A67922:2202
Acts and monuments of matters most special and memorable, happening in the Church. [vol.…Actes and monuments of matters most speciall and memorable, happenyng in the Church. [vol.…
Acts and monuments of matters most special and memorable, happening in the Church. [vol. 1] with an universal history of the same, wherein is set forth at large the whole race and course of the Church, from the primitive age to these latter times of ours, with the bloody times, horrible troubles, and great persecutions against the true martyrs of Christ, sought and wrought as well by heathen emperors, as now lately practised by Romish prelates, especially in this realm of England and Scotland. Newly revised and recognised, partly also augmented, and now the fourth time again published and recommended to the studious reader, by the author (through the help of Christ our Lord) John Fox, which desireth thee good reader to help him with thy prayer.Actes and monuments of matters most speciall and memorable, happenyng in the Church. [vol. 1] with an vniuersall history of the same, wherein is set forth at large the whole race and course of the Church, from the primitiue age to these latter tymes of ours, with the bloudy times, horrible troubles, and great persecutions agaynst the true martyrs of Christ, sought and wrought as well by heathen emperours, as nowe lately practised by Romish prelates, especially in this realme of England and Scotland. Newly reuised and recognised, partly also augmented, and now the fourth time agayne published and recommended to the studious reader, by the author (through the helpe of Christ our Lord) Iohn Foxe, which desireth thee good reader to helpe him with thy prayer.
London: printed by John Daye, 1583London: printed by Iohn Daye, 1583
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.
Amongst other the Archbishop of Mentz, perceiving ⟨p. 176⟩this act of taking away Priests marriage, might breed him no little trouble: 1talketh with his Clergy gently, admonisheth them of the Popes mind & decree, and giveth them half years respite to deliberate upon the case, exhorting them diligently to show themselves obedient to the Pope and to him, and to grant with good will that, which at length, will they, nill they, needs they must be forced unto, and therefore of their own accord to stand, content therewith, least the Pope should be compelled to attempt ways of sharper severity. The time of deliberation expired, the Archbishop assembleth his clergy at Erspford, the month of October, and there willeth them according to the pontifical decree, 2either to abjure for ever all matrimony, or else to abrenounce their benefices and Ecclesiastical livings. The clergy again defend themselves, against the Popes decree with scriptures, with reason, with the acts of general councils, with examples of ancestors, by divers strong arguments, declaring the Popes decree not to be consonant, nor ought to take effect. But the Archbishop said, he was compelled so of the Pope, and could not otherwise do, but to execute that was enjoined him. The clergy seeing that no reason, nor prayer, nor disputation would serve, laid their heads together consulting among themselves what was best to be done. Some gave counsel not to return again to the Synod. Some thought it good to return and to thrust out the Archbishop from his seat, & to give him due punishment of death for his deserving, that by the example of him, other may be warned hereafter, never to attempt that thing any more to the prejudice of the church, and the rightful liberty of ministers. After that this was signified to the Archbishop, by certain spies that were amongest them, what the clergy intended to do. The Archb. to prevent and salve the matter, sendeth to the priests as they were coming out, certain messengers, bidding them of good hope, and to return again to the Metropolitan, and they should have that should content their minds. So being persuaded, they come again to the Council.
Amongst other the Archbishop of Mentz, perceyuing ⟨p. 176⟩