OF THE LIFE OF CHRIST AND OF ANTICHRIST

1. Christ, as touching his deity, is the true and natural Son of the living and immortal God; and as concerning his humanity, he is the true and natural son of Mary the virgin.

 Antichrist, both body and soul, is the child of wrath and the son of perdition; yea, and that sinful man which is an adversary to God and all godliness, to Christ and to all Christianity.

2. Christ, being born, brought into the world great joy, high peace, and everlast­ing salvation; as the angel said to the shepherds: Behold, I bring you tidings of great joy, which shall come to all people; for unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. Again: Glory be to God on high, and peace on the earth, and unto men a good-will.

Antichrist, being born, bringeth with him not joy, but grief of mind; not peace, but trouble of body; not salvation, but plain destruction both of body and soul to so many as embrace him.

3. Christ, when he should be born, could have no room in the inn, and there­fore was born in a stable; and being wrapped in poor and homely swaddling-clothes was laid in a manger.

 Antichrist, before he be born, hath a gorgeous and richly appareled house pre­pared for him, with all such furniture as becomes such a wicked worldling.

4. Christ, when he was born, was not joyfully received of the world, no, not of them to whom he was promised and sent, but rather hated and persecuted most cruelly.

Antichrist, being born, is most tenderly embraced, loved, kissed, and culled; and in all points warily kept and circumspectly attended, that no grief or misfortune chance unto him; so dear is he to the children of this world.

5. Christ, when according to his age he ought to have been both tenderly and quietly nourished, was compelled, through the cruelty of tyrants, to be carried from country to country, and yet hardly found he rest at any time; so in all points did the cross follow him, even from the very cradle, as they use to say.

Antichrist is both delicately and tenderly fostered and brought up, without all unpleasantness and uneasiness. All epicures and worldlings delight in him. They seek to please him. He is free at all times from the pains of the cross.

6. Christ, when he was born, had little help to relieve his poor and miserable state, beside the shepherds, and the wise men of the east, with very few others.

Antichrist hath the whole world flocking to him, which cease not to give and offer unto him great and precious gifts, always overflowing with the abundance of all things.

7. Christ being but twelve years of age was so studious of God's word, and so desirous of the knowledge thereof, that, forgetting his carnal friends and their com­pany, he remained in the temple of Solomon at Jerusalem, sitting in the midst of the doctors, hearing them and questioning them.

Antichrist hateth the knowledge or God's word, and all who favor it, forasmuch as it is contrary to his filthy will and beastly pleasure, and delighteth only in that doctrine which serveth his voluptuous appetite.

 8. Christ was obedient to Mary, his mother, and Joseph, her husband, showing hereby a good example of submission and obedience to all children.

 Antichrist will obey no man, but rule over all men, giving hereby an example of pride and disobedience to all men.

9. Christ, as some affirm, from the time of twelve years of age till he was thirty year old, accompanied Joseph, his mother's husband, which was a carpenter by his occupation, and labored diligently in that art; by this means getting his living with the travail of his hands and with the sweat of his brows, according to the commandment of his heavenly Father; giving a good example in this behalf to all that profess his name, that none in a Christian commonwealth ought to live idly, but every man work some good thing, that he may have not only whereof to live himself, but also to give unto the needy. And hereof cometh it that Christ is called a carpenter in the scripture.

Antichrist is altogether otherwise affected. For he useth no exercise that is godly and profitable, but liveth altogether idly of the labor of other men's hands and of the sweat of other men's brows, contrary to the commandment of God, being in­deed a very unprofitable clod of the earth. And as he himself is estranged from all godly and virtuous exercises, so likewise doth he enfranchise, and make free from all work and labor, all his spiritually smeared[1] shavelings,[2] appointing them, not to preach the word of God, nor to administer the sacrament of Christ purely and sin­cerely, according to Christ's institution, but to say matins,[3] mass, and evening songs, and to set forth his ordinances and decrees, etc., that they may seem at the least to do something worthwhile, although that something indeed be nothing.

 10. Christ as he prospered in age, so likewise did he in wisdom and favor with God and men.

 Antichrist, the older he waxeth, the worse he is, hated both of God and of all

godly men.

 11. Christ disdained not to be baptized of John Baptist, a poor man and a priest’s son.

 Antichrist will have none minister unto him but only great princes, mighty prelates, and such as be famous, honorable, and of great glory in the world. As for poor men, he rewardeth not; and as touching the lawful children of priests, he can by no means abide them, as a matter condemned in his devilish decrees and Lucifer-like laws.

12. Christ, although sent down for that purpose, took not on him the office of preaching till he was openly called of his heavenly Father, having his vocation con­firmed by a visible sign of the Holy Ghost, which came down from heaven upon him: in the likeness of a dove.

 Antichrist thrusteth himself into the ministry without any certain calling, yea, and that not to do good, which is contrary to his nature, but to do evil, even to corrupt the congregation of God with his pestilent doctrine and corrupt manners, and unfruit­fully to eat the milk of the sheep, and to be appareled with their wool, by this means defrauding both the true ministers and also the poor members of Christ of their living; being of the number of them of whom God by the prophet speaketh on this manner: I spake not unto them, and they prophesied: I sent them not, and they ran.

13. Christ, although called of God unto the office of preaching, and anointed with the oil of gladness, that is to say, the Holy Ghost, above his fellows, fell not straightway unto preaching, but sequestering himself from the company of all men, gave himself by the space of forty days and forty nights to fasting and prayer, that he might be the more able to fulfill that work whereunto God had called him, unto the glory of God's most glorious name, and unto the profit of his holy congre­gation.

 Antichrist, after he hath thrust himself into the ministry, rashly and without any advisement, unworthily and without any due preparation unto so worthy mysteries, as a filthy sow and vomiting dog taketh in hand the divine offices, giving himself neither to prayer nor yet to fasting, but rather to carnal pleasure and beastly belly cheer; nothing caring for the glory of God, nor for the profit of his people, so that he may live wealthy, according to the lusts of the flesh:

14. Christ, in the time of his fasting and prayer, was grievously tempted of Satan and of the infernal army, all of whom he mightily and valiantly overcame with the most mighty and valiant armors of God's word.

