WEll ouertaken (neighbour BALTHASAR) where haue you bin this longe tyme? for I haue not seene you in your shoppe these 3. or 4. dayes.

I have bin washing, shauing, and triming; in the Countrye.

Then I trust you can tell vs of some good newes? for men say all newes are to be heard of at a Smyths Forge, a Barbers shopp, or at a mill.

Verely I can heare of little or no good newes in the Contry to be had, wherefore I pray you neighbour Benion, tell me in sadnes, what doe you heare?

Suerly (neighbour) I can tell you of very good newes, wherat (I trust to God) we all shall reioyse, & this is the matter: I came no sooner into the Citty, and had gotten a Chapman for my buttons, (but in comming by a Smiths For­ge) I heard say: there was a worthy Parlament appoynted and a gratious day set, wherin (euery man, conserning his religion) should be permitted freely to speake without any lett, or interruption: and also heard without any perceality, And then whosoeuer hath the best on his syde, in the Trueth; it was concluded that his religion should take place, he preferred of the Kinge: and the Trueth set vp aboue all.

But (tell me) is that possible?

Yea truly, but what would you saye if I were there present, and hearde all the same parley, euen from the beginning to the end.

Suerly I would say then that this Realme should be most happy of all nations vnder the Sonne, yea and moreouer that the Lord would blesse and pro­sper such magistrates in all things that they tooke in hand: Now therefore I pray thee tell me more of this matter, but wast thou in deed from the beginning to the end of this parley?

I heard al that was there spoken and concluded amongst them.

What were the company there assembled, canst thou tell?

Yea: For there was none that sate in Iudgment, vnlesse they were of great dignity, honour, or worship: Videlicet.

1. The Kinge which executeth true judgment without percealety: and he sate vppermost in his royall seate:

2. The Counsell (which are good aduouching alwayes therunto) & they sate next vnto him.

3. The Lords Spiritual (who are zelous for the trueths cause) and were pla­ced next them.

4. The Lords Temperall who are redy to defend the Trueth) and they were placed next them.

5. And lastly the comons; who are redy to liue therin: (euery one of these aforesayd, so much as they may attayne grace therto of the Lord) and they sate in the nethermost roome.

This was doubtlesse a ioyfull sight To [...] beholde: the Lord blesse them all, and geue them of his grace to haue all men speake whithout perseality: to judge vprightly: and also to establish those things that may redounde to Gods glory Amen: but what speaker was appoynted to the same parlament?

Such a one as in lyke maner feared the Lord, and is desyerous that all things mought be done for the best according to Gods will.

Then (first of all) I pray thee let me heare what the speaker sayd: and what matters were their cheifly handled by him conserning the effect o [...] prin­cipall causes of theyr assembly for it should seeme (by this thy saying that there were matters handled of great importance?

These or the lyke so farre as my memory would serve me were the words of the speaker.

SPEAKER.For as muche as I at this tyme (although vnmeet therunto) am appoynted to speake before the Kings highnes, as also before you all Right, high Honora­ble, an [...] worshipfull here assembled, in matters appertayning to a common welth, sowell for soule as body. Therefore must I first of all in most humble wise craue perdon of his Majestie, and also of all you Honorable, and worshipfull in this audience that if any thing chaunce (for the want of skill audacitie, or wis­dom) to escape my mouth, it may be taken to the best according to my good meaning. Thus it is ò most renoumed Prince, and you Honorable Lords Spi­rituall & temperall, together whith you worshipfull, and commons of this pre­sent Parlament here assembled & also be it knowne vnto you all: That the cheif and principall thing wherethrough all Nations, Kingdoms, Princes, People, and commonwelths are vphoulden, kept, and preserved from harmes and destru­ction is God, which God therefore, ought (of all Nations, Kingdoms, and People) most cheifly and aboue all other things to be feared, loued, obeyed, honored & served. And seeing that your calling is cheifly to that end: also that all your cares and Industryes is now gratiously bent therunto, in somuch as this honora­ble assembly is come together there about: I beseech you therefore (in the name of the same liuing God) to heare me For as-much as it is not vnknowne vnto the Kings highnes, as also to the honorable, and worshipfull here assembled, that although the scriptures haue bin (to the same effect aforsayd: most plentifully read vnto the People these many yeres according to the Kings appoyntment and good intention yet not-withstandinge we see that the liues of the People (for the most part) are become worse and worse, (sowell among the learned, as among the layhood) and the cause is for that the Preachers themselues, doe not desyer to become such as they would frame theyr hearers to be▪ And not that alone but also by thAt meanes) and for the want of obedience; there are spr [...]ng vp, sondry sect; and sortes of religions here among vs at this daye so thatt euery one (being notwithstanding contrary mynded one towards an other) will haue his owne for the best yea although they must all needs graunt, that there is but one onely trueth [it would be to long to resyte how many haue bin deceiued and are yet, through superstition and Idolatry, likewise how many (in [Page] these) haue taken to their selues A freedom and liberty of lyfe in comitting wic­kednes] out of their miscōrstuing of holy scriptures. And more ouer how m [...]ny haue bin expulced the vniuersities for their dissobedience▪ forsaken heir be­nefice and exhibition gathered together their conventikles, Pr [...]ached false and sedicious doctrine, ronne here and there [...]here [...]hey myght be hearde, an [...]a­tinge the People against obedience, due to the goo [...], manly, [...]. 2. and po [...]e [...]ke lawes and ordinances of theyr Prin [...]es and gouernours: A [...] [...]ik [...]ise wh [...]t [...]s [...]g vp of tumults: wh [...]t murdering and [...]on [...]um [...]ng one of an other is come to [...]e daylie (in other lands) therabout: videlicet about religion & the True [...]h, it woulde be, I say, too long to re [...]vie for s [...]eedy reformation wherof, a [...]d that the lyke inconuenience in al [...] (whi [...]h God forbid) co [...]e not to pass [...] with in this Land, but rather may in tyme (through your good providen [...]e and Noble wisdoms in the Lord) before seene and peruented. May it therefore please the Kings Majestie, the Lords Spirituall and Temperall together with the wor­shipfull and commons here assemb [...]ed, to let proclamation go forth into all coasts of the Land, and that it be permitted and graunted, of euery Religion one (at the least) to come into the pe [...]lament house, there to speake freely his mynd conserning y^e Trueth, and the effect or ground of his religion. And when euery­one hath sayd his mynde, and your princely wisdome aduisedly and deeply) considered therof, as which of them all shall go nearest the Trueth: So may you then doe your best in y^e Lord that the Trueth onely may take place for as-much as God (who alone is worthy of all honour) is a spirit, and wil none otherwise be honored saue in spirit and Trueth. And thus, to thend all enuy, contencion and disobedience, mought once seace amongst vs (that now boast so much of [...]hri­stianity) and that all godly loue obedience, vnity, peace and concord, in the Trueth, myght come in place, whereby God myght rightly be honored, Iesus Christ myght faythfully be beleeued, the King and you all that beare authority; dutifully obayed▪ the People that are vnder you become blessed: and the com­mon welth alwayes florish to your euerlasting fame:] I make an end. Referring all thing here spoken to the Lord, and your wisdomes to consider of, and so I committ you to God and to his good tuicion, who is well able to endow you with his heauenly wisdom or holy spirit for to doe in all, his wil Amen. And so he ended.

