Of two vvoonderful popish monsters to wyt, of a popish asse which was found at Rome in the riuer of Tyber, and of a monkish calfe, calued at Friberge in Misne. Which are the very foreshewings and tokens of Gods wrath, against blinde, obstinate, and monstrous Papistes. Witnessed, and declared, the one by Philip Melancthon, the other by Martyn Luther. Translated out of French into English by Iohn Brooke of Assh, next Sandwich.

[illustration]

¶ THE POVRTRAYTVRE OR SHEW of a wonderfull Monster which was found at Rome, in the yeare of our Lord, 1496.

¶ A DECLARATION of the Monstrous figure of a Popish Asse, which was founde at Rome in the Riuer of Tiber, In the yeare of our Lorde God, 1496.

¶ By Philip Melancthon.

GOD at all times doth liuely repre∣sent* 1.1 by certeine tokens and after a wonderfull sort, either his wrath or 〈◊〉〈◊〉: And ch••efely the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 chaunges, the encrea∣singes 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Kingdomes and Empires: As wée maye sée in Da∣niel* 1.2 the eight, where after the fourth Monarch, the kingdome of Antechrist is also foreshewed: to the ende that all true faithfull men and Christians should bée admonished in good time, and shoulde take heede of his trumperies and deceites, and of his Idolatryes, and execrable blasphemies, and of all his diuine ser∣uice: the which hée hath so greatly, and with such craft vnder the shewe and appearaunce of truth va∣lued, that it is to bée feared least that the elect and faithfull bée deceiued and wrapt in his errours, as Ie∣sus Christ saith, Mathew Chapt 24.* 1.3

Euen so then God hath declared great meruailes and many monsterous tokens and signes duringe that* 1.4 barberous and pernicious domination. And nowe hée hath sette foorth this horrible figure of this po∣pish Asse▪ whiche was founde dead at Rome in the ryuer of Tyber, in the y••••••e of 〈…〉〈…〉

thousande ••••••re hundreth foure score and si••téene: And in the same he representeth and setteth out so pro∣perlye,* 1.5 so opensye, and cleerelye, the manner of the Popes kingdome, that it séemeth that mans indu∣strye or cunninge coulde not make nor sette out one such figure▪ Wherefore wée must confesse that God himselfe hath set foorth this abhominnable Popedome vnder one such figure, for to make it to bée behelde and séene of men.

Truely this is not a figure which is for to signi∣fie and declare any grace or fauour: But it is a wit∣nesse of a ••••••tible wrath•• by the whiche GOD de∣clareth his ho••t••••le indignation to this 〈…〉〈…〉 call doth ••••ation of the Pope, for 〈…〉〈…〉 doth not onely 〈…〉〈…〉 chast figure, but also 〈…〉〈…〉 ••isshapen members 〈…〉〈…〉

First of all, the heade of the Asse is a description* 1.6 of the Pope▪ For the Churche is a spirituall bodye and kingdome, assembled together in spirite. And therefore it cannot nor ought not to haue a mannes head, nor a visible Lorde. But onely the LORD IESUS, which formeth the heartes inwardlye, by the holy Ghost by fayth, kéepeth, reneweth, and gouerneth them as Lorde and head. Contrary vnto these thinges the Pope hath made himselfe the visi∣ble and outwarde heade of the Churche: And for that cause the Pope is signified by the heade of this Asse, ioyned with a mannes bodye. For as it is not séemely that a mannes bodye shoulde haue an As∣ses heade: euen so is it altogether vnsmelye that the Pope of Rome shoulde bée the heade of the Church.

For the holy Scriptures doe vnderstande by the* 1.7 Asse, the externall and carnall lyfe, and the Ele∣mentes

of the worlde: As in the thirtéenth Chap∣ter of Exodus. And as much difference as there is betwéene the brayne of an Asse and the reason and witte of a man, so muche difference there is betwéene the doctrine and ordinaunces of the Pope, and the Doctrine and instruction of the sonne of God.

For in the Popes kingdome there is nothinge but mannes traditions and ordinaunces whiche beare authoritie▪ by the which hée hath enlarged his ly∣mittes and boudes, and hath exalted himselfe in dignitie: These are the rockes vppon whiche hée is builded. But as soone as he should heare the woord of Iesus Christ to sounde, and that hée shoulde suf∣fer that 〈…〉〈…〉 preached, hée shall sodothelye come to 〈…〉〈…〉 this is the cause where∣fore alwayes hée 〈◊〉〈◊〉 so muche the Coun∣sells.

