The hunting of Antichrist VVith a caueat to the contentious. By Leonard Wright.

The hunting of Antichrist VVith a caueat to the contentious. By Leonard Wright.

Table of contents

Title page

To the curteous Reader.

THE HVNTING OF ANTICHRIST. A briefe description of the Church of Rome from the time of Christ, vntill our present age.

That Rome is Babylon, and the Pope and his Cleargie Antichrist.

The generation of Antichrist.

The sweete and pleasant crie of Gods chosen Houndes in pursuing of Antichrist.

Of seditious Schismatikes, sprung vp in our time.

The authoritie of Princes, and duetie of Christian subiectes.

Of the office, titles aud dignities of Bishops and Archbishops

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The Hunting of Antichrist. VVith a caueat to the contentious.

By Leonard Wright.

Ieremy 16. Vers. 16. 17. 18.

16 And after that I will send out many hunters, and they shall hunt them from euery mountayne, and from euery hill, and out of the caues of the rockes.

17 For mine eyes are vpon all their wayes: they are not hid from my face, neither is their iniquity hid from mine eyes.

18 And first I will recompence their iniquity and their sinne double, because they haue defiled my lande, and haue filled mine inheritaunce with their filthy carrions and their abhominations.

Veritas non quaerit latebras.

LONDON Imprinted by Iohn Wolfe. 1589.

To the curteous Reader.

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THat auncient Poet Lucillius, was wont to say, that neither learned nor vnlearned, should read any of his doinges: for that the one, was too ignorant to vnderstand his true meaning: & the other too wise for him to aunsweare their expectation. Reading of bookes is aptly compared to eating of cheese: the talant whereof, seemeth so diuers in taste: as amongst ten men, two, can hardly agree in one iudgement. One saith it is too fresh: another thinkes it too salt: It is too milde (sayth he.) nay sayth his fellow, it is too strong of the rennet for me. In like manner, my SVMMONS FOR SLEEPERS was no sooner published abroad: but it seemed to haue four seuerall rellishes. First, it pleased the wise and learned: courteously to pardon my imperfections, accept my good will, and consture all things to the best. The second sort: iudged it, rather to proceede from naturall or arteficiall giftes, then spirituall or diuine grace. The third company: finding the matter [Page] not fitting their fancy: begā maliciously to discredite and deface, both the author and the booke. The man in his yong time (quoth they) delighted too much in hunting, shooting, and good fellowship, to be studious or learned, & therefore sure it is but some od, vaine conceit, vnworthy the view. The fourth crew, forasmuch as it was not correspōdent to their owne seditious vaine: condemned it straight for no better then playne Papistry. Thus to recompence my painefull labours, seeking in some measure to discharge my duety, & profite my country: the whole race of my former life was called in question: ript vp as an anotomy, & tost from post to piller, as a tennis-ball. Whereuppon I haue taken occasion, not to rip and lay open, the conditions and manners of that vncharitable brotherhood: for loathing of honest eares, or vncouering their shame to the enemy: but rather to spend a little more time in my old pastime of hunting. Not the wyly Fox, nor harmeles Hare: but that seuen headed monster Antichrist of Rome: & the three headed Cerberus, bandog of Hell, and his whelpes: the intollerable Sectes of Seditious Scismatikes, sprung vp in our time: dayly barking against the [Page] most Christian and well reformed Ecclesiasticall state of the Church of England. Who seeke together continually, like ramping & roaring lions, with tooth and naile: to dishonour our God, extinguish his Gospell, & & deuour hys poore saintes. Not with cries of yelping hounds, to fray thē: nor strength of coursing grey-hounds to chace them: nor fangs of rauening mastiffes to baite them: but the sound of godly Patriarkes, valiant Prophets, couragious Apostles, and their inuincible successours to destroy them: the breath of Gods holy spirite, to subuert and utterly confound them: and the two edged sword of his eternall woord, to pierce and thrust them thorough, euen to the diuiding a sunder of their iointes and marow. Beseeching thee in curtesy gentle Reader, to iudge charitably, censure wythout partialitye, make choice to thy profite, & yeld God the glory. Vale in Christo. Leonard Wright.

As for carping Zoilus with his peeuish [...]fsicophant whelpes: I looke for no [...] at their handes, then my [...] found, and my selfe haue [...]gested. To whose spiteful obiections, [Page] though wisdome do will me, not to cast a stone at euery barking dog: yet must I needes in mine owne defence say somewhat.

First, as touching the title of learning, I reuerently yeeld it ouer to my betters, that woorthily deserue it: hauing nothing my selfe to boast vppon,2. Cor. 11. 29. but painefull crosses, grieuous afflictions, [...]. Cor. 12. 6. 9. sicknes of body, troubles of mind, and wreastling with want & necessity. Beseeching God to graunt me patience, and his holy spirite, to vse in some measure, that little I haue conceiued by reading the holy scriptures, and learned mens bookes. Exhorting all men euen in christian charity, and the feare of God: That though it were as simple a scholer as Balaam asse, that shall iustly reproue your wicked behauiour,Num. 22. and tell you the trueth: do not strike him, but go about your owne amendment: least you seeme to kicke against the prickes, or stryue with God:Gal. 6. 7. who will neyther bee mockt, nor dallied withall.

Touching my recreation, I aunsweare with Spiridion Bishop of [...] demaunded why hee durst [...] flesh in Lent: I dare freely [...] [Page] quoth he, because I am a christian. So dare I freely hunt and shoote, for my health and recreation, intime, place, & company conuenient: because I am a christian: & know how to vse them, without offence towards God,Etheickes lib. 4. or abuse to my neighbour. Requies & ludus, in vita necessari [...], saith Aristotle. Both the body and the mind, are sometimes to be refreshed with playes, saith Peter Martyr: to make vs afterwards more prompt vnto grauer matters.vpon the Iudges cap. 14. For as there is a time to weepe and mourne,Preach. 3. Rom. 12. 15 so is there a time to laugh and be merry. When God sent the prophet to cō fort his people of Ierusalem: amongst others his mercies, he promised them this security: that their boyes and damsels,Zach. 8. 5. should sport and play in the streetes. Mirth, ioy, prayse, and thankesgeuing,Esay. 51. shall be heard in Syon, sayth the Lord. Defraud not thy neighbour of his liberty,Eccle. 7. saith Iesus Syrach: neither despise him in his mirth. Take thy pastime at home,31. and do what thou wilt (sayth he) so thou do none euill.32. When thou hast discharged thy duety,Esay 65. sairh the prophet: sit downe with the people and be merry. The Apostle himselfe exhorteth men,1. Pet. 2. 17. to loue and delight [Page] in brotherly fellowship. And daily experience teacheth, that honest pastime, is a great occasion of frendly meetinges, And neighbourly conference, the cognisance of humane society: A meane to foster and cherish, concorde and amitye amongst men. Whereas the contrary do [...]h rather engender melancholike hatred and disdaine. As for such grim churlish Timons, curious Stoicall hipocrites, and wayward scrupulous fooles: whose willes are too obstinate for their sences: their wittes too headstrong for their wisdome: and their dumpish natures, too peeuish, to enter league with reason: Are more fit to liue in Diogenes tub, or Trophonius denne: then for humane society, amongst honest men. And wot you what Master Tusser saith: There is oftentimes sene no more very a knaue: then hee that doth counterfait most to be graue.

THE HVNTING OF ANTICHRIST.
A briefe description of the Church of Rome from the time of Christ, vntill our present age.

