Certain sermons preached before the Queens Majesty, and at Pauls crossCertaine sermons preached before the Queenes Maiestie, and at Paules crosse

This did they well see, that have been the enemies of religion, & therefore used all means to hinder the increase of learning, that they ⟨image 73⟩might have the better way to overthrow Religion. For if learning decay, it is likely that Religion can not abide. Bear with me, if I speak that which may seem more fit for some other place, then for this audience: the best here understandeth me well. In other countries, the receiving of the Gospel, hath always been cause, that learning was more set by: and learning hath ever been the furtherance of the Gospel. In England, I know not how, it cometh otherwise to pass. For since the Gospel hath been received, the maintenance for learning hath been decayed. And, the lack of learning will be the decay of the Gospel. Would God it were not so: or, that yet before the fault be incurable, there may be some redress.

This did they wel see, that haue bene the enemies of religion, & therefore vsed all meanes to hinder the encrease of learninge, that they ⟨image 73⟩might haue the better way to ouerthrow Religion. For if learning decay, it is likely that Religion can not abide. Beare with me, if I speake that whiche may seeme more fitt for some other place, then for this audience: the best here vnderstandeth me wel. In other countries, the receiuing of the Gospell, hath alwayes bene cause, that learning was more set by: and learninge hath euer bene the furtherance of the Gospell. In England, I knowe not how, it commethe otherwise to passe. For since the Gospell hath bene receiued, the maintenaunce for learninge hath bene decayed. And, the lacke of learninge will be the decay of the Gospel. Would God it were not so: or, that yet before the faulte be incurable, there may be some redresse.

Loth I am to speak, yet the case so requireth, that it is needful to be spoken, I trust I shall speak in the hearing of them that will consider it. Maintenance of learning, whereby an able and sufficient ministry may grow, and be established in all the Churches of this realm, is to be wished for. The good estate of this noble kingdom, y comfort of posterity, y stay of Religion, the continuing of the Gospel, the removing of darkness hangeth upon it. One asked sometimes, how it was that in Athens so goodly and great a city, there were no Physicians, To whom this answer was made, because there are rewards appointed for them