 Antichrist, as he never fasteth and prayeth aright, so is he never tempted of Satan for the probation and trial of his faith and constancy, as one that is already in Satan's net and in his possession as a most miserable slave and vile peasant. And if at any time he will defend himself against Satan, and such-like wicked spirits, he fleeth not unto the word of God, but unto holy water, holy bread, holy palms, holy candles, holy fire, etc.

15. Christ, when he began to preach, preached repentance and faith.

 Antichrist preacheth penance and faith in his pardons and bulls for the remission of sins.

16. Christ by his preaching brought the people out of darkness into light.

 Antichrist through his sermons bringeth his hearers out of the light of God's

word into the damnable darkness of men's trifling traditions.

17. Christ confirmed his doctrine with true and most certain miracles.

Antichrist confirms his teaching with false signs and feigned wonders.

18. Christ painfully traveled into many and divers countries to preach God's word, seeking the salvation of all men.

 Antichrist sitteth at home in his palace upon his fine cushions and carpets, both

gorgeously and gloriously, not seeking other men's salvation, but his own ease and preferment.

19. Christ, that more with haste might be converted and turned unto the faith of God and unto his holy religion, did choose unto him twelve disciples.

 Antichrist, to enlarge his kingdom, taketh unto him innumerable swarms of hypo­crites, such as cardinals, patriarchs, archbishops, bishops, priests, deacons, subdeacons, monks, friars, canons, hermits, anchorites[4], archdeacons, commissaries, officials, pardoners, proc­tors, doctors, scribes, lawyers, somners,[5] apparitors,[6] inquisitors, accusators, persecutors, traitors, condemners, false prophets, lying preachers, relic sellers, soul-carriers, purgatory-­rakers, massmongers, saint- worshippers, work-sellers, pilgrimage-goers, idolaters, tran­substantiators, bread-honorers, traditionaries, Papists, etc.

20. Christ did choose such to be his disciples and preachers of his heavenly Father's will, as were married and had wives and children.

Antichrist admitteth none unto his priestly orders but such as are wifeless, and profess forever after to lead a single and unmarried life.

21. Christ chose disciples to this end, that they should be preachers.

 Antichrist chooseth his shavelings to be massmongers, sacrificers, purgatory-rakers, charmers and conjurors of unclean spirits, of devils, of salt, of water, of bread, of wax, of palms, etc.

22. Christ would have his disciples known by the fruits of the Holy Ghost.

Antichrist hath his chaplains known by docking and ducking, by smearing and

shaving, by massing and matin-singing, by tippeting and gowning, etc.

23. Christ commanded his disciples to preach repentance and remission of sins in his name to all nations.

Antichrist commandeth his shavelings to say matins, mass, and even-song, to sing for souls in purgatory, to hear confessions, to enjoin penance, to give absolution, to bless the font, etc.

 24. Christ confirmed the doctrine of his disciples with working of miracles.

Antichrist establishes the teaching of his chaplains with the terrible and grievous thunderbolt of excommunication, with imprisonment, with persecution, with sword, fagot, fire, halter, etc.

25. Christ, when sending forth his disciples to preach, commanded them to do their office freely, that is to say, to preach and to heal the sick for nothing, saying unto them, Freely ye have received, freely give.

Antichrist and his birds are like unto Judas. For they all do so well love the purse, that without money a man can get nothing of them. They bless, they curse, they sing, they say, they patter, they pray, they mumble, they rumble, they tumble, they jumble, they talk, they walk, they blear, they bleat, they fast, they eat, they talk, they walk, and what not? and all for money, according to the common pro­verb: No penny, no paternoster.

 26. Christ, when he sent forth his disciples to preach, said unto them: Behold, I send you forth as sheep among wolves; for in the world ye shall have trouble.

Antichrist sendeth forth his trumpet-blowers as wolves among sheep, ready to kill, slay, and murder, if any withstand their antichristian doctrine. The world hateth them not, but loveth them dearly, because they are of the world, and speak of the world.

27. Christ pronounced them blessed that are poor; and he himself was so poor that he had not where to rest his head, being in this behalf much inferior to the birds of the air, which have their nests, and to the foxes of the earth, which have their holes.

Antichrist, which calleth himself Christ's vicar and Peter's successor, agreeing with them in doctrine and manners, as Belial with Christ, and Satan with God, hateth and abhorreth such as are poor and without money, as people lacking the means to buy his merchandise. Antichrist himself is so rich, and hath such abundance, that he is able to compare in substance with worldly princes and earthly potentates. He is not ashamed to say: Rome is mine; Sicilia is mine; Corsica is mine: the whole empire is mine. And in his lousy laws and devilish decrees he commandeth that if any man, either of low or high degree, presume to take any of the church-goods, he should be withstood not only with the spiritual, but also with the temporal sword. And if any chance to die for the defense of mother holy church goods, he affirmeth plainly that they die a blessed death, and shall obtain life everlasting. 0 antichrist! This antichrist had rather have the blood of many thousands both most cruelly and un­justly shed, than he would lose one of his worldly property; so sweet unto him is the savor of lucre.

28. Christ, when they would have chosen him to be their king, fled away alone from them into the mountains, and gave himself to prayer and spiritual meditations, utterly eschewing all worldly pomp, glory, and dignity; which thing he showed openly in riding simply and plainly upon a borrowed ass; according to the prophecy of Zachariah, which saith: Behold, the king cometh unto thee, meek, simple, lowly, or of poor degree. He became poor, saith the apostle, that we through his poverty should wax rich. And he said to Pilate: My kingdom is not of this world.

