YOU are well overtaken Sir, doe you travell farre this way I pray you?

Towards London Sir.

I shall willingly beare you com­pany, if it please you?

With all my heart, I shall be very glad of yours.

From whence came you this way?

I come out of France.

Out of what part of France came you I pray you? I came from Rochell my selfe, which is a part of France.

Is it so, but I came not neare that place.

Out of what part of France came you then?

I came from Orleans.

I pray you what News from thence, is there any likelyhood of Peace there?

Yes surely, there is some hope of Peace, for where the Kings powers come, they doe commonly yeeld presently.

It is a good hearing.

What is he that comes after us so fast?

He seems to be some Preacher, or dumb Minister, it may be he goes our way: if he doe I hope we shall have his company, whereby we may passe away the time in some good conference, and also heare what News there is at home here in England.

I am content Sir, for I shall be glad to heare some good News, me thinks I have bin very long absent from hence.

Very well, we will goe the so softlier, that he may overtake us I but by the way, I pray you, if you come from Or­leans, there they have the Masse, for they are of the League: and then I suppose you have bin partaker of their Idolatry?

No I assure you, I detest all Idolatry, even from my heart.

If you doe so, I am very glad of it, but I pray you let me heare if you can give me some proofe out of the Word of God, for the confirmation of this your protestation against Idolatry?

I am content to give you a taste thereof, whereby it shall appeare that I am farre from it: For so dearely as I tender the salvation of my own soule, so carefull am I to shun and fly from all Idolatry. For it is written, Deut. 6.13. Thou shalt wor­ship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve: And the Apo­stle Paul to the Gorinth. 1 Epist. cap. 10. vers. 14. commandeth us to Flie from Idolatry, for Idolatry is sinne, and the mages of sinne is death, &c.

It is well applyed, and somwhat to the purpose, I am very glad if it be done in singlenes of heart: For me thinks you could not possibly be in that place, but you must be forced to be present at their Idolatrous Masse.

I was never present at it in my life, I thanke God: but the Papists stick not to say that our Service Booke in Eng­lish is (a great part of it) but a meere translation out of the Masse-Booke.

Indeed it is true, that most part of our Booke of Common Prayer (as they say) is a meere translation out of the Masse-Booke: but yet there is no such Blasphemic and Idola­try tollerated in it, as is dayly in the Masse: although it greatly [Page]derogate from the Word, and is full of great and grievous corruptions. But I pray you how long were you in Orleans Sir?

I was there about a fortnight.

No longer?

No Sir.

Here comes the Minister now, we will heare what News he can tell us, he seems to be but an Idoll Shepheard: we shall have some good conference with him I hope, to passe away the time?

You are well overtaken Gentlemen, which way travell you, I pray you?

Towards London, and if it please God.

I shall be glad of your company, and if it please you?

We also shall be glad of yours Sir.

I pray you Mr. Vicar or Parson (for so you seem to be) what good News is there here at home, in England, for we have been both of us in France, and we would gladly heare some good News?

Indeed I am a poore Vicar: truly we have no great good News here Sir: For our Church is so sore pestered with Sects and Schismes, that the Reverend Fathers, and especially my Lords Grace of Canterbury) are so sore troubled with them, that they have no leasure to recreate themselves for those Fel­lows, they are so bold and mallepert, that they preferre Peti­tions to Her Majesty, the Lords of the Councell; yea and in Print to the High Court of Parliament.

Why Sir, what be they that do this, what doe you call them, are they Papists?

No, they are worse then Papists, for they are fant [...] ­sticall Puritans and Brownists, and I cannot tell what.

What be the points they hold, that are so schisma­ticall and erronious?

Forsooth, they would have no Lord Bishop, but every Minister to be of equall Authority one with another, and so make a confusion in the whole State: for they have set down a new platforme of (Discipline forsooth, as they call it) they cannot tell what themselves.

I will tell you my opinion, of Lord Bishops, it is but an humane constitution, and not warrantable by the Word, but utterly forbidden: and as for the Discipline you speake of, I wish all Gods people would practise it.

Oh, I perceive you are one of these Fantasticall Puritans or Brownists, I pray you out of what place of France came you?

I came from Rochel.

I thought from Rochel, Geneva or Scotland, you seem to be a Bird of one of those nests.

Sir, whatsoever I am, I doe not doubt but to be able to prove by the Word what I have said, and namely, the unlawfullnesse of Lord Bishops.

Sir, that point hath been handled by your betters, and manifestly confuted by my Lords grace, in his writings against Cartwright.

Indeed he that will be blind, cannot see it, but he that looks in both their Works, with a single eye, cannot but confesse Mr. Cartwright to have confuted him by unanswerable evidence: or els why would he not have answered Mr. Cart­wrights works, now a dozen yeares extant and more.

As you of the Fantasticall crew think, but he hath done it, and that so sufficiently already, that there needs no more Answers: and againe, his Grace is now otherwise troubled with matters of State, that he cannot intend it: or if he could, yet it is not for him so to abase himselfe, in regard of his high Calling which he is now placed in.

