A17167:92
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.
That is to say, he that hath gotten a greater room in the Church, & is endowed both with sundry gifts and also with singular authority in respect of his old age and his experience in matters, let him not vaunt himself for those singular gifts, but let him be wise after a lowly manner, as if he were some young man without experience, and as yet raw in so great a charge. Also, he ⟨p. 25⟩that is a Prince. ([Greek or Hebrew]) that is, a Captain, Ruler, or Governor, let him assure himself that he hath not gotten a sovereignty, but a ministry: and therefore let him behave himself as a Minister.
That is to say, he that hath gotten a greater roome in the Church, & is endewed both with sundry giftes and also with singular authoritie in respect of his old age and his experience in matters, let hym not vaunt himselfe for those singular giftes, but let him be wise after a lowly maner, as if he were some young man without experience, and as yet raw in so great a charge. Also, he ⟨p. 25⟩that is a Prince. (〈non-Latin alphabet〉) that is, a Capteine, Ruler, or Gouerner, let him assure himselfe that he hath not gotten a souereintie, but a ministerie: and therfore let him behaue himselfe as a Minister.
Unto these he addeth also other reasons, whereby to lay forth to the eye, that Apostolic men are called, not to reign but to serve. Greater (saith he) is the prerogative of him that sitteth at the table, then of him that serveth him which sitteth. But the Church being called by the Lord to a spiritual feast, sitteth down: And you serve the Church of that spiritual food: Ergo, the Church is as your Lady and mistress, and you are the servants of this mistress, but not her masters and much less her sovereigns. Hereunto again he joineth his own example: I am (saith he) as a servant among you. Seeing then that I which am your Lord, do nevertheless serve you: it is a shame for you which be but servants, to think of Lording it in the Church, considering how my most humble example is daily before your eyes utterly abhorring from all desire of sovereignty. Furthermore he addeth this also: Surely it is strange that you should strive among your selves for superiority: considering how that I have hitherto ben subject to many and sundry afflictions. Whereof you your self can bear witness, unto whom some part of my temptations and afflictions hath redounded. Wherefore ye might rightlyer confer among your selves, of bearing the cross and of patience, than of Lordship & superiority. Notwithstanding he annexeth here again a comfort, least their hearts might fail them at the mention of afflictions. And therefore he knitteth unto it a declaration of heavenly rewards that shall be liberally given unto those in the everlasting country, which get the upper hand in persecutions: advancing his manner of speech from bodily and earthly things, to spiritual and heavenly things.