CHAP. I. The State of the Church in the Primitive Times; and tho Time when the Apostacy from the Truth began. Also a Relation of those few that were raised up from time to time, to testisie against the Idolatry brought in, and set up in every Age since the Apostles dayes.

CHAP. II. A Brief Relation how the ancient Christians were no Persecu­tors in the beginning, but sussered by the Heathen for the first Three hundred years after Christ.

CHAP. III. Concerning Councils gathered before there was a Pope. what Deerees they made; and Papists reproved that say, None gathered Councils since Peter, but the Pope.

THE first Council was of the Apostles, ( Acts 16.) Anno 46. amongst whom James gave his Judgment; unto whom they all agreed, and wrote accordingly to the Brethren. So that Peter was not the Hood of the Church, as the Papists prete [...]d, and cause many to be­lieve [...] [...]

Ag [...] when Pau [...] came to Jerusalem, ( Acts [...].), A [...] [...]e [Page]went with the Brethren unto James, where all the Elders were Assem­bled; and there they determined what they thought best to be done.

Anno 63. After the Death of James, the Apostles from every place gathered themselves together at Jerusalem, and chose Simon Cleo­phas in his stead.

Ninety nine years after Christ, there was two Synods summoned in Asia, where John the Evangelist was present.

One hundred and sixty three years after Christ, there was a Synod in Ancyra in Galatia, gathered together of the faithful, not by the Uni­sal Pope.

In the Year One hundred seventy nine, the Brethren in France as­sembled together.

Anno 128, A General Council was called at Nice in Bythinia, of Three hundred Bishops, by Co [...]stantius Magnus, not by the Universal Pope.

Anno 350, A General Council was summoned at Sardis by Constan­tint and Constance the Emperors.

Anno 355, Constantine the Emperor commanded the Eastern Chur­ches to meet at Nicomedia in Bythinia, the Western at Armenium in Italy.

Anno 299, A Council of a hundred and fifty Bishops met at Con­st [...]nople, by the Commandment of Theodesius Magnus the Emperor.

Anno 450, A Council of Six hundred and thirty Bishops held at Chalcedon, by the Commandment of Martianus the Emperor.

CHAP. IV. Concerning some of the Decrees of the General Councils, af­ter the Apostacy began to spread over the Church; and how they contradicted and excommunicated one another; and what Idolatrous Institutions some of them set up, contrary to the Councils and Assemblies of the Apostles and Brethren we read of in the Scriptures.

IN Asia sundry Synods were held, in which Montanus wa [...] [...]xcom­municated, (and his Heresie condemned. Eus [...]b. lib. 5. cap. [...]

Anno 193, There was a Synod held at Rome touching the c [...]leb [...] ­tion of the Feast of Easter, where Victor excommunicated all the Ea­stern Churches. Eus. lib. 5 c. 23.

Anno 195, There was five or six Synods held in sundry parts of the World, about the Celebration of the Feast of Easter, in which the Bi­shop of Rome had no more Authority then the other Bishops. He in his City, and they in theirs, were chief; and when he went about to challenge Authoritie over the Eastern Churches, Ire [...]s Bishop of Lyons in France, reproved him for it. Euseb. lib. 5. cap. 23.

There vvas a Synod held at Carthage, which is said to have erred about the re-baptizing of Hereticks.

Anno 287, There vvas a Council of Three hundred Bishops cal­led together at Sinuessa, where the Bishop of Rome was condemned for denying Christ, and sacrificing to Idols.

Anno 311, There was a Council held at Neocasarea, where among other things, it was decreed, That none should be made a Priest before he was thirty years old.

Constantine called a Council to remove the Dissention risen among Bishops.

Anno 330, A General Council was called at Nice, of Three hun­dred and eighteen Bishops, by Constanti us Magnus, where they con­demned Arrius, debated the Controversie about Easter, and laid down a Form of Faith, &c.

Sylvester called at Rome Two hundred and eighty four Bishops in the presence of Constantine, where they laid down Canons for the Go­vernment of the Clergy.

Anno 336, A Council held at Eliberis in Spain, in the time of Con­stantine, Decreed, That the Usurer should be excommunicated. That Tapers should not burn in the day-time in Church-Yeards. That Ima­ges should be banished the Church. That nothing should be painted upon the Wall to be worshipped.

Anno 340, The Council of Grangra condemned the Heretical O­pinions of Tustathius and allowed the Marriage of Priests.

A Council held at Carthage, Decreed, That there should be no re­baptizing; and that Clergy-men should not meddle with Temporal Affairs.

A Council of Arrian Bishops met at Antioch, where they end avou­red to abrogate the Nicent Creed. Note, one Council throw [...] down what auther Council sets up.

[...]nno 350, A General Council was fummoned at Sardis, for the heating of them whom the Arrians had exiled; the Council restored them, and deposed their Accusers, condemned the Arria [...]s, and confirmed the Nio [...]ne Creed.

Anno 355, A Council of Arrians held at Sermium, sccurged among them Osius, and made him subscribe unto Arrianism.

A General Council was summoned to meet at Millain, where the East and Western Churches brawled about Athanasius, and dissolved the Council, agreeing upon nothing.

Anno 368, A Council at Laodicea Decreed, That the Laity or com­mon people should not chuse the Priest. That Lessons should be read in the Church between certain Psalms, and Service should be read mor­ning and evening. That the Gospel should be read, with other Scrip­tures, on the Sundays. That Lent should be observed righteously; and that Christians should not dance at Bride-houses.

A Council was called at Illyricum, where the Trinity, Three joined in one, was confessed.

A Council held at Valentia in France, Decreed, That Priests should not marry.

The First Council held at Tolledo in Spain, Decreed, That Priests should marry.

N [...]te, O [...]e of these Councils have erred, though the Papists say they could not erre.

There was a Council held at Chalcedon, where Chrysostom was con­demned of spight, and for no crime.

A Council was called at Cyprus, where through the spight of Theo­philus, Bishop of Alexandria, the Books of Origen were condemned.

The Third Council held at Carthage, Decreed, That the Clergy in their years of discretion, should either Marry, or vow Chastity; and that the chief Bishop should not be called Prince of the Priests, or Highest Priest, but only the Bishop of the chief See (that is Seat.)

A Council held at Hippo, Decreed, That Bishops and Priests should look well to their Children. That the Head-Bishop of the Head See should not be called the chief Priest: and that no Scripture should be read in the Church, but Canonical; that is, such as they approved by exact Rule.

The Council held at Taurinum, was for the Reformation of the Clergy, which then was corrupted; but now much more.

The Council of Malta condemned the Pelagians, and D [...] and concluded that Infants were to be baptized.

The Council of Agatha decreed, that none should be made Prie [...] before they were thirty years old; and that the Clergy should [...] such attire as became their Profession; with many other Con [...] ­tions.

The first and second Council held at Vasio, decreed, that in such Churches where Preachers were not, the Deacons should read [...] ­milies.

A Council held at Carpentoracte, decreed, that the Bishop sh [...] not poll the Parishes.

A Council held at Venice, decreed, that no Clergy-man should [...] at Wedding-Dinners, Dancing, and hearing of wanton Sonnets, [...] vain Songs.

All the Bishops of Africk came together by the commandment of Hororicus the Arrian, where his Heresie was confirmed, and Four hundred forty four Bishops exiled or banished.

Anno 490, A Synod of Seventy Bishops were called together at Rome, where the Canonical Scriptures were severed from such as rhey counted Apocrypha.

A Synod met at Epaunis, decreed, that no Clergy-man should ei­ther Hunt or Hawk; and that throughout the Province, such Divine. Service at the Metropolitan or chief City liked of, should be retain­ed. Euseb.

Note, the Apostles decreed no such things as this, that we read of [...] Scripture.

A Council held at Aurelia, decreed, that Lent should be solemnly kept before Easter; the Rogation, with the Ember-Dayes, about the Ascention.

A Council held in Gerundia in Spain, decreed, that every Province should observe one Order of Divine Service; that Baptism should be Ministred only at Easter and Whitsuntide, and at other times, is ne­cessity so required; and that the Lords Prayer should be said at Eve­ning and Morning-Prayer. Euseb.

A Council held at Caesar Augusta, accursed such as received the Sa­crament, and eat it not in the Church.

A General Council was held at Constantinople, which decreed, that Mary should be called the Mother of God.

The First and Second Synods were called at Lyons, for the removing of Schism raised in the Church.

Six Synods were held at Rome touching the Election of a Bishop, and the Preservation of Church-Goods.

CHAP. V. Concerning the state and condition of the Church, as it was before there was a Ʋniversal Pope: Also what Decrees and Institutions were made by Bishops for the first six hundred years after Christ; and how the Apostacy be­gun to overspread the Church.

NOvatius a Priest of Rome, two hundred fifty four years after Christ, abhorred second Marriage; he was condemned as an He­retick, at a Synod held at Rome the same year. Eus [...]b. lib. 6. cap. 48.

Apostalici were Hereticks in Pisidia, who, two hundred and fifty five years after Christ, condemned Marriage, and said the Apostles were unmarried men; Which is a lye, for several of the Apostles were married men Aug. lib. de Haeres. Ephip. Haer. 61.

Originiani were Hereticks, ( Anno 273) they prohibited Marriage, but committed Fornications, and all uncleanness and filthiness, and re­jected some Books of the Old and New-testament, which made against them. Ephip. Haeres. 63.

About three hundred and ten years after Christ, one Lucina a holy Maid of Rome, dying, made Ma [...]cellus Bishop of Rome, her heir, and gave him all her great Substance. From that time forth (saith Pollidore Lib. 6.) the Bishops of Rome were greatly enr [...]ched, and then came to be pust up in pride. Which riches the Apostles denyed. Pol. lib. de Invent. cap. ult.

In the year three hundred and ten, Macarius was Bishop of Jerusa­lem, he was the means, with Helena, that the Cross of Christ was found: So there was no Cross before among the Apostles. Socrat. lib. 1. cap. 6.9.

In the year 308, Dioclesian the Empetor of Rome, was so puffed up with pride, that he would needs be worshipped as God, saying, [...] [Page]brother to the Sun and Moon; and adorned his shoes with [...] and precious stones; he commanded the people to kiss his [...] which practice the Popes afterwards followed. And this E [...] caused the Christians to be persecuted in the Tenth Persecution. Euseb. lib. 7. c. 29. lib. 8. c. 2, 3, 14, 19. Soc. lib. 1. c. 2.

In Three hundred and eighty years after Christ, the Name Ca­tholick beginneth, being instituted by Damacius a Bishop of Rome.

In the year 391, Set-hours to Prayers instituted by St. Jerome.

In the year 394, in Bishop Ciricius time, the word Mass [...] was brought first into the Church.

In the year 398, Anastatius Bishop of Rome, decreed, That men should stand up at hearing the Gospel read.

In the year 412, Cirilius succeeded Theophilus in the See of Alex­d [...]ia, and withall, he challenged to himself more Authority than ever any other Bishop before him. From that time forth he took to himself also the Government of Temporal Matters, and banished all the Jews. And this Bishop went contrary to Christs command, which saith, You are Brethren.

Foelix Bishop of Rome, appointed the Feast of Michael the Arch-Angel, called Michaelmas.

In the year 528; Justinian instituted swearing by the Gospel. Hore swearing came in.

In the year 533, Agapetus Bishop of Rome, first commanded the people to go a Procellioning, and to follow the Cross. Plat. Polid. Deborus, &c. This is contrary to Christ and the Apostles.

Philosophy was not taught in Christian Schools before (nor in the time of) Justinian the Emperor, who began to reign in the year of Christ 527. Part. 2. Chap. 26. Pag. 89, 90.

In the year 560, Gregory Bishop of Rome commanded, That nei­ther flesh, nor any thing that hath affinity with flesh, as Cheese, Butter, Milk, Eggs, &c. should be eaten on such dayes as are ap­pointed to be fasted on.

In the year 569, King Conwall had alwayes a silver Cross carri­ed before him; and caused Crosses to be first set upon every Stee­ple in England.

In the year 578, Pelag [...]us Bishop of Rome, decreed, That Sub. Deacons should either leave their Wives, or else their Offices. All this is contrary to the Apostles.

In the year 590, Gregory Bishop of Rome approved and allowed the Feast of Trin [...]ty. Gulielm. Durand.

In the same year he set up Prayers for Saints, Sacrifices for the Dead, and Purgatory, in the Church.

In the year 595; a certain wicked woman, an Emperess, request­ed of Theodore Bishop of Rome, that Images might be set up in their Churches; and it was agreed that it should be, by the said Theodore and his [...]ouncil. This is contrary to the Primitive Church.

In the year 600, Benedictus was the first Founder of the Order commonly called St. Benedicts: He presumed to invent new wayes, which all the godly Fathers before him never thought of.

Johannes, Patriarch of Constantinople, put forth himself, and would needs be called the Universal Bishop of the World: But the Bishop of Rome in no case would suffer that, but put a stop to it; but after, the Bishop of Rome could take it to himself.

CHAP. VI. Concerning the several Reliques and Superstitious Practises in the Church of Rome; Who were the first Institutors of them; and what, and how much of their Idolatry is still upheld by the Protestant Professors in England at this day, which was set up since there was a Ʋniversal Pope.

IN the Year after Christ Six hundred and two, Phocas murthered Mauritius his Master, the Emperor, and slew two of his Sons, and put his Daughters and his Wife to death. And then this Phocas, this Murderer, was crowned Emperor, and Boniface the third, Bi­shop of Rome, he obtained of this Murderer Phocas, to be the Uni­versal Bishop over all the Bishops; and so, that the Bishop of Rome should be called Pope. And here got in the Pope, by murder. Platina Christ. Misseus Hen. Panteleon, &c. Epist. lib. 4. Epist. 32, 33, 34. cap. 76, 77. See Becon. sol. 295. And then the Bishop lost the greatest part of Christendom, and all the Churches went together by the ears about him, and the Emperor lost the greatest part of his [Page]Empire. And here you may see the Pope was set up six hundred and [...] years after Christ. And this Pope (in the year 605) first decreed. That white Linnen Clothes should be laid on the Altar.

And further (in another Author concerning Phocas which mur­thered Mauritius his Master, who was a Noble and Virtuous M [...]n) he obtained, through Treason, the Empire; he also treacherously slew his Children, that none of his should claim the Crown [...] him. This Murdering Tyrant set up the Bishop of Rome, contraa [...] [...] Ch [...]ists command, who said, You are all Brethren.

And so the Bishop of Rome, Boniface the third, Lucifer-like, ex­alted in pride above all his fellow. Bishops, challenged to himself the Supremacy and Authority, that he and his Successors after him for ever, should be taken for the chief Bishop, and Universal Head of the Church throughout all the world. And that, from that day forward the Church of Rome should be called the Head Church of all the whole World. And that the Church of Rome should be in subject on to no other Church, but that all other Churches should be in subjection to it: For until that time, Constantinople Church was counted the highest, where the Emperor dwelt; (and before that time, the Church in Jerusalem was called the highest) for Con­stantine was a Christian, but in Rome there was Heathen Emperor [...] a long time after Christ. Otho frisin Gen. Chron. lib. 5. cap. 8. Mar­rian Scot. in Anno 608. Ʋsperg. in Phoca. Becon. fol. 295.

It is before recorded, that Joseph of Arimathea, first preached the Gospel in England amongst the Britans, in the year sixty four, and about six hundred and two, the Pope sent over to them Augusti [...] to spread his Doctrine, with his silver Cross, his Letany, his Pro­cession, Images, Reliques, Canticles, and Books of Ceremonies, charging the Britans that they did many things contrary to the Cu­stom of the Church of Rome, in their preaching Baptism, and keep­ing of Easter, &c. and that they regarded not mans traditions but the Britans refusing to follow his Commands, he threa [...]ed them with Warr, and to revenge it by death, which immediately ensued. Read Beda in his Ecclesiastical History of England, the second Book and second Chap.

Here all people may see that Christianity was planted in [...] some hundreds of years before the Popes Rudiments, Cand [...], [...] Letany, Procession and Images, with the rest of his Trumpery, [...] [Page 20]into England; who lyeth in saying that Christianity came fi [...]st in by them, who came in by Murder and the outward Sword, and hath held up his outward Tradition by Murder, and the outward Sword, ever since. Chron. Ranulph. Chest. Bec. fol. 323.

In the year 606, Boniface the fourth he instituted the Feast of All-Souls, and All-Saints, and he got the Temple of Phocas, built by A­grippa; and consecrated it to the Virgin Mary, and all the Martyrs. Plat. volat. Polydore Bec. fol 355.

In the year 645, At Rome (where Meletus was present) it was or­dered that Monasteries should be erected in England, in Boniface the fourth's days; and this Boniface the fourth instituted the Feast of All-Souls.

In the year 637, England first divided into Parishes.

In the year 640, Lent was first set up in England, in Pope Seve­rinus's time. Carcumbertus King of England, commanded the peo­ple to keep Lent in England. Segeb. in Chron. Pautal.

In the year 643, Pope Martin the first ordained that a man should not lye with his Wife, till the Priest had hallowed or blest his Bed; and the same year he ordained Mass to be sung openly with a loud voice; and that Churches should be trimmed and dressed on Holy­days. Pol. Paulel Bec. fol. 322.

In the year 650, Pope Eugenius the first, ordained that Monks should be shut up in Cloisters; for before that time they did go up and down. Euseb. Chron. Cantz.

In the year 603, Pope Sabiniani commanded Lamps should be kept continually burning in the Church; he also instituted Bells in the Church, and called them Saints Bells. Plat. Albert. Crantz de Barns, &c.

He also decreed, (in the same year) That the People should be assembled together to their Serv [...]ce, by ringing of Bells. Plat. Du­rand. de Barns Plantal. Bec. fol. 322.