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AS the vngratefull Iewes of an obstinate blindnesse, had most cruelly persecuted, and condemned to the crosse, that pure guiltlesse innocent, the onely Sauiour and Redéemer of the world: so after his triumphant Resurrection, and glorious Ascention, the spitefull heathen Emperours of Rome, hauing the whole power and iurisdiction of all Asia, Affrica,The ten persecutions of the primitiue Church vnder ten heathen Emperors. and Europe in their hands, intending vtterly to abolish his name, and extinguish his religion for euer, as before they had crucified the heade, sought still by all meanes possible with most grieuous afflictions, painefull torments, and horrible kinds of death, to persecute his poore dispersed members, for the space of 300. yeares together: till the Lord of his fatherly affection,Anne. 320. taking pitie of his poore dispersed flocke, raised vp that godly and famous instrument, Constantine the great. After their long and lamentable troubles, to snaffle Satan and set them in quiet rest and safetie. This Constantine the first Christian Emperour, to confute the infectious heresies of Arrius,Anno. 300. with his pestilent Disciples, and to set an vniforme order in the Church assembled at Nicene a Citie of Bithinia,Pope Pius. 2. a generall councell of 318 graue and learned Bishops, himselfe being present: where it was decréed, that the vniuersall Church should be deuided into foure Prouinces: and foure chiefe Bishops, Patriarkes or Metropolitans [Page] to be hea [...]-Pastours and gouernours of the same: Namely the Patriarke of Rome, of Alexandria, of Ierusalem, and of Antioch: and after in stead of Antioch, came in Constantinople: and so long as the Church was gouerned in this order, though in outward rites and ceremonies there was some difference, yet so well they agréed in one Catholike doctrine, as it mightily increased and flourished, till Sathan the authour of mischiefe had so greatly infected the minde of Iohn Archbishop of Constantinople, as at length he presumed to chalenge vnto himselfe the proude title of vniuersall Bishop, Pope, or Arch-father: assembling a councell to establish and ratifie his throne.Anno. 420. But Gregoris then Patriarke of Rome,Nic. Can. 6. affirmed him in his chalenge to bée no other but the forerunner of Antichrist, alledging the saying of Chrysostome,Chrysostome. Quicunque episcoporum primatum in terra desiderabit, confusionem in coelis reperiet.

Untill the death of this Gregorie the basest of all the Bishops before him, and the best of all that came after him, the Sea of Rome remayned in some reasonable order, not presuming to exalt her selfe aboue her sister-Churches, till Boniface the third succéeding in that sea within thrée yeares after his decease, obtained of Phocas that wicked vsurper (who of a common souldier, by consenting traiterously to murther Mauritius his soueraigne, with his wife and sonne, aspired to the Empire) that he and all his successours should bée called supreme head of the vniuersall Church.About this time began Mahomet to conquere aud reigne in the East. The same title which his predecessour had left for Antichrist. At which time (as it is written) was heard a voyce in the ayre, saying: Hodiè venenum infusum est Ecclesiae.

Afterwardes through the liberalitie of good Princes, especially one Mathilda a noble Dutchesse in Italie (who made the sea of Rome heire of all her landes and reuenues) the Bishops beganne to growe in wealth and prosperitie, and the more they flourished in the worlde, the more they swelled in pompe and pride. And the more they shut vp and swelled, the more Gods holie spirite forsooke them, till [Page] at last they had cast of the lawes of Simon Peter,Gal. 2. 9. and were become in conditions and manners like Simon Magus, Caiphas and Iudas, so as that which was ordeyned to bring men vnto God, was made an occasion of falling from God: for riches begat ambition, and ambition destroyed religion: or after S. Augustine,Augustine. Religio peperit diuitias, & filia deuorauit matrem.

Nowe to open the filthie detestable doings of that Romish rabble, from the time of their first corruption: what superstition they practised, what heresies they taught, what hypocrisie they vsed, what vice they maintayned, and what bloudie warres they raised: setting Princes together by the eares, and the sonne agaynst the father, woulde not onely loath honest natures, but also infect the verie ayre. Some Popes came in by Simonie, some by Negromancie, and some by poysoning. It is written howe Siluester the second,Iohn Stell [...] a Uenetian. a sorcerer, gaue himselfe to the deuill, conditionally that hée would helpe him to be Pope. Iohn the thirtéenth was noted for a wicked person, euen from his youth: namely a whooremonger, and a cruell tyrant. Of some of his Cardinals hee pulled out their eyes, of some he cut out their tongues, and of some their noses. He made the Palace of Laterane a Stewes, committed incest with two of his owne sisters: and in the ende being taken in adulterie, with a mans wife, was slaine of her husband.

Iohn the thrée and twentieth, had these crimes prooued agaynst him, that hée was an heretike, an hypocrite, an inchanter, a murtherer, that hee had hyred a Physition to poyson the Emperour, and was therefore by the Councell of Constance deposed.

Iohn the two and twentieth, and Clement the seuenth, were ranke heretikes, openly denying the immortalitie of the soule.

In the space of nine yeares was nine Popes, one hoysting another out of his place.

Againe thrée Popes raigning and raging at once: as Benedict the first, Siluester the third, and Gregorie the sixt.

[Page] Though the Pharisies were not to bée followed, yet were they to bée heard: [...]ar. 23. but the Romish rabble whose doctrine standeth chiefly vpon lying visions, and prodigious fables, are neither to be followed nor heard, the effect whereof is this.

That it is possible for man to kéepe the law.This doctrine [...]greeth with [...]he worde of God like harp and harrow, [...]onferre the places. That all actes of charitie deserue eternall life. That the woorkes of Friers do merit Paradice. That Saints can by their merits saue all men that pray vnto them. That whosoeuer is buried in Saint Frances habit, is deliuered from the paines of Purgatorie. That our Ladie by her virginitie can saue all women that call vpon her:Ro. 10. 20. 28. Gal. 2. 16. 21. Luke 17. 10. Gal. 3. 10. 11. 1. Tim. 2. 5. Ridiculous. Rom. 10. 14. Iohn 14. 6. Iohn 6. 44. Iohn 3. 16. 18. Rom. 6. 23. attributing vnto her that which in Dauids Psalmes is spoken of the father and the sonne. In thée, oh Ladie, haue I trusted: haue mercie vpon me, oh Ladie: The Lorde saide vnto my Ladie, sit thou on my right hande, &c. The absolution they gaue to their penitentiaries, is in this maner. The passion of Christ, and the merits of the blessed virgine Marie, Saint Peter, Saint Paul, and all other hée Saints and shée Saints of Paradice, be vnto thée in remission of thy sinnes. In these and such like dependeth their whole religion.

Thus was the worde of God neglected, true religion defaced, the right way to saluation abolished: and vice vnder a shew of vertue maintained. For vnder a cloke of professed pouertie, they possessed the riches of all lands. Under a shadow of being dead to ye world, they ruled it at their pleasure. Under the colour of hearing the keyes of heauen and hell: they crept both into mens purses and their consciences. And like as the Scribes and Pharssies in bragging so highly of the Temple of the Lord, destroyed in déede the true Temple of the Lord: so these vnder the title of Christ and his religion, haue indéede persecuted both Christ and his true Religion. And vnder the name of Catholike Church:In nomine domini, incipitomne malum. haue most cruelly oppressed the true Catholike Church. And colouring their procéedings with in nomine domini: haue put the true members of Christ to death, pro nomine domini.