This was no doubt a maruellous good waie for to bring all to one vniformity of Religion, as also for to fynde out the Trueth: [if so be the King & majestrates, when they haue harde all spe [...]ke; cā discerne the Trueth and true re­ligion from all others] which thing they may easily doe when as the Lord shall see it good, for as much as the Trueth is playne, and seeketh no corners, and they also Gods Ministers appoynted to that end, but yet thou hast not tolde me what was sayd to this matter, nor what ensued therupon.

Then sayd the King this mans consell is very good: let therefore pro­clamation go forth and let them come before vs [to wit] of euery Religion one: and then shall euery one say his mynde freely conserning his Religion, and [Page] conserning the Trueth: And (for my part after I haue heard euery one speak, and aduisedly cōsydered therof according vnto the Trueth of the Scriptures, I wil by the grace of God giue true Iudgement without perceality because that God (whose minister I am) mought rightly be honored in Spirit and in Trueth.

Then spake the Counsell, all at once, and sayd, God saue thee (ò Kinge) for euer: For [...]e likewise are good advouching thereunto, and therefore wish (with all our haertes) that it mought euen-so come to passe.

After that spake the Lords Spirituall and sayd, God blesse the King in his deter­mination, for we also are zealous for the Trueths cause, and therefore woulde gladly that it vvere manifested.

And then spake the Lords Temperall and sayd, God preserue the King, and graunt him good suckcesse in all that he taketh in hand: for vve are redy, to the vttermost of our power, to defend the Trueth, vvere it once made knowen.

Then last of all spake the commons and sayd, God prosper the King in his good purpose, for vvee stand also ready to liue therin, mought vve once know cer­taynlie vvhich vvere the Trueth.

The God of all Trueth blesse them vvith his euerlasting blessing: make manifest his Trueth vnto them, and then geve them and vs all grace to liue in the same. But vvhat followed I pray you tel me.

Vpon this the proclamation vvent forth into all quarters, and there­vpon came into the Parlament house 4. men diuersly Apareled: also of sundry myndes or Religions, Videlict A Catholick [comonly called a Papist.] A Protestant, [c [...]monly called a Liber [...]in.] A Puritan [comonly called a Rebell.] And a playne Plowm [...]n vvhose religion vvas vnknowen, [comonly called an Hereti (que).]

Now of Fellowship let me heate more of this matter, for there is like alwaeys to i [...]sue some good sporte, vvhere so many Players doe resorte.

After such tyme as they all (kneeling vpon their knees) had craued perdon, and lisence euery man to speak freely his mynde, vvithout any inter­ruption, for the profe of his Religion, and the manifesting of the Trueth, and that free liberty vvas graunted them. Then vvas it concluded also, that the Catholick shoulde speake first, next after him the Protestant, 3. the Puritane, and last of all the playne Plowman.

Suerly this vvas excellent vvel, now then (as thou louest me) let me heare vvhat good stuffe the Catholi (que) coulde bring for his old rusty Religion.

Then the Catholi (que) after his humble submission made to the K. and to the Honourable and vvorshipfull there assembled) he sayd.

