for among them 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 saith Hesychius the forraign gods were worshipped This feast is called by Pindarus 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 hospitable tables and the sacrifice 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 36. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 was the feast of Bacchus in whose Temple three empty vessels in the night time were filled with wine but none knew how for the doors were fast locked and guarded Thuia also was the first Priestesse of Bacchus from which the rest are called Thyadae 37. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 were the feasts of Bacchus every third year in Latine Trienalia and Triennia of which Ovid Celebrant repetita Triennia Bacchae Some other festivals the Greeks observed but of lesse note The Contents of the Sixth Section Of the two prevalent Religions now in Europe 2. Of Mahomets Law to his Disciples 3. Of the Mahumetants opinions at this day 4 Mahomet not the Antichrist 5. Of their Sects and how the Turks and Persians differ 6. Of the Mahumetan Religious Orders 7. Of their other Hypocritical Orders 8. Of their secular Priests 9. Of the Mahumetan devotion and parts thereof 10. Of their Ceremonies in their Pilgrimage to Mecca 11. The Rites of their Circumcision 12. Their Rites about the sick and dead 13. The extent of Mahumetanism and the causes thereof 14. Mahumetanism of what continuance SECT VI. Quest. WHat are the two prevalent Religions this day in Europe A. Mahumetanism and Christianity The former was broached by Mahumet the Arabian being assisted by Sergius a Nestoriaâ— Monk with some other Hereticks and Jews about 600. years after Christ for Mahomet was born under Mauritius the Emperor anno Christi 591. and under Heraclius anno 623. he was chosen General of the Saracen and Arabian Forces and then became their Prophet to whom he exhibited his impious doctrin and law which he pretended was delivered to him by the Angel Gabriel But his Book called the Alcoran was much altered after his death and divers different copies thereof spread abroad many of which were burned and one retained which is now extant This is divided into 124. Chapters which are fraughted with Fables Lyes Blasphemies and a meer hodg-podge of fooleries and impieties without either Language or Order as I have shewed in the Caveat I gave to the Readers of the Alcoran yet to him that readeth this Book a thousand times is promised a woman in his paradise whose eye-brows shall be as wide as the Rainbow Such honour do they give to their ridiculous Book called Musaph that none must touch it till he be washed from top to toe neither must he handle it with his bare hands but must wrap them in clean linnen When in their Temples it is publickly read the Reader may not hold it lower than his girdle and when he hath ended his reading he kisseth the book and layeth it to his eyes Q. What Law did Mahomet give to his Disciples A. His Law he divides into eight Commandements The first is to acknowledge onely one God and onely one Prophet to wit Mahomet 2. The Second is concerning the duty of children to their Parents 3. Of the love of neighbours to each other 4. Of their times of prayer in their Temples 5. Of their yearly Lent which is carefully to be observed of all for one moneth or thirty days 6. Of their charity amd alms-deeds to the poor and indigent 7. Of their Matrimony which every man is bound to embrace at 25. years of age 8. Against murder To the observer of these commands he Promiseth Paradise in which shall be silken Carpets pleasant Rivers fruitfull trees beautiful women musick good cheer and choice wines stores of gold and silver plate with precious stones and such other conceits But to those that shall not obey this Law hell is prepared with seven gates in which they shall eat and drink fire shall be bound in chains and tormented with scalding waters He proveth the Resurrection by the story of the seven sleepers which slept 360. years in a Cave He prescribes also divers moral and judicial Precepts as abstinence from swines flesh blood and such as die alone also from adultery and fals witness He speaks of their Fridays devotion of good works of their Pilgrimage to Meccha of courtesie to each other of avoiding covetousnesse usury oppression lying casual murder disputing about his Alcoran or doubting thereof Also of prayer alms washing fasting and Pilgrimage He urgeth also repentance forbideth swearing commends friendship will not have men forced to Religion will not have mercy or pardon to be shewed to enemies He urgeth valour in Battel promising rewards to the couragious and shewing that none can die till his time come and then is no avoyding thereof Q. What other opinions do the Mahumetans hold at this day A. They hold a fatal necessity and judge of things according to the successe They hold it unlawful to drink Wine to play at Chess Tables Cards or such like recreations Their opinion is that to have Images in Churches is Idolatry They believe that all who die in their wars go immediatly to Paradise which makes them fight with such cheerfulnesse They think that every man who lives a good life shall be saved what Religion soever he professeth therefoâ—e they say that Moses Christ and Mahomet shall in the resurrection appear with three banners to which all of these three professions shall make their repair They hold that every one hath two Angels attending on him the one at his right hand the other at his left They esteem good works meritorious of Heaven They say that the Angel Israphil shall in the last day sound his trumpet at the sound of which all living creaturs Angels not excepted shall suddenly die and the Earth shall fall into dust and sand but when the said Angel soundeth his trumpet the second time the souls of all that were dead shall revive again then shall the Angel Michael weigh all mens souls in a pair of scales They say there is a terrible Dragon in the mouth of hell and that there is an iron bridge over which the wicked are conveyed some into everlasting fire and some into the fire of Purgatory They hold that the Sun at his rising and the Moon at her first appearing should be reverenced They esteem Polygamy no sin They hold it unlawfull for any man to go into their Temples not washed from head to foot and if after washing he piss go to stool or break wind upward or downward he must wash again or else he offends God They say that the heaven is made of smoak that there are many seas above it that the Moons light was impaired by a touch of the Angel Gabriels wing as he was flying along that the devils shall be â—aved by the Alcoran Many other favourless and sensless opinions they have as may be seen in the Book called Scaâ—la being an Exposition of the Alcoran Dialogue wise Q. Was Mahomet that Great
on Friday and in their Lent is punished with disgrace and a pecuniary Mulct 9. In divers ridiculous ceremonies acted by their Priests as pulling off the shooes which all people are tyed to do when they enter into their Temples in stretching out the hands and joyning them together in kissing the ground in lifting up the head in stopping of the ears with their fingers in praying with their faces to the South because Mecca is there in wiping their eyes with their hands in observing a Lenten Fast for one moneth in a yeer changing the moneth every yeer so that they fast one whole yeer in twelve and then they abstain from all meat and drink till the stars appear In plucking off their hairs at the end of their Fast and in painting of their nayls with a red colour 10. In Pilgrimages to Mecca in circumcision of their children in feasting at the Graves of the dead and in other such vain ceremonies Q. What Ceremonies observe they in their Pilgrimage to Mecca A. This journey is undertaken and performed every yeer and it is held so necessary that he who doth not once in his life go this Pilgrimage shall be assuredly damned whereas Paradise and remission of sins is procured to them that go it The way is long and tedious to those of Greece being six moneths journey and dangerous by reason of Arabian theeves mountains of sand with which divers are overwhelmed and want of water in those sandy and barren desarts Their chief care is to be reconciled to each other where there is any difference before they go for if they leave not behind them all grudges and quarels their Pilgrimage will do them no good they begin their journey from Cairo about three weeks after their Easter called Bairam being guarded with 200 Spachi on Dromedaries and 200 Ianizaries on Camels with eight pieces of Ordnance a rich vesture for the Prophet and a green Velvet covering wrought with gold to cover his Tomb which the Bassa delivers to the Captain of the Pilgrims The Camels that carry these Vestures are covered with cloth of gold and many small bels the night before their departure is kept with great Feasting and triumphs No man may hinder his wife from this Pilgrimage and every servant is made free that goeth it The Camel that carrieth the box with the Alcoran is covered with cloth of gold and silk the box with silk onely during the journey but with gold and Jewels at their entring into Mecca Musitians also and singers encompasse the Camel and much vain Pompe is used in this Pilgrimage They use divers washings by the way when they meet with water When they come to Mecca the house of Abraham which they fable was miraculously built receiveth a new covering and a new Gate the old vesture is sold to Pilgrims which hath a vertue in it to pardon sins after many idle Ceremonies performed they go round about Abrahams house seven times then they kisse a black stone which they believe fell down thither from Heaven at first it was white but by the often kissing of sinners it is become black then they wash themselves in the Pond Zunzun without the Gate five paces this pond the Angel shewed to Hagar when she wanted water for Ismael Of this also they drink and pray for pardon of their sins After five days abode at Mecca they go to the Hill of pardâ—ns 15 miles distant and there they leave all their sins behind them after they have heard a Sermon and prayed and offered Sacrifices Upon their return they must not look back to the Hill lest their sins follow them From hence they repair to Medina where Mahomets Sepulchre is thought to be but by the way they run up a certain hill which they call the mount of health they run that they may sweat out all their sins Thence they come pure to the Seducers tombe which notwithstanding they may not see being hanged about with a Silk Curtain which by the Eunuchs being 50. in number to attend on the tombe and to light the Lamps is taken down when the Pilgrims Captain presenteth the new one without each man gives to the Eunuchs handkerchiefs or such like to touch the tombe therewith this they keep as a special Relique When they return to Egypt the Captain presenteth the Alcoran to the Bassa to kisse and then it is laid up again the Captain is Feasted and presented with a Garment of cloth of Gold They used to cut in pieces the Camel with his Furniture which carried the Alcoran and reserve these pieces for holy Reliques The Alcoran also is elevated that all might see and adore it which done every one with joy returns to his one home Q. What Ceremonies use they about their Circumcision A. They are Circumcised about eight years of age the Child is carried on hors-back with a Tullipant on his head to the Temple with a torch before him on a spear deckt with flowers which is left with the Priest as his Fee who first nippeth the end of the skin of the childs yard with pincers to mortifie it then with his sizzers he nimbly cuts it off presently a powder is laid on to ease the pain and afterward salt The childs hands being loosed looketh as he is taught by the Priest towards heaven and lifting up the first finger of his right hand saith these words God is one God and Mahomet in his Prophet Then he is carried home in state after some prayers and offerings at the Church Sometimes the child is circumcised at home and receiveth his name not then but when he is born They feast then commonly three days which ended the child is carried with Pomp to the Bath and from thence home where he is presented with divers gifts from his Parents Friends Women are not circumcised but are tied to make profession of their Mahumetan faith Q. What Rites doe they observe about the sick and dead A. Their Priests and chief friends visit them exhort them to repentance and read Psalms to them When any dieth the Priest compasseth the Corps with a string of beads made of Lignum Aloes praying God to have mercy on him then the Priests carry it into the Garden wash it and cover it with its own garments with flowers also and persumes and his Turband is set on his head Women perform this office to the body of a woman This done the body is carried to the Temple with the head forwards and set down at the Church-door whilst the Priests are performing their service then it is carried to the burial-place without the City the Priests pray for his soul are paid for their pains and feasted at home Some part of their good cheer is set on the grave for the soul to feed on or for alms to the poor They believe there are two Angels who with angry looks and flaming firebrands examine the dead party of his former life whom they whip with
