of Christ 145. They rejected all married people as uncapable of Heaven and held that the Apostles perpetually abstained from marriage They had all things in common holding those unfit for Heaven who had any thing peculiar to themselves They denied repentance and reconciliation to those that fell after Baptism In stead of the Evangelists they used Apocrypha books as the Gospel according to the Egyptians the act of Andrew and Thomas These Hereticks were called also Apotactitae by the Latines and by the Greeks 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 from renouncing of the world Q. 22. What was the Religion of the Sabellians Originians and Originists A. The Sabellians were indeed all one in opinion with the Noetians but this name grew more famous then the other for Sabellius an African by birth was a better scholar then Noetus Sabellianisme began to be known about the year of Christ 224. under the persecution of Valerian They held there was but one person in the Trintry whence it followeth that the Father suffered therefore they were named Patripassiani This one Person or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 say they is called by divers names as occasion serves The Originians were so called from one Origines a Monk who lived in Egypt and was disciple to Antony These condemned marriage extolled concubinat and yet were enemies to propagation committing the sin of Onan They also reject such books of the old and new Testament as seem to favour marriage The Origenists or Adamantians wree so called from that famous Origen who for his constancy in times of persecution and for his inexhausted labours was named Adamantïus His errours began to spred about the year of Christ 247. under Aurelian the Emperour and continued above 334. years They were condemned first in the council of Alexandria 200. years after his death and again in the fifth generall council of Constantinople under Iustinian the first they held 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or a Revolution of souls from their estate and condition after death into the bodies again to converse in the world and so by denying the perpetuity of our future estate either in heaven or hell by consequence they denyed the Resurrection of the flesh They held also that the punishments of the Devils and Reprobates should last only a 1000. years and then should be saved They taught that Christ and the holy Ghost do no more see the Father then we see the Angels that the Son is coessential to the Father but not coeternal because say they the Father created him as he did also the holy Spirit That the soules were created long before this world and for sinning in Heaven were sent down into their bodies as into prisons They did also overthrow the whole historical truth of Scriptures by their allegories Q. 23. What was the Religion of the Samosatenians and Photinians A. Paulus Samosatenus was so called from Samosata where he was born near Euphrates His Scholars were called Paulinians and Samosatenians and afterward Photinians Lucians and Marcellians from these new teachers Their beleef was that Christ was meerly man and had no being till his incarnation This Heresie was taught 60. years before Samosatenus by Artemon and was propagated afterward by Photinus Lucian and Marcellus Arrius and Mahomet They held that the Godhead dwelt not in Christ bodily but as in the Prophets of old by grace and efficacy and that he was onely the external not the internal word of God Therefore they did not baptize in his name for which cause the Councel of Nice rejected their baptisme as none and ordered they should be rebaptiâ— zed who were baptized by them This heresie under the name of Samosatenus brake out about 232. years after Christ and hath continued in the Eastern parts ever since The Photinians so called from Photinus born in the lesser Galatia held the same heresie with Samosatenus and began to propagate it about the year of Christ 323. at Syrmium where he was Bishop under Canstantius the Emperor and before him Marcellus his master under Constantine the great publickly taught it affirming also that the Trinity was the extention of the divinity which is dilated into three and contracted again into one like wax being contracted may be dilated by heat This heresie was much spread under Valens the Arrian Emperor 343. years after Christ. Q. 24. What was the Manichean Religion A. Manes a Persian by birth and a Servant by condition was Father of the Manichean Sect which was the sink of almost all the former heresies for from the Marcionites they derived their opinion of two Principles or gods one good the other bad With the Encratites they condemned the eating of flesh egges and milk they held also with the Anthropomorphites that God had members and that he was substantially in every thing though never so base as dung and dirt but was separated from them by Christs comming and by the Elect Manicheaâ—s eating of the fruits of the Earth whose intestins had in them a cleansing and separating vertue They condemned also the use of wine as being the gall of the Princes of darknesse With Marcion also they rejected the Old Testament and currilated the New by excluding Christs Genealogies and said that he who gave the Law was not the true God They babled also that there was a great combat between the Princes of darknesse and of light in which they who held for God were taken captives for whose redemption God laboureth still With the Ophites they held that Christ was the Serpent which deceived our first Parents and with divers of the precedent Hereticks not onely did they deny Christs Divinity but his Humanity also affirming that he fained himself to suffer die and rise again and that it was the Devil who truly was crucified With Valentinus they taught that Christs body was fixed to the Stars and that he redeemed only our souls not our bodies With the former Hereticks they denyed the Resurrection and with Pythagoras held transanimation With Montanus Manes held that he was the true Paraâ—let or comforter which Christ promised to send With the Gentiles they worshipped the Sun Moon and some Idols With Anaxagoâ—As they held the Sun and Moon to be ships and taught that one Schacla made Adam and Eve They make no scruple to swear by the creatures they give to every man two contrary souls which still struggle in him With the Poets they held that the heaven was supported by the shoulders of one whom they called Laturanius They make the soul of man and of a tree the same in essence as being both of them a part of God with the former hereticks also they condemned marriage and permitted promiscuous copulation and that not for procreation but for pleasure They rejected baptisme as needlesse and condemned alms-giving or works of charity they make our will to sin natural and not acquired by our fall as for sin they make it a
Arnhem Answer They hold that Independency is a beginning of Christs temporall Kingdome here on earth that within five years but these are already expired Christ was to come in the flesh and with an iron sword to kill most of his enemies and then that he should reign here on earth with his Saints a thousand years in all carnal delights 2. That God is not onely the author of sin but also of the sinfulnesse or Ataxie thereof 3. That all men are bound to know God in abstracto without Christ without Grace or Scripture 4. They held extreme unction to be a Sacrament and necessary for the sick and of divine institution so they held the holy kisse of peace a religious and needfull Ceremonie 5. They put down singing Psalmes and set up in lieu thereof singing prophets who are to chant out alone in the Congregation their own hymnes 6. They teach that the soul is mortall 7. That just mens souls go not into heaven till the last day but remain in the upper element of fire whither Enoch and Eliah with the Soul of Christ before his resurrection and the soul of the good thief went and no higher they teach also that the Souls of the wicked go not before the last judgement into hel but remain in the lower region of the air or in the bottom of the sea 8. They say that after the day of judgement all the world shall be hell except that part of heaven where God resides with his Angels 9. In preaching they will have their Ministers covered and the people bare but in administring the Sacrament they will have the people covered and the Minister bare Q. 8. Vpon what grounds do these Millenaries build Christs temporall Kingdome here on earth for a thousand years An. Upon that place of the Revilation 19. 4 5 6. I saw the Souls of them who were beheaded for the witnesse of Iesus and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years but this place proves no such Kingdome for it is mysticall and symbolicall Divinity not argumentative Again in this place there is no mention at all of any earthly presence of Christ nor of any earthly reign with him besides the Kingdome of Christ is everlasting for of his Kingdome saith the Angel there shall be no end therefore here is put a definite number for an indefinite Christ saith his Kingdome is not of this world the Kingdome of Christ is spirituall and within us and if we speak of Christs Kingdome as he is Mediator reigning in his Church by his word sacraments and discipline we must conclude that he hath reigned already above 1600. years and how long more he shall reign here on earth we know not 2. They build their opinion upon Dan. 12. 2. Many of them who sleep in the dust shall arise c. hence they inferre two resurrections in the first many shall rise to reign with Christ here on earth in the second they say all shall rise to Judgement but this interpretations is ridiculous for the first Resurrection mentioned in Scripture is spirituall to wit a rising from the death of sinne of which the Apostle if you be risen with Christ seek the things that are above for as sin is called death you were dead in sinnes and trespasses so the forsaking of sinne is called a resurrection this is the rising of the mind the other of the body Agaiâ— in Scripture many and all are promiscuously taken for the same as here many shall rise that is all So Matth. 4. Christ healed all Diseases that is many Besides the words of Daniel are directly spoken of the second Resurrection to Iudgement and not to a temporary Kingdome for he saith that some of those shall rise to life eternall not to a temporary of a thousand years and others to everlasting shame which yet the Millenaries deny in saying the wicked shall not rise till the expiration of the thousand years and where they say that the Saints shall shine as starres or the Firmament in the first Resurrection but as the sun in the second it is vain for in the second Resurrection shall be degrees of glory as the Apostle sheweth 1 Cor. 15. For as one Star differeth from another star in glory so is the Resurrection of the dead some shall shine as the Sun who is the brightest of all the starres and some shall be lesser starres an glory they do also vainly call their first Resurrection a hidden mystery whereas indeed it is the second Resurrection that is a mesterie and so hidden that the wisest Philosophers understood iâ— not and thought Paul had been 〈◊〉 when 〈◊〉 preached this mystery as Athens that which cannot be apprehended by reason but by faith 〈…〉 â—e truly called a hidden mystery 3. They misapply divers places of Scripture to prove this imaginary reign of Christ here on earth as Psalm 102. 16. when the Lord shall build up Sion he shall appear in his glory This Scripture was fulfilled when Ierusalem was rebuilt after the captivity So they alledge Acts 3. 20. 21. The Heavens shall receive Christ till the times of restitution of all things but this is spoken of the second Resurrection for then shall be a restitution of all things and not before in their thousand years reign for they confesse that then all the Jews shall not rise nor all Christians it must then follow that there shall not be a restitution of all things at that time That place of Rom. 11. 12. concerning the calling of the Jews is impertinent for we deny not but they shall be called to the faith of Christ but that they shall return to build Ierusalem and be under Christs earthly reign 1000. years is not at all spoken in that place no lesse impertinent is that place of 2. Pet. 3. 13. We look for new heavens and a new earth wherein dwelleth righteousnesse for this is spoken of the last Judgement wherein all things shall be renewed by fire and not before as the circumstances of the Scripture do shew and all Jnterpreters do agree so without any sense or reason they apply the 65. chapter of Isa. to their Millenary reign which is plainly spoken of the calling of the Gentiles and of Christs first coming to preach the Gospell and to gather a Church which there and elsewhere is called Ierusalem and the Prophets usually under the terms of planting building eating and drinking new heavens and new earth the joy of hills forrests and trees c. do expresse the happy estate of the Church of Christ under the Gospel When the mountain of the Lords House shall be coealted on the top of the mountains and all nations shall flock to it then Jerusalem that is the Church shall be the throne of the Lord. Then out of Sion shall go forth a Law and the word of the Lord from Ierusalem then shall the God of heaven set up a Kingdome which shall never be destroyed Christ shall reign over
death troubled his disciples His doctrine questioned by the Magistrates eleven of the Sectaries secured XI Articles extractâ—â— out of the writings of David George Some of the imprisoned Sectaries acknowledged David George to have been the cause of the tumults in the lower parts of Germany but disowned his doctrine Conditions whereupon the imprisoned are set at liberty The Senate vote the doctrine of D. G. impious and declare him unworthy of Christian burial and that his body and books should be burned which was accordingly effected DAVID GEORGE a man born at Delph in Holland the miracle of the Anabaptistical Religion having lived in the lower Provinces forty years did in the year one thousand five hundred forty and four with some of his kindred and companions in the beginning of April begin his journey for Basil into the state and condition of which place he had before very diligently enquired Whereof having sufficiently informed himself he pretended that he had been driven out of his Countrey for the Gospels sake and that he had been hitherto tost both on the land and sea of the miseries of this world and therefore he humbly intreated that now at length he might be received into some place of Rest. Some being by the representation of his misfortunes and his teares melted into compassion towards him he presum'd to intreat the Magistrate that in tendernesse to Christ and his holy Gospel he might be made capable of the priviledges of the City which if it were granted he bid them be confident of Gods most particular protection towards their City and that for the preservation of it he engaged for him and his that they should be ready to lay down their lives The Magistrate being moved with these just remonstrances and desires received the viper as a Citizen gave him the right hand of welcom and fellowship and made him and his free of the City What should the Magistrate do Behold he hath to do with a man of a grave countenance free in his behaviour having a very long beard and that yellowish sky-coloured and sparkling eyes milde and affable in the midst of his gravity neaâ— in his apparel Finally one that seemed to have in him all the ingredients of honesty modesty and truth to be short one if you examine his countenance carriage discourse and the cause he is embarqu'd in all things without him are within the limits of mediocrity and modesty if you look within him he is nothing but deceit fraud and dissimulation in a word an ingenouous Anabaptist Having already felt the pulses of the Senate and divers of the Citizens coming with his whole family to Basil he and his are entertained by a certain Citizen Having nested a while in Basil he purchased certain houses in the City as also a Farm in the countrey and some other things thereto appertenant married his children and by his good offices procured to himself many friends For as long as he remained at Basil he so much studied Religion was so great an Alms-giver and gave himself so much to other exercises of devotion that suspicion it self had not what to say against him By these cunning insinuations this is beyond a young fox and smells more of the Lybian wilde beast many being surprised came easily over to his party so that he arrived to that esteem and reputation in matters of Religion he pleased himself This perswasion thus craftily gotten was heightened by his great wealth and his riches in jewels whereof he brought some with him some were daily brought from other places in the Low countries was yet further encreased by his sumptuous and rich plate and houshold-stuffe which though they were gorgeous and majestical yet were they not made to look beyond sobriety clean linesse and inediocrity These people sojourning thus in common houses desiring as yet to suppresse the pernicâ—ous inâ—ection of their sect very religiously enacted three things First that no man should profane or speak idly of the name of David George Secondly that no man should rashly or unadvisedly divulge any thing concerning his country or manner of life whence it was that some thought him to be a person of some quality some that he was some very rich Factor or Merchant whence it came that he was so excessively rich others had other imaginary opinions and conceits of him for as much as they themselves being strangers lived in a countrey where they could not be ascertained of any thing Thirdly he was very cautious that none of the Basileans should be carâ—lesly admitted into his requaintance society or correspondence imitating therein the policy of the Ferrets and Weesels which as is reported never assault any bird of supremacy in the place where they frequent And thâ—s did he by letters writings and emissaries plant and water the venemous seed of his sect through the lower Proviâ—ces yet kept the wayes by which he wrought unsuspected and undiscovered For although he had lived two years among them there was not so much as one man infected or had privately caught the itch of his Religion What transcendent Mysteries are these This man though he feared neither deceit nor treachery from strangers yet the fire kindled out of the deceitful embers of his own houshold For behold one of his is own Râ—tinue doubting of the certainty of the new Religion he caused him to be brought before him and asked him whether he did not acknowledge him to be the true David sent from heaven upon earth and to be the Horn Redeemer and Builder up of the Tabernacle of Israel to which the other answered roundly and peremptorily that the restauration of the kingdom of Israel and other things foretold by the Prophets were fulfilled in Christ the true Messias and that consequently there was no other to be expected Which he hearing not without great astonishment did with much commotion of mind and bitter â—menaces thrust him though his sonne in Law out of dores and which is heavy to think on excommunicated him These things being thus managed Davids wife fell sick of a disease which afterwards visited him and many more thâ—e dispatch'd her into the other world What a miracle is this He that declared himself to be greater than Christ and 〈◊〉 himself immortal upon the second of August one thousand five hundred fifty and six did die the death and was honourably huried according to the ceremonies of the Parish Church and his funerals were celebrated in the sight of his sonnes and daughters sonneâ— in law and daughters in law servant-men and maides and a great conflux of Citizens This sad calamity of his death extreamely troubled and tormented the mindes of his disciples as a thing that very much thwarted their hopes of his promised immortality although he had 〈◊〉 told that he would rise again in three yeares and would bring all those things to passe which he had promised while he was alive Upon the
ΠΑÎΣΕΒΕΙΑ OR A Vievv of all Religions IN THE WORLD With the severall Church-Governments from the Creation to these Times Also a Discovery of all known Heresies in all Ages and Places And choice Observations and Reflections throughout the whole The second Edition Enlarged and Perfected BY ALEXANDER ROSS To which are annexed The Lives Actions and Ends of certain Notorious Hereticks With their Effigies in Copper Plates 1. Thess. 5. 21. Omnia autem probate quod bonum est tenete IS LONDON Printed by T. C. for Iohn Saywell and are to be sold at his Shop at the sign of the Grey-hound in Little-Britain without Aldersgate 1655. The Booksellers Advertisement to the Reader IT is the greatest justice in the world to be just to the dead since they if injured cannot be their own Compurgators and that is it hath obliged me to use that tendernesse to this great Author who to the regret of all learned hath so suddenly left this world His great pains in the dilatation of this Book are easily seen by the bulk of it nor had the Epistle and Preface escaped his second thoughts had not the lease of his life expired so soon as it did And therefore I have not which is the arrogancy of too many presumed to make any diversion or alterations in either but rather have thought it just to let them passe in this as they did in the first Edition that is to say in his own words For had I been unjust to the Author in this respect I had withal been guilty of as great an injury to the worthy Gentleman though not of my acquaintance to whom he was when alive pleased to dedicate it since I cannot but hope that he will continue the same tendernesse indulgence towards the Orphan as he was pleased to express when he first received it an infant I shal further ad that it wil render it self to the Reader much more acceptable not only for its Additions but also that the Author had thoroughly revised the same and that the care and supervising of the Presse rested so much upon me not onely out of an ordinary care but singular respect to the deseased Author as that I think it needlesse to prefix an Errata there having nothing passed but what an ordinary capacity may easily correct As for the Book I shall adventure it the Test of the most censorious Mome and for the Author in his life time there was not found the mouth or pen so black that durst asperse his name or parts but since his death One so much a Hobbist that I wish he turn not Atheist hath in print given him a snarling character whom leaving to his folly I shall only desire that this short sentence de moâ—tuis nil nise bonum may be his remembrancer for the future Besides the Authors endeavours in his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 It is hoped ere long that thou mayest see a Volume of his Sermons in print such as will convince the world of the calumny of that Cynick but continue his own memory while there shal be found either lovers of learning or the learned The Reader may likewise take notice of an Appendix wherein he is entertained with a strange Tragedy of modern and some ancient Hereticks acting their parts in their own proper persons as neer as the skil of the Graver could represent them And what could more properly have been annexed for now having seen their Foundations or Principles behold also their Ends and take Christs own counsel Matth. 7. 15. to beware of false Prophets c. with our Saviours direction also verse 20. by their fruits ye shal know them All which are tendered to the serious perusal of the Reader whereof that he may make his temporal and eternal advantages shall be the constant prayer of I. S. To the Worshipful ROBERT ABDY Esquire SIR AS Michael and the Devil strove for the dead body of Moses and as seven Cities contested for Homer when he was dead whom none of them cared for whilest he lived even so doth it fare with Religion for the Carkass or Skeliton of which for the bare sound whereof being now made a meer Eccho Vox praetereaque nihil there is so much contesting and digladiation in the World whereas few or none care for the life and substance of Religion which consisteth in works not in words in practicing not in prating in Scripture duties not in Scripture phrases She is as our Saviour was placed between two Theeves to wit Superstition on the right hand and Atheism on the left The one makes a puppit of her sets her out in gaudy accoutrements bedawbs her native beauty with painting and presents her in a meritricious not in a Matron-like dresse but the Atheist strips her naked of her Vestiments robs her of her maintenance and so exposeth her to the scorn and contempt of the world But let these men esteem of her as they list she is notwithstanding the fair daughter of the Almighty the Queen of Heaven and beauty of the whole Earth Religion is the sacred Anchor by which the the Great Ship of the State is held fast that she may not be split upon the Quick-sands of popular tumults or on the Rocks of Sedition Religion is the pillar on which the great Fabrick of the Microcosm standeth All humane Societies and civil Associations are without Religion but ropes of Sand and Stones without Morter or Ships without Pitch For this cause all Societies of men in all Ages and in all parts of the Vniverse have united and strengthened themselves with the Cement of Religion finding both by experience and the light of nature that no human Society could be durable without the knowledge and feare of a Deity which all Nations do reverence and worship though they agree not in the manner of their worship All their wayes and opinions in Religion I have here presented to the publick view but to you Sir in particular as to one whom I know to be truely religious not being carried away with the fine flowers and green leaves but with the solid fruits of Religion consisting in righteousnesse peace and holinesse without which no man shall see the Lord this is that which will embalm your name here and crown your soul with true happiness hereafter when all humane felicities shall determin in smoak in this book are set before you light and darknesse truth and falshood gold and drosse flowers and weeds corn and chaff which I know you are able to discriminate and to gather honey with the Bee out of every weed with Sampson to take meat out of the eater with Virgil to pick gold out of dung and with the Physitian to extract antidotes out of poyson Thus beseeching God to encrease your knowledge and practice in Religion and your love to the afflicted professors thereof I take leave and will ever be found Sir your humble Servant to command ALEX. ROSS The Preface to the Reader concerning the use of this
