to be taken twice Whereas they knew that God commanded them to encompass Iericho seven times that day and that works of charity necessity and of Religion were to be done that day the preparation for the Sabbath was proclaimed by sound of trumpet and to shew their zeal to that day they would keep some more hours then were enjoyned which additament they called Sabbathulum They would not dresse meat that day because then it did not rain Manns in the desart besides the seventh day which was the Sabbath or rest for men and beasts they had every seventh year a Sabbath wherein the ground rested and their great Sabbath in the end of seven times seven called the Iubilee in which debters prisoners and morgagers of lands were made free when the Passeover fell upon the Sabbath this was called the great Sabbath Iohn 19. 31. and then there was a preparation for the Passover Iohn 19. 14. but there was no preparation due to the Passeover but in respect of the Sabbath which had this priviledge above all other festivals because God had particularly sanctificed this day for his service being both a memorative day of Gods rest from the works of creation and figurative of our rest in Heaven this day is abolished in respect of the ceremonial and judicial part thereof but in respect of the morality it remaineth still Q. How did the Iewes observe their Passover A. They eat the first Passeover standing with their loyns girt shooes on their feet and staves in their hands to shew they were in haste to be gone but afterward when they were secure out of danger they eat the Passeover sitting or leaning after the Roman manner which posture our Saviour observed when he eat the Passeover The beast that must be eat was a Lamb or Kid as being cheapest and because it must be eat up at one time this Lamb was to be kept four dayes to wit from the tenth day till the fifteenth that they might have the longer time to think on their deliverance by looking on the Lamb and withall to search if any defects were in it for the Lamb must be without blemish but this custome did not hold long it must be also a male and not above a year old There must not be fewer then ten at the eating of the Lamb. it was killed between the two evenings that is between three of the afternoon till sun-setting which was the first and from thence till day light was quite spent which was the second evening This killing of the Lamb was rather a Sacrament then a Sacrifice as not being performed by a Priest but by private men and not in the place appointed for sacrifices but in private houses The blood of the Lamb was sprinkled on their thresholds this ceremony was used but only the first Passeover as I can find the Lamb was roasted not boiled for the more expedition and nothing of it must be left least it should hinder them in their journy and it must be eat with sower herbs to put them in minde of their bitter servitude in Egypt the bread that was eat with it was unleavened to shew their haste in removing thence the whole solemnity from this was called the feast of unleavened bread and likewise the Passeover Albeit properly the Passover was only the first day yet the whole eight days were so named This sacrament was a true representation of Christ the immediate Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world who is the true Passover because the devouring Angel of Gods wrath hath past over our sins he was killed and roasted by the fire of his Fathers wrath he is our true food whom we must eat with sowr herbs and our loyns girt to shew how ready we must be to undergo the bitterness of afflictions and to subdue our carnal lusts we must eat him without leaven that is without pride and hypocrisie now is the time to eat him by faith for this is the evening of the world in which our Passover was sacrificed for us The first and last day of this feast were the two great days but the days between them were only half holy days Other ceremonies of this feast we will see anon in the observation of Easter by the Moderne Jewes Q. What were the feasts of Pentecost and Tabernacles A. Pentecost was kept in memory of the Law given on Sinai fifty days after the Passover The first day of the Passover was called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the second 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the first Sabbath after this second day was called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is the second first Sabbath Luk. 16. 1. and because their harvest began at Easter and ended at Pentecost therefore they are commanded Levit. 23. 10 to offer a sheaf of the first fruits of their harvest upon the morrow or second day of their great feast and on the Pentecost to offer two wave-loaves the first offering was to sanctifie their harvest the second was in token of thanks to God for the finishing of their harvest The feast of Tabernacles was kept in memory of their fourty years aboad in the wilderness when they lived in Tents and by day were shadowed by a cloud The first and last days were the chief days especially the last called therefore the great day of the feast Iohn 7. 37. and in these long feasts the first and last days are called Sabbaths In this feast their custome was to hold in their hands branches of trees which they called Hosanna with this Hosanna they honoured Christ they made booths therefore the feast was called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in the open air in which they lived seven days together except in time of rain weak and impotent persons were excused and exempted from these booths which were made up of Citrine trees Palmes Mirtles and Willows The next day after the feast they compassed the Altar seven times with Palmes in their hands in memory of the encompasâ—ing of Iericho During the time of this feast many bullocks were offered as may be seen Numb 29. on the last day of the feast they read the last Section of the Law and began the first and drew water out of the river Siloah which in the Temple they delivered to the Priests who poured it with wine on the Altar the people singing with joy shall you draw water out of the wells of Salvation Isa. 12. 3. This feast was kept the fifteenth day of Tisri the seventh moneth but Ieroboam kept it the fifteenth day of the eighth moneth some think that this feast was kept as a thanksgiving to God for their Vintage and Plutarch calls it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a bearing about of Thyrsi that is of Spears wrapped about with Ivy in honour of Bacchus But of these passages see Hospinian de orig fest Munster in Calendar and on Leviticus Fagius on Leviticus the Thalmud tract de tabern Scaliger de emend temp Iosephus in antiq
came of Eleazer And the government held out in some sort till Herod the first overthrew it by thrusting out the lawful Priests and substituting at his pleasure unworthy men The like was done by the Roman Governors then were the Levites deprived of their tiths by the chief Priests The singers were permitted by Agrippa the younger to wear a linnen garment as well as the Priests they retained then some Priests and Levites they had also Scribes and Lawyers who exercised Ecclesiastick Jurisdiction with the Elders of the people They had also Synagogues of their profession abroad in Alexandria Cilicia and other places Acts. 6. 9. and in Iudea too whither the people met to pray and hear the Law and Prophets read The Synagogues had their Rulers Acts 13. 15. who did interpret the Law they were also called Prophets Scribes and Lawyers but the Government of the Jewish Church was much pestered by the Samaritans Esseans Sadduces and Pharises Nazareans who rejected the books of Mojes Hemerobaptists who washed themselves daily and the Herodians who held that Herod was Christ the Esseans contemned marriage and thought themselves holier then other men therefore called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Saints they would have had all things equal The Samaritans rejected all Scripture except the Pentateuch and were the sworn enemies of the Iews The Pharisees were so called from Separation for they separated themselves from other men accounting all profane but themselves They placed all Sanctimony in outward shews The Sadduces so called from Justice denied providence subjected all things to our will denied the souls Immortality Angels and the Resurrection The Scribes perverred all by their sophistical glosses on the Law Of these things see Sigonius Bertram Iosephus and others Q. But what Church government have the Iewes at this day A. In Rome Venice Worms Mentz Frankford on the Moen Fridburg Amsterdam and in divers places of Poland Bohemia and elsewhere they have their Synagogues where they use to pray together and to hear the Law read Before they come thither they wash themselves and scrape their shooes with an iron fastened in a wall before the Synagogue They enter with great reverence bowing themselves towards the Ark where their Law is kept and are tied to a set form of prayer which they must read in their books they that cannot read must hearken diligently and say Amen though they understand not what is read for their Liturgy is the old Hebrew which they generally understand not They utter divers brief benedictions and after them some short prayers and because they cannot sacrifice being banished from Ierusalem the place appointed for sacrifice therefore in stead thereof they read the Law concerning sacrifices and offerings and some Expositions thereof out of the Thalmud which they understand not They pray in particular for the rebuilding of Ierusalem and their return thither which they dayly expect for which they expresse great joy and vociferation Then they read a long prayer collected out of the Psalms with some part out of the first Book of the Chronicles ch 30. Then they conclude with singing these words of Obadiah vers 17. But upon mount Sion shall be deliverance and there shall be holinesse and the house of Iacob shall possesse their possessions c. And the house of Esau shall be stubble c. And Saviours shall come upon mount Sion to judge the mount of Esau and the Kingdom shall be the Lords Other Songs also they sing much to this purpose and when they sing or say these words Hearken O Israel the Lord our God is one God they turn their heads to the four corners of the world intimating thereby that God is every where King There be some of their prayers which they are bound to say every day twice standing strait thinking that thereby they shall merit But when they utter these words of Isai. 6. 3. Holy Holy Holy Lord God of Sabbath the Earth is full of the Glory they leap three times They hold that whosoever doth speak whilest they are praying shall eat burning coales when they are dead After this they utter an execrable praver against all Christians and baptized Jews Then they pray for peace bowing their head to the left then to the right hand and depart out of the Synagogue with their faces stil towards the Ark like crabs going backward They use also to go slowly out of the Synagogue lest by making haste they might seem to be weary of praying When they mention the adoration which is given to Christ by Christians they spit on the ground in detestation thereof Q. What circumstances do the Iews now observe in praying A. They pray being girt standing upright with their faces toward Ierusalem laying their hand on their heart and bowing their head They hold it a great sin in praying to belch yawn spit or break wind because they hold the Angels to be there present but if any be necessiated to break wind he must beg pardon of God who hath made him a body so full of holes he that prays must make no interruption though a Serpent should bite him or the King of Israel speak to him They are bound to utter an hundred blessings every day In praying they must not touch their naked skin They hold sneezing in prayers to be a good signe but breaking wind to be ominous and they beleeve that whosoever saith heartily Amen to their prayers hasteneth their Redemption Q. What is the time and order of their Evening prayer A. About five in the afternoon the Door-keeper of the Synagogue with a hammer knocks at their doores warning them to repair to Evening prayer When they are come they sit down and begin their service with these words of the 84. Psalm Blessed are they that dwell in thy house Then the Precentor having said or sung some Psalms and half that holy prayer called Kaddesh the whole Synagogve saith eighteen prayers according to the number of bones in a mans back And then the Praecentor comes down from his Pulpit and falls upon his knees before the Ark after the example of Ioshuah Iosh. 7. 6. and layeth his left hand under his face because it is said Cant. 2. 6. His left hand is under my head This the people do likewise and with their faces covered and towards the ground they say the sixth Psalm Having ended their Evening Prayer and pawsed a while they begin their night prayers which they should say after supper but because it would be inconvenient to return late to the Synagogue and many times they are drunk after supper therefore before they depart they say some prayers but if any have a quarrel with his neighbour he takes the Liturgy-book and shuts it clapping his hand upon it intimating hereby that he would pray no more till his neighbour were reconciled to him Q. Why do the Iews beside the Sabbath keep holy the Monday and Thursday A. Ezdras appointed that the people should meet three times in the week to be taught the Law because in the Desart of Sur the people wandred three dayes without water that i◠say they without the Law And
and are still great obstacles to their conversion But Christian Princes must be careful that they be not suffered to blaspheme Christ or abuse his Church for they are keepers of both Tables and they do not carry the sword in vain they should also use all the gentle means they can to bring them to the knowledge and love of Christ by instructing them in the grounds of Christian Religion but violence must be avoided for faith cometh by perswasion not by compulsion neither must their infants be forcibly baptized against their Parents consent but when they come to years of discretion they should cause them to be instructed in the principles of Christianity nor must their Parents be suffered to hinder them but whilest they are infants they must not be baptized against their Parents will because that were to take away the right of paternity which parents have over their children both by the Laws of God of Nature and of Nations besides the children of Jewes who are enemies of Christ cannot be comprehended within the Covenant and therefore are not capable of the sign of the Covenant till they be of years and if then they embrace Christ they are included in the Covenant and so made capable of the seal thereof Besides the forced baptism of Jewish children would be a great scandal to Christian Religion which would be traduced as a violent way to force infants to receive that of which they had no knowledg nor could give their consent to and so these children when they come to years of discretion might justly repudiare that Religion which was forced on them when they had neithe knowledge of it nor gave consent to it Q. In what things must not Christians communicate with Iews A. They must not eat nor drink nor bath nor cohabit together nor entertain friendship and familiarity least by these means Christians should be infected with their errors and superstition or least they should seem to countenance their wicked opinions 2. Christians must not serve Jews in any kind of service for then they will brag that they are the Lords of the world and Christians their slaves besides it is unseemly that the children of the free born for so we are being made free by Christ should serve the sons of the bond woman for they are true Israelites and the sons of Abraham who have the faith and do the works of Abraham who are Israelites not after the flesh but after the spirit 3. Christians must not employ Jews for their Physitians for this were to engage them besides we know out of Histories how dangerous such Physitians have proved to Christians who by reason of their inveterate malice make no conscience to poyson them but rather think they are bound to do so 4 Christians must take heed how they traffick with Jews least they be cheated by them or least they partake of the sins and superstition of the Jews by selling them such wares as they know they will abuse to their superstitious worship 5. Let not Christians borrow money of Jews except they mean to be undone by them for they have ever been and are to this day unconscionable Extortioners 6. Christians ought not to read their blasphemous books but to suppress and burn them for by them our blessed Saviour in his person offices preaching miracles is highly dishonoured and his Church traduced therefore Pope Gregory the ninth about the year of Christ 1230. caused the Thalmud in which Christian Religion is so much blasted to be burned which was performed accordingly by the Chancellor of Paris and about the year 1553. Pope Iulius the third commanded that all the Jewish blasphemous books with both the Thalmuds should be searched out and flung in the fire and that their estates should be consiscared who did harbour or read print or write such wicked books or bring them from forraign parts into Christian Territories Q. How many days do the Jews spend in their Easter solemnities A. Eight the two first and the two last are wholly kept with great Ceremony the other four are but half holy days all this time they sup-plentifully and drink strenuously till it be midnight but they drink up four consecrated cups of Wine two before supper and two at or after supper each of these cups is accompanied with a prayer and the last with execrations against Christians at supper they eat the other halfe Cake and keep open all night their doors and gates as being perswaded that then they are safe and secure from all danger and that they are ready to entertain Eliah whose comming they expect then During this time they eat up the whole three cakes mentioned before and have divers disputations about what work is fit to be done that time full of ridiculous subtilties If during this time they find any leaven in their houses they touch it not but cover it till they burn it Now because they are not certain which is the true fourteenth day of the Moon when they begin their Easter they keep the second day as solemnly as the first and because they know not the true seventh day therefore least they should mistake they observe also the eighth day after which day they bring leaven into their houses again the men fast three times after to expiate for their intemperance during the feast and for the space of thirty days they neither marry nor both nor cut their hair because Rabbi Akibha lost by death all his Disciples being eighty thousand between Easter and Pentecost Q. How do they now observe their Pentecost A. Pentecost so called in the new Testament from the fifty days between Easter and that feast in the old Law it is called the feast of Harvest and of first fruits Exod. 23. 16. because then their Harvest began and the time they offered their first fruits of the Earth The Jews are very exact in numbring each week and day from Easter to Pentecost praying continually that God would bring them home againe to Ierusalem that in their own Land they might offer to him their first fruits as Moses commanded them They keep two holy days at Pentecost because they know not which is the true day They produce their Law twice and by five men they read so much as concerneth that festivity They strow their Houses Synagogues and streets with grass fil their windows with green boughs and wear on their heads green Garlands to shew that all places about mount Sinai were green when they received the Law They eat that day altogether white meats of milk to shew the whitenesse and sweetnesse of the Law They make a Cake or Pye having seven Cakes in one to signifie the seven Heavens into which God ascended from mount Sinai Q. How do they keep the feast of Tabernacles A. This third great feast which was kept anciently in Booths or Tents made up of green boughs in memory of the forty years peregrination in the Deâ—art is now observed by
