The Acts of Christ and Antichrist

The Acts of Christ and Antichrist, concerning both their life and doctrine.

Of their life.

F Irste. Christ as touching his deity, is the true and natural Son of the living and immortal God: and as concerning his humainitie, he is the true and natural Soonne of Marie the Virgin.

Antichrist both body and soul is the child of wrath, and the Son of perdition, yea, and that sinful man. which is an adversary to God and all godliness, to Christ and to all christianity.

2 Christ being borne, brought into the world great joy, high peace, and everlasting salvation as the Angel said to the Shepheardes: Behold, I bring you tidynges of great joy, which shall come to all people: For unto you is borne this day in the Citee of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.

Again, Glory be to God on hie, and peace on the yearth: and unto God a good will.

Antichrist being borne, bringeth with him not joy, but greef of mind, not peace but trouble of body, not Salvation, but plain distructiō both of body and soul to so many as embrace him.

3 Christ, when he should be borne, could have no room in the June, and therefore was borne in a Stable: and being wrapped in poor and homely swadlyng cloths, he was laid in a maunger.

Antichrist, before he be borne, hath a gorgeous & richly appareled house prepared for him, with all such furniture, as becometh such a wicked worldlyng.

4 Christ, when he was borne, was not joyfully received of the world, no, not of thē to whom he was promised & sent, but rather hated & persecuted moste cruelly.

Antichrist being borne, is moste tenderly embraced, loved, kissed, and coulled: and in all pointes warely kept, and circumspectly attēded, that no greef or misfortune chance unto him, so dear is he to the children of this world.

5 Christ, when according to his age, he ought to have been both tenderly and quietly norished, was compelled through the cruelty of Tyrauntes, to be carried from country to country, and yet hardly found he rest at any time, so in all pointes did the Cross follow him, even from the very cradle, as thei use to say.

Antichrist is both delicately and tenderly fostered, and brought up without all noise and disquietness. All Epicures and worldlings delight in him. Thei seek to pleasure him. He is free at all times from all Cross.

6 Christ, when he was borne, had little resort unto him, for to relieve his poor and miserable state, beside the Shepheardes, and the wise men of the Easte, with a very few other.

Antichrist hath the whole world flockyng to him, which cease not to give, and offer unto him great & precions gifts, although otherwise ouerflowyng with the abundance of all things.

7 Christ being but twelve years of age was studious of God's word, and so desirous of the knowledge thereof, that forgettyng his carnal friends, and their company, he remained in the Temple of Solomon at Jerusalem, sitting in the middes of the Doctors, hearing them and posyng them.

Antichrist hateth the knowledge of God's word, and so many as favor it, forasmuch as it is contrary to his filthy will, and beastly pleasure, and delighteth only in that doctrine, which serveth his voluptuous appetite.

8 Christ was obediente to Marie his mother, and to Joseph her houseband, showing hereby a good example of submission, and obedience to all children.

Antichrist will obey no man, but rule over all men, giving hereby an example of pride, and disobedience to all men.

9 Christ (as some affirm) from the time of twelve years of age, till he was thirty yere old, accompanied Joseph his Mothers housebande, which was a Carpenter by his occupation, and labored diligently in that art, by this means gettyng his living with the travail of his hands, and with the sweat of his brows, according to the commandment of his heavenly Father, giving a good example in this behalf, to all that profess his name, that none in a Christian Common weal ought to live idly, but every man work some good thing that he may have not only whereof to live him self, but also to give unto the needy. And hereof cometh it, that Christ is called a Carpenter in the Scripture.

Antichrist is altogether otherwise affected. For he useth no exercise, that godly and profitable is, but liveth altogether idly, of the labor of other men's hands, and of the sweat of other men's brows, contrary to the commandment of God, being in deed a very unprofitable clod of the yearth. And as he him self is estranged from all Godly and virtuous exercises: So likewise doeth he enfraunchise, and make free from all work and labor, all his spiritual smered shauelynges, appointyng thē, not to preach the word of God, nor to administer the Sacrament of Christ purely and sincerely, according to Christ's Institution, but to say Matins, Mass, and Evensong, and to set forth his ordinances and decrees, &c. that thei may seem at the least to do somewhat, although that somewhat in deed be nothing.

10 Christ as he prospered in age, so likewise did he in wisdom and favor, with God and men.

Antichrist the older he waxeth, the worse he is, hated both of God and of all Godly men.

11 Christ disdained not to be Baptized of John Baptist, a poor man and a priests son.

Antichrist will have nothing ministered unto him, but of great princes, mighty prelates, and such as be famous honorable and of great glory in the world. As for poor men he regardeth not, and as touching the lawful children of priests, he can by no means abide them as a matter condemned in his deuilishe decrees and Luciferlike laws.

12 Christ although sent down for that purpose, took not on him the office of preaching, till he was openly called of his heavenly father having his vocation confirmed by a visible sign of the holy ghost, which came down from heaven vpō him in the likeness of a Dove.

Antichrist thrusteth himself in the ministry without any certain calling, yea and that not to do good, which is contrary to his nature, but to do evil, even to corrupt the congregation of God with his pestilente doctrine, and corrupt manners, and unfruitfully to eat the Milk of the sheep, and to be appareled with their wolle, by this means defraudyng both the true Ministers and also the pore members of Christ of their living: being of the number of them, of whom God by the Prophet speaketh on this manner: I spake not unto them, and they prophesied I sent them not, and they ran.

13 Christ, although called of God unto the office of preaching, and anointed with the Oil of gladness, that is to say, the holy ghost, above his fellows, fell not straight ways unto preaching, but sequestyng himself from the company of all men, gave himself by the space of forty days and forty nights to fasting and prayer, that he might be the more able to fulfill that work, whereunto God had called him, unto the glory of gods most glorious name, and unto the profit of his holy congregation.

Antichrist after he hath thrust himself into the ministry, rashly and without any advisement, unworthily and without any due preparation unto so worthy mysteries, as a filthy Sowe and vomityng dog, taketh in hand the divine offices, giving himself neither to prayer, nor yet to fasting, but rather to carnal pleasure and beastly belly chere, nothing caring for the glory of God, nor for the profit of his people, so that he may live wealthily and according to the lusts of the flesh.

41 Christ in the time of his fasting and prayer, was grievously tempted of Satan, and of the infernal army, whom all, he mightily and valeauntlie overcame with the moste mighty and valeaunt armoures of God's word.

Antichrist as he never fasteth and prayeth a right: so is he never tempted of Satan for the probation and trial of his faith and constancy, as one that is already in Satan's nets, and in his possession as a moste miserable slave and vile paysaunt. And if at any time he will defend himself against Satan, and such like wicked spirits, he fleeth not unto the word of God, but unto holy water, holy Bread, holy palms, holy candles, holy fire, &c.

15 Christ when he began to preach, preached repentance and faith.

Antichrist preacheth penance and faith in his Pardons and bulls for the remission of sins.

16 Christ by his preaching brought the people out of darkness into light.

Antichrist through his sermons bringeth his hearers out of the light of gods word, into the damnable darkness of men's trifelyng traditions.

17 Christ confirmed his doctrine with true and most certain miracles.

Antichrist ascertaineth his teaching with false signs and feigned wonders▪

18 Christ painfully travailed into many & diverse countries to preach God's word, seeking the salvation of all men.

Antichrist sitteth at home in his palace upon his fine Cushins and Carpets both gorgiously and gloriously, not seeking other men's salvation, but his own ease and promotion.

19 Christ, that the moe with the more expedition might be converted and turned unto the faith of GOD and unto his holy Religion, did chose unto him twelve Disciples.

Antichrist to enlarge his kingdom taketh unto him innumerable swarms of Hipocrites, as Cardinals, Patriarchs, Archebishops, Bishops, Priests, Deacons, Subdeacons, Monks, Friers, Canons, Heremites, Anckers, Archdeacons, Commissaries, Officials, Pardoners, Proctors, Doctors, Scribes, Lawyers, Sonmners, Apparitours, Inquisitors, Accusatours, Persecutours, Traitours, Condemners, false Prophets, liyng preachers, relique sellers, soul cariers, purgatory rakers, Massemongers, saint worshippers, workselles, pilgrimage goers, Idolators, Transubstantiatours, Breadhonorers, Traditionaries, Papists, &c.

20 Christ did choose such to be his Disciples and Preachers of his heavenly fathers will, as were married and had wives and children.

Antichrist admitteth none unto his priestishe orders, but such ars are wiuelesse, and profess forever after to lead a single and unmarried life.

21 Christ chosed Disciples to this end, that they should be Preachers.

Antichrist chooseth his shauelynges to be Massemongers, Sacrificers, Purgatory rakers, charmers, and Coniurers of unclean spirits, of Devils, of Salt, of water, of bread, of wax, of palms. &c.

22 Christ would have his disciples known by the fruits of the holy Ghost.

Antichrist hath his Chaplens known by docking and douking, by smering and shauyng, by massyng and mattensyng, by tippetyng and gownyng, &c.

23 Christ commanded his Disciples to preach repentance and remission of sins in his name to all nations.

Antichrist commandeth his Shauelinges to say Matins, Mass and euensong: to sing for souls in purgatory: to hear confessions, to enjoin penance, to give absolutions, to halow the font, &c.

24 Christ confirmed the doctrine of his disciples with working of miracles.

Antichrist stablisheth the teaching of his Chaplens, with the terrible and grievous thunderbolt of excommunication, with imprisonmente, with persecution, with sword, fagot, fire, halter, &c.

25 Christ sending forth his disciples to preach, commanded them to do their office freely, that is to say, to preach and to heal the sick for nothing, saying unto them: Freely ye have received: freely give.

Antichrist and his birds are like unto Judas. For they all do so well love the purse, that without money a man can get nothing of them. They bless, they curse, they sing, they say, they patter, they pray, they mumble, they rumble, they tumble, they iumble, they talk, they walk, they blear, they bleat, they fast, they eat, they talk, they walk, and what not? And all for money according to the common proverb: no penny, no Pater noster.

26 Christ, when he sent forth his Disciples to preach, said unto them: Behold, I send you forth as sheep among wolves, For in the world ye shall have trouble.

Antichrist sendeth forth his Trumpet blowers as wolves among sheep, ready to kill, flea and murder, if any withstand their Antichristian doctrine. The world, hateth them not, but loveth them dearly, because they are of the world, and speak of the world.

27 Christ pronounced them blessed that are poor, and he himself was so poor, that he had not where to rest his head, being in this behalf much inferior to the birds of the air, which have their nests, and to the foxes of the earth, which have their holes.

Antichrist which calleth himself Christ's vicar and Peters successor, agreeing with them in doctrine and manners, as Belial with Christ, and Satan with God, hateth and abhorreth such as are poor and without money, as people nothing meet to bye his merchandise, Antichrist himself is so riche, and hath such abundance, that he is able to compare in substance with worldly Princes and earthly potestates. He shameth not to say: Rome is mine, Cecilia is mine, Corcia is mine. The whole empire is mine. And in his lousy laws and deuelishe decrees, he commandeth that if any man either of low or high degree presume to take any of the Church goods, he should be withstanded, not only with the spiritual, but also with the temporal sword. And if any chance to die for the defense of mother holy Church goods, he affirmeth plainly, that they die a blessed death, and shall obtain life everlasting. O Antichrist. This Antichrist had rather have the blood of many thousands both moste cruelly and unjustly shed, than he would loose one of his worldly pelf, so sweet unto him is the savor of lucre.

28 Christ, when they would have chosen him to be their king, fled away aloue frō them into the Mountains, and gave him self to prayer and spiritual meditations, utterly eschewing all worldly pomp, glory, and dignity: which thing he shown openly in ridyng simply and plainly upon a borrowed Ass, according to the prophecy of Zacharias, which saith: Behold the king cometh unto thee, meek, simple, lowly, or of pore degree. He became pore, saith the Apostle that we through his poverty should wax riche. And he said to Pilate: My kingdom is not of this world.

Antichrist advanceth and lyfteth up him self above all Kynges, Princes, Rulers and Emperors, chalengyng unto him authority and power, both to exalte and depose Kynges, Princes, and Emperors at his pleasure, which thing, as we read, he hath in times most cruelly and tyrantlike practiced in diverse and many noble Princes. He advanceth himself not only to excelle all power and authority, but also to be lord of both realms, heavenly and earthly, and that the Emperor is his Subject, as it is mentioned in his own decrees & laws: again, that if the Empire at any time be void, he is right heir to the same. And in token that he is lord and king over three realms, one more then GOD himself hath, that is to say, Heaven, Earth, and Purgatory, he weareth a triple crown upon his pylde pate. This authority, , this Antichrist received of the devil, for the service that he hath done him, which Christ utterly refused, when he said unto him: All these things all the kingdoms of the world and the glory of them, will I give thee: if thou wilt fall down and worship me. This Antichrist and his adherents, that so vilely devise the higher powers, are spoken of in the Epistle of saint Peter, which saith: They walk after the flesh, in the lust of uncleanness, and despise authorie. Presumpteous are they and stubborn, which fear not to speak evil of them, which excel in worship. &c.

29 Christ came not to be served, but to screw, taking upon him the similitude of a servant, and making himself of no reputation to serve and advance us.

Antichrist will be served, and suffer kings to give him water, yea and saith, it were a shame if he should otherwise humble him self, as it appeareth in his own laws and decrees.

30 Christ full lowly and mekely washed his Disciples feet, and taught them so likewise, saying: I have given you an example, that as I have done to you, so ye should do one to another.

Antichrist saith: Emperors and Kynges shall knele unto me, and kiss my feet, and is not ashamed to express it in his law.

31 Christ went on his feet with his disciples both in wet and dry, heat and cold, to teache and instruct the people, as it is evident throughout all the gospel.

Antichrist keepeth his feet full clean with shoes of gold and silver, set with precious stones, & will not preach the word of God, but saith, it is sufficient to cause other to preach, as it appeareth by his law: Verily after this manner might the Turk be Pope also.

32 Christ sat at meat among his Disciples full lowly and poorly: and he did not require the highest seat.

Antichrist sitteth full high in a curious throne and will be served gloriously with great Princes and Potestates: and he will have men with iagged cotes to carue his morselles, blasphemyng GOD with oaths, and committing many other vices as ye may daily see.

