¶_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 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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 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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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augustine_n who_o in_o expound_v the_o text_n of_o s._n paul_n where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o which_o resist_v the_o prince_n resist_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n 3._o speak_v in_o these_o term_n he_o that_o resist_v the_o high_a power_n do_v resist_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n yea_o but_o what_o if_o he_o command_v unlawful_a thing_n true_o in_o that_o case_n thou_o must_v not_o obey_v he_o consider_v the_o degree_n even_o of_o man_n law_n if_o the_o ordinary_a judge_n command_v a_o thing_n he_o ough_o to_o be_v obey_v but_o not_o if_o the_o governor_n command_v the_o contrary_n and_o in_o this_o case_n thou_o despise_v not_o the_o inferior_a magistrate_n but_o of_o the_o two_o thou_o choose_v rather_o to_o obey_v the_o superior_a where_o in_o the_o inferior_a magistrate_n ought_v not_o too_o find_v himself_o grieve_v for_o that_o his_o superior_a be_v prefer_v before_o he_o moreover_o if_o the_o governor_n command_v one_o thing_n and_o the_o prince_n a_o other_o or_o rather_o if_o the_o prince_n command_v one_o thing_n and_o god_n command_v the_o contrary_a what_o will_v you_o say_v to_o that_o god_n be_v the_o high_a power_n oh_o my_o sovereign_a lord_n i_o beseech_v you_o to_o pardon_v i_o you_o may_v cause_v i_o to_o be_v put_v in_o prison_n but_o god_n have_v power_n to_o put_v i_o in_o hell_n fire_n in_o this_o case_n thou_o must_v arm_v thyself_o with_o the_o buckler_n of_o faith_n whereby_o thou_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o beat_v back_o all_o the_o fiery_a dart_n of_o the_o devil_n now_o then_o these_o canon_n maynetaine_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o protestant_n which_o affirm_v that_o next_o under_o god_n we_o ought_v to_o yield_v all_o obedience_n to_o the_o prince_n yea_o although_o he_o be_v a_o infidel_n or_o a_o runeagate_n as_o julian_n the_o apostata_fw-la be_v of_o who_o the_o canon_n speak_v thus_o 3_o albeit_o that_o julian_n the_o emperor_n be_v a_o apostota_n or_o backslider_n yet_o have_v he_o christian_a soldier_n that_o serve_v under_o he_o who_o whensoever_o he_o command_v to_o march_v forward_o in_o battle_n for_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o common_a weal_n they_o obey_v he_o but_o when_o he_o command_v they_o to_o march_v against_o the_o christian_n they_o they_o acknowledge_v the_o emperor_n of_o heaven_n and_o in_o good_a sooth_n benefice_n so_o little_o be_v the_o pope_n in_o able_a by_o the_o ancient_a canon_n to_o bereave_v king_n and_o prince_n of_o their_o realm_n and_o principality_n that_o he_o can_v so_o much_o as_o geve_v away_o a_o bishopric_n in_o any_o realm_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o pruste_n under_o who_o dominion_n the_o same_o be_v as_o it_o appear_v by_o a_o epistle_n of_o pope_n leo_n the_o four_o send_v to_o the_o emperor_n lotharius_n and_o lewes_n by_o the_o which_o he_o do_v entreat_v they_o to_o consent_v to_o bestow_v the_o bishopric_n of_o rets_n upon_o one_o name_v colon._n these_o be_v the_o very_a word_n of_o the_o canon_n see_v the_o church_n of_o rets_n 65._o have_v be_v so_o long_a time_n without_o a_o shepherd_n it_o be_v requisite_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v aid_v by_o your_o majesty_n authority_n and_o maintain_v by_o the_o power_n of_o your_o government_n wherefore_o after_o our_o most_o humble_a salutation_n unto_o you_o we_o beseech_v your_o clemency_n to_o vouchsafe_v to_o grant_v the_o government_n of_o the_o say_v church_n unto_o colon_n your_o humble_a deacon_n that_o by_o your_o majesty_n licence_n we_o may_v with_o god_n help_n consecrate_v he_o bishop_n of_o the_o same_o and_o if_o it_o stand_v not_o with_o your_o like_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v bishop_n of_o that_o church_n than_o we_o