.

We shall know this more cléerely, if wée doe vn­derstandeThe thighes do signifie extre­mitie. the ende and extremitie by the thighes, and i [...] we will make of the féete proppes by the which this Calfe, that is to say, this false Maske, is holden vp and maynteined. For there was neuer so many sects, so ma­ny housholds, so many differences, so many names, so many orders, or rather disorders brought in, as haue bene séene in our time, when the ende is nigh, and that that byle should breake: séeing that the vani­tie, [Page] and the deceits are vncouered and made knowen, [...]o shall wee see all this infection to fall downe.

The féete doe signifie those bolde bretheren and o­ther [...] ▪ VVhat [...] of this Calfe do [...]. those Sophisters, and our worshipfull masters [...] haue the preheminēce aboue other: & which are [...], and the most skilfull or cunningest [...], who do know full well to kéepe, amplifie and establish the dignitie and great authoritie of that [...] religion, eyther by writings, preachings, lec­tures, disputacions or doctrines: and doe endeauour themselues with all their strength thereto, and doe im­print it into the heartes of the people throughout the whole world. For euery trifling thing they fall out and disagrée among themselues: and as many as there beThe Moonkes disagreeing in opinions. The Calfe doth counterfait the Moonkish Preachers. of heads among them, so many opinions there be.

Thirdly, this Calfe representeth the gesture and countenaunce of a Preacher. For he standeth vpright vppon his hinder féete: and of the two fore féete, he cast­eth the right after the manner of a Preacher, and holdeth backe the lefte, hée hath his heade lyfted vp: he putteth out his tongue: there is nothing in him, which doth not represent those greate Cryers in the flesh.

Euen then as the Popish Asse hath bene an ImageThe Moonkes the Apostles of the Pope. or figure of the Papisticall kingdome, so this Moonkis [...] Calfe doth represent the Apostles and Disciples of the Pope, in such sort that all the world doth well sée what Doctors or Preachers they haue heard vntil this pre­sent time, and what they doe heare at this day.

For can any man finde an Apostle more fit for the braine of an Asse, then the head of a Calfe? This is a fit couer for the pot.

The carnall gouernment hath alwayes a carnall doctrine. And therefore the Calfe is yet without eyes, or blinde, for to figure those of whome Iesus Christ [Page 16] speaketh off in Saint Mathew the 23. chapter, say­ing.Mat. 23. b. [...] Wo be vnto you Scribes and Pharisies, blinde guydes. And Esay in his. 56. chapter sayth. All hisE [...]. 56. c. 10 watchmen are all blinde, they haue altogether no vn­derstanding, they are all dumme Dogges, not being a­ble to barke, they are slippery: sluggish are they, and lye sweating: they are shamelesse Dogges that be ne­uer satisfied. The shepheards also in lyke manner haue no vnderstanding.

We might very properly or fitly apply many other things in that Monster, vnto the Monkes and Sophi­sters. As this: The eare tyed to the frocke, signifi­ethThe eare noteth the confessions. the insupportable tyranny of confessions, by the which they doe cast and throw the poore consciences in­to the diuells throate, and doe put them in a terrible bondage.

The putting out of the tongue, doth signifie thatThe tongue all their doctrine is no other thing but the tongue. That is to saye, a bablyng and full of vayne words.

The two lyttle warts or knobbes which appeareThe two wart [...] or knobs lyke peason. vppon the head, should haue bene two hornes. And the hornes doe signifie the Preaching of the Gospell, the which make vs obedient vnto death or to the crosse, destroying the olde manne: as it is sayde by the Prophet Micheah the fourth Chapter▪ I willMicheah. 4. d. 13 make thy horne yron and thy clawes shall bée of brasse, that thou mayst grinde and crush in préeces ma­ny people.

Yet neuerthelesse this Calfe hath no hornes, butThe Moonkes doe turne the preaching of y^e Gospell vnto mens traditions onely certeyne appearaunce or tokens of hornes, which doe not much appeare.

For although that those dooe bragge and boaste themselues of that title, that they are Doctours of the Gospell: Yet neuerthelesse they doe tourne [Page] it foolyshly vnto the traditions of men. So then from the crowne of the head, which is shauen, doe appeare two lyttle knobbes lyke vnto pease. For vnder the [...] of the Gospell, he hydeth and couereth what him lysteth, and cannot suffer or abide, that the Gospell shoulde come foorth of that hull or shell: But it must agree to the sanctitie of that shauen crowne: And chief­ly as touching the Pope which is the head, of all those shauen heads.

And for that the Coole is so fast behinde theThe Moonkes coole or hood tyed to y^e neck. necke, the same declareth the incredible obstination of the supersticion and of the errours of these doltishe Moonkes, concerning the obseruations and Monasticall ceremonyes. As in very déede they are plunged and fastened so déepe within such filthinesse, that there is neyther vertue nor force, nor the lyght of the Chri­stian veritie, how great soeuer that it bée, which canne in any wise draw them foorth for to beholde the lyght.