Most Noble Prince, & you all most Honourable & worshipfull audience: In as much as you haue most graciously graunted me to speake for my Religion and the Trueth, so I most humbly beseech you all to heare me: Be it knowne vnto you all that the Catholi (que) generall Religion, had her first foundacion, as it is thought, neare vpon 1 [...]. hundred yeares past, and hath remayned in force [and no other generall Religion, among the Christians with in Europe, knowen or fre­quented] vntill about 80. yeares past, that one Matin Luther (some [...]ymes a ffryer) [Page] tooke vpon him, vpon a displeasure taken aganst y^e Pope, to vvryte dispitefully there agaynst: and this our Religion vvas instituted acc [...]rding to the holy scriptures by a generall councell of holy Fathers: For after such tyme as they, out of a great zeale towards the Trueth beheeld the increase of all Iniquity amongst the People, in somuch as Chr [...]st and his doctrine vvas almost forgotten: yea and more ouer fearing least, in processe of tyme, the Natiuety, Death, and Passion of Christ, together vvith his doctrine, lyfe and miracles, as also the doctrine, lyfe and miracles of the Prophets, Apostles, Euangilests, and holy fathers, should likevvise be altogether forgotten, especially n [...]w in these last lisencious dayes, vvherin they vnderstood, in the Spirite, that all iniquity vvould abound, lyke as it is come to passe at this day: Then they thought it good to call a generall Councell at the vvhich counsell they ordayned, not vvithout the holy Ghost, the festiuall dayes throughout the yere, like as they yet remayne in y^e Church at this day) some in commemoration of Christes Natiuety, some of his circumsi­cion: some of his Death: some of his Resurrection, and some of his Assention into heauen, &c. Likewise they ordayned other Festiuall dayes in commemora­tion of the deaths and martirdomes of holy saints, videlicet. Prophets, Apostles, Euangelists Martirs, and confessors, &c. They haue also ordayned holy sacra­ments and ceremonyes, together vvith an vniformity of God-service, to be vsed in the Church onely to houlde in memory before the People (in their right significations) those holy things vvhich the gospel of Iesu Christ requireth in the Deede) of all men: and yet notwithstanding vvere then (almost of all Peo­ple) forgotten: Moreouer they ordayned and established, that the Gospells and Epistles, &c. should be (as a New Testament) coadioyned to the olde: and read dayly in the Churches for holy scripture, and so to be taken for euer: they also ordayned and built many Churches for holy vse, Fastings, prayers, Almesdeeds, confession of sinnes, vvith contricion and satisfaction to be made for the same, with many other good things more vvhich vvere too longe to re­syte: And now (right noble and honourable audience) in what Feare, obedience, and reasonablenes the People vvere houlden (euen vntill this our last Age) vnder Catholick Religion, and her sacraments and cerem [...]nyes, I need not much to speake of, but vvill rather leaue it to the Iudgmen [...] and consideration of all those that be vvise and of auncient yeares among you, & knew their con­uersation: And therefore (to be shorte) I hold my Catholi (que) Religion to be of most antiquety, ordayned by y^e consent of the holy Ghost, and grounded vpon the Trueth And thus I conclude, who soe houldeth vpon the Catholiq Reli­gion (In his Right Institucion he houldeth vpon the True Religion: And who soe houldeth vpon the Catholi (que) Church houldeth vpon the true Churche: And thus he ended.

Now surely (neighbour Benion) if this vvere his talke, and if this be true vvhich he hath sayd: then this is the Catholi (que) Religion (as I thincke) layd on such a ground or foundacion, bringing also with it such antiquety; that I know not presently to the contrary, but he is lyke to beare a ray the best [Page] game, yet vvould I gladly heare how the protestant could answere this mat­ter.

Then the Protestant (after humble submission &c.) sayd: O most ex­cellent Prince together vvith all you Honourable and worshipfull, let me freely speake before you: It is not vnknowne vnto you all at this present that this Popish Religion [although I graunt she mought happely haue had some rea­sonable ground in her first Institution] hath b [...]n (since that tyme) diuersly & son­dry wis [...], altred & patched, in somuch as sondry Popes haue added sundry sere­monyes, Videlicet. some holy water, some holy bread, some other haue set vp (as bookes fot the vnlearned to looke vpon certaine Images, & some haue graunted that oblations should be made vnto them, some other that sight should be set before them other some haue alowed (for the vnlearned) beades for to nom­ber theyr prayers withall: And some haue likewise (for monyes cause) graun­ted out perdon for sinnes, some in one maner some in an other: yea and their service▪ wherin they ment to serve God, was in a language that the People vnderstood not [what should I speaka of Masses, Trentalts, and Dirges to be sung for the Dead Hallowing of Palmes, of Crosses, Churches and Church­yeards, likewise of Christning and hallowing of Bells &c.] And this supersti­tion continued (like as he sayd therin right well) till M^r. Doctor Martin Luther, that famous Clarke, vvho hath disclosed all their superstition, Idolatry, Coui­tousnes, and whordome &c. vvhich tyme vve God be thancked) haue had for the most part this our protestant Religion, vvherin the Gospell or Trueth is sincearely Preached: all superstition, Idolatry and abhomination altogether put downe, and god service in the mother tongue, so that now euery Carter & Cobler can whistle and sing psalmes, and euery man can reason and talke of the scriptures in euery place freely where they come: yea moreouer euery Bishop and Minister may haue his wife &c. And now (right honorable Audience.) what fruites and freedom this our liberty of the gospell hath brought vvith it, since we began to preach, I need not to resyte: but vvill referre that and all that I haue sayd, vnto your vvisdoms to consider of: Thus I conclude [Right No­ble and vvorshipfull] that my Religion (set out and allowed by the Kinge and his Counsell) hath his ground and foundacion from Christ and his Apostles, and therefore of greater antiquitie then the Catholike Religion by an hundred yeares and more▪ and is therefore the best, and the gospell vvhich vve preach (say I:) that is the Trueth. And therewith he made an end.