But although it bée not compared to the woorde of God and the holy Scriptures, but onely to the naturall equitie and lyght of mans reason: wée shall finde that his brayne is the brayne of an Asse.

The whiche the Canonistes themselues doe wyt∣nesse, settinge foorth this matter, that a méere Ca∣nonist* 1.8 is a very Asse and a beast. Their bookes doe confirme the same so cléerely and playnelye, that hée which shall knowe them, will not aske, what is hée whome they call Asse. For a Canonist is hée which hath studyed in decrées, or in the right Canon, the Popes Scholler, hauing the Pope for his Schoole∣master.

Secondly, the right hande lyke vnto the foote of* 1.9 an Elephaunt, signifieth the spirituall gouernement of the Pope, by the which hée amazeth and feareth all the weake and fearefull consciences And

••n very deede, he hurteth and killeth an influit num∣ber of soules, through so many decrées and intollera∣ble ordinaunces that hée maketh: by the which hée chargeth, tormenteth, and casteth downe the poore consciences, with sinnes and terrible a••guishes, with∣out any necessitie or ••e••asion. As the Elephaunt which is a beast very great and meruailous to behold, which destroyeth, treadeth downe, and breaketh all that that he can lay foote vpon.

For what is the spirituall kingdome of the* 1.10 Pope, but a cruell but therye and ••••aughter of con∣sciences? The which tormenteth, burneth, woun∣deth and destroyeth the soules after a tyrannicall sorte, against the woorde of GOD, constrayninge and compelling men to confesse him, indusinge and per••••ading them to make vowes, eyther of pouer∣tie, or of chastitie, and others: bringing in Masses, full of impietie and vngodlynesse and false penaun∣ces: making promises, and after breakinge them: suffering and afterwarde forbidding, establishing his pardons and bulles: And finally tourning the soules from the true fayth and Christian lyfe, for to leade them vnto a vaine and friuolous simulation of out∣ward woorkes; and vnto a false shewe of holynesse. Ac∣cording to that which is sayde in Daniel, Chapt, viij.* 1.11 He will put to death the people of the Saints. And in the second Epistle to Timothe, Chapter. iiij. But after* 1.12 their owne lustes shall they (whose eares itch) get them an heape of teachers, and shall tourne their eares from the truth, and shall bée giuen vnto fa∣bles.

For the right hand declareth the inward Ministery, proper to the consciences and soules: where it is expe∣dient that the sonne of God our Lorde Iesus Christ do reigne after a gentle fashiō: but this gratious Lord,

both exercise héere a pernicious, vniust, and cruell do∣mination.

Thirdly, the left hand which is the hand of a man,* 1.13 signifieth the ciuile power of y^e pope. The sonne of god hath manifestly forbidden that power or domination to the Prelates of the Church. Luc. 22 chap. saying:* 1.14 The kings of the Gentiles reigne ouer them, & they that beare rule ouer them, are called gratious Lords. But ye shall not be so.

Neuerthelesse the Pope, through so many deceits, engines, crafts and enchauntments, is mounted vnto so high power and authoritie through the instigation of the diuell, that his ciuill Iurisdiction is no lesse then the most purssant King that one can finde. But he hath more, he gouerneth and hath vnder his féete all world∣ly Kingdomes and Empires, as souereigne Lorde of* 1.15 Kinges and Princes, whome hée hath ioyned to him for to amplyfie, beautifie, confirme and mainteine his barbarous and cruell power and authoritie. And that is to the ende that the Prophecie of the eyght chapter of Daniell bée fulfilled, saying: Hée shall bée mightie* 1.16 and strong, but not in his owne strengh.

Finally he is ascended to such dignitie, puffed vp with such pride, fine with such pompe & magnificence, that neuer one heard speake of the lyke thing. There was neuer king or Emperour which hath made so ma∣ny warres and which hath shed so much bloud. And in stéede that he ought to haue regard to the dignitie of the word of God, to maynteine, conserue and kéepe the commodities and goods of the Church, according as his vocation & office doe require, he desireth the chiefe and principal dominations of the world, he hath lear∣ned to make very braue and gorgeous apparaile, and to enflame and kindle warres. And giuing himselfe vn∣to all those goodly thinges, hée treadeth vnder foote,

the doctrine, he forsaketh the Church, he suffereth that all the holy things be set for a pray, that the prophane and temporall things be spoyled, that all be defaced and turned vpside downe.

