The Pope confuted The holy and apostolic Church confuting the Pope. The first action.…The Pope confuted The holy and apostolique Church confuting the Pope. The first action.…

Therefore as concerning the prerogative of Princes, sithens there is so great a number of Regions. Nations, and people, such a variety of Laws and tongues, nothing can be more seemly, nor more consonant for the ordinance of God, then that in all societies and estates of Nations, a special preeminence, and singular superiority should be yielded to some one personage, as to a certain ⟨p. 8⟩chief governor and head, by whose authority and sovereignty, all others may be trained under whom also several offices, and charges may be severally distributed, as shall seem necessary and commodious, for the well ordering of every weal public. Hereof is it,¹ That the higher powers do of right bear a necessary preeminence directly under God, as the Apostle witnesseth. And yet even the self same powers are empale•, & compassed in within their prescripts, lists, limits, & bounds according to Gods ordinance. But as to that universality, and Hierarchy over the whole Church of Christ:² or to be only and entire Lord, and ruler over our faith, besides Christ only, we acknowledge neither king nor keyser, whatsoever. And what was he then that at any time hath authorised you (ye Prelate of Rome) to be chief governor, and Lord over the universal Church of Christ, so far and wide overstretched, over the face of the whole earth? Or who ever besides you hath been heard of, that durst presume upon so proud a Title of superiority, either in the Apostles time, or in the whole succeeding age, until this your challenge, without great reproach and grievous controlment of every good man? Or with what face at the length dare your self so arrogantly raise up your crest so Luciferlyke, as to be magnified for the only and principal Bishop, and Monarchy of the whole state of Christianity, unless ye were Antichrist him self? In this case therefore, advise and bethink your self well, ye Romish Prelate, what ye now do, or rather what ye ought to do. If ye think that the credit of your Majesty is cracked by them, because they have banished you out of their Coasts:

Therefore as concerning the prerogatiue of Princes, sithens there is so great a number of Regions. Nations, and people, such a varietie of Lawes and tongues, nothing can be more seemely, nor more consonant for the ordinance of God, then that in al societies and estates of Nations, a special preeminence, and singular superiority should be yeelded to some one personage, as to a certaine