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.…

In Christs time who would have thought, but the congregations and Councils of the Pharisees had ben the right church: and yet had Christ an other Church in earth besides that, which albeit it was not so manifest in the sight of the world, yet was it the only true Church in the sight of God. Of this Church meant Christ speaking of the Temple, which he would raise again the third day. And yet after that the Lord was risen, he showed not himself to the world, but only to his elect which were but few. The same Church after that increased and multiplied mightily among the Jews, yet had not the Jews eyes to see Gods Church, but did persecute it till at length all their whole nation was destroyed.

In Christes time who would haue thought, but the congregations and Councelles of the Pharisies had ben the right church: and yet had Christ an other Church in earth besides that, which albeit it was not so manifest in the sight of the world, yet was it the onely true Church in the sight of God. Of this Church ment Christ speaking of the Temple, whiche he woulde rayse agayne the thyrd day. And yet after that the Lord was risen, he shewed not himselfe to the worlde, but onely to his electe which were but few. The same Churche after that encreased and multiplied mightely amonge the Iewes, yet had not the Iewes eyes to see Gods Churche, but did persecute it till at length all their whole nation was destroyed.

After the Jews, then came the heathen Emperors of Rome, who having the whole power of the world in their hands, did what the world could do, to extinguish the name and church of christ. Whose violence continued the space of 3. hundred years. All which while the true church of christ was not greatly in sight of the world, but rather was abhorred every where, and yet notwithstanding the same small •elly flock so despised in the world, the Lord highly regarded and mightily preserved. For although many then of the Christians did suffer death: yet was their death neither loss to them, nor detriment to the Church: but the more they suffered, the more of their blood increased.

After the Iewes, then came the heathen Emperours of Rome, who hauing the whole power of the world in their hands, did what the world could do, to extinguish the name and church of christ. Whose violence cōtinued the space of 3. hundreth yeares. All which while the true church of christ was not greatly in sight of the world, but rather was abhorred euery where, and yet notwithstanding the same small •elly flocke so despised in the worlde, the Lorde highly regarded and mightely preserued. For although many then of the Christians did suffer death: yet was their death neither losse to them, nor detriment to the Church: but the more they suffered, the more of theyr bloud encreased.

In the time of these Emperors, God raised up then in this Realm of Britain divers worthy teachers and witnesses, as Elnanus, meduinus, Meltivianus, Amphibolus, Albanus, Aaron, Julius and other moe In whose time the doctrine of faith without mens traditions was sincerely preached. After their death and Martyrdom, it pleased the Lord to provide a general quietness to his Church, whereby the number of his flock began more to increase.

In the time of these Emperours, God raysed vp then in this Realme of Britaine diuers worthy teachers and witnesses, as Elnanus, meduinus, Meltiuianus, Amphibolus, Albanus, Aaron, Iulius and other moe In whose time the doctrine of fayth without mens traditions was sincerely preached. After theyr death and Martyrdom, it pleased the Lord to prouide a generall quietnes to his Church, wherby the number of hys flocke began more to encrease.

1. 1The antiquity of the Church here in England with the descent of the same.The antiquitye of the Churche here in England with the descent of the same.

All this while about the space of four hundred years, Religion remained in Britain uncorrupt and the word of Christ truly preached, till about the coming of Austen and of his companions from Rome, many of the said Britain preachers were slain by the Saxons. After that began Christen faith to enter & spring among the Saxons, after a certain romish sort, yet notwithstanding some what more tolerable, than were the times, which after followed, through the diligent industry of some godly teachers, which then lived amongest them: as Aidanus, Finianus, Coleman Archbishop of York Bede, John of Beverlay, Alcuinus, Noetus, Hucharius, Serlo, Achardus, Ealredus, Alexander Neckam, Negellus, Fenallus, Alfricus, Sygeferthus & such other: who though they erred in some few things, yet neither so grossly,¹ nor so greatly to be complained of in respect of the abuses that followed. For as yet, all this while, the error of Transubstantiation and levation, with auricular confession was not crept in for a public doctrine in Christs Church, as by their own Saxon Sermon, made by Aelfricus, & set out in the second Volume of this present history may appear pag. 1114. During the which mean time although the Bishops of Rome were had here in some reverence with the Clergy: yet had they nothing ⟨image 19⟩as yet to do in setting laws touching matters of the Church of England: but that only appertained to the kings and governors of the land as is in this story to be seen. pag. 754.

