A04917:13
A godly letter sent too the faithful in London, Newcastle, Berwick, and to all…A godly letter sent too the fayethfull in London, Newcastell, Barwyke, and to all…
A godly letter sent too the faithful in London, Newcastle, Berwick, and to all other within the realm off England, that love the co[m]minge of our Lord Jesus by John KnoxA godly letter sent too the fayethfull in London, Newcastell, Barwyke, and to all other within the realme off Englande, that loue the co[m]minge of oure Lorde Iesus by Ihon Knox
Rome: printed by J. Lambrecht? for H. Singleton, 1554
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
1That God hath punished other realms & nations / men of small understanding / will easily confess. But whether that like crimes hath ben / and yet are committed within the realm of England / as were before the last plagues of God among those nations / that is to be inquired / in this case can nothing better instruct us then Gods plain word / rebuking the vices / which reigned in those days / And omitting all such as prophesied before / it shall suffice for this time / to rehearse some places of Jeremy. The time of whose prophecy well considered / shall make the matter more sensible. He beginneth in the .13. year of the reign of king Josiah and continue with till after the destruction of Jerusalem / which came in the .11. year of Zedechias / Long preached this godly man to wite .39. years and six months / before the uttermost of the plagues apprehended this stubborn nation and that he did with much trouble and injury sustained / as in his prophesies / is to be seen. Be all likelihood then / there were some Cob Carls / that were not pleased with the profit / neither yet with his preachings. And yet plainest is / that no King so truly turned unto God with all his hart / with all his soul / and with all his strength / according to all the law of Moses / as did Josiah / & yet as said is. The prophet of God was troubled / not ⟨image 6⟩by no small number / for I find him complain / universally & generally upon the peoples iniquity / for thus judgeth he Gods speaking. My people have committed double iniquity.2 They have forsaken me / the fountain of lining water / and have digged to them selves Cisterns / that can hold no water. Why wilt thou justify thyself? Under thy wings is found the blood of the souls of the poor innocents / whom thou found not in corners / and yet thou sayest / I am innocent.3 Thou hast gotten a whores forehead / thou canst not think shame / my people is foolish / they know me not / 4they are foolish children / and have no wisdom / wise they are to commit mischief / but to do good they are all together ignorant. Every man may beware of his neighbour / and no man assuredly may trust in his brother / for every man is become deceitful / they have practised their tongues to lies / and guile.