In the year 636, the University of Cambridg founded or enlarg­ed by Segebert King of the East-Angles. So these things were not set up by the Apostles, but by the Pope.

In the year 622, Honorius decreed, That none should keep com­pany with excommunicated persons. He also devised the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross. Plat. Pant. Bec. fol. 355.

In the year 622: About this year, being fifteen years after the Pope, came Mahomet the Turk.

In the year 635, the first Cross was set up in England by Oswald King of No thumbe [...]land, who fighting against Cadwalda, in the same place set up a Cross, kneeling and praying there for Victory.

In the year 653, Pope Vicilianus brought in Organs first into the Church, to make the people merry. Chron Volat. Plat. &c.

Eugenius the fourth was the first that appointed B [...]shops to have Prisons of their own to punish people in.

In the year 664, a Controversie was in England about the obser­ving of Easter.

In the year 676, Pope Leo the second, devised the Pax, and that it should be kissed of the people. Plat. festi temp.

In the year 684, the Election, or chusing of Popes without the Emperors approbation, was granted by the Emperor. Whereby it may be noted, that before that time the Emperor had power to chuse the Pope.

In the year 666, Pope Bennet the second obtained of the Empe­ror Constantine, that the Bishop of Rome for ever after should be taken of all men for Christs true Vicar on Earth, and Saint Peter's lawful Successor. Anselmus Rid. Achilles Rerminius Sebastianus Franc. &c. Bec. fol. 295.

This Pope also brought it to pass, that the Bishop of Rome only should be called Pope, that is to say, the Father of Fathers; for be­fore that time, all Bishops generally were called Popes.

In the year 684, Pope Sergius the first invented the Agnies Dei; and commanded that it should be sung of the Clergy and People to­gether at the Communion. Flat. Durand. de Barns, Bec. fol 341.

The same Pope in the same year, dev [...]sed first the Clothes of the Saints to be kept for Rel [...]ques, and confirmed the Feast of the Puri­fication of the Virgin Mary. Segeb. Pant. Bec. fol. 356.

In the year 714, a Council of Pope Gregory the second, was against Marriages of Priests, and was for the worshipping of Images in England.

In the year 729, the same Pope confirmed the having of Images in Churches, and excommunicated the Emperor for abolishing them, and stirred up his Subjects to rebel against him. Blondus Chron, Bec. fol. 324.

In the year 752, Pope Zachary devised Oyl for the Lamps, and invented the Priests Apparel. Chron. Achil Bee. fol. 304.

In the year 768, Pope Paul the first, devised the Service for Lent.

The same Pope also commanded, that in the time of L [...]nt the Divine Service should be done before the sixth hour in the Morn­ing.

Pope Constantine the second, decreed, That no Lay-man should be Pope. Also he condemned the seventh Council of Constantinople as Heretical, for condemning the worshipping of Images; and wrote a Book of worshipping Images, calling them Lay-mens Ca­lendars.

In the year 769, Pope Constantine he condemned the Emperor for destroying Images, and made a Decree to establish them in their Churches. Plat. Pol. Bec. fol. 324.

In the year 740, Gregory the third commanded Oblations and Sa­crifices to be offered by the Priests at their Mass for the dead, and made a Law that Images should not only be had in Churches as Lay-mens Books, but that they should be worshipped, and had in greater Reverence then ever they were; and whoever was of the contrary Opinion; should be condemned for a Heretick. Seg. Bland. Plat. Sabel. Becon. fol. 324.

In the year 772, Pope Stephen the third, decreed, That Images should not only be had in Churches, but that they also should be senced. Seg. Plat. volat. Bee. fol. 324.

In the year 796, Pope Adrian the first, in his time there was a Council held at Frankford, in the which it was decreed, That who­soever did any Service in the Church, he should wear a Surplice upon his back in Service time; and no man to go in his common Apparel without a Surplice, no not so much as the Sexton, Christ. Massaeus Becon. fol. 323. These things are all contrary to Christ and the Apostles.

The same Pope, about the same time, ordained the Impropriati­on of Benefices, and granted Priviledges to Monks, Nunns, Ca­nons and the Gloisters.

In the year 817, Pope Leo the third ordained Sencing, and a Council held at Rothemage, commanded that the Altar should be Senced after the Gospel. Lib. Conc. Durand. Beo. fol. 338.

The same Pope; in the same year, decreed, That all Sundays should be kept holy. Volat. Pantal. Sabel.

Pope Leo the third appointed, That when the child is either Christned or Bishopped, he should have but one Godfather, be it a Man-child, or a Woman-child. De Consect. dist. cap. 4. Guil Durand. Joan. Stell. &c. These things are all contrary to the Scriptures.

In the year 827, there was a Council held in the time of Pope Paschalis, at Aquisgranum, who ordained that no Ecclesiastical persons should wear any sumptuous Garments or Rings, nor Ou­ches on their fingers, but Bishops only, when they were saying Mass in their High-Priests Robes. Christian. Massaeus. lib. Concil. Becon fol. 303.

In the year 834, the Feast of Holy Trinity instituted by Gre­gory.

In the year 848, Pope Sergius the second, his Name being O­sporci, that is, Swines-snout, or Hogs-mouth, he changed his Name to Sergius. And after that, the Popes of Rome took it fo [...] special priviledg to change their Names: So that if he had been a Malefa­ctor before he was a Pope, he called himself Boniface, which signi­fies Goodness. And if he had been a Coward, then he termed himself Leo, a Lyon. And if he had been a defamed person, then he called himself Benedictus, which signifies good Name and Fame. Chron. Polichron, &c. Lib. 4. cap. 10. de Inventor Cerum.

In the year 850, Pope Leo the fourth, he ordained that no Lay­man should come near to the Priest in the time of the Mass, nor In­to the Quire. Seg. Plat. Becon. fol. 343. This Pope was the first that had the Golden Cross carried before him: Which is contrary to the Apostles.

In the same year, in the same Popes time, the Monkish Religion of the Camaldinenses was devised, their Cowle and Cloak, and all that ever they wear from top to toe, was white. They were to go bare­footed, and lye on the ground. He also instituted the Heart of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, that it should be kept holy eight dayes. Pol. Chron. Lib Germ. Bec. fol. 313. Lib. Concil. Seg. [...]. [...]oan, Functius.

In the year 858. this Pope Leo was the first that offered his [...]eet to kiss to Princes. Volat. Plat. rant. Becon. fol. 298.

In the year 870, Pope Nichelas about this time, was the first that decreed, That the Popes Laws and Letters should be of equal Au­thority with the Scriptures. He a so decreed, that the Service should he in Latin, and that Priests should not marry. He also decreed, that Gloria in Excelsis, that is, Glory in the Highest, should be sung on Maurday Thursday, in Lent. De Consist. dist. 1. glor. Becon, fol. 343.

In the year 863, Pope Bennet the third commanded that Priests should wear Apparel meet for their degree. He also ordained, that the Priests should be present at the Burial of the Bishops, and sing prayers for their souls; and that Bishops should do the like for them. Fascit. temp. Chron. Becon fol. 304. Chron. Rlat.

In the year 871, Pope Nicholas made a Law, That no Wife should be held lawful, except she was first blest with a Priest.

The same year, the same Pope first decreed, That no Marriage ought to be in the time of Lent. Gret. Chron. Bec. fol 331. Which is now observed, and is contrary to the Apostles.

There was also a Decree made in the Council at Illerdonse, That from Septuagessima unto the Octaves of Easter, and three weeks be­fore John Baptist: and again, that from Advent to Twelftide after Christmas, Marriages was forbidden to be solemnized; and if any did marry in those forbidden times, they should be separated. Quest. 23. Chap. 4. non oporte.

In the year 891, was the University of Oxford sounded by King Alf [...]ed, which was before a place Dedicated to the Muses. Isaack­son Chron.

In the year 913, In Pope Sergius the thirds time, the Order of Clunasences Monks came up, and their clothing and rule.

In the year 936, Pope Theodore decreed, That Priests should marry, and have their lawful Wives. Note, this Popes decree is con­trary to some former Popes; so that people may see that one of them must needs erre.

In the year 956, Pope John the thirteenth, whose Name was Octa­vian he changed his Name, and was a vicious Pope, and made a Law that others might change their Names.

In the year 958, Abbingdon Abbey in Beck-shire, built by Ethel­wold. Isaacson Chron.

In the year 958, Pope John the twenty second, made a Decree. [Page 25]That whosoever did affirm that Christ and his Apostles had no pos­sessions, neither in proper, nor in common, the same should be ta­ken for a Heretick.

In the year 960, John the thirteenth, being Pope, lived not like a Bishop, giving himself wholly to all manner of pleasure; so that in his dayes it became a proverb, As merry as Pope John. He gave himself to Whoredom, Adultery, Incest, Masking, Mumming, Hunt­ing, Maygames, Playes, Robberies, Firing of Houses, Perjury, Dice, Cards, Robbing of Churches, even from his youth; he mis­used his Cardinals, in cropping their Noses, thrusting out of their eyes, chopping off their Fingers and Hands, cutting out their Tongues, and Gelding them, which was openly laid to his charge in a Synod; and that he committed Incest with two Harlots, being his own Sillers; that he played at Dice, and prayed to the Devil to send him good luck; he ravished Virgins and strange women; he made the Palace of Lateran a Stew-house, and set up Stews and Brothel-houses; that he had defloured Stephana his Fathers Con­cubine, and one Raveria a Widow; that he had put out the eyes of Benedict his Ghostly Father, and used common Hunts; that he wore armour; that he took a Cup of Wine, and drunk to the Dev [...]l. But as he was solacing himself without Rome on a certain night, with the wife of a valiant man, he was taken by him in adultery, and wounded by him with a Dagger, so that he dyed in eight day of Pageon of Popes. Yet this was one of the Papists infallible Popes which they say cannot erre.

In the year 962, the Monastry of Tavistoak in Devonshire, foun­ded by Ogar Earl of that Country. Isaack. Chron.

In the year 966, the Cathedral of Worc [...]ster built by Oswald Bi­shop. Isaack. Chron.

In the year 969, the said Oswald built Ramsey Abbey in Hunting­tonshire.

In the year 968, John the fourteenth was the first that consecra­ted Bells, upon the casting of a new Bell in the Lateran, the [...]le [...]e where the Popes go their procession; which Bell he called John by his own name.

In the year 970, Thorney Abbey sounded for Monks, [...] Bishop of Winchester.

In the year 972, Rumsey Abbey in Hampshi [...]e, built by King Ed­gar for Nunnes.

In the year 973, Wilton Nunnery in Wiltshire, built by King Ed­gar and his Daughter Edith, who was made the first Abbess.

In the year 976, Amsbury Nunnery in Wiltshire, built by the Wife of King Edgar. Acts and Men. p. 1021.

The Pope had three Crowns set on his head: Which exceeds Christ who was crowned with thorns.

In the year 1049, Pope Leo the ninth appointed the Priests hou­ses to be built near unto Churches. Quest 12. chap. 1. Neces. Nau­clerus Joan Stel. de Barns, Bee. fol. 305.

In the year 1038, Pope Gregory the sixth, in his time the shadow­ed Valley order of Monks, under Bennets Rule, with changing of black coats into grey, were set up. Chron. Poll. lib. Germ. Bec. fol. 314.

In the year 1040, Pope Leo the ninth made certain songs of the Saint. Segeb. Chron.

In the year 1086, Pope Ʋ [...]ban the second, made a Decree, that Subjects are not bound to keep their Oaths unto Princes, if they be excommunicated either by the Pope or Bishop. Yet the Papists say the Pope is infallible. He also ordained that priests should say every day Ladies Mattens openly in the Church, and on Saturday the whole Service should be of the Lady. Sabel. Joan. Stell. Nauc. Guil. Durand.

In the year 1073. Pope Gregory the seventh ordained, that from Easter-day unto the Saturday before the Feast of the Trinity there should be said at Mattens but three psalms, and three Lessons only, and at all other times nine Lessons.

In the year 1049, Leo the ninth was the first that presumed to make Saints, who made Gerrardus a Bishop, a Saint. Christ. Massaeus Bec. fol. 356.

In the year 1050, worshipping of the Virgin Mary was first occasioned by the impiety of Nestorius, which now is held amongst the Papists for Catholick Doctrine, and confirmed by the Popes, to­gether with the worshipping of Images, and painting Christ as a Babe in his Mothers Arms, to put people in mind, as they say, of the Worship due unto him; which in process of time was turned into the Worship of the Mother without the Son. The Papist preachers [Page 27]and writers inventing praises, epitaphs, and religious services to be said unto her, insomuch that about the year one thousand and fifty, a daily Office was instituted to the blessed Virgin, distinguished by seven Canonical hours.

In the year 1059, in the Council of Lateran, under Pope Ni­cholas the second, was hatched and invented the term of Transub­stantion. And so not by Christ.

In the year 1089, a Council in Pope Ʋrban the second's time, decreed, that Priests should be contented with one Benefice at one time.

In the year 1100, Pope Leo, Pope Victor, Pope Honorius, and Pope Nicholas, with others, invented and made the Sacrament of the Sign of Christs body and blood; the true, natural, real, corpo­ral, carnal, substantial, &c. and Body of Christ, God-man, flesh, blood, bones, sinews, guts and loins, even as he was born of the Virgin Mary, and hanged on the cross; so the substance of bread and wine is turned into the natural body and blood of Christ, and so they handled him with their hands, and put him in their mouthes.

In the year 1125, about this time the Popes Legate envying a­gainst married priests at London, was found in bed the same night with a Strumpet. Isaack. Chron. p. 318. Ranulphus Cestrensis. Pol. in Hist. Angl. Chron.

In the year 1120, Callixtus Pope, ordained that no Lay-man should meddle with the tenths, under pain of a great curse.

Pope Innocent the second, decreed, that Sub-Deacons, Deacons, and Priests should not marry; and if they married, they were to lose their Benefices. Dist. Chap. 18. decrevinus Joan. Lizard. Bec. fol. 306.

In the year 1106, Pope Paschal the second being chose Pope, would not take the place till the people had cryed three times, Saint Peter chuseth thee: then having a purple Robe on him, and a Mitro on his Head, he was brought on a white horse to Lateran, where he received the Popes Scepter, and had the Girdle put about him, whereon were hanged seven keys, and as many seals. Pageon of Popes. Here peoples ignorance may be seen: Was Paul or Peter ever deckt in this manner, with the pomps of the world? No; no, poor igno­rant people! Peter denied the glory of the world,

In the year 1110, Petrus Heremita, a French man, of the City of Annias, first of all devised Beads to say Ladies Psaltery on. Chri. Pol. Bec. fol. 334: and not Christ, no [...] the Apestles.

In the year 1120, Pope Calixtus the second, pronounced all such excommunicated, at took money either for baptizing or bu­rying.

In the year 1161, Pope Alexander the third compelled the Em­peror to he down, and the set his soot upon his neck, crying out with a loud voice, It is written, Ʋpon the Adder and Cockatrice, Ly [...]n and Dragon thou shalt t [...]ead. Nauclerus Sabel Jac. char. Bec. f [...]l. 298 H [...]ark [...]n people what he calls the Chriscian Emperor.

In the year 1170, Pope Honorius the third, in his time were set up the White-Fryers and Grey-Fryers, with Cloaks, and no Shoes. Lib. germ Pol.

In the year 1161, the same Pope ordained, that none should be Saints, except they were first canon zed and admitted to be Saints by the Bishop of Rome's bull; and from that time the Popes began to make Saints. Under the Reign of Pope John the twenty second, they made above five thousand Saints as they called them; so not Christ: Der. 3. tit. chap. 46. Reli (que) Pelid. Panteleon. Becon. fol. 357.

In the year 1195, Pope Innocent the third decreed, that all the Apostles Eves should be fasted on, except Philip and Jacob, and John; and this Pope invented the Pixes, and boxes to put the Sacramental bread in. Paul. volat. Ph [...]i. Pol. Pantal.

In the year 1195, the same Pope crowned Otho the Emperor, and afterwards deposed him again, and said, It lyes in my! power to set up and pluck down Emperors, Kings and Princes at my pleasure; for all power is given unto me both in Heaven and in Earth. Sebast. Frank. Chron. teton. fasc. temp. Paulisphrig. &c. Becon. fol. 298. Mark people, this is Lucifer in his pride, this is not Peter in his Chair; Peter used no such language nor authority.

In the year 1193, the same Pope decreed, that the Cardinals should for ever wear red Hats on their heads. Joan. Loz. Chron. S [...]el. Christ Massaeus.

In the year 1195, the same Pope ordained, in the Council of La­teran, that whensoever the Sacrament of the Altar is carried a­bout, there should be born before it a Bell ringing, with a Light, [Page 29]to cause the people to kneel down and worship it. Jacobus de Vi­saco Becon fol. 329.

In the year 1204, Guido Aretinus devised first of all prick-song in the Church, (viz.) these six notes, ut, re, my, fa, so la. Christia­nus Massaeus Bec. fol. 335.

In the year 1214, Pope Honorius the third, commanded that the Missal Bread should be heaved and lift up above the Priests head, at a certain time, and that all the people should fall down and wor­ship it; and so not God. Extra de Seleb. Miss Biel. super Can. Mis­saeus, Lect. 4.9. Dec. 3. chap. 10.

In the year 1214, the same Pope commanded, that the Sacrament of the Altar should be worshipped and kneeled unto, and that it should be born unto the sick in a most reverent sort, yea, and that with with Candles lighted, though at noon-day. This was in a time of darkness.

In the same year, Pope Honorius, aforesaid, decreed, that a woman might be separated from her Husband, if she did not like him.

In the year 1215, Pope Innocent the third did first of all forbid that the Lay-people should receive their Communion in both kinds.