beseech_v your_o highness_n that_o he_o may_v have_v the_o church_n of_o tusculan_a which_o be_v now_o vacant_a so_o that_o be_v by_o we_o consecrate_v bishop_n he_o may_v geve_v thanks_n to_o almighty_a god_n and_o to_o your_o jmperiall_a majesty_n and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o the_o both_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o same_o pope_n leo_n and_o before_o his_o time_n also_o it_o be_v the_o ordinary_a custom_n not_o to_o receive_v any_o bishop_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o prince_n under_o who_o dominion_n the_o bishopric_n be_v according_a whereunto_o it_o be_v say_v thus_o in_o a_o other_o canon_n speak_v of_o the_o same_o matter_n in_o these_o term_n forasmuch_o as_o we_o know_v that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n can_v be_v maintain_v without_o shepherd_n we_o beseech_v your_o majesty_n as_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v to_o vouchsafe_v of_o your_o imperial_a wisdom_n according_a to_o the_o custom_n in_o all_o ancient_a time_n observe_v to_o geve_v we_o licence_n by_o your_o majesty_n letter_n patent_n to_o provide_v one_o and_o we_o will_v therein_o obey_v your_o will_n and_o by_o god_n help_n consecrate_v he_o that_o shall_v be_v choose_v to_o be_v short_a not_o only_o these_o foresay_a canon_n but_o also_o many_o other_o do_v witness_n unto_o we_o that_o neither_o any_o bishopric_n nor_o yet_o the_o papacy_n itself_o may_v be_v give_v to_o any_o without_o consent_n of_o the_o prince_n so_o far_o off_o be_v the_o pope_n from_o have_v authority_n above_o the_o prince_n and_o whosoever_o will_v read_v s._n gregory_n especial_o in_o the_o epistle_n which_o he_o write_v to_o mawrice_o the_o emperor_n shall_v find_v that_o he_o do_v often_o time_n geve_v the_o emperor_n thank_v for_o provide_v such_o &_o such_o a_o church_n of_o a_o good_a and_o meet_a shepherd_n 170._o and_o how_o he_o declare_v in_o diverse_a place_n that_o he_o be_v and_o will_n be_v obedient_a to_o the_o law_n and_o commandment_n of_o the_o emperor_n as_o we_o have_v touch_v here_o before_o â§_o of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o pope_n and_o of_o the_o succession_n and_o discipline_n in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o clergy_n the_o xi_o chapter_n the_o romish_a catholic_n hold_a opinion_n that_o the_o pope_n be_v the_o supreme_a head_n chief_a shepherd_n and_o universal_a governor_n of_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christendom_n as_o vicar_n general_a of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o this_o doctrine_n they_o build_v upon_o a_o likelihood_n of_o great_a conveniency_n that_o jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n shall_v have_v a_o lieutenant_n here_o below_o upon_o earth_n to_o pardon_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o repentant_a &_o to_o provide_v curate_n and_o shepherd_n for_o the_o particular_a church_n when_o they_o happen_v to_o be_v vacant_a and_o to_o make_v law_n and_o canon_n to_o rule_v all_o christendom_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n &_o ecclesiastical_a policy_n they_o say_v also_o that_o this_o authority_n over_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o world_n be_v give_v to_o s._n peter_n the_o first_o pope_n of_o rome_n and_o so_o consequent_o to_o to_o his_o successor_n for_o because_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n say_v unto_o he_o 16.18_o thou_o be_v peter_n and_o upon_o this_o rock_n will_v i_o build_v my_o church_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v have_v no_o power_n against_o it_o and_o i_o will_v geve_v thou_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o who_o soever_o thou_o bind_v upon_o earth_n he_o shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whosoever_o thou_o lose_v upon_o earth_n shabbe_n lose_v in_o heaven_n but_o contrariwise_o the_o protestant_n affirm_v earth_n that_o jesus_n christ_n alone_o be_v the_o supreme_a head_n chief_a shepherd_n and_o universal_a governor_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n which_o be_v disperse_v throughout_o the_o