And like as in the Primatiue Church, Satan perceyuing he could not preuaile against the person of Christ himselfe: [Page] turned all his force and malice against his poore members. So being let loose again in this latter age, worketh stil what hee can to hinder the glory of God, and saluation of man. Whose speciall instruments, God and Magog, the tyrannous Turke and bloud-thirstie Pope, ruling the worlde at their pleasure, haue so vehemently conspired with all seueritie and meanes possible to subuert, deface, and vtterlie abolish both Christ, his Church and religion: as if either the furie and malice of Satan, the strength and power of man, the wit and pollicie of the world, cruell tormentes, paines of death, or hell gates, coulde haue preuayled: no crueltie could euer bée inuented, which hath not béene attempted. Yet so mightily hath the Lord alwayes preserued his poore despised truth, and strengthned his afflicted members: as no threatening, paines, or kinde of death, could euer so feare or terrifie them: but that from time to time, they haue alwayes stoode in defence of the truth against the tyrants of the world, and preuailed. In whom both in their liues and deaths appeared manifest tokens of Gods diuine working, far beyond mans reach: being so readie in their answeres, so patient in their imprisonment, so strong & constant in their sharp torments, so willing to pardon their enemies, and so chéerefull & couragious in suffering, that so they might winne Christ, they feared neither gallowes, tearing their members, pressing theyr bodies, nor all the grieuous tormentes that wicked worldlings could deuise Hauing two special markes of Gods children:Iohn. 16. 33 outward persecution, and inward comfort in the holie Ghost. In the world you shall haue affliction (saith our Sauiour) but in me you shal haue peace.

Thus was the Popes honour first begotten by presumption, borne by ambition, nursed vp by superstition, increased by violence, and defended by false wresting the Scriptures. And from a rotten roote arose rotten branches, which sent theyr rottennesse into euerie twigge: whose contagious infection, flowing continually from one to another, is conueyed from the ancestors to the posteritie. Whereby Rome of a schoole of vertue, became a sinke of all vice: of a daughter of peace, a beldame of debate: of a louing mother, a hatefull [Page] stepdame, or rather a proude frantike whoose delighting in murther and bloudshed,Act. 10. 25. 26 whose Pilots are turned to cruell pirats,Apoc. 22. 8. 9 rakers of riches, & cōtenders for worldly mastership.

That Rome is Babylon, and the Pope and his Cleargie Antichrist.

NOw that Rome, or rather the Empire, Monarch or dominions thereof, is that daughter of Babylon,Daniel. 7 the sea of Antichrist, so liuely described of Daniel by 4. monstrous beastes, conteining both the crueltie of the leopard, the beare, and the Lion,Apoc. 13 and so liuely painted out in the Apocalips by another beast, muth after the same shape, colour, and condition, hauing seuen heads and ten horns.Apoc. 17 And also by that great purple coloured whoore, sitting vpon many waters, it appeareth plaine and manifest, in that the Angell himselfe expoundeth that purple whoore to be that great Citie Babylon,Apoc. 5. 9 the mother of all abhomination, which beareth rule ouer the kings of the earth. And the seauen heads of the beast, to bee seauen mountaines or hils, whervpon the woman sitteth, which all writers, historiographers and poets affirme to be a plain description of the Citie of Rome: which because of her abhominable filthynes,Apoc. 11. 8 is spiritually called Sodoma: for kéeping Gods people in bondage & slauery, Egypt: and for her likenes in conditions, Babylon.

That good smelling dog Tertullian, who liued about 200 yeres after Christ,Tertullian. discoursing of figures and things figured, sayth, that Babylon in the Apocalips beareth the figure of the Citie of Rome.

That swéete mouthed hound Chrisostome, féeling a hot sent of his game, calleth on to his fellowes in this manner: Like as the Persians came in the psace of the Caldeans,Chrisostome in his Commentaries vppon the second Epistle to the Thessaloniās the Grecians in the place of the Persians, and the Romanes in place of the Grecians: so shall Antichrist vsurp the Empire of the Romanes.

That famous finder S. Augustine affirmeth, that at the [Page] same time when the first Babylon, being alwaies enemy to the Citie of God,De ciuitate Dei. was destroied in Caldea, least the Citie of God should want an enemy: the second Babylon, which is the Citie of Rome, was erected in Italy.

The good shepheards dog Saint Gregorie,Eregorie in his 4. booke & Epistle. 38 hauing found out that monstrous Hydra, giueth warning to his flock, saying, He that shall claime to himselfe the title of vniuersall Bishop, and shall haue a gard of Priests to attend vpon him: that same is Antichrist.

That well flewed hound Saint Barnard, hauing found of his footing,Barnard in his Epistle 125. doth spend his mouth in this manner. That beast of the Apocalips, to whom is giuen a mouth to speake blasphemie, and make warre against the poore Saints, possesseth Peters chayre, as a lyon prepared to his pray.

That trustie and diligent searcher Ireneus hauing ranged the forrest of ye Apocalips, where it is said, that the nū ber of the beasts name is 666.Ireneus vpō the 13. chap. of the Apocalips saith, that this Gréeke word Lateinos, the Latine man, was thought to bee the name of Antichrist, which being numbered by the Greeke letters, after their order and manner of accounting, maketh iust 666. And in the Latine tongue, Dux Cleri, the Captaine of the Clergie, doth the same, as followeth.

L | Λ | 30 | D | 500
A | Α | 1 | V | 5
T | Τ | 300 | X | 10
E | Ε | 5 | C | 100
I | Ι | 10 | L | 50
N | Ν | 50 | E | 0
O | Ο | 70 | R | 0
S | Σ | 200 | I | 1

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The generation of Antichrist.

FIrst the deuil begat darknesse, darknes begat ignorance, ignorance begat error, error begat merits, merits begat the Masse, the Masse begat superstition, superstition begat hypocrisie, hypocrisie begat lucre, lucre begat purgatorie, Purgatorie begat abundance, abundance begat pompe, pompe begat ambition, ambition begat the Pope & Cardinals, and the Pope & Cardinals brought forth tyrannie, murther of Saints, & licence to sinne, the end whereof is death and vtter destruction.

To conclude, forasmuch as Christ himselfe was accused of high treasen, against the Romane empire, persecuted, condemned, and crucified, within the circuite of the Romish dominions, by the Romish officers, & according to the Romish lawes: it must néeds follow, that the same Empire which hath so persecuted the head, should bring forth that monster which should persecute the members.

Anselmus affirmeth,Anselmus. that Antichrist shall come vnder a cloke of holinesse,2. Thes. 2. 4 and shall promise the kingdome of heauen.

The Apostle sayth that hée shall sit in the Temple of God, and be worshipped as God. But séeing there is none that exalteth himselfe so high in the Church of God: nor so lyke in all qualities, propertyes, and conditions vnto Antichrist, as the proud Pope of Rome, who taketh vpon him to forgiue sinnes, which is proper to the office of God onely, to shut and open heauen gates at his pleasure, and to bee worshipped aboue all Kings and Princes: he shall surely at this time, by my content, stand for the head: his greasie shauelings, as Cardinals, Bishops & Priests for the bodie: and his rascall rable of Monkes and Friers, for the venimous tayle of that monstrous dragon. And if any other Antichrist chance hereafter to be more manifestly reuealed, I will then recant and confesse mine errour. But if the Lions skin were once pluckt off from those wilful blind asses, they would soone appeare in theyr lykenes, as hypocrites, wolues and foxes.

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The sweete and pleasant crie of Gods chosen Houndes in pursuing of Antichrist.

IT were too long to recite but euen the most principall of those godly instruments indued with learning, knowledge and iudgement, to discerne light from darkenesse, truth from falshoode, and religion from superstition:Gal. 2, [...]. [...] whome it hath pleased the Lord of his fatherly kindnesse to moue and stirre vp both by preaching and writing, to rouse that seuen headed monster out of his denne, and pursue him in chase. Who haue not onely ript vp and layde open to the view of the world, the filthie corruption of that proude Romish sea: but also by notable parables and similies prophecied the fall, ruine, and vtter confusion thereof.