Antichrist advanceth and lifteth up himself above all kings, princes, rulers, and emperors, challenging unto him authority and power both to exalt and depose kings, princes, and emperors, at his pleasure; which thing, as we read, he hath in times most cruelly and tyrant-like practiced in divers and many noble princes. He ad­vanceth himself not only to excel all power and authority, but also to be lord of both realms, heavenly and earthly, and that the emperor is his subject, as it is mentioned in his own decrees and laws": again, that if the empire at any time be void, he is right heir to the same. And in token that he is lord and king over three realms, one more than God himself hath, that is to say, heaven, earth, and purgatory, he weareth a triple crown upon his pilled pate. This authority this antichrist received of the devil for the service that he hath done him, which Christ utterly refused when he said unto him: All these things, all the kingdoms of the world and the glory of them, will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. This antichrist and his adherents, that so vilely despise the higher powers, are spoken of in the epistle of St Peter, which saith: They walk after the flesh, in the lust of uncleanness, and despise authority. Presumptuous are they and stubborn, which fear not to speak evil of them which excel in worship, etc.

29. Christ came not to be served, but to serve, taking upon him the similitude of a servant, and making himself of no reputation, to serve and advance us.

Antichrist will be served, and suffer kings to give him water, yea, and saith it were a shame if he should otherwise humble himself; as it appeareth in his own laws and decrees.

30. Christ full lowly and meekly washed his disciples' feet, and taught them so likewise, saying: I have given you an example, that as I have done to you, so ye should do one to another.

Antichrist saith, Emperors and kings shall kneel unto me, and kiss my feet; and is not ashamed to express it in his law.

31. Christ, with his disciples, walked by foot, both in wet and dry, heat and cold, to teach and instruct the people; as it is evident throughout all the gospel.

Antichrist keepeth his feet full clean with shoes of gold and silver, set with pre­cious stones, and will not preach the word of God, but saith it is sufficient to cause others to preach; as it appeareth by his law. Verily after this manner might the Turk be pope also.

32. Christ sat at meat among his disciples full lowly and poorly; and he did not require the highest seat.

Antichrist sitteth full high in a curious throne, and be served gloriously with great princes and potentates; and he will have men with jagged coats to carve his morsels, blaspheming God with oaths, and committing many other vices; as you may daily see.

33. Christ fasted, and sought for the fruit on the tree to eat when he was hungry, and found none thereupon.

Antichrist hath great provision made in cities and towns to get him of the best  food that may be found, taking much care in its preparation and presentation, as well as delicacy in taste, with infinite varieties of spices sauces, and syrups.

34. Christ lay and slept in a boat on the hard boards, having for chamberlains[7] poor fishermen.

Antichrist lay full soft and easily in beds of down, where he sleepeth sweetly; and no man may wake him until he has slept enough. His chamberlain are men of honor which are always ready with marshals and ushers to keep his chambers from noise, as is the porter at his gate ready to keep out the poor.

35. Christ was in hills weeping and praying, and walked in desert, feeding many thousands both with meat and preaching.

Antichrist sitteth in his castles and towers, with minstrels, laughter and all kind of melody. As for the hungry and the poor, they shall die and starve; for food get they none from him. He thinketh it great shame for him to follow Christ's example. As touching preaching, he doth not so much as once dream of it.

36. Christ rode poorly and simply on an ass and had twelve poor men that followed

him on foot. 

Antichrist rideth royally on a mule, or on a white palfrey,[8] and hath more than twelve following him on horseback to attend and wait upon him, with swords, bills,[9] and halberds,[10] as it were men ready to battle.

37. Christ, as he passed through cities and towns, hunted fiends[11] out of men that they dwelled in, with the words of his mouth.

Antichrist hunteth the wild deer, the fox, and the hare, in his closed parks, with great cries and horns blowing, with hounds and ratchetts[12] running, besides a great swarm of Sim[13] Shakebucklers.[14]

38. Christ, praying to Almighty God, his heavenly Father, in his prayer called him Holy Father.

Antichrist is called the most holy father of Satan's children, and like Lucifer taketh that name on him. His disciples say that he is God on earth; whereas we are taught by Christ's law that there is but one God. 

39. Christ sat in the midst of the doctors, not thinking it scornful to inquire and to hear them in the law of his heavenly Father.

Antichrist sitteth in his glorious throne, and ministers his own laws and traditions to all men, and holdeth a small matter a long time in litigation, which might soon be determined by the law of God, if he would use it. But then his monetary gain should be the less, his law without profit, and his consistory[15] cold.

40. Christ sent the Holy Ghost in fervent love and charity, to teach them which were the elect and chosen of God all truth necessary unto salvation. 

Antichrist sendeth out his commissions everywhere to curse and ask vengeance on them that resist his tyranny, and will for money absolve them clean again. All his doctrines have golden tails. For money is ever the end. Give him money, and ye have fulfilled all his laws,

41. Christ fulfilled and kept both the old law and the new, and all righteousness.

 Antichrist will have his own traditions and laws kept. But as for the law of God, it is clean out of his mind.

42. Christ said that men should know his disciples by their charity, if they loved one another, as he had loved them.

Antichrist causeth his chaplains to be known by their habits[16] and vestures, by their long gowns and shaven crowns,[17] and punisheth them if they use not their habits. But ­for their covetousness, ambition, pride, whoredom, and such other wickedness, he never punisheth them.

43. Christ promises forgiveness of sin and the kingdom of heaven unto them that will repent and amend their lives. 

Antichrist saith that no man can be saved except he be first shriven[18] of his priests and friars. For they bring in money.

44. Christ would not suffer that doves, sheep, and oxen used for the offering, should be sold in the temple of God, but drove out the buyers and sellers with whips.

Antichrist suffereth his chapmen[19] in the church to sell the sacraments that they should freely minister to the Christian people, In his court also there is selling of bishoprics, prebends, free chapels, benefices, dignities, abbotships, offices, etc. And all for money.

45. Christ lay in a stable, with few clothes, betwixt an ox and an ass. For there was no place in the inns for his parents because they were poor.