names of Saturn Iupiter Mars Venus and Mercury At length they multiplyed their gods so fast that every Beast Spring River Tree Trade or Profession in the world Disease in the body Faculty and Passion in the Mind had its peculiar Deity And so mad they were upon idolatry that of a mans Yard they made a god under the name of Phallus and Priapus in memory of Osiris his Privities which after much toyl were found by Isis in Nilus being drowned there by Typhon his brother who had cut his body into many pieces and buried them in many places They worshipped Beasts Birds Vermiâ— Leeks and Onyons Their Priests were shaved and clothed in pure Linnen abstained from fish Wine and Onyons Their Kings after election were chosen into the society of Priests They held two beginnings they consecrated red Bulls flung the heads of their Sacrifices into Nilus and abstained from salt See Arnobius Eusebius Plutarch Iamblichus and many others Q. What devotion did the Egyptians use to their deified Beasts A. They were fed by their Priests in their Temples with choice food when any dyeth it is wrapped in clean Linin and embalmed and buried in a consecrated place with much lamentation All shave themselves in that house where a Dog dieth Their god Apis being dead and lamented another was found by the Priests and brought to Memphis where he was placed in Vulcans Temple and seven days kept holy for him By their Law he must live but a prefixed time then he is drowned in a sacred spring and buried with much lamentation All beasts are not worshipped in all parts of Eygpt but in some places the Crocodile in other places the Goat in some Satyrs in others Cynocephalus or Anubis with his Dogs-head The Serpent was a great god amongst them so was the Bull the Dog the Cat the Hawk and Ibis and two fishes peculiar to Nilus to wit Opyrinchus and Lepidotus They worshipped the Hippopotamus Frogs Beetles and other vermifie Their Priests were bound to offer a Cock to the Sun a Dove to Venus a Peacock to Iuno c. And bloody Busiris sacrificed men to Nilus Quis illaudati nescit Busiridis aras The Egyptians hate Swine so much that if by chance one should touch them he instantly washeth his cloathes and Sow-heards are forbid their Temples They circumcise male and female and offer wine to the full Moon The Priests wash themselves thrice in the day time and twice in the night They must not eat milk eggs or oyl except with Salads Their Priests were Judges their Gymnosophists were Philosophers who had their Colledge in a Grove neer the banks of Nilus The Egyptians observed divers feasts to Isis Diana Latona Mars Minerva Mercury Bacchus Osiris and his Nurse In these feasts was much disorder and vanity some beating of themselves some cutting their fore heads with knivs some dancing some singing some drinking some quarrelling In the feast of Bacchus they were all drunk In that of Mars all mad knocking down one another with clubs In the feast of Isis they shewed their folly in tumbling an Ass down from a Precipice In that of Minerva in burning lights with oyl and salt But of these and other ridiculous or rather impious Rites see Hospinian Coelius Rhodiginus Plutarch Herodotus Diodorus Siculus Eusebius Strabo Lucian and others Q. How long continued this heathenish idolatry in Egypt A. Till the Sun of Righteousnesse shined upon it and by the bright beams of his Gospel dispelled and scattered all the dark mists of idolatry so that Alexandria the chief nursery thereof by the preaching of Saint Mark became a Patriarchal seat whose successors have continued till this day but their residence now is at Cairo where the Metropolitan of Aethiopia or Archbishop of the Abissins receiveth his confirmation from the Patriarch of Alexandria 'T is true that Gambyses son to Cyrus King of Persia destroyed many of the Egyptian Idols and Ochus his successor killed their Apisâ—â— but these were shortly after restored by Alexander the great whose successors the Ptolemies upheld the same idolatry and so did the Romans till by the preaching of the Gospel darknesse was forced to give place to light Q. What Religion is there now professed in Egypt A. Here at this day Christians have their Churches Jews their Synagogues and Mahumetans their Mosques of these last there be four sorts differing in their Laws Liturgies and Ceremonies There is a Sect in Chairo which liveth altogether on horse flesh And another who go naked giving themselves to fleshly lusts openly The Christians there are Eutychians and are circumcised but it is thought that they have forsaken circumcision by the perswasion of the Popes Legates at a Synod held at Cairo Anno. 1583. These are called Cophti not from their Profession but from their Nation for in the Thalmud Egypt is called Gophti and the Egyptians in old time Aegophtia They are not rigid Eutychians which were condemned in the Council of Chalcedon for affirming one Nature and one Will in Christ but they are modern Eutychians called Iacobites from Iacobus the Syrian who held that Christ was true God and true man yet he and his Scholars will not in direct termes affirm there are two natures lest they should fall into the error of Nestorius of the two Persons These fast every Wednesday and Friday and have four Lents in the year They make Infants Deacons and baptise them not afore the fourtieth day and then give them the Eucharist They leave out the words in the Nicene Creed From the Son They condemne the Council of Chalcedon and admit no general Council since that of Ephesus They read publickly the Gospel of Nicodemus They receive the Eucharist in both kinds and in leavened bread To the sick they neither administer the Eucharist nor Extream Unction They deny Purgatory and Prayer for the dead They Marry in the second degree of consanguinity And in their Church government are subject to the Patriarch of Alexandria There are not above three Christian Churches at Alexandria and so many at Cairo about fifty thousand Christians in all Of these passages see Boterus in his Relations Thevet in his Cosmography Chytraerus of the State of the Church Baronius in his Annals c. And Brerewoods Collections out of them 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 adjoyning 19. Of the southern Americans 20. Of Paria and
George Maior one of Luthers disciples who taught that no man nay not infants can be saved without good works But it s ridiculous to expect good works from Infants who have not as yet the use of reason nor organs fit for operation 4. Osiandrists so called from Andrew Osiander a Lutheran who taught that Christs body in the Sacrament suffered was corruptible and died again directly against Scripture saying that Christ being risen from the dead dieth no more death hath no more dominion over him He taught also that we are not justified by faith or works but by the essential righteousnesse of Christ dwelling in us But the essential righteousnesse of Christ is the righteousnesse of his divinity which is not communicable nor separable from him 5. Augustinians in Bohemia these taught that none went to heaven or hell till after the last judgement whereas Christ tells the contrary to the good thiefe this day thou shalt be with me in Paradise and affirmeth that the soul of Lazarus was carried by Angels into Abrahams bosom and Dives into hell Wherefore did Christ ascend to heaven but that we might be where he is They make also dormice or swallows of mens souls saying that they sleep till the resurrection if Saint Steven when he was dying had known this Doctrin he would not have called upon the Lord Jesus to receive his spirit The story also of Lazarus and Dives doth overthrow this conceit They say also that Christs human nature is not as yet ascended into heaven which directly overthroweth our Creed in that article as likewise the Scriptures and withall the hope and comfort of a Christian. 6. Stancarians so called from one Francis Stancarus a Mantuan who taught that Christ justifieth us and is our mediator only according to his humane nature whereas our redemption is the work of the whole person and not of one natâ—re alone 7. Adamites so called from one Adam author of the Sect they use to be naked in their Stoves and Conventicles after the example of Adam and Eve in Paradise And therefore when they marry they stand under a Tree naked having onely leaves of trees upon their privities they are admitted as brethren and sisters who can without lust look upon each others nakedness but if they cannot they are rejected 8. Sabbatharâ—anâ— so called because they reject the observation of the Lords day as not being commanded in Scripture and keep holy the Sabbath day onely because God himselfe rested on that day and commanded it to be kept But they forget that Christ came to destroy the Ceremonial Law wherof the Sabbath in respect of the seventh day was a branch and therefore Christ himself brake it when he commanded the sick man whom he cured to carry home his bed on that very day 9. Clancuâ—arii were those who professed no religion with their mouth thinking it sufficient to have it in their heart They avoid all Churches and publick meetings to serve God thinking their private houses to be better then Temples whereas they should remember that private prayers cannot be so effectual as publick neither is it enough to believe with the heart except we also confesse with the mouth for he that is ashamed to confesse Christ before men shall not be confessed by Christ before his Father and his holy Angels 10. Davidistae so called from one David George a Hollâ—nder he gave himselfe our to be the Messiah sent by the holy Spirt to restore the house of Israel that the Scriptures were imperwect and that he vas sent to bring the true Law and Doctrine that the â—oul was pure from sin and that the body onely sinned whereas indeed they both concur in the act of sinning and therefore are both punishable especially the Soul which is the chiefe agent the body is but the instrument He taught also that a man may have many Wives to replenish spiritual Paradise that it was no sin to deny Christ with the mouth so long as they believed on him in their heart He rejected also the books of Moses 11. Mennonists so called from one Mennon a Fâ—â—eslander These deny Christ to be born of Mary affiâ—ming that he brought his flesh from Heaven he called himselfe the Judge of men and Angels 12. Qeistae and 〈◊〉 who taught there were three distinct Gods differing in degrees One George Paul of Cracovia is held to be author of this Sect. 13. Antitrinitarians these being the spawn of the old Arrians and Samosatenians deny the Trinity of Persons and the two natures of Christ their author was Michael Servetus a Spaniard who was burned at Geneva 14. Antimarians who denied Maries Virginity affirming she had other children besides Christ because there is mention made of Christs brethren in the Gospel this is the old Heresie of Cerinthus and Helvidius whereas they consider not that in Scripture those of the same kinred are called brothers So is Lot called Abrahams brother and Lâ—â—an Iacobs Unckle is called his brother 15. Antinomians who reject the Law affirming there is nothing required of us but faith this is to open a wide gap for all â—mpiety Christ came not as he saith himselfe to abolish the Law but to fulfil it If there be no use of the Law then they must deny Gods justice and that it is now an uselesse attribute of the divinity â—16 Infernaleâ— these held that Christ descended into no other hell but into the grave onely and that there is no other hel but an evil conscience whereas the Scripture speaketh of hell fire prepared for the Devil and his Angels and calls it the bottomlesse pit c. 17. Bequinians so called from one Boquinus their Master who taught that Christ did not die for the wicked but only for the faithful so they make him not to be the Saviour of mankind and of the world but a particular Saviour only of some wheras Saint Iohn saith that Christ is the reconciliation for our sins and not for ours onely but also for the sins of the whole world 1 Iohn 2. 2. 18. Hutistes so called from one Iohn Hut who take upon them to prefix the very day of Christs comming to judgement whereas of that day and hour knoweth no man nay not the Angels in Heaven 19. Invisibiles so called because they hold that the Church of Christ is invisible which if it be in vain did he compare it to a City built upon a hill â—â—in vain also doth he counsel us to tell the Church if our brother wil not be reformed in vain also doth the Apostle warn Bishops Presbyteries to look to their stock to rule the Church which Christ hath purchased with his blood Act. 20. How can he be called the sheepherd of that â—â—ock which he neveâ— saw 20. Qnintinistae so called from one Quintinus of Bicardy a Tailour He was author of the Libertins who admit of all Religions Some of them mock at all Religions at that Lucianist who â—rot a book of the three Impostors
end to all Iewish rites which wâ—re but shadows of christs sufferings the substance being come the shadows were to vanish therefore the Apostle saith Gal. 4. 9. That they who turns to these beggarly elements again desire to be in bondage again and in the next chapter he tells the Galathians that if they be circumcised Christ shall profit them nothing Lastly this millenary kingdome of eating drinking and sensuall pleasures was fitly devised by Cerinthus the heretick as best suiting with his swinish disposition for he was noted for a person given to gormandizing and libidinous sports Q. 10. What other Sects and Opinions are there now stirring amongst us A. We have Anti-trinitarians or Polonian Arrians which sprung up in Poland Anno 1593. These deny the Trinity of Persons the Divinity of Christ and of the Holy Ghost that Christ was the Son of God essentially but in respect of his dominion and say that the eternal generation of the Son is against truth and reason We have also Millenaries the spawn of Cerinthus the Heretick these dream of a temporary Kingdome bere on Earth which they shall enjoy with Christ a thousand years But indeed they aim at the enjoyment of the temporal estates of such as they call wicked who as they think have no property in their estates We have Traskits so called of one Trask who would have no Christian Sabbath kept but the Jewish Laws observed and their Sabbath or Seventh day to be perpetually kept holy till the worlds end Others we have who will keep no Sabbath at all these we call Anti Sabbatarians We have likewise Anti-Scripturians who reject all Scriptures as mans inventions there are amongst us Divorcers who hold that men may put away their Wives upon small occasions VVe have also Soul-Sleepers who with the Arabick Hereticks hold that the soul dieth or sleepeth with the body whose souls I think are asleep before the body dieth Amongst other professions we have of late Seekers or Expeâ—â—ers who deny there is any true Church or Ministery and therefore they are seeking one But they know not where to find this Church except it be in the Land of Utopia There was one Hetherington a Box maker who rejecting all Church discipline published that the Sabbath of the Iews was abolished by Christ and that every day now is a Sabbath that the books of Esdras were canonicall Scripture and in other opinions agreed with the â—amilists Q. 11. What Opinions in Religion are held by Theaurau John Ans. He cals himself Priest of the Iews sent as he saith from God to convert them his wilde whimsies are these 1. He cals it nonsence and a lie to say that God is Father of us all 2. That we Gospellers as he cals us worship the Devill because saith he the spirit of man is a Devill 3. That it is a Monster and absolute blasphemie to say the godhead dwelt in Christ bodily 4. He wonders how he that created all could be born of a woman by which we may plainly see he is a circumcised Iew. 5. He saith that the child which the Virgin brought forth is love as if the generation of christ were altogether mysticall and not reall 6. He saith That Mary is christ and christ is Mary and that these are but names of one thing 7. He denyeth That Christ was properly born or that he was born in one or that he was begotten or that be could be flesh properly or that he did descend into our flâ—sh but into our spirits onely or that he could be included in the Virgins Wombe and withall he belyeth us in saying That we have brought the humanity to be very God whereas we say the same person is God and man one not by conversion of the Godhead into flesh but by taking of the manhood into God One altogether not by confusion of substance but by unity of person 8. He calls the English clergy thieves robbers deceivers sounding from Antichrist and not from the true christ in which we see the Impudent spirit of an heretick who can no other wayes defend his lies and blasphemies but by railing 9. He prateth That the Gospel cannot be preached by another but by it self so that mans voyce or outward sound is a lye and Antichist 10. That our Ministers are not christs ambassadors but that their call is a lye for 't is learning and learning is that whâ—re which hath deceived the Nations and compleated the work of Antichrist See the impudence and boldnesse of this blind ignoramus 11. He denyeth that the Priests tips can preserve knowledge though the Scripture is plain for it but by the Priest he understands knowledge it self and so he will make the Holy Ghost to speak Tautologies in saying knowledge shall preserve knowledge here we see the fruits of ignorance 12. He makes the spirit of man to be a quintessence abstracted out of the elementarie motions such is his dull philosophie 13. Out of his kind respect to the Devil by whose instinct he writeth he affirms That he with the false prophet shall receive mercy at last because God with not punish a finite thing infinitely but here be again bewrayes his ignorance for the devil is infinite a posteriore both in regard of his essence and of his desire in sinning besides that God whom he offendeth is infinite 14. Hâ— ignorantly saith That â—e who confâ—rs Gods gift is as great yea greater than God himself is so then it must follow that the Apostles were greater than God when they gave the gifts of the Holy Ghost by imposition of hands 15. He impiously saith that Saint Paul wrote many things which he understood not 16. And as impiously doth he say that in them books which we call Scripture is the lye as well as in other books 17. After his ignorant manner he câ—â—founds the gift of prophesie with the Prophet himself in saying man is not the Prophet but the light in man from God 18. He will not have us to seek for Antichrist abroad for man in darknesse is Antichrist I deny not but every man in darknesse is in some sort an Antichrist yet there is one great Antichrist to be sought for abroad 19. The Trinity which he acknowledgeth is God the Sonne and Man this Trinity is hatched in his crasie 〈…〉 20. He is so mad that he saith he can make one word bear forty significations so he can make 〈◊〉 thou stand for dark or light or hell or heaven or sea or land or angel or Sunne or the devil 21. He will not have Christs body that suffered to be our Saviour nor Christs body for christs body saith he is obedience thus he would fain make christ our Saviour a 〈◊〉 allegorie and therefore in plain termes affirmeth that true Christ hath not nor cannot have any true corporall body for he is a spirit and a spirit is free from flâ—sh as if forsooth a spirit flesh could not be united in the same person
Buxtorfius Tremellius c. Q. What were their new Moons and Feasts of Trumpets and Expiation A. Every new Moon was a festival among the Jews in which as on the Sabbath people repaired to the Prophets for instruction 2 Kings 4. 23. then it was not lawful to buy or sel Amos 8. 4 yet the first new Moon in the beginning of their seventh moneth called Tisri according to their Ecclesiastical account but the first moneth in their civil computation was called particularly the Feast of Trumpets for though at other feasts they sounded trumpets yet at this feast there was more sounding to wit all the day not so much in memory of Isaacs deliverance from death on mount Moriah nor for the Law given with sound of trumpets on mount Sinai for the feast of Pentecost was instituted for that but for the greater solemnity of the new year from whence they reckoned their Sabbatical years and Jubiles and dated all their deeds and bargains This sounding then of trumpets was a solemn promulgation of the new year and a preparation for the three ensuing feasts that moneth to wit of Expiation the tenth day of Tabernacles from the fifteenth to the one and twentieth and the great feast on the two and twentieth day but I think this was no particular feast but the conclusion of the feast of Tabernacles Of the sacrifices to be offered in the new Moons read Numb 28. 11 15. as for those words of David Psa. 81. 3. blow the trumpet in the new Moon they are most likely to be meant of the first new Moon or feast of Trumpets The feast of Expiation was kept the tenth day of Tisri and it was so called because the high Priest then entred into the Oracle to expiate his own and the peoples sins for himselfe he took a young Bullock and a Ram for the people he took a Ram for a burnt offering and two hee Goats for a sin offering the two Goats he presented at the door of the Tabernacle before the Lord one of these lots being cast was sent into the wildernesse this was called the Scape-Goat upon whose head the Priest laid all the sins and evils of the people to be carried away by the Goat into the wilderness The other Goat was sacrificed On this day was their great fast Act. 8. 9. wherein they abstained from all kind of work and delights so that they might not kindle fire nor dresse meat notwithstanding their afflicting themselves the joyful Jubile was this day proclaimed Of the rites used at this day by the Moderne Jwes we will speak hereafter Q. What was their Sabbaticnl yeare and their Idbile A. Every seventh year was a Sabbath or rest for then the land did rest from plowing and sowing then poor debtors that were native Iewes and not Proselytes or strangers were released if they were not able to pay by this God would exercise the charity of his people to the poor and have them rely on his providence who gave such increase to the sixth year that it brought forth provision enough for three years and therefore all things were this time held in common and they lived as Adam did in Paradise or as people in the golden age when the earth spâ—nte sua of its own accord brought forth all things omnis tulit omnia tellus Of this years fertility see Levit. 25. 20. The Hebrew servants were this year to be set free Exod. 21. 2. and the Law to be read publickly Deut. 31. 10. The Jubilee so called from Iobal a Ram because of the sounding of Rams horns at that time was instituted Levit. 25. 8. for the comfort of prisoners servants and debtors for then all things were brought back to their former estate and therefore perhaps it is called Jubilee from Iobhel to deduce or bring back all lands that had been sold or morgaged were restored to the right owners by which meanes Families and Tribes were preserved entire without commixtion or confusion and their ancient inheritances remained whole This feast was kept every fiftieth year but was proclaimed the forty ninth on the day of expiation and was a type of that great liberty and delivery we have by Christ which is begun in this world and consummated in that which is to come where we shall enjoy eternal rest and shall obtain remission of all our debts and the possession of that ancient inheritance prepared for us before the foundation of the world This year of Jubilee also was to put them in minde of their deliverance from the captivity of Egypt As in the Sabbatical year so likewise in this all things were common the servant whose ear was bored is now set free and the slave that was sold for six years is now dismissed although those six years were not yet ended The beasts also had liberty to feed where they pleased But as the Jewes did keep no Jubilee in the captivity of Babylon neither have they kept any since Christ. As for their feasts of Purim and dedication or renovation called therefore in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 we will speak anon These were all the Festivals kept by the Iewes the three chief besides the Sabbath were the Passover Pentecost and Tabernacles in commemoration of three great benefits without which no Society or Common-wealth can subsist to wit Liberty Laws and Defence or Protection Now for diverse reasons God instituted so many feastival days First because he would have his people keep in mind the benefits he bestowed on them Secondly to give him thanks which they solemnly did chiefly at Easter by offering their first fruits at Pentecost by offering Loaves at the feast of Tabernacles by sacrificing in that they had now gathered in all their fruits Thirdly by these festivals the love and amity of Gods people were the more preserved in their often meetings Fourthly and so was their devotion the oftner exercised in sacrifices by which the Levites and poor were releeved Fifthly unity of Religion was also by this means preserved Sixthly and their obedience also in this was tried Seventhly but chiefly Christ the promised Messiah was in these Feasts represented for every sacrifice and oblation did shadow forth his death and passion by whose blood alone and not by the blood of Goats and Rams we have obtained eternal redemption Q. What sorts of Excommunication was used among the Iews A. At first they excluded the delinquent out of their Synagogue John 9. 22 but not quite out of the Temple for he might stand in the gate in time of Divine service this censure lasted thirty days and more if the party repented not and if he died without repentance he wanted the ceremonies of common burial and a stone was laid on his coffin signifying he deserved stoning They had a higher degree of excommunication which Saint Paul calls a giving over to Satan 1 Cor. 5. 5. by the Greeks the partie so excommunicate was called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and such
