Martin Marprelate Quotes

Pseudonym shared by anti-episcopal authors in the late 1500's

Martin Marprelate was the pseudonym used by the author or authors of the Marprelate tracts, a series of satirical attacks on the Anglican episcopacy which were published illegally during the years 1588 and 1589. The tracts have at various times been attributed to John Penry, Edward de Vere, Job Throckmorton, Henry Barrowe, Sir Roger Williams and other figures.

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I saw the cause of Christ's government, and of the bishops' antichristian dealing, to be hidden. The most part of men could not be gotten to read anything written in the defence of the one and against the other. I bethought me therefore of a way whereby men might be drawn to do both, perceiving the humors of men in these times (especially of those that are in any place) to be given to mirth. I took that course.

The Lord being the author both of mirth and gravity, is it not lawful in itself for the truth to use either of these ways, when the circumstances do make it lawful?

Our lord bishops…that swinish rabble, are petty antichrists, petty popes, proud prelates, intolerable withstanders of reformation, enemies of the gospel, and most covetous wretched priests.

Martin Marprelate Quotes

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