As a good example of what should be used for this end, we
have taken the sweet music or melodies which under popish rule
are in use at wakes, funerals and masses for the dead, some of
which we have printed in this little book; and it is in our
thought, as time shall serve, to add others to them, or have
this done by more competent hands. But we have set other words
thereto, such as shall adorn our doctrine of the resurrection,
not that of purgatory with its pains and expiations, whereby
the dead may neither sleep nor rest. The notes and melodies
are of great price; it were pity to let them perish; but the
words to them were unchristian and uncouth, so let these perish.
It is just as in other matters they do greatly excel us,
having splendid rites of worship, magnificent convents and
abbeys; but the preachings and doctrines heard therein do for
the most part serve the devil and dishonor God; who
nevertheless is Lord and God over all the earth, and should
have of everything the fairest, best and noblest.
Likewise have they costly shrines of gold and silver, and
images set with gems and jewels; but within are dead men's
bones, as foul and corrupt as in any charnel-house.
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