reform_a religion_n which_o they_o term_v new_a be_v a_o savage_a religion_n fond_a and_o full_a of_o folly_n and_o error_n and_o they_o will_v needs_o be_v believe_v in_o the_o matter_n upon_o their_o bare_a word_n without_o prove_v any_o part_n of_o that_o which_o they_o speak_v but_o as_o those_o kind_n of_o people_n be_v common_o ignorant_a and_o malicious_a and_o moreover_o possess_v with_o ambition_n and_o beastliness_n so_o do_v it_o appear_v that_o their_o mouth_n be_v ever_o still_o open_a even_o when_o their_o overarrogant_a ignorance_n be_v beat_v down_o by_o good_a reason_n and_o allegation_n and_o when_o they_o have_v do_v all_o that_o they_o can_v for_o their_o last_o refuge_n they_o be_v fain_o to_o run_v to_o the_o exception_n of_o prescription_n say_v that_o the_o romish_a religion_n have_v be_v receive_v and_o observe_v in_o france_n ever_o since_o the_o first_o set_v up_o of_o the_o kingdom_n even_o since_o the_o great_a king_n clowis_n who_o be_v the_o first_o christian_a king_n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o like_o that_o god_n will_v leave_v the_o world_n so_o long_a time_n which_o be_v more_o than_o a_o thousand_o year_n in_o error_n and_o ignorance_n religion_n but_o what_o if_o it_o be_v deny_v that_o their_o religion_n such_o as_o it_o be_v this_o present_a be_v observe_v in_o the_o time_n of_o clowis_n or_o of_o charlemain_n or_o of_o many_o other_o king_n of_o france_n which_o have_v be_v since_o that_o time_n how_o will_v they_o prove_v that_o which_o they_o have_v say_v and_o if_o the_o contrary_n be_v prove_v to_o they_o by_o write_n of_o ancient_a bishop_n and_o doctor_n of_o france_n by_o the_o which_o it_o do_v appear_v that_o in_o this_o realm_n in_o old_a time_n they_o do_v hold_v the_o same_o religion_n or_o very_o near_o the_o same_o which_o the_o protestant_n do_v in_o these_o day_n what_o will_v they_o answer_v then_o and_o be_v it_o not_o also_o very_o easy_a to_o prove_v by_o the_o historiographer_n which_o have_v write_v the_o life_n of_o the_o pope_n and_o also_o by_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o pope_n themselves_o that_o the_o most_o part_n of_o their_o ceremony_n and_o tradition_n whereof_o at_o this_o day_n they_o make_v more_o account_n than_o of_o god_n word_n have_v be_v invent_v and_o bring_v into_o the_o church_n by_o the_o pope_n of_o late_a time_n long_o since_o charlemain_n and_o therefore_o they_o which_o say_v that_o the_o romish_a religion_n such_o as_o it_o be_v at_o this_o present_a have_v be_v observe_v in_o france_n ever_o since_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o kingdom_n there_o do_v great_o mistake_v their_o mark_n and_o can_v verify_v their_o say_n but_o the_o contrary_n be_v easy_a to_o be_v prove_v but_o let_v we_o put_v the_o case_n how_o be_v it_o without_o grant_v it_o that_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o say_v be_v true_a and_o that_o this_o romish_a religion_n be_v of_o the_o uttermost_a antiquity_n that_o can_v be_v must_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n therefore_o forgo_v his_o right_n by_o the_o exception_n of_o prescription_n no_o true_o for_o if_o by_o the_o civil_a law_n there_o be_v no_o prrscription_n against_o a_o king_n how_o much_o less_o then_o may_v it_o be_v against_o the_o king_n of_o king_n and_o put_v the_o case_n again_o without_o grant_v it_o that_o prescription_n ought_v to_o take_v place_n against_o god_n yet_o be_v it_o not_o reason_n think_v you_o to_o reckon_v the_o lapse_n of_o time_n according_a to_o god_n measure_v thereof_o now_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o with_o god_n a_o thousand_o yea_o and_o twelve_o hundred_o thousand_o year_n be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o hour_n or_o a_o quarter_n of_o a_o hour_n and_o therefore_o by_o the_o lapse_n of_o so_o little_a space_n of_o time_n prescription_n can_v take_v no_o advantage_n but_o all_o man_n of_o sound_a judgement_n will_v always_o grant_v that_o as_o time_n do_v not_o change_v the_o truth_n into_o untruth_n nor_o untruth_n into_o truth_n so_o also_o of_o consequence_n we_o must_v not_o admit_v a_o religion_n for_o true_a and_o good_a under_o colour_n that_o it_o have_v endure_v long_a time_n see_v that_o the_o exception_n of_o prescription_n be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v in_o such_o caces_fw-la for_o else_o if_o the_o romish_a catholic_n will_v needs_o stick_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o prescription_n for_o the_o allowance_n of_o a_o religion_n then_o must_v they_o make_v good_a the_o religion_n of_o mahomet_n which_o have_v already_o last_v above_o a_o thousand_o year_n which_o thing_n i_o be_o sure_a that_o none_o of_o they_o will_v do_v how_o passionate_a soever_o they_o be_v otherwise_o and_o if_o it_o be_v demand_v wherefore_o god_n have_v so_o long_a time_n suffer_v the_o error_n of_o mahomet_n among_o the_o turk_n persian_n arrabians_n syrian_n &_o the_o other_o eastern_a and_o southern_a people_n of_o asia_n and_o africa_n among_o who_o the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o plant_v so_o many_o fair_a church_n there_o be_v no_o other_o answer_n to_o be_v make_v unto_o it_o but_o that_o god_n have_v do_v