because Moses went up the mountain the second time to renew the Tables of the Law and to pacifie Gods anger for the peoples worshipping the Golden Calf on Thursday and returned thence on Monday therefore the devoted Jews use to fast these two days as the Pharisee did in the Gospel Q. What Ceremonies observe they about the Book of the Law A. In every Synagogue the Book of the Law is kept within a Chest this Book is the Pentareuch written on parchment in great Characters and carried to and fro on two staves fastened at each end of the parchment Before the door of the Ark or Chest hangs a piece of Tapestry on which divers birds are figured because birds were pictuted upon the Ark of the Covenant This book is wrapt in linnen which is covered with Silk Velvet or Tissue The office of carrying the Law is sold to him that gives most and the money is bestowed on the poor The two staves are called the trees of Life When the Praecentor brings the book out of the Ark into the Pulpit then they all sing these words Numb 10. 35. Let God arise and let his enemies be scatrered c. After some Anthymns are sung one comes between the Chasan or Chief Singer and him who bought the Office of carrying the Law and kisses not the parchment for that were too great presumption but the cloaths in which it is wrapped then with a loud voice he blesseth God who hath chosen them before all others and given them a Law Then the chief Singer reads a Chapter and the Book is kissed again with blessing of God for giving the true Law Then it is elevated on high the whole Congregation shouting This is the Law that Moses gave to Israel The Women in the mean time being in a distinct Synagogue by themselves are not permitted to kisse the Book nor to be there with the men to shew what modesty ought to be there but if he who carrieth the Book should by chance stumble with it a long fast must be enjoyned that fall being held ommous and a presage of great calamities When the Book is wrapped up again within all its coverings young and old kiss it touching it only with their two fingers and whilest it is carried back to the Ark they all sing again Return Lord to the many thousands of Israel Num. 10. 36. So prayers being ended as they are going out of the Synagogue they say The Lord preserve my going out and comming in from henceforth and for ever Psal 5. 9. Q. What is their manner of observing the Sabbath at this day A. Because Moses commanded the Israelites to gather as much Manna on the sixth day as might serve them also the seventh therefore all that they eat and drink on the Sabbath is prepared and dressed on the Friday and if the servants work be more then they can perform before the Sabbath their Masters be they never so great and rich must help them that the Sabbath be not broken yet they have three Feasts that day one in the Evening when they begin their Rest the second at Noon and the third in the Evening when they conclude their Sabbath All that day their Tables remain covered If they do not wash their heads hands and feet If they pair not their nailes beginning at the fourth finger on the left hand which pairings must not be trod upon but either burned or buried if they change not their cloaths if the men cut not their beards and the women if they combe not their heads if they sharp not their knives and make every thing clean in their houses on the Friday they esteem the neglect of any of these circumstances a violation of their Sabbath Before the Sun go down the women kindle their Sabbatarian lights which is an ancient custome as may be seen in Persius Satyr 5. Herodis venere dies unctáque senestrae Depositae pinguem nebulam vemuere lucernae Except we understand here by Herods dayes Herods birth-day which was carefully observed by the Herodian Sect. Now the reason why the women kindle the lights is because the first woman extinguished the light and glory of man by her disobedience They also use to hasten their Sabbath and to enlarge it by adâ—ing a part of the work day that the souls in Purgatoâ—y may have the more liberty and refreshing who all that time cocl and refresh themselves in water for which cause the Jews are forbid by their Rabbins to draw all the water out of any place but to leave some for refrigeration of these scorched souls They beleeve that a good and evil Angel stand before their Synagogues observing who pray and hear most diligently These Angels wait upon such to their houses where finding all clean and neat they depart joyfully though the evil Angel be not concerned but is forced to shew a seeming content They do not put out their lights all that day nor must they snuff them least they should thereby break their Sabbath nor must they that day catch a Flea or kill a Louse If a Iew in his journey be overtaken by the Sabbath he must stay though in the midst of a Field or Wood though in danger of theeves storms or hunger he must not budge They begin their feasting on the Sabbath with conse crated Wine and two loaves of Bread in memory of the double portion of Manna they gathered for the Sabbath which day they think is not sufficiently observed except they eat and drink largly in the day time and kiss their Wives often in the night In their Synagogues they have read to them seven of their Chapters by seven several men who come in at one door and go out at another These Lectures are out of Moses and the Prophets Act. 13. 27 15. 21. they pray for the souls of those who have violated the Sabbath who being in Hell have so much ease by their prayers as to turn from one side to the other But their Service lasteth not above the sixth hour which is our noon for by their Law they must neither pray nor fast beyond this hour If any dream of such things as they count ominous such as the burning of the Law the falling of their houses or teeth they must fast till the evening and so they must fast the next day as a punishment for fasting on the Sabbath After dinner the most of their discourse is about their use-money and other worldly businesse In the evening they repair to their Synagogues againe and thence to their third feast They conclude their Sabbath with singing or caterwaling rather which they continue as long as they can for ease of the defunct souls And withal they pray that Elias would hasten his comming even the next Sabbath if he please that he might
Blessed be thou O God Lord of all the World who hast given such understanding to the cock When they change their shirts the walls and bed-posts must not see their nakedness but they must change within the bed-cloaths They must not in the morning put on the left shoe before the right but at night they should put off the left shoe first As they are going out of their chamber in the morning they must with a submissive mind bow their head to the ground in remembrance of the devastation of the Temple at Jerusalem but no man must offer to say his prayers till first he hath eased himself at the stoole and washed his hands because upon them evil spirits sit in the night time and his face also because it was made after the image of God but they must be careful that the right hand with which they touch the Law and write the name of God may no waies be defiled And when in private they are easing of themselves they must not then think of God or of his Law for that will shorten their life as their Rabbins say If any man touch his eye in the morning with unwashed hands he shall be blind if his ears deaf if his nostrils they shall still be dropping if his mouth it shall stink if any part of his skin it shall be scabbed they must not presume to pray but in their four cornerd cloak from which hangs certain borders laces or Phylacteries which they call Zizim they must also have their Tephillin tied to their heads and hands these are scrowls or bundels of prayers but of these and many more of their superstitious ceremonies see Buxtorsius in Synagoga Iudaica Q. How do they prepare themselves for the feast of Reconciliation A. The first ten days after the beginning are penitential in which they fast and pray The ninth day every man young and old takes a Cock in his hand every woman and maid a Hen. After some impertinent sentences pronounced out of Scripture each one whirls the Cock about the Priests head saying This Cock shall die for me then the Cocks throat is cut his body flung to the ground and at last roasted His guts are cast upon the top of the house that the Ravens may carry them away and their sins together They labour much for white Cocks which they hold to be pure from sin red Cocks they detest as being full of sin The reason why they sacrifice a Cock is because the Hewbrew word Gheber signifieth a man and in the Thalmud a Cock so to them the death of a Cock is as much as the death of a man After this they go to the Church yard confesse their sins and give to the poor the price of their Cocks because of old they used to give their cocks to the poor In the afternoon they dip themselves again in water and prepare lights for their next days service in the Synagogue where in the evening they meet and reconcile themselves to each other where hath been any offence he that seeks to be reconciled is sufficiently satisfied though the other be obstinate and thinks himself acquitted in seeking for that the other hath refused If the party wronged die he that did the wrong goeth to his grave and before ten witnesses confesseth his fault they confesse also their sins to each other in some secret place of the Church they go two and two the one boweth his body turning his face to the North whilest he is confessing and beating of his breast receiveth thirty nine stripes on the back of his fellow with a leather thong whom he repayes in the like manner Having done they return home and make merry with their roasted cocks and hens Over their cloaths they put on a white shirt or surplice to shew that now they are white and pure from sin Q. What other Ceremonies use they in the feast of Reconciliation A. The ninth day the men in the Synagogues the women at home about evening light wax candles over which they pray stretching out their hands towards the lights which if they burn clear they take it for a good sign that their sins are pardoned and that they shall be happy if the lights be dim or the wax melt it 's ominous Then they fast goe bare-footed abstain from oyl bathing and carnal copulation they spend much of the night in singing and praying and most of the next day while the Priest extendeth his hands to blesse them they all lay their hands on their faces as not daring to look on those sanctified hands of the Priest At this time they fast 48. hours together and some have been observed to stand upright and pray above 24. hours without intermission Some write that they use at this time to bribe Satan that he may not accuse them for their sins Q. What Ceremonies use they when they have read over the Law A. They divide the Pentateuch into 52. Sections according to the 52. Sabbaths of the year The last Lesson which falls out on that day that immediately follows the feast of Tabernacles about the 23. of September is accompanied with singing and the Priests dancing All the books are this day brought oâ—t of the Ark with dancing about it in the interim whilest the books are out of the Ark a candle burns within it to shew that the Law is a Light In the Synagogue they fling Nuts Peares and other fruit to the Youth who in scrabling for the same fall often times together by the ears That day their Ecclesiastick Offices are proposed to sale which occasioneth much strife and malice among them The money raised on the Offices is for the repair of their Synagogues and relief of the poor At last they conclude all with good cheer and wine at supper and are merry if while the Law was carried about he did not stumble that carried it for that is held very ominous Q. What are these Church offices which they sell yearly A. First the Office of lighting the candles Secondly Of furnishing the consecrated wine which is spent in their Sabbaths and other Festivals Thirdly the Office of folding and unfolding the Book of the Law Fourthly of lifting up and carrying about the said Book Fifthly of touching the sacred staves on which the Book or Parchment is rowled Young men are greedy of this office because they think the touching of these staves will prolong their life Sixthly the Office of reading the Law And seventhly of supplying his place who is negligent in his Office Q. Why do they keep the feast of Dedication A. They keep it in memory of Iudas Macchabaeus who dedicated the Temple the 25. of November After it had been possessed and polluted by the Grecians it was then ordained by Iudas and his brethren and all the people that this feast should be kept yearly for eight days together At that first Dedication was found a small vessel of Consecrated oyl which of it self was
Church of Millan the other by Saint Gregory which the Angel in the night by scattering the leaves up and down the Church did signifie that it was to be spread abroad through the world In the sixth part they place much religion in the observation of their canonical hours of prayer whereof at first were eight four for the night and four for the day the diurnal hours are the first third sixth and ninth the night hours are the Vespers Completory Nocturnals and Mattins or morning prayses but now these eight are reduced to seven to signifie the seven gifts of the holy Ghost or the seven deadly Sinnes or the seven-fold passion of Christ the Nocturnals are now said with the Mattins and not apart as heretofore every one of these canonical houres begins and ends with a Pater noster the Nocturnall Office is the first and is sung at mid-night in memory that about that time Christ was born and apprehended by Iudas and that about mid-night he shall come to judgement the Mattins or Prayses are said and sung in memory of Christs Resurrection and the Creation of the world about that time the first hour is kept in memory of Christs being delivered by Pilate to the Jewes about that hour and that then the women who came to the Sepulchre were told by the Angel that Christ was risen the third hour is in memory of Christs being at that time condemned by the Jewes and scourged at that time the holy Ghost was given to the Apostles who then spoke the great works of God the sixth hour is in memory of Christs Crucifixion at that time and of the Suns miraculous defection the ninth hour Christ gave up the Ghost his side was then pierced and then he descended into hell the Vaile of the Temple was rent and the graves opened at that hour also Peter and Paul went up into the Temple to pray and so did Peter into an upper chamber where he fell into a trance the Vespers are observed because in the evening Christs body was taken down from the Crosse at that time he instituted the Sacrament and did accompany the two Disciples to Emâ—us at this time is sung the Magnificat because the Virgin Mary who compiled this song is the bright evening Star of the world Then also the Tapers are lighted to shew we must have our Lamps ready with the wise Virgins The Completory is so called because in it are compleatly ended all the diurnal services it is observed in memory of Christs sweating of blood at that time he was then also put in the grave The song of Simeon Nunc dimittis c. is sung in the Completory because as he before his death sung it so should Christians before they sleep which is a resemblance of death In each one of these Canonical or Regular hours are sung Gloria Patri with Hymnes Psalmes and spiritual songs peculiar lessons are read and prayers said Q. 21. Wherein consisteth the seventh part of their worship A. In observation of Festival days to every one of which are appropriated Divine Services or offices They begin their Feasts from the four Sundays in Advent kept to put us in minde of Christs fourfold comming to wit in the flesh in the mindes of the faithful in death and in judgement at the last day In the third week of Advent begins the first of the four Fasts called Iejunia quatuor Temporum and this Fast is for the Winter quarter the Vernal Fast is in the first week of Lent The Aestival is the first week after Whitsuntide and the Autumnal in the third week of September These four seasons of the year resemble the four ages of mans life to wit his Childhood Youth Manhood and Old Age for the sins of which we ought to fast They observe also the Fasts of Lent and of Fridays and on the Eves of the Apostles Saint Laurence alone of all the Martyrs and Saint Martin of all the Confessors have their Fasts On the Eve or Vigil of Christs Nativity a lesson is read out of Exod. 16. concerning the Manna that fell in the Desart to prepare the people for the due receiving of the true Manna Christ Jesus the next day in which are sung three Masses to shew that Christ was born to save those that lived before under and after the Law The first is sung at mid-night with the Angelical Hymne the second at the breaking of the day in which mention is made of the Shepheards that came to see Christ The third Masse is at the third hour in which are read Prophesies Gospels and Epistles shewing Christs Nativity On the Sunday following are lessons of the same Nativity The first of Ianuary being the eight day after the Nativity is observed in memory of Christs Circumcision who in this would be subject to the Law would teach us humility and mortification and would shew himself to be true Man and the Messiah The Epiphany is kept in memory of the Star that appeared and of the three wise men that offered him guifts and because on the same day Christ was baptized when the whole Trinity appeared it is called Theophania and because on the same day Christ turned water into wine at the marriage in Cana it is called Bethphania from the house where the miracle was done The eight day after the Epiphany is kept in memory of Christs baptisme Every Sunday throughout the year hath its peculiar Service or office chiefly Septuagesima Sexagesima Quinquagesima and Quadragesima Sundays Their Lent-Fast which is kept in memory of Christs forty days fast begins on Ash-Wednesday in which consecrated Ashes are put on their heads in signe of humility and mortification and to shew we are but dust and ashes During the Lent every day in the week as well as the Sundays have their proper service and devotion on the fifth Sunday in Lent they begin the commemoration of Christs passion Palm-Sunday is kept in memory of the branches of trees cut down by the people and born by them when Christ was riding in triumph to Ierusalem therefore this day the Priest blesseth and distributeth branches of trees The three days immediatly going before Easter are kept with much sadnesse and devotion their Mattiâ—s end in darknesse the Bells are silent all lights are put out c. Three sorts of Oyle are blessed this day to wit that of Baptisme that of the Sick and that of the Catechumeni the Bishop breatheth on the Oyle three times to signifie the Trinity whereof the Holy Ghost represented by the Oyle is one of the Persons After evening service the Altars are stript naked to shew Christs nakednesse on the Crosse. In some places also they are washed with Wine and Water and rubbed with Savin leaves to represent the blood and tears with which Christ our true Altar was washed and the thornes he was crowned with In the Parasceve is kept a strict â—ast and silence no Masse is said this day Christs
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