As though the cause of God were to be neglected in respect of his high place: if he were lawfully called there­unto, as he doth very unlawfully usurpe the same, contrary to the Law of God: for is it possible he can be the true Minister of God, and a Temporall Magistrate, that is, to serve God and Mam­mon to; as the Apostle saith, Let him that hath an office attend upon his office, and not Offices.

Why, how dare you presume to say so? Were not Lord Bishops established by Her Majesty and consent of the whole Parliament?

I grant they were, but the Lord hath said contrary, in the Commandement he gave to his Ministers, Luke 22. saying, The Kings of the Gentiles raigne over them, and they that beare rule over them are called gracious Lords: but ye shall not be so: but let the greatest among you be as the least, and the chiefest as him that serveth. And 1 Pet. 5. Feed the Flocke of God which dependeth upon you, caring for it, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind: Not as though ye were Lords over Gods heritage, but that ye may be ensamples to the Flocke. And in the first [Page]session of Parliament, ☜ holden in the First yeare of her Majesties raigne, there was never a Lord Bishop in the Land.

If you will have no Lord Bishop, how should the Church be governed then?

According as our Saviour Christ hath command­ed, and as the Holy Ghost hath set it down, viz. by Pastors, Teachers, Elders, and Deacons, Rom 12. Ephes. 4.1 Cor. 12.

You are very full of Scripture, as though we have not the same Offices in effect, though not in the same Titles: as for example, have not we Parsons for Teachers, Vickers for Pastors, Churchwardens for Elders, and Sidemen for Deacons, to distribute to the poore.

And what for Archbishops, and Lord Bishops?

I will tell you for him, Archbishops for Popes, and Lord Bishops for Cardinals. Ha, ha, Mr Vicker, I see you are a good Churchman, doe not you use the Pulpit some­times?

No indeed Sir, but I read the Homilies somtimes, and the Queens Injunctions, and doe my duty as other Mini­sters doe.

I thought so, by that fit comparison that you have made.

And have you no more but one Benefice neither, and yet doe all that?

Yes indeed, I say Service at two more, but I have little profit by them: marie the best is, they are somwhat neer, for they are all three within foure miles together.

And how can you serve them all upon the Sabbath day?

Some of them are but small, and I can make quicke dispatch with them betimes, and take my Mare and ride to the other: and can make an end of all by ten of the clocke; and spend an houre with good Fellows at home before Dinner to.

And Master Vicker, do you think herein, that you discharge your duty to God, and those Congregations, over whom you have taken this charge?

Why Sir, I discharge my duty better then those that take upon them foure or five.

Why? is there any that takes upon them the charge of so many?

Yea a hundred in England.

Well I will tell you, the fearefull judgements of [Page] God hangs over our heads, and cannot be long deferred, but fall upon the whole Land (where to such dumb Idolls as you are, is committed the charge of soules) and to your selves eternall destruction of body and soule: wherfore Mr. Vicker, as you tender your owne salvation, leave this your unlawfull Calling of the Ministry, and betake you to some occupation, or Husbandry.

I care not what any of you spightfull Puritans say, so long as I can have the favour of my Lord Bishop.

I pray you Mr. Vicker let me spurre a question unto you, if I may be so bold, where do you serve?

I serve in Middlesex Sir.

Who made you Minister?

My good Lord of London.

Like enough, he hath made a great many of blind guides in his time besides you: for he made the Porter of his Gate, Minister of Paddington, being blind.

O monstrous, is this true, did he so indeed?

It is most true, for the Bishop of Winchester hath recorded it in a Booke of his set forth in Print.

Why, what will our Bishops grow to in time, if they be suffered? for me thinks this is a fearefull thing, to make such Ministers, as can neither see, nor speake: for it is like if he were the Porter (no doubt of it) he had not the gift of Teaching?

Very true: but because he could do him no lon­ger service, he was so good to him, to provide for the poore blind man that he might live.

Sure I think when they come once to be Lords, they cleane forget God and all Godlinesse: for I have heard that there was some good things in him before he was Bishop of London: for he wrote a Book, called, the Harborow of faithfull Subjects, against Bishops: wherein he saith, Come down ye Bishops with your thousands, and betake you to your hundreds, let your fare be Priestlike, and not Princelike, &c.

Indeed he wrote such a Book, and the same words that you repeat, I have read in the same: but alas, when he was at the best, he was but a corrupt man; and the best things in it, savour but of earth: for there is many things handled in it very immodestly, and unchristianly: but one thing especially he sets down there, which himselfe practiseth clean contrary: where he speaks of the ability that should be in every Minister of the [Page]Word, that he should know his quarter strocks, to be able to convince the adversary, &c.

Why? will you have none Ministers, but such as can preach? I can tell you, that the twentieth Minister in the Land cannot preach.

The more the worse: for you and the rest, how many soever there be stand without repentance in a most dam­nable state: for you are most notorious murtherers of soules, in taking upon you so high a Calling, and being so farre unfit for it; so many as perish for want of teaching in your charge, their bloud the Lord will require at your hands.

The Bishop knew my ability before he mad me Minister.

Well, he stands in the state of damnation as you do, and thus much I say unto you, and to all Idoll Ministers, and to him, and all usurping Archbishops and Lord Bishops, leave your unlawfull Callings, into which you have intruded your selves; and with speed repent, and humble your selves before the Majesty of God, confessing your horrible and grievous sins with Peters teares, in that you are the caufe, yea and also the very murtherers of so many soules, as perish in your charges: knowing that the Lord will in that great and terrible day, re­quire their bloud at your hands.