notorious Advancers of Heresie with their effigies and an account of their Lives Actions and Ends usually annexed to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or the view of all Religions c. The Religions of Asia The Contents of the first Section OF the Church-Disciplin Sacrifices Ordination Publick place Buildings first erected for Divine Service and days of Divine Service before Moses 2. Of the Church Government under Moses difference of the High Priest from other Priests 3. Of the Church Government from him till Solonion 4. Of the Government after Solomon till the division of the Tribes 5. Of Solomons Temple and the outward splendor of the Iewes Religion 6. Of the office of the Levites of the Prophets Scribes Pharises Nazarites Rechabites Essenes Sadduces and Samritans 7. Of the ancient observation of their Sabbath of the observation of their Passover of the feasts of Pentecost Tabernacles new Moons of Trumpets and of expiation of their Sabbatical year and their Iubilee 8. Of their ancient Excommunications how God instructed them of old and of the maintenance allowed by the Iewes to their Priests and Levites 9. Of the Government after the Jewes were carried captive into Babylon 10. Of the Iewish Church-Government at this day their Prayers Sabbaths Feasts Book of the Law Passover what observable thereupon and whether to be permitted among Christians in the exercise of their own Religion and wherein not to be communicated with by Christians 11. Of the Iewish preparation for morning prayer Fast in August Beginning of their new year Feast of Reconciliation Ceremonies in reading of the Law 12. Their Church officers Feast of Dedication and of Purim Fasts Marriages Divorcements Circumcision Redemption of the first born their duty toward the sick and Ceremonies about the dead The Contents of the second Section THe Religions of the ancient Babylonians of the making worshipping of images bringing in Idolatry 2. Of Hierapolis and gods of the Syrians 3. Of the Phoenicians 4. Of the old Arabians 5. Of the ancient Persians 6. Of the Scythians 7. Of the Tartars or Cathaians and Pagans 8. The Religions of the Northern Countries neer the Pole Three ways whereby Satan deludes men by false Miracles The fear of his Stratagems whence it proceeds His illusions many our duty thereupon 9. Of the Chinois 10. Of the ancient Indians 11. Of Siam 12. Of Pegu 13. Of Bengala 14. Of Magor 15. Of Cambaia 16. Of Goa 17. Of Malabar Pagan Idolaters believe the immortality of the soul. 18. Of Narsinga and Bisnagar 19. Of Japan 20. Of the Philippina Islands 21. Of Sumatra and Zeilan 22. Of the ancient Egyptians 23. Of the modern Egyptian Religion The Religions of Africa and America The Contents of the third Section OF the old African Religion 2. The Religion and Church Discipline of Fez. 3. Of Morocco 4. Of Guinea 5. Of the ancient African Aethiopians 6. Of the modern Abissins 7. Of the Lower Aethiopians 8. Of Angola and Congo 9. Of the northern neighbours of Congo 10. Of the African Islands 11. The Religion of America 12. Of Virginia 13. of Florida 14. Of the Religions by west Virginia and Florida 15. Of New Spain and Mexico 16. Idolaters their cruelty and cost in their barbarous sacrifices 17. Of the Americans their superstitious fear and Tyranny thereof 18. Of Jucatan and the parts adjoining 19. Of the southern Americans 20. Of Paria and Guiana 21. Of Brasil 22. Of Peru. 23. Of Hispaniola The Religions of Europe The Contents of the fourth Section THe Religion of the ancient Europaeâ—ns 2. The Roman chief Festivals 3. Their gods 4. Their Priests 5. Their Sacrifices 6. Their Marriage Rites 7. Their Funeral Ceremonies 8. The old Grecian Religion 9. Their chief gods 10. Of Minerva Diana Venus 11 How Juno Ceres and Vulcan were worshipped 12. The Sun worshipped under the names of Apollo Phoebus Sol Jupiter Liber Hercules Mars Mercurius 〈◊〉 c. 13. The Moon worshipped under divers names and shapes 14. The Earth and Fire how worshipped and named 15. The Deity of the Sea how worshipped 16. Death how named and worshiped 17. The Grecian Sacrifices and Coremonies 18. Their Priests and Temples of old The Contents of the fifth Section THe Religion of the old Germans Gaules and Britains 2. Of the Saxons Danes Swedes Moscovites Russians Pomeranians and their neighbours 3. Of the Scythians Geâ—es Thracians Cymbrains Goths Lusitanians c. 4. Of the Lithuanians Polonians Hungarians Samogetians and their neighbours 5. Of divers Gentile gods besides the above named 6. The ranks and armes of their gods 7. With what creatures their Charriots were drawn 8. Of peculiar gods worshipped in peculiar places 9. The. Greek chief festivals The Contents of the sixth Section OF the two prevalent Religions now in Eorope 2. Of Mahomets Law to his Disciâ—les 3. Of the Mahumetans opinions at this day â— Mahomet not the Antichrist 5. Of their Sects and how the Turks and Persians differ 6. Of â—he Mahumetan religious orders 7. Of their oâ—her hypocritical orders 8. Of their secular Priest â— Of the Mahumetan Devotion and parts there â—f 10. Of their Ceremonies in their Pilgrimage to Mecca 11. The Rites of their Circumcision 12. Their Rites about the sick and dead 13. The 〈◊〉 of Mahumetanisme and the causes thereof 14. Mahumetanisme of what continuance THe Contents of the seventh Section The Christian Religion propagated 2. The decay thereof in the East by Mahumetanism 3. Persecution and Heresie the two great enemies thereof 4. Simon Magus the first heretick with his Disciples 5. Menander Saturninus and Basilides Hereticks 6. The Nicholaitans and Gnosticks 7. The Carpocratians 8. Cerinthus Ebion and the Nazarites 9. The Valentinians Secundians and Prolemians 10. The Marâ—ites Colarbasii and Heracleonites 11. The Ophites Cainites and Sethites 12. The Archonticks and Ascothyptae 23. Cerdon and Marcion 14. Apelles Severus and Tacianus 15. The Cataphrygians 16. Pepuzians Quintilians and Artotyrites 17. The Quartidecimani and Alogiani â— 18. The Adamians Elcesians and Theodocians 19. The Melchisedicians Bardesanists and Noetians 20. The Valesians Catheri Angelici and Apostolici 21. The Sabellians Originians and Originists 22 The Samosatenians and Phorinians 23 The Manichaean religion 24. The Hierachites Melitians and Arrians 25. The Audians Semi-arrians and Macedonians 26. The Aeâ—ians Aetians and Apollinarists 27. The Antidicomarianites Messalians and Metangismonites 28. The Hermians Proclianites and Patricians 29. The Ascites Pattalorinchites Aquarii and Coluthiani 30. The Floriani Aeternales and Nudipedales 31. The Donatists Priscillianists Rhetorians and Feri 32. The Theopaschites Tritheits Aquei Melitonii Ophei Tertullii Liberatores and Nativita rii 33. The Luciferians Jovinianists and Arabicks 34. The Collyridians Paterniani Tertullianists and Abelonites 35. The Pelagians Predestinati and Timotheans 36. The Nestorians Eutychians and their Spawn The Contents of the eighth Section OF the opinions in Religion held the seventh Century 2. The opiniâ—ns of the eighth Century 3. The Tenets of the ninth and tenth Centuries 4. The opinions of the eleventh
were not permitted to come neer the Temple Curses also were denounced against them Hymenaeus Alexander and the incestuous person are those excommunicated Their highest degree was Maran-atha that is the Lord cometh 1 Cor. 16. signifying that the Lord was comming with vengeance against such these were totally secluded from the people of God which is called a cutting off from the People and a blotting or razing of their names out of the book of life answering to those three degrees the Greek Church had their 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 2. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 3. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 So the Latine had their Abstenti Excommunicati and Anathemata the reason why God would have this strict discipline used in his Church is First to terrifie the evil doers Secondly to preserve the sound sheep from being infected by the scabbed Thirdly to keep up the reputation of his Church which otherwise might be scandalized for conniving at sin Fourthly that Gods judgements may he either diverted or prevented for he is just and will not wink at sinne Fifthly that the excommunicate person by this severity may be brought to repentance and amendment of life They had a peculiar way in excommunicating the Samaritans to wit by sound of trumpet and singing of the Levites who first by word of mouth pronounced a curse against the Samaritans and those that eat or conversed with them shewing that they shall never be Proselytes in Israel nor have any part in the resurrection of the just Then they wrote this curse and caused it to be read add pronounced in all parts of Israel Q. How did God instruct the Iews of old A. Sometimes by visions and dreams sometimes by secret inspiration sometimes by a voice from Heaven sometimes by Vrim and Thummim that is light and perfection which were the precious stones on the breast plate of the high priest but ordinarily he taught them by his word either written by his holy Pen-men or unwritten namely by Tradition for God delivered his will this way to Moses and he to Ioshuah who imparted this to the Elders and they to the Prophets From the Prophets the great Synagogue received these Traditions till at last they were committed to writing for the benefit of those Jewes which dwelt in Iudea about the year of Christ 230. This was called the Thalmud of Ierusalem but 500. years after Christ the Jews at Babylon made a more exact collection and this they called the Thalmud of Babylon which contains all their Canon and civil Laws and is with them of no lesse authority then the Scripture They have besides this their Kabbala which is a mystical kind of learning consisting most in certain letters and syllables out of which they raise many mystical whimsies The Thalmudists expect a temporal kingdom the Kabbalists a spiritual who also hold that there was an invisible world created 2000. years before this because the first word in Genesis is Bereshith and the first letter thereof is beth which stands in their Arethmetick for 2000. R. Ionathan compiled the Thalmud of Ierusalem the other of Babylon was made up by R. Asse which is divided into six parts sixty Books and five hundred thirty and two Chapters It 's thought that Ezra deliverd this Thalmud to Simon the High Priest and he to his successors till at last it came to old Simeon who took up Christ in his arms and from him to his scholar Gamaliel It 's most likely that Pythagoras had his Kabbalistical Philosophy from the Jewish Rabbies but of these passages see Galatinus de arcanis Munster Fagius D. Kimchi and the Thalmud it selfe Q. What maintenance did the Iews allow their Priests and Levites A. Besides certain Cities and shares in their sacrifices and oblations they allowed them the first fruits and tithes the first fruits of the threshing floore Num. 15. 20. comprehending the first fruits in the sheafe offered at the Passeover in the beginning of harvest and the first fruits of loaves at Pentecost in the end of their harvest besides the first of the dough Numb 15. 20. Nehe. 10. 37. Rom. 11. 10. these first fruits were called heave or wave-offerings because they were shaken up and down to shew that God was Lord of Heaven and Earth or else from hand to hand to all corners of the earth to signifie that the whole earth was the Lords The firstlings of man and beast God challenged as his own Exod. 13. because he spared the first born of the Israelites when he smote those of Egypt The firstlings of clean beasts were sacrificed the fat whereof was burned but the flesh was given to the Priest But the firstlings of men and unclean beasts were redeemed for five silver shekels of the Sanctuary paid to the Priests for each of them Numb 18. 15 16. when they carried up their first fruits to Ierusalem they had a pipe playing before them and a bull with gilded homes and a garland of Olive branches on this head As for their tithes the husbandman according to Scaligers reckoning out of 6000. bushels in one year paid for his first and second tith and first fruits 1121. bushels which is above a sixth part of the whole besides the tith of their cattel and fruit of their trees and so strict were the Pharisees in the payment of their tiths that they tithed mint anise cumine Matth. 23. 23. out of the first tith payed to the Levites by the husbandman was payed a tith to the Priest by the Levites The second tith was payd by the husbandman either in kine or in money as he pleased This tith was not so great as the first for if he paid 590. bushels for his first tith he paid but 531. for his second tith but this second tith every third year was spent by the husbandman at home upon the poor and not in Ierusalem on the Levites This year was called the year of tiths Deut. 26. 12. and though at this day the Jews have no lands yet they pay carefully the tenth of their encrease Q. What Church government had the Iews after they were carried captive into Babylon A. They had no setled government in Babylon being then in misery and captivity yet they had some Elders and Prophets as may be seen in Ezek. 8. 1. After the captivity they reformed all things according to King Davids institution but the number of singers do ot keepers and other officers came far short of the former This government continued in some measure till the time of Antiochus Epiphanes who sold the Pontificare to Iason the brother of Onias the high Priest he dy degrecs brought in the Greek government and so did the third brother Menelaus at last it was totally subverted in the eighth year of Antiochus and again restored by Matathius and more fully by Iudas Ionathan and his brother Simon in Ionathan the Priesthood was translated from the family of Tsadoc to the posterity of Ioiarib who
Thunder upon Perjurers 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Therefore among the Romans the Herauld or Foecialis in making of Leagues used as he was killing the Hog by which they used to confirm their Covenants to call on Iupiter 5. Dagon from Dag a Fish because from the navel downward he was made in the form of a fish but upward like a man this was a great Idol among the Philistines and is thought to be the same that Neptun or Triton Others who derive the word from Dagan that is corn of which he is said to be the inventer make him all one with Saturn 6. Astaroth or Astarte was Goddesse of the Sidonians the word signifieth a flock of sheep or sheep fold this is thought to be all one with Iuno Venus or Lucina under which names and the form of a sheep they worshipped the Moon as they did the Sun under the name of Iupiter and form of a Ram. She is called also by the Greekes 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Heaven where her aboad is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 from her dominion over the Stars 7. Adâ—ammelech that is the Kings cloak or power Anamelech the Kings Oracle or Answer these two Idols were worshipped at Sepharvaim a Town of the Assyrians 2 Kings 17. these gods were also honoured in Samaria and so were Succoth-Benoth the Tabernacle of Daughters Nergal the light of the grave Ashima a fault Nibhas the fruit of vision Tartak that is Chained All which may be seen in the above named chapter of the Kings 8. The Moabites worshipped Chemosh the Ammonites Milchom 2 Kings 23. Nisroch was Senacharibs Idol 2 Kings 19. Remphan or Repham is the same that Hercules the god of Tyrus from Rephaim that is Giants Moloch or Molech from Molach to reign was a great idol among the Moabites and Ammonites and is thought to be the same that Saturn for their images and sacrifices were much a like to whom the superstitious Gentiles and the Jews also offered their sons and daughters to be burned Thamuz mentioned Ezek. 8. 14. is by Hierom taken for Adonis so called from Adon that is Lord by which they understood the Sun as likewise by Hercules many other idol gods they worshipped but these mentioned are the chief Q. What kind of Discipline was used among the Phoenicians A. By their execrable discipline they were bound to offer yearly Sacrifices to Saturn or the Devil rather of young Infants and in the Temple of Venus to practise not onely Whoredom but Sodomy also the Phoenicians were bound to prostitute their daughters to Venus before they married them In the Temple of Venus were celebrated the annual Rites of Adonis with beatings and howlings to whom they perform solemn Obsequies The next day they say he is alive and then they shave their heads The women that refused to be shaved were tied to prostitute themselves to strangers for one day and by this means money was raised for Venus The fun also is much worshipped amongst them whose Priest is crowned with gold and is cloathed with a long sleeved garment down to the feet They were also tied by their Discipline to worship Astarte in the shape of a sheep and Dagon in the form of a Mermaid This idol was called Atergatis and Dercetis in honour of which the Phoenicians abstained from fish yet her Priests did eat of the fish which they set all day before her She had also offered to her fishes of gold and silver Of these passages see Eusebius in his Preparation Diodorus Siculus Lucian Pliny Athenaeus and others Q. What was the Religion and Discipline of the old Arabians A. They worshipped the Sun and Moon Serpents Trees and other such like Deities The Nabathaeans burned Frankincense to the Sun on his Altar They doe not bury their dead but lay them even their Kings in dunghills Adultery is death among them but Incest Is no sin They are circumcised after the example of Ismael at thirteen years of age Their Priests are cloathed with linnen they wear Myters and Sandals they abhor Swines flesh they pay the tithes of their Frankincense to their god Satis the Priests are not to take it by weight but by measure They are tied by their discipline not to gather Cinnamon till first they sacrifice then they divide it with a consecrated spear and assign to the Sun his portion In Panchaea is a rich and stately Temple adorned with Statues and the Priests houses about it The Priests here rule all both in Politick and Ecclesiastick Affairs They are bound to spend their time in singing Hymns and rehearsing the Acts of their gods It is not lawful for them to go out of the sacred bounds allotted them if they doe they may be killed by Law They hold Mice to be arrant enemies to their gods therefore they kill them Of this subject see Solinus Athenaeus Diodorus Boeinus and others Q. What was the Religious discipline of the antient Persians A. They had neither Temples Altars nor Images holding these improper for their Gods but on the tops of hills offered sacrifices to Heaven and to the Sun Moon Fire Earth Water and Winds The Priest useth neither Musick Vestments nor Libaments bâ—t onely his Tiara or Head attire crowned with Myrtle He prayeth for all Persians chiefly for the King He cuts his sacrifice into smal pieces and puts herbs under One of the Magi is bound to stand by and to sing a Hymn of the Genealogy of their gods for without a Magus the sacrifice is not lawful Every man celebrates his own birth day To lye and to be in debt are heinous crimes with them so it is to spit wash or pisse in a River which with them are hallowed The Magi may with their own hands kill any thing except a man and a dog They leave no part of their sacrifices for their gods but divide it by the direction of their Magus amongst themselves for they hold that God is satisfied with the soul of the sacrificed beast To blow the fire with their breath or to cast any dead thing inâ— to it or dirt was death They sacrificed chiefly to the Fire and Water the fire they cherish with dry sticks without their barks with tallow also and oyl When they sacrifice to the Waters they slay the beasts in a ditch and lay the flesh on Mirtle and Lawrel the Magi burn the same then they pray and sprinkle on the earth Oyl Milk and Honey They used not to slay their sacrifice with a knife but with a mallet or club The Magi keep the sacrifice still burning and pray every day an hour before it They adored the Sun whom they called Mithra at his rising and offered to him white Horses whose sacred Chariot was drawn with white Steeds before the King when he went to sacrifice They had divers festival days the chiefe whereof was that of the Sun The next was that they called the Destruction of Vices when they
