A17167:266
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.
I have recited this pitiful and lamentable story out of John Aventine somewhat the more at large,1 because that in it, as it were in a clear glass, a man may behold the bloodthirsty nature of the Popes, bearing hatred in mind most spitefully, of covetousness and ambition utterly unsatiable, malicious in all respects, outraging with beastly woodness and cruelty. And also to what point the Bulls of the Romish Bishops have driven kingdoms and common weals, casting down some and advancing othersome, at the pleasure of the Bishops, and also acquitting the nobility and commons of their fealty and obedience dew to their Princes.2 Now if any man in way of objection demand, wherefore God giveth these beasts leave to outrage against all good men, and to bring to pass so great things, and not rather overthroweth the seat & them that sit in the seat: the answer is ready shapen. The Scriptures must needs be fulfilled, and specially the prophecy which Daniel uttereth in these words. The Horne that grew up, had eyes, and a mouth speaking great things, and his look was grimmer then all his fellows. And he fought a battle with the Saints and prevailed against them, until the ancient of years came, and judgement was given to the high Saints: and so forth as followeth in the vij. and ⟨image 86⟩eight chapters of Daniel. In the last end of their reign, when there shall be great store of wicked folk, there shall stand up a king of a stout countenance, that understandeth riddles: and he shall excel in strength, howbeit not by his own power: and he shall make wonderful havoc, and speed his matters prosperously, and trouble the strong, and the holy people, and he shall bring his business to pass luckily, through his own wiliness and crafts. Also he shall presume great things in his hart, and being furnished with store of things he shall spoil many men. Furthermore he shall set himself against the highest Prince, and shall be broken in pieces without hands.3 For S. Paul also hath said, that Antichrist shall be slain (that is to wit in the hearts of the faithful) not with sword, spear, or guns, but with the breath of the Lords mouth, and be quite done away at the coming of the judge to the last judgement of the world.