it_o by_o his_o secret_a judgement_n whereof_o we_o be_v ignorant_a full_o well_o we_o know_v that_o he_o have_v do_v it_o for_o good_a and_o a_o just_a cause_n &_o to_o good_a purpose_n because_o he_o do_v nothing_o but_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o just_a but_o it_o do_v not_o become_v we_o to_o search_v any_o deep_a for_o the_o particular_a cause_n which_o have_v move_v he_o so_o to_o do_v neither_o aught_o we_o to_o be_v inquisitive_a of_o his_o privity_n and_o secret_a diâ—gâ—mentes_n the_o same_o also_o be_v to_o be_v answer_v to_o such_o as_o say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o likely_a that_o god_n will_v suffer_v the_o people_n of_o christendom_n to_o err_v so_o long_o as_o since_o the_o mass_n have_v have_v his_o full_a scope_n for_o to_o be_v short_a see_v that_o god_n be_v the_o truth_n itself_o and_o that_o his_o word_n be_v true_a it_o be_v much_o better_a to_o yield_v god_n his_o due_a honour_n by_o stick_v only_o to_o his_o word_n then_o to_o refort_v to_o custom_n and_o prescription_n of_o time_n to_o authorise_v the_o tradition_n of_o man_n 5.21_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o do_v teach_v we_o plain_o enough_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o reject_v the_o tradition_n of_o man_n although_o they_o be_v never_o so_o ancient_a and_o ground_v upon_o prescription_n of_o time_n out_o of_o mind_n and_o that_o we_o ought_v always_o to_o have_v recourse_n back_o to_o the_o pure_a word_n of_o god_n which_o shall_v last_v for_o ever_o notwithstanding_o all_o custom_n &_o prescription_n which_o be_v against_o it_o for_o in_o reprove_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o pharisee_n which_o have_v then_o be_v receive_v &_o allow_v of_o long_a time_n he_o exhort_v his_o disciple_n to_o cast_v they_o of_o and_o to_o return_v back_o again_o to_o the_o pure_a word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o natural_a meaning_n thereof_o say_v you_o have_v hear_v how_o it_o be_v say_v to_o the_o man_n of_o old_a time_n etc_n etc_n as_o for_o the_o ancient_a canon_n they_o be_v so_o clear_a and_o express_v in_o this_o case_n as_o be_v possible_a &_o therefore_o it_o shall_v suffice_v i_o to_o translate_v they_o here_o simple_o these_o be_v the_o very_a word_n of_o the_o canon_n custom_n a_o ill_a custom_n be_v no_o less_o to_o be_v reject_v &_o shun_v than_o a_o pestilent_a infection_n because_o that_o if_o it_o be_v not_o the_o soon_o pluck_v up_o the_o wicked_a do_v serve_v their_o turn_n with_o it_o as_o it_o be_v by_o right_a of_o privilege_n insomuch_o that_o the_o sundry_a disorder_n and_o divers_a usurpation_n which_o be_v not_o repress_v out_o of_o hand_n begin_v anon_o after_o to_o be_v receive_v for_o law_n and_o be_v always_o observe_v as_o privilege_n by_o which_o canon_n we_o may_v well_o note_v the_o pernicious_a effect_n of_o ill_a custom_n which_o cause_n we_o to_o receive_v vice_n in_o stead_n of_o virtue_n and_o evil_a in_o stead_n of_o good_a whereof_o our_o miserable_a world_n have_v to_o many_o example_n as_o well_o in_o cause_n of_o religion_n as_o in_o matter_n of_o policy_n and_o law_n for_o in_o these_o day_n man_n defend_v nothing_o more_o earnest_o than_o the_o abuse_n and_o error_n which_o be_v in_o all_o estate_n under_o pretence_n that_o they_o have_v take_v root_n by_o long_a custom_n and_o continuance_n of_o time_n which_o have_v suffer_v they_o to_o pass_v in_o force_n of_o law_n and_o privilege_n another_o canon_n take_v out_o of_o saint_n gregory_n say_v thus_o truth_n if_o a_o man_n happen_v to_o object_v custom_n against_o we_o we_o must_v consider_v what_o the_o lord_n say_v i_o be_o the_o way_n say_v he_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n he_o do_v not_o say_v i_o be_o custom_n and_o true_o as_o say_v
¶_o a_o apology_n or_o defence_n for_o the_o christian_n of_o france_n which_o be_v of_o the_o evangelicall_a or_o reform_a religion_n for_o the_o satisfy_n of_o such_o as_o will_v not_o live_v in_o peace_n and_o concord_n with_o they_o whereby_o the_o pureness_n of_o the_o same_o religion_n in_o the_o chief_a point_n that_o be_v in_o variance_n be_v evident_o show_v not_o only_o by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o by_o reason_n but_o also_o by_o the_o pope_n own_o canon_n write_a to_o the_o king_n of_o navarre_n and_o translate_v out_o of_o french_a into_o english_a by_o sir_n iherom_n bow_v knight_n at_o london_n print_v by_o john_n day_n dwell_v over_o aldersgate_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v at_o his_o shop_n under_o the_o gate_n 1579._o cum_fw-la privilegio_fw-la regiae_fw-la maiestatis_fw-la ¶_o to_o the_o right_n high_a &_o noble_a prince_n henry_n the_o second_o king_n of_o navarre_n prince_n of_o bearn_n duke_n of_o vandome_n and_o albret_n earl_n of_o foyze_n arminack_n agenois_n bigorie_n marle_n etc_o etc_o sir_n it_o be_v not_o without_o cause_n nor_o without_o example_v that_o i_o dare_v take_v upon_o i_o to_o dedicate_v unto_o your_o highness_n this_o little_a apology_n which_o contain_v a_o defence_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n and_o of_o the_o professor_n of_o the_o same_o for_o in_o asmuch_o as_o your_o majesty_n have_v even_o from_o