33 Christ fasted, and sought for the fruit on the tree to eat, when he was hungry, and found none thereupon.

Antichrist hath great provision made in cities and towns to get him of the best that may be found: and that must be well dressed and deintily to make good digestion, with Spices and Sauces, and sirops coloured out of kind.

34 Christ lay and slepte in a bote on the hard bourdes, and had to his chamberlaines but poor fishers.

Antichrist lieth full soft and easily in beds of down, where he sleepeth swetely, and no man may wake him, until he have slepte enough. His Chamberlaynes are men of honor, which are full ready with marshals and vshers to keep his chambers from noise, and the Porter at the gate to keep out the poor.

35 Christ was in hills weeping and praying, and walked in desert, feeding many thousands both with meat & preaching.

Antichrist sitteth in his Castelles and Towers with minstrelsie, laughter, and all kind of melody. As for the hungrye and poor, they shall die and starve: for food get they none of him. He thinketh it great shame for him, to follow Christ's example. As touching preaching, he doth not so much as once dream of it.

36 Christ rode poorly and simply on an Ass, and had xii. poor men that followed him one foot.

Antichrist rideth royally on a moil, or on a white palfrey, and hath moe than .xii. following him on horesebacke to attend and wait upon him, with Sweardes, bylles, and halberds, as it were men ready to battle.

37 Christ as de passed through cities and towns, hunted fiendes out of men, that they dwelled in, with the words of his mouth.

Antichrist hunteth the wild dear, the fox and the hare in his cloased Parkes, with great cries and horns blowyng, with Houndes and Rachettes running, besides a great swarm of Sym Shakebucklers.

38 Christ praying to almighty God his heavenly Father, in his prayer called him holy Father.

Antichrist is called, the moste holy Father of Satan's children, and like Lucifer taketh that name on him. His Disciples say, that he is God on earth: where as we are taught by Christ's law, that there is but one God.

39 Christ sat in the middes of the Doctors, not thinking scorn to inquire and to hear them in the law of his heavenly father.

Antichrist sitteth in his glorious throne and ministereth his own laws and traditions to all men, and holdeth a small mater longe in pleatyng, which might sone be determined by the law of God, if he would use it. But then his winnyng should be the less, his law without profit, and his consistory cold.

40 Christ sent the holy ghost in fervent love and charity, to teache them, which were the elect and chosen of God, all truth necessary unto salvation.

Antichrist sendeth out his commissions all about to curse and ask vegeaunce on them, that resist his tyranny: and will for money absolve them clean again. A paena & culpa toties quoties. All his doctrines have golden tales. For money is ever the ende. Geue him money, and ye have fulfilled all his laws.

41 Christ fulfilled and kept both the old law and the new, and all righteousness.

Antichrist will have his own traditions and laws kept. But as for the law of God, it is clean out of his mind.

42 Christ said, that men should know his Disciples by their charity, if they loved one another, as he had loved them.

Antichrist causeth his chaplens to be known by their habits and vestures, by their long gounes and shaven crowns, and punisheth them, if they use not their habits. But for their covetousness, ambition pride, whoredom, and such other wickedness, he never punisheth them.

43 Christ promiseth forgiveness of sin and the kingdom of heaven unto them that will repent and amend their lives.

Antichrist saith, that no man can be saved, except he be first shriven of his Priests and Friers. For they bring in money.

44 Christ would not suffer, that doves, sheep, and oxen for the offering, should be sold in the temple of God, but drave out the byers and sellers with whips.

Antichrist suffereth his Chapmen in the Church to sell the Sacraments, that they should freely minister to the Christian people. In his court also there is selling of Bishorikes, prebendes, free chapels, benefices, dignities, Abbotshippes, offices, &c. And all for money.

45 Christ lay in a stable with few cloates, betwixt an ox and an asse. For there was no place in the Inns for his parents, because they were poor.

Antichrist lieth in rich chambers with quiltes, curtains, carpettes, and cushins spread all about, with sweet smelles, pleasant odors, painted walls, with hanginges of clothe of gold.

46 Christ would have men to visit the poor prisoners, to comfort them, and to deliver them.

Antichrist hath no pity on the poor: yea he persecuteth the poor Christians, putteth them in prison for y ^• truths sake, and in fine, most cruelly murdereth them.

47 Christ did never imprison or persecute any man, but he commanded his disciples, that they should love their enemies, and do well to them, yea and pray for them that did pesecute them.

Antichrist that taketh on him to stand in Christ's stead, and to follow his example, persecuteth, punisheth, prisoneth, and putteth to death them that are disobedient to his voluptuous pleasures. See ye not, howe fast he followeth Christ's steppes.

48 Christ healyng the sick, and doing miracles, did for the more part ever command, that thei should tell no man, who had healed them.

Antichrist altogether desirous of vain glory, wordly praise, and mortal renome, giveth great gifts, and large benefices to Pardoners, to Proctors, to Lawiers, to Liers, to Minstrels, to Msasengers, to Friers, to Flatterers, and to such like Parasites, to blase his name abroad, his holiness and godliness, that he may have honor and worship in this wicked world.

49 Christ had no Courtes, to pleate the matters of his Disciples in: for he commanded them, that thei should not resist evil.

Antichrist hath his Courtes, and many riche men of Law to oppress the poor, and to call unto judgment whom he lusteth. For whatsoever cause he will, he vexeth all manner people without mercy. For forgive he will not.

50 Christ bad them that he healed, to go their way, and to sin no more.

Antichrist giveth license to the people, to continue in sin, and giveth them license also to keep, and maintain Stews and baudy houses, and receiveth money therefore.

51 Christ refused to be Judge between the two brethren, in diuidyng their inheritance, as a matter not incidente to his office, which was to preach the will of his heavenlie Father, but appertaining unto worldly Judges, and temporal magistrates.

Antichrist taketh upon him to be Judge in all manner of matters, Spiritual or Temporal, Ghostly or Worldly. There is no cause, which he will not take upon him to determine, namely, if thei bring money. He will all men, in matters from all men, to appeal unto him, and unto his Courte for sentence, without any resistance or against saying.

52 Christ would not be defended in a righteous matter, with martial armoures, but he commanded Peter to put up his sword into his sheath. For he that striketh with the sword, saith he, shall perish with the sword.

Antichrist commanded Emperors, Kynges, Princes, and Lord's with their Subiectes, to take Sweardes, Speares, Halberdes, and Gunnes, and to help him to slay all such, as will not obey his tyranny. And this must the Emperor do, or else he must be perjured, yea, and also deposed, because he is no meet man to reign, forasmuch as he stoutly defendeth not the liberties of holy Church. After this manner came it to pass, that Julius secundus bishop of Rome caused to be slain sixtene thousand men in one day. Was not that well pastured? Was not this a worthy Uicar of Christ, and a noble successor of Peter?

53 Christ gave free liberty to all men, to eat all meats at all times, for as much as that, which entereth into the mouthe, defileth not man, but that cometh out of the mouthe. For all things are pure to them that are pure: and nothing is to be caste away, if it be received with giving of thanks. For it is sanctified by the word of God, and by prayer. Yea, it is the doctrine of Deuilles, to forbid that to be eaten, which God hath made to be received with thankes giving.

Antichrist plainly condemneth all such as presume to eat Egges, Milk, butter or Cheese, but specially Fleshe, on those days y ^t he hath commanded to be fasted, and denounceth them heretics. This agreeth with Christ, as light with darkness. And yet have we been so blinded, these many years paste, through the iuglyng of our Spiritual Sorcerers, that we could never perceive this Antichrist, till now in the latter days, when that man of sin must be revealed and uttered, according to the Prophecy of the Apostle.

54 Christ gave authority unto his disciples, to bind and to loose, saying: Whatsoever ye bind in earth, shall be bound in heaven. Ind whatsoever ye lose in earth shall be loosed in heaven. But Christ spake nothing of binding and loosing in purgatory for money concerning the souls departed.

Antichrist challengeth greater power, and larger authority. For he will loose souls out of purgatory, and command the Angels to fetch them out: and all for money. For without money ye can get nothing of him.

55 Christ is head of the Church, as the holy Apostle Paul doth testify: and also he is the stone, whereon the Church is built. And this Church is the congregation of faithful Christian people, and the very body of Christ.

Antichrist saith, that he is head of that Church: and that the Sea of Rome is the stone, whereon that Church is built. Can anything be more contrary unto the honor and glory of GOD, than thus to despoile him of his kingdom which he so dearly hath bought, shedyng his precious blood for it?

56 Christ gave us a law, which is the holy Scripture. This holy Scripture as it was given by the inspiration of the holy ghost: so did the same spiritie infuse it aboundauntly into the hearts of the Apostles, and likewise doth at this present, with the faithful: and of the same spirit hath this holy Scripture his endurance and true interpretation.

Antichrist is not ashamed too brag, that he is Lord over the Scripture to alowe or disalowe it. For of me, saith he, it taketh his full authority. And for a token of this, the Scripture of Christ is laid under his fete, when he is at Mass.

57 Christ commanded by his Apostle saint Paul, that a bishop should be apt to teache, and that he ought to be well learned, that he may be able by his wholesome doctrine both to exhort and to overcome all them that resist and be against the faith.

Antichrist will neither teache nor dispute with any man in the holy scripture for the maintainaunce of the Christian faith, but only for to augment his own kingdom, and to stablish his own laws. And if any dispute with him, they shall be cast first into prison: where he and his ministers have devised and invented proper engines too wryng their fingers so sore, that the blood shall braste out of their fingers ends. Moreover he will peine them and scourge them, and with infinite other torments punish them, to make them forsake the truth: and afterward make them swear on a book, that they shall tell no man of it. Thus cruelly doth Antichrist entreat man for the truths sake against all justice. And if he cannot subdue them to his will, then either he murdereth them privily in Prison, or else he committeth them unto the secular power as unto his Hangmen or Butchers to be burned. And thus is the disputation ended, and Antichrist hath gotten the victory. Sed viuit dominus, qui custodit veritatem in seculum seculi, & facit iudicium iniuriam patientibus.

58 Christ cursed the Fig tree, upon which he found no fruit, and forthwith the Fig tree wethered, and never bare fruit after.

Antichrist hath cursed, and enterdited Lands and Realms, and yet did not the people die: but they prospered well: and the earth brought forth her fruit and increase no less then before, yea, much more aboundauntly, thanks be unto God, that 〈1 page duplicate〉 〈1 page duplicate〉 this saying may be found true, Maledicent illi, tu autem benedices. They shall curse, but thou shalt bless.

59 Christ calleth himself the good shepherd, saying: I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd giveth his life for his sheep.

Antichrist saith, that he is a good shepherd, and yet he pollet and pilleth, he sheareth and scrapeth the sheep so near, that he leaveth not one lock of wolle on their backs. And think ye not, that he is in all pointes the self same shepherd, of whom Zacharias prophesied? which saith in the person of God: Behold▪ I will raise up a Shepherd in the Lande, which shall yot seek after the things that be lost, nor care for such as go astray. He shall not heal the wounded. He shall not nourish the thing that is whole, but he shall eat the flesh of such as be fat, and tear their claws in pieces, &c. He shall nourish himself, and not the sheep. And this Prophet criyng out on him, saith: O thou shepherd and Idol, forsakyng the flock. As though he should say: thou bearest the name of a shepherd, but thou art an Idol, and counterfeit. Thou art called a Shephearde, but thou art a plain murderer. Thou art named a feeder, but thou art a destroyer. Is it to be thought that this Shephearde will give his life for his Shepe?

60 Christ chargeth Peter three times, to keep well and nourish his Shepe.

Antichrist chargeth his Officers, to keep well his money. And as for the Shepe, he himself taketh pains to shere them, and to keep them low with infinite exactions.

61 Christ gave a commandment, that a man should forsake his wife, or put her away for no cause, but only for adultery.

Antichrist if he be well monied, will make diuorces for whatsoever cause a man will have him: yea, and for money he will join them together, whom the Law of GOD by no means suffereth to marry.

62 Christ beside the twelve Disciples, sent forth to Preache seventy and two other Disciples, which freely promised heaven to them, that would believe in the name of Christ.

Antichrist sendeth out his Preachers and Pardoners, which teache the people to believe his power, and to trust to his Pardons for their salvation, adding, that thei cannot otherwise be assoiled, nor come to heaven. And all for money.

63 Christ took away from his Disciples all temporal iurisdictiō, and worldly power, saying unto them: The kings and Princes of the Gentiles have rule & power over them: but ye shall not so have.

Antichrist lifteth up him self above all power, and saith: Emperors, Kynges, and Lord's be my Subiectes. This is daily read in his Bulls, wherein he commandeth the Nobility, like as a Master doeth command his servant.

64 Christ gave commandment to his Disciples, saying: Look which emong you will be greatest, let him be the lowest of all.

Antichrist saith: The Emperor must swear unto me, as unto his Lord, that he will be my subject, and exalt and worship me with honor, as his own Law testifieth.

65 Christ in all places of the holy Scripture rejecteth, and casteth away men's Traditions and Decrees. Thei worship me in vain, saith he, teaching doctrines, that are the commandments of men.

Antichrist magnifieth the Traditions and Decrees of his Canon Law, and saith, that thei ought to be kept as duly, as if GOD himself had commanded them: Or as if saint Peter had preached them him self.

66 Christ wishyng no man to err, no man to be deceived, no man to perish, or to be damned, called him self in his Sermons the way, the truth, and the life. I am saith he, the way, the truth, and the life. Beleue in me and follow me in my learning, and rule you by the scripture: For that shall be your Judge.

Antichrist saith, ye shall in all things follow the Church of Rome, meaning thereby, him self and his Cardinals, as appeareth in his own Law. And as for the Scripture, saith he, it standeth in my power and authority: For I may make of it, whatsoever pleaseth me.

67 Christ loved them that were his enemies, blessed them that cursed, and did good to them, that hated him.

Antichrist cannot find in his heart, to love and bless his enemies, nor to do good to his adversaries: but such as in any point be against him, he curseth with the great curse, and will not absolve them, till thei have made perfect submission, and paid great sommes of money.

68 Christ commanded his Disciples that thei should not resist evil, but if a man strike them upon the one cheek, that thei should offer him the other also.