Lord haue mercy on vs, vvhat shall vve say that are vnlearned, in this troublesome tyme of so many Religions and Opinions? or vvhom shal vve be­leeue? For now (if this vvere his tale, and this be true vvhich he hath sayd: doubtlesse he hath so firmely and groundly sayd his plat forme (that in myne opinion) no man liuing can remoue it▪ or goe beyond him. And therefore I see not to the contrary, but that he must needs goe away vvith the victory, otherwise I am much deceaued: yet I pray thee let me heare vvhat the other could say?

Then stood vp the Puritan, and (after submission done) he sayd, most high and renoumed Prince together with you all that be Honourable and wor­shipfull, like as ye haue heard these 2. men tell their tales concerning the ground of their Religions, and the Trueth: euen so I beseech you heare me: It is vvell knowen vnto you all that I haue bin, euen for the Lord my God his cause, zea­lous this 30 yeares and more, in so much as I haue bin expulced the Vniversi­tyes: depriued of my liuings: runne here and there, euen for my Conscience cause, &c and therefore haue matter so well against thee O King and thy Lawes, as also against them both and their Religions that haue here spoken: As f [...]r thee thou settest vp superstitious lawes vvhich are not correspondent to Gods lawes, and therefore I will not obey them: And now to answere the Catholike and his Antichristian Religion; I need not, for asmuch as the Protestant hath sufficiently answered him. But as conserning the Protestant and his Religion (vvhich he so extolleth aboue all other) I am right vvel able to reproue him, almost in an 100. places vvhich he hath altogether taken out of the Romish sincke, or stincking Popish puddle: like as you may easily smell from wence they came; if you do but a little holde vp your heads and beholde the situation of your Chur­ches, how they yet stand East and West your steeples also full of Bells your Quiers and Alters, together vvith Coaps, vestments and cornerd caps: Tippets, Rotchets, Sirplusses, processions singings, organs &c. [what should I speake of their superstitious names, Videlicet. my Lord of Canterburyes grace, my Lord Yorcks grace my Lord Bishop, M^r. Deane, M^r. Subdeane, M^r. Archdeacon, Mr. Commosary: D^r. such-a-on: M^r. Soueraigne, M^r. Parson, M^r. Vicker, &c. and (to be shorte) vvat soeuer the protestant vseth (so vvel in his seruice, as in his ministration of Sacraments, and Ceremonyes) they are all counterfeyted out of Papistry: and are therefore no better to be termed then rotten Raggs of the Romish Church. For that cause (right Honourable audience) I beseech you in the bowels of Iesu Christ, that you vvoulde once ouerthrowe and cleane roote out for euer all such Antichristan memorials aforesayd of that Babilonish hoore, so that nothing remayne vpon the Earth in any remembrance of her: And then may you reforme Religion (as we shall Instruct you) after the maner of the best reformed Churches in all Europe. And vntill that tyme we wil ney­ther obey you nor your lawes, and Institutions: [for in such case say we; it is better to obey God then men.] And thus I conclude Right Noble and worship­full: forasmuch as our zeyle standeth more towards God and his lawes then to­wards the lawes and ordinances of men; Therefore we (who are aboue, in our ministration, men or Angels doe holde our Religion to be the best, because we seeke the reformation of the Church in all things that are amisse: and more­ouer we haue our foundation from Ezechia, Iosia, Iudas Machabeus, &c. and for that cause of greater antiquitie then them both And our ministration (which we vse and teach among our Colleges in our exercises, and nightly conven­tikles) is the Trueth. And here I end: comitting all things herein touched, to your vvisdoms to consider of. And so departed.

O Lord! what shall I saye? or vpon what Religion shall I now staye me, wherby I mought now find out the Trueth? then hath he so vnfolded it in such sorte, also layde his ground so sure that all men vvhich heareth him (as I conjecture) must needs thinke that he (vvhich is so zealous for Gods cause: feareth not to reproue the King to his face: seeketh the reformation of the Church: and also bringeth vvith him the greatest antiquitie) is like to preuayle, and also winne the best game. Yet vvould I fayne heare what the 4^•. could saye to all these profound and groundly reasons. but alas, what should a playne Plowman saye among such high learned Prelats? Notwithstanding of fellowship let me heare what the foolish fellowe could say, or what answer he could make that I might laugh a little.

