These be but wordes, the same mighte be also spoken of the Apostles times. For* 1.1 enen then Paul speaking of Antichrist sayd, Nam mysterium nuncagit iniquitatis, for the mysterie of iniquitie doth already worke: And S. Iohn sayd that there then began to be many Antichristes: but doth this detract any thing from the truth taught in that time? or shall we therfore refuse to take such examples of it, as is conuenient for our time? There is no man of learning and modestie which will without manifest proofe con∣demne any order, especially touching the gouernment of the Churche, that was vsed and allowed during the time of the primitiue Church, which was the next. 500. yéeres after Christ, within the which time, most of my authorities are conteined. Neyther was there any functiō or office brought into the Church during al that time, allowed by any generall Councel or credible writer, which was not most meete for that time, and allowable by the word of God.
I graunt that Antichrist was working all this time, and grewe more and more, for else could there neuer haue bene so many sectes and heresies from time to tyme spred in the Church, which was the cause of so many singular and notable Councels, so many profitable and necessary bookes, written by such learned and godly Doctors, as did with might and maine striue against them. Out of the which Councels and fa∣thers, and best witnesses what was done in those times, I haue fetched my proofes: euen out of them (I say) that did with might and maine labour to kepe out Antichrist from the possession of the Church, and therefore not to be suspected to consent to An∣tichrist.
I knowe that those sectes and heresies gaue strength vnto Antichriste, and at the length were one speciall meanes of placing him in his throne, euen as I am also per∣swaded* 1.2 that he worketh as effectually at this daye by your styrres and contentions, wherby he hath and will more preuaile against this Church of England, than by any other meanes whatsoeuer. Therefore it behoueth you to take héede, how you deuide the armie of Christ, which should vnanimiter fight against that Antichrist. As for vs we must follow the examples of those good fathers, and labour, accordingly to restore vnitie, and to preserue it.