Sect did long retain the name of Nicolaitans but were called Gnosticks from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Knowledge which proud title they gave themselves as if their knowledge had been transcendent above other men But their knowledge was so whimsical that neither they or any else understood it they babled much concerning their Aeones and of Ialdabaoth who made the heavens and all things we see of water They ascribed divers sons to their chief Aeon to wit Ennoia Barbeloth and Prunicon which they named Christ. They held that most things were procreated of the Chaos and the Abysse of water and darknesse They taught also that in faithful men were two souls one holy of the divine substance the other adventitious by divine insufflation common to man and beasts These are the souls that sin and which passe from man to beast after the opinion of Pythagoras they held also there were two Gods a good and an evill as the Manichees afterward did They made Jesus and Christ two distinct persons and that Christ descended into Iesuâ— when he was thirty yeers old and then he wrought miracles On this Doctrin the Eutychians and Nestorians grounded their Heresies They would have none to suffer Martyrdom for Christ who they said conversed on the earth after his Resurrection 18 moneths This Heresie was much spread in Asia and Egypt about 129 yeers after Christ and in Spain it flourished after Christ 386 yeers Out of this Sink the Valentinians Manichees and Priscillianists sucked their poyson Q. 8. Of what Religion were the Carpocratians A. Carpocrates by birth an Alexandrian in Egypt who flourished about the yeer of Christ 109. in the time of Antoninus Pius and was contemporary with Saturnius this Carpocrates I say taâ—ght there were two opposite Gods that the Law and good works were needlesse to those that had faith that we could not avoid the rage of evil spirits but by doing evil for that was the way to please them Therefore they gave themselves over to Magick and a Libidinous life They taught also that Christ was a meer man and that their master Carpocrates was the better man hence sprung up the Samosatenians and Arrians They said also that Christ was begot as other men of Ioseph and Mary and that onely his soul ascended into Heaven They held Pythagorean transanimation but denyed the Resurrection and that this world was not made by God but by Satan Because their disciples should not publish their abominable mysteries they put a mark by a bodkin on their right Eare. Carpocrates carryed about with him his Punk Marcellina Q. 9. What was the Religion of Cerinthus Ebion and the Nazarites A. Cerinthus being a Jew by birth and circumcised taught that all Christians ought to be circumcised He lived in the time of S. Iohn the Apostle who would not enter into the same Bath with that pernicious Heretick He spred his Heresie in Domitians time about 62 yeers after Christ. He held the same impious Tenets that Carpocrates and taught that it was Iesus who died and rose again but not Christ. He denyed the Article of life eternal and taught that the Saints should enjoy in Ierusalem carnall delights for 1000 yeers the maintainers of this whimsie afterward were the Origenists Chiliasts or Millenaries and on this Mahomes founded his Paradise Ebion was a Samaritan by birth but he would be esteemed a Jew He lived also in Domitians time He denyed Christs divinity and held the necessity of the Ceremonial Law with Cerinthus And that the use of flesh was unlawfull because all flesh was begot of impure generation The Ebionites of all the New-Testament admitted only S. Matthews Gospel because it was written in Hebrew The Ebionite Heresie did not continue long under the name of Ebion but under other names to wit Sampsei and Elcesitae Against these Hereticks S. Iohn who lived in their time wrote his Gospel to prove Christs Divinity they rejected S. Pauls Epistles because they refell the Ceremonial Law As for the Nazarites or Nazarens they were before Cerinthus and Ebion about the end of Nero 37 yeers after Christ. They were the first that retained circumcision with Baptism and the ceremonial Law with the Gospel They were led much with private Revelations and Enthusiasms They had more Gospels then one to wit the Gospel of Eve and that which they called the Gospel of perfection They were much addicted to fables Noahs wife they called Ouria which signifieth fire in Chaldee she often times set the Ark on fire which therefore was so many times rebuilt They make her also the first that imparted to mankinde the knowledge of Angels Q. 10 What was the Heretical Religion of the Valentinians Secundians and Ptolemians A. The Valentinians who from their whimsical knowledge were called Gnosticks had for their master Valentinus an Egyptian who lived in the time of Antoninus Pius Emperor about a 110 yeers after Christ. He taught that there were 30 Aeones Ages or Worlds who had their beginning from Profundity and Silence that being the Male this the Female Of the Marriage or Copulation of these two were begot Vnderstanding and Truth who brought forth eight Aeones Of the Vnderstanding and Truth were begot the Word and Life which produced 10. Aeones The Word and Life brought forth Man and the Church and of these were procreated 12. Aeones these 8. 10. and 12. joyned together made up the 30. the last of these 30. being abortive produced the Heaven Earth and Sea Out of his imperfections were procreated divers evils as darkness out of his fear evil spirits out of his ignorance out of his tears springs and rivers and out of his laughter light They also taught that Christs body was meerly spiritual and passed through the Virgin as through a conduit or pipe Evil was natural they said to the creature and therefore they made God the author of evil which afterward was the doctrine of the Manichees They held that onely the soul was redeemed and that there should be no resurrection of the body Faith they taught was natural and consequently salvation which all did not attain for want of good works this was the Pelagian doctrine afterward They made three sorts of men to wit spiritual who were saved by faith onely these they called the sons of Seth hence the Sethian Hereticks The second sort are animal or natural who are saved by works and are of Abel hence the Abelites The third sort are carnal who cannot be saved these are of Cain hence the Cainite Hereticks They eat of things offered to idols slighted good works as needlesse and rejected the old Prophets Valentinus his chiefe Scholar and Successor was Secundus whose Disciples called Secundians changed the name but retained the Doctrine of Valentinus permitting all kind of vicious life in that they held knowledge without good works would bring men to Heaven Valentinus held that the Aeones were only the effects of the divine
this cause these Abclites did marry Wives but not use them as Wives for propagation for â—â—ar of Original sin whereof they would not be authors therefore they condemned copulation as a work of the flesh and altogether Satanical But for the conservation of their Sect they used to adopt other mens Children This heresie sprung up under Arcadius the Emperout 370. yeares after Christ in the Terriroties of Hippo where Saint Austin was Bishop This heresie lasted not long Q. 36. What Tenets in Religion held the Pelagians Praedestinati and Timotheans A. The Pelagians were so called from Pelagius a Brittain by birth and a Monk at Rome afterward a Presbyter under Theodâ—sius the yonger 382. years after Christ. They were named also Caelestiani from Caelestius one of Pelagius his scholars These taught that death was not the wages of sin but that Adam should have died though he had not sinned That Adams sin was hurtful onely to himselfe and not to his posterity that concupiscence was no sin that Infants did not draw original sin from their Parents that infants might be saved without baptisme that they should have life eternal but out of the Kingdom of God that man after the fall had the free will to do good and ascribed no more to grace but that by it we had our nature and that by our good works wee obtaine grace they rejected the Doctrine of predestination perhaps because the Hereticks called Praedestinati made Predestination a cloak for all wickednesse security and desperation for they taught that the Predestinate might sinne securely for he could not be damned and that such as were not predestinate should never be saved though their life were never so holy This heresie was not long before Pelagianisme and is the same with that of the Libertins The Timotheans so called from Timotheus Aelurus that is the Caâ— from his bad conditions sprung up under Zeno the Greek Emperour 447. years after Christ. These taught that the two natures of Christ were so mixed in the Virgins Womb that they ceased to be what they were before and became a third substance made up of both as a mixed body is made up of the Elements which lose their names and forms in the mixtion These Hereticks afterward lost the name of Timotheans from Timotheus their Author Bishop of Alexandria and were called Monothelites and Monophysites from ascribing onely one will and one nature to Christ. Of the Pelagians see Austin and the other Fathers who have written against them Q. 37. What was the Religion of the Nestorians Eutychians and of those Sects which sprung out of them A. The Nestorians were so called from Nestorius Patriarch of Constantinople who broached his Heresie under Theodosius the younger 400 years after Christ. He taught that in Christ were two distinct persons to wit the Son of God and the Son of Mary that the Son of God in Christs baptisme descended into the Son of Mary and dwelt there as a lodger doth in a house therefore he would not call the Virgin Mary 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Mother of God but 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Mother of Christ. Besides he made the humanity of Christ equal with his divinity aad so confounded their properties and operations This Heresie was but the spawn of some former Heresies chiefly of Manicheisine and Arrianiame It was condemned in the Councel of Epâ—esus under Theodosius the younger in which Cyrill Bishop of Alexandria was Presidentâ— and the author Nestorius was deposed and banished where his blasphemous tongue was eat out with Wormes and his body with Core and his seditious complices swallowed up by the Earth The Eutychians so named from Euâ—yches Archimandrite or Abbot of Constantinopie who lived in the latter end of Theodosius the younger held opinions quite contrary to Nestorius to wit that Christ before the Union had two distinct natures but after the Union only one to wit the Divinity which swallowed up the Humanity and so they confounded the property of the two natures affirming that the Divine nature suffered and died and that God the Word did not take from the Virgin Humane nature This heresie was first condemned in a Provincial Synod at Constantinople then it was set up again by Dioscurus Bishop of Alexandria in the theevish Councel of Ephesus called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and at last condemned by the generall Councel of Chalcedon under Marcian the Emperour From the Eutychians sprung up the Acephalâ— or headlesse Hereticks so called because they had neither Bishop Priest nor Sacâ—ament amongst them these held that in Christ were two natures which notwithstanding they confounded as they did also the properties saying that the humanity lost it selfe and properties being swallowed up by the divinity as a drop of Vineger is lost in the Sea Severus Bishop of Alexandria was author of this Sect under Anastasius Emperour 462. yeares after Christ. They were called also Theodosians from Theodosius their chiefe Patron and Bishop of Alexandria 2. The Monophysites were all one with the Eutychians differing onely in name 3. The Agnoetae so called from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ignorance becausâ— they held that Christs Divinity which with them onely remained after the Union was ignoranT of the day of judgement and where Lazarus after his death was laied This heresie was revived by Theodosius Bishop of Alexandria under Mauritius the Emperour 572. yeares after Christ. 4. The Iacobites so called from Iacobus the Syrian held the same opinions that the Eutychians and scoffed the Christians with the name of Meâ—chites because they followed the Emperour in their Faith These under Phâ—cas the Emperour drew all Syria into their Heresie 575. yeares after Christ. 5. The Armenians so named from Armenia insected with that Heresie held that Christ took not a humane body from the Virgin but that it was immortall from the first minute of its Conception hence they were called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 they againe in sâ—orn called the Orthodox Christians Manicheans and Phantasâ—asts these held a Quaternity of Persons and that the Divinity suffered and kept their Easter after the Jewish manner They sprung up under Phocas the Emperour 577. yeares after Christ. 6. The Monothelites in words held there were two natures in Christ but in effect denyed them by giving him one Will onely All these branches of Eutychianisme were condemned by the fifth General Councel held at Constantinople under Iustinian the first who confirmed the councel of Chalcedon to which these 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or doubting Hereticks for so they called themselves would not subscribe At last sprung up Mahumetanisme 589. years after Christ. Of which we have spokeh already Of all these see Isidor Theodoret Evagrius Nicephorus Sâ—erates Sozomen and others The Contents of the Eighth Section Of the opinions in Religion held the seventh Centurâ— â— The opinions of the eighth Century 3. The Tenets of the ninth and tenth Centuries 4.