In the same year, the same Pope disallowed the Decrees of Pope Julius and Pope Gregory. See (these counted infallible, that cannot erre) how they contradicted one another.

The same Pope Decreed, that Fonts should be hallowed, and Bells christned; and no priests should wear a Beard, or long hair.

In the same year, Pope Innocent the third ordained Auricular Confession, that all men, women, and children, as they are at age, should confess their sins to the priest, at least once in the year Pau­lus phri. Maess. Polyd. Bec. fol. 332.

In the same Pope's time, the crossed Fryers Order was set up, who wore a black cope, and carried a cross in their hands. Chron. lib. Germ.

In the year 1225, in the same Popes time, was the order of the Nunnes of St. Clare invented. These things Christ and his Apostles did not decree.

The same Pope, amongst other devices in his time, brought in this, That Lights should burn in the Church before their God's Body.

In the year 1220, in the same Popes time, the Order of Black-Fryers came up. Lib ger. Joan Laz. Pol. &c.

In the year 1225, Grego [...]y the ninth appointed the Feast of the Nativity of John Baptist to be kept holy; and the same year he ordained Salva Regira to be sung in Churches with all Devoti­on. Chron. ger. Bec. fol. 355.

In the year 1242, Pope Innocent the fourth ordained the Feast of the Nativity of Mary the Virgin, with the Octaves thereof. Vo­lat. Sabel. Pant. Bec. fol 355.

In he year 1254, Pope Ʋrban the fourth ordained the Feast of the Sacrament of the Altar, with indulgences and pardons, and or­dered to be kept holy the Thursday after Trinity Sunday, and the Feast of Co [...]pus Christi. Christ. Mass. Joan. Stel pol. Pant. Becon. fol. 354.

In the year 1242, Pope Innocent the fourth, in his time it was a­greed in one Council at Lyons, what holy-days should be kept holy, viz. Sunday should be kept from Saturday at noon, to Sun­day night; and the Feast of the Nativity of Christ, of Saint Ste­phen, and St. John the Evangelist, and Childermas-day, called Inno­cents, and Saint Sylvester, and Circumcision, and Epiphany, with Ea­ster, and the whole weeks that go before and after; and the Ascen­tion of Christ, of Whitsuntide, and the two dayes following, Saint John Baptist, and the twelve Apostles dayes; Saint Lawrence the Martyr, his day; St. Michael, called Michaelmas day, All-Saints day, St Martin. All these the Pope set up to be kept holy (but not the Apostles) One thousand two hundred forty two years after Christ. And a Councilat Tollatain decreed the keeping holy the ☞ Feast of the Annuntiation of the Virgin Mary, called Lady-day, and the Feast of the Nativity of Christ, called Christmas. Lib. Concil. Pollyd. Guilielmas Durandus Bec. fol. 356. See, you Prote­stants, who were the first setters up of your Holy-days.

In the year 1252, in Innocent the fourth's time, the Bible was di­vided into Chapters.

In the year 1250, the Priory for Grey-Fryers, founded in Not­tingham by King Henry the third.

In the year 1253, the Prio [...]y of Austin-Fryers, founded by Hum­phry Earl of Hereford.

In the year 1254, Pope Al [...]xander the sourth, in his time was the Order of Begging-Fryers confirmed. This is cont [...]ary to the Apo­stles, wh [...] said, Those that did not work, should not [...]at.

In the year 1272, Pope Grego [...]y ordained, That at the chusing of a new Pope, the Cardinals should be shut up in a house, and should neither eat nor drink, till they had chosen a new Pope, when the old one was dead. Christ. Mass This was unt the way of Ch [...]ist and the Apostles, in making Ministers.

And Boniface the second ordained, that the Pope should be cho­sen in three days, lest the Church should lack a Head. So it seems Christ is not the Head of their Church.

In the year 1272, at a Council held at Lyons, the Conclave was set up, and bowing the knee to the Name of Jesus instituted; which practice the Protestants follow.

In the year 1276, Pope Innocentius the fift, was crowned in Pe­ter's Church: This is contrary to Scriptures, and contrary to the Apostles, and Peter, when Christ chose them, or they chose others. In the Primitive times they had not tripple Crowns set on their Heads, no, nor Christ himself, who is King of Kings, and Lord of Lords, who testified against the World, that their works were evil.

In the year 1286, Pope Boniface the eighth ordained the Feast of the sour Evangelists, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, to be kept Holy. Fasc. tenus Christ. Mass. Joan. Stel. Bec. fol. 356.

In the year 1290, Pope Boniface the eighth, appointed the year of Jubile to be kept every hundretd year, and granted that all them that would go to Rome in the year of Jub [...]le, to visit the Temple of Faul and Peter, he would pardon them all their si [...]s. This Pope said he was Lord of all the World, and all the Emperors, Kings and Princes owed Obedience unto him: Here is the Whore got on the Beast: But this Pope reigned like a Lion, and died like a Dog; Here was the end of this Lucifer. Ranulphus Cistren [...]is Folli­dor. Bec. Fol. 358.

In the year 1290, The same Pope Boniface was carryed on [...] shoulders, exalted Lucifer-like, with a naked Sword before [...] and he lived like a Lion, and died like a Dog; he called him [...] [Page 32]Lord of the World, both Temporal and Spiritual; and this Pope Boniface spake through a Reed through a Wall to the Old Pope of Rome, to leave his Popedom; and the Old Pope thought it had been a Voice from Heaven, and so left his Popedom, and Boniface got it. Now a [...]e these fellows fit for Peter' s Chair, or Sodom' s To­wer; here's the Beast with his two Horns like a Lamb, spoken of in the Revelation. Albe [...]tus Trantzius Fascic. temp. Pantelion. Becon Fol. 298.

In the year 1300, Pope Boniface the eighth made a Prayer to be said daily before the Image of the Cross, and as many days pardon as there are gravel-stones in the Sea, and grass on the Earth.

In the year 1297. Pope Celestinus the fifth, in his time, the Order of Monks came up, that their cloak, coule and cap should be blew.

In the year 1286, Pope Grego [...]y the eighth made a Decree, That none should take a Nunne out of the Cloister to marry her.

In the year 1336, in Pope Clement the third's time, sprung up a sort of Monks, their manner was to go from place to place, having a Banner upon a Crucifix born before them; they did penance by scourging themselves with a great cord-whip. Joan. Laz. Mat. Palm. Christ. Mass. Bec. fol. 315.

In the year 1368, Pope Ʋrban the fifth, in his time the Order of Jesuits was invented, and they were Lay-men addicted to prayer.

In the year 1390, Pope Ʋrban the sixth made the Visitation of Mary Holy day.

In the year 1309, Pope Iohn the twenty second ordained, that Bells should be tolled every day thrice in the Evening, and that eve­ry man should kneel down straitwayes, and say three Ave-Ma­ries. Chron. Ioan. Stel. Bec. fol. 322.

In the year 1410, Iohn Wickliff was excommunicated at Rome, though he dyed in the year 1386.

In the year 1425, Pope Callixtus the third invented the Feast of the Transfiguration of Christ, and commanded it to be kept with as large indulgences as the Feast of Corpus Christi. Mat. Pol. Ioan. Stel. pant. Bec. fol. 355.

In the year 1438, Pope Alexander, and Pope Eugenius, granted that there is a Purgatory to purge Souls after this life, and that they should confess the Bishop of Rome to be the Vicar of Christ, the Successor of Peter, and the Supreme Head of the Church throughout the world.

In the year 1455, Pope Callixtus the third, made a Decree, that every day at twelve a Clock, the Sexton should toll Noon; and so ma­ny as hear the Bells, straightwayes should say an Ave-Mary. Phil. Bergom. Bec. fol. 322.

Durandus saith, That Bells be of such vertue, that they stirred men to devotion, and preserved the minds and bodies of the faithful from all danger; and it was his opinion, that they drove away all wicked spirits and devils. Ralion. di. off. Bec. fol. 322. This is a lying imagi­natio, a [...]d den [...]es Christ (wh [...] destroyed the Devil) and set up a Bell instead of Christ.

In the year 1469, Pope Sixtus the fourth ordained the Feast of the Conception of the Virgin Mary to be kept holy, and the Feast of Ann her Mother, and Joseph her Husband, to be kept holy. Decrest, Ex­travagant. Joan. Liz. Bec. fol. 356.

In the year 1488, Brazen-Nose Colledg in Oxford was founded by William Smith, Bishop of Lincoln.

In the year 1479, the cruel Inquisition first began in Spain by King Ferdinandus, and Elizabeth his Wife. The Papists hold, that the Fa­thers the Inquisitors, cannot erre.

In the year 1490 Pope Leo the ninth holding a Council at Vercel­lis, was one the presumed to make Saints. So he put Christ aside, and denied him.

1493, Pope Innocent was the first that preferred his Bastards to ho­nour; he made one of his Bastards a Prince of Cicilia, and another a Cardinal, and another the Duke of Spain. He said, Either the Pope shall spoil Philip of his Crown and Empire, or else Phil [...]p shall take from the Pope his Apostolical Dignity. Amongst many other Decrees made by him, he decreed Marriage of the Clergy to be disannulled for ever. Isaack. Chron. p. 368. Note, here Warrs arose from the lust [...]s, as saith James; and here's the fruits of him that denied Marriage.

In the year 1513, in Pope Le [...] the tenth's time, they curs [...] by Bell, Book and Candle. Book of Martyrs, Volume the sword, p. 312.

And another Author sayes, It was brought up by a Council held at London.

In the year 1537, the Concubines of the Priests are of Ecclesiasti­cal Jurisdiction; by the Popes Law they might have Concubines. Yet these Popes do deny Priests Ma [...]riage, and yet allow them Concu­bi [...]es.

In the year 1003, the Opinion, to think the Mass to help Souls in Purgatory, was confirmed by Pope John the nineteenth, by reason of a dream, wherein he dreamed that he heard and saw the Voices of the Devils lamenting and bewailing that souls were delivered from them, by saying of Masses and Digresses; therefore he did approve the Feast of All-Soul [...], brought in by another Pope; moreover he ordained the Feast of Allhallows, in the year One thousand and three.

CHAP. VII. Concerning Hereticks.

Judas Iscariot was the first Apostate that fell from the truth; who sold his Master to the covetous Priests for thirty pieces of silver; and slew his Father, married his Mother, and in the end, hanged him­self. Read Euseb Chr [...]n.

In the year 163, Demas which Paul spake of, forsook the truth, and became an Idol-priest at Thessalonica: Pilate that gave sentence upon Christ, afterward slew himself.

M [...]rcellina the Heretick, worshipped and offered Incense unto the Images of Jesus and Paul, &c.

In the year 81, Cerinthus the Heretick dreamed that the Kingdom of Christ should become Earthly; and that Christ should reign on the Earth a thousand years.

Montanus the Heretick forbad Marriage, and commanded absti­nence from certain meats, as unlawful.

In the year 287, Marcell [...]nas the Heretick, Bishop of Rome, deni­ed Christ, and offered sacrifice unto Idols; for which he was condem­ned by a Council of three hundred Bishops called together at Sin [...] Whereby it appears the Bishop of Rome erred, and was fallible.

In the year 340, Eustathius the Heretick forbad Marriage, [...] Laws of Fasting, and parted married souls asunder; he abhorred the Offering of the Married Priests; he was condemned by three Council [...] for his cursed Doctrine. And ho [...] cometh this Doctrine now to be blessed after the six hundred years, when the Po [...]e got up, which before was cur­sed? but it seems the Pope doth bless th [...] Doctrine of the Hereticks now, which formerly the Councils cursed.

In the year 351, Liberius Bishop of Rome yeilded to the Arria [...]s, (as J [...]rom saith in his Chron. and C talog. &c.) and subscribed [...]nto their Heresie to save his place. It seems he was not infallible.

In the year 383, Collydrians were Hereticks which worshipped the Virgin Mary, as the Papists do now, like them Hereticks which [...] condemned.

In the year 401, The Monks of the Deserts of Egypt, in their [...] Imagination, thought that God had a Carnal Body; from whom [...] [Page]crose that invention of painting God the Father like an old man with a grey beard; which is still used to this day by the swage-worshippers.

In the year 404, Pelagius a Heretick, said, that the Grace of God was given to us according to our merits: the Hereticks corrupted the Works of the Ancient Writers.

A Sect of Hereticks went always bare-foot.

In the year 47, And Simon Magus the Sorcerer was honoured it Rome with a Picture; And wherein do the Papists differ (who are worshippers of Images) from those that worship the Image of Simon Magus? are not they likewise Idolaters?

CHAP. VIII. Something concerning Indulgences, Pardons, Priviledges and Stations of Rome, truly Copied out of two old Books, one in Latin, the other in English; See Becons Works, out of which all these things are extracted.

IN Rome seven of the Steeple-houses, called by the Papists, Churches, are priviledged above all others, with great Holiness and Pardons.

The first is called Saint Peters Church, which has twenty nine steps up to it, and as oft as a man goeth up and down them stairs, he is re­leased of the seventh part of Penance enjoyned: This was granted by Pope Alexander.

And above the door is an Image of Christ, and between his feet standeth one of the Pence that God was sold for; and as oft as any looks upon that Peny, they have fourteen hundred years of pardon; and in the same Steeple-house are eleven Altars, and at every Altar is forty eight years of Pardon.

Also the Priests say, that as many times as a man goeth through the Crowds at the same Steeple-house, he hath four hundred years of Pardon.

At one of the Altars in the said Steeple-house, is five hundred years of Pardon; and every high Feast a Soul out of Purgatory.

And as oft as a man followeth that they call their Sacrament to sick bodies, he hath one thousand four hundred years of Pardon for his sins.

Pope Sylvester granted to all them that daily go to the said Steople­house, the third part of all his sins relealed.

And upon the one side of the said Steeple-house, lyeth a Yard called Gods Field, and there they bury none but poor-Pilgrims.

In the Chappel at Rome called Jerusalem, Women do not enter, but only once in the year, at which time they have a full Remission granted of their sins, none excepted.

In the Church of Saint Cater is two hundred years of Pardon.

In the Church of Saint Foelix is forty years of Pardon.

Unto every one of them called Churches, have they ordained a cer­tain number of Pardons, to all that come to them, and in Lent the Pardons are double.

CHAP IX. The manner of the Priests Hallowing the Font.

FIrst he makes two Crosses in the Water with his right hand, and then says a short Prayer, saying, Wherefore I bless (Cross) thee, thou Creature of Water, by (Cross) the living God, &c. And then he makes a Cross in the Water again, and says another short prayer as before, and then takes a burning Candle, and drops it into the Water after the manner of a Cross, and then crys'aloud a few words over it, That the Holy Ghost would descend into it, to make it fruitful, that it might have power to regenerate and beget a new.

This being done, he breathes thrice into the Font, and then he puts Oyl into the VVater, and then Cream, and says some few words over them, crossing them, &c. People, you read none of this in Scripture, in the Primitive Church.

CHAP. X. Concenning Hallowing the Church.

VVHen any Church is to be hallowed, first all the people must depart out of the Church, and the Deacon must remain there only, having all the Doors shut fast to him, the Bishop, with the Cler­gy, stand at the door, and make holy Water mingled with Salt: In the mean season, twelve Candles must be set up within the Church, burn­ing before twelve Crosses, that are appointed upon the Church [...] After the Bishop, accompanied with the Clergy and people, go [...] times about the Church without, the Bishop having in his hand a [...] with a bunch of Hysop on the end, with which he casts Holy Water upon the Church-Walls; and as the Bishop goes round, every time he comes at the door, he strikes the Threshold with his Staff, and sayes in Latin: Lift up your Gates, O ye Princes, and be ye lift up, O ye [...] ­lusting Gates, and the King of Glory shall enter in. Then the Deacon rayes, who is this King of Glory? Then the Bishop answers, [...] Lord [...] and Mighty, even the Lord Mighty in Battel [...] the Bishop, and the Everlasting Gates [...]

The third time the Deacon opens the door to him, and he and the Clergy enters, but the people stand without still; and then the Bishop sayes the Letany; and then a Cross of Ashes and Sand is made on the Pavement, whereon the Alphabet or Christ-cros [...]ow is written in Greek and Latin; and then the Bishop with Salt, Ashes and Wine, consecrates the Altar, and then annoints the aforesaid twelve Crosses on the Wall with Cream, and then the people may come in, and ring the Bells for joy.

This is to be noted, That if the Wine be frozen in the Chalice, th [...] Priest, must so long breathe upon it, till it be molten, and the Ice disso [...] ­ed; and if it cannot be dane so, he m [...]y put, fine to it.

CHAP. XI. Concerning Hallowing of Beads.

IN their Prayer to their God, they say, We beseech thee that thou wilt vouchsafe from the Seat of thy Majesty, with thy blessing to sanctifie, replenish and fulfil these Bead [...] pray on, which are apt and meet for devotion of thy Servants, to honour that most glorious Virgin Mary, Mother of God. You read none of this in Scripture.

CHAP. XII. A short Relation of some of the Ceremonies of the Pope and his Followers, taken out of the Works of Christopher Marcellus, Bishop of Corcira, Dedicated to Pope Le [...] the Tenth.

AND first as to the Popes Election: All people are shut out of the Election-house, saving the Fathers, and the Ministers, the Senior of the Cardinals exhorteth the other Fathers, that they [...] mind and consider the highness of the matter whereof the [...] must p [...] ­sen [...]ly [...] then which matter and business, nothing [...] or more excellent, for he saith. They are about to provide [...] the [...] of Christ the Successor of Peter, the Pastor [...] Leader of Christ Flock, the Key bearer, Pottet, and [...] of [...] the Prince of the Apostolick [...] [Page 44]and the chief Pre [...] [...] Christendom.