In the yeare of grace 1160.Anno. 116 [...] One Peter Waldus Citizen of Lyons, a man both rich and verie well learned, walking amongst others in their accustomed place of méeting: it chanced one of the companie to fall suddenly downe and yéeld vp the Ghost: which heauie example so terrified the sayd Waldus, as thereupon he was striken with a déepe and earnest repentance of his former life, & séeking with a seruent desire to reforme the same: began first to giue large almes to the poore and néedy. Secondly, to instruct himselfe and his householde, in the doctrine of the Gospel. Thirdly, to exhort all men that came vnto him, to repentance and amendment of life. And the more his fame spred abrode, the more did the people frequent about him, some to heare his doctrine, and some to receiue his almes. Which geare comming at last to the eares of the Romish Prelates, they neuer ceased vexing, and persecuting both him and his fauorers, till at length by violence they were all driuen out of the Citie: who dispersing themselues into diuerse countries, were compelled to liue poorely: some in Bohemia, some in Germanie, and some in the valleyes of Angron, Lucern and Perousse in the countrie of Piedmont, vnder the Duke of Sauoy. From those that dwelt in Piedmont, came the [Page] people of Merindoll and Cabriers to inhabit in certaine desart places in the Countrie of Prouence in France:Anno. 1380. some about Lions, and some at the foote of the Alpes: being men of such honest behauiour, vpright conscience, and vertuous conuersation,: so iust and constant in their dealing, pitifull and charitable one to another, diligent and painefull to get their liuing with truth and honestie (offering that it all the Uniuersities in Christendome, were able by the worde of God to reprooue their doctrine, to yéeld and confesse their errours) that their very enemies who continually sought their déstruction, could not iustly accuse them of any crime: saue onely for speaking against the corruption of the Romish Clergie: and forsaking the Bishop of Rome his authoritie, cleauing onely to the worde of God. For which cause they were so odiously detested and abhorred: that a law was made vtterly to destroy them all, both man, woman and childe, as a people vnworthie to liue vpon the earth. Till it pleased the Lord after many horrible murthers, cruell conflicts and grieuous persecutions for the Gospell, to fight for them to the confusion of their enemies, and preseruation of his truth. Some called them Lowlards: some the poore people of Lyons: but for that they were the followers of Waldus, they were all called Waldenses till the time of Luther, when they began to be called Lutherians and Protestants.

Amongst many others, I can not passe ouer that valiant Bohemian hunter Zisca, who after he had beene victor in defence of the Gospel, agaynst that monstrous dragon in eleuen bloudie battels, whose very name in the field was a terrour sufficient to quaile the enemie: at last falling sicke and readie to yéelde his debt due vnto nature, did valiantly comfort and cheare vp his sorrowfull countrimen in this maner. When I am dead (quoth hee) take my skinne, and make thereof a drum to vse in your warres: for as my name was a terror to those Romish woolues in time of my life, so will the very ratling of my skinne, enforce them for feare to runne away when I am dead.

The authour of the Plowmans complaint, was (no [Page] doubt) a most cunning and diligent hunter, who in great vehemencie of spirite painted Antichrist in his colours,Anno. 1170. and layde open to the world the intollerable corruption of his Romish rabble.

That trustie trailer Saint Barnard in his booke of Considerations,Barnard in his booke of considerations calleth the Popes Court a denne of théeues, wherein (sayth he) is left no shewe of Peters succession.

Petrarca Archdeacon of Parma, a good smelling dogge, saide in his time,Petrarca in Epist. 20. that the sea of Rome was become the mother of idolatrie, the Schoole of errour, and the Temple of heresie:

Robert Grosted Bishop of Lincolne,Anno. 1254. a well flewed hound, calleth on agaynst that seuen headed Serpent in this maner.

Eius auaritiae, totus non sufficit orbis, Eius luxuriae meretrix non sufficit omnis.

Iohn Wicklif an eger bloudhound, tied vp in the Uniuersitie of Oxeford:Anno. 1370 so hunted and shaked that venemous Dragon in his time, as the woundes he gaue him, coulde neuer yet be cured: for the which by a decrée in the Councell of Constance, he was taken vp fortie and one yeares after his death, and burned to ashes.

When the Popes owne darling Thomas Becket had béene at Rome,Tho. Becket. and perceyuing the filthie corruption of that proud Sea: vttered his conscience in a letter to his friend the Bishop of Mentz, in this manner: Mater Roma (quoth he) facta est meretrix.

Pope Adrian himselfe,Pope Adrian. séeming greatly to mislike the crueltie of his predecessours, brast suddenly out in these woordes. Succedimus non Petro in pascendo, sed Romulo in Parricidio.

Saint Briget, whome the Church of Rome hath not onely canonized for a Saint,Briget. 1349. but also a Prophetesse, in her Booke of Reuelations calleth the Pope a murtherer of Soules, a spiller of Christes flocke, more cruell then Iudas, more proude then Lucifer, more vniust then Pilate, and more abhominable then [Page] the Iewes: whose sea shall be cast downe (quoth she) like a milstone into the sea.Apoc. 18. 12.

In the yeare of grace 1354. rose vp two learned Fryers, preaching openly to the Popes face: that they were by a Reuelation from God commanded,Anno. 1354. to declare the Church of Rome to be the whore of Babylon, and the Pope and his Cardinals, Antichrist, for which they with diuers others for the like offence were committed to the fire, and burnt to ashes.

The ruine of that proude Sea, was long ago prophecied by a parable of a certaine bird, who being deckt and adorned with the fethers of all other birds in the fielde, became so hautie, proude and disdainefull, that shée fell to pounce and beate the rest of her fellowes: whereupon assembling together, they agreed with one consent, that euerie one shoulde take againe his owne feathers and so leaue her naked.

Theodorius Bishop of Croatia,Theodorius. Anno. 1380. in the yeare of our Lord 1380. did prophecie, that the Sea of Rome which was so horriblie polluted with Simonie and auarice, should bee vtterly subuerted and ouerthrowne for euer: and that the true Church should flourish. Hereunto agréeth an olde prophesie in these wordes:

Papa citò moritur, Caesar regnabit vbique, Et subitò vani cessabunt gaudia cleri.

Pope Leo the tenth, creating in one day thirtie and one Cardinalles:Anno. 1516. at which time fell such grieuous tempest, thunder and lightning, as in the same Church where they were created, the image of Iesus was violently remooued out of his mothers lappe, and the keyes out of Saint Peters hand: which many did interpret to foreshew the subuersion of that proud sea.

The Hebrew doctors or Rabbins affirme, that in the same night that Israel came out of Egypt, all the Idolatrous temples of that countrie, by earthquakes and lightnings were destroyed. When Lot was departed out of Sodome, by fire and brimstone, it was vtterly consumed: And so shall Antichristes Idoles of errour. Go out [Page] of Babylon, oh my people, sayth the voyce of the Lord, that you be not partakers of her plagues:Apoc. 18. 4. 5. for her sinnes are gone vp to heauen, and god hath remembred her wickednesse.

All that will liue godly (sayeth Mantuan) bee packing from Rome,Mantuan▪ for there all things are lawfull, but to be good it is not lawfull.

About the time of Saint Briget, one Iohn Hilton an English man did prophesie, that in the yere 1516, one should come and vtterly subuert all Monkerie.

In like maner,Anno. 1145. Iohn Hus, and Ierome of Prage, beeing condemned to the fire by the councell of Constance,Anno. 1416. for inueying against the abuses in the Church of Rome: at the place of their execution, did prophecie that after an hundred yeares were come and gone, their enemies should yéeld account to God & them. Which thrée prophesies were verefied by Luther, who began to write in the yeare of Saluation, 1516.Anno. 1516. iust an hundred yeares after.