your_o youth_n undertake_v the_o defence_n thereof_o with_o the_o hazard_n of_o your_o life_n &_o god_n for_o the_o same_o i_o can_v not_o more_o fit_o prefer_v the_o justification_n of_o so_o holy_a a_o cause_n to_o any_o than_o to_o your_o highness_n who_o have_v always_o maintain_v the_o same_o not_o only_o in_o word_n but_o also_o by_o deed_n and_o that_o with_o most_o noble_a and_o princely_a courage_n follow_v the_o renown_a footstep_n of_o the_o late_a queen_n of_o navarre_n your_o mother_n who_o godliness_n courtesy_n and_o other_o heroical_a virtue_n be_v consecrate_v for_o ever_o to_o most_o honourable_a eternity_n and_o i_o have_v be_v lead_v to_o take_v upon_o i_o this_o defence_n &_o to_o dedicate_v it_o to_o your_o majesty_n by_o the_o example_n of_o many_o good_a and_o godly_a man_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n who_o in_o their_o time_n write_v diverse_a apology_n in_o defence_n of_o the_o christian_n against_o the_o misreport_n and_o illusion_n of_o the_o heathen_a and_o do_v put_v they_o up_o to_o the_o romayn_n emperor_n that_o be_v in_o those_o day_n who_o notwithstanding_o that_o they_o be_v heathen_a prince_n and_o ignorant_a of_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v move_v by_o they_o to_o succour_v the_o christian_n and_o to_o surcease_v the_o persecution_n that_o be_v make_v against_o they_o quadratus_n and_o aristyde_v write_v apology_n in_o their_o time_n in_o defence_n of_o the_o christian_n against_o the_o heathen_a and_o dedicate_v they_o to_o the_o emperor_n adrian_n who_o have_v read_v they_o and_o perceive_v thereby_o that_o the_o christian_n worship_v the_o great_a god_n which_o govern_v all_o the_o world_n and_o that_o in_o the_o exercise_v of_o their_o religion_n they_o do_v not_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v prejudicial_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n but_o rather_o pray_v for_o the_o prosperity_n of_o he_o and_o of_o his_o empire_n send_v a_o proclamation_n to_o fundanus_n the_o governor_n of_o asia_n wherein_o he_o forbid_v the_o persecute_v of_o they_o any_o more_o as_o in_o respect_n of_o religion_n and_o command_v that_o the_o slanderer_n of_o they_o shall_v be_v sore_o punish_v and_o moreover_o he_o cause_v diverse_a fair_a church_n to_o be_v build_v in_o many_o place_n without_o any_o image_n picture_n or_o portrature_n great_o allow_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_n for_o that_o it_o forbid_v the_o paint_n and_o portray_v of_o god_n the_o worship_v of_o image_n or_o the_o have_v of_o they_o in_o their_o church_n likewise_o justine_n the_o philosopher_n write_v in_o his_o time_n two_o apology_n that_o be_v come_v to_o light_n in_o defence_n of_o the_o christian_n against_o the_o false_a accusation_n of_o the_o heathen_a whereof_o he_o dedicate_v the_o one_o to_o the_o senate_n of_o rome_n &_o the_o other_o to_o the_o emperor_n antonine_n the_o godly_a who_o be_v move_v thereat_o make_v a_o general_a law_n whereby_o he_o restrain_v the_o heathen_a from_o their_o false_a blame_v of_o the_o christian_n for_o the_o earthquake_n and_o other_o public_a calamity_n will_v they_o to_o impute_v they_o to_o their_o own_o sin_n for_o he_o say_v that_o the_o christian_n worship_v the_o great_a god_n more_o devoute_o than_o the_o heathen_a themselves_o worship_v the_o multitude_n of_o their_o gods._n and_o he_o prohibit_v all_o man_n aswell_o magistrate_n as_o private_a person_n to_o persecute_v the_o christian_n any_o more_o or_o to_o slander_v they_o with_o accusation_n or_o false_a crime_n command_v they_o to_o observe_v the_o foresay_a proclamation_n of_o his_o father_n and_o predecessor_n the_o emperor_n adrian_n in_o all_o point_n also_o melito_n the_o bishop_n of_o sardis_n write_v a_o apology_n in_o defence_n of_o the_o christian_n against_o the_o heathen_a which_o he_o dedicate_v to_o the_o emperor_n mark_v antony_n the_o philosopher_n who_o be_v move_v thereby_o to_o favour_v the_o christian_n and_o to_o cause_v the_o persecution_n to_o cease_v which_o have_v be_v make_v in_o the_o province_n of_o the_o empire_n without_o his_o knowledge_n and_o commandment_n by_o the_o governor_n and_o other_o magistrate_n which_o abuse_v the_o mildness_n and_o clemency_n of_o their_o prince_n as_o a_o number_n do_v in_o these_o day_n yea_o and_o this_o good_a emperor_n find_v by_o experience_n that_o the_o christian_n be_v the_o good_a and_o well-beloved_a servant_n of_o the_o true_a god_n for_o he_o win_v a_o great_a battle_n against_o the_o marcomanne_n and_o quade_v by_o the_o only_a prayer_n of_o a_o legion_n of_o christian_a soldier_n that_o be_v in_o his_o army_n not_o only_o forbid_v the_o persecute_v of_o the_o christian_n by_o open_a proclamation_n but_o also_o give_v leave_v to_o become_v christian_n to_o as_o many_o as_o will_v willing_a and_o command_v that_o all_o such_o as_o accuse_v any_o man_n alone_a in_o respect_n of_o christian_a religion_n shall_v be_v grievous_o punish_v as_o cozener_n and_o slanderer_n and_o that_o no_o christian_n shall_v be_v compel_v to_o change_v his_o religion_n many_o other_o beside_o these_o as_o tertulian_n and_o appollinaris_n have_v plead_v and_o maintain_v the_o same_o cause_n by_o set_v forth_o apology_n