There is four kinds of Election; but to make the Work short, I will only relate one of them, (though they are all Wayes which Christ never instituted, neither did his Apostles ever practice such things) viz. First, all the Colledg of the Cardinals agree upon Three, Upon one of the Cardinal-Bishops, on one of the Cardinal-Priests, and upon one of the Cardinal-Deacons, (Mark people, we never read in the Scri­ptures of Cardinal-Bishops, and Cardinal Priests and Deacons) to which three, they give Pover and Authority to chuse the High Bishop after this sort:

They let up, and light a candle of a certain appointed quantity, that it may burn a certain space; and their power to chuse, lasteth no lon­ger then the piece of candle lasteth; for they must chuse him before it be burnt out; and the same being so chosen, is right Pope.

Then the Senior of the Cardinals, and Colledg, do shew their joy, and do their duty of reverence to him; and putting off his Senate-Robe, called Caprea, and his little Hood, called Capu [...]ium, they cause him to set down in his Rochet, where the Seniors do put upon his sin­ger the Fisher's Ring (so called) and ask him by what Name he is cal­led: Then the Senior of the Cardinal-Deacons opening a little Win­dow, by which the people there waiting, may see and be seen, faith with a loud voice, (holding out the cross) I show you glad tydings, we have a Pope, and he chuses his Name to be Innocent the Eighth, &c. or what Name he liketh: Then the Cardinal-Deacons do put off the Popes common Apparel, and put him in a white Woolen Gown, and in red Hose, and red Shooes, embroidered with a Golden [...]oss in a red Girdle, with Golden Bucklers, in a red cowle also upon his head, and above all, in a fair white Rochet; then they put upon him his upper Garments, viz. A long Albe, a Girdle, and a Stool set full of Pearls, hanging down from about his Neck; but if he were but a Deacon be­fore he was elected, then the Stool must lye on his lest shoulder only, and come down with both ends fas [...]ned under his right arm. Then af­ter, they put upon the Pope a red Cope, called a Pluvial, and Mitre set and deck [...] with precious stones, and they make him sit upon the Altar, and then they kiss his feet, and then he is consecrated; and the Con­secrator blesseth a precious Ring to be put on his singer, saying O Lord God, Creator and Conservator of Mankind, giver of spiritual Gifts and Graces, and greater of [...] health and [...] thou, O Lord, [Page 45]send down thy blessing upon this Ring, &c. and while this Prayer is said, the Pope stands up; and in the mean time one of the Colliters holdeth the Ring in his right hand, kneeling down at the beginning of the blessing thereof; and the Consecrator (the Prayer being ended) sprinkleth it over with holy Water, and then puts it on the Popes sin­ger, saying, Take this Ring as a sign and token of Faith, &c. and Oyle being poured upon his Head by the Consecrator, the Cardinal-Deacon dryeth it up again with crumbs of Bread, and then setteth on the Mitre, and then he gives the Cardinals his feet and hands to Rite; and so the Consecrator saith forth the Mass, and before he is crowned, the Cardinals, Deacons, Sub deacons and Colliters, apparel him in a white Amise, and long Girdle, a Stool, and a red Pluvial, and a Mitre, and being thus decked, he goeth down to the place called St. Peters, the Cross being carried before him, the Cardinals and Deacons on ei­ther side, bearing up the skirts of his Pluvial, and the noblest of the Laity being present, though it be the Emperor, or a King, must bear up the train of the same; and next before the Pope, goeth the Minister of the Ceremonies, with Reeds in his hand, upon the one tow, and up­on the other a burning candle; and when the Pope is past the Ch [...]ppel of St. Gregory, so called, the aforesaid Minister turning him to the Pope, setteth fire on the tow, kneeling down, and saying with a loud Voice. Holy Father, so passeth away the glory of the world; which he doth three times, and then the Gospel-book is laid upon the Popes shoul­ders, and afterwards he goeth up the Altar, and the Prior of the Cardinal-Deacons taketh the Robe called Pollium, from the Altar, and putteth it upon the Pope, saying, Receive the Pall, which is the sacred Plenitude, and holy perfection of the Pontificial Office, to the honour of Almighty God, of the blessed Virgin Mary his Mother, of the holy A­postle Peter, and Paul, and of the holy Church of Rome, and then ma­keth it fast about the Pope with Buckles and Pins. And when the Pope first receiveth this Robe, he goeth to the Altar, and kisseth it, and then kisseth the Gospel-Book, and then putteth Incense into the Censers. Then they proceed to crown him after this sort.

The Pope receiving the Gloves and Rings, with the other Imple­ments, goeth upon a high Stage made for the purpose, and when all the La [...] people are gone out of the Church (so called) and the Pr [...] are c [...]me together, the Deacon on the left hand taketh off the Popes Mi­ [...], [...] Deacon on the right hand, taketh the Tiare, or Cro [...], cal­led [Page 46]a Triple Crown, and setteth [...] on the Popes bead, and th [...]n going to the Church of Latte an, so called, he goeth up into the Gallery or Cloi­ster of the same, where the Prior of the Cannons holdeth him the cross to kiss, and the triple Crown is taken off, and the Mitre put on; and then he is had to a place or seat without the Gate on the left hand, called Stercoraria, which signifies a Dunghil; and setting down on the said seat, and leanning down so low, that he seemeth rather lying, then sitting, the Cardinals come to him, and lift him up, saying, He lifteth up the needy from the dust, and from the dunghil exalteth the poor, that he may sit among the Princes, and possesss the Throne of Glory. Then the Pope rising up, taketh so much money in his hand out of the bosome of his Chamberlain, as he can gri [...]e, and casteth among the people, saying, Arge [...]um & Aurum non est mihi quod autem habeo, hoc tibi do; I have neither Gold nor Silver, but that that I have, that I give thee; and at the Popes Feast, after he is crowned, when he drink­eth, all the Assistants and Servitors kneel down. So great is the pride of this Prelate.

These things are truly extracted out of the First and Second Secti­ons of the First Book of Ceremonies, aforesaid, written by a Pa­pist.

CHAP. XIII. The time when the Tythes were first given in England; by whom, and by whose Authority a Law for payment of Tythes was first established.

First, Whereas it is alledged, that Abraham paid the tenth of the spoil (that he got by the Sword) to Melchisedeck, and Melchi­sedeck made him and his Soldiers a Feast: this was not by the com­mand of God, nor an example that all Kings and Princes should pay tythes of all their spoil, nor the tenth of their Estates: For you ne­ver read that Abra [...]am paid it afterwards, as you may read in Josephus and Genests the twenty third; and Jacob saying to the Lord, when he went from Esau, at his return he would surely give him the tenth of all [Page 47]that he gave unto him when he vowed a vow: This is no example for Christians to pay Tythes, no more then it is to offer Sacrifice, for he f­fored Sacrifices.

And again, Wh [...]reas it is alledged that Levi took [...]ythes, and Aa­ron, which was called a Heave-offering, or a Shake-offering, which tythes was for the Priest, Levi, and the Widow, and the Fatherless, and the Stranger, that there might not be a Beggar in Is [...]ael. So you that hold up tythes, must hold up the first Priesthood which ord [...]ined to of­fer Sacrifices. and hold up the Shake-offering, and the Heave-offering, and so deny, Christ come in the flesh, and to be offered up, one Offer­ing once for all. For if the Levitical Priesthood be standing, which came after the Order of Aaron, then your tythes and Offerings is standing; for Levi who received the Office of the Priesthood, had a command to take tythes, according to the Law of the Brethren, but not of the Gentiles. But we must tell you, Christ is come in the flesh, who is offered up once for all their Offerings, and ends all the Jews Offerings, the Heave-Offerings, and Shake-Offerings, and tythes, as well as other Offerings; and Christ came not after the Order of Aa­ron, which Levi came of that had the tythes; but after the Order of Melchisedeck, without Father or Mother. beginning of dayes, or end of life, who has ended the Levitical Priesthood, and changed the Law by which it was made, and disannulled the commandment that gave him his tythes, Heb. 7.

And now if you say you take tythes as you are the Successors of the Apostles; I say, that Christ gave no command to his Apostles to take tythes, but on the contrary said, Freely you have received, freely give. And also if you say you receive tythe from the Martyrs; being their Successors; I answer, they denyed the Papists and their Idolatrous. wayes, and their Maintenance by tythes; and therefore they hu [...]ned them to ashes. Now who are you like? Papists or the Jews? not like the Disciples or the Martyrs.

No use of tythes occurres. nor can be proved to be in use, till about the end of three hundred years after Christ [...]; but the Church-mainte­nance in that time was the free benevolence and contribution of the people, as Tertullian, Origen, and Cyprian do testifie; and in the next three hundred years, Heathenism and Paganism did totally overspread this Land, until about the year six hundred, when Gregory the Great [...] Augustin the Monk into England (assisted with forty Preach­ers) [Page 48]to convert the Saxons from Paganism to Popery, which was in the time of Ethelbert King of Kent, who was the first called a Chri­stian King; who being turned to the Profession of the Christian Reli­gion, was afterwards an Instrument for the conversion of his Nation the Saxons. This Ethelbers is reported to have been very bountiful to the said Augustin the Monk, and gave him the Lordship of his chief City Cante [...]bury; but that he gave him any tythes, or ever command­ed tythes to be paid to him, or to any other, or made any Law for pay­ment of tythes, it doth not appear by any History.

Christians at the first gave tythes upon no other account, then they did Alms, as Austin said; which was divided by the Bishop, part to the Priest, and part to the poor; and these things which at first were voluntarily given, through custom and usage hath at last become in­forceable, and Laws and Decrees made to compel them to another use then they were at first given. Gratian. Cans. p. 16. r. c. Deci­nuce.

Selden in his History of tythes, saith, that before the year Eight hun­dred, or thereabouts, there is not any General Law that yet remains in publick, and is of credit, which ordained any payment of tythes or tenths, in the Western churches; for in the Eastern, said he, I never ready any Law that mention'd them, p. 67.

And in the Council of Lateran, in the year one thousand two hun­dred and fifteen, a Relation is of some Nations, who although Chri­stians. did not by their own Rights and Customs pay Tythes: These are abserved by Innocent the fourth, to have been Greeks, Armenians and the like; And Antonius expresly remembers the general non-pay­ment of them in the Eastern Churches. Summa Part 3. Ti [...]. 4.

It is further observable, that of old, Tythes nor Offerings were not paid to the Priests, But to the Bishop or his Deputy, who was Steward to distribute them to the Presbyters and poor; the Curates or Presby­ters in City and Country, were such as the Bishop appointed to have cure of souls; and where they kept their cure, the offerings of devout Christians were received, and disposed of in maintenance of the Cler­gy, and relief of the poor, by the Stewards thereunto appointed, called Oeconoms or Deacons. And all that was received in the Dioces [...] o [...] Parish, was put in a common Treasury. to be dispensed, one p [...]r [...] was for the maintenance of those that took care of peoples souls and mo­ther part for the releif of the poor, and sick, and strangers. S [...]ld [...]n [...] 6. pag. 80.81.

The B [...]hemians, being descended from the Waldenses, did profess that all Priests ought to be poor, and to be content with alms only; so saith Enias Silvius, as it is cited by Bishop Usher, De Chr. Ecc. Succes. Chap. 6. Page 155.

And Wickliff in his Complaint to the Parliament, in Richard the seconds time, he saith, Ah Lord God! where this be reason, to con­strain the people to find a worldly Priest, sometimes unable both of life and cunning, in pomp and pride, covetous and envy, gluttonness and drun­kenness, with fat Horse and jolly, and gay Sad [...]les, and Bridles ringing by the way, and their Neighbours perish for hunger, cold, and other mis­chiefs of the world. Ah Lord Jesus Christ! sith which in few years, men paid their Tythes and Offering at their own free-will, to good men and able to great Worship of God, to profit, and fairness of holy Church fighting on Earth, why it were lawful and needful, that a worldly Priest should destroy this holy and approved custom, constraining men to leave this freedom, turning Tythes and Offerings into wicked uses.

And one of the Articles of John Wick liff for which he was censu­red, was,

That Tythes are pure Alms, and that the Parishioners may for the use of their Curates, detain and keep them back, and bestow them up­on others at their own will and pleasures. Acts and Mon. p. 435.

And the Proposition aforesaid, is largely defended by John Hus, in the said Book of Martyrs, p. 461. and in the conclusion of the Di­course it is affirmed, That the Clergy are not Lords and Possessors of Tythes, or other Ecclesiastical Goods, but only Stewards, and after the necessity of the Clergy is once satisfied, they ought to be given to the poor.

But as Cisterniensis telleth, in the year 1274, one Pope Gregory the tenth, ordained new Tythes first be given to the Priests: Now in the new Law the words of the Law are these, That it should not from thenceforth be lawful to give their Tythes as their own pleasure where they would, as it had been before; but pay all their Tythes to the Mother-Church.

CHAP. XIV. Concerning the Religion and Customs of the old Bri­tans, before they were Christians, and after they were Christians.

VVHen they were Heathen in old time in England, in their Worship, they offered mens blood, thinking that to be the most precious Sacrifice of all others; and when the Priest by Lot cast who should dye, they had all their brains knockt out at one [...] and then they sought out the veins of the heart, and drew [...] blood, and struck it upon the head of his friend, then they ho [...]ed up the Sails. And this they thought pleased their God.

The Danes and Normans, in the Province of Selon, every ninth year sacrificed and killed unto their gods ninety nine men, and as ma­ny horses, and dogs, and cocks, for Hawks, which their gods sent [Page 56]them; and said by the same they should please them.

And the blind ignorant people the Britans, had Altars, and they worshipped the Heads of great Rivers, Camb. p. 698.

Crysanthus was Bishop in B [...]itan, and of all his Ecclesinstical Re­venues and Prosits, was wont to reserve for himself but two toaves of bread only on the Lords day Camb. p. 84. But u w-a-dayes neither Bi­shop nor Priest will think this sufficient, but they would scorn it, being grown so old in oppression

In the River called Swale in Yorkshire, Augustin baptized an innu­merable multitude of Women and Children. Camb. p. 136, 137. Then they had no Fonts.

Augustin the bishop, caused the people to enter into the Water, and they were baptized: And here was no talk of a Cross, nor God-fa­thers.

Pauli us Bishop of York, baptized the Inhabitants of Notting­hamshire in the River Irent. Ca [...]h. p 549. And not in a Font in the St [...]ple-house; and they baptized men and women after they be­lived.

In the first plantation of Christianity among the Gentiles, such on­ly as were of full age, after they were instructed in Christian Religi­on, were admitted to Baptism, and that but twice in the year, at Ea­ster and Whitsuntide, except upon urgent necessity. Cambd. pag. 768.

In Northumberland, Paulinus baptized many thousands at a River. Here was no Font.

King Sigebert proffered them in old time that preached the Gospel, Worldly Wealth, and riches descended by inheritance; but they refu­sed and contemred them, saying, It became not them to embrace other mens riches, who for Christs sake had forsaken their own. Cambd. Re­cord of Ireland. p. 67, 68.

And the Bishops of Britan seemed no less to have despised riches, and was but poor, and had nothing of their own. But now they are altered from that, who will take all they can lay their hands on, and imprison and persecute them they do not preach to, if they will not give them Goods and Money; and so will have both their own, and other mens, but forsake neither for Christs sake.

King Agharus, being grievously diseased in his body, and incurable by the skill of man, was cured by Thadeus, one of Christs Disciples, [Page 57]without Medicine; for which, King Agharus commanded Gold coin­ed and uncoined, to be given him; but he received it not, saying, I so much that we have forsaken our own, how can we receive other mens? This is not like the Pope and the Bishops, wit is their great Parsonages and Revenues.

And the Irish Bishops had no more, nor no other Rents and Reve­nues, then three Milch-kine, which the Parishioners charged for three other K [...]ne when they were dry. Camb. p. 1 [...]6. But the Bishops of our age, and t [...]e Priests, are changed from them s [...]h [...] age.

One Patrick, a Britan [...]orn, (Saint Martin's Sisters Son) he was sold into Ireland, where he became a Hereiman to King Milne, and he Catechised there in the Christian Faith; [...]nd about that time he cryed [...]ut against the shaving of Friens, and said it was Simon Magus his shaving, and not Saint Peters. Can b. p. 10, 108.

Paulinus aforesaid, came into Northumberland with the King and [...]u [...]en, and ab [...]de thirty six dayes there, employed wholly in Catech­sing, Baptizing and Instructing the people from; Morning to Evening; and being instructed, he baptized them to the forgiveness of their sins, in the River of Glen, which was hard by the Kings Mannor-House. Camb Brit. page 815. Here was no Fonts used at this time.

One Malachy in Ireland, was the first that denied [...]riests should marry; where Armachanas detested against such voluntary Begging-Fryars, p. 109.

Robert Abbot of Molisme in Bur [...]undy, perswaded his own Disci­ples to live with their handy-labour, and to forsake Tythes and Obla­tions, p. 110.

At [...]ell, the Steeple-houses in Ireland were built with Timber; but when one Malachy caused them to be built with stone, the people cry­ed out, saying, What mean you to bring into our Countrey this new fa­shion? for we are not French.

The first Duke in England, was made by Edward the third, who made his Son Duke of Cornwall. The title of Marquess came in by Richard the second, of late years. Earls came in by the Ge [...]m [...]ns, who ordered the Earls should always give attendance to their Princes, and be at band in matters of Council. Afterwards came in the Viscounts, new title, not heard of with us, till Henry the Sixth. Barons signifeth in the Ge [...]man tongue, Hard Soldiers. Knights took their Names s [...]e [Page 58]the No man Conquest, by serving with Horses. Esquire doth signifie Shield-bearer. Yeoman signifies Free-born, or Freeholder, lawful men of Forty shillings a year of Free-land. Gentlemen, some are from great Famillies, and some take the Name from being raised in Wealth.