These with many other faithfull witnesses, haue boldly both preached and written against that sinke of sinne, the sea of Antichrist, painting out those Romish wolues in their colours: yet could they neuer preuaile till the comming of Luther, who as the rest had touched only their filthie liuing, he goeth on further and reprooueth their supersticious doctrine, not séeking the man, but shaking the seate.

It chanced that Leo the tenth,They se [...] heauen so fast vnto others, that except spedy repentance there will be no place left for themselues. vnder the pretence of warre agaynst the Turke, had sent out his pardons into all Realmes christened, perswading the people that whosoeuer would giue ten shillings, should at his pleasure deliuer one soule out of purgatorie: but one dodkin lesse thē ten shillings, would profite nothing. Wherevpon this famous and swéete mouthed hound, taking then his fit occasion, so hunted his Bull, as vtterly spoyled his sale, so tossed his seate, as it could neuer stand steddie after,Anno. 1516. and set his triple crowne so farre awrie, as it will neuer be set straight againe.

Shortly after began to rowse our noble and valiant Lion of England,Henry. 8. Ridley, Cranmer, Latimer, and Hooper, with others. Henrie the eight of famous memorie: who taking his borespeare in hand, vncoopling his trustie kenell of English houndes, our godly and learned prelates well [Page] taught to choose and hunt their game, so coursed that venemous Dragon, pearsed his bodie, razed his holdes, and defaced his dennes: as inforced him with vncurable wounds to retire to the sinke from whence hee came. Who yéelding at length his debt due vnto nature, left off his line, that godly and valiant Champion Prince Edwarde,Edward, 6. who as eager and couragious as his father, pursued with might and maine, that gréeuous enemie to Christ and his Gospell, till vntimely death (to Englands wo) beréeued vs of that woorthie and precious iewell. After whose decease (for our sinnes no doubt) that bloudie monster according to his woonted manner, began afresh to rouse and rage agaynst the poore members of Christ: persecuting his truth, and putting out againe the light of our soules. Till at the last, it pleased the Lorde in his mercy to send vnto vs that chosen vessell,Elizabeth: the seuenth, or rest of God, and fulnesse of his othe. that famous woonder of the worlde, that noble Lionesse, of the right royall race of the English Princes, Elizabeth, his faythfull annoynted handmayde our gratious souereigne Quéene and Mistresse. Whose very name: (the seuenth of God: the rest of God: and fulnesse of the othe of God) doeth signifie vnto vs, that as the blessings of God were accomplished in Henoch the seuenth from Adam, and Dauid the seuenth sonne of Isay: so in our Elizabeth borne in the seuenth moneth of the yeare, and seuenth day of the wéeke, our Christian Sabboth, the Lorde will performe the fulnesse of his othe and promise which he sware vnto our fathers, in heaping the treasure of his mercies vpon those that feare and loue him: and execute the terrour of his iustice, on those that hate and loath him. Being the seuenth vertuous Prince since William the Conquerour: in whom as in a mirrour of vertue, doe rest the fortitude of Iosua, with noble Henry the second. The magnanimity of Gedeon, with valiant Edward the third. The triumphant victories of Machabeus, with inuincible Henrie the fift. The prudēt wisdome of Salomon, with her good grandfather Henrie the seuenth. The zealous affection of Ezechias, with her noble father Henrie the eight. And the godly deuotion of Dauid, with her religious brother Edward the sixt. Who for the loue of [Page] that noble Lion of the tribe of Iuda, that so wonderfully hath preserued her, from so many horrible and treacherous conspiracies, both forreine & domesticall: hath most valiantly with honourable Iudith,Iudith. 13. Iudicum, 4, cut off the heade of proud Holifernes. With faithful Debora, deliuered Israel from the tyrannie of Sisera. With vertuous Hester, endangered her owne life to saue her people and defende the truth. With godly Iosia, cleansed the land from Idolatrie,2. Chron. 94. and restored Religion to the children of God. And by vncoupling her matchlesse crie of swéete mouthed houndes: the graue godly and learned Prelates and Pastors of our Church: hath so hunted, tossed and chased that Romish Antichrist, with all his superstitious trash and traditions, out of the forrest of England: as (except by stealth in priuie corners) he dare not once he séene to shew his head. The Lord in his mercie still preserue, defende and kéepe her Maiesties person in health, wealth, honor and prosperitie, that to the ioy and comfort of all her loyall, true and faithfull subiects: she may long continue, liue and reigne an olde mother in Israel: and he that from the bottome of his heart will not say, Amen: I wish a halter about his necke to ease his griefe.

Of seditious Schismatikes, sprung vp in our time.

NOwe Satan the moulder of malice & mischiefe, séeking still with tooth and nail what possible he can, to hinder the word of God, and saluation of man: perceyuing how his Romish instruments, so manifestly reuealed to the whole world: wil no longer serue his purpose: hath lately found out a newe kind of péeuish impes, who vnder an outward shewe of vehement rowsers against Antichrist, doe rather in diuers points ioyne with him. For if they be narrowly noted, and with indifferent eie looked into: while they would séeme most sincere and simple, will be found in truth most craftie and subtil. And vnder a colour of pursuing the chase with open mouth: to run with the hounds, and hold with the hare.

And here wée haue to note, that though in some places [Page] of the holy Scripture, the name of dogge be taken in the better part: as those gentle gaming hounds, whose nature and propertie is to hunt and chase the wilde and rauenous beasts onely: yet most commonly it is taken rather for the currish kind, whose qualities are to bite and pinch, not the noysome woolfe, but harmelesse sheepe, and in stead of false théeues to barke and snatch at true men. According to Saint Augustin,August in epist. 120. Phil. 3. 3. Erasmus Apothege. Caneseos appellans, qui plerunque contra innocentes latrant. And therefore (sayth the Apostle) beware of dogges, beware of concision. Diogenes being asked why euery body called him dogge (quoth he) because that of those, which giue me any thing, I am alwayes fawning: and at the rest which giue me nothing, I am alwayes barking. But a number of vnmanerly puppies in our time, are alwayes barking, and snatching, not onely at straungers which denie their desire, but also their very fellowes and friends, that wish them better then desert.Miche. 7. 6. They hunt-conter much like Raguels maide, that slaunderously abused Sara his daughter,Tob. 3. and that spitefull Semei that railed against Dauid:2. King. 16. of which sort of dogs are diuerse and sundrie kinds.

Some are like the dogge called Agaseus, the gass-hound, whose propertie is to hunt onely by the eye: so these, in spying out other mens infirmities, are as quicke and sharpe sighted as Linx,The Lord knoweth who are his. but in decerning their owne faults, blind as betels, taking themselues onely for true Israelites, and the rest for Egyptians.2. Tim. 2. 19.

Some are like the dogge called Lunarius, the Mooner, whose nature is continually to barke at the Moone-shine in the water: so these are neuer quiet, but alwayes barking, that neither prince, prelate, nor people, can either rest for them, or know when danger is by them: & therefore better no dogs then such balling curs.Ezech. 13. 3. Wo be to such foolish prophets as solow their owne spirits, and speake where they sée nothing.

Some are like the blind dog, who though he can sée nothing himselfe, yet in hearing others barke, must néedes of custome brawle for companie. Or like those péeuish waspes, which if one begin to sting, a number wil sting for fellowship. Against these the prophet Dauid complaineth. Many dogges [Page] haue compassed me, they came about me like Bées, and were extinct euen as the fire amongst the thornes:Psal. 22. 11 [...]. but in the name of the Lord will I destroy them.

Some are like the dog called a snatcher, whose propertie is in learing of one side with a disdainefull eye, to bite or pinch priuily.Luk. 11. 53. 54 Such were those Pharasaicall hypocrites, that layde waite to trippe Christ in his wordes: and those three craftie knaues,Mar. 14. 58. that gaue euidence against him.