with them immortal Their great mens Funeral Pomps are celebrated yearly with much lamentation drinking and bestial ceremonies both men and women casting aside all modesty He that will know more of this stuff let him read the forenamed Authors Q. What is the Religion of Brasil A. They acknowledge the immortalitie of the foul and believe that there are rewards and punishments after this life For they hope that if they kill and sacrifice many of their enemies they shall be carried beyond the Mountains into pleasant Gardens there to dance and rejoyce with their fore-fathers They stand in much fear of the Devil who is still vexing of â—â—em therefore they chiefly worship him and when they go abroad they commonly carry fire with them as their defence against the Devil who they think is afraid of fire They have their solemn Festivals which they celebrate with dancing howling and tatling The Husband hath power to kill the adulterous Wife Their marriages are without any ceremonies They bury their dead upright in a pit with their goods The Husband playes the Midwife to the woman washeth painteth and nameth the child by the name of some wild Beast they have some knowledge of Noahs flood of these passages see Masscus Lerius Stadius c. Q. What Religion did the people of Peru professe A. Their chief god was Wiracocha by whom they understood the maker of all things next to him they worshipped the Sun and the Thunder after him The images of these three they never touched with their bare hands they worshipped also the Stars Earth Sea Rainbow Rivers Fountains and Trees They adored also wild Beasts that they might not hurt them and in sign of their devotion when they travelled they left in the cross ways and dangerous places old shoes feathers and if they had nothing else stones They worshipped the Sun by pulling off the hairs from their Eye-brows when they fear they touch the earth and look up to the Sun They worshipped also the dead bodies of their Emperors and indeed every thing they either affected or feared They have some glimring knowledge of the beginning of the world of Noahs flood and they believe the end of the world which still they fear when the Sun is Eclipsed which they think to be the Moons Husband they held their Priests in such esteem that no great matter was undertaken by Prince or people without their advice None had accesse to the Idols but they and then only when they are cloathed in white and prostrate on the ground In sacrificing they abstained from women and some out of zeal would put out their own eyes They used to consult with the Devil to whom they sacrificed men and dedicated boyes in their Temples for Sodomy They had also their Temples richly adorned with Gold and Silver and their Monasteries for Priests and Sorcerers Their Nuns were so strictly kept that it was death to be deflowred after fourteen years of age they were taken out of the Monastery either to serve the Idols and such must be Virgins still or else to serve as Wives and Concubines to the Ingua or Emperor They are very frequent and strict in their confessions and cheerfully undertake what pennance is injoyned them But the Ingua confesseth onely to the Sun after confession they all wash in baths leaving their sins in the water They used to sacrifice Vegetables Animals and men chiefly Children for the health or prosperity of their Ingua and for victory in War in some places they eat their men-sacrifices in others they onely dried and preserved them in Silver Coffins they anoint with blood the faces of their Idols and doors of their Temples or rather slaughter houses See Acosta Cieza Gomara c. Q. What festival days did the Peruvians observe A. They had Feasts and sacrifices every moneth of the year in which were offered multitudes of sheep of different colours which they burned The Ingua's Children were dedicated in these Feasts their ears were pierced then they were wiped and their faces anointed with blood in sign that they should be true Knights to their Ingua In Cusco during this moneth and feast no stranger might remain but at the end thereof they were admitted and had a morsell of bread presented to each man that they should by eating thereof testifie their fidelity to the Ingua In the second moneth which is our Ianuary for in December in which the Sunne returnes from Capricorne was their first moneth they flung the ashes of their sacrifices into the river following the same sixe leagues and praying the River to carry that present to Viracocha in three following months they offered one hundred sheep In the sixth they offered one hundred sheep more and made a feast for their Maiz. In the seventh they sacrificed to the Sun In the eighth and ninth moneths two hundred sheep were offered In the tenth one hundred sheep more and to the honour of the Moon burned torches washed themselves and then were drunk four days together In the eleventh moneth they offered one hundred sheep and upon a black sheep poured much Chica or Wine of Maiz to procure rain In the twelfth moneth they sacrificed one hundred sheep and kept a feast They have also their fasts which continue in mourning and sad processions two days and the two days after are spent in feasting dancing and drinking See Ios. Acosta Q What was their belief of the departed souls A. That they wander up and down and suffer hunger thirst and cold therefore they carry them meat drink and cloathes They used also to put gold and silver in their mouths hands and bosomes much treasure hath been digged out of graves But they believed that the souls of good men were at rest in glory The bodies were honoured after death sacrifices were offered to them and cloaths The best beloved Wife was slain and attendants of all sorts To the Ingua's Ghost young children were sacrificed and if the Father was sick many times the Son was slain thinking this murther would satisfie death for the Father Of these and their other impious Ceremonies see Acosta By these horrible murthers committed among the poor Americans we may see what a cruel and barbarous tyrant superstitious fear is and what wretched slaves they are who are captivated by this tyrant far more savage then Mezentius Phalaris Busyris or any other tyrannical butcher that ever was for there is no tyrant so powerfull or barbarous but may be avoided by flying from him to remote places but who can fly from that superstitious fear which a man doth carry continually about him Quid terras alio calentes Sole mutamus patria quis exulse quoque fugit a man may fly from his country saith Horace but not from himselfe this tyrant haunts the superstitious wretch continually as the evil Spirit did Saul Againe no tyrant can tyrannize over a man longer then he lives death sets every slave at liberty but this tyrant
is Idolatry saith he to carve or paint Idols so it is any ways to adorne them to build houses or temples for them so that all such Artificers are guilty of idolatry so are judicial Astrologers who call the stars by the names of Idols and take upon them to foretell future contingencies by them so are School-Masters who teach the Genealogies and Fables of these false gods this severity indeed was needful in the beginning of the Gospel when Gentilisme was to be suppressed that way might be made for Christianity but now Pagan idolatry being quite extinguished among us there is no danger in reading or teaching of Heathen Authors He condemneth also Merchants that bring home and sell incense or any thing else whereby idols are worshipped So he will not have Christians to be present at the solemnities shews or festivals of idols nor to give any countenance to them or to wink and connive at them or to call them gods or to swear by them for that is to take the name of the true God in vain nay he will not permit Christians to light candles or set up bayes in their doors which upon solemn days was an honour due to the Emperour because this ceremony had some resemblance with Gentile idolatry The Contents of the fourth Section The Religion of the ancient Europaeans 2. The Roman chief festivals 3. Their gods 4. Their Priests 5. Their Sacrificesâ—6 Their Marriage Rites 7. Their Funeral Ceremonies 8. The old Grecian Religion 9. Their chief gods 10. Of Minerva Diana Venus 11. How Juno Ceres and Vulcan were worshipped 12 The Sun worshipped under the names of Apollo Phoebus Sol Jupiter Liber Hercules Mars Mercurius Pan c. 13. The Moon worshipped under divers names and shapes 14. The Earth and Fire how worshipped and named 15. The Deity of the Sea how worshipped 16. Death how named and worshipped 17. The Grecian Sacrifices and Ceremonies 18. Their Priests and Temples of old SECT IV. Quest. WHat was the Religion of the ancient Europaeans Answ. The same Paganism was professed among them that was in the other parts of the world and which is yet professed in Lapland Finland and some parts of Norway Lituania and Samagâ—tia whose religion is Idolatrous whose knowledge is Magick and whose actions are barbarous The chief gods that were worshipped in Europe were the Sun Moon Stars Elements Rivers Fountains Trees and indeed so many great and small that according to Varros computation they exceeded 30000. in number If we speak of the Religions professed among the Greeks and Romans we shall speak in a manner of all because they had almost all Europe under their Dominion and before their conquests the same idols were worshipped by all but under different names Numa taught the Romans to worship their gods by offering Corn and Cakes besprinkled with salt and to erect Temples but no Images thinking it both absurd and impossible to represent that incomprehensible power by outward shapes and forms But many years after Tarquinius Prisâ—us taughâ— them according to the Grecian manner to set up images to their Gods Then were the Vestal Nuns chosen who were to continue so thirty years the first ten they were learners the second ten years practitioners in their office but the third ten years teachers of the novices If they committed whoredom they were burned or buried alive if the sacred fire went out by their neglect which was held ominous they were scourged Then were the Priests of Mars called Salii instituted at first but twelve afterwards twenty foure These were chosen out of the Patricii and they were in March to dance solemnly with their Targets called Ancilia one of which fell down from heaven These festival dances were dedicated to Mars They had their Augures or Diviners They had their Triumviri called Epâ—lones who had the charge of the holy feasts and other Triumviri who had the charge of the Siâ—yls books Arvales had the care of the fields Feciales of the wars All these were Orders of Priest-hood to which may be added Flamines of which there were as many as there were of their greater gods Iupiters Priests were called Diales the Priests of Mars Martiales of Romulus Quiâ—inales c. He that had the charge of these Priests of the Sacrifices and of Festivals was called Rex Sacrificulus or the King of Priests because anciently Kings did exercise the Priests office But above them all was the Pontifical Colledge which at first consisted only of eight but Sylla enlarged them to fifteen these were to assist the chief Pontifie or Pope in whom alone was the supream power of all Religion of Sacrifices Holy days Priests Yestals Vows Funerals Idols Oaths Ceremonies and whatsoever concerned Religion besides the care of the wooden bridge called Pons sublicius He had more priviledges and honours then the Kings themselves for he might ascend the Capitol in his Litter which was not lawful for others And whatsoever criminal fled to him he was that day free from punishment Neither was he bound to give an account of any thing he did Q. What were the Roman chief Festivals A. Saturnalia to the honour of Saturn about the Suns going into Capricorn then the servants were better then their Masters this feast they had from the Greeks Feriae Latinae to Iupiter this feast was kept upon the hill Albanus midway between Alba and Rome by the Romans and Latines Quinquatria was a feast of five days to the honour of Minerva it was kept after the Ides of March the first day was for sacrifice the other three for sword-players and the last for lustration Natalitia to the Genius in which feast it was held abominable to shed the blood of some beasts and ominous seeing those birth feasts were wholly dedicated to mirth and joy Vertumâ—alia were feasts to Vertumuâ—â— the god of Merchandising it was kept in the moneth of October Lupercalia in February to the honour of Pan Lycaeus the god of shepherds who keeps the sheep from the wolves This feast Evander brought with him out of Arcadia into Italy in it the young men used to run up and down the streets naked with leather thongs in their hands striking gently all such as they meâ— young Ladies used purposely to offer their naked hands to be struck by them hoping hereby to become fruitful Agonalia were feasts kept in Ianuary either to the honour of Ianus or else of Agon the god of actions and enterprizes Carmentaliâ— in Ianuary also to the honour of Carmenta Evanders mother who was a Prophetesse Feralia so called a ferendis epulis from carrying meat to the graves of their friends this feast was kept in February to the Manes or infernal Ghosts Terminalia in February also to Terminus the god of marches and bounds this feast was observed to keep amity between neighbours that they might not differ about the bounds of their lands Saliaria in March to the honour of Mars whose Priests called Salii
corrival had his Temple within the City of which he was the tutelar god Q. Did the Greeks and Romans worship these gods onely A. Yes innumerable more or rather the same deities above named under other names for Apollo Phoebus Sol Aesculapius Iupiter Liber Hercules Mars Mercurius Pan c. are different names of one and the same Sun which was the chief god worshipped among the Geniles Luna Hecate Diana Iuno Lutina Venus Ceres c. do signifie the Moon Vesta Ops Cybele Rhea Ceres Berecynthia Magna Mater Tellus Pales Flora Fauna Bona Dea Proserpina c. do signifie the Earth and the benefits we receive thence Neptune Nereus Glaucus Proteus Triton Consus Oceanus c. signifie the Sea Pluto Plutus Proserpina Charon Cerberus c. are but different names of one and the same infernal deities And as the same god had different names so he had different sorts of worship for the Sun under the name of Apollo was worshipped in the form of a beardlesse youth with yellow hair carrying in one hand a Cythron in the other arrows and his bow As Sol He was honoured in a flaming ship full of rich wates carried about the world by which light is imparted to all As Phoebus he was adored in a golden Chariot drawn by four horses swift and fiery in one hand he holdeth a glitering target in the other a burning Torch on his head a golden Crown beset with twelve pretious stones As Aesculopius he is set forth sitting in a Chair in the habit of a grave man with a long beard crowned with Bayes holding in one hand a knobbed staffe and with the other learning on a Serpents head Sometimes he is described with two Cocks in his hand and certain frutis and herbs in his lap by which the properties of Physitians are represented but the Sun is the great Physitian As Iupiter he was worshipped sitting in a throne with a Scepter in one hand and an Eagle in the other by which was expressed his power and dominion As Bacchus of Liber he was set out like a naked youth with hornes in his head a Crown of Ivie and sometimes of fig leaves with the Thyrsus or Vine Speare in his hand sitting in a Chariot drawn by Tygers and Panthers Which may signifie both the power influence and raging heat of the Sun As Hercules they honoured him cloathed with a Lions skin Crowned with poplar leaves and the club in his hand knocking down the Hydra We have shewed the meaning of these in Mystagog Poetic and that the Suns courses through the twelve Signes were adumbrated by Hercules his twelve labours As Mars he was adored with a Helmet on his head a spear in one hand and a Bow in the other As Mercury he was worshipped like a young man on a square stone having wings on his head and on his feet with a sword in his hand killing many eyed Argus by which was meant the Suns perpetual vigour in that he was resembled by a youth the wings shewed his swiftnesse the square stone the four seasons of the year or four Climats of the world His killing of Argus shewed the confounding of the Star light by the suns presence As Pan he was expressed and adored under the form of a Satyre with a red face long beard horns on his head a spotted skin about him having in one hand a Pipe in the other a Shepherds staffe his beard and hornes signified his beames his speckled skin the Heaven speckled with Stars the pipe the harmony of his motion and the staffe his power Much more might be said of this subject Q. Vnder what names and shapes did they worship the Moon A. As Hecate she was worshipped under the shape of a monster with three heads by which they signified the Moons threesold form she assumes according to her accesse and recesse to and from the Sun As Luna at her first appearance she was honoured with white and golden garments and a burning torch to shew the increasing of her light when she was halse full with a basket of fruit to shew how the fruits fill and grow with her but when she was at full with a dark coloured garment to signifie the decreasing of her light As Diana she was worshipped in the habit of a woman with a torch flaming in one hand two snakes in the other a bow and arrows on her shoulder sitting in a Chariot drawn with white Deer all which signified partly her light and partly her motion Her light is a help to hunters therefore she was worshipped in the habit of a hunter As Iuno she was honoured in the ornaments of a Queen sitting in a chariot of brasse silver and gold which signified both her light beauty and dominion over the night As Lucina she was crowned with the herb Dictamnus or Dittany which is good for women in labour and a burning torch in her hand to shew the hot fits and sharp pains of Child-bearing women upon which the Moon hath great power As Venus she was resembled by a beautiful woman naked crowned with roses and rising out of the Sea by which they signified the light and beauty of the Moon when she ariseth As Ceres she was represented by a Matron with a sheaff of corn on her head and a lamp in her hand to shew that from her proceeds both light and plenty Q. What names and worship did they give to the Earth and Fire A. They were called Vesta and under that name worshipped in the habit of a virgin sitting on the ground and crowned with white Garlands whose Temple was built round and in it a perpetual fire kept by the Nuns of Vesta These two Elements were joyned together because fire is begot both in and of the Earth The Virgins habit signified the purity of the Fire her sitting the immobility of the Earth the white Garlands the purity of the air or Firmament compassing the Earth and Fire the roundnesse of the Temple shewed the rotundity of the Earth The earth also was called Rhea Ceres Berecynthia Magna Mater Cybele Ops c. She is called Vesta à Vestiend◠because she is cloathed with herbs grasse and trees Rhea from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to flow because waters are still flowing in and upon her Ceres or Geres from corn bearing and supporting all things Berecynthia from the Hill Berecynthus in Phrygia where she was worshipped The great mother because she generally nourisheth and maintains all earthly creatures Cybele from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a Cube to shew the stability of the earth Ops from the help we have by her Proserpir◠à serpendo from the creeping things within her and from the herbs which creep out of her Tellus from Terra the Earth which was worshipped in the habit of an old woman with towers on her head having in one hand a Scepter in the other a key cloathed in a garment embroidered with herbs flowers and trees and sitting in a
for among them 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 saith Hesychius the forraign gods were worshipped This feast is called by Pindarus 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 hospitable tables and the sacrifice 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 36. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 was the feast of Bacchus in whose Temple three empty vessels in the night time were filled with wine but none knew how for the doors were fast locked and guarded Thuia also was the first Priestesse of Bacchus from which the rest are called Thyadae 37. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 were the feasts of Bacchus every third year in Latine Trienalia and Triennia of which Ovid Celebrant repetita Triennia Bacchae Some other festivals the Greeks observed but of lesse note The Contents of the Sixth Section Of the two prevalent Religions now in Europe 2. Of Mahomets Law to his Disciples 3. Of the Mahumetants opinions at this day 4 Mahomet not the Antichrist 5. Of their Sects and how the Turks and Persians differ 6. Of the Mahumetan Religious Orders 7. Of their other Hypocritical Orders 8. Of their secular Priests 9. Of the Mahumetan devotion and parts thereof 10. Of their Ceremonies in their Pilgrimage to Mecca 11. The Rites of their Circumcision 12. Their Rites about the sick and dead 13. The extent of Mahumetanism and the causes thereof 14. Mahumetanism of what continuance SECT VI. Quest. WHat are the two prevalent Religions this day in Europe A. Mahumetanism and Christianity The former was broached by Mahumet the Arabian being assisted by Sergius a Nestoriaâ— Monk with some other Hereticks and Jews about 600. years after Christ for Mahomet was born under Mauritius the Emperor anno Christi 591. and under Heraclius anno 623. he was chosen General of the Saracen and Arabian Forces and then became their Prophet to whom he exhibited his impious doctrin and law which he pretended was delivered to him by the Angel Gabriel But his Book called the Alcoran was much altered after his death and divers different copies thereof spread abroad many of which were burned and one retained which is now extant This is divided into 124. Chapters which are fraughted with Fables Lyes Blasphemies and a meer hodg-podge of fooleries and impieties without either Language or Order as I have shewed in the Caveat I gave to the Readers of the Alcoran yet to him that readeth this Book a thousand times is promised a woman in his paradise whose eye-brows shall be as wide as the Rainbow Such honour do they give to their ridiculous Book called Musaph that none must touch it till he be washed from top to toe neither must he handle it with his bare hands but must wrap them in clean linnen When in their Temples it is publickly read the Reader may not hold it lower than his girdle and when he hath ended his reading he kisseth the book and layeth it to his eyes Q. What Law did Mahomet give to his Disciples A. His Law he divides into eight Commandements The first is to acknowledge onely one God and onely one Prophet to wit Mahomet 2. The Second is concerning the duty of children to their Parents 3. Of the love of neighbours to each other 4. Of their times of prayer in their Temples 5. Of their yearly Lent which is carefully to be observed of all for one moneth or thirty days 6. Of their charity amd alms-deeds to the poor and indigent 7. Of their Matrimony which every man is bound to embrace at 25. years of age 8. Against murder To the observer of these commands he Promiseth Paradise in which shall be silken Carpets pleasant Rivers fruitfull trees beautiful women musick good cheer and choice wines stores of gold and silver plate with precious stones and such other conceits But to those that shall not obey this Law hell is prepared with seven gates in which they shall eat and drink fire shall be bound in chains and tormented with scalding waters He proveth the Resurrection by the story of the seven sleepers which slept 360. years in a Cave He prescribes also divers moral and judicial Precepts as abstinence from swines flesh blood and such as die alone also from adultery and fals witness He speaks of their Fridays devotion of good works of their Pilgrimage to Meccha of courtesie to each other of avoiding covetousnesse usury oppression lying casual murder disputing about his Alcoran or doubting thereof Also of prayer alms washing fasting and Pilgrimage He urgeth also repentance forbideth swearing commends friendship will not have men forced to Religion will not have mercy or pardon to be shewed to enemies He urgeth valour in Battel promising rewards to the couragious and shewing that none can die till his time come and then is no avoyding thereof Q. What other opinions do the Mahumetans hold at this day A. They hold a fatal necessity and judge of things according to the successe They hold it unlawful to drink Wine to play at Chess Tables Cards or such like recreations Their opinion is that to have Images in Churches is Idolatry They believe that all who die in their wars go immediatly to Paradise which makes them fight with such cheerfulnesse They think that every man who lives a good life shall be saved what Religion soever he professeth therefoâ—e they say that Moses Christ and Mahomet shall in the resurrection appear with three banners to which all of these three professions shall make their repair They hold that every one hath two Angels attending on him the one at his right hand the other at his left They esteem good works meritorious of Heaven They say that the Angel Israphil shall in the last day sound his trumpet at the sound of which all living creaturs Angels not excepted shall suddenly die and the Earth shall fall into dust and sand but when the said Angel soundeth his trumpet the second time the souls of all that were dead shall revive again then shall the Angel Michael weigh all mens souls in a pair of scales They say there is a terrible Dragon in the mouth of hell and that there is an iron bridge over which the wicked are conveyed some into everlasting fire and some into the fire of Purgatory They hold that the Sun at his rising and the Moon at her first appearing should be reverenced They esteem Polygamy no sin They hold it unlawfull for any man to go into their Temples not washed from head to foot and if after washing he piss go to stool or break wind upward or downward he must wash again or else he offends God They say that the heaven is made of smoak that there are many seas above it that the Moons light was impaired by a touch of the Angel Gabriels wing as he was flying along that the devils shall be â—aved by the Alcoran Many other favourless and sensless opinions they have as may be seen in the Book called Scaâ—la being an Exposition of the Alcoran Dialogue wise Q. Was Mahomet that Great
