Popish glorying in antiquity turned to their shame Whereby is shewed, how they wrong, villifie, and disgrace, that whereunto they pretend to carry greateste reuerence: and are most guilty of that which they vpbraide vnto others. Collected and proued out of themselues, for the singular profit both of pastors and professors. By William Guild, minister at King Edward.

POPISH GLORYING IN ANTIQVITY turned to their shame .

WHEREBY IS SHEWED , how they wrong , villifie , and disgrace , that whereunto they pretend to carry greatest reuerence : and are most guilty of that which they vpbraid vnto others .

Collected and proued out of themselues , for the singular profit both of PASTORS and PROFESSORS .

By WILLIAM GVILD , Minister at King Edward .

LONDON , Printed for Robert Allot , and are to be sold in Pauls Church-yard at the signe of the blacke Beare . 1627.

TO THE RIGHT WORSHIPFVLL , And truely honorable , SIR ALEXANDER GORDON BARONET , of CLUNIE KNIGHT , &c.

NEver more subtily intended the Gibeonits vnder pretence of olde Furniture , & comming from a-farre , to deceiue the Lordes People , nor vnder the like pretence of Antiquitie now , doeth Babels brood intende to doe the same to Bethels Children . Neither more braggingly did ever the carnall Iewes , dissenting from his Faith , yet claime a corporal descent from Abraham their father , nor doe the craftie Iesuits , dissenting from their doctrine , yet claime a full consent with orthodox Antiquitie : accusing vs of Noveltie , as Christs own doctrine , & His Apostles , was before vs , that it may be seene true which Sainct Peter fore-prophecied of such : to wit , That in the latter times there should come false prophets , Marke 1.27 . Acts 17.19 . 2. Pet. 1.2 . who privilie should bring in damnable heresies ; and by reason of whome the waye of trueth shoulde bee evill spoken of .

While as we , notwithstanding , adhere so to truest Antiquitie , as that consenting with Tertullian , Te●● . Apol. ●lt . who saith , Constat id verius esse , quod prius , id prius , quod ab initio , id ab initio , quod ab Apostolis , Is is manifest , that that is truest , which is first ; that that is first , which hath bene from the beginning ; that that hath beene from the beginning , which hath proceeded from the Apostles ; wee conclude with Lyrinensis wordes , Quod it a docemus , Lyrinens . adversiu hereses . vt cum dicimus nove , nont amen dicimus nova , & vniversum penitus mundum saeva repentinae haereseos tempestate perculsum , adantiquam fidem , à novella perfidia , ad antiquam sanitatem , à novitatis vesania , ad antiquam lucem , à novitatis caecitate revocamus , That we so teach , that when wee speake after a new manner , yet notwithstanding wee speake not new things : and we draw back the whole worlde , affrighted with the cruell tempest of sudden heresie , from recent-broached perfidie , vnto the ancient Faith ; from the madnesse of Noveltie , vnto sound Antiqultie ; from the darknesse of Noveltie , vnto the ancient Light .

Yet it is no marvell , that as vnder pretence of keeping the lawe made against blasphemers , our Head was condemned as a blasphemer , by that Iewish High priest ; Iohn , 19.7 . So vnder pretence of pleading for Antiquitie , the members be condemned by the Romane High priest , as violaters of Antiquitie . And as the Hagarenes called themselues Saracenes , so likewise that vnder a name contrary to their nature , that Iesuitish crue , who seeme moste to procure for Antiquitie , practize moste against the same .

This Pharisaicall brood being herein ( as in other things ) like to their fore-fathers , of whom our Saviour ●aith , Dicunt , sed non faciunt , They say , but doe not : So these men , ( as Ioab did to Abner ) they speake fairlie , but deale most foulie with venerable Antiquitie : 1. Rejecting Scripture ( which is most primitiue to vs , and Gods owne mouth ) from being sole determiner in Gods owne cause ; because it is indeed that breath of consumption to their man of sinne : and , like the Arke , it plagueth those Philistimes , and over-throweth their Dagon . Next , when they haue made their recourse from divine Authoritie , to humane Testimonie , challenging those holie Fathers of the primitiue Church , as impudentlie to bee altogether on their side , as ever that Whoore challenged Athanasius , to be her associate in her filthie Whoordome . Yet notwithstanding , when they finde that wherein they repose , so clearly and peremptorly to depose against them ; no more disdainfully did ever the Iewes reject Christ , preferring to Him Barabbas , than they reject those Ancients , and their famous testimonies , preferring there-vnto the giddie Wine of their inebriating Errors : and regarding them only so farre as they seeme to make for them ; as Elias sate no longer by Cherith , nor Ionas vnder the Gourd , than the one flowed , & the other flowrished .

Yea , not only dismisse they them , with contempt , when they make not for them ; but as the envious man , after the husband-mans fielde was sowne with good seede , came craftily & quietly there-after , & mingled in his tares : So haue our Romanists sundry wayes sophisticated the famous works of the Lords Worthies , eyther by intermingling their language of Babel , with the language of Bethel ; and so making their Books lyke a Lincie-woolsie Garment : or doing to their paines , as Hanun did to the persons of Davids Embassadours , cutting and curtayling them ; or els altering their words , & where they would say Shibboleth , making to say Siboleth .

And as Paul was accused , for bringing in Strangers and Grecians in the Temple , to pollute the same ; So most justly may they be accused , for vnjust in bringing of strangers ( which are Counterfeits , vnder the name of Fathers ) into the Church of GOD , with such fraudfull Forgerie , to corrupt craftily ; and inventing wittily , to circumvent wickedly . And all this they doe for the Diana of the Papacie , and supporting of that glorious Whoore of their proude Monarchie ; setting not only a Citie , with Demetrius , but the whole world in vproare : for ( as that silver smith sayd ) by that Craft they haue their wealth : & if the Lords word prevaile , they see their Craft is in danger to be set at naught , and Dagon will surely downe before the Arke of GOD.

The proofe and particularizing of what is formerly spoken , both in their dealing with Fathers , Councels , and Histories , I haue summarily hereafter digested , & succinctly set down , & dedicate the same to Your Worships Name , as a most worthy Patron & Pattern of Vertue , sincere in the Truth , zealous against Errour , a Mirrour of Policie , a Map of Humanitie , an Honour to Your Name , an Ornament to Your Countrey , & a sole Moecenas of Letters amongst Your Equals in this respectlesse and clayie Age : whose Name , therefore , justly the Penns of the painful shal perpetuate , propagat your Fame , & continue your memorie . And amongst many astricted to your Worship , for your Honorable & vertuous parts , I shall ever approue my selfe

Your Worships in all respectiue duetie , W. GVILD .

To the Reader .

AS the Iewish People adorned the Burials of the ancient Prophets , as honourers of their memories ; but in the meane time rejected that Great Prophet fore-tolde by them , and persecuted their successors : or , as that Romane Band ; who crucified our Head , howsoever by wordes of salutation they seemed to giue Him honour & courtesie ; yet they shew by their deeds they meant disgrace and crueltie . Even so the Romish brood of that lamed souldior , howsoever by words they would seeme to pleade for Antiquitie , yet their practises doe proclaime , that they are the defacers & defamers thereof in veritie . So that amongst them , ( as Lyrinensis saith ) Dum pro coelesti dogmate humanae superstitiones introducuntur , bene fundata antiquitas scelesta novitate subruitur , & nova contagio non tantum portiunculam , sed totam pariter Ecclesiam invasit : that is , While as humane superstitions are broght in for an heavenly point of Faith , well grounded Antiquitie is overthrowne by wicked Noveltie ; and a new contagion hath broken in , not vpon a little part , but vpon the whole Church alyke .

As the Ephesians therefore tumultuously cried out , Acts 19. Great is Diana of Ephesus ; so howsoever they in like manner crye , and appeale ( as Paul did to Caesar ) to Antiquitie , to Fathers and Doctors of the primitiue Church ; yet when they are brought thither whither they haue appealed , they are seene evidentlie as much to reject their orthodox doctrine , as ever the Iewes did the Prophets , whose Tombes they were decoring ; and as much to abuse them in their holie pains , as ever their truest successours were in their harmlesse persons ; Genesis 38. and ( like Iudah to Tamar ) to be most guiltie themselues of what they vp-braide to others ; straining out the Gnat , but swallowing the Camell .

Yea , as Salomon judged between the two Women , which of them was the mother of the living child ; or as Saul confessed of David , 1. Samuel 24. that hee was more righteous than he : So everie judicious discerner may easilie here-by perceiue , which of vs more righteouslie , or reverentlie dealeth with Antiquitie : for ( beside the particulars ensuing in this Treatise ) they thinke it no fault to appeale from the Fathers , to the Popes judgement , and so to mans mouth * * Plus uni pontif●i crederem , qu●m mille Augustinis . Corn. Mus , in Rom. 3.4 . . But wee never appeale from them , but to Scripture , and so to GODS Mouth .

Againe , to reject their sayinges , when they are contrarie to Scripture , is thought piaculum in vs : But to reject them , when they are contrarie to the Popes Decrees , is thought onelie pium to them † † Turre●r . summa . lib. 2. c. 107 Also Stapicton , lib. 7. de doct. prin. c. 10. nec concilia , nec patres , nec ullus alius , nisi papa controversiarū●●●ex est . . In like manner , wee subject Councels , and their direction , onelie to Scripture , and so vnto GOD : But they subject Councels , and their direction , to the Pope , and so to fraile man ‡ ‡ Bellar. l. 2. de pont. c. 27. in fine . Wee esteeme likewise no man to bee exeemed from the authoritie of a lawfull Councell , nor no flesh to bee aboue the same : But they advance their papall Dignitie aboue Councels in authoritie , and exeeme the same there-frae ; not only in suffering & correction , but also ( as Terrecremata affirmeth * * Turrecr . summa . lib. 2. c. 52. §. 9. ) in matter of doing and direction .

The other particulars of their dealing with Antiquitie , I haue in some measure heere-after manisted more amplie ; and especiallie cleared the same succinctlie out of their Grand Bellarmine , to avoyde thy distraction about manie Bookes , and that ( Gentle Reader ) thou mayest haue the evidence out of one of best account with them , and moste obvious to vs , Et ut ex ungue Leonem , That thou mayest know the Lyon by his Paw , and rightlie consider , if so great evidence may bee had in one , or a fewe , how much more ample may bee had in the Writs of manie .

These paynes then , taken by mee heere-in for thine avayle , and excitation of others , accept thou graciouslie , censure charitablie , peruse profitablie , applie prudentlie , and the LORD giue thee the good , and His owne Name the Glorie .

Thine in CHRIST IESUS , W. Guild .

The Contents . FATHERS . OF Antiquitie , & what we bold of the severall sorts therof , Chap. 1 What the Romanists say of all the Fathers in generall , both in exposition of the Scripture , and dogmaticall pointes of Fayth . FATHERS . Chap. 2 How they reject them all , when they make not for them , altho consenting in one , Chap. 3 1. In dogmaticall points of Faith . 2. In exposition of Scripture . How they deale with the Fathers severallie , and first , with those of the Greeke Church , Chap. 4 Howe they deale next with the Fathers of the Latine Church , Chap. 5 Howe they haue corrupted the Fathers , & ancient Writers of both , chap. 6 1. By adding vnto them , ( lyke coloquintida vnto the wholesome Herbs ) prooved by examples . 2. By purging , and pairing from them , and so making them Eunuches , by violent castration . 3. By altering their words , and so prooving vnfaythfull Messengers , by fraudfull relation . Howe , manie vnder the name of Fathers amongst them , are eyther shameleslie counterfeit , or wofullie vitiate , ( going masked , lyke Ieroboams wyfe , to deceiue : ) and this thorowe the first fiue Ages , or Centuries of the Church , Chap. 7 How ( like those who vse divers weights in the Bag ) they adduce Testimonies of some Fathers against vs as true ; whom they disclaime as counterfeit , and corrupt , when they are opposed against themselues , Chap. 8 How ( like those who cryed Osanna , and anone Crucifie , ) they extoll and bring the Fathers for them in one place and point of Doctrine , and at their pleasure reject them in another , chap. 9 Some notable Fraudes ( like the Snares of that proverbiall Harlot ) vsed by our Adversaries , in citation of the Fathers , where-of the Reader would carefullie beware , Chap. 10 How they preferre the judgementes of their late Divines , to the Fathers , both in dogmaticall points of Fayth , and exposition of Scripture : as Rehoboam did the counsell of the young Men , to his Fathers Ancients , Chap. 11 Last , by what partiall and corrupt rule , they admit , or reject , the Exposition of the Fathers , Chap. 12 COUNCELS . HOW , manie wayes , injuriouslie they deale with ancient Councels , COVNCELS . Chap. 13 1. By corrupting them , themselues , and that diverslie . 2. By accusing them , when they make against them ; eyther of ignorance and fraude in determination , or of after falsification . 3. Howe they admit Councels , onelie where-in they make for them ; and disdainfullie reject them , where-in they make against them . Popish avowed rejection in their late Councels of the most powerfull , principall , and Primitiue Antiquitie , Chap. 14 HISTORIES . LAst of all , how they deale with ancient Historiographers , and their owne Records , Chap. 15 1. By giving them the Lie , verie vncivellie . 2. By alleadging them also to bee corrupt , when they make against them . 3. By admitting them onelie where-in they make for them : but other-wyse , without reason , roughlie rejecting them . 4. Howe them-selues haue formerlie corrupted those Recordes which were extant , and taken some wholie out of the waye : that , in matters of trueth , that maketh agaynst them , they haue left little to bee seene , and foysted in , in their place , manie contrarie Falsehoods .

TO THE AVTHOR . THis late , not least embroydred Worke of Thyne , With costlie Arras of a rich Engyne , Argues , that Tullie did to thee bequeath His flowing Tongue , when hee did lose his Breath . Haere thou vnfoldest those Sophisticke Charmes Of rayling pedant - Papistes , by strong Armes Even of their owne Confession ; making plaine Their Wronges to Age , and their vnjust disdaine . Heere thou mak'st cle●re , to all judicious Eyes , That they , not wee , Antiquitie despyse . Even from their sheathes thou doest vnsheath these Swords , Which to vs Lyfe , but Death to them affords . Hence feare not then , fond Criticks , sharpe-vngrate ▪ Thy Works beare proofe against the puffe of Ha●e . M. WALTER FORBES .

TO THE PATRON . IT is no wonder , tho the Learned Crue Of Thee , and of none else , Protection sue ; Since Thou doest Vertue , Vertue doth Thee crowne , With Bayes Eternall , of most high Renowne . Then vnto Thee , and to none else belong , The IO PEAN'S of a Poets Song . M. WALTER FORBES .

DE AUTHORIS INDUSTRIA . IActat ROMA Patrum è placitis se posse tueri dogmata , queis vitiat Solis utramque domum ; His assentiri , quod & his reverentia prima Debetur , Patres pulpita tota sonent . Ista tamen falso jactat ; qui nesci●s haeret GUILDUS erit dubiae Duxque Comesque viae : Consulet hunc doctè monstrantem cuncta , videbit ROMA probris laceret queis pia scripta Patrum .

TO THE AUTHOR . LEarnd GUILD , how learndly div'st thou in the depth Of Romish Errours , with the Lead of Skill ! And letst all see That hath not ev'r beene kept As Truth , with which Rome now the World doth fil . Scripture repugnes , the Fathers all repyne , Antiquitie vntaynted doth declare , How much Rome will from them in trueth declyne , Although shee seeme to them still to adhere . But if the Fathers were on Earth agayne , With thanks , braue Guild , they would thy payns repay , Because thou hast reliev'd them from that Stayne , Which Rome would rubbe vpon them everie day . Goe forward , Guild , and feare not for Thy Foes , To take such Payns , Romes Errours to discose . M. W. C.

CHAPTER I. Of Antiquitie , and the severall sorts there-of .

1. OF SCRIPTURE .

AGe is a Crowne of Glorie , ( sayeth the Wyse ) when it is found in the way of Righteousnesse : and , Aske for the olde way , which is the good waye , is a wholesome counsell : For if we speake of ANTIQUITIE in the Superlatiue , wee may positiuelie affirme , Quod Antiquissimum est , est verissimum ; & quod verissimum est , est tutissimum : That that which is most ancient , is truest ; and that which is moste true , is moste sure . Therefore , Gods affirmatiue Trueth to Eva● , was prior to Satans negatiue Lie , Non moriemini , Yee shall not die : And therefore ever since , after the Beraeans exemple , To the Law , and to the Testimonie , hath beene the soundest directorie . Neyther must rash credulitie ( as that of the young Prophets ) against the warrand which wee haue out of Gods owne mouth , 1. Kings 13. induce vs , so to hearken to Gray hairs , as they anie way seduce vs . Neyther was it a sufficient warrand for the Pharisaicall doctrine in our Saviours tyme , that it was sayd of olde : but the true Touch-stone , where-to wee are taught to reduce each thing for reformation , is to that , Quod fuit ab initio , which was from the beginning . Divine Institution being onelie lyke the First-borne , to whom , as Primacie in order , so Supremacie of authoritie , as the excellencie of Dignitie , and prerogatiue of Strength is sole and onelie competent .

This is that which Peter calleth the moste sure worde ; which as it came from Heaven by inspiration , & leadeth to Heaven by direction : so hath it ever beene guarded by Heaven , by powerfull protection . And as by it the manner of Gods worship , as by a patterne , hath bene formed and prepared : so haue the aberrations there-frae , and decay there-of , 2. Chron. 31.21.35 . beene ever reformed , and repared .

This is the Christians Non ultra , No further ; whose comprehension & Consummatum , Accomplishment , ( as it is in Scripture , ) So doeth the Soule solie borrow light , ( as the Moone from the Sunne , ) and onelie from Scripture : Gods word there-in onlie resounding , His enlightning beams there-in onelie shyning , His will being there-in fullie revealed , and His whole counsell clearlie detected . So that as the sole rule of Religion wee doe embrace it , and as the perfect patterne on the Mount we doe proclaime it : although our Adversaries would seeme to supply a def●ct there-in , partlie by Apocryphall Writings , against all Antiquitie , and partlie by sophisticating the sound sense there-of , with vnwritten veritie : the glorious light where-of they woulde lyke-wyse obfuscate , with an vnknowne tongue , against all authoritie , and the comfortable knowledge wherof , by an impious prohibition they with-holde from their Laitie .

2. Of Councels and Fathers .

NExt vnto Sacred Scripture , wee reverence Councels , Bell. lib. 1. de Concil. cap. 5. in fine . and Fathers of the primitiue Church : and therefore Bellarmine granteth , that we receiue the first sixe Councels : which we account as Subjects at the right hand ( lyke Bathsheba ) beside the Throne , but will not place them in the Throne , ( lyke Salomon himselfe ) giving the Priviledge of 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 not vnto them , but to their GOD and ours . Iohn 4.42 . And as the Samaritanes , believing them not so much because they sayde it , as that we find their speach , lyke the Womans , agree with Christes wordes : and therefore take not their sentences as a Law , but as they homologate with the Law , Isai 8.22 . and are tryed by the Testimonie .

How-so-ever then wee account them Fathers to vs , yet wee esteeme them sonnes and subjectes to the Trueth it selfe : and that wee are no further bound to follow them , than Paul willed the Corinthians to be followers of him : 1. Cor. 11.1 . And therefore , as Orpah left Naomi , Ruth 1. when she left Midian : or as Augustine left Cyprian before him , when hee , and a whole Councell , left Scripture , concerning Re-baptizing . So we may leaue them lawfullie , when they leaue the Trueth erringlie , else , why are not the Papists them-selues Millenaries , Quae opinio , Bell. lib. 3 de Pont. cap. 17. §. hac . fuit multorum Veterum , Which was the opinion of many of the Ancients , sayeth their Grand Bellarmine .

Wee may not , therefore , sacrifice to the paynes of Man , what is due onelie to the pen of the Spirit : nor as if gods had come downe , in the shape of men , as the people of Lystra thought Paul and Barnabas , dare we giue to them that supreame honour of absolute beliefe , as to the mouth of God : but must with saint Ierome distinguish wyselie of the persons , and with saint Augustine discerne warilie of their payns : Ierome saying of the one , Scio me aliter habere Apostolos , Hieron . epist. 62 cap. 2. aliter reliquos tractatores , illos semper vera dicere , istos in quibusdam ut homines aberrare : I know I respect the Apostles one way , and other entreaters of matters another : the one , as those that ever speak truth ; the others , as men in some things subject to errour . And Augustine saying of the other , August . de beno pers●v . c. 2. Neminem velim sic amplecti omnia mea , ut me sequatur , nisi in iis , in quibus me non errare perspexerit , I would haue no man so to embrace all my writings and sayings , that he should follow mee , but in those things in which he knoweth well that I am free from errour . So that they them-selues subject their worke to the fyerie tryall of the Spirit , their building to the measuring Reede of the Temple ; their speach , to the Law and Testimonie ; their Coyne , to the Ballance of the Sanctuarie ; and tho never so skilfull for the worke of the LORDS Tabernacle , like Bezaleel & Aholiab , yet must their cunning bee lyable to the canon of Scripture , and their labours levelled according to that patterne , whereby no more indignitie is done so , to their venerable persons , nor worthie paines , and happie memories , Iohn 5.39 . than CHRIST wished to be done to his heavenlie Speaches ; or the Baereans did to the Apostles Preachings . And in a word , Reserving to GOD , and sacred inspyred Scripture , their prerogatiue royall , wee protest , that wee afford as much authoritie , as Pietie will permit , Reason require , Equitie admit , or themselues doe desire . So farre are wee from vilifying Antiquitie , disdaining the Fathers , contemning of Councels , or rejecting their Authorities , as most impiouslie we are belied , and more impudentlie slandered , by those who are of alike temper in their Faces , Daniel , 2. as Nebuchadnezar's Image was in his yron legs , being suteable of a whorish fore-head , that cannot bee ashamed , who are the supporters of that Whoore of Babylon .

While as they ( as shal be showne God-willing ) eyther contradict openlie , castrate craftilie , vilifie disdainfullie ▪ reject contumeliouslie , corrupt wilfullie , counterfeit audaciouslie , or glose shameleslie , and slander injuriouslie , not onelie Fathers severallie , but the most innocent proceedings in the first , and most famous , Councels .

3. Of Historie .

ANd as for Histories , the Vnfolder of Prophecie , the Light of Times , the Lyfe of Memorie , the Eternizer of Actions , the Glasse of Sufferings , & Detecter of Trueth , wee admit the same more than our Adversaries , & dimit them as probable Witnesses , with farre lesse Injurie : wherein wee clearlie see , that Sainct Peter and his true Successours , were never more busie to found Re●igion , than his pretended Successours at Rome haue bene there-after to confound Religion , & on the ruines thereof to ground their usurpation : which made their owne Author of Fasciculus temporum , to cry out , F. 49. defecit sanct● as primitiv● , & di●in●tae sunt veritate● : that is , Primitiue holinesse was ecclipsed , and verit●es were impared . of the 900. yeare of GOD , that in that most wicked time , and in the Papall Seat , both Pietie and Veritie was altogether decayed : and Platina to say , Quod eo tum Pontificatus devenerat ut qui plus largitione & ambitione valeret , is tantummodo dignitatis gradum bonis oppressis & rejectis obtineret : that is , that at that time the Popedome came to that passe , that hee who was able to doe most by bryberie and ambition , good men being borne downe and rejected , did onlie obtaine the place of honour .

Thus is made plaine the falling of that Starre from Heaven , Revelation , 9. to whome was given , the Key of the bottomlesse Pit : Thus did that Beast rise out of the Earth , horned like the Lambe , but speaking lyke the Dragon , and aspire both to such matchlesse power , and pompous pryde : Thus began that Whoore to sit on manie Waters , and that Mother of Harlots to make the Earth drunke , with the Wine of her Fornications , beeing drunke her selfe with the Blood of the Saincts .

Thus out of cleare Storie we see , how what budded both in Demas and Diotrephes , had its perfection in the Apex of the Papacie ; never ceasing , till that which before was a preaching Church , became thereafter a pompous Court : and those whose Predecessours were made Martyres , became themselues , by cruell massacring , Martyr-makers . So that as in the first period of the Church , there was trueth and patient suffering , ( against Satans force ) with holie simplicitie ; and in the second there was learned and pithie wrestling ( against Satans fraud ) by errour and Heresie : So in the third poysonable corruption , entred in the Romane Church by Pelfe and Pryde , Mammon and Monarchie : till at last Sodomiticall ease and fulnesse of Bread , bred tyrannous securitie : which being joyned with Craftinesse and obstinacie , doth now with bloodie crueltie and impudencie , fill vp the Cup , and summe vp the Mysterie .

All which is made manifest by their owne Friends and Favourers , who , howsoever they be the brood of their Bowels , yet like Vipers , who discover the bowels of their venomous Mother ; so these declare the lamentable decay of the light of religious Trueth , vnder the cloud of Papacie ; and the worlds dolefull declyning , to that palpable and mistie darknesse of ignorance and Apostacie . They likewise detect the Schismes and Simonies of the Romane Church , the pride and prevailing of that Apostaticke Synagogue , the craft and crueltie of that brutish Beast , the licentious luxurie of that lustfull Harlot , the cloaked hypocrisie of that false Prophet , with the damnable entries , desperate liues , & dreadfull deathes of those men of Sinne : Sometimes a Whoore possessing the Seate of that Whoore of Babylon , as wee reade of Pope Ioane : Sometimes a Whoore obtaining that Seate to her filthie Whoore-master , as wee reade of Theodora , advancing Iohn X. Sometimes the Whoorish Bastard of a Pope , and a Whoore sitting therein , as Iohn XI . procreated betweene Sergius III. and Marozia , Meretrix famosissima , a most notorious Whoore , ( sayeth Onuphrius . ) Sometimes by Monsters for filthinesse , and all sort of Vice , as Iohn XII . Steven VII . Sylvester III. Bennet IX . Sometimes entring by paction with the Devill , as Sylvester II. Sometimes by Simonie , or violent intrusion , as wee see was common , by Histories consent : Pla●ina in vit●a Syla. 3. and sometimes by such craftie cousenage , as wee see in Boniface VIII . who entred lyke a Foxe , lived like a Lyon , and died like a Dog , Fasc . temp. f. 49. & 59. saith their owne Fasciculus .

All these Witnesses of their owne wee produce faithfullie , wee desire them to bee heard indifferentlie , acknowledging their pens by GODS providence to haue beene guided carefullie , and for them wee thanke the LORD for their detection of veritie . But how they are of late belied in their Works , disgraced in their Writs , rejected in their Testimonies , and vilified by our Adversaries , the Reader may heereafter see , and the peruser consider .

CHAP. II. What the Romanists say of all the Fathers , and Ancients in generall , both in exposition of Scripture , and Dogmaticall pointes of Fayth .

HOwsoever Thrasonicklie their great Golia● Bellarmine doth brag of the consent of Antiquitie with them in everie point of controversie , Bell. lib. 3. de pont. cap. 19. §. hoc i●em . saying to vs , Vos nihil aliud fere afferre soletis , quam vestram ipsorum interpretationem : Nos vero patrum consensum : Bell. lib. 1. de C●risto . cap. 10 Initio . that is , You vse to bring no other thing almost , but your owne interpretation : but wee bring the consent of the Fathers . And howsoever hee slanderouslie vpbraideth vs , Bellar. oratione ante Tom. 4. §. Corona . saying , Adversarij parum aut nihil tribuunt patribus , imo nihili faciunt mille Cyprianos , & mille Augustinos : Bell. lib. 4. de Euch. cap 26. I●●tio . that is , Our Adversaries giue little or no credit to the Fathers ; yea , they count nothing of a thousand Cyprians , and a thousand Augustines ; forgetting himselfe when else-where for communion of the Cup to all , hee sayeth , Multa loca Adversarij ex patribus citant : that is , Our Adversaries cite manie places of the Fathers for them ▪ yet notwithstanding what hee especiallie sayeth of them all in generall , and thereafter how hee and others dealeth with them in particular , both severallie one by one , & conjunctlie conveaned in Counsell , wee shall heereafter ( God willing ) declare .

