the verie ennemies to their own confusion, to tes tifie and beare witnesse
of it. For I finde that the prophecie and preaching of Heliseus was
declared in the hall of the king of Syria by the seruantes and flatterers
of the same wicked king[r], making mention that Heliseus declared to the
king of Israel, what so euer the said king of Syria spake in his most
secret chamber. And the wonderous workes of Iesus Christ were notified to
Herode[s], not in any greate praise or commendation of his doctrine, but
rather to signifie that Christ called that tyranne a fox: and that he did
no more regarde his authoritie then did Iohn the Baptist, whom Herode
before had beheaded for the libertie of his tonge. But whether the bearers
of the rumors and tidinges were fauourers of Christ or flatterers of the
tyranne, certain it is that the fame, as well of Christes doctrine, as of
his workes came to the eares of Herod: euen so may the sounde of our weake
trumpet, by the support of some wynd (blowe it from the south or blowe it
from the northe it is no mater) come to the eares of the chief offenders.
But whether it do or not, yet dare we not cease to blowe as God will giue
strength[t]. For we are debters to mo then to princes, to witte, to the
multitude of our brethren, of whome, no doubte a greate nomber haue here
to fore offended by errour and ignorance, geuing their suffragies, consent
and helpe to establishe women in their kingdomes and empires[u], not
vnderstanding howe abominable, odious and detestable is all such vsurped
authoritie in the presence of God. And therfore must the truthe, be
plainlie spoken, that the simple and rude multitude may be admonished.

[Sidenote v: A very dangerous thing to speake against olde errors.]
[Sidenote w: Accomptes will be had of Goddes giftes.]
[Sidenote x: The cause mouing the author to write.]
[Sidenote y: Ezech. 33.]

And as concerning the danger, which may hereof insue, I am not altogether