The second tome of homilies of such matters as were promised, and entitled in…The second tome of homilees of such matters as were promised, and intituled in…

For the better understanding of this question, it is necessary that we make a difference between the policies of princes, made for the ordering of their common weals, in provision of things serving to the more sure defence of their subjects and countries, and between ecclesiastical policies, in prescribing such works, by which, as by secondary means, Gods wrath may be pacified, ⟨p. 186⟩and his mercy purchased. Positive laws made by princes for conservation of their policy, not repugnant unto Gods law, ought of all Christian subjects with reverence of the magistrate to be obeyed, not only for fear of punishment, but also (as the apostle saith) for conscience sake. Conscience I say, not of the thing which of the own nature is indifferent: but of our obedience, which by the law of God we owe unto the Magistrate, as unto Gods minister. By which positive laws, though we subjects for certain times & days appointed, be restrained from some kinds of meats and drink, which God by his holy word hath left free to be taken and used of all men with thanks giving in all places and at all times: yet for that such laws of princes and other magistrates are not made to put holiness in one kind of meat & drink more then another, to make one day more holy then another, but are grounded merely upon policy, all subjects are bound in conscience to keep them by Gods commandment, who by the Apostle willeth all without exception, to submit them selves unto the authority of the higher powers. And in this point concerning our duties which be here dwelling in England, environed with the sea as we be, we have great occasion in reason to take the commodities of the water, which almighty God by his divine providence hath laid so nigh unto us, whereby the increase of victuals upon the land may the better be spared & cherished, to the sooner reducing of victuals to a more moderate price, to the better sustenance ⟨p. 187⟩of the poor. And doubtless he seemeth to be to dainty an English man, which considering the great commodities which may ensue, will not forbear some piece of his licentious appetite upon the ordinance of his prince, with the consent of the wise of the Realm.

For the better vnderstanding of this question, it is necessarie that we make a differēce betwene the pollicies of princes, made for the orderyng of their common weales, in prouision of thinges seruing to the more sure defence of their subiects and countreyes, and betweene ecclesiasticall pollicies, in prescribing such workes, by whiche, as by secondary meanes, Gods wrath may be pacified,