Wherefore behold what the hande of man signifi∣eth:* 1.17 For that kingdome hath bene establyshed onely through the wisedomes, opinions, and councells of men, without authoritie of the holy scriptures: when they say that it is a reasonable thing, that the heire of the Apostolycall seate and the Vicar of Iesus Christ, be not subiect vnto any man. But thankes be vnto our good God, the matter is come vnto this poynt, that ma∣ny of the common people, and others also of al estates, doe vnderstande cleerely and playnely inough, the goodly shewes of so many execrable wickednesses, of which all that Popish vermine hath shamed them∣selues, and hath defamed the renowne of the Christi∣ans.

Fourthly, the right foote lyke vnto an Oxe foote,* 1.18 signifieth the Ministers of the spirituall gouernment, and as a man may say, the Porters, who in op∣pressing the poore soules, doe vpholde and mayne∣teine the Popes kingdome. These are the Doc∣tours in Decrées, the Doctours made by the Popes* 1.19 Bulles, Dataires, Preachers of Pardons, Masse Priests, Confessors aswell of Moonkes as Nunnes: and the chiefest of all this vermine, are the scholasti∣call diuines.

For what doth all that detestable filthie compa∣ny, but to put into the headde, and to print into the heart of the people those ordinaunces of the Pope, which are so harde and not to bee borne? And to sette them foorth in all their Sermons, in all their doctrine, in their confessions: That thereby they may holde the poore consciences captiue vnder

the foote of the Elephant, the which were already too much afflicted and grieued? All those rascalls are as the foote, the foundation and piller of the Popes kingdome, the which coulde neuer so long time haue continued, without the buylding that those héere with the rest of their complices and adherents, haue buylded vppon.

I pray you what doth the Scholasticall diuinitie* 1.20 conteine, but vayne, fonde, execrable, and diabo∣lycall dreames, and the monstrous dreames of Moonkes, by which they doe enchaunt, treade vnder foote, keepe vnder, and cast downe headlong the poore troubled soules of the afflicted Christians.

Mathew. 24. False Christs and false Prophets shall* 1.21 arise &c. Those haue made the Pope an earthly God, yea, they haue exalted and extolled him aboue God: And yet these proude Prelates haue reiected the word of GOD, contemned the holy Scriptures, and haue driuen out from among them and buried Iesus Christ, onely to féede and pamper their fatte paunches. For a simple Bull of the Pope, was more terrible and feareful then the Iudgement of almightie GOD, thundering out his commaundements and threate∣nings.

Fifthly, the lefte foote lyke vnto the foote of a Gri∣phin,* 1.22 signifieth the Ministers of the ciuile or secular power: That is to say the Canonists, the Chaunce∣lours and the rascalls making profession of the Canon lawe, which of their owne accorde doe acknowledge and confesse, that the most holy Canons or Decretals, doe smell their most abhominable auarice and ambi∣tion.

For euen as the Griphins doe not easely let goe that that they haue once caught or layde holde on: E∣uen so these maynteiners and raueners of the Pope,

doe holde fast all that which they can get, and let not lyghtly goe the pray: and as through the hookes of the Canons they haue entrapped almost all the goods of al Europe: and they holde them so fast, that one cannot pull them out of their clawes, for the Canons do serue to their insatiable auarice. This deadly Harpy hath deuoured all the world: she hath taken away all the goods: she hath endamaged the soules and bodyes; she hath stollen vnto hir all honours.

Sixtiy, the belly and the stomacke, the which do re∣semble* 1.23 the belly and stomacke of a woeman, signifie the body of the Pope: That is to say the Cardinals, Archbishops, Bishops, Abbots, Moonkes, Priests, and other execrable spirituall Martirs, and all the rest of his bawdes, and fatte hogges, which haue none other care all their lyfe time but to féede and pamper their paunches with delycious wynes and delycate dishes: to séeke their ease and all the allurements and entise∣ments to whoredome, & to kéepe themselues in al plea∣sures and Idlenesse, and to giue themselues vnto all monstrous infamies. The which they may very well doe, and fréely: For they haue many priuiledges, wherewith they are wel armed and munited for to be exempted from all punishment. As we doe sée this Po∣pish Asse who sheweth before all mens eyes openly,* 1.24 and without any shame his belly of a woeman, naked and bare: euen so these, without any shame, doe lead a dissolute and wanton lyfe, full of all filthinesse and wickednesse. That which they doe is to the horri∣ble offence and hurt and to the vtter ruine & destruction of the youth of all nations as the déede it selfe déeth suf∣ficiently declare.