O Lord, my heart quaketh to heare of so great and grievous sins as are in our Bishops, and in the whole Ministry: but our Bishops are the cause of all.

I will tell you Sir, I am perswaded in my very Conscience, that the Lord hath given many of our Bishops over into a reprobate sence, for they do willfully oppose them­selves against the Lord, and his known truth, yea and persecute it (and I suppse them to be in the state of the sinne against the Holy Ghost) for they have manifested in their published writ­ings, yea and pressed forth by Authority, such horrible blas­phemous, Hereticall, yea damnable Doctrines, which my very heart trembleth to repeat, in sort as they have set, them down: which if those (whom they call Puritans) should set down or hold the like errours and dangerous points, I warrant you they should soon be cut off from the face of the earth, and right well they were worthy.

Now Sir, I pray you let me heare some of the points they hold, and that are so dangerous as you say, that I may be able to justifie it to our dumb dogs teeth, at Austins Gate in London, when I come home

First you shall understand that the Bishop of Lon­don hath published in Print, and that in an Epistle or Preface before Barnardeus de loques Book of the Church, published in English, that the Puritans may aswell deny the Sonne of God to be consubstantiall with God the Father, as they may deny the superiority of Archbishops and Lord Bishops, flat contrary to the saying of our Saviour Christ, Luke 22.

O monstrous and blasphemous wretch, that to main­taine his fleshly pleasure, will make such an odious compa­rison.

Nay, what say you to a Bishop that hath two Wives, and both now living? Do you not thinke it is a thing tollerable in a Christian Common-wealth, where the Gospel is professed?

No indeed doe I not, I hope our Magistrates will not suffer such a Bishop to live: it were monstious among common Infidels, much more intollerable, that a Bishop in such a Land as ours is, where the Gospell is truly taught: But I pray you is there any such now living?

Yes indeed is there, and the Bishop of Saint Davids in Wales is the Man, he is now living, and both his Wives, and yet still remaines a Bishop.

Is it possible that a Bishop should commit such an horrible act as this, how farre are our Bishops from obeying the Commandement of the Apostle Peter, who saith, Feed the Flocke, and be ensamples to the Flock: what ensample [...]s this? And doth not the same God which saith, Thou shalt doe no murther, which is death by our Laws; doth he not say, Thou shalt not commit adultery: And yet a Bishop to have two Wives at once, and live in a Church, professing the sincerity of the Gospell: What say you to this Master Vicker, is not our Church well governed think you?

If it be true, it is (I must needs confesse) a horrible thing and worthy of death: but I do not beleeve it.

It is very true, for the cause was brought before the High Commissioners at Lambeth, and how it is smothered up among the Bishops, and the rest of the Commissioners, I know not yet: but I could tell you the whole conclusion, if I were at London but halfe an houre.

Why the suffering of this, and other like villanies, to be committed in our Nation, are causes to stirre up the Lord to wrath, against the whole Land, whereby he may speedily [Page]bring his judgements upon us, yea even to our utter destruction.

It is so, if it be true: but I will not beleeve it.

Well, for the truth of the matter, I referre you to the High Commissioners, where it is recorded, with his Wives names, viz. Elizabeth Gigge, and Alice Prime.

Indeed I have heard of the like before, that you Puritans have put forth a Booke in Print, under the name of Martin Mar-prelate, wherein many such things are mentioned.

There is nothing set down in it, but there is good proofe of the same, and the Bishop of Winchester, who took upon him to confute it, hath confirmed it for the most part; and that he denies is most true.

What did he undertake to confute it? Alas he is alto­gether unlearned (for I have heard of him in Oxford; and the Papists say, they can make him beleeve the Moone is made of greene cheese) mary to get him a name (forsooth) being a Correcter with a Printer in Fleet-street in London, who Printed a Dictio­nary, called Sir Thomas Eliots Dictionary, Cooper transsated a piece of Robert Stephanus his Thesaurus, and joyned it to the same, with a few Phrases; and so bereaved the Famous Knight of his labour, and calls it by the name of Coopers Dictionary: how say you Master Vicker, was not this a knavish tricke, tell me?

I say you deale very unreverently with my Lord: for I can say nothing to the matter else; for I know it not to be true?

What say you to this then Master Vicker, did you never heare of your Lord Bishop of London, who made the Dyars in Thames-street, who were robbed by Theeves that stole their Cloath, and brought it within his Liberties, which when the poore Dyars hearing where their Cloath was, and coming to the Bishop to demand their own goods, he said, if they would hang the Theeves, he would then say more; which the Dyars did: and at their deaths, confessed that to be the Dyars Cloath which the Bishop had: but the poore men were never the neare for their Cloath; nor cannot get it, or any part of it to this day: and this is confessed to be true, by the Bishop of Winchester in his answer to Martin Mar-prelat, published in Print by Authority: wherein he saith, it is the Bishop of Londons own, by the Laws of the Land, because it was taken within his Liber­ties: marke, he speakes nothing of the Law of God, according to Conscience, in keeping of Thiefe-stollen goods from their [Page]right owners, for Conscience is fled from them (it seems) so soon as they are gotten to be Lord Bishops once.