Antichrist will suffer nothing, yea, he teacheth, that he may avenge, and drive away force with force.

69 Christ by open voice from Heaven, was pronounced of God the Father, to be his dearly beloved Soonne: and so many as purpose to be saved, and to be made enheritours of eternal life, are commanded to hear him.

Antichrist giveth straight commandment, that under pain of everlasting damnation, we hear him, obey, and observe his Decrees and Laws.

70 Christ laid light burdeines, and sweet yokes upon his Disciples necks.

Antichrist saith intolerable burdens, and moste grievous yokes upon men's shoulders: and notwithstanding he saith: If any commandment or burden be so heavy, that it cannot be sustained and borne, yet shall ye obey me. In this behalf Antichrist, is like the old Hypocrites emong the Jews, of whom our Savior Christ speaketh on this manner: Thei bind together heavy burdens, and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders: But thei them selves will not heave at them with one of their fingers. Again, woe unto you, ye Lawiers: For ye lade men with burdens, which thei be not able to bear: and ye yourselves touche not the packes with one of your fingers.

71 Christ paid Tribute to Caesar: and gave commandment to all his, that thei should give to the Temporal Magistrate, whatsoever is due unto him, as the Apostle saith: Give to every man his duty: Tribute to whom Tribute belongeth: Custom to whom Custom is due. &c.

Antichrist despiseth both this example and doctrine of Christ, and excommunicateth all them, that ask any Tolle or Tribute, either of him or of his. For he hath made them all free by his Law, from all such charges and paimentes.

77 Christ, when he lived in this world, was beneficial, liberal, and plentiful in doing the works of mercy to the poor, and exhorted other to do the like, ever commendyng mercy, above Offerynges and Sacrifices.

Antichrist hath no pleasure at all in the works of mercy, neither careth he for the poor: But his desire is, that men should give their money for Pardons, for Masses, for Dirges. &c. and bestow their gooddes upon Images gildyng, Tabernacles pointyng, chaūtries building, &c. so that he will no mercy, but all offerings. And he that saith: It is better to give our charity to the poor, (as Christ saith) is counted half an Heretike, because he goeth about to mar Antichrists market.

73 Christ the Mirrour of meekness, and example of humility, charged his disciples, that thei should not desire to be called masters, nor yet fathers on yearth.

Antichrist will not only be called the Lord and Master of all Christendom, but also the moste holy Father in yearth, God's Uicar in yearth, Peters Successor in yearth, and Heade of the Church in yearth. &c.

74 Christ disdained not to go unto the Marriage, when he was called: and sanctified the same with the first fruits of his miracles.

Antichrist despiseth marriage, and commandeth his Shauelynges, by no means to be at them, as a kind of life, imperfect, and unworthy their high perfection, and pure state of their vocation or calling.

75 Chirste refuseth not to go, wheresoerver he was desired, so he might do good to other.

Antichrist is so delicate and fine, and vnpacient of labor, that he refuseth to go anywhere, except it be to profit, and to do good to him self,

76 Christ thought no scorn (such was his good will toward all men) even with his hand to touche the Leper, when he healed him.

Antichrist disdaineth once to look upon the poor, so far it is of that he will handle, and touche the miserable diseased and loathsome people with his holy hands. His delight is to have to do with the great God Mammon, and with the nise nimphes of Lady Uenus court.

77 Christ had great pleasure, and singular delight, to be emong thē that were sick and diseased.

Antichrist hath all his delight and pleasure, to be emong the minions of the world, and the lusty galauntes, Dicers, Carders, Minstrelles, Gameplaiers, and all such as may provoke him unto pleasure, mirthe, and joy.

78 Christ kept company with sinners: whores, and Publican's, to the ende, that he might allure them from wickedness, unto Godliness, saying: Thei that are whole, have no need of a Physician, but thei that are sick. For I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

Antichrist delighteth to accompany the Princes, and Rulers of this world, that he may enlarge, and increase saint Peters patrimony, and enriche Mother holy Church, which beginneth now to wax old, and hath great need of help. As touching them that are run astraie from God, he knoweth none other way unto salvation, but to exhort them to buy his Pardons, Masses, &c.

79 Christ in his Sermons had no respect of persons, but rebuked all degrees a like, that were rebukeable.

Antichrist preacheth never, prateth oft, great and noble personages he flattereth although never so wicked and ungodly, namely when he hopeth and looketh for gain. As touching the poor and miserable, he thundereth at them with the sentence of the great curse.

80 Christ, when his Disciples James and John, would have had fire come down from heaven, as in the days of Elias upon the Samaritans, for their ingratitude and unthankfulness, and so to have destroyed them, rebuked them, and said: ye wote not, what manner spirit ye are of For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them.

Antichrist, when any, although never so little displeasure is done against him. so fumeth and fometh, so braieth and brauleth, so roareth and rageth, that straight ways, out of his fiery place, he casteth out his moste grievous thunderbolte, of that terrible great excommunication. If that will do no good, then provoketh he princes unto wars out of hand, and to murder for his sake, many thousand of innocent souls, never ceasyng from his furious madness, and mad fury, until he be avenged to the uttermost, forgettyng this commandment of GOD: vengeance is mine, and I will reward saith the Lord.

81 Christ always defended his disciples against the Scribes and Pharisees, with the aucthorities of God's word.

Antichrist defendeth his adherents with bannyng and cursing, with Sweard and Spear, with Bows and Arowes, with Gonne and Pollaxe, and such like martial armoures,

82 Christ took patiently the opprobrious words that were spoken against his own person: but the railing blasphemies uttered of the blasphemous enemies of the truth against the glory of GOD, he could by no means abide, but mightily defended it.

Antichrist regardeth not the blasphemies spoken or written against the glory of God & the manifest truth of his blessed word: but if anything be spoken against him and his deuilishe decrees, then rageth he like a mad man, and never ceaseth until he be revenged, except his fury be apeaced with good sommes of money.

83 Christ proved and defended his Doctrine against the enemies thereof, with the testimonies of Moses, of the Psalms and of the Prophets.

Antichrist proveth and defendeth his Decrees and Traditions with general Councils, with constitutions provincial, with the authorities of forefathers, with the prescriptes of old customs, with the Sophisticall and Carnal reasons of the Schoolmen: and if all these will not serve, with Fire and Fagotte, with Swearde and halter.

84 Christ so travailed in going about from countreye to countreye, preaching the will of his heavenly Father, that he was many times weary of his journey.

Antichrist taketh his ease, sitting at home in his riche Chaires, upon his golden Cushins and precious Carpettes. If at any time he will take the air abroad, either he is carried upon men's shoulders as a GOD of the Earth, or else he rideth upon his Moyle gorgiously trapped and harnessed.

85 Christ beholding the lamentable tears of the Widowe, whose Son was dead and carried forth to be buried, had pity and compassion on her, and said unto her: Weep not, and immediately he delivered her Son alive again unto her, that tofore was dead.

Antichrist evidently seeing great enormities and manifold, most grievous abuses in the Church of Christ, whereof he braggeth himself to be the head, although moved and provoked with the humble supplications, fervent desires, and earnest prayers of many good and godly men both by writing and otherwise, neither taketh away the enormities, nor correcteth the abuses, but rather as a sworn adversary against God and all godliness, he goeth forth daily more and more to stablishe and confirm those abominations seeking no redress, as the experience of this our time doeth moste manifestly declare.

86 Christ disdained not to come unto Lazarus grave, nothing being dismayed with the evil savor of the dead corps, although tofore thereof warned, and to raise him up from death unto life.

Antichrist abhorreth nothing more thā evil savors, having his great delight in sweet perfumes and pleasant odors, being of the mumber of those which on this wise speak in the book of Wisdom: Come on, let us enjoy the pleasures that there are, and let us sone use the creature like as in youth. Lette us fill our selves with good Wine and Ointment, and let there no flower of the time go by us. Let us crown our selves with Roses, afore they be withered. Let there be no fair Medowe, but our lust go thorough it. Let everyone of you be partaker of our voluptuousness. Lette us leave some token of our pleasure in every place. For that is our portion, else get we nothing.

87 Christ wepte when he came to raise up Lazarus, considering with him self, that sin is the cause, not only of the death of the body, but also of the death of the soul, and of all other evils & plages.

Antichrist reioiseth in evil doing, and is glad, when sin reigneth, flourisheth and triumpheth. For then is his Marchaundise well bought, as Pardons, Masses of Scala caeli, Absolution, &c.

88 Christ is that loving and gentle shepherd, which when one of his sheep was gone astraie, left the residue, and never ceased till he had found her out. Beeyng found he sweetly laid her upon his shoulder, and tenderly brought her home again with great joy and much gladness: and calling together his lovers and neighbors, he said unto them: Oh rejoice with me: for I have found my sheep, which was lost.

Antichrist is of another disposition, and contrary minded. For if any run astray never so little from his lowsie laws, trifling traditions, devilish decrees, and crooked constitutions, canckered customs, &c. straightwaies he is excommunicate, and cursed as black as a Crowe, with book, bell, and Candell even boune to the deep dongeon of Hell fire without redemption, except he will be reconciled to Mother holy Church, and make such satisfaction as shall be thought meet of the most holy Father, and of his devout Chaplens. If he will not obey, down with him, accite him, suspend him, apprehend him, accuse him, condemn him, to the fort with him, away with him.

89 Christ is that most loving Samaritan, which had pity on the wounded man, bound up his wounds, poured oil and Wine, set him on his own Beaste, brought him into a common Inn, and made provision for him.

Antichrist is that abhominable thief, and cruel murderer, which without all pity and compassion robbeth, woundeth, and slaeth both the bodies and souls of men: the bodies, with his exactions, oppressions, pollinges, pillinges, tyranny, murder, death: the souls, with false doctrine, unwritten verities, decrees, constitutions, infidelity, misbelief, superstition, &c.

90 Christ is appointed of God the Father to be the Phisicion and Savior of the world.

Antichrist is appointed of the Devil the Father of liars, to be the corruptour and destroyer of the world.

91 Christ is the light of the world. Who soever followeth him and his doctrine, shall never stumble, nor err.

Antichrist is the darkness of the world. He that followeth him and his decrees, shall never walk the righte way unto heaven, but cast himself hedlong into utter darkness, where weeping and gnashyng of teeth shall be.

92 Christ is that bread of life, which came down from heaven. He that eateth of that bread, shall never hunger, but have life everlasting.

Antichrist is that bread of death, which came up from Hell. Whosoever tasteth of that bread, he shall die the death everlasting.

93 Christ is our peace maker.

Antichrist is our dissention maker.

94 Christ is our wisdom, righteousness, sanctifying and redemption.

Antichrist is our folly, wickedness, corruption, and destruction.

95 Christ is that lamb of God without spot, which taketh away the sin of the world.

Antichrist is that wolf of Satan, full of all sin and wickedness, which daily increaseth the sin of the world.

96 Christ is the head of God's Church.

Antichrist is the head of Satan's Sinagoge.

97 Christ is our mediator, advocate and intercessor.

Antichrist is our disturber, bate maker, and destroyer.

98 Christ is that Rock, out of which issueth and floweth forth the water of life. Whosoever shall drink thereof, shall never thurst more.

Antichrist is that vile and stinkynge puddle: He that drinketh thereof, shall die everlastingly.

99 Christ is y ^t seed of the woman, which hath trodden down the Serpentes head.

Antichrist is that seed of the Serpent, which like a roaryng Lion, continually seeketh whom he may devour.

100 Christ is that blessed seed of Abraham, in whom all nations of the earth are blessed and saved.

Antichrist is that cursed seed of Satan, in whom and through whom so many as lean to his wicked and damnable doctrine, perish and are damned.

101 Christ is Alpha and O Mega, that is to say, the beginning and ending of all our salvation.

Antichrist is the aucthour of all mischief and abomination, so that whatsoever followeth him and his Antichristian doctrine, may be sure to come unto damnation.

102 Christ prayed to his heavenly father, that Peters faith might not fail.

Antichrist prayeth that Peters patrimony (as they call it) may never fail.

103 Christ refuseth no pain to do good to his congregation.

Antichrist refuseth no pain, so that he may have lucre and gain.

104 Christ went up willingly to Jerusalem to suffer death for the elect people of God.

Antichrist hateth nothing more then the cross. As for God's people, he regardeth them not, except they bring money.

105 Christ, when he might have escaped, and gone away from his enemies, freely gave himself into their hands to be crucified for the salvation of other.

Antichrist resisteth his enemies with tothe and nail, with hand and Sword, and with all that ever he is able to make: neither suffereth he gladly any adversity, except it be for the maintainaunce of his own pomp and glory, and for the enrichement of Saint Peters patrimony.

106 Christ was striped out of his clothes, and was all to beaten and scourged, and false witness brought in against him.

Antichrist is well clothed with precious garments, and hath change for every day, and commandeth other to be beaten and sore puished, and false witness to be brought in to testify, whatsoever he will have against the poor innocent christen people.

107 Christ being most unjustly & wrongfully accused, and having many untruths objected against him, as a Lamb dum before his shearer, opened not his mouth. When he was reviled, he reviled not again: when he suffered▪ he threatened not, but committed the vengeance to him that judgeth righteously.

Antichrist being justly accused both of false doctrine and corrupt manners, and admonished to amend, will by no means give ear, but seeketh all mea • es possible to be revenged. He will be judge of all men, but judged of none. He will condemn whom he lust, and he will not once be touched. His doctrine although never so impure, he defendeth with fire and fagot, with sword and halter. Whosoever disdain to embrace and maintain it, all them he excommunicateth, cut of from the body of Christ, appointeth them unto everlasting damnation, interditeth their Lands, Realms and countries, wheresoever they dwell, as experience in these our days teacheth abundantly. As concerning his life and manners, although never so wicked and detestable, no man may once reprove, except he will feel the bitter boltes of the most bitter curse.

108 Christ had a crown of sharp thorns set upon his head, with so great violence that the blood run down over all his amiable face: and boisterous nails driven thorough his precious hands.

Antichrist weareth upon his head three crowns of gold, richly set with precious stones: and hath his hands and finger all royally decked with owches and ringes. He passeth poor Christ far far.