from the Son abstained from blood and strangled things observed the Sabbath with the Lords day condemned the fourth marriage as utterly unlawful rejected confirmation administred the Sacrament in leavened bread and in both kindes and excluded the blessed souls from heaven till the Resurrection they did besides hold that all mens souls were created together in the beginning that Hereticks are to be rebaptized that the child is not to be baptized till the mother be purified which is fourty dayes after a Male childe and eighty after a Female that children should receive the Eucharist as soon as baptized that the Father may dissolve the Matrimony of his child if he dislike it that the Eucharist is not to be reserved nor to be carried to sick persons in danger of death that Priests and Deacons must be married that children of five or six years old may be made Subdeacons that women during their monthly purgations are not to be admitted into the Church nor to the Eucharist But these opinions the Maronites renounced when the Christians had the command of Syria and Palestine but when Saladine recovered those 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 fell off from the Roman Church and embraced their former Teners but in the 〈◊〉 of Gregory the 〈◊〉 and Clement the eighth they reconciled themselves again to the Roman Church Q. 13. What are the Cophti A. The 〈◊〉 are the Iacobites of Egypt for the Egyptians were anciently named 〈◊〉 we call them Cophti that is Egyptian Christians as the Iacobâ—res of Syria are named Syrians and in no country were these Euâ—ychians more patronised then in Syria and Egypt yet these Iacobites differ from Eutyches in this that He taught the two natures in Christ to be one by confusion or commixtion whereas They say that they are one by co-adunation but so that the properties oh each nature remain distinct so that in effect they 〈…〉 but dare not say to for fear of 〈…〉 persons not being able to 〈…〉 the Nature and the Person These 〈…〉 to the Patriarch of Alexandria whose 〈…〉 is now in the City of Caire They used heretofore to be circumcised but by the Popes perswasion have left it They baptize not children till the 〈◊〉 day to whom they give the Euceharist immediately after baptism and then also confer on them all sacred orders under Priesthood their parents promising for them and performing what they promise till they be sixteen years old chastity fasting on Wednesdayes Fridays and in the four Lents They administer the Eucharist in leavened bread and in both kinds With the Greeks they leave out the words of the 〈◊〉 creed and from the Son they deny the Sacrament and extream Unction to the sick reject Purgatory and prayer for the dead and all General Councils chiehly Chalcedon after that of Ephesus They keep no Lords day nor Feasts except in Cities They marry within the second degree of consanguinity without dispensation they account the Romane Church heretical and in their Liturgies use to read the Gospel of Nicodeâ—â—â— Q. 14. What are the Abyssin Christians A. These be they which in habit the Mid-land 〈◊〉 under Presbyter or Preâ—ious 〈◊〉 they have a 〈◊〉 of their own whom they call Abunna whose 〈◊〉 is white his upper Vestimeâ—t is like a Cardinals cloak 〈…〉 before When he rides abroad on his Mule he is attended on with a great train three crosses or staâ—es are carried about him and holdeth a crosse in his own hand They have many 〈◊〉 Priests or Bishops and great store of Monasteriâ—s All their Patriarchs and Bishops are of S. Anthonies order as are the Patriarcks of Alexandria to whose jurisdiction anciently Aethiopia did belong and yet at this day they are tied to chuse their Abunna whom they call Catholike of the juriâ—diction of 〈◊〉 by the 〈◊〉 of which place he is confirmed consecrated and invested in his Ecclesiastical Rights In their Liturgy also they pray particularly for the Patriarch of Alexandria The 〈◊〉 Religion consisteth in circumcising Male and Female whether out of Religion or the ancient custom of their Nation as being descended from the ancient Aethiopians or Arabians Ismaels posterity who used to be circumcised is uncertain But most likely they are circumcised in memory and imitation of Christ who was also circumcised They use also every year to baptise themselves in Lakes and Rivers 〈◊〉 Epiphany day in remembrance of Christs baptisme who was baptized on that day in Iordan The other points of their Religion be these they abstain from such beasts as the old Law accounteth unclean they keep the Sabbath and Sunday together The Thursday before Easter they administer the Sacrament is unlearened bread but ordinarily in leavened bread all communicate standing in both kindes The Wine they receive from the Deâ—con in a spâ—on and that in the Church onely The day they receive in they must not spit till 〈…〉 After sorty days the Males are baptized the 〈◊〉 after eighty except in case of necessity and then also they give them the Eucharist they think their Children dying without baptisme shall be saved by the â—aith of their parents They confesse after every sin committed and then receive 〈…〉 They are Iacobites in acknowledging 〈…〉 and will in Christ therefore they 〈…〉 of Chalcedan for condemning Dioscorus the 〈◊〉 So they deny Confirmation Extream and 〈◊〉 They hold tradâ—ction of souls admit of painâ—ed not 〈◊〉 Images they usually excommunicate are none but 〈◊〉 and this onely belongs to the 〈◊〉 Priests and 〈◊〉 have neither Tythes nor Almes by begging but live by their labour They permit not their Bishops and Priests to marry twice Flesh is eat every Friday betwixt Easter and Whitsunday The King conferreth all Ecclesiastick promotions except the Patriarchship Of these passages see the above named Authors and 〈◊〉 the Aethiopian Liturgy in Bibliâ—thâ—ca 〈◊〉 tom 6. Alvares the King of Portugals Chaplain who lived in Aethiopia 6 years wrote the Aethiopian History Zega Zabo an Aethiopian Bishop sent into Portugal by King David the Abyssin who set out the confession of the Aethiopian faith translated by Damianus a Goes c. Q. 15 Wherein doth the Protestant Church agree with 〈◊〉 dissent from other Christian Churches A. They agree with the Greek Church in giving the Sacrament in both kindes in admitting Priests to marry in rejecting images purgatory and extreame unction and in denying the Popes supremacy in the same points also they agree with the Melchites or Syrians with the Georgians Mengrelians and Gircassians and with the Moscovites or Russians who are all of the Greek profession though in some things they differ The Protestants agree with the Nestorians in rejecting auâ—â—cular confession in permitting Priests to marry in communicating in both kinds and in rejecting Crucifixes With the Christians of Saint Thomas they agree in administring the Sacrament in both kinds in rejecting images and extream Unction and permitting Priests to marry and denying the Pope supremacy They agree with the Iacobites
531 c. Congâ— its religion 101. The religions of its Northern neighbours Ibid c. Cophti of Egypt 493 c. Creation the knowledge the Pagans had thereof 71 c. of it and Noahs flood what knowledge the Americans had 109 c. D. DAyes festival in the Church of Rome 458 c. Dâ—acons and their office 397. and 399. Dead vide Burial Death how worshipped 143 c. Dominâ—cans 30â— c. E. Earth c. how worshipped 142 c. Egyptians their ancient religion 90 c. Their idolatrous worship 91 c. and continuance thereof 92 c. Their modern Religions 93 c. Elders 403 c. Endymion the Sun 522 Episcopacy what among the Presbyterians 408 c. How diffeferent from Presbytery 410. c. Eremites or Anchorites 243 c. Their first manner of living 244 c. Their too great rigour 245 c. Of S. Austin 2â—8 c. Of S. Paul in Hungary 312. Of S. Hierom 318. Ethiopians of Africa their ancient religion 98 c. Their religion at this day 99 c. The religion of the lower Ethiopians 100. Europe the religions thereof 121 c. Excommunicate persons their condition 415. Prophets Pharisees c. could not excommunicate ihid c. Why Christ did not excommunicate Iudâ—s 416. Excommunication and excommunicate persons considered ibid. c. F. FAmilists their Heresies 364. Superstitious Fear its cruelty 116. Festival dayes of Christ 458 c. Of the Saints 468 c. Fez the religion and Church-discipline thereof 95 c. Their times of prayer 96 c. Fire c. how worshipped 142 c. Florida its religion 104. Franciscans 304 c. subdivided into divers Orders 341 c. Fraternities 279 c. Fratricelli 319. Friers Mendicants 298. Predicants 302 c. Minorites 306 c. G. GEntiles their Gods vid. Gods worshipped the Sun under divers names and shapes 516 c. acknoweldged but one deity 527 c. under divers names 528 c. Their superstitious fear ibid. acknowledge a Trinity 529 c. Georgians 490 c. Goa the religion thereof 84 c. God acknowledged by the Americans 109. but one God acknowledged by the wiser sort of Gentiles 126 c. and 529. Gods of the Gentiles 134 c. 155. c. How ranked and armed 156. Their chariots how drawn 157. In what peculiar places worshipped ibid c. One God acknowledged by them 529. Greeks their religion and Gods 134 c. their worship and how painted 137 c. The Greeks sacrifices 144 c. Their Priests and Temples 146. their chief festivals 158 c. Greek religion at this day 478 c. their Church dignities and discipline 480 c. â—roves and high places condemned in Scripture â—3 etc. Guinea its religion 97 c. H. HErcules the same with the Sun 520 c. Heresy an enemy to christianity 183 Hereticks and Heresies namely Simon Magus 184. Menander 186 c. Saturninus 187. Basilides ibid. Nicolaitans Gnosticks 188. c. Carpocrates Cerinthus 189. Ebion Nazarites 190. Valentinians ib. etc. Secundians Pâ—olâ—means 191 c. Marcites ib. etc. Colarbasii 192 Heracleonites 192. Ophites ibid. c. Cainites and Sethites 193. Archonticks and Ascoâ—â—yprae Cerdon 194. Marcion ibid. c. Apelles 195. Severus ib. etc. Tatianus 196. Cataphryglans ib. c. Pepuzians Quintilians 197. Arâ—otyrites ibid. c. Quartodecimani Alogiani 198. Adamians ibid. c. Elcesians and Theodotians 199. Melchisedecians ibid. c. Bardesanists Noetians Valesians 200. Cathari ibid. c. Angelici Apostolici 201. Sabellians Originians Originists ibid. c. Samosatenians 202. Photinians ibid. c. Manichees â—03 c. Hierachites 204. Melitians ibid. etc. Arrians Audians Semi-Arrians 205. Macedonians ibid. c. Aerians Aetians 206. Eunomians ibid. c. Apollinarists Antidicomariâ—nites 207. Messalians ibid. c. Metangismonites Hermians Procliâ—â—ites Patricians Ascitae ibid. c. Pattalorinchitae Aquarii Coluthiani Floriani Aeternales 209. Nudipedales ibid. c. Donatists 210. Priscillianists ibid. c. Rhetorians Feri Theopaschitae Tritheitae Aquei Meliâ—onii Ophei 211. Tertullii ibid. c. Liberatores Nativitarii Luciferians Iovinianists and Arabicks 212. Collyridians Paterniani Tertullianists 213. Abellonitae ibid. c. Pelagians Praedestinati 214. Timotheans ibid. c. Nestorians 215. Eutychians and their spawn ibid. c. Hereticks of the seventh Century 218. c. of the eighth Century 220. of the ninth and tenth Centuries ibid. c. of the eleventh and twelfth Centuries 221. c. of the thirteenth Century 224 c. of the fourteenth Century 225 c. of the fifteenth Century 227 c. of the sixteenth Century 229. and 2â—8 c. Hierapolis the religion thereof 62 c. High places vid. Groves c. Hispaniola its religion 118. Hussites their tenets 227 c. I. IAcobites 492. Ianus the Sun 522. Iapon its religion 88 c. Idolaâ—ers their cruelty and cost in their barbarous sacrifices 106. c. The making worshiping of Images and bringing in Idolatry 19 c. Idolatry of the Gentiles and of all kindes condemned 63 c. Idolatry further condemned 118. c. and 515. The Gentile Idols were dead men 60 c. Iesuites 325. c. their rules 326. c. their constitutions and rules for Provincials 328. Provosts 330 c. Rectors 331. Masters ibid. c. Counsellers 333. Travellers ibid. c. Rules for the Admonitor 334 c. Overseer of the Church 335. for the Priests ibid. c. Preachers 336. for the Generals Proctor ibid. c. for the Readers Infirmarii 337. Librarii and under Officers ibid. c. Their privileges granted by divers Popes 339. c. Iewes their Church discipline from the beginning till their last destruction 6 c. The difference of the High Priestâ— from other Priests 7. Solomons Temple and the outward splendor of the Iewes religion 11 c. what represented by Solomons Temple and utensils thereof 15. office of the Levites 16. Prophets Scribes ibid. Pharisees 17. Nazarites ibid. etc. Rechabites 18. Essenes Sadduces ibid. Sâ—maritans 19 Iewes their ancient observation of the Sabbath 19 c. how they observed their passover 20 c. their feast of pentecost 21. their feast of tabernacles ibid. c. their new Moons 22. and 45. their feast of trumpets 22. c. their feast of expiation 23. their Sabbatical year ibid. c. their Jubilee 24 c. their excommunications of old 25 c. how instructed by God of old 26 c. their maintenance or allowance to their Priests and Levites 27 c. their Church government at this day 29 c. their manner and times of prayer 30 c. they hear the law three times a week 31 c. their ceremonies about the book of the Law 32 c. their manner of observing the Sabbath 33 c. how they keep their passover 35 c. their manner of eating the paschal lamb 36 c. their modern ceremonies are Rabbinical 37. observations concerning the Jewes
a blessing unto me This seed witnesse the Apostle is none other than Christ himself whom God without question meant The desperate contagion of this mans Religion did Servetus and his adherents professe embrace and celebrate HENRY NICHOLAS Vestra Domus Nicholas cadat quiâ— ex rudâ—re versae Futile fundamen Religionis habet THE CONTENTS HENRY NICHOLAS Father of the Family of Love He is against Infant-Baptisme His divellish Logick THere was also one Henry Nicholas the Father of the family of Love as he called himself not the meanest man of all his Gang one who by many means endeavoured to cripple the Baptisme of children as is too known and apparent out of his writings which at a third hand he with all fredome earnestnesse and kindnesse endeavoured to communicate to David George and the other of his fellow-labourers and his new Ierusalem friends This man in â— Pamphlet of his wherein he notably described himself and which he â—â—â—icated to an intimate friend of his under the name of L. W. maintaining that the minute of the last Tâ—â—mpet was coming thâ—t should unfold all the Books of unquiet consciences hell and eternal Judgement which should be found to have been onely things grounded 〈◊〉 meeâ— lieâ— and as all wicked and high misdeeds were hateful and detestable to God so also were glorioâ—â—â—nd plausible lies no lesse odious to him The same man endeavoured to perswade people thâ—t he was a partake of God and the humanity of his 〈◊〉 He â—â—rther affirmed that at the last day God should bring all men nay the Devils themselves into perfect happinesse All the things that were 〈…〉 of Hell 〈◊〉 Angels and eternall Iudgement 〈◊〉 the paines of â—â—â—nation he said were only told by the Scripâ—â—re to 〈◊〉 fear of civil punishments and to establish right Policy The conclusion These few things we have brought to light were not invented by us but were extorted out of their own Disciples with abundance of discourse not without the presence of many men of godlinesse and excellent understanding they admitting not the universal rule of the Scriptures But alas take these away where is Faith fear of God eternall happinesse But let us believe them let us believe them and we shall be â—aved Oh! that to Heresies I could say FINIS An Alphabetical TABLE to the revelation of Hereticks A. A Pioâ—s Act. 48. Adam Pastor a derider of Pâ—â—â—baptisme 74. c. Anâ—baptists their leading principle 3. usually they grow worse 〈◊〉 worse ibid. their bold attempt 14. c. where Masters most insolent 16. of a levelling principle 21. they as the divel pretâ—nd Scripture for their base 〈◊〉 22 they aime at universal Monarchy ibid. their design upon Amsterdam 24. they aim at the advancement of themselves but destruction of others 64. they would inforce others to their opinions yet pretend liberty of conscience as to themselves 70. Arrius his character and wretched death 〈◊〉 c. Arrianisme itâ— increase 56. B. IOhn Buâ—khold or Iohn of Leyden His actions and end 12 c. C. CAlvin's reproofe of Servetus 54. Godly and loyal Citizens hate usurpation 18. Conventicles usually the nurseries of Tumults 13 D. THe Divell an enemy of peace 9. E. A Bad Example soon followed 18. F. FAmine the coâ—suâ—â—â—tion of all misery 25. its character c. 26. G. DAvid George an Anabaptist his character doctrine actions and death 40 c. H. HEeresie a câ—â—ching or mad disease â—3 Hereticks their usual pretence 2. the end that they propose to themselves in opposing the Ministry and Magistracy 2. they are restless 3. their cruelty 19. they are inconstant in their opinions 34. they allow not of the Scriptures 78. Hermaâ—nus Sutor or Herman the Cobler his blasphemies opinions and â—nd 〈◊〉 c. Loâ—owick Hâ—tzer a famous â—eretick 65 c. his end 67. Melchior Hofman an Anabaptist 6â— pined himself to death 69. Balthazar Hubmor an Anabaptist â—0 c. he and his wife burned 62. Iohn Hut an Anabaptist 63 c. I. IOhn of Leyden vide Buckhold An Item to the Hot spurs of our times 66. K. BBernard Knipperdoling 16. L. THe learned to be consulted with in detection of Sectaries and Hereticks 45. Loyalty not alwayes successeful 19. Luther's advice to the Senate concerning Mâ—ntzer 4. M. MAgistrates seduced most umincus 5 A pattern for good Magistrates 44. Mahomet characterized 58 c. his Iron Tomb 59. Iohn Mathioâ— a Baker at Harlem his actions and end 8 c. Moneys preferments the usual baits of sedition 25. Thomas Muntzer His Opinions Actions and end 1 c. N. HEnry Nicholas Father of the Family of Love he iâ— against Infant Bâ—â—tisme his blasphemy anâ— divellish Logick 77 c. O. OECOLAMPADIVS puts Hetzers Emissaries to their shifts 66. P. AN ill President soon followed 5. Pretenders to Religion prove usually the distuâ—bers thereof 9. R. A Good Resolution 44. 48 Melchior Rinck an Anabaptist 71 c. his disciple Thomas Scâ—cker cut off his brothers head 72. S. SEctaries like tinder are soon on fire 3. their usual pretence to raise sedition ibid. Sedition goes not alwayes unpunished 21. Michael Servetus an Anabaptist his blasphemous opinions and end 51 c. Sncâ—esse in bad enterprises causes evil men to rejoyce 31. T. THeodorus Sartor or Theodor the Botcher an Adamite his blasphemy Actions and End 37. c. Iohn Tuysentschreuer an abertor of Iohn Buâ—â—hold 19 c. his seditious Sermon 21. V. VIce corrects sin 35. FINIS ASIA the religions thereof Ordination in the beginning of the World Churches Groves and high places condemned in Scripture Buildings first erected for divine service Set day of worship Sacrifices Iewes their Church government from the beginning till their destruction Vnder Moses Priests among the Iewes Levites among the Iewes Difference of the high Priest from other Priests Church goâ—â—â—ment after Moses Vnder David and Solomon After Solomon Church government among the ten Tribes Solomons Temple and the outward splendor of the Iews Religion What represented by Solomons Temple and Vtensils thereof Office of the Levites Prophets Scribes Pharisees Nazarites Rechabites Essenes Sadduces Samaritans Iews their ancient observation of their Sabbath Their observation of their Passeover Their feast of Pentecost Their feast of Tabernacles Their new Moons Their feast of Trumpets Their feast of Expiation Iews their Sabbatical year Their Iubilee Their excommunications of old Iews how instructed by God of old Their maintenance or allowence to their Priests and Levites Church government in and after the captivity of Babylon Iews their Church government at this day Jews their manner of prayer Their times of prayer Iews hear the Law three times a week Their ceremonies about the book of the Law Their manner of observing the Sabbath Modern Iewes how they keep theis Passover Their manner of eating the Paschal Lamb. Their Modern Ceremonies are Rabbinical Observations concerning the Iews at this day Iews whether to be permitted to live among
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
the ground of all Government and Greatnesse 2. By divers reasons it is proved that Religion of all Common wealths and humane societies is the foundation 3. That Princes and Magistrates ought to have a special care in setling and preserving of Religion 4. That one Religion onely is to be allowed in a Common wealth publickly 5. In what Respects different Religions may be tolerated in private 6. A Christian Prince may not dissemble his Religion 7. Why God blesseth the professors of false Religions and punisheth the contemners thereof 8. False Religions are grounded upon policy and what use there is of Ceremonies in Religion 9. The mixture and division of Religions and of Idolatry 10. How the Gentile Religion in worshipping of the Sunne seems to be most consonant to natural reason with divers observations concerning Sun-worship and the knowledge the Gentiles had of a Deity and the Vnity thereof with some glimmering of the Trinity 11. That the honour maintenance and advancement of a Priest-hood is the maine supporter of Religion 13 That the Christian Religion is of all others the most excellent and to be preferred for diver reasons being considered in it selfe and compared with others with an exhortation to the practice of religions duties which is true Christianity 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 befâ—re Moses 2. Of the Church Government under Moses difference of the High Priests from other Priests 3. Of the Church Government from him till Solomon 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 Samaritans 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 Iews to their Priests and Levites 9. Of the Government after the Iews 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 Chirstians 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 SECT I. Quest. WAs there any Religion Church Government of Discipline in the beginning of the World Answ. Yes For then was the Word preached and Sacraments administred We read of Sacrifices offered by Cain and Abel and likewise the distinction of clean and unclean beasts By Faith Abel sacrificed Heb. 11. Noah's sacrifice was pleasing to God Gen. 8. This could not be will-worship for such is no wayes pleasing to God it was therefore according to his Word and Commandement There was also Excommunication for Adam and Eve for their disobedience were excommunicated out of Paradise which was then the type of the Church and every soul not circumcised the eighth day was to be cut off from the people of God Gen. 17. The Word then being preached for God preached to Adam in Paradise and doubtlesse he preached to his Children out of Paradise the Sacraments administred and Excommunication exercised which are the three main points of Church discipline it follows there was then a Church and Church Government Q. Was there then any Ordination A. Yes doubtlesse for God is the God of order nor was it fit that he who mediated between God and the people by preaching prayer and sacrifices should thrust himselfe into that office without ordination therefore God ordained Adam he some of his Children as Cain and Abel and whereas Gen. 4. we do not read that Cain and Abel did sacrifice but only brought their Offerings to wit that Adam might offer them up to God for them it argueth that as yet they had not received ordination and its likely that ordination then was performed by 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or Imposition of hands which custome the Jewes retained in ordaining their Levites Num. 8. 10. and after them the Christians in ordination of Ministers Act. 6. 6. 1 Tim. 5. 22. which ceremony the Gentiles used in Manumission of their servants and the Jewes in ordination of their Synedrion or the Judges imposed their hands so Moses and Ioshua laid their hands upon the 70. Elders and Moses is commanded by God to lay his hands upon Ioshuah the Son of Nun Numb 27. 18. Q. Was there then any publick place of Sacrificing A. Yes upon the same ground that God who is the God of order will have all things done in his Church with order and decency the meeting also together in one place to hear and pray and offer sacrifice did maintain amity amongst Gods people Besides we read Gen. 25. 22. that Rebecca when the children strugled in her womb did not stay at home but went to wit to the publick place where Gods worship was to enquire of the Lord and because in this place God used to shew his presence to his people by some outward signe it was called Gods presence therefore Gen. 4. 16. Cain went out from the presence of the Lord that is he was excommunicate out of the Church but we must not conceive that as yet there were any material buildings for Gods service for in the beginning men conceived it unfit to include God within the narrow bounds of a material Temple whom the Heaven of Heavens cannot contain therefore they worshipped him in the open air either upon hills for they thought low places were unbeseeming the most High God hence they called every hill Gods hill or else if they were necessitated to sacrifice on the sea shore or in some low plain they made their Altars so much the higher which from their altitude they called Altaria and these places of Divine worship they named Templa from contemplation The very Gentiles thought it unfit to confine the Sun their chief God to a narrow Temple seeing the whole world was his Temple and after they had built Temples for their Deities they would have them for a long time to be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or open-roofed Q. Why were the Groves and high places condemned in Scripture A. Because they were abused both by Jewes and Gentiles to superstition idolatry and all uncleannesse therefore God commands them to be cut down Exod. 34. 13 Deut. 7. 5. 12. 3. 16. 21. Iosiah destroyed them 2. Kings 23.
