An evident display of Popish practises, or patched Pelagianism Wherein is mightily cleared the…An euident display of Popish practises, or patched Pelagianisme Wherein is mightelie cleared the…

After that Calvin hath cited these, and many others, at the last he addeth these, that he might cross those slanderers which you have drawn out of Pighius his puddles. If I had ever affirmed (sayeth he) that it came to pass by the instinct of the divine spirit, that the first man should alienate himself from God, and not rather every where affirm, enforced by the instigation of the Devil, and the proper motion of his own heart, it might be, that Pighius should worthily insult against me.

After that Caluine hathe cyted these, and manye others, at the last hée addeth these, that he mighte crosse those sclaunderers whyche you haue drawen out of Pighius his puddles. If I had euer affirmed (sayeth he) that it came to passe by the instinct of the diuine spirit, that the fyrste manne shoulde alienate hymselfe from God, and not rather euery where affyrme, inforced by the instigation of the Deuill, and the proper motion of his owne heart, it myght be, that Pighius shoulde worthely insult agaynste mée.

But now, when removing the nearest cause of the action from God, that I might together remove from him all fault, that man alone may be under the offence, he ⟨p. 72⟩slanderously and wickedly wresteth upon me this saying: that the defection of man is one of Gods works. And whereas by the ordinance, and foreknowledge of God, it was decreed what should come to pass concerning man, yet is not God to be drawn into the fellowship of the fault, as either author, or alower of the transgression, sith it is manifest, that it is a secrete, far beyond the understanding of mans mind, least we shame to confess our ignorance. Yea let not any of the faithful, sorrow to be ignorant of that which the Lord devoureth with the brightness of his improchable light. Furthermore, seeing that Calvin hath so plainly, not so written as reported out of Augustine, who thinkest thou will be so foolish that he would not note thine impudency, or so mad to persuade himself, that you are moved with any care of godliness to avouch the glory of God, which Augustine or Calvin would have withstood? but least we seem desirous to oppress you with the sole authority of the name, if whatsoever is done by the ordinance of God, it be so done as if in deed it be wickedly done, therefore God is to be drawn within the compass of the fault, say I pray thee (that I may pass innumerable examples whereof we will speak anon) how wilt thou excuse God in the most heinous wicked act of all others which ever (I say) not only were done, but even imagined of men? the betraying, the condemnation, the slanders, and finally I say the most cruel death of the son of God. Now thou hast to deal not with Augustine, and Calvin or some other of their company, who are wise to the Church of God,