Antichrist lays in rich chambers, with quilts, curtains, carpets, and cushions spread all about, with sweet smells, pleasant odors, and painted walls with hangings of cloth of gold.

46. Christ would have men to visit the poor prisoners, to comfort them, and to deliver them. 

Antichrist hath no pity on the poor; yea, he persecuteth the poor Christians, putting them in prison for the truth's sake, and in the end, most cruelly murdereth them.

47. Christ did never imprison or persecute any man, but he commanded his dis­ciples that they should love their enemies, and do well to them, yea, and pray for them that did persecute them.

Antichrist, that taketh on himself [by his own authority] to stand in Christ's stead,[20] and to follow his example, persecutes punishes, imprisons, and puts to death them that are disobedient to his voluptuous pleasures. See ye not how closely he followeth Christ's steps?

48. Christ, healing the sick, and doing many miracles, did for the most part ever command that they should tell no man who had healed them.

Antichrist, altogether desirous of vain-glory, worldly praise, and mortal renown, gives great gifts and large benefices to pardoners, to proctors, to lawyers, to liars, to minstrels, to mass-singers to friars, to flatterers, and to such-like parasites, to blaze his name abroad, his holiness and godliness, that he may have honor and worship in this wicked world.

49. Christ had no courts to plead the matters of his disciples in; for he com­manded them that they should not resist evil.

Antichrist hath his courts and many rich men of law to oppress the poor, and

to call unto judgment whom he desires. For whatsoever cause he will he vexes all manner of people without mercy. Forgive, he will not.

50. Christ bade them that he healed to go their way, and to sin no more.

Antichrist gives license to the people that they may continue in sin,[21] and giveth them license also to keep and maintain whore houses and brothels, and receiveth money therefore.[22]

51. Christ refused to be judge between the two brethren in dividing their inheritance, as a matter not connected to his office, which was to preach the will of his heavenly Father, but rather such judgment was appertaining unto worldly judges and temporal magistrates.

Antichrist taketh upon him to be judge in all manner of matters, spiritual or temporal, ghostly or worldly. There is no cause which he will not take upon himself to determine, especially if they bring money. He will all men, in matters from all men, to appeal unto him and unto his court for sentence, without any resistance or gainsaying.

52. Christ would not be defended in a righteous matter with martial armors, but he commanded Peter to put up his sword into his sheath. For he that striketh with the sword shall perish with the sword.

Antichrist commandeth emperors, kings, princes, and lords, with their subjects, to take swords, spears, halberds, and guns to help him slay all who will not obey his tyranny. And this must the emperor do, or else he must be perjured, yea, and also deposed, because he is no meet man to reign, forasmuch as he stoutly defendeth not the liberties of holy church. After this manner came it to pass that Julius Secundus, bishop of Rome, caused to be slain sixteen thousand men in one day.[23] Was not that well pastured? Was not this a worthy vicar of Christ, and a noble successor of Peter?

53. Christ gave free liberty to all men to eat all meats at all times; forasmuch as that which entereth into the mouth defileth not man, but that which cometh out of the mouth. For all things arc pure to them that are pure; and nothing is to be cast way, if it be received with giving of thanks. For it is sanctified by the word of God, and by prayer: Yea, it is the doctrine of devils to forbid to eat that which God hath made to be received with thanksgiving.

Antichrist plainly condemneth all such as presume to eat eggs, milk, butter or cheese, but especially flesh, on those days that he hath commanded to be fasted, denouncing them as heretics. This [doctrine] agrees with Christ as light with darkness. And yet have we been so blinded these many years past through the juggling of our spiritual sorcerers, that we could never perceive this antichrist till now in the latter days, when that man of sin must be revealed and preached, according to the prophecy of the apostle.

54. Christ gave authority unto his disciples to bind and to loose, saying: Whatsoever ye bind in earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatsoever ye loose in earth shall be loosed in heaven. But Christ spake nothing of binding and loosing for money the souls departed in pur­gatory.

Antichrist challengeth greater power and larger authority. For he will loose souls out of purgatory and command the angels to fetch them out; and all for money. For without money ye can get nothing of him.

55. Christ is head of the church, as the holy apostle Paul doth testify; and also he is the stone whereon the church is built. And this church is the congregation of faithful Christian people and the very body of Christ.

Antichrist saith that he is head of the church, and that the see of Rome is the stone whereon the church is built. Can anything be more contrary unto the honor and glory of God than thus to despoil him of his kingdom, which he so dearly hath bought, shedding his precious blood for it?

56. Christ gave us a law, which is the holy scripture. This holy scripture, as it was given by the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, so did the same Spirit infuse it abundantly into the hearts of the apostles, and likewise doth at this present time with the faithful; and of the same Spirit hath this holy scripture his [eternal] endurance and true interpretation.

Antichrist is not ashamed to brag that he is lord over the scripture, to allow or disallow it: for of me, saith he, it taketh his full authority. And for a token of this, the scripture of Christ is laid under his feet when he is at mass.

57. Christ commanded, by his apostle St Paul, that a bishop should be apt to teach, and that he ought to be well learned, that he may be able by his wholesome doctrine both to exhort and to overcome all them that resist and be against the faith.

Antichrist will neither teach nor dispute with any man in the holy scripture for the maintenance of the Christian faith, but only for to augment his own kingdom, and to establish his own laws. And if any will dispute with him, they shall be cast first into prison; where he and his ministers have devised and invented torture devices to wring their fingers so sore, that the blood shall burst out of their fingers' ends. Moreover, he will pain them and scourge them, and with infinite other torments punish them, to make them forsake the truth; and afterward make them swear on a book, that they shall tell no man of it. Thus cruelly doth antichrist entreat man for the truth's sake, against all justice. And if he cannot subdue them to his will, then either he murders them secretly in prison, or else he commits them to the secular power, as unto his hangmen or butchers, to be burned. And thus is the dis­putation ended; and antichrist hath gotten the victory.

58. Christ cursed the fig tree upon which he found no fruit; and forthwith the fig tree withered and never bare fruit after.

