An expositio[n] upon the two epistles of the apostle S. Paul to the Thessalonians…An expositio[n] vpon the two epistles of the apostle S. Paul to the Thessalonians…

Therefore such temptations as Satan useth can not make the name of GOD fall from his anchor hold. His hope is safely laid up in his breast. He knoweth in whom he putteth his trust, and therefore sayeth: I presume not of knowledge. I esteem not to know any thing, save Christ Jesus, and him crucified. I believe not in my fathers, I reverence them and love them, but I believe only in GOD. I fear not the sword, I fear not what man can do unto me: but I fear him, that can kill my body and soul. It is better for me to abide the fire, and ⟨p. 101⟩lose my life, that I may live for ever, than to deny GOD for safeguard of my life, and be caste into hell fire. If there be so many partakers of their errors, and so few that cleave to the trueth: the multitude of them shall not save me: and it is no trial of Gods trueth, whether it be received of many, or of few. Cardinals, and Bishops, and do•ours may be wise, and learned. So were Annas and Caiaphas, the high priests, and Scribes and Pharisees which did put to death the Lord of glory. I dare not do ill, because other men do it. I may not tempt God. My conscience is truly assured by Gods word what is idolatry, and the dishonour of God. If I should come into the Church, and make such show as you advise me, and be partaker with Idolaters, I should do hurt to others in mine ill example: I should do against mine own conscience, which would be a heavy witness against me, both whiles I live in this world, and in the dreadful day of judgement.

Therefore such temptations as Sathan vseth can not make the name of GOD fal from his ancker holde. His hope is safely laid vp in his breast. Hée knoweth in whome hée putteth his trust, and therefore saieth: I presume not of knowledge. I estéeme not to know anie thing, saue Christ Iesus, and him crucified. I beléeue not in my fathers, I reuerence them and loue them, but I beléeue onelie in GOD. I feare not the sworde, I feare not what man can doe vnto me: but I feare him, that can kill my bodie and soule. It is better for me to abide the fire, and ⟨p. 101⟩lose my life, that I may liue for euer, than to denie GOD for safegarde of my life, and be caste into hell fire. If there be so manie partakers of their errours, and so fewe that cleaue to the trueth: the multitude of them shall not saue mée: and it is no triall of Gods trueth, whether it be receiued of many, or of fews. Cardinalles, and Bishoppes, and doours may be wise, and learned. So were Annas and Caiaphas, the high priests, and Scribes and Pharises which did put to death the Lord of glorie. I dare not doe ill, bicause other men do it. I may not tempt God. My conscience is truely assured by Gods worde what is idolatrie, and the dishonour of God. If I should come into the Church, and make such shew as you aduise me, and be partaker with Idolaters, I should doe hurt to others in mine ill example: I should do against mine owne conscience, which would be a heauie witnesse against mée, both whiles I liue in this world, and in the dreadfull daie of iudgement.