which_o have_v great_o avail_v yea_o even_o with_o the_o heathen_a emperor_n of_o their_o time_n who_o to_o say_v the_o truth_n as_o heathenish_a as_o they_o be_v have_v treden_fw-mi out_o the_o way_n to_o the_o prince_n of_o our_o day_n which_o bear_v the_o title_n of_o christian_n and_o catholic_n to_o show_v they_o what_o uprightness_n and_o modesty_n they_o ought_v to_o use_v in_o the_o case_n of_o religion_n forasmuch_o therefore_o as_o our_o reform_a religion_n be_v blame_v and_o outrageous_o deface_v nowadays_o by_o such_o as_o neither_o do_v nor_o will_v understand_v it_o i_o after_o the_o example_n of_o so_o many_o good_a person_n have_v set_v my_o hand_n to_o the_o pen_n to_o show_v by_o this_o short_a defence_n that_o the_o same_o be_v not_o only_o ground_v upon_o god_n pure_a word_n and_o consequent_o agree_v with_o the_o christian_a religion_n of_o the_o primative_a church_n but_o also_o that_o it_o be_v warrant_v by_o the_o very_a canon_n of_o the_o pope_n themselves_o and_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o i_o be_o sure_a that_o your_o majesty_n be_v natural_o incline_v to_o the_o peace_n of_o france_n will_v not_o only_o take_v more_o pleasure_n to_o hear_v the_o sound_n of_o these_o canon_n than_o the_o sound_n of_o those_o which_o have_v so_o often_o time_n terrible_o thunder_v to_o the_o destruction_n of_o this_o desolate_a kingdom_n of_o france_n but_o also_o 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his_o majesty_n may_v easy_o discern_v if_o it_o may_v please_v he_o to_o hear_v our_o reason_n or_o but_o only_o to_o look_v upon_o this_o little_a apology_n and_o sure_o sir_n we_o assure_v ourselves_o that_o you_o will_v always_o continue_v to_o be_v a_o mean_a to_o his_o majesty_n every_o day_n better_o than_o other_o for_o the_o maintenance_n and_o quietness_n of_o we_o and_o our_o religion_n because_o you_o be_v bring_v up_o in_o it_o in_o your_o young_a time_n and_o have_v make_v a_o good_a profession_n of_o it_o beside_o this_o the_o famous_a example_n of_o your_o noble_a ancestor_n which_o have_v be_v ever_o renown_v for_o their_o godliness_n do_v direct_v you_o to_o the_o follow_v of_o their_o footstep_n for_o the_o history_n do_v avow_v unto_o we_o that_o your_o ancestor_n of_o the_o renown_a house_n of_o bourbon_n for_o i_o will_v not_o speak_v of_o those_o of_o late_a time_n who_o remembrance_n be_v yet_o fresh_a in_o man_n mind_n and_o will_v continue_v honourable_a for_o 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of_o the_o realm_n john_n of_o bourbon_n earl_n of_o vandome_n and_o son_n of_o the_o say_v lewis_n be_v also_o a_o virtuous_a prince_n and_o a_o valiant_a warryor_n and_o adventure_v himself_o in_o many_o a_o battle_n special_o at_o the_o siege_n of_o fronsack_n in_o the_o march_n of_o burdeloys_n where_o he_o be_v make_v knight_n for_o his_o valiant_a desert_n and_o he_o be_v one_o of_o the_o prince_n which_o take_v part_n with_o lewis_n the_o dolphin_n and_o with_o the_o duke_n of_o bourbon_n and_o alaunson_n in_o set_v themselves_o against_o the_o wicked_a and_o tyrannical_a deal_n of_o certain_a timeseruer_n and_o flatterer_n of_o king_n charles_n the_o seven_o frances_n of_o bourbon_n his_o son_n a_o good_a and_o stout_a prince_n go_v in_o the_o voyage_n to_o naples_n with_o king_n charles_n the_o eight_o and_o behave_v himself_o noble_o in_o matter_n both_o of_o peace_n and_o war_n to_o the_o honour_n and_o profit_n of_o the_o crown_n of_o france_n and_o of_o his_o whole_a country_n but_o i_o shall_v not_o soon_o make_v a_o end_n if_o i_o mind_v to_o reckon_v up_o all_o the_o excellent_a prince_n of_o your_o majesty_n most_o renown_a house_n of_o bourbon_n and_o much_o les_fw-fr shall_v i_o do_v it_o if_o i_o mean_v to_o take_v upon_o i_o to_o rehearse_v their_o heroical_a deed_n and_o virtue_n which_o will_v require_v many_o great_a volume_n but_o i_o think_v it_o enough_o for_o i_o to_o have_v name_v some_o few_o of_o they_o that_o may_v serve_v for_o example_n to_o prince_n and_o to_o all_o other_o man_n to_o speed_v themselves_o valiant_o in_o the_o defence_n and_o maintenance_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o their_o country_n which_o example_n will_v in_o my_o opinion_n be_v the_o better_o like_v of_o your_o majesty_n because_o they_o come_v not_o only_o of_o your_o own_o house_n which_o have_v always_o be_v most_o fruitful_a in_o noble_a and_o virtuous_a prince_n but_o also_o of_o the_o linial_a descent_n of_o your_o progenytor_n for_o the_o late_a king_n of_o navare_fw-la your_o father_n be_v the_o son_n of_o charles_n of_o bourbon_n the_o first_o duke_n of_o vandome_n who_o be_v son_n of_o the_o foresay_a france_n earl_n of_o vandome_n who_o be_v son_n to_o the_o forename_a john_n who_o be_v son_n to_o the_o foresay_a lewis_n lord_n great_a master_n of_o france_n who_o be_v the_o son_n of_o the_o other_o lewis_n the_o first_o earl_n of_o vandome_n who_o be_v the_o son_n of_o john_n earl_n of_o march_n who_o be_v the_o son_n of_o jaques_n earl_n of_o march_n and_o constable_n of_o france_n who_o be_v the_o son_n of_o lewis_n first_o duke_n of_o bourbon_n surname_v the_o great_a duke_n who_o be_v the_o son_n of_o robert_n of_o france_n earl_n of_o cleremount_n and_o beawuoysin_n