Antichrist hath cursed and interdicted lands and realms; and yet did not the people die, but they prospered well; and the earth brought forth her fruit and increase no less than before, yea, much more abundantly, (thanks be unto God!) that this saying may be found true: They shall curse; but thou shalt bless.

59. Christ calleth himself the good shepherd, saying: I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd giveth his life for his sheep.

Antichrist saith that he is a good shepherd, and yet he cuts so short, removing the hair by shearing and scraping the sheep so close to the skin, that he leaves not one lock of wool on their backs. And think ye not that he is in all points the selfsame shepherd of whom Zacharia prophesied? which saith in the person of God: Behold, I will raise up a shepherd in the land, which shall not seek after the things that be lost, nor care for such as go astray. He shall not heal the wounded: he shall not nourish the thing that is whole; but he shall eat the flesh of such as be fat, and tear their claws in pieces, etc. He shall nourish himself and not the sheep. And this prophet, crying out concerning him, saith: 0 thou shepherd and idol, forsaking the flock! As though he should say: Thou bearest the name of a shepherd, but thou art an idol and counterfeit. Thou art called a shepherd, but thou art a plain murderer. Thou art named a feeder, but thou art a destroyer. Can it be imagined that this shepherd will give his life for his sheep?

60. Christ chargeth Peter three times to keep well and nourish his sheep.

Antichrist chargeth his officers to keep well his money: and as for the sheep, he himself taketh pains to shear them, and to keep them cropped close with infinite exactions.

61. Christ gave a commandment, that a man should forsake his wife or put her away for no cause, but only for adultery.

Antichrist allows divorces for whatsoever cause a man will have him, if he be wealthy: yea, and for money he will join them together whom the law of God by no means suffereth to marry.

62. Christ sent forth seventy and two other disciples to preach, besides the twelve disciples, who freely promised heaven to them that would believe in the name of Christ.

Antichrist sendeth out his preachers and pardoners which teach the people to believe his power and to trust to his pardons for their salvation; adding that they cannot otherwise be absolved, nor come to heaven. And all for money.

63. Christ took away from his disciples all temporal jurisdiction and worldly power, saying unto them: The kings and princes of the gentiles have rule and power over them;...but ye shall not so have.

Antichrist lifteth up himself above all power and saith, “Emperors, kings, and lords be my subjects.” This is daily read in his bulls, wherein he commandeth the nobility, like as a master doth command his servant.

64. Christ gave commandment to his disciples, saying: Look, which among you

will be greatest, let him be the lowest of all.

Antichrist saith: “The emperor must swear unto me, as unto his lord, that he will be my subject, and exalt and worship me with honor;” as his own law testifieth.

65. Christ in all places of the holy scripture rejected and cast away men’s traditions and decrees: They worship me in vain, saith he, teaching doctrines that are the commandments of men.

Antichrist magnifies the traditions and decrees of his canon law, and saith that they ought to be kept as duly as if God himself had commanded them, or as if St. Peter had preached them himself.

66. Christ, wishing no man to err, no man to be deceived, no man to perish or to be damned, called himself in his sermons the way, the truth, and the life. I am, saith he, the way, the truth, and the life. Believe in me, and follow me in my learning, and I will rule you by the scripture; for that shall be your judge.

Antichrist saith, “Ye shall in all things follow the church of Rome;” meaning thereby himself and his cardinals; as appeareth in his own law. “And as for the scripture,” saith he, “it standeth in my power and authority; for I may make of it whatsoever pleaseth me.”

67. Christ loved them that were his enemies, blessed them that cursed, and did good to them that hated him. 

Antichrist cannot find in his heart to love and bless his enemies, nor to do good

to his adversaries; but instead curse, and will not absolve them till they have made perfect submission, and paid great sums of money.

68. Christ commanded his disciples that they should not resist evil, but, if a man

strike them upon the one cheek, that they should offer him the other also.

Antichrist will suffer nothing; yea, he teaches that he may avenge and drive away force with force.

69. Christ, by open voice from heaven, was pronounced of God the Father to be his dearly beloved Son; and so many as purpose to be saved and to be made in­heritors of eternal life, are commanded to hear him.

Antichrist giveth strait commandment that under pain of everlasting damnation we hear him, obey, and observe his decrees and laws!

70. Christ laid light burdens and sweet yokes upon his disciples' necks.

Antichrist layeth intolerable burdens and most grievous yokes upon men's shoulders and notwithstanding he saith: “If any commandment or burden be so heavy that it cannot be sustained and borne, yet shall ye obey me.” In this respect antichrist is like the old hypocrites among the Jews, of whom our Saviour Christ speaketh on this manner: They bind together heavy burdens, and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not heave at them with one of their fingers. Again: Woe unto you, ye lawyers! for ye laden men with burdens which they be not able to bear, and ye yourselves touch not the packs with one of your fingers.

71. Christ paid tribute to Caesar and gave commandment to all his that they should give to the temporal magistrate whatsoever is due unto him; as the apostle saith: Give to every man his duty, tribute to whom tribute belongs, custom to whom custom is due, etc.

Antichrist despises both this example and doctrine of Christ and excommunicates all them that ask any toll or tribute either of him or of his. For he hath made them ­all free by his law from all such charges and payments.

72. Christ, when he lived in this world, was beneficial, liberal, and plentiful in doing the works of mercy to the poor, and exhorted others to do likewise; ever com­mending mercy above offerings and sacrifices.

Antichrist hath no pleasure at all in the works of mercy, neither cares he for the poor; but his desire is that men should give their money for pardons, for masses, for dirges, etc., and bestow their goods upon images-guilding, tabernacles-pointing, chan­tries-building, etc.; so that he will no mercy, but all offerings. And he that saith, “It is better to give our charity to the poor,” as Christ saith, is counted half an heretic because he goes about to mar antichrist's market.

73. Christ, the mirror of meekness and example of humility, charged his disciples that they should not desire to be called masters nor yet fathers on earth.