Last of all stood vp this playne Plowman [whose Religion was vn­knowen: although he had bin so long tyme▪ by all these 3 aforsayd suspected & bruted for an Hereti (que)] And (falling downe vpon his knees) he sayd: O most puissant Prince together vvith all your Honorable and vvorshipfull in this present Parlament assembled. Are you desyerous (in this contentious and troublesome tyme, wherin all Iniquity doth abounde and wherin also so many Religions, sects, and opinions, are out of flesh and bloud, entred or taken on among the Children of men) to vnderstand the best Religion, as also the Trueth, and what thing the Trueth is, to thend that God mought be honoured therin? Then I beseech you of your clemencie heare me speake.

You haue heard of these 3. (one being contrary to an other:) speake the very best that in them was for the aduouching of their Religion and the Trueth: And now as touching the first [namely the Catholike] he hath out of a good zeale brought in, so nere as he could conjecture, the first ground of the Ca­tholik Religion, and the long continuance thereof: declaring also that the sa­craments,Ioan. 14 a. b c 1. Ioan. 3.4. a.b.c. signes, ceremonyes, and seruices of the same Church, were ordeyned onely to keepe in memory things passed &c. [euen like as the seruices and sacra­ments ceremoniall of y^e old lawe were in y^e beginning ordeyned to keepe in me­morie things that thē were to come &c. Notwithstanding the good life where­vpon all sacraments, signes, ceremonies, or shadowes figuratiue in the Catholik church did point vpon, and vvhich also the holy scripture doe require, and whereout the dutifull obedience towards God and Gouernours doth proceed, (was of this Catholicke now in these last dayes) altogether forsaken, rejected and forgotten: (euen like as it vvent also in times before with the disobedient and vnbeleeuing jewes,) & so hath he forsaken the Trueth, vvhereupon he sayth his Religion was grounded: And therefore the Lorde hath now no plea­sure in this Apostated Catholik nor yet in his absurd Religion, vvherevpon it is now come to passe that the 2. (namely this Protestant) beholding the ma­ny-maner abuses and disorderlynesse of life which hath bin now in these latter dayes, found in this Cotholi (que) and his Religion: and for the vvhich [Page] no doubt he hath receiued greate chastisment of the Lord, and his Ministers hath declared forth (to his great reproach) many of the same abuses before you all very rightly as they vvere, and moreouer (out of a great zeale) hath commended his owne Religion for the best which thou (O king) hast now appointed and set vp among vs: Videlicet, the declaring forth of the gospell and holy scriptures among vs. The seruice vsed and read in y^e mother tongue, to thend all mought heare and vnderstand what is sayd, and then followe the same vvhich is good: as likewise the sacraments & ceremonies ministred in the same tongue, to thend all subjects mought be holden vnder godly and manly obedience, and hue according to the scriptures in one vniformity of Religion according to the kings good meaning therein.Psalm. 1. and. 15.24. Math. 25. d. [...] All these [say I] were it accomplished in the deed and in the Trueth is a very good Religion, also vvere very vvell sayde of him as out of a singuler good zeale.

Notwithstanding the vvhile this Protestant (vvhich can readily reproue an other by the scripture) vvalketh forth still in all malitiousnes of life (although he boaste neuer so much of Light, Life, Liberty,Psa. 15. Ioan. 12. g. Rom. 8. b. Math. 7. d. 1. Cor. 6. b. Collo. 3. a. 2. Tim. 3. a. & Freedome by Christe) he remayneth notwithstanding in darkenes and is the seruant of sinne, or bond­slaue of Sathan: (vvhat should I say of the couitousnes, that vvorshipping of Images, Enuie, Pride, Extortion, Symony, Vsery, Whoredome together vvith all maner of Iniquity that now doth abound in this Protestant, so vvell among the Clergie as the Layetie.

Thus may vve see that he likevvise in rejecting the good life,Ioan. 14 a. 12. g. Gal. 2. d. Math. 5. 2. Ioan. 4. b. (vvhich all the holy scriptures, do requier and witnes: and were vpon also all the holy scriptures as also al sacraments, ceremonies, figures or shadowes that good are) do signifie, figure forth, & point vpon, hath rejected the Trueth. And novv beholde I pray you what fruits haue insued since this liberty of life hath bin taken on? For the longer this Protestant hath preached vnto the people, the worse the liues of the same people are become:Ioan. 8 a 13 a [...]. Esd. 16 [...] Math. 3.4. experience hath taught vs: and no maruell, for he [in forsaking the good life] hath there withal forsaken the Trueth: and for that cause onelie, the Lorde hath no pleasure in this licen­cious Protestant, nor yet in his absurd Religion.

