The faithfull are in heavines through manifolde tribulations if neede re∣quire: vvhich is, when either God himselfe afflicteth them to trye * 1.1 their obedience and patience, and to humble them for their manifold infirmities and sinnes; or when Tyrantes persecute them for their most holy faith. But as for all voluntary tortures and tormentes they leaue the same to infidels and heretikes vvho thereby seeke after a greater opinion of godlines and devotion before men.
THe Gentiles did offer vp their sonnes in fire vnto Idols, and did * 1.2 cutte and launce themselues vntill the bloode followed: the which voluntary tortures the Lord precisely interdicteth his owne people. Contrary to the which interdiction the dearest dar∣linges of the church of Rome, as likewise such among the Turkes as would seeme most devout, vse to scourge and to whippe thē∣selues, diverse waies tormenting their owne bodies, and not sparing their ovvne flesh. Whereby it is evident that they haue * 1.3 not onely sorted themselues with the Gentiles, and some of the olde heretikes, but also with these of the last times, who through hipocrisie hunte after a shewe of most rare holines in these outvvard * 1.4 thinges, preferring these their wil-worshippes and voluntary de∣votions before faith, repentance, and the fruites of the spirit, ima∣gining thereby to ascende to the highest degree of the greatest perfection, and to be esteemed the only religious of all other.