All this while about the space of foure hundred yeares, Religion remayned in Britayne vncorrupt and the word of Christ truely preached, till about the comming of Austen and of hys companions from Rome, many of the sayd Britayne preachers were slayne by the Saxons. After that began Christen fayth to enter & spring among the Saxons, after a certayne romish sort, yet notwithstanding some what more tollerable, thē were the times, which after folowed, through the dilligent industry of some godly teachers, which then liued amongest them: as Aidanus, Finianus, Coleman Archbishop of Yorke Beda, Iohn of Beuerlay, Alcuinus, Noetus, Hucharius, Serlo, Achardus, Ealredus, Alexander Neckam, Negellus, Fenallus, Alfricus, Sygeferthus & such other: who though they erred in some few thinges, yet neither so grossely,¹ nor so greatly to be complayned of in respect of the abuses that followed. For as yet, all thys while, the error of Transubstantiation and leuation, with auriculer confession was not crept in for a publicke doctrine in Christes Church, as by theyr owne Saxon Sermon, made by Aelfricus, & set out in the second Volume of this present history may appeare pag. 1114. During the which meane time although the Bishops of Rome wer had here in some reuerēce with the Clergy: yet had they nothing ⟨image 19⟩as yet to do in setting lawes touching matters of the Church of England: but that only appertayned to the kings and gouernours of the land as is in this story to be seene. pag. 754.

1. 1Transubstantiation not yet received for a public doctrine.Transubstantiation not yet receaued for a publicke doctrine.

¹And thus the Church of Rome albeit it began then to decline a pace from God, yet during all this while it remained hitherto in some reasonable order, till at length after that the said Bishops began to shout up in the world through the liberality of good Princes, and especially by Mathilda a noble Duchess of Italy. Who at her death made the Pope heir of all her lands, and endued his sea, with great revenues. Then riches begot ambition. Ambition destroyed Religion, so that all came to ruin. Out of this corruption sprang forth here in England (as did in other places more) an other romish kind of Monkery, worse then the other before, being much more drowned in superstition and ceremonies, which was about the year of our Lord. 980. Of this swarm was Egbertus Aigelbert▪ Egwine, Boniface, Wilfred Agathon, James, Roman, Cedda, Dunstan, Oswald, Athelwold, Athelwine Duke of East Angles, Lanfranc, Anselm and such other.

¹And thus the Church of Rome albeit it began then to decline a pace frō God, yet during all this while it remayned hitherto in some reasonable order, till at length after that the sayd Bishops began to shout vp in the world through the liberalitie of good Princes, and especially by Mathilda a noble Duches of Italy. Who at her death made the Pope heyre of all her landes, and indued his sea, with great reuenewes. Then riches begot ambition. Ambition destroyed Religion, so that all came to ruine. Out of this corruption sprang forth here in Englād (as did in other places more) an other romish kind of Monkery, worse then the other before, being much more drowned in superstition and ceremonies, which was about the yeare of our Lord. 980. Of this swarme was Egbertus Aigelbert▪ Egwine, Boniface, Wilfrede Agathon, Iames, Romayne, Cedda, Dunstane, Oswold, Athelwold, Athelwine Duke of Eastangles, Lanfrancke, Anselme and such other.

1. 1The Church when it began to fall from […] Aeneas Sil•uius •ayth that Mathil•a made the Pope heir of those lands, which is called the Patrimony of S. P•ter. Ex Aven. lib. 6. Monkery when it began to ••ignem England.The Church when it began to fall from 〈…〉 Aeneas Sil•uius •ayth that Mathil•a made the Pope heyre of those landes, which is called the Patrimonye of S. P•ter. Ex Auen. lib. 6. Monkery when it beganne to ••ignem England.

And yet in this time also through Gods providence, the Church lacked not some of better knowledge and judgement, to weigh with the darkness of those days. For although king Edgar, with Edward his base son being seduced by Dunstan, Oswald and other Monkish Clerks, was then a great author and fautor of much superstition, erecting as many Monasteries, as were Sundays in the year: yet notwithstanding this continued not long. For eftsoons after the death of Edgar came king Ethelred and Queen Elfthred his mother, with Alferus Duke of merceland, and other peers and nobles of the Realm, who displaced the Monks again, and restored the married Priests to their old possessions and livings. Moreover after that followed also the Danes which overthrew those Monkish foundations, as fast as king Edgar had set them up before.