109 Christ took the cross of painful affliction upon himself, and commanded his Disciples likewise to follow him saying: He that will not take his Cross and follow me, is not meet for me.

Antichrist taketh the Cross of pride, and hath it borne before him, well gilte and ameled: to set forth his pride and pomp before the world like unto Lucifer. As for other cross, he knoweth none.

110 Christ prayed his Father to forgive them that trespassed against him: yea he prayed for them that put him to death.

Antichrist commandeth both kings and princes, and Emperors to avenge his quarrel, and to slay all them that resist his mind, promisyng thē that if thei die in his quarrel, thei shall die glorious martyrs in the sight of God, & straight ways come unto heaven, yea, before their blood be cold. As touching forgiveness, he hath none acquaintance therewith.

111 Christ aproued his Law, and confirmed it with his own death.

Antichrist is full busy to destroy the law of Christ, and to maintain his own decrees, and that with the death of all them that will say the contrary.

112 Christ was buried in a poor monument, Sepulcher, or grave, without any funeral pomp.

Antichrist is buried in a glorious tōbe well gilt, and very gorgeous set out, with many torches and great solemnity, and with Angels gloriously portured, that bear his soul to heaven, when, notwithstanding it is to be feared, that he goeth to sup with the Devil, whom he hath so diligently served all the days of his life.

113 Christ suffered death for our sins, & rose again for our justification: or else all we should have perished and been damned.

Antichrist for the forgiveness of our sins and of our justification, sendeth us to his Pardons and Bulls, to his years of Jubilee, and Masses of Scala celi, yea he sendeth us to a Grayefryers Coule, and willeth us to be buried in that, promising us by that means both remission of sins and everlasting life. Is not this too tread under foot the son of God, and to count the blood of the Testament, as an unholy thing, yea and to do dishonor to the Spirit of grace? Is not this that beast, which opened his mouth to speak blasphemies against the moste highest God, & against his most glorious name? Is not this that sinful man, that son of perdition, that adversary, which exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped, so that he doth sit in the Temple of God, boastyng himself to be God? O Antichrist.

114 Christ after his resurrection appeared to his Disciples and brought unto them peace and great joy.

Antichrist when he cometh abroad and showeth himself unto men, cometh like a game player in his Papalibus, full gloriously and gorgiously, and bringeth to the beholders blessings, that is, crossinges, and wagginges of fingers, with such other vain and trifling toys.

115 Christ reproved in his Disciples unfaithfulness, and hardness of heart.

Antichrist findeth fault with his captives, if they be unfaithful and disobedient to his decrees, and slack in paiyng of money.

116 Christ sought all means possible to confirm the faith of his disciples in the article of his resurrection.

Antichrist seeketh all manner of ways to plant, confirm and stablishe in the hearts of men his authority and primacy above, not only all Bishops, but also all kings, Princes and Emperors.

117 Christ so talked with certain of his Disciples by the way that their hearts burned within them: so swetely and lovingly did he open unto them the true & right understanding of the Scriptures.

Antichrist doeth so talk, and uttereth such doctrine, that it inflameth not, but apalleth the hearts of the hearers: it quickeneth not, but rather dismaieth. For it is not the word of the spirit but of the flesh: not of light, but of darkness, not of life but of death, and in fine, not of conversion and salvation, but of desperation and eternal damnation.

118 Christ breathed upon his disciples, and gave them the holy ghost, saying: Take ye the holy ghost, that they being endued with his Spirit, might bring forth the fruits of the same, and be thereby, known to his Apostles.

Antichrist doth breath the spirit of Satan into his shauelinges, and will that they shall be known to be his chaplaines by their long gowns, shaven crowns, horned cappes, flaryng tippets, &c.

119 Christ sent forth his disciples for to preach unto all nations.

Antichrist sendeth forth his chaplaines to be Massemongers, soul cariers, Purgatory rakers, Godmakers, conjurers of salt water, bread, fire, &c.

120 Christ commanded his disciples to preach, not men's traditions, but the Gospel, that is to say, repentance and remission of sins in his name, to all creatures.

Antichrist commandeth his praters to set forth to the people his laws, and decrees, and to entermedle them with tales out of Legenda aurea, and narrations out of Festival Martyrologe, &c. He sendeth forth also his Pardoners to public fables and lies unto the people, and thereto granteth he Letters and Seals, and many days of Pardon, and all for money.

121 Christ willed his disciples to say unto their hearers, that whosoever believeth and is Baptized, he shall be saved. But he that believeth not, shall be damned.

Antichrist commandeth his Trompetters, too blow abroad into the ears of the people, that whosoever will buy his pardons, shall be absolved a paena & culpa toties quoties and then must he needs be saved. And he that teacheth otherwise, is an heretic. This his Bulls and Pardons do plainly testify.

122 Christ charged his Disciples diligently to teach the people, to observe and keep those things, that he commanded them: and so doing he promised to be with thē unto the very ende of the world, meaning not bodily, but ghostly.

Antichrist giveth a great charge to his Chapelaines to inculcke, and beat into the people's heads, under pain of deadly sin, and everlasting damnation, the keeping of his Canons and Laws: and in so dooyng, he promiseth to assiste them continually with the Spirit of Error and falsehood.

123 Christ a little before his Ascension into the Kyngdome of his Father, gave a great charge to Peter and his fellow Apostles, that thei with all diligence should feed his Lambes and Sheep, with the moste wholesome pasture of his most sweet word, saying: Pasce, pasce, pasce, Feede, feed, feed.

Antichrist giveth straight commandment to his Captives, that thei shall poison the people with the Pharisaical Leaven of his Law, and by no means teache them the truth of God's word, least thei should spy out his falsehod, and above all things play Tolle, Tolle, Tolle: Poll, Poll, Poll, pill, pill.

124 Christ commanded his Apostles, not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father.

Antichrist thrusteth forth into the ministry, his Greaslynges and Shauelinges, without any consideration or motiō of God's Spirit. If thei can Mass it, or Matins it, he careth for no more.

125 Christ, when he should depart, and go up into Heaven, lifted up his hand, and blessed his Apostes, that is to say, wished well unto them.

Antichrist lifteth also up his hand, and blesseth the people, that is to say, waggeth his fingers over them. But whether he curseth or blesseth, that is uncertain.

126 Christ by the power of his Deity, Ascenden into heaven, perfect God, and perfect man.

Antichrist through the multitude of his moste detestable sins, and vile wickedness, descendeth into hell both body and soul, and hath his portion with Idolators, Witches, Theefes, Adulterers, Whoremongers, cursed speakers. &c. in that Lake that burneth with Fire and Brimstone: where he and all his shall be tormented with moste intolerable pains, worlds without ende.

Of the doctrine of Christ, and of Antichrist.

F Irste. Christ saith, that he came for this purpose into y ^e world, even to testify & bear witness of the truth, and that his word is the Truthe: Again, that the holy Ghoste shall lead us into all Truthe: hereby manifestly declaring, that in his holy word, is contained sufficient doctrine for our salvation, as saint Paul saith: All Scripture given by inspiration of GOD, is profitable to teache, to improve, to amende, and to instruct in righteousness, that the man of GOD may be perfect, and prepared unto all good works. Likewise said the woman of Samarie to Christ: I know that Messias shall come, which is called Christ: When he is come, he shall tell us all things. And the Apostle in his exhortation to the Elders of Ephesus, said: I have kept nothing back, that was profitable unto you, &c. Again, I have shown you all things.

Antichrist saith, that though it be truth, that is contained in the Bible, yet all truth necessary to salvation, is not there to be found, but there are other truths as necessary to be believed, under pain of damnation, as those that be contained in the holy scripture, and thei be called unwritten verities. He saith moreover, that his Decrees and Laws, are necessarily to be kept, as the Commaundementes of God, and addeth moreover, that thei be of equal authority with the word of God.

2 Christ saith, that no man can come unto him, except his Father draw him: Again, that all shall be taught of God: Signifiyng hereby, that no man can understand, and perceive the mysteries contained in the word of God, except thei be revealed, and opened unto him by the Spirit of God, which alone is the aucthour thereof: for as much as a natural man, cannot come unto the understanding of those things, that belong unto the Spirit of God. And as saint Peter saith, that the Scripture is not a private interpretation, that is to say, not to be expounded after the judgment of reason, and as every man of his own brain fantaketh, but as GOD is the alone aucthour of the word, so is the true understanding thereof to be begged of God alone, by fervent prayer, and by diligente conference of the scriptures. David considering this, prayed to God on this manner: Open thou mine eyes, that I may see the wondrous things of thy law. Make me to understand the way of thy Commaundementes, and so shall I talk of thy wondrous works. O learn me true understanding and knowledge. O give me vnderstādyng, that I may learn thy commandments. &c. And Saint Paul writing to Timothy, saith: God give thee understanding in all things.

Antichrist saith, that the interpretation of the Scripture, hangeth of the judgment of the Fathers, and old ancient writers, and of the authority, and consent of the Church of Rome, which is the true Church, and mother of all churches, and can by no means err, without the approbation of the which, no interpretation of the Scripture can be good and catholic.

3 Christ will all men to search the Scriptures, and to lean unto them, in all matters of controversy, as faithful witnesses of the Lord's truth.

Antichrist commandeth, that when any question arise, about matters of Religion, men should have recourse unto the Canons, and general Councils, but spicially unto the See of Roome, where all doubtful matters are to be decided. As for the Scripture, it hath no more authority, then it pleaseth the Church, that is to faie, the Pope and his adherents, to give unto it.

4 Christ teacheth, that all men's traditions, ought to give place unto the word of God: and that whatsoever is decreed of men, although of never so great ancthoritie and wisdom, contrary to the word of God, is utterly to be neglected, rejected, and caste away.

Antichrist teacheth plainly, that all such constitutions, and ordinances of men, as be decreed, and set forth by the authority of Counselles, and holy Fathers) which are always gathered together by the instincte, and consent of the holy ghost) although thei are not, nor can not be grounded on God's word, are notwithstanding good and profitable: and men are bound under pain of deadly sin, to obtain and keep them. For the Church cannot err.

5 Christ teacheth, that there is but one only, true living and everlasting God which alone is to be honored, worship ped, and called upon: by whose name also alone we ought to swear.

Antichrist also after a certain sort, confessed also one God with us, and that he is to be honored and called upon, but not alone. For he teacheth, that the saints in heaven, both may and ought to be honored and called vpō, yea, and that we may also swear by their names.

6 Christ in his holy Law, both by Moses, the Prophets, and Apostles, forbiddeth to make, set forth, or keep any Image to be worshipped. But above all things, he forbiddeth us to make any Image of God.

Antichrist saith, it is lawful not only to have images and to set them up in Temples, Chapels, Oratories. &c. but also to worship them, to kneel before them, to kiss them, to pray before them, yea, & to them, to knele before them, to set candles before them, to decke and trim them, to offer unto them, to sense them, to put of our cappes unto them, and at the last, what not? Antichrist also diggeth out of the ground the old rotten bones or relics of saints, translateth them, encloseth them in Golde, keepeth them in precious shrynes and costly Clausures, and setteth them forth to the people to be kissed, and worshipped. Moreover he is not ashamed contrary too the manifest word of God, to make the Image of the blessed Trinity. He formeth and frameth God the father like an old broken backed man, with a white head, winckled forehed, holow eied, slender cheeked, sharp nosed, tothlesse, wide mouthed, hanging down lipped, crook chinned, graye bearded, small necked, lean handed, and in fine, altogether monstrous. GOD the Son Antichrist setteth forth as a lusty young younker with his yelow locks: and God the holy Ghost he maketh like a young lusty White flickeryng Dove. But this blasphemous image causeth he to be set in Churches and in all other places, not only to be considered, but also to be worshipped unto the great dishonor of god, the slander of the Christian religion, the offense of all good men, and unto the glory of all God's enemies. But what dareth not Antichrist do?

7 Christ teacheth, that the true worshippers must worship God in spirit and truth: again, that they worship God in vain, which honor him after the traditions of men.

Antichrist affirmeth, that it is lawful to worship God any manner of way, so it cometh of a good intent, good mind, good zeal, good devotion, &c. For God casteth away the good intent of no man. Antichrist therefore teacheth us to worship God with Golde, Silver, precious stones, sumpteous vestures, candles, palms, Ashes, bread, water, Salt, &c. With long patteryng, curious singing, pleasant pipyng, loud ringyng, &c. With Surplesses, Copes, Uestimentes, Caps, Coules, &c. with Massyng, with Pilgrimage going, with Pardons biyng, with Beads saying, &c. And all these things he taught to be more precious and acceptable in the sight of GOD, than to help the poor, or to do any work of mercy. For that is done but to man, the other unto God.

8 Christ in his sweet Sermon that he made, in the mount saith, that he came to fulfill the Law, that is to say, to accomplish, whatsoever was prefigured of him in the ceremonies of the old Testament, so that by his coming he hath put away and utterly abolished all Ceremonies, even as the shadow is removed by the entrance of the light. For as the Apostle saith. The law he meaneth the ceremonial law was nothing else than a shadow of good things to come. The good things are come and given, therefore the shadow ceaseth: whereby we evidently learn that the Christians are now free from such cloudy laws & dark ceremonies.

Antichrist teacheth, that although the Ceremonies of the old law be abolished by the coming of Christ, yet that hindereth nothing but that the Church, which is the spouse of Christ, may appoint what Ceremonies she will, without any offense of her husband Christ, which delighteth in her and in her doings, as in himself, yea and that so much the more because among the Christians there are many rude gross, and thei must be rudely and grossly handled, and brought by little and little unto perfection thorough such Ceremonies, and outward obseruaunces: which Ceremonies and Ordinaunces of Christ's spouse the Church, are with no less reverences to be observed, than if they had been commanded of Christ her husband.

9 Christ Jesus in his doctrine teacheth, that he alone is our Savior, our Redeemer, our Bishop, or Pastor, our head, our reconciliatour, our peacemaker, and in fine, all our hope and comfort, in so much that whosoever believeth in him, shall not perish, but have everlasting life.