Antichrist will not only be called the lord and master of all Christendom, but also the most holy father in earth, God's vicar in earth, Peter's successor in earth, and head of the church in earth, etc.

74. Christ disdained not to go unto the marriage, when he was called; and sanctified the same with the first-fruits of his miracles.

Antichrist despiseth marriage and commandeth his shavelings not to attend them because marriage is a kind of imperfect life, unworthy of their high perfection and pure state of vocation or calling.

75. Christ refused not to go wheresoever he was desired so he might do good to others. 

Antichrist is so delicate and fine and above all labor, that he refuses to go anywhere except it be to profit and benefit himself.

76. Christ thought no scorn (such was his goodwill toward all men) even when his hand touched the leper to heal him.

Antichrist disdaineth to glance upon the poor; for him to handle and touch the miserable, diseased, and loathsome people with his holy hands is out of the question. His delight is the great god Mammon and consorting with the nice nymphs of lady Venus' court.

77. Christ had great pleasure and singular delight to be among them that were sick and diseased.

Antichrist hath all his delight and pleasure to be among the minions of the world, and the lusty gallants,[24] dicers,[25] carders, minstrels, game-players, and all such as may provoke him unto pleasure, mirth, and joy.

78. Christ kept company with sinners, whores, and publicans, to the end that he might allure them from wickedness unto godliness, saying: They that are whole have no need of a physician, but they that are sick. For I am not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.

Antichrist delighteth to accompany the princes and rulers of this world, that he may enlarge and increase St. Peter's patrimony and enrich mother holy church, which begins now to wax old, and hath great need of help. As touching them that are run astray from God, he knoweth none other way unto salvation but to exhort them to buy his pardons, masses, etc.

79. Christ in his sermons had no respect of persons, but rebuked all classes alike which needed rebuking.

Antichrist never preaches, yet often prates; great and noble personages he flatters, although they be ever so wicked and ungodly. This he does in hope of gain. As touching the poor and miserable, he thunders at them with the sentence of the great curse.

80. Christ, when his disciples, James and John, would have had fire come down from heaven upon the Samaritans for their ingratitude and unthankfulness, and so to have destroyed them, as in the days of Elias rebuked them, said: Ye wot not what manner spirit ye are of. For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them.

Antichrist, when any displeasure is done against him, although never so little, fumes and foams, brays and brawls, roars and rages, that straightway out of his fiery place he casts out his most grievous thunderbolt of that terrible great excommunication. If that will do no good, then he provokes princes unto wars out of hand, and to murder for his sake many thousand of innocent souls; never ceasing from his furious madness and mad fury, until he be avenged to the uttermost; forgetting this commandment of God: Vengeance is mine; and I will reward, saith the Lord.

81. Christ always defended his disciples against the scribes and Pharisees with the authority of God's word. J4

Antichrist defendeth his adherents with banning and cursing, with sword and spear, with bows and arrows, with gun and pole-axe, and such like martial armors.

82. Christ took patiently the opprobrious words that were spoken against his own person; but the railing blasphemies uttered of the blasphemous enemies of the truth against the glory of God, he could by no means abide, but mightily de­fended it.

Antichrist regardeth not the blasphemies spoken or written against the glory of

God and the manifest truth of his blessed word, but if anything be spoken against him and his devilish decrees, then rages he like a madman, and never ceases until he be revenged. His fury can be appeased only with good sums of money.

83. Christ proved and defended his doctrines against the enemies thereof with the testimonies of Moses, of the Psalms, and of the prophets.

Antichrist proves and defends his decrees and traditions with general councils, with constitutions provincial, with the authorities of forefathers, with the prescripts of old customs, with the sophistical and carnal reasons of the schoolmen; and, if all these will not serve, with fire and fagot, with sword and halter.[26]

84. Christ so travailed in going about from country to country preaching the will of his heavenly Father, that he was many times weary of his journey.

Antichrist taketh his ease, sitting at home in his rich chairs, upon his golden cushions and precious carpets. If at any time he must travel, either he is carried upon men's shoulders as a God of the earth, or else he rideth upon his mule gorgeously trapped and harnessed.

85. Christ, beholding the lamentable tears of the widow whose son was dead being carried forth for burial, had pity and compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not; and immediately he delivered her son alive again unto her who before was dead.

Antichrist, evidently seeing great enormities and manifold most grievous abuses in the church of Christ, whereof he brags to be the head, although moved and provoked with the humble supplications, fervent desires, and earnest prayers of many good and godly men both by writing and other means, neither taketh away the enormities, nor corrects the abuses; but rather, as a sworn adversary against God and all godliness, he goes forth daily more and more to establish and confirm those abominations, seeking no redress; as the experience of this our time doth most mani­festly declare.[27]

86. Christ disdained not to come unto Lazarus' grave to raise him up from death unto life, not being dismayed with the evil savor of the dead corpse, although warned beforehand.

Antichrist abhors nothing more than evil savors, having his great delight in sweet perfumes and pleasant odors, being of the number of those which on this wise speak in the book of Wisdom: Come on, let us enjoy the pleasures that there are, and let us soon use the creature like as in youth. Let us fill ourselves with good wine and ointment; and let there no flower of the time go by us. Let us crown ourselves with roses afore they be withered. Let there be no fair meadow but our lust go through it. Let every one of you be partaker of our voluptuousness. Let us leave some token of our pleasure in every place. For that is our portion; else get we nothing.

87. Christ wept when he came to raise up Lazarus, knowing that sin is the cause not only of death of the body, but also of death of the soul, and of all other evils and plagues.

Antichrist rejoiceth in evil-doing, and is glad when sin reigns, flourishes and triumphs. For then is his merchandise abundantly bought, such as pardons, masses of scala coeli, absolution, etc.

88. Christ is that loving and gentle Shepherd, which, when one of his sheep was gone astray, left the residue, and never ceased till he had found her out. Being found, he sweetly laid her upon his shoulder and tenderly brought her home again with great joy and much gladness; and calling together his lovers and neighbors, he said unto them: 0 rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.