First then , speaking of their interpretation of Scripture , Bell. lib. 3. de verbo . cap. 10. §. respondeo aliud . he sayeth as much as anie Protestant , affirming , that they expone Scripture , More Doctorum solum , non Iudicum ; ideoque sententiam eorum non necessariò sequendam , sed quatenus ratio suadeo : that is , As Doctors only , and not as Iudges , therefore the Sentence is not necessarilie to be followed , but so farre as reason perswadeth .

Next , speaking of their other writtes of dogmaticall pointes of Faith , hee sayeth , Scripta Patrum non sunt regulae , nec habent authoritatem obligandi : that is , The Writs of the Fathers are not Rules , neyther haue they authoritie to astrict vs to them The reason whereof their owne Roffensis doeth render , saying , Roff. in resut 〈◊〉 7. 〈◊〉 . Nec diffitemur errasse Patres , Homines enim erant sicut & nos : that is , Nei●her deny wee but the Fathers haue erred , for they were Men , even as wee are . Imo constat ( sayeth Bellarmine ) quosdam ex praecipuis eorum in quibusdam non leviter lapsos , Bell. lib. 3. de terbo cap. 10. §. at . is . Bell. lib. 4. de Christo cap. 8. § respond●o . Bell lib. 1. de Sacram . cap ▪ 26. §. tertio . ut Hilarium vix dolores corporis in CHRISTO agnovisse , & Cyprianus improbabat Sacramenta tradita ab Hereticis aut Schismaticis : that is , Yea , it is sure , that some of the chiefe of them erred , and that not lightlie in some things , as Hilarie did , who searce did acknowledge that CHRIST suffered any paine in His Bodie ; and Cyprian denyed , that they were Sacramentes , which were ministred by Heretickes , or Schismatickes .

Item ▪ Iraeneus contendit ( sayeth hee ) CHRISTUM fere ad annum 50 pervenisse antequam passus est : that is , Ire●●us also did holde , that CHRIST almost came to bee fiftie yeares of age before Hee suffered : which is flat contrarie to Scripture , and S. Iohns relation , who showeth , that hee was baptized at 30 , and at the third Passeover thereafter that hee suffered Death , &c.

I omit their confession how manie were millenaries ; as also Augustines condemning of Children vnbaptized to hels fire , See Camus l. 3. c. 3 of the Fathers errours . with Ieromes errour of second marriages , &c.

Therefore , Aquin , part ▪ 1. quast , ● art 8. §. odd secundum . ( sayeth Aquinas ) Authoritatibus canonicae Scripture utitur sacra doctrina propriè ex necessitate arguendo , authoritatibus autem aliorum doctorum Ecclesiae , arguendo pro●abiliter . Innititur en●m fides nostra revelationi Apostolis & Prophetis factae , qui cano●●●cos libros scripserunt , non autem revela●ioni siqua fuit ali●s doctoribus facta ; vnde dicit Augustinus in Epistola ad Hieronymum , Solis enim Scripturarum Libris qui canonici appellantur , didici hunc honorem deferre , ut nullum authorem eorum in scribendo errasse aliquid , firmissime credam : Alios autem it a lego , ut quantalibet sanctitate doctrinaque praepolleant , non ideo verum putem quia ipsi ita senserunt , vel scripserint : that is , Holie doctrine vseth the authoriti● of canonicke Scripture , properlie and necessarilie concluding out of them , bu●●● gueth onlie probablie out of the authorities of other Doctors of the Church for our fayth is grounded on that which was revealed to the Prophets and Apostles , who wryte the canonicall Bookes , but not to that which was revealed to anie other Doctors , ( if any such th●ng was ) wherefore sayeth Augustine in his Epist●e to ●●rome , For I haue learned ( sayeth hee ) to giue this honour onlie to the Bookes of Scripture , which are called Canonicke , that I most firmlie belieue that no Author of any of them in their writing erred in a jet ▪ but as for others , I so reade them , that altho they were never so excellent , eyther in godlinesse or learning , yet I doe not belieue that it is true , because they thought or wrote so .

Wherefore in Patribus legendis ( sayeth their Salmeron ) servanda videtur sententia Quintiliani , Sal●●er . I●s . in Epist. ad Rom. disp. 6. s●● sine● . 〈◊〉 . l. 10. Cap. 1. qui sic scribit ; Neque statim ( inquit ) id legenti persuasum sit , omnia quae magni Authores dixerunt , utique esse perfecta , nam labuntur interdum & oneri cedunt , & indulgent ingeniorum suorum voluptati , summi sunt , homines tamen , acciditque lectoribus ut quicquid apud ipsos reperiunt , dicendilegem putant , ut deteriora imitentur : that is , In reading of the Fathers , the judgement of Quintilian would bee kept , who wryteth fo● neyther instantlie ( sayeth hee ) let the Reader bee assured , that all thinges which great Authors haue sayde , are everie way perfect , for they erre sometyme , and succumbe , and giue loose reines to the pleasure of their own wits . It is true , they are great Authors , but yet they are men ; and it befalleth their Readers , that whatsoever they finde in them , they thinke it a Law to their speaches , that so they may follow the worse thinges .

And for a particular practise of this fore-saide direction , Lyra in Mat. 1. Lyra setteth downe his owne example , saying , Nec debet aliquis moveri , si in hoc ob opinione Hieronymi disc●ssero : nam dicta sanctorum non sunt tantae authoritatis , quin liceat contrarium tenere , in iis quae per Scripturas non determinantur , ut ait Augustinus ad Vincentium , de sanctorum doctorum scriptis ; hoc genus scribendi à canonicis Scripturis distinguendum est , nam testimonia ex eis non depromuntur , quasi non liceat aliter sentire : that is , Neyther should any man bee moved , if I depart in this from the opinion of Ierome , for the sayings of the holy Fathers are not of so great authoritie , but it is lawfull to hold the cont●arie to them , in those things which are not determined by the Scriptures , as Augustine sayeth to Vincentius of the writs of the holie Doctors . This sort of writing is to bee distinguished from canonicke Scriptures ; for Testimonies are not taken out of them , as if it were not lawfull to any other-wyse to thinke .

Now then , if any Protestant say farder , than the foresayde Popish Doctors avouch concerning the Fathers , eyther in exposition of Scripture , or other points of Faith , let the most malicious Adversarie instance , and the vnpartiall Reader judge and discerne .

CHAP. III. How they reject Them all , when They make not for them , altho consenting in one : And first , In doctrinall points of Fayth .

BELLARMINE answering to Hermannus in the matter of Traditions , Bell l 4 de verbo , c. 7. §. ad 〈◊〉 . layeth this as a ground ; Etsi enim erraverint aliqui patrum ( sayeth hee ) in quibusdam dogmatibus , nunquam tamen omnes simul in eodem errore convenerunt proinde cum ostendimus omnes convenire in Traditionibus non scriptis asserendis , satis efficaciter probamus in eo illos non errasse : that is , Albeit some of he Fath●rs haue erred in some points of fayth , yet they never agreed all in anie one errour : there●ore when wee show , that they all agree for the est●blishing of vnwritten Traditions , wee p●oue sufficientlie , that they erred not in that . Sal●●● . I●s . in 1 Ioh. 3. disp. 25. §. tertio . Salmeron yet commeth nearer , and sayeth , Non sunt improbanda veterum testimonia , quando omnes , vel fere omnes , in unam sententiam conveniunt , vel in uno aliquo Scripturae loco interpretando concordant , quia tunc Patres certissimum & inevitabile reddunt argumentum veritatis catholicae , & certae ac legittimae interpretationis : that is , The Testimonies of the Fathers are not to bee rejected when they all , or almost all , agree in one opinion , or in the exposition of any place of Scripture , because then the Fathers giue a sure and inevitable argument of catholick veritie , and of a sure and lawfull exposition of Scripture .

And yet how they deale with Antiquitie in this point , let these particulars heereafter declare .

FIrst , in the freeing of the Virgine Maries owne conception , Bell. de amiss . gratiae l. 4. c. 15 §. a● hac . from all originall Sinne , Bellarmine is so resolute a decreeter , that hee sayeth , Altho there bee sundrie amongst the Catholicks that count it the surest trueth , That except CHRIST alone , none was ever conceived without originall sinne : yet seeing the Councell of Trent hath decreeted otherwise , hee concludeth , That whosoever believeth the contrarie , Inter Catholicos ( sayth hee ) non sunt numerandi : that is , They are not to bee numbred amongst Catholicks .

And yet beholde , Ex hoc loco , ( Rom. 5.12 . In qu● omnes peccarunt ) Sancti omnes ( sayeth Canus ) uno ore asseverarunt beatam Virginem in peccato originali conceptam fuisse : Ca●us loc. tl . col . l. 7. c. 1. num. 1. §. Sancti 〈◊〉 . that is , Out of this place ( Rom. 5.12 . In whom all haue sinned ) THE WHOLE holy Fathers with one mouth affirme the blessed Virgine to haue beene conceived in originall sinne . Therefore wee see that neither doe the Romanistes now holde that , which with one consent the Fathers helde of olde , nor are they accounted good Catholicks , who now belieue the same which they before professed .

This selfe same agreement of all the Ancients , most clearlie witnesseth their great Master of Sentences , Lombard . l. 3. dist. 3. saying , Of the Flesh which CHRIST assumed in the Wombe of the Virgine , Sane dici potest , & credi oportet , Iuxta Sanctorum attestationis convenientiam , ipsam prius peccato fuisse obnoxiam sicut reliqua Virginis caro . Sed Spiritus sancti operatione ita mundatam ut ab omni peccati ▪ contagio●● 〈…〉 uniretur verbo ▪ that is , Surely it may bee sayde , and must bee believed , according to the Testimonie of the Saincts , agreeing all in one , that it was at first subject to Sinne , ( to wit , that where-of Christ took● His humanitie ) as the rest of the flesh of the Virgine but there-after , that it was so cleansed , by the operation of the holy Ghost ▪ that being fred from all Contagion what-so-ever of Sinne , it might bee so vnited to the Word .

The same Consent of Fathers , confesseth lykewyse Salmeron : Salmeron● in Rom. 5. disp. 5● . but yet , how would this Iesuit escape ▪ Respondem●s ex Augustino , &c. We answere ( sayeth hee ) out of Augustine , and the doctrine of S. Thomas , That a Reason taken from Authoritie , is infirme . Also : Agaynst this Multitude which they object , wee answere ( sayeth hee ) out of God's word , Exod. 23 , Thou shalt not follow the judgement of manie , to depart from the Trueth . For when the Donatists gloried in the multitude of Authors , Augustine answered , That it was a token of a cause ▪ destitute of the strength of Trueth , which leaned to the sole authoritie of a multitude who might e●re , ( sayeth hee . )

Now how deep this Point drawes , wherin Poperie avowedly opposes it selfe agaynst all Antiquitie ▪ in equalling the Virgine Marie , even with CHRIST Him-selfe , let Bernard , in his 172 Epistle , and their owne S. Thomas testifie , whose mynde the fore-named Salmeron in these words doeth expresse , Salm. in Rom. 5. Disp. 49. saying , Privilegium hoc Thomas quasi nimis excelsum Virgini denegavit , putans per illud adequari Christo : that is , S. Thomas denyed this Priviledge to the Virgine , as too high ; thinking it an equalling of her , even to CHRIST Him-selfe . And yet this blasphemous Doctrine is not onlie generally helde by Romanists ▪ but decreed , as a matter of Fayth , Concil. Basil. sess. 36. appendix 5. sess. con●●l . Trid. in their Councell of Basill , and confirmed in Trent .

Wherefore , we may say ▪ as Bellarmine formerlie sayd in the matter of Traditions , when wee show , that all the Ancients agree , in affirming , that the Conception of all Men & Women what-so-ever , ( except Christ alone ) is not without Originall sinne : Therefore we may conclude ( vsing his owne wordes ) Quod s●t●● efficati●er probamus In eo illos non errasse : that is , That wee proue sufficientlie enough , that in this 〈◊〉 they ●o-wyse erred : And consequently , that the contrarie Doctrine , and Decree there-vnto , is al-to-gether Erronious ▪ & that Church which maintained the same , is vnavoydably hereticall , as the mouth also of that holie Father , Augustine most clearly with vs pronounceth saying , Aug. lib. 5. contra Iu●an . c. 9. & de fide ad Petrum , c. 26. Si absque dubio cara Christi , non est car● 〈◊〉 , sed 〈◊〉 carni ●eccati , quid 〈◊〉 intelligamu● 〈◊〉 excepta omnem , raliqua● 〈◊〉 carn●m essa pectati ▪ & quisquis hoc ●●gat , det●standus hereticus 〈◊〉 . That is , If without doubt the flesh of Christ as not sinfull flesh ; but 〈◊〉 onelie to sinfull flesh , what resteth to bee , vnderstood , but that it onlie being excepted , all other humane flesh is sinfull 〈◊〉 and who-so-ever denyeth this , hee is found to bee a detestable Hereticke .

The second Point , concerning Worship of Images , wherin Poperie opposeth it selfe palpablie against all Antiquitie .

SEcondlie , concerning the Worship of Images at their Polydorus Virgilius testifieth , Polyd. Virg. lib. 6. de invent . rerum , cap. 13. That all Antiquitie , in one Voyce , abhorred anie such thing : Nam imaginum c●ltum ( sayeth he ) n●n modo nostrae Religionis exp●rtes , sedteste Hieronim● , 〈…〉 veteres sancti patr●s damnabant obmetum idol●ta●riae , qua nullum execrabilias s●●lus esse pot●s● : that is , For not onelie those that are not of our Religion , but as S. Ierome testified , almost all the ancient holy Fathers , condemned the worship of Images , for feare of Idolatrie , than 〈◊〉 there can bee no more an ●●cursed Villanie .

Hence it was , that all adoration of Images , what-so-ever , was condemned as Idolatrous , both in the East , in that famous Councell of Constantinople , of 338 ancient Bisshops , conveaned in the yeare of God 754 ; as also in the West , in that famous Councell of Frankford , vnder Charles the Great , holden by the Fathers and Bishops of Italie , France , and Germanie , in the yeare of God 794.

And what was the Doctrine which the verie papall Sea it selfe did hold in the 600 yeare of Christ before that , Greg. lib. 9. epist. 9. let Pope Gregorie his Letter to Serenus , Bishop of Marsils , testifie ; willing him , how-so-ever Images were to bee tollerated for instruction , to bee in Churches , yet that hee should suffer them by no means to be adored , or anie wise worshipped . The Reason where-of hee giveth , is this , Quia omne manufactum adorare non licet , quoniam scriptum est , Dominum Deum tuum adorabis , & Ipsi soli servies : that is , Because it is not lawfull to worship anie thing that is made with hands , in respect it is written , Thou shalt worship the Lord , thy God , & Him onlie shalt thou serue . Where we see Dulia , or religious service , which is the most inferiour sort of popish worship , forbidden to Images , by a Pope him selfe .

But how crosse to this ancient Pope's direction , is the new Papall prescription , let the wordes of the Roman● Catechism● , set out by the command of the Councel of Trent to all men notifie , declaring , That Images of Saincts are put in the Churches , Cateches. Rom. part. 3. cap. 2. sect. 14. as well that they may be worshipped , as for instruction ▪ that people being admo●ished by their example , may conforme them selues to their lyfe and manners .

Yea , not onlie in Gregorie's tyme were they forbidden to bee worshipped , but by an vniforme consent of ancient holie Fathers , conveaned in the Councell of Eliberis , holden Anno 310 , Co●cil . ● . lib. cap. 36. for feare of Adoration that might ensue , they were forbidden to bee put in Churches at all . And therefore Epiphanius , who lived there-after , Epiphan. Epist. ad Iohan. Hierosolym . tom. 1. operum Hieron . epist. 60. in Anno 390 , finding a Vayle where-on was paynted the Picture of Christ , or some Sainct , in a Church at Anabl●t● , hee rent the ●ame in pieces , and wrote to the Patriarch of Ierusalem ( within whose bounds it was ) showing that it was agaynst the authoritie of Scripture , and repugnant to Christian Religion , to 〈◊〉 or suffer any such Wayles , or Images to be 〈…〉 Churches .

Therefore it was lykewyse , when Adrian the Emperour had commanded , Lamprid●is , in vita Alexandri Severi . that ▪ Temples should be made in all Cities without Images , that strayght-wayes it was presentlie conceited , & rumoured , that he did prepare those Temples for Christ . The reason was , because the ancient Christians had no Images in their Churches . Of whome when it was demanded by the Gentiles , why they had no Images ? Minutius Foelix gaue them this answere , Minutius Foelix , in Octavio . What Image ( sayeth hee ) shall I make to God , when man him selfe , if thou rightly judge , is God's Image ?

Yea , such was the more carefull warinesse yet , of the ancient Fathers , to prevent Idolatry , that they would not haue the Images of God nor His Saincts , so much as set vp in private houses . To which purpose was that speach of the foresaid Epiphanius ascribed vnto him in the Councell of Constantinople , Epiph. citat . a Concil. Constant. in act . 6. to● . 5. Concil. Nicen . il . saying , Haue this in mynd , belo●ed , Sonnes , not to bring Images into the Church , 〈◊〉 Church-yards , 〈…〉 places of the 〈…〉 , not into an ordinarie house ; but alwayes carrie about the rememberance of God into your hearts : for it is not lawfull for a Christian man to bee carried in suspense by his eyes , and the wandring of his mynde .

Nay , in the ancientest and best ●ymes , some would not so much as admit the Arte of making Images , to be amongst Christians , being so jealous of the danger that might ensue of their vnfit location , and illicite adoration : which made Clemens Alexandrinus to say , Clem. Alexan. Protreptie . ad 〈◊〉 . We are playnlie forbidden ( sayeth hee ) to exercise that deceitfull Arte.

And yet to what height both of Impietie & Impudencie , agaynst all Antiquitie , is Popish doctrine arisen vnto in this point , let their own wordes testifie .

First , that the same worship is due to the Image , which is due to that which it representeth , so teacheth S. Thomas of Aquin , and their S. Bonave●●●●e ? Aquin. 5. pa●●●●●est . 25. and therefore , that the highest degree of divine worship , which is Latria , is due to anie Image of Christ . And that this is not the doctrine of the forenamed , or of a few , but the constant doctrine of Romane divinitie , thus testifieth Azorius the Iesuit , Azorius institut. moral . tom. 1. lib. 9. cap. 6. It is the constant judgement of Divines ( sayeth he ) imaginem eodem honore & cultu honorari & coli , quo colitur id cujus est imago : that is , That the Image is to be honoured , and worshipped , with the same honour and worship , where-with that is worshipped , where-of it is an Image .

Secondlie , Per se & proprie s●●t v●nerandae , ( sayeth Bellarmine ) it a utipsae cerminum & venerationem , ut in se considerantur , & non solum ut vicem gerunt exemplaris : that is , By them selues , and prop●rlie they are to bee worshipped ; so that they themselues doe limit the worship , that it goeth not farder , as they are considered in them selues , and not onlie as they supplie the roome of that which they represent . Than which Position , never anie was ever more blasphemous , nor taught more grosse Idolatrie . And yet , lest that it should seeme to bee Bellarmine's , or the mynd of a few , Pet. de Cabrera , in 3. part . Thoma , q. 25. art. 3. disp. 2. num. 32. Frier Pedro de Cabrera , a great Divine in Spayne , telleth vs , that it is , Communis Theologorum conclusio : that is , The common conclusion of the Romish Divines .

The third Poynt , where-in avowedlie Poperie rejecteth Antiquitie : to wit , in placing their consecration of the Eucharist , in the words , Hoc est corpus meum .

THirdlie , the Arch-bishop of Caesarea , Archiep. Cas. lib. 1. f. 115. in his Booke of the necessitie of amending Schoole Theologie , dedicate to Sixtus 5 , sayeth , that it is the doctrine , Omnium Orthodoxorum , tum Graecorum , quam Latinarum , per verba sacrae orationis fieri consecrationem : that is , That all the Orthodox Fathers , both Greeke and Latine , holde , that Consecration is made by the words of holie Prayer . And yet all Papists refusing this Verdict of Fathers , affirme it to bee onelie by these words , Hoc est corpus meum .

The fourth Poynt , concerning Limbus Patrum : and for probation there-of whether it was Samuel truelie , who appeared 1 Kings 28 , us . Bellarmine holdeth , agaynst the most common consent of venerable Antiquitie .

LAst , when the consent of Fathers is particularlie adduced agaynst Bellarmine , both Greeke and Latine , to infirme his proofe of Limbus Patrum , out of 1 Kings 28 ; they affirming , that it was Satan that appeared to Saul , and not the Prophet Samuel ; thus disdaynfullie doeth hee reject their harmonie , Bell. lib. 2. de Purg. cap. 6. §. respond●● . saying , His non ●bstantibus , ●enendum est vere Smith elis animain fuisse : that is , Notwithstanding that all those Fathers say so , it is to bee helde , that it was truelie the soule of Samuel who appeared . I omit how Bellarmine showeth , that in the matter of Marriage , Bell. lib. 1. de Matrim . c. 7. §. ex quo . their Canus did holde an opinion , both singular & new , agaynst all Antiquitie : wherfore hee concludeth , that Canus opinion must bee altogether false : or else it should folow that in a most weightie poynt the whole Church assuredlie had for manie Ages ●rred . As also how Gropperus , Bell. ibid. c. 20. § respond●● . another of their number , in the same matter of Matrimonie , dissented from all Antiquitie .

Wee see then , howe consonant to their Practise , is their Thrasonick● Bragging , who sayeth , Nos Patrum doctrinam non aliqua ex parte admittimus , alia repudiamus , sed integram amplectimur : that is , Durie resp. adv. Whi●ak . f. 125. ( sayeth Durie ) We● admit not the doctrine of the Fathers in one poynt , and reject the same in another , but whollie embrace all that they holds . Or as Campian sayth , 〈◊〉 oratione 5. Tenemus integra horum volumina : that is , Hee keepe vs close , by their whole W●ytings . Ethos magistros à De● dat●s in omnibus audiunt Catholici , Costeri ●●chirid . in praef. antithes . 9. sayeth Costerus : that is , The Catholicks hearken vnto them in althings , as to Masters given vnto them from God . Beeing here-in no lesse impudent , than was the Hereticke , Dioscorus , who dissenting most clearlie from the Orthodox Fathers , yet hee vttered these wordes most peartlie and perverselle , Concil. Chalced. act. 1. pag. 97. edit. Rom. in the Councell of Chalcedon , saying , I am cast out with the Fathers , I defende the doctrine of the Fathers , I transgresse them not in anie Poynt .

Secondly , How the Romanists reject the Fathers , consenting in one , in exposition of Scripture , as formerlie hath bene showne they doe in doctrinall points of Fayth .

VALENTIA declareth , Valent. in ana●lys . fid●● . lib. 8. cap. 8. sect. 2. that their Councell forbiddeth expresselie , to expound Scripture agaynst the vniforme consent of Fathers , as beeing altogether infallible and sure . The reason where-of , Canus loc. Theol lib. 7. cap. 3. 〈◊〉 10. Canus doeth giue , Quippe cum Sanctorum omnium sensus , Spiritus sancti sensus ipse sit : that is , To wit , Seeing the meaning of all the holie Fathers , is the meaning of the holy Ghost him selfe ( sayeth hee . )

And yet , what the Popish practise is heere in , let vs by a few Examples beholde .

First , in the interpretation of that place , Rom. 5.12 . In whom al ha●● sinned , the whole Auncientes , with one mouth , Can. loc. Theol. lib. 7. cap. 1. num. 1. ● . Sancti . ( sayeth Canus ) affirme the blessed Virgine , to haue beene conceived in Originall sinne and so all agree , that by the word [ All ] the whole race of Adam ▪ are included , that ever were procreated betweene Man and Woman . But the Romanists will no-wyse acqulesse to this exposition , because they will haue the Virgin Maries conception without originall sinne ; and ●o , contrarie to the exposition o● all the Fathers , will haue her excluded .

Where also it is to be noted , that seeing no Graduate in Divinitie is promoted in Paris , without giving a solemne Oath , to mayntayne this Priviledge of the Virgine Marie : and that this Text , and exposition there-of , is close contrarie there-to , as also to that Ordinance of their owne Councell , for exposition of Scripture , according to the vniforme consent of Fathers . Therefore it will clearly follow , that they sweare both to impugne Scripture , Veritie , as also consenting Antiquitie , together with their Popes and his Councells authoritie .

Stella in lyke manner , expounding the 21 verse of the 10 chapter of Luke , saith , All the Expounders , whom I could commonlie see , eyther of ancient holie Doctors , or of recent Divines , all these , and their Commentaries , declare ▪ that the word confite●or , is not taken heere for Confession of sinnes ▪ but for that ( sayeth hee ) which wee call Thanks-giving , Commending , or to blesse , &c. Notwithstanding this meaning of the●●s can neyther agree with the wordes , nor could it ever satisfie anie-wyse my mynde .

Agayne , Maldonat , commenting on Matthew 26 , 29 , where our Saviour sayeth , I will not drinke hencefoorth of the fruite of the Vine , sayeth thus , Origen , Cyprian , Chrysostome , Epiphanius , Ierome , Augustine , Beda , Euthymius , and Theophilast ; all these referre those wordes to Christ's blood , ( or that which was so called in the Sacrament : ) but I cannot be perswaded , ( sayeth hee ) that they can bee referred to the Blood of Christ . Because he ( forsooth ) would haue them vnderstood of the common Cuppe , before the institution of the Sacrament , to avoyde the force of this Testimonie agaynst Transsubstantiation .

In lyke manner , expounding these wordes for Papall Supremacie ▪ Thou art Peter , Maldon . in Matth. 16.18 . and vpon this Rocke I will build My Church , hee sayth thus of the interpretation of Fathers , expounding the Rocke , not to be Peter , but Christ Him selfe , or that Confession of Fayth , which was made of Christ . This meaning ( sayeth he ) of these words , seemes not to me to be the true meaning , which all other Fathers thinke to be so , whom ever I remember to haue read , except onlie Hilarie .

Also , for mayntaynance of the same Supremacie , commenting on the subsequent Verse , Neyther will I interpret ( sayeth hee ) that this which is spoken heere to Peter , is spoken also in the same sense to the other Apostles , Whatsoever thou loosest on earth , shall be loosed in Heaven , altho I see all Interpreters , except Origen onelie , to bee of that mynde .

More-over , commenting on Matth. 11 , 13 , which speaketh of Elias that was to come , meaning Iohn the Baptist , hee sayeth , Almost all the Fathers so expound that place , but this their exposition is not fit enough . And why ? But because the Iesuit would haue Elias yet only to come , in the reigne and time of their conceited Antichrist .