Antichrist in his doctrine teacheth, that salvation and remission of sins, is to be obtained also at his hands, at his Pardons, Indulgences, years of Jubilee, Masses, Coules, Pilgrimages, &c. Again, that he is head of the universal Church of Christendom, Christ's Vicar, Peters Successor, the higheste Bishop, the greatest Priest, the moste holy, and moste blessed Father, to whom above all other, the keys of the kingdom of heavē are committed, fo that whatsoever he bindeth in yearth, is also bound in heaven: and whatsoever he looseth in yearth, is in like manner loosed in heaven, so that whosoever cleaveth unto him, can not perish, but have life everlasting.

10 Christ taught us, that whensoever we will desire any thing of God the Father, we should ask it in his name. For no man cometh to the Father, but by him. And in the writings of the Apostles we read, that Christ alone is our Mediator, Advocate, and Intercessor, by whom alone we have free, and gracious access unto God the Father, and easily obtain of him all good things.

Antichrist setteth forth unto us, other Mediators, Advocates, and Intercessors, even the souls and spirits of them that are departed: and commandeth us to call upon them, to make intercession unto them, that thei for us may call upon God, pray unto him, and make Intercession unto him, that by this means, our prayers may be the sooner heard, and our petitions the more easily granted. Thus Antichrist goth about to make Christ, Jack out of office.

11 Christ hanging on the Cross, and ready to give up his Spirit, into the hands of his heavenly Father, said: It is finished: signifying hereby, that by the one and alone Sacrifice of his Passion and death, all thing is wrought, and perfectly done, whatsoever appertaineth unto the salvation of mankind, so that now there remaineth no more any Sacrifice, or oblation for sin, as the Apostle saith: With one only Oblation hath Christ made perfect forever, them that are sanctified. Again: We are sanctified by the offering up of Christ's body, done once for all.

Antichrist hath set up diverse Sacrifices for sins, but namely the vile and abhominable sacrifice of the Mass, which he calleth a propiciatorie, expiatorie, and satisfactory Sacrifice for the sins of the quick and the dead, necessary Ad salutem. This Sacrifice he braggeth to be of like dignity, and of equal price with that Sacrifice, which Christ the high and everlasting Bishop, offered on the Altar of the Cross, yea, to be the very same: again, that he and his Chaplens in that Sacrifice of the Idolatrous Mass, do daily offer up the Soonne of God to the Father of heaven, for the daily sins of the people. Antichrist moreover is not ashamed to say, that Christ by the Sacrifice of his death, done on the Altare of the Cross, did only put away original sin: but he and his shauelynges, by the Sacrifice of their Mass, putteth away all other sins at all times, both actual, venial, mortal, &c.

12 Christ in his blessed Testament teacheth, that we are purged, cleansed, and made pure from all sin by his blood.

Antichrist for the mainteinaunce of his idle Clergy, that thei might live of the labor and sweat of other men's hands and brows, hath devised another Purgatory after this life, wherein the souls of them, that have not done due satisfaction for their sins in this world, must be moste miserably tormented, until either thei by suffering moste grievous pains, have satisfied the justice of God, or else thei be delivered by the Sacrifice of the Mass offered for them, or by some other charitable deeds of mercy. Is not this to count the blood of the Testament, as an unholy thing, and to do dishonor to the Spirit of grace.

13 Christ teacheth, that the Church, which is the fellowship of Saints, and company of faithful people, is built upon him self, which is the true rock, is governed by his Spirit, heareth his voice, and is ruled by the same.

Antichrist saith, that the Church is not builte on Christ alone, but also on Peter and his successors: again, that it is not only governed by the word of GOD, but also by the Decrees of the Church of Rome.

14 Christ saith, that thei, which are his Shepe, and belong unto his Shepefold, that is, unto his holy congregation, hear not the voice of strangers, but flee frō them, giving ear only to the voice of their own Shepehearde.

Antichrist saith, that thei which are of the Church, may not only hear the voice of Christ, but also the words of the Bishop of Rome, which is Christ's Vicar: and knowledge him to be the universal Bishoppe, whose voice to hear, and whose decrees to obey, we are bound under pain of everlasting damnation.

15 Christ ordained in his Church, to set forth the Gospel of our salvation, and to govern his flock, Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastoures, teachers. &c.

Antichrist appointed in his Church, Monks, Friers, Canons, Nuns, Ankers, Ankresses, Recluses, Priests, Sacrificers, Soulecariers, Purgatory rakers, Pardonners, Proctors, Somners, Apparitours, Commissaries, Officialles. &c.

16 Christ in his holy Law, freely per: mitteth all spiritual Ministers, Bishops Deacons, &c. to marry.

Antichrist in his Deuilishe decrees forbiddeth, and condemneth the marriage of spiritual Ministers.

17 Christ by his holy Apostle, calleth Marriage honorable, and the bed undefiled, yea, & that emongest all men, none excepted.

Antichrist shameth not to call the marriage of the Spiritual Ministers, an unclean, filthy, and fleshly kind of living.

18 Christ gave equal power to all the Ministers of his Church.

Antichrist denieth that, and saith, that the Bishoppe hath more authority then the Prieste, and the Archebishoppe more then Bishoppe, and the Pope, more then thei all.

19 Christ in his blessed Newe Testament, appointeth Deacons to be Ministers unto the poor, and to see that thei lack no good thing: And the Bishops or Spiritual Ouersears, he ordained them to preach the word, to enstruct the people, to minister the Sacraments, &c.

Antichrist ordaineth Deacons to say matins of the day, to read the Gospel at Mass, to stand on the Priests right hand, to help him in all things, to have a shaven crown, to live unmarried, &c. Archdeacons he hath also appointed certain times in the yere to visit the churches, to see if the church and churchyard be in good state: if the Uestmentes, Alter clothes, Copes, Banner clothes, Cross clothes, Curteines, Towels, Boxes, Pyxes, Chrismatories, Fontes, holy water bucket, holy bread basket, Bels, Candelstickes, Sensers, Crosses, Cruettes, and such like ornaments of the Church be well and sufficiently repared: again, if the Hosts be well kept of the Curate, that they be not moulde, fustie, evil savored, cankered, worm eaten, &c. As for provision making for poor and needy people, there is no mention. That ought to be collected of the Archdeacons among the merciful Christians, for the aid and relief of the poor members of Christ in their visitation, is now vnfrutefully devoured, spent, and consumed of the Archdeacons themselves and of their Officers, so that the office of an Archedeacon at this time in the kingdom of the Pope is now come altogether unprofitable, and to much chargeable to the Church of God.

20 Christ appointed his Apostles to be the ministers and servants of his holy Church.

Antichrist ordaineth his Priests and Prelates to be Lord's and Masters over God's people: yea, he maketh them to be of greater authority and power thā Emperors, Kings, Princes, &c. of higher dignity, than all the Angels in heaven, or than the blessed Virgin Mary. Moreover he doeth so greatly advance the dignity of his smered shauelynges, that he calleth them the maker of their maker. And to set forth their royal and kingly priesthood, he maketh them ever to wear a shaven crown.

21 Christ instituted in his holy testament two Mysteries, or Sacraments, that is to say, Baptism and the Lord's Supper, which he added to his word, as Signs and Seals of his good will unto us, that thei might be the same to the eye, that the word is to the ear: and so joined together thorough the operation of the holy ghost, bring salvation too the faithful believers.

Antichrist not content with so small a number, hath added five moe, so that now they be seven in number, which are more openly known, than they need here to be rehearsed.

22 Christ, as concerning the outward Ministry, ordained the Sacrament of Baptism to consist of the world, and of the water.

Antichrist not content with so slender furniture, hath added many things, as the Exorcismes or Coniurations of the devil out of the child, salt, spittle, crossing, halowyng of the Fonte, candleburnyng, with diverse other toys.

23 Christ at the institution of the sacrament of his body and blood used only the word, bread and wine.

Antichrist mingleth Wine and water together in his ministration, and miserably handleth the words of the institution.

24 Christ appointed his holy Supper to be a Sacrament, that is to say, an holy sign of his body and blood.

Antichrist saith plainly, that the Lord's Supper is not only a Sacrament, and holy sign of Christ's body and blood, but it is also the thing itself, that is Christ's natural body and blood with as good reason, as though a man should say, that the Iuiebushe, which hangeth before the Tavern, is not only a sign, that there is Wine to sell, but also that it is the Wine itself. Notwithstandyng, whosoever denieth this his Doctrine, must needs be counted an Heretike, and judged to be burned at a stake.

25 Christ making the bread and wine Sacraments, and holy signs of his body and blood, altered not the substaunces of that holy bread, and holy wine, but thei remained in their old nature, substance, and property, as tofore.

Antichrist teacheth in his dotyng and Deuilishe Decree, that after the words of consecration, This is my body, This is my blood: there remaineth no substance of bread and wine, but the substance of bread is turned miraculously, by the virtue of cōsecratyng words, into the substance of Christ's natural body: and the substance of the wine, into the substance of Christ's natural blood, the accidents of bread and wine only remaining, without their proper substaunces. O prodigious and monstrous doctrine.

26 Christ ordained his holy Supper, to be a remembrance of the sacrifice, which he offered on the alter of the Cross for the redemption of the world, that when we behold the Sacramental bread and wine broken and shed, we should call to remembrance that Christ's body was broken, and his blood shed, for the remission of our sins, as he himself saith: Dooe this in remembrance of me. Item the Apostle: So often as ye shall eat of this Bread, or drink of this Cup, ye shall remember the Lord's death till he come.

Antichrist teacheth, that it is not only a remembrance of the Sacrifice, but also the Sacrifice itself, of the same dignity, might, and power.

27 Christ ordained that all that be partakers of his holy Supper, should not only eat of the Mistery of his body, but also drink of the mistery of his blood.

Antichrist taketh away f • om the Communion of the Laity, yea and of the Spiritualty also (except they Mass it themselves, and make God's body) the Cup of the mistery of Christ's blood, contrary to the commandment of Christ, and contrary too the practice of the Primatiue Churhe.

28 Christ, because he would take away his natural body from the yearth, and place it until the day of judgment in the glorious kingdom of his heavenly Father, ordained the Sacrament of thankesgiuyng to be a memorial of the same.

Antichrist teacheth plainly, that wheresoerver the consecrate hoaste is, though it be in infinite places, there is also the body of Christ, even the •• ry same body of Christ, that was borne of Mary the Virgin, & hanged on the altare of the Cross. He saith moreover, that the sacred host being whole, is but the body of Christ: and the same hoaste being broken in an hundred pieces, every parcel thereof although never so little, is but the body of Christ, even as he hanged on the Cross. O doctrine more than twice monstrous.

29 Christ in his holy word teacheth, that the Sacramental Bread and wine should be eaten and drunken, in the remembrance of his body breaking and bloudshedyng.

Antichrist commandeth, that the Sacrament should be heaued and lifted up above the priests head, that it may be worshipped of the people, hanged up in the Pixe, carried about in solemn Procession in pomps and vain pastymes.

30 Christ teacheth that the next way to heaven is to repent us of our former life, and to believe the Gospel.

Antichrist saith, that the rediest way unto salvation, is to bye his Pardons, to put on a Grayfryers Coule, to purchase certain Masses of Scala celi, to trust in the prayers and intercessions of saints, to bye the Suffrages of the Church, to provide to be partaker of the Monks prayers, watchinges, fastinges vows, devotions, &c.

31 Christ declareth in his heavenly doctrine, that there is no satisfaction too God the father for our sins, but only his helthfull and most precious death.

Antichrist saith, that the works of penance do satisfy the divine justice, and appeace his wrath kindled against us for sin.

32 Christ declareth in his doctrine, that when we have offended our heavenly Father, and gone astraye from the paths of his holy commandments: we should convert and tourne unto him, and make our humble confession unto him, and crave forgiveness of our sins at his hand, for his son Christ Jesus sake.

Antichrist sendeth us unto his Priests, commanding us to publish and confess our sins unto him, and take penance and absolution at his hand, with this faith, that so doing we are forgiven and delivered from all sin.

33 Christ saith, that whosoever believeth on him, although he were dead, yet shall he live, ascribyng our justification and righteous making to faith alone.

Antichrist teacheth that not by faith alone, but by faith, hope, charity, and works together, we are justified, when notwithstanding the Apostle saith, that we are justified by faith without the works of the law. And the greatest parte of the ancient writers ascribe justification to faith alone without works.

34 Christ by the Apostle saith, that faith worketh by love, signifying here by, that faith is the mother of charity, and that charity issueth and floweth out of faith, as the small rivers, out of the great and main fountains.

Antichrist saith, that faith is wrought by Charity, and also that charity is the Parent or Mother of faith, so that in the matter of justification charity goeth before faith. Is not this that Antichrist, that should tourne the roots of Trees upwarde?

35 Christ saith, either make the Tree good, and his fruit good also, or else make the Tree naught, and his fruit naught also: meaning that the Tree should be 〈◊〉 good, and thā bring forth good fruit. The fruit maketh not the Tree good, but the Tree doth make the fruit good, although we cannot know that the Tree is good, but by his fruits. For we can judge nothing but by his outward operation, yet God seeth the quickness that is in the root, which in the time that GOD hath appointed him, shall bring forth his fruit: and approveth the Tree to be good, although it seemeth dead unto us. The Tree is faith, which is the mother of all good works, and ever worketh by charity, whensoever occasion is offered. And for this cause is a faithful man in the Psalms compared to a Tree planted by the rivers side, which yieldeth and bringeth forth her fruit in her time.

36 Christ comaundeth that the poor should be bid too dinner, and that we should give to the needy, and so lay up treasure for our selves in heaven.

Antichrist sommoneth and citeth them be they never so poor, not regarding their let and adversity, but he curseth them, if they come not at the time appointed: and if they come, they go away sorier and sicker both in Soul and Purse, then they came.

37 Christ teacheth that we should not swear at all, but that we should use in our communication to affirm, yea, and to deny, nay. For whatsoever is more cometh of evil.

Antichrist saith: if any man will receive any Office under us, he shall be sworn before, that he will be true, faithful and just unto us. If any man also have any thing to do in his Courtes, he must first of all swear by God and by the holy Gospel, that this or that is true: again, that he shall truly and faithfully answer to all such things as shall be required of him.

38 Christ commanded his Disciples to know his Law: and bad the Jews search the Scriptures. And Moses exhorted the Israelites to teache the Law of God to their young children, and that they should have it bound as a sign in their hands, that it might be ever before their eyes: he caused them also to write it on the posts and doors of their houses.