8. 14. Against their idolatry under green trees the Prophet Isaiah complaineth chap. 57. 5. God by Ezekiel threatneth destruction to the idolaters on the high hills and under green trees chap. 6. 13. such are also reproved by Hosea chap. 4. 13. its true that in the beginning the people of God had no other Temples but hills and groves Abraham sacrificed upon an hill Gen. 22. he planted a grove to call upon the name of the Lord Gen. 21. Gideon is commanded to build an Altar upon the top of the rock Iosh. 6. 26. Notwithstanding when these places were abused to idolatry God would have them destroyed Levit. 26. 30. Hos. 10. 8. Amos 7. 9. Ezek. 6. 3 c. because he would not have his people to give the least countenance to the Gentile idolatry for suppose they had not upon those places erected any idols yet they must be destroyed because such places were abused to idolatry besides God had given them a Tabernacle and Temple in which he would be worshipped and to which they should repaire from all parts to call upon his name This Temple also was built upon a hill they should therefore have contented themselves with the place that God assigned them and not follow their own inventions or the wayes of the Gentiles who afterward in imitation of the Jewes built their Temples on hills as may be seen by the Samaritans and others Neither would God be worshipped in groves because these were places fitter for pleasure aud dalliance then devotion they were dark and obscure places fitter for the Prince and workes of darknesse then for the God of light or children of the day Q. When were buildings first erected for Divine Service A. About the building of Babel as Lactantius and some others think for then Ninus erected statues to the memory of his Father Iupiter Belus and to his Mother Iuno these statues were placed over their Sepulchres and divine honours assigned them and at length inclosed within stately buildings which were their Temples these they built within consecrated groves such was the Temple of Vulcan in Sicily of Cybele in the grove of Ida of Iupiter Hammon in the grove of Dodene of Apollo in the grove of Daphne c. these dark groves were fit to strike a terror in the worshippers and to perpetrate their works of abomination and because they had continual lights burning in them they were called Luci a Lucendo afterwards they became Asyla Sanctuaries or places of refuge which some think were first erected by Hercules his children to secure themselves from those that he had oppressed We read that Theseus his Temple and Thebes built by Cadmus were Asyla or Sanctuaries in imitation of whom Romulus made one Aen. 8. Hunc lucum ingentem quem Romulus acer Asylum Rettulit Christians also in the time of Basil and Sylvester the first made their Temples places of refuge which so increased that Monasteries and Bishops palaces became Sanctuaries but the exorbitancy of these was limited by Iustinian Charles the Great and other Christian Princes who were content there might be Sanctuaries because God had appointed Cities of refuge but the abuses they removed Q. Was there any set day then for Gods worship A. Doubtless there was though we doe not read which day of the week it was for though God blessed and sanctified the Sabbath day because of his own rest and in that it was afterward to be the Jewes Sabbath yet we read not that it was ever kept before Moses his time However it is likely this day was observed before the Law among the Hebrews for Exod. 16. as much Manna was gathered on the sixth day as served for two days Q. What sacrifices were used in the beginning A. Burnt offerings Gen. 8. 22. Peace offerings also Gen. 31 54. For upon the peace made between Iacob and Laban Iacob offered sacrifice First fruits also were offered Gen. 4. 4. and Tithes Gen. 14. 20. 28. 22. The burnt sacrifice called Gnolâ—h from Gnalah to mount upward because it ascended all in smoak was burned to ashes except the skin and entrals In the peace offering also which was exhibited for the safety of the offerer the fat was burned because it was the Lords the rest was divided between the Priest and the people the breast and right shoulder belonged to the Priest to shew that he should be a breast to love and a shoulder to support the people in their troubles and burthens For this cause the High Priest carried the names of the twelve Tribes on his breast and shoulders The first fruits were an handful of the eares of corn as soon as they were ripe these they offered to God that by them the whole might be sanctified Tithes were payed before the Law by the light of nature because by that light men knew there was a God to whom they were bound in way of gratitude to offer the tenth of their encrease from whose bounty they had all They knew also that the worship of God and Religion could not be maintained nor the Priests sustained nor the poor relieved without Tithes Q. What form of Church Government was there among the Iews till Moses A. The same that was before the flood to wit praying sacrificing preaching in publick places and solemn days to which Abraham added circumcision In every family the first born was Priest for this cause the destroying Angel spared the first born of the Hebrews in Egypt Q. What government had they under Moses A. The same that before but that there was chosen by Moses a Chief Priest who was to enter the Sanctuary once a year with his Ephod to know the will of God This was Aaron whose Breeches Coat Girdle and Myter were of Linnen when he entred into the Sanctuary the High Priest had his second High Priest to serve in his absence There were afterward appointed by David four and twenty Orders of Priests every one of which Orders had a Chief or High Priest the Priesthood was entailed to the house of Levi because the Levites were chosen in stead of the first born because they killed the worshippers of the Golden Calf and because Phinehas killed Zimri and Cosbi The Priests are sometimes called Levites and sometimes they are distinct names for we read that the Levites paid tithe of their tithes to the Priests their common charge was to pray preach sacrifice and look to the Sanctuary in which they served with covered heads and bare feet their Office was also to debar lepers and all other uncleane persons from the Tabernacle for a certaine time Secondly to excommunicate great offenders which was called cutting off from the people of God and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to cast out of the Synagogue Thirdly to anathematize obstinate and perverse sinners who being excommunicate would not repent Alexander the Coppersmith was anathematized by Paul or delivered to Satan 1 Tim. 1. 20. Tim 4. 14. The office of
would have burnt incense on the Altar but was prohibited by Azariah the high Priest and eighty other Priests This Vzziah named also Azariah though a King yet was justly resisted by the Priests for his pride sacriledge and ambition in medling with their function whereby he violated the Laws of Politick government which a King should maintain for confusion must arise where offices are not distinct but where men are suffered to incroach upon each others function 2. He had no calling to the Priesthood and no man taketh upon him this office but he that is called of God as was Aaron 3. He violated the Law of God who confined the Priesthood to the house of Aaron and Tribe of Levi excluding from that all other Tribes 4. He was injurious to Christ whose type the high Priest was in offering sacrifices and incense representing thereby our high Priest Christ Jesus who offered up himself a sacrifice of a sweet smelling savour unto God So Iohojada the high Priest did well to depose Athaliah who was a stranger an idolater and usurper this was lawful for him so to doe being high Priest whose authority was great both in civil and ecclesiastick affaires but this is no warrant for any private man to attempt the like Besides Iehojada was bound to see the young King righted both as he was high Priest and as he was his kinsman Hezechias restored all according to King Davids institution he raised great Taxes towards the maintenance of Gods worship and permitted the Levites to flea the burnt offrings which before belonged only to the Priests office and caused the people to keep the Passover in the second moneth whereas by Moses his institution it should be kept the first moneth He permitted also many that were not sanctified or cleansed to eat the Passover against Moses his Law which were innovations in Religion Iosias reformes all abuses abolisheth idolatry repaireth the Temple readeth publickly the Law of Moses which was found by Hilkiah the high Priest and makes a covenant with God to keep the Law Under King Eliakim or Ioachim Religion was so corrupted that the Priests Levites Prophets or Scribes with the Elders of the people condemned the Prophet Ieremy to death Under Zedechiah both the Church government and state fell together in Iudea Q. In the mean while what Church government was there among the Ten Tribes A. The Kings of Israel our of policy least the people should return again to Ierusalem and the two Tribes defaced their Religion with much Idolatrous worship for executing of which they had their Priests and inferior Ministers answering to the Levites but they suffered no Priests or Levites of the order of Aaron to live amongst them Yet they had their Prophets also and Prophets Children or Scholars Their two chief Prophets extraordinary were Eliah and Elisha They had also their Elders who had power of Ecclesiastical censures but both Elders and people were ruled by the Prophets who recided in the chief Cities at last the ten Tribes lost both themselves and Church discipline when they were carried away by the Assyrians When Salmanasser carried away the Israelites into Assyria some remainders of them stayed behinde in their own country but being overpressed with multitudes of strangers sent thither to new plant the country the small number of the Ephramites left behind were forced to comply with the new inhabitants in their idolatrous religions now that the Israelites were not quite driven out of their native country may be seen in the History of Iosiah 2 Chron. 34. 6 7 33 2 Chron 35. 18. 2 Kings 23. 19 20. Q. Wherein did the outward splendor of the Iews Religion consist A. In the wealth and magnificence of their Temple which for the beauty riches and greatnesse thereof was one of the wonders of the world for besides the abundance of Iron work there was in it an incredible quantity of brasse silver and golden materials The great Altar the Sea or Caldron the Basis the two Pillars before the Temple the twelve Oxen the ten Lavers the Pots the Shovels the Basins and other Utinsels of the Temple were all of brasse 1 Kings 7. as for silver Iosephus tells us lib. 8. 9. that there were in the Temple ten thousand Candlesticks whereof most were silver wine Tankards eighty thousand silver Phials ten thousand two hundred thousand silver Trumpets forty thousand Snuffers or pot-hooks which he calls musical instruments besides incredible numbers of silver Plates and Dishes silver Tables and the Doors of silver This we know that David left seven thousand talents of refined silver for the Temple besides what Solomon added 1 Chron. 29. as for gold we read that the Oracle and Altar were overlayed with gold so were the Cherubins and the whole house overlaid with gold and the very floore also 1 Kings 6. besides the golden Altar Solomon made the Table whereon the shewbread was of gold the Candlesticks also with the flowers and lamps and tongs with the bowls snuffers basons spoons censers and hinges all of pure gold 1 Kings 7. I need not speak of the rich woods and pretious stones in the Temple The Contriver of this Fabrick was God himselfe the form of it was four square the Courts four one for the Gentiles another for the Israelites the third for women and the fourth for the Priests the Gentiles might not enter into the Israelites court for that was counted a prophanation of the Temple yet our Saviour who was frequently conversant in the court of the Gentiles accounted that a part of his Fathers house and the house of prayer and it was out of this Court that he whipped the buyers and sellers this was called Solomons porch Iohn 10. Acts 3. because in that place Solomon stood when he dedicated the Temple and used there to pray or because it stood undemolished by the Chaldeans when the rest of the Temple was destroyed In the Priests Court stood the Altar of burnt offerings and the brasen Sea In the Sanctuary called the Oracle because there God delivered his Oracles stood the Ark the Censer Propitiatory and Cherubines it had no light nor window in it hither the high Priest only had access and that but once a year where he burned incense so that he neither could see not be seen In the holy place which was also without windows there burned lights perpetually to represent the celestial lights but in the most holy there was no light at all to shew that all outward light is but darknesse being compared with that light which God inhabiteth and which no man can approach unto Within the Ark were the two Tables of the Law the pot with Manna and Aarons rod. The Tables and the rod represented Christs active and passive obedience the golden pot with Manna his two natures The Temple was built after the manner of the Tabernacle but that did far exceed this in stability magnitude glory and continuance In the Tabernacle were but
take it down whilest it was movable they were distinguished according to Levies three sons into the Gershonites Cohathites and Merarites the first carried the hangings and coverings The second the chief things of the Sanctuary the third had the charge of the wood-work In Davids time some were Judges some Treasurers some Singers and some Porters 1 Chron. 23. 26. The Singers and Porters were divided into 24. orderâ— 1 Chron. 25. 26. The elder Levites were to oversee and teach the younger Who from the thirtieth year of their life till the fiftieth did bear about the Tabernacle Under them were the Gibeonites or Nethinims whose office was to draw water and hew wood for the house of God Q. What were the Prophets Scribes and Pharises A. Not only were they called Prophets to whom God revealed himself and his purposes in an extraordinary way but those also that expounded the Scripture they were also called Fathers Doctors of the Law Disputers Wise men and Rabbies from their greatness in knowledge Which title the Pharisees did appropriate to themselves their Scholars were called children and sons of the Prophets The name of Scribes was given to Scriveners and publick Notaries these were called Scribes of the people Mat. 2. 4. and likewise those that did write and expound the Law such a Scribe was Esdras Esdr. 7. 6. these were called Doctors of the Law The Pharisees were so called from separation and by the Greeks 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is Sepaâ—â—rists for they separated themselves to a strict kind of life and to the study of the Law having no commerce with other people nor communicating with them in dyet apparrel nor customs They held a fatal necessity with the Stoicks and transammation with the Pychagoreans hence they thought that either the soul of Iohn Baptist or of Elias or of Ieremy had animated Christs body They preferred Traditions to the written Word and placed most of their holiness in washing counting it a less sin to commit fornication then to eat with unwashed hands from their daily washings they were named Hemero-Baptists they always washed when they returned from the market thinking themselves polluted with the touch of other people They are noted Mat. 9. 11. for holding it unlawful to eat with sinners and Mark 7. 4. for their superstitious washing of cups pots brazen vessels and tables and Luke 18. 12. for fasting twice in the week and Mat 23. 5. for their broad Phylacteries which were scrolls of partchment wherein the law was written so called from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to keep or reserve for by these they kept the Law in their memory they are noted also for their large borders and fringes Mat. 23. 5. they wore their Phylacteries on their foreheads and left arms and Hierom observeth in Matth. 23. that they used sharp thorns in their fringes that by the pricking thereof they might be put in minde of the commandements Q. What were the Nazarites Rechabites and Essenes A. The Nazarites were votaries Numb 6. so called from Nazar to separate for they separated themselves from wine and strong drink from coming neer the dead and from the rasor some were Nazarites for their life as Sampson Iohn Baptist c. others only for a time to wit thirty days as Absolom who cut his hair the thirtieth day of his vow such a Nazarite was Paul Act. 21. 24. Nazareth was a village in Galilee where Christ was conceived and bread and therefore was called a Nazarite Mat. 2. 23. and his Disciples Nazarites Acts 24. 5. but indeed he was the onely true Nazarite because he was pure holy and separate from sinners but he was no legal Nazarite for he drunk wine and went neer the dead These Hereticks were also called Nazarites who taught that with the Gospel should be joyned the Law of Moses Acts. 15. 2. Of the Rechabites so called from Rechab their Father We read Ierem. 35. 2 3 4 c. these neither drunk wine nor lowed seed nor built houses nor planted vineyards but like strangers lived all their days in Tents The Essenes so called from their skill in curing of diseases for they were much given to the study of Physick in their opinions were Pythagoreans ascribing all things to fate offering no sacrifices but of inanimate things shunning oathes pleasures and wine contenting themselves with water only and mean apparrel their garments were white and had all things in common amongst them They worshipped towards the East observed the Sabbath more strictly then others kept seven Pentecosts every year to wit every seventh week one and generally they abstained from marriage yet some did marry for procreation They were superstitious in preserving the names of Angels they were much given to silence with the Pythagoreans chiefly at table none were admitted into their Society without four years probation there were some of these Essenes contemplative only and lived in gardens or remote villages who contented themselves with bread and salt others were active and gave themselves to manual labours these lived in Cities and fared better and eat twice a day Q. What were the Sadducees and Samaritans A. The Sadduces were so called either from Isedek justice because they would be accounted the onely just men in the world or from Sadock the Author of their Sect who was the scholar of Antigonus Socheus these rejected all Traditions and Scriptures except the five books of Moses denied the Resurrection paines or rewards after this life Angels and spirits fate likewise or destiny ascribing all to mans freewill They held also that the soul died and perished with the body The Samaritans held with the Sadduces that there was no Scripture but the Pentateuch that there was no Resurrection nor life Eternal nor any Traditions to be admitted yet they dissented from the Sadduces in acknowledgeing Angels in worshipping only upon mount Garizim whereas the Sadduces worshipped also in Ierusalem and kept faire correspondency with the other Jewes whereas the Samaritans and Jewes did so hate and abhor each other that there was no commerce between them but did curse and excommunicate each other Of these Jewish Sects see Iesephus Philo Drusius de trib Sect. Munster Sigonius Buxtorsius and others Q. How did they anciently observe their Sâ—bbath A. The day before was the preparation of the Sabbath called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which began about the sixth hour that is our twelfth That day they might not travel above twelve miles least by comming home too late they might want time for preparation to the Sabbath which began in the evening and which for the excellency thereof was called the Queen of Feasts and gave denomination to the whole week on the Sabbath they must not travel above two thousand paces or cubits for so far was the distance of the Ark from the Camp They were so superstitious in the keeping of their Sabbath that they would not fight that day and so suffered Ierusalem