Now for that the Coole was tyed and close behindeThe Moonkes do keepe and hold fast the hood & forsake & let go transi­tory goods at the backe, and that towards the belly or before it ap­peared to be open or vnsewed, doth signifie y^t those doe shew in their outward apparayle a certeine godlynesse: and it is vnder the coulour that they doe forsake and renounce all transitory goodes. But if they must come vnto God, or if one would bring them to the eternall lyfe, one shal finde that those are naked bellyes, and vn­profitable burthens for to consume the goods of y^e earth, yea committing all enormities: of which I loue rather to holde my peace.

And whereas that the Iawes below are lyke vnto the Iawes of a man, and those aboue with the nostrels lyke vnto those of a Calfe, the same signifieth that in their doctrine they speake very oft of the ciuile workes of the heauenly law: But in the meane season there is [Page 17] nothing but that it smelleth and sauoreth of the Calfe: that is to say, that the discipline, righteousnesse and the Philosophicall vertues are there too much praysed.

For the two lips of the mouth, do signifie two sorts and kindes of doctrines: the nether lip signifieth the ex­plycation of the Law: and the vpper lyp the preaching of the Gospell and of the heauenly promises. But in stéede of the Gospell, and of the promises touch­ing the reconcilyation made by Iesus Christ, they doe preach the mouth of a Calfe: That is to say, they doeTo preach the mouth of a calfe preach the great recompences and rewards which are giuen in heauen for mans workes dilygently done, but without faith.

Finally this Calfe is not hairy in any part, or hathThe calfe vvith out ha [...] no haire as other Calues haue, the same doth signifie the goodly and shining hipocrisie by the which these doltifh Moonkes haue deceiued all the world. Insomuch that they which are the cruell homicides of soules, and the madde vpholders of the diuell haue bene notwithstanding estéemed and counted holy and spiri­tuall fathers.

All these things are now openly knowen by a cléere lyght: This Calfe is come foorth from the hidde se­cretsThe Calfe com­ming out of the belly of his mo­ther. of the belly of his mother. They can no longer be kept in a secret place and hid from the sight of men, nor cannot chuse but that they must be perceiued. Lette them cloke or hide it asmuch as they will, but that shall not lette that the maske or disguising be not taken from them, and that they be not brought foorth in the lyght and their t [...]pitude and filthinesse bée not knowen or vncouered, that all men may shew or poynt at them with their f [...]er.

For I will leaue to euery mans lybertie to iudge of this [...]nterpretation. For although that the expositi­on▪ [...] fit inough, yet neuerthelesse it is [Page] of it selfe sound inough and very well buylded and grounded vppon the witnesses of the holy Scripture,The exposition of the calfe builded vppon the [...]riptur [...] that the Moonkery is such in very deede as we haue de­scribed. Forasmuch then as this Calfe agreeth proper­ly with y^• dwine Oracles, let euery one diligently take héede or be wel aduised what & is y^• he shal dispise whē he shal dispise & reiect this my interpretation. In this Mo [...]ster ther is more then a sufficient warning, for to make vs to vnderstand y^• god is offended & angry with those Moonkish obseruations. For if he loued them, it isGod is angry vvith the obser­uations of the Moonkes. most certeine he would haue cloathed it with a frock of a more honester figure. And we must very well say that by such a monstrous figure is not signified or mēt any man alone: But a sociation, a couent, a brotherhood, or a gouernment of many, according to the nature andVVhat the fi­gure of he calfe doth signifie condition of all the visions, of which is made mention in the holy Scripture, Daniel chapter. 8.

O you Moonkes and Nunnes, take you héede, your dooings are héere intreated of earnestly: and thinke not that such aduertisement of God is a play to iest at, or an enchauntment.

Appease God with other oblations and sacrifices then those which you haue: Forsake your Couents, and cast away your frockes, and retourne vnto that where­fore you were borne, and wherevnto you are called by God, before that this occasion that God sheweth vnto you doe vanish away. For afterwards, when you would ye cannot: Now when you may doe well, ye will not.

Aboue all I do earnestly beséech the noble families and all gentlemen that they wil delyuer their children and cousins, or those whose soules health they do loue, from such so horrible and perillous lyfe, as from a most filthy prison. Thinke that they are not yet out of the bondes of mans body: and but that they are bound to [Page 19] the communion of men, and to the law of Nature as well as other men. For this is not graunted is Nature, that so great multitude of vnmari­edThe gift of [...] not graunted [...] people can lyue honestly and chast­ly: or that they can of their own free wil liue without ma­riage. As for me I would gladly do that which lay in mée, and which apperteineth to mine office, and to warne you in time.