And as touching the 3. [namely the Puritan] for as much as he vvill not liue as a subject vnder all good lawes and ordinances of Kings & Magistrates,Rom 13. 1. Pet. 2. 2. Pet. 2. Tit. 3 a. 2. Tim. 3. a. b. 1. Ioan. 3. a. 4. b. Ioan. 14. 1. Ioan. 4. b. and therefore hath (out of enuious persumption, and rebellious heart) forsaken the obedience and godlie lyfe, due to God, and gouernors [notwithstanding it is required of vs all in holy scripture] so hath he in lyke maner there vvith all forsa­ken the Trueth [it vvere too muche to name how many honest hearted and true faythfull subjects, to their Prince haue bin, by this Puritan, belyed slaundered, persecuted, and imprisoned, for that they held them to obedience and the good lyfe, like as they were taught:Mala 3.4. Psa. 50. [...]. Ioan. 13. [...]. and would neuer consent to his re­bellyous doctrine, nor come to his nightly conuentikles:] and therefore (al­though [Page] he, out of his great zeale, sought the reformation of the Church, and yet he himself not reformed vnto obedience and godlines of lyfe) God hath no more pleasure in this disobedient Puritan nor yet in his absurd Religion.4. Esd. 16. c. Thus you may see Right Noble,1. Cor. 3. d. Ioan. 8. d. Mar. 8. d. Ioan. 15. a. Ioan. 14. a. Ioan. 8. d. Luc. 8. b. Mar. 4. b. Matth. 13. b. Esa 6. c. Ioan. 12. f. g. Honourable and vvorshipfull, how euery one, in his vvay, seeketh religiously after the Trueth, if he myght any way fynde it. And againe you may see also that the Trueth is neuerthelesse, hid from them all. And why? for (if we consider of the Scriptures) vnto all those that walke with­out the true lyfe, and godly obedience (which is required in gods holy vvord) all things chaunce in similitudes, parables, and closed bookes: because that men should not see with their earthly eyes or myndes, nor heare with their earthly eares or thoughts, nor yet comprehende in theyr darke stony harts, the secrete works of the Holy Spirit of Christ.

Ioan. 14. b.c. 1. Pet. 2. Rom. 13. a. 2. T [...]. 3. aFor that cause all People that are zelous for Religion, & for the Trueths sake, [be they what they be, or dwell they where they shall: so they loue God, and desyer to liue vnder obedience to the King and his good lawes▪ or, at the least­wise, liueth quietly and harmelesly among the People, bearing a true and faith­full heart to the Prince of the Land] are to be borne withall in their ignorant zeale for Conscience sake, in asmuch as all good gifts proceed from God, yea and moreouer▪ Math. 13. for that the tyme of haruest is at hand, in the vvhich the Lord vvill send out his Angels, to gather together the good wheat into his barnes & to burne the weeds with vnquenchable fyer.Ioan. 1. a. b. 14. a. Ioan. 5. c. 6. e. f. Ioan. 17. 2. Ioan. 4. b. For doubtles the Trueth it self (wherabout men so striue) is an other maner of thing then flesh and bloud was euer able to fynd out, for it is the louely lyfe, or being of God, or of his holy word, vvhich lyfe is the thing (as I sayd before) that all sacrifices, signes, or shadowes in the whole lawe, as also the Sacraments and ceremonyes of the new Testament ordained in the Christian Catholicke Church together with all that the holy scriptures,Ioan. 3. a b. c. d. &c. Ioan. 16. d. e. f 17. c. [...]1. c. Gen. 2. b. 3. a. Prov. 3. c. Apo. 2. b. [...] Cor. 15. c. Gen. 3. 2 Cor. 1. d. 3. a. b. c. Deut. 1 [...] a. b 1. Tit. 3. a. 1. Pet 2. [...]. Cor. 13. Matth. 7. b. Ioan. 13. d. 14 15. Gal. 2. d. e. Ioan [...]. [...]. Gen. 2 b. [...]. a. d [...] 1 [...] a. b c. do [...]oynt vpon: signify and requier at all our Hands, I say, once agayne, the louely lyfe of God, or of his holy worde is the very Trueth [namely Iesus Christ] It is also the Tree of lyfe that was plāted in the beginning in the midst of the Paradise, or Lust-garden of the Lord [which tree of lyfe, euen like as the first, through the disobedience in the knowledge, hath lost the same: euen so the second man through the obedience in the lyfe, winneth the same agayne] it is very true: And therefore to liue in Obedience to God and his holy vvord, also in obedience to the King, and his good lawes and ordinances, and to loue myne neighbour as myne owne selfe, also to deale louingly & vprightly vvith all men like as I vvould be dealt with all. is the effect of my religion, grounded vpon the Trueth, vvhich obedience had his originall from Adam, Abell, Seth, Noah, Abraham, &c and is also confirmed by Christ and his Apostles, &c. and therefore shal continue for euer.

Ioan. 13 c. 14 a 15. a. b. c 1. Cor. 13. 2. Ioan. 3. a.b. c. 4, a.b.Thus I conclude that my Religion, in the good lyfe, goeth beyond them all, so farre as the Heauens from the Earth, or the Light from Darknes, also that all maner of Religious people (boast they neuer somuch of their Religions, Prea­chings, Seruices, Sacraments Seremonyes, Freedomes by Christ, or elswhat) [Page] that are found vvithout this obedience to God and Gouernours,Ioan 8. a. [...] 8 d. [...]oan. 14 a b. 1. Cor. 13. Eph 4 a.b. c. 6. b c. Ioan [...] Colo. 1. c. 2. b. & vvithout this goodlyfe aforesayd (or at the least haue not any earnest inclination thereto, somuch as they may in the Lord) the Religion, their God seruice, and all els that they boast vpon, is nothing worth in the Lords sight: and the cause is they haue forsaken the Trueth, vvhich is the flower and beauty of all good Religions ye [...], and is all in all.