who_o be_v the_o son_n of_o good_a king_n lewis_n the_o saint_n and_o so_o your_o majesty_n be_v the_o eleven_o in_o order_n descend_v in_o the_o right_a line_n from_o s._n lewis_n your_o great_a ancestor_n who_o virtue_n i_o hope_v that_o god_n will_v make_v 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reason_n upon_o every_o point_n and_o have_v allege_v the_o very_a text_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o confirm_v our_o doctrine_n and_o to_o disprove_v they_o i_o geve_v they_o yet_o this_o advantage_n further_o that_o i_o come_v into_o the_o list_n against_o they_o with_o their_o own_o weapon_n which_o they_o take_v to_o be_v most_o for_o their_o own_o defence_n and_o most_o hurtful_a to_o we_o that_o be_v to_o wit_n the_o canon_n make_v or_o authorise_v by_o the_o very_a pope_n themselves_o wherein_o i_o think_v i_o have_v do_v so_o much_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o either_o they_o must_v condemn_v the_o pope_n and_o his_o canon_n or_o else_o confess_v that_o our_o religion_n be_v void_a of_o all_o error_n true_a it_o be_v that_o many_o learned_a man_n of_o our_o time_n have_v sufficient_o already_o set_v forth_o the_o pureness_n of_o our_o religion_n by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n yea_o and_o that_o much_o better_a than_o i_o can_v skill_n to_o do_v insomuch_o that_o 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in_o our_o french_a nation_n and_o likewise_o all_o man_n of_o any_o understanding_n do_v well_o see_v that_o the_o very_a remedy_n to_o rid_v away_o these_o mischief_n be_v to_o admit_v some_o good_a reformation_n aswell_o in_o doctrine_n as_o in_o discipline_n and_o in_o outward_a behaviour_n but_o france_n be_v in_o the_o same_o take_v that_o a_o poor_a sick_a man_n be_v when_o the_o extremity_n of_o his_o fit_n be_v upon_o he_o who_o can_v neither_o suffer_v his_o disease_n patient_o nor_o willing_o receive_v the_o medicine_n that_o shall_v do_v he_o good_a for_o all_o of_o we_o do_v well_o enough_o perceive_v our_o disease_n and_o we_o know_v well_o it_o be_v great_a and_o dangerous_a and_o we_o will_v fain_o be_v heal_v of_o it_o but_o the_o most_o part_n of_o we_o do_v find_v that_o the_o medicine_n of_o reformation_n be_v to_o irksome_a wherein_o sure_o man_n do_v great_o overshoot_v themselves_o for_o there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o pain_n nor_o displeasure_n in_o lead_v of_o a_o sober_a &_o modest_a life_n as_o there_o be_v in_o lead_v of_o a_o lose_a life_n beside_o that_o the_o sober_a well_o stay_v &_o well_o reform_a life_n in_o good_a manner_n &_o doctrine_n be_v accompany_v with_o great_a quietness_n of_o conscience_n &_o as_o say_v cicero_n do_v common_o lead_v the_o body_n to_o a_o healthful_a and_o honourable_a old_a age_n but_o although_o we_o have_v no_o other_o cause_n to_o desire_v reformation_n than_o for_o the_o cease_n of_o our_o untollerable_a trouble_n be_v not_o that_o cause_n enough_o sith_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o they_o will_v never_o be_v thorough_o bring_v a_o sleep_n until_o the_o cause_n of_o they_o that_o be_v to_o wit_n the_o error_n corruption_n and_o looseness_n that_o be_v among_o we_o be_v first_o quench_v and_o do_v away_o by_o a_o sound_a reformation_n aswell_o inward_o as_o outward_o for_o natural_o all_o cause_n bring_v forth_o effect_n like_o themselves_o and_o again_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o god_n be_v righteous_a be_v wont_a to_o continue_v in_o strike_v with_o his_o revenge_a rod_n upon_o such_o as_o harden_v themselves_o in_o their_o sin_n and_o stand_v kick_v against_o the_o spur_n if_o we_o consider_v the_o monstruous_a waste_n and_o spoil_v of_o thing_n which_o civil_a war_n be_v wont_a to_o breed_v whereof_o we_o have_v see_v but_o too_o many_o by_o experience_n the_o hear_v of_o our_o head_n will_v stand_v up_o at_o it_o cornelius_n tacitus_n rehearse_v the_o mischief_n that_o befall_v to_o the_o empire_n of_o rome_n by_o the_o civil_a war_n that_o be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o emperor_n galba_n vitellus_n and_o otho_n say_v that_o in_o those_o fiery_a broil_n the_o goodly_a province_n of_o the_o empire_n stagger_v incline_v to_o a_o change_n of_o state_n and_o to_o a_o overthrow_n of_o the_o monarchical_a government_n wherethrough_a they_o have_v feel_v so_o many_o oppression_n by_o mean_n of_o the_o quarrel_n and_o parttakinge_n of_o great_a man_n who_o 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and_o partly_o through_o the_o spyte_n of_o such_o as_o hold_v the_o helm_n it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o a_o man_n to_o think_v what_o he_o list_v nor_o to_o speak_v what_o he_o know_v the_o wickedness_n of_o the_o flatterer_n who_o have_v win_v the_o ear_n of_o the_o prince_n and_o the_o great_a reward_n which_o they_o obtain_v for_o their_o flatter_a as_o consulship_n government_n of_o province_n preferment_n to_o priesthod_n spoil_n of_o country_n and_o exchete_a of_o man_n good_n be_v hate_v and_o abhor_v alike_o of_o all_o people_n the_o small_a country_n which_o sometime_o be_v entangle_v in_o those_o civil_a broil_n be_v full_a of_o cruel_a deed_n the_o sea_n be_v cover_v with_o folk_n