And yet in this tyme also through Gods prouidence, the Churche lacked not some of better knowledge and iudgement, to weigh with the darcknes of those dayes. For although king Edgar, with Edward his base sonne being seduced by Dunstane, Oswold and other Monkish Clerkes, was thē a great author and fautor of much superstition, erecting as many Monasteries, as were Sondayes in the yeare: yet notwithstanding this continued not long. For eftsoones after the death of Edgar came king Ethelrede and Queene Elfthred his mother, with Alferus Duke of merceland, and other peeres and nobles of the Realme, who displaced the Monkes againe, and restored the maryed Priests to their old possessions and liuings. Moreouer after that followed also the Danes whiche ouerthrew those Monkish foundations, as fast as king Edgar had set them vp before.

And thus hitherto stood the condition of the true Church of Christ, albeit not without some repugnance and difficulty, yet in some mean state of the truth & verity, till time of pope Hildebrand called Gregory 7. which was near about the year. 1080. And of Pope Innocentius 3. in the year 1215. By whom altogether was turned upside down, all order broken, discipline dissolved, true doctrine defaced. Christian faith extinguished. Instead whereof was set up preaching of mens decrees dreams, and idle traditions. And whereas before truth was free to be disputed amongest learned men, now liberty was turned into law, Argument into Authority. Whatsoever the Bishop of Rome denounced, that stood for an oracle, of all men to be received without opposition or contradiction: whatsoever was contrary, ibso facto it was heresy, to be punished with fagot and flaming fire. Then began the sincere faith of this English Church,¹ which held out so long, to quail. Then was the clear sun shine of Gods word overshadowed, with mists and darkness, appearing like sack-cloth to the people, which neither could understand that they read, nor yet permitted to read that they could understand. In these miserable days, as the true visible Church began now to shrink and keep in for fear: so upstart a new sort of players to furnish the stage, as school Doctors, Canonists, and four orders of Friars. Besides other Monastical sects and fraternities of infinite variety. Which ever since have kept such a stir in the Church, that none for them almost durst rout, neither Caesar, king, nor subject. What they defined, stood. What they approved, was Catholic: What they condemned, was heresy: whom soever they accused, none almost could save. And thus have these hitherto continued or reigned rather in the Church, the space now of four hundred years and odd. During which space, the true Church of Christ, although it durst not openly appear in the face of the world, oppressed by tyranny: yet neither was it so invisible or unknown: but by the providence of the Lord, some remnant always remained from time to time, which not only showed secret good affection to sincere doctrine, but also stood in open defence of truth against the disordered Church of Rome.

And thus hetherto stode the condition of the true Church of Christ, albeit not without some repugnance and difficultie, yet in some meane state of the truth & veritie, till time of pope Hildebrand called Gregory 7. which was nere about the yeare. 1080. And of Pope Innocentius 3. in the yeare 1215. By whome altogether was turned vpside downe, all order broken, dissipline dissolued, true doctrine defaced. Christian faith extinguished. Instead whereof was set vp preaching of mens decrees dreames, and idle traditions. And whereas before truth was free to be disputed amongest learned men, now libertie was turned into law, Argument into Authoritie. Whatsoeuer the Byshoppe of Rome denounced, that stode for an oracle, of all men to be receaued without opposition or contradiction: whatsoeuer was contrary, ibso facto it was heresie, to be punished with fagot and flaming fire. Then began the sincere fayth of this English Church,¹ which held out so long, to quayle. Then was the clerre sunne shine of Gods word ouershadowed, with mistes and darcknes, appearing like sacke-cloth to the people, which neither could vnderstand that they read, nor yet permitted to read that they could vnderstand. In these miserable dayes, as the true visible Church beganne now to shrinke and keep in for feare: so vpstart a new sort of players to furnish the stage, as schole Doctours, Canonistes, and foure orders of Friers. Besides other Monasticall sectes and fraternities of infinite variety. Which euer since haue kept such a stirre in the Church, that none for them almost durst rout, neyther Caesar, king, nor subiect. What they defined, stode. What they approued, was Catholicke: What they condemned, was heresie: whom soeuer they accused, none almost could saue. And thus haue these hetherto continued or raigned rather in the Church, the space now of foure hundreth yeares and odde. During which space, the true Church of Christ, although it durst not openly appeare in the face of the world, oppressed by tyranny: yet neyther was it so inuisible or vnknown: but by the prouidence of the Lord, some remnaunt alwayes remayned from tyme to time, which not onely shewed secret good affection to sincere doctrine, but also stode in open defence of truth agaynst the disordered Churche of Rome.