Yes Sir, I know there is such a Book, named Martin Mar-prelate, a most vile and slanderous Libell: but I doe not thinke my Lord of Winchester doth approve any thing that is set down there in any of those Books, for they have put forth three or foure Books under that Title.

Why Master Vicker, how do they to get their Books Printed?

Tush, they doe well enough for that, there is a Se­ditious Fellow, one Walde-grave, who commonly Prints all such Books (I know him well enough) he did keep a Shop at the Sgne of the Crane in Pauls Church-yard: at which time he had his Presse and Letters taken away from him, and de­stroyed for the same cause, by my Lords Grace of Canterbury, and now he works in corners up and down the Countrey like a Vagabond.

With a seared Conscience, did the Bishops that violence to him, in regard both of the Cause, and also for the great charge he hath of Wife, and six small Children; and now to bereave his Poore Family of him, whose labours was their only comfort and maintenance.

Master Vicker, how long was it since Walde-graves goods were destroyed, I have heard of him before now, but I know him not?

Tush, you know him well enough I am sure, it is since his goods were destroyed about Easter was a twelve moneth.

And hath he been all this time absent from his Fa­mily?

I Sir, and if he had bin there, he would easily have been had, for he hath been watcht well enough for that?

I will tell you Sir how they deale with him, when they have any suspition that he is at home, although he durst never come nome, they stick not in the dead time of the night, to break down the main walls of his house, and enter in with Constables and Pursuivants; and this a common thing with them.

I am perswaded, the Bishops had been better to have given him freely 2. hundred pounds towards the setting up of a new Printing house for himselfe, then to have destroyed his as they have done.

I thinke so, for it may be he would have followed his Calling some other way, then to be imployed in those things.

Yonder comes a man plodding a pace after us what­soever he be.

It may be our company will increase, and so we shall goe the more cheerfull; for it begins to be late, and it is dangerous going here abouts late, I can tell you.

It may be he is one of your coate Master Vic­ker.

I cannot tell, but if he be, he shall be welcome to me.

Surely he comes apace, whatsoever he be.

It may be he would be glad of company.

Well let us goe on and continue our talke.

Master Vicker, I thinke you be weary of our com­munication, if you be let us know?

No by my Faith sir not I, say what you will a Gods name.

Fie, Master Vicker, will you sweare? I think you learned that of your Lord Bishop of London, for he useth it often when he is at Boules.

What will Bishops sweare?

Sweare Sir, I that they will, and defend it to, when they have done. For in the first Booke of Martin, there is mention made of the Bishop of Londons Swearing, when he is at Bowles: And the Bishop of Winchester in answering the same, saith thus, in pag. 62. of his Booke, That our Saviour Christ usually sware by his Faith in his Sermon: for he said Amen, Amen, which is as much to say (saith he) as by my Faith, by my Faith.

Why, is that Bishop of God, that will Sweare thus?

Fo, I have heard my Lords Grace of Canterbury Sweare by his Faith an hundred times; yea and by God too somtimes; and what he doth, I take it as a good president for such as I am to follow.

Ile tell: you Master Vicker, I am of Doctor Bridges his mind of our Bishops: for (saith he) page 339, 340. That all our Lord Bishops in England, are the Bishops of the Divel: And I am sure of it by these two marks, viz. By their tyrannicall dealing against Gods Children. And by their wicked [Page]and unconscionable lives, that they are not of God?

I pray you hath Doctor Bridges written any Booke that is published to this effect?

Yes indeed, and the Bishop of Canterbury hath con­firmed it by his authorising of the same; and also by his con­tinuall practise against Gods Children.

But I pray you Sir, how wickedly hath he wrested the Scripture, in saying, our Saviour Christ continually sware in his Sermons, when he said Amen, Amen?

Why, the Bishop of Winchester is most impudent in all his actions: for he very blasphemously in his Sermon, preached at Mary Overies at London, said, that a man might aswell find fault with the holy Scripture, as with our corrupt Common Booke of Prayer.

Out upon him blasphemous wretch, he is certainly the Bishop of the Divel, as Doctor Bridges saith.

Will you heare some more of his Divinity?

O yes I pray you Sir. And yet my heart trembleth to heare of such odious blasphemies as these.

He saith in the 49. page of his Book against Mar­tin Mar-prelate, That the Creed of the Apostles, Athanasius, and the Nicene, &c. containe in them many palpable lyes. Now tell me your opinion of this, is it sound and subsantiall Doctrine, I pray you tell me?

Doctrine, yea indeed this may truely be said to be the Doctrine of Devils. Why, whither will our Bishops runne in time trow you, if the Magistrate suffer them?

I will tell you, even to their Father the Devil: For they have at no time taken in hand to write in defence of their Hierarchie: but it hath made their eyes so to dazle, that they run into most dangerous and damnable errours, (as in this Booke of the Bishops will be proved neare 500. errours) yea in correcting and controuling the mighty word of God: and also have interlaced their writings with such contrariety of matter, as one part of their own Books may serve to confute the other, with infinite absurdities: yea and by your leave to, even flat Treason?

