A confutation of the Popes bull which was published more then two years ago…A confutation of the Popes bull which was published more then two yeres agoe…

By the way I acknowledge that there is a measure to be used in punishing,¹ and a consideration also to be had between those that offend of a mischievous, and malicious stubbornness: and those that stick too much to their own opinion against the true religion, through a simple misweening without purpose to do harm. For in this case, all uniustice and cruelty, is to be eschewed: like as also it is a thing most of all to be abhorred, that those which are religious indeed, & of a sound opinion, yea and enemies of all idolatry, superstition, and heresies, should be punished under pretence of false religion. Of which matter I have entreated in my other books, & specially in my fifth book against the Anabaptists. Out of which I have taken out these things, & put them in here.

By the way I acknowledge that there is a measure to be vsed in punyshing,¹ and a consideration also to bee had betwene those that offend of a mischéeuous, and malicious stubburnesse: and those that sticke too much to their owne opinion against the true religion, through a simple missewéening without purpose to do harme. For in thys case, al vniustice and cruelty, is to be eschewed: like as also it is a thing most of al to be abhorred, yt those which are religious indéed, & of a sound opinion, yea and enemies of al idolatry, superstition, and heresies, should be punished vnder pretēce of false religion. Of which matter I haue entreated in my other bookes, & specially in my fift booke against ye Anabaptistes. Out of which I haue taken out these thinges, & put them in here.

1. 1Measure to be used in punishing.Measure to be vsed in punishing.

But all these things are done to this purpose,¹ because that the Bull hath alleged it against the Queens Majesty, as an article of accusation not of the meanest importance: that she hath laid penalties and punishments upon such as were disobedient, and executeth the same upon those that have persevered in obedience of the Romish sea, as though in so doing she outraged wrongfully and cruelly against innocents, and such as had deserved no such thing, and so sinned heinously. The Bull proceedeth yet further in lying and saith, that the catholic bishops have ended their days miserably by pining away for sorrow in prison. How fond a report this is, the very thing it self witnesseth which is commonly known to all the people of the whole Realm. Nay rather (as I have learned by men of very good credit) the popish bishops are handled courteously in England, and far otherwise then they have deserved. For some of them sojourn at their liberty in the houses either