Sect did long retain the name of Nicolaitans but were called Gnosticks from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Knowledge which proud title they gave themselves as if their knowledge had been transcendent above other men But their knowledge was so whimsical that neither they or any else understood it they babled much concerning their Aeones and of Ialdabaoth who made the heavens and all things we see of water They ascribed divers sons to their chief Aeon to wit Ennoia Barbeloth and Prunicon which they named Christ. They held that most things were procreated of the Chaos and the Abysse of water and darknesse They taught also that in faithful men were two souls one holy of the divine substance the other adventitious by divine insufflation common to man and beasts These are the souls that sin and which passe from man to beast after the opinion of Pythagoras they held also there were two Gods a good and an evill as the Manichees afterward did They made Jesus and Christ two distinct persons and that Christ descended into Iesuâ— when he was thirty yeers old and then he wrought miracles On this Doctrin the Eutychians and Nestorians grounded their Heresies They would have none to suffer Martyrdom for Christ who they said conversed on the earth after his Resurrection 18 moneths This Heresie was much spread in Asia and Egypt about 129 yeers after Christ and in Spain it flourished after Christ 386 yeers Out of this Sink the Valentinians Manichees and Priscillianists sucked their poyson Q. 8. Of what Religion were the Carpocratians A. Carpocrates by birth an Alexandrian in Egypt who flourished about the yeer of Christ 109. in the time of Antoninus Pius and was contemporary with Saturnius this Carpocrates I say taâ—ght there were two opposite Gods that the Law and good works were needlesse to those that had faith that we could not avoid the rage of evil spirits but by doing evil for that was the way to please them Therefore they gave themselves over to Magick and a Libidinous life They taught also that Christ was a meer man and that their master Carpocrates was the better man hence sprung up the Samosatenians and Arrians They said also that Christ was begot as other men of Ioseph and Mary and that onely his soul ascended into Heaven They held Pythagorean transanimation but denyed the Resurrection and that this world was not made by God but by Satan Because their disciples should not publish their abominable mysteries they put a mark by a bodkin on their right Eare. Carpocrates carryed about with him his Punk Marcellina Q. 9. What was the Religion of Cerinthus Ebion and the Nazarites A. Cerinthus being a Jew by birth and circumcised taught that all Christians ought to be circumcised He lived in the time of S. Iohn the Apostle who would not enter into the same Bath with that pernicious Heretick He spred his Heresie in Domitians time about 62 yeers after Christ. He held the same impious Tenets that Carpocrates and taught that it was Iesus who died and rose again but not Christ. He denyed the Article of life eternal and taught that the Saints should enjoy in Ierusalem carnall delights for 1000 yeers the maintainers of this whimsie afterward were the Origenists Chiliasts or Millenaries and on this Mahomes founded his Paradise Ebion was a Samaritan by birth but he would be esteemed a Jew He lived also in Domitians time He denyed Christs divinity and held the necessity of the Ceremonial Law with Cerinthus And that the use of flesh was unlawfull because all flesh was begot of impure generation The Ebionites of all the New-Testament admitted only S. Matthews Gospel because it was written in Hebrew The Ebionite Heresie did not continue long under the name of Ebion but under other names to wit Sampsei and Elcesitae Against these Hereticks S. Iohn who lived in their time wrote his Gospel to prove Christs Divinity they rejected S. Pauls Epistles because they refell the Ceremonial Law As for the Nazarites or Nazarens they were before Cerinthus and Ebion about the end of Nero 37 yeers after Christ. They were the first that retained circumcision with Baptism and the ceremonial Law with the Gospel They were led much with private Revelations and Enthusiasms They had more Gospels then one to wit the Gospel of Eve and that which they called the Gospel of perfection They were much addicted to fables Noahs wife they called Ouria which signifieth fire in Chaldee she often times set the Ark on fire which therefore was so many times rebuilt They make her also the first that imparted to mankinde the knowledge of Angels Q. 10 What was the Heretical Religion of the Valentinians Secundians and Ptolemians A. The Valentinians who from their whimsical knowledge were called Gnosticks had for their master Valentinus an Egyptian who lived in the time of Antoninus Pius Emperor about a 110 yeers after Christ. He taught that there were 30 Aeones Ages or Worlds who had their beginning from Profundity and Silence that being the Male this the Female Of the Marriage or Copulation of these two were begot Vnderstanding and Truth who brought forth eight Aeones Of the Vnderstanding and Truth were begot the Word and Life which produced 10. Aeones The Word and Life brought forth Man and the Church and of these were procreated 12. Aeones these 8. 10. and 12. joyned together made up the 30. the last of these 30. being abortive produced the Heaven Earth and Sea Out of his imperfections were procreated divers evils as darkness out of his fear evil spirits out of his ignorance out of his tears springs and rivers and out of his laughter light They also taught that Christs body was meerly spiritual and passed through the Virgin as through a conduit or pipe Evil was natural they said to the creature and therefore they made God the author of evil which afterward was the doctrine of the Manichees They held that onely the soul was redeemed and that there should be no resurrection of the body Faith they taught was natural and consequently salvation which all did not attain for want of good works this was the Pelagian doctrine afterward They made three sorts of men to wit spiritual who were saved by faith onely these they called the sons of Seth hence the Sethian Hereticks The second sort are animal or natural who are saved by works and are of Abel hence the Abelites The third sort are carnal who cannot be saved these are of Cain hence the Cainite Hereticks They eat of things offered to idols slighted good works as needlesse and rejected the old Prophets Valentinus his chiefe Scholar and Successor was Secundus whose Disciples called Secundians changed the name but retained the Doctrine of Valentinus permitting all kind of vicious life in that they held knowledge without good works would bring men to Heaven Valentinus held that the Aeones were only the effects of the divine
Father of Christ and author of the Gospel but Moses Law they rejected and the old Testament as proceeding from the other god to wit of justice The Cerdonians also denyed the Resurrection of the flesh and Humanity of Christ Affirming that he was not born of a Virgin nor suffered but in shew Marcion by birth a Paphlagonian neer the Euxin Sea was Cerdons Scholar whose opinions he preferred to the Orthodox Religion out of spleen because his Father Bishop Marcion excommunicated him for Whoredom and because he could not without true repentance be received again into the Church therefore he professed and maintained Cerdons Heresies at Rome in the time of M. Antoninus Philosophus 133. years after Christ but he refined some points and added to them some of his own phansies With Cerdon he held two contrary gods and denied Christs Incarnation of the Virgin and therefore blotted his Genealogy out of the Gospel affirming his body to be from heaven not from the Virgin He denied that this world by reason of the Ataxie and Disorder in it could be the work of the good god He rejected the Old Testament and the Law as repugnant to the Gospel which is false for their is no repugnancy He denied the Resurrection and taught that Christ by descending into hell delivered from thence the souls of Cain Esau the Sodomites and other reprobates translating them into heaven He condemned the eating of flesh and the married life and renewed baptism upon every grievous fall into sin If any of the Catechumeni died some in their name were baptised by the Marcionites They also baptised and administred the Eucharist in presence of the Catechumeni against the custom of the Church They permitted Women also to baptize They condemned all Wars as unlawfull and held transanimation with the Pythagoreans Q. 15. What was the Religion of Apelles Severus and Tatianus A. Apelles whose scholars were called Apellitae was Marcions Disciple and a Syrian by birth He flourished under Commodus the Empâ—ror about 150. years after Christ. He taught that there was but one chief God to whom was subordinat a fierie God who appeared to Moses in the bush who made the world and gave the Law to the Israelites and was their God He gave to Christ a body compacted of the Stary and Elementary substance and appeared in the shape onely of man This body when he ascended he left behind him every part thereof returning to their former principles and that Christs spirit is onely in heaven He rejected the Law and Prophets and denied the Resurrection Severus author of the Severians was contemporarie with Apelles under Commodus 156. years after Christ. He used the company of one Philumena a Strumpet and Witch He taught his disciples to abstain from Wine as being poyson begot of Satan in the form of a Serpent with the Earth The world he said was made by certain Powers of Angels which he called by divers barbarous names He hated Women and Marriage denied the Resurrection the Old Testament and Prophets using in stead of them certain Apocryphall Books Tatianus a bad Scholar of a good Master Iustin Martyr was a Mesopotamian by birth and lived under M. Antoninus Philosophus 143. years after Christ his disciples were called Tatiani from him and Encratitae from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 temperance or continence for they abstain from Wine Flesh and Marriage They were called also Hydro-Paristatae users of Water for in stead of Wine they made use of Water in the Sacrament They held that Adam was never restored to mercy after his fall And that all men the sons of Adam are damned without hope of salvation except the Tatiani They condemned the Law of Moses the eating of flesh and the use of wine and held Procreation of Children to be the work of Satan yet they permitted though unwilingly Monogamy or the marrying once but never again they denied that God made male and female and that Christ was the seed of David Q. 16. Of what Religion were the Cataphrygians A. Montanus disciple to Tatianus who was his contemporary was author of this Sect who for a while were from him called Montanists but being ashamed of his wicked life and unhappy end they were afterward from the Country where he was born and which was first infected with his heresie called Cataphrygians 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 they were named also Tascodragitae because they used in praying to thrust their forefingers into their Nostrills to shew their devotion and anger for sin Tascus in their Language signifieth a long slick or slaff and Druggus their Nose as if you would say Perticonasati as the interpreter of Epiphanius translates it They loved to be called Spirituales because they bragged much of the gifts of the Spirit others that were not of their opinion they called naturual men This Heresie began about 145. years after Christ and lasted above 500. years He had two Strumpets which followed him to wit Prisca and Maximilla these forsook their Husbands pretending zeal to follow Montanus whereas indeed they were notorious Whoors they took upon them to prophesie and their dictates were held by Montanns as divine oracles but at last he and they for company hanged themselves He blasphemously held himself not onely to be in a higher measure inspired by the Holy Ghost then the Apostles were but also said that he was the very Spirit of God which in some small measure descended on the Apostles he condemned second marriages and yet allowed Incest He trusted altogether to Revelations and Enthusiasmes and not to the Scripture In the Eucharist these wretches mingled the Bread with Infants Blood they confounded the persons of the Trinity affirming the Father suffered Q. 17. What was the Religion of the Pepuzians Quintilians and Artotyrites A. These were disciples of the Cataphrygians Pepuzians were so called from Pepuza a town between Galatia and Cappadocia where Montanus dwelt and Quintillians from Quintilla another whorish Prophetesse and companion to Prisca and Maximilla They held Peprza to be that new Ierusalem fore told by the Prophets and mentioned in the Epistle to the Hebrews and in the Revelatien In this they said we should enjoy life eternal They perferred Women before Men affirming that Christ assumed the form of a Women not of a Man And that he was the author of their wicked Tenets They commended Eve for eating the forbidden fruit saying that by so doing she was the author of much happinesse to man They admitted Woman to Ecclesiastical functions making Bishops and Priests of them to preach and administer the Sacraments They mingled also the Sacramental Bread with humane Blood The Artotyritae were so called from offering Bread and Cheefe in the Sacrament in stead of Wine because our first Parents offered the fruits of the Earth and of sheep and because God excepted Abels sacrifice which was the fruits of his sheep of which Cheese cometh therefore they held cheese
more acceptable then wine In other points they were Pepuzians and differed from them onely in cheese offering therefore they were called Artotyritae from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 bread and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 cheese Q. 18. What was the Religion of the Tessarescae Decatitae or Quarradecimani and of the Alogiani A. The former of these were so called from observing Easter on the fourteenth day of the Moon in March after the manner of the Iewes and they made Saint Iohn the author of that custome which was observed by the Oriental Churches till Pope Victor excommunicated them as Schismaticks in dissenting from the custome of the Western Church This controversie fell out about the 165 year of Christ Severus then being Emperour and from the first Original thereof continued 200. years This Heresie was condemned by the council of Nice and ordered that Easter should be kept after the manner of the Western Church which derived their custom from Saint Peter These Hereticks also denied repentance to those that fell after baptisme which was the Novatian Heresie Alogiani so called from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the privative and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the word because they denied Christ to be the word and consequently they denied his divinity as Ebion and Cerinthus had done before Samosâ—tenus Aâ—â—ius and the Mahumetans afterward These Alogiani rejected Saint Iohns Gospel and his Apocalypse as not written by him but by Cerinthus which is ridiculous for Cerinthus denied Christs Divinity which Saint John asserteth in writing that the Word was God These Hereticks were named also Berilliani from Berillus a Bishop in Arabia who taught that Christ was a man and then became the word of God The first broacher of this Heresie is thought to be Artemon a profane man who lived about the time of Severus Emperour 167. years after Christ from him they were called Artemonitâ— Q 19. What was the Religion of the Adamians Elcesians and Theodotians A. The Adamians or Adamites so called either from one Adam their author or from Adam the first man whose nakednesse they imitate sprung up shortly after the Gnosticks and were called Prodiciani from one Prodicus whom they followed Of this Sect there be many extant at this day They held it unlawful for men or women to wear cloathes in their congregation and assemblies seeing their meetings were the only Paradise on earth where they were to have life Eternal and not in Heavenâ— as Adam then in his Paradise so Christians in theirs should be naken and nor cloathed with the badges of their sin and shame They rejected marriages as diabolical therefore they used promiscuous copulation in the dark they rejected also all prayers to God as needlesse seeing he knew without us what we wanted The Elcesei so called from Elcesae an impostor and Sampsei from a spotted kind of Serpent which they represented in their changable dispositions were much addicted to judicial Astrology and Soothsaying They held two Priests one below made of the Virgin a meer man and one above they confound Christ with the Holy Ghost and sometimes they call him Christs Sister but in a masculine name to both which persons they give longitude latitude and locality To water they ascribe a divinity and so they did to two Whoores Marthus and Marthana the dust of whose feet and spittle they worshipped as holy reliques They had a certaine Apocrypha book the reading whereof procured remission of â—in and they held it no sin to deny Christ in time of persecution This Heresie began to spread about 210. years after Christ under Gordian the Emperor See Origen who writ against it The Theodocians so called from one Theodoâ—us or Theodotion who lived under Severus Emperour 170. years after Christ. He was a Byzantian by birth and a Tanner by profession who taught that in times of persecution we may deny Christ and in so doing we deny not God because Christ was meerly man and that he was begotten of the seed of man He also added to and took from the writings of the Evangelists what he pleased Q 20. What was the Religion of the Melchisedecians Bardesanists and Noetians A. The former were called Melchisedecians for believing that Melchisedeck was not a man but a Divine power superiour to Christ whom they held to be a meer man One Theodotus Scholar to the former Theodotus the Tanner was author of this Sect who lived under Severus about 174. years after Christ. The Bardesanists were so called from one Bardesanes a Syrian who lived under Verus the Emperour 144. years after Christ. He taught that all things even God himself were subject to Fate or a Stoical necessity so that he took away all liberty both from God and man and that vertue and vice depended on the Stars He renewed also the whimsies of the Aeones by which he overthrew Christs divinity and denied the Resurrection of the flesh The Noetians so called from Noetus born in Smyrna taught that there was but one Person in the Trinity which was both mortal and immortal in heaven God and impatible on earth Man and patible So they made a Trinity not of Persons but of Names and Functions Noetus also taught that he was Moses and that his brother was Aaron This Heretick was buried with the burial of an Asse and his city Smyrna was overthrown eight years after he broached his Heresie He lived about 140. years after Christ under M. Antoninus and L. Verus Emperours Q. 21. Of what Religion were the Valesians the Cathari Angelici and Apostolici A. The Valesians so called from one Valens an Arabian who out of the doctrine of the Gnosticks or Tatians condemned marriage and procreation Therefore his Scholars after the example of Origen gelded themselves thinking none can enter into heaven but Eunuchs Whereas the Eunuchs Christ speaks of be such as by continence subdue the lusts of the flesh This Heresie springing under Iulianus Philippus Emperour about the year of Christ 216. The Cathari 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 so called by themselves as if they were purer then other men derived most of their Tenets from Novatâ—s hence they were named Novatians This Novatus lived under Decius the Emperour after Christ 220. years He was an African born This Heresie lasted till the time of Arcadius to wit 148. years they denyed repentance to those who fell after Baptism they bragged much of their Sanctity and good works They condemned second Marriages as adulterous They used rebaptization as the Donatists did afterward They rejected also Oyl or Chrism in Baptisme The Angelici were so called from worshipping of Angels it seems this Heresie was begun in the Apostles time who condemneth it but had its growth shortly after the Melchisedecians about the year of Christ 180. The Apostolici were so called from imitating the holinesse of the Apostles these were the spawn of the Encratites about the year