ΠΑÎΣΕΒΕΙΑ OR A Vievv of all Religions IN THE WORLD With the severall Church-Governments from the Creation to these Times Also a Discovery of all known Heresies in all Ages and Places And choice Observations and Reflections throughout the whole The second Edition Enlarged and Perfected BY ALEXANDER ROSS To which are annexed The Lives Actions and Ends of certain Notorious Hereticks With their Effigies in Copper Plates 1. Thess. 5. 21. Omnia autem probate quod bonum est tenete IS LONDON Printed by T. C. for Iohn Saywell and are to be sold at his Shop at the sign of the Grey-hound in Little-Britain without Aldersgate 1655. The Booksellers Advertisement to the Reader IT is the greatest justice in the world to be just to the dead since they if injured cannot be their own Compurgators and that is it hath obliged me to use that tendernesse to this great Author who to the regret of all learned hath so suddenly left this world His great pains in the dilatation of this Book are easily seen by the bulk of it nor had the Epistle and Preface escaped his second thoughts had not the lease of his life expired so soon as it did And therefore I have not which is the arrogancy of too many presumed to make any diversion or alterations in either but rather have thought it just to let them passe in this as they did in the first Edition that is to say in his own words For had I been unjust to the Author in this respect I had withal been guilty of as great an injury to the worthy Gentleman though not of my acquaintance to whom he was when alive pleased to dedicate it since I cannot but hope that he will continue the same tendernesse indulgence towards the Orphan as he was pleased to express when he first received it an infant I shal further ad that it wil render it self to the Reader much more acceptable not only for its Additions but also that the Author had thoroughly revised the same and that the care and supervising of the Presse rested so much upon me not onely out of an ordinary care but singular respect to the deseased Author as that I think it needlesse to prefix an Errata there having nothing passed but what an ordinary capacity may easily correct As for the Book I shall adventure it the Test of the most censorious Mome and for the Author in his life time there was not found the mouth or pen so black that durst asperse his name or parts but since his death One so much a Hobbist that I wish he turn not Atheist hath in print given him a snarling character whom leaving to his folly I shall only desire that this short sentence de moâ—tuis nil nise bonum may be his remembrancer for the future Besides the Authors endeavours in his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 It is hoped ere long that thou mayest see a Volume of his Sermons in print such as will convince the world of the calumny of that Cynick but continue his own memory while there shal be found either lovers of learning or the learned The Reader may likewise take notice of an Appendix wherein he is entertained with a strange Tragedy of modern and some ancient Hereticks acting their parts in their own proper persons as neer as the skil of the Graver could represent them And what could more properly have been annexed for now having seen their Foundations or Principles behold also their Ends and take Christs own counsel Matth. 7. 15. to beware of false Prophets c. with our Saviours direction also verse 20. by their fruits ye shal know them All which are tendered to the serious perusal of the Reader whereof that he may make his temporal and eternal advantages shall be the constant prayer of I. S. To the Worshipful ROBERT ABDY Esquire SIR AS Michael and the Devil strove for the dead body of Moses and as seven Cities contested for Homer when he was dead whom none of them cared for whilest he lived even so doth it fare with Religion for the Carkass or Skeliton of which for the bare sound whereof being now made a meer Eccho Vox praetereaque nihil there is so much contesting and digladiation in the World whereas few or none care for the life and substance of Religion which consisteth in works not in words in practicing not in prating in Scripture duties not in Scripture phrases She is as our Saviour was placed between two Theeves to wit Superstition on the right hand and Atheism on the left The one makes a puppit of her sets her out in gaudy accoutrements bedawbs her native beauty with painting and presents her in a meritricious not in a Matron-like dresse but the Atheist strips her naked of her Vestiments robs her of her maintenance and so exposeth her to the scorn and contempt of the world But let these men esteem of her as they list she is notwithstanding the fair daughter of the Almighty the Queen of Heaven and beauty of the whole Earth Religion is the sacred Anchor by which the the Great Ship of the State is held fast that she may not be split upon the Quick-sands of popular tumults or on the Rocks of Sedition Religion is the pillar on which the great Fabrick of the Microcosm standeth All humane Societies and civil Associations are without Religion but ropes of Sand and Stones without Morter or Ships without Pitch For this cause all Societies of men in all Ages and in all parts of the Vniverse have united and strengthened themselves with the Cement of Religion finding both by experience and the light of nature that no human Society could be durable without the knowledge and feare of a Deity which all Nations do reverence and worship though they agree not in the manner of their worship All their wayes and opinions in Religion I have here presented to the publick view but to you Sir in particular as to one whom I know to be truely religious not being carried away with the fine flowers and green leaves but with the solid fruits of Religion consisting in righteousnesse peace and holinesse without which no man shall see the Lord this is that which will embalm your name here and crown your soul with true happiness hereafter when all humane felicities shall determin in smoak in this book are set before you light and darknesse truth and falshood gold and drosse flowers and weeds corn and chaff which I know you are able to discriminate and to gather honey with the Bee out of every weed with Sampson to take meat out of the eater with Virgil to pick gold out of dung and with the Physitian to extract antidotes out of poyson Thus beseeching God to encrease your knowledge and practice in Religion and your love to the afflicted professors thereof I take leave and will ever be found Sir your humble Servant to command ALEX. ROSS The Preface to the Reader concerning the use of this
from Wine and strong drink and women and lie on skins Their Gymnosophists were Philosophers who accustomed their bodies to endure all hardnesse and their eyes to gaze on the Sun from morning to evening Of the Indian Religion see Alexander ab Alexandro Pliny Bâ—emus c. Q. What is the Religion of Siam A. This kingdome of the East-Indies except where the Moors inhabit and some Christians is also idolatrous But especially they worship the four Elements and accordingly there be four differâ—nt Sects Each one desireth to be buried in that element which he worshippeth hence some are buried some burned some hanged in the Ayr and some drowned in the Water They hold that God made all things that the good are rewarded and the wicked punished That each man hath two spirits waiting on him a good and a bad That the world shall stand 8000 yeers and then shall be burned into ashes whence shall come forth two eggs and out of them one man and one woman who shall again replenish the Earth Their religious Orders are so strict that it's death among them to speak to a woman They feed on Rice onely and herbs which they beg from door to door They must not buy nor sell nor take Rents They are tyed to rise at midnight to pray to their Idols They go still bare-footed and in poor cloaths Every King of this Country at his Coronation is bound to erect a Temple with high Steeples and multitudes of Idols Their priests go in yellow being a sacred colour resembling the Suns light They may not nourish any female thing not so much as a hen He that drinks Wine is stoned to death See the discourse of China Boterus Maginus and others Q. What is the Religion of Pegu A. The religious Ceremonies of this kingdom consisted in multitudes of Temples Images and begging preachers who are still preaching and begging Their Alms are brought to them in the Pulpits whilst they are preaching The people when they enter into their Churches at the dore wash their feet and by lifting up their hands to their heads salute the preacher first and and then the Sun When any enters into that Order of Talipâ—n or preacher he is first carried in solemnity about the streets on horse-back with Pipes and Drâ—ms then upon mens shoulders to his house which is without the Town They keep holy day every New-Moon They believe multitudes of gods worlds succeeding each other that this world hath been governed by four gods already who are gone the fift is not yet come after whose death the world shall be burned After this life they hold some shall live in carnal pleasure some in torment and others shall be aunihiarid They hold Transanimation and are bound to fast thirty days every year They know no women for whom they allow Nunneries The People drink the water wherein their Preachers wash themselves coâ—nting it holy They feed the Devil each morning with baskets of rice that he may not hurt them that day When they are sick they build him Altars and pacifâ—e him with flowers meat and musick Their Idols are honoured with divers festivals in which wax lights are burned all night and the gates stand open that all those may see and have accesse to the idol who bring presents with them Q. Of what Religion are the people of Bengala A. They are not content to worship the River â—ahges but to its image also they give divine honours The River is visited by many Pilgrims who think themselves happy if they can wash themselves in it If any can drink of the water thereof at the point of death he thinks presently by the vertue thereof to obtain heaven There is also a Well which they adore in If they wash away all their sins and are all clean both without and within if they wash in it and drink thereof They carry away the sand of this Well as a sacred Relique and in recompence leave flowers behind them in the Well For fear Ieast their idols should saint with too much heat there are some who with fans blow the wind for refrigeration All are bound to enter bareâ—ooted into the idol-Temples The more horrid and ugly the idol looks the more he is worshipped Sick people are brought and laid before the idols which are honoured with lights continually burning before them Their marriages are made in some Water wherein the Priest and the married couple hold a Cow with her Calfe by the taile and poure water upon it then the Priest tieth the maâ—ried persons cloaths together then going round about the Cow aud Calse the Ceremony is ended The Priest hath for his Fee the Cow and Calf the poor some Almes and the idols some Money About Iemena they use to pray naked in the water and to do pennance by lying flat on the ground 〈◊〉 the earth holding up their hands to the Sun and turning themselves about fourty times Who deâ—ire more of this stuff let them read Linschoten R. Fitzh 〈…〉 Q. Of what Religion is the kingdom of Magor A. They are for the most part Pythagoreans holding Transanimation they acknowledge one God but have many fabulous conceits of him as that he hath appeared in the world in divers monstrous shapes to wit of a Fish a Snail a Hog a Monster resembling Woman in the lower part and a Lyon in the upper They worship divers idols one chiefly representing a Woman with two heads and many hands to this image neâ—r the City Tahor repair many Pilgrims The King worshippeth every morning the image of the Sun and of Christ also the Son of righteousnesse which he sets on the crown of his head See Oranus in his Narration of Magor Q. What is the Reiigion of Cambaia A. The people here are so superstitiously Pythagoreans that there are among them some religious orders who are afraid to kill a Gnat or Worm They are much addicted to fasting and almes-giving Their religious persons called Verteus leave no hair on their heads and faces but a little on their crown They will not drink their water cold fearing least thereby they should slay the soul of the water which is quickened by boyling The people here redeem birds and beasts appointed to be slain and if any bird be sick or hurt they carry it to the Hospital They redeem also Malefactors condemned to dye and sell them for slaves For fear least they should tread upon Ants they will rather go out of the way then goe neer their Hills They drink no Wine nor will eat Eggs least there should be blood in them Neither will they eat of Radishes Onyons or any herb that hath red colour in it See Maffaeus Linschoten and Purchas Q. What is the Religion professed in Goa A. Here are Christians Jewes Mahumetans and Pagans who pray to the Sun and Moon and worship divers idols of horrible Aspects but their custome is to pray to the first thing they meet with
prevailed that all flesh died 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 He sheweth also how he was preserved with his wife and children in a great Ark and how of all the beasts that live on the earth two and two entred into the Ark c. and lastly how he built an Altar after his deliverance This description is directly of Noahs flood not of Deucalions besides Mela Solinus and Pliny write that Ioppe the maritime town of Syria was of great antiquity as being built before the flood which cannot be meant of Ogyges or Deucalions flood which were onely in some places of Greece and went not so far as Syria neither was it any great antiquity for Ioppe to be built before these floods for many Cities besides this were built before therefore doubtlesse is meant Noahs floood Lastly Iosephus saith that Omnes barbaricae historiae Scriptores all the Barbarian historians have mentioned this flood Q. VVhat festival dayes were observed in New Spain A. Every twentieth day which was the last day of their moneth was holy and then were men Sacrificed At the first appearance of green corn children were sacrificed so when the corn was a foot above the ground and again when it was two foot high holy days were kept children butchered In some of their feasts they sacrificed a woman and with her skin covered a man who danced about the streers two days together In one of their feasts which the Mexicans kept in their 〈◊〉 upon the Lake a boy and a girle were drowned to keep company with the gods of the Lake In May they kept the feast of Vitziliputzli in which his Image made of paste richly adorned was carried by the maidens attired in white on their shoulders to the court and thence by the young men to the stairs of the Temple and thence to the top with Musick much adoration vain ceremonies and wicked sacrificing of men were used that day In May also was kept the Feast of Pennance and Pardon in which a captive was sacrificed After much profane adoration the people took up earth and eat it desiring pardon for their sins and bringing rich presents to their Idol and whipping themselves on the shoulders Much meat is presented that day to the Idols and then to the Priests who five days before had eat but one meal a day The Merchants had their peculiar god and festival day in which they sacrificed a man after they had given him for nine days divine honours His heart they offered about midnight to the Moon perhaps because she is mistresse of the