Many good men did never judge the Bishop of Win­chester, to be but an Hypocrite?

He is a most bittrer man to all those that feare God, and have to deale with him: for he may well be compared to a Horse with a gald backe, that hath bin so rub'd, that he [Page]winces, frets, and chafes so, that he is ready to throw himselfe to utter destruction, with purpose to hurt him that rub'd him: Even so, this Bishop takes to himselfe so much liberty in abu­sing and profaning the holy word of God, (against those that write in the Lords Cause, against their unlawfull Callings) and that I feare me, to the indangering both of body and soule.

I have heard that when he was at Lincolne he dealt not so hardly with the Ministers as now he doth, and that of­ten in his Sermons at Northampton he would confesse, that the Discipline was used and practised in the Primitive Church, a long time after the Apostles.

It is very true, and yet he saith in his Book against Martin, that the holy Discipline is a platforme devised, he knows not by whom. And in another place of the same Booke, he confestes that it was practised by the Apostles, and long time after in the Primi­tive Church. And upon the words where he saith it is not denyed, there is pasted, at the commandement of the Bishop of Canter­bury, It is not yet proved: so that there is some jarre, between themselves, although these two are most conversant together, and joyn in one to persecute sincere and faithfull Preachers of the Word, and others of the Lords Children.

I had thought they would not have dissented one from another of them.

Why Sir, in the 49. page of the same Booke, the Bishop of Winchester saith, the Bishop of Canterbury is a giddy head, and to be bridled, because he authorised Doctor Whitaker his readings against Bellarmine, wherein the Apocripha is defa­ced. And Mr. Doctor Some, one of their affinite no we, and a nonresident, he calls the Archbishop of Canterbury An absurd Hereticke, because he holds Baptisme administred by Women, to be the Seale of Gods Covenant: pag. 3. of his Booke, against Master Penri, and many like things I could cite to you, of their dissenting one from another.

How like you of these things Master Vicker, be not these good Fathers of the Church, think you?

I like never a whit the worse of them for your words, for I know they are but slaunders.

Master Vicker, you I know like well of them, although the proofes that their adversaries doe bring be never so manifest and plain against them, because you are in the same state, or worse (and may be) in that you doe unlawfully usurpe [Page]your place, and having no fit Gifts to discharge your duty in any measure: Remember what the Apostle saith, 1 Cor. 6.19. Woe to me if I preach not the Gospel; this is rightly pronounced upon you, and all such Idols as you are.

If I read Sermons and Homilies, is it not as much as if I preached: for Mr. Doctor Bridges saith, that reading is preaching.

The Lord hath promised no such blessing unto reading as preaching: for the Word preached is the onely or­dinary meanes to salvation. But I pray you for your comfort, heare what the Prophet Ieremy saith to you, in the 48 Chap. Cursed be that man, that doth the worke of the Lord negligently.

And Mallac. 2.7. saith, The Priestes lips should preserve knowledge, and they should seeke the law, at his mouth: but how can you shunne this curse Master Vicker? I pray God humble your heart that you may acknowledge your sinne, and crave pardon at his hands; and leave the Ministry, lest the Lord with a strong hand throw you out to your everlasting woe.

Master Vicker, he gives you good councell, it were good for you to follow it, if you doe not, it will be the worse for you.

Well Sir, it is no matter, there be as wise as he will give me other councell.

Why I see Master Vicker is obstinate, he will not be perswaded by you.

Even as he will, I speak my Conscience to him, he may chuse if he will follow it or no.

I marvell what good hospitality the Bishop of Lon­don keeps, I have heard that he is very covetous.

Indeed he doth keep a good house.

What doth not the dogs runne away out of his house with whole shoulders. I think a man may as soone break his neck, as break his fast at his house.

Surely I can say thus much by report of one that was his Chaplaine, whose name is Haiward Vicker of Saint Martins, by Charing crosse, that often times when he dined at his Pallace in London, he hath made his Servants, to take the Frag­ments, and carry them to Fulham: but if there be any dainty morsell lest, he will wrap it up in his Handkerchiefe, and carry it in his bosome, for feare lest his men should beguile him.

O Master Vicker, you have a most bountifull Lord: he is so liberall, that he will not suffer the scraps to be be­stowed upon the poore, but to be kept for his Servants Sup­per.

It is false: for I have often seen alines given at his Gates, when he hath lien at London.

Ile tell you what I have heard him say at Panls Grosse my selfe upon a time, following his text very well: (your must think) he burst me out with a great exclamation of himselfe, in that he was poore and had no money, protesting what charges he had bin at, and that Pauls Church can beare me witnesse (saith he) that I have no money. And shortly after; some of his own Servants being there present, and heard him (belike thought to make their good Lord a lyar [...] very shortly after, rob'd him, of certain hundred of pounds: for which offence, he was so good unto his men, as to hang them up three or foure in number, I although he had the most part of his money a­gaine) and some of the parties executed, protested to their knowledge, he had much more money at usury, and that his servants lived only upon bribes.

A Bishop a Lyar and a Usurer, nay surely Mr. Vic­ker, if your Lord have those two faults, it cannot be but he hath more: so that for my own part; I think him verily to be the Bishop of the Devill.

