Mr West Chaplain to Bishop Ridley: who refusing to die in Christs cause with his Master, said Masse against his conscience. B. Lati∣mer, in a Sermon afore K. Edward, tells of one who fell away from the known truth, and became a scorner of it, yet was after∣ward touched in conscience for the same. Beware of this sinne, saith he, for I have known no more but this that 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Joan∣nes Speiserus, Doctor of Divinity and preacher at Ausborough in Germany, Anno 1523. began to teach the truth of the Gospel, and did it so effectually that diverse common harlots were conver∣ted, and betook themselves to a better course of life. But he af∣terward revolted again to the Papists, and came to a miserable end. The like is reported of Brisonettus Bishop of Melda, a town of France ten miles from Paris. And who doubts but Iudas the traytour was a great preacher, a caster out of devils, and doer of many great works in Christ Name, as well as other of the disci∣ples? Nicodemus was nothing to him. He, (saith one) was a night-professour only, but Iudas in the sight of all. He was a slow 〈◊〉〈◊〉, Iudas a forward preacher. Yet at last when Iudas be∣trayed Christ in the night, Nicodemus faithfully profest him in the day. Therefore will Christ confesse him before God, Angels and men, when Iudas shall hear, avaunt, thou worker of iniquity, I know thee not. Neronis (Quantus artifex pereo?) quadra∣bit in te peritum et periturum. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in labris Suada, sed et fibris Gratia; quae sola verè flexanima Suada, et medulla Suadae pene∣trantissima. Summoperè cavendum divino praeconi, ne dicta, 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉, erubescant. Let not the preacher give 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the lie, by a life unsutable to his Sermons.
And in thy name have done many wonderfull works]
By a faith of miracles, whereby a man may remove mountains, and yet miscarry, 1 Cor. 13. 2. And here such as work wonders may de∣ceive themselves in the main point of their own salvation: how much more may they deceive others in this or that particular point of doctrine? The coming of Antichrist is after the working of Satan with all power, and signes, and lying wonders, and with all deceavablenesse of unrighteousnesse in them that perish. Lying wonders they are called in regard not onely of the end, which is to deceave, but of the substance. For the devil cannot do a true mira∣cle, which is ever beside and against nature and second causes; 〈◊〉〈◊〉 as whereof there can be no naturall reason possibly rendred, no though it be hid from us. The devil I say, cannot do a 〈◊〉〈◊〉.