1. 1The true Church when it began first to decay.

¹In which Catalogue, first to pretermit Barthramus and Barengarius, which were before Pope Innocent 3. a learned multitude of sufficient witnesses here might be produced, whose names neither are obscure nor doctrine unknown: as Joachim Abbot of Calabria, Almericus a learned Bishop, who was judged an heretic for holding against Images, in the time of the said Innocentius. Besides the Martyrs of Alsatia, of whom we read an hundred to be burned by the said Innocentius in one day, as writeth Hermanus Mutius. Add likewise to these Waldenses or Albigenses, which to a great number segregated themselves from the Church of Rome. To this number also belonged Reymundus Earle of Toulouse, Marsilius, Pativius, ²Gulielmus de S. Amore, Simon Tornacensis Arnoldus de nova villa, Joannes Semeca, besides divers other preachers in Suevia standing against the Pope. Anno. 1240. Ex Cranz. Laurentius Anglicus a Master of Paris. anno. 1260. Petrus Joannis a Minorite, who was burned after his death. anno. 1290. Robertus Galas a Dominic Friar, anno. 1291. Robert Grosthead Bishop of Lincoln which was called Malleus Romanorum. anno. 1250. Lord Peter de Cugnerijs. anno. 1329. To these we may add more our Gulielmus Ockam, Bongratius Bergomensis, Luitpoldus Andraeas Laudensis. Ulricus Hangenor Treasurer to the Emperour, Joannes de Ganduno. anno. 1330. mentioned in the Extravagantes, Andraeas de Castro, Buridianus, Euda, Duke of Burgundy, who counselled the french king, not to receive the new found constitutions, and extravagantes of the Pope into his realm, Dantes Alligerius, an Italian, who wrote against the Pope, Monks and Fryers, and against the donation of Constantine. anno. 1330. Taulerus a Germane preacher,³ Conradus Hagar imprisoned for preaching against the Mass an. 1339. The author of the book called, Poenitentiarius Asini, compiled about the year 1343. Michael Cesenas a grey Fryer, Petrus de Corbaria, with Joannes de Poliaco, mentioned in the Extravantes and condemned by the Pope, Joannes de Castilione. with Franciscus de Arcatara, who were burned about the year of our Lord. 1322.⁴ Joannas Rochtaylada, otherwise called Haybalus, with an ⟨image 20⟩other Friar martyred about the year. 1346. Franciscus Petrarcha,, who called Rome the whore of Babylon. &c. an. 1350.⁵ Georgius Ariminensis, an. 1350 Joannes de Rupe Scissa, imprisoned for certain prophesies against the Pope. an.

¹In which Catalogue, first to pretermit Barthramus and Barengarius, which were before Pope Innocent 3. a learned multitude of sufficient witnesses here might be produced, whose names neyther are obscure nor doctrine vnknowne: as Ioachim Abbot of Calabria, Almericus a learned Byshop, who was iudged an hereticke for holding agaynst Images, in the time of the sayd Innocentius. Besides the Martirs of Alsatia, of whome we read an hundred to be burned by the sayd Innocentius in one day, as writeth Hermanus Mutius. Adde likewise to these Waldenses or Albigenses, which to a great number segregated themselues from the Church of Rome. To this number also belonged Reymundus Earle of Tholose, Marsilius, Patiuius, ²Gulielmus de S. Amore, Simon Tornacensis Arnoldus de noua villa, Ioannes Semeca, besides diuers other preachers in Sueuia standing agaynst the Pope. Anno. 1240. Ex Cranz. Laurentius Anglicus a Mayster of Parris. anno. 1260. Petrus Ioannis a Minorite, who was burned after hys death. anno. 1290. Robertus Gallas a Dominicke Frier, anno. 1291. Robert Grosthead Byshoppe of Lincolne which was called Malleus Romanorum. anno. 1250. Lord Peter de Cugnerijs. anno. 1329. To these we may adde more our Gulielmus Ockam, Bongratius Bergomensis, Luitpoldus Andraeas Laudensis. Vlricus Hangenor Treasurer to the Emperour, Ioannes de Ganduno. anno. 1330. mentioned in the Extrauagantes, Andraeas de Castro, Buridianus, Euda, Duke of Burgundy, who counselled the french king, not to receiue the new found constitutions, and extrauagantes of the Pope into his realme, Dantes Alligerius, an Italian, who wrote agaynst the Pope, Monkes and Fryers, and agaynst the donation of Constantine. anno. 1330. Taulerus a Germayne preacher,³ Conradus Hager imprisoned for preaching agaynst the Masse an. 1339. The author of the booke called, Poenitentiarius Asini, compiled about the yeare 1343. Michael Cesenas a gray Fryer, Petrus de Corbaria, with Ioannes de Poliaco, mentioned in the Extrauantes and condemned by the Pope, Ioannes de Castilione. with Franciscus de Arcatara, who were burned about the yeare of our Lord. 1322.⁴ Ioannas Rochtaylada, otherwise called Haybalus, with an ⟨image 20⟩other Frier martyred about the yeare. 1346. Franciscus Petrarcha,, who called Rome the whore of Babilon. &c. an. 1350.⁵ Georgius Ariminensis, an. 1350 Ioannes de Rupe Scissa, emprisoned for certayne prophesies against the Pope. an.