Nay Sir, I can give you proofe for the same more, that he is surely the Bishop of the Devill: for Martin Mar-prelate hath set down a pretty thing in his Epistle to the terrible Priests, that the Bishop of London when he throws his Bowle, (as he useth it commonly upon the Sabbath day) he runnes after it, and if it be too hard, he cries, rub, rub, rub, and saith, the Divel goe with thee, when he goeth himselfe with it: So that by those words, he nameth himselfe the Bishop of the Divell: but by his practise of tyrannicall dealing against the Lords faithfull Ministers, not onely calleth, but proveth himselfe to be the Bishop of the Devil.

Ha, ha Master Vicker, you see your Lord Bishop is a Devil by his own confession: so indeed, you are not the Lords Minister, but the Minister of the Devil, as your Lord Bishop is the Bishop of the Devil.

You use your speeches at pleasure of my Lord, it may be you will not so easily answer them when you are called thereunto.

Yes Master Vicker I warrant you? Send a Pursui­vant when you will for us, and we will answer it, if we cannot make our parts good enough, we will send the Woman of Hampsteed to him.

What meane you by that?

If you will needs have me, I will tell you, you shall understand Master Vicker, that your good Lord at his first coming to be the Divels Lord at London, began to play Rex, (as he hath lately done at Fulham, in cutting down the Trees, there, to the great impoverishing of the Town) to cut down the Woods at Hampsteed and needs he would doe it, and began prettily well with it. The Townes-men became suiters to him that he would not, they could not perswade him, for he was Lord of it, he said. Well, seeing the men could doe no good with him, the women took the matter in hand; and as the Divels men came, (that is your Lords) to cut downe their Woods, the women fell a swadling of them, so that they durst come no more to cut down any Trees there. Thus you see the Women overcame the Devill, and so feared him, that ther­by they preserved their Woods. For by very nature, these De­vills Bishops are given to destroy both Church and Com­mon-wealth. But if we be not good enough for them, we will intreat the Women of Hampsteed to take the matter in hand.

Well, I doubt not but you will for all this lustines, kisse the Clinke or Gate-house for this geare, for my Lords Grace shall know of it, if my Lord doe not.

Why Vicker of the Divell, let the whole Convo­cation House of Divels know of it and you will; for they dare not, no not Beelzebub of Canterbury the chiefe of the Devills, come to disputation, therby to approve their Callings to be lawfull, and other points in controversie against the Discipline of God, as they have been often challenged, and offered by the Puritans, even to adventure their lives against their Bishop­ricks, and yet they durst not. And I pray you tell me; if they were not the Bishops of the Devill indeed, would they refuse this offer?

Why the Puritans have bin often disputed with.

Where? In the Bishops Closet? For they are ashamed to have it tryed before any Magistrate. Let them if they dare procure a free disputation, whereby every man may freely speak, and be indifferently heard, and if the Bishops and [Page]all their partakers be not overthrowne, I will loose my life for it.

Have they not been already by publicke writing, and otherwise, but especially by my Lords Grace, his works against Cartwright, sufficiently confuted I pray you?

No indeed, but I will tell you what a Noble man professing the Gospell said, he demanded of the old Lord Hen­ry Howard (the Earle of Arundels Uncle now living, being a professed Papist) what he thought of Whitgifts answere to Cartwright, who answered, There was no comparison to be made between them: for Whitgift (saith he) is not worthy to carry Cart­wrights Books after him for learning. Marke here the opinion of a Papist, you know a deadly adversary to Master Cartwright: and yet the ambitious wretch wil not stick now he is an Arch­bishop, to call those that are able to teach him (and which were in the Gospell before him) Boyes, and revile them farre beyond all Christian modesty. And againe, if a man apply any new writer his opinion of the reformed Churches, in defence of the Lords Truth, as Master Calvin, Beza or others, he will not also sticke to bragge and tell him, that he is able to teach Calvin and Beza, or any of them all; But the wretch, nor his associates, dares not dispute with Master Cartwright, Calvin, or Bezaes inseriours.

Tush, foe, he sits now upon his cogging stoole, which may truly be called the Chaire of Pestilence; little may he doe if he cannot Bragge, Crack, and Face it out: For the truth is, he wrote against the Discipline, for no other end, but to get a Bishopricke, for he never wrote since he hath caught one I warrant you. And the pide Faced Foole Doctor Bridges imitating him, hoping to leape like as he hath done, but it will not be.

O you are greatly deceived, Dr. Bridges hath ut­terly renounced the Bishops (as I have heard:) for that the Archbishop hath broken his faith with him.

How comes tell you, at the beginning of the last Parli­ament, there were Bishops to be stalled, and his Grace had promised him very confidently, that he would not onely speak for him, also assure him of a Bishoprick. Upon which the aspi­ring wretch did only rely, otherwise it may be he would have bribed some Courtier to have dealt for him, as he did for his Denary: But her Majesty lying at Richmond, and Mr. Doctor [Page]repairing thither, upon the green afore Richmond House, met with Master Thornbie the Master of the Savoy, who told him that he was suiter for the Bishopricke of such a place: Master Doctor Bridges answered and said, it was true, he had the grant of it at his Grace his hands: saith Master Thornby; I had a promise of it to: but it is certaine that his Grace hath got it for another man, and he hath finished it, and all is past, I can assure you of it. With that the Doctor was in his mad mood, and said, Hath he served me so, why then I will say and may speake it truly, there is no Faith in a Bishop. Have I wrote in their defence, and have gotten the ignomie, shame, and reproach of it by publicke writing, and now to be thus vildly dealt with: I will tell you Master I hornby, I doe protest, and alwates will affirme it: That it is better to have one inch of pollicie, then all the Divinity in the world. If Master Thornby will deny this to be true, there be both godly and worshipfull will justifie it to his face.