Some of them deny the souls immortality and doubt whether there be any other Deity except Heaven and Earth 21. The Family of Love whose author was one Henry Nicolas a Hollander They reject all Sacraments and the three last petitions of the Lords prayer They say that Christ is onely the image of God the Fathers right hand and that mans soule is a part of the divine essence 22. Effroâ—tes so called from shaving their foreheads till they bleed and then anoint them with oyle using no other baptisme but this they say the holy Ghost is but a bare motion inspired by God into the mind and that he is not to be adored all which is directly repugnant to Gods word which proves that the holy Ghost is true God Thou hast not lyed saith Saint Peter unto man but unto God meaning the holy Ghost This Sect took up their station in Transylvania 23. Hosmanists these teach that God took flesh of himself whereas the Scripture saith that Christ was made of a Woman They deny pardon to those thaâ— relapse into sin and so they abridge the grace of God who wills us to repent and thereupon receives us into â—avour 24. 〈◊〉 so called from one Gaspâ—â— Schewenkfeld a Silesian he taught that the Scripture was needlesse to Salvation and with the old Mâ—nichees and Valentinians that Christ was not conceived by the holy Ghost in the Virgins Womb but that God created a man to redeem us and joyned him to himselfe and that this man became God after he ascended into Heaven they confound the Persons of Father and Son and say that God did not speak these words This is my beloved Son That faith is the very essence and nature of God That all Christians are the Sons of God by nature procreated of the divine essence That the Sacraments are uselesse that Christs body is every where Of these Sects and many more of lesse note see Florimundus Raymundâ—s hence we may see what a dangerous Gap hath been made since Luther began to oppose the Church of Rome for the little Foâ—â—es to destroy Christs Vineyard what multitudes of Taâ—es have grown up 〈◊〉 the good Corn in the Lords field what troublesome Frogs worse then those of Egypt have crawled into mâ—st mens houses what swarmes of Locusts have darkened thâ— Sun of righteousnesse whilst â—e was â—â—ining in the Firmament of his Church Q 13. What other opinions in religion were maintained this age A. Carolostadius Arch Deacon of Witâ—berâ— and Oecolâ—â—padius Monk of the Order of S. Bridges opposed Luthers Doctrin in the point of the real presence shewing that Christ was in the bread onely sacramentally or significatively The Libertius whose author was one Quintious a Taylor of Piâ—cardy taught that whatsoever good or evil we did was not done by us but by Gods Spirit in us that sin was nothing but an opinion that in reproving of sinners we reproved God himself that he onely was regenerate who had no remorse of conscience that he onely reâ—euted who confessed he had committed no evil that man in this life may be perfect and innocent that the knowledge we have of Christ and of our Resurrection is but opinion that we may dissemble in Religion which is now the opinion of Master Hobbs and lastly they slight the Scriptures relying on their own inspirations and they slight the Pen men of the Holy Ghost calling Saint Iohn a foolish young man Saint Matthew a Publican Saint Paul a broken vessel and Saint Peter a denyer of his Master Zuinglius Canon of Constance held the Doctrine of Câ—rolostadius against Luther concerning the real presence David George a Glasier in Gaunt taught that he was God Almighties Nephew born of the Spirit not of the flesh the true Messiah and third David that was to reign on Earth that Heaven was void of inhabitants and that therefore he was sent to adopt Sons for that heavenly Kingdom He denied Spirites the Resurrection and the last judgement and life eternal He held promiscuous copulation with the Adamits and with the Manichees that the soul was not polluted with sin that the souls of Infidels shall be saved and the bodies of the Apostles as well as those of Infidels shall be burned in Hell fire and that it was no sin to deny Christ before men therefore they condemned the Martyrs of folly for shedding their blood for Christ. Melaâ—â—ctâ—on was a Lutheran but not altogether so rigid so was Bucer except in the point of Christs real presence Westphalus also but he denied original sin and the Holy Ghosts procession from the Son and that Christs did not institute the Lent Fast nor was any man tied to keep it Q. 14. What were the chief Heads of Calvins Doctrine A. That in this life our â—aith is not without some doubtings and incredulity that the Scriptures are sufficient without traditions that an implicite faith is no faith that the Books of Tobias Iudith a part of Hester The Wisedome of Solomon Ecclesiasticus Baruch The History of Bell and the Dragon and the books of Macchabees are not parts of the Canonical Scripture that the Hebrew Text of the Old Testament is only authentical and so the Grek of the New Testament that the Scripture in Fundamentals is clear of it selfe and is a sufficient judge of controversies that the Elect have saving faith onely which can never totally and finally be lost that predestination to life or death dependeth not on mans foreseen merits or demerits but on Gods free will and pleasure that no sin comes to passe without the will of God that the Son of God received not his Essence of the Father nor is he God of God but God of himselfe that Christ in respect of his humaniâ—y was ignorant of some things that the Virgin Mary was obnoxious to divers sins and infirmities that Christ is our Mediaâ—or in respect of both natures that Christ was in the state of damnation when he suffered for us but did not continue in it that Christ by his suffering merited nothing for himselfe that he descended not truly into Hell but by suffering the pains of Hell on the Crosse that there is no Limbus Patrum nor Purgatory that our prayers avail not to the dead that the torments of the evil Angels were deferred till the day of judgement that Christ came not out of the grave whilest it was shut that the true Church of God consisteth onely of the Elect and that it is not visible to men that the Church may erre that Saint Peter was not Bishop of Rome nor the Pope his successor but that he is Antichrist that the Church and Magistrate cannot make Laws to bind the conscience that caelibat and the monastical life is unlawful consequently the vows of chastity poverty and obedience that man hath not free will to goodnesse that concupiscence or the first motions before the will consents are sins that all sins are mortal and none in themselves venial that in
Leyden their King reigned who taught that he had a commission from heaven to take many wives 18 Libertines who make God the author of sin and deny the Resurrection 19. Deo relicti who rejected all meanes and relied onely upon God 20. Semper Orantes who with the old Euchytes are still praying thinking they are tyed to no other duty Q. 2. What are the Tenets of the Brownists A. These being so called from their author Master Robert Brown of Northamptonshire sometimes a School-Master in Southwark hold there is no other pure Church in the world but among them so did the Donatists of old 2. They reject the Lords Prayer in this they are Iewes and agree with the old Hereticks called Prodiciani 3. They will not serve God in consecrated Churches nor will communicate with those they called wicked in this they follow the old Cathari 4. They reject tythes and affect parity in this they are Anabaptists 5. They hold all the Church Ceremonies to be Popish 6. That the love which is in God is not Essential 7. That Ordination of Ministers by Bishops is Antichristian 8. That the Word preached and Sacraments administred by scandalous Ministers are altogethers ineffectual 9. That Church-musick is unlawful 10. That Lay-men and Mechanicks may preach and expound Scripture 11. That set forms of prayers are aboninable in the sight of God whereas notwithstanding we have diverts set forms both in the Old and New Testament at which they quarrel and chiefly at the Lords Prayer 12. There be divers sorts of this profession some Brownists of which we have spoken some Barrowists so called from Barrow their first Martyr He called the Church of England Sodom Babylon and Egypt Some are called Wilkinsonians from Wilkinson their Master who thought that he and his followers were truly Apostles and therefore denyed communion with such as did not give them that title A fourth sort there is of Anabaptistical Brownists who hold themselves the onely true Church and condemn the other Brownists for Pedobaptisme therefore they re baptise such as come to them They that would see more of this Sect let them read the Book called The profane Schisme of the Brownists another called The foundation of Brownisme Master Whites Discovery of Brownisme Doctor Halls Apology against the Brownists Giffords Declaration against the Brownists Pagits Heresiography c. Q. 3. What are the Familists A. The Familists or Family of love are so called from the love they bear to all men though never so wicked and their obedience to all Magistrates though never so tyrannical be they Iewes Gentiles or Turks Their first Founder was one David George of Delfe who called himself the true David that should restore the Kingdom to Israel He held 1. That neither Moses nor the Prophets nor Christ could by their Doctrine save the people but his Doctrine was the onely meanes of salvation 2. That whosoever spoke against his Doctrine should never be forgiven neither in this life nor in the life to come 3. That he would set up the true house of David and raise the Tabernacle of God not by suffering but through love and meeknesse 4. That he was the right Messiah the beloved son of the Father 5. That he should not die or if he did he should rise again His Successor Henry Nicholas of Amsterdam maintained the same Doctrine but in his own name calling himself The Restorer of the World and the Prophet sent of God To the former Tenets he added 1. That there is no other Christ but holinesse and no other Antichrist but sin 2. That the Family of love hath attained the same perfection that Adam had before he fell 3. That there is no resurrection of the flesh 4. That the day of judgement is already come and that this Nicholas is the Judge of the world 5. That there hath been eight great Lights in the world whereof Christ was the seventh but himself the eight and greatest of all 6. That none should be baptized till the thirtieth year of their age 7. That the joyes of Heaven shall be onely here on the Earth and so likewise Hell 8. That they ought not to bury the dead not to give almes to such as are not of their profession 9. That Angels are born of women 10. That every day of the week should be a Sabbath 11. That the Law may be fulfilled in this life 12. That there was a world before Adam was made 13. That there is no other Deity but what man partakes of in this world 14. That such wives as are not of their belief may be rejected for whores 15. That in H. Nicholas dwelleth all perfection holinesse and knowledge and that their illunâ—inated Elders are deified in this life and cannot sin There be also divers sorts of Familists as Castalians Grindletonians of the Mountains of the Vallies of the scattered 〈◊〉 c. which hold with these former opinions that the Scriptures are but for Novices that we ought not to pray for pardon of sin after we are assured of Gods love that wicked men sin necessarily and such more stuff Q. 4. What be the Adamites and Antinomians A. Of the Adamites in Saint Austins time we have already spoken as also of the Bohemian Adamites Of late years there were some of them in Amsterdam where the men and women did pray in their meetings and perform other divine services naked This posture they called the state of innocency and their meetings Paradise In their opinions they were Anabaptists The Antinomians are so called from their opposing and rejecting of the Law which they say is of no use at all under the Gospel neither in regard of direction nor correction and therefore ought not to be read or taught in the Church 2. They say that good works do neither further nor evill workes hinder salvation 3. That the child of God can no more sin then Christ could and therefore it is sin in him to aske pardon for sin 4. That God never chastiseth his children for sin not is it for their sins that any Land is punished 5. That murther adultery drunknesse are sins in the wicked but not in the children of grace nor doth God look upon them as sinners and consequently that Abrahams lying and dessembling was no sin in him 6. That the child of grace never doubteth after â—e is once assured of salvation 7. That no man should be troubled in his conscience for any sin 8. That no Christian should be exhorted to performe the duties of Christianity 9. That an Hypocrite may have all the graces that were in Adam before his fall and yet be without Christ. 10. That Christ is the onely subject of all graces and that no Christian believeth or worketh any good but Christ onely believeth and worketh 11. God doth not love any man for his holinesse 12. Sanctification is no evidence of a mans Justification Of this and such like stuff you may read in
the house of Iacob for ever to this City of the Church shall the Kings of the earth bring their glory and honour in that day he that is feeble shall be like David and the house of David shall be as God See Isa. ch 2. ch 55. and ch 65. Ier. 16. Ezech. 21. Dan. 2. Zach. 12. Luke 1. Rev. 21 and many more places which speak of the Churches felicity under the Gospel but not a word of a millenarie Reign Q. 9. Wherein doth the vanity of the Millenaries opinion consist An. 1. In giving to Christ a temporall Kingdome of a thousand years whereas his Kingdome is eternall it shall stand fast for ever of his Kingdome shall be no end saith the angel 2. In giving him an earthly Kingdome whereas his Kingdome is heavenly My Kingdome saith he is not of this world It is not from hence it is within us 3. In making his Kingdome to consist in earthly pleasures in eating drinking fighting c. all which are directly against the nature of his Kingdome which as the Apostle saith Rom. 14. 17. Is not meat and drink but righteousnesse peace and joy of the Holy Ghost the end of his coming was to fight with no other weapon but with the two edged sword of his word proceeding out of his mouth he was the prince of peace the dove that brought the olive branch in his mouth he brought peace in his birth he preached peace in his life and recommended peace to us at his death and as Saint Austin saith pacem nobis reliquit iturus ad Patrem pacem nobis dabit perducturus ad patrem his peace he left with us and his peace he will bring again to us 4. In this their imaginary Kingdome they bring Christ down from heaven before his time for the heavens must contain him till the restitution of all things which cannot be till the last Judgement it is an Article of our Creed that Christ shall come down from heaven to judge the quick and the dead which shall not be till the last day 5. He is to sit at Gods right hand untill be hath made his enemies his footstâ—â—l Ps. 110. 1. But these men will bring him from thence before he hath obtained this conquest and triumph which is not to be obtained till the last day and consummation of all thing 6. They are injurious to Christ to bring him from his place and condition of glory to play the part of a butcher and executioner in murthering of men with the sword here on earth an office ill beseeming him and no wayes suitable to his glorious condition and mercy who came to save sinners and not to destroy them 7. The Scripture mentioneth no other Resurrection of the bodies but such as shall rise at the last day Iohn 6. 39 40 44. in the end of the world when he shall have delivered up the Kingdome to God 1 Cor. 15. 22. where we shall be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the aire and shall be ever with the Lord 1 Thes. 4. 15. but this Millenarie Resurrection is long before the last day and end of the world neither in it shall we be ever with the Lord if we are with him but a thousand years 8. The Scripture doth not speak of three comings of Christ but of two onely the first when he came in humility the second when he shall come in glory unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation Heb. 9. 28. let them shew us out of Scripture a third coming and we will believe them 9. Christ tells us Iohn 14. 2. that in his Fathers house that is in heaven are many mansions thither he is gone to prepare a place for us that where he is there we may bâ— but he is in heaven in his Fathers house there doth he prepare a place for us and not here upon earth for so we shall not be where he is but he will be where we are which is repugnant to his own words 10. They make the time of Christs second coming to Iudgement certain in affirming it shall be at the end of their thousand years but this is repugnant to Christs words who faith that his coming shall be sudden secret and unexpected like the coming of a thief in the night like the coming of Noahs stood or the fire of Sodom so that of that day and 〈◊〉 knoweth no man no not the angels in heaven nor Christ himself as he is man 11. Whereas the condition of Christs Church here on earth is mixed consisting of Saints and reprobates of sheep and goats of good and bad fishes of wheat and chaffe of corn and â—ares they give Christ such a Church as is without sinne or sinners as need no preaching nor Sacraments no Pastors and Jeachers no Advocate with the Father no Christ to appear for us in the presence of God and lastly such a Church as is not subject to persecution affliction sufferings and trouble all which is directly repugnant to Gods word and condition of the Church miâ—â—tant here which is subject both to infirmities and afflictions 12. Antichrist shall not be destroyed till Christs second coming to Iudgement as the Apostle sheweth 2 Thes. 2. 8. That Christ shall destroy him with the brightnesse of his comming but the millenaries will have him to be destroyed before the beginning of their thousand years which is flat against Scripture 13. They do exceedingly wrong the Martyrs in bringing their souls down from heaven where they have the fruition of God and his angels to reign here on earth and to enjoy carnall and sensuall pleasures the meanest of the Saints in heaven must be in a far better condition than the greatest martyr in this earthly Kingdome 14. The reward that is promised to the Saints after this life is not a Kingdome here on earth but the Kingdome of heaven a house made without hands eternall in the heavens a mansion in our heavenly Fathers house to sit with Christ in his throne to be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air and to be ever with the Lord to be with Christ in Paradise to enjoy life eternall c. 15. Whereas they dream that Ierusalem shall be rebuilt and the Iewes shall reign in Iudea a thousand years with christ is directly also against Gods word which Ezech. 16. 53. 55. sheweth that the Iews shall be restored to their former estate when 〈◊〉 and Sodom shall be restored which will never be and Gen. 49. 10. The Scepter shall depart from Iuda when Sâ—iloh cometh Ierusalem saith Saint Hierom est in aetornos collapsa cineres fallen into everlasting ashes and never to rise again 16. Whereas they dream that in the millenarie Kingdome sacrifices circumcision and all other Iewish ceremonies shall be used 't is plainly to deny that christ ever came in the flesh or that he offered himself a propitiarory sacrifice to put an
then he concludes that the body or flesh which suffered at Ierusalem was not christ body 22. He makes the soul of man to be all one with the Gospel and the body of Christ to be the whole Creation by this and such like stuffe with which his books are fraughted we may see that he deserveth to have his brains purged with Hellebor rather than his crasie opinions refused by arguments or Scripture In the mean while we may perceive to our great grief the lamentable fruits which are begot of two much liberty in religion These impious Opinions are in his printed Pamphlets lately published One Richard Coppiâ— holdeth some of the before recited opinions withall lately before a confused multitude in an usurped pulpit asserted the lawfulnes of womens preaching for such Ranters a pillory were more fit than a pulpit Q. 12. What opinions in Religion are lately broached by Iohn Reeve and Lodowick Muggleton An. These two would perswade us that they are the two last witnesses and prophets of Christ sent by his spirit to seal the foreheads of the elect and reprobate that one Iohn Robins is the last great Antichrist and son of perdition spoken of by the Apostle in the Thessalonians because he sheweth lying signes and wonders and assumes to himself the titles of the onely God in that he calls himself Adam and Melchisedeth and Father of Iesus Christ in saying the three persons in Trinity are Adam that is himself Abel that is his sonne Iesus and Caiâ— that is the holy Ghost Many such blasphemies they ascribe to him They affirm also that Christians using the sword of steel are ignorant of Iesus and enemies to his Gospel and they teach that the two uncreated substances of earth and water were eternally resident in the presence of God the Creator that death was from Eternity that the person of the reprobate Angel or Serpent entred into the womb of Eve and there died but quickened in her all manner of uncleannesse that there is no devil at all without the body of man or woman but what dwells within them so that the devil spoken of so often in the Scripture is mans spirit of unclean reason and cursed imagination that God the Father was a spirituall man from Eternity and that in time his spirituall body brought forth a naturall body that if the very Godhead had not died that is say they the soul of Christ which is the eternall Father had not died all men had perished eternally that Moses and Eliah are angels and did represent the person of the Father in heaven as they did the person of the Son on earth that Eliah was made protectour of God when God became a child and that he filled the Lord Iesus with those great revelations of his former glory which he possessed in heaven when he was the immortall Father and that it was Eliah who spake these words from heaven saying this is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased they say also that all the Ministry in this world whether Propheticall or Ministeriall with all the worship taught by them is all a lye and abomination to the Lord. Again they declare that whereas there are three witnesses on earth water blood and the spirit that by water is meant the Commission given to Moses and the Prophets under the Law by blood the Commission given to the Apostles and Ministers of the Gospel by the Spirit is meant the Commission of the two witnesses that were to come in this last age whose ministry is invisible and spirituall cutting off all formall worshipping of an invisible spirituall personall God they say there is hardly a minister in the world that confesseth an invisible God but they preach a God of three persons that is a monster instead of one true personall God they say that the true God is a distinct body or person as a man is a distinct body or person again they say that there is no Christian Magistrate in the world that hath any authority from Christ to set up any visible form of worship and that the spirits and bodies of men are both mortall both begot together and both of one nature that the spirit is nothing without the body that it is the Spirit alone that walks and works eats and drinks and dies for the spirit is a naturall fire of reason they say also that the bodies or persons of holy men wherein they lived and died shall not appear again any more but when the Saints are glorified they are absolutely of the very same glorious nature both in spirit and body as God is and that believing spirits are of the very same divine nature of God This is the summe of their Divinity and Phylosophie as may be seen in their transcendent spirituall Treatise as they call it which is full of transcendent nonsence and blasphemieâ— for here they lay their axe to the very root of Christianity in giving a new Father to our Saviour Jesus Christ in calling the blessed Trinity a monster in denying the Creation whilst they make earth and water eternall in making angels and mens souls mortall in making weak man Gods protector and author of that divine knowledge which was in Christ in denying the Ministry of the Gospel and the power of the Magistrates and the outward worship of God and making the souls of men corporeall in denying also the Resurrection of the flesh and transforming men into the Divine nature By this and other wicked tenets permitted and countenanced among us at this time we see what Christian religion is come to in this land so famous heretofore for piety and zeal we received Christianity as soon as any Nation in Europe whether by the preaching of Saint Peter or Saint Paul or Simon Zelâ—tes or Ioseph of Arimathea I know not but all agree we received it very early and have continued ever since in the profession thereof neither was there ever any Nation more devout and zealous in the advancement thereof as our goodly Temples Monasteries Hospitals Colledges and Schools can witnesse but alas now Quantum mutamur ab illis Angligenis what is there left among us but the bare Skeliton of Religion the vitall substance thereof being eat up and consumed by heresies and blasphemies worse than any Sarcophagus I may here with Ieremiah complain that from the daughter of Sion all her beauty is departed her Princes are become like Harts c. How is the gold become so dimme and the most fine gold changed and the stones of the Sanctuary are scattered in every corner of the streets c. Q. 13. What are the opinions of the Quakers An. These fanaticall spirits are called Quakers because they use to quake and tremble when they prophesie so did the Heathen soothsayers of old non vultus non color unus non compta mansere 〈◊〉 sed pectus anhelum rabie fera corda tument c. but the spirit of God is the spirit of peace