Antichrist saith, it is not meet for the lewd people to know the Mysteries of God's word, but to believe as Mother holy church teacheth them without any further inquisition: yea he maketh it Heresy and Treason against Kynges and Princes to know Christ or his Laws. He hath digged Cesternes of his own traditions, and hath stopped up the pure fountaynes of Christ's doctrine. He can not abide, that the Laity should read the Scripture, least they should perceive his iuglyng: neither can he suffer that the Scriptures should be painted either in public Temples, or in private houses. The blinder the people be, the warmer is his Kitchen.

39 Christ taught his disciples on this wise: if thy brother trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault, between him and thee alone. If he hear thee: thou hast won thy brother. But if he hear thee not, then take yet with thee one or two, that in the mouthe of two or three witnesses, every matter may be stablished. If he hear not them, tell it unto the congregation. If he hear not the congregation, let him be unto thee as an Heathen man, and as a Publican.

Antichrist useth another kind of doctrine. For if any offend and displease him, he will straight ways (such is his burning charity) caste them into prison, there to remain in hard and cold irons, to make them to revoke the truth, contrary to the truth, and contrary to their own conscience, and so at the last too grant to his will. But if he be strong through the Spirit of GOD (without whom, no man is able to stand in such a case) and will not forsake the truth: then after long and many moste grievous torments, secretly ministered to those constant, and faithful Martyrs of Christ, at the last he bringeth forth, accuseth, judgeth, condemneth, and in fine, delivereth to the temporal officers, as to their Butchers and hangmen, to be burnt at a stake unto ashes. As for that charitable reconciliation, that our Savior Christ gave in commandment, unto as many as take upon them to be his Ministers, he utterly refuseth, and will none of it.

40 Christ saith: If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell all that thou haste, and give it to the poor: and thou shalt have treasure in heaven.

Antichrist saith: If thou wilt be perfect, give me thy money, and I will give thee a Pardon, by the virtue whereof thou shalt be absolved a paena & culpa, and make thee as clean, as that day thou were borne: Yea, I will for thy money, give thee the keys of heaven gates, so y ^t thou shalt enter in, without any stop.

41 Christ saith: Ye are my friends, if ye do those things, that I cōmande you?

Antichrist saith: Ye shall do as I command you. For I have power and authority to make laws, and after them shall ye live.

42 Christ saith: When ye have done all things that I have commanded you: yet say, that ye are unprofitable servants.

Antichrist saith: Do those things that I command you, and take a sure conscience unto you, that ye are righteous in the sight of God, & have deserved heaven: yea, if you do all that I command you, ye shall not only have good works enough, wherewith to save yourselves, but also to save other. And these works are called Opera supererogationis, As for myself, though I do never so wickedly, so that through my wicked and lewd behavior, I bring many thousands with me into damnation: yet may no man rebuke me, but call me the most holieste Father.

43 Christ saith: Whosoever breaketh one of the lease of my commandments: he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven.

Antichrist roareth out and saith: What have I to do with Christ's law? I am subject to no laws, but all laws are obedient to me, and to my power. By this means Antichrist doeth but seldom right, but is always against the right, yea and against his own law also, as often as men bring him money. For that loveth he above all things.

44 Christ saith: Blessed are the peacemakers, for thei shall be called the sons of God.

Antichrist saith: Blessed are they that fight, and go together by the ears, for the defense of saint Peters patrimony: for thei shall be called the children of our Mother holy Church.

45 Christ saith: Woe be to you that laugh now: for ye shall weep and lament.

Antichrist saith: Blessed are thei, that make merry, and take no thought: for thei are sure to have a good, and joyful portion in this world.

46 Christ saith: My kingdom is not of this world.

Antichrist saith: My kingdom is of this world. The Emperor with his Empire, the Kyng with his kingdom, the Duke with his Ducherie, and all other with all that ever thei have, are mine, and at my commandment: Yea, my kingdom is, not only in this world, but also in Heaven, and in Purgatory, yea, and in Hell also. For even out of Hell do I deliver damned souls, by the virtue of my Masses: and the pains of diverse there also do I mitigate, by things done at mine appointemente. Thus am I lord of Heaven, of Hell, of Yearth, of Purgatory.

47 Christ saith, that no man can come to him, that is to say, believe in him, except his heavenly Father, by his holy Spirit draw him.

Antichrist saith: If any will not believe: Fire, Fagotte, Sworde, and Halter shall make him to believe.

48 Christ by his holy Apostle teacheth that a Bishoppe, which ought to be the servant of the Lord Christ, must be quiet and gentle, no fighter, nor tyraunte, but such one as is ready to enfourme such as do err, and with wholesome doctrine, to reduce them unto the way of truth.

Antichrist commandeth, that such as are Bishops, should be stout and sturdy, and courageous in the defense of his doctrine. If any be stubborn, and will not relente: his will is, not that they should refourme him by the word of GOD, whereof the greatest part of them hath no knowledge at all, but handle them according to the Decree of his Law, which is to burn them. It may not be considered, whether the matter be right, or not. Nos habemus legem, & secundum legem nostram debet mori.

49 Christ commanded in his doctrine, that the Tares which grow emong the Wheat, should not be plucked up, but suffered to grow until the Harvest come, when the Wheat shall be gathered of the Reapers into the barn, and the Tares shall be burnt with unquenchable fire.

Antichrist clean contrary behaveth himself. For the good Wheat he plucketh up and burneth, and the Tares he suffereth still to grow. By the good wheat, I understand the true and faithful Preachers of God's word, and so many as unfeignedly embrace, and profess the sincere & pure religion of Christ. These as his moste extreme enemies, Antichrist persecuteth, apprehendeth, accuseth, judgeth, condemneth, and giveth over to the Seculare power, with fire to be consumed unto ashes. By the Tares, I mean Tyrauntes, Persecutours of God's truth, commonly called Inquisitors, Canonistes, Scotistes, Hypocrites, Monks, Friers, Canons, Nuns Arkers, Ankresses, Uotories, Uowesses, Pardonners, Proctors, Promotours, Purgatory rakers, Massemongers, Pilgrimage gadders, and all other superstitious and ungodly people. These as his moste dear and tender friends, he kisseth and culleth: he promoteth, and auaunceth unto high dignities, promotions, Bishoprics, Cardinalshippes, Archedeaconries, Prebendes, Parsonages. &c. and diligentely watcheth, as a moste diligente watcher, and Pastor over his flock, that no cross, no adversity, no misfortune, no trouble chance unto them, but all game and glee, all sport and comfort, all joy and solace. &c.

50 Christ taught not his own, but his Fathers doctrine: and what he received of his heavenly Father, that taught he to the people.

Antichrist setteth naughte by the word of GOD, except it be to color his wicked tyranny withal. He teacheth his own deuilishe Decrees, and trifling Traditions, and enforceth the people • , even with violence to follow them.

51 Christ would have his doctrine no further believed, then it did consent, and agree with Moses, the Psalms, and the Prophets.

Antichrist will have his Traditions and Constitutions, believed and obeyed, though Moses and the Prophets, Christ and his Apostles should say nay. For thei be of no further authority, then it shall please him to limit, and appointe.

52 Christ saith: Learn of me▪ For I am humble and meek.

Antichrist saith: ye that belong unto me; must be stout and lusty. For I your Lord am lusty, and stout in all quarters round about, neither will I loute or stoop, either to Kyng or Kesar. Yea, whom it pleaseth me I will exalte and advance, and at my pleasure will I him again depose. All without exception, yea, the very Angels also in heaven shall obey me, and accomplish my commandment.

53 Christ entreatyng of Fastyng, appointeth no certain days or times, but leaveth it free to all that profess his holy Law that thei may fast, when occasion is offered, and when the Spirit of God moveth them, yea, and that after such sort, as thei be taught in the word of God, that is to say, to mortify their carnal affects, to subdue the body to the spirit, and to spare out of our own beallies, that we may have the more liberally, to give unto the poor, according to this commandment of GOD by the Prophet: Break thy bread to the hungry: and lead the needy waifaryng man into thy house. When thou seest a naked man, cover him, and despise not thy flesh.

Antichrist prescribeth certain days to be fasted, yea, and that under pain of everlasting damnation, as the time of Advent, Lent, Embryng days, Saints euens, &c. All these days must be fasted, of all manner of people, that be twelve yere old and upward.

54 Christ saith: My house is the house of Prayer.

Antichrist saith: My house is the house of money. He that bringeth not money, cometh not in there, neither is there any place for him.

55 Christ saith: The Kyngdome of God cometh not with waityng for, that is to say, with outward obseruaunces, and external ordinances at the appointment of men, For behold, the king •• me of God is within you.

Antichrist saith: Weare this cap, or that Cowl, this graie habit, or that white habit. Professe this rule, or that rule, Faste this day or that day. Bye this Pardon or that Pardō, &c. and thou shalt be saved.

56 Christ saith: If any man say unto you: Loe here is Christ, or there: believe it not. For there shall arise false Christ's and false Prophets, and shall show great wonders and miracles, insomuche that if it were possible, the very elect should be deceived. Behold, I have told you before. Wherefore if they say unto you: Behold, he is in the desert, go not ye forth: Behold, he is in the secrete places, believe it not.

Antichrist saith: Loe here is Christ at this Altare, and at that Altare: in this Priests hand, and that Priests hand: in this Pixe and that Pixe, in this Box and that Box. Come, and see thy Maker. Worshippe him, meekly kneeling upon thy knees. Hold up thy hands unto him. This is he that killed thy father. This is the Aplemaker of Kente. If thou wilt not believe that this is thy Maker, thou shalt burn for it without redemption.

57 Christ saith: The Gospel of the kingdom shall be Preached in all the world, for a witness unto all nations, and then shall the ende come.

Antichrist saith: I and my Complices, the Cardinals, Bishops, Priests, Monks, Friars, Lawyers, &c. will to the uttermost of our power suppress the preaching of the Gospel, and so many as either preach it or profess it, that the end of this world may not come. And so shall we still continue in pleasure, joy and myrthe. For that is our portion.

58 Christ saith: Whosoever shall give unto one of these little ones to drink, a cup of cold water only (in the name of a Disciple (verily I say unto you, he shall not loose his reward.

Antichrist saith: What have I to do with the poor? Every man for himself, & the Devil for us all. Whosoever giveth any thing to this fraternity or that fraternity, to this Guilde or that Guilde, to this Cloisture or that Cloisture, to this Chauntry or that Chauntry, to this pardon or that pardon, to this altare and that altare, to this morrow Prieste and that morrow Prieste, &c. He shall not loose his reward. And the more he giveth, the greater shall be his reward.

59 Christ saith: Beware of men: for they shall deliver you up too the counsels, and shall scourge you in their Sinagoges. And ye shall be brought to headrulers and kings for my sake, &c.

Antichrist saith: Ye my Shauelinges with the reast of mine Adherentes, fear no man living. For they shall not once touche you. Is it not written. Nolite tangere Christos meos, & in Prophetis meis ne malignemini? Are ye not my greased, my sineared, and mine holy anointed. Are not ye my Prophettes and Preachers? Do not ye execute my will and pleasure? Who then may be bold to touch you? I have made a decree to curse all them that lay violente hand either of Prieste or Clerke, and that they shall not be assoiled, but only at my hand, and where I appoint. Therefore fear ye not, neither be he dismayed. And as for any bringing of you before y ^e head rulers, take no thought. I have enfraunchised you and made you free from all their power and authority, so that they have nothing to do with you in any matter. I have made you a pecular kingdom by yourselves. You may conuent all men before you, and summone them to appear before you in your spiritual courts, to lay to their charge whatsoever shall please you: but with you they shall have nothing to do. No, they shall reverence you, thei shall crouch and knele unto you. They shall Master you, They shall Lord you. They shall Grace you. Yea, the basest among you all thei shall salute with Domine, that is to say, Lord, or Sir.

60 Christ saith: Blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.

Antichrist saith: Blessed are they that hear my decrees, and observe them.

61 Christ saith: Beware of the Scribes, which will go in long clothing, and love greetinges in the markets and highest seats in the Sinagoges, and the chief roumes at Feasts, which devour Widows houses, by fainyng long prayers: the same shall receive the greater damnation.

Antichrist saith: Though my Choploches Chaplens, and chapmen be in this behalf like unto the sausy Scribes, fine Pharesies, lustye Lawyers, patterynge priests, braggyng Bishops, liyng Levites, satanical Sadducees and such other, which lived among the Jews in the days of Christ, so that they also go in long gowns, love gretinges in the markets, and the highest seats in the Sinagoges, and the chief roumes at feasts, and devour widows houses under the pretence of long prayer, &c: yet see, that ye neither contemn nor condemn them, but make much of them, reverence them, worship them, and honor them: for they are in dignity more excellent than Angels, in honor far passyng Kynges, Princes, Emperors, or any other mortal creature, although never so noble. For they are the makers of him, that made them and the whole world.

62 Christ in his Sermons cried wreck, woe, and damnation upon those Scribes, Pharesies, and Hipocrites, which tithed Mynte, and Anyse, and Comyn, and left the weighty matters of the Law: judgment, mercy, and faith.

Antichrist saith: What have I to do with judgment, mercy, and faith. Bring in your Tythes. Paye your Offeringes. Geue your Dirige groates, your Mass pence, and your Confessional pence, with all your other good and godly devotions. Bye my Pardons Geue ten shillings for a trentall, forty pence to the hye Altare, twelve pence to the Sepulcher light, six pence too Lamps. Euer be giving of somewhat, though it be but a Cheese, or a piece os Bacon to the holy order of sweet Saint Francis, or to any other of my Friars, Monks, Canons, &c. Holy Church refuseth nothing, but gladly taketh whatsoever cometh.

63 Christ by the parable of the ten Uirgines, whereof five were wise, and five foolish, declareth two things manifestly. One is, that no man hath good deeds sufficient for him self. The second is, that after this life no good deeds done can profit unto salvation.

Antichrist teacheth the contrary, and saith: Some men in this world grow up unto such perfection in doing good works, that they have not only plenty and enough for their own salvation, but they have also sufficient for other: where as we be taught in the word of God, that no man living can justify himself in the sight of GOD. He teacheth also, that the good deeds done of other for them that are departed, profit them greatly, either unto the diminishyng of their pain, if they be in hell, or unto the advancement of their glory if they be in heaven, or unto the dispatchyng of their torments if they be in purgatory.