Antichrist is of another disposition and contrary-minded. For if any run astray never so little from his lousy laws, trifling traditions, devilish decrees, and crooked constitutions, cankered customs, etc., straightway he is excommunicate and cursed as black as a crow with book, bell, and candle, even down to the deep dungeon of hell-fire, without redemption, except he will be reconciled to mother holy church, and make such satisfaction as shall be thought meet of the most holy father and of his devout chaplains. If he will not obey, down with him, summon him, suspend him, apprehend him, accuse him, condemn him, to prison with him, away with him, away with him!

89. Christ is that most loving Samaritan which had pity on the wounded man, bound up his wounds, poured in oil and wine, set him on his own beast, brought him into a common inn and made provision for him.

Antichrist is that abominable thief and cruel murderer, which without all pity and compassion robs, wounds, and slays both the bodies and souls of men: the bodies, with his exactions, oppressions, pollings, pillings, tyranny, murder, death; the souls, with false doctrine, unwritten verities, decrees, constitutions, infidelity, false belief, superstition, etc.

90. Christ is appointed of God the Father to be the Physician and Saviour of the world. 

Antichrist is appointed of the devil, the father of liars, to be the corrupter and destroyer of the world.

91. Christ is the light of the world. Whosoever followeth him and his doctrine shall never stumble nor err.

Antichrist is the darkness of the world. He that followeth him and his decrees shall never walk the right way unto heaven, but cast himself headlong into outer darkness, where weeping and gnashing of teeth shall be.

92. Christ is that bread of life which came down from heaven. He that eateth of that bread shall never hunger, but have life everlasting.

Antichrist is that bread of death which came up from hell. Whosoever tasteth of that bread shall die the death everlasting.

93. Christ is our peace-maker.

Antichrist is our dissension-maker.

94. Christ is our wisdom, righteousness, sanctifying and redemption.

Antichrist is our folly, wickedness, corruption and destruction.

95. Christ is that Lamb of God without spot, which taketh away the sin of the world.

Antichrist is that wolf of Satan, full of all sin and wickedness, who daily increaseth the sin of the world.

96. Christ is the head of God's church.

Antichrist is the head of Satan's synagogue.

97. Christ is our Mediator, Advocate, and Intercessor.

Antichrist is our disturber, depriver and destroyer.

98. Christ is that rock, out of which issueth and floweth forth the water of life:

Whosoever shall drink thereof shall never thirst more. 

Antichrist is that vile and stinking puddle: he that drinketh thereof shall die

everlastingly.

99. Christ is that seed of the woman which hath trodden down the serpent's head. 

Antichrist is that seed of the serpent, which, like a roaring lion, continually seeketh whom he may devour:'

100. Christ is that blessed seed of Abraham, in whom all nations of the earth are blessed and saved.

Antichrist is that cursed seed of Satan, in whom and through whom so many as lean to his wicked and damnable doctrine perish and are damned.

 101. Christ is Alpha and Omega, that is to say, the beginning and ending of all our salvation.

Antichrist is the author of all mischief and abomination; so that whosoever fol­loweth him and his antichristian doctrine may be sure to come unto damnation.

 102. Christ prayed to his heavenly Father that Peter's faith might not fail.

Antichrist prayeth that Peter's patrimony (as they call it) may never fail.

103. Christ refuses no pain to do good to his congregation.

Antichrist refuses no pain so that he may have lucre and gain.

104. Christ went up willingly to Jerusalem to suffer death for the elect people of God. 

Antichrist hateth nothing more than the cross. As for God's people, he regards them not, except they bring money.

105. Christ, when he might have escaped and gone away from his enemies, freely gave himself into their hands to be crucified for the salvation of other.

Antichrist resists his enemies tooth and nail with hand and sword; neither does he ever suffer any adversity gladly, except it be for the maintenance of his own pomp and glory, and for the enrichment of St Peter's patrimony.

106. Christ was stripped out of his clothes, and was badly beaten and scourged, and false witness brought in against him.

Antichrist is well clothed with precious garments, and hath change for every day, and commandeth others to be beaten and sorely punished, and false witness to be brought in to testify whatsoever he will have against the poor innocent Christian people.

107. Christ, being most unjustly and wrongfully accused, and having many un­truths objected against him, as a lamb dumb before his shearer, opened not his mouth. When he was reviled, he reviled not again; when he suffered, he threat­ened not, but committed the vengeance to him that judgeth righteously.

Antichrist, being justly accused both of false doctrine and corrupt manners and admonished to amend, will by no means give ear, but seeketh all means possible to be revenged: he will be the judge of all men, but himself judged of none. He will condemn whom he desires and he will not once be touched. His doctrine, although never so im­pure, he defends with fire and fagot, with sword and halter. Whosoever disdain to embrace and maintain it, all them be excommunicated, cut off from the body of Christ, appointing them unto everlasting damnation, interdicting their lands, realms, and countries, wheresoever they dwell; as experience in these our days teach abun­dantly. As concerning his life and manners, although never so wicked and detest­able, no man is allowed to reprove him, except he will feel the bitter bolts of the most bitter curse.

108. Christ had a crown of sharp thorns set upon his head with so great violence that the blood run down over all his amiable face, and boisterous nails driven through his precious hands.

Antichrist weareth upon his head three crowns of gold, richly set with precious stones, and hath his hands and fingers all royally decked with jeweled brooches and rings. He surpasses poor Christ, far, far.

109. Christ took the cross of painful affliction upon himself, and commanded his disciples likewise to follow him, saying: He that will not take his cross and follow me is not meet for me.

Antichrist taketh the cross pride, and hath it borne before him, well-gilt and enameled, to set forth his pride and pomp before the world, like unto Lucifer. As for another cross, he knoweth none.

110. Christ prayed his Father to forgive them that trespassed against him; yea, he prayed for them that put him to death.