waters on which Merchants use to traffick or because they are more beholding to her light in the night then others are Concerning these festivals their Schools and Seminaries their belief of the Souls immortality of their rewards and punishments of their nine severall places appointed for them See Acosta Gomara and P. Martyr in his Decads Q. What was the Religion of Jucatan and the parts adjoyning A. In Iucatan they were Circumcised and yet grosse Idolaters but curious work-men in carving and adorning their Images They had in their houses Images made like Beares which they worshipped as their houshold gods with singing and Incense In hollow Images they caused boyes to answer the peoples petitions as if God had spoke to them When they wanted rain or were in any danger they had their Processions and Pilgrimages to these Idols In Nicuragua they worshipped the Sun and divers Idols All their Priests except Confessors married The ordering of the Sacrifices and their numbers depended meerly on the Priests who used to go about the captives three times singing mornfully and then with their flint knives suddenly open their Breasts They divide the body thus the Prelate hath his Heart the King his hands and feet the taker his Buttocks and the people the rest The heads are set on trees under which they Sacrifice men and children They have their Idolatrous Processions in which for the honour of their Idol they wound themselves and for the desire of future happinesse they offer themselves chearfully for Sacrifices Whilst the Priest annoints the cheeks and the mouth of the Idol with blood the others sing and the people pray The Priest makes marriges by joyning the little fingers of the Bridegroome and Bride neer a fire but the Lords are permitted for honours â—ake first to corrupt the Brâ—de The Adulterer is beaten and the Adulteresse is divorced He that forceth a Virgin is a slave except he pay her Dowrie But if a slave force his Masters daughter they are both buried alive See Benzo P. Martyr and Gomara Q. What was the Religion of the Southern Americans A. They generally worship the Sun and Moon with divers Idols and the devill in divers shapes they believe the Souls immortality Their Priests are their Physitians and therefore in great esteem and exceeding rich for they have all the goods of him whom they cure When they go to wars they carry their gods with them of whom they ask Counsel of all affairs and then they keep Lent for two moneths They punish in some places theft and murther with the losse of Eares and Nose in other parts with death These faults in the Nobility are punished with the losse of their hair onely In some places they hold it a part of their devotion to offer their daughters to be defloured by their Priests When it thunders and lightens they say the Sun is angry with them When there is an Eclipse they Fast the married Women scratch their Faces and pluck their hairs the Maidens draw blood with sharp fish bones When the Moon is Eclipsed they say the Sun is angry with her When a Comet is seen they beat drums and hollo thinking by this to drive it away They use to consult with and invocate the Devil The Priests learn Physick and Magick when they are young being two yeers shut up in Woods all that time they keep their Cells see no women nor eat flesh They are taught by their Masters in the night The dead are buried either at home or being dried at the fire are hanged up The bones at last are burned and the Skull presented to the Wife to be kept by her as a relique In their Lent fasts they abstain from Women and Salt See P. Martyr Gomara Linschoten Cieza c. Q. Of what Religion are the people of Paria Guiana and along the River Debaiba or St. Iohn A Hereabout they be very zealous in worshipping of the Devil and Idols to whom they sacrifice men and then eat them When their gods are angry they macerate themselves with fasting Their Priests are stoned or burned if they marry against their vow of Chastity They believe rewards and punishments after this life The spot in the Moon they hold to be a man imprisoned there for Incest with his Sister They feed yearly the departed souls with Maiz and Wine They held the souls of great men onely and such as were buried
with them immortal Their great mens Funeral Pomps are celebrated yearly with much lamentation drinking and bestial ceremonies both men and women casting aside all modesty He that will know more of this stuff let him read the forenamed Authors Q. What is the Religion of Brasil A. They acknowledge the immortalitie of the foul and believe that there are rewards and punishments after this life For they hope that if they kill and sacrifice many of their enemies they shall be carried beyond the Mountains into pleasant Gardens there to dance and rejoyce with their fore-fathers They stand in much fear of the Devil who is still vexing of â—â—em therefore they chiefly worship him and when they go abroad they commonly carry fire with them as their defence against the Devil who they think is afraid of fire They have their solemn Festivals which they celebrate with dancing howling and tatling The Husband hath power to kill the adulterous Wife Their marriages are without any ceremonies They bury their dead upright in a pit with their goods The Husband playes the Midwife to the woman washeth painteth and nameth the child by the name of some wild Beast they have some knowledge of Noahs flood of these passages see Masscus Lerius Stadius c. Q. What Religion did the people of Peru professe A. Their chief god was Wiracocha by whom they understood the maker of all things next to him they worshipped the Sun and the Thunder after him The images of these three they never touched with their bare hands they worshipped also the Stars Earth Sea Rainbow Rivers Fountains and Trees They adored also wild Beasts that they might not hurt them and in sign of their devotion when they travelled they left in the cross ways and dangerous places old shoes feathers and if they had nothing else stones They worshipped the Sun by pulling off the hairs from their Eye-brows when they fear they touch the earth and look up to the Sun They worshipped also the dead bodies of their Emperors and indeed every thing they either affected or feared They have some glimring knowledge of the beginning of the world of Noahs flood and they believe the end of the world which still they fear when the Sun is Eclipsed which they think to be the Moons Husband they held their Priests in such esteem that no great matter was undertaken by Prince or people without their advice None had accesse to the Idols but they and then only when they are cloathed in white and prostrate on the ground In sacrificing they abstained from women and some out of zeal would put out their own eyes They used to consult with the Devil to whom they sacrificed men and dedicated boyes in their Temples for Sodomy They had also their Temples richly adorned with Gold and Silver and their Monasteries for Priests and Sorcerers Their Nuns were so strictly kept that it was death to be deflowred after fourteen years of age they were taken out of the Monastery either to serve the Idols and such must be Virgins still or else to serve as Wives and Concubines to the Ingua or Emperor They are very frequent and strict in their confessions and cheerfully undertake what pennance is injoyned them But the Ingua confesseth onely to the Sun after confession they all wash in baths leaving their sins in the water They used to sacrifice Vegetables Animals and men chiefly Children for the health or prosperity of their Ingua and for victory in War in some places they eat their men-sacrifices in others they onely dried and preserved them in Silver Coffins they anoint with blood the faces of their Idols and doors of their Temples or rather slaughter houses See Acosta Cieza Gomara c. Q. What festival days did the Peruvians observe A. They had Feasts and sacrifices every moneth of the year in which were offered multitudes of sheep of different colours which they burned The Ingua's Children were dedicated in these Feasts their ears were pierced then they were wiped and their faces anointed with blood in sign that they should be true Knights to their Ingua In Cusco during this moneth and feast no stranger might remain but at the end thereof they were admitted and had a morsell of bread presented to each man that they should by eating thereof testifie their fidelity to the Ingua In the second moneth which is our Ianuary for in December in which the Sunne returnes from Capricorne was their first moneth they flung the ashes of their sacrifices into the river following the same sixe leagues and praying the River to carry that present to Viracocha in three following months they offered one hundred sheep In the sixth they offered one hundred sheep more and made a feast for their Maiz. In the seventh they sacrificed to the Sun In the eighth and ninth moneths two hundred sheep were offered In the tenth one hundred sheep more and to the honour of the Moon burned torches washed themselves and then were drunk four days together In the eleventh moneth they offered one hundred sheep and upon a black sheep poured much Chica or Wine of Maiz to procure rain In the twelfth moneth they sacrificed one hundred sheep and kept a feast They have also their fasts which continue in mourning and sad processions two days and the two days after are spent in feasting dancing and drinking See Ios. Acosta Q What was their belief of the departed souls A. That they wander up and down and suffer hunger thirst and cold therefore they carry them meat drink and cloathes They used also to put gold and silver in their mouths hands and bosomes much treasure hath been digged out of graves But they believed that the souls of good men were at rest in glory The bodies were honoured after death sacrifices were offered to them and cloaths The best beloved Wife was slain and attendants of all sorts To the Ingua's Ghost young children were sacrificed and if the Father was sick many times the Son was slain thinking this murther would satisfie death for the Father Of these and their other impious Ceremonies see Acosta By these horrible murthers committed among the poor Americans we may see what a cruel and barbarous tyrant superstitious fear is and what wretched slaves they are who are captivated by this tyrant far more savage then Mezentius Phalaris Busyris or any other tyrannical butcher that ever was for there is no tyrant so powerfull or barbarous but may be avoided by flying from him to remote places but who can fly from that superstitious fear which a man doth carry continually about him Quid terras alio calentes Sole mutamus patria quis exulse quoque fugit a man may fly from his country saith Horace but not from himselfe this tyrant haunts the superstitious wretch continually as the evil Spirit did Saul Againe no tyrant can tyrannize over a man longer then he lives death sets every slave at liberty but this tyrant
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
dispersed Anchorites into one body and built them a Monastery on the top of the Hill near the Well of Elias by which stood an ancient Chappel of our Lady Perhaps from this Chappel the Carmelites were called the Virgins Brothers The same Almericus translated into Latine the Book concerning the institution of the first Monks written in Greek by Iohn Bishop of Ierusalem for the benefit of these Carmelites and placed over them a Latine Governour in the time of Pope Alexander the third who began this Popedom Aâ— 1170. The Governours name V as â—ertholdus Aquitanus some think this Order was instituted 40. years after to wit in the Papacy of Innocent the third Their second Governour was Brochard of Ierusalem who made them a rule much after the rule of Saint Basil which in the year 1199. was abridged and confirmed by Albert Patriarch of Ierusalem who tied them to fasting silence and canonical hours and the Lay-Brothers to Peter the Eremites Beads or Prayer and to our Ladies Psalter They were as yet tied to no Vow but that of obedience to their Superiour They came into England about the year 1240. Ralph Fresburn was their first Governour here and Hunfrid Nektâ—n the first Carmelite that read School Divinity in Cambridge and was of that order the first Doctor of Divinity This order came into Lituania Anno 1427. Whilst they were in Syria their Garment was a striped cloak of party colours which they say was used by the Prophet Eliah but Pope Honorius the third or as some say the fourth took from them this habit as not beseeming or agreeable to Religion and instead thereof gave them a white cloak and a white hood and under a coat with a scapulary of hair-colour The use of the white cloak was confirmed by Pope Nicholaus the fourth Whilst they used the former habit they were highly esteemed by the Egyptians and maintained by the Sultan but when they began to wear the Popes new Livery he expelled them out of Egypt and burned down their Monastery and Chappel Honorius the fourth exempted them from the jurisdiction of Princes and Bishops Gregory the ninth forbade them to injoy possessions or revenues but to beg from door to door Honorius the fourth will have them called instead of Carmelites Brothers of the Virgin Mary Alexander the fourth allowed them prisons to punish their apostates and Iohn 23. took them into his immediate protection and by a vision was warned to keep them 〈◊〉 of purgatory Many of the Carmelites fell off from their first strictnesse of life and gave themselves to all 〈◊〉 and voluptuousnesse whereupon they were divided into two Sects the one were called Observantes the other Non Observantes to undertake this order is hâ—ld meritorious and three years indulgence is promised to him that shall at any time call them brothers of Saint Mary In many of their Cloysters they have the picture of Iohn Baptist in their habit because he is named Eliah and they say that Eliah did wear this habit they have changed now I mean the Non Observantes their hair-coloured coat into black Q. 13. What were the Dominicans A. These were so called from Dominicus a Spaniard their first Author they sprung out of the Humiliali and were instituted by Innocent the third Anno 1205. the chief end of their institution was to write expound and preach the word of God whence they are named Praedicantes or Praedicatores Dominicus was by Pope Innocent the third Anno. 1207. imployed with twelve Abbots of the Order of Cisterâ—iaeâ—s to preach down the Doctrines of the Aâ—â—igenses He by his preaching so incensed the Princes against them that they took arms and killed above One hundred thousâ—nd of them Dominicus with twelve more accompanied by Fulce Bishop of â—oledâ— went to Rome where he petitioneth Innocent the third to confirm his order who was somewhat averse till he dreamed that he saw Dâ—minicus supporting with his shoulders the Church of Lateran that was ready to fall down hereupon he adviseth Dominick to pitch upon some rule and he would ratifie it Dominick returns presently to his Disciples being sixteen together acquaints them with the Popes intention they all resolve to professe the rule of Saint Austin the preacher In the interim Innocent dieth Honorius the third succeeded 〈◊〉 confirmed their rule and institution Dâ—â—inick added some things to Saint Austins rule He divided his Monastery into three parts one for himself and contemplative Brothers the other for contemplative Sisters the third was for both sexes that were given to the active life these were called Brothers and Sisters of Saint Dominick or the Souldiers of Jesus Christ for as Dominick with the spirituall so these with the corporal sword were to subdue Hereticks The Dominicans are tied to reject all kinde of wealth money and possessions that their work of preaching may not be hindred To hold every year a general Chapter To fast seven moneths together namely from holy 〈◊〉 day in September till Easter and at all other times on Friday to abstain from flesh except in times of sicknesse To lye in Blankets not in Sheets nor on Feather-beds To be silent To wear a white coat under a black cloak which they say was prescribed by the Virgin Mary to one Rheginaldus in his sicknesse To have low-built Monasteries answering to their poverty and humility To be content with the title of Friers Praedicants whereas before they were stiled Friers of the blessed Virgin Mary To celebrate on every Saturday the Office of the Virgin Mary except in Lent and on Festival days To disperse themselves through all parts of the world for preaching the Gospel To choose them a Generall Master whose subordinate Prelates should be called Priors but not Abbots The first that was elected Master Generall was Dominious himself Anno 1220. who died the next year after The 〈◊〉 do not promise to live according to their rule or to keep it because not to performe such a promise is a mortall sin but onely to obey according to the rule because in this case omission or transgression obligeth not to the sin but to the punishment as they think For Dominick's good service against the 〈◊〉 he is made by Hâ—â—â—rius the third Master of thâ— sacred Palace And so the Dominicans are ordinaâ—â—â—â— mâ—sters of this place And because a Dominican poysoned Henry the seventh Emperor in the Eucharist therefore the Pope inflicted this punishment on thâ—â—â—der that their priests should ever after in the Eucharist use their left hand Antoninus writes that Dominick received a Staff from Peter and a Book from 〈◊〉 with â— command to preach the Gospel every where hereupon his disciples dispersed themselves into all parts Dominick himself went to Rome where by the concession of the Pope and Cardinals he gathered together in one Covent all the Nuns dispersed through divers places of the City where they had the Church of Saint Sabina assigned them 44 of them met together