world_n and_o that_o when_o he_o go_v up_o into_o heaven_n he_o do_v not_o appoint_v any_o vicar_n or_o livetennant_n to_o keep_v his_o place_n neither_o in_o deed_n be_v it_o needful_a for_o he_o that_o be_v absent_v himself_o have_v need_v of_o a_o lieutenant_n but_o as_o for_o he_o he_o be_v never_o absent_a from_o his_o church_n but_o be_v and_o always_o will_v be_v with_o it_o by_o his_o spirit_n &_o divine_a power_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n so_o as_o to_o say_v that_o christ_n 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still_o spite_n of_o all_o the_o corruptinge_n and_o darckninge_n of_o this_o world_n and_o of_o the_o maintainer_n of_o they_o and_o in_o very_a deed_n god_n who_o govern_v the_o do_n of_o all_o man_n in_o the_o world_n by_o his_o providence_n have_v reserve_v still_o in_o this_o miserable_a world_n a_o great_a number_n of_o good_a and_o honest_a man_n and_o of_o such_o as_o love_v virtue_n and_o like_o as_o in_o the_o foresay_a time_n of_o the_o civil_a war_n among_o the_o roman_n tacitus_n say_v that_o that_o age_n be_v not_o so_o barrayn_a of_o honest_a man_n but_o that_o it_o bring_v forth_o some_o good_a example_n so_o also_o may_v we_o say_v that_o even_o in_o this_o age_n of_o we_o how_o much_o soever_o it_o be_v infect_v and_o corrupt_v yet_o have_v god_n of_o his_o gracious_a goodness_n reserve_v many_o still_o which_o to_o follow_v the_o pure_a religion_n and_o virtue_n have_v constant_o endure_v poverty_n loss_n of_o their_o good_n the_o cruel_a murder_n of_o their_o 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the_o thing_n of_o great_a strength_n and_o of_o long_a continuance_n in_o all_o the_o world_n give_v the_o prize_n to_o zorabable_a as_o to_o he_o that_o have_v be_v of_o best_a opinion_n and_o give_v he_o great_a gift_n and_o privilege_n aswell_o for_o himself_o as_o for_o all_o his_o whole_a nation_n command_v that_o from_o thence_o forth_o zorobabel_n shall_v be_v call_v the_o king_n cousin_n which_o judgement_n of_o this_o great_a king_n aught_o to_o be_v well_o consider_v of_o all_o person_n and_o special_o of_o king_n and_o prince_n that_o they_o may_v geve_v themselves_o earnest_o to_o the_o seek_v out_o of_o the_o truth_n in_o all_o thing_n as_o well_o in_o case_n of_o religion_n as_o in_o civil_a and_o worldly_a affair_n and_o esteem_v it_o more_o strong_a and_o invincible_a than_o any_o force_n of_o man._n for_o certain_o there_o be_v neither_o king_n nor_o emperor_n fire_n nor_o sword_n pain_n nor_o torment_n that_o ever_o can_v quench_v the_o truth_n or_o overcome_v it_o 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quoth_v he_o forasmuch_o as_o god_n have_v vouchsafe_v to_o put_v down_o the_o cruel_a prince_n by_o my_o hand_n and_o to_o geve_v peace_n to_o the_o world_n under_o my_o reign_n it_o be_v meet_v that_o you_o also_o in_o this_o holy_a assembly_n shall_v do_v your_o endeavour_v to_o set_v a_o stable_a unity_n and_o concord_n in_o the_o church_n for_o it_o be_v to_o evil_a a_o example_n if_o after_o the_o overcome_v of_o our_o enemy_n the_o public_a peace_n shall_v now_o be_v disturb_v by_o the_o controversy_n and_o disagreement_n of_o the_o shepherd_n of_o the_o church_n a_o thing_n that_o will_v minister_v occasion_n and_o matter_n to_o the_o ungodly_a to_o mock_v our_o religion_n &_o to_o laugh_v it_o to_o scorn_v now_o then_o sith_o we_o be_v to_o treat_v here_o of_o divine_a matter_n we_o must_v take_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o our_o rule_n and_o resort_v to_o the_o book_n of_o the_o evangelist_n apostle_n and_o prophet_n which_o teach_v we_o what_o opinion_n 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tranquillity_n and_o to_o procure_v the_o maintenance_n thereof_o by_o all_o lawful_a mean_n another_o be_v to_o love_v the_o truth_n above_o all_o thing_n chief_o in_o case_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o three_o be_v to_o seek_v the_o same_o truth_n in_o the_o scripture_n inspire_v by_o god._n now_o i_o beseech_v god_n of_o his_o gracious_a goodness_n to_o make_v your_o majesty_n virtue_n &_o godliness_n to_o shine_v forth_o daily_o