There is a manifest description of this in Daniel, and in the seconde Epistle vnto Timothe the thirde* 1.25 chapter▪ wher it is sayd that t••ey are more gréedy vpon

voluptuonsnesse then the louers of God. Also vnto the Philippians the iij. Chapter. They doe make their bel∣ly* 1.26 their God.

Let vs heare also that which is sayd in the second* 1.27 Epistle of Saint Peter the seconde Chapter. Name∣ly them that walke after the flesh, in the lust of vn∣cleanenesse, and despise the gouernement: presumptu∣ous are they, and stande in their owne conceite, and feare not to speake euill of them, that are indignity. When the Angells which are greater both in power and might, giue not railing iudgement against them be∣fore the Lord.

But these as brute beastes, ledde with naturall sensualitie and made to that ende, that béeinge taken they shoulde bée destroyed, speake euill of those thinges whiche they knowe not, and shall perishe through their owne corruption. And shall receiue the rewarde of vnrighteousnesse, as they whiche count it pleasure to line deliciouslye for a season. Spottes they are and blottes, deli••htinge themselues in that they deceiue you, in feastinge with you. Hauinge eyes full of aduontrye, and that cannot cease to sinne, begylinge vnstable soules: they haue heartes occu∣pyed with couetousnesse, detestable followes.

Which forsakinge the right waye, haue gone a∣s••raye followinge the waye of Balaam the sonne of Bosor, whiche loued the rewarde of vnrighteous∣nesse: But hée was rebuked for his iniquitie, for the dumme beast, whereon hée sate speakinge with mans voyce, forbadde the foolishnesse of the Prophet. These are wells without water, and cloudes caryed aboute with tempest, to whom the blacke darkenesse is reser∣ued for euer.

For in speakinge swellinge woordes of vani∣tye, they begyle with wantonnesse through the

lustes of the flesh men that were cleane escaped from them which are wrapped in errours, promisinge vnto them libertie, and are themselues the bond seruaunts of corruption.

And truely this doth liuely sette out the Pope, and* 1.28 paynteth him in his right comoures, and vnco∣uere•••• fu••••ye the feminine bellye of the Popishe Asse.

Beholde howe the f••••thy and vile single lyfe of the papisticall Priestes and Moonkes, must bée figured and declared, whiche haue defiled the holy maryage through execrable filthynesse.

For in verye déede, holynesse and honestye of Ma∣riage cannot ••ee sette out and represented by such an vnshamelesse and ••••honest Image. But rather it is beautified by the woorde and blessing of GOD, and by greate meruayles, and as it were decked and gar∣nished with a goodly argument, and placed in a highe place.

It is 〈◊〉〈◊〉 true that there are others also whiche d•••••• hurte and de••••le themselues with a manifest turpitude and filthynesse, as wée maye speake this of the Panyms and Turkes, and as there bée a greate manye prophane people amonge the Christi∣ans, adulterers▪ whooremaisters, whoores and most wicke Wolues.

Yet notwithstandinge those doe nothinge but that is to the great preiudice of theire renowne, and in daunger to loose all honour: as they are neuer without feare, whether they bée hanged on the gal∣lowes, o•• that they bée euill spoken off, or that eue∣ry manne doth mocke them, ly••••••nge out theire tongue, or that they bée torne in péeces by force or outrage. But these wicked villames, effeminate, im∣pudent,* 1.29 bellyes full of all filthynesse, doe couer and

cloake themselues with the name of CHRIST, and dooe lette slippe the bridle vnto all maddenesse and wickednesse, and doe giue themselues licence without fearinge anye punishment, without ca∣ringe to bée rebuked: And not onely that, but al∣so with all these detestable villanyes, they woulde bée called spirituall, the holye Fathers, and the Catholicke Churche. And béeinge not yet con∣tent with that, they goe aboute to pursue, cha∣stice, and spit••e in other mennes faces, bicause of the moate that they sée in theire eyes, and of the Gnatte and lyttle Flye that they doe sée them swallowe downe: And yet they will not that anye shoulde checke and rebuke the greate beame that* 1.30 is in theire eye, nor the Camell that they haue swallowed downe: But on the contrary••, that the blemyshes so apparaunte and euident maye bée hydde and couered, yea▪ beautified and sette out with the tytle of IESUS CHRIST and of the Church.