Some are like those grenning dogs, which the Prophet Dauid speaketh of,Psal. 59. that runne here and there for meate, and grudge if they be not satisfied. Or those sorowful marchants in the Apocalips,Apoc. 18. 19. that mourne with heauie countenance for the fall of Babylon,Math. 20. 12. or those disdainfull labourers that murmured agaynst the good man of the house, because hee was more liberall to others then to themselues.

Some are like the little fisting hound, called folly, the whelpe of fansie: whose studies are chiefly applied in séeking for nouelties, to féede the tickling eares of fine minsing Mistresses, and wanton coy-dames: who according to the Apostles doctrine,2. Tim. 4. [...]. doe get them a heape of teachers after their owne lusts, to Catechise them, not in open place, but priuie closets, as best shall like their daintie appetites.

Some are like those flattering curres,Iere. 9. 6. 7. that fawne when they intende to bite:Psal. 20. which speake friendly to their neighbours, but imagine mischiefe in their hearts: as Ioab came to Abner,2. King. 3. and Amasa with a friendly countenance, and smote them vnder the small ribbes that they died.2. King. 20. Against these the Prophet himselfe complaineth,Psal. 55. It is not an open enemy that hath done me this dishonour, but euen thou my companion and familiar friend.

Some are like the dog called Canis furax, 2. King. 15. the théeuish cur, such were those whispering conspirators,Like Acteons dogs that would not know their master though he cried vnto them, Acteon ego sum, dominū cognoscite vestrum. that sought with Absalon, to steale away the peoples hearts from Dauid. And such are these murmuring cōplainers of our time, who priuily in corners (and where they dare in open place) séeke what possible they can, to seduce her Maiesties subiects, to cō ceyue a lothsomenesse and misliking of her godly gouernement, and order in religion established.

[Page] These are neither dumbe, nor idle dogs, but diligent searchers, bitter barkers, and painfull labourers. But what seeke they? Under an hypocriticall shewe of holinesse, to stirre vp priuie inutinies, secret grudgings, and ciuill discordes euen in the very bosome and bowels of our mother,Like the viper. distracting her members, and like cursed Cham vncouering her shame to the world.

To what purpose is their barking? to abuse with odious railing standers, the most graue, godly and learned fathers of our Church, by whom the Gospell of Christ, for the space of thirtie yeres together, hath bene so plentifully planted and taught, and taken such déepe rooting in the hearts and consciences of many thousands in England (to Gods honour be it spoken) as neither Antichrist, nor his cursed members, can once seduce or remooue them. They labour painfully, but to what ende? To confound that calling which in all ages hath stood next to the scepter: First the Prince, then the Priest: Moses and Aaron in the common wealth of Israel: And the King and the Prophet in the kingdome of Iuda. And to controll a state, which for prudent pollicie, christian order, and quiet gouernement, by our most gracious souereigne, and her graue, wise and learned Councell, in whom it is dayly fauoured and blessed of God, all the kingdomes of Europe cānot match: only thēselues the blot & blemish of our church: who because they are not made equall to our Bishops are male-content, & therfore gape for the spoile, crying with the péeuish woman,1. Sam. 3. nec mihi, nec tibi, fed diuidatur. They would be gouernours and teachers of order, that refuse to be gouerned by order. They would be iudges of the lawe, that disdaine to yéelde obedience to the lawe. And would take vpon them to be reformers of Churches and states, that will neither be reformed themselues, for Prince nor Prelate. I am verily perswaded, and so are mo then I, that Harding, Dorman and Shacklocke, with all the rest of that Romish rabble, which haue written agaynst the Gospell and Ministerie in Englande, since her Maiesties most happie reigne, haue not doone more harme by all their pestilent Bookes, then these and their factions by their péeuish [Page] prating and pernicious rayling.

When all Egypt was plagued for Pharaos offence, Moses and Aaron went not muttering to the people,Exod. 4. but told their message plainly to the king himselfe. When for Achabs offēce the whole coūtrie was like to starue for want of raine,3. King. 18. Elias went not murmuring to the people, but boldly to ye king him selfe, saying, It is thou & thy fathers house that hath brought this plague vpon Israel. When Dauid had committed most grieuous offence agaynst God:3. King. 1 [...] Nathan went not to discouer it vnto his subiects for feare of rebellion: but to himselfe, saying, Thou art the man, it is thou that hast done this déed. When Herode had committed incest with his brothers wife, Iohn Baptist went not to open his fault amongest the Commons: but came to himselfe, saying, It is not lawfull for thee to haue her.Mat. 14. 4. Nowe if it bee the propertie of true Prophetes for feare of mutinyes, tumultes, and diuisions, to hide from the multitude most horrible crimes of the Magistrate: no doubt such waywarde impes as dare obstinately resist and repugne a godly and Christian gouernment: must néedes be most deuilish and false prophets: their maners bewray their mindes, Ex fructibus cognoscetis eos, & ex vnguibus Leonem, & Asinam ex vmbra.

The fruites of whose doctrine, we finde by experience, to bée these: presumption, and disobedience. Euery hammering tinker dare nowe take vpon him, to controll Stratonichus musicke. Euery simple Cobler: dare nowe presume to correct Apelles picture. Euery hairebraind foole, that haue scarce tasted of the schoole of humanitie: dare nowe compare in iudgement with the best Doctours of Diuinitie. And euerie inferiour Subiect, dare nowe take vpon him to controll the whole state, and prescribe lawes both to Prince and Prelate. Surely this kinde of learning is too déepe for my vnderstanding. If it stretch beyonde the boundes of Christian duetie and obedience to gouernours and teachers, it passeth my capacitie, I cannot comprehende it. But this I haue read, that Nearchus for iangling the strings of Orpheus Harpe, was torne in sunder of dogges: Marsias, for proudly comparing his skill with [Page] Apellos cunning had his skinne plucked ouer his eares. Oza for presuming to meddle with the Leuites office, was stricken to death. And those rebellious Leuites, who with Corah and his fellowes, resisted agaynst Aaron the high Priest, were swallowed vp in the bowels of the earth. And sure in my iudgement, such fatte pampered Weathers or Rammes of the flocke as will not bée ruled, but resist and push agaynst their shéepeheard, breake the hedge of their boundes, and runne where they list, woulde either bée tied shorter, or committed to the butcher, for spoyling their fellowes.

That presumptuous Asse, which dares turne his héeles and kicke agaynst the noble Lion: is worthie of punishment. And that disobedient subiect that dare obstinately resist her Maiestyes lawes established (agaynst her crowne and dignitie) what followeth?

Those shéepe that will not come into the folde by whistling, the shéepeheard must baite in with his dogge,Luk. 14. 23. or pull in with his hooke. The guests that refused to come vnto the Kings feast by gentle intreatie,Christ himselfe confuted the Pharistes, yet could he not put thē to silence. were compelled by extremitie. And séeing that neither by learned confutation, nor gentle perswasion, the Prelate can not preuaile with worde: the rest which remayneth belongeth to the Princes swoorde.

By the lawes of Locris, a Citie in Gréece, if any priuate person shall take vpon him to resist, gaine-say or stand agaynst anye part or percell of that, which eyther in the Church or common Wealth is by order established: the partie in the presence of the Magistrates and gouernours, must stand foorth with a Haltar about his necke, and there eyther prooue and defend his assertion against the best learned in the Citie, or else for his sawcinesse be hanged vppe before he passe. And if we had that lawe in England, I doubt not, but that our newe fantasticall reformers woulde soone be put to silence.