The Normans began the first Sealing with Print and Wax. But be­fore, men made Bargains of Lands and Houses, without Script, Chart, or Deed, and many Tenements were demised with a Spur, or Horse-Curry-comb, with a Bow, and some with an Arrow, being given as a token of the thing. Camb. p. 444.

And when the King made any free, and granted liberty, these were the words, without writings,

The Heathen-Priests, under pretence of Religion, wasted the Bri­tant Goods; and Claudius had a Temple in Britan, whom they prayed to as God.

Canutus King of England and of Denmark, said, All things in his Realm was at his Command, and therefore commanded his Chair to be set on the Sea-shore, and when the Sea began to flow (in the presence of many, he said to the Sea as it flowed, Thou art part of my Dominion; and the ground on which I set, is mine; neither was there ever any that durst disobey my Command, and went away free, and unpunished; where­fore I charge thee, that thou come not upon my Land, neither wet the clothes or body of thy Lord. But the Sea, according to its usual course, flowing still, without any reverence of his Person, wet his feet: Then he retiring back, said, L [...]t all the Inhabitants of the Earth know, That vain and frivolous is the power of Kings; and that none is worthy of the Name of a King, but he to whose Command the Heaven, Earth, and Sea (by bond of an Everlasting Law) are subject and obedient. And never after that time, set he the Crown upon his Head. Cambd. Brit. p. 262.

CHAP. XV. Concerning Singing of Psalms.

IN the Year 383, Psalms begun to be sung, brought in by Damasius Bishop, though not turned into Meeter.

Benedictus an Abbot of the Monastery of Peter and Paul at Wirr, brought with him from Rome one John the Arch-Chanter, who first taught in England how to sing in the Quire, after the manner of Ro [...]e, Acts and Mon. Vol. 1. p. 164. Anno 724.

CHAP. XVI. Concerning Swearing.

THE Form of words which Christ hath laid down in Mat. 5, and the Apostle James taught in his general Epistle, Chap. 5, is as followeth:

Christ said, Ye have heard that it hath been said [...]f old time, Thou shalt not forswear thy self, (which was the false Oath) but perform thy Oaths to the Lord, which was the true Oath, which were to be ta­ken before the Judges, Officers and Magistrates, to end Controversies, and be performed to the Lord. Put Christ said, Now I say unto you, Swear not at all, but let your yea be yea, and nay, nay; for whatso ver is more then this, cometh of evil. Therefore this yea, yea, and nay, nay, wherein Christ doubles his words to make them of force, sets them over, and above an Oath.

And also in James 5.12. the Apostle taught, and said, Above all things my brethren, swear not at all, neither by Heaven, nor by Earth, (mark) nor by any other Oath; but he also sets up that which is above an Oath, which is Christs words, Let your yea be yea, and nay, nay; which form of sound words the Apostle doubles, (as Christ did) when he said, in his repeating over Christs words, Ye shall swear no Oath, lost ye fall into condemnation. These are the Commands of Christ and the Apostle, which we are to stand by, to wit, yea, yea, and nay, nay.

CHAP. XVII. Concerning the Title of Doctors, and concerning their Habits.

A Bout three hundred years ago, then the Name and Title of Do­ctor began to be conferred solemnly: It was an Article of John Wickliffs (condemned at Constance) that Graduations and Doctor­ships in Universities and Colledges, as they were in use then, did con­duce nothing to the Church.

The Genevians in their Annotations upon Rev. 9. ver. 3. where the Locusts came out of the smoak, say, they were, and are false Tea­chers, Hereticks, and worldly-subtile Prelates, with Monks, Fryars, Cardinals, Patriarchs, Arch-Bishops, Doctors, Batchellors and Masters.

Didoclavius in his Book called Altare Damascenum, p. 891, saith, that Hoods, Tippets and square Caps, were introduced by Antichrist to promote his splendor.

Philpot chose rather to be secluded the Convocation of the Cler­gy, then to wear a Hood and Tippet.

Stat. Arad. Oxon. Tit. 14. Parag. 1. The words of the Statutes are in English thus: It is ordered that all Heads of Colledges, all Fel­lows and Scholars, wear black, or sad-coloured Clothes; and all that are initiated into holy Orders; as it becomes those of the Clergy to do.

There were of old a certain sort of people among the Jews, cal­led Chemarims, or Black-coats, as it may be read in Hosea the 5th: But our Translators have rendred them Priests, instead of Chema­rims; which Priests were smutted by the Heathens black Sacri­fices.

CHAP. XVIII. Concerning the Heathen Idolaters naming their Dayes and Months.

THE old Pagan- Saxons in their Idolatry, were the first that brought in the Names of the Dayes, which those called Chri­stians have retained to this day; for they adored Idols, and unto them offered Sacrisices, and worshipped the Planets. See Vestigans Antiquities, and Cambdens Brit.

As touching the Idols which these Saxons adored, they were di­vers; and though they had many, yet seven among the rest they especially appropriated unto the seven dayes of the week.

That day which is the first day of the week, they worshipped the Idol of the Sun, which was placed in a Temple, and there acrifi­ced unto, and to the special adoration of which Idol, they gave the Name of Sunday.

The second day of the week they dedicated to the Idol of the Moon, and from whence these called Christians retain the Name of Monday, instead of Moonday.

The next was the the Idol of the Planets, was the Idol of Tuisco, who was the first and chiefest man of Name among the Germans, unto whom the Name of Tuesday was especially Dedicated.

The next was the Idol Woden, whom the Saxons honoured for their God of Battel. And after this Idol these called Christians do yet call the fourth day of the week Wednesday, instead of Woddens­day.

The next was the Idol Thor, from whence the Name Thursday is retained, instead of the fifth day of the week.

The next Idol was the Goddess Friga, to which Idol they dedi­cated the sixth day of the Week, and called it Friday; which is re­tained to this day.

The last day was the Idol Seater, from whence is called the se­venth day, Saturday.

And as these called Christians have sollowed the Heathens Exam­ples in naming their Days, so they followed them in naming their Months; for the Heathen they called Mars the God of Battel, and [Page 67]from thence they calleed the first Month March.

And Venus they called the Goddess of Love and Beauty, and from thence they called they called the second Month April.

And Maja a Heathen Goddess called Flora; Flora and Cloris were called the Goddesses of Flowers; unto Maja the Heathen Idolaters use to sacrifice; from thence was the third Month called May. And upon the first day of the same Month they used to keep Floralia Feasts to the two Goddesses of Flowers, viz. Flora and Cloris; and Flora was a Strumpet in Rome, that used on the first day of that Month to set up a May-pole before her door to entice her Lovers: From whence came May-poles and May-day to be since observed by these called Chri­stians.

And Juno, whom the Heathen called the Goddess of Kingdoms and Wealth; from this Juno the fourth Month was called June;

And Julius Caesar a Roman Emperor, in honour to him was the fifth Month called July.

And in honour to Augustus Caesar an Emperor, was the sixth Month called August.

And four of the other Months are called after the Latin Names; as, September for the seventh Month, October for the eighth, November for the ninth, December for the tenth.

And one J [...]nus a King of Italy, was for his wisdom pictured with two faces, whom they honoured as God; and from this Name J [...] was the eleventh Month called January.

And Saturnus, Pluto, Februs, were called the Gods of Hell, wh [...] the Heathen said had the Rule of evil Spirits there; and from [...] Februs, was the the twelfth Month called February. And by all there Idolatrous Names, do these called Christians call their D [...]ys to this any which is contrary to the Scriptures, the Prophets, and the Apo­stles.

The Saxons also had a Goddess, (whom they sacrificed to m [...] Month of April) called E [...]ster: Hence they called April, E [...] Month; and hence in process of time came Easter. Page 135. Ca [...] [...] Brit.

CHAP. XIX. Concerning Burying-places.

IN the year 1198, Gaudentius de Mor, (See Justin, Part 1. Ch. 26.) proves, that they did of old bury privately their dead in their Grounds; which custom was taken away by Pope Innocent the third, who decreed that none should be buryed in unconsecrated places; and then after, people began to desire to be buryed within the Church, out of a Superstitious respect to the Saint whose Name that Church did bear, and because their Kindred and Relations did pray for them there; besides, they hoped to be benefited by the merits of the Mar­tyrs: And it may be read in Austin de cura pro Mortuis, chap. 5. That the believing Mother did desire that the body of her believing Son might be buryed in the Church of the Martyrs, for so much as she did believe that his soul did reap benefit through the Merits of the said Martyrs. And about this time the Clergy began to appropriate to themselves the prerogative of taking money to let people be buryed in Churches, and is at this day used in England.

It was one of the Articles of the W [...]ldenses, That the use of Church­yards is supersluous, and invented only for lucres sake; and that it was no matter in what ground any one was laid or buryed. Bish. Ʋsher de Succes. Eccles. Chr. c. 6.

CHAP. XX. Concerning Ministers.

VVHen Christ bid them go into all Nations, he bid them wait at Jerusalem until they were endued with power from on high; and they was not to go to be seven years at Colledges, as they are now, like an Apprentice; but some of them were Tradesmen, as [Page 69] Moses was a keeper of Sheep, and Jacob was a keeper of Sheep, and David was a keeper of Sheep, and Elisha a Plough-man, and Amos a Herdsman, and Peter and John Fisher-men, and unlearned men, and Paul a Tent-maker.

And the Teachers of the Waldenses were said to be Weavers and Coblers; of which, when they were told of it, they replied, they were not ashamed of their Priests, because they laboured with their hands, according to the Example of the Apostles.

CHAP. XXI. Concerning Marriage with the King.

IT was the Romans that first brought up marrying with a Ring, it being their practice and custom, that the man should give in token of good-will a Ring unto the woman. Alex. Gen. Lib. 2. Anti (que) Romani, p. 72. And before they would bsgin the Ceremonies of their Contract, the man procured a Southsayer, and the woman another, to cast their Fortune; and the token or sign that these Southsayers ac­counted most fortunate, was a Crow. And this practice of ma [...]rying with a Ring, do these called Christians retain to this day, amongst many other of the Heathen Idolatrous practices.

And this practice is contrary to the practice of the holy men of God in the Scriptures; for Boaz took Ruth to Wife, before the Elder of the people, and said, Ye are witnesses this day, that I take Ruth to Wife; and the people said, We are witnesses this day; and the Lord m [...]ke the woman in thy house, like the house of Rachel, &c. and tha [...] thou may­est do worthily in Ephr [...]ta, and be famous in Bethlem. And of the stock of Boaz, came Christ. Ruth 4.

And Isaiah was to take Witnesses, and write in a R [...]ll when he went to the Prophetess. So here (you may see) was no Southsayers nor Rings used.

CHAP. XXII. Concerning Churches and Ʋniversities, so called.

AND the Names that the Papists gave the Steeplehouses, are still used by Protestants; they called their Churches Cathedral Churches, and Kings Chappel, and Queens Chappel.

And Pope Faelix the third, he decreed, that Churches should be de­dicated to the Saints; and so they came to be called, one Christs Church, and another they called Saint Peters Church, and another Saint Pauls Church, and another they called Saint Jame's Church, and another Saint George's Church, and Saint Bennets Church, &c. And them called Protestants, calls them so still.

And the Protestants still call the Colledges by the same Names the Papists gave them, who first set them up.

The Papists called them Christ Church Colledg, Emanuel Colledg, Trinity Colledg, Corpus Christi Colledg, that is, the Body of Christ Colledg; Jesus Colledg, Brazen nose Colledg, Magdalen Colledg, All-Souls Colledg, Saint Johns Colledg.

The two Universities, as they are called, were founded by Popish Saxon Kings, and other Kings, Bishops, and other men and women.

Tindal, who was a Martyr, said, (concerning Universities) that whosoever ordained Universities, be it Alexander at Halis, Saint Tho­mas, or any other, he was a Starr that fell from Heaven to Earth; for there are brought in (said he) moral virtues for Faith, and Opinions for Truth; and said they were a confused Cloud. Tindal in his Book of the Revelation of Antichrist.

CHAP. XXIII. How the Bishops and Clergy heretofore, have been the cause of cruel Laws against those that differed from them, whom they called Hereticks.

ERasmus testified, that for above Four hundred years after C [...] the Bishops did not seek the help of the Emperors again [...] [...] [Page 71]Hereticks, and when they did seek it against the insufferable wickedness of the Donatists, it did not please the good people, that they should then seek the help of the Civil Powers; for they then judged that it became not the Bishops to use any other Weapons, or to have any other help then the Sword of the Spirit, the Word of God, although the evil was incurable, yet would they have excluded it by Excommu­nication, which is said to be the greatest Judgment or Punishment that then the Church had.

The Histories also sheweth, how that some of the Clergy have said, That the Princes ought to kiss the Son, and to use their power for to preserve and defend Religion against all their Enemies, though their Lands should therefore be spoiled.

In the year 553, Pelagius Bishop of Rome, instituted first of all That Hereticks and Apostates should be forced by external compulsion And Clement the fifr made Laws that Hereticks should be burned.

Gerandus Naviomagns sheweth, how that the Laws for putting He­reticks to death, came not by the free-will of the Emperors, but through the earnest importuning of blood-thirsty Bishops, whose constant recourse was a burden to the Emperors, so that finally, they obtained what they desired; but when the Clergy could not preva [...]l with one Emperor, they excluded him out of Italy, and excommuni­cated him, and brought him in suspension, and freed the Subjects from the Oath, and stirred them up against the Power. And thus have the Clergy handled, when they could not have their wills.

And it might be plentifully manifested, how that it hath been blood-thirsty Bishops, with others of the Clergy, that have provoked Kings, and Potentates of the Earth to cruelty, and who have counselled them to make bloody Laws, like the Bishop Nestorius, who in his Sermon spake unto the Emperor, and said, Oh Emperor, give me a Land clean­sed of Herticks and I will give thee Heaven; help me against [...]he Hereticks, and I will help thee: O subdue the Persians thy Ene­mies.

In the years 1538, and 1546: In like manner the Inquisitors and Clergy stirred up the Emperor, the Kings of Spain and France, to ter­rible persecution, laying it upon their consciences to quit themselves severely against Hereticks, if they would escape the Lords re­p [...]o [...].

In the year 1545, Pope Paul the third, counselled and entreated the Emperor Charles, and King Ferdinandus, to compel the Protestants to forsake their error.

CHAP. XXIV. How since the Apostacy from the Truth, the Pope, Kings and Rulers makes Ministers; and none must preach, except they have a Licence from them.

IN the days of King Henry the Fourth, it was agreed upon by the King and the Bishops, with other Lords, that no man within this Realm, or other of the Kings Majesties Dominions, presume to take upon him to preach privily, or otherwise, without special Licence of the Ordinary of the same place Statute Ex Officio R [...]g. Hen. 4.

And in the dayes of the same King Henry the Fourth, Constitutions were made by Tho: Arundel, Arch-Bishop of Canterbury, and others, That no person (being authorized to preach) shall take upon him to preach in English to the Clergy and Laity, except he first present himself, and be examined of the Ordinary of the place.

For first, the King, he nominated who should be Bishop of such a Diocess, and then being presented to the Pope, he was to approve of him; and being approved, he was consecrated by the Arch-Bishop in England. But when King Henry the Eighth cast off the Pope, then it was enacted by King and Parliament, that no Bishop should be com­mended to the Pope, but that the King should both nominate them, and approve of them to be sufficient Ministers

In the year 1547, in Edward the Sixth's time, Injunctions were set forth, That none should preach except sufficiently Li­censed:

In the Reign of King James, Injunctions were made, That none should preach, except they were lawfully Licensed thereunto by the King or the Bishop. Fox Acts and Mon. Vol 2.

And likewise in the dayes of Queen Mary, none was to preach but such as should be licensed or allowed by her Authority, or by the Arch Bishop, &c. or by the Universities of Oxford and Cambridg [...] Anno 1. Mary, 1 Pat C. 1.

In the year 1559, Injunctions were likewise made in the first year of Queen Elizabeth, that none should appear to preach, not be admit­ted thereto, but such as should be Licensed thereto by the Queen, or the Arch Bishops or Bishops And thus she followed the Papists, who were the first that set up this O [...]der.

In the year 1644, the Parliament made an Ordinance, to give power to the Presbyter-Assembly of Divines, for the Ordination of Ministers according to the Directory for Ordination; and they gave the Ass [...]m­bly of Divines, Rules for Examination of them they ordained.

He that was to be ordained, was to bring a testimony that he had sworn, and taken the Covenant of the three Kingdoms; and how long he had been in the University, and what Degrees he had taken, and whether he was twenty f [...]ur years old, &c. Note, This was up­ [...]olding Popery still, notwithstanding there was a pretence of Reforma­tion.

And an Ordinance was made by Oliver Cromwel and his Council, for Approbation of publick Preachers; and for this end Commision­ers were appointed, and were authorized to judg of the Ability and Fitness of any man, before he was admitted to any publick place to preach. O. C. 1653, Can. 39. and Can. 57.

CHAP. XXV. Concerning the Priests turning, as the Rulers turned, to eve­ry Power that came up, rather then they would lose their Benefices; and how they petitioned several Parliaments and Rulers, That they might have their Tythes paid them, and that they would suppress the People called QƲA­KERS.

IN the year 1531, Pope Julius being angry with the King of France, sent King Henry the Eighth the Cap of Maintenance and the Sword, and gave him the title of Christianssimo, that is, The most Christian King.

And because King Henry wrote a Book against Luther, the Pope [...]ave him the title of Defender of the Faith.

In the year 1531, (being the twenty second year of Henry the Eighth) Tyndal did translate the New-Testament into English; for reading of which, many were sharply punished; and the reading of it was forbidden by the Chancellor of England; and the Papist-Bi­shops then in power, caused all the Books to be brought into Pauls-yeard, and there to be burned; and the said Tyndal was shortly after burned beyond Sea for translating the same.

