A17167:239
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…
A confutation of the Popes bull which was published more then two years ago against Elizabeth the most gracious Queen of England, France, and Ireland, and against the noble realm of England together with a defence of the said true Christian Queen, and of the whole realm of England. By Henry Bullinger the Elder.A confutation of the Popes bull which was published more then two yeres agoe against Elizabeth the most gracious Queene of England, Fraunce, and Ireland, and against the noble realme of England together with a defence of the sayd true Christian Queene, and of the whole realme of England. By Henry Bullinger the Elder.
London: printed by John Day, 1572London: printed by Iohn Day, 1572
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.
1Moreover, subjects must pay their Princes all manner of tributes, customs, and all other duties. For again the Apostle saith: who goeth a warfare at his own charges? But Princes serve the common weal: therefore it is good right that they should be maintained of the common charges. Surely Paul saith expressly, even therefore do ye pay tribute: for they be Gods Ministers serving for the same purpose. Therefore render unto every man his dew, tribute to whom tribute is due: Custom to whom custom is due: awe to whom awe is due: honour to whom honour is due. The same Apostle willeth subjects also to obey their Princes, that is to wit, their laws and ordinances, not only that they may by their due obedience escape the punishments which Princes execute upon the disobedient: but because it is Gods will we should do so, and we must yield obedience to his commandment, except we had lever to fall into the hand of Gods vengeance, although princes punish us not. And this is it that the Prophet meant by saying, ye must obey, not only for fear, but also for conscience Also: they that resist the Magistrate procure themselves damnation. And truly this obedience stretcheth so far, that if the Prince need thy service in the wars, for the defence of his Realm against invasions: thou owest even thy body to thy Prince, yea and thy life, and therefore much more thy goods. These are the things, these (I say) are the things that all subjects owe to their sovereigns by the allowance and commandment of God: and therefore the Englishmen also owe the same things to their Queen. True it is in deed that S. Peter said, we must obey God rather then men howbeit, that is in such things as are commanded expressly against God and his word. But the politic or civill government is stablished, and not infringed by Gods word. And most of all it is stablished if the Princes be godly. For the Princes that govern their people quietly, and enforce not their subjects to any wicked ⟨p. 72⟩things, but honour Gods service & spread it abroad more & more:2 are well liked of God and helped by him. And truly, this obedience of the subjects which God hath enjoined them, keepeth them in their duty, and persuadeth them that they attempt not any thing against their Prince or Magistrate.