But me thinks I doe heare, some inferiour Magistrates and officers, put in trust to sée the Princes lawes obserued, discipline duely executed, & conteptuous persons punished, [Page] to whisper in mine eare and say: they are so backt and borne withall of some: and their cause so greatly fauoured, a we dare not meddle with them. Truely sirs in mine opinion you are farre deceyued. Though perhaps by reason of their hypocrisie and smooth glosing tongues, rowling in the eighth liberall science: some euen of the best natures and most godly and zealous gospellers, may bee greatly abused by such: but to backe and maintaine them against law and order, I thinke in my conscience they will not. But haue you taken so great a charge vpon you, and dare nowe deceyue both Prince and people that put you in trust? Doe you preferre your owne securitie before the peace of the Church, or safetie of the common wealth?2. Tim. 5. 17. Then sure in stead of double honour, you are woorthie of double punishment: no doubt the Lord himselfe in iustice will reuenge It. Doe you not sée howe greatly through your intollerable negligence their number is increased? and no maruell, for the vulgar sort are alwayes vnconstant, wauering, desirous of nouelties, wishing alteration, and much delighted in hearing their superiours reprehended, and themselues vntouched, and easily drawen to follow tumultuous persons. Corah, Dathan and Abiram had no sooner stood vp agaynst Moyses and Aaron, but they had their bandes of men readie to take their part. Iohn Leadon in Munster had no sooner set abroch his pestilent doctrine, but he had a multitude of followers, to the great disturbance of the Church: and so haue these (no doubt) whole swarmes of Disciples to ioyne with them: some hauing riotously spent their patrimonie, are tickled in the eares by hearing of the spoyle of Ecclesiasticall liuings: some pettiefoggers wanting worke at Westminster hall in hope to haue their Clyents well increased, may gape for the ouerthrowe of ecclesiasticall iurisdiction, with some Atheists, some Neuters, some Anabaptists, and some Brownings, with the Familie of loue, and such like: who if they might once haue their purpose: woulde soone giue vs the gentle thumpe: not onely strippe the reuerend Prelate into his dublet, and the dutifull pastor into his shirt, but also robbe the Prince of her title and dignitie, and bring [Page] the Church of England to vtter ruine and miserie: being in many places of this land alreadie growne to this ripenesse: as it is more offensiue to speake in defence of her maiesties supremacie in causes ecclesiasticall, and her booke of common prayer, then disobediently to inueigh against them.

This ought not to be my good bretheren and countrimen of England: and therefore now at the last for our better agréement, let vs rather giue eareto the Apostle: who in most louing and charitable manner exhorteth vs to cease all bitter contention,1. Thes. 4. 11. and studie to be quiet: it becommeth not the seruants of God to be contentious,2. Tim. 2. 24. neither to séeme wise in their owne conceites: but peaceable vnto all men. If you bite and deuoure one another (saith he) take héede lest you be consumed one of an other.Rom. 12. 16. Gal. 5. 15. Let euery soule therefore in the feare of God, humbly submit him selfe vnto the authoritie of the higher powers:Rom. 13. 1. 2. 5 not onely for feare of vengeance, but also because of conscience:Heb. 13. 17. knowing that whosoeuer resisteth power,1. Pet. 2. 13. 14 resisteth the ordinance of God.

The authoritie of Princes, and duetie of Christian subiectes.

THe ciuil magistrate is a minister armed with lawes and sworde:Augustine to Boniface Epist. 50. Esay. 49. appointed of God, as a nurse to the Church, and a father to the common wealth: to defend the guiltlesse, punish the guiltie, execute iustice, and kéepe outward discipline: as well in causes ecclesiasticall as temporall. Moyses a temporall Magistrate, receiued the whole order of religion at Gods hand,Exod. 20. and deliuered it vnto the people, and sharpely chastised Aaron the Priest for making the golden calfe.1. Chro. 13. Dauid brought home the Arke, and restored religion, which Saule had destroyed.1. King. [...]. Salomon remoued Abiather the Bishop, and appointed Zadock in his stead. Ezekias [Page] brake the brasen serpent when he saw the people fall downe to worship it.2. King. 11.

It is therefore the duetie of euery good Christian subiect, obediently to submit him selfe vnto all publike gouernment and ordinance of man for the Lords sake, whether it be to the king,1. Pet. 2. 13. 14 or those that be set in authoritie vnder him, not onely touching ciuill policie in the common wealth: but also external discipline, decencie, ceremonies, orders, rites & fashions in the Church: which are not particularly expressed in the holy scriptures, but left generally (as thinges indifferent) to the disposition of the same: whereof the prince next vnder God is supreame head: at whose commandemēt they are to be vsed and refused as time & place both require: according to the Apostle:1. Cor. 14. 40 Let al things be done after a decent order. Hereunto agréeth the saying of S. Augustine: In his rebus de quibus nihil certi statuit scriptura diuina, Augustine. mos populi, dei, vel instituta maiorum pro lege tenenda sunt.

And in another place: quod neque contra fidem, neque contra mores iniungitur,Ad Ianuarium indifferenter est habendum, & pro eorum inter quos viuitur societate seruandum.Epist. 118.

Notwithstanding, if the magistrate shall command any thing against the substance of religion, concerning matters of faith, doctrine, remission of sinnes and eternall faluation: we ought then with Peter and Iohn,Act. 5. 38. 25. rather to obey God then man. The Prince is but Gods inferiour officer: and if God command one thing, and the prince another,Daniel. 6. the higher is alwaies to be obayed before the lower: so Daniel prayed, and Peter preached contrarie to the magistrates precept:Act. 5. 18. 19. and as the Lacedemonians being conquered of their enimies, were commanded certain things against their religion: no (quoth they) we had rather dye then be commanded things harder then death.Mat. 22. 21. So our bodies, lands, and goodes are at the commandement of our Cas [...]r: but our soules and consciences partaine to God only. But for asmuch as our gracious Soueraigne, is a most vertuous, godly & christian Princesse: a most faithful professor and louing imbracer of the Gospel of Christ, without halting in any one point of religiō, being so prouident to preserue it, so careful to defend it [Page] and so desirous to haue all her louing subiects learne and vse it: as to resist her Maiesties procéedings, is to resist against God himselfe.

Of the office, titles aud dignities of Bishops and Archbishops

TOuching the honourable titles and dignities of our Bishops: I wonder why they should séeme offensiue to any: séeing I partly knowe by that which I haue read, and great Clearkes haue taught, that the best and most principall pillers of the Church, since the time of Christ vntill this day:1. Tim. 3. haue taken the same vpon them.Titus. 1. The Apostle himselfe setteth downe the office of a Bishop:1. Tim. 5. 19. and I doe finde in Ecclesiasticall Histories, that Iames was Bishop of Ierusalem, Peter of Antioch, and Marke of Alexandria.

We must weigh and consider the order of the Lordes procéedings in his Church from time to time: and make a difference betwéene the infancie and strength of the same. As first vnto the children of Israel, Moyses was sent onely with a rodde in his hand,Exod. 4. and had Aaron giuen him for his mouth. When the people were deliuered from the bondage of Egypt and came into the wildernesse,Exod. 18. Moyses by the counsell of Iethro his father in lawe: appoynted Captaines ouer hundrethes,Exod. 20. fifties and tennes. When the lawe was giuen, the Arke and ornaments thereunto belonging, with ceremonies, sacrifices, the Priestes office and garments was ordained. And after the people were setled in the land of promise, were kings and prophets appointed. So when Christ himselfe was sent downe from his father, hee made choyce of his Apostles, who after his ascention according to their commission:Mat. 28. 19. went foorth and preached through the whole worlde:Act. 6. 5. ordained Elders and Deacons in euerie congregation. And after when the Church grewe to more ripenesse, were Bishops appointed to haue the charge and ouersight of the rest, And as it appeareth by the Apostle [Page] himselfe, there was great difference betwéene a Bishop and an Elder: the Bishop was taught, not sharply to reprehend an Elder, but gently to admonish him, and to receiue no accusation against him vnder two or thrée witnesses:1. Tim. 5. 1. 19 but we reade not that the Elders were permitted to reprehend or receiue accusation against a Bishop.