Last of all , Maldon . in Matth. 19.11 . expounding these words of Matthew , All men cannot receiue this Saying ; after that he hath adduced the interpretation of the Fathers thereon , to be this , Non omnes praestare possunt , ut sint sine uxore , quia carent dono continentiae : that is , All men cannot attayne to this , that they may be without a wyfe because they want the gift of chastitie ; hee concludeth , Sic fere omnes exponunt , quibus equidem ego non assentior : that is , Indeede almost all Interpreters so expound , with whome not-withstanding I doe not agree . And why ? But because hee is a Pleader agaynst this Text , and the exposition of Antiquitie , for forced single lyfe , and the Vow of Continencie .

Agayne , in the exposition of the last Commandement , Bell. lib. 2. de Imag. c. 7. § perre . when Bellarmine hath adduced a number of Fathers , holding that Commandement , Thou shalt not covet , &c. to be but one entire Commandement , and not divisible in two , as the Papists make it , to make vp ten , confounding the first and second ; for defence of their Imagerie , hee rejecteth al their judgements , as grosse and erronious .

Bell. lib. 1. de purg . c. 6. In lyke manner , when he hath adduced the expositions of all the Fathers , which they giue on that place of the Corinthians ( 1. Cor. 15.29 . ) where-by hee would establish Purgatorie , because they serue not for his purpose , hee roundlie therefore rejecteth them all , calling them haske , and both false and forced ; and therefore taketh one of later Forgerie , more suteable to his mynde .

Agayne , Tolet. in Ioh. 7. a●●●t . 23. when Cardinall Tolet , in the exposition of Iohn 7 , 37 , hath adduced Chrysostome , Euthymius , and Theophilact , their agreement in one , yet this is his censure , saying , that their exposition is both forced and vnfit : and therefore hee professeth not to follow it anie way .

Last of all , Cajet. pref. in Pentateuch . thus sayeth Cardinall Cajetan , of the exposition of Scripture in generall , Let no man abhorre ( sayth hee ) any new sense of Scripture for this cause , because it disagreeth from the ancient Doctors : but let him search more nearlie the Text , and coherence of Scripture : and if hee finde agreement , let him prayse God , who hath not tyed the exposition of Scripture , to the meaninges of ancient Doctors , but to the integritie of Scripture it selfe .

How-so-ever then Bellarmine braggeth of their syde , that they follow the consent of Fathers , Bell. lib. 3. de p●nt . c. 19 sect. hoc item . Also , Lib. 1. de Christo , c. 10. miti● . falselie imputing to vs , that wee onelie followe our owne exposition ; yet wee see heere-in , that it may bee justlie sayde vnto them , that of the Poet , Mutato nomine de te , fabula narretur . Their owne Cardinall Baronius , Baron . annal. tom. 1. ad ann. 34. num. marg. 213. ( besyde their fore-named practise ) confessing clearlie , that al-be-it the holie Fathers , whom we ( sayeth he ) for their heavenlie learning , worthilie doe call , The Doctors of the Church , were evidentlie endewed beyond others , with the grace of the holie Ghost , yet in the exposition of Scripture , the Catholicke ( that is , the Romane ) Church , doeth not ever , and in all thinges , follow them .

CHAP. IIII. How contumeliouslie they deale with the Fathers , and especiallie , first , with those of the Greeke Church , conjunctlie , and in Councell .

IT is reported of Pelagius , that even when he most disagreed from the Orthodox Fathers of the Primitiue Church , yet in his third Booke for Free-will , hee soothed vp his Heresie , and thought to amaze all men with his prayse of Sainct Ambrose ; Blessed Sainct Ambrose , that Bishop ( sayeth he ) in whose bookes the Romane Fayth especiallie appeareth , who lyke a beautifull Flowre , shyned amongst the Latine Wryters , and whose Fayth , and most pure vnderstanding of the Scriptures , the verie Enemie himselfe dare not reprehende . Even so , our Adversaries , when they most disagree lyke-wyse from the most ancient Fathers , and primitiue Councels , yet how they doe soothe vp their Errours ? But with the lyke Salue : alleadging the holie Fathers , and famous Councels of the primitiue Church , al-to-gether to make for them ; and therefore they highlie extoll and advance them . But as Ambrose not-with-standing made agaynst his Prayser Pelagius , So doe the Fathers and Councels make close agaynst the Romanistes : and then , how they turne their Osanna , to Crucifie ; their Praysing , to Depressing ; and their High Valuing , to Low Vilifying , let their owne Mouth , and these Examples , verifie .

Their ancient Pope Gregorie declareth , Gre● . lib. 1. Epist. 24. sub ●in . ● . that hee reverenced the foure first Councels , as the verie foure Gospels ; holding firmlie , that they only stood for Trueth , and only with-stood Errour : and yet , what is it that Bellarmine accuseth the verie second of these Councels of ? Even the standing for , & decreeing of a most grosse Heresie , and the with-standing of such a necessarie Trueth , which by the definition of Pope Boniface the eight , Extran . lib. 1. tit. 8. de major & obed. c. vnam sanctam . is of such importance to belieue , that by him who holdeth not the same , there is no salvation to bee expected , because hee is without the Church . And this great Poynt is the Pope's Supremacie .

Bellarmine's owne wordes then are these , Bellar. pr●f . de pontif . § veni● . The first ( sayeth hee ) God●81 ●81 , would haue the Bishop of Constantinople , ( who before was not a Patriarch at all ) preferred notwithstanding to the three Patriarches of the East , and in the second roome , next the Bishop of Rome . And this may bee vnderstoode ( sayeth hee ) by the second Generall Councell . Wher-vnto he might haue joyned like-wise the sixt Canon of the first Nyce● Councell , no lesse peremptor against the fore-saide Supremacie .

Where it is to be noted , that Papall Supremacie , which the Greeke Orthodox Church never would admit , can no-wise therefore bee called ( as the Papists tearme it ) a Catholicke point of Doctrine : as also if the Pope cannot erre , ex Cathedra , it will follow , according to Boniface fore-said definition , that all the Greeke Fathers are absolutelie damned .

Next , hee spareth not to blotte those holie Fathers , of that fourth and famous Councell of Chalcedon , Bel. ibidem . both with Fraud and Deceit , in the fore-named point , saying , Thereafter , in the yeare 451 , the Greeke Fathers ( sayth he ) not being content with their former Determination , they preassed to make the Bishop of Constantinople equall alway to the Bishop of Rome : for in the Councell of Chalcedon , in the sixteenth Act thereof , the Grecian Fathers decreed , ( but not without deceit ( sayeth hee ) and the Romane Legates beeing absent , ) that the Bishop of Constantinople should bee so in the second Roome , after the Bishop of Rome : that notwithstanding thereof , bee should haue the same equall Priviledges , as the other had .

Now , if anie grosser Imputations can bee layde vpon anie , than hee doeth vpon these holie Fathers , and famous Councels , let any man consider ; making them hereticall in Mind and Opinion , and false or fraudulent in Manners and Action ▪

Yea , what farther falsehood and fraude hee layeth to the charge of that famous & Orientall Church , in corrupting the works of others , Bell. lib. 4. de pont. c. 11. §. ad secundum , & sect. secundo . Item , lib. 2. de Christo , c. 23. se●● . Graci . let his owne wordes testifie . For it was the ordinarie Custome of the Grecians , ( sayeth hee ) to corrupt the Bookes of other men . Where-of hee cleareth the Occidentall , or Latine Church , by a reason to be laughed at , for the palpable evidence of the contrarie , ( as shall bee showne ) saying , Quoniam Romani sicut non accumina , it a nec impostur as habent : That is , Because the Romanes , as they haue no sharpnesse of wit , so they cannot vse deceit , ( sayth he : ) while as all men know , & experience hath taught , that there are none that haue beene more subtill , nor sharper witted than they .

Secondlie , how they deale with the Greeke Fathers , severallie and a-part .

FIrst , when Chrysostome is adduced for peoples reading of Scripture , Bell. lib. 1. de verbo , cap. vlt. §. respondeo verbo . Bellarmine answereth , That continuallie hee exhorted all men ( sayeth hee ) to reade the Scriptures : Non quod vellet omnes rudissimos id facere : That is , But not , that hee would had all men , altho never so vnlearned , so to doe . And so hee imputeth to this holie Father , that hee spake farre other-wise , than hee meant ; and dissimulatelie required that to bee done , which hee would not haue done in earnest .

Next , when wee vrge Ireneus testimonie ( for proving the Pope to bee Antichrist ) that the number of the name of the Beast most fitlie is Lateinus , ( according to the olde forme of pronouncing , as Lipsius witnesseth ) thereby showing , Lipsius de antiq. pronun . cap. 8. that hee was to bee a Latine Bishop , having his Seate in the Latine Church : and more particularlie , in Latium , or Italie , his Decrees also in Latine , and all publicke Service in these Churches , subject to him in Latine like-wise . Vnto this Testimonie of Ireneus , Bellarmine answereth thus , Bell. lib. 3. de pont. cap. 10. sect. has opinio . Conjectura illa Irenei ( sayth he ) quae tunc aliqua fuit , nunc nulla est : That is , That light conjecture of Ireneus , which was some-what in his dayes , is of no account with vs now : As if such Varlets were best Valuers , or Trueth changed with Time , and Veritie ran on the Wheeles of vnconstant Varietie .

Agayne , when Saynct Cyprian is opposed agaynst Traditions , Bell. lib. 4. de verbo c. 11. sect. profert . 12. Bell. lib. 2. de sacr. cap. 30. sect. 4. Bellarmine answereth , that Cyprian wrote so ( sayeth hee ) when hee would defend his Errour , ( which hee calleth elsewhere the Heresie of Anabaptisme ) and therefore it is no marvell , that he reason after the manner of Heretickes . By which answere , hee condemneth not onlie Saynct Cyprian , but Augustine lyke-wyse , who in this poynt , of requyring recourse to bee had onlie vnto holie Scripture , greatlie commended Saynct Cyprian .

Lyke-wyse , when Theodoret is objected agaynst Transsubstantiation , witnessing in his second Dialogue , called , Inconfusus , That after Consecration , the Elements remayne still in their former substance ; Valentia answereth , Valen. lib. de transsub . c. 7. sect. 11. saying , That some of the Ancients in this Matter , neyther thought nor wrote truely , nor consideratelie , as they ought . Or hee might haue added , At least , as the Iesuits now would haue had them .

In lyke manner , when Chrysostome is produced to proue , that the Virgine Marie had originall sinne , because shee sinned actuallie , when Christ rebuked her at the Marriage of Cana in Galile ; Tolet , in Ioh. 2. annot. 5. sect. v●t●m● . Cardinall Tolet answereth thus onlie , In ho● Chrysostomus probandus non est : that is , ( sayeth hee ) Chrysostome is not to be approved in saying so .

More-over , when Ignatius , a Greeke Father , is opponed agaynst the mutilation of the Sacrament , Bell. lib. 4. de Euch. c. 26. sect. respondeo pri●um . Bellarmine answereth , Non multum fidendum est Graecis condicibus Ignatii : that is , ( sayeth hee ) The Greeke Writinges of Ignatius , are not greatlie to bee trusted .

Agayne , when Origen is objected , to proue , that Marriage is no Sacrament , Bellarmine answereth , Bell. l. 1. de matrim. c. 5. sect. alteram . Origines autem non est tantae authoritatis in Ecclesia , ut ejus sententia ne●essario approbanda sit : that is , Origen ( sayeth hee ) is not of such authoritie in the Church , that his opinion necessarilie is to bee followed . And yet how frequentlie hee obtrudeth him agaynst vs , as of great authoritie , let his citation of him , and his fellow Iesuits , in their Bookes , testifie : Lindanus , when hee citeth him , Lind. l. 3. c. ●4 . calling him , Illustre Alexandriae l●men : that is , The bright light of Alexandria : Durcus contra Whitak . f. 109. and Durie calling him , Testis omni exceptione major : that is , A Witnesse , without all exception , greatest .

Lyke-wyse , when Euthimius is alleadged , in the matter of the Sayncts beatitude , Bell. lib. 1. de sanct. c. 4. sect. h●be●mu● . Bellarmine answereth , Non est ●ac in re usque adeo magni faciendus : that is , ( layeth hee ) In this matter , bee is not so much to bee esteemed .

Now , to resume : if with imputations onelie of double Dissimulation , conjecturall Lenitie , damnable Heresie , rash Inconsideratenesse , seducing Errour , and such lyke , wee should thus aunswere the Testimonies of Fathers , consenting clearlie with Scripture ; affirming them vnworthie of Christian approbation , of honest mens trust , wyse mens regard , or Fatherlie Authoritie ; what clamours of Indignitie , done to Antiquitie , should wee heare of our opposed Partie ? forgetting that Precept of Equitie , Quod tibi fieri non vis , alterine feceris .

CHAP. V. How the Romanists deale with the Latine Fathers , conjunctly and apart .

AS Canus sayeth of the Fathers in generall , Can. loe . theol . lib. 7. cap. 3. num. 7. The canonick Authors ( sayth he ) as they are supream , heavenlie , and divine ; so they keepe a perpetuall and firmè constancie of trueth ; but other holie Wryters being inferiour , and humane , they erre some-times , yea , and bring foorth Monsters , against the convenient order , and ordinarie course of Nature . Alph. l. 1. adv. heres. c. 7. So doth Alphonsus de Castro , declare , that they are oftentimes found contradictorie to themselues , ( saith he : ) the particular examples where-of Iansenius , Ians . concord . Evang. c. 137. p. 541. & cap. 146. p. 624. in his Concordance of the Evangels , hath laboured to show , in Ierome , Ambrose , and Augustine .

Like-wise , with levitie and inconstancie , thus doeth both Bellarmine and Alphonsus brand holie S. Ierome , who when hee is objected vnto them against their Pompaticall and Papall Hierarchie , alleadging no difference to bee in Scripture , betweene a Bishop , and a Presbyter , Bell. lib. 1. de cler. c. 15. sect. est antem . Bellarmine answereth , Est autem observandum Hieronymum in h●c sententia , non adeo constantem videri : That is , It is to bee observed , ( sayeth hee ) that Ierome in this point seemeth not to bee so constant , as hee should bee .

Alph. l. 6. adv. heres. tit. Episcopus . The like sayeth Alphonsus , in these wordes , Ex quibus verbis apparet B. Hieronymum sibi ipsi in hac parte minime constare : That is , By which words it is evident , that S. Ierome was no wise constant in this point .

Yea , more-over , when Ierome is produced , consenting with a number of Fathers , whom their Medina nominateth , to prooue the same point , that primitiuelie a Bishop and Presbyter were all one , Bell. lib. 1. de pont. c. 8. §. respondeo . Bellarmine answereth grossely , giving him the Lie , saying , Videtur revera Hieronymum in ea opinione fuisse , quae falsa est : That is , It appeareth indeede , that Ierome was of that opinion , but yet the same is false .

After the same manner doeth Pigbius also vse Augustine , Pigh. de orig. pecc . whose doctrine when hee hath brought , in two pointes , concerning originall sinne , ( agreeable to Scripture ) yet thus he speaketh thereof , Quae Augustini sententia [ sayth hee ] non solum incerta , sed & falsa est : That is , Which doctrine of Augustine's , is not onlie vncertaine , but lyke-wyse vntrue , or false .

Yea , little lesse vnreverentlie doth Bellarmine vse one of their own Popes , to wit , Pius the second , whose testimony when we oppose against Papall Supremacie , proving , that no such thing was knowne , nor acknowledged , in the primitiue Church ; the fore-saide Pope testifying , Quod ante Nicenam Synodum parum respectus habebatur ad Romanam Ecclesiam : That is , That little regard was had to the Romane Church , before the Councell of Nice : Bellarmine thus answereth , Quae sententia ( sayth he ) partim non est vera : That is , Which declaration of his heere-in , is in a part false and vntrue .

Agayne , when Tertullian is produced agaynst the Pope's infallibilitie , Bell. lib. 4. de po●t . c. 8. §. respond●o . proving Pope Zepherin to haue beene a Montanist , Bellarmine answereth roundlie , That Tertullian is a Liar , saying , Non est omnino Tertulliano hac in parte fides adhibenda : that is , In that matter there is no credit at all to bee given to Tertullian .

Bell. lib. 2. de bon. oper. c. 9. sect. 8. So lyke-wyse , when the same Tertullian is adduced , for proving Christian libertie in fasting , Bellarmine answereth thus , Tertullian ( saith hee ) in that booke expoundeth the Catholicke Doctrine after that manner , as at this tyme the Lutherians vse ; that is , everie-where mixing in Cal●mnies and Lies .

More-over , when Augustine in his Retractions , Bell. lib. 1. de pont. c. 10. §. ad Augustin●̄ . interpreting the Rocke , where-on Christ was to build his Church , is adduced agaynst the Papists , to signifie , not Peter , but CHRIST Him-selfe ; Bellarmine answereth , Ex sola ignorantia linguae Hebreae esse deceptum : that is , that Augustine was deceived heere-in , onelie by his ignorance of the Hebrew tongue .

And agayne , Bell. de ●uch . l. 1. c. 11. sect. fi rùrsus . when he is produced agaynst Transsubstantiation , showing , that Christ's wordes , saying , I will not drinke hence-foorth of the fruit of the Vine , were spoken of the consecrated Cup , Bellarmine answereth , Augustinum non expendisse hunc locum diligenter : that is , that Augustine did not weigh or consider this place diligentlie : to wit , not so friendlie for the Pope's behoofe , and his Darling of Transsubstantiation , which was hatched after .

In lyke manner , Bell. lib. 1. de purg . c. 5. sect. quarta diff . when the foresayde Augustine , and Pope Gregorie's expositions , on 1 Cor. 3 , 13 , are adduced , showing , by that Fyre which is spoken of there , are meaned the Troubles of this lyfe , and no other Fyre of Purgatorie , Bellarmine summarilie goeth to worke , and sayth , Sed hoc jam rejecimus : that is , But as for this exposition of theirs , ( sayth hee ) wee haue alreadie rejected it .

And when hee hath showne , how many ancient and famous Authors haue vehementlie oppugned their ydle begging Orders , Bell. lib. 2. de mon. c. 45. yet he answereth , At ●ihileminus vitam mendicantium , tanquam sanctam & perfectam , approbarunt multi Pontifices : that is , Not-with-standing of all those Ancients and Authors , it is enough , that manie Popes haue approved the lyfe of begging Friers , as holie and perfect .

Yea , more-over , when both a Romane Councell , Bell. lib. 2. de mon. c. 35. §. at his . Greg. l. 3. Ep. 11. 1 Tim. 5.9 . and a Romane Pope , are produced , forbidding the vayling of Nunnes , before 60 years of age , according to that Apostolicall Precept , of receiving of Widowes , Bellarmine there-vnto answereth , His non obstantibus licere in quacunque aetate , si adsit usus liberi arbi●rii , talia vota nuncupare : that is , Not-with-standing of all that is alleadged , ( to wit , out of Scripture , Councels , or Fathers ) it is lawfull ( sayeth hee ) of what age so-ever they bee , ( provyding that they haue the vse of Free-will ) to vnder-goe such Vowes .

I omit , how hee answereth the Authorities of other Fathers , onlie with imputation of Ignorance , and want of Learning vnto them , when they are objected ; as where hee sayeth , Bell. lib. 1. de Christo , c. 6. §. at contra . Procopius was a better Orator , than a Divine , ( sayeth hee : ) Lactantius also was better seene in Cicero's Bookes , Bell. lib. 1. de sanct. c. 5. sect. habenius . than hee was in the Scriptures : and Victorius was indeed ( sayeth hee ) a Martyr , but he wanted Learning .

To conclude , therefore ; if with baser Money anie can bee payed , who exacteth Satisfaction to the Testimonies of Fathers , than you see by our Adversaries layde down heere , let anie one judge : Or if Imputations to those Auncientes , of Monstrous Births , crosse Contradictions , grosse Errour , light Inconstancie , base Lying , vilde Slandering , blynde Ignorance , carelesse Neglect , with vndeserved Distrusting them , and open Rejection , can passe for currant , eyther on their bare word , to satisfie vs , or to expresse their so much pretended , and bragged of reverence to venerable Antiquitie , then let Light and Darknesse , and GOD and Beliall be agreed , or as the Poet sayth , Iungentur jam gryphes equis , aevoque sequenti Cum canibus timidi venient ad pocula damae .

CHAP. VI. How the Romanists haue shamefullie corrupted the Fathers , both by adding to them , payring from them , and altering their wordes .

AS the particulars of the proofe here-of , are heere-after set downe , of Popish corrupting of Fathers , making them either to suffer , if not for their works , a Purgatorie heere-after , yet in their workes , a sure Purgatorie heere ; or else , making them against their willes , to speake the Language of Israel and Ashdod together : So what was the sensible seene experience of that worthie and learned Iunius , which him-selfe relateth , let his owne wordes , and protestation , bona fide , testifie . I will relate ( sayeth hee ) truelie that which I saw with mine eyes : when I remayned in Lions , Franc. Iu●ius , pra●●r . ●●die . expurg . belg . ( in the Yeare of GOD 1559. and the next Yeare after ) I was familiarlie acquainted with the Correcter of a PRINTING-HOUSE there , named Ludovicus Saurius , who dwelt not farre from Mercurie Street , in the Lodging close adjacent to the signe of the three Doues . Now when I had come to salute this Man , it fell out by chance ▪ or rather by the singular providence of GOD , that I found him busied in revising over the Workes of S. Ambrose , which then Frelonius was printing : and after much talke hither and to , when I shewed him , that I would no longer bee a with-drawer of him from his work , hee having begun againe the reading over of one Page , saide to mee , See yee not the manner of this our Edition of S. Ambrose , how prettie and perfect it is ? and to looke vpon it , is worthie to bee preferred before anie Edition that ever hitherto came out . And after I had behelde , and praysed the finenesse of the Edition , hee saide then vnto mee , But if I were to buy anie Copie of S. Ambrose Workes , I would buy anie other Copie what-so-ever , before I bought this which thou seest . And when I had asked the reason why hee saide so ; Then hee taking out some Pages foorth of the Hutches , or Drawers vnder the Table , which were all razed and cancelled , either in part , or in whole : hee saide to mee , This is the first Impression ( sayeth hee ) of the Pages which with-in those few dayes wee printed most faithfullie according to the Copie of the Olde and true Impression : but two Gray-Fr●ers since then , according to the authoritie given to them , haue blotted out in all these Pages , as thou seest , and haue caus●d those new ones to bee put in the place of the former , against all credite of these our Books ; which thing hath bred both Charges , and exceeding great fashrie to the Printer Frelonius . The veritie of which Relation , if anie should doubt there-of , he may easilie perceiue , by collation of S. Ambrose works , printed at Paris , anno 1529 , by Claudius Chevallonius , which I haue beside mee : or at Basill , by Hieronymus Frobenius , anno 1538 , with that Impression at Lions , by Frelonius , anno 1560 : and as the particulars ensuing shall giue proofe of others .

First , Examples of Popish adding to the Fathers .

FIrst , of adding to the Fathers , and their Decrees , being conveaned in Councell , wee haue a notable evidence , in that impudent and audacious fact of Pope Zozimus , who added a Canon in his owne behalfe , to the verie first Councell of Nice ; which by that famous sixt Councel of Carthage was , as a notable Forgerie , detected , and declared , and could never hitherto , by all the croaking Frogges of that Iesuiticall Crew , See Bell. l. 2 de pon● . c. 25. bee soothed sufficientlie , or colourablie excused .

Againe , in the matter of appeals , where-as the Councel of Milevi decreed , Concil. Milev . c. 22. vnder paine of Excommunication , That none with-in Africke should appeale to any part beyond Sea : Bellarmine is forced to grant a forged addition , Bell. lib. 2. de pont. c. 24. §. respondeo aliqui . in favours of the Pope , to haue beene there-after grosselie by Gratian added to the Canon , saying , Addidit ad hunc Canonem exceptionem , nisi forte ad Apostolicam sedem appelletur , sed haec exceptio non videtur quadrare ( sayth hee ) nam praecipue propter Romanam Ecclesiam Africani statuerunt ut non liceret appellare ultra mare : That is , Hee added to this Canon , this exception , to wit , Except perhaps the appeale bee made , vnto the Sea Apostolicke ; but this exception ( sayeth Bellarmine ) seemeth not to agree with the Canon , for it was chiefelie for the Romane Churches cause , that it was decreed , to bee vnlawfull to anie , to appeale out of Africke , to anie part beyond Sea . Thus wee see for the Pope's advancement , and gratifying , how false , and trickie his Supposts haue beene of olde , even by our Adversaries owne confession clearlie .

Like-wise , when that grosse and blasphemous place in * * Dist. 19. c. In cano●●m . Gratian , alleadged on S. Augustine , is vpbraided , affirming , that the Pope's Decretals ought to bee accounted amongst canonicall Scripture , Bell. lib. 2. de concil . c. 12. §. respondeo ad . Bellarmine answereth , Deceptum esse ex depravato codice , quem ipse babuit B. Augustini cui tribuit illum canonem , codices vero veri & emendati B. Augustini non habent ut Gratianus refert : That is , Gratian ( sayth hee ) was deceived by a corrupt Copie of S. Augustine's , which hee had beside him , to whom bee attributeth that Canon ; but the true and mended Copies of S. Augustine since then , haue not these words as Gratian reporteth them . How bolde then the Pope's Parasites haue beene with the works of the Fathers , in corrupting them , for supporting that Whoore of Babylon , wee may clearlie see , by this confession of Bellarmine's , & others , who now in their latter and mended Copies , are forced , for shame , to haue razed out of their olde Copies , such grosse corruptions , and openlie to disclaime the same .

In like manner , to proue that in Purgatorie some sinnes are remitted , Bell. lib. 1. de purg . c. 4. initio . Bellarmine citeth a place of Augustine , which their owne Vives in his Notes vpon that Chapter , denyeth anie wayes to bee found in the olde Copies and Manuscripts of Augustine , Aug. l. 2● . ●e civit . De● . c. 24. kept amongst themselues , in their chiefest and Metropolitane Bibliotheakes , saying , In Antiquis libris Brugensibus & Coloniensibus , non habentur isti decem aut duodecim qui leguntur versus : That is , In the ancient Copies which are at Birges and Colen , these ten or twelue Lynes , which are heere read , are not to bee had there .

More-over , the same Ludovicus Vives , in his Notes vpon the 8 Chapter , of the 22 Booke of Augustine , De Civitate Dei , * * Also a notable patch is added to the 24 Chapter , of the 21 Booke . sayeth plainlie , In h●c capite , non dubium quin multa sunt addita , veluti declarandi gratia , ab iis qui omnium magnorum authorum scripta spurcis suis manibus contaminabant : That is , In this Chapter , ( sayth hee ) without doubt , many thinges are added , as it were for explanations sake , by those who with their filthie Handes , haue defyled the Wrytings of all Authors , that are of great Authoritie . And more particularlie , who those are , who haue done so , their owne Erasmus telleth vs clearlie , Erasmus , in iudic● Scholiorum in Hieron . saying , Monachi Patrum corruperunt Scripta : That is , It was the Monkes ( saide hee ) that haue corrupted the Wrytings of the Fathers : as is cleare , both by that addition in the fore-alleadged corrupt Copie of Gratianus his Augustine , making onlie for the Pope , and as shall bee , Godwilling , here-after also shown , of the Monks of Weingart , and Bellarmine's own Testimonie , of their forging of Chrysostome's Homilies , Bell. d●scrip . rec● . an● . 396. Rhem. in Math. 3.1 . on Marke , cited by the Rhemists , for monasticall lyfe .