Euen so truelye, there is neither sacryledge••, nor murtherer, thée••e, nor whooremaster, whiche abuseth the maiestie of the name of the sonne of GOD and of the Churche, for to hide theire exe∣crable filthynesse, but that whoorish bellye of Ante∣christ.

And therefore the murthers, theftes, the mon∣strous whooredomes, the horrible wickednesses of this Idoll of Rome, doe surmounte a greate deale the wickednesses, crueltyes, and maddenesse, of Nero.

Seauenthlye, the scales of Fishes, wherewith* 1.31 the arme, the féete, and the necke of that Popishe Asse are coured, and not the bellye nor the brest, dooe signifie the Princes and seculer Lordes. For the

sea is oftentimes taken in the Scripture for the worlde, and the fishes for the men of the worlde: As Iesus Christ himselfe interpreteth the Nets of Saint Peter, Mat. 4. when hee sayde, I will make you fishers* 1.32 of men.

The scales doe signifie an embracinge or tyinge* 1.33 together; as the Lorde fayth in the. 41. Chapter of Iob. His body is couered with scales, as it were with ••••eeldes lockt in, knit, and well compact together. One is so ioyned ••o an other, that no ayre can come in. ••uen so the Princes and other greate Lordes of the worlde haue alwayes cleaued and stande ••ast* 1.34 together, and are yet at this daye lynked and tyed vnto the Pope and to his barberous, and tyranni∣call kingdome.

It is very true, that they cannot allowe, hyde, neither prayse, nor cloake, his dronkennesse, his glut∣tonye, his horrible whoore••omes, his vnlawfull vo∣luptuonsnesse: For one cannot rightly there perceiue any scales which doe couer his stomacke and his bel∣ly. Notwithstanding that by their cloaking thereoff, in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 their eyes, and sufferinge that that they doe see, they are so much the more surely tyed and lincked ••ast to the necke, legs; féete and armes: that is to saye, they doe embrace, defende and mainteine his greatnesse and magnificence, and his barbarous and tyrannicall estate, as an estate lawfull and or∣deined by the woorde of GOD. And that same doth exalt and li••t vp his crest very proudly and with an arrogant and proude obstination.

To conclude, they do confirme his spirituall and poli∣••ique gouernment, by decrées and ordinaunces not to be borne with: they doe beautifie them with goodly E••n••••••, and do establish his pompes and royall facul∣ties through straunge doctrines.

Furthermore, to the ende that the ground & foun∣dation* 1.35 of that retrayt of Antechrist be more firme and sure and to endure and continue the longer, they doe make lay mens testaments and willes, they heape vp to them reuenewes, they constitute Monasteries, they buyld Temples, they doe ordaine Conuents and Col∣ledges of vnmaried people, as of Markettes and open Faires of such manner of Canonists, Dunces Sophi∣sters, Beggers, Preachers for money, Confessors and Doctors: and as of publique exercises and Theaters, of whom one can heare nothing to sounde, but of the spillyng and marring of the celestiall doctrine. And for to speake briefely, the great goods the riches and fauou∣rers of the world are so wel and so firmely and strong∣ly tyed and fastened vnto him, that there is neyther winde nor blast, there is neither spiritual doctrine nei∣ther word of God, which can seperate or plucke them, from him.

Eightly, the head of the olde man issuing out of* 1.36 his buttockes, doth signifie the decrease, the oldenesse, and the ende of the Popes kingdome. For the fore part or the face in the holy Scriptures doth signifie the encrease or aduauncement: and the hinde part or the backe, or the buttockes, doe signifie the declynation and the ende, as you haue y^• lyke speach in the viij. chap. of Saint Paul to the Hebrewes: That which is disanul∣led* 1.37 and waxed olde, is ready to vanish away. Then that monstrous figure declareth that the barbarous ti∣ranny of the Pope is now come vnto his last ende, and that of himselfe it ought to waxe olde and come to nought without any swoorde or outwarde violence, as it is foreshewed in the eight Chapter of Daniel,* 1.38 that he shall bée destroyed without hande. For there is so great encrease of supers••itions, and such a bun∣dell and fardell of vices, that of necessitie his owne

waight must cause him to fall downe: and that the gronings, complaynts, and sighings of all people & na∣tions may be heard: Forasmuch as the word of God hath discouered and reuealed before all mens eyes, his impietie, malice and crueltie.