that_o have_v be_v banish_v and_o drive_v out_o of_o their_o own_o house_n the_o rock_n of_o the_o sea_n be_v pester_v about_o with_o the_o carcase_n of_o folk_n murder_v and_o the_o good_a city_n be_v quite_o &_o clean_o soak_a from_o all_o their_o substance_n these_o be_v the_o fruit_n in_o 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and_o bind_v it_o with_o a_o oath_n that_o he_o do_v believe_v that_o those_o of_o meryndoll_n and_o cabryer_n be_v better_a and_o more_o honest_a people_n than_o himself_o or_o any_o of_o his_o other_o subject_n and_o what_o will_v you_o infer_v of_o this_o will_v you_o say_v now_o that_o this_o good_a king_n be_v a_o protestant_n or_o that_o he_o mislike_v the_o romayn_n religion_n i_o think_v there_o be_v no_o man_n so_o shameless_a that_o dare_v say_v so_o for_o his_o life_n and_o act_n do_v show_v that_o he_o be_v very_o well_o mind_v towards_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o maintenance_n whereof_o he_o hold_v great_a war_n in_o italy_n against_o the_o venetian_n and_o other_o prince_n that_o usurp_v upon_o the_o patrimony_n of_o the_o church_n but_o he_o be_v a_o good_a king_n and_o do_v acknowledge_v that_o god_n have_v put_v the_o sceptre_n in_o his_o hand_n to_o minister_v justice_n to_o all_o his_o people_n and_o not_o to_o condemn_v the_o accuse_a without_o hear_v their_o answer_n nor_o to_o judge_n of_o a_o matter_n of_o importance_n by_o the_o conscience_n of_o other_o but_o meek_o to_o geve_v hear_v to_o all_o matter_n bring_v before_o he_o &_o not_o to_o condemn_v those_o thing_n for_o evil_a which_o may_v show_v themselves_o to_o be_v good_a i_o therefore_o conclude_v thus_o that_o those_o which_o in_o these_o day_n do_v so_o presumptuous_o condemn_v the_o reform_a religion_n without_o know_v any_o deserve_a cause_n or_o without_o hear_v such_o as_o profess_v the_o same_o under_o colour_n of_o the_o condemnation_n do_v already_o by_o the_o pope_n by_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n and_o by_o the_o sorbonist_n do_v show_v thereby_o the_o great_a forgetfulness_n of_o their_o duty_n of_o judge_v upright_o and_o that_o they_o carry_v to_o slack_v a_o hand_n on_o the_o bridle_n of_o their_o conscience_n in_o suffer_v it_o to_o depend_v upon_o the_o fantastical_a judgement_n of_o other_o lactantius_n fyrmian_n speak_v to_o constantine_n the_o great_a who_o be_v the_o first_o christian_n emperor_n do_v great_o complain_v and_o bewail_v that_o the_o pagan_n and_o idolater_n of_o his_o time_n do_v condemn_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o have_v it_o in_o disdain_n without_o know_v what_o christian_n religion_n be_v and_o without_o read_v their_o book_n to_o understand_v it_o speak_v these_o be_v the_o very_a word_n of_o lactantius_n i_o doubt_v not_o most_o mighty_a emperor_n constantine_n but_o that_o if_o this_o my_o work_n whereby_o i_o show_v that_o the_o creator_n of_o all_o thing_n be_v the_o governor_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n do_v fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o these_o unlearned_a religious_a folk_n they_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o great_a superstition_n which_o make_v they_o too_o too_o impatient_a will_v assault_v i_o with_o injury_n &_o spiteful_o fling_v the_o book_n to_o the_o ground_n before_o they_o have_v read_v so_o much_o as_o the_o begin_n of_o it_o imagine_v that_o they_o shall_v defile_v themselves_o with_o such_o a_o crime_n as_o can_v never_o be_v wipe_v out_o again_o if_o they_o shall_v either_o read_v it_o or_o hear_v it_o red_a patient_o nevertheless_o i_o beseech_v they_o in_o duty_n of_o humanity_n not_o to_o condemn_v my_o write_n if_o it_o may_v be_v before_o they_o do_v perfect_o understand_v they_o for_o if_o it_o be_v allow_v by_o order_n of_o law_n that_o churchrobber_n traitor_n and_o poisoner_n shall_v speak_v for_o themselves_o and_o argue_v in_o their_o own_o defence_n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o condemn_v any_o of_o they_o without_o examination_n of_o his_o cause_n it_o be_v not_o against_o reason_n that_o i_o shall_v entreat_v those_o into_o who_o hand_n this_o book_n shall_v happen_v to_o read_v it_o or_o hear_v it_o read_v throughout_o and_o to_o defer_v their_o judgement_n until_o they_o have_v read_v it_o to_o the_o end_n but_o i_o know_v well_o the_o wilfulness_n of_o that_o kind_n of_o people_n to_o be_v such_o as_o i_o shall_v not_o obtain_v this_o suit_n of_o they_o for_o they_o be_v afraid_a lest_o the_o force_n and_o strength_n of_o the_o truth_n shall_v overcome_v they_o and_o make_v they_o yield_v unto_o we_o and_o to_o agree_v with_o we_o that_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o their_o roar_n &_o storm_a lest_o they_o shall_v hear_v we_o and_o of_o their_o shut_n of_o their_o eye_n lest_o they_o shall_v see_v the_o light_n which_o we_o bring_v unto_o they_o wherein_o they_o show_v the_o little_a assurance_n that_o they_o have_v in_o their_o own_o fond_a reason_n for_o they_o dare_v neither_o understand_v nor_o enter_v into_o disputation_n because_o they_o know_v they_o shall_v soon_o be_v vanquish_v by_o reason_n whereof_o it_o come_v to_o pass_n that_o through_o their_o shun_v of_o all_o manner_n of_o