Againe , in the works of Fulbertus , B. of Chartres , published at Paris , anno 1608 , fol. 168 , are set downe these words of Augustine , Vnlesse yee eate ( saith Christ ) the flesh of the Sonne of man , and drinke his Blood , yee shall haue no lyfe in you , Facimus vel flagitum videtur jubere , figura ergo est dicet haereticus praecipiens passioni Domini esse communicandum , &c. That is , Hee seemeth to command a great wickednesse ; it is therefore a figure , will the Hereticke say , requyring vs onely to communicate with the Lord's Passion , and sweetly and profitably to lay vp in our memorie , that His flesh was crucified , and wounded for vs . Remarke then , how the publisher hath put in of his owne these wordes , dicet Haereticus into Augustine's Testimonie , cited by the fore-saide Fulbertus ; and by so doing , thinking to meete with the Hereticks of this time , ( as hee calleth vs ) was not a-ware , that hee made Augustine lyke-wyse an Hereticke for Companie , whose verie words these are , and no other mans , Lib. de doct. Christ . cap. 16.

Like-wise , Gratian relating the second Councell of Cavaillon , Distinct. 1. cap. Quidam . their words concerning Confession , setteth them downe thus , Quidam veve sacerdotibus confitenda esse percensent , ut tota fere sancta Ecclesia : That is , But some are of mynde , that our sinnes are to bee confessed vnto the Priest , as almost the whole holie Church thinketh . But that these wordes , ut tota fere sancta Ecclesia , are favourablie added for Popish Confession , to insinuate , that the same was a catholicke doctrine , and practise in the Church then , not onlie the preceeding wordes , comprehending the whole Greeke Church , their minde in the contrarie , verefieth , Qui Deo solummodo confiteri peccata dicunt , ( saith the Canon : ) That is , Who sayth , that sinnes should bee confessed onelie to God : but also the Note vpon this place of their Canon Law , latelie published by Gregorie the 13 , freelie granteth , that these words , ut tota fere sancta Ecclesia , are added , and are not neither in the Capitular , nor Councell .

What forged and farsed Additions like-wise are everie-where through-out S. Cyprian's workes , put in by that impudent Patcher Pamelius , let that Edition of his of S. Cyprians workes , conferred with ancient Copies , as Gulartius hath verie well observed them , to all men testifie : one example where-of I will onelie instance , of the alleadgeance , of a testimonie of S. Cyrian's , of that Edition , adduced for the Pope's Supremacie , in a written Popish Pamphlet , sent of late to a Brother of our Presbyterie , to answere vnto ; and which , for evidence of the trueth there-of , wee yet keepe beside vs , containing foure grosse Additions , even in one onelie Testimonie , besides a most fraudfull Alteration , of most materiall words .

The Testimonie then or S. Cyprian , Cyprian . tract . de simpl . praelat . Lugdu●● , apud Seb. Gryphium . 1537. printed amongst them-selues of olde , ( as I haue the Booke to exhibite ) is thus : The Lord speaketh thus to Peter , ( sayeth Cyprian ) I tell thee , ( sayeth Christ ) that thou art Peter , and vpon this Rocke I will build my Church , &c. And Hee sayeth vnto him againe , after His Resurrection , Feed My Sheepe . And albeit after His Resurrection , ( marke this ) he gaue a-like power to all His Apostles , and said , As My Father sent Mee , so sende I you , receiue the holie Ghost : to whom ye forgiue sinnes , they shall be forgiven , &c. Yet that Hee might manifest that vnitie should bee amongst them , by His authoritie , Hee disposed it so , that the beginning of this Vnitie should bee at one , yet were the rest of the Apostles the verie same , as was Peter , ( remarke this againe ) endued with alike fellowship , both of Honour & Power : but a beginning proceedeth from Vnitie , that it may bee showne , that Christ's Church is one .

Thus we may see , that this Testimonie sincerelie cited , and considered , maketh no wayes for Peter's Supremacie of Iurisdiction over the rest of the Apostles , or the Pope's , ( as his Successor , over all other Bishops ) but is flat agaynst the same : seeing it is sayde , That the rest were the same , as hee was , and all had the a-lyke , or equall power , as hee had .

But this fore-sayde Testimonie , as it is clowted and clamped , and by him who out of his Pamelius hath cited , and set downe the same with his owne hand , is thus , Loquitur Dominus ad Petrum , &c. that is , The Lord speaketh thus to Peter ( saith Cyprian ) I say vnto thee ( sayeth Christ ) that thou art Peter , and vpon this Rock● I will build my Church , &c. And Hee sayeth to him agayne , 1. Addition . Feede my Sheep● : Super illum unum aedificat Eccl●siam 〈◊〉 , & illi p●scendas mandat oves suas : that is , Vpon him alone did Christ build His Church , and to him onelie recommended Hee His Sheepe to bee fed . ( This is the first Addition to this Testimonie ▪ ) And al-be-it ( sayeth Cyprian ) after His Resurrection Hee gaue equall power to all His Apostles , and sayeth , As my Father sent mee , so send I you : and , to whom yee forgiue their sinnes , they shall bee forgiven , &c. Yet that Hee might manifest that Vnitie that should be amongst them , Vnam Cathedram constituit : that is , ● . Addition . He appointed one only Chayre to bee ( sayth the clowting Tinker : ) And by His authoritie He disposed it so ( sayeth Cyprian ) that the beginning of this Vnitie should bee at one ; yet were the rest of the Apostles the verie same , as was Peter , endewed with the lyke Priviledge , Honoris & Potestatis , ( sayeth Cyprian ) that is , Al●ration . of Honour and Iurisdiction . But , Honoris & Dignitatis , ( sayth our metamorphosing Exchanger ) nimirum ante illa verba Christi ad B. Petrum , Pas●e Oves meas : that is ▪ And the rest of the Apostles had this honour , of equall dignitie , onelie before these wordes of Christ were spoken to Peter , saying , Feede my Sheepe . ( This is the third new Patch . 3. Addition . ) But a beginning proceedeth from Vnitie , ( sayeth Cyprian ) & primatus Petro datur : that is , And the Primacie is given to Peter , 4. Addition . ( sayeth our false Recorder , in Cyprian's name ) that Christ's Church may bee showne to bee one , ( sayeth Cyprian ) Et cathedra una monstretur : 5. Addition . that is , And that lyke-wyse one Chayre ( to wit , of Infallibilitie ) may bee demonstrate ( sayeth this monstrous Mungrell . )

Thus haue they sowne in their Tares , in anothers Fielde : thus also haue they put in their Colloquintida , in the Pottes of the Lord's Prophets , and the Asse hath joyned to plow with the Oxe together . And by so doing , they haue made the workes of manie ancient and worthie Wryters , lyke Hermophrodites , which are hardlie knowne to which Sexe they inclyne most ; joyning their newe Clowt , to the others graue Garment ; and so marring both Colour and Credit of the whole Vesture .

Secondlie , examples of Popish purging from the Fathers .

AS in the former Examples we haue seene their illicite Lincie-wolsie mixture of Addition , So wee will show now , God willing , how these cunning Arithmeticians are as perfect in their manner of Substraction , and so cannot onelie decline in the Datiue , but as well in the Ablatiue Case : & as Naash would haue pulled out the right Eyes of the men of Iabesh , so how they haue ( Crow-lyke ) picked out manie orthodox Speaches , out of the works of holie Fathers , that were most peremptor against them , making them Eunuches so by violent castration after their deaths , whome they could not finde to haue made for their Errours by vnjust declaration in their liues .

Senensis , therefore , in the Preface of his worke , dedicated to Pius the fift , not onelie confesseth this practise of Purgatorie paines by the Pen , taken about the Ancientes , but highlie also commendeth the Pope , for his care of performing the same , saying , Tu beatissime Pater expurgaricurasti omnia Catholicorum authorum scripta , & praecipue veterum patrum : that is , Thou most blessed Father ( sayth hee ) hast caused purge all the Writs of Catholicke Wryters , and chiefelie the Fathers .

Lyke-wise , this is avowed in the late Edition of S. Augustine , Printed at Paris , by Nivel , in S. Iacques street , at the signe of the Storks , 1571. in the Preface where-of , it is saide , That by the command of the most holie Councell of Trent , the Bookes of the Ancient Fathers , are ordained to bee purged .

Yea , the Iesuit Possevin , showeth , that this Expurgatorie Practise , Possevin , l. 1. bibliothec . s●l●ct . c. 12. is not onlie to bee extended to those that are Print , but to manuscript Copies .

Gretzer . de jure prohib . l. 2. c. 10. p. 328. & 329. And this the Iesuit Gretzeras confesseth , after that hee hath spoken of the proscription of some whole Fathers , as Tertullian and Origen , hee subjoyneth of others , saying , Et si librum integrum proscribere fas est , fas etiam erit pr●scribere partem , seu magnam , seu parvam , eam exscindendo , delendo , obliterando , vel simpliciter omittendo ob lectoris utilitatem : That is , If it bee lawfull to suppresse or inhibite whole Bookes , then it is lawfull lyke-wyse to suppresse a great , or lesser part of one , by cutting out , deleting , blotting away , or by omitting the same simplie , for the Readers well-fare , ( sayth hee . )

This lyke-wise , the Expurgatorie Index it selfe showeth in particular , both that which is printed at Madrill , by Alphonsus Gomezius , 1594. for Belgia ; also the other , printed by Ludovicus Zanches , their King 's PRINTER , for Spaine , anno M.DCXII .

In the which Spanish Index , Index expurg . Hisp. lit . B. tit . Bibliotheca Patrum . our of the Bookes of Abbot Antonius , 36 places are commanded to bee blotted out , who is one , that is set downe in the fift Tome of the Bibliotheca Patrum . Like-wise a great part of a whole Treatise of Dorotheus Archimandrita , is ordained to be razed , P. 103. who is in the first Tome . The like is also ordained to bee done with the 29 and 30 whole Chapters of Nicolaus Cabasila , who is in the ●ixt Tome : P. 91. P. 106. P. 109. & besids two places of Melito , all the whole Chapters of his worke , which follow after the eight Chapter , are appointed , by a vehement purging Pill , to bee cleane rid out of the way , who is in the seaventh Tome .

To instance like-wise more particulars , Bell. lib. 4. de verbo . c. 11. §. f●xto . by confession of our Adversaries them-selues ; when Chrysostome is vrged for perfection of Scripture , against Papall Traditions , the Testimonie beeing taken out of his Commentarie on Matthew , ( like as hee giveth witnesse to the same Trueth , commenting on the first to the Galatians , and 95 Psalme , which are vnsuspect works , and by all acknowledged to be his ) Bellarmine answereth thus , Locus hic ab Arrianis insertus , est quibusdam codicibus nuper emendatis sublatus : that is , This place ( sayth he , by bare alleadgeance onlie ) was insert by the Arrians , and out of some Bookes that are newlie amended , is quite purged away .

Like-wise , for prooving of the same point of the Scriptures perfection , where-as the olde Impression of Athanasius hath a notable place , Athan. lib. 1. contra g●●tes . saying , Sufficiunt sacrae ac divinitus inspiratae Scripturae ad omnem instructionem Veritatis : That is , The holie and divine inspyred Scriptur●● , are sufficient for ALL instruction of Trueth ; This word [ omnem ] or [ ALL ] which galleth them , and where-in the verie pith of the Testimonie lyeth , in their latter Editions , which they haue at Rome , they haue al-together razed , and left out : for so Bellarmine professeth , that it is not now in their Bookes , Bell. lib. 4. de verbo ▪ c. 11. ● . profert . quarto . and therefore would haue that word to be added of late by vs ; were not the oldest Copies printed amongst themselues maketh him a Liar ; and where-of I haue one beside mee , to witnesse to anie the veritie thereof .

In lyke manner , in that fourth Booke , & fourth Chapter of Sainct Ambrose , De Sacramentis , it is thus in the ancient and vncorrupted Copies , agaynst Transsubstantiation , Si ergo tanta vis est in sermone Domini , ut inciperent esse quae non erant , quanto magis est operatorius est ut sint quae erant , & in aliud commutentur ? that is , If therefore there bee such power in the speach of our Lord , that thinges which were not before , began to bee , ( to wit , at the Creation ) how much more ( sayeth Ambrose ) is the same powerful to make , that things may still bee that which they were before , and yet bee changed to another thing ?

But because these wordes , Vt sint quae erant , so clearlie crosse their Conceit , who after the wordes of Consecration , would haue the Elementes of Bread and Wyne , not to bee anie more , that which they were before in substance ; and to bee changed , onelie into that , which they were not before in vse : to wit , To bee Sacramentes . Therefore , they haue , for avoyding the troubling of their Braynes , in forging fectlesse Evasions , rather taken the shorter Cut , ( as wee say ) and haue in their Romane Edition , ( which is also followed in that , set out in Paris , Anno 1603 ) quyte cut out , and purged away these words , which like evill Humours so much before distempered them ; making them now smoothe so to run , Quanto magis operatorius est , ut qua erant , in aliud commutentu● : that is , How much more powerfull is our LORD'S speach , to make that those thinges which were , should bee changed into another thing ? And so no Bone sticketh in their Throat .

Agayne , in the same Matter , the Author of the imperfect worke , on Saynct Matthew , attributed to Chrysostome , Hom. 11. wryteth thus ; If it bee so dangerous a matter ( sayeth hee ) to transferre vnto private vses those holie Vessels , in which the true Bodie of Christ is not , but the mysterie of His Bodie is contayned ; how much more for the Vessels of our Bodie , which God hath prepared for Him-selfe to dwell in , ought wee not to giue way to the Devill , to doe in them what hee pleaseth ? Now these wordes , In quibus non est verum corpus Christi , sed mysterium corporis ejus continetur : that is , In which His true , or naturall Bodie , is not ; but in which the mysterie of His Bodie is onelie contayned : because they did threatten so the Eversion of that Transsubstantiating Conversion of theirs , therefore it is , that in their later Editions , they haue hearkened to that saying , Abscindantur qui nos perturbant : and accordinglie , both in that Impression of this worke , at Antwerpe , apud Ioannem Steelsium , Anno 1537 , and at Paris , apud Ioannem Roigny , Anno 1543 , and at Paris agayne , apud Audoenum parvum , Anno 1557 , not one Syllable of them is to bee seene , tho extant in the older Editions , of the date of 1487 , and after .

More-over , Bertram , who wrote in the 800 yeare of GOD , agaynst Transsubstantiation , then peeping out , when in his Booke , of the Bodie and Blood of Christ , dedicated to the Emperour Carolus Calvus , who set him a-worke , hee hath clearlie in these wordes dashed that Babels Brood , agaynst the Stone of solide holie Writ , saying , Thinges which differ one from another , are not the same : the Bodie of Christ , which was dead , and rose agayne , and beeing made immortall , dieth no more , ( Death having no more dominion over it ) it is nowe ever-lasting , and not subject to suffering : But this which is celebrated in the Church , is temporall , not ever-lasting ; it is corruptible , and not free from Corruption . . But as they professe , in the Expurgatorie Index of this Author , when they haue essayed , for escaping , to invent some fyne Devyce , and feigne some commodious Sense for them , which is this , to wit , That this is meant of the Accidents , or Formes of the Sacrament , ( sayth he ) which are corruptible . or of the vse of the Sacrament , which continueth onelie in this present worlde , and in that sense , is temporall . And when not-with-standing they see , that this will not serue them , in respect the whole scope of the Discourse is agaynst this Shift , and tendeth to proue , That it is not the naturall Bodie of Christ , which was borne , died , and rose agayne , which Christians externally receiue in the blessed Sacrament ; what then is their next Recourse ? Even this bankrout Shift , Non male aut inconsulte igitar omittantur omnia haec : that is , It is not amisse then , ( say they ) nor vnadvysedlie done , that those things be left out al-to-gether .

Yea , not onlie haue they paired away parcels , Chap. 15. §. 4. but ( as shall bee showne , God willing , heere-after ) they haue razed , and bereaved vs of whole Records , and entire Treatises , that haue made against them .

And , as Erasmus in a word tolde vs before , who were those Aegyptian Flies , who were the Corrupters of the wholesome travels of ancient and holie Authors in the Church of CHRIST , before the noysome Crew of Iesuiticall Frogges , with more whoorish fore-heads , eased that filthie Swarme ; and being the last Emissaries of that false Prophet , vnder-tooke that Taske : So , to confirme the trueth of Erasmus speach , I will heere relate one onlie proofe there-of , which that learned Father B. Vsher , helped to discover . In the yeare 1616 , one Petrus Stuartius set foorth at Ingolstadt , amongst other Treatises , one especiallie , of Rabanus Maurus , Archbishop of Mentz , called his Penitentiall ; in the 33 Chapter whereof , answering to a question of a Bisshop , named Heribaldus , concerning the Eucharist , what became of it , after it was consumed after the manner of other Meates , and sent into the Draught ; Rabanus hath these wordes , Pag. 669 ; Some of late , ( sayth he ) not holding rightlie of the Sacrament of the Bodie and Blood of our LORD , haue saide , That the verie Bodie and Blood of our LORD , which was borne of the Virgine Marie , and in which our LORD Him-selfe suffered on the Crosse , and rose againe from the Graue . Against which Errour , writing vnto Abbot Egilius , According to our abilitie wee haue declared ( sayth hee ) what is truelie to bee believed concerning CHRIST'S Bodie . Heere wee see , then , that Rabanus tongue is clipt for telling of Tales , ( as sayth that former Father : ) first , therefore , wee must see who is the Doer , and next , what are the words that are razed out . Stevartius , the publisher , freeth him-selfe of the fact , telling vs in the margent , that hee found that blank in the manuscript Copie . But whence had hee that manuscript ? Out of that famous Monasterie of Weingart , ( saith he : ) So that wee see clearlie , that the Monkes of Weingart stand on the Chalke .

Next , let vs see what are the words that are razed : B. Vsher ( as I said before ) hath helped notablie to cleare this to Posteritie , thus : In the Liberaries of that worthie Knight , Sr Robert Cotton , and D. Ward , Mr of Sidney Colledge in Cambridge , hee found a Treatise of the Sacrament , of great Antiquitie , ( as he reporteth ) beginning thus , Sicut ante nos quidam sapiens dixit , &c. In which the Author laying downe the opinion of Paschasius Radbertus , ( who was Bertram's Antagonist ) that the flesh which is received at the Altar , is no other than that which was borne of the Virgine Marie , and suffered on the Crosse , and rose out of the Graue , and is yet daylie offered , for the life of the Worlde , Contra quem ( sayth this Author ) satis argumentatur & Rabanus in Epistola ad Egilonem Abbatem , & Ratrannas quidam libro composito ad Carolum Regem , dicentes ali am esse : that is , Against whom , both Rabanus sufficientlie doth reason , in an Epistle written to the Abbot Egilo ; as also , one Ratrannus , ( alias Bertramus ) in a Booke made vnto King Charles , saying , That it is another kinde of f●esh , ( to wit , Sacramentall . ) Where-by we may now see , what it is that these razed-headed Monkes of Weingart , haue razed with their hands out of Rabanus Penitentiall ; seeing wee are given to vnderstand by this Author , what his opinion was in this point , in his Epistle to Abbot Egilo . And therefore , that the fore-said blanke hath beene filled vp before with these words : to wit , That the naturall Bodie of CHRIST , is that selfe same Bodie , which is by the mouth received at the Altar . Against which Errour , ( sayeth Rabanus ) writing to Abbot Egilo , we haue , according to our abilitie , declare● what is truelie to bee believed , ( to wit , the cleane contrarie . )

Thirdlie , Examples of Popish Altering the words of the Fathers .

FIrst , for proofe of this Practise , as the thirteenth Chapter shall giue Instances of their Alteration of the wordes of a whole Convent of Fathers , conveaned in Councell ; So , how they deale with them particularlie , let these Examples testifie .

Saynct Ambrose , to show , that Personall Succession , is nothing , without Succession of Doctrine , sayeth , Petri hereditatem non habea● , qui non habent Petri fidem : that is , They haue not hereditarie Succession from Peter , who keepe not Peter's Fayth . But how is this Testimonie corrupted ? ( as is to bee seene in Gratian , De penit . dist. 1. c. potest . and in their later Editions ) For mayntayning the Pope onelie to bee the lawfull Successour to Peter , and that such locall and personall succession , is the Note of the true Church . Petri hereditatem non habent , qui non habent Petri sedem , ( say they : ) that is , They haue not hereditarie Succession to Peter , who haue not P●ter's Chayre . Where ye see , Sedes , put for , Fides ; The Chayre at Rome , for , The Christian Fayth where-so-ever .

Bell. lib. 2. de verbo , cap. 12. sect. dic● secunde . Lyke-wyse , Bellarmine , ( to establish the adoration of the Virgine Marie ) hee citeth Chrysostome , translating that place of Genesis , 3 , 15. [ Ipsa , Shee : ] which Chrysostome hath plainlie in the Greeke masculine , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 [ Ipse , or bee shall treade the head of the Serpent ] vnderstanding CHRIST , and not the Virgine Marie .

Also , to prooue the adoration of Reliques , Bell. l. 2. de r●liq . c. 3. sect. 8. Ioha●n●s . he citeth againe the foresaide Chrysostome , saying , Tumulos Martyrum adoremus ; where-as Chrysostome without anie word of adoration , sayeth onely , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , ●angamus .

Againe , when as Pope Leo his Epistle , is cited for the priviledge of Marriage in the Clergie , speaking ( as Moses did of the conditions of the High-Priest's Wyfe ) De muliere sacerdotis eligenda : that is , What a one for Wyfe the Priest should make choyse of ; without anie more warrandable Reason than bare Alleadgeance , Bel. l. 1. de cler. c. 21. sect. alium . Bellarmine sayth , Legitur in codicibus melioribus , de muliere sacerdotio elegendi : that is , It is read in those Bookes that are better reformed , ( to wit , by Popish Transforming ) of the Wyfe of the Priest that is to bee chosen . Insinuating there-by , that howsoever he might haue had a Wyfe before his Su●ception of Priesthood , yet there-after hee might not haue anie .

In lyke manner , Bell. lib. 3. de pont. c. 7. sect. quod autem . the same Bellarmine , to proue , that Antichrist is not yet come , hee bringeth this reason ; That when hee commeth , the Persecution of the Church shall bee so great , and manifest , that such a separation shall bee made , ( contrarie to Matthew 13 , 30 ) that all the Wicked , and lurking Hypocrites , shall bee conveaned together in Antichrist's Hoaste , & openly oppugne the Church of the Sayncts : which ( sayeth hee ) hath not yet beene : and therefore , that Antichrist is not yet come . But to proue his Major , hee adduceth a falsified Testimonie of Augustine's , saying , A● tunc erumpent omnes in apertam persecutionem , ex latebris odiorum : that is , And then all the Wicked shall burst foorth in open Persecution , out of the lurking Holes of their hatred . Where-as Augustine's true wordes are these , onlie speaking of Satan's loosing , Exibit a●tem , dictum est ( sayth hee ) in apertam persecutionem , de la●eb● is ●rumpet odiorum : that is , As is sayde , Satan shall goe foorth , in open persecution , and out of the lurking Holes of his hatred to the Godlie , shall hee then breake out .

More-over , when Pope Clements owne Testimonie in Eusebiu● , Eu●●b . l. 2. 〈◊〉 . c. 1. is adduced to show , that of the Apostles , after CHRIST'S Assumption , Nemo sibi vendicabat primatus gloriam : that is , Never one of them did challenge to them-selues the honour of Primacie , one aboue another ; Bellarmine answereth , Bell. lib. 1. de pont. c. 26. §. ad testimonium . That albeit in the Edition of Basill , of Ruffinus Version , ( which is the oldest , and vnsuspect ) these fore-named words be : yet in the Edition of Colen , turned , and set foorth by a Catholicke Romane , since then , ( which is later , and done by a Partie ) the word of [ Primacie ] is not to be seene : ( there is notable purging . ) And for these words , ( saith he ) Bishop of the Apostles , ( speaking of S. Iames ) is to be found , Bishop of Ierusalem . ( Heere is againe a notable alteration , and both the former Purgings , & this , are cleared by our Adversaries . )

Like-wise , Bell. l. de confirm . c. 12. §. est quidem . the same Bellarmine freelie confesseth Pope Gregorie's Epistles to be cunninglie corrupted , by Popish Episcopal Parasites , who would haue Confirmation onlie to belong to Bishops ; and therefore they haue put in the fore-saide Epistles , baptizandos , for , baptizatos : that is , Those that are to bee baptized , for , Those that are baptized .

The like corruption hee confesseth to bee in Pope Gregorie's Morals , Bell. lib. 1. de purg . c. 11. sect. secund● . by those who affirming the Fire of Purgatorie not to bee materiall , and bodilie , haue put in , incorporeum , for corporeum : that is , Incorporeall , for , Corporeall .

And when a Testimonie out of Socrates is produced against the Antiquitie of their fourtie dayes of Lent , Bell. l. 2. de bo●is oper. c. 15. sect. sed . after that Bellarmine , without anie warrand , or certaintie , hath saide onlie , Probabile est codicem Socratis esse corruptum : that is , It is likelie , that Socrates booke bath beene corrupted : hee subjoyneth , * * sect. Itaque . Pro tribus septimanis scribendum esse quinque : that is , That for three weekes , it is best to write fiue : and concludeth , that this metamorphosing of Authors , is the only fittestway ( when they are straited ) to extricate them-selues , and compose their differs , saying , Itaque si corrigamus textum Socratis , & pro tribus septimanis ponamus quinque , nulla erit discordia inter Socratem & Cassianum : that is , Therefore ( sayth he ) if wee amend the Text of Socrates , and if wee put for three weekes , fiue , then no discord shall bee betweene Socrates and Cassian .

Againe , where-as the Author of the imperfect worke vpon Matthew , attributed to Chrysostome , in the 19 Homilie of the olde Edition 1487 , hath Sacrificium panis & vini : that is , The offering of bread and wyne : the latter Edition at Paris , Apud Audoenum Parvum 1557 , hath altered them into these words , Sacrificium corporis & sanguinis CHRISTI : that is , The sacrifice , or oblation of the Bodie and Blood of CHRIST .

Likewise , this Prayer is found in the elder Editions of the Gregorian Sacramentarie , Greg. oper. tom. 5. ●dit . Paris . 1505. col. 135. where-by is proven , That Prayer which was vsed of olde for the Dead , did not necessarilie inferre , That their Soules were therfor in Purgatorie , for whom they did pray . Annue nobis , Domine , ut anima famuli tui Leonis haec prosit Oblatio : that is , Grant vs , O Lord , that this Oblation may profit the Soule of thy Servant Pope Leo. For which , the later Editions haue chopt in this Prayer , Liturgis . Pamel●● , tom. 2. p. ●14 . Annue nobis , Domine , at intercessione famuli tui Leonis haec nobis prosit oblatio : that is , Grant vs , O Lord , that by the intercession of thy Servant Leo , this Offering may profit vs .

I neede not to repeat agayne , that alteration of Cyprian's wordes , See also Aug. in Psal. 37 , cited by Bell. l. 4. de purg●e . 5. §. Aug. having for , em●̄dato , emenda●ri● . which is alreadie mentioned in this same Chapter , putting , Dignitatis , for , Potestatis ; Honour , for , Power : where-vnto the Reader , for inspection of the whole Forgerie , may haue his Recourse .