1. 1The true Church continueth in the middest of their enemies.
2. 2Extravagant cap Non sine multa. Ex Nicholao Emerico. lib. Inquisitionum.Extrauagant cap Non sine multa. Ex Nicholao Emerico. lib. Inquisitionum.
3. 3Ex Joan. Aventins. lib. 7. Extravagant. cap. Licet int•a doctrin•m.Ex Ioan. Auentins. lib. 7. Extrauagant. cap. Licet int•a doctrin•m.
4. 4Ex Bulli• quib••dam Othonis Epist. Herbipo•ensis.
5. 5Extravagant Joan. 22. Ex Joan Frosiardo volum. 1. Cap. 211. Ex Tritemio.Extrauagant Ioan. 22. Ex Ioan Frosiardo volum. 1. Cap. 211. Ex Tritemio.

1340. Gerhardus Rider, who also wrote against Monks and Friars a book called Lacryma Ecclesiae. an. 1350. Godfridus de Fontanis, Gulielmus de Landuno, Joannes Monachus Cardini. Armachanus, Nicholaus Orem preacher. an. 1364. Militzius a Bohemian, which then preached that Antichrist was come, and was excommunicate for the same, an. 1366. Jacobus Misnensis, ¹Mathias Parisiensis a Bohemian borne, and a writer against the Pope, an. 1370. Joannes Mountziger, Rector of the University of Ulm,² anno. 1384. Nilus Arch. of Thessalonica. Henricus de •ota, Henricus de Hassia. &c.

1340. Gerhardus Ridder, who also wrote against Monks and Friers a book called Lacryma Ecclesiae. an. 1350. Godfridus de Fontanis, Gulielmus de Landuno, Ioannes Monachus Cardini. Armachanus, Nicholaus Orem preacher. an. 1364. Militzius a Bohemian, which then preached that Antichrist was come, and was excommunicate for the same, an. 1366. Iacobus Misnensis, ¹Mathias Parisiensis a Bohemian borne, and a writer against the Pope, an. 1370. Ioannes Mountziger, Rector of the Vniuersitie of Vlme,² anno. 1384. Nilus Arch. of Thessalonica. Henricus de •ota, Henricus de Hassia. &c.

1. 1Ex Bulla Gregorij cap. 11.
2. 2Ex Illirico.

I do but recite the principal writers and preachers in those days: Howe many thousands there were which never bowed their knees to Baal, that is known to God alone. Of whom we find in the writings of one ¹Brushius that xxxvi. Citizens of Maguntia were burned, an. 1390. Who following the doctrine of the Waldenses, affirmed the Pope to be the great Antichrist. Also Massaeus recordeth of one hundred and forty, which in the province of Narbon were put to the fire, for not receiving the decretals of Rome: besides them that suffered at Paris to the number of xxiiij. at one time, anno. 1210. and the next year after were four hundred burnt under the names of Heretics. Besides also a certain good Hermit,² an Englishman, of whom mention is made in John Bacon. Dist. 2. Quest. 1. who was committed for disputing in Pauls Church, against certain Sacraments of the Church of Rome. an. 1306.