the Jews eight days together The two first and two last are solemnly kept the other four are but half festivals They first repair to their Synagogues then after some praying and singing they run home to their Tents but do not stay there all night as their Ancestors were wont to do They use to take in one hand boughs of Palme Olive and Willow and in the other a Pome-citron then they bless God and shake the boughs towards the four cardinal points of Heaven then having placed the Law upon the Pulpit they go round about it seven times in seven days in memory of the Walls of Iericho encompassed seven times Then having shaken the branches in their hands they pray against Christians This feast is kept about the middle of September in which moneth they beleeve shall be fought the great battel between Gog and Magog in which Gog shall be slain and the Jews restored to their own Land About night they go abroad in the Moon light believing that God doth reveal to them by the shadows of the Moon who shall live or die that year for then they begin the computation of their year The shaking of the branches towards the four corners of the world signifies the destruction of the four great Monarchies to wit the Assyrian Persian Grecian and Roman They make great use of Citrons in this feast for they send sixteen men every year into Spain to bring with them as many of these as they can for by the Citrons they say are represented just men who are as full of good their workes as this fruit is full of seeds Q. How do they keep their new Moons A. Their new Moons are but halfe holy days with them for in the morning they go to their Synagogues the rest of the day they spend in eating drinking and gaming The day before the new Moon they use to fast when they first see her they utter a Benediction and leap three times towards her wishing that their enemies may come no neerer to hurt them then they are able to come neer and hurt her The women have more right to keep this day holy then the men because they would not part with their Ear-rings and Jewels towards the making of the Golden Calf but willingly parted with them towards the building of the Temple They give a ridiculous reason why sacrifices were commanded every new Moon because say they the Moon murmured against God in the beginning therfore he took her light from her and appointed sacrifices to expiare her crime Q. Why do the Iews fast in the moneth of August A. Because they hold the world was made in September therefore they make that moneth the beginning of their year and believe that about that time God will come to judge the world for this cause they fast and pray divers days before and baptize themselvs in Lakes and Rivers and where these are wanting they make pits which they fill with water in these they dip themselves over head and ears thinking this a meanes to expiate their sins they frequent their Synagogues and Church yards desiring God to pardon them for the good Jews sake who are buried there and in the same they distribute large Alms to the poor In some places there they cause Rams horns to be sounded when they go to their Synagogues to put the greater terrour in them when they consider their sins and the horror of Gods judgements Their fasting ceremonies being ended they shave and bath themselves and begin their year with much mirth and jovialty Q. What solemnity use they in beginning their new year A. Because they are commanded by Moses Lev. 23. 24. to keep holy the first day of the seventh moneth therefore they begin their Civil year from that day which after evening peayer in their Synagogues they initiate with a cup of wine wishing to each other a good year The younger sort repair to the chief Rabbi for his blessing which he bestoweth on them by prayer and imposition of hands Being returned home they fall to eating drinking and making merry On the Table is set down a Rams head to put them in minde of that Ram which on this day was sacrificed in Isaacs stead and to signifie that they shall be the Head and not the Tail of Christians They feed that night plentifully on fish and fruit to shew that they will encrease and multiply in good works as the fish do in the Sea and that their enemies shall be cut off from all help as the fruit is plucked off from the tree In the morning they go betimes to their Synagogues to sing and pray the Law is taken twice out of the Ark and some Lessons read after which one soundeth a Rams horn on the Pulpit if he sounds clear it s a good sign if otherwise they hold it ominous and a sign of a bad year This horn-trumpet is also in memory of Isaacs delivery by the Ram this day as they hold The rest of the day they spend in good cheer and mirth After dinner they go to the waters there to drown their sins If they see any fish in the water they shake their cloaths that their sins falling upon those fishes may be carried away by them into the Sea as of old they were by the scape-goat into the wilderness At night they feast again and so initiate the year with two days mirth Q. How doe they prepare themselves for Morning prayer A. They hold it necessary that every Jew from the fifteenth of Iune till Pentecost should rise before day because then the nights are long but from Pentecost till the fifteenth of Iune they may rise after day their rising will be the more acceptable to God if they have weeped in the night for with such the stars and planets do weep they must let their tears fall down their cheeks because then God is ready with his bottle to receive them these tears may serve them for good use because when at any time the enemies of Israel send out Edicts to destroy the Jewes God is ready with these bottles to pour them out upon these writings and to blotuot the Edict that the Jews may receive no hurt thereby They hold the morning the best time to enter into the house of God because David faith Thou wilt heat my voice betimes in the morning In the evening they say God commands all the gates of Heaven to be shut which are guarded by certain Angels who are silent till after midnight then a great noise is heard in Heaven commanding the gates to be opened this noise is heard by our cocks here below who presently upon this clap their wings and crow that men thereby may awake then the evil spirits who had leave to wander up and down in the night whilest Heaven gates were shut lose all power of doing hurt as soon as they hear the cock crow they must say this prayer as they are taught by their Rabbins
not sufficient to hold out above one night but by miracle it maintained the Lights for the whole eight days Now this feast consisteth in drinking and gormandising and in pompous superstition about their lights Yet Christ honoured this feast with his presence Iohn 10. 22. not to countenance the abuses thereof but the institution it self for all places set apart for the service of God ought to be consecrated and dedicated to him by prayer and decent ceremonies therefore Moses dedicated the Tabernacle to God and Solomon the Temple with great solemnity and prayers when the Temple was rebuilt after the peoples returne from Babylon it was dedicated again and now the third time it was dedicated when it was profaned by Antiochus These second Dedications are called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is Renovations The Temple was also newly consecrated or dedicated under Ezechia after it had been profaned by Achaz 2 Chron. 29. The Priests and Levites spent eight dayes in this dedication Q. What is their feast of Purim A. That is of Lots for Haman by lot had appointed the Jews to be massacred all through the Persian Kingdom in one day to wit the thirteenth day of the twelfth moneth which is Adar or February but the Plotters were massacred themselves by the Jews the same day For at Sufae Haman with his ten Sons and five hundred men more were slain and three hundred the day after and on the same day through the rest of Assuerus his Dominions were slain by the Jews 75000. So because this day they destroyed their Enemies and the next day rested themselves therefore at this feast they keep two holy days or rather days for Bacchus In their Synagogues they set up lights in the night time aâ—d the whole book of Esther is read As often as they hear the name of Haman they keep a cruel noise and stamping with their feet They read all that passage of the death of Hamans Sons at one breath to signifie the suddennesse of that death These two days are spent in singing playing eating and drinking The men wear womens apparrel and the women mens against the Law of God which they think at this time of mirth they may lawfully violate And that the poor may be merry also the richer sort furnish them with meat and drink and so with this ryotous Bacchanal they conclude their Anniversary Feasts for this is the last of the year having none between this and Easter Q. What Fasting days do the Iews observe now A. They keep the four Fasts mentioned by Zachary chap. 8. 19. to wit that of the tenth moneth on the the tenth of December in memory of Ierusalem besieged that day by Nebuchadnezzar Secondly they fast the seventeenth day of the fourth moneth or Iune in memory of the two Tables of the Law broken for the loss of their dayly sacrifice for burning of the Law for setting up idolatry in the Temple for besieging Ierusalem the second time and for breaking down the walls thereof They count the days from this till the ninth of the next moneth all unlucky so that they avoid all great businesse and School-Masters during that time will not beat their Scholars Thirdly they fast the ninth day of the fifth moneth or Iuly because then the Temple was burned therefore they go bare-foot sit on the ground read Ieremiahs Lamentations and in the Church yards among the dead they bewail the losse of Ierusalem From the first till the tenth of this moneth they abstain from flesh wine shaving bathing marrying and pleading and from all kind of delights Fourthly they fast the third day of September because Gâ—doliah Governor of those Jewes that were not carried away in Captivity was treacherously murdered as we read Ieremy 40. and 41. Besides these fasts they have others but not so generally observed for some of their preciser sort fast every Monday and Thursday Some fast the tenth of March because Miriam died that day and the people wanted water in the Desart Some fast the tenth of April for the death of Eli and his two Sons and the losse of the Ark. Some fast the eighteenth of this moneth for the death of Samuel At Ierusalem the Jewes used yearly to fast in remembrance of the Translation of the Bible out of Hebrew into Greek by the seventy Interpreters This fast was observed the eighth day of Tebheth or December and was a day of much heavinesse among them which must proceed from their pride or envy or too much superstition disdaining that their Law should be imparted to the Gentils and that this Translation was a profanation thereof So superstitious they are in their fasts that they will read no passages in the Bible but such as are sad and sorrowfull as the destruction of Ierusalem Ieremies Lamentations c. and not any passage that is joyful such as their delivery from Egyptian slavery or Hamans tyranny The only fast that God commanded was that upon the day of Expiation other fasts were enjoined by the Prince upon emergent occasions as the fast commanded by Iehosophat by Ioachim and other Princes Divers other private fasts they have upon private occasions Their fast is from all meat and drink till the evening that the stars appear Q. What is the manner of their Marriages A. They are married in the open air either in the streets or gardens by their Rabbies The Bridegroom wears about his neck a hair-cloath the end of which the Rabbi puts on the Brides head after the example of Ruth who desired to be covered with the skirt of Boaz his garment Then the Rabbi takes in his hand a glasse full of wine over which he pronounceth a blessing praising God for this Conjunction and gives it to the Bride-man and his Spouse that they may drink Then he takes from the Bridegroom his gold ring and asks of the standers by if it be good and worth the money given for it and so puts it upon one of the Brides fingers then are the marriage writings read openly Then the Rabbi takes another glass of wine over which he prayeth and presents it to the married couple to be tasted but the Bridegroom takes the glasse and dashes it against the wall in memory of the destruction of Ierusalem and for the same cause in some places ashes are put on the Bridegrooms head so the Bride in sign of sorrow puts on a black cloak and the Brideman a black hood they are married in the open aire that by looking up to Heaven they may be put in mind of multiplying like the stars The other ceremonies used before and after marriage are not to our purpose as not being Ecclesiastical But we must know that besides the principal Wife they have others that are subordinate which we may call Concubines who have not the command of the family nor gifts or presents from the Husband as Rebecca had from Isaac nor matrimonial writings as the chief Wife hath nor may their Children
Guiana 21. Of Brasil 22. Of Peru. 23. Of Hispaniola SECT III. Quest. WHat was the Religion of the old Africans A. Their chief gods were the Sun and Fire to which they erected Temples and kept the Fire continually burning on Altars to that purpose The Planets were the Numidian and Lybian gods From Gentilisme they were converted to Judaism then to Christianity and at last to Mahumetanisme We read that Matthias the Apostle preached in Aethiopia and Simon another Apostle in Mauritania about the time of Constantine Christianity was generally received in the hither and lesser Africa and was by the Goths infected with Arianisme which made way for Mahumetanism The Poeni or Phonicians and Carthoginians whilest Gentiles offered men sacrifices to Saturn in their supplications they put infants in the arms of Saturns brazen image made hot with fire and so were burned to death At Tunis neer the Lake â—itonia Miuerva taught the use of Oyle and invented the Art of Spinning therefore she was worshipped as a goddesse Venus was a great deity in Phoenicia Iuno in Carthage At this day they are Mahumetans whose Religion consisteth most in washing and frequenting of the Mosques See Alexander ab Alexandro Ih. Leo Sâ—idas and others Q. What is the Religion and Church Discipline of Fez A. They are at this day Mahumetans in their prosession and in their Devotion no ways sparing for there are in the City of Temples and Chappels about 700 whereof some are garnished with many pillars and Fountains of Marble Each Temple hath one Priest to say Service and look to his Churches revenue which he bestoweth upon the Church-Officers namely the Porters Cryers and the Lamp-lighters these are night Officers but for the day Cryers who from their Steeples call the people to prayers these have no pay but onely are freed from tenths and all other payments In the great Church which is about a mile and halfe in compasse and hath 31 great gates the roofe whereof is upheld with twenty Arches in breadth and 38 in length are lighted every night 900 Lamps some of the greaâ—est are of brasse with sockets for 1500 Lamps About the walls are divers Pulpits for their Readers who begin their Lectures shortly after break of day in the Summer they read after Sun-set Mahumets Law and Moral Philosophie are read then to the winter Lectures are allowed large revenues books and Candles The Priest of this Temple taketh charge of the Orphans mony and of the poor to whom he dealeth Corn and mony every Holy-day This Temple hath a treasurer and under him eight Notaries and six Clarks twenty 〈◊〉 for the husbandry twenty Lime-kills and twenty Brick-kills for repairing of the Temple the Revenâ—es of which are 200 Ducatsaday Oâ—â—er Temples of the City are hence furnished when they want Here are two stately Colledges for porfessors of divers Sciences and divers Hospitals for strangers and the â—ick with all accommodations Their Marriages are performed in the Church They have great feasting at the circumcision of the males They observe divers Feastivals at some of which the youth do with Cudgels and other weapons knok down one another so that many murthers are committed They make Bone-fires on the Feast of St Iohn Baptist and on Christmasse â—Even eat Sallades of green Hearbs On Mahumets birth-day the Poets make Sonnets in his praise which they reherse publiquely and are rewarded accordingly In Fez are 200 Grammer-Schools the youth are bound in seven yeers to learn the Alcoran by heart On Mahumets birth-day every boy carrieth a wax torch to school which they light before day and let them burn till Sun-rising all this while singing Mahumets praise Candles are presented to the King that day of incredible heigth and bignesse who that night heareth all the Law read By Mahuments Law Soothsayers are inprisoned and yet here are many of that profession There are here divers Sects of Mahumetans some like our Anabaptists condeming all learning and trusting to Enthusiasmes others who think by their fasting and good works that they are so holy and perfect that they cannot sin There be some who hold all Religions to be true because every one takes that to be God which he worships and they teach that the Heaven with the Planets Stars and Elements are one God They have also their Hermits By their Discipline Women may not enter their Mosques because of their often pollutions and for that Eve first sinned The day after a child is born the Priest is sent for to pray The child is washed by the women who name it and then it is circumcised but somtimes the circumcision is put off for divers yeers They are very strict in their fastings not tasting any thing though they should faint till the Stars appear the Mufti or High-Priest sits with the King every day in judgment except the Friday then the King sits alone See 〈…〉 c. Q. What are their times of Prayer A. Two hours afore day then they pray for the day 2. Two hours after day then they give thanks for the day 3. At Noon then they give thanks for that halfe the day is past 4. At four in the afternoon then they pray that the Sun may well set on them 5. At twilight they give thanks after their daily labours 6. They pray-two hours after twi-light and then they desire a good night thus they pray six times in 24. hours and so devout they are that when they hear the Sexton from their Steeples cry to prayer before day then may no man touch his wife but prepare to prayer by washing or other devotion either at Church or in his own house after this his prayer the Talby or Priest sits down and resolves for half an hour all doubts that are moved in matters of their Law He is counted profane and disabled from being witnesse who prayeth not six times a day See Purchas in his Pilgrimage Q. What is the Religion of Morocco A. The same is there professed that is in Fez but they are not altogether so devout in Morocco as in Fez for they have not that number of magnificent Temples Colledges Hospitals and Schools yet some they have especially one Temple very large and stately in Morocco with a magnificent Steeple of incredible hight they have also their Hermites and other Religious men in all these they come short of Fez by reason they are often molested by the incursions of the Arabians They here also among them as in Fez multitudes of Jews who â—â—cked over thither when they were driven out of Spain by Ferdinand and out of Portugal by King 〈◊〉 There be also among them many Christians but in miserable captivity and slavery whereas the Turks elsewhere in spiritual affairs subject themselves to the Caliph of Cairo these African kingdoms acknowledge onely their subjection to the Caliph of Bagdaâ— or Babylon The Turks of Morocco and Fez think they merit Heaven if they kill many Christians therefore they
