The tragedies of tyrants Exercised upon the church of God, from the birth of…The tragedies of tyrantes Exercised vpon the church of God, from the birth of…

Moreover, among all the Bishops of Rome from Constantinus the great, and Pope Sylvester, unto Gregory the first which were in number, xxxvi. there was not one within compass of. 280. years, that used y• pomp, pride, majesty, and power, which the Popes use accustomably now now a days. Their¹ authority was great among other Churches and Bishops, because for the most part they were learned and skilful men, neither infected with heresies as some other Bishops in other Churches were, but principally: because they were Ministers of the same Church which the Apostles planted at the beginning,² which was therefore called the Apostolic Church, and the Apostolic seat, and Saint Peters Chaer. Howbeit the title, and name of the Apostolic ⟨image 76⟩seat was not given only to the Roman Church: but unto other Churches also, namely Jerusalem, and Antioch. And this word, seat, signifieth not a judgment seat, or a princes throne: but an ecclesiastical preachers pulpit. So³ that our forefathers in the old time termed the above named churches, Apostolic seats of the Apostolic doctrine, because the Apostles taught in those places, and from those Apostolic Churches, the Apostolic doctrine stretched forth unto other Churches, aswell far as near. Wherefore those places in which is not the Apostolic doctrine, can not glory of the Apostolic seat, although indeed it were there many hundred years before. For there is also a seat of the Devil, as Saint John declareth in the 2. Chapter of the Revelation.

Moreouer, amonge all the Byshops of Rome from Constantinus the great, and Pope Syluester, vnto Gregorye the firste which were in number, xxxvi. ther was not one within compasse of. 280. yéeres, that vsed y• pompe, pride, maiestie, and power, which the Popes vse accustomably now now a daies. Their¹ aucthoritie was great amonge other Churches and Byshops, because for the most parte they were learned and skilfull men, neither infected with heresies as some other Byshops in other Churches were, but principally: because thei were Ministers of the same Churche whiche the Apostles planted at the béeginninge,