Euen so the glory of this worlde passeth, and the playe is nigh at an ende. After this sorte then wée doe sée, that that Image or figure agréeth properly with all the Prophecie of the eight chapter of Daniel: and that the one and the other are agréeing with the Papisticall kingdome.

Ninthly, the dragon comming foorth of y^• arse of that* 1.39 popish Asse, and casting out of his open mouth a great flame of fire, signifieth the horrible buls and the terri∣ble lyghtnings of excommunication, & the tempestious threatnings which the Popes and his adherents doe spewe out furiously vpon all the worlde, when they doe sée their ende nigh at hande, and that they must perish sodeinely.

For this is the latter and most furious rage and* 1.40 madnesse of Antechrist: this is his latter endeauour, yea, if peraduenture these rauenours may kéepe whole that abhomination, through the ••stonishments and threats of the bulls, and afterwardes through lyes, wrongs, cursings, enchauntments, pricking iniuryes, and bitter scoffings of his goodly Rhethoricians, as Eccius, Fabor, Emserus, Wicelius, and other lyke.* 1.41 Notwithstanding the time is come that wée haue no more néede of such ayde nor of such defend••urs. For what shall the Dragon winne to bite the cloudes? What shal ••e gaine to burne the aire with his flames? And truly there is none that feareth those poysoned bulls and full of cursings and enchauntments: For∣asmuch as the lyght of the truth is so cléerely kindeled and lyghted.

Tenthly, for that this Popish Asse hath bene found* 1.42 at Rome, and not at an other place, doth confirme that which hath bene recited before, that the same cannot be vnderstanded of any other power and domi∣nation then of Rome.

For at this daye in our time, there is no power which is lyke or more greater in the Citie of Rome, then that of the Pope. For GOD hath alwayes declared by meruaylous signes and tokens in those pla∣ces which those signes doe signifie and betoken some thing, as it happened in Hierusulem, and for that that this Monster was founde dead, that is an argument that the ende of the Popes kingdome draweth on fast.

And wée must haue neyther sworde nor any strength of man for to put it downe: But the hea∣uenly vertue, shall cause that of himselfe it shall bée o∣uerthrowen. For this prodigious Monster was not killed by any counsell or meanes of men: But was founde dead, and was reuealed by the singular proui∣dence of God.

Finally, I would admonish euery one not to despise* 1.43 such a prodigious signe sent of the Maiestie of GOD, and to beware of the pestilent contagiousnesse of Ante∣christ and his members, and to flée from him. And to be afrayd of him.

It is most certeyne that GOD hath vsed to∣wardes vs a most greate benignitie and gentlenesse, for that hée hath sette foorth before vs, Antechrist in a figure so vyle and disformed, as paynted in a table and lyuely sette foorth, that one may easely assayle it with handes, that God will effectually prouide for our health, and desireth that we be drawen out of that detestable retrayte of immortall impietie of that straunge beast.

And as touching the Papists, according as their bay••yng phrensie and their impe••uous madnesse well meriteth, they may thinke on this, or let them not be angry: As in déede there is neither signe nor miracles* 1.44 sent by the hande of God, which can moue them ney∣ther astonish or warne them. But as Gyants without feare, they doe beat and fight agaynst the lyghtnings and thundrings▪ and doe follow their fathers, Pha∣rao and Chore, whereoff the one was drowned in the waues of the Sea, and the other swallowed vp in the earth: and both of them are sunke euen to the bottome of hell. But we for our parts lette vs reioyce and take comfort, & let vs put this signe in the number of those who do declare vnto vs y^• day so long desired, so health∣full, so goodly, the comming of our Lord and redéemer Iesus Christ.