By such fraudfull Relation , then , of their Myndes , and Alteration of the words of ancient Fathers , they haue not onelie , as it were , marred their Complexion , and for Shibboleth , made them say , Siboleth ; but shamelesselie also to haue called , Light , Darknesse ; and Darknesse , Light ; as in their dealing with the purging of Bertram they openlie professe ; ordaining by their Expurgatorie Index , for , Visibiliter , fol. 1137 , to bee put Invisibiliter : And so , for founding their Vsurpation , haue sought so to confound the Trueth ; that if their owne Mouths did not condemne those naughtie Servantes , and their owne Pennes and Paynes , discovered not vnto vs some Examples , by Hercules Foote to cognosse the rest of his hudge Stature ; Wee should doubt , that those whome the LORD made in their age ( lyke Elias ) to pleade for the Trueth , lyke Iesabels Priestes , that they had beene rather Pleaders for Baal . And therefore we see , how necessarie is that Caveat of Vincentius Lyrinensis , Vin● . Li● . de heres. c. 34. ● . 37. That it is dangerous to commit the Tryall of inveterate Errours , to the Wrytinges of Auncientes , ( how-so-ever he commend the Tryall of such as are new broached , to bee made by the consent of Fathers : ) his wordes are these , But neyther al-wayes , nor all kinds of Heresies , are to bee impugned after this manner , but such as are new , and latelie sprung vp , namely , when they first aryse , whyle by the straytnesse of Tyme it selfe , they may bee impeded , from falsifying the Rules of ancient Fayth , and before that their Poyson spreading farther , they attempt to corrupt the Wrytings of the Ancients . ( Note this . ) But farre spread , and inveterate Heresies , ( sayeth hee ) are not to be dealt with after this manner , for as much as by long continuance of tyme , a long Occasion hath lyen open vnto them , to steale away the Trueth . Where-of , by a few Instances , ( in place of manie ) wee haue proven the Popish Packe to be most guiltie , and whose Errours haue s●ielie spread so farre as a contagious Gangren in tyme of prevayling Darknesse , and haue continued so long in the Christian Church , as a longsome Sicknesse , that the very Mayntayners of them hither-to , bragge of their Vniversalitie , and Duration in the Church .

CHAP. VII . How manie vnder the Names of Fathers , Bellarmine acknowledgeth to be meerly counterfeyt , and this thorow the first fiue Ages , or Centuries of the Church .

FIrst , Clement's * * Anno 7● . Epistles are such , for so hee sayth of the fift , Bell. l. 3. de bonis oper. c. 11. sect. caterum . It is sure ( sayth hee ) either that it is not his , or else by some mightilie corrupted .

The like hee sayth of his Recognitions , Lib. 5. de lib. arb. cap. 25. § . ad hunc .

Also of his Constitutions , Baron . epit . ad an . 102. p. 72. Baronius sayth , that by all men they are counted counterfeyt .

Againe , Iustinus Martyr , * * Anno 163. his Questions , are justlie suspect by Bellarmine , Bell. lib. 4. de pen . c. 9. §. 〈◊〉 . to bee counterfeit : seeing in the 82 Question , Origen is made mention of , who lived after I●stinus , more than an hundreth yeares and fiftie .

The verie like is cleare of Dionysius Areopagita , * * Anno 70. that hee is likewise a counterfeit , as their owne Laurentius Valla , by the like reason maketh good : to wit , because in his booke , De divinis nominibus , Clemen● Stro●ateus is cited , who lived two hundreth yeares after Dionysius . And yet this is hee , whom Bellarmine oft tymes citeth , to proue the most points of Poperie , as their Hi●rarchie , Monasticall lyfe , Purgatorie , and such lyke : but of whome Ierome maketh no mention of in his Booke , De Viris Illustribus ; which hee would not haue omitted , if anie such had bene acknowledged in his tyme , Act. 17.34 . ( whose name especiallie had beene in-rolled in Scripture ) and had beene a famous Wryter .

In lyke manner , Bellarmine acknowledgeth Tertullian's * * Anno 200. Bell. lib. 1. de Christ● , c. 10. ● . responde● . Booke , De Trinitate , not to bee his , because the Sabellians are there refuted , who rose not in his tyme .

For the verie lyke reason also hee declareth , that Cyprian * * Anno 250. his Explicatio Symboli , Bell. ibidem . is not his , because Arrius , Eunomius , and Pbotinus , who were not borne in Cyprian's tyme , are by name refuted .

Lyke-wyse , Bell. l. de confir . c. 5. §. author . & l. 2. de Euch. c. 9. sect. ●xta● . hee declareth , That the Sermons of the Cardinall Vertues of Christ , as also his Sermon of the Supper of the Lord , are not Cyprian's , but counterfeyt .

In lyke manner , Bell. l. de ●●nfir . c. 8. & l. 1. de penit . c. 10. hee suspecteth his Sermon of the Vnction of holy Chrisme ; and the other , of the Ablution of Feere , to bee none of Cyprian's , but to bee meerelie counterfeyt .

As also , he declareth that Booke , which is given out vnder the name of Ar●●bius , * * Anno 300. Bell. l. 4. de amiss . gra . c. 9. sect. hic ver● . Master to Lactantius , to bee none of his , but a more recent Counterfeyt .

More-over , Bellarmine declareth , that the Homilies on Leviticus , attributed to S. Cyrill , * * Anno 430. Bell. lib. 4. de verbo , c. 11. sect. item . are none of his , but a counterfeyt , and of no Authoritie .

Likewise , hee suspecteth the Questions attributed to S. Basill , * * Anno 370. Bell. l. 1. de amis. gra . c. 13. sect. respond●o . to be none of his , but a miere counterfeyt .

The like sayeth Possevin , of the Questions attributed to Athanasius , * * Anno 340. Possevin , apparat . sac . tit. Athanasius . that they are mierlie counterfeyt .

In like manner , the same Possevin , showeth , that manie Treatises attributed to S. Ambrose , * * Anno 370. Possevin . in appara●●● . tit. Ambrosi●s . are surelie onlie Counterfeytes , as , De virtutum & vitiorum , conflictu , expositio fidei , libellus de sp. sancto , liber de concord . Mathei & Lucae ; liber de poenitentia , ad poenitentiam ex●ortatio , de ●rigine & moribus Brachamorum , expositio in Cantica , & Epistola ad Demetriadem , ac opuscula . And as for his Commentaries on Sainct Paul's Epistles , Bellarmine sayeth , Bell. l. 2. de lib. a●b . c. 14. sect. respondeo . they are surelie none of his , but counterfeyt .

As concerning Chrysostome , * * Anno 400. Bell. lib. 2. de ●●ch . c. 22. §. Respondeo . Bellarmine showeth , that those Bookes attributed to him , are counterfeyt : to wit , his Commentarie on the Psalmes , Ibid. and his Homilies on Matthew , called , Opus imperfectum : as also , that his Liturgie is counterfeyt , appeareth heere-by , because Prayer is made there-in for Pope Nicolas , who almost 300 yeares lived after Chrysostome .

Of those workes also that goe vnder the name of Augustine , * * Anno 410. those hee discards , as counterfeyt : to wit , 1 , 1. Bell. l. 3. de sanct. c. 4. 2. Bell. l. 2. de sacram . c. 10. 3. L. 1. de extrem . vnct . c. 4. 4 L. 2. de gra . 〈◊〉 l. arb. c. 3. 5. L. 1. de ●ap . c. 6. 6. L. 3. de penit . c. 9. 7. L. 6. de amis. gra . c. 2. 8 L. 3. de Eccl. c. 6. his Exposition of the Apocalypse : 2 , his Questions vpon the Olde and New Testament : 3 , his Booke , De visitatione infirmorum : 4 , his Booke , De Predestinatione & gratia : 5 , his Booke , De Ecclesiasticis dogmatibus : 6 , his Booke ; De vera & falsa poenitentia : 7 , his Booke called Hypognosticon , he pronounceth also suspicious : and last , his Booke Contra Donatistas , hee declareth to bee corrupt .

Besides the former also , Possevin declareth , that those Bookes following , attributed to Augustine , are none of his , Possevm , I●s . in app●r . tit. August . De vita eremitica , Epistola ad Cyrillum , Epistola 16 , ad Bonifacium , Liber de Spiritu & anima , Liber de speculo , Liber de conflictu virtutum & vitiorum , item Liber de Antichr●sto . Also hee showeth , that those are suspect , his Exposition vpon the Gospell , and Epistles of Iohn , his booke De Pastoribus , De Ovibus , De Disciplina Christiana , De Homiliis , & De verbis Apostoli .

Of those works in like manner , which passe vnder S. Ierome's name , * * Anno 390. Salm. Ies●●● 2. Thess. 2. desp . 2. §. tertia spici●● . Salmeron declareth , that his Notes and Commentaries on all Paul's Epistles , are counterfeyt . Senensis likewise disclaimeth his Commentaries on the Proverbes , both for vnlyknesse of Style : and that the Author on the 30 Chapter commenting , S●●en . app. l. 4. tit . Hiero●●mes . alleadgeth by name S. Ierome , vpon Ieremie .

Bellarmine in like manner declareth , that Booke attributed to Eusebius Emissenus , * * Anno 340. Bell. l. 2. de Euchar . c. 30. to be a plaine Counterfeyt ; which is cleare by this , That hee maketh mention there-in of the Pelagian Heresie , which was not broached long after his death .

And for Eusebius Pamphylus * * Anno 330. Di●t . 15. cap. Sancta . Historie , as the Councell of Rome defined it to bee an Apocryphall writing , Bell. lib. 1. de pont. c. 26. so Bellarmine likewise affirmeth it to bee corrupt .

Thus of the Fathers , of the first fiue Ages , in the primitiue Church , wee see , howe manie are confessed by our Adversaries , to bee corrupt and counterfeyt : and so , what vnsure Warrand Men haue to gather , or ground their Fayth , on such Writs and Workes . Which made their owne Senensis ingenuouslie to confesse , Senens . l. 4. in titulis patrum . saying , Incertum est quid definiant Patres , idque propter libros suppositios , qui falso Patribus ascribuntur , &c. Et propter foedissimas corruptelas quae eis inscribuntur : that is , It is vncertayne , what the Fathers define , and that both for the counterfeyt Bookes , which falselie are ascrybed vnto them , as also for the most filthie Errours that are insert into them . More of which Bastardlie Brood , who pleaseth to see , he may behold in the fore-sayde Senensis , and Possevin's apparatus ; and especially of late , in Master Cooke , an English Man , an Armie of such discovered , bred most of them in the Brayne-sicke Pates of ydle Monkes , and forged on the Anvill of doting Superstition , for building vp of Babell , and opposing the Trueth : And lyke that Harlot before Salomon , who would haue Mothered her dead Chylde vpon her , who truelie did owe the living ; So haue they Fathered their Bastardlie Brood , vpon the LORD'S Worthies , as if they had beene their legittimate seed , and brought them with-in the Sanctuarie , Vt ementitis titulis fidem authoritatémque erroribus suis conciliarent , ( as sayeth Senensis : ) that is , That by their counterfeyt Titles , they might conciliate trust and authoritie vnto their owne Errours : and which practise , of bringing vp such deluding Counterfeytes , for true Samuels , Erasmus , declar. 91. ad censur . theolog . 〈◊〉 . Erasmus showes was so ryfe in the tyme of the seventeenth Generall Councell , when Errour began to prevayle , that hee sayeth , Scatebant omnia libris falso celebrium virorum titulo commendatis : that is , All places were full of Bookes , set foorth vnder the false Title of excellent Mens Names . The Devill having begun this Practise , even in the Apostles owne tymes , when the Mysterie of Iniquitie began to worke , which made the Apostle Paul to bee therefore so carefull , 2. Thess. 2.3 . to fore-warne the Thessalonians , That they should not bee deceived , neyther by worde , or alleadged Tradition , nor by Writ , as from him , that is , by counterfeyt Epistles in his name , to belieue the Lord's Day to bee then at hand . And which Practise , wee see , continued after the Apostles dayes most perniciouslie : Therefore the Arrians wrote a Letter to Constantine , vnder the name of Athanasius : the Eutychians also a Letter , agaynst Cyrillus Alexandrinus , beeing dead , vnder the name of Theodoret : and the Mani●heans , and others , manie Bookes ; some Fathered on Adam , some on Enoch , ●ome on the Apostles , and Disciples of Christ , and some on Christ Himselfe ; who were rejected , ( as Augustine sayeth ) Non quod eorum qui Deo placuerunt reprobetur authoritas , sed quod ista non credantur esse ipso●um : that is , Not that the authoritie of such Men , Aug. l. 18. de 〈…〉 38. who haue pleased God , is rejected ; but because it is believed , that those are not the workes of such Men , but of other men ( sayeth Beda ) vnder those mens names . Beda , in Epist. Iudae . But the last , tho not the least , craftie Counterfeyts , and Corrupters , that ever Satan prevayled by , for erecting his kingdome of Darkenesse , and a Throne to the Vicar of his Power , was that Locust brood , which came out of the bottomlesse Pit ; Revel. 9. even that numerous and noysome swarme * * See Bell. de scrip . Eccl. ad an . 396. of Monks , & other Popish Clergie : to whome I may say , as Ierome sayde to Ruffinus , for preassing to substitute a certayne Arrians Booke , for Theophilus Martyr , In the Day of Iudgement , consider what they will answere to the Complayntes of such holie Men , Whose Reverend Names they haue so Roguishlie abused , vnto most wicked purposes .

AN APPENDIX , For discerning of Counterfeyts .

FIrst , there are 30 Epistles , or there-about , of ancient Romane Bishops , obtruded vnto vs , for the Pope's Supremacie , and other Popish Errours , which to bee altogether counterfeyt , heere-by may bee knowne .

1. By the matter contained in them , of pleading for Supremacie , which was never so much as once thought vpon by those holie Bishops , as their owne Duaren , Duaren . l. 3. de saer . Eccl. m●nist . c. 1. out of ancient Records , testifieth , and concludeth , saying , Nec dubium est quin vetustiores , sancteor●sque urbis Romae Episcopi , sede Ecclesiaque propria contenti , ●e●quis Episcopis Ecclesiarum ipsis commissarum liberam administrationem reliquerint , quasi urbis unius magis quam orbis Episcopi : that is , It is no doubt , but that the more ancient and holie Bishops of Rome , contenting them-selues with their owne proper Seat , and Church , did leaue to other Bishops the free administration of their Churches in like manner ; as being Bishops rather of one Citie , than of the whole World , ( to wit , by the new , and now claimed vniversall Supremacie . ) A Pope of their owne testifying likewise , Aeneas Sylvius , alias P●us , 2. Epist. 22● . that before the Councell of Nice , small respect was had to the Church of Rome , but everie Bishop lived to himselfe : Duaren , l●co supra cit. Cusan . concord . l. 2. c. 12. and as the same Duaren , and Cardinall Cusanus testifieth , it beeing but later , that the Bishops that succeeded those , did farre transgresse those limits of ancient Moderation .

Next , those Epistles are farced with the injunction of an heape of Ceremonies , which were not , not onlie in their times heard of , but a long time after in the Church of CHRIST , Aug. Epist. 119. ad la●●●●rium , B. Rhenan . an●ot . in T●rt . de corona 〈◊〉 Sa●n . I●s . tom. 9. tract. 32. p. 253. as Augustine , and Rbenanus witnesseth : and the reason where-of , their owne Salmeron giveth to bee this , Quia primitivi magis essentialibus fid●i plantandis , quam ceremoniis vacabant : that is , Because the primitiue Bishops did vake more , and ●ooke care to plant the essentiall Doctrines of Faith , than to plant Ceremonies in the Church of CHRIST .

2. By the manner , or forme of speach vsed in them , as by a cleare Shibboleth , they may bee discerned counterfeyt ; beeing written in such a barbarous sort of Diction , which was no wayes to bee heard , especiallie amongst such learned Bishops , as then were in Rome ; the Latine Language in those times being there ( as it were , at the Fountaine head ) pure , terse and neate , in the mouthes of all Men.

3. Their Style is all one , which never hapneth to bee so , without diversitie , amongst diversitie of W●●ters , except these 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 onlie : who were the Spirits Pen men , of Sacred and holie Scripture , where one was onlie Indyter , altho the Scribes were diverse .

4. There is no alleadgeance of them , in the most famous Councels , by anie Romane Bishops , or their Deputies , where either Lawes were made against anie such Supremacie , as in the Councels of Constantinople , Chalcedon , Conc●l . Const●●t . c. 5. Con●l● . Chal●ed 〈◊〉 16. Concil. Ephes. c. 6. and Ephesus , or where hottest contestation was for anie such ; either by the Bishop of Rome , for himselfe , as in the fact of Zozimus , at the Councell of Carthage , or in the impugning the vsurpation of it by another , as in the writings of Gregorie is apparent , against the Patriarch of Constantinople .

5. There is no mention of those Epistles in the works and writings of the most ancient and primitiue Doctors , that either lived then , or a long time there-after , in the first 400 yeares , & aboue : which doubtlesse , if anie such had beene , they had not escaped so their notice , nor they omitted some-where , and vpon some occasions , to made mention thereof .

Secondlie , for discerning betweene the true wrytinges of Fathers , and those that are counterfeyt , and palliate vnder their names .

1. The diversitie of the Stile , discovers the diversitie of the writers , to a judicious Remarker ; so that , as Augustine speaketh of Cyprian , Aug. Epist. 48. saying , Cypriani stylus habet propriam quandam faciem , qua possit agnosci : that is , Cyprian's Style hath a certayne proper Face , or resemblance , where-by it may bee knowne : Even so , the verie lyke may bee sayde of others . And by this Note of Cognisance , Bellarmine him-selfe maketh sequestration , of sundrie Patches , from the other Workes of ancient Wryters , whose name they pretende .

2. The grosse Slips , which are found in those counterfeyt Additions show , that they goe masked onelie , vnder false Titles , which proceedeth from Ignorance , or neglect of computation of Tymes : and those Slips are eyther in nomination of persons , or recording of Heresies , or mentionating of Actions .

By the first sorte , are discovered , Iustinus Questions to bee none of his , because in the 82 Question , mention is made of Origen , who was not borne an hundreth and od yeares after . So is Dionysius Areopagita , dignosced to bee counterfeyt , in hi● Booke , De Divinis nominibus ; Clements Stromateus beeing cited , who lived not 200 after . So is Chrysostome's Liturgie , Pope Nicolas being made mention of there-in , who lived almost 300 yeares after . So are Eucherius Commentaries , where-in hee citeth Gregorius , who lived 100 yeares there-after . As also , so are judged Saynct Ambrose Epistles : in the 82 where-of , mention is made of Venice , which was not builded , nor begun , long after his death .

By the second sorte , are discovered , Cyprian's Exposition of the Creede , to bee none of his ; Because Arrius , Eunomius , & Photinus , Heretickes , who were not borne in Cyprian's tyme , are by him refuted . So is that booke of Eusebius Emissenus , dignosced to be counterfeyt ; wherin hee maketh mention of the Pelagian Heresie , which was not a long tyme broached after his death . In lyke manner , Saynct Ambrose Epistles are discovered , to bee of the same Stampe , where-in the same Heresie is mentionated : which vnto Saynct Ambrose was vtterlie vnknowne . And Tertullian's booke , De Trinitate , is made to march in the same Ranke ; Because the Sabellians are there refuted , who rose not in his tyme .

By the last sort , is that Epistle of Pope Clement , Bell l. 3. debo● . 〈…〉 sect . 〈◊〉 rum . to S. Iames , B●shop of Ierusalem , by Bellarmine himselfe thus proven to be counterfeyt ; Because Saynct Iames died seaven years before Saynct Peter's death ; after whom Clement then onelie succeeded : and therefore beeing Bishop seaven yeares after the death of Saynct Iames , could not therefore as Bishop of Rome written to Sainct Iames , who had died ( as sayde is ) seaven yeares before .

An-other notable Example I will set downe , How that counterfeyt Letter , 〈…〉 206. of that notable Popish Impostor , as written by Saynct Cyrill , Bishop of Ierusalem , vnto Saynct Augustine , touching the Miracles of Saynct Ierome , is clearlie discovered . This counterfeyt Pedler , sharplie taxeth the Grecians , for their denyall of Purgatorie , saying , These wicked Sectaries did also mayntayne , That there was no place of Purgatorie , where-in the Soules , which had not done full Pennance for their sinnes in this worlde , might bee purged , ( sayeth hee . ) Then he telleth a Tale , how Sainct Ierome , being at that tyme after his death with God , for the confutation of this New-sprung-vp Heresie , raysed vp three Men from the dead , after that he had first led their Soules into Paradise , Purgatorie , and Hell : to the ende , that they might make knowne to all men , the thinges that were done there . Now remarke , that Saynct Cyrill , who is made the Relater to Saynct Augustine , of this Miracle , which Saynct Ierome wrought after his death , died before Saynct Ierome , the space of 30 yeares , ( as is known to everie one , who knoweth the Historie of those tymes . ) And so hee maketh Saynct Cyrill to wryte 30 yeares after his death ; as if hee had beene the Surviver of Saynct Ierome : where-as , on the contrarie , Saynct Ierome was his Surviver so long after . And therefore , it would haue fitted him , rather to wryte of anie thing , that fell foorth after the death of Saynct Cyrill , than Saynct Cyrill to haue related , what befell after the death of Ierome . And yet , not-with-standing of the palpablenesse of such Forgerie , Suarez , in 3. part . Thomae . tom. 4. disp. 45. sect. 1. Suarez is not ashamed , to bring such Baggage as this , in the cleare Noone-day , to purchase Credit of Antiquitie , to their new Staple of Purgatorie : while as their owne B. Fisher , playnlie proclaymeth , that it is but Sero cognitum & receptum : that is , That it is but of late onelie knowne , Ross●ns . adv. Luther . art. 18. p. 314. and received in their catholick Church : De quo apud priscos illos , nulla vel quam rarissima fiebat mentio , sed & Graecis ad bunc usque diem non est creditum Purgatorium esse : that is , Of the which ( sayth hee ) there is no mention at all in the Ancients , or if there was anie , it was most seldome ; and even vnto this day , the Grecian Church believeth no Purgatorie . And yet remarke , how this Impostor would haue cleare mention made thereof , in a most ancient Doctor , and a Grecian Father to patronize , what the whole Grecian Church hitherto ever did reject .

3. The contrarietie that is found in the writings of Ancients , discovereth clearlie , that manie things goe vnder their names oft-times , where-vnto they were never accessorie : and by this Bellarmine him-selfe proveth , that pretended Epistle written by Pope Clement , to S. Iames the Apostle , to bee a plaine Counterfeyt ; it beeing maintained there-in , That all things should bee common : which else-where S. Clement had refuted . And therefore , Quis credat ea à S. Clemente Christianis tradi , Bell. l. 3. de bonis oper , in part . c. 11. §. caterum . ( saith Bellarmine ) quae ipse idem alibi à Faustiniano ethnico refutavit ? that is , Who can belieue , ( saith he ) that such things were taught vnto Christians by S. Clement , which he him-selfe else-where did refute , against an Heathen Faustinian ?

4. The Application also of the pretended writinges of the most ancient Doctors , vnto those times where-in they lived , will serue much lyke-wyse , to discover such Counterfeyts , which march insidiouslie vnder wrong Colours : as when wee see them made Patrons of Errours , which were never hatched , nor durst peepe out , in the Sunne-shyne of those cleare Dayes : as namelie , Bell. lib. 1. de sanct. c. 19. Bell. lib. 1. de purg . c. 6. Bell. lib. 2. de mon. c. 27. Bell. ib 3. de Euchl c. 2. Bell. l. de b●pt . c. 25. Bell. lib. 2. de pont ▪ c. 14. Dionysius , the Areopagite , in the Apostles tymes , to maintaine the Invocation of Saynctes , and Purgatorie : Martialis , the Disciple of Christ , to mayntayne forced Continencie in the Clergie : Iustinus Martyr , to mayntayne Transsubstantiation , Vnction in Baptisme , and Papall Confirmation : and Clements , the verie Successour of Peter , immediatelie , to stand for the Supremacie : with manie such , which the puritie of those primitiue tymes , together with the deposition of after Records , and Historie , joyned oft tymes with the verie confession of our Partie , declareth , and discovereth manifestlie , their Forgerie .

CHAP. VIII . 1. How the Romanists adduce the Testimonies of Fathers , agaynst vs as true ; whom not withstanding them selues else ▪ where doe pronounce Cou●t●●f●yt .

IT is reported of one Evagrius Po●ticus Hype●borita , that hee ●et vpon the Works of one Xistus Pythagoreus , an Heathen Philosopher , the counterfeyt name of one Xistus , a Martyr ; and so cunninglie brought out of him , so manie Testimonies , agaynst the true Orthodox , in the Poynt of Man's naturall Abilitie , & Perfection ; that Saynct Ierome testifieth of him , Hieron . Epist ▪ ad T●siphontem . That they who knewe not , that it was the booke of an Heathen Philosopher , might haue beene easilie induced , vnder the borrowed Name , and fayre Show , of the booke of a Martyr , to drinke of the Golden Cup of that Whoore of Babylon : His practi●e beeing there-in , lyke that where-of Lucretius speaketh ; Ac veluti pueris absynthiatetra medentes Cam dare conantur , prius oras pocula circum Contingunt , dulci mellis flavoque colore .

That is : Lyke those , for Cure , who giue to Babes Fell Worme-wood to drinke out , With yealow & sweet Honey first , They stroake the Cuppe about .

Even so , how cunning our Adversaries are agaynst vs , in the lyke practise , for oppugning the Trueth , adducing Testimonies of Antiquitie , vnder the borrowed Name of Holie and ancient Fathers , which the force of Trueth maketh them elsewhere , to acknowledge and confesse to bee counterfeyt ; let the ensewing practise , and these proofs , testifie .

First , Arnobius is adduced by Bellarmine , agaynst vs , in the matter of Free-will , 1 1 Bell. l. 5. de grat . & l. arb. c. 26. §. 21. as a most ancient Father : but is disclaymed else-where by him , as a m●ere Counterfeyt , and Novice . 2 2 L. 4. de amis. gra . c. 9. §. hic vero .

Next , Abdias his Workes , are cited by Bellarmine , for Monasticall lyfe : 3 3 L. 2. de m●n . c. 27. and yet hee confesseth , that the Learned of their owne Church , holde the same for counterfeyt . 4 4 L. 2. de bon ▪ oper. c. 24. §. s●d .

Agayne , Amphilochius his Vita S. Basilii , is cited by Bellarmine , to proue , That vnder the Spece of Bread onlie , the Eucharist of olde was had to the Sicke , 5 5 Lib. 4. 〈◊〉 Euch. c. 24. and for proofe of Papall confirmation : 6 6 L. de confiz . c. 5. and yet elsewhere , without anie doubt , he pronounceth that booke , to bee a false Counterfeyt . 7 7 Bell. descrip. Eccl. ann. 380.

Lyke-wyse , Athanasius Sermon , De Sanctissima Deipara , is cited by Bellarmine , for Invocation of Sayncts , 8 8 Bell. l. 3. de Sanct. c. 16. but is declared by Baronius , to bee a miere Counterfeyt . 9 9 B●r●n . tom . ● . ann. 4● . num. 19.

So is the 82 Epistle of Saynct Ambrose , cited by Bellarmine , for the Vow of single life : 10 10 Bell. lib. 1. de Cler. c. 16. yet Possevin granteth , that it is none of Ambroses . 11 11 Possevin ▪ ●pp●r . verb. Ambrosius .

In like manner , Anselmus is cited by Bellarmine , for Purgatorie , 12 12 Bell. l. 1. de purg . c. 6. for Reall presence , 13 13 Lib. 2. de Eu●● . c. 36. for the Virgines immaculate conception , 14 14 L. 4. de amis. gra . c. 15. and for Free-will : 15 15 L. 5. de gra . & l. arb. c. 26. and yet Possevin showeth , that one Herveus Natalis , who lived onlie 250 yeares since , is the writer of those Commentaries , falselie attributed to Anselmus . 16 16 Possev . appar . ver●o Herveus .