Nay, it is like enough that the Bishop of Canterbury hath served him so, it is not the first like pranke he hath play­ed, for it is his manner, he will promise much, and performe nothing: but persecute Gods Ministers, and glory in himselfe: For if any godly Minister, or any other that feare God, come before him, he will offer them the Oath, either to accuse them­selves, or their Christian Brethren, or both; yea though no body be able to charge them with any offence: And if they will not sweare, then to the Clinke, Gatehouse, or White Lyon they goe roundly: and when suit is made unto him for their Liberty, then except they will enter into bonds to performe this, or doe that: why he will say they shall lye till they rot, with other bitter words. And he was wont to use these words often, and had a great pride in speaking them (I cannot tell whether he hath left them now or no) As long as the Queen and I live, it shall be this or that. Judge you of this man, whether he hath a humble spirit, or an aspiring mind, to joyne himselfe with his dread Soveraigne the Queens Majesty. He were best to remember his predecessor Cardinall Wolsey, betimes, least he have the same end Cardinall Wolsey had.

I hope for these your taunting speeches to see you trounst, if I meet you handsomly in place where.

Why Vicker of the Divell (I think you to be one of the Vickers of Hell, that Martin speaks of) it is no marvell, though you take the Bishops of the Devils part. For Winche­ster when he went his Visitations last, told your companions [Page]the dumb dogs, that if his Grace of Canterbury, and himselfe had not kneeled before her Majesty for you, you had been all of you thrust out of the Ministry.

Oh wicked act, it had been better that neither of them had had a joynt to bow, then to worke such a villany to Gods Church.

Herein they used great pollicie (you must thinke) for if we had a learned Ministry once, they know their King­dome would soon fall to the ground. Therfore they take order for that. For they will suspend and thrust all those out of the Ministry, that have gifts fit for that high Calling: and keep none in, except nonresidence, such as gape after Bishopricks, or dumb Idoll Ministers.

You are well overtaken my Masters. Which way travell you I pray?

Towards London Sir.

What good News is there abroad, doe you heare any?

I know none good, for the Land is sore troubled with these treacherous Papists, and filthy Atheists; and our Church pestered with the Bishops of the Devill, Non resi­dents, Popish Priests, and dumb dogs, that there is no place, nor being for a faithfull Minister of the Word: For if there be any in any charge, the Bishops have their Iohn Avales, to fetch them up before them, and then if they will not subscribe, out of the Ministry he goes roundly.

It was never merry world since there was so many Puritans, and such running to Sermons as there is now.

Why? Do not you love to heare Sermons?

No, I care for none of these Precise Fellows, I will not come at any of their Sermons.

I smell you already, I perceive you are a Papist.

Whatsoever I be, you may be sure I am no Puritan, for a Papist is allwaies better then a Puritan, and more Friends he shall find, both at home and abroad. And I have head my Lords Grace of Canterbury, and the Bishop of Winchester, speak it with mine own eares.

I can say thus much my selfe, my Lords Grace is not so much troubled with Papists as with Puritans.

And I can say thus much to, the Papists have more Favour of his Grace a great deale, then the Puritans.

My Lords Grace you know, had a good Master, and [Page]one that kept him farre enough from this Precisenesse, I war­rant you.

Who was his Master I pray you?

Mary Master Doctor Pearne Sir.

What Doctor Pearne? why he is the notablest turn-coat in all this Land, there is none comparable to him: Why every Boy hath him in his mouth, for it is a Proverbe, both of old and young, that if one have a Coat or Cloak that is turned, they say it is Pearne.

And doe you think the Bishop of Canterbury will be as good a Turner, as his Master Doctor Pearne is?

Nay, he will exceed his Master, I am perswaded.

Me thinks there should be others as expert, and likely to make as good workmen in that Art, as his Grace, or his Master Doctor Pearne himselfe is.

Who should they be?

What say you to Iohn of Glocester, Doctor Kennolde, Doctor Bancroft, Doctor Goodman, the Abbot that now is of Westminster; Doctor Sprent of Bristow, and Master Doctor Brid­ges Deane of Sarum?

Yea and I may say to you, all the Bishops of the De­vill, and Nonresidence, are likely to say pretty well to the matter to.

I had forgotten one that I should have nominated to, that is Doctor Culpepper of Oxford, who hath the name to be a notable hunter.