5. They hold Baptisme a pure legal administration not proceeding from Christ but from Iohn 6. They jest the Scriptures that divine Legacy of our salvation out of all life reverence and authority quoting it in driblets and shreds to make it the more ridiculous In their Letters they endeavour to be strangely prophane and blasphemous uttering Athiesticall curses and impâ—ecations which is a kind of canting among them as among Cypsies as for exampe in one you have this stile My own heart blood from whom I daily receive life and being to whom is ascribed all honour c. thou art my garment of needle work my garment of salvation Eternal plagues consume you all rot sink damne your bodies and souls into devouring fire where none but those who walk uprightly can enter The Lord grant that we may know the worth of Hell that we may scorn heaven 7. Sinne is onely what a man imagines and conceives to be so within himself 8. Ordinances they account poore low things nay the perfections of the Scriptures is so inconsiderable in their apprehensions that they prâ—â—ead to lâ—ve above them their lives witnesse they live without them 9. If you ask them what christian Liberty is they will tell you that it consists in a community of all things and among the rest of women which they paint over with an expression call'd The enjoyment of the fellow creature 10. The enjoyment of the Fellow-creature cannot but be seconded with lascivious songs drinking of healths musick dancing and bawdry Lastly They are with the Anabaptists those that most of all kick against the pricks of Authority for Magistracy cannot have in it any thing more sacred than the Ministry so that they wish as much policy in the State as government in the Church which is none at all so to bring an Eygyptian darknes upon both that the world might be the less scandalised at their madnessâ—s extravagancies But this age which is much more fruitfull of Religions than of good works of Scripture-phrases than of Scripture practises of opinions than of piety hath spawned more religions than that Lady of Holland did Inâ—ant to mention all which were to weary both my self and the reader therefore I will content my self to mention some few more as the Independents Presbyterians c. Q. 17. What are the opinions of the Independents A. 1. These are so called because they will have every particular Congregation to be ruled by their own laws without dependence upon any other in Church matters 2. They prefer their own gathered Churches as they call them in private places to the publick congregations in Churches which they flight calling them steeple-houses 3. They hold there is no use of learning or degrees in Schools for preaching of the Gospel and withall that maintenance of the Ministry by Tithes is Superstitious and Judaicall 4. They are against set forms of prayer chiefly the Lords prayer accounting such forms a choaking of the spirit 5. They give power to private men who are neither Magistrates nor Ministers to erect and gather Churches and to these also they give the power of election and ordination if we may call this ordination of deposition also and excommunication even of their own officers and finall determination of all Church causes 6. They commit the power of the Keyes in some places to women and publickly to debate and determine Ecclesiastick causes 7. They admit private men to administer the Sacraments and Magistrates to perform the Ministers office in marrying 8. They permit divorces in slight cases 9. They hold Independency to be the beginning of Christs Kingdome which is to be here on earth a thousand years 10. They place much Religion in names for they do not like the old names of Churches of the dayes of the week of the moneths of the year of Christmasse Michaelmasse Candlemasse c 11. In preaching they will not be tyed to a Text nor to prayer but they make one to preach another to pray a third to prophesie a fourth to direct the Psalm and another to blesse the people 12. They permit all gifted men as they call them to preach and pray and then after prophesying is ended they question the preacher in the points of his Doctrine 13. some of them allow no Psalms at all to be â—â—ng in publick calamities and will not suffer Woâ—â—en to sing Psalms at all 14 They will baptise no children but those of their own Congregations whom they esteem not members of their Church untill they have taken their Covenant 15. They in divers places communicate every Sunday among themselves but will not communicate with any of the reformed Churches 16. Whilest they are communicating there is neither reading exhortation nor singing not have they any preparation nor catechising before the communion and either they sit at Table or have no Table at all and because they would not seem to be superstitious in the time of administration they are covered 17. They allow their Ministers to sit in civil Courts and to voice in the choosing of Magistrates 18. They are against violent courses in matters of Religion nor will they have the conscience to be forced with fear or punishment but gently to be inclined by perswasion and force of argument in which point I commend their Christian moderation for in propagating the Gospel neither Christ nor his Apostles nor the Church for many hundred years did use any other sword but the word to bring men to Christ. Q. 18. What Tenets are held by the Independents of New England An. Besides those opinions which they hold with other Independent they teach that the spirit of God dwells personally in all the Godly 2. That their Revelations are equall in Authority with the Scriptures 3. That no man ought to be troubled in his Conscience for sinne being he is under the Covenant of grace 4. That the Law is no rule of our conversation 5. That no Christian should be prest to practise holy duties 6. That the Soul dieth with the body 7. That all the Saints upon earth have two bodies 8. That Christ is not united to our fleshly body but to the new body after the manner that his Humanity is united to his Divinity 9. That Christs Humanity is not in heaven 10. That he hath no other body but his Church 11. They reckon all Reformed Churches except themselves profane and unclean All these opinions savour of nothing but of pride carnall security blasphemy and slighting of Gods written word which is able to make the man of God perfect and wise unto salvation Q. 19. Vpon what grounds do the Independents forsake our churches An. Because they do not see the signes of grace in every one of our members but this ground is childdish for many are in the state of grace in whom we see no outward signes so was Saul when he persecuted the Church he was then a vessel of mercy and many in whom we
when a sinner of a wicked man is made good which is by remission of sins and infusion of inherent righteousnesse The second justification is when a just man becomes more just and this is in doing of good works by the merit of which he can make himself more just They say Christ is the meritorious cause of our justification but the formal cause is either intrinsecal and that is the habit of infused grace or extrinsecal to wit the righteousnesse of Christ or actual which are our good workes so that here is a threefold formal cause they teach that justification consisteth not in the bare remission of sins but also in the inward renovation of the mind That we are not onely justified but also saved by good works as efficient causes 5. Concerning good works they teach that the good works of just men are absolutely just and in a manner perfect that a just man may fulfil the Law that a man is justified by works not in the first but second justification yet not without the assistance of grace 〈…〉 unregenerate man by the works of repentance may merit the grace of justification ex congruo as doing works agreeing to the law of God that they who are justified by the first justification do merit life eternal by their works ex condigno Q. 4. What are their Tenets concerning pennance fasting prayer and almes A. They teach that faith is no part of pennance That repentance may be totally lost That the parts thereof are not mortification and vivification but confession contrition and satisfaction That pennance is a Sacrament that contrition is to be ascribed partly to grace partly to free-will That it is necessary to justification and the cause of remission of sins and that by it all sins are pardonable That aâ—ricular confession to the Priest is necessary to reconcile us to God That a sinner before baptism is received into grace without his own satisfaction onely by the satisfaction of Christ but after baptisme he must make satisfaction himself That after the fault is forgiven there remaines often times the guilt of temporary punishment either here or in purgatory which must make satisfaction that the punishments of purgatory may be redeemed by fasting prayers almes c. 2. Concerning fasting They hold it a sin and deserving death to eat of meats prohibited by the Church That fasting consisteth onely in abstinence from meat not from drink That the times of fasting chiefly Lent are of Apostolical institution That fastiâ—g is satisfactory and meritorious That the tradition of the Church in such indifferent things obligeth the conscience 3. Concerning prayer They say that it is meritorious that the Canonical hours of prayer should be observed that they are to be said or sung in Latine by the Clergy and Monks That the titles given to the Virgin Mary are true and holy That to prayer in the Quite ought to be joyned singing Organs Trumpets and other musical instruments 4. Concerning almes They hold that the giving thereof is meritorious That there is not onely a corporal but also spiritual almes consisting in comforting counselling teaching c. That almes may be raised of ill gotten goods and filthy lucre as of Whore-houses c. Q. 5. What opinions do they hold concerning the Sacraments A. They teach that the efficacy of the Sacraments depends upon the intention of the giver That the Sacraments are not seals to confirm the promises of grace That grace is contained in and conferred by the Sacraments ex opere operato and that the receivers thereof by their justifying vertue are saved That three Sacraments namely Baptisme Confirmation and Order do imprint an indelible character form or figure in the very substance of the soul the caracter of Baptisme is Passive making a man capable of all other Sacraments that of Order is Active that of Confirmation is partly Active partly Passive That there are seven Sacraments of the New Testament That all the Ceremonies used by them in the Sacraments are necessary 2. Concerning Baptisme They say that Lay-men and Women in case of necessity may Baptise That the Baptisme of Iohn was not the same with that of Christ nor had the same efficacy and that after Iohns Baptisme it was necessary to receive Christs Baptisme That to Water in Baptisme should be added Oyle Spittle Salt c. The signe of the Crosse Exorcisme Exsufflation a White Garment c. That Baptized Infants have if not Actual yet Habitual Faith infused into them That Infants cannot be saved without Baptisme that Baptisme began to be absolutly necessary on the day of Pentecost That it totally abolisheth original sin 3. Concerning the Eucharist They say that onely unleavened bread is to be used That Christ by way of Concomitance is whâ—lly in the Bread that is his Body Blood Soul Divinity c. That the whole Essence of the Sacrament is in the Bread alone That there is no necessity to communicate under both kinds That the Wine ought necessarily to be mixed with Water That the Priest may participate alone That the Eucharist is profitable for the dead That the Bread should be dipt into the Wine that it should be elevated carried in Procession adored c. That there is no trope in these words This is my body c. That Christs Body is not onely really but substantially in the Sacrament That it may be at one time in many places That the Bread is transubstantiated into Christs body That the form of consecration consisteth in these words This is my body That the Masâ—e is a Propitiatory Sacrifice for the quick and the dead 4. Concerning Confirmation Pennance Extream Vnction Orders and Matrimony They teach that these are Sacraments properly so called that there is vertue in Extream Vnction either to cure the body or to do away the remainders of sin for this cause they anoint 6. parts of the body to wit the Eyes Ears Mouth Hands Reins and Feet That Ordination is a Sacrament as well in Deacons Sub-Deacons Acoluthi Exorcists Readers and Door-Keepers as in Priests Q. 6. What Ceremonies do they use in the five controverted Sacraments A. In confirmation the Bishop anointeth the childs forehead with chrisme making the signe of the Crosse thereon and saying I signe thee with the signe of the Crosse and confirme thee with the chrisme of salvation in the Name of the Father c. Then he strikes him on the cheeke to shew he must not refuse to suffer for Christ. In Pennance the Bishop goeth to the Church door where the Penitents lie prostrate on the ground saying Children come to me and I will teach you the feare of the Lord. Then he kneeleth and prayeth for them and having used some words of admonition he brings them into the Church this is done on the day of the Lords Supper that they might be partakers thereof all the Church doors are then opened to shew that all people have accesse to Christ.
