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…

In the mean while Antichrist increased, and grew to wealth by spoil of the Empire. The Bishop of Rome hath at this day many Countries and Lordships, Poor Peter had none. Howe then came he by them? By the spoil of the Empire. He hath the title of Forum-Julium. Where hath he it, but of the spoil of the Empire? Where hath he so many countries beginning at Luke, and onward to the Alps, but by the spoil of the Empire? He hath Ravenna Forum Sempronij, Beneventum and Spoletum. Al these he hath by the spoil of ⟨p. 329⟩the Empire. He claimeth the kingdom of Naples, and of Sicily, he is the Lord Paramount. King Philip is his vassal, and payeth him tribute. He hath Rome it self. It did belong unto the Emperor. Howe grew it to the Bishop? whence hath he it? By the spoil of the Empire. We see then, that the Emperor is abated: that the Bishop is increased, and so increased, that he hath made the Emperor to be his man, to bear his train, to wait upon him, to kneel down, and to kiss his foot. This could he never bring to pass, whiles the Empire stood whole, and the Emperor was able to make his part good. But these things were done, that it might be fulfilled, which was spoken, The Kings of the earth shall give their ¹strength and power to the beast, &c. That they may agree together, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God be fulfilled. Who that beast shall be, Augustine writing upon the Psalms very well declareth, Ita traditur de Antichristo, ²quod omnes reges superaturus sit, & solus regnum obtenturus. Thus it is written of Antichrist, that he shall conquer all Kings, and obtain the kingdom himself alone, and who it is unto whom the Kings of the earth have given their kingdom: and which ⟨p. 330⟩doth obtain the kingdom himself alone., if any man doubt, let him be advised by these sayings of them, which knew it well, and were not enemies to the Bishopric of Rome, Johan. de Parisiis saith Some think, that ³by reason of this donation (of Constantine) the Pope is the Emperor, and the Lord of the world: and that hereby he hath power both to set up, and also to put down Kings, as an Emperor. And if this be too little, to say thus upon hear-say, the same saith further plainely, Omnis potestas saecularis immediate data est Papae. Al manner temporal power was given immediately unto the Pope.