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…

Of the first sort of false miracles, we have seen an infinite number in the days of our fathers in the kingdom of Antichrist. Then was there appearance of spirits, and visions of Angels, our Lady came swimming down from ⟨p. 345⟩heaven, poor souls came creeping and crying out of purgatory, and jetted abroad, and kept stations, casting stakes of fire, and beset highways, and bemoaned their cases, the pains and torments were so bitter. They sought for help, and cried for good prayers, they cried for Diriges, they cried for Masses of Requiem, for masses of Scala coeli, for trentals of masses. Hereof grew portsale of pardons, & hereof grew the province of purgatory, the most gainful country, that ever was under the city of Rome.

Of the first sorte of false myracles, we haue séene an infinite number in the dai•s of our fathers in the kingdom of Antichrist. Then was there appearance of spirits, and visions of Angels, our Ladie came swimming downe from ⟨p. 345⟩heauen, poore soules came créeping and crying out of purgatorie, and ietted abroad, and kept stations, casting stakes of fire, and beset highwaies, and bemoned their cases, the pains and torments were so bitter. They sought for helpe, and cried for good praiers, they cried for Diriges, they cried for Masses of Requiem, for masses of Scala coeli, for trentals of masses. Hereof grew portsale of pardōs, & hereof grew the prouince of purgatorie, the most gainfull countrie, that euer was vnder ye citie of Rome.

But these miracles were no miracles at all. They were devised by subtle varlets, and lazy lordaines for a purpose, to get money. Oftentimes the spirit hath been taken and laid in the stocks: the Angel hath been stripped: good Lady hath been caught: the conveyance and the miracle hath appeared: the engines, and sleights, and the cause, and the manner of the working hath been confessed. In those days, Idols could go on foot: Roods could speak: Belles could ring alone, Images could come down and light their own candles. Dead stocks could sweat and bestir themselves: they could turn their ies: they could move their hands: they could open their mouths: they could set bones, and knit sinees: they could heal the sick, and raise up the dead.