An Answer to a Great Number of Blasphemous Cavillations

The other with great diligence, exhorted the citizens, that they should beware of the doctrine of the Anabaptists, in this wise he ceased not to do his endeavour, until that the Anabaptists, getting the upper hand, did drive the other out of the City, as afterward shall be declared. And to make all sure, he wrote in a brief some the effect of the true doctrine, and ecclesiastical administration, the counsel and people appointing the same. Then by the counsel of the magistrates one Peter wirtā began again to preach, but he had not preached long, ere the Anabaptists ⟨p. 424⟩stirred up by Rotman, drove him away. who being more fierce then before, provoked Fabritius, and others to disputation, the senate agreeing thereunto, but under this condition that the disputation should be grounded upon the word of God, and other writings agreeable unto the same. in the presence of some godly learned men, which should be as it were arbiters, who hearing, and trying the sentences, and arguments indifferently on both sides, might give judgement: and look what judgement they should give. that it should be agreed unto of all. By which means discord being taken away, the peace of the Church might be restored. This Condition Rotman, and his companions did refuse. when they craftily avoided to be bewrayed, they began openly to be contemned of the common people. But to wipe away this foul blot, they find out an other way, much more compendious. One of them (as if he were inspired with the holy Ghost) •anne through the streets of the city, crying, repent you, and be baptised again, or else the wrath of God shall consume you. By this means there was a common tumult, and as many, as were rebaptized, cried after the same manner, as did the first: many fearing the wrath of God, which they so threatened to fall upon them (deceived of very simplicity, which otherwise were good men) obeyed them, and others did the same for saving of their goods. For after that the Anabaptists had gotten the upper had of their adversaries, they dispossessed the of their go•des. This was about the end of december, and now came they again forth of their secret corners, of which we spake before.

The other with great diligence, exhorted the citizens, that they should beware of the doctrine of the Anabaptistes, in this wise he ceased not to do his indeuour, vntill that the Anabaptistes, getting the vpperhand, did driue the other out of the Citie, as afterward shalbe declared. And to make all sure, he wrote in a brief somme the effect of the trew doctrine, and ecclesiasticall administration, the counsell and people appointing the same. Then by the counsel of the magistrates one Peter wirtā began againe to preach, but he had not preached long, yer the Anabaptistes