Now haue I shewed you [Right High and Honorable:] the inconfutable ground of my Religion [which God of his gracious goodnes hath made knowen vnto me,1 Cor. 13. 2. c. 13. Ioan 13. c. 14. a. b. and for the vvhich I haue bin long suspected] together vvith the vn­fallible Trueth, vvherout all right obedience vnto God and Gouernours prosee­deth and vvherout also the right repentance appeareth,Gal 2. d. 3. a. b d Ioan. 14 a b. Gal. [...]. [...]. Colo 1 c. Ioan. 8. d. 15. a. and the true and liuing fayth is alwayes working by loue, so well towards God and Christ, also towards my neighbour: and vvherunto I meane [by the grace of God] to indevour my self night and day▪ by prayer and supplication, to thend I mought once attayne to the same Trueth, vvithout the vvhich there is, for me, no Salvation.

Therefore consider hereof aduisedly, I most humbly beseech you) so many as haue rejected obedience, they haue rejected the true Religion:Eph 4. d. Ioan. [...]. c Ioan. 14 a.b. Hab. 1. a. Gal. 2. d. And so many as haue rejected the holy and godly lyfe, haue rejected & forsaken the Trueth, [namely Iesus Christ:] Therefore am I boulde to say (as vnder correction and sub­mission) that this [...]y Religion, and this Trueth, vvhereof I haue spoken, being once fast grounded in our myndes and spirits, is the principall good wherein the Lord hath set his whole delight, and vvherout he vvil onely be honored & ser­ued: Also vverunto all Christian and Catholi (que) Religions, Kings, Princes, Ma­gistrates & people ought of right, for evermore to geue place, as one flocke vnder one shepheard: For it is an Euerlasting lyfe, in the which, and through which, vve (being vnited soule and spirit vvith God the Father shall rise againe (in this same flesh,) and liue vvith Christ our Sauiour, in ioyes everlastingly: It is very True.

And now as I haue here acknowledged (right High and Honorable, &c be­fore you all) one onely true Christian Catholik Religion: so let no man from hence forth charge me to be of no Religion, neither yet to be of all Religions, but rather such a one as would good vnto all, [to vvit] that all religions, in most louing vvise▪ mought be gathered together (now in these last dayes) according to the promisses, through the gospell of Iesus Christ, vnto this onely true Religion aforesayd, of faythfull obedience to God & Gouernours, and Trueth towards all men. For then vvhosoeuer is a right Catholi (que) Protestant or Puritan, and liueth in the sayd obedience and Trueth, I can in no vvise disalowe of him, in somuch as I my self indevour me dayly (by the grace of God) to accomplish or attayne vnto, vvith them, that most holy religion of obedience and Trueth: because there mought bee no more, in thend, saue one God, one Christ and sauiour, one Holy Ghost, one Fayth, one Baptisme, one obedience, one Trueth, one Flocke, one shepheard, euen such is my mynd, & so would I bee conceived of, and no other vvise,

Great is the King, great and mighty is his power▪ yea greate is y^e knowlēdge that the sonnes of men haue found out vpon the Earth. Also great and many maner are the Religions, services, and ceremonyes which men haue deuised to serue the Lord w [...]h [...]ll: yet notwithstanding much greater is obedien [...]e in the Trueth [That louely lyfe of [...]od, or of h [...]s holy vvord] for it is, as I sayd before Christ [...]esus, the vvay, wherin [...] ought to wa [...]ke, the Trueth, vvherin all men ought to be [...]e [...]e: And the lyfe, wherin all m [...]n ough [...] to liue. Therefore great is O [...]e lun [...] in the Trueth, and of worthynes part goeth beyond them all. And so after reverence done he ended.