In the same year, one Camphjus being sent Legate from the Pope in. to England, was at first in great request with King Henry the Eighth, and had many honours conferred on him, and great Benefices; but the King taking dislike of the Popes proceedings with him, concerning a Divorce the said Legate brought from the Pope, to Divorce the King from his Wife, who was the Relict of his Brother, made an Act that no more Annal; should be paid for Bulls or Pardons to the Pope, nor no Appeals be made to him, but that all should appeal to the King for pardon.

Ab [...]ut this time the whole Clergy of Engla [...]d was charged by the Kings Council to be in a Praemunire, for supporting and maintaining the Popes power, and were called to answer in the Kings Bench; but before their day of appearance came, they in their Convocation con­cluded an Humble Submission in Writing, and offered the King One hundred thousand pounds to pardon them; which after some labour, the King promised them pardon; in which Submission the Clergy cal­led the King Supream Head of the Church. Bakers Chron.

This Pardon was signed by the Kings hand. Mark, The King tur­ning, and denying the Popes Supremacy, the Priests turn and deny their old Head of the Church, called Peter's Successor.

And in the year 1535, the Popes Authority in England was abolish­ed by Parliament; and about two years after, an Act was made, which gave the King all Religious Houses, and all their Lands and Goods.

And then an Oath was ministred to the Clergy, which they took:

That they should renounce the Popes Authority, and swear to be true and faithful to the King, his Heirs and Successors, of life and limb, and to live and dye with him, against all people; and to acknowledg their holding their Bishopricks of the King only, beseeching him to make restitution of the temporalities of the said Bishoprick. So God me help, and aell Saints, said they.

About this time the Bible was first permitted to be read in English, and Injunctions were set forth by the Lord Cromwel, That the Creed, Lords Prayer, ten Commandments, and Articles of the Christian Faith, should be read in English; which caused twenty thousand peo­ple to rise in arms in Lincolnshire, being headed by a Monk, and others; and they were scarcely appeased, but there arose forty thousand in the North; where on one side of th [...]ir Ensigns they had Christ hanging on the Cross; and on the other side the Cup and Bread of the Sacra­ment; but they were suppressed.

In September 1537, by the special motion of the aforesaid Cromw [...]l, all the Images unto which were made any special Pilgrimages and Of­ferings, were taken down and burnt; and forthwith by the means of the said Cromwell, all the Orders of Fryars and Nunns, with their Cloisters and Houses, were suppressed and put down.

After all this, and notwithstanding this Reformation, Popery had so much power in the hearts both of King and people, that one Nichol­son, alias, Lambert, being accused for denying the presence in the Sa­crament, he appealed to the King, and the King heard him openly; but all would not do, neither would the King pardon him; and shortly af­ter, he was drawn to Smithfi [...]ld, and there burnt; and this was done about the thirteenth year of his Reign.

And in the thirty seventh year of his Reign, the Parliament gave him all the Colledges and Chantries.

And one John Smith was burnt in Smithfield, and one Andrew Howet a Taylor, for denying the Real presence in the Sacra­ment.

And further, in the thirteenth year of his Reign, was set forth by the Bishops, the Book of the six Articles, condemning all for Here­ticks, and to be burnt, that should hold,

• 1. That the Body of Christ was not really present in the Sacrament after Consecration.
• 2. That the Sacrament might not truly be administred under one kind.
• 3. That priests entred into holy Orders, might ma [...]ry.
• 4. That vows of Ch [...]stity entred into, upon mature deliberation, were not to be kept.
• 5. That private Masses were not to be used.
• [Page 76]6. That Auricular Confession was not necessary in the Church.

These Articles and the Penalty annexed to them, were called a whip with six strings, which penalty was, they were to be burned to death, and forfeit their Estates real and personal to the King.

After King Henry the Eighth, succeeded Edward the Sixth, Son to King Henry the Eighth in whose time new injunctions were set forth, for pulling down and removing all Images out of Churches, al­so Homilies wee appointed to be read for peoples instruction, and that the Sacrament should be ministred to lay-people in both kinds. Also Marriage was allowed to the Clergy, Auricular Confession was forbid­den, and prayer for the dead; and in his fifth year the Book of Com­mon prayer was established.

After King Edward, succeeded Queen Mary, about whose coming to the Crown, there was some combustion, to whom first the Suffolk men resorted; who being always forward in promoting the proceedings of the Gospel, and promised her their aid, and to help her, so that she would not attempt the alteration of the Religion which her brother King Edward had before established. To make the matter short, unto this condition she agreed, and made promise to them, that no alterati­on should be of Religion; being a Papist, and setting Popery up, the people and priests generally turned that way; and all Bishops that had been deprived in the time of Edward the sixth, were restored to their Bishopricks, and all Beneficed men that were married, and would not forsake their opinion and turn, were turned out of their Livings; and in her time the Mass was again sung in Latin, and the Popes authori­ty was by Act of Parliament restored in England, and the Mass com­manded in all Churches to be used. In her second year, the Realm was absolved, and reconciled to the Church of Rome by Cardinal Pool; and the first Fruits and tenths were restored to the Clergy; but this was soon revoked, the Council finding the necessity of it, for the Queens support. In her fourth year, Monastaries were begun to be re-edifi­ed: the number of those that dyed for Religion in her time, which was but six years, was two hundred fourscore and thirteen men and women.

CHAP. XXVI. A Relation of some of the Cruelties inflicted on the Chri­stians by the Heathen.

AND these called Papists have acted their Cruelties upon Christi­ans, like unto their Fathers the old persecuting Roman Hea­thens, who acted many such Cruelties as follow; though they profess Christianity in words, yet the actions of the young Romans are like the old, who have in their actions denied Christ, who saith, Love [...] [...] ­ther.

One was wrackt upon a Wheel, and beat with a Bulls-p [...].

One hanged, and her skin fleyed off.

One bound about a Globe, and her skin fleyed off her head and face.

One had his tongue cut out.

One broken in a Mortar.

One bound to a Pillar, his head downward, and [...]

One fryed [...]

The Mother [...]

Some [...]

Some bound to Axel-trees, and so burned.

Some thrown to Lyons, Beasts and Tygers.

One put into a Caldron of boyling Oyl.

Some Christians crucified with their heads downwards.

Some gored upon stakes, one end fastned in the ground, the other end coming out of their mouths.

Some tossed upon the horns of wild Bulls.

Some Women stript, and hung by the hair of the head, and scourged.

Some Christians brains beaten out with Clubs.

Some broiled upon Gridirons; some beheaded with the sword.

Some burned at Stakes.

Some thrown down from Rocks, and broken to pieces.

Some prest to death with great weights of Lead.

Some stoned to death; some hanged upon Gibbets.

Some Christians hung up by the heels, and choaked with smoak.

Some had sharp Reeds thrust under their nails, and other parts of their bodies.

Some hung upon trees by the middle, until they dyed of hun­ger.

Some hung up by one hand, with Weights of Lead at their heals.

Some roasted upon Spits by a soft fire.

Some naked women hung up by one Legg upon Trees till they dyed.

Some had all their flesh torn with claws of wild Beasts.

Some were hewn in pieces with swords.

Some were sawn asunder in the middle.

Some hid their naked bodies annointed with Honey, and then hung up in Baskers, to be devoured of Wasps and Flyes:

Some Ministers loaden with great burdens, and prickt forward with swords and spears.

Some tyed by the feet, and haled thorough rough places till they were torn in pieces.

Womens bellies ript open, and Barley put into them, and so devour­ed by Swine.

A Ship set on fire with fourscore Ministers in it.

Some Christians cut in pieces from the Fundament.

Some had stinking Water, Vinegar and Grease, poured down their hroats.

Some smothered in Caves on the Mountains; some racked until their bowels brake out.

Some Womens bellies ript up, and their children trodden under­foot.

Two and two tyed together and slain.

Some had their bowels pulled out, and put into a Bason.

Fourscore slain, and their Quarters set on stakes thirty miles toge­ther:

Some murthered at the time and place of their Worship.

Some had Boots of Oyl put on their legs over a small fire. This was invented by a Monk.

Some had their heads miserably torn with Gunpowder put into their mouths and fired.

Some thrown out at windows, upon spears.

Some, their bellies burnt, till their bowels fell out.

Some, their ears and cheeks cut off, and holes burnt in divers p [...]ts of their bodies.

Some had their mouths slit up to their Ears.

Some had their Eyes bored out.

A Minister had Hens and Geese tyed about his body, and was torn with Dogs.

Some were tormented in a Trough.

A Minister tormented by a Cat on his belly.

Somehad their Faces plained.

Some had their Arms cut off.

Some had Noses and Ears cut off, to make Hatbands,

Some had their Eyes twisted out with Cords.

Some had Corns drawn through their Arms and Legs.

Some cast into Dungeons amongst Frogs and Toads.

Some were let down with a Pulley into the fire by degrees.

Some had their hearts pulled out, which the Papists [...] [...] teeth.

[...] had their their throats cut with Butchers Knives, other [...] [...] with Axes.

Some had their Breasts and Noses pluckt off with red hot Pinch­er [...].

A Smith had his brains beat out on an Anvil with a Hammer.

Some had their right hands and feet crushed between red hot I­rons.

Some were hanged up by one foot, and their heads and breasts in the water.

Some were torn in pieces by Horses.

Some hung upon Tenterhooks.

Some had their Infants cut out of their Wombs, and thrown to dogs and swine.

Some were set in the ground up to the Chin, to be starved to death.

Some were pistolled to death.

Some thrown down from Bridges into Rivers.

Some burned with straw tyed about them to cover their naked­nesse.

Some buryed alive.

A woman and her daughter hanged in their hair.

CHAP. XXVII. An Abstract of the Bloody Massacre in IRELAND, by the Instigation of the Jesuits, Priests and Fryars, &c. in the Year 1642.

VVHen their Plots were ripe for Execution, we find, their first proceedings against the English various; some of the Irish only stripping and expelling them; others murdering men, women and children, without mercy; all resolving universally to root out all the Protestants out of Ireland; so deeply malicious were they against the English Protestants, that they would not so much as endure the found of their language.

The Irish, when the Massacre began, perswaded many of their Pro­testant Neighbours to bring their Goods to them, and they would secure them; and hereby they got abundance peaceably into their [...] [Page 85]whereof they cheated the Protestants, refusing to restore them again; yet so confident were the Protestants at first of them, that they gave them Inventories of all they had, and d [...]gged up their best things that were hidden in the ground, and deposited them in their custody. They also got much into their hands by fair promises, deep Oaths and En­gagments, That if they would deliver them their Goods, they would suffer them, with their Wives and Children, quietly to depart the Country; and when they had got all they could, they afterwards murdered them.

Having thus seized upon their Goods and Cattel, ransackt their hou­ses, got their persons, stript Man, Woman, and Child naked, and so turned them out of door, strictly prohibiting the Irish under great pe­nalties, not to give them any relief; by means hereof many misera­bly perisht through cold, nakedness and hunger.

In the Town of Coloraine, many of these poor people that had fled thither for succour, many thousands dyed in two dayes, so that the li­ving could not bury the dead, but laid their Carcasses in ranks in wast and wide holes, pyling them up as if they had been Herrings.

One Magdalen Redm [...]n deposeth, That she, and divers other Prote­stants, amongst whom were two and twenty Widows, were first rob­bed, and then stript naked, and when they had covered themselves with straw, the bloody Papists threw in burning straw amongst them, on pur­pose to burn them; then they drove them out into the Woods in frost and snow, where many of them dyed with extream cold; and those [...] survived, lived miserably by reason of their many want.

Yet though these bloody Villains exercised such inhumane cruelties towards the poor Protestants, they would commonly boast, That these were but the beginnings of their sorrows; for indeed they made it good; for having disarmed the English, robbed them of their Goods, [...] them of their clothes, and having their persons in their power, they furiously broke out into all manner of abominable Cruelties, horrid Mas­sacres, and execrable Murders.

For there were multitudes murdered in cold blood, some [...]s they were [...] Plough, others in their Houses, others in the High [...] without my provocation, were suddenly [...] Castle of Lisgool; were about One hundred and fifty men [...]en and children censumed with sire.

At the Castle of Moneah, were One hundred slain.

At the Castle of Tullah, which was delivered to Mac Gui [...]e, upon composition, and faithful promises of fair quarter, as soon as he and his entred, they began to strip the people, and most cruelly put them to the sword, murdering them all without mercy.

At Lissenskeath, they hanged and killed above one hundred of the Scottish Protestants.

In the Counties of Armagh and Tyrone, where the Protestants were more numerous, their Murthers were more multiplied, and with great­er cruelty.

Mac Guire coming to the Castle of Lissenskeath, desired to speak with one Middleton, who admitted him in; he first burnt the Records of the County, then demanded One thousand pounds which was in his custody, of one called Sir William Balsores; which as soon as he had, he caused the said Middleton to hear Masse, and to swear that he would never alter from it; and then hanged him up with his Wife and Chil­dren; hanging and murthering above One hundred persons besides in that place.

At Portendown Bridg, there were One thousand Men, Women and Children, carried in several Companies, and all unmercifully drowned in the River. Yea, in that Country there were Four thousand persons drowned in several places.

In one place, One hundred and forty English were taken and driven like Cattel for many miles together.

Other Companies they carried out to a place fit for Execution, and then murthered them.

One hundred and fifteen Men, Women and Children, they sent with Sir Philem. Oneales Passe, till they came to Portendown Bridg, and there drowned them.

At another time, One hundred and forty Protestants, being thrown in at the same place, as any of them swam to the shore, the bloody Villains, with the But-ends of their Musquets knockt out their brains.

At Armagh, O Came got together all the Protestants thereabout, pretending to conduct them to C [...]l [...]rains; but before they were a lay [...] journey, they were all murthered, and so were many others, though they had Protections from Philem O [...]ale. The aged people in Ar­magh were carried to Charl [...], and there murthered.

Presently after, the Town of Armagh was burnt, and Five hundred persons murthered and drowned.

In Killoman, were Forty eight Families murthered. In one house twenty two Protestants were burned.

In Kilmore, all the Inhabitants were stript and Massacred, being Two hundred Families; the whole County was a common Butchery; ma­ny thousands perished by Sword, Famine, Fire, Water, and all other cruel deaths that rage and malice could invent.

At Casel, they put all the Protestants into a loathsome Dungeon, kept them twelve weeks in great misery. Some they barbarously mangled, and left them languishing; some they hanged up twice or thrice; o­thers they buried alive.

In Queens County, an English man, his Wife, five Children and a Maid, were all hanged together.

At Clowns, seventeen men were buried alive; some were wounded, and hanged upon Tenter-hooks.

In Castle-Cumber, two Boys wounded, and hung upon Butchers Tenters. Some hanged up, and taken down to confess money, and then murthered. Some had their Bellies ript up, and so left with their guts about their heels.

In Kilkenny, an English Woman beaten into a Ditch, where she dy­ed; her Child about six years old, they ript up her belly, and let out her Guts. One they forced to Mass, then they wounded him, ript his belly, took out his guts, and so left him alive.

A Scottish man they stript, and hewed to pieces; ript up his Wifes belly, so that her Child dropt out. Many other Women with Child, they hung up, ript their bellies, and let their Infants fall out; some of the Children they gave to Dogs.

In the County of Armagh, they robbed, stripped, and murthered a­bundance of Protestants, whereof some they burned, some they slew with the sword, some they hanged, some they starved to death; and meeting two women with six of their Children, and themselves both with Child, they murthered them all, ript open the womens bellies, took out their Children, and threw them into a ditch.

A young Scottish Womans Child, they took by the heels, and dash [...] out its brains against a Tree. The like they did to many other Chil­dren.

Anne Hill going with a young Child on her back, and four more [Page 88]by her side, they pulled the Child off her back, trod on it till it dyed, stripped her and he other four Children naked, whereby they dyed of cold.

Some others they met with, hanged them up upon a Windmill, and before they were half dead, cut them in pieces with their Skeins.

Many other Protestants, especially Women and Children, they prick­ed and stabbed with Skeins, Forks and Swords, slashing, cutting, and man ling them in their Heads, Faces, Breasts, Arms, and other parts; yet killed them not, but left them wallowing in their blood, to lan­guish, starve, and pine to death.

The Castle of Lisgoole, being set on fire by these Pap [...]sts, a Woman lepr out at a Window to save her self from burning, whom they pre­sently murthered; many sled to Vaults and Cellars, where they were all murthered.

One Jean Addis they stabbed, and then put her Child of a quar­ter old, to her breast, and bid it Suck English Bastard; and so left it to perish.

One Ma [...]y Barlow, had her Husband hanged, her self with six Children, stript stark naked in frost and snow; after which, sheltring themselves in a Cave, they had nothing to eat for three weeks, but two old Calve [...]-skins, which they beat with stones, and so eat them, hair and all.

In the cold weather, many thousands of Prot stants of all ranks, a­ [...]es, and sexes, being turned out naked, perished of cold and hunger. Thousands of others were drowned, cast into Ditches, Bogs, and Turf-pits: Multitudes miserably burnt in houses; some that lay sick of Feavers, they hanged up; some men, women and children, they drove into Boggy-pits, and knockt them on the heads.

Some aged men and women, these barbarous Papists enforced their own children to drown them; yea, some children were compelled un­paturally to execute their own, Parents; Wives forced to hang their own Husbands, and Mothers to cast their own children into the wa­ters, after which themselves were murthered.

In Sligo they forced a young man to kill his Father, and then hanged him up,

In another place they forced a Woman to kill her Husband, then cau­sed her son to kill her, and then hanged the son; yea, such was their ma­lice against the English, that they taught their children to kill English children.

