A07146:77
The relics of Rome containing all such matters of religion, as have in times…The reliques of Rome contayning all such matters of religion, as haue in times…
The relics of Rome containing all such matters of religion, as have in times past been brought into the Church by the Pope and his adherents: faithfully gathered out of the most faithful writers of chronicles and histories, and now newly both diligently corrected & greatly augmented, to the singular profit of the readers, by Thomas Becon. 1563.The reliques of Rome contayning all such matters of religion, as haue in times past bene brought into the Church by the Pope and his adherentes: faithfully gathered out of the moste faithful writers of chronicles and histories, and nowe newly both diligently corrected & greatly augmented, to the singuler profit of the readers, by Thomas Becon. 1563.
London: printed by John Day, 1563London: printed by Iohn Day, 1563
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.
After that I had finished this my labour and travail in gathering together these Relics of the Romish Religion, and had determined with my self to publish and set them abroad, ⟨image 27⟩that they might be seen and read of all men: after long & deep consideration to whom I might dedicate this my work:1 Your Lordship came to my remembrance, as one right well worthy, to whom I might offer this my travail what soever it be, yea & that for diverse causes. First, For the right excellent knowledge that you have not only in human letters, but also in the sacred scriptures: which is so goodly an ornament and precious Jewel to all Christians, but specially to all such as be Bishops and Overseers of Christs flock,2 as nothing can more beautify & adorn the state of a Christen man, of whatsoever degree he be.3 Secondly, For the fervent Zeal and earnest love, that you bear to the pure and sincere religion of God, which these many years hath so inflamed your breast that for the love thereof, & for the defence of the same, you were not only content to forsake your native country, your natural kinsfolk, your dear friends, your loving familiars, & whatsoever seemeth to this life, most sweet, most pleasant, most comfortable, but also to lose both life and goods, counting them most blessed and happy, that suffer persecution for righteousness. Thirdly, 4For that it hath pleased God of his infinite goodness and mercy to place you Bishop and Overseer of his people in my native country unto the glory of his most glorious name▪ and unto the exceeding profit & commodity of his holy congregation▪ where you so rule and govern the Lords flock, as a most faithful Pastor and diligent shepherd, that your fame is not only glorious in the ears all men, but also you are become a most worthy exemplar to all the spiritual Ministers of your ⟨image 28⟩diocese, whether doctrine life, or hospitality be considered on your behalf. As touching doctrine (I speak it without flattery) you are able by the word of God,