Masse must be said on festival days for the dead except the body be present And although in the Masse for the living incense is burned to shew that their prayers like incense ascend before God yet in the Masse for the dead incense is not burned because their prayers are of no efficacy for do the dead praise thee saith David The corps may not be brought into the Church whilest Masse is saying for the living but must be set in the Porch till Masse be done and the Mass for the dead be begun in which Masse the kisse of peace must not be given because there is no communion between us and the dead neither can they answer us the dead corps is washed and anointed then it is carried to the Church but by the way the bearers rest three times to signifie Christs three days rest in the grave Holy water and Frankincense is put in the grave with the corps to keep off evil spirits thence and to shew that the deceased party hath offered to God the incense of his prayers and good life whilest he lived He is buried with green bayes to shew that his soul is alive and that it doth not â—ither with the body and with his face upward and his feet towards the East to shew his expectation of Heaven and his readinesse to meet Christ in the Resurrection whose appearance is believed shall be in the East Every Christian that is buried out of the Church or Church-yard hath a Crosse set at his head to shew he was a Christian. Câ—ergy men that have taken orders are buried in the habit of their orders all are wrapt in linnen because Christ was so yet some are buried in sackcloth to shew their repentance Antiently the names of holy men departed were registred in scrolls or â—olding tables called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which word Diptycha the Latin Church retained these were kept by the Bishop and the â—ames publickly read in time of divine service to shew that the just shall be had in everlasting remembrance The prayers that are made for the dead are not for the Saints in Heaven for they need not our prayers but our praises to God for them nor for the damned in Hell seeing our prayers can availe them nothing but onely for those who dying in venial sins unrepented make satisfaction in Purgatory Lastly there is neither Gloria in exceâ—sis nor Hallelujah sung in the office for the dead Of these passages see Alcuiâ—us de divin offic Amalar. Fortunat. de Eccles. officiis Stephanus Durantus de ritibus Eccles. Cathol Guliel Durandus in rationali c. The Contents of the Fourteenth Section Of the Eastern Religions and first of the Greeks 2. Of the Church dignities and discipline in the Greek Church at this day 3. Of the other Nations professing the Greek Religion chiefly the Moscovites and Armenians 4. Of the Monks Nunâ— and Eremites of Moscovia 5. Of the form of service in their Chu ches 6. How they administer the Sacraments 7. The Doctrine and Ceremonies of the Russian Church at this day 8. Of their Marriage and Funeral Ceremonies 9. Of the profession of the Armenians 10. Of the other Greek Sects namely the Melchites Georgians and Mengrelians 11. Of the Nestorians Indians and Jacobites 12. Of the Maronites Religions 13. Of the Cophti 14. Of the Abyssin Christians 15. Wherein the Protestants agree with and dissent from other Christian Churches SECT XIIII Quest. 1. HAving taken a view of the differences in Religion among the Romanists and Anti Romanists in the West what Religion do the Christians in the East professe A. In the East the Greek Religion prevaileth in many places chiefly in those Countries of Europe namely Greece Macedon Epirus 〈◊〉 Thrâ—ce Servia Basciâ— Moldavia Walachiâ— Bosnia Podolia and Moscovia In the Islands also of the Aegean Sea and in some parts of Poland Dalmatia and Croatia in some parts also of Asia namely in Natolia Circassia Mengrelia and Russia The Greekâ— place much of their devotion in the worship of the Virgin Mary and of painted but not carved Images in the intercesâ—ion prayers help and merits of the Saints which they invocate in their Temples They place justification not in faith but in workes School-divinity chiefly the works of Thomas Aquinâ—s which they have in Greek are in great request with them The Sacrifice of the Masse is used for the quick and the dead and they use to buy Masses they do not hold a Purgatory fire yet they believe there is a third place between that of the blessed and the damned where they remain who have deferred repentance till the end of their life but if this place be not Purgatory I know not what it is not what the souls do there Though they deny the Procession of the Holy Ghost from the Son yet they baptise in the name of the Three Persons Priests among them may marry once but not ofâ—â—er That marriage is unlawfull which is contracted within the seventh degree of Consanguinity and Affinity They use leavened bread in the Sacrament and administer in both kinds they have four Lâ—â—ts in the year they deny the Popes supremacy abstain from blood and things strangled observe the Jewish Sabbath with the Lords day They use neither confirmation nor extream unction and will not have either the blessed souls iâ— Heaven to enjoy Gods presence or the wicked in Hell to be tormented â—ill the day of judgement preaching is little used amongst them but Masses often therefore one of their Monks whom they call Coloieri for preaching sometimes in Lent and at Christmasse and Eastet was accused and banished to Mount Sinai by the Patriarch of Constantinople as Chytraus witnesseth They esteem equal with the Scriptures the Acts of the seven Greek Synods and the writings of Basil Chrysostoâ—e 〈◊〉 and their traditions They believe that the souls of the dead are bettered by the prayers of the living They are no less for the Churches authority and for Traditions then the Roman Catholicks be when the Sacrament is carried through the Templâ— the people by bowing themselves adore it and falling on their knees kisse the 〈◊〉 Q. 2. What Ecclesiastical Dignities and Discipline is there in the Greek Church at this day A. They have their Patriarch who resides at Constantinople who is elected by his Metropolitans and Arch-Bishops but is confirmed by the great Turkes chief Bassa who upon promise of some thousand Duckets from the Patriarch doâ—h ratifie his priviledges He hath no more authority with the great Turk then any Christian Embassadour who thinks it a great honour to be admitted to fall down at the Seigniors feet and to kisse his cloak Next to the Patriarch are the Metropolitans who are placed according to their antiquity Of thes Metropolitans are 74. under whom are Arch-Bishops and Bishops The Metropolitan of Thessalonica hath ten Bishops under him he of Athens hath six Corinth hath foure Bishops and one hundred Churches Mitylena had five
Oyle puts on his â—wle and so receives him into the Fraternity having vowed abstinence from flesh and perpetual chastity The Monks do not onely live upon their rents but they trade also and are great Merchants as for scholarship they have none Sergius is a great Saint â—mongst them to whom the Empress goeth sometimes in Pilgrimage They have divers Nunneries some whereof are onely for Noble mens Widows and Daughters whose stock the Emperor meanes to exâ—iâ—guish They have Eâ—emites also who go stark naked except about the middle they wear long hair and an lâ—on collar about their neck or middle The people esteem them as Saints and Prophets and whatsoever they say is received as Oracles even by the great Duke himselfe He thinks himself in great favour with God who is reproved or robbed of any part of his goods by them But of these Eâ—emites there be very few in that cold country Q. 5. What form of Service have they in their Churches A. They have their Mattiâ—s every morning the Priest attended by his Deacon in the middle of the Church calls on Christ for a blessing in the name of the Trinity and then repeats three times Lord have mercy upon us this done he marcheth into the chancel whither no man may enter but the Priest alone and there at the Altar he sayeth the Lords prayer and twelve times Lord have mercy upon us Then Praised at the Trinity The Deacon and people answer Amen Then he reads the Psalmes for the day and with the people turns to the Images on the wall to which they bow three times knocking their heads to the ground Then he reads the Decalogue and Athanasius his Creed After this the Deacon standing without the Chancel door reads a part of their Legend of Saints lives which is divided into so many parts as there be days in the year then he addeth some collects or prayers This Service lasteth about two hours all which time many Wax Candles burn before their Images some as big as a mans wast such are vowed and enjoyned by peâ—nance They have about nine of the morning another service and on Festival days they have solemn devotion The evening service is begun like the marnings after the Psalmes the Priest singeth the 〈◊〉 in their Language and then all with one voice Lord have mercy upon us thirty times together and the boyes answer thirty times then is read by the Priest and on holy days sung the first Psalme and 〈◊〉 repented ten times Then the Priest reads some part of the Gospel which he ends with three Hallelujahs and withal that evening service with a collect for the day all this while the Priest standeth as the high 〈◊〉 The Deaconâ— stand without the Chancel whither they dare not come during service time The people stand together in the body of the Church for they have no Pews to sit in Q. 6. How do they administer the Sacraments 〈…〉 Eight days after the Child is born he is brought to the Church-porch where the Priest receives him and tells the witnesses their duties in the childs education after baptisme namely to teach him how to know God and Christ and withal what Saints are the chiefe mediators then he conjures the Devil out of the water and so after some prayers he plungeth the child three times over head and ears in a tub of warm water holding it necessary that every part of the child be dipped They use the same words that we do In the name of the Father Son and Holy Ghost and not By the Holy Ghost as some Hereticks have used Then the Priest layâ—th oyl and salt mixed together on the Childes forehead on both sides of his face and on his lips praying that God would make him a good Christian c. This done the child being now made a Christian is carried from the Porch into the Church The Priest marching before who layeth him on a cushion before the feet of the chief Image in the Church to which he is recommended as to his Mediator After baptisme the childs hair is cut off wrapped up in wax and reserved as a relique in the Church The Russians use to re-bapbaptise their Proselyte Christians and in some Monasterie to instruct them in their religion first they cloath the new convert with a fresh Russian Garment then they crown him with a Garland anoint his head with oyl put a wax light into his hand and for seven days together pray over him four times a day all which time he is to forbear flesh and white meats After the seventh day he is washed and on the eighth day is brought into the Church and there instructed how to bow knock his head and crosse himself before their images The Russians communicate but once a year in Lent after confession to the Priest who calls them up to the Altar askes them if they be clean from sin if they be they are admitted but never above three at one time Whilest the Priest prayeth the communicants stand with their â—rms folded one within another then he delivereth to them a spoonful of bread and wine tempered together saying Eat this drink this without any pause Then he delivereth bread by it self and wine mingled with warm water to represent the water and blocâ— that issued out of Christ side Then the Communicants follow the Priest thrice about the Altar with their folded arms At last after prayers the Priest chargeth them to make good cheer and be merry for seven days together to fast the next seven days after Q. 7. What is the Doctrine and Ceremonies of the Russian Church at this day A They hold that the Books of Moses except Genesis are not to be read in Churches and are of no use since Christs comming nor the Prophets nor the Revelation 2. They teach that their Church traditions are of equal authority with the word of God 3. That the Greek Church chiefly the Patriarch and his Synod have full authority to interpret the Scriptures and that their interpretation is authentick 4. That the Holy Ghost proceedeth not from the Son 5. They hold Christ to be the onely mediator of redemption but not of intercession this honour they give to the Saints chiefly to the Virgin Mary and Saint Nicholaâ— who they say is attended upon by three hundred of the chief Angels 6. Their doctrine and practise is to adore the Images or Pictures of the Saints whereof their Churches are full and richly adorned 7. They teach that in this life there can be no assurance of salvation 8. And that we are justified not by faith only but by works also which consist in prayers by number on their beads in fasts vows almes crossings offerings to Saints and such like 9. They ascribe great power to auricular confession in doing away sin 10. They hold al to be damned that dye without baptism 11. Extream Unction is with them a Sacrament though not of such