The Irish women that followed the Camp, cryed out, Kill them all; spare neither Man, Woman nor Child. They took the Child of Thomas Siratton, being about twelve years old, and boiled him in a Cauldron. One Good-wife Lin, and her Daughter, they carried into a Wood, first hanged the Mother, and then the Daughter in the hair of her Mothers head.

In some places they plucked out the Eyes, and cut off the Hands of the Protestants, and turned them into the Fields, where they perished. The Women, in some places, stoned the English Women and Chil­dren to death. One man they shot through his Thighs, digged a hole in the ground, set him in upon his feet, sill'd up the hole, left out only his head, where he languished to death. Another man they held his feet in the fire till he was burnt to death.

In Munster they hanged up many that were called Ministers, in a most barbarous manner. One they stripped naked, and drove him tho­rough the Town, pricking him with Darts and Rapiers, till he sel down dead.

These barbarous Villains vowed, That if any Parents digged graves to bury their Children in, they should be buried therein themselves. They stripped one William Loverden naked, then killed him before his Wife and Children. Divers (of those called) Ministers bones that had been buried some years before, they digged up, because they were, as they say, Patrons of Heresie.

Poor Children that went out into the fields to eat Weeds and Grass they killed without all pity.

A poor Woman, whose Husband was taken by them, went to them with two Children at her feet, and one at her breast, hoping to beg her Husband, but they slew her, and her sucking-Child, brake the neck, of another, and the third hardly escaped; and all this wickedness they ex­ercised upon the English, without any provocation given them.

Alas, who can comprehend the fears, terrors, anguish, bitterness, and perplexity that seized upon the poor Protestants, sinding themselves so suddenly surprised without remedy, and wrapt up in all kind or onward miseries which could possibly by man be inflicted upon humane Crea­tures? What sighs and groans, trembling and astonishment; what shrieks, cryes, and bitter lamentations of Wives, Children, Servants and Friends, howling and weeping, finding themselves without all hope of deliverance from their present miseries? How inexorable were [Page 90]their barbarcus Tormentors, that compassed them in on every side, with­out all bowels of compassion, or the least commiseration or pity; yea, they boasted upon their success, That the day was their own; and that ere long they would not leave one Protestant Rogue living; but would ut­terly destroy every one that had but a drop of English blood in them. Their women crying out, Slay them all, the English are sit meat for Dogs, and their Children are Bastards.

These merciless Papists having set a Castle on fire, wherein were many Protestants; they rejoycingly said, O how sweetly do they sry.

At Kilkenny, when they had committed many cruel Murthers, they brought seven Protestants Heads, (one the Head of a Minister) all which they set upon a Market-Cross, on a Market-day, triumphing, slashing and mangling them; they put a Gag in the Ministers mouth, slit up his Cheeks to his Ears, and laid a leaf of a Bible upon it, and bid him Preach, for his mouth was wide enough.

At Kilmore they put many Protestants, men, women, and children, into a Thatched House, and the [...]e burnt them. They threw one Max­wel into the River, when in Labour, the Child being half born when the Mother was drowned.

In one place they burnt two Protestant Bibles, and then said, It was Hell fire they burnt. Other Bible they took, cut in pieces, and then burnt them, saying, They would do the like to all Puritan Bibles. They [...]ook the Bible of a Minister, called Edward Slack, and opening it; they laid it in a puddle of Water, and then stamped upon it, saying, A Plague on it, this Bible hath bred all the Quarrel.

At Glastow, a Priest, with some others, drew about forty English and Scottish Protestants to be reconciled to the Church of Rome, and then told them, They were in a good Faith; and for fear they should fall from it, and turn Hereticks, he, with his Companions, presently cut all their throits.

In the County of Tippera [...]y, near the Silver Works, some of these Barbarous Papists met with eleven English men, ten women, some children, whom they first stript, and then with Stones, Pole-axes; Skeins, Swords, &c. they most barbarously massacred them all.

In the County of Mayo, about sixty Protestants, whereof fifteen were Ministers, were upon Covenant, to be safely conveyed to Galwa [...]y, by one Edmund Burk and his Soldiers; but by the way, this Burk and his Company began to massacre these Protestants, some they shot to [Page 91]some they stab [...]d with Skeins, some they thrust through with their Pikes, some they drowned, the women they stript naked, who lying upon their Husbands to save them, were run through with Pikes, so that very few of them escaped with life.

In the Town of Sligo, forty Protestants were stript, and locked up in a Cellar, and about midnight, a Butcher provided for the purpose, was sent in amongst them, who with his Axe, butchered them all.

In Tirawly, thirty or forty English, who had yeelded to go to Mass, were put to their choice, Whether they would dye by the Sword, or be drowned? They chose the latter; and so being driven to the Sea-side, these barbarous Villains with their naked Swords forced them into the Sea; the Mothers, with their Children in their Arms, wading to the Chin, were overcome by the Waves, where they all perished.

The Son of one M [...]ntgomery a Minister, aged about fifteen years, met with his School-Master, who drew his Skein at him, whereupon the Boy said, Good Master, whip me as much as you will, but do not kill me. Yet this merciless man, barbarously murthered him without all pity.

In the Town of Sligo, all the Protestants were first robbed of their Estates, then cast into Gaol, and about midnight were all stript naked, and were there most cruelly and barbarously murthered with Sword, Axes, Skeins, &c. some of them being Women great with Child, their Infants thrust out their Arms and Legs at their Wounds; after which execrable murthers, they laid the dead naked Bodies of the men, upon the naked Bodies of the women, in a most immodest posture, where they left them till the next day, to be looked upon by the Irish, who beheld it with great delight.

Also Isabel Beard, great with Child, hearing the lamentable crye [...] of those that were murthering, ran out into the streets, where she was murthered, and the next day was sound with the Childs feet coming out of the wounds in her sides. Many others were murthered in the [...]ou­ses and streets.

About Dungannon were three hundred and sixteen Protestants in the like barbarous manner murthered.

About Charlemont above four hundred.

About Tyrone two hundred and six.

[...] Mac Crew, murthered thirty one in one morning.

Two young men, murdered one hundred and forty poor women and children, that could make no resistance.

An Irish woman with her own hands murthered forty five.

At Porterdown-Bridg were drowned above three hundred.

At Lawgh were drowned above two hundred.

In another place were drowned three hundred in one day.

In the Parish of Killamen, there were murthered one thousand and two hundred Protestants.

Many young Children they out in quarters: Eighteen Scottish In­fants they hanged upon a Clothiers Tenter-hooks: One fat man they murthered, and made Candles of his Grease. Another Scottish man they ript up his belly, took one end of his small Guts, tied it to a tree, and forced him round about it, till they had drawn them all out of his body, saying, That they would try whether a Dogs or Scottish mans Guts were the longer.

By the command of one called Sir Philem O Neale, James Max­wel was drawn out of his Bed, being sick of a Fever, and murthered, his Wife being in Child-birth, the Child being half born, they stript naked, drove her about a flight shot, and drowned her in the black wa­ter. The like, or worse, they did to another English woman in the same Town.

O [...]e Watson they roasted alive.

A Scottish woman great with Child, they ript up her Belly, cut the Child out of her womb, and so left it crawling on her Body.

One Starkey, a School-Master at Armagh, being above One hun­dred years old, they stript him naked, then took his two Daughters, be­ing Virgins, whom they also stript naked, and then forced them to lead their aged Father to a Turf-pit, where they drowned them all three.

To one Henry Cowel, a gallant Gentleman, they proffered his life, if he would marry one of their women, or go Mass; but he chose death rather then to consent to either.

Many of the Protestants they buried alive, solacing themselves whilst they were digging down old Ditches upon them.

They brake the back-bone of a youth, and left him in the Fields; some dayes he was found, having eaten the Grass round about him; nei­ther then would they kill him out-right, but removed him to better pa­sture, wherein was fulfilled that saying, The tender nurci [...]s of the wick­ed are cruelty.

In the County of Antrim, they murthered Nine hundred fifty four Protestants in one morning; and afterwards about twelve hundred more in that County.

Near Lisnegarry, they forced twenty four Protestants into a house, and burnt them all.

Sir Philem O Neale boasted, That he had slain above six hundred at Carvagh, and that he had left neither man, woman, nor child alive in the Barony of Munterlong.

In other places he murthered above two thousand Persons in their houses; so that many houses were filled with dead bodies.

Above twelve thousand were slain in the High-wayes, as they fled towards Down.

Many dyed of Famine, many dyed for want of Clothes, being stript naked in a cold season. Some thousands were drowned, so that in the Province of Ʋlster, there were about one hundred and fifty thousand murthered by sundry kinds of torments and deaths.

The Popish English were no whit inferior, ye [...] rather exceeded the natural Irish in their cruelty against the Protestan's that lived amongst them, within the Pale, being not satisfied with their blood, till they had seen the last drop thereof.

Anne Kinnard testified, That fifteen Protestants being imprisoned, and their Feet in the Stocks, a Popish Boy, being not above fourteens years old, slew them all in one night with his Skein.

An English woman, who was newly delivered of two children, some of these Villains violently compelled her, in her great pain and sick­ness, to rise out of her bed; and took one of the Infants that was li­ving, and dashed his brain against the stones, and then threw him into the River of Barrow. The like they did by many other Infants. Ma­ny others they hanged up without all pity.

The Lord Mont Garret, caused divers English Soldiers that he had taken about Kilkenny, to be hanged, hardly suffering them to pray be­fore their death.

One Fitz Patrick, an Irish Papist, enticed a rich Merchant that was a Protestant, to bring all his Goods to his house, promising safely to keep them, and to re-deliver them to him; but when he had gotten them into his possession, he took the Merchant and his wife, and hang­ed them both. The like he did by divers others.

Some Engl [...]sh mens heads they cut off, and carried them to Kil­kenny, and on the Market-day, set them on the Cross, where many e pecially the Women, stab'd, cut and slashed them.

A poor Protestant Woman, with her two Children, going to Kilkenny, these bloody Papists baited them with Dogs; [...]abbed them with Skeins, and pulled out the Guts of one of the Children, where­by they died; and not far off they took divers Men, Women, and Children, and hanged them up; one of the Women being great with Child, they ripped up her Belly as she hanged, so that the Child fell out in the Cawl alive.

Some after they were hanged, they drew up and down till their Bowels were torn out.

How many thousands of Protestants wore thus inhumanely but­chered by sundry kinds of deaths, we cannot ascertain.

In the Province of Ʋlster, we find about a hundred and fifty thousand murthered, as before; what the number of the slain was in the three other Provinces, I find not upon Record, but certainly it was very great, for you have these passages in a general Remon­strance of the distressed Protestants in the Province of Munster.

And thus in part you have heard of the merciless cruelties which the bloody Papists exercised towards the Protestants: Let us now consider, at least, some of God's Judgments upon the Irish, whereby he hath not left the Innocent blood of his Servants to be altogether unrevenged.

These bloody Papists themselves confessed, That the Ghosts of d [...]vers of the Protestants, which they had drowned at Portendown-Bridg, were daily seen to walk upon the River, sometimes singing of Psalms, sometimes brandishing naked Swords, sometimes shreeking in a most h [...]decus and fearful manner. So that many of the Popish Irish which dwelt near thereabouts being affrighted therewith, were forced to remove their Habitations further off into the Country.

Divers Protestants were thrown into the River of Belterbert, and when any of them offered to swim to the Land, they were knocked on the head with Poles, after which their Bodies were not seen of six weeks; but after the end thereof, the murtherers coming again that way, the Bodies came floating up to the very Bridge where they were.

Sir Con Mac Gennis so ca [...]led, with his Company, slew one Turge. [Page 95]Minister of the Newry, with divers other Protestants, after which the said Mac Ge [...]nis was so affrighted with the Apprehension of the said Turge's, his being continually in his presence, that he com­manded his Soldiers not to slay any more of them, but such a should be slain in Battel.

A young Woman being stript almost naked, there came a Rogue to her, bidding her, Give him her mony, or he would run her th [...]ough with his Sword. Her answer was, You cannot kill me, except God give you leave; Whereupon he ran three times at her naked body with his drawn Sword, and yet never pierced her skin; whereat he be­ing confounded, went his way and left her. This was attested by divers Women that were present and saw it.

As for the Protestant Ministers whom they surprized, their man­ner was first to strip them, and after bind them to a Tree or post, where they pleased, and then to ravish their Wives and Daughters before their faces (in sight of all their merciless rabble) with the basest Villains they could pick out, after they hanged up their husbands and parents before their faces, and then cut them down be­fore they were half dead, then quarter'd them, after dismember'd them, and stopped their mouths therewith.

They basely abused one Mr. Trafford a Minister in the North of Ireland, who being assaulted by these bloody Wolves of Romes, brood, that know not God, nor any bowels of mercy. This di­stressed Minister desired but so much time as to call upon God be­fore he went out of the World: but these merciless wretches would admit no time, but instantly fell upon him, hackt and hewed him to pieces.

Sir Patrick Dunstan, so called, his Wife ravished before him, slew his Servants, spurned his Children till they dyed, bound him with Match to a board that his eyes burst out, cut off his ears and nose, teared off both his cheeks, after cut off his arms and legs, cut, out his tongue, and after run a red hot Iron into him.

These particulars, with many more, were attested before the Commissioners appointed for that purpose.

CHAP. XXVII. In the History of the Churches of Piedmont, collect [...]d and compiled by Samuel Morland, in the year 1658.

WHerein you may see the cruel Massacre and Murthering of several Christians (both men and women) by the bloody Antichristian Papists, who cut off the heads of men, and boiled them, and eat their brains until they vomited again; as in page 336, in the year 16; 5.

And also in page 339, you may read the bloodiness and cruelty of the persecuting Papists, who ript up a womans belly from the bottom to the navel with a Sickle, because she would not say the Papists Prayers: and this woman had bid her self in the snow for two days, having no nourishment; and when they had ript up her belly, they barbarously cut off her head. And yet they say in the Book called Fiat Lux, (being a Relation between-Papists and Pro­testants) that they do no hurt to no one; but their actions do de­clare both in this, and in the days of Queen Mary, and at other times, what they have done.

And in page 640, The Papists cut off a womans breast, and part of her [...]rivities, and carryed the same to Maes in Piedmont, and fried them; and eat them; and other people thought they had been Tripes: Yet these Papists say, they do no harm: But soon after they had eaten, some of them fell sick, and some died; and afterwards they put this woman to a cruel death, having ravished her before they cut off her tetts.

And in page 341. These bloody Papists cut off a mans privy­members, and afterwards put a lighted-candle to the wound, which man had received of them divers stabs in the soles of his feet and ears; then they hanged him up by the hands, tearing off his nails with hot pinchers. Yet for all this, they could not cause him to for­sake his Religion; and then they tyed him by one of his legs, and drew him wi [...]h cords, draging him about the streets, until his eyes and brains dropt out, and then cast him into a River.

And also in page 342, they tyed a man with his neck and heels toge­ther, being about eighty years old, and cast him down a hill, and there [Page 97]he hung in a Tree several dayes, in a lameatable state to the be­holders.

And in the same page, An old man about Ninety years old, and a woman, they hackt their bodies, and chopt them to small pieces, and strewed them along the High-wayes, and hanged it upon hedges when they had cut it so small.

Page 343, They took two poor old women, and ript up their bellies, and left them upon the Snow.

And also four women the Papists cut off their Noses, their Fin­gers and their Hands, and many Infants they threw down steep pla­ces. And one women they tyed her head between her legs. And ano­ther woman, her flesh was taken from her bones, and chopt as small as Herbs to the pot. And another old blind woman they cut in pieces in a certain Cave; as you may see in page 344.

And in page 345, they set a woman upon a stake, putting her upon a pole through her privities, and carried her upon their shoulders. And these are the Papists which carry their Hoast upon their shoulders. And then they stuck the stick down, and let her hang in the air.

And page 646, Another woman had three children torn in pieces, tearing them by the legs one from another.

And one of six weeks old, they took from the Mother, dashing the brains out against the Rocks.

And also, they took a man out of his bed, plucking the skin off his Arms and Legs, and then starved him to death in prison.

And a man they dragged by one Leg, with a Mule, through the streets, and stoned him, after they had cut off his privy members; and afterwards they stopt his mouth, and crambed things down his throat, and cut off his head; and called themselves Catholicks a­gainst the Protestants.

And page 348, There was a beautiful young Maid about ten years old, whom these wicked Papists held, and did such horrid things to her, even out of the bounds of humanity to speak; so that after, she was found half dead, wallowing in her blood.

And p. 349, A Woman carrying her Child in a Cradle, being pur­sued by the Papists, she left her Child, whom they took and [...] into four quarters, and afterwards finding the Mother; they [...] and cut off her head, leaving her in the Snow.

And in page 350, A young woman, about eighteen years old, was taken (as she was flying) upon the Snow, and they thrust a Pike through her alive, and roasted her, and brought a piece to make a meal of; but she not being roasted enough, stopt their sto­macks. And thus the Papists are Beasts.

And the Papists took a Protestant; and tyed his hands to his pri­vy-members, hanging him upon a Gate by his hands, to make him renounce his Religion. And also they tyed two more in the same manner; only they, after they had tyed their hands to their privy­parts, they tyed their hands behind them, until their very bowels were torn out, and so they dyed: Besides other cruel barbarous usage to prisoners.

And in page 352, a man about fourscore years old, they cut off his Nose, his Ears, and other parts of his body, and left him in the Snow, who dyed there.

And page 353, the cruel Papists put Gunpowder into many men and womens mouths, and cramb'd it down their throats, and set it on sire, and tore their heads to pieces.

Fol. 354, They stript one naked, and tore off his Nose with Pin­chers, and made holes in his hands, and dragged him with a Cord by the middle, and they cut off his flesh as they dragged him, and struck him, saying, Wilt not thou go to Mass? and then they cut off his head, and threw him into a River.