5. They hold Baptisme a pure legal administration not proceeding from Christ but from Iohn 6. They jest the Scriptures that divine Legacy of our salvation out of all life reverence and authority quoting it in driblets and shreds to make it the more ridiculous In their Letters they endeavour to be strangely prophane and blasphemous uttering Athiesticall curses and impâ—ecations which is a kind of canting among them as among Cypsies as for exampe in one you have this stile My own heart blood from whom I daily receive life and being to whom is ascribed all honour c. thou art my garment of needle work my garment of salvation Eternal plagues consume you all rot sink damne your bodies and souls into devouring fire where none but those who walk uprightly can enter The Lord grant that we may know the worth of Hell that we may scorn heaven 7. Sinne is onely what a man imagines and conceives to be so within himself 8. Ordinances they account poore low things nay the perfections of the Scriptures is so inconsiderable in their apprehensions that they prâ—â—ead to lâ—ve above them their lives witnesse they live without them 9. If you ask them what christian Liberty is they will tell you that it consists in a community of all things and among the rest of women which they paint over with an expression call'd The enjoyment of the fellow creature 10. The enjoyment of the Fellow-creature cannot but be seconded with lascivious songs drinking of healths musick dancing and bawdry Lastly They are with the Anabaptists those that most of all kick against the pricks of Authority for Magistracy cannot have in it any thing more sacred than the Ministry so that they wish as much policy in the State as government in the Church which is none at all so to bring an Eygyptian darknes upon both that the world might be the less scandalised at their madnessâ—s extravagancies But this age which is much more fruitfull of Religions than of good works of Scripture-phrases than of Scripture practises of opinions than of piety hath spawned more religions than that Lady of Holland did Inâ—ant to mention all which were to weary both my self and the reader therefore I will content my self to mention some few more as the Independents Presbyterians c. Q. 17. What are the opinions of the Independents A. 1. These are so called because they will have every particular Congregation to be ruled by their own laws without dependence upon any other in Church matters 2. They prefer their own gathered Churches as they call them in private places to the publick congregations in Churches which they flight calling them steeple-houses 3. They hold there is no use of learning or degrees in Schools for preaching of the Gospel and withall that maintenance of the Ministry by Tithes is Superstitious and Judaicall 4. They are against set forms of prayer chiefly the Lords prayer accounting such forms a choaking of the spirit 5. They give power to private men who are neither Magistrates nor Ministers to erect and gather Churches and to these also they give the power of election and ordination if we may call this ordination of deposition also and excommunication even of their own officers and finall determination of all Church causes 6. They commit the power of the Keyes in some places to women and publickly to debate and determine Ecclesiastick causes 7. They admit private men to administer the Sacraments and Magistrates to perform the Ministers office in marrying 8. They permit divorces in slight cases 9. They hold Independency to be the beginning of Christs Kingdome which is to be here on earth a thousand years 10. They place much Religion in names for they do not like the old names of Churches of the dayes of the week of the moneths of the year of Christmasse Michaelmasse Candlemasse c 11. In preaching they will not be tyed to a Text nor to prayer but they make one to preach another to pray a third to prophesie a fourth to direct the Psalm and another to blesse the people 12. They permit all gifted men as they call them to preach and pray and then after prophesying is ended they question the preacher in the points of his Doctrine 13. some of them allow no Psalms at all to be â—â—ng in publick calamities and will not suffer Woâ—â—en to sing Psalms at all 14 They will baptise no children but those of their own Congregations whom they esteem not members of their Church untill they have taken their Covenant 15. They in divers places communicate every Sunday among themselves but will not communicate with any of the reformed Churches 16. Whilest they are communicating there is neither reading exhortation nor singing not have they any preparation nor catechising before the communion and either they sit at Table or have no Table at all and because they would not seem to be superstitious in the time of administration they are covered 17. They allow their Ministers to sit in civil Courts and to voice in the choosing of Magistrates 18. They are against violent courses in matters of Religion nor will they have the conscience to be forced with fear or punishment but gently to be inclined by perswasion and force of argument in which point I commend their Christian moderation for in propagating the Gospel neither Christ nor his Apostles nor the Church for many hundred years did use any other sword but the word to bring men to Christ. Q. 18. What Tenets are held by the Independents of New England An. Besides those opinions which they hold with other Independent they teach that the spirit of God dwells personally in all the Godly 2. That their Revelations are equall in Authority with the Scriptures 3. That no man ought to be troubled in his Conscience for sinne being he is under the Covenant of grace 4. That the Law is no rule of our conversation 5. That no Christian should be prest to practise holy duties 6. That the Soul dieth with the body 7. That all the Saints upon earth have two bodies 8. That Christ is not united to our fleshly body but to the new body after the manner that his Humanity is united to his Divinity 9. That Christs Humanity is not in heaven 10. That he hath no other body but his Church 11. They reckon all Reformed Churches except themselves profane and unclean All these opinions savour of nothing but of pride carnall security blasphemy and slighting of Gods written word which is able to make the man of God perfect and wise unto salvation Q. 19. Vpon what grounds do the Independents forsake our churches An. Because they do not see the signes of grace in every one of our members but this ground is childdish for many are in the state of grace in whom we see no outward signes so was Saul when he persecuted the Church he was then a vessel of mercy and many in whom we
of Christ upon the Earth 51. That none are damned but for rejecting the Gospel 52. That now many Christians have more knowledge then the Apostles had 53. That miracles necessarily attend the Ministry 54 That there ought to be no Churches built nor should men worship in consecrated places 55. That the Apostles were ignorant of the salvation to be revealed in the last days 56. That all men ought to have liberty of conscience and of prophesying even women also 57. That circumcision and the old covenant was onely of things temporal 58. That Paedobaptisme is unlawful and impious and that others besides Ministers may baptise and that a man may be baptised often 59. That the people should receive the Lords Supper with their hats on but the Ministers in giving it should be uncovered 60. That the Church of England is Antichristian 61. That there is no divine right to call or make Ministers that Ministers should work for their living and that Tythes are Antichristian 62 â—hat Christians are not bound to observe the Lordâ— day and that we should observe still the old Sabbath 63. That humane learning and premeditation is uselesse to preaching and that preaching should onely confist in disputing reasoning and conferring 64. That the Saints must not joyn in prayer with wicked men not receive the Sacrament with them nor with any member of the Church of England 65. That â—ublick prayers are not to be used but by such as have an inâ—allible Spirit as the Apostles had 66. That set hours of prayer are needlesse 67 That singing of Davids Psalmes or other holy songs except they be of their own making are unlawful 68. That wicked men ought not to pray at all 69. That all government in the Church ought to be civil not Ecclesiastical 70 That the power of the keyes is as well in six or seven gathered together as in the greatest congregation 71. That neither miracles nor visions nor anointing the sick with oyl are ceased 72. That in these days many are with Paul rapt up into the third Heaven 73 That the Magistrate is not to meddle with matters of Religion nor forms of Church government which if they do they are not to be obeyed 74. That there ought to be a community of Goods seeing all the Earth is the Saints 75. That a man upon slight causes may put away his wife and that one man may have two wives 76. That children ought not at all to obey their parents if wicked 77. That parents should not instruct their children but leave them to God 78. That Christians ought not to maintain Religion by the sword nor to fight for their lives and liberties noâ— to fight at all nor to kil any thing nay not a chicken for our use 79. That it stands not with Gods goodness to damn his own creatures eternally 80. That i'ts unlawful for a Christian to be a Magistrate 81. That man lost no more by Adams fall then the rest of the whole creation 82 That Christ hath not purchased eternal life for man more then for the rest of the creation and that he offered up himselfe a full and perfect sacrifice not only for man but for all that man kept even the whole creation 83. None are sent to hell before the last judgment 84. It is not the Law but the Gospel which threatens us with Hell fire 85. If God shew not mercy to all he is not infinite 86. Christians are not bound to meet one day in seven for publick worship 87. The Saints are justified not by Christs obedience but by the essential righteousness of God 88. A woman committeth not adultery in lying with another man if her husband be a sleep 89. That the Saints may put away their unbeleeving wives or husbands 90. There is no other seale but the Spirit the Sacraments are no seales at all 91. The Magistrate may not put to death a murtherer being a member of the Church till first he be cast out of the Church 92. The promises belong to sinners as sinners and not as repenting sinners 93. Apocrypha books are canonical Scripture 94. To use set forms of prayer even the Lords prayer is Idolatry 95. Bells Churches and Church-yards preaching in Pulpits in Gowns by an hour-glasse the names of our months and days are all idolatry 96. That the Apostles Creed is to be rejected as erroneous 97. That there ought to be no other laws among Christians but the judicial Law of Moses and that the Magistrate hath no legislative power at all 98. That all Learning Schools Universities Arts Degrees are to be rejected as pernicious 99. That Angels and Devils are not substances but meer qualities and that mens soules are but terrestrial vapours perishing with the bodies 100. That some in this life are perfect without all sin and need not pray for pardon 101. That in God there is some composition and corporiety and mutability also 102. That Christ took not his flesh of the Virgin Mary but that his body was created without all consanguinity with the first Adam 103. That God doth personally subsist in every creature 104. That the world is eternal 105. That the Lords Supper may be celebrated in Inns rather then Churches and that in the end of a feast 106. That the Devils have no sinne But I will leave these Divels though I could mention many more but that it delights not my selfe nor can it the Reader to be raking in such filthy mire and dirt These are some of the poysonous weeds which have too much of late infested our English Garden I mean the Church once admired both at home and abroad for the beauty of her Doctrine and Disciplin and envied of none but ignorants or men of perverse minds The Poet bewailing the ruins of Troy said Seges ubi Troi a fuit Corn grows where Troy stood but I may sadly complain that in stead of corn that is sound and wholsom doctrine which should be the food of our souls now grows Tares and Weeds that choak the good word with which we were formerly fed and might have been unto a life of glory everlasting if we had therein abode But least I should bring thee into danger by giving thee onely a fight of these Rocks and Precepices to prevent that I shall commend to thy serious perusal Master Wollebius his Abridgement of Christian Divinity which for the good of my country men I Englished Enlarged and cleared in obscure places and have now fitted for a second impression A book worthy to be written in Letters of gold and imprinted in the heart of every good Christian The knowledge therein contained by prayer and through the assistance of Gods spirit will root and establish the in every good word and work to the comming of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ which God of his infiniâ—e mercy grant The Contents of the Thirteenth Section The Doctrine of the Church of Rome concerning the Scriptures 2. Their tenets concerning predestination
Letanies out of the Church upon it are four red crosses signifying the four Cardinal vertues justice prudence fortitude temperance which ought to be in Prelates which vertues are not acceptable to God but as they are sanctified by the crosse of Christ in which onely they should glory with the Apostle for the Gentiles had these vertues but knew not Christ nor his crosse There are also in the Pall three pins or bodkins signifying the three Christian vertues of faith hope and charity without which he cannot justly claim or retain his Pall they may signifie also a three-fold pricking or compunction which ought to be in Prelates 1. Of compassion towards those that are in miserie 2. Of care in the due and conscionable execution of their office 3. Of feare to offend God 4. Their worship consisteth in the Masse where we have many ceremonies first the Bishop or Priest before he begins sings five Psalmes then he combs his head and washeth his hands followeth the aspersion of holy water then is the Introiâ—us or singing at the Priests approaching towards the Altar whilest the Introitus is singing the Priest or Bishop walketh towards the Altar between a Priest and a Deacon before whom walketh the Sub-Deacon carrying the Book of the Gospel shut before whom march two Taper bearers and before them is carried the Censer with incense When the Priest or Bishop comes to the Altar he takes off his Mytre makes confession openeth the book and kisseth it Over the Bishop also a linnen cloth full of pictures is carried by four Ministers in form of a canopy In their four solemn Processions to wit at Candlemas Palme-Sunday Easter Ascention day they have crosse in banners seven Tapers borne by seven Acolyths seven Deacons following then seven Priors three Acolyths with incense one Sub-Deacon carrying the Gospel then the Bishop in great state whom the people follow with the Porters Readers Exorcists Singers c. Before the Bishop or Priest ascends the Altar he boweth himself to the ground and then confesseth and during the time of the Masse he boweth his body eight times before the Altar After confession and absolution the Priest blesseth the incense and puts it in the censer then he kisseth the Altar and the Book and takes the censor from the Deacon with which he sumeth the Altar and then removeth to the right side of the same and withal Kyrie Eleeson is said not lesse then nine times in the Masse Gloria in Excelsis is also sung which was the Angelical Hymne at Christs Nativity then the Priest turning to the people salutes them in these words The Lord be with you to whom the Quire answereth And with thy Spirit Seven times in the Masse the Priest salutes the people but turneth to them onely five times Then the collects or prayers are said and after them the Epistle is read with the face towards the Altar it s the Sub-Deacons office to read the Epistle which done he delivers the Book shut to the Bishop who layeth his hand on the Sub-Deacon which he kisseth Alter the Epistle is sung the Gradual so called from the steps of humility by which we ascend to Heaven it 's called also the Responsory because the matter thereof answers the matter of the Epistle Next to this Hallelujah is sung but from Septuagesima Sunday till Easter in stead of Hallelujah the Tractus is sung so called a Trabendâ— because it is sung with a long drawing tone as containing the mournful condition of man in this life as Hallelujah is the joyful song of Heaven After Hallelujah is sung the prose which by them is called Sequentia it is a song of exaltation This done the Priest removeth from the right to the left side of the Altar whence the Deacon takes the Gospel and ascends into a high place where he reads it with his face to the North the crosse the censer and two lights are carried before the Gospel which is laid upon a chshion to shew the yoak of Christ is easie at the reading of it all stand up and crosse themselves and give glory to God After this the Creed is rehearsed and the Sermon followeth which concludeth the first part of the Masse Q. 11. What is their manner if dedicating Churches A. In the Church to be dedicated or consecrated are painted twelve Crosses on the walls before which burne twelve Tapers The Bishop in his Pontificalls with his Clergy and the people come to the Church door being shut where he prayeth and then besprinkleth the walls with holy water whilest the Clergy and people goe singing about the Church The holy water is sprinkled out of a bundle of Hysope Then the Bishop with his whole Traine returning to the Church-porch prayeth again and with his crosier staffe knocketh the door thrice saying these words Lift up your heads O ye Gates and be ye lift up ye everlasting doors and the King of glory shall come in Of whom the Deacon within the Church asketh Who is the King of glory to whom the Bishop answereth The Lord strong and mighty the Lord mighty in Battell Then the door is opened the Bishop with three of his servants entereth the rest remain without after-the Bishop hath wished peace three times to that house the door is shut again and he on his knees before the Altar prayeth whilest the Clergy without sings the Letanie and the Priests carry on their shoulders a Chest or Coffin containing the Reliques of that Saint to whom the Church is dedicated The Altar with all belonging to it are sanctified the walls with certain letters are painted Salt Water Ashes and Wine are exorcized and mingled together into which he dipps his thumb and makes the signe of the Crosse on the Altar Walls and Pavement Then he offers incense and blesseth the Church in the Name of the Father Son and Holy Ghost this being done the Bishop before the Church door preacheth to the people concerning the anniversary dedication of that Church of honour due to the Clergy of tenths also and oblâ—tions After Sermon all are admitted into the Church singing The twelve Lights and twelve Crosses do signifie the Doctrine of the twelve Apostles which shineth in the Church by which they preached the Crosse of Christ The Bishop representeth Christ making intercession for his Church and by the Staffe of his word knocking at the door of our hearts His compassing the Church three times and his three times knocking at the door signifie his three fold power in Heaven Earth and Hell And his threefold right or interest he hath in us to wit by Creation by Redemption and by the gift of life eternal promised to us The making of Greeke and Latine Letters with a Crosse on the Pavement with ashes shew that the Gentiles are made partakers of the Crosse of Christ but not the Jewes besides that the rudiments and alphabet of Christianity must be taught to the weaker sort the Oyle Salt Water Ashes and
holy Ghost appeared in fire in some places white is worn on the Festivities of the Martyrs because it is said Cant. 5. My beloved is white and red VVhite in his Confessors and Virgins Red in his Martyrs these are the Roses and Lillies of the Valley Black is worn upon Good Friday on all fasting days on the Rogation days in Masses for the dead from Advent till the Nativity and from Septuagesima till Easter Eve on Innocents day some wear black because of the mourning in Rama some red because of the blood of those young Martyrs Green which is made up of the three former colours white red and black is used between the 8. of Epiphany and Septuagesima likewise between Pentecost and Advent but in the City of Rome the violet colour is worn sometimes in stead of black and red Q. 19. Wherein consisteth the other parts of the Masse A. The second part begins with the offertory which is sung and so called from the Priests offering of the Hoast to God the Father and the peoples offering of their gifts to the Priest Then the Priest before he offereth the immaculate Hoast washeth his hands the second time in the interim the Deacon casteth over the Altar a fair linnen cloth called Corporale because it covers Christs body and represents his Church the mystical body it 's called also Palla from palliating or covering the mystery above named There is also another Palla or Corporal with which the Chalice is covered Then the Deacon presenteth the Patina with the round Hoast on it to the Priest or Bishop the Deacon alone can offer the Chalice but the Priest consecrates it who also mixeth the Wine and VVater in the Chalice which the Deacon cannot doe the Priest poureth out a little on the ground to shew that out of Christs side water and blood issued out and fell on the ground The water is blessed by the Priest when it is mixed but not the wine because the wine represents Christ who needs no blessing the Hoast is so placed on the Altar that it stands between the Chalice and the Priest to shew that Christ is the Mediator between God who is represented by the Priest and the People which the water in the Chalice resembleth Then the Priest fumeth the Altar and the Sacrifice three times over in manner of a crosse to shew Maries three-fold devotion in annointing Christs feet then his head and at last her intention to annoint his whole body then the Priest boweth himself kisseth the Altar and prayeth but softly to himselfe this prayer is called secreta and secretella but though it be said in silence yet the close of it is uttered with a loud voice per omnia saecula saeculorum then follows the Praefatio which begins with thanksgiving and ends with the confession of Gods majesty the minds of the people are prepared with these words Lift up your hearts the answer whereof is We lift them up unto the Lord then is sung this hymn Holy Holy Holy c. Heaven and Earth is full of thy Glory c. then follows Hosanna and after this the Canon which containeth the Regular making up of that ineffable mystery of the Eucharist it is also called Actio and Secreta because in it is giving of thanks and the Canon is uttered with a low voice The Canon by some is divided into five parts by others into more in it are divers prayers for the Church for the Pope for Bishops Kings all Orthodox Christians for Gentiles also Jewes and Hereticks those in particular are remembred for whom the sacrifice is to be offered whose names are rehearsed for those also that be present at the Masse and assistant and for himselfe likewise then is mention made of the Virgin Mary of the Apostles Evangelists and Martyrs but the Confessors are not named because they shed not their blood for Christ then follows the Consecration after many crossings these words being pronounced For this is my body the people answer Amen then the Hoast is elevated that the people may adore it and that by this might be represented Christs Resurrection and Ascension when the Priest mentioneth Christ Passion he stretcheth out his armes in manner of a crosse the Hoast is crossed by the Priest five times to shew the five wounds that Christ received but indeed in the Canon of the Masse there are seven several crossings of the Hoast and Chalice in the first the signe of the crosse is made three times in the second five times in the third twice in the fourth five times in the fifth twice in the sixth thrice and in the seventh five times so all makes up twenty five crossings prayers are also made for the dead Tâ—e Deacon washeth his hands to shew how Pilate did wash his hands when he delivered Christ to be scourged The third part of the Masse begins with the Pater Noster and some other prayers the Sub-deacon delivereth the Patina covered to the Deacon who uncovereth it and delivers it to the Priest kisseth his right hand and the Priest kisseth the Patina breaks the Hoast over the Chalice being now uncovered by the Deacon and puts a piece of it in the wine to shew that Christs body is not without blood The Hoast is broken into three parts to signifie the Trinity then the Bishop pronounceth a solemn blessing then is sung Agnuâ— Dei c that is O Lamb of God that takest away the sins of the world c. and then the kisse of peace is given according to the Apostles command Salute one another with a holy kisse In the fourth part of the Masse the Priest communicates thus he takes the one half of the Hoast for himself the other half he divides into two parts the one for the Deacon the other for the Sub-deacon after these three the Clergy and Monks communicate and after them the people the Priest holdeth the Chalice with both hands and drinks three times to signifie the Trinity the Hoast must not be chewed with the teeth but held in the mouth till it dissolve and after the taking thereof he must not spit but must wash his hands least any of the Hoast should stick to his fingers The three washings of the Priests hands in the Masse doe signifie the three-fold purity that ought to be in us to wit of our Thoughts Words and Works then follows the Post-communion which consisteth in thanksgiving and singing of Antiphones this done the Priest kisseth the Altar and removes again to the right side thereof where having uttered some prayers for the people and blessed them the Deacon with a loud voice saith Ite missa est that is Go in peace the Hoast is sent to God the Father to pacifie â—is anger Q. 20. In what else doth their outward Worship consist A. The fifth part of their Worship consisteth in their divine Service or Office as they call it whereof be two sorts one composed by S. Ambrose for the