scan_v and_o sift_v of_o thing_n by_o disputation_n they_o drive_v discretion_n quite_o away_o and_o force_n and_o fury_n bear_v the_o sway_n as_o say_v ennius_n and_o because_o they_o be_v bend_v to_o condemn_v and_o utter_o to_o oppress_v such_o as_o they_o well_o know_v to_o be_v innocent_a they_o be_v unwilling_a that_o their_o innocence_n shall_v appear_v because_o they_o deem_v it_o a_o great_a iniquity_n to_o condemn_v the_o innocency_n that_o be_v apparent_a they_o the_o innocency_n that_o come_v not_o to_o trial_n or_o rather_o as_o i_o say_v afore_o they_o be_v afeard_a that_o they_o shall_v have_v no_o power_n to_o condemn_v we_o if_o they_o shall_v hear_v us._n this_o be_v the_o invective_n which_o lactantius_n write_v against_o the_o heathen_a in_o his_o time_n who_o condemn_v the_o christian_n without_o hear_v they_o which_o reason_n i_o will_v use_v against_o the_o impatient_a catholic_n desire_v they_o not_o to_o show_v themselves_o like_o unto_o those_o heathen_a man_n in_o be_v so_o obstinate_a as_o to_o shut_v their_o ear_n from_o hear_v and_o understand_v the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o so_o condemn_v &_o persecute_v without_o know_v what_o it_o contain_v but_o if_o those_o angry_a catholic_n which_o oppose_v themselves_o as_o adversary_n against_o our_o reform_a religion_n and_o so_o bold_o condemn_v it_o will_v temper_v their_o choler_n &_o passion_n with_o such_o moderation_n as_o to_o geve_v place_n to_o reason_n and_o to_o set_v natural_a discretion_n in_o due_a place_n and_o pre-eminence_n true_o i_o dare_v make_v they_o judge_n of_o this_o cause_n and_o i_o be_o well_o assure_v that_o they_o will_v judge_v far_o otherwise_o than_o they_o have_v do_v hitherto_o or_o do_v yet_o and_o in_o deed_n if_o the_o love_n of_o truth_n have_v any_o place_n in_o their_o heart_n as_o i_o believe_v it_o have_v i_o beseech_v they_o even_o before_o god_n and_o for_o the_o truth_n sake_n to_o vouchsafe_v to_o examine_v this_o present_a defence_n with_o settle_a judgement_n and_o to_o consider_v of_o it_o without_o affection_n for_o i_o protest_v unto_o they_o that_o i_o will_v use_v such_o modesty_n in_o my_o word_n as_o none_o shall_v just_o have_v cause_n to_o accuse_v i_o of_o rigour_n first_o therefore_o i_o presuppose_v that_o betwixt_o the_o romish_a catholic_n and_o the_o protestant_n there_o be_v disagreement_n of_o doctrine_n in_o many_o point_n yea_o even_o in_o the_o most_o principal_a as_o i_o will_v show_v hereafter_o but_o yet_o nevertheless_o both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o do_v acknowledge_v general_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o person_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o two_o nature_n not_o confound_v the_o holy_a trinitye_n of_o the_o father_n the_o son_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n and_o therefore_o they_o both_o may_v in_o this_o respect_n be_v call_v christian_n howbeit_o the_o one_o more_o apt_o than_o the_o other_o as_o shall_v appear_v by_o that_o which_o i_o will_v say_v hereafter_o now_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o treat_v of_o the_o point_n which_o be_v in_o question_n and_o that_o all_o man_n may_v the_o more_o plain_o judge_v thereof_o we_o will_v distinct_o examine_v the_o reason_n which_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v in_o this_o discourse_n and_o be_v common_o allege_v on_o both_o side_n for_o the_o maintain_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o either_o party_n and_o so_o by_o compare_v the_o contrary_a reason_n and_o allegation_n together_o the_o truth_n will_v the_o more_o apparent_o show_v itself_o because_o light_n be_v they_o most_o apparent_a and_o bright_a when_o it_o be_v set_v nigh_o to_o his_o contrary_n ¶_o of_o three_o maxim_n ground_n or_o rule_n whereby_o a_o man_n may_v judge_v of_o the_o point_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v in_o question_n the_o first_o chapter_n forasmuch_o as_o the_o hot_a catholic_n accuse_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o protestant_n to_o be_v wicked_a new_a and_o heretical_a and_o therefore_o can_v brook_v the_o society_n of_o such_o as_o profess_v the_o same_o we_o hope_v to_o show_v
they_o evident_o that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o when_o we_o come_v to_o the_o scan_n of_o every_o point_n particular_o that_o be_v in_o question_n and_o for_o proof_n and_o demonstration_n of_o our_o say_n we_o will_v take_v for_o our_o ground_n three_o maxim_n or_o general_a rule_n which_o be_v very_o certain_a and_o true_a whereby_o every_o man_n shall_v easy_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v whether_o the_o same_o religion_n be_v to_o be_v reckon_v wicked_a new_a and_o heretical_a or_o no._n the_o three_o maxim_n be_v these_o the_o first_o be_v that_o that_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n whereby_o god_n be_v most_o honour_a be_v the_o best_a the_o second_o be_v that_o that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v best_a build_v upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o most_o ancient_a and_o true_a the_o three_o be_v that_o the_o romish_a catholic_n can_v well_o accuse_v that_o doctrine_n of_o heresy_n