A67926:2037
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. 2, part 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. 2, part 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
No title page in the transcription: set from the catalogue record.
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.
For how should they preach Christ (saith the Apostle) except they be sent? for otherwise many thieves and robbers do preach him, but with their lips only, for their hart is far from him.1 Neither yet do we suffer those which do know how to preach, but persecute them, and go about to oppress the Scriptures now springing, under the pretence of godliness, fearing (as I suppose) least the Romans should come & take our place. Ah thou wicked enemy Herod, why art thou afraid that Christ should come? he taketh not away mortal and earthly kingdoms, 2which giveth heavenly kingdoms. O blindness, O our great blindness, yea more then that of Egypt? of the which if there be any that would admonish the people, by and by saith Pharaoh: Moses and Aaron, why do ye cause the people to cease from their labours? and truly called their labours. Get you to your burdens: Lay more work upon them, and cause them to do it, that they hearken not unto lies. 3Thus the people was dispersed throughout all the land of Egypt, to gather up chaff: I say to gather up chaff. Who shall grant unto us the God shall say: I have looked down, and beholden the affliction of my people, which is in Egypt, and have heard their sighs, and am come down to deliver them. But whether hath this zeal carried me? whether after knowledge or not, I dare not say: it pertaineth to you, reverent father, to judge thereupon. Now you do look that I should show unto you at large (as you write) how that they ought sincerely to preach, to the better edifying hereafter, of your flock. Here I confess I was afraid, that you had spoken in some derision, until that I well perceived, that you had written it with your own hand. Then again, I began to doubt for what intent Tonstall should require that of Bilney: an old soldier, of a young beginner: the chief Pastor of London, of a poor silly sheep. But for what intent so ever you did it, I trust it was of a good mind. And albeit that I am weak of body, yet through the grace of Christ given unto me, I will attempt this matter, although it do far pass my power: under the which burden, if I be oppressed, yet I will not deceive you, for that I have promised nothing, but a prompt and ready will to do that which you have commanded.
For how should they preach Christ (saith the Apostle) except they be sent? for otherwise many theeues and robbers do preach him, but with theyr lippes onely, for theyr hart is farre from him.