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A discourse, of the true and visible marks of the Catholic Church writtenA discourse, of the true and visible markes of the Catholique Churche vvritten

Name: A discourse, of the true and visible marks of the Catholic Church written
Author: Theodore Beza

A discourse, of the true and visible marks of the Catholic Church written by M. Theod. Beza. VezeliusA discourse, of the true and visible markes of the Catholique Churche vvritten by M. Theod. Beza. Vezelius

Theodore Beza 1519–1605London: printed by Robert Walde-grave, 1582London: printed by Robert Walde-graue, 1582

[134] p. · 24k words · STC 2014 · ESTC S101560

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A DISCOURSE, OF the true and visible Marks of the Catholic Church

A DISCOURSE, OF the true and visible Markes of the Catholique Churche

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Written by M. THEOD. BEZA. Vezelius.

VVritten by M. THEOD. BEZA. Vezelius.

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printer's device with bird GOD IS MY HELPER

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GOD IS MY HELPER. Psal. 7.11

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AT LONDON; ¶Printed by Robert Would-grave, dwelling without Temple-bar, in the Strand, near unto Somerset-house.

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Theodore Beza, A discourse, of the true and visible markes of the Catholique Churche vvritten (At London, 1582), title page, unnumbered page (image 1). EEBO-TCP A09876.

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Title as printed: A discourse, of the true and visible marks of the Catholic Church written by M. Theod. Beza. VezeliusA discourse, of the true and visible markes of the Catholique Churche vvritten by M. Theod. Beza. Vezelius
Author: Theodore Beza 1519–1605
Place: London
Printer: Robert Walde-graveRobert Walde-graue
Year: 1582
Size: [134] p.
Words: 24,282
Catalogue: STC 2014 · ESTC S101560
Text: EEBO-TCP A09876

Passages: 120
Sections: 4

Title page

The author

Theodore Beza 1519–1605

ReformersGeneva

Calvin's successor at Geneva.

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HOWE glorious and excellent a thing the church it self is; may appear (Right Worshipful) by many means: And amongst the rest, even by this: that all; both good and bad, do challenge and claim (whether justly or unjustly, I mind not much now to dispute) not only the name and ty•le thereof. but the very possession of it also. ⟨image 3⟩I hope I shall not need much to busy my self in the proof of this point: Because, as it manifestly appeareth, by sundry examples of former times, and particularly, by the people of the Jews in the days of Jeremiah the prophet: who cried out: The Temple of the Lord, the Temple of the Lord: this is the Temple of the Lord: as is to be seen in the seventh chapter of his book: So have we a most evident and plain testimony of the same in this declining and doting old age of the world: For whereabout are those large disputations which at this day are handled between the catholics, as they would be called, and the true professors of Christs Gospel, most occupied; I pray you; but specially about this question, and other controversies concerning the same? The thing rather, that in my mind is more to be stood upon, is this: namely, to see: what should be the cause why, that notwithstanding that same greedy desire that the greatest number have, to retain with them both the name of the Church, and the Church it self: yet so few have it & hold it fast. All men have in them, notwithstanding the defacing of God his image in them through sin, by some small sparks of reason and judgement; which yet remain in them undefaced, A certain thirsting after Blessedness, and the hope of a better life: And this is the more enkindled in mens hearts and heads, when it pleaseth God, to vouchsafe them in some measure of his mercy, some light and knowledge ⟨image 3⟩of his holy truth: by which they see, that with out the Church there can be no salvation. And that causeth them to press on forward to wish to be of that number that hath so gracious a Privilege granted unto the same: And yet all this notwithstanding, it is a wonder to see, how the greatest part of the world is deceived, with a bare shadow and show of the same: For, that I may speak nothing of the Infidels in their idolatries; nor of the Turks, cleaving fast to their Mahomet; Nor of the Jews, openly despiting Christ the Saviour of the world:

HOVVE glorious and excellent a thing the church it selfe is; may appeare (Right VVorshipfull) by many meanes: And amongst the rest, euen by this: that all; both good and bad, do challenge and claime (whether justly or vnjustly, I minde not much novve to dispute) not onely the name and ty•le thereof. but the verie possession of it also. ⟨image 3⟩I hope I shall not neede much to busie my selfe in the proofe of this point: Because, as it manifestly appeareth, by sundry examples of former times, and particularly, by the people of the Iewes in the dayes of Ieremiah the prophet: who cried out: The Temple of the Lord, the Temple of the Lord: this is the Temple of the Lorde: as is to be seene in the seuenth chapter of his booke: So haue vve a most euident and playne testimony of the same in this declining and doting olde age of the world: For whereabout are those large disputations which at this daye are handled betvveene the catholiques, as they would be called, and the true professours of Christs Gospel, moste occupied; I pray you; but speciallye about this question, and other controuersies concerning the same? The thing rather, that in my mind is more to be stoode vpon, is this: namely, to see: what shoulde be the cause why, that notwithstanding that same greedye desire that the greatest number haue, to retaine with them both the name of the Church, and the Churche it selfe: yet so fewe haue it & hold it fast. All men haue in them, notwithstanding the defacing of God his image in them through sinne, by some small sparkes of reason and iudgement; which yet remayne in them vndefaced, A certaine thirsting after Blessednes, and the hope of a better life: And this is the more inkindled in mennes hearts and heads, when it pleaseth God, to vouchsafe them in some measure of his mercy, some light and knowledge ⟨image 3⟩of his holy truth: by which they see, that with out the Church there can bee no saluation. And that causeth them to presse on forward to vvish to be of that number that hath so gracious a Priuilege graunted vnto the same: And yet all this notwithstanding, it is a vvonder to see, how the greatest part of the vvorlde is deceiued, vvith a bare shadow and shevve of the same: For, that I may speake nothing of the Infidelles in their idolatries; nor of the Turkes, cleauing fast to their Mahomet; Nor of the Ievves, openly dispiting Christe the Sauiour of the vvorlde:

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and therefore all of them, of necessity out of the Church, and consequently void of salvation also: because they hold not the head, which is Christ. To let all these pass, I say, and to come to them which in outward show make profession of Christianity and true religion; how many of them are there that are violently carried away with as gross and palpable Idolatry, as the heathen? What infinite multitudes perish thorough ignorance, and want of the sound knowledge of God in Christ? how many are drowned, to the hazarding of their own souls, with horrible errors and heresies? And what a number are there in the world beside, that shaking hands, as it were with Atheists (yea the worst people of all) do lye weltering in the pleasures and profits of this life; making no account at all, either of God in heaven, or of his Church here in earth? And what would the Lord teach us by all this: verily first that we must have ⟨image 4⟩better eyes to discern his congregation by, then the light of our own reason: for if even then when we have his word, we can yet hardly descry it, partly because it is discerned spiritually, and partly because by the hard dealings of the enemies it is sundry times brought to so low an ebb, that it seemeth to be shut up in one mans person. And therefore do say in the confession of our Christian faith, that we do believe that there is a holy catholic Church: that then we shall never be able to separate it from the Synagogue of Satan by our own understanding and wit: which consideration is yet further profitable; even for the confutation of that imagination and conceit, which our adversaries have and hold concerning mans freewill: for if we cannot by our own comprehension perceive either the place in which, or the persons amongst whom, the Church it self is, but that we must have from above, for that purpose, great enlightening both of knowledge and faith, much less shall we be able to comprehend those wonderful treasures of most sound, comfortable, and profitable doctrine that the Lord hath freely bestowed upon his said Church: Of which the Apostle saith: that the eye hath not seen them, the ear hath not heard them, neither can mans heart comprehend them. 2. Cor. 2.9. Wherefore the case standeth not with us as heretofore we have been borne in hand:

and therefore all of them, of necessitye out of the Church, and consequently void of saluation also: because they hold not the head, which is Christ. To let all these passe, I say, and to come to them vvhich in outvvard shevv make profession of Christianitie and true religion; hovv many of them are there that are violently carried avvaye vvith as grosse and palpable Idolatrie, as the heathen? VVhat infinite multitudes perish thorough ignorance, and want of the sound knovvledge of God in Christe? hovv many are drovvned, to the hazarding of their ovvne soules, vvith horrible erroures and heresies? And what a number are there in the vvorlde beside, that shaking handes, as it vvere vvith Atheists (ye the vvorst people of al) do lye vveltring in the pleasures and profits of this life; making no account at all, either of God in heauen, or of his Church here in earth? And vvhat would the Lord teach vs by al this: verely first that vve must haue ⟨image 4⟩better eyes to discern his congregation by, then the light of our ovvn reason: for if euen then vvhē vvee haue his vvorde, vvee can yet hardly discry it, partly because it is discerned spiritually, and partly because by the hard dealings of the enimies it is sundry times brought to so lovv an eb, that it seemeth to be shut vp in one mans person. And therfore do say in the confession of our Christian faith, that vve do beleue that there is a holy catholique Churche: that then vve shall neuer be able to seperate it from the Synagogue of Satan by our ovvne vnderstanding and vvit: vvhich consideration is yet further profitable; euen for the confutation of that immagination and conceit, which our aduersaries haue and hold concerning mans freevvil: for if vve cannot by our ovvn cō prehension perceiue eyther the place in vvhich, or the personnes amongst vvhome, the Church it selfe is, but that vvee must haue from aboue, for that purpose, greate enlightning both of knovvledge and fayth, much lesse shall vve bee able to comprehend those vvonderfull treasures of most sounde, comfortable, and profitable doctrine that the Lord hath freely bestovved vppon his sayde Church: Of vvhich the Apostle saith: that the eye hath not seene them, the eare hath not hearde them, neither can mans heart comprehend them. 2. Cor. 2.9. VVherefore the case standeth not vvith vs as heretofore wee haue beene borne in hand:

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And as yet to this day, is openly defended amongst Papists: that man in his mere natural gifts, hath vvill to desire, and power to perform ⟨image 4⟩such things as are good: for if it be God that worketh in us both the vvill and the deed; & that according to his own good pleasure. Philip. 2.13. And that we are not sufficient of our selves, as of our selves to think a good thought. 2. Cor. 3.5. It must needs follow that we can not claim any such thing unto our selves, without robbing God of his glory, without lifting up of our selves above measure and trueth, and without impeaching the authority and credit of the Scriptures, which in many places affirmeth, and namely Genes. 6.5. that all the imaginations of the thoughts of mans heart are only evil every day: But to let this pass, and to come to the things we have in hand, We are hereby in the second place instructed, that we must have more sure and infallible marks, to know God his Church by, than those which the Papists give us, to wit: universality, Antiquity, and consent: for if beside that great number of Idolaters, and misbelievers mentioned before; who also can allege for themselves great antiquity & agree, and (as he that is not wilfully blind, may easily see) there are, and that even in the lap and bosom of the Church, many hypocrites and heretics also, which yet shall not be saved: we may then safely conclude that the forenamed things are not only not the assured notes: but no notes at all rather of the true Church of God: both because they are common to many things besides the Church; yea even to evil things, and also ⟨image 5⟩because that though that assembly which pretendeth to be the Church, should have them; and yet have not therewithal the trueth and sincerity of God his doctrine; it is no whit at all the better for all that. All these things tend to this end: that for as much as in trueth there is but one Church, even as the head thereof is one, and therefore so must the body be: or else it should be monstrous, notwithstanding that there be sundry particular parts and members thereof, as we see in a mans body; all yet making but one and the self same body: And forasmuch also, as without that Church there can be no salvation, because unto it alone is it; that the Lord hath made such large and gracious promises: as;

And as yet to this day, is openly defended amongst Papistes: that man in his meere naturall gifts, hath vvill to desire, and povver to perfourm ⟨image 4⟩suche thinges as are good: for if it bee God that worketh in vs both the vvill and the deed; & that according to his ovvn good pleasure. Philip. 2.13. And that vve are not sufficient of our selues, as of our selues to thinke a good thought. 2. Cor. 3.5. It must needes follovve that vve can not claime any such thing vnto our selues, vvithout robbing God of his glorie, without lifting vp of our selues aboue measure and trueth, and vvithout impeaching the authoritie and credite of the Scriptures, which in many places affirmeth, and namely Genes. 6.5. that all the immaginations of the thoughtes of mans heart are only euil euery day: But to let this passe, and to come to the thinges we haue in hande, VVe are hereby in the second place instructed, that vvee muste haue more sure and infallible markes, to knovve God his Churche by, than those vvhich the Papistes giue vs, to wit: vniuersalitie, Antiquitie, and consent: for if beside that great number of Idolatours, and misbeleeuers mentioned before; vvho also can alleadge for themselues great antiquity & agree, and (as he that is not vvilfully blinde, may easilye see) there are, and that euen in the lappe and bosome of the Church, many hypocrites and heretiques also, vvhich yet shall not be saued: we may then safely conclude that the forenamed things are not only not the assured notes: but no notes at all rather of the true Church of God: both because they are common to many things besides the Churche; yea euen to euill thinges, and also ⟨image 5⟩because that though that assemblye vvhich pretendeth to bee the Church, shoulde haue them; and yet haue not therevvithal the trueth and sinceritie of God his doctrine; it is no vvhit at al the better for all that. All these thinges tende to this end: that for as much as in trueth there is but one Churche, euen as the heade thereof is one, and therefore so must the body be: or else it shoulde be monstrous, notvvithstanding that there bee sundry particular partes and members thereof, as vvee see in a mans body; all yet making but one and the selfe same body: And forasmuche also, as vvithout that Church there can be no saluation, because vnto it alone is it; that the Lord hath made such large and gracious promises: as;

