An epistle to the faithful necessary for all the children of GodAn epistle to the faithfull necessary for all the children of God

We have no reasons which the Idolaters in this time cannot bring for their defence, they ¹could allege that the people, which served Baal, were not Pagans, but their own brethren brought up one religion, on law, and one faith with them: we have no colour for to set out our Images and our gods, whether they be of gold, silver, wood, stones, bread or meat, which they had not to colour Baal, and the ²golden Calves, and especially the brazen Serpent. For that Image had much more reason and greater show then all ours, and so ⟨image 60⟩and his adversary with the body, but seeing he will glorify both the one and the other, and that he hath sanctified them to dwell in them, and to transform them to his image: how is it ³possible that the soul should carry the mark and image of God, and the body the image of the devil? how is it possible, that a man who is but one should be divided into two, that he may well serve two masters, without offending the one or the other? Jesus Christ hath said it is impossible to serve well two masters. If it be not possible to serve God and riches, how can ⁴we serve God and Idols, and the devil in them?

Wee haue no reasons which the Idolaters in this time cannot bring for their defence, they ¹coulde alleadge that the people, which serued Baal, were not Pagans, but their owne brethren brought vp one religion, on lawe, and one faith with them: wee haue no colour for to set out our Images and our gods, whether they be of golde, siluer, wood, stones, bread or meate, which they had not to colour Baal, and the ²golden Calues, and especially the brasen Serpent. For that Image had much more reason and greater shewe then all ours, and so ⟨image 60⟩