More-over , Anacletus Epistles are cited by Pighius and Stapleton , for the Supremacie , 17 17 Pigh. Hierar . l. 6. c. 6. and yet Cardinall Cusanus pronounceth them , but miere forgerie . 18 18 Cusan . concord . cathol . l. 3. c. 34.

Againe , Boniface second Epistle , is cited by Pighius , Harding , Stapleton , and Turrecremata , to proue , that the African Councell submitted themselues to the Pope : 19 19 Tur. ●l●mma de Eccl. l. 3. c. 49. yet Bellarmine declareth , that this Epistle is but suspicious , and counterfeyt . 20 20 Bell. l. 2. de pon● . c. 25.

Likewise , Bellarmine citeth Cassianus , as a verie ancient Father , in the matter of Prayer , 1 1 Bell. lib. 1. de bon. oper. c. 2. of Popish Satisfaction , 2 2 Liv. 4. de po●n●t . cap. 9. of Iustification , 3 3 Lib. 1. de Iustis . cap. 13. and set fasts 4 4 L. 2. de bon. oper. cap. 2. against vs : & yet he acknowledgeth , that Booke else-where , to bee but Apocryphall , and counterfeyt , 5 5 Lib. 6. de grat . cap. 4. §. accedat . and condemned as such , in a Romane Councell , vnder Pope Gelasius .

In which Councell in like manner , was the Canons of the Apostles , declared to bee such also ; 6 6 Grat. dist. 15 cap. sancta . and yet as the true Canons of the Apostles , are they cited by Bellarmine , for proofe of Easters observation , 7 7 B●ll . lib. de Sanct. cap. 12. and Papall Confirmation . 8 8 Lib. 2. de Confir . cap. 8.

Likewise , Bellarmine citeth that Sermon , De ablutione p●dum , as S. Cyprian's , against vs , to proue the indeleble Character of holie Orders : 9 9 Bell. lib. 1 ▪ de Sa● . ●rd . c. 10. and yet else-where he pronounceth the same , Apocryphall . 10 10 Lib. 1. de p●●n●t . c. 10.

So are Pope Clement's Epistles cited by Bellarmine , for the Supremacie , 11 11 Lib. 2. de pon● . cap. 1● . reservation of the Sacrament , 12 12 Lib. 4. de Euch. cap. 5. and Popish Confirmation : 13 13 Lib. ● . de confir . cap. 3. and yet else-where hee showeth , that it is vncertaine who writ them : 14 14 Lib. 2. de p●nt . c. 7. and some hee prooveth clearlie , to bee mierlie counterfeyt . 15 15 Lib. 3. de bon. oper. c. 11.

Of the same Stampe he acknowledgeth Calixtus Epistle , the first of Clement's , the third of Anacletus , the first of Anicetus , the first of Victors , the first of Zepherius , the second of Calixtus , the first of Lucius , and of Marcellus , the third of Eusebius , and the first of Melchiades , and Marcus , which notwithstanding are all adduced , by him and others , ordinarilie to prooue the Pope's Supremacie . 16 16 Lib. 2. de pont. c. 14. §. ad ha● .

Vnder the same Coloures also marcheth Cornelius Epistle , cited by Bellarmine , for prayer to the Dead : 17 17 Lib. 1. de Sanct. c. 19. which Baronius declareth assuredlie to bee but falselie fathered . 18 18 Baron . 〈◊〉 . to● . 2. an. 221.

Also , that Booke , De Cardinalibus operibus Christi , is cited by Bellarmine , as Cyprian's , for Transsubstantiation , 19 19 Bell. l. 3 de Euch. c. 20. and by sundrie others , for other points of Poperie : and yet hee else-where clearly disclaimeth the same , as a craftie counterfeyt . 20 20 Lib. 2. de confir . c. 6.

In like manner , is that Epistle written to S. Augustine , of S. Ierome's Miracles , cited as S. Cyrils , ( as I shewed before by Suarez ) and by Eckius , for Purgatorie , 1 1 Eck. ●om. 2. d●m . ● . advent . and by others , for the Reall presence , and worshipping of Saincts : which Possevin notwithstanding , and that which is before discovered , declareth to bee a grosse Forgerie . 2 2 Poss. appar . 1. Aurelius Augustinus .

Agayne , Bellarmine citeth Dionysius Areopagita , for Invocation of Sayncts , 3 3 Bell. l. 1. de sanct. c. 19. Purgatorie , 4 4 Lib. 1. de purg . c. 6. and Monasticall lyfe , 5 5 Lib. 2. de mon. c. 5. Rhem. in Act. 17.34 . &c. And this is that famous S. Dennice ( say the Rhemists ) who prooveth playnlie almost all things that the Church now vseth in the ministration of the holie Sacrament , and affirmeth , that hee learned them of the Apostles : giving also testimonie for the Catholicke Fayth , in most thinges nowe contraverted , so playnlie , that our Adversaries haue no Shift , but to deny this Dennice to haue bene the Author of them . And yet , what sayeth their owne Bellarmine of this booke ? It is vncertayne at all , ( sayeth he ) if that booke be Saynct Dennices , whose name is pretended . 6 6 Bell ▪ lib. 2. de . confirm . cap. 7. §. ●am .

Lyke-wyse , Damasus Pontificall is cited by Bellarmine , to proue , that Election of Bishops , onelie belongeth to the Pope , 7 7 Lib. 1. de Cler. cap. 8. for Chrisme in Baptisme , 8 8 Lib. 1. de bapt. cap. 27. for Images , 9 9 Lib. 2. de Imag. cap. 9 and Ceremonies of the Masse : 10 10 Lib. 2. de Miss. cap. 14. and yet hee sayeth else-where , that it is notorlie known , that Damasus was never the wryter of that booke , but Anastasius onelie , the master of the Pope's Librarie . 11 11 Bell. de Scrip. Eccl. ann. 367.

Damascen in lyke manner , his booke , De iis qui in fide migrarunt , is cited by Bellarmine , for the proofe of Purgatorie , 12 12 Bell. lib. 1 de purg . c. 6 and yet else-where hee disclaymeth the same , to bee Damascen's at all , and sayeth , that most easilie the same may bee proven . 13 13 Lib. 2. de purg . c. 8. §. prima .

Agayne , Eusebius his third Epistle is cited by Bellarmine , for the Supremacie , 14 14 Lib. 2. de pont. c. 14. and yet he professeth , that it is no-wyse certayne , who is the wryter there-of . 15 15 L. ● . de confir . c. 7.

Eucherius Commentaries also , on Genesis , and the Kinges , are cited by Bellarmine , for Free-will , 16 16 L. 5. de gra . & l. arb. c. 22. and the Masse : 17 17 L. 1. de missa . c. 6 but he declareth elsewhere , that those cannot bee Eucherius bookes , seeing hee oft tymes citeth Gregorie , who lived not an hundreth yeares after . 18 18 Bell. de scrip . Eccl. ann. 440.

In lyke manner , Eusebius Epistle of the death of Saynct Ierome , is cited by Peresius , for Transsubstantiation , 19 19 Peres . de trad. part . 2. f. 1●8 b. and by Durandus , for the adoration of the Host : 20 20 Dur. de r●tib . Eccl. l. 2. c. 40. and yet this Epistle not onlie ( sayth Bellarmine ) doeth it manifest the Noveltie there-of , but also both Ignorance and Deceit . 1 1 Bell. de scrip . Eccl. an . 390.1 . Hi●ronymus .

Againe , Fabianus Epistle is cited by Bellarmine , to proue Traditions , 2 2 Bell. l. 1. de verb. c. 16. and by the Rhemists , to proue Transsubstantiation ; 3 3 Rhem in act. 8.10.17 . but that this Booke is counted counterfeyt , and Apocryphal , Bellarmine else-where clearlie granteth vnto vs . 4 4 Bell. l. 2. de confir . c. 8. §. secun●o pre● . ex concil

Gregorie Nyssen , his 8 books , De Philosophia , are cited like-wise by Bellarmine , for Free-wil , 5 5 Bell. l. 4. de gra . & l. ar● . c. 14. & yet else-where hee confesseth , that they looke no wayes like such a man's bookes . 6 6 Bell. de script . Eccl. an 380.

So are Pope Gregorie's Epistles frequentlie adduced , to proue , that Sacraments conferre Grace , Ex opere operato , 7 7 L. 2. de sacram . c. 7. for Popish Confirmation ; 8 8 L. 2. de confirm . c. 3. and that Concupiscence , after Baptisme , is no Sinne : 9 9 L. 5. de amiss gra . c. 8. and yet he confesseth else-where , that they are corrupt and vitiate . 10 10 L. 2. de confi● . 12. And Possevin declareth also his booke on the Canticlos , to bee a miere counterfeyt , which Bellarmine citeth for the fore-saide Confirmation . 11 11 Possiv . appar . ● . Greg. Mag.

Againe , Hegesippus booke is cited by Bellarmine , to prooue Peter's beeing , 12 12 Bell. l. 1. de co●fir . c. 3. & 8. and dying at Rome : 13 13 L●● . 2. de pont. c. 3. and yet Baronius testifieth , that this booke is a plaine counterfeyt . 14 14 Bar. ann. tom. 2. a● . 167. num. 15.

So are Hermes works , called Pastoralis , cited by Coccius , for the Angel Custos , and for Purgatorie : 15 15 Cor. ●om. 2. l. 7. art. 5. but Possevin declareth , that by the most Learned it is discovered , and declared a Counterfeyt . 16 16 Possev . appar. 1. pastor .

In like manner , Iustin Martyr , his Questions are cited by Bellarmine , for Vnction in Baptisme , 17 17 Bell. lib. de bapt. c. 25. for Papall Confirmation , 18 18 Lib. de co●fir . c. 5. and Transsubstantiation ; 19 19 Lib. 3. de Euch. c. 2. but else-where hee declareth them , no wayes to be Iustine Martyr's , but a more recent counterfeyts . 20 20 Lib. 1. de sanct. c. 4. §. tertius .

So also is Sainct Iames Lyturgie alleadged by ●ellarmine , for the Masse , 1 1 L. 1. de miss ▪ c. 18. whereas the word 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 vsed there-in , which began after Origen's dayes , ( as witnesseth Senensis ) 2 2 Senen bibl. l. 4.1 . Origenes . as also the commemoration of Confessors therein , which was farre later in Sylvester's dayes , as testifieth Pope Innocent the third , 3 3 In●●● . ● . de mis● r. mis●● l. 3. c. 10. showeth clearlie , that it is a counterfeyt .

Agayne , Lucius Epistle is cited by Bellarmine , to proue the Pope's Supremacie , 4 4 Bell. l. 2. de 〈◊〉 c. 14. and his Infallibilitie : 5 5 Lib. 3. de 〈…〉 5. and yet hee affirmeth clearlie , that there is such a doubt , who is the wryter , that hee dare not assuredlie pronounce , that Lucius was the Author . 6 6 L. 2. de pont. c. 14.

Lyke-wyse , he citeth Lactantius Verses , De Passione , for Adoration of the Crosse , 7 7 L. 2. de Imag. c. 28. and yet else-where hee confesseth , that the Author of those Verses , and of the other , on the Resurrection , is not surelie knowne . 8 8 L. de script . Eccles.

In lyke manner , Linus workes are cited , by Coccius , for Apparition of Soules , & establishing of Purgatorie : 9 9 Coc. tom. 1. l. 5. de s●nct. art. 9. and yet Bellarmine declareth , that both Prochorus , ( which some cite ) and Linus works , are but false , and counterfeyt . 10 10 Bell. l. 2. de pont. c. 9. §. sed .

Agayne , Marcus Epistle is cited by Bellarmine , for the Pope's Supremacie , 11 11 B●ll . l. 2. de pont. c. 14 and Infallibilitie : 12 12 I●b . 3. de pont . ● . 5. and yet hee granteth else-where , That it is most sure , that the same is counterfeyt . 13 13 Bel. de scrip . Eccl. a●● . 340. & 1145.

So doeth hee cite Marcellus , and Melchiades Epistles , for the same Supremacie : 14 14 Lib. ● . de pon● . c. 14. but granteth else-where , that hee dare not say assuredlie , that they are theirs . 15 15 Ibidem .

In lyke manner , Bellarmine adduceth Origen's Homilies on the Gospels , for popish Reall presence : 16 16 Lib. 2. d● Euch. ● . 8. but anone hee disclayme●h them else-where , and sayeth , they a●e none of Origen● . 17 17 Bell. de scrip . Ec●l .

So are his Homilies , on the Psalms , cited by Bellarmine , for the same former poynt , and Auricular Confession : 18 18 L. 3. de pe●●●● . 7. and yet hee freelie confesseth else-where , that it is in doubt , who is the Wryter . 19 19 L. de s●ri●t . Eccles.

Agayne , Primasius Commentaries on the Hebrewes , are cited by Bellarmine , for popish Carnall presence , 20 20 Lib. 2. de Euch. c. 31. & Sacrifice of the Masle : 1 1 L. 1. de missa . c. 6. and yet Salmeron showeth , that Primasius never wrote them , but Haymo , a late bishop in Germanie . 2 2 Sal. tom. 1● . disp. 10. in Ep. Paul● .

In lyke manner , Vrbanus Epistle is cited by Bellarmine to proue Confirmation : 3 3 Bell. l. 2. de confir . c. 7. and yet hee professeth , that it is no-wyse sure , if he be the Author of this Epistle , or if it be a Counterfeyt . 4 4 Ibidem . §. ad haec .

The Rhemists also , howe no lesse impudent they are , than others , in obtruding to the Readers of the Rhemish Testaments , false Counterfeyts , for famous Fathers : and so seducing simple Soules , make them , in the golden Cuppe of pretended Antiquitie , to drinke onlie the giddie Wyne of superstitious Idolatrie , let these few Examples , in place of manie , testifie .

Rhem. in Act. 17.34 . First , they obtrude the booke of Dionysius Arcopagita , as making in all the poyntes of Poperie , almost al-to-gether for them : which hee learned ( say they ) from the verie Apostles . And yet , Bell. l 2. de confir . c. 7. §. j●m . besides Bellarmine's confession , of the vncertayntie of the Author , it is clearlie proven , even by their owne side , and the booke it selfe , that it is but a ranke Counterfeyt , as may bee seene in our seaventh Chapter .

Lyke-wyse , Rhem. on A●● . ● . 10.17 . for Popish Confirmation , they produce Pope Fabianus Epistle , which Bellarmine telleth them clearlie , Bell. l. 2. de confir . c. 8. §. s●cundo . is accounted by sundrie , to bee counterfeyt .

Agayne , they bring in Ambrose 82 Epistle , Rhem. on 1. Cor. 15.32 . Possevin . appar . ● . Ambrosius . for the merit of Fasting , which their owne Possevin declareth heere-by , to bee a miere Counterfeyt ; Because there is made mention in that Epistle , of Venice , which was not founded long after Saynct Ambrose death .

In lyke manner , Saynct Ierome on the Epistles , Rhem. on R●m. 3.20 . is cited by the R●emists , for Iustification by Workes : and yet Bellarmine telleth them , Bell. l●b. 4. de verbo c. 5. §. Hu. That this booke is a shamelesse Counterfeyt ; and hath for its Author , rather the Hereticke Pelagius , than such an holie Father .

So are Chrysostome's Homilies , vpon Marke ▪ Rhem in Math. 3.1 . cited by the R●emists , to prooue the Antiquitie of their Monkish Orders : and yet Bellarmine testifieth , Bell. de scrip . Ecel . an . 396. ☞ Note ▪ That they are none of Chrysostome's , but some simple Monke's .

Augustine lyke-wyse , De Ecclesiae dogmatibus , 〈…〉 1. Cer. 11.28 . B●ll . lib. 1. de bapt. cap 6. §. Nota. M. de Castro . her . 10. tit . baptis . is cited by the Rhemists , for Auricular Confession : and yet both Bellarmine , and Alphonsus de Castro , denyeth it to bee Augustines , but a craftie Counterfeyt's .

So is Augustine , De fide ad Petrum , cited by the Rhemists , Rhem. ●n 1. ●or. 7.9 . to proue , that they are damned , who marrie after the Vow of Continencie : and yet Bellarmine declareth , Bell. de scrip . Eccl. an . 420. that it nowayes appeareth vnto anie , to bee a booke of Augustines .

And agayn , Augustines Questions on the Olde and New Testament , are cited by the Rhemists , Rhem. on Math. 17.27 . for Papall Supremacie : and yet this booke is neyther Augustines , ( sayeth Bellarmine ) nor yet anie Catholicke Author's . Bell. de gra . prim : homi●●s . c. ● .

We may , concerning such counterfeyt Stuffe , there-fore , safelie conclude , where-of at all occasion these Merchands of Babell by Voyce and Writ are such deceitful Venters : even as Bellarmine sayeth of Linus forged Historie , Bell. lib. 2. de pont. c. 9. Historia Lini verè conficta est , & si conficta , non est ullius authoritatis : that is , The Historie of Linus , is truelie a forged Counterfeyt ; and if it bee forged , it is not of anie authoritie at all . Even so may wee say of all such Pedler Trash , ( a view of some where-of , wee haue layde open to judicious Eyes ) that this one Censure may passe on all the Packe , to sende them packing for ever out of open sight ; seeing the most part of that which they adduce of humane Testimonie , and obtrude agaynst the Trueth , vnder colour and pretext of Venerable Antiquitie , proveth playnly but craftie Counterfeyting , and obscure Forgerie : there-fore , by their owne Verdict , wee pronounce their Doome , That they are vnworthie of Credit and Authoritie . Neyther marvell wee , Revel. 9. that those Locusts , who are sayde to haue counterfeyt Crownes on their heads , had lyke-wyse of olde such counterfeyting Conceits in their heads ; and lyke Babels worke-men , that they haue beene so busie , in the Night tyme of Darknesse , to prepare so much Stuffe , for those Merchands of Babell nowe : who for reparing the Ruines of their rottering Kingdome , and the imparing and impeding the Grouth of the Gospell of Light , are no lesse busie in venting , than they were at anie tyme in inventing the same : their Master busilie bestirring him-selfe in his servantes , because his Kingdome is neare an ende . Vpon both which sorts of his Suppostes , there can no juster Sentence passe in this purpose , than their owne Fellow Parsons pronounceth in such case , Parson . de trip . convers . Angl. pars 1. c. 4. p. 86. Nebulones esse perditissimos , non solum qui opera spuria claris ascribunt aut●oribus , verum eos etiam qui pro veris & genuinis obtrudunt : that is , That they are most damnable Villanes , not onlie ( sayth hee ) who ascrybe counterfeyt workes , vnto famous Authors ; but lyke-wyse they who obtrude them vnto anie , for true and vpright Wrytinges .

The second part of the VIII . CHAPTER . How the Romanists answere vs , when wee adduce the Testimonies of those same Fathers agaynst them , which they obtrude vnto vs as true .

1. Disclayming some , as counterfeyt .

2. Alleadging of others , That perhaps only they are so .

THE Rhemists call this an olde Tricke of Hereticks , Rhem. in Act. 17.34 . when they were preassed with the Testimonies of ancient Fathers , to deny that those were the Authors : but some others , of a later age , Rose-w●●d dissert. de fide hereticis servanda c. 17. p. 191. and Rose-weed , the Iesuit , sayth , That this was a common Shift of Hereticks , when they were straited with anie cleare Testimonie of Antiquitie , to cry out , That the booke was counterfeit , or corrupt , Hard. respons. ad provoc . ●uc●l : art. 1. Evasionem ( saith Harding ) omnium miserrimam , & à ratione & conjuetudine doctissim●rum alienissimam : that is , A most miserable sort of escaping , ( saith hee ) and most contrarious both to Reason and Custome of the most Learned . And yet notwithstanding how guiltie these Iesuiticall Impostors are of this Practise , which they vpbrayde to others , and how vnmindfull they are of that saying , Omni vitio debet carere , qui in alterum paratus est dicere , let these few Examples that doe ensue testifie .

First , Bellarmine , ( as also the Rhemists ) to prooue the Pope's Supremacie , B●ll . li● . 1. de p●nt . c. 10. §. terti●s . Rhem. on 1. Tim. ● . 15 . Bell. lib. 1. de Euch. c. 13. §. Denique as also Popish Reall presence , bring their Testimonies out of S. Ambrose his Commentaries on Paul's Epistles : and yet when wee object a place out of the same , to proue , that the Sacramentall Bread is the representatiue Bodie of CHRIST onlie , Bellarmine plainlie then disclaimeth those Commentaries , and saith , L. 2. de Euch. c. 14. §. Diluimus . they are not S. Ambroses .

Againe , L. 1. de v●●bo c. 14. sub fi●em . L. 2. de missa c. 12. §. Ad locum . Bellarmine adduceth Augustine , Ad Orosium , against vs , as the true Father , to prooue Ecclesiasticus , to bee Canonicall Scripture : but declareth him counterfeyt , when wee oppose him to him , agaynst the Order of the Masse .

Arnobius also is brought foorth , as a most ancient Father , L. ● . de gra . & l. arb. ● . 26. L. 4 de amis gra . c. 9. against vs , in the matter of Free-will : but disclaimed else-where , when hee maketh against him , as 〈…〉 and a miere counterfeit .

In like manner , Augustine's Questions , on the Olde and New Testament , are produced against vs , as Augustine's owne worke ; L. 1. de missa c. 15. sect. ● . And. both to proue the Masse , to bee a Sacrifice properlie , in one place ; as also , to be propitiatorie , in another : but are rejected by the same Bellarmine , L. ● . de missa . c. 2. sect. Ex Latin●● . as counterfeit and hereticall , when wee prooue out of the same , That Sacraments conferre not Grace , Bell. lib. 2. de Sacr. c. 10. sect. Resp. Ex opere operato .

Bell. lib. 1. c● . §. quant●m . L. 3. de justif . c. 7. §. 5. Basil. Lyke-wyse , Bellarmine citeth S. Basill's Questions , to proue Monasticall lyfe , and a man's incertayntie of his owne Salvation : but when wee vrge agaynst them those same Questions , agaynst their Distinction of Sinne , into Veniall and Mortall , he disclaymeth that book to bee Saynct Basill's , L. 1. de amis. g●a . ● . 13. §. Resp. but one Eustatbius Sebassenus , a condemned hereticke .

● . de Euc● . ann● . More-over , Bellarmine adduceth Saynct Cyprian's Sermon , Le ●oena 〈…〉 poyntes of Poperie , L. 2. de missa . c. 2. §. ex lati● . as Transsubstantiation , the Sacrifice of the Masse , and Purgatorie , &c. And yet , when the same is objected agaynst their Mutilation of the Sacrament , L. 1. de purg . ● . 6. §. Haec expos . by taking away the C●p from the People , he disclaymeth that Sermon to be Cyprian's , L. 4. de Euch. c. 26. sect. Resp. but some vncertayne Author's .

L 2. de ●on . c. 2. sect. Chrysost. L. 1. de amis. gra . c. 10. sect. ● . Ioh. Agayne , Bellarmine produceth Chrysostome , on Matthew , to proue manie Popish poyntes , as Monasticall lyfe , Veniall sinnes , Free-will , Transsubstantiation , Adoration of the Host , L. 5. de gra . & l. ar● . c. 7. and agaynst the Magistrates lawfull power , in matters of Re●ig●on . But when wee proue out of that same Commentarie on Matthew , L. 2. de Euch. c. 22. L. 3. de Laicu , c. 17. L. 4. de verbo c 11. sect. sexto . Lib. 1. de matrim. c. 9. se●t . secu●du● . the perfection of Scripture , & that the people should reade the same , & opposeth him in the matter of Matrimonie ; then he disclaymeth that worke to be Sainct Chrysostome's , but some Hereticke's , as hee pleaseth to style him .

In lyke manner , L. 5. de gr● . & l. arb. c. 25. Bellarmine bringeth out Clement's Recognitions , for Free-will ; Hard. cons●● . apol. par● 1. f. 34. & Harding bringeth him for Traditions : and yet , when they are alleadged agaynst the Pope's Succession to Peter , proving , that Peter died not at Rome : Bell. lib. 2. de pont. c. 2. sect. adde huc . then hee disclaymeth them , as Apocryphall , and counterfeyt .

Damasus lyke-wyse , L. 4. de po●● . c. 4. sect. Damasus . L. 2. de sanct. c. 9. sect. Damasus . an ancient Pope , his Pontificall is cited by Bellarmine , to proue the tyme of Peter's sitting at Rome , and for the setting vp of Images in Churches : but is rejected , as a Counterfeyt of vncertayne authoritie ; when out of the same wee proue , Bell. lib. 2. de pont. c. 5. sect. Neque multum . that Linus , whome they make Pope after Peter & Clement , died before Peter him-selfe : & so improveth the Line of their Papall Succession , as false and absurd .

Agayne , Damasus Epistles are vrged agaynst vs ,

L. 2. de pont. c. 14. sect. Secundus .

L. 2. de confirm . c. 3. sect. Septimus .

L. 2. de pont. c. 24. Initio .

to proue Papall Supremacie , and Popish Confirmation : But are disclaymed , as none of his , when they are opposed agaynst Appeales to Rome .

Lyke-wyse , Damascen is cited by Bellarmine , L. 1. de sanct. c. 13. sect. de●aque . agaynst vs , to proue the Adoration of Saynctes : but is disclaymed as a Counterfeyt , when the absurd Tale of their Popes , L. 2. de purg . c. 8. sect prima . and other Saynctes , their Freeing of Soules ( which were damned ) out of Hell , is objected to them .

L. 4. de Euch. c. ●6 . sect. Cyprian . Epiphanius also , his Epistle to Iohn of Ierusalem , is cited by Bellarmine , in the matter of the Sacrament : but when the same Epistle is opposed agaynst their Images , hee disclaimeth those words thereof , L. 2 , de Imag. ●● 9 , sect. ad qui●●um . to bee but forged , and counterfeyt .

In lyke manner , Eusebius Emissenus Homilies are cited by Bellarmine ,

L. 2 , de san●t . c. 3. sect. Eusebius .

L. 4 , de Euch. c. 13 , sect. deinde .

L. 2 , de Euch. c. 30 , initio .

for Adoration of Reliques , & that Consecration is by these wordes , Hoc est Corpus meum : and yet are elsewhere freelie acknowledged , to be none of his .

Ignatius also , a Greeke Father , is oft tymes cited by Bellarmine , ● . 2 , de Euch. c. 2 , initio . for sundrie poynts of Poperie , as Transsubstantiation , and others : but when he is adduced clearlie agaynst their Mutilation of the Sacrament , L. 4 , de Euch. c. 26 , sect. resp . Bellarmine aunswereth , That Ignatius Greeke Wrytinges , are not much to bee trusted to .

Agayne , Martialis , as Christe's owne Disciple , L. 2 , de mon. c. 27 , sect. S. Mart. recog. l. 2 , de mon. is produced by Bellarmine , for the Vow of Chastitie , and other poyntes : and yet , in his Recognitions , hee acknowledgeth both Abdias booke , and Martialis , to bee miere Counterfeyts , and of no Authoritie .

Lyke-wyse , Synopsis Dorothei , is cited by Bellarmine , to prooue Peter's sitting at Rome , L. 2 , de pont. c. 4 , as Bishop of that Citie : but when the same Synopsis is produced , Ibidem c. 2. prooving , That it was not Peter , but rather Barnabas , that founded that Church ; hee d●sclaymeth that booke then , as full of Lies , and Forgerie .