And page 355, these bloody Papists pluckt out another mans eyes, and cut off his privy-members, putting them into his mouth; and then they cut off his skin, and hung it up in four Windows of their principal houses.

And page 356, they took a man, and cut off his head, and fryed his brains, and eat them up, and took out his heart, frying it, and took it and eat it also.

And page 357, several aged people they burnt alive.

Page 358, they dragged a woman and her daughter with Horses through the streets, stabbing them with Pitch-forks, and threw them into a River, throwing Batts at them.

And page 359, Others as they were passing from the bloody per­recating Papists, they shot one in the neck, and after, they slit his Chin and Nose, throwing of him to the Dogs.

And page 360, and 361, Eleven men they forced to throw one [Page 99]another into the Flery Furnace, and forced them to carry one ano­ther on their backs, and the Papists themselves carried the last man. And these bloody Papists hunted the Protestants up and down the Rocks upon their bare feet, when were cut with Ice and Flinty-Rocks, until they bled grievously. And y [...]t these bloody Papists, like one that Solomon speak [...] their mouths, and say they have done no hurt: but they that desire to rea [...] more of their Cruelty and Wickedness, let them look in the said Book. And as for the Papists Pow­der-Plot in King James 's time, and their Massacring of many thou­sands in Ireland, it is not out of memory yet.

At Guttenburg in Bohemia, where were deep Metal-Mynes, the Papists threw into one of them 1700 persons, and into another 1038, in the year 1420.

The Papists killed of the Waldenses about a thousand men, wo­men and children in one place, and robbed and spoised the poor Christians; and when that the Christians would not receive their Hoast, they gagged them, and thrust it down their mouths.

The King of Nordan Humbers, slew twelve hundred Christians, because they prayed to Christ for assistance.

CHAP. XXVIII. A List of some of the Accusutions for which the afore­said People suffered in the Valleys of Piedmont, by the Papists.

FOr that they believed the Church of God was without spot or wrinkle.

Also they believed that it was not lawful for the Prelates of the Roman Church, to have temporal Jurisdiction in the world, and that none hath a greater degree of Power and Authority in the Church, then he hath of Holiness.

Also, that they believed that the Sacraments administred by the Priests of the Romish Church, are of no Efficacy.

Also they believed that tythes ought not to be paid to the said Priests.

Also, they believed that the Romish Church is a House of Con­fusion, and the Synagogue of Satan.

Also, they believed that it was not lawful to swear any thing, be it true or false.

Also, they believed that it was as prositable to pray to God in a Stable, as in a place called a Church.

Also, they believed that rain-water [...]ad as greant virtue as holy water in the Church.

Also, for that they believed that no man ought to observe the Festival-days of Saints; but that it was lawful to do work upon them.

Also, for that they believed that it was lawful to eat flesh every where, and at all times; and that Lent was not to be kept. See page 217, and 218.

And for these causes, and some other Decrees, which are con­trary to Scriptures, did the Papists murther them in the year 1655.

CHAP. XXIX. The Doctrines of Christ and Antichrist distinguished.

Christ fought against Satan with Gods Word.

Antichrist fights against his Enemies with the Temporal Sword.

Christ chuseth the poor, and meek, and simple.

Antichrist chuses none but the subtile and crafty.

Christ compels no man against his will to believe his Gospel.

Antichrist with his Suspentions, Excommunications, Apprehen­sions, Persecutions, Fire, Faggot, Sword, Halter, enforces men to receive his Devillish Decrees, and trifling Traditions.

Christ sayes he is the Head of the Church, and sayes, Give Cae­sar his due.

Antichrist sayes he is the Head of the Church, over all Kings, Princes and Emperors, and they must all obey him.

Christ by his holy Apostles calls Marriage honourable, and the Bed undefiled, yea among all men, none excepted.

Antichrist calls the Marriage of his Bishops, Priests, and himself, filthy, fleshly, and unclean living; yet Pope Innocent the third had three Bastards, Anno 1493.

Christ teacheth that we should not swear at all, but that we should use in all our communications, yea, yea, and nay, nay; and saith, whatsoever is more, comes of evil.

Antichrist teacheth, that if any man will receive any Office un­der us; he shall be sworn that he will be true and faithful to us. If any man will have any thing to do in his Courts, he must first of all swear by God, and by the holy Gospel, that this or that is true; and again, that he shall truly and fa [...]thfully answer to all such things as are required of him. Cap. signif [...] Crasti de Elect. See Be­cons works, fol. 403.

Christ saith, That no man can come unto him (that is to say, to believe in him) except his holy Father by his holy Spirit draw him.

Antichrist saith, If any will not believe, Fire, Faggot, Sword and Prison, shall make them believe.

Christ saith, Blessed are the peace-makers.

Antichrist saith, Blessed are they that fight, and go together by the eare, to defend the Pope, and hold up the Pope. and breaks Oaths to destroy Subjects and Princes, to hold the Pope up; for they shall be called the Children of the Mother-Church of Rome.

Christ saith, My Kingdom is not of this world.

Antichrist will have a Triple Crown on his head, and treads up­on the necks of Emperors, and lets Kings run like Lacquies by his Ho [...]se side.

The Brethren of the Lord had Wives, and so had the Apostles and Peter, and did not put away their VVives; and Peter's VVife continued with him to his dying-day, and went with him to his ex­ecution; and he exhorted her, and said, Oh my Wife, remember the Lord.

But the Pope, who sayes he is Peter's Successor, he denies Marri­age, and calls it a fil [...]l [...]y thing, and fleshly thing for the Clergy to marry, and makes Laws against Marriage, which is the Doctrine of Devils.

Christ and his Ministers took the Supper in their common daily apparel.

Antichrist has made a Law, that they must have Garments like Players, a Tippet, a white C [...]at, and a black Coat, and decked with gorgeous Turniture, and great Pomp, wonderfully setting out his Merchandize, to sell his Mass-mongers his stuff.

The Chu [...]ch of Christ honourech God in spirit and truch

The Synagogue of Satan honoureth their God with the Surplice, Copes, Vestment, Bells, Organs, Sencers, Candles, Candlesticks, Fire, Palms, Ashes, Bread, VVater, Oyl, Cream, Building of Mo­nasteries, and Chantries, See Becons Preface.

Christ r [...]athed upon his Disciples, and gave them the Holy Ghost.

Antichrist breatheth the Sp [...]rit of Satan into his Priests, that they should be known to be his Priests by their long Gowns, Horned Caps, and flaring Tippets; and he breaths into his Font, and up­on his VVine when it is [...]ozen.

Christ sent forth his Disciples to preach the Gospel to all Na­tions.

Antichrist sends forth his Disciples to be Mass-Mongers, Soul-carryers, Purgatory-rakers, God and Christ-makers of Bread and Wine, and Conjurers of Water, Bread and Fire; and to gather the Tenth of all Estates to himself.

Christ in all his adversities fled to prayer.

Antichrist in his troubles flyes to his Armour.

Christ fought against Satan with Gods Word.

Ant christ sights against his Adversaries with a temporal Sword.

Christ by no means could abide that his Disciples should strive for Supremacy.

Antichrist challengeth Supremacy, not onely over the Clergy, but also over Kings and Emperors, yea, over the whole world.

Christ appointeth no certain days or times of fasting, and that they should not eat flesh on; but leaveth people to their freedom in such things.

Antichrist prescribeth certain dayes to be fasted on, and not to eat flesh on, as the time of Advent, Lent, Ember-dayes, Saints Eve­nings, &c.

Christ in his Doctrine taught, That whosoever believed in him, should have everlasting life; as it is written, He that believeth on the Son of God, hath everlasting life; but he that believeth not, shall not see life, but the wrath of God abideth in him: And he said, I am the Resurrection and the Life; he that believeth on me, though he were dead, yet shall he live; and Whosoever liveth and believeth in me, he shall neve [...] dye. And Paul said, I am now [...]eady to be offered, [...]nd the time of my depa [...]ting is at hand. I have sought a good fight, I have fulfil­led my course, I have kept the faith; from hencef [...]th there is laid up for me a C [...]own of Righteousness; and I know, and I am su [...]e, said he, That be in whom I have trusted, is able to keep me till that day

Antichrist saith. No man in this wo [...]ld can be wholly free from sin, nor certain and sure of his salvation and therefore he ought to doubt and stand in fear whether he shall be saved or not.

CHAP. XXX. A Discourse betwixt a Quaker and a Papist.

Why did you forsake your Religion in Queen Eliza­beths time, seeing you had burned to ashes, and persecuted to death the Martyrs for not joining to your Religion in Queen Maries time; and in Queen Elizabeths time the most of your Priests and People turned to Queen Elizabeth.

Why, our Masse-Book was but turned into English, which was in Latin before; and now we hear it in English, only there is Purgatory, and praying to Saints and Angels, and some few odd things lest out, and Sacrament and Altar.

But Tythes, and Organs, and most of our old Ceremonies is held up still, which we first decreed; and our Priests in the days of Queen Mary, might not marry; and if there was one hundred or two hundred a year belonging to him, he was to have but forty pound a year of it, and the rest went to maintain the poor; and the Popes Revenue was the Peters-pence, that is Smoak-penny; and when the Priests turned to Queen Elizabeth, then they might mar­ry, and had all the Tythes, and Smoak-penny too, and the poor were from that time turned to a Sessions business.

What, had the Pope a penny for every Chimney in England that smoakt?

Yes.

Then there was never a Freeholder; but all were the Popes Tenants. Sure this time the smoak and darkness went overall.

Your Scripture is a false Scripture, which you have min­ced and clipt; for in our Scripture it's said, all the Fathers and the Patriarchs went down into Purgatory, and there they lay all in Pur­gatory till Christ came; and he went into Purgatory, and was three days and three nights in Purgatory; and when Christ went into Purgatory, the Devn said, What dost thou come hither for, to break open our strong holds? and when Christ came out of Purga­tory, he brought all the Fathers and the Patriarchs out of Purga­tory with him.

This is neither in your Scripture nor our Scripture; for I think I have read your Scripture more then thou hast done; I know your Scripture, there is no such thing in it, as that the Patri­archs went into Purgatory, nor the Fathers, nor Christ; so it is a whimsey and a phantasie of your own brain; and as for Christs being crucisied, and lying three days and three nights in the heart of the earth, the Scripture doth not call it a Purgatory; and when Christ was crucified, there was two thieves crucisied, and one of the thieves reviled Christ, when he saw the chief Priests and the Phari­sees revile him; and the other thief reproved him, saying, Why dost thee do so, seeing thou art in the like condition? for this man (mean­ing Christ) has done nothing worthy of death, but we suffer for our deserts: and therefore he desired Christ to remember him when he came into his Kingdom: Saith Christ, This day shalt thou be with me in Paradice; mark, the same day that he suffered: and what, Papists, is Paradice become a Purgatory with you? and so how could he be three days and three nights in Purgatory, when he said that day he should be in Paradice?

What Religion art thou?

A Catholick.

Catholick signisies Universal.

Yes, it doth.

I deny you Papists to be Catholick in the Universal power of God; and I deny you Papists to be in the Catholick. Faith, which works by love, to love one another, and Enemies, which is the Faith of the Son of God, and the Apostles.

And I deny you Papists to be in a Catholick Wisdom, that is pure from above, but in an earthly, sensual, devillish, bel [...]; [...]d I deny you to be in the Catholick Fellowship, and unity in the [...]it of God, the fruits of which is Love; and I deny you [...] be in the Catholick Church, which is the pillar a [...] ground of truth, but of the Whore and Beast that drunk the blood of the Marty [...] and Saints. I deny all your Popes, Minister, Bishops, [...]o be made by the Catholick Universal power, as the Prophets and Apostles [...] made; and I know you to be our of the Catholick Univer [...] [...]pir [...], and power, and life of Christ, the Prophets and the Apostles.

What Religion are you Quakers of [...]

We are of the Religion the Apostles were of, which was before you Papists was.

I deny that; for you don't own a Visible Head to be your Church.

Prove a Visible Head,

Christ says to Peter, Ʋpon this Rock will I build my Church, (and this was Peter a Visible Head) and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

VVhat, will Christ build his Church upon Peter, av si­bleman, of flesh and blood?

Yes, how could it be a Visible Head else? and there has been a Visible Head ever since Peter, which to him was given the Keys, and he was Head of all the Apostles; and so the Popes sate in Peters chair ever since, and are infallible, and cannot err; and the Gates of Hell shall not prevail against this Church.

Christ says to his Disciples, Who do men say that I am? His Disciples said, Some say thou art Elias, one of the Prophets; and some say thou art John Baptist risen from the dead Christ said, But whom do you say tha [...] I am? Peter said, Thou art the Christ the Son of tho living God. Christ said to him, Thou [...]t Peter, flesh and blood hath not revealed this unto th [...]e, but my Father which is in Heaven, signifying that flesh and blood may reveal, but flesh and blood had not revealed that unto Peter, but his Father, which was in Heaven.

So the Church was not built upon Peter as a visible man, nor flesh and blood, but upon that which is revealed; and what was the Re­velation to Peter, but Christ the Son of the living God, who destroys the Devil and his works? and upon this his Church is built, who is the foundation of the Prophets and Apostles.

The next Pope after Paul, the Papit [...]s say was Clement; that is false, for Paul commends Lynus.

The next thing is, thou sayest the Popes are infallible, and cannot err, and neve [...] erred since Peter.

Three hundred years after Christ, the Bishop of Rome denied Christ, and sacrificed to Heathenish gods: whether was this an error, yea, or no? and then [...] made a noise in French and Latin, and did conclude that the Bishop of Rome did err.

And it was six hundred years after Christ, before Boniface the third got up to be first Universal Bishop, who was set up by Pho [...] [Page 109]the Murtherer; for all the Churches before had been ruled by Council.

Those Councils was gathered by Popes.

The Councils was gathered some by the Christian Em­perors; were them Emperors, Popes? Dost thee believe the Chro­nicle six hundred years after Christ?

I do; then there was no Universal Bishop, until six hun­dred years after Christ.

And one Council was gathered by the Emperess: and was she a Pope? Nay, this was before the Universal Pope was; and Christ said to the Apostles, that the Gentiles exercise Lordship one over another, but it should not be so amongst them, for they are all Brethren; and the Gentiles were called gracious Lords; which ti­tlethe Bishop of Rome, and other Bishops, had from the Heathen, and not from the Apostles, for they was not be called of men Master.

And so Peter was not set over the rest of the Apostles as Head over them; and what was said to Peter concerning having the Keys, and binding, and loosing, was said to the rest of the Apostles, as you may read in Scriptures.

And as concerning the Church, that the Gates of Hell shall not prevail against the Church of the Papists; when Phocas got up to be Emperor, did not the Emperor lose most part of his Empire, and the Pope most part of Turky, and Egypt, and Jerusalem, and the Land of Canaan? Has he not lost England, Ireland and Scot­land, and part of Germany, Holland, Denma [...]k and Swerden [...] and yet the old man, the Pope, tells people, that the Gates of Hell shall not prevail against his Church! Let him look about him, and see what he has lest, and what he would have had left, if he had not set up his Inquisitions to torture Christians, in the time of the Coun­cil of Trent; and when that the Princes of Germany in the time of Luther, when they defired that for every tristing businesse they might not be summoned down to Rome, was it not the Popes an­swer, If it should not be so, their Courts would be made or no authority, but would go down.

And did not the German Princes desire that the Concubinary priests might marry? For though by the Law they had Concubines, yet they desiled other mens wives, & did not the ope say, If I should [Page 110]suffer the priests to marry, then they would not go where I would have them, but would sit down with their wives. And when the German Princes and others, desired a free General Council, such a Council as was in the time of Constantine; (mark, that was before the Pope was, three hundred years: See Council of Trent, p. 2.) did not the Pope chuse a Council of his own Legates and people, contrary to the mind of the Germans and others? and then did not many of them fall from the Pope, and many in France, who got the victory over he Pope? and yet he says the Gates of Hell shall not prevail against the Church. Consider people, see what he has lest.

And after the Pope got up, and had lost most of Christendom, and the Emperor had lost most of his Empire; for the Emperor's seat was at Constantinople before the Turk got up, which was after the Pope; and then after a time the Emperors came to be thrust up into Germany, and called the Emperors of Germany. So here see whether the Pope is not he that loveth and maketh a lye, Rev. 22.

You speak as if you could tell our principles; if you know them, what is our principles?

I'le tell thee, I'le begin with one. There was a woman in Kent, one of your Religion, and by her Wisdom and Books she had brought many into your way; and upon a time, it pleased the Lord to convince this woman to see your way was false, and Christ was to be her Way, her Teacher and Salvation: and so she went and declared this among the Papists. And upon a time, a Taylor that she had brought to be a Papist, came to work at her house, and she declared to him how Christ was her Way, her Teacher, and Salvation; and he got betwixt her and the door, and drew his knife at her; it was askt her, why did he draw his Knife? she said, he would have stabb'd me; why would he have stabb'd thee? why, it is their principle. What, is it their principle to stab people? Yes, said she, if they turn away from their Religion: and the woman said, Put up thy Knife, I know thy principles.

VVhat, do you declare this abroad?

It is declared abroad, and the women since dyed in the belief of the truth of God, and forsook your way: and so the Papist went away, and never denyed but that it was his principle.

The Papists say the Quakers are Antichrist and false Prophets.

VVhy are they Antichrist and false Prophets?

Because they say they do prophesie and say, Christ is in you, &c.

Then thou may say, the Apostles were false Prophets, which shews thy ignorance; for they said, Christ is in you except you be Rep obates; and we preach Christ in you; and I will pour out of my Spirit on all flesh, and my sons and my daughters shall prophesie. Read Cor. Col. and Acts.