A67922:2545
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.
Furthermore, because a great number of other letters (partly written already, partly with seals ready signed, for letters to be written according as they should think good to the Churches of Germany) were found about them: whereby to work their conceived intent of iniquity here in our churches, to spoil the altars, to carry away the jewels of the church, and to flay the limbs and plates of golden crosses, &c. To the intent their avaricious meaning should have no further power to reign, we gave them commandment to depart the same way, 1they came. And now, seeing our reign and Empery standeth upon the election of Princes, from God alone, who in the passion of his son, subdued the world to be governed with two swords necessary. And again, seeing Peter the Apostle hath so informed the world with this doctrine, Deum timete, Regem honorificte that is, Fear God honour your king. Therefore, who so saith that we have & possess our imperial kingdom by the benefit of the Lord Pope, is contrary both to the ordinance of God, 2and to the doctrine of Peter, and also shall be reproved for a liar. Therefore as our endeavour hath been heretofore to help and to deliver the servile captivity of churches out of the hand, and from the yoke of the Egyptians, and to maintain the right of their liberties and dignities, we desire you all with your compassion to lament with us, this slanderous and ignominy inferred to us and our kingdom, trusting that your faithful good will which hath been ever trusty to the honour of this Empire (never yet blemished from the first beginning of this city, and of religion) will provide, that it shall have no hurt through the strange novelty and presumptuous pride of such. Which thing, rather than it should come to pass, know you this for certain: I had rather incur the danger of death, then to suffer such confusion to happen in our days.
Furthermore, because a great number of other letters (partly written already, partly with seales ready signed, for letters to be written according as they should thinke good to the Churches of Germany) were found about them: whereby to worke their conceiued intent of iniquitie here in our churches, to spoile the aultars, to cary away the iewels of the church, and to fley the limmes and plates of golden crosses, &c. To the intent their auaricious meaning should haue no further power to raigne, we gaue them commaundement to depart the same way,