L. 2. de Euch. c. 27. After the lyke manner , hee disclaymeth that booke of Pope Gelasius , agaynst Eutyches , as none of his , when he is cited clearly against Transsubstantiation ; altho hee bee so styled ( Romanus Episcopus ) in their owne Bibliotheca Patrum , and that their Massonius lyke-wyse , in the lyues of the Popes , comming to Gelasius , maketh mention of this worke . And no lesse causelesse also , disclaymeth hee , L. 2. de Im●● . c. 15. with a shamelesse fore-head , the foure bookes of Charles the Great , agaynst Images : as lyke-wyse , L. 1. de ●er . c. 22. that Epistle of Vdalricus , to Pope Nicolas , agaynst forced Continencie : alleadging those former , to bee none of theirs ; and that onelie , because they make agaynst him .

I omit the lyke answere of Gretzer , to Athanasius Synopsis , Gret . comment . in Iudith . prol. 4. agaynst Apocryphall Bookes .

Of Parsons , Pars. tripl . conv . Ang. par● 1. c. 8. to Elentherius Epistle , to Luci●s , agaynst the Pope's temporall Supremacie .

Of the same Parson 's impudent lyke answere to Bertram's booke , Ibidem parte secunda , c. 10. agaynst Transsubstantiation .

Of Harding's disclayming also Hilarius Epistle , Hard adv. Iuel . ●epli● . contra sacrific . Miss● . sect. 11. to his Daughter Afra , agaynst forced Continencie .

Of Baronius lyke rejecting of Pope Leo's Epistle , Baron . epit . ann. 683. which proveth , That Pope Honorius was an Hereticke .

And

Of Dureus disclayming that Testimonie of Saynct Bernard's , Dureus adv. Whitak . l. ●6 . which is produced agaynst the vnlawfull keeping of impossible and vnlawfull Vowes .

2. How the Romanists , without anie farther Warrand , alleadge onlie of some Fathers , That perhaps they are counterfeyt .

FIrst , when the Treatise of Gregorie Nyssen , or his Epistle , is produced against Pilgrymages , Bell. lib. 3. de cult. sa●ct. c. 8. sect. Ad Mad●burg . Bellarmine answereth thus heere-to , Fortenon est Nysseni : that is , Perhaps that Epistle is not Gregorie Nyssen's .

Agayne , when Basill is cited agaynst their distinction of Sinne , into Mortall and Veniall , Bellarmine aunswereth , L. 1. de amiss . gra . ● . 13. That probablie that worke is not Basill's .

Lyke-wyse , when Pope Bonifacius seconde Epistle , is brought foorth , agaynst papall Supremacie , Bellarmine answereth , L. 2. de p●nt c. 25. sect. R●sp . Valde mihi suspecta est haec Epistola : that is , I suspect that Epistle greatlie .

In lyke manner , when OEcumenius is adduced , L. 3. de pont. c. 13. sect. Solus . to proue , that Antichrist shall not sit in the Temple of Ierusalem , Bellarmine answereth , Fortasse depravatus est textus illius : that is , Perhaps his Text , or Copie , is corrupt , and vitiate .

Also , when pope Honorius owne Epistles are exhibited , which proue him to haue beene an Hereticke , and are insert in the eight Generall Councell , where-in hee was condemned , Bellarmine answereth , Bell. lib. 4 , de pont. c. 11. sect. ad primum . Fortasse illas Epistolas esse confictas , & insertas Concilia generali ab Hereticis : that is , Perhaps those Epistles were counterfeyted , and inserted in the Generall Councell , by Heretickes .

More-over , when Venerable Beda is adduced , testifying , that this same pope Honorius was an Hereticke , and solemnlie condemned in a Generall Councell as such , and therefore consequentlie hee prooveth Facto , by deed , agaynst their doctrine now , That the pope may erre ; Ibidem , sect. ad . 〈◊〉 . Bellarmine heere-vnto aunswereth , Videtur aliquis sciolus addidisse nomen Honorii in lib●o Bedae : that is , It would seeme , that some Smatterer hath added the name of Honorius , in Beda's booke .

Lyke-wyse , when in the matter of their superstitious Fast on set Dayes , a Canon of the Apostles , and Ignatius Epistle also , are produced agaynst fasting on Saturday , Bellarmine answereth , Bell. l. 2. de bon. oper. c. 18. sect. Posset . Potest fieri ut tam in Canone Apostolico , quam in Epistolam Ignati● , solum probiberetur jejunium diei Dominicae , sed postea à Graecis poste●ioribus insertum fuerit nomen Sabbathi : that is , It may bee , that as well in the Canon of the Apostles , as in the Epistle of Ignatius , onelie Fasting on the Lord's Day was forbidden : but after that , the Grecians , who were later , inserted the word , Sabbath .

In lyke manner , when Damasus , the Author of the Pontificall , and their owne Gratian lyke-wise , declareth , Grat. dist. 19. c. Anastasius . That Pope Anastasius the second , was of one communion with the Hereticke Photinus , Bellarmine answereth , Bell. lib. 4. de pont. c. 10. sect. Illud . Illud de Photino forte est mendaciam : that is , That Relation concerning Photinus , Perhaps , it is a Lie .

Agayne , when wee produce Socrates Testimonie , agaynst the antiquitie of their superstitious fourt●e dayes Lent , Bell. l. 2. de bonoper . c. 15. §. s●d probabi●● . Bellarmine answereth , Probabile est codicem Socratis esse corruptum ▪ that is , It is lykelie , or may bee , that Socrates booke bee corrupted .

More-over , Concil. Rom. c. 10. when a whole Convent of Fathers , in a Romane Councell , vnder pope Sylvester , are brought foorth , agaynst the receiving of young Nunnes , forbidding them to bee vailed , before 72 years of age : Yet Bellarmine , Bell. lib. 2. de mon c. 35. §. de primo . without anie farther assurance in the contrarie , answereth onlie , Fortasse multo minorem numerum debe●e poni pro 72 : that is , Perhaps a farre lesse number of Yeares ought to bee put there , than 72.

And when a Canon , of the Councel of Laterane , is adduced , for the lawfulnesse of the Marriage of the Clergie , not reprehended there in the East Church , Bell. l. 1. de cler. c. 21. ● . ad secu●dum . Bellarmine aunswereth , Canonem illum forte non esse ullius authoritatis : that is , That perhaps that Canon is of no authoritie .

So that , what solide answeres these are , to elide that which so clearlie maketh agaynst them ; and howe they would bee hissed at , on our part , let anie vnpartiall Man judge : And yet these are they , who shamelesselie clayme all Antiquitie so clearlie to make for them .

As the Lyon , there-fore , may bee knowne by his Paw , and Hercules hudge stature , by his Foote onlie ; So by these few Examples preceeding , and from the practise but of one * * To wit , Bellarmine . especiallie proceeding , wee may see , what is the lyke Trade , and Custome of the rest .

This is the Direction of that Popish Crue at Duay , Index . exp . ● . Bertramus . saying of Ancients that make agaynst them , Excogitato commento persaepe negemus : that is , By devising out a Shift , let vs even often times disclaime them . Which their Cardinal Baronius calleth , Baron . annal. tom. 1. an. 32. num. 18. Honeslum Confugium , or an honest way of escaping : ( an vnhonest , he should haue saide . ) And their Sanders calleth , Sand. l. 2. de ader . Disp. 5. c. 3. Verissimum & praesentaneum Remedium , A most true , & present Helpe . And if they cannot , without grosse Impudencie , disclaime Auncientes , wee see , they come next to the last Bore of their conjecturall Alleadgeances , of Perhaps , and I suspect , or It is probable , and would seeme , or may bee , that they are so , ( as they would haue them . ) And this is their Non ultra , & hic baerent . Therefore , justlie wee see , that wee may turne over vpon them , that which Hart saieth to Raynolds , Hart. cont. Rayn . c. 8. Divis . 3. Viam tenetis facilem & expeditam , modo strenue per gatis , respuite omnes authores qui contra vos faciunt , & supposititios esse dicite , it a nempe par est patronos impudentes , pudendam causam pudendis viis defendere : that is , Yee haue gotten ( saieth he ) an easie , and cleare way , so that yee cowragiouslie goe forwardes there-in , reject all Authors that make against you , and call them counterfeit : for so it is fit , that shamelesse Patrons , by shamefull wayes , should defende a shamefull Cause . Their practise herein , being like that of the Manicheant , ( as Augustine showeth ) concerning Apostolicall Writs ▪ Inde probo ( saide Faustus the Manichean ) hoc illius esse , . illud non esse , quia hoc pro me sonat , illud contrame : that is , Hence I proue this , to bee Apostolicall Writ , and that , not to bee , because this maketh for me , and that maketh against mee . Even as Bellarmine hath no better Warrand , . to reject Paschasius Testimonie , cited against their Mutilation of the Sacrament , as none of his , but corrupt and vitiate ; Because ( saieth hee ) where it is saide , Bibite , it should haue beene saide , Edite . Which is as much to say , That Paschasius , is not Paschasius , except hee speake in the Romane Dialect , and frame his Daunce , to the Pope's Spring .

CHAP. IX . How the Romanists alleadge the Fathers for them , in one place and poynt of Doctrine ; and at their pleasure reject them in another , when they can neyther alleadge them to bee corrupt , nor counterfeyt .

FOR PROBATION heere-of , Bell. lib. 2. de Euch. c. 24. first , Bellarmine adduceth S. Augustine for him , to proue their sore of Reall Presence in the Sacrament ▪ but with a nore of Ignorance he rejecteth him , Bell. ● . 1. de po●● . ● . 10. §. 〈◊〉 Aug. where he expoundeth by the Rocke , whereon the Church is builded , that Christ onelie meaned , ( revoking anie other Exposition that he had made of the same . ) And when wee adduce , out of his booke , De moribus Ecclesiae , ( which they oft cite ) Testimonies against their worshipping of Reliques , Bellarmine rejecteth the same , Bell. lib. ● . de sanct. c. 16 §. 〈◊〉 tertis . with this answere , Scripsit librum binc in primordiis conversionis suae : that is , He wrote that booke in the beginning of his Conversion . Which Answere , how little it is to the purpose , anie Man may see , seeing wee finde no-wise , that ever hee retreated the same .

Bell. lib. 2. de Euchar. c. 22. Like-wise , hee citeth Chrysostome , for the same manner of Reall Presence : but when hee is cited , to prooue , that the Virgine Marie was conceived in originall Sinne , because shee actuallie offended ; Tolet in Ioh. 2. annet . 5. Tolet rejecteth Saynct Chrysostome , and sayeth , That heere-in hee is not to bee allowed .

Bell. lib. 2. de Euch , c. 5. In like manner , Bellarmine adduceth Cyprian , for the same point yet , of Reall Presence : but hee rejecteth him flatlie , when he maketh against Traditions , L. ● . de verbe , c. 11. § prosert . saying , That hee wrote that , when hee would defende his Errour against the Romane Church .

Sainct Ierome also is brought foorth , L. 2. de Euch. c. 23. as a Patron of the same Reall Presence : but is roundlie rejected in the point of Ecclesiasticall Hierarchie , L. 1. de pont. c. 8. §. Resp. saying , that hee maintained a verie false Opinion .

More-over , Ireneus is cited by Bellarmine , L. 2. de Euch. ● . 6. for the same preceeding point : but is rejected , in his Exposition of the Number of the Beast's Name , L. 3. de pont. c. 10. §. haec . that it is Lateinus .

Lactantius , like-wise , as a most ancient Father , L. 4. de penit . c. 9. is adduced by Bellarmine , to prooue Popish Satisfaction : but is rejected roughlie , with this Dittie , when he maketh against him , as in the matter of Images , &c. L. 1. de sanct. c. 5. § habemus . Lactantius ( sayeth hee ) fell in manie Errours .

Againe , through all his Controversies , Origen is cited by Bellarmine , for speciall Confirmation , L. 2. de men , c. 11. L. 1. de Christa c. 10. as of Monasticall life , workes of Supererogation , and such like : but when in the matter of Traditions , or other pointes , hee is opposed , then hee is rejected , as one ( saieth Bellarmine ) of no Authoritie . 〈◊〉 . lib. 4. de verbo cap. 11. sect. item . L. 2. de purg . c 8. sect. septimum . Yea , more-over , hee showeth , where hee was seene in Hell , with Arrius , and Nestorius .

Like-wise , Prudentius is adduced by Bellarmine , L. 2. de confir . c. 6. for Popish Confirmation , Pilgrymage , and vowing to Sainctes , L. 2. de sanct. c. 8. & 9. &c. But when he maketh against him , hee is rejected roundlie , saying , L. 2. de purg . c. 18 sect. ad secundum . More poetico lusisse Prudentium : that is , That Prudentius playeth him-selfe , after a poeticall manner .

When Ruffinus also seemeth to make for Adoration of Reliques , he is cited by Bellarmine , L. 2. de sanct. c. 3. as a most ancient and Reverende Father . But when hee clearlie maketh against the Pope's Supremacie , hee is verie vnmannerlie rejected , L. 2. de pont. c. 13. sect. observandum . as one that is false , and vntrue .

In like manner , Theophylact is frequentlie cited by Bellarmine , as for Monasticall lyfe , L. 2. de 〈◊〉 . c. 26. L. 1. de pont. c. 25. and Papall Supremacie : but is rejected thus , when hee maketh against him , saying , That hee lived in the time of a Schisme ; L. 2. de Christ● c. 26. sect. sex●o . and therefore his authoritie is not worthie to bee received .

Enthymius , like-wise , is cited by Bellarmine , L. 1. de Christ● c. 6. L. 1. de sanct. c. 4. sect. hab●mus . as one of great authoritie , when hee maketh for him : but is thus casten at his heeles , when hee maketh against him , saying , Non est adeo à nobis magnifaciendus : that is , Hee is not much to bee esteemed by vs .

Thus may it truelie bee spoken of the Romanistes , which Anastasius Sinaita Patriarch of Antioch , reporteth of the Hereticke Severus , in his booke written against the Severians : to wit , Even as hee had beene the Iudge of the quicke and the dead , hee so vsed , at his pleasure , the Fathers of the Church : receiving whome hee pleased , and rejecting in them what-so-ever hee listed . And that this same is done now , by our Adversaries , the preceeding Examples doe evidentlie show .

AN APPENDIX . Of the Romanistes , their other shamelesse and fraudulent forme of Answeres , to cleare Testimonies of Fathers , objected against them .

1. By giving a Sence , cleare contrarie to their wordes .

EXamples heere-of , we haue in that Directorie of the Duay Seminarie , Inde●●●purg . tit. Bertramus . where they ordaine , in the booke of that auncient Bertram , not onlie , Invisibiliter , to bee put for , Visibiliter : but thereafter , that the words , Secundum creaturarum substantiam : that is , According to the substance of the Creatures ; shall bee expounded , Secundum externas species Sacramenti : that is , According to the externall qualities , or accidents , of the Sacrament .

No lesse absurdlie , like-wise , doeth Bellarmine affirme , That by the substance of the Elementes , which Theodoret avoweth to remaine still , as they were before , after Consecration ; that he meaneth , not onelie bare Accidentes to remaine , but the nature onlie of Accidents to abide , saying , While Theodoret affirmeth ( saieth hee ) that the substance of the Elements abideth , B●ll . lib. 2. de Euch. cap. 27. sect. s●d . and is not changed , hee speaketh of the Essence and Nature of the Accidentes .

But a most pregnant Example of anie which wee haue of late , is that , which is in the Compende of Becanus Manuell , Becani epit . manual . c. 8. sect. de communione sub vr●aque specie . conclu● . 3. a Iesuit : who aunswering to those wordes of Chrysostome , which are so cleare against the Popish Mutilation of the Sacrament , to wit , Omnibus unus Panis proponitur , & unum Poculum : that is , To all men who-soever , one Bread is offered , and one Cup together ; Becanus answereth , That by the Cup , the Cup is not meaned , but the Blood , which by concomitance is the Bodie , and which after that manner the Laicks receiue . Whereas the holy Father , Chrysostome , could not haue meaned by the Cup , the blood in the bodie : seeing by the contrarie , the Cup is ever called , ( and that by Christ Him-selfe ) The blood that is shed , and powred out of the bodie : neyther could hee possiblie more clearlie haue spoken , distinguishing betweene the Bread and the Cup , and declaring , that vnder both kindes , Eating and Drinking , the people of olde did duelie communicate .

2. How they answere , by tempering the words of the Fathers .

OF this fraudfull Shift , by tempering ( as they call it ) the wordes of the Fathers , to play to their Tune , wee haue a notable Example , in our fore-saide Bellarmine : Bell. l. ● . de p●nit . c. 16. sect. hac . who treating of the Irremissiblenesse of the Sinne against the Holie Ghost , and that it is helde to bee absolutelie such , he saieth , This appeareth to be the minde of Athanasius , Hilarie , Ierome , and Anselmus , on the twelft of Matthew , Videtur tamen temperanda , ( saieth hee ) id est , irremissibile esse ordinarie & ut plarimum : that is , But their speach would bee tempered , to wit , that this Sinne is ordinarilie irrimissible , and for the most part . Which is both contrarie to the wordes of those Fathers , as also contrarie to the verie absolute speach of Christ ; Bell. l. 4. de panit . c. 13. sect. Resp. and last of all , crosseth his owne Rule , saying , Non oportet restringere , quod Deus amplum esse voluit : that is , We must not make a restriction of those words , which God will haue to bee absolutelie taken .

The like Example we haue also , in qualifying of Sainct Bernard's wordes , which wee adduce against popish Merites , out of his 310 Epistle : where-in hee declareth , that his whole life , even to the verie last period there-of , which hee calleth Calcaneum , was al-to-gether destitute of Merites . But how aunswereth Bellarmine , and qualifieth , or tempereth hee this Speach ? Perhaps ( saieth hee ) hee spake this humbly , but not truely . Bell. lib. 5. de Iustif. c. 6. sect. ad alia . Which sense against sense , Bernard him-selfe else-where pithilie over-throweth , saying , When ye haue done all things that are commanded , say , that yee are vnprofitable Servantes . But thou wilt say , Bern. ser. de tripl . custodi● . ( saieth Bernard ) that hee willed vs to say so , for Humilities sake . Yes , indeede . But willed he thee to say that , against the Trueth ? No.

3. How they fraudfullie , in their Aunsweres to the Fathers , disjoynt thinges , not to bee disjoyned ; and conjoyne thinges , that are not conjoyned .

AN Example of the first , wee haue in Bellarmine , Bell lib. 4. de Euch. c. 16. who intreating of the lawfull Minister of the Eucharist , hee citeth Epiphanius , to proue , that Christ gaue no power , even to the Virgine Marie , to celebrate a Sacrament . But when the same Father is cited by vs , against baptizing by Women ; showing also , out of Epiphanius , That the Virgine Marie was never permitted by Christ , nor his Apostles , anie way to baptize ; Bell. lib. 1. de Bapt. c. 7. sect. Quario . Bellarmine aunswereth , Loquitur ( saieth hee ) de publico ministerio baptismi : that is , Epiphanius speaketh onlie of the publicke Ministerie of Baptisme . Where-as by disjoyning the publicke ministration of Baptisme , from the private ministration , hee may see , that the verie like answere might bee made vnto him-selfe , That Women are not excluded from celebrating the Communion in private ; but that they are debarred onelie from the publicke ministration of the same . And so his Conclusion out of Epiphanius , concerning the lawfull Minister of the Eucharist , shall bee quite over-throwne .

An Example of the seconde , which is a fraudfull Conjunction of diverse Speaches , which are of diverse matters , as if they were one , we haue like-wise in Bellarmine , Bell. lib. 2. de 〈◊〉 c. 35. who for the defence of the receiving of young Nunnes , not onelie against God's word , 2. Tim. 5 9.11 . but also against their owne pope's Epistle , he alleadgeth , that Gregorie speaketh onelie of the Abbatesse , Greg. l. 3. Epist. 11. and no-wise of the age of Nunnes : Where-as , both the Title , and the Epistle it selfe , showeth , that hee speaketh , both of the Abbatesse in the generall , Ne sit Iuvencula , that is , That shee bee not a young woman ; 1. Tim. 3.6 . as Paul speaketh of a Bishop , That hee be not a young Scholler : and of the Nunnes which are to bee vailed in particular , Ne fiat earum velamen , ( saieth hee ) ante annum sexagesimum : that is , Let them not bee vailed , before they be three-score yeares of age .

4. How they answere the Fathers , alleadging their speaches to be hyperbolicke , when they are no-wise so .

EXamples of this , like-wise , Bellarmine affordeth vs , who when Chrysostome's speach is adduced , Bell. lib. 2 de verboc . vlt. §. Resp. exhor●ing secular men , to get Bibles to them-selues : and if they could not get more , to get the New Testament : hee answereth , That Chrysostome's speach , is an Hyperbolicke forme of speach ; and not that hee would haue all to doe so , as hee by word exhorted them .

And againe , when hee is opposed against their Private Masse , saying , That it is better , not to bee present at the Sacrament , or at that ( commemoratiue ) Sacrifice of Christs bodie , than to be present , & yet not to communicate : Bell. lib. 1. de missa . c. 10. §. Resp. Bellarmine ▪ heerevnto answereth ; I say , that Chrysostome spake this ( sayeth hee ) hyperbolicallie , as he doeth-sundrie other thinges . Now , by his owne definition , of an hyperbolicke speach , let vs see then , howe sillie a Shift hee vseth , for fraudfull Evasion . An hyperbolicke speach ( saieth hee ) requireth , Bell. l. ● , dep●●nit . cap. 10. §. qu●d . that truelie some-what be in a thing , altho not in so excellent a manner , as the wordes signifie : other-wise , it should not bee an Hyperbole , but a Lie : neither should a speach bee there-by so much adorned , as al-to-gether spoiled . Now , let anie applie this , to the fore-said Testimonies , and they shall clearlie see , that in them there is no hyberbole .

5. How they vrge such Answeres to Antiquitie agaynst vs , which they will not ( as they ought ) justlie accept of vs .

TWo diverse Examples here-of , wee haue like-wise furnished vnto vs , Bell. lib. 4. de E●●h . c. 10. Bell lib. 1. de miss● . c. 18. by our fore-said Bellarmine ; who for sundrie Pageates of the Masse , bringeth , as the greatest Antiquitie , Sainct Iames Lyturgie : but when the wordes of that Lyturgie , saying , long after the words , Ho● est Corpus Meu● ; those wordes of Prayer , Fiat hic Pa●is Corpus Christi , are adduced , to show , that after the words of Consecration , Bread still remained : Bell. lib. 4. de Euch. c. 13. §. 〈◊〉 . then Bellarmine rejecteth Sainct Iames Lyturgie , vpon this reason , Nam non omnia quae in Lyturgia habentur ( saieth hee ) dep●ompta sunt ex Domini exemplo aut praecepto , constat enim multa esse addita ab aliis , &c. that is , For all things that are contained in that Lyturgie , are not taken out of the Lord's Example , or Commandement : for it is evident , that manie thinges were added , or patched to , by others . Therefore the Grecians ( saith Bellarmine ) should proue by some Testimonie , ( which they are not able to doe ) that those wordes did flow from the wordes , or else from the fact of CHRIST . Which Reason given by Bellarmine against the Grecians , ( who with vs denye Consecration to be by those wordes recited , Hoc est Corpus meum ) is a most valide Reason , furnished by him , vnto vs , Why we doe , and should , reject all thinges in the Masse , which doeth not flowe , either from the wordes , or fact of our Saviour , but are mens Inventions , added to , or altring that holie Institution .

Like-wise , to proue that Capernaitish forme of Christ's presence , and eating in the Sacrament , 〈◊〉 lib. 2. de Eu●● . c. 7. Bellarmine adduceth Tertullian , saying , Al-be-it hee was a Montanist in his latter dayes , yet hee was reprehended by none of the Auncientes in this , That ever hee erred , concerning the Sacrament of the Lord's Bodie . Bell l. 5. de gra . c. 26. §. At. And againe , else-where hee saieth , It is sure ( saieth hee ) that hee erred not in this , because no Author counteth this amongst Tortullian's Errours . And yet , when wee produce Tertullian , against Popish Indulgences , and other pointes of Poperie , Bell. l. 1. de indulg . cap. 3. §. 〈◊〉 . Bellarmine rejecteth him , as hereticall , altho his owne wordes may stop his mouth . And wee may say even so vnto him , That al-be-it hee was a Montanist in his latter age , yet hee was never reprehended by anie of the Ancients in this , That ever hee erred in the matter of Indulgences , &c. and no Author counted ever this amongst Tertullian's Errours .

Thus vse they diverse Weights in the Bag , which is Abhomination : they claime , and disclaime , for craftie Seduction , against all Civill Honestie , Setled Constancie , Christian Integritie , Reasons Rule , Conscience Regiment , or any way equitable Indifferencie .

Neither is there anie , but may see , that wee yeelding vnto them , the Fathers to bee onelie Expounders of Scripture , and admitting their Writs to decide all Controversies ; yet are wee not with them at anie nearer point , while as they will bee such Expounders of the Fathers againe , making their Exposition often times quite contrarie to the Text , and ( as Pharaoh's leane Kye did to the fatte ) the one ( as hath beene showne ) to eate vp the other .

6. How they answere vs , to some Fathers ; impudentlie denying the cleare words which are in then Writs .

HOw peart and perverse they are , in this their last mentioned , and most vnthristie Shift , let this one Example , in place of manie , restifie . When Chemnitius , out of Athanasius , A●han . l. 1. contra gente● initio . bringes this Testimonie , for perfection of Scripture , Safficiūt sacrae ac divinit●s inspiratae Scripturae ad OMNEM instructionem veritatis ; that is , The Holie and Divine inspired Sc●iptures , are sufficient for ALL instruction of Trueth , Bell. lib. 4. de v●rb● . c. 11. §. Presert quarto . Bellarmine denyeth , that the word Omnem , or ALL , is in Athanasius : affirming yet more impudentlie , that Chemnitius added this worde ( where-in the whole pith of the Testimonie consisteth ) to Athanasius , of his owne head . The contrarie where-of , may bee seene in all olde Impressions of that Father , where-of I haue one beside mee , printed at Paris , by Iohn Petit , Anno 1520 , or anie later , over which the seaming Fire of the Expu●gatorie Index hath not passed , hither-to .

CHAP. X. Some notable Frauds , vsed by the Romanists , in Citations of the Fathers , where-of the Reader would carefullie beware .

1. By citing of Heretickes wordes for them as if they were the wordes of the Orthodox Fathers .

A Notable Example of this fraudfull Tricke , 1. Fraud . wee haue in Bella●mine , who to proue , by the Testimonie of Fathers , That Scripture without Tradition , is sufficient to determine Controversies citeth Ireneus : alleadging , Because the Scriptures are Variouslie expounded , that there-fore Scripture onlie cannot bee Iudge . Which wordes are not Ireneus owne wordes , Bell. l. 3. de ver●o c. 8. ( as Bellarmine giveth them out ) neither did Ireneus ever alleadge anie such Reason , as that There was need of Tradition , because the Scriptures were Variouslie expounded : but hee setteth downe this , to bee the Hereticke's Reason , for Traditions , whome Ireneus refuteth . Iren. l. 3. c. 2. There-fore , Ireneus wordes are these , When they are convinced out of Scripture , ( saieth Ireneus , speaking of the Heretickes of his time ) straight-way they fall out , in the accusing of Scripture it selfe , as if thinges were not well set downe there , nor that the same had not authoritie of its owne , and because the same is variouslie expounded , and there-fore Trueth cannot bee found there-in , by those that are ignorant of Traditions . In which wordes , Ireneus , if hee had beene living , and heard a Papist in our dayes , pleading for Traditions , and accusing God's word of Imperfection , Obscuritie , plyablenesse anie way , and wanting authoritie of its owne , ( but such as it hath from the Church , and the Pope ) he could not more viuelie haue painted , nor described him , than hee doeth heere , by the Patterne of an olde Hereticke .

