A67922:2632
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.
Christian princes are accustomed to be obedient unto the statutes and ordinances of the church, and not to prefer their own power. A prince ought to submit himself unto the bishops, & not to judge the bishops: for there are two things wherewith the world is chiefly governed (that is to say) the sacred authority of bishops and royal power. (11) In the which, the bishops charge is so much the more weighty,§11 in that they shall at the latter judgement render account, even of the kings themselves. Truly you ought to understand, that you depend upon their judgement, and can not reduce them unto your own will: for many Bishops have excommunicated both Kings and Emperors. And if you require an especial example thereof, Innocentius the Pope did excommunicate Arcadius the Emperor, because he did consent that John Chrysostom should be expulsed from his seat: and S. Ambrose also did excommunicate (12) Theodosius the great Emperor, for a fault (which seemed §12not so weighty unto other Priests) and shut him out of the Church: who afterward by condigne satisfaction was absolved. There are many other like examples: for David when he had committed adultery and murder, the prophet Nathan was sent unto him by God to reprove him, and he was soon corrected. And the king (laying aside his sceptre and Diadem, and setting apart all princely majesty) was not ashamed to humble himself before the face of the Prophet to confess his fault, & to require forgiveness for his offence: what will you more? he being stricken with repentance asked mercy, and obtained forgiveness So likewise you (most beloved king and reverend Lord) after the example of this good king David (of whom it is said: I have found a man after mine own heart) with a contrite and humble heart, turn to the Lord your God: and take hold of repentance for your transgressions. For you are fallen and erred in many things; which yet I keep in store still, if (peradventure) God shall inspire you to say with the prophet: have mercy on me O god, according to thy great mercy, for I have sinned much against thee, & don• evil in thy sight. Thus much I have thought good to write to you my dear Lord at this present, passing other things in silence, till I may see whether my words take place in you, and bring forth fruits in you worthy of repentance:
Christian princes are accustomed to be obedient vnto the statutes and ordinaunces of the church, and not to prefer their owne power. A prince ought to submit himselfe vnto the bishops, & not to iudge the bishops: for there are two things wherwith the world is chiefly gouerned (that is to say) the sacred authoritie of bishops and royall power. (11) In the which, the bishops charge is so much the more waighty,