64 Christ in his doctrine teacheth, that whosoever believeth in him may be sure to have everlasting life, as it is written: He that believeth on the Son of God, hath everlasting life. But he that believeth not on the Son of God, shall not see life, but the wrath of God abideth vpō him. Again, every on that putteth his trust in him, that is to say, Christ, shall not be confounded. And our Sauioure Christ himself saith: I am the resurrection and the life: He that believeth on me, yea though he were dead yet shall he live. And whosoever liveth and believeth in me, he shall never die. Saint Paul being certain of his salvation thorough faith in Christ, saith: I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departing is at hand. I have fought a good fight. I have fulfilled my course. I have kept the faith. From henceforthe there is laid up for me a croune of righteousness, which the Lord, which is a righteous Judge, shall give me at that day, not to me only, but unto all them also that love his coming. Again, I know and am sure, that he (in whom I have put my trust) is able to keep that, which I have committed to his keeping against that day.

Antichrist saith: No man in this world, can be certain and sure of his saluatiō, and therefore he ought to doubt, and to stand in fear, whether he shall be saved, or not, according to that which is writter: Nemo nouit, an amore, vel odio sit dignus, sed omnia in futurnm seruantur in certa. No man knoweth, whether he be worthy love or hate: but all things are kept uncertain for the time to come. Again, Nihil mihi conscius sum: at non in hoc iustificatus sum: I know nothing by myself: yet am I not thereby justified.

65 Christ in the Parable of the men, that were hired to work in the Uineyarde, some at one time of the day, some at another, some betymes, some late, and yet notwithstanding, all received like reward at night, seemeth evidently to teach, that all the Saints of God have one, and the same full glory in Heaven, and that one hath not a greater reward then another, but the same joy, the same glory, and the same honor is given, without any difference to all the soonnes of GOD a like, forasmuch as it cometh not of works, but of grace: Again, that there is no respect of persons with God. By grace are ye saved, saith S. Paul, through faith, and that not of our selves. It is the gift of God, and cometh not of works, least any man should boast him self. Again, Euerlastyng life is the gift of God, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Antichrist teacheth, that as there be many mansions in the kingdom of Heaven, so are there many diversities, and differences of glories and joys in the same, for the inhabitauntes thereof. As there is one manner glory of the Sun, and another glory of the Moon, and an other glory of the Stars, (for one star differeth one frō another in glory) so is the state of the Saints in Heaven. One hath an higher place then another, one more glory then another, every man according to his degree, every man according to his works, merits, and deserts. Hereof it should then follow, that there is respect of persons with God, and that the heavenly glory is ours, not of mercy, but of merit, not through Christ, but through our own works.

66 Christ saith: Whosoever putteth away his wife (except it be for fornication) and marrieth another, breaketh wedlock: giving here liberty to the giltlesse and innocent man, having an harlot to his wife, and such one as hath broken her weddyng vow and promise, and hath joined herself to another man, by this means cuttyng of herself, from the body of her housebande, and making her self one flesh with an whoremonger, not only to be divorced from that harlotte, sometime his wife, but also to marry again, and take another woman to his wife, in the fear of God. It is a common saying, saith Jeremiah: If a man put away his wife, and she going away from him, marrieth another man, shall he resort anymore unto her after that? Shall not that woman be defiled and unclean?

Antichrist in his law saith: If a man have an whore to his wife, it shall be lawful for him to be deuorced from her, both from bed and borde, but he may by no means marry again, live as he may.

67 Christ also by his holy Apostle giveth liberty, to the faithful man or woman, being coupled in marriage to such an Idolatour or Infidel, as will by no means forsake his Idolatry or Infidelity, but rather goeth about not only to defend it, but also to bring his faithful yokefellowe unto it, so that the faithful cannot live with the unfaithful with a good conscience, and according to the word of God, to marry again. These be the words: If the vnbeleuyng depart, let him depart. A Brother or a Sister is not in subjection to such. But God hath called us in peace.

Antichrist will by no means suffer any divorcement so to be made, that marriage shall follow, although the giltlesse person burn never so greatly, and be never so much combered, both in body and conscience. Take the whore again if ye will, other wife get ye none.

68 Christ saith: Honor thy Father and thy Mother: In the which cōmaundemente is required of children, that thei give not them selves to Marriage, without the consent of their godly parents. Therefore read we that emong the people of God, none were coupled in Matrimony, but with the consent of the parents. What the Civil Law determineth also in this matter, the learned know.

Antichrist in the bestowyng of children in Marriage, requireth not the consent, and good will of the Parentes: but if thei them selves Marrie, without the knowledge, or consent of their Parentes or Tutours, he alloweth it to be well done, and the Marriage to be lawful. By this means is a great parte of that honor taken away from Fathers and Mothers, that is due unto them by their children.

69 Christ being present at a marriage, with his Mother, and with his disciples, teacheth euidentely, that Matrimony ought to be solemnly, and openly proclaimed and celebrated, and that it ought not to be done in corners.

Antichrist for money granteth dispēsations to all men, for to Marie where thei will, when thei will, and with whom thei will. All things are decent and law full, if money come. All things obey money.

70 Christ in his doctrine did never forbid marriage to be contracted between any persons, except those degrees only, which his Heavenly Father had tofore forbidden by his servant Moses.

Antichrist in his Law prohibiteth many and diverse degrees to Marrie together, whom God hath set at liberty. He hath decreed also that Christian Gossippes, that is to say, those men and womē that have been Godfathers, and Godmothers together of one child at Baptism, may not Marrie together, nor yet their children. If thei do, he praclaimeth their Marriage to be incestuous, and that diuorcemente must be made out of hand. This is to be understanded, except thei purchase a license of him for money, for money maketh all things lawful in the Courte: Neither are his Laws any other thing, then Nettes for money.

71 Christ freely permitteth Marriage to all degrees, none excepted, if thei have not the gift of continency: neither doeth he appoint any time, when it shall not be lawful to solemnise Matrimony, but giveth liberty to all men, at all times freely to Marrie.

Antichrist as we have tofore heard, denieth Marriage to all his clatteryng Clergy, rather suffering them to burn, and to run a Whoryng, then he will suffer them to have wives of their own, that this Prophecy of saint Paul may be fulfilled. The Spirit speaketh evidently, saith he, that in the latter times, some shall depart from the Faithe, and shall give heed unto the Spirities of error, and Deuilishe doctrines of them, which speak falsely through Hipocrisie, and have their consciences marked with an hot iron, forbidding to Marrie, &c. And as he forbiddeth certain degrees of men to Marrie, so doeth he forbid at certain times of the yere, to celebrate Matrimony, in so much that whosoever presumeth in those forbidden times to Marrie, is not only accursed, but his Marriage also is not lawful. Notwithstandyng, if any man will bring money, and purchase a license to Marrie. he shall easily obtain it, though it were on good Fridaie, so dear and tenderly beloved is that great God Mammon, in Antichrists courts. But if it be lawful at these times to Marrie for money: Is it not lawful to marry without money? Doth money make a thing either lawful, or unlawful? God destroy thy kingdom, O Antichrist. Thy money perish with thee. For thy heart is not right in the sight of God.

72 Christ in his holy Gospel commandeth us to pray, but he prescribeth no certain time of Prayer.

Antichrist appoincteth certain times to Praie, which times whosoever doeth not observe, he is coumpted grecuosly to offend.

73 Christ by his blessed Apostle saint Paul, giveth us liberty to pray in every place, lifting up pure hands without wrath, or doubting. And he him self in the Gospel, said to the woman of Samaria. Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers, shall worship the Father in Spirit, and in the truth. For such also the Father requireth to worship him. God is a Spirit: and thei that worship him, must worship him in spirit and in the truth.

Antichrist teacheth, that though we may pray to GOD in all places, yet ought we moste chiefly to pray in such places, as his Bishops and Prelates have consecrated, and hallowed for money, as Oratories worthy for their virtue and holiness, wherein our Prayers may the sooner be heard, and the better accepted. And yet in these places appointed of him for Prayer, one is counted more holy then another, and more meritorious to pray in, as the Church is holier then the Chapel, & the Chancel holier then them both: and yet the Chauncell holier then them both: and yet the Cathedral Church, otherwise called the mother Church more holy than them all three. But to pray at the Shrynes of his canoniced Saints, or in places of Pilgrimage, where the Devil worketh stiracles. I would say, miracles, but namely at Rome, at Compostella, at Jerusalem, &c. this passeth all. Prayers made in those places with this confidence, that they be the sooner heard, and the better accepted by the reason of the places, fly to heaven, as it were a polde hen.

74 Christ appointed a certain form of prayer, after the which we should direct our Prayers unto our Heavenly Father: wherein also he declareth, what things we should specially ask of GOD the Father.

Antichrist appointeth diverse and many forms of praying, not to God, but to this he Saint, and to that she Saint, yea and that for many and sundry causes, to every saint for a contrary thing. And thus are men taught to worship the creature in steed of the creator, robbing God of his glory, and committyng moste wicked and damnable idolatry.

75 Christ saith: when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the Hipocrites are, For they use to stand praying in the Sinagoges, and in the corners of the stretes, that they may be seen of men.

Antichrist saith: I will that my Chaplains and my quire men shall pray, sing and say in none other places, then in the Sinagoges, that is to say, in Churches and Chappelles and such other Oratories, yea and specially, when the people are moste of all gathered together, although they understand not one word, what is either song or said, or on the Organs plaid. And because they may be seen of men, and have the greater assembly of people at their prayers, he commandeth that now one Bell shall be rong, now two, now three, now all the belles in the steple, by the which diversity of ringing men may the better know not only when Antichrists Chaplains and their complices may be seen to pray, but also when it is Festum simplex, or Festum duplex, or Festum principale, that is to say, single feast, or double feast, or principal feast.

76 Christ saith: when ye pray, bable not much, as the heathen do. For thei think it will come to pass, that they shall be heard for their much babbling. Be ye not therefore like unto them.

Antichrist doth so lade and burden his captives with innumerable multitudes of prayers, that they have almost no time to breath. They have Matins of the day, and Matins of our Lady with Prime and hours. They have long Nocturns. They have long Litanies, long Seven Psalms, long fiftene Psalms with many and diverse Orisons. They have long Masses and long commemoration. They have long Diriges and long commendations. They have Evensong of the day, with Evensong of our Lady, and Complin to them both. And all these things must be said or song under pain of deadly sin. But how thei be mumbled and iumbled up, all the world may see: Verily without all godly affection of the mind. The heart goeth one way, and the voice another way, so that they agree together as Harp and Harow, and come one to another as just as Iermyns lips, Of such kind of beadmen speaketh our Savior Christ on this manner: This people draweth nigh, and honoreth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me, Verily they worship me in vain, teaching doctrines, even the commandments of men.

77 Christ would have such love among us that be his Disciples, that we should gladly, willingly, and freely without money pray one for another.

Antichrist willeth his Chaplains to pray for none, except they have money, according to the common proverb: No penny no Pater noster. If money come, they will be ready at all times to sing and say: If there be no money, then here is the door and there is the way: Farewell gentle Geffray: and as the Porters cry in Sturbridge Fayre: a new Master a new, and hang up the old. They will no longer sing or say, than ye have Money for to pay. Bring money and ye shall have Mass of Scala celi, Mass of Requiem, Mass of Recordare, Mass of Si iniquitates, with an hundred kind of Masses besides for whatsoever purpose ye will. For our Massemongers have Masses in store for all kind of things good or bad. Only bring Money, and ye shall want nothing, so desirous are Antichrists men of money, O Mammonistes.

78 Christ by his Apostles commandeth that every congregation should have his pastour or preacher, to feed the Christian flock with the most wholesome food of God's word, so that every spiritual Minister should attend upon his own cure, and not be distracte with the care of diverse congregations.

Antichrist cannot away with this, that one man should have but one benefice, and one living, therefore he dispenseth with his Chaplains for money, to have as many Benefices as they can get, never taking thought for the discharge of the cures. He granteth them dualities, trialities, pluralities, and tot quots, to snatche as many as they can catch. Though God would have one Pastor to have but one flock, and one Beneficed man to enjoy but one benefice: yet Antichrist contrary to this moste righteous will of GOD, granteth to one man for money through dispensation to have multitudes of Benefices both against all right and conscience, and against the ancient practice and usage of Christ's church. It is more tolerable and praise worthy, that two or three pastoures should have the oversight of one Congregation being large and great in multitude of people (as we read, that in the City of Philippos, there were diverse bishops and diverse Deacons that did attend upon the flock of Christ) than one man to have the charge of many Parishes. How can one man be in diverse places? can one man do that which is denied to Angels? I mean to be in many and diverse places at once. Will they commit the charge of them to other? and hire other to satisfy their office? But our Savior Christ saith: A good shepherd giveth his life for his Sheep. An hired servant, and he that is not the shepherd, neither are the sheep his own, seeth the Wolf coming and leaveth the sheep, and flieth, and the Wolf catcheth and scattereth the Sheep. If Antichrists Chaplains be not able to serve so many Cures (as they are not able in deed) as they place other in their stead, so let them resign and give over, to their Curates and Ministers those benefices, where thei serve, and they themselves serve not, that they may be the more able to do their duty. And would God such order might be taken, that one Benefice might be made of such valor, that it might abundantly suffice on man and such as necessarily appertain unto him, that these pluralities of Benefices may once be taken away, which without doubt hath been the occasion and yet is, of the destruction of many men's souls.

79 Christ by his blessed Apostle commandeth that such should be chosen to be Bishops and Pastors of God's flock, as be apt to teache, that is to say, to exhort by wholesome doctrine, and to improve them that say against it.