O most m [...]rcyfull God: what shal [...] become of all such Igno [...]ant s [...]ules as I am? which are redy to runne, now af [...]er this Rel [...]gion, then after th [...]t? [alas neighbour alas▪] i [...] [...]eemeth no [...] by these his speeches (which doubtles are very true,Ioan. 8 d Mar. 1. b. 6. b. Ioan. 15. a.b. that all People on Earth [...]hich haue chosen to them selves a Religion wherin they supposed to haue obtayned their freedome, Iustifica­tion, and salvation by Christ▪ and yet neuer attayned to true repentance, mu [...]h lesse to Obedien [...]e, in the godly lyfe (vvhich he call [...]th the Trueth, or Christ himself) are cleane set besyde the sa [...]dle. For I now perceaue right well, the O [...]edience in the good lyfe is a most precious treasure proseeding from God, and vvherewith God, the King, and a mans neighbour is serued Moreouer, by the lyfe men may knowe the workes of God from the workes of men al­wayes: As for example, let vs looke vpon all the Creatures that the Lord hath made (yea wh [...]tsoeuer thing the eye of man can beholde) and see, it hath or it hath had, a kynde of lyfe in it. Likewise, let vs looke vpon all the workes of man seeme they neuer so bewtifully and loe they haue no lyfe in them: So that although one man may fashion an other man▪ [...]. Cor. 13. Ioan. 14 a.b. Ioan. 3. a. Gala. 6. c. through smoth words & deepe knowledges to an outward shew of holines yet is he no better [before such tyme as God worketh, through his grace, and the ministration of his holy word, the new birth, or true godly lyfe in the man] then a dead Image, or paynted Se­pulcher which the man had made vvith his owne hands, And now therefo [...]e it cometh red [...]ly to my remembrance how it standeth written in the Scriptures to the same effect:2. Cor. 13. Rom. 8. Gala 4. Ephes 3 2. Cor. 4. c. Videlicet, Except Christ be in you [sayth Paul to the Christian Con­gregations] you are cast awa [...]es, also if a man haue not the spirit of God, the same is none of his, & moreouer I trauell in birth till Christ be fashioned in you agayne a newe (with a number of such like savings in scriptuer more vvhich vvere too long to resite▪ Rom. 13. 1. Pet. 2. Ioan. 14.15. a. b. c. d. So that now I perceaue his mynd right well whi [...]h is this, he that obayeth the vvord, obayeth the King, and leadeth a godly lyfe, and he that leadeth a godly lyfe hath Christ dw [...]lling in him. And herefore Christ sayth: without me ye can doe nothing,Ioan 8 d. Gal. 2. d. 1. Cor. 13. Rom. 8. a. Eph. 5. a. [...]. Ioan 4. b. c. for I am the W [...]y. the Trueth, and the Lyfe: So then when any good worke is wrought, it is Christ onely that doth the good-work [...] that are acceptable vvith God, and not the man: and therefore vvhere he so extolleth the Trueth or good lyfe aboue all he meaneth Iesus Christ vvhich ought to dwell in the man, vvhose spirit, at that tyme, vvill lead the man into all [Page] right obedience and Trueth, vvhich lyfe doubtlesse I see now, being wel con­sidered of, is the principall good, vvherunto all People (vvith their high know­ledges, Religions, Services, Sacraments, and Ceremonyes, ought for evermore, to geve place. And now therefore (in myne opinion) if any man shall hence­forth resist or deny this same playne Plo [...]mans Religion, or he T [...]ueth afore­sayd, vvhich is now so manyfestly expressed & a [...]proue [...] by the holy scriptures, (his conscience b [...]g him record that it is euen so then doubtlesse he is ey [...]h [...]r an [...]gnorant and supersticious Papist, vvho (being digressed from the right ground of the Cath li (que) Religion) esteemeth more of the Sacraments, Miste­ryes Ceremonyes or shadows, then of the very thing vvhich hey signify, or h [...]ue hidden in them: Or els he is a lisencious Protestant (vho contrary to the vvord [...]f God, as also contra [...]y to the good meaning of the King) abuse [...]h that goo [...] Rel [...]g [...]on vvhich his Majeste hath appoynted to be frequented amongst vs and liueth af [...]er his owne filthy lusts and desyers, Eyther also he is a disobe­dient and rebellious Puritan, vvho being altogether inclyned to Envy, Pryde, and presumption shameth not to resist the good lawes of the King,1. Pet. 2. and in steed the [...]f to set vp his owne Imaginations, meaning thereby to alluer [...]he hearts [...]f the People from their dutifull obedience to God and gouernours, whos [...] Conscience shall in the end testify agaynst him (and if he repent not in tyme) to his owne condemnation. But now I would gladly knowe, how all things were taken in the end: And whose Religion was best accepted of the King, and the rest there assembled.

After great aduise and deliberation taken among them all: The King sayd, this Plowman hath, last of all, manifested vnto vs (in playne speech) the right Rel gion and the very Trueth (which may not in any wise be denyed) Therefore great is Obedience & great is y^e Trueth:Mar. 12. a. I see well now that it was not for naught that it standeth written: I am the God of braham, 1. Cor. 13. 1. Pet. 2. Rom. 13. Iaco. 2. c. d. the God of Isack & the God of Iacob [a God of the Liuing but not of the Dead] Let Proclamation the efore goe forth into all parts of the Land: and let it also be made knowen from vs the King (to all mens preservation) th [...]t he which wil be­come a Christyan, and would be saved by Iesus Christ, must (after true repen­tance) shewforth the fruits of fayth, in his obedience and Christian lyfe.

Then last of all sp [...]ke the Counsell, the Lords Spiritual and Temperall toge­ther with the Commons (all at o [...]ce) and sayd l [...]de honour and thanks­geuing be to that God for euer more which h [...]h gev [...]n us such a w [...]se King to raigne ouer vs, [...]hat can so righ [...]ly discerne the best Religion and the Trueth from all others and thereupon g [...]u [...]n true Iudgement wi [...]hout parceal [...]ty, And now if vve should not henceforth auouch publish for [...]h, mayntayne, and al­low [...], as also liue according to the same (so farre-forth as God shall geue vs gr [...]e then vvere vve very much to blame because that vve see that Obedience is the thing that the Lord hath commaunded all men to liue in: yea and more, it [Page] is whereby we his Ministers Rule and gouerne vnder him in peace & quietnes: Also that Iesus Christ (once dwelling in vs) is the Trueth or good lyfe it self, so fast coupled vnto Fayth, as is the So [...]ne vnto brightnes, or fyer vnto heat: and there­fore bringeth with it everlasting lyfe and felicity. And so the Parlament brake vp, and I came away.

GOD SAVE THE KING Amen.

Behold euen through such a great Trouble and trauell aforesayd, will gentle Ladye Tyme, bring forth her most bewtifull Daughter Trueth: now in these last daungerous dayes, to the glory of God, the preseruation of Princes, and to an euerlasting peace among all People.

Amen. Amen.