days at which time because of baptisme white is worn this colour signifieth that all who are baptized are made Priests to God the Father for the Priests garment is white it sheweth also the innocency and purity that ought to be among Christians and it puts them in mind of the resurrection and glory of the life to come They pray standing in sign of liberty obtained by the Spirit Hallelujah and Gloria in excelsis are sung often this week from Easter till this time no man is bound to fast this feast is observed seven days to shew the seven gifts of the holy Ghost and every day three Lessons are read because all the seven gifts are included in these three Faith Hope and Charity The next Sunday is kept to the honour of the Trinity for as Christmasse was ordained to be kept in honour of God the Father who sent his son into the world and Easter to Christ the second Person and Whitsunday to the third Person so this Sunday was instituted to the three persons together and from this day are named the other Sundaies till Advâ—â—t whereof are twenty six to each of which is appropriated a peculiar Masse with Lessons and Psalms fit for each day Q. 23. What be their canonical hours of prayer A. Their set hours of prayer are called canonical because they are prescribed by the Canons of the Church and regularly observed by devout people These hours they ground upon the practise of David and Daniel who prayed three times a day These hours are seven because David speaketh of calling upon God seven times a day because the gifts of the holy Ghost are seven and the foul spirit bringeth seven spirits worse then himself there be seven deadly sins the walls of Ierico fell down at the blowing of the seven Ram horn Trumpers there were seven Aspersions in the Levitical Law Levit. 14. 16. We read also of seven Lamps and seven golden Candlesticks These canonical hours are not onely for the day but also for the night after the example of David and Christ who spent some part of the night in prayer and of the Church in the Canticles which sought Christ in the night The Prince of darknesse is most busie in the night to assault us therefore we ought to watch and pray that we may not be slaine with the Egyptian first born in the night The Nocturnals or night praises are said at midnight because at that time Paul and Silas praised God and so did David About that time Christ rose from the grave as the Greek Church believeth but the Latine Church holdeth that he arose in the morning The first hour of the day is dedicate to prayer that whilest the Sun riseth we may call upon the Sun of righteousness who bringeth health under his wings About that hour he was mocked spit upon buffeted and at that hour after his resurrection he was seen by his Disciples standing on the Sea shore To whom the first fruits of the earth were offered in old time to him also should the first fruits of the day be offered The third hour is consecrated to prayer because then Christ was crowned with thorns and condemned by Pilate It was the third hour also that the holy Ghost descended on the Apostles The sixt hour is canonicall because then Christ was crucified at that houre Peter went up to the top of the house to pray acts 10. and then it was that Christ asked water from the woman of Saâ—atia The ninth hour is for prayer because then Christ gave up the ghost so Peter and Iohn went up into the Temple at the ninth hour of prayer acts 3. The evening also is a time for prayer then they have their Vespers because the Iewes had their evening Sacrifice then it was that Christ instituted the Sacrament of the Eucharist at his last Supper And then was his body taken down from the Crosse. The hour of the Completory about the beginning of the night is Canonical also in memory of Christs buriall And because David would not go up into his bed nor suffer his eye-lids to slumber till he had found out a place for the Temple Then is sung the song of old Simeon Nunc dimittis Q. 24. What else may we observe about these Canonical hours A. That all Priests Deacons and Sub-Deacons are bound to observe these hours so are also Monks and Nuns if they be not Novices But the inferiour orders of Clergy that are not beneficed as they are not debarred from Marriage so they are not tied to these Canonical hours They also that are excommunicate and degraded are to observe these hours for the character is indelible but sick persons and such as have any natural impediment are excused Again these Canonical prayers are not to be said everywhere but in the Church because the multitude of petitioners makes prayers the more efficacious otherways they acknowledge that private prayers may be said anywhere The times also order and reverence must be observed in saying of these prayers and diligent attention must be used without wandering thoughts the attention must be â—ixed not onely on the words and sense thereof but chiefly on God the object of our prayers and devotion must be used both outward in prostrating of the body and inward in humility and submission of the minde But on Sundays and all the time between 〈◊〉 and Pentecost they pray standing to shew 〈◊〉 readinesse being risen with Christ in seeking the things that are above Beneficed men who neglect in six moneths time to say the Canonical prayers are to lose their benefices In the first Canonical hour the Kyrie Eleeson is said so is the Lords Prayer and the Creed but with a low voice to shew that prayer and faith consist rather is the heart then in the tongue In the third hour prayers are said for the dead as well as for the living The sixe hour they say Adam fell and was 〈◊〉 out of Paradise therefore they hold it then a fiâ— time by prayer to enter into Gods favour again The ninth hour Christs side was peirced out of which flowed water and blood the two Sacraments of the Church then the Vaile of the Temple rent asunder the graves opened and Christ descended into hell all which do furnish sufficient matter for prayers and praises that hour In the end of the day are said the Vespers or evening service to signifie that Christ came in the end of the world In the evening Christ washed his Disciples feet and was known to the two Disciples in breaking of bread as they were going to Emaus Five Psalmes are then said in reference to Christs five wounds and to expiâ—â—e the sins of our five sences In the evening is sung the Magnificat to shew that in the evening of the world the Virgin brought forth Christ in whom is our cheifest rejoycing And then are Lamps lighted to put us in minde that with the wise Virgins we should
August he preached in India and then in Albania of Armenia where he was first â—leaed and then beheaded therefore some keep the Feast of his Excoriation others of his Decollation S. Iohn Baptists Decollation is kept the 29 of August his head hath been removed from divers places the Nativity of S. Mary is celebrated the 8 of September it was kept in heaven by the Angels so goeth the story long before it was observed by men here on earth the Romane Church celebrates no Nativities except that of Christs of his Mother and of his Forerunner The Exaltation of the Crosse is kept the 14 of September in memory of the Crosse recovered from Cosroes King of Persia by the Emperor Heraclius and by him carried in triumph into Ierusalem the Feast of S. Matthew the Apostle and Evangelist is on the 21 of September in remembrance of his suffering for Christ in Ethiopia where having planted the Gospel he was beheaded there S. Lukes day is on the 18 of October he was a Painter Physitian and Evangelist and the Disciple of Saint Paul the Feast of Simon and Iude is kept on the 28 of October these were brothers and sons to Mary Cleophas who married to Alpheus they had two brothers more to wit Iames the lesser and Ioseph called Barsaâ—as and sirnamed Iustus Simon was called Zelotes and Cananaeus from Cana of Galilee Iude was named 〈◊〉 and Lebeus Simon preacht in Egypt afterward he succeded Iames in the See of Ierusalem where he was crucified Iude preached to the Medes and Persians and suffered at Persis the first of November is dedicated to all the Saints because there be more then can have particular dayes assigned them The old Romans worshipped all their gods together in one Temple called Fantheon Christians held it fitter to worship all the Saints and Martyrs in the same Temple under the name of Saint Mary this Feast is ushered in with fasting the day before and backed with prayers for all souls in Purgatory the day after Saint Martin Bishop and Confessor is honoured the eleventh of November for his charity to the poor in parting with his own Garments to cloath them and for his humility in that he would dye on no other bed but on a heap of ashes this Feast hath its Vigil and Octave They thought that he should be thus honoured by men who had been honoured by Angels The thirtieth of November is Saint Andrewâ— day he preached in Scythia Achaia and other places thereabout and suffered death on a crosse his bones with those of Saint Luke were translated to Constantinople in the time of Constantine the second The sixth of December is for Saint Nicholas the Bishop famous for his charity boldnesse and constancy in the maintenance of Christianity They write that being an Infant he would never suck his Mothers brests but once on Wedensdays and Fridays The 21 of December is for Saint Thomas who preached to the Indians by their Idolatrous Priests was first shot with arrows and then thrust through with a lance as he was at his prayers Saint Stephen is celebrated the six and twentieth of December as he was the first Martyr so he deserved to be the first in the Kalendar the first Martyr is placed next to Christs Nativity to shew Christ was born that we might suffer and Christs Nativity here on earth was the cause of Stephens Nativity in Heaven Saint Iohn the beloved Disciple is honoured on the seven and twentieth of December He escaped miraculously first poyson and then burning oyle The eight and twentieth of December is for the Innocents who suffered in their Infancy by Herod for the Infant King of the Iewes Christ Jesus there are multitudes of Saints more who are placed in the Kalendar as Ambrose Bishop on December 7. Anselme Bishop April 21. Augustine Bishop August 21. Babylas Bishop Ianuary 24. Barbara the Virgin December 4. Barnabas the Apostle Iune 11. Basil Bishop April 26. Basil the Great Ianuary 1. Bernard Abbot August 20. Bonavâ—ntura the Cardinal Iuly 14. Three Bonifaces and three Katharines on several days Christopher Martyr Iuly 25. Clemens Pope and Martyr November 23. Saint Paul's conversion April 25. Saint Austins conversion May 5. Cyprian Martyr September 26. Dionyflus the Areopagiâ—e October 9. Epiphanius Bishop May 12. George Martyr April 24. Gregory the Great Pope March 12. Gregory Nazianzen Bishop May 9. Gregorius Thaumaturguâ— November 17. William Confessor February 10. Hierom September 30. Ignatius Bishop and Martyr Feburary 1. Ignafius Loyoâ—a Iuly 31. Iohannes Chrysostom Bishop Ianuary 27. Iohn Damascen May 〈◊〉 Ioseph Maries husband March 19. Irenaeus Martyr August 26. Iulianus Martyr Ianuary 9. Iustinus Martyr April 13. Landfrancus Bishop Iuly 3. Laurence Martyr August 10. Lewis King August 25. Mary Magdalen Iuly 22. Matthias Apostle February 24 Michael Arch-angel September 29. Narcissus Bishop October 29. Olaus King Iuly 29. Patrick Bishop March 17. Polycarpus Bishop Ianuary 26. Severinus Boethius October 23. Thomas Bishop December 29. Tomas Aquinâ—s March 7. Vigilius Bishop Iune 26. There are multitudes more in the Roman Kaâ—endar but these are the chiefe which I have culled out They have also holy days for some eminent Iewes as Daniel the Prophet c. For Angels also and for dedication of Churches which the Greeks call Eâ—coenia a custom borrowed from the Jews Q. 27. What Ornaments and Vtensils doe they use in their Churches dedicate to Christ and the Saints A. They have in them their reliques pictures images crosses also and crucifixes the images also of Angels which they paint with wings to signifie their swiftnesse and sublimity of their nature with white garments also to shew their purity The images of Christ and of the Saints are painted with the sunne beams about their heads to represent the glory they are in God the Father is represented like an old man because he is described by Daniel like the ancient of daies The Holy Ghost is painted like a Dove because in that form he appeared on Christ. They have Chalices not of Glasse because subject to breaking not of wood because that is porous and drinks in the liquor not of brasse nor copper because of the bad smell thereof and rust or canker but of silver or gold They have also candlesticks tapers and lamps which they burn to the Saints by day to shew they are not in darknesse but in light Their censers and incense represent Christ and the prayers of the Saints which like incense ascend before God these odors are burnt in their Churches both to expel bad vapors and to refresh the sences They have also their flaps or fans to drive away flies from the Chalice after the example of Abraham who drove away the birds from his sacrifice and to teach us that we should drive away all wandring thoughts when we pray Their Patinâ— and other vessels shining bright put us in mind how we should shine in out conversation The Corporal is the linnen cloath in
Temples of the Sun were built in Gardens Moloch also was the Sun for he is Melech that is King of the world to whose fight and power all things are obvious therefore the Egyptians represented him by a Scepter with an eye on it now this Moloch had on his forehead a pretious stone shining like Lucifer or the Sun 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 saith Theophylact. in Actâ— c. 7. and Cyril upon Amâ—s The Valentinian Hereticks by the word Abraxas meant the Sun as I have shewed for in this word are contained 365. which is the number of dayes the Sunne makes in the Zodiack And it is derived from Abrâ—ch Ab in Hebrew signifieth Father and Rech King in the 〈◊〉 tongue So they made the Sun Father and â—ing of the Universe he was also called Mithres which signifieth Lord as Ioseph Scaliger de â—mend temp l. 6. sheweth and â—lâ—ndian in thaâ— verse l. 1. de â—â—ilic Et vagae testatur volventem â—idera Mithram For they thought that Mithra or the Sun did regulate and govern the other starres and in the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is found the number of 365. dayes The Sun also was expressed by the name of Iupiter or juvans pater the Father that helps and supports all things therefore he was painted with Iupiters Thunder in his hand I know Iupiter is most commonly taken for the Heaven or Aire but I rather think that by this name was meant the Sun So when Virgil Ecl. 7. speaks thus Iupiter largo de scendit plâ—rimus imbre He means not that the Heaven comes down in rain but the Sun rather who by his heat elevated the vapors and by resolving them into rain may be said to come down in a showre So in another place Fâ—cundis imbribus aether conjâ—gis in laetae gremium descendit Geor. 2. There is also meant the Sun who is named Aether from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 shining or from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 his constant race or motion By Mercury also was meant the Sun for he is Mercurius quasi â—edius curreâ—s keeping his Court in the middest of the Planets And Hermes from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 interpreting for by his light he expoundeth all daâ—k places He was painted with wings to shew the Suns swift motion He killed many-eyed Argus that is he puts out the light of the Stars which are as it were the eyes of Heaven Mercury is still painted young to shew that the Sun never groweth old or feeble he was pictured with three heads upon a four corner stone to shew the Sunnes three vertues of heat light and influence upon the four parts of the world or four seasons of the year He was held the god of Merchants because without light there can be no trading The Sunne also was worshipped by the Eastern Nations under the name of Bel Baal Belus Baal Samen or Baal-Shammajim that is Lord of the heavens by the old Celâ—es and Noâ—icks under the name of Belenus now Belus as Macrobius Sat. l. 1. â— 19. sheweth us is the same that Iupiter and Iupiter is the same that Sol as I have said and which Orpheus in Hym. ad Iovem confirmeth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 c. that is â—eautifull Iupiter the Sun generator of all things therefore the Sun is called by Plato in Phaedro 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 c. Iupiter the great Commanderâ—â— heaven driving his swift Charriot whom the Army of gods follow divided into twelve parts and Vesta alone stands immoveable in the Court of the gods he means the motion of the Sun and Starres through the 12. signes of the Zodiack and the Earth standing in the middle That under the name of Belenus was meant the Sun is apparent by the number of 365. which is found in the letters thereof answering the 365. dayes which the Sun finisheth in his annuall motion By Hercules also was meant the Sun as his name sheweth being 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the glory of the air his twelve labours are the twelve signes of the Zodiack through which he laboureth every year he is called Alcides from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 strength for like a strong gyant he rejoyceth to run his couâ—â—e Iuno endeavoured to obscure the glory of Hercules so doth the Air which the Poets called Iuno oftentimes obscure by clouds mists and vapors the glory of the Sun Hebe the Goddesse of Youth was Hercules his best beloved so is the Spring-time wherein in the youth of the earth is renewed the Suns lovely wife Hercules overthrew Geryon and rescued his Cattle so doth the Sun by destroying Winter preserve the beasts The Tenths of the Earths increase were offered to Hercules to shew their gratitude to the Sun for his heat and influence by which the earth â—ructifieth Hercules is noted for his fecundity for in one night he begot 80 sons this was to shew that generation and fruitfulnesse is from the Sun he was called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the driver away of all evils and diseases by which was meant that grief of mind is driven away by the Sunnes light and infirmities of body by the Sunnes heat he is also much noted for his voracity in eating and drinking by which was signified the rapid heat of the Sun consuming the moysture of the earth and exhaling the Lakes and Brooks In the name also 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is contained the number of 365 he was expressed also by Antaeus the gyant whose strength increased as he touched the ground but being lifted up from thence he grew weak so doth the sun begin to gather force when he is in his lowest declination and near the earth but when he is in his Apogaeum or highest elevation his strength begins to decay Pan also signified the Sun whom they painted with a red face horns and a long beard to shew the colour and beams of the Sun Pan was covered with a spotted skin so is the Sun covered in the dark with the sported or starry mantle of the night his wings and crooked staffe was to signifie the Suns swiftnesse and oblique motion in the Zodiack he was the god of shepherds and driver away of wolves therefore called Lycaeus and so was Iupiter the Sun by his heat and light is a friend to shepherds and their flocks who by his presence drives wolves and other wild beasts into their dens the perpetuall fire kept by the Arcadians in the Temple of Pan was to shew that the Sunne was the fountain of heat which stirs up Venery therefore Pan is described by his salacious nature the sunnes monethly conjunction with the Moon was expressed by Pan being in love with the Moon They meant also the sun by Bellerephon who by the help of winged Pegasus overcame Chimaera for the sun by the help of the winds overcometh the pestilentiall and infectious vapors of the air By Polyphemus also they meant the sunne which 〈◊〉 that great gyant