Clavigeri Cruciferi 341. Hospitalarii 342 c. See Monks Ordination in the beginning of the world 2. P. PAllas the Sun 523 Pan the Sun 521 Pegu its religion 82 Persecution an enemy to Christistianity 183 Persians their ancient religion 68 c. Persius his notable saying 107 Peru its religion 114 c. Festival dayes 115 c. the Peruvians beliefe of the departed souls 116 Philippinae their religions 89 c. Phoenicians their religion and discipline 67 Poor Pilgrims 323 c. Pilgrims vide Orders Pluto the Sun 526 Polyphemus the Sun 522 Poverty threefold 309 Presbytery the doctrine and tenets thereof 394 c. the office of Presbyters 395. and 398 among the Jewes 412. their power to excommunicate 414 Priapus the Sun 518 Priests and Levites among the Iewes 6. among the Mexicans 108 c. the dignity of Priests and their necessity 535 c. among the Greeks Romans and elsewhere 536 c. Princes should be careful of Religion 503 c they must not dissemble in Religion 509 c. Proserpinae the Sun 526 Protestants 236 c. wherein they agree with and â—â—ssent from other christian Churches 496 c. Q. QVakers their opinions 381 c. other opinions of theirs 383 c. wherein the absurdities and impieties of their opinions consist 384. R. RAnters characterized and their opinions 387 c. Iohn Reeve and Lodowick Muggleton their opinions 379 c. Religions of the Northern countries near the pole 73 c. Of the nations by West Virginia and Florida 104 c. of the Northern neighbours of Congo 101 of the African Islands 101. of new Spain 105 c. of the parts adjoyning to Iucatan 111 c. of the Southern Americans 112 c. of Paria Guiana and Debaiba 113. of Asia 1 2 3 4 c. of Africa 94 c. of America 102 c. of Europe 121 of Greeks and Romans ibid c. of Germans Gauls and Britains 148 etc. of Danes Swedes Moscovites and their neighbours 151 c. of the Scythians Getes Thracians Cymbrians Goths etc. 153 c. of the Lithuanians Polonians Hungarians etc. 154 etc. of the Mahumetans 162 etc. of Christians 181 etc. by what engines battered 183. pestered with diversity of opinions 239 c. of the Greeks Religion at this day 478 etc. of Moscovia 481 etc. of Armenia 489. of the Melchites 490. of the Georgians ibid. etc. of the Circassians 491. of the Nestorians ibid. etc. of the Indians and Iacobites 492. of the Maronites ibid. etc. of the Cophti 493. etc. Abyssins 494. etc. Religion the ground of government and greatnesse 500 etc. the foundation of all Commonwealths 501 etc. most reâ—quisite in Princes and Governours 503 etc. one Religion to be taught publickly 505 etc. different Religions how and when to be tolerated 506 etc. dissimulation in Religion rejected 509 etc false Religions why blessed and the contemâ—ers punished 5â—1 etc. religious policie and ceremonies 512 etc. mixed Religions 514 etc. what Religion most consonant to natural reason 516 etc. Religion how supported 535 etc. Religion which is best 538 etc. Romans their old Religion 122 etc. their chief Festivals 123 etc. their chief gods 125 etc. their Priests 128 etc. Sacrifices 129 etc. their Marriage rites 130 etc. their Funeral rites 131. Roman Church different from others about the Scriptures 429. about Predestination Gods image and sinne ibid. etc. about the law of God Christ Faith Justification and good Works 430 etc. about Penance Fasting Prayer and Almes 432 etc about the Sacraments 433 etc. and their ceremonies in those controverted 434 etc. about the Saints in heaven 435 etc. about the Church 436. etc. about Councils Monks Magistrates and Purgatory 438. etc. the outward worship of the Roman Church and first part of their Masse 439 etc. Roman Acolyths their offices 440 Romanists their manner of dedicating Churches 443 etc. and what observable thereupon 444 etc. their consecration of Altars etc. 446 etc. the degrees of Ecclesiastical persons in the Church of Rome 448 etc. their sacred Orders 449 etc. office of the Bishop 452 etc. and what colours held sacred 453 etc. the other parts of the Masse 454 etc. other parts of their worship 457 etc. their Festival dayes 458 etc. their Canonical houres of prayer and observations thereon 464. etc. their processions and observations thereon 467 their Ornaments and Utensils used in Churches dedicated to Christ and the Saints 472 etc. their office performed to the dead 475 etc. Russians see Moscovites S. SAtans stratagems vide miracles Old Saxons worshipped their gods under divers shapes and formes 149 etc. Scythians their old Religion 69. Sea how worshipped 143. Sects sprung out of Lutheranisme 231 etc. Sects of this age 376 etc. Shakers vide Quakers Siam its Religion 81 etc. Simon Magus and his scholars vide Hereticks Sociable life preferred to the solitary 247 etc. Socinians their tenets 366 etc. Solomons Temple vide Iewes etc. Soule its immortality believed by the idolatrous Pagans 86 etc. its immortality and life after this believed by the Americans 109. by the Brasilians also 113 etc. Spain vide New Spain Sumatra its Religion 90 etc. Sun how worshipped 139 etc. the Gentiles chief and onely God 516 etc. his divers names and worship ibid. etc. superstitious Sun worship 530 etc. how painted and worshipped by the Northern Nations 533 etc. Syrians their gods 65 c. T. IOhn Tany vide Theaurau Iohn Tartars their old Religion 69. c. their diversities of Religions 72. c. Thesurau Iohn his opinions 377. c. Titbonus the Sun 523. Trinity acknowledged by the Americans 109. denied by Simon Magus and his scholars with others besides Iewes and Mahumetans and why 185. etc. Turlupini 319. V. VEnus all one with the Sun 524 etc. Virginia its Religion 103 etc. Vulcan the Sun 523. W. VVIckliffe's opinions 226. etc. Z. ZEeilan its Religion 90. FINIS APOCALYPSIS OR THE REVELATION Of certain notorious Advancers OF HERESIE Wherein their Visions and private Revelations by Dreams are discovered to be most incredible blasphemies and enthusiastical dotages Together with an account of their Lives Actions and Ends. Whereunto are added the effigies of seventeen who excelled the rest in rashness impudence and lying done in Copper Plates Faithfully and impartially translated out of the Latine by I. D. IS London Printed by E. Tyler for Iohn Saywell and are to be sold at his shop at the sign of the Grey-hound in Little-Britain without Aldersgate 1655. TO THE Excellently Learned EDWARD BENLOVVES OF Brenthall in Essex Esquire c. Worthy Sir I Have here presumed to present you with a strange and bloody Tragedy of Hereticks and Enthusiasts written in Latine by a most elegant pen by one who hath concealed his name as I conceive out of this reason that living near the times and places of this representation it might have proved dangerous to him to have published it Here you have Religion brought upon the stage in very strange disguises nay they make her
inherit but receive gifts onely thus Abraham dealt with the sons of his Concubines Gen. 25. Their custome also is first to be contracted and after some space of time to be married which contract was confirmed either by writing or by a piece of money or by copulation but this last was punishable Their marriages are accompanied with blessings and prayses therefore if they are married within doors that house is called Beth-Hillulim the house of prayses Q. How doe they make their Bills of Divorce at this day A. After the same manner that they did in the time of Christ when any man is weary of his Wife he writes a Bill of twelve lines only neither more nor fewer this he delivers to his Wife before three witnesses who subscribe and seal the same whereby he gives her free power to go whither she will and to dispose of her self as she pleaseth but she must not marry again till after ninty days that it may be known whether she be with child or not the Woman also might give a Bill of Divorce to her Husband of which our Saviour speaketh Mark 10. 12. and withall sheweth that such Bills of Divorce were not commanded but tolerated by Moses for the hardnesse of their hearts and tells them plainly that whosoever puts away his wife and marries another commits adultery and so doth she if she marries another Mat. 5. 31. Peter Martyr in 1 Cor. 7. 10. is mistaken when he saith that there is never any mention in Scripture that the woman gave a Bill of Divorce to her Husband but our Saviour tells us that if the woman put away her Husband and marry another she commits adultery but the man and woman could not put away one another without a Bill of Divorce and that before witnesses Q. After what manner is the Wife separated from her deceased Husbands brother A. The widow with five witnesses repairs to the chief Rabbi who asks her certain questions as whether her Husband hath been dead three moneths whether his brother be a single man whether the man present be her husbands full brother of what age they are of and whether they think themselves fit for procreation Then he asks of the woman if she be fasting for otherwise she must not spit in his face Then he asks of the man if the woman present were his brothers Wife if he will marry her or suffer his shoe to be pulled off If he say he will not marry then a shoe is brought and put upon his right foot being bare then the woman comes saying this my brother in Law refuseth to raise up seed to his brother and so bowing her selfe pulls off his shoe and spits in his face saying so shall it be to him that will not build up his brothers house and thus they are parted Q. What is the manner of Circumcising their Children A. The Child is first washed and layed in clean linnen for if he be foul or defile himself while he is Circumcised the Mohel or Circumciser is to suspend or interrupt his prayer till he be washed againe In the morning of the eighth day the God-father seateth himself down in a seat placed neer the Ark and the Mohel neer him Twelve wax candles are brought in to represent the Twelve Tribes Then two cups of red wine the circumcising knife with two dishes the one of oyl the other of sand When the Child is brought to the door by the women the Congregation riseth up the God-father takes the Child and sits down in his seat There is also a seat prepared for Eliah whose comming they expect at the circumcision The child is then named and usually by the name of some of his Ancestors so that Luke 1. 61. it was wondered at that Zacharie should name his Son Iohn seeing none of his kindred was named with this name The eighth day was so strictly observed that if it fell on the Sabbath the child was then circumcised not sooner least God should be thought to be tied to the Sacrament and because the Child the first seven days after the birth was held legally unclean and yet remaining in his blood Levit. 12. 2 3. 22. 27. nor later least the parents should be longer withheld from the comfort of the Sacrament The Penalty of contempt or neglect of circumcision was a cutting off from the people Gen. 17. 14. that is by excommunication or bodily death of the parents Therefore God would have killed Moses for not circumcising his son or else by the death of the son himselfe when he comes to years of discretion if he be not circumcised either by himself or by his parents or by the Judges Q. How doth the Mohel cut off the foreskin A. He first rubs it that it may be the lesse sensible then blesseth God for the Covenant of Circumcision and withal cuts off the forepart of the skin and flings it into the Sand in memory of that promise Gen 32. 12. I will make thee as the sand of the Sea then he spits some red wine on the wound and washeth it and some also on the Childs face if he faint and taketh the bleeding member into his mouth and sucks the blood from it which he spits into the other cup of wine Then he teares off the remaining skin with his sharp-pointed nailes and layeth the clouts dipt in oyl on the wound and bindeth them Then he blesseth God again and the Godfather takes the other cup of wine and prayeth for the Child And the Mohel moisteneth the childs lips with wine and his own blood and prayeth again If the child be sick on the eighth day his circumcision is deferred till he recover If he die before the eighth day he is circumcised at the grave but without prayers Q. How do they redeem their first born A. When the Child is one and thirty days old he is set upon a Table by the Father before the Priest with as much money as two Dollers and a half After some questions propounded by the Priest to the Father and Mother amongst others whether he esteems more of his money or of his Child he answers of his Child then the Priest takes the money and layeth it on the Childs head and pronounceth that he being the first born and presented before the Lord is now redeemed if before this time the Father dies then the Mother signifieth by a scroll about the childs neck that he is the first born and not redeemed who when he comes of age is bound to redeem himself He is held to be of just age when he is thirteen years old for then the parents stand no more charged with his sins but must himselfe bear his own burthen Q. What duty is performed to the sick A. The Rabbins are bound to visit and comfort them and prepare them for making their will if they be rich They exhort them to be constant in their faith especially they must beleeve that their Messias
is yet to come therfore must make both confession of their faith and of their sâ—â—s They pray that their death may be a sufficient expiation for their sins and that they may have a share in Paradise and in the life to come Q. How do they use their dead A. When the Party dieth his kindred tear off a little piece of their garments because Iacob tore his garments when he heard of Iosephs death They mourn also seven days because Ioseph did so for his father All the water in the house they pour out into the streets They cover his face and bow his thumb that it resembleth the Hebrew Shaddai that so they may terrifie Satan from comming near the Corps His other fingers are stretched out to shew that now he holds the world no longer having forsaken it They wash the body with warm water and anoint the head with wine and the yolk of an egg and cloath him with the white surplice he wore on the day of Reconciliation and then they Coffin him When the Corps is carried out of the house they cast a shell after him signifying that all sorrow should be now cast out of that house In the Church yard a prayer or two is said then the Corps is buried the next of kin casteth in the first earth In their return they cast grasse over their heads either to signifie their frailty and mortality For all flesh is grass or else their hope of the Resurrection When they enter the Synagogue they skip to and fro and change their seat seven times The Mourners go bare-foot seven days abstain from wine and flesh except on Sabbaths and Festivals They bath not in 33. days nor pare their nails They burn candles for seven days together thinking that the departed souls return to the place where they left the body and bewail the losse thereof They beleeve that no Jew can be partaker of the Resurrection who is buried out of Canaan except God through hollow passages of the earth convey his body thither grounding this conceit upon Iacobs desire to Ioseph that he should bury him in Canaan and not in Egypt They borrowed diverse Gentile customs in their Funerals as cutting or tearing their skin hiring of women to sing and minstrils to play also shaving going bare footed and bare-headed with dust on their heads washing anointing and embalming besides beautifying of their Sepulchres and adding of Epitaphs c. they used also burning of the dead as may be seen in 1 Sam. 31. 12. and Amos 6. 10. they bury apart by themselves and not with those of another Religion Their common Epitaph is Let his soul be in the bundle of life with the rest of the just Amen Amen Selah Other vain opinions and ceremonies they have but not to our purpose Of which see Munster Buxtâ—rfius Margarita Galatin Hospinian Fagius D. Kimchi Aben Esra c. The Contents of the second Section The Religions of the ancient Babylonians of the making worshipping of images and bringing in Idolatry 2. Of Hierapolis and gods of the Syrians 3. Of the Phenicians 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 Religions SECT II. Quest. WHat kinde of Religious or rather Superstitious government was there among the Ancient Babylonians Answ. They had their Priests called Chaldeans and Magi who were much addicted to Astrology aâ—d Divination and had their Schools for education of the Youth in this knowledge They worshipped divers gods or idols rather the two chief were Belus or Bel or Baal by whom they meant Iupiter the other was Astaroth or Astarte by which Iuno was understood They were bound also by their superstitious discipline to worship the Sun and so was the King to offer to him every day a white horse richly furnished They worshipped also the Fire under the name of Nego and and the Earth by the name of Shaca To this Goddesse they kept a feast for five dayes in Babylon where during that time the Servants were Masters and the Masters Servants They worshipped also Venus for maintaining of whose service the women prostituted themselves to strangers and received much money thereby to this purpose they sat and exposed themselves at the Temple of Venus which they call Militta Their Priests used to have their Processions and to carry their Idols on their shoulders the people before and behinde worshipping The Priests also there used to shave their heads and beards and to stand in their Temple with Axes Scepters and other Weapons in their hands and Candles lighted before them They held a Divine Providence but denied the Creation Ninus was the first Idolater who after the death of his Father Belus set up his Image and caused it to be adored with divine honours here at Babylon and in the rest of his dominions Thus we see that the making of images and the worshipping of them was the invention of the Gentiles for indeed they were men whom the Pagans affirmed to be gods and every one according to his merits and magnificence began after his death to be worshipped by his friends but at length by the perswasion of evil spirits they esteemed those whose memories they honoured to be lesser gods this opinion and idolatry was fomented by the Poets and not onely a preposterous love and a vain admiration of the worth and merits of dead men brought in idolatry but likewise Deisidemonia or a foolish and preposterous fear primus in orbe Deos fecit timor for the Gentiles did fear their Religion would be in vain if they did not see that which they worshipped they would therefore rather worship stocks and stones then an invisible Deity but it is ridiculous saith Seneca Genâ— posito simulachra adorare suspicere fabros vero qui illa secerunt contemnere to worship and admire the image and to slight the image maker whereas the Artificer deserves more honour then the Art Against this madnesse the Prophet Isaiah speaketh chap. 44. men cut down trees rinde them burn a part of them make ready their meat and warm themselves by the fire thereof but of the residue he maketh a god an idol and prayeth to it but God hath shut their eyes from sight and their heart from understanding Divers ways they had in worshipping of their Idols sometimes by bowing the head sometimes by bending the knee