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The gates of Hell shall not prevail against it: and that to it only belongeth the forgiveness of sins in this life, and everlasting salvation in the life to come: And lastly, forasmuch as it behoveth every one, even as he tendeth his own peace of conscience, and regardeth the hope of eternal blessedness; to be watchful, in descrying and knowing this Church; and careful in uniting himself unto the same: every good man therefore should earnestly labour, not only to know it: but also steadfastly, to join himself unto it in the religious exercises thereof: That so in the holy feeling of the communion of Saints, he may be a fruitful partaker of all those excellent graces that God in great mercy hath bequeathed to the same. True it is, that Satan, the common enemy ⟨image 5⟩of mankind (who in his own person, and the person of his instruments and ministers laboureth to hinder, what he may, the work of our salvation) hath in all ages used, and yet presently doth use many subtle and sly shifts, to let us from the apprehension and understanding of these great graces: for sometimes he maketh men utterly and altogether careless of the Church, and of the benefits and blessings of God promised thereto: As we may see in that troop of profane Atheists and worldly minded men: who make no more account of the Church, and the holy exercises thereof; than of a vain tale, or unholy matter: no, nor so much neither many times; for the one they embrace with greediness & wonderful delight; & the other they do, either most despitefully contemn, or most negligently use without any spiritual profit at all unto themselves. But to beat down these men, there is no better Weapon & way, then to send them to the fearful judgements of Almighty God, and to the horrors of hell and eternal condemnation (which many times they feel in themselves, though thorough the profits and pleasures of this present evil world, they utterly put them out) already prepared for them, and in due time to be performed to them. Sometimes again, he discourageth men, by setting before them the fearful persecutions and troubles that follow, and take hold of the particular members of the Church, for the sincere profession of ⟨image 6⟩God his word:

The gates of Hell shall not preuayle agaynste it: and that to it onely belongeth the forgiuenesse of sinnes in this life, and euerlasting saluation in the life to come: And lastly, forasmuch as it behoueth euery one, euen as he tendeth his ovvne peace of conscience, and regardeth the hope of eternall blessednes; to be vvatchfull, in discrying and knovving this Church; and carefull in vniting himselfe vnto the same: euerye good man therefore should earnestly labour, not onely to knovve it: but also stedfastly, to ioyne himselfe vnto it in the religious exercises thereof: That so in the holye feeling of the communion of Saints, he may bee a fruitfull partaker of all those excellent graces that God in great mercie hath bequethed to the same. True it is, that Satan, the common enemy ⟨image 5⟩of mankinde (vvho in his ovvne person, and the personne of his instruments and ministers laboreth to hinder, vvhat he maye, the vvorke of oure saluation) hath in all ages vsed, and yet presently doth vse manye subtile and slie shiftes, to let vs from the apprehension and vnderstanding of these great graces: for somtimes he maketh men vtterly and altogether carelesse of the Churche, and of the benefites and blessinges of God promised thereto: As vvee maye see in that troup of prophane Atheistes and vvorldly minded men: vvho make no more account of the Church, and the holy exercises therof; than of a vaine tale, or vnholy matter: no, nor so muche neither many times; for the one they embrace vvith greedines & vvonderfull delight; & the other they doe, either most dispitefullie contemne, or most negligently vse vvithout any spirituall profite at all vnto themselues. But to beate dovvne these men, there is no better VVeapon & vvay, then to send them to the fearefull iudgementes of Almightie God, and to the horrors of hel and eternal condēnation (which many times they feele in themselues, though thorough the profites and pleasures of this present euil vvorlde, they vtterly put them out) already prepared for them, and in due time to be perfourmed to them. Sometimes againe, hee discourageth men, by setting before them the feareful persecutions and troubles that follovve, and take holde of the particular members of the Church, for the syncere profession of ⟨image 6⟩God his vvorde:

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for the surmounting of which assault, men must often meditate upon those same large & comfortable discourses that are put down and contained in God his word for their comfort in that behalf, and to hold them back from the fearful fall of renouncing god his truth, having their eye fast fixed also upon the particular deliverances, that God in all ages hath wrought for his children: which are as it were so many seals set unto the writing; that he vvill always deal so graciously with his children, as shall make most for his own glory. and their eternal comfort. Sometimes he deceiveth other some, and that no small some by the bare name and visor of the Church alone; as we may see in that miserable sect of seduced Papists (unjustly called, and claiming unto themselves: the name of Catholics) who willingly embrace under the title of the Church, every fabulous falsehood & corruption whatsoever, not only not looking upon the things, given or offered: which every wise man vvill do, least he receive poison in stead of wholesome and nourishing food: but also not considering the person of the giver, neither yet what right and authority he hath to bestow the things given; which blockishness of the adversaries, is rather to be lamented, because it is altogether void of common sense and reason, than largely or learnedly confuted: And yet we see that many good men have not spared to take great pains in that behalf, both by preaching & ⟨image 6⟩writing, to win seduced souls unto Cod. Sometimes he setteth before other some, either the hardness that there is, to descry the true Church from the false Church by, (remember I pray you that when I give the name Church, to corrupted and counterfeited assemblies, I do it by abusion, as they say) or else layeth out the great jars and dissentions, that many times are in the same, that so he may discourage them from joining themselves, to that holy society, And indeed by this assault he specially prevaileth against them that are in some forwardness to incline to the truth: And yet by reason of some certain weakness in them, are easily turned the one way or the other: but these men, for the better stay of themselves, are to know, that there must be heresies, even among the godly; that they which are approved among them might be known. 1 Cor. 11.19. and to be exhorted;

for the surmounting of vvhich assaulte, men muste often meditate vppon those same large & comfortable discourses that are put dovvn and conteined in God his vvord for their comfort in that behalfe, and to holde them back from the fearful fall of renouncing god his truth, hauing their eye fast fixed also vpon the particular deliuerances, that God in al ages hath vvroght for his children: vvhich are as it vvere so manye seales set vnto the vvriting; that he vvill alvvaies deale so graciouslye vvith his children, as shall make most for his ovvne glorie. and their eternall comfort. Sometimes he deceiueth other somme, and that no small some by the bare name and vizor of the Churche alone; as vve may see in that miserable sect of seduced Papists (vniustly called, and claiming vnto themselues: the name of Catholiques) vvhoe vvillingly embrace vnder the title of the Churche, euery fabulous falshood & corruptiō vvhatsoeuer, not only not looking vpon the things, giuen or offred: vvhich euery vvise man vvill doo, least he receiue poyson in steede of vvholsom and nourishing foode: but also not considering the personne of the giuer, neither yet vvhat right and authoritie he hath to bestovv the thinges giuen; vvhich blockishnesse of the aduersaries, is rather to be lamented, because it is altogether voide of common sense and reason, than largely or learnedly confuted: And yet vve see that manye good men haue not spared to take great paines in that behalfe, both by preaching & ⟨image 6⟩vvriting, to vvinne seduced souls vnto Cod. Somtimes hee setteth before other some, either the hardnesse that there is, to discrie the true Church from the false Church by, (remember I pray you that vvhen I giue the name Church, to corrupted and counterfaited assemblies, I do it by abusion, as they say) or else layeth out the great iarres and dissentions, that many times are in the same, that so he may discourage them from ioyning themselues, to that holy societie, And indeede by this assault he specially preuaileth against them that are in some forvvardnes to encline to the truth: And yet by reason of some certaine vveakenesse in them, are easely turned the one vvay or the other: but these men, for the better staie of themselues, are to knovv, that there must be heresies, euen among the godly; that they vvhich are approued among them might be knovvne. 1 Cor. 11.19. and to be exhorted;