creatures are more prone to venery because the Sun infuseth then a moderate heat into the body Vere magis quia vere calor â—edit ossibus c. This venereal desire is by the Poets called Vrania and Olympia because it proceeds from heaven namely from the Sun the chief ruler in heaven And to shew that by Venus they meant the Sun as he is the God of love they speak of her in the Masculine Gender so doth Virgil Aen. 2. descendo ac ducente Deo flammam inter hostes They paint her with a beard hence Venns barbata to shew the sunne-beams They gave her the Epithets of the Sun in calling her golden Venus so doth Virgil Aen. 10. Venus aurea and by the Greek Poets 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and by the Eastern people she was called Baaâ—eth Shammajim the ruler of Heaven and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Phosphorus or Lucifer from the light of the sunne which Venus or the Moon borroweth So what Orpheus in Hymnis speaks of Venus is to be understood of the sunne 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is thou procreates all things in Heaven in the fruitfull earth and in the sea or depth She is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 fair haired to shew the beauty of the sunne-beams And Euripides in Phoeniss gives her 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a golden circled light by Cupid also was meant the sunne who was painted young with wings crowned with Roses and naked to shew the eternity swiftnes colour and native beauty of that great Luminary who may be called the god of love in that by his heat he excites love in all living creatures as is already said By Luna or the Moon they understood the sunne for though these be two different Planets yet in effect they are but one Luminary for the Moon hath her light from the sunne therefore she is called sometimes the sister sometimes the daughter of Phoebus she is painted with a Torch and Arrows and with Wings to signifie her motion and that her light and operations are originally from the sun As the Hawk was dedicated to the sun because of her high flying and quick fight so the Moon was represented by a white skinned man with an Hawks head for her whitenesse is not from her self but from the Hawks head that is the sun They held her to be both male female to shew that she is the sun in acting the Moon in suffering she receiveth her light and power from the sun in this she is passive she imparts this light and power to the inferior world in this she is active she is called Lucina also from this borrowed light and Diana from the divine qualities thereof for which cause Diana was held to bee the sister of Phoebus and Iuno from helping she was painted with beams about her face sitting upon Lions with a scepter in her hand by which was meant the Dominion she hath received from the sun and whereas they made the rain bow to attend upon Iuno they meant hereby that the sun makes the rain-bow therefore by Iuno they meant the sun So when they make Vulcan the son of Iuno they understand the sun for he by his heat causeth fire and not the Moon And so Mars the god of fire is said to be Iuno's son that is the sun for it is he that inflameth mens bloods and not the Moon They expressed the power of the sun over the sea and other waters by the names of Neptune Nâ—râ—us Glaucus Triton and other sea Deities When they would expresse his operations on the earth they gave him the names of Vesta â—ybele Bona dea c when they would shew his power under the Earth then they used the names of Orcus Pluto Proserpina Charon Cerberus c. Orcus is from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 an oath because they used to swear by the sun Eâ—to mî sol testis ad haec conscia Iuno Aen. 12. and in another place Aen. 4. Sol qui terrarum flammis opera omnia lustras Pluto is from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 wealth for all wealth both upon and within the earth is begot of the suns heat and influence When he is under our Hemisphere he is called the god of hell he is said to ravish Proserpina that is the seminal vertue of vegetables which in the Winter and the sun's absence lyeth hid in the bowels of the Earth his influence upon the corn and other seeds cast into the Earrh and causing them proserpere to creep out thence is called Proserpina Charon is from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 joy the sun is joyfull to us by his presence and as he is Phoebus or light of the world he is also joyfull to us by his absence and as he is Charon under the earth for then he permits the air to receive refrigeration by which all things are refreshed Cerberus is as much as 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a flesh eater for aâ— all flesh is generated by the Sun so is all flesh consumed by the same Cerberus had three heads to shew that time which devoureth all things hath three heads one present the other past and the third to come now the Sun by his motion is the measurer of time in which respect he is called Cerberus and so he was represented by Saturn cutting down all things with his â—ickle for all things are consumed by time Tempus â—dax rerum tuque invidiosa vetustas omnia dellruitis By what we have said appears that the wise Gentiles did acknowledge but one Deity giving him divers names from his divers effects and operations This Deity was nothing else but the Sun as we have shewed whose power is diffused every where and nothing as David saith is hid from the heat thereof Iovis omnia plena saith Virgil Ecl. 3 all things are filled with Iupâ—ter and elsewhere he singâ— Gâ—or 4. that God runs through all the parts of the earth of the sea and of the heaven Deum namque ire per omnes terrasque tractusque maris coelumque profundum Aen. 6. And in his Divine Poem he sings that this spirit for so he calls the Sun and so did Solomon before him in the first of Ecclesiastes cherisheth Heaven Earth Sea Moon and Stars and that he diffuseth himself through all parts of the world and produceth Men Beasts Birds Fishes which he animates and foments Principio coelum at terram camposque liquentes Luâ—entemque gloâ—um Lâ—nae Titaniaque astra Spiritus intus alit totamque infusa per artus Mens agitat molem magno so corpore â—iscet Inde hominum pecudumque genus vitâ—que 〈◊〉 Et quae marâ—â—reo â—ert monstra sub aequâ—re Pâ—ntus Igneuâ— est ollis vigor â—oelestâ— origo c. But here it may be objected that seeing the Gentiles acknowledged the power and vertue of the Sun to be every where why did they devise so many pettie Deities I answer this multiplication of Deities was for
lyable to be censered as a brother Hence King Vzziah was excommunicate by the Priest Azariah and Theodâ—sius the Emperor by Ambrose Q. Will it follow that there must be no excommunication because Christ will not have the Tares plucked up till the Harvest A. 1. No for Christ speaketh there of Hypocâ—its which cannot be plucked up by the Church because she knoweth them not but in the great Harvest they shall be pluckt up by the Angels at his command who knows the secrets of the heart 2. If the place be meant of Hereticks they are not to be plucked up at such times as may endanger the Churches peace but they must be left to a convenient time when the Church may excommunicate them without danger or else left to the judgement of the great day 3. All Tares cannot be pluckt up whilest the Church is here Militant for there will be found still some Tares amongst the Corn some Goats among the Sheep a Iudas among the Apostles as there were Cananites and Iebusites among the Israelites 4. Christ by this condemns their rashnesse who presently go to pluck up and flye to excommunication before they use reproofe and admonition Q. Can the Minister exclude any man from the Kingdome of God A. 1. He cannot by his own power but by the power of him whose Minister he is 2. He cannot exclude any man from Heaven but he can pronounce and declare that such a man is excluded thence Q. Can the delivering of a man over to Satan be a means to save his spirit A. Yes accidentally for God can draw good out of evil and light out of darknesse thus the bufferings which Paul suffered by the Angel of Satan caused him to pray heartily it is the special work of Gods mercy to save our souls by affliction and misery Q. Can an excommunicate person be accounted as a Brother A. Yes for excommunication takes not away true Brotherly love and affection an excommunicate person may be shut out of Heaven but not out of hope we may exclude him out of our Society but not of our â—owels of compassion and mercy we draw the Sword of excommunication against him not to kill but to cure him Who would be more fully resolved of these Presbyterian Tenets let him read their own writings Q. How many Erroneous opinions in Religion have been lately revived or hatched since the fall of our Church government A. It were almost endlesse to number every particular it may suffice that I shall name more then one hundred of the most ordinary and latest received of them which are 1. That the Scriptures are a humane invention insufficient and uncertain and do not contain half of his revealed will 2. That they are all allegoricall and written according to the private spirit of the pen-men and not as moved by the Holy Ghost And that the Old Testament is now of no force 3. That reason is the rule of faith 4. That Scripture binds us no further then the Spirit assureth us that such is Scripture 5. That Scripture should not be read to a mixt Congregation without present exposition 6. That God is the Author of the pravity and sinfulnesse of mens actions 7. That Turks Jewes Pagans and others are not to be forced from their opinions 8. That God loves a crawling worme as well as a holy Saint 9. That Gods will not sin is the cause of mans damnation 10. That man was a living 〈◊〉 before God breathed into him and that which God breathed was a part of his divine essence 11. That God is the onely Spirit and that Prince of the aire who ruleth in the children of disobedience 12. That the soul dieth with the body 13. That reprobation cannot be proved out of Scripture 14. That there is no Trinity of persons in God 15. That every creature is God as every drop in the River is water 16. That Christ is not essentially but nominally God 17. That Christ was polluted with original sin 18. That Christ was true man when he created the world yet without flesh 19. That Christ died onely for sinners and not for unbelievers for sins past before our conversion but not for sins done after conversion 20. That no man is damned but for unbeliefe and that man can satisfie for his own unbeliefe 21. That Heathens have the knowledge of Christ by the Sun Moon and Stars 22. That the end of Christs comming was to preach Gods love to us and not to procure it for us therefore did not obtain life for the Elect but a resurrection only and deliverance us from death temporal 23. That Christ preached not the Gospel but the Law for the Gospel was taught by his Apostles 24. That our unction is all one with Christs Divinity 25. That Christ with the Church of Jewes and Gentiles shall reigne one Earth a 1000 years in carnall pleasures 26. That the Heathens are saved without Christ. 27. That the Spirit of God neither dwells nor works in any but it is our own spirit which both works in the children of disobedience and sanctifies the Elect. 28. That God seeth no sin in his Elect. 29. That a man baptized with the Holy Ghost knows all things as God doth 30. That we may be saved without the word prayer Sacraments c. 31. That there is no inherent sanctification in believers but all is in Christ. 32. That Adam had died though he had not sinned 33. That we have no original sin nor is any man punished for Adams sin 34. That Gods Image consisteth onely in the face which Image was never lost 35. That men who know the Gospel are of themselves able to believe 36. That one man is not more spiâ—itual then another 37. That we have no free will not so much as in our natural estate 38. That the moral Law is of no use among Christians 39. That we are not justified by faith and that neither faith nor holinesse nor repentance are required in Christians 40. That the childe of God can no more sin then Christ himselfe can 41 That there should be no fasting days under the Gospel 42. That God doth not chastise his children for sin 43. That God loves his children as well when they sin as when they do well and therefore Abraham in denying his Wife sinned not 44. That Gods children ought not to ask pardon for their sinnes for though they have sin in the flesh they have none in the conscience 45. That the body of iniquity is the great Antichrist mentioned in Scripture 46. That men shal have other bodies given them in the resurrection and not the same they had here on Earth 47. That Heaven is empty of souls till the resurrection 48. That Infants shall not rise at all yet Beasts and Birds shall rise againe 49. That after this life there is neither Heaven nor Hell nor Devil but Hell is in this life in the terrours of conscience 50. That there is no true Ministery nor Church
his Titles were King of Iustice King of the new Jerusalem his throne his Coin and motto thereon The King Queen and Courtiers wait on the people at a Feast with other digressioâ—s The King endeavours to raise commotions abroad is haply prevented He suspects his own safety his large prâ—mises to his Captains himself executes one of his wives he feignes himself sick and deludes the people with an expectation of deliverance in the time of famine forgets community he is betrayed by his Confident is brought prisoner before the Bishop who checks him his jesting answer and proposal he is put to a Non-plus is convinced of his offences his deserved and severe execution 4. HERMANNUS SUTOR The Contents HErman the Cobler professeth himself a Prophet c. he is noted for drunkennesse The ceremonies he used iâ— Anabaptisme Eppo his Host discovers him and his followers to be cheats Hermans wicked blasphemies and his inconstancy in his opinions his mothers temerity his Sect convinced and fall off from him by one Drewjis of his Sect he is handled roughly Herman is taken by Charles Lord of Gelderland c. and is brought prisoner to Groeninghen when questioned in his torments he hardened himself and died miserably 5. THEODORUS SARTOR The Contents THeodor the Botcher turnes Adamite he affirmes strange things his blasphemy in forgiving of sins he burnâ— his cloathes c. and causeth his companions to do the likâ— He and his rabble go naked through Amsterdam in the dead of â—ight denouncing their woes c. and terrifie the people They are taken and imprisoned by the Burghers but continue 〈◊〉 May 5. 1535. they are put to death some of their last words 6. DAVID GEORGE The Contents DAvid George the miracle of the Anabaptists At Basil he pretendâ— to have been banished his Countrey for the Gospels-sake with his specious pretenses he gaines the freedom of the City for him and his His Character His Riches He with his Sect enact three things His Sonne in Law doubting his new Religion is by him questioned and upon his answer excommunicated His wifes death He had formerly voted himself immortal yet Aug. 2. 1556 he died c. His death troubled his disciples His doctrine questioned by the Magistrates eleven of the Sectaries secured XI Articles extracted out of the writings of David George Some of the imprisoned Sectaries acknowledged David George to have been the cause of the tumults in the lower parts of Germany but disâ—owned his doctrine Conditions whereupon the imprisoned are set at liberty The Senate vote the doctrine of D. G. impious and declare him unworthy of Christian burial and that his body and 〈◊〉 should be burned which was accordingly effected 7. MICHAEL SERVETUS The Contents SErvetus his converse with Mahumetans and Jewes He disguiseth his monstrous opinions with the Name of Christian Reformation The place of his birth At the 24. year of his age he boasted himself the onely Teacher and Seer of the world He enveighed against the Deity of Christ. Oecolampadius confutes his blasphemies and causeth him to be thrust out of the Church of Basil. Servetus held but one person in the Godhead to be worshipped c. He held the holy Ghost to be Nature His horrid blasphemy He would reconcile the Turkish Alcoran to Christian Religion He declares himseâ—f Prince of the Anabaptists At Geneva Calvin faithfully reproves Servetus but he continues obstinate Anno 1553. by the decrees of several Senates He was burned 8. ARRIUS THE CONTENTS Arrianisme its increase Anno 323. THe General Council at Nice Anno 325. called as a Remedy against it but without successe The Arrians misinterpret that place John 10. 30. concerning the Father and the Sonne They acknowledged one onely God in a Iudaical sense They deny the Trinity Arrius his wretched death Anno 336. 9. MAHOMET The Contents MAhomet characterised He made a laughing-stock of the Trinity He agreed with Carpocrates and other hereticks He renewed Circumcision and to indulge his disciples he allowed them Polygamy c. His Iron Tombe at Mecca 10. BALTHAZAR HUBMOR The Contents HUbmor a Patron of Anabaptisme He damned usury He brought in a worship to the Virgin Mary c. The Senate of Suring by a Council reduced him He renounced thâ— heads of his former doctrine Himself or Sect still active He is taken and imprisoned at Vienna in Austria He and his wife both burned 11. JOHN HUT The Contents IOhn Hut the prop and pillar of Anabaptisme His credulity in dreams and visions He is accounted a true Prophet by his Proselytes At Merhern his Fraternity became as it were a Monastery 12. LODOWICK HETZER The Contents LOdowick Hetzer a famous Heretick He gaines Proselytes in Austria and Switzerland Anno 1527 at a publick disputation Oecolampadius puts Hetzers emissaries to their shifts Hetzer denied Christ to be co-essentiall with the Father His farewell to his Disciples He is put to death for Adultery 13. MELCHIOR HOFMAN The Contents HOfman a Skinner an Anabaptist Anno 1528 seduced 300. men and women at Embda in West-Friesland His followers accounted him a Prophet At Strasburg he challenged the Ministers to dispute which was agreed upon Jan. 11. 1532. where being mildely dealt with he is neverthelesse obstinate Other Prophets and Prophetesses deluded him He deluded himself and voluntarily pined himself to death 14. MELCHIOR RINCK The Contents MElchior Rinck an Anabaptist He is accounted a notable interpreter of dreams and visions His disciple Thomas Scucker in a waking-dream cut off his brother Leonards head pretending for his murther obedience to the decree of God 15. ADAM PASTOR The Contents ADam Pastor a derider of Paedobaptisme He revived the Arrian heresie His foolish interpretation of that place Gen. 2. 17. so often confuted 16. HENRY NICHOLAS The Contents HEnry Nicholas Father of the Family of Love He is against Infant-Baptisme His divellish Logick The End of the Contents THOMAS MUNTZER Hei mihi quot sacras iterans Baptismatis undas Muntzerus Stygijs Millia tinxit aquis His OPINIONS ACTIONS And END THE CONTENTS MUntzers Doctrine spreads his aimes high 〈◊〉 affirmations destractive Asserts Anabaptisme rests not there but growes worse and worse in his opinions and practises his large proâ—ises to his party and the common people he endeavours to set up himself pretending to restore the Kingdome of Christ being opposed by the Landgrave his delusive animation of his followers their overthrow his escape he is found but dissembles himself is taken but yet obstinate the Landgrave convinceth him by Scripture when being racked he laugheth afterward relenteth his last words is deservedly beheaded and made an example ABout the year of our Redemption M.D.XXI and M.D.XXII there rise up in Sawny near the River Sales a most insolent Sect of certain Enthusiasts among whom Nicholas Storkius was no ordinary person These presumptuously boasting that their Dreams Visions and Revelations were inspired into them from heaven had slily scattered it among other seditious persons of
the same kidney That the world was to be reformed by their means which done and the wicked utterly cut off from the face of the earth it should be governed â—y Justice it self All that gave not up their names and embraced their Sect they branded with the name of ungodly Out of this Sodomitical lake sprung THOMAS MVNTZER one that boasted that he had had communication with God This mans doctrine incredibly spred as being in the first place levell'd at the holy Doctors of the reformed Religion And from thence discharged at the Magistrates themseves for the Christian flock being once deprived of these two constitutions of men there were nothing to hinder the greedy wolves to break out into all rapine and oppression And this is the reason why the wolves that is to say the false Teachers have ever most violently opposed the Ministry and the Magistracy in hopes if possible to draw these from the care and charge of their flocks or at least to bring them into contempt with their sheep which by that meanes should stray into their parties This Muntzer did both by his teachings and writings publickly affirm that the Preachers of that time that contributed their endeavours to the advancement of the Gospel were not sent by God but were meer Scribes and impertinent Interpreters of the Scriptures That the Scriptures and the written word were not the pure word of God but only a bare Testimony of the true word that the true reall word was something that were intrinse call and heavenly and immediately proceeding out of the mouth of God and consequently to be learned intrinsecally and not out of the Scriptures or by any humane suggestion With the same breath he brought Baptisme into contempt most inconvincibly affirming that there was no warrant from God for Paedobaptisme or baptisme of children and that they ought to be baptized after a spirituall and more excellent dispensation He further endeavoured to teach that Christs satisfaâ—ction for us was unnecessary whatever honest and weak understanding men could urge to the contrary That matrimony in the unfaithful and incontinent was a pollution meretricious and diabolical That God discovered his will by dreames whence it was that he was mightily infatuated with them holding that those were as it were communicated by the holy Ghost Hereupon was he acknowledged by his followers for some heavenly and spiritual Prophet and it was believed that he was thus taught by the spirit of God without any humane assistance This doctrine did he disperse throughout all Germany by printed books and Epistles which the tinder-brain'd disciples of his seditious sect were soon fir'd with read approved and propagated The same man in the yeares M.D.XXIII â—nd M.D.XXIV taught at Alsted which is a City in Saxony near Thuringia and when not only the Ministers but also the Magistrates lay under the lash of his calumny insomuch that his Sermons were stuff'd with most seditious and bitter invectives against them and pretending to groan for the return of lost liberty and for the insufferable pressures of the people under Tyranny he complained of it as a great grievance that their wealth and estates were the prey of the Magistrate and therefore would perswade them that a remedy was timely to be applied to these things Being for this doctrine dispatched out of Alsted he comes to Norimberg and thence without discontinuing his journey into Basil and thence into Switzerland from whence at length he came to Cracovia where at a certain â—own called Griessen he continued some weeks In the mean time he was no lesse idle then ever and that especially in the County of Sâ—uâ—ing where he sowed so much of his contagious seed among his factious disciples as afterwards thrived inâ—o an extraordinary harvest At the same time he publickly scattered abroad his doctrine of Baptisme and the word of God in such sort as we have touched before Departing out of this countrey and wandring up and down Mulhusium in the countrey of During he writ letters to some of the most confident to his Religion by whose connâ—enance and assistance factious spirits were sometimes more and more exasperated against the Magistrate Some small time before the countrey people took up arms he sent up and and down certain Briefes by Messengers wherein were divers things and among the rest was represented the greatnesse of those warlike instruments which were cast at 〈◊〉 upon occasion of this sedition so to encourage and enflame the fiery followers of his faction For having stayed two moneths at Griessen and that he thought he could not so much advance his designes if he â—eturned into Saxony because his affaires prospered not according to his desires in these places he returns back to the people of During and Mulhusium But before he was arrived thither LVTHER had by letters forewarned the reverend 〈◊〉 of Mulhusium concerning him that they should beware of him as of a destroying wolfe and fitter to be 〈◊〉 then Serpents or whatever Mankind beares any antipathy to for that both at Swickaw and not long before at Alsted he was accounted a tree sufficiently evill and corrupt which boâ—e no other fruit but 〈◊〉 and inevitable destruction and one who no more then his Comâ—â—ades could ever be brought to make any defence of their opinions among which was That they 〈◊〉 were Gods elect and that all the children of their Religion were to be called the children of God and that all others were ungodly and designed to damnation And divers other things to the same purpose were contained in the aforesaid letter which was dated from Weimaria on Sunday being the day of the Assumption of Mary in the year M.D.XXIV Muntzer in the mean time with words plausibly sweetned drew away the mindes of all he could to favour his party and by promising mountains of gold to the common people to the end they should cry him up with the general acclamations of being a true Prophet it came to passe that a very great conflux of the dregs of the people repaired to him from Mulhusium and other places nay by his subtilty and the authority he had gotten he perverted the very Magistrate of Mulhusium and made him a new abeâ—tor of his opinion And this was the first original of the mischief and thence divers other Hydra's of seditions like so many excrescencies took a suddain growth from this For all mens goods became common and he taught that no man had any propriety in what he enjoyed To which he added that it was revealed to him from God that the Empire and Principalities of this world were to be extirpated and that the sword of Gideon was put into his hands to be employed against all Tyrants for the assertion of true liberty and the restauration of the Kingdom of Christ and at this time he gave orders for the preparing of certain warlike engines While he was wholy