What Doctor Culpepper, Ile tell you there is many good things in him that way: but I will tell you one or two notes of his single gifts. For he is an Archdeacon, and going in his Visitation, not farre from Oxford: It is an ordinary thing with them, to have a Sermon before they keep Court, and al­wayes the Court is kept in the Church: The Preacher som­what troubling him (in telling the spirituall Fathers their du­ties) did somtimes nod at the Preacher, so as he did perceive him, to the end he should make an end of his Sermon: The Preacher notwithstanding went forward with his Text, which troubled Master Doctor sore. Then he fell a beckoning to the Preacher, the Preacher would not see his signes, although the audience greatly marvailed at him: then Master Doctor (being sore galled you must thinke) spake to him, and bad him come down: the Preacher thought it not long (though Master Doctor were [...]eary to heare his duty told him in so plain a [Page]manner) and seeing he could use no means to get him out of the Pulpit, called the Cryar to him, and bad him cry Hoyes, and so he did. Then went he very reverently about his businesse, and left the Preacher in the Pulpit: Now tell me I pray you, whether he had more mind to heare the word preached, or to be with his kennell of Hounds?

Is this Doctor Culpepper of Oxford, I pray you?

I marry is it Sir, it is the same man, and very well known to love a Hound, a Hawke, and, &c.

I pray you can you tell me, I have heard that Dr. Bond is made Master of Magdalins in Oxford, contrary to the statutes of the University. Whereas one Master Smith was first elected, according to the Orders of the house before him, he being one that stands for Reformation in our corrupt Church government. Therfore (as I have heard) the Bishops of Canter­bury and Winchester, to prevent him, laboured to her Majesty, that she would give commandement, that the house should accept of Dr. Bond in his stead, which by the Bishops great labour, it was accomplished.

It is very true Sir, I can assure you of that, and he may well be called the Bond of iniquity, for any goodnesse is in him, he looks I can tell you to be a Lord Bishop of the Devill shortly, besides he is a good Dancer: I have heard how he ere now, hath come to a house in Oxford, (it shall be namelesse) where certaine Women of the Towne, were ready to goe dance, (it may be a match made of him before hand) comes me in the same house very pleasantly to them, saying, you are well met, and makes him ready for them: First put off his Cappe, saying, lye thou there Cappe, then his Tippet, lye thou there Tippet, then his Gown, lye thou there Gown: and last of all his Booke, (saith he) lye thou there Divinity and all: Then about the house he goes with the Women: now tell me I pray you, if he doe not draw in the bond of iniquity or no?

Surely I see that no good men are left almost in any place, where they may be a helpe to increase or comfort those that feare God. For the Bishops have layd so many plots, that they have prevented all meanes whatsoever. Is not this a Divelish pollicie of the Bishop of Canterbury, to place such heads in the University, That none shall proceed, or be pre­ferred but such as will subscribe. Well, though the admonition which the Archbishop of Yorke, gave him in a letter before his death, doe not worke that effect in him, which the Bishop [Page]wisht: Yet our hope is, that the Lord will soon bring him to the same end, at the which: he may with the same Bishop con­fesse his sinne, in usurping that unlawfull Calling he is now in: That is, a Pope or Pastor of Pastors, with all other his inju­rious and Tyrannicall dealing with Gods Ministers, and other his Children. For all the Bishops that ever were in that place, I meane in the Sea of Canterbury, did never so much hurt unto the Church of God, as he hath done since his coming. No Bi­shop that ever had such an aspiring and ambitious a mind as he, no not Cardinall Wolsey: none so proud as he, no not Ste­phen Gardiner of Winchester: none so Tyrannicall as he, no not Bonner.

How say you Master Vicker, were it not a good thing if all Bishops, and such Idoll Shepheards as you are were a dying, then you would be in better minds then all the dayes of your life before?

You say your pleasure, but I care not what you say, that's the best of it.

Master Vicker, the Gentlemen are disposed to move your patience, therfore you must beare with them.

Master Parson thinks I am in good earnest, but he is deceived, for I assure you I doe nothing but to see what this Puritan will say: and the Puritan thinks I am one of his Fra­ternity.

But are you not so indeed?

No truly, I came from Orleans, where I heard Masse every day: see, see, how hard the Vicker and he are in talke, let them alone, we will goe on.

I can hardly beleeve that you heard Masse at Orle­ans.

If I had not been present at the Masse I should have been taken for a Hugonot, and so I should hardly escaped with my life.

I am the gladder of your company.

And I of yours, for I perceive you are a Catholicke.

Yea indeed, and I will not deny it: look, I think the Puritan and the Vicker will goe by the eares.

He shall doe the Vicker no wrong for all my spee­ches to him: and he will be ruled by me, we will have him before my Lords Grace, for we will give him the slip, when we come in the City, and one of us will feth a Pursuivant, and the other two shall dog him.

Content Sir, if you please, let it be so.

How now my Masters, can you not agree?

I will deale well enough with him, if he durst stand to his words.

I will jvstifie any thing that I have spoken, if not, let me loose my life: but to conclude, it is late, and because we must depart, I will tell you one thing, and I would wish you to make use of it, and heare what the Prophet Isay saith cap. 59. verse 10. Their watchmen are all blind, they have no knowledge, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot barke; they lye and sleep, and delight in sleeping. And these greedy dogs can never have enough, all these shep­heards cannot understand. And Zachary 11.17. O Idoll shepheard that leaveth the flocke, the sword shall be upon his arme, and upon his right eye: his arme shall be cleane dryed up, and his right eye shall be utterly darkended. And so fare ye well.