more_o and_o more_o in_o those_o holy_a duty_n and_o to_o cause_v your_o royal_a highness_n to_o grow_v great_a and_o great_a in_o all_o his_o heavenly_a gift_n and_o in_o all_o honour_n and_o felicity_n date_v the_o 15._o day_n of_o february_n the_o year_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n 1578._o the_o author_n of_o this_o apology_n his_o song_n the_o pope_n of_o rome_n a_o thousand_o canon_n bend_n against_o the_o church_n which_o do_v god_n word_n embrace_v and_o stout_o forth_o his_o own_o decree_n he_o send_v the_o sovereign_a lord_n commandment_n to_o 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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 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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 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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
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
take_v out_o of_o s._n ambrose_n 7._o s._n peter_n and_o s._n paul_n have_v pre-eminence_n above_o all_o other_o apostle_n by_o special_a prerogative_n but_o yet_o be_v it_o uncertain_a whether_o of_o they_o two_o be_v prefer_v before_o the_o other_o for_o i_o think_v that_o they_o be_v both_o equal_a in_o desert_n &_o likewise_o in_o their_o death_n and_o passion_n and_o also_o that_o they_o live_v in_o like_a devotion_n of_o faith_n and_o final_o come_v both_o together_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o martyrdom_n and_o i_o believe_v that_o it_o happen_v not_o with_o out_o some_o cause_n that_o they_o both_o suffer_v martyrdom_n in_o one_o day_n in_o one_o place_n and_o under_o one_o persecuter_n for_o they_o suffer_v in_o one_o day_n that_o they_o may_v go_v together_o in_o company_n to_o christ_n and_o in_o one_o place_n to_o the_o end_n that_o rome_n shall_v not_o want_v either_o of_o they_o both_o &_o under_o one_o persecuter_n that_o both_o of_o they_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o one_o cruelty_n the_o day_n therefore_o be_v ordain_v for_o their_o desert_n the_o place_n for_o their_o glory_n and_o the_o persecuter_n for_o their_o virtue_n and_o they_o both_o suffer_v martyrdom_n at_o rome_n the_o sovereign_a lady_n and_o head_n of_o all_o nation_n to_o the_o end_n that_o where_o the_o head_n of_o superstition_n be_v there_o shall_v rest_v the_o head_n of_o holiness_n &_o where_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o gentile_n dwell_v there_o shall_v remain_v the_o prince_n of_o the_o church_n by_o which_o canon_n it_o may_v easy_o be_v judge_v church_n that_o s._n peter_n be_v in_o nothing_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o s._n paul_n &_o that_o both_o be_v equal_a in_o all_o respect_n which_o show_v plain_o that_o s._n peter_n be_v never_o head_n of_o the_o church_n neither_o in_o respect_n of_o nature_n nor_o in_o respect_n of_o ministration_n for_o if_o he_o have_v be_v they_o shall_v as_o much_o have_v be_v say_v of_o s._n paul_n according_a to_o the_o canon_n and_o so_o by_o consequence_n we_o shall_v say_v that_o the_o church_n have_v then_o two_o head_n like_o a_o monster_n a_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o absurd_a &_o strange_a i_o know_v well_o that_o such_o as_o imagine_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v like_o the_o government_n of_o a_o kingdom_n canon_n do_v think_v it_o meet_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v one_o supreme_a head_n and_o governor_n and_o that_o the_o same_o shall_v have_v cardinal_n as_o great_a prince_n of_o his_o court_n &_o archbishop_n somewhat_o in_o low_a degree_n than_o the_o cardinal_n and_o bishop_n as_o inferior_n to_o the_o archbishop_n and_o so_o consequent_o abbot_n prior_n channon_n and_o curate_n each_o in_o degree_n under_o other_o and_o in_o good_a sooth_n this_o order_n of_o holy_a government_n have_v a_o fair_a outward_a show_n but_o there_o be_v one_o thing_n that_o mar_v all_o which_o be_v that_o it_o have_v no_o foundation_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o do_v not_o teach_v that_o there_o be_v any_o inequality_n amongst_o the_o shepherd_n