I do but recite the principall writers and preachers in those dayes: Howe many thousandes there were which neuer bowed their knees to Baall, that is knowne to God alone. Of whome wee finde in the writings of one ¹Brushius that xxxvi. Citizens of Maguntia were burned, an. 1390. Who following the doctrine of the Waldenses, affirmed the Pope to be the great Antichrist. Also Massaeus recordeth of one hundred and fourty, which in the prouince of Narbon were put to the fire, for not receiuing the decretalles of Rome: besides them that suffered at Paris to the number of xxiiij. at one time, anno. 1210. and the next yeare after were foure hundred brent vnder the names of Heretiques. Besides also a certayne good Heremite,² an Englishman, of whome mention is made in Iohn Bacon. Dist. 2. Quest. 1. who was committed for disputing in Paules Church, agaynst certaine Sacramentes of the Church of Rome. an. 1306.

1. 1Ex Brushio. Ex Christiano Masseo.
2. 2Ex Joan. Bacon Dist. 2. Quest. 1.Ex Ioan. Bacon Dist. 2. Quest. 1.

To descend now somewhat lower in drawing out the descent of the Church. What a multitude here cometh of faithful witnesses in the time of John Wycliffe, as Ocliffe, Wycliffe. an. 1376. W. Thorp White, Purvey, Patshall, Payne, Gower, Chaucer, Gascoyne, William Swinderby, Walter Brute, Roger Dexter, William Sautry about the year. 1400. John Badby, an. 1410. Nicholaus Tailor, Rich. Wagstaffe, Mich. Scrivener, William Smith John Henry, W. Parchmenar, Roger Goldsmith, with an Ancress called Mathilde in the City of Leicester, Lord Cobham, Sir Roger Acton knight, John Beverley preacher, John Huss, Hierome of Prague Schoolmaster, with a number of faithful Bohemians and Taborites not to be told with whom I might also adjoin Laurentius Valla and Joannes Picus, the learned Earle of Mirandula. But what do I stand upon recital of names, which almost are infinite.

To discend now somewhat lower in drawing out the discent of the Churche. What a multitude here commeth of faythfull witnesses in the time of Iohn Wickleffe, as Ocliffe, Wickliffe. an. 1376. W. Thorp White, Puruey, Patshall, Payne, Gower, Chaucer, Gascoyne, Williā Swinderby, Walter Brute, Roger Dexter, William Sautry about the yeare. 1400. Iohn Badby, an. 1410. Nicholaus Tayler, Rich. Wagstaffe, Mich. Scriuener, William Smith Iohn Henry, W. Parchmenar, Roger Goldsmith, with an Ancresse called Mathilde in the Citie of Leicester, Lord Cobham, Syr Roger Acton knight, Iohn Beuerley preacher, Iohn Husse, Hierome of Prage Scholemaister, with a number of faithfull Bohemians and Thaborites not to be told with whō I might also adioyne Laurentius Valla and Ioannes Picus, the learned Earle of Mirandula. But what do I stand vpon recitall of names, which almost are infinite.

Wherefore if any be so far beguiled in his opinion to think the doctrine of the church of Rome (as it now standeth) to be of such antiquity, & that the same was never impugned before the time of Luther and Zuinglius now of late, let him read these histories: or if he think the said history not to be of sufficient credit to alter his persuasion let him peruse the Acts and Statutes of Parliaments, passed in this realm of ancient time and therein consider and confer the course of times; where he may find and read.¹ An. 5. Regis Richardi. 2. in the year of our Lord. 1380. of a great number (which there be called evil persons) going about from town to town in freeze gowns preaching unto the people &c. which preachers although the words of the Statute do term there to be dissembling persons, preaching divers Sermons containing heresies & notorious errors, to the emblemishment of Christen faith, & of holy Church &c. as the words do there pretend: yet notwithstanding every true Christian reader may conceive of those Preachers to teach no other doctrine, then now they hear their own Preachers in Pulpits Preach, against the Bishop of Rome and the corrupt heresies of his Church.

Wherfore if any be so farre beguiled in his opinion to thinke the doctrine of the church of Rome (as it now standeth) to be of such antiquitie, & that the same was neuer impugned before the time of Luther and Zuinglius now of late, let him read these histories: or if he thinke the sayd historie not to be of sufficient credite to alter his perswasion let him peruse the Actes and Statutes of Parliamentes, passed in this realme of auncient time and therein consider and conferre the course of times; where he may finde and read.¹ An. 5. Regis Richardi. 2. in the yeare of our Lord. 1380. of a great nūber (which there be called euill persons) goyng about from town to town in freese gownes preaching vnto the people &c. which preachers although the wordes of the Statute do terme there to be dissembling persons, preaching dyuers Sermons contayning heresies & notorious errours, to the emblemishment of Christen faith, & of holy Church &c. as the words do there pretend: yet notwithstanding euery true Christian reader may conceaue of those Preachers to teache no other doctrine, then nowe they heare theyr owne Preachers in Pulpits Preache, agaynst the Bishoppe of Rome and the corrupte heresies of his Churche.