Antichrist repelleth and putteth back none from taking cure of souls, if he can read his Portasse and his Missal, and be weli seen in the Pye. As for preaching and teaching, except it be four times in the yere to read to the people a general curse, or to tell them some narrations out of the Festiuale, or Saints lies, lives I should say, out of Legenda Aurea, he careth not for it, yea, he abhorreth it. Moreover Antichrist is grown up unto such favor and madness, that he is not ashamed for Money to dispense with Boys, and to license them to have cure of Souls, and to enjoy spiritual promotions, which ought to be the livings of the true and faithful Pastors, and of such as labor and travail in the Lord's harvest, where as the boys are not able too have cure of their own Souls, being more meet to be taught, then to teache. O thou Antichrist which burnest with an unquenchable thirst of worldly goods, what an whorishe forehead haste thou put on, that thou darest commit the cure of Souls, and the livings appointed for the same, to children, to boys, to such as be like Moyles and Horses, that have no understanding? Is it sitting, meet and convenient, that those souls, which were so dearly bought with the precious blood of God's own Son, should be committed to the cure, charge, and oversight of boys and children? Is not this to offer the flock of Christ, a spoil to the wolf? Is not this to throw men's souls headlong down into the deep dungeon of hell fire for lack of knowledge? Is not this utterly to deface the ministry, and cruelly to spoil the worthy pastors of their livings, and the Christian people of doctrine and true administration of the Sacraments? woe worth thee, O Antichrist with thy God that wicked Mammon.

80 Christ by his holy Apostle, chargeth all Postours to feed their flock diligently, and to be residente upon their Benefices, and not like an hirelyng or thief, to forsake the flock, and to have no care thereof.

Antichrist contrary to this charge, and commandment of Christ, granteth for money: non Residences to so many as come, not caring for the flock, so he may have the money, nor yet regarding the will of God, so that his pouche may be filled with gold and silver. Let the Shepe of Christ run a straie where thei will, hange on every Brier, fall into every ditche, be devoured of every wolf yea, sink down into Helle: he forceth not. For money he licenceth the Shepeheard to go whether he will, to be where he list, and to do, what him moste delighteth. The Pastor having a good opiniō of his Dispensation, and non residence, is led with no care toward his flock, but doeth what he will, and yet gorgiouslie and deliciouslie, although absent, liveth of the Wolle and Milk of the flock, like a Thief, which as our Savior Christ saith, Commeth not but for to steal, to kille, and to destroy. Againste these non Residenciaries, GOD crieth out by the Prophet, and saith: O Pastor and Idole, that forsaketh his flock. By another Prophet GOD crieth out also against those Shepeheardes, that feed them selves, and not the flock, saying: Woe be unto those Shepeheardes that feed them selves. Should not the Shepheardes feed the flock? Ye have eaten up the fat. Ye have clothed you with the Wolle. The best fed have ye slain, but the Flock have ye not nourished. The weak have ye not holden up: The sick have ye not healed: The broken have ye not bound together: The outcastes have have ye not brought again: The lost have ye not sought, but churlishely and cruelly have ye ruled thē. Thus are thei scattered here and there without a Shephearde, yea, all the beasts of the field devour them, and thei go a straie.

81 Christ saith, the workman is worthy of his meat. And the Apostle saith. The Lord hath ordained, that thei that Preache the Gospel, should live of the Gospel. Again he saith: The Elders that rule well, are worthy of double honor, moste specially thei that labor in the word and teaching. For the Scripture saith: Thou shalt not moosell the mouthe of the Ox, that treadeth out the corn. And the laborer is worthy of his reward.

Antichrist suffereth monstures, and unprofitable clods of the yearth, to live and to wax fat of the gooddes of the Church. Moreover, in diverse and innumerable places of Christendom. Antichrist taketh away the corn, and the best fruits of Benefices, from the true and faithful Pastors, wherewith thei should live, and such as belong to them, and be the more able to maintain hospitality, to releue the poor, to comfort the waiefaryng man, and to succor the poor afflicted Christians, and he giveth it to mōstruous Monks, to flattering Friers, to chatteryng Canons, to patteryng Pristes, and to such like unprofitable members of the christen common weal, whereby it is come to pass, that the true Shepheardes, which watch over those flocks of the Lord, are moste miserably handled, unjustly and against all right & conscience deprived of their duty, and thrown (alas for pity) into extreme poverty: hospitality decayeth, the poor are not succoured, the needy are not reliued, yea nothing is done in those Parishes by the Pastors, whereby the comfortless may be comforted. No marvel when the Papists themselves, have not wherewith to relieve their own necessity, but are compelled daily, as we may see before our eyes (such is their misery) to leave their flocks, which as Sheep destitute of shepherds, wander here and there, and too seek other places, where they may have whereof to live, whereas if they had that which is due unto them, but otherwise unjustly taken away from them by Antichrists decree, they should not only be able to live themselves, but also abundantly to relieve the poor. O Antichrist, what devil breathed this wicked affection into thy heart, that thou shouldest take away from the painful Pastors their right, and give it to idle and sluggishe Monstrous, whose God their belly is. The Idolatrous Princes in times paste gave great abundance of worldly possession to their idolatrous priests. And art thou nothing ashamed to take that away from the priests of Christ, which both the law of God, and the law of man hath given them. To rob and spoil a private man of his goods, hath always been counted an heinous fault and sin worthy of death: and shall it be lawful for thee (O thou Antichrist) to take away from the Ministers of Christ their duty and their right, and to give it where it pleaseth thee, O thou Godrobber. Is not this to commit sacrilege, and also to deny the workman his meat, the laborer his reward, the Shepherd his Milk, the vinekeper his wine, the warrior his wages, and to moosell the oxes mouthe, that treadeth out the Corn. And that wicked Spirit occupieth their minds also in these our days, which against all right, and against their own conscience, unto their great damnation, except thei shortly repent and amende, go forth to keep, hold, and possess these livings and gooddes of the poor Pastors? Antichrist as thei them selves confess, neither can thei deny it, by his Deuilishe Decree moste unjustly, and moste tyrauntlike, took away, the best portion of the Tithes frō the true owners, and gave them to a sort of monstrous Hypocrites: why then are thei now retained of them, that seem to be enemies to Antichrist, to condemn his Antichristian acts, and to wish that all abuses might be taken away, and that a perfect reformation might be made, according to the word of GOD? Can there be any greater abuse, then according to Antichrists Law, wrongfully and unjustly to withhold from the true Pastoure, and Preacher of the Lord's word, that which is properly his due? The wise man saith: the bread of the needy is the life of the poor: he that defraudeth him of it, is a murderer and a manslaier. What then is to be thought of thē, which take away frō the Ministers of the Lord's word, the Tithe corn, whereof thei should have bread to eat, and to give unto the nedie? Is not this to play the part of a murderer? The nedie Pastor & his family, would gladly eat bread, and the corn, whereof it should be made, is taken away frō thē, and unfruitfully consumed and devoured of those, which do no good at all to the parishes. Is not this to pluck the meat out of y ^e mouths of the pastor, and his family? Which thing what other is it, then to play the murderer? I deserve damnatiō, if I feed not the needy: shall it thē be lawful for me to take away the right of y ^e needy? If I give not of mine own to the hungry, I sin: & shall I be counted to do well, when I will not suffer other mē to enjoy their own, but through the pretence of an Antichristiā decree, violently withhold it frō thē? Verily it were better for such, as thus unjustly by y ^e virtue of Antichrists law, to possess y ^e lawful duty, of the lawful Pastors, to render those duties to the owners, though their delicate fare should somewhat be abated thereby, then to go forth thus wickedly to retain, that is not their own. What doeth it profit a man, saith our Sauioure Christ, to win the whole world, and to lose his soul. it is truly said of the Wiseman: Better is a little with the fear of the Lord, then great treasure, with sorrow. Again: Better is a dry morsel with quietness (of conscience:) then an house full of fat offerenges with strife, that is to say, with greef of mind. Once again he saith: Better it is to have a little thing with righteousness, then greater treasures with sorrow. Moreover, the blessed Apostle S. Paul in the description of a bishop, or spiritual Pastor, showeth, that he ought to be a maintainer of hospitality. Now what hospitality can there be maintained, where those things are takē away, that chiefly uphold, and maintain hospitality, yea, without which no hospitality can be had? Take away corn, whereof bread and drink is made, which is the best portion, that delongeth unto the maintenance of hospitality, and what remaineth behind, wherewith the Pastor may be able to keep open his doors, and to relieve either him self, or any other? Take away his Corn, as it is at this day come to pass, through Antichrists decree, and the upholders of the same: may not then the Spiritual minister be called Pastor a pascendo, sicut mons a mouendo? God have mercy on us, and send us once a redress of this great abuse, yea, of this theft, sacrilege, and tyranny.

Furthermore, God by his Prophet commandeth, that all manner of Tithes should be brought into his Barn, that there may be meat in his house? Is not the Pastors Barn, his Barn? And is not the Pastors house, his house? Now God commandeth that all tithes should be brought into the Pastors barn, that there may be meat in the Pastors house. But how can there be meat in the Pastors house, which God calleth his own house, because his poor-menbers are, and ought to be, refreshed in the same, when as the chief and principal tithes, cannot be suffered through Antichrists decree, to be brought into the Pastors Barn, which GOD calleth his own Barn? God cammaundeth one thing, and Antichrist willeth the contrary, and yet the wicked worldlings, and voluptuous Epicures, whose GOD the beallie is, go forth to maintain the same, and unjustly to possess the gooddes of the true, and faithful Pastoures, so greatly hath the God of this world blinded their eyes, I mean the Devil, and that wicked Idol Mammon, that this saying of the Apostle may be found true in them all: All seek their own, & not the things, which are Jesus Christ's. By this wicked Decree of Antichrist, is the law of God broken, the true pastors deprived of their living the poor people robbed of their belief, hospitality decayed, parishes left desolate the Pastoral houses fall into ruin, the people are untaught, schools are not maintained, the youth is neglected, both old and young rū clean out of order, no degree doeth his office, the ministers is despised, the word of God neglected, y ^e preachers of God nothing regarded, and in fine, an whole sea of evils brasteth into the boūdes of the Christian common weal, and would God with the same, there were not made a Shipwracke of all goodness and godliness. Notwithstandyng, who lamēteth these things, and earnestly seeketh a redress thereof? God amende all that is amiss: and send corn where none is.

82 Christ in all his doctrine teaching humility, when a certain man called him good, answered, that no man is good, but God alone.

Antichrist being moste wicked, and moste sinful, will be called the best, and the moste holy.

83 Christ continually studied to do good, both to the bodies and souls of men.

Antichrist doeth his whole endeavor how he may hurt, both the bodies and souls of men: the bodies by bringing them, and their gooddes into captinitie, the souls by drounyng them in superstition, and Idolatry.

84 Christ in all his doings, sought the glory of God his Father.

Antichrist in all his acts, seeketh his own glory, and wisheth to be taken of all men as a God, calling him self God's Vicar in yearth, and supreme head of the universal Church of Christ, throughout the whole world.

85 Christ promised to the thief hanging by him on the Cross, Paradise freely.

Antichrist for money promiseth remission of sins, deliverance out of Purgatory, and everlasting life.

86 Christ had no great regard of them that were his kinsefolke, after the flesh.

Antichrist hath a special regard unto them, and exalteth them unto moste high dignities and promotions, although moste unworthy.

87 Christ when his Disciples at any time were at contention, brought them again straighte ways unto unity and concord.

Antichrist setteth them together by the ears, that are at peace, and never ceaseth to set Kynges, and Princes at variance. For then goeth it best with his Kyngdome.

88 Christ did chose such to attend vpō him, as were homelie, simple, and plain.

Antichrist admitteth none unto his service, but such as be full of gile, craft, and subtlety.

89 Christ compelleth no man against his will, to believe his Gospel.

Antichrist with suspension, and Excommunication, with apprehension, and persecution, with Fire and Faggot, with Sweard and Halter, enforceth men to receive his Deuilish Decrees, and trifelyng Traditions.

90 Chirste in all his adversity, fled unto Prayer.

Antichrist in his trouble, flieth unto armor.

91 Christ fought against Satan with God's word.

Antichrist fighteth against his adversaries, with the Temporal Sweard.

92 Christ made him self subject to the Law: when notwithstanding he was Lord of the Law.

Antichrist himself will be obedient to no Law, and giveth license for money to other also to break laws.

93 Christ by fulfillyng the Law, delivered us from the curse of the Law.

Antichrist through his disobedience unto Laws, openeth a window unto all wickedness, and through his evil example, provoketh other to fall unto lewdness, and so to run into the curse, and displeasure of God, unto their great damnatiō.

94 Christ in his doctrine taught none other, but the law of his heavenly father.

Antichrist teacheth Laws of his own making, not only not agreeable, but also contrary to the word of God, and with violence, enforceth men to keep the same.

95 Christ by no means could abide, that his Disciples should strive for the supremacy.

Antichrist challengeth supremacy, not only over the Clergy, but also over Kynges, and Emperors, yea, and over the whole world.

96 Christ by his doctrine and death, made the Jews and Gentiles, which to fore were at variance, one Spiritual Kyngdome.

Antichrist through his wicked traditions, and Deuilishe Laws, hath made the Greke and Latin Churches, which before were at great unity and concord, concerning matters of Christian Religion, to be at variance, one affirming this, another denying the same.

97 Christ in his last Sermon, gave a special commandment to his Disciples, that thei should love one another.

Antichrist straightly chargeth his Champions, that thei strive and fight valiantly, for the liberties of holy Church, and that thei by no means love, and favor such as hate his decrees & Laws.

98 Christ in the aforesaied Sermon, making mention of his corporal departure out of this world, promised to send to his Disciples the holy Ghost, which should lead them into all truth.

Antichrist in stead of the holy Ghost sendeth Pardoners, Friers, Canonistes, and Scotistes, to teache us not the way of truth and salvation, but the way of falsehode and damnation.

99 Christ in his holy Gospel teacheth, that although he be absent, concerning his corporal presence, yet is he always present with his holy congregation, as touching his Divine Majesty, grace, might, virtue, and power.

Antichrist saith, that Christ is not only spiritually, but also corporally with us, so that the Priest maketh him daily, handleth him daily, breaketh him daily eateth him daily, offereth him daily, &c.

100 Christ with his doctrine, bringeth to all them that receive it with sure faith remission of sins, and everlasting life.

Antichrist with his Decrees, bringeth to all his Captives death, and everlasting damnation.

Imprinted at London, by John Daie.

Cum gratia & priuilegio Regiae Magistatis per decennium. 1577.