And as for Archbishop, Patriarke or Metropolitan, being titles of equall degrée, they are verie auncient, euen since the time of the Primatiue Church, as before is mentioned.

But say some, they were not called Lorde Bishops: sure I thinke so, because the people of those countries could speake no English: but rather in the Lattin tongue, Domini, which signifieth Sir or Lord. The Elders that rule well (saith the Apostle) are worthie of double honour:1. Tim. [...]. 17. especially they which labour in the worde and teaching. And why should we be more curious, in yéelding vnto our godly and reuerend Bishops those titles of honour: then Hanna a figure of the Church was, in giuing the same vnto Ely. the high Priest, who perceiuing her lippes to moue and her voice not hard,1. King. [...] thought she had beene drunke: Not so my Lord (quoth she) I haue drunke neither wine nor strong drinke: I am a woman of a sorrowfull heart, and haue poured out my soule before the Lord. Againe when that good man Obadia ruler of Ahabs house, did méete with the Prophet Helia,3. King. 18. he fell downe before him, and said: art not thou my Lord Helia: who did not reproue him for giuing him that title of honour, but answered: I am he.

But the chiefe thing which these doe shoote at, is their large Reuenues. They keepe (say they) too great a state. Here we are to consider, in godly policie, which is the handmaid of religion, that the nature of vs Englishmen, is not to estéeme either of ciuil or ecclesiasticall gouernours, according to their vertue and graces as they deserue, but rather in respect of their outward countenance, pompe, & wealth. Which as it séemeth by Ecclesiasticus, was a great fault in his time: for saith he, though a poore man speake wisely, yet can it take no place: but when a rich man speaketh, euery [Page] man holdeth his tongue:Eccle. 13. And looke what he saith, they prayse it vnto the cloudes: and if a poore man speake, they say,Wealth is taken for wisedom. what fellow is this? which is the very fashion of the world at this day.Exod. 39. When Aaron the high Priest stoode before the people to worship, he was commanded to bee deckt with rich and sumptuous ornaments of gold, silke, and pretious stones: not that God himselfe was delighted with such externall glory, but in respect of mans infirmitie: the more to moue the people to honour and reuerence him, as the minister of God: in which deuine regard (as I take it) doe Christian Princes honour their prelates, whom God hath honoured,Prou 22. 4. with gifts méete for so high a calling: who as he hath not bestowed them in equall measure vnto all, but giuen to some fiue talents,Mat. 25. 15. some two, and some one: and called some to be Euangelists,1. Cor. 12. 28. some gouernours, some pastors, and some helpers in his Church:Ephe. 4. 11. so are they not all to be had in like honour and estimation: but euery one according to his wisedom, learning, grauitie and discretion: without which learning is but as a sword in a mad mans hand.

Finally, suppose that such a pettie-Doctor as our new Reformers would allow of: were now in his Consistory with his company of Elders about him: of which (you must imagin) there is good choice to be had in euery parish in Enland: and being without that state and countenance, which our common wealth affordeth our Bishops, should there procéede with his discipline against some mightie man in authoritie within the compasse of his iurisdiction: hee should well sée and féele his Consistory and discipline to be litle regarded. It would soone be said vnto him: What, Doctor hedgecréepe: dare you take vpon you to controll me? and much worse I warrant you: so as he might with the Bedels of London, command beggers to the stockes: but hee must not bind Beares, nor once touch the high Cedars of Libanus.

And by the way: my masters of the Cleargie, which are so vehemently set on fire to séeke alteration: whatsoeuer you thinke of mee, I wish you wise, without experience of your own folly. It is an olde prouerbe, A man warned, is halfe armed.

[Page] The storie of Aereus, who vnder a pretence to frame a pure vnspotted Church, did seperate himselfe (as you nowe do) drawing a sort of vnstable people after him, from Churches to Chambers, and from townes to woods (till in the end by the iudgement of Epiphanius, they were brought to be as holy a Congregation as that procession where the deuill beareth the Crosse) perswadeth mee,Epiphanius that the people by your wished reformation, would mend as fast in all vertue and godlinesse, as sowre Ale in summer. And not onely the Abbey-lands, so well pretended to be imploied to the inriching of the king, maintaining of schooles, & relieuing the poore, but also the example of your fellow reformers in Scotland (who by altering the ancient state and propertie of ecclesiasticall liuings, haue brought their Cleargie so bare & beggerly, as for want of maintenāce, a nūber are glad to pike their croms vnder other mens tables) may bee a warning sufficient to teach you: not to be ouerhastie in excommunicating your Church-liuings, least your selues bee the first that repent and soonest smart for it. Yea, if those which nowe séeme in fauouring your follies, to smile full smoothly, might once obtaine & get that they gape for, their countenance no doubte would soone be altered: so as your selues, your wiues and children might lie in the stréetes and sterue for all them: and you in the ende haue greater cause to lament your owne reserued miserie, then nowe to exclaime so vehemently against a state, which for good gouernment all the realmes in Christendome can neither mend nor match.

These things considered (my brethren) and forasmuch as we are all members of one body, redéemed with one blood, and partakers of one common faith,Rom. 12. 5 remission of sinnes, and eternall saluation,Apoc. 5. 9. [...] ▪ depending wholy vpon Gods frée and generall pardon in Christ,Acts 10. 43. Rom. 6. 23. Luk. 17. 10. without our deserts, and shal all appeare before his iudgement seate,Rom. 14. 10 where euery one shal beare his owne burthen,Ezech. 18. and receiue reward according to his owne labor.Rom. 2. 6. The Apostle erhorteth vs in the feare of God, to iudge charitablie one of another,Rom. 14. 4. to be of like affection one towards another:Mat. 7. 1. Iames 5. 6. to comfort and pray one for another: in giuing honour to go one before another,Ro. 12. 10. 16▪ and euery one to estéeme another [Page] better then himselfe:Phil. 2. 2. 3. that nothing be done through strife or vaineglorie, but in all humilitie and méekenesse of minde: that there be no dissension amongst vs, but that we be knit together in one minde, and one iudgement, and to speake all one thing.1. Cor. 1. 10. Séeing we doe agrée about the kirnell, let vs no longer contend for the shell: séeing we vary not about matter and substance, let vs not striue for Asses shadowes, and Goates wooll: séeing we hold the doctrine of one God, one religion, and one hope of saluation, as faithfull Christians: let vs in all humilitie touching externall things, shewe our dutie and allegeance to our gratious soueraigne, as obedient subiects.Math. 5. 16. That with one heart, one mind, and one voice,2. Thes. 1. 10. 1. Pet. 2. 17. we may togither glorifie our heauenly father,1. Cor. 4. 1. 3. honor his Prince, and reuerence his Prelates.

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Information about this book

Title statement

The hunting of Antichrist VVith a caueat to the contentious. By Leonard Wright.

Wright, Leonard, b. 1555 or 6.

Edition statement

1589

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Text Creation Partnership,

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Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) :

Date

2004-11 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1).

ID [DLPS]

A15761

ID [STC]

STC 26031

ID [STC]

ESTC S120413

ID [EEBO-CITATION]

99855611

ID [PROQUEST]

99855611

ID [VID]

21112

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(EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A15761)

Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 21112)

Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1475-1640 ; 404:5)

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— The hunting of Antichrist VVith a caueat to the contentious. By Leonard Wright., Wright, Leonard, b. 1555 or 6..

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[8], 28 p.

Imprinted by Iohn Wolfe,. London :: 1589.. (Reproduction of the original in the Henry E. Huntington Library and Art Gallery.)

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