make us friends of our unrighteous Mâ—nmon to be content with food and raiment to have our conversation in heaven to seek the things that are above to lay up our treasures in heaven where neither â—oth can spoil nor thiâ—ves break through and steal 5. The excellency of Christianity may be proved from the multitude of witnesses or martyrs and Confessors who have not only forsaken father and mother lands and possessions and whatsoever else was dear to them but likewise their lives and that with all chearfulnesse for the name of Christ and which is most strange in the midst of flames and other torments they did sing and rejoyce and account it no small 〈◊〉 happines to suffer for Christ being fully perswaded that the afflictions of this lâ—fe were not worthy of the glory that should be revealed and that after they had fought the good fight and finished their course a Crown of righteousnesse was laid up for them 6. The excellency of the author commends Christianity above all other religions which have been delivered by men onely and those sinfull men too as Moses â—ycurgus Minos Solon Numa and Mahomet c. But the author of Christianity was both God and man whose humane nature was without spot or sin original and actuall for though he became sin for us yet he knew no sin there was no guile sound in his mouth he had done no violence he was oppressed and afflicted yet opened he not his mogth but was brought as a lamb to the slaughter and as a sheep before his shiarers was dumb c. Isa. 53. his very enemies could not accuse him of sin he prayed for those that crucified him and died for his enemies he was obedient to his father even to the death of the Crosse he did not lay heavy burthens upon other mens shoulders which he did not touch himself but as well by practise as by precept he hath gone before us in all holy duties and as he died for sinners so he rose again for them the third day ascended into Heaven where he now sits at the right hand of his father and will come again to judge the quick and the dead He is the true Messias who in the fulnesse of time came upon the accomplishing of Daniels seventy weeks not long before the destruction of Ierusalem as was foretold by the Prophets by whose presence the glory of the second Temple far exceeded the glory of the first though in all things else inferiour to it He is the true Shilâ— at whose coming the Scepter departed from Iuda and as it was foretold that he should come of David be born in Bethlehem have a Virgin for his mother preach in Galiâ—ce and heal all manner of infirmities and should reign over the Gentiles so these things came to passe 7. Never was there any Religion propagated through the world in that wonderful manner as this was if we consider either the authours that spread it who were illiterate fâ—sher-men and yet could on a sudden speak all languages or the manner how it was spread without either violence or eloquence whereas Mahumetanisme and other religions have been forced upon men by the Sword Christianity was propagated by weaknesse sufferings humility patience plainnesse and working of miracles the suddennesse also of its propagation the great opposition it had by the Potentates of the world whom notwithstanding these fisher-men conquered the largenesse of this religions extent as being spread over the four parts of the habitable earth I say all these being considered musâ— needs shew us what preheminence this religion hath above all others the course whereof could not be retarded either by the force policy or cruelty of Tyrants who exposed Christians to a thousand sorts of torments yet in spite of all opposition it went like a mighty torrent through the world and like the Palm the more it was suppressed the more it flourishedâ— Per tela per ignes ab ipso ducit opes animumque ferrâ— What religion could ever name such Martyrs either 〈◊〉 number or constancy as the Christian can To be brief how far truth exceedeth error one God multiplicity of Gods his sincere and pure worship the idolatry of worshipping evil Spirits Starres dead Men bruâ—â— beasts yea meere accidents and phansies and hoâ— far divine power exceedeth all humane power so far doth Christianity exceed Gentilisme Again how much Christ exceedeth Moses and the Gospel the Law and how far the precept of patience and meeknesse taught by Christ exceedeth the precept of revenge delivered by Moses how far Baptisme excelleth Circumcision and the Lords Supper the Iewish Passeover the true propitiatory sacrifice of Christs body all the sacrifices of beasts and birds how far the easie yoke of Christ is lighter than the heavy burthens of Moses and the true Messiah already come exceeds the Iews supposed Messiah yet expected so far doth the Christian religion excell the Iewish superstition Lastly how far Iesus in respect of his humane nature exceedeth Mahomet the one being conceived of the holy Ghost and born of a Virgin the other bâ—ing conceived and born after the manner of other men the one being without sin the other a thief and robber the one teaching love peace and patience the other hatred war and revenge the one curâ—ing mens lust by Monogamy the other letting loose the reins to uncleannes by Poligamy The one planting Religion in the soul the other in outward Ceremonies of the body The one permitting the moderate use of all Gods creatures the other prohibiting Wine and Swines-flesh The one commanding all men to search the Scriptures the â—ther prohibiting the vulgar to read the Alcoran or to translate it into other tongues out of the Arabick the one working by miracles the other onely by cheating tricks The one propagating Religion by suffering patience and humility the other by cruelty oppression and tyranny The one choosing for his followers innocent and holy men such as followed their trade of fishing the other wicked and profane persons whose trade consisted in thieving robbing and murthering The one teaching sound and wholsome Doctrine the other ridiculoâ—s and favourlesse fables in his Alcoran I say how far in all these things the man Christ Jesus not to speak of his Divinity did exceed Mahomet so far doth Christianity excel Mahumetanism And thus have I with as much brevity as I could taken and given a view of all known Religions and have set down what use is to be made thereof and withal have shewed the excellency of Christianity above all other professions in the world God grant that as it is the best of all Religions so we of this Land may prove the best of all the professors thereof learning to deny our selves to take up the Crosse of Christ and follow him in meeknesse patience humility justice sobriety holinesse love and all other vertues wherein the life of Religion consisteth laying aside self-interest idle quarrels needlesse debates unprofitable questions
in points of Religion but let us maintain the Unity of the Spirit in the bond of love and know that Religion is not in words but in works not in opinions but in assurance not in speculation but in practice Pure Religion and undefiled before God is to visit 〈◊〉 Fatherlesse and widows c. to do good and to communicate for with such Sacrifice God is well pleased that not the bearers of the Law but the doers shall be justified that not they that cry Lord Lord shall enter into heaven but they who do the will of our Father that without peace and holinesse no man shall see the Lord that they who seed the hungâ—y and cloath the naked c. shall inherit the Kingdome prepared for them from the beginning of the world And God grant that we may run the wayes of Gods Commandements walk in love tread in the paths of righteousnesse â—ight the good fight run the race set before us with patience looking unto Iesus the Authour and Finisher of our faith that having finished our course and wrought out our salvation with 〈◊〉 and trembling may at last receive the Crown of righteousnesse In the mean while let us not forget our Saviours Legacy which is Love one another and my peace I leave with you Are we not all the members of one body the sheep of one fold the children of one Father Do we not all eat of the same bread drink of the same cup live by the same Spirit hope for the same inheritance are we not all washed with the same Baptisme and redeemed by the same saviour why then should we not be of the same heart and mind with the Apostles why is there such strugling in the womb of Rebecca such a noise of hammers in building Christs mysticall Temple such clashing of arms under the Prince of peace is this Christianity Alas we are Mahuâ—etanes or Gentiles in practise and Christians in name Now the God of peace that brought again our Lord Iesus from the dead give us the peace of God that passeth all understanding that we may all think and do the same thing That as there is but one shepherd so theâ—e may be but one sheepfold The Church of God is a little flock beset with many Wolves of Iews Turks Pagans Atheists why then should we not be carefull to preserve peace love and unity among our selves the onely thing to make us formidable to our enemies Concordia res parvae crescunt A bundle of Arrows cannot be broken except they be separated and disjoyned nor could the horse tail be plucked off as Sertorius shewed his Romans so long as the hairs were twisted together as hard a matter it will be to overcome us so long as we are united in love but let this band be broken and we are a prey to every enemy imbelles damae quid nisi praeda sumus If we will needs fight let us buckle with our profest and common enemies with the Devil the world and the Flâ—sh with Principalites and Powers with spirituall darknesse and chiefly with our selves Nec tonge scilicet hostes quaerendi nobis circumstant undique muros We have a Trojan horse full of armed enemies in the Citadel of our hearts we have Iebusites within us which we may subjugate but can never exterminate and such is our condition that we are pestered with enemies whom we can neither fly from nor put to flight Nec fugere possumus nec sugare If we did exercise our selves oftner in this spiritual Militia we should not quarrel so much as we do nor raise such tragedies every where in the Church of Christ about controversies opinions quarrelling about the shell of Religion being carelesse what become of the kernel With Martha we busie our selves about many things but neglect that Vnum necessarium playing Philosophers in our disputes but Epicures in our lives I wil end in the words of Lactantius Instit. 6. c. 1. 2. Innecentiam sâ—lam 〈◊〉 quis obtulerit Deo satis pie religioseque litavit He is the most religious man who offers to God the best giâ—t which is innocency For Christian Religion consisteth not in words but in gifts and sacrifices our gifts are perpetual our sacrifices but temporary our gifts are sincere hearts our sacrifices are praises and thanksgivings No Religion can be true but what is grounded on goodnesse and justice FINIS The Alphabetical TABLE of the chief things conteined in the severall Sections of The View of all Religions c. A. ABbots how elected 275. c. how consecrated 343. c. Abraxas the Sun 519. c. Abyssins their religion 494. c. Adamites 366. Adonis the Sun 517. Africa the religion thereof 94. c. African Islands their religions 102. Albati 318. etc. Albigenses and their opinions 223 c. America the religion thereof 102 c. Southern America the religion thereof 112. etc. Americans their superstitious fear and tyranny thereof 116 etc. Anabaptists 229 c. of Moravia 230 etc. their opinions and names 361 c. Angola its religion 100 c. Antinomians 366. Apis the Sun 518 c. Apollo the Sun 516. Apostles and their office 396. Arabians their religion and discipline 67 c. Armenians their religion 489 c. Arminians their tenets 367 c. Asia the religions thereof 1.2 c. Atys the Sun 518. S Austins girdle 257 c. B. Babylonians their ancient religion 58 c. Bel and Belenus the Sun 520. Bengala its religion 83. Bishops 399. 405. c. Bisnagar its religion 87 c. Brasil its religion 113 c. S. Bridgets Order 313 c. Brownists their kinds and tenets 363 c. Buildings first erected for divine service 4. Burial of the dead an Act of justice and mercy 131 c. C. Calvins doctrine 236 c. Camaldulenses 283. Cambaia its religion 84. Canons of S. Saviour 318. of S. George 319 c. of Lateran 320. Carmelites 300 c. Carthusians 284 c. Cerberus the Sun 527. Ceremonies in religion 513 c. Charom the Sun 526 c. Chinois their religion 79 c. Christianity its beginning 181 c. It yeelds to Mahumetanisme 182 c. Its excellency 538 c. Christian duties urged 542 c. Churches from the beginningâ— 1 2. etc 1 2. c. set Day Sacrifices and Church-Government from the beginning 5 c. Under Moses 6. After Moses 7. Under David and Solomon 8 c. After Solomon 9 c. Among the ten Tribes 11. In and after the Captivity of Babylon 28 c. Among the Iewes at this day 29 c. Church Offices sold among the Iewes 49 c. Church how to be governed 409. Church-Governours ibid. c. Alterable 410. Church of Arnhem vide Millenaries Church of England deplored and Remedy against her growing errours 427. Of Protestant Churches 496 c. Church of Rome wherein different from other Churches 429 c. Cluniacenses 282. Colours of the Sun worn