substance communicated from parents to Children and not a quality or affection These wicked opinions raged in the world 340. years after Manes was excoriated alive for poysonning the Persian Kings Son these Hereticks were three Sects to wit Manichees Catharists or Puritans and Macarii or blessed Q. 25. What was the Religion of the Hierarchites Melitians and Arrians A. The Hierachites so called from Hieracha an Egyptian and a Monk who lived shortly after Origen under Gallienus 234. years after Christ taught that married people could not enjoy heaven nor infants because they cannot merit they admitted none into their Church but those that lived single They denied that Paradise in which man was created had any earthly or visible being They held Melchisedeck to be the Holy Ghost and denied the Resurrection The Meletians so called from Meletius a Theban Bishop in Egypt who because he was deposed for offering to Idols in spleen he taught the Novatian Heresie in denying pardon of sins to those that fell though they repented rejected all from their communion who in time of persecution fell from Christ though they afterward repented They used Pharisaical washings and divers other Judaical ceremonies and in their humiliations to appease Gods anger with dancing singing and gingling of small bells This Heresie began under Constatine the Emperour 286. years after Christ. The Arrians so called from Arrius a Lybian by birth and a Presbyter of Alexandria by Profesion were called also Exoucontji for saying that Christ was 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 created of nothing This heresie brake out under Constantine 290. years after Christ and over-run a great part of the Christian world They held Christ to be a creature and that he had a mans body but no humane soul the divinity supplying the room thereof They held also the holy Ghost a creature proceeding from a creature to wit Christ. The Arrians in their Doxolegier gave glory not to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost but to the Father by the Son in the Holy Ghost They rebaptized the Orthodox Christian and baptized onely the upper parts to the Novel thinking the inferiour parts unworthy of baptisme Q. 26. What was the Religion of the Audians Semi-arrians and Macedonians A. The Audiani so called from Audaeus a Syrian who appeared under Valentinian the Emperour 338. yeares after Christ were named afterwards Anthropormorphytae for ascribing to God a humane body these as afterward the Denatists forsook the Orthodox Church because some wicked men were in it They held darknesse fire and water eternal and the Original of all things They admitted to the Sacrament all sorts of Christians even such as were profane and impenitent The Semi-arrians were those who neither would have Christ to be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of the same individual essence with the Father as the Orthodox Church held nor yet 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of a like essence but 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of a different Essence but of a like Will and so they taught that Christ was not God in Essence but in Will only and Operation This Heresie also held that the Holy Ghost was Christs creature It began under Constantius the Emperour 330. years after Christ. The chief author thereof was one-eyed Acatius Bishop of Cesaraea Palestina successor to Eusebius hence they were called Acatiani The Macedonians so called from Macedonius Bishop of Constantinople held that the holy Ghost was a creature and the servant of God but not God himselfe and withal that by the holy Spirit was meant only a power created by God and communicated to the creatures This Heresie sprung up or rather being sprung up long before was stifly maintained under Constantius the Son of Constantine 312. years after Christ and was condemned in the second Oecumenical councel at Constantinople under Theodosius the great These Hereticks were called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 fighters against the spirit Q. 27. Of what Religion were the Aerians Aetians or Eunomians and Apollinarists A. The Aerians so called from Aerius the Presbyter who lived under Valentinian the first 340. years after Christ held that there was no differance between a Bishop and a Presbyter that Bishops could not ordain that the dead were not to be prayed for that there should be no set or anniversary fasts and with the Encratites or Apotactitae admitted none to their communion but such as were continent and had renounced the world They were called Syllabici also as standing captiously upon Words and Syllabies They are said also to condemn the use of flesh the Aetians were called so from Aetius a Deacon whose successor was Eunomius about the year of Christ 331. under the Emperor Constantius he was Bishop of Cyzicum whose disciples were called Eunomians and Anomei for holding that Christ was no way like the Father They were called also Eudoxiani Theophronâ—ani When they were banished they lived in holes and caves and so were called Troglodytae and Gothici because this heresie prevailed much among the Goths by means of Vlphillas their Bishop These hereticks held that God could be perfectly here comprehended by us that the Son was neither in power essence or will like the Father and that the Holy Ghost was created by the Son that Christ also assumed onely mans body but not his soul. They permitted all kind of licentiousnesse saying that faith without good works could save The Eunomians did rebaptise the Orthodox professors and baptised in the name of the Father uncreated the Son created and the Holy Ghost created by the Son The Apollinarists so called from Apollinaris Presbyter in Laodicea divided Christs humanity in affirming that he assumed mans body and a sensitive soul but not the reasonable or intellective soul of man because that was supplied by the divinity from this division they were named Duplaâ—es and Dimâ—iritae In stead of the Trinity they acknowledge onely three distinct degrees of power in God the greatest is the Father the lesser is the Son and the laest of all the Holy Ghost They held that Christs flesh was consubstantial with his divinity and that he took not his flesh from the Virgin but brought it from Heaven They held that Christ had but one will that mens souls did propagate other souls that after the Resurrection the ceremonial Law should be kept as before This heresie brake out 350. years after Christ under Valens the Emperor Q. 28. What did the Antidicomarianites Messalians and Metangismonites professe A. The former of these were so called because they were 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 adversaries to Maries Virginity Whence they were named Antimaritae and Helvidians from Helvidius the author who lived under Theodosius the great 355. years after Christ. These held that Mary did not continue a Virgin after Christ was born but that she was known by Ioseph whereas she was indeed 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a perpetual Virgin The Messalians were so
this life our sinnes are still inherent in us though they be not imputed to us that wee are justified by faith without works and that faith is never without charity that the best of our works deserve damnation that here we may be assured of our justification and salvation that the Church Liturgy ought not to be read in Latin but in the vulgar tongue that faith is a more excellent vertue then charity that there is no merit in us that in this life we cannot possibly fulfil the Law that to invocate the Saints to worship Images and Reliques or the Crosse is Idolatry that usury is not altogether unlawful that Lent and other set Fasts are not to be kept that there be onely two Scaraments Baptisme and the Lords supper and that the Sacraments cannot justifie or confer grace that the Baptisme of water is not of absolute necessity nor depends the efficacy of it from the intention of the Minister nor ought it to be administered by private men or women in private houses That Christ is not corporally in the Eucharist that in the want of Bread and wine other materials may be used and that Wine alone without Water is to be used that there is no Transubstantiation nor ought to be any adoration of the Bread that the â—up should be administred to all that Extream Unction was onely temporary in the Church that the Clergy ought to marry He rejected also the Church-Hierarchy and Ceremonies and exorcisms Penance also Confirmation Orders Matrimony and Extream Unction from being Sacraments Q. 15. What other opinions in Religion were held this age A. Servetus a Spaniard who was burned at Genevâ— taught with the Sabellians that there was but one Person in God and that there was in Christ but one nature with Eutychees he denied the holy Ghost and Baptisme to Infants which he would have to be deferred till the thirtieth year of their age He held also that God was Essential in every creature Brentius a Lutheran taught that Christs body after its ascension is every where whence sprung up the Vbiquitaries Castelliâ— a School-Master in Geneva held that the Canticles was not Scripture but a Love Ballade between Solomon and one of his Concubines One Postellus taught that men of all Sects and Professions should be saved by Christ. Oâ—iander held that we were justified not by â—aith but by the Essential righteousnesse of God which he said was the formal cause of our justification One 〈◊〉 a Maâ—tuan taught that Christ justified us not as he was God but as he was man Amsdorphius wrot a Book to prove that good works were pernicious to salvation One George Maiâ—r taught that Infants could not be justified for want of good works Iohn Agricâ—â—â— affirmed that the Law was altogether needlesse and that Christians were not tied to the observation thereof Hence sprung up the Antinomians One Steunbergetus in Morâ—via denyed the Trinity the Divinity of Christ the holy Ghost and Virginity of Mary he rejected also Baptisme and the Lords day affirming we had no command in Scripture to keep that but the Sabbath onely One Oâ—inus taught that â—olygamy or multiplicity of Wives was lawful One Valentinus Gentilâ—â— of Naples denied the Trinity and rejected the Creed of Athâ—â—â—â—ius One 〈◊〉 of Cracovia in â—oland denyed also the Trinity and thâ—â—ty of Essence and taught that neither the Second nor Third Person were God that Satan was created evil that mans intellect is eternal that our free will was a passive power moved necessarily by the appetite that God was the Author of sin and that the will of man in sinning was conformable to the will of God that it was not adultery to lie with another mans Wife that we must belive nothing but what is evident to sense or reason that the same body which dieth riseth not again that the soul perished with the body that there should be no care had of burial that separated souls could not suffer corporeal fire and that God being a Spirit should not be invocated by our mouth but by our heart One Swenkfeldius taught that the Scripture was not the Word of God nor that our faith depended on it but it rather on our faith That Christ brought his body with him from Heaven That Christs humanity became God after his ascension that every man was endowed with the same essential vertues of justice wisdom c. which were in God That the power and efficacy of Gods word preached was the very Son of God In Moravia there started up some professors called Nudipedales because they went bare-footed these in imitation of the Apostles forsook houses Lands Businesse and Children and lived together in common avoiding the society of other people Another Sect sprung up which called themselves Free Men teaching that they were freed from obedience to Magistrates from Taxes Tythes and other duties that after baptisme they could not sin That they were not onely like God but already deified And that it was lawful among themselves but no where else to have women in common Q. 16. Were there no other opinions held this Century A. Yes many more so vain and luxuriant are the wits of men in finding out many inventions and shaping to themselves forms and Ideas of Religions every one esteeming his own the best and as much in love with his own imaginations as Narcissus was with his shadow in the Water or Dercalion with his own picture Some reject Scriptures others admit no other writings but Scriptures Some say the Devits shall be saved others that they shall be damned others that there are no Devils at all Some hold that it is lawful to dissemble in Religion others the contrary Some say Antichrist is come some say not others that he is a particular man others that he is not a man but the Devil and others that by Antichrist is meant a succession of men some will have him to be Nero some Caligula some Mahomet some the Pope some Luther some the Turk some of the Tribe of Dan and so each man according to his fancy will make an Antichrist Some onely will observe the Lords day some onely the Sabbath some both and some neither Some will have all things in common some not Some will have Christs body onely in Heaven some everywhere some in the Bread others with the bread others about the bread others under the Bread and others that Christs body is the bread or the bread his body And others again that his body is transformed into his divinity Some wil have the Eucharist administred in both kinds some in one some not at all Some will have Christ descend to Hell in respect of his soul some onely in his power some in his divinity some in his body some not at all some by Hell understand the place of the damned some Limbus Patrum others the wrath of God others the state of the dead others the grave Some wil make Christ two Persons some give him but
must be of heavenly things that Christ may be their fellow-traveller They must beg almes for the love of Christ who was poor himself let them accustome themselves to patience In bearing all injuries let the stronger follow the weaker and not go before if any fall sick by the way let one stay with him to look carefully to him to edifie in the Lord all such as give them entertainment Let them in all places shew good examples of holinesse and modesty If they travel neer any House or Colledge of the Society they must not beg of strangers without leave from the Superior of that House or Colledge Let none travel without his Superiors Letters Parents The Minister or Controller of the house is bound by his rules to be assistant to the Provost or Rector to be exact in all the rules constitutions and customes of the house to visit every other day all the offices and chambers in the House or Colledge In the Spring and Autumne he must acquaint the Superior that the dyet and cloathes of the Society must be changed Let him be present with the Physitian when he visits the sick every day he must know the Superiors minde touching the houshold affairs and must acquaint him with what is fit to be done and what is amisse He must see that all things be in good order and clean that the gates be shut every night to look to the windowes candles fires and linnen Let him see there be no disorders or quarrelling he may supply the Superiors place in his absence and may have an under-Minister The Admonitor is tied by his rules to put the Superior in minde wherein he faileth in his office But this he must do with reverence and submission and with advice of the Counsellors and must not acquaint others what is done in this case If the Superior be incorrigible after divers warnings he must acquaint the higher powers he must have a seal for those letters which are sent to the Superiors The Iesuites have also rules in writing of letters The Superior or Rector of House or Colledge is to write every week to the Provincial and so is he that is sent abroad to preach or convert of all matters of moment concerning their Society the Provincials are to write once a moneth to the General but the Superiors and Rectors of Houses and Colledges once in three moneths the Provincials must write once a moneth to Provosts Rectors and those that are sent abroad in messages the General shall write to the Provincials once in two moneths but to Rectors once in six moneths except there be urgent occasion to write oftner iest letters be lost or intercepted they must be written divers times and the coppies thereof if they be to the General must be recorded in a book secrets must be written in characters or mystical terms The letters written at Rome by the General shall be read in the Houses and Colledges and there safely laied up He that hath the charge of spiritual things is tied by his rules to be carefull over the soules committed to him in admonishing instructing exhorting and examining The Overseer of the Church is by his rules bound to acquaint the Provost every Saturday of the next Feasts and Fasts that warning may be given on Sunday in the Refectory at supper-time He must every Saturday set down in writting what Ceremonies are to be used the next week at the high Alter He must take care of the Masses and Prayers to be used for their deceased Founders and Benefactors as also for the defunct of their Society He must see that the Priests be shaved and that they observe their rules He must suffer no almes to be given for hearing of confessions or saying Divine Service He must have special care of the Host of the Holy Oyle Crosses Chalices Reliques c. When the Reliques are to be shewed two Wax Candles must be lighted He must look to the Fabrick of the Church and must admonish the Superior to nominate preachers for the next day He must take care over all the Church moveables and keep an inventory of them He must also take care of the linnen candles prayers graves When the holy linnen groweth old and uselesse let it be burned and the ashes thereof cast into the holy Pond or Lake a Catalogue also must be kept of all the Masses that are to be celebrated by the Priests and the prayers to be said by those that are not Priests yearly monethly and weekly besides extraordinary times the Priests are tied by their rules to be devout holy and reverent in the exercise of their Function to observe all the Roman rites uniformity and decency to be expert in cases of conscience and diligent in hearing confessions but the Confessor and Penitent must not see one another in time of confession and there must be an eye witness present though not an eaâ— witness if the Penitent be a Woman Confessions must be heard from the morning till noon The Priests may exhort the sick to make their Wills but not to assist them in making thereof Preachers are tied by their rules to teach sound wholsom Doctrin tending not to curiosity but edification to be diligent in reading the Scripture and Fathers to be exemplary in their conversation to abstâ—in from reproving Princes Bishops and Magistrates in their Sermons or any Religious Orders to forbeare any expressions that may move laughter or contempt Let them beware of Pride Arrogance Vaine-glory or affected eloquence let their gestures be modest and grave let them chiefly commend the frequent use of confession of the Encharist of good works of obedience of the Church Ceremonies of pennance prayer c and let not their Sermons be extemporary or exceed an hour They that are sent to preach abroad in remote places are tied by their rules to walk on foot to live upon almes to lodge in Hospitals to aske leave of the Ordinary to preach to take notice of the most devout people In every place where they come They shall not onely preach but likewise conferr catechise pray administer the Sacraments visit the sick resolve doubts of conscience compose differences c. They must strive to make all men their friends and to pray for their persecutors and bear their burthens patiently Let them write every week to their Superiors what progresse they make in their preaching and other spiritual exercises to preach to themselves as well as to others and to do nothing but what they are inioyned to by their Superiorâ—s The Generals Proctor is tied by his rules to entertain no Suites in Law if he can otherwise 〈◊〉 them to give an account of all his actions to the Provost Generall to keep in books all accounts of expenses and receivings to keep a lift of all Church 〈◊〉 united to their Colledges to have a great care of all the Writings Popes Bulls Records and other papers committed to his charge c.