which_o be_v approve_v by_o their_o own_o canon_n which_o three_o rule_n or_o maxim_n be_v so_o clear_a &_o evident_a of_o themselves_o that_o in_o my_o opinion_n the_o day_n or_o the_o sun_n be_v not_o clear_a for_o see_v that_o religion_n be_v no_o other_o thing_n than_o the_o duty_n which_o we_o owe_v unto_o god_n it_o do_v follow_v that_o that_o doctrine_n which_o teach_v we_o to_o yield_v unto_o he_o all_o duty_n and_o honour_n and_o to_o rob_v he_o of_o no_o part_n thereof_o be_v a_o good_a and_o true_a doctrine_n and_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o better_o likewise_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o only_a word_n of_o god_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v call_v new_a but_o that_o we_o may_v rather_o say_v that_o it_o be_v as_o old_a as_o the_o world_n itself_o in_o so_o much_o that_o they_o which_o do_v call_v it_o new_a may_v not_o nor_o can_v so_o call_v it_o in_o respect_n of_o itself_o but_o only_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o own_o ignorance_n for_o to_o the_o ignorant_a every_o thing_n that_o they_o understand_v not_o be_v new_a neither_o be_v it_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o it_o be_v most_o true_a because_o that_o god_n who_o be_v the_o author_n thereof_o be_v the_o truth_n itself_o and_o the_o fountain_n of_o light_n and_o wisdom_n in_o like_a manner_n i_o think_v that_o all_o man_n will_v easy_o grant_v that_o even_o the_o earne_a catholic_n of_o rome_n can_v not_o dispense_v so_o much_o with_o themselves_o as_o to_o accuse_v that_o religion_n of_o heresy_n which_o be_v approve_v by_o their_o own_o canon_n because_o the_o canon_n be_v authorise_v by_o the_o pope_n themselves_o for_o the_o decree_n of_o gracian_a from_o whence_o i_o intend_v to_o draw_v the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o canon_n which_o shall_v be_v allege_v be_v ratify_v &_o authorise_v by_o pope_n pope_n euginie_n the_o three_o who_o command_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v red_a in_o the_o vniversytye_n 1168._o and_o use_v in_o judgement_n as_o they_o have_v be_v ever_o since_o so_o that_o to_o reject_v and_o condemn_v the_o canon_n be_v as_o much_o in_o effect_n as_o to_o deny_v the_o pope_n and_o all_o the_o roman_a religion_n but_o full_a well_o i_o know_v that_o hereafter_o when_o i_o shall_v allege_v the_o canon_n those_o passionate_a catholic_n will_v rise_v up_o and_o say_v that_o there_o be_v other_o canon_n contrary_a to_o these_o and_o true_o i_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o canon_n law_n be_v full_a of_o contraryety_n yet_o dare_v i_o bold_o say_v and_o assure_o avow_v that_o those_o canon_n which_o i_o will_v allege_v in_o this_o book_n be_v of_o the_o best_a and_o most_o ancient_a of_o all_o the_o canon_n law_n new_a &_o which_o have_v proceed_v from_o the_o best_a spring_n &_o fountain_n and_o from_o such_o author_n as_o be_v most_o principal_a in_o skill_n and_o holiness_n as_o may_v easy_o be_v judge_v by_o those_o that_o will_v compare_v they_o with_o their_o book_n have_v thus_o set_v down_o these_o three_o maxim_n the_o truth_n whereof_o be_v easy_o to_o be_v perceive_v by_o every_o man_n of_o common_a capacity_n yea_o even_o of_o the_o gross_a sort_n i_o be_o now_o to_o apply_v they_o orderly_v to_o every_o particular_a point_n and_o first_o of_o all_o we_o will_v treat_v of_o prayer_n â§_o of_o prayer_n the_o second_o chapter_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n touch_v prayer_n be_v very_o plain_a their_o opinion_n be_v in_o effect_n that_o we_o ought_v to_o offer_v our_o prayer_n unto_o god_n our_o maker_n who_o be_v able_a enough_o to_o geve_v we_o whatsoever_o we_o ask_v &_o gracious_a in_o harcken_a gentle_o to_o our_o request_n who_o also_o have_v manifest_v his_o great_a goodness_n in_o give_v his_o everlasting_a son_n to_o the_o end_n that_o by_o he_o our_o manhood_n may_v have_v access_n to_o his_o godhead_n and_o therefore_o they_o say_v that_o in_o pray_v to_o god_n our_o creator_n we_o must_v always_o use_v the_o credit_n and_o intercession_n of_o his_o son_n our_o mediator_n who_o may_v bold_o go_v to_o the_o father_n because_o he_o be_v god_n as_o he_o be_v in_o the_o selfsame_a godhead_n and_o be_v and_o disdain_v not_o also_o to_o apply_v himself_o to_o man_n and_o to_o be_v a_o intercessor_n for_o they_o because_o he_o be_v man_n as_o they_o be_v nether_a be_v this_o manner_n of_o pray_v unto_o god_n altogether_o disallow_v of_o the_o roman_a catholic_n but_o they_o will_v needs_o add_v thereunto_o that_o we_o must_v have_v also_o other_o mediator_n and_o intercessor_n to_o god_n the_o father_n and_o to_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o that_o be_v to_o wit_n the_o hesaint_n and_o the_o shesainte_n which_o be_v many_o in_o number_n &_o in_o their_o time_n have_v do_v many_o a_o fair_a miracle_n for_o say_v they_o if_o a_o man_n will_v be_v a_o suitor_n to_o a_o king_n in_o any_o cause_n or_o to_o his_o elder_a son_n he_o will_v not_o at_o the_o first_o dash_n press_v to_o their_o presence_n but_o go_v to_o some_o of_o their_o servant_n or_o lord_n of_o their_o court_n and_o so_o it_o seem_v a_o 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