Antichrist commandeth both kings and princes and emperors to avenge his quarrel and to slay all them that resist his mind, promising them that if they die in his quarrel, they shall die glorious martyrs in the sight of God, and straightway come unto heaven, yea, before their blood be cold. As touching forgiveness, he hath none acquaintance therewith.

111. Christ approved his law, and confirmed it with his own death.

Antichrist is full busy to destroy the law of Christ, and to maintain his own decrees, and that he does by the death of all them that will say the contrary.

112. Christ was buried in a poor monument, sepulcher, or grave, without any

funeral pomp.

Antichrist is buried in a glorious tomb, well gilt, and very gorgeously set out, with many torches and great solemnity, and with angels gloriously portrayed, that bear his soul to heaven, when, notwithstanding, it is to be feared that he goes to sup with the devil, whom he hath so diligently served all the days of his life.

113. Christ suffered death for our sins, and rose again for our justification; or else all we should have perished and been damned.

Antichrist, for the forgiveness of our sins and of our justification, sendeth us to his pardons and bulls, to his years of Jubilee, and masses of scala coeli; yea, he sends us to a grey friar’s cowl, and wills that we be buried in that costume, promising us by that means both remission and everlasting life. Is not this to tread under foot the Son of God, and to count the blood of the testament as an unholy thing, yea, and to do dishonor to the Spirit of grace? Is not this that beast which opened his mouth to speak blasphemies against the most highest God and against his most glorious name? Is not this that sinful man, that son of perdition, that adversary which exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped, so that he doth sit in the temple of God, boasting himself to be God ? 0 antichrist!

114. Christ after his resurrection appeared to his disciples, and brought unto them peace and great joy. 

Antichrist, when he cometh abroad and sheweth himself unto men, cometh like a game-player in his papalibus, full gloriously and gorgeously, and bringeth to the be­holders blessings, that is, crossings and waggings of fingers, with such other vain and trifling toys.

115. Christ reproved in his disciples unfaithfulness and hardness of heart.

Antichrist findeth fault with his captives [i.e., bondslaves] if they be unfaithful and disobedient to his decrees and slack in paying of money.

116. Christ sought all means possible to confirm the faith of his disciples, stipulated in his resurrection.

Antichrist seeketh all manner of ways to plant, confirm and establish in the hearts of men, his authority and primacy above not only all bishops, but also all kings, princes, and emperors.

117. Christ so talked with certain of his disciples by the way, that their hearts burned within them; so sweetly and lovingly did he open unto them the true and right understanding of the scriptures.

Antichrist doth so talk, and uttereth such doctrine, that it inflames not, but appalls the hearts of the hearers; it quickeneth not, but rather dismays. For it is not the word of the Spirit, but of the flesh; not of light, but of darkness; not of life, but of death; and finally, not of conversion and salvation, but of desperation and eternal damnation.

118. Christ breathed upon his disciples, and gave them the Holy Ghost, saying, Take ye the Holy Ghost, that they, being endued with his Spirit, might bring forth the fruits of the same, and be thereby known to [be] his apostles.

Antichrist doth breathe the spirit of Satan into his shavelings, and will that they shall be known to be his chaplains by their long gowns, shaven crowns, horned caps, flaring tippets, etc.

119. Christ sent forth his disciples for to preach unto all nations. 

Antichrist sendeth forth his chaplains to be massmongers, soul-carriers, purgatory-rakers, god-makers, conjurors of salt, water, bread, fire, etc. 

120. Christ commanded his disciples to preach, not men's traditions, but the gospel, that is to say, repentance and remission of sins in his name to all creatures.

Antichrist commandeth his praters to set forth to the people his laws and decrees, and to intermeddle them with tales out of Legenda Aurea, and narrations out of the Festival, Martyrology, etc. He sendeth forth also his pardoners to publish fables and lies unto the people, and thereto granteth he letters and seals, and many days of pardon, and all for money.

121. Christ willed his disciples to say unto their hearers, that whosoever believeth and is baptized, he shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

Antichrist commandeth his trumpeters to blow abroad into the ears of the people, that whosoever will buy his pardons shall be absolved, and then must he needs be saved. And he that teachs otherwise is an heretic. This his bulls and pardons do plainly testify.

122. Christ charged his disciples diligently to teach the people to observe and keep those things that he commanded them; and so doing, he promised to be with them unto the very end of the world; meaning not bodily, but ghostly.

Antichrist giveth a great charge to his chaplains to inculcate and beat into the people's heads, under pain of deadly sin and everlasting damnation, the keeping of his canons and laws; and, in so doing, he promises to assist them continually with the spirit of error and falsehood.

123. Christ, a little before his ascension into the kingdom of his Father, gave a great charge to Peter and his fellow-apostles, that they with all diligence should feed his lambs and sheep with the most wholesome pasture of his most sweet word; saying: Pasce, pasce, pasce: Feed, feed, feed.

Antichrist giveth strait commandment to his captives, that they shall poison the people with the pharisaical leaven of his law, and by no means teach them the truth of God's word, lest they should spy out his falsehood, and above all things play Tolle, tolle, tolle: Poll, poll, poll; Pill, pill, pill.[28]

124. Christ commanded his apostles not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father.

Antichrist thrusts forth into ministry his greaslings[29] and shavelings without any consideration or motion of God's Spirit. He cares only if they can mass it, and matins it.

125. Christ, when he should depart and go up into heaven, lifted up his hand and blessed his apostles, that is to say, wished well unto them.

Antichrist also lifteth up his hand, and blesseth the people, that is to say, wag­geth his fingers over them. But whether he curseth or blesseth, that is uncertain.

126. Christ by the power of his deity ascended into heaven, perfect God and perfect man.

Antichrist, through the multitude of his most detestable sins and vile wickedness, descendeth into hell both body and soul, and hath his portion with idolaters, witches, thieves, adulterers, whoremongers, cursed speakers, etc., in that lake that burneth with fire and brimstone; where he and all his shall be tormented with most intolerable pains, worlds without end.

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