but_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o govern_v their_o church_n with_o one_o common_a consent_n by_o god_n word_n make_v assembly_n or_o meeting_n which_o be_v common_o call_v synod_n or_o counsel_n for_o the_o same_o purpose_n if_o need_v require_v and_o moreover_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o the_o very_a canon_n themselves_o do_v agree_v herewith_o special_o one_o canon_n which_o be_v take_v out_o of_o s._n iherom_n see_v that_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n there_o be_v no_o difference_n betwixt_o a_o priest_n or_o a_o elder_a and_o a_o bishop_n and_o that_o the_o church_n be_v then_o govern_v by_o the_o common_a council_n of_o the_o elder_n let_v we_o hear_v the_o very_a word_n of_o the_o canon_n 95._o in_o old_a time_n a_o elder_a and_o a_o bishop_n be_v all_o one_o thing_n till_o schism_n and_o parttaking_n creep_v into_o religion_n by_o the_o devil_n inspiration_n and_o that_o folk_n begin_v to_o say_v i_o hold_v of_o paul_n and_o i_o of_o apollo_n and_o i_o of_o cephas_n until_o this_o time_n the_o church_n be_v govern_v by_o common_a advice_n of_o the_o elder_n but_o after_o that_o every_o man_n begin_v to_o brag_v of_o his_o own_o disciple_n who_o he_o have_v baptize_v and_o not_o of_o christ_n than_o it_o be_v ordain_v that_o in_o every_o church_n one_o of_o the_o elder_n shall_v have_v authority_n over_o the_o rest_n to_o take_v away_o the_o seed_n of_o scizme_n wherefore_o like_a as_o the_o priest_n know_v that_o by_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n they_o be_v put_v in_o subjection_n to_o the_o party_n that_o be_v set_v in_o authority_n over_o they_o so_o let_v the_o bishop_n know_v also_o that_o whereas_o they_o themselves_o be_v of_o more_o authority_n than_o the_o priest_n it_o be_v not_o by_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n but_o by_o custom_n and_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o govern_v the_o church_n by_o common_a advice_n which_o canon_n in_o very_a truth_n be_v very_o notable_a special_o for_o that_o it_o do_v evident_o show_v that_o all_o the_o degree_n and_o dignity_n which_o be_v infinite_a at_o this_o day_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v not_o ground_v upon_o the_o express_a ordinance_n of_o god_n but_o only_o upon_o the_o positive_a law_n of_o custom_n for_o look_v what_o the_o canon_n speak_v of_o bishop_n be_v much_o more_o by_o all_o reason_n to_o be_v speak_v of_o cardinal_n patriarch_n archbishop_n and_o other_o dignity_n see_v that_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n whereof_o the_o holy_a scripture_n make_v mention_v be_v institute_v long_o time_n before_o the_o dignity_n of_o the_o cardinal_n and_o the_o other_o and_o hereupon_o it_o follow_v that_o man_n shall_v not_o make_v so_o great_a reckon_n of_o any_o of_o these_o great_a and_o pompous_a dignity_n which_o be_v found_v but_o only_o upon_o custom_n which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v of_o any_o or_o at_o least_o wise_a of_o very_o little_a authority_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n as_o shall_v be_v declare_v more_o at_o large_a in_o the_o last_o chapter_n of_o this_o book_n tyme._n as_o touch_v the_o residue_n if_o it_o be_v allege_v that_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n have_v in_o old_a time_n and_o still_o ought_v to_o have_v chief_a authority_n and_o pre-eminence_n at_o the_o least_o wise_a in_o the_o assembly_n of_o counsel_n and_o synod_n the_o answer_n be_v that_o he_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o the_o matter_n for_o the_o ecclesiastical_a history_n and_o the_o act_n of_o the_o ancient_a counsel_n 1._o as_o that_o of_o nice_n hold_v in_o the_o time_n of_o constantine_n the_o emperor_n do_v witness_n unto_o we_o that_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n be_v so_o far_o of_o from_o overrule_a the_o counsel_n that_o he_o take_v his_o place_n in_o sit_v but_o as_o four_o in_o degree_n which_o be_v a_o good_a way_n offe_z from_o the_o first_o and_o chief_a place_n as_o he_o do_v at_o the_o general_a 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