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that they labour to abound in all holy knowledge of God his vvil revealed in his word; For therefore they err, and are so unstable in their opinions, because they know not the Scriptures; nor the power of God. Now therefore, necessary is it, that these stumbling blocks, cast by Satan & his servants in our ways to hinder us in the race and course of Godliness, should be removed: that so we may the more cheerfully and readily go forward with faith, patience, and constancy, even to the goal that is set before us. In which respect, that excellent instrument of God in his Church; M. Theodor ⟨image 7⟩Beza, hath notably travailed by publishing in the Latin tongue; a most learned Treaty of the visible Notes of the visible Church: And I, for the same consideration, have according to my small measure, faithfully turned the same into our vulgar speech, offering these my poor travails unto you (right worshipful) and in you, to the whole Church of God in this land; as a sure testimony of that unfeigned good vvill which in the Lord, I have carried and vvill carry towards you all the days of my life. I hope, I shall not need to spend many words either in commending the work it self, or in declaring the reasons that have moved me to attempt this matter: for if either the man who is the author thereof, or the matter which is propounded, or the manner that he useth in laying out of the thing, may add commendation unto it, it shall not want any grace that may bring it into love and liking with the Godly: for as touching the man himself; he is even the mirror of the world in these our days, for true knowledge and unfeigned godliness, whatsoever the papists do lyingly and slanderously babble to the contrary: And as touching the matter, it is that which ought to be of greatest account amongest men, and which even in respect of the bare name and title of it, is very glorious and excellent much more in respect of the substance thereof it self: And for the manner of handling the things propounded, it is short for avoiding of tediousness, it is plain, even for the capacity of the simple; it is ⟨image 7⟩sound in respect of the truth it propoundeth: And it is sufficient, not only to instruct God his children, but also to stop up the adversaries mouths in this matter; and what then wanteth? or what can be more acceptable & profitable?

that they labour to abounde in al holy knovvledge of God his vvil reuealed in his vvord; For therefore they erre, and are so vnstable in their opinions, because they knovv not the Scriptures; nor the povver of God. Novve therefore, necessarie is it, that these stumbling blocks, cast by Satan & his seruants in our vvaies to hinder vs in the race and course of Godlines, should be remoued: that so vvee maye the more cheerefully and readily goe forevvard vvith faith, patience, and constancie, euen to the goal that is set before vs. In vvhich respect, that excellent instrument of God in his Churche; M. Theodor ⟨image 7⟩Beza, hah notably trauailed by publishing in the Latine tongue; a most learned Treatie of the visible Notes of the visible Church: And I, for the same consideration, haue according to my small measure, faithfully turned the same into our vulger speech, offring these my poore trauailes vnto you (right vvorshipfull) and in you, to the vvhole Church of God in this land; as a sure testimonie of that vnfained good vvill vvhich in the Lorde, I haue carried and vvill carry tovvards you all the dayes of my life. I hope, I shall not neede to spend many vvords eyther in commending the vvorke it self, or in declaring the resons that haue moued me to attempt this matter: for if either the man vvho is the author therof, or the matter vvhich is propounded, or the maner that he vseth in laying out of the thing, may add cōmendation vnto it, it shal not vvant any grace that may bring it into loue and lyking vvith the Godly: for as touching the man himselfe; hee is euen the miror of the vvorlde in these our daies, for true knovvledg and vnfayned godlines, vvhatsoeuer the papists doe lyingly and slanderously babble to the contrarie: And as touching the matter, it is that vvhich ought to be of greatest accompt amongest men, and vvhich euen in respect of the bare name and title of it, is verie glorious and excellent much more in respect of the substance thereof it selfe: And for the manner of handling the things propounded, it is short for auoiding of tediosnes, it is plaine, euen for the capacitie of the simple; it is ⟨image 7⟩sound in respect of the truthe it propoundeth: And it is sufficient, not onely to instruct God his childrē, but also to stop vp the aduersaries mouths in this matter; and vvhat then vvanteth? or vvhat can be more acceptable & profitable?