1. 1Statut. in An. 5. Rich. 2. An. Domini. 1390.

Furthermore he shall find likewise in Statut. An. 2. Henr. 4. Cap. 15. in the year of our Lord. 1402. another like company of good Preachers and faithful defenders of true doctrine against blind heresy and error. Whom albeit the words of the Statute there, through corruption of that time, do falsely term,¹ to be false and perverse Preachers, under dissembled holiness, teaching in those days openly and privily new doctrines and heretical opinions contrary to the faith and determination of holy Church. &c. yet notwithstanding whosoever readeth histories and conferreth the order and descent of times, shall understand these to be no false teachers, but faithful witnesses of the truth, not teaching any new doctrines contrary to the determination of holy Church: But rather shall find that Church to be unholy, which they Preached against, teaching rather it self heretical opinions contrary both to antiquity, and verity of Christs true Catholic Church.

Furthermore he shall finde likewise in Statut. An. 2. Henr. 4. Cap. 15. in the yeare of our Lord. 1402. another lyke company of good Preachers and faythful defenders of true doctrine agaynst blynd heresie and errour. Whom albeit the wordes of the Statute there, through corruption of that time, do falsely terme,¹ to be false and peruerse Preachers, vnder dissembled holines, teaching in those dayes openly and priuely new doctrines and hereticall opinions contrary to the faythe and determination of holy Churche. &c. yet notwithstanding whosoeuer readeth histories and conferreth the order and discent of times, shall vnderstand these to be no false teachers, but saythfull witnesses of the truth, not teaching any newe doctrines contrary to the determination of holy Church: But rather shall finde that Churche to be vnholy, which they Preached agaynst, teaching rather it selfe hereticall opinions contrary both to antiquitie, and veritie of Christes true Catholicke Churche.

1. 1Ex Statut. in An. 2. Henr. 4. cap. 15. An. Domini 1402.

Of the like number also, or greater, of like true faithful favourers and followers of Gods holy word, we find in the year of our Lord. 14•2. specified in a letter sent from Henry Chichesley Archbishop of Canterbury, to Pope Martin 5. in the fifth year of his Popedom, where mention is made of so many here in England infected: (as he said) with the heresies of Wycliffe and Huss, that without force of any army they could not be suppressed. &c. Whereupon the Pope sent two Cardinals to the Archbishop to cause a tenth to be gathered of all spiritual and Religious men,¹ and the money to be laid in the chamber Apostolic, and if that were not sufficient, the residue to be made up of Chalices, Candlesticks, and other implements of the Church &c.

Of the lyke number also, or greater, of lyke true faythfull fauourers and followers of Gods holy worde, we find in the yeare of our Lord. 14•2. specified in a letter sent from Henry Chichesley Archbishop of Canterbury, to Pope Martin 5. in the fift yeare of his Popedome, where mention is made of so many here in Engand infected: (as he sayde) with the heresies of Wickleffe and Husse, that without force of any army they could not be suppressed. &c. Whereupon the Pope sent two Cardinals to the Archbishop to cause a tenth to be gathered of all spirituall and Religious men,¹ and the money to be layde in the chamber Apostolicke, and if that were not sufficient, the residue to bee made vppe of Chalices, Candlestickes, and other implementes of the Churche &c.

1. 1Ex Literis Archiepiscopi Cant. ad Martinum. 5. Anno. Domini. 1422.

What shall need then any more witness to prove this matter, when you see so many years ago, whole armies and multitudes, thus standing against the Pope? who though they be termed here for heretics and schismatics, yet in that, which they call heresy, served they the living Lord, within the Ark of his true spiritual and visible Church.

What shall neede then any more witnes to proue this matter, when you see so many yeares agoe, whole armyes and multitudes, thus standing agaynst the Pope? who thoughe they bee termed here for heretickes and schismatickes, yet in that, which they call heresie, serued they the liuing Lord, within the Arke of his true spirituall and visible Churche.