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
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
have our Lamps ready to meet the Bridgroome The Completory is a fit time for prayer because then Christ prayed and swear Blood in the Garden The song of 〈…〉 then sung for as he immediatly before his death uttered these words so should we before our sleepâ— which is a resemblance of death Four Psalmes 〈◊〉 are then said to expiate the sins of our child-hood youth manhood and old age The Creed is said the first hour and 〈◊〉 to shew that all 〈◊〉 workes must begin and end iâ— saith About mid-night are said the Nocturnals because about that 〈◊〉 the Egyptian first borne were 〈◊〉 then Christ was borne then was he apprehended by the Iewes 〈◊〉 are we in greatest danger then is the prince of darknesse most busie in his workes of darknesse Q. 25. What mâ—y we observe concerning their Processions A. They ground their Processions on the practise of David and Salomon when the oâ—e accompained the Ark in Triumph to the Tabernacle the other to the Temple They have four solemn Processions Namely on the Purification of the Virgin on Palm-Sunday on Easter day and on Holy thursday being the fortieth day after Easter and the day of Christs Asension kept in memory of that Procession which Christ made with his Disciples when they walked to the Noâ—ne of Olives from whence he ascended to Heaven as there is a Procession every Sunday in memory of Christs Resurrection so there was wount to be another every Thursday in remembrance of his Ascension but because of the multitude of Festivals this is kept but once yearly solemnly yet every Sunday it is remembred in that days Procession They hold also that these Processions were typified by the Israelits comming out of Egypt For as Moses delivered them from the Tyranny of Pharâ—â—h so hath Christ freed us from the oppression of Satan The Tables of the Law were received on Sinai and carried before the people so the Gospel is taken down from the Altar and carried in their Procession A fiery pillar went before the Israelites and burning Tapers are carried before the people in these solemnities as every Tribe had their armes and colours carried before them so here are carried Crosses and Banners Their Levites hore the Tabernacle and our Deacons carry the Coffer or Pix Their Priests carried the Ark and our Priests carry the holy Reliques In their Procession Aaron followed in his Ornaments and in ours the Bishop in his Pontificals There was the sounding of Trumpets here the noyse of Bells there was sprinkling of Blood here of holy water c. They carry Banners and Crosses in memory of that Crosse seen in the aire by Constantin and which after he always wore in his Banners Besides these triumphant Processions they have also in times of publick calamity mâ—urnfull Processions which they call Rogatioâ—s and the Greeks Litaniae that is prayers of supplications of which there is the great Letanie kept on Saint Marks Feast and invented by Gregory the first in a great Plague at Rome The lesser Letanie is kept three days before the ascension and was invented at Vienna by Mamertus Bishop there in a time when there were great Earth-quakes and Irruptions of Wolves which in France did great hurt this is called the lesser Rogation because it was found out in a lesser City then Rome and by a lesser Bishop then Gregory Yet the lesser is more ancient by 80. years for it was devised in the time of Zeno the Emperor of Constantinople whereas the other was found out in the time of Mauritius who was contemporary with Gregory the great Pope Liberius appointed there should be Letanies when Wars Plague or Famine do threaten which commonly fall out about that time of the year wherein the memory of Christs Ascension is observed Q. 26. Wherein consisteth the Eighth part of their Worship A. In the Worship of the Saints whom they honour with Temples Chappels Altars Images Holy-days mentioning of their names in the Masse reserving and worshiping of their Reliques praying to them c. They divide them into four ranks namely Apostles Martyrs Confessors and Virgins The Festival days of the Saints kept in memory of their martyrdom are called Natales that is birth-days for then they began truly to live when they died for Christ. In the Kalendar these following Saints have their Holy-days Fabian and Sebastian Agnes the Conversion of S. Paul Iulian Agatha the Purification of Mary this day is a Procession in memory of that Procession which Ioseph and Mary made to the Temple this Feast was instituted in the time of Iustinâ—an upon a great mortality which then hapned and candles this day are carried with great solemnity to shew that our light should shine before men that Christ who was this day presented in the Temple is the true light of the world and that like wise Virgins whereof Mary was the chief we should have our Lamps ready the Feast of S. Peters chair is kept in memory of his advancement first to the Bishoprick of Antioch then of Rome the Feast of the Annunciation is kept in memory of the tidings which the Angel brought to Mary of her conception on the first of May is the Feast of Philip and Iames the lesser the son of Alpheus and Brother of our Lord who was the first Bishop of Ierusalem had seen Christs Transfiguration and for preaching Christ was thrown down from the pinacle of the Temple by the Jewes the other Iames called the greater and of Compostella was the son of Zebedaeus and brother to S. Iohn the Evangelist on the third of May is the invention of finding of the Crosse by Helena Constantines mother the Feast of S. Iohn Baptist is kept the 24. of Iune in which are fires made and Torches carried to shew that he was a shining and a burning Lamp the Feast of Peter and Paul is kept the 29 of Iune in memory that they both suffered in one day under Nero on the 25 of Iuly is the Feast of S. Iames S. Iohns brother who preached the Gospel in Spain and returning to Ierusalem was beheaded by Herod the Feast of the seven Sleepers is on the 27 of Iuly these flying from the persecution of Decius hid themselves in a Cave where they slept about 300 years and being awaked thought they had slept but one night the Feast of S. Peters Chaines is kept August the first in memory of Peters miraculous delivery from Herods prison when the Chaines fell from him of their own accord the Feast of S. Laurence is kept August the tenth in memory of his martyrdom under Valerian he was Arch-Decon of Rome after whom none there have had that title the Assumption of Mary is on the fifteenth of August this is her greatest Feast for it is ushered in with a fast and hath its Octave on this day herbes and flowers are gathered and blessed because she is compared to the Rose and Lilly S. Bartholomews Feast is on the 24 of
in confessing their sins only to God in rejecting purgatory and prayers for the dead in giving the Sacrament in both kindes and in unleavened bread and in tolerating Priests marriages in the same points also they agree with the 〈◊〉 or Christians of Egypt with the Abyssins Armenians and Maronites But the Protestants difher from the above named Churches in these subsequent points 1. They believe that the holy Ghost proceedeth from the Son 2. They use unleavened bread in the Sacrament 3. The English Protestants allow Confirmation 4. They hold that the blessed souls enjoy Gods presence and that the wicked are tormented in Hell immediately after their departure hence 5. They permit Priests after ordination to marry 6. They reject pictures as well as Massie-images 7. They observe not the Saturday 〈◊〉 Sabbath 8. They have but one Lent in the year 9. They make no scruple in 〈◊〉 of blood in these points the Protestants dissent both from the Greekâ— Melchâ—tes Georgians 〈◊〉 Circassiani Moscovites and other Sects above named They defer not baptisme till the eighth year with the Circassians they pray not for the dead nor give the Sacrament in a spoon nor divorce their Wives upon every light occasion with the Mâ—scovites they affirm not two persons in Christ nor deny Mary to be the Mother of God nor reject the Councel of Ephesus and all other Councels after it with the Nestorians They defer not baptism till the fortieth day nor exclude Priests from second marriage with the Christians of Saint Thomas They do not ascribe one nature only one will and one operation to Christ nor do they use circumcision and a hot Iron in baptisme nor do they reach that Angels are composed of fire and light with the Iaoobites They give not the Eucharist to Insants they marry not in the second degree of consanguinity nor do they read the Gospel of Nicodemus with the Copâ—ti They do not hold traduction of souls by seminal propagation nor baptize themselves every year nor suffer they their Ministers to live by mechanical labours with the Abyssins They use nor rebaptiâ—ation nor fasting on Christmasse day nor abstain from eating of uncleane beasts prohibited by the old Law with the Armenians they do not hold that all souls were created together nor that parents ought to dissolve their childrens marriages when they please nor that Children should be made Sub-Deacons nor that Menstrâ—ous Women should be excluded from the Sacrament with the Maroâ—ites The Protestants do not celebvate their Liturgy in an unknown tongue as the 〈…〉 Iacobites Indians and Nestorians do who make use of the 〈◊〉 or Syriack language in their divine service which few understand nor with the Greeks Melchiâ—es Georgians Circassians and others do they use the ancient Greek tongue in their liturgies which these above named know not and yet make use of it in their Churches nor with the Boman Catholicks doe they read and pray in Latine but in their own vulgar languages which are intelligible by all in which point they agree with the Abyssins Aâ—menians Moscovites Russians 〈◊〉 anciently called Illyrians Lastly Protestants differ from the Roman Catholicks in these points 1. Of the number of Canonical Books of Scripture of their sufficiency authority and interpreter 2. Of Christs descent into hel 3. Of the head of the Church and of the Popes supremacy 4. Of the true Catholick Church 5. Of their Clergy their orders immunities and 〈◊〉 6. Of â—he Monastical life vows and Evangelical Counsels 7. Of the power of the Civil Magistrate 8. Of Purgatory 9. Of invocation of Saints 10. Adoration of Images and Reliques 11. Sacraments their number efficacy and ceremonies 12. Baptisme its necessity effects and ceremonies 13. Transubstantiation and the consequences thereof 14. Of administring in both kinds 15. The sacrifice of the Masse 16. Auricular confession 17. Satisfaction 18. Indulgences 19. Extream Unction 20. Original sin 21. Free will Predestination and Grace 22. Justification Faith and good woâ—kâ— 23. The Latine Service 24. Traditions Some other small differences there are and fewer there might be if men would be moderate on either side but the spirit of contention and contradiction hath hitherto hindered and will yet hinder the peace of the Church till the Prince of Peaâ—e our true Solomon who built this mystical Temple without noyse of Axes or Hammers put an end to all jâ—rrs and discords till he whom both the Winds and Seas do obey awake who now seemes to be asleep till he I say awake and rebuke the stormy winds and proud billows on which his ship is tossed to and fro that at last she may eâ—joy a calm time and some Halcyonian days and may cast Anchor in the safe harbour of tranquillity where we may finde our Saviour not in the Earthquakes Whirlewinds and fire of contention but in the 〈◊〉 and quiet voice of peace concord and unity which he left to us as a Legacy but we have lost it by our pride sacriledge â—nvy 〈◊〉 covetousness profanenesse and vain-glory The Contents of the Fifteenth Section Religion is the ground of all government and greatnesse 2. By divers reasons it is proved that Religion of all Common wealths and humane societies is the foundation 3. That Princes and Magistrates ought to have a special care in setling and preserving of Religion 4. That one Religion onely is to be allowed in a Common wealth publickly 5. In what respects different Religions they be tolerated in private 6. A Christian Prince may not dissemble his Religion 7. Why God blesseth the professors of false Religions and punisheth the contemners thereof 8. False Religions are grounded upon policy what use there is of Ceremonies in Religion 9. The mixture and division of religions and of Idolatry 10. How the Gentile Religion in worshipping of the Sun seems to be most consonant to natural reason with divers observations concerning Sun-worship and the knowledge the Gentiles had of a Deity the Vnity thereof with some glimmering of the Trinity 11. That the honour maintenance and advancement of a Priest hood is the main supporter of Religion 12. That the Christian Religion is of all others the must excellent and to be preferred for divers reasons being considered in it selfe and compared with others with an exhortation to the practice of religious duties which is true Christianity SECT XV. Quest. I. HAving now pass't through all Religions known in the World it remains that we make some use of what we have viewed let us know then to what end and purpose hath this View been taken A. First to let us see that there is no nation so barbarous or brutish except some particular fools who have said in their heart there is no God which hath not made profession of some Religion by which they are taught to acknowledge and worship a Deity For Religion is the pillar on which every Commonâ—wealth is built so long as the pillar is stable and firm which is the foundation so long
Christians Whether to be permitted amongst Christians to exercise their own Religion Wherein Christians are not to communicate with Iews Iews spend eight days in their Easter sâ—lemnities Their Pentecost Their feast of Tabernacles Their new Moons Fast in August Their solemnities in beginning the new year Their preparation for morning prayer Their feast of Reconciliation and Ceremonies therein Their Rites after the Law is read over Church Offices sold among the Iews Their feast of Dedication Their feast of Purim Their fasts Their Marriages Their Bills of Divorce Their separation of the wife from the deceased Husbands brother Their circumcision and Rites thereof How they redeem their first born Their duty to the sick Their Ceremonies about the dead Babylonians their ancient Religion The making worshipping of Images and bringing in Idolatry The Gentiles Idols were dead men Hierapolis the Religion thereof Gods of the Syrians Phoeâ—icians Their Religion and Discipline Arabians theiâ— Religion and Discipline Persians their ancient Religion Scythians their old Religion Tartars their old Religion Pagans their knowledge of the Creation Tartars their diversities of Religion Religions of the Northern countries neer the Pole Three wayes whereby Satan deludes men by false miracles The fear of Satans stratagems though illusions whence it proceeds Our duty respecting the many stratagems and illusions of Satan Chinois their Religion Indians their Ancient religion Siam its religion Pegu its Religion Bengala and its Religion Magor and its Religion Cambaia and its religion Goa the religion thereof Malabar its religion Pagans though Idolatrous believe the immortality of the soule Narsinga and Bisnagar its Religion Japon its religion Philippinae their religions Sumatra and Zeilan their Religions Egyptians their ancient Religion Egyptian Idolatry continuance thereof Egypt its modern religions Africans their Religion Fez the Religion and Church discipline thereof Their times of prayer Morocco its Religion Guinea its Religion Aethiopians of Africa their ancient Religion Their Religion at this day The lower Aethiopians their Religion Angola its Religion Congo its religion The Religion its Northern Neighbours African Islands their religions America the Religion thereof Virginia its Religion Florida its Religion Religions of the nations by west Virginia and Florida New Spain itâ— Religion Idolaters their cruelty and cost in their barbarous sacrifices Persius his notable saying Mexico its Priests and Sacrifices Americans acknowledge a Supreme God a Trinity the immortality of souls a life after this and have some tradition of Noahs flood New Spain its festival days Jucatan its religion and parts adjoyning Southern America the Religion thereof Paria Guiana and Debaiba their Religions Brasil its Religion Peru its Religion Peruviant their Festival days Peruvians their Belief of the departed souls Americans their superstitious feare aud Tyranny thereof Hispaniola its Religion Idolatry further condemned Europeans Greekes and Romans their Religions Romans their old Religion See Alexanâ— ab Alexandro Plutarch Pliâ— Cicero Gelâ—â— Fenestella Lâ—tus Their chief Festivals See Plutarch Alex. ab Alexandro Ioseph Scaliger Rosinus and others Their chiefgods But one God acknowâ—edged by the wiser sort of Gentiles Of these see Augustine in the City of God Lactantius Cicero Plutarch Rosinus and others Their Priests Of these seeâ— the aforenamed Authors Romans their Sacrifices Of these particulars see Servius on Virgil Rosinus Alexâ—â— ab Alex. and the Latine Poets Their marriage Rites See Scâ—liger de re Poetica Alex. ab Alex. Rosinus Servius Del-Rio in Senecam c. Their Funeral Rites Of these and other customs see Virgil. and Servius on him Kirchmannus also Rosinus Rhodiginus Alex. ab Alex. Gyraldus and others Burial of the dead an act of justice and mercy Aen. l. 9. Aen. lib. 10. Greeks and Gentiles their Religion and gods See the Greek Poets and their Interpreters Of these see the Greek and Latine Poets Greeks their gods how worshipped and painted See Pausanias Capella Boccatins c. See Cartarius Martianus Capella Scaliger Spondanus c. But see the Mytbologists and what we have written in Mystag Poetice Moon how worshipped Earth and fire how worshipped See the Mythologists Sea how worshipped Of all these we have spoken fully in Mystagogo poetico Death how worshipped Of these things see more in Mystag Poetic Greeks their Sacrificing See Suidas Eustathius Rhodiginus Athenaeus c. Their Priests and Temples But of theâ—â— passages 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 on Aristophâ—â— Suidas 〈◊〉 Virgil Cerda on Tertullian Rhodiginus Turneâ—us and others Germans Gauls and Brittains their Religions See Tacitus Cesars Commentaries Camden and others Old Saxons worshipped their gods under divers shapes and forms Danes Swedes Moscovites and their neighbours their Religions See Saxo Grammaticus Cranzius on Vandalia Olaus Guaguin and other Historians Scythians Getes Thracians Cymbrians Goths c their Religions See Olaus Magnus Saxo Guaguinus Ioâ—annes Magâ—â—s Aventinus c. Lithuanians Polonians Hungarians c. Their Religions See Olaus Munster in his Geography and others Gods of the Gentils Of these see Austin Lactantius Tertullian Plutarch Arnobius Eusebius c. How Ranked and Armed Of these see the Poets and their Commentators Their Chariots how drawn In Myst. Poet. In what peculiar places worshipped Greeks their chiefe Festivals Of these see Suidas Athenaeus Rhodiginus Gyraldus Hesychius â—ertullian Austin Plutarch Iuâ— Pollux the Scholiast of Aristophanes Meursius and others Mahumetans their Religion See Lanicerus and others Their Law Their opinions Mahomet not that great Antichrist spoken of by Saint Paul and Saint John Their Sects See Borrius Lanicerus Knolles Camerarius Iovius c. Mahumetans their religious orders See Menavino Nicholaus Nicholai Septemcastrensis c. See Georgiovitz Septemcastrensis Busbequius and others Their secular Priests See Cuspinian Knolles c. Their devotion See Georgiovitz Knolles Purchaâ— c. Their Pilgrimage to Mecca See Vertoman Lanicerus and others Their Circumcision See Georgiovitz and others Their Rites about the sick and dead See Menavino Bellonius c. Their Superstition how far spread Mahumetanism of what continuance Christianity its beginning Yeelds to Mahumetanism Religion by what Engines battered Hereticks and Heresies namely Simon Magus Menander Saturninus Basilides See Austin Irenaeus and Epiphanius upon this subject in their Books they wrote against Heresies Trinity denied by Simon Magus and his Scholars with others besides Iewes and Mahumetans and why See Irenaeus Austin Theodoret Tertullian Epiphanius c. Nicholatians Gnosticks See Irenaeus Tertullian Austin Theodoret c. Carpocrates See the authors above named Eusebius also and Clemens Alexandrinus Cerinthus Ebionites Nazarites See Epiphanius Eusebius Austin c. Valentinians Secundians Ptolomeans See Irenaeus Epiphanius Austin with his Commentator Danaeus c. Marcites Colarbasians Heracleonites See Tertullian Itenaeus Epiphanius Austin c. Ophites Cainites Sethites See the above named Authâ—â—s Archonticks Ascothyptaâ— See Austin Theodoret Isidorus c. Cerdon Marcion See Epiphanius Eusebius Austin Theodoret c. Apelles Tatianus See Irenaeus Tertullian Eusebius Austin Theodoret Epiphanius c. Cataphrygians See Epiphanius Eusebius Austin Theodoret Isidor