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wherefore I doubt not but it shall have good entertainment as amongest all the godly generally, so particularly of your worship; who I know doth heartily love the Church, and carefully like, and tender the causes thereof; which also hath been the principal matter moving me, to undertake this travail, and to dedicate the same, whatsoever it be, unto your worship; whom (for sundry good graces, that God hath bestowed upon you) I do unfeignedly love and reverence in Christ. Humbly praying and earnestly exhorting you according to your measure of light and knowledge received from the Lord, to enforce your self to the uttermost of your ability every manner of way to the preferring and promoting of these excellent matters, and namely those that concern the reformation of such corruptions as yet remain amongest us, either touching the ministry, or the discipline of the Church: for to this end hath God endued you with all the graces that you have presently received, or may hereafter through his goodness attain unto; either of wit, wealth, learning, credit, countenance, birth, office, honour, or whatsoever else: whereunto I vvill (through God his grace) not only stir you up by all the holy and lawful means I can: but ⟨image 8⟩also further you in my poor prayers to almighty God in that behalf; that you may daily increase and continue in the sound knowledge of his truth, in the steadfast faith of his promises, in the sincere zeal of his glory, in unfeigned love of his holy word and the exercises thereof, and in care and conscience to put in practise, those good things that are enjoined you therein, that your whole life may tend to the glory of God, the good of the Church and common wealth, and the faithful service of her majesty, and your death be comfortable to your self; as being the speedy passage to eternal life, and profitable unto others; while they be by your example instructed, both to live and die well: which God grant for his crucified Christ his sake; To whose gracious government and good direction, I do humbly commend your worship, and all yours both now and for ever. London the 16. of this November. 1582.

vvherefore I doubt not but it shall haue good entertainment as amongest all the godly generally, so particulerly of your vvorship; vvho I knovv doth hartely loue the Church, and carefully like, and tender the causes therof; vvhich also hath beene the principall matter mouing me, to vndertake this trauaile, and to dedicate the same, vvhatsoeuer it be, vnto your vvorshippe; vvhome (for sundry good graces, that God hath bestovved vpon you) I do vnfaynedly loue and reuerence in Christe. Humbly praying and earnestly exhorting you according to your measure of light and knovvledge receiued from the Lorde, to enforce your selfe to the vttermost of your habilitie euery maner of vvay to the preferring and promoting of these excellent matters, and namely those that concerne the reformation of such corruptions as yet remaine amongest vs, either touching the ministerie, or the discipline of the Church: for to this ende hath God endued you vvith all the graces that you haue presently receiued, or may hereafter thorovv his goodnesse attaine vnto; eyther of vvit, vvealth, learning, credit, countenance, byrth, office, honor, or vvhatsoeuer els: vvherevnto I vvill (thorovv God his grace) not onely styrre you vp by all the holy and lavvfull meanes I can: but ⟨image 8⟩also further you in my poore prayers to almighty God in that behalfe; that you may daily encrease and continue in the sounde knovvledge of his truth, in the stedfast faith of his promises, in the sincere zeale of his glorie, in vnfained loue of his holy vvord and the exercises thereof, and in care and conscience to put in practise, those good thinges that are enioyned you therein, that your vvhole life maye tende to the glory of God, the good of the Church and common vvealth, and the faithfull seruice of her maiestie, and your death be comfortable to your selfe; as beeing the speedy passage to eternall life, and profitable vnto others; vvhile they be by your example instructed, both to liue and die vvell: vvhich God graunt for his crucified Christ his sake; To vvhose gracious gouernement and good direction, I doe humbly commend your vvorship, and all yours both novv and for euer. London the 16. of this Nouember. 1582.

A discourse, of the true and visible marks of the Catholic Church writtenA discourse, of the true and visible markes of the Catholique Churche vvritten

❧ TO THE RIGHT Worshipful, Sir George Carey knight, knight Marshall of her Majesties bousholde, &c. T. VV. his poor well-willer, wisheth abundance of all good things in this life, and eternal blessedness in the life to come, through Christ.

❧ TO THE RIGHT WORshipfull, Sir George Carey knight, knight Marshall of her Maiesties bousholde, &c. T. VV. his poore welwiller, wisheth aboundaunce of all good thinges in this life, and eternall blessednesse in the life to come, through Christe.

Reformers309

Puritans1,782

Westminster Assembly24

Evangelicals36

❧ TO THE RIGHT Worshipful, Sir George Carey knight, knight Marshall of her Majesties bousholde, &c. T. VV. his poor well-willer, wisheth abundance of all good things in this life, and eternal blessedness in the life to come, through Christ.

❧ TO THE RIGHT WORshipfull, Sir George Carey knight, knight Marshall of her Maiesties bousholde, &c. T. VV. his poore welwiller, wisheth aboundaunce of all good thinges in this life, and eternall blessednesse in the life to come, through Christe.