In the meane time, let vs suffer our enemies to do as they lyst, and to kicke obstinately against the pricke. And let vs behold whether the troubles that they haue heaped vp more and more, shall be to molest and grieue God or themselues. Neuerthelesse I am not much an∣gry with-them, forasmuch as they are so desperately madde, and that they doe so trouble the heauen with the earth.

O good God, if I were so paynted foorth at Gods hande, with a figure and shape so odious and terrible, I could in no manner abide and suffer it. For eyther I should dye for very feare, except that I had an heart of yron or stéele, as they haue: Or els I should burst and cleane a sunder, with despite, choler and madnesse. What is he then that goeth about, eyther by counsell or by commaundement, to obtayne of them, that they would pardon the Lorde Iesus one such contumely and wrong which is done vnto them by such an Image or figure.

Inasmuch as they being reprehēded or reproued with one onely letter of the word of God, are sodeinly enfla∣med with anger and rage? For as much as the Lord doth suffer them to ele••a•••• themselues against him, al∣though that they doe band••e his word after so wicked and cruell fashion. Yea, in the figure of a Diuell they* 1.45 doe set him foorth the one to the other, for to laugh and mocke: and yet it doth not anger him▪ makinge him to beléeue that the same is good to his Church, and that they doe it by his commaundement. What is hée* 1.46 that dareth thinke any other thing, or gaynesay them, except that he is willing that all their furies, paines, enchauntments, and torments of hell do fall vpon him? For their fury is irremissible and is not with∣out great force, for as much as they are of the high Gods exalted aboue all the gods, according to that that Saint Paul and the Pro∣phet Daniel, spea∣keth off.

Notes

• * 1.1

  VVherfore god doth send Mon∣sters.
• * 1.2

  Daniel.
• * 1.3

  Mat. 24.
• * 1.4

  Many monst∣rous signes 〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.5

  〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.6

  The head of the Asse. The Church is a spiritual body and kingdome.
• * 1.7

  VVhat y^e Asse doth signifie in the holy Scrip∣turt.
• * 1.8

  A Canonist is an Asse.
• * 1.9

  The right hand
• * 1.10

  The spirituall kingdom of the Pope.
• * 1.11

  Daniel. ••
• * 1.12

  2. Timot. 4. a. 3.
• * 1.13

  The left hand the hand of a man.
• * 1.14

  Luc. 22. b. 2••
• * 1.15

  All kingdomes and empires are vnder y^• Popes feete,
• * 1.16

  Daniel. 8. g. 24
• * 1.17

  The Popish kingdome esta∣blished through mans vvisedom
• * 1.18

  The right fo••t
• * 1.19

  Those vvhich doe vphold the Popes kingdom
• * 1.20

  Scholasticall diuinitie.
• * 1.21

  Mat, ••4
• * 1.22

  The left foote of a Griphin.
• * 1.23

  The belly and the stomacke of a woman
• * 1.24

  VVhat it is to she•••• the belly naked▪
• * 1.25

  ••. T••••. 3. a. 4
• * 1.26

  Philip. 3. d. 19
• * 1.27

  The description of the popish Clergie after 3. Peter. 2. Peter. 2. c. 10
• * 1.28

  The liuely pa••••¦••ing out of the popish king∣dome.
• * 1.29

  The Pope and his, are without shame.
• * 1.30

  The Popish Clergie wil not be rebuked.
• * 1.31

  The scales o•• fish.
• * 1.32

  Mat. 4. c, 19.
• * 1.33

  VVhat y^• scales doe signifie in the Scripture. Iob. 41. 2. 6.
• * 1.34

  The princes do cleaue alvvayes vnto the Pope.
• * 1.35

  An••echrist made strong by the giftes and foundation•• of Princes.
• * 1.36

  The head of the olde man issu∣ing out of his buttockes.
• * 1.37

  Heb. ••, d. 1••
• * 1.38

  Daniel. ••. g. 25.
• * 1.39

  The Dragon comming foorth of the Asses arse
• * 1.40

  The latter tem∣pest of the Ro∣mish An••echrist
• * 1.41

  The Popes Rhe∣thoriciners
• * 1.42

  Rome, the place vvhere the po∣pish Asse hath bene found••.
• * 1.43

  VVe must not despise y^• mon∣strous signes
• * 1.44

  The Pope & his do conde••p••e all signes and miracles.
• * 1.45

  He meaneth the execrable Idoll of the Cake in the Masse.
• * 1.46

  The horror of the papisticall impietie.