This necessarie Caution , therefore , wee would keepe , for obviating such Fraude ; that is , we would carefullie remarke , that the wordes bee a Father 's owne words , which are adduced , and expressing to vs , his owne mynde and meaning . And this wee should doe , not onelie in cleare places , as this former is ; but wee would more carefullie advert the same , in some that are obscurer , in which it can bee hardlie discerned , whether the words bee a Father 's owne , or some Heretick's , whom hee refuteth . An Instance where-of , Bellarmine him-selfe giveth vs , saying of a Testimonie cited out of Clemens Alexandrinus , which seemeth to favour the Pelagian Heresie , It is not surelie known ( sayth he ) whose those words bee , Bell. l. 4. de am●ss . gra . c. 9. whether Clement's owne wordes , or those Hereticke's with whom he is in that place disputing . And to this , the Reader would the more diligentlie take heede , because the Papists ( lyke the Donatists ) out of the obscurest places of Scripture , or Fathers , ever seeke to make their best advantage .

2. How they cite the Fathers , quyte contrarie to their mynde .

A Remarkable Example heereof , 2 2 ●raude . Bell. l. 4. de amiss . gr. ● . c. 15. §. Habem●● . wee finde in Bellarmine's citation of Augustine , out of whom to proue , that the Virgine Ma●ie was conceived without Originall Sin , hee adduceth a Testimonie , wherein Augustine never meaned , nor affirmeth , that in her owne conception shee was free from Originall Sinne ; but onlie , that from the time of CHRIST'S conception in her wombe , that shee was preserved thence-foorth from actual sinning , thorow that singular Priviledge ( as he thought ) that then was granted vnto her , by being the Mother of the Lord Iesus . And that this is the trueth , we shall cleare the same , out of their Master of Sentences , who speaking of Christ's conception , showeth what was the qualitie of the flesh of the Virgine Marie , before that time , and in that verie instant , to wit , sinfull , as the rest of the race of Adam , Lombard . l. 3. Dist. 3. saying , Surelie it may bee cruelie saide , and must bee believed , according to the vniforme agreement of the holie Fathers witnessing the same , that , that substance of Marie , ( where-of Christ tooke His humanitie ) was first subject to sinne , * * Sicut reliqua Virgin●● car● . as all the rest of the flesh of the Virgine was : but there-after , by the operation of the holie Ghost , the same was so purified , and made cleane , that beeing free of all tainture of Sinne , it might bee so vnited to the WORD . And after that the fore-saide Master of Sentences haue saide thus farre , of Christ's owne conception , then he commeth in the next Section , to d●clare what Priviledge was given to Marie , after that time of Christ's conception , to wit , That from thence-foorth shee was fred from actuall sinne : and to this effect , hee citeth that same place of Augustine , which Bellarmine wresteth , and abuseth , to proue her Immunitie from Originall Sinne , even in her owne conception ; and which Augustine , nor none of the Fathers , ever once did meane .

3. How they vrge vs , with Testimonies of Fathers , which are the brood of those Errours , which them-selues disclayme .

AN Instance heere-of , ( in place of manie ) is cleare , 3 3 Fra●de . in the Point of Purgatorie , and prayer for the dead , where-in Bellarmine , and his Fellowes , adduce Testimonies of Fathers , importing the last , therby to proue the first : and from prayer to the dead , argue so to Purgatorie , as if there were such a Relation betweene those two , that there could no separation bee anie wyse made between them . Whereas prayer for the dead , ( where-of the Fathers speak ) proceeded from this ground Errour , for the most part , which both the Grecian and Latine Fathers mayntayned : to wit , That the Soules of the Faythfull , who departed this lyfe , remayned till the day of the generall Refurrection , without attayning to the blessed Vision of GOD , in certaine Places of Rest , Iren. l. 5. which Ireneus calleth , Invisible Holds , destinated to them by GOD : Aug. En●hir●d . c. 108. or , as Augustine tearmeth them , Hid Receptacles : or , as Lactanctius styleth the same , L●●t ▪ l. 7. insist c. 21. Hi●ar . in Psal. 120. Amb. d● Cain & Ab●● 2. c. 2. A common Custodie : or , as Hilarie speaketh , A Bosome of Rest : or , as Ambrose nameth them , Places of Suspence , and Habitacles : or , last of all , as Bernard calleth them , Atria , or Vtter Portches , or Courtes . Bern 〈◊〉 . 3 de omnibus , 〈◊〉 . Nowe , seeing this was their 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , or ground Errour , ( which the Papistes disclayme , Bell. lib. 1. de Sanct. c. 1.2.3 . & 4. as well as wee ) and vpon this evill layde ground , that they founded onelie their Practise of prayer for the dead ; seeing the Papistes reject the first , as an illegittimate Birth ; why vrge they vs then , with the second after-birth ? wresting their speaches , farre agaynst the mynde of the Fathers ▪ for their new-conceited Purgatorie , where-vnto their prayers for the dead had no Relation at al. And there-fore , when as they vrge vs with the Testimonies of the Fathers , for prayer for the dead , they them-selues must first belieue this confining of Soules of the Godlie , in those hidden Receptacles of Rest , where-in they are kept , from the tyme of their death , vntill the Resurrection , as in a Common Custodie , ( and which quyte everteth Purgatorie , as their owne Suar●z confesseth : Suarez in 3. part . Thomae ● . 59. Art. 6. Disp. 57. §. 1. ) or else they must cease by those Testimonies , to induce vs , fraudfullie to belieue , that there is such coherence , and inviolable dependance , ( as they pretende ) betweene prayer for the dead , and Purgatorie , that the one necessarily doeth inferre the other , and whereof the auncient Fathers never once dreamed ▪ as witnesseth their owne Fisher , bishop of Rochester , saying , That amongst the Fathers , Roffen. art. 1● cont●a Luther . pag. 314. there was never any mention there-of at al , or at the least , verie seldome any wyse ; and that the doctrine of Purgatorie , was onelie latelie knowne , and of late a●●an●rlie received by the Church .

And where-as in the ancient alleadged Lyturgies , S. Iacobi Liturg ● 29. they finde mention of prayers for the dead , the extense of persons beeing considered , to whome those prayers did reach , shall no lesse forciblie evert their Fornace of Purgatorie . In the Lyturgie ( which they call Apostolicall ) of Saynct Iames , prayer being made for all , even f●om Abell the just , that had died hither-to : and more particularlie in Chrysostome's Lyturgie ( which is called the Lyturgie of the Easterne Church ) the prayer that is vsed there for the dead , Liturg. Chrysost. p. 9● . extending it selfe by name , to the Patriarches , Prophets , Apostles , Martyrs , Confessours , and even to the blessed Virgine , which is there nominate : none of whome the most impudent Papist dare place in their Fyre of Purgatorie : Bell. lib. 2. de purg . c. 18. &c. 5. and Bellarmine him-selfe informeth vs , how those prayers stand without anie supposall of Purgatorie at all , to wit , Relation beeing had to the seconde Sentence , or full accomplishment , that the whole Man is to receiue , by a solemne and publick Sentence of Acquitall in that Day from Sinne , or the Consequences ▪ there-of , and by an Adjudgement to a full Consummation of all perfect Happinesse , compryzed al in short words , by the Apostle , for Onesiphorus , saying , ( whyle hee was alyue ) The Lord grant vnto him , that hee may fynde Mercie of the Lord in that Day .

Agayne , it was the Errour of manie Fathers , ( sayeth Bellarmine ) that after this lyfe , Bell. lib. 2. de purg . c. 1. Aug. l. 20. de civit . Dei c. 25. Lact. l. 7. instit. c. 21. O●●g : in Ie● . hom. 13. Amb. in Psal. 11● . Serm. 3. & 20. all the Godlie , ( the Virgine Marie , nor the Apostles , no● beeing excepted ) should bee purged , by a Fyre , at the Day of Iudgement : Yet , not-with-standing , Bellarmine add●ceth the Testimonies of those Fathers , which speake of this same Fyre , and none other , to proue the Popish Fyre of Purgatorie , immediatly after death , although so farre different , both in tyme , and in extense to persons .

Seeing , therefore , Bellarmine disclaymeth this fore-sayde Opinion , as erronious , why vrgeth hee the Testimonies of Fathers agaynst vs , to proue fraudfullie , vnder the name of ( Ignis Purgans ) their Popish Fyre of Purgatorie ? before the Resurrection , & which after death is indured by some onlie : where-as those Fathers meaned a farre diverse Fyre , to wit , which should be at the Resurrection onelie , and should bee suffered by all indifferentlie .

And yet , that he doth this most impudentlie , let this cleare the Trueth . To proue that the Fathers held such an erronious Opinion , as is fore-saide , Bell. lib. 2. de purg . c. 1. Bellarmine bringeth S. Ambrose wordes , on the 118 Psalme , and twentie Sermon , saying in the fourth of Genesis , That the Lord did put a flaming Sworde before the entrie of Paradise : which ( sayeth Bellarmine ) hee calleth that purging Fyre , thorow which of necessitie everie one must passe , who-so-ever they bee that enter into Paradise . And yet hee bringeth the same Father , Bell. lib. ● . de purg . c. 5. §. Ambrosias . in this same verie place , and those same verie wordes , to proue the Elph-fyre of their Popish Purgatorie .

In lyke manner , Bellarmine citeth Augustine , Bell. lib. 1. de purg . c. 10. §. B. Aug. to patronize their Purgatorie , in his 21 booke , De Civitate Dei , and 16 Chapter , and 24 : where hee affirmeth , That some shall suffer certayne Purgatorie Punishmentes , before the last Iudgement . Which beeing compared with the 25 Chapter , of the 20 booke , it will appeare clearlie there-by , that hee meaneth that Fyre of Conflagration , that shall immediatelie goe before the last daye of Generall Doome ; and not that Popish Fyre of Purgatorie , that is suffered after the day of particular Death . And the effect where-of , hee showeth shall bee this , Aug. in Psal. 103. conc. 3. to wit , That it shall separate some to the left hand , and melt out others , to the right hand of CHRIST ; and so consequently shall seaze on all men , both wicked and Godlie .

To obviate , therefore , this Fraude , the 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , or ground Errour , would carefully be adverted ; that if they reject the Roore of such Colloquintid● themselues , they vrge vs not with the Blade , or Branch , nor fraudfullie make that to serue their Turne , by clayming the Fathers , in such a poynt , wholie to make for them , whyle as tryall doeth discover , that them-selues rejecting the Ground , they , Ipso facto , lyke-wyse disclayme the super-structure .

And this the more warily would bee seene vnto , because the Ground Errour is some-tymes more latent , especiallie to one , that is not acquaynted with such a Father his whole workes , whose Testimonie is cited : one notable Example where-of , I will instance , out of our Adversaries bringing of Theophylact , for the countenancing of their praying , and offering for the dead : not considering his Ground Errour , where-vpon this a-rose ; which was not for bringing the Soules of those out of Purgatorie , who died onelie with the guilt of Veniall Sinnes ; but to saue the Soules of those out of Hell , vngone there , who had died impenitentlie , with the guilt of haynous sinnes ; and which hee thought , by the Prayers and Oblations of the living , might be gotten done : grounding his Errour on that Speach of our Saviour , Theophyl . in Luk. 12. Luke 12 , 5 , in which hee wisheth vs , to obserue , That Christ did not say , Feare him , who after hee hath killed , casteth into Hell ; but , hath power to cast into Hell . For the sinners , which die , ( sayeth he ) are not all-wayes casten into Hell : but it remayneth in the power of GOD , to pardon them also . And this I say , for the Oblations and Doales , which are made for the dead , which doe not a little avayle them , which die even in grievous sinnes : Where-fore , let vs not cease , by Almes , and Intercession , to appeale Him that hath power to cast , but doeth not alwayes vse this power , ( sayeth hee ) but is able to pardon also .

4. How they cite words of Fathers , which no-wyse are in their Writs .

FOR a cleare Evidence of this , Bell. lib. 1. de purg . c. 10. let this one Practise of Bellarmine's sufficientlie examplifie , who to proue Purgatorie , doeth cite these wordes , out of Theodoret's Commentarie , on the first Epistle to the Corinthians , and third Chapter , saying , Hunc ipsum ig●em p●rgatorium credimus : that is , Wee belieue this same Fyre of Purgatorie to bee indeede . Which wordes , not-with-standing , their owne Senensis testifyeth , Senen . l. 6. annot. 258. are no-wyse to bee found in the Writs of Theodoret.

CHAP. XI . How the Romanists not onelie equall , but preferre the judgement of their late Divines , to the Fathers , ( not-with-standing of the Reverence they pretend to Antiquitie ) and this , both in Dogmaticall poynts , and exposition of Scripture .

FIrst then , forequalling their new Doctors , with the most auncient Fathers , let the Iesuit , Sandeus his speach concerning Bellarmine , Sandeus in admoni . sua ad Laurentium p. 63. in Proofe haue the Primacie : A Man ( sayeth hee ) most learned , and modest , Quem veluti saeculi nostri Augustinum venerabitur posteritas , & boni omnis & catholice eruditi suspiciunt : that is , Whom the Posteritie shall reverence , as the Augustine of our Age , and whom all good men , and Catholicke-instructed , doe wonder , and admire .

Agayne , Senens . bibli . l. 4. t. Ioamies Fisherus . thus saith Sixtus Senensis , of Fisher , late B. of Rochester : In the aboundance of Learning , ( sayth he ) and sinceritie of Godlinesse , and in constancie of mynde , Cuiqueue ex sanctissimis & acerrimis Ecclesiae propugnatoribus merito comparandus : that is , Worthilie to bee compared with anie who-so-ever , of the most holie Fathers , and most cowragious Defenders of the Church .

In lyke manner , Perer. in gen. 25.15 . Disp. 1. num. 24. thus sayeth Pererius , of his Fellow Tostatus : A man ( sayeth hee ) surelie not onelie for the multitude of Wrytinges , but also for the subtiltie and rypnesse of Wit , gravitie of Iudgement , and excelling in sundrie kynd● of Learning , Antiquis illis magnisque patribus & docto●ibus merito annumerandus : that is , Who is worthilie to bee numbered with the ancient Fathers , and great Doctors of the Church .

Next , for preferring their newe Doctors , Roff●n . contr. ●uther . art. 1● . to the most auncient Fathers , let their bishop Fisher testifie , who sayeth , That it cannot be obscure vnto anie , that manie things , as well in the Gospels , as in the rest of the Scriptures , are now more exquisitelie discussed , by later Wryters , and more clearlie vnderstood , than they haue bene heere-to-fore .

Stella in Lu● . 10. p. 15. Againe , when Frier Stella hath rejected the Exposition of all the Fathers , on Luke 10 , 21 , hee sayeth , That tho it bee farre from him , to condemne the common Exposition given by the ancient Fathers , yet hee knoweth verie well , that Pigmeis beeing put vpon Giants shoulders , doe see farther than Giants them-selues .

Like-wise , Salm. in Rom. l. 2. Disp. 51 §. secundo . when the Iesuit Salmeron , getteth the whole Fathers ( as Erasmus showeth ) in his Teeth , against the conception of the Virgine Marie , without original Sinne , in their exposition of Rom. 5 , 12 , yet hee answereth , That the whole devotion towardes the Mother of God , did not consist in Bernard , Bonaventure , and other Fathers : for she had manie then , as shee hath now , better knowne to her selfe , ( that were of the contrarie minde ) then they were knowne to the World : and there-after , hee concludeth , in favours of the new Romish Clergie , saying , Quo Iuniores , ●o perspicaciores esse Doctores : that is , That the later their Doctors bee , that they are the more wittie and clearer sighted .

In like manner , in another Question of great moment , Whether the Law of Moses , concerning Degrees forbidden in Marriage , belong to Christians , where-in from the authoritie of ancient Fathers affirming the same , when the Church of Rome is attainted , as patrons of Incest , by her Dispensations with such forbidden Degrees , the Author of Apologia tumultuaria , Lib. pro dispens . matrim. Heu . 8. cum v●ore fratru . sect. postr●●● . answereth heer-in thus , Let the Fathers ( sayeth hee ) haue their owne reverence , &c. But I dare say , that the more recent Divines , in manie places , are more pertinent and pithie , yea , more exquisite , diligent , & watchfull . And even so sayth Costerus , Costeri Enchirid. cap. 3. That as the Church is grown now in number , so is the same in Learning , and Sharp-sightednesse .

CHAP. XII . By what partiall & absurd Rule the Romanists do admit , or reject , the Testimonies of Fathers .

FIrst , for clearing here-of sufficientlie , Bellarmine giveth evidence , who amongst the diverse Expositions of Fathers , & others , vpon that place of the Romanes , 14 , 5 , which sayth , One man esteemeth one day aboue another ; taketh that onelie , and admitteth as true , Quae nobis maxime fave● , Bell. Lib. 3. de sanct. cap. 10 sect. 2 ( sayth he : ) that is , Which most favoureth our side , being heere-in like Faustus the Manichean , Aug. Lib. 11. contra Faust. cap. 2 who by this Rule admitted some Apostolicall Writs , & rejected others , Qula hoc pro me sonat , ( sayde hee ) illud nequaquam : that is , Because this maketh for me , and the other not so ▪ Partiall Iniquitie , but not precious Veritie ; and no wise the loue of the Trueth , but selfe-loue , bearing the whole swey .

Againe , whether the same vnction bee meaned , Marke 6 , and Iames ▪ 5 , in this point for defence of extreame vnction , to be by Christ's institution , Bellarmine rejecteth the judgement of Beda , Theophylact , and OEcumenius , who are contrarie to his mynde ; & he receiveth a newer Exposition , of their owne Divines , saying of the same , Mi●i saue eo nomine gratior est , quia video Lutherum Calvinum , & Chemnitium , in priori opinione : that is , Surelie this Exposition is the better liked by mee , because I see Luther , Calvine , and Chemnitius , of the first opinion . Thus is our consent with Antiquitie , ( wee see ) a sufficient ground to them of dissenting there-from , direction of Reason not inducing , but distraction of Affection seducing them from the Trueth .

In like manner , Maldonat , on the sixt of Iohn , giving an Exposition of the 63 verse , saith , I deny not , ( saith hee ) that I haue no Author before me of this Exposition , Sed bane eo magis probo , quam illam alteram Augustini caeter●rumque alioquin probabilissima● , quod haec cum Calvinistar●m sensu magis pugnet : that is , But I approoue this Exposition the rather , & preferre it before the other of S. Augustine's , and the other Ancients , ( altho other-wise the same bee most probable , and lykliest to bee the true meaning ) because this Exposition fighteth , or is more contrarie to the meaning of the Calvinists . Thus wee see Faction , not Affection to the Trueth ; Prejudice , not sound Iudgement ; and the hatred of persons , and not the regard of Cause simplie , so in these to prevaile , that we may loose hope , that wee can availe them .

THE SECOND BOOKE , OF ▪ COUNSELS .

CHAP. XIII . As the Romanists deale with the Fathers , so how they manie wayes deale injuriouslie with ancient Councels .

1. By adding to them .

AS for the Tomes of Councels in the generall , Bell. lib. 1. de Concil. c. 2. thus farre doeth Bellarmine ingeniouslie confesse , Quod Libri Conciliorum negligenter conservati s●nt , ( sayeth hee ) & multis vitiis scatent : that is , That the bookes of the Councels , being negligentlie kept , doe indeed abound with manie Errours . And so , howe sure reasoning , in matters of Fayth , can bee now , out of their Canons , for most part , may easilie bee seene .

And of the truest , and most vnsuspect Canons , of the most ancient Councels , most impudentlie doeth Bellarmine professe ; speaking thus of that most famous Councell of Chalcedon , Bell. Lib. 2. de Pont. cap. 22 sect. sacu●do . ( which their Pope Gregorie did reverence , as one of the foure Gospels ) That the Canons thereof had not authoritie with them , Nisi quatenus sunt renovati ( sayth hee ) à Romanis pontificibus : that is , But in so farre , as they are renewed by the Popes of Rome .

In particular , therefore , to show how this Fyning , and Forging , is practized in the Romane Mint , before the Canons of Councels passe for currant Money , in the Papall Kingdome , wee will first instance their Popish Patching , and adding to the same .

A notable Example where-of , wee haue in that fact of Pope Zozimus , who added to that famous first Councell of Nice , a Canon in his owne favours : whose Fraude was detected , his Pryde checked , and his Vsurpation prevented , by that famous Councel of Carthage , which standeth vp yet , in the faythfull Records thereof , as a Clowde of Witnesses , to testifie the same , even vnto this day .

Next , whereas the fourth Councell of Carthage , decreeth expresselie , That no Woman baptize ; yet not-with-standing , for mayntayning their Popish Practise in the contrarie , they * * Gratiam ▪ de consi● . dist. 4 c. mu●ier . L●mbard . Lib. 4. sent. dist . 6 haue added ( as Bellarmine confesseth clearlie ) this Condition , to that Canon , Nisi necesitate cogente : that is , Except Necessitie compell : Quamvis non habeatur illa exceptio in tomis conciliorum , ( sayeth Bellarmine : Bell. Lib. 1. de bapt cap. 7. sect. quarto . ) that is , Altho that Exception bee not in the Tomes of the Councels .

Agayne , for vp-holding of Papall Supremacie , where-as the Councell of Milevi decreed , That in no Case what-so-ever , anie Appeales should bee made out of Africke , to anie beyond Sea : yet Bellarmine confesseth , Bell. lib. 2. de pont. c. 24. §. Respondent . That Gratian added of his owne head , this Clause to the Canon , Nisi forte ad Apostolicam sedem appelletu● : that is , Except perhaps that Appellation bee made to the Apostolical Sea of Rome . Which Clause annulleth the whole Canon , and as Bellarmine testifieth , is close contrarie to the mynd and expresse intention of that whole Councell .

2. How they purge and pare from the Councels .

NExt , vnto their adding to Councels , nay , I may say , adding whole Suppositions , and forged Councels , vnto the number of those that were true and reall , as that Rome Councell , vnder Sylvester , where-in is pretended , that it was concluded , That no man might judge the first Seate . Co●cil . Rom. anno 325. ● . 20. And for fayling in that , and drawing the matter yet more vp-wardes , an elder Councell yet , is brought out of a Corner , and hollowlie made to pronounce , That the first Seat must not bee judged by anie . Con. Sinness●n . anno 303. circa fin●m . Next , then , ( I say ) to such liberall adding in grosse , and in piece-maile , after the fore-sayde manner , let vs see , that they are as Skilfull in Subduction , as they are for Seduction , by their Arithmeticall Addition .

In the olde Copies of the Generall Councels , there is inse●t the fourth Decretall Epistle of Pope Clement , Gratian. causa . 12. ● . 1. ● . Di●ectissimu . ( which is contayned lykewyse in their Canon Law ) wherein the Popes mayntayning of that Nicolaitane Errour , is evident , to wit , Of having all thinges in common , where-in Wyues are also comprehended : and where-vpon it clearlie and consequentlie followeth , that the Pope may erre , and Popes haue monstruously erred . But what haue they done for this , in the new Editions of the Councels ? Even this , to wit , They haue purged , and put out those wordes , that Wy●es should bee common , as is confessed in the Notes set out of late vpon their Canon Law , by Authoritie & Command of Gregorie the thirteenth : where-in wee are beholden to them , that how-so-ever they will haue the Men , yet they desire not the Wyues , to bee Catholicke also .

3. How they alter the Wordes and Canons of the Councels .

A Notable Example heere-of , in Surius his Edition of the Councels , 〈…〉 97. and their Epitomizer Caranza , who for eschewing the clearnesse of that ancient Councell of Laodicea , 〈…〉 35. against the worshipping of Angels , hath without either sense , or shame , put Angulos , for Angelos : So that , where-as the Councell sayth , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 : that is , It is not lawfull for Christians to pray vnto Angels , they make the wordes to bee , Non oportet Christianos ad angulos congregationes facere : that is , Christians must not conveane in corners . And where-as the Title of the Canon is , De iis qui angelus colunt : that is , Of those that worship Angels : they make it to be thus , agaynst all sense , De iis qui angulos colunt : that is , Of those that worship Corners . An absurd Tale.

Which Fraude , and Falsification , Saynct Theodoret most clearlie convinceth ; Theod. in Coloss . ● . who commenting on the Collossians , maketh mention thus , of this famous Decree , They who defended the Law , ( sayth hee ) they induced Christians also to the worshipping of Angels , saying , That the Law was given by them . And this erronious Vyce continued long in Phrygia and Pisidia : Wherefore , that Councell , ( sayth he ) which assembled at Laodicea , which is the Metropolitane Citie of all Phrygia , by a Law did prohibite , That no man should pray to Angels .

The same Caranza lyke-wyse , for mayntayning the Pope's Supremacie , agaynst the sixt Canon of the Councel of Nice , alleadgeth , that hee sawe in a most ancient Latine Edition of the Councels , which the most Reverend Cardinall Marcellus shew him , ( who was Legate to the Pope , in the Councell of Trent ) the wordes of that Canon , set downe thus , Quoniam Metropolitano Episcopo hoc idem moris est : that is , Because this same is the Custome of the Metropolitane Bishoppe . Where-as in the vp-right Copies of the Nicene Councell , it is thus , Quoniam Episcopo Romano parilis mos est : that is , That the Bishop of Alexdria should haue power over those that were in his Diocie , because the Bishop of Rome had the same custome of jurisdiction , to wit , over those that were in his Diocie . Which confyning of his jurisdiction , onelie within his Westerne Precinct , or Diocie of Rome , and equalling other Bishops with him , in a-lyke jurisdiction within their severall Precincts , doeth al-to-gether ever this Challenge of Supremacie : & there-fore , for eschewing the force of that Canon of Nice , the Falsifyer of the same , had pulled out the Pope , out of the Comparison , as if none should compare with him in Iurisdiction , and put in anie poore Metropolitane Bishop , in that Comparison with the Bishop of Alexandria . And which grosse and filthie Falsification of Councels , wee see is an olde Practise of theirs , & may bee seene yet , in their Cardinals Liberaries , and in the Bosome of the Church of Rome .

Like-wise , where-as the seconde Councell of Orange , holden in Anno 529 , agaynst the Pelagians , and Semi-Pelagians , condemning their erronious Doctrine , concerning Grace , and Free-will , set downe , amongst other Conclusions , this in particular : This also we wholesomlie professe , and belieue , ( say they ) That in everie good worke , wee doe not begin , and are holpen after-wardes , by the Grace of God : but Hee first of all , [ Nullis praecedentibus bonis meritis , ] that is , No good merites of ours going before , inspireth in vs , both Fayth , and the loue of Him , &c. This Canon Binius , in his Edition of the Tomes of the Councell , for mayntayning Popish Free-will , and Merits of Congruitie , hath taken both Freedome of Will , and of Action also , notoriouslie to corrupt this wholesome Canon , and to put in for Nullis meritis bonis praecedentibus : that is , No good Merits of ours going before , Multis meritis bonis praecedentibus : that is , Manie good Merites of ours going before . Now , for Merites of Congruitie ; what Congruitie is betweene Nullis and Multis ; None , and Manie , let anie one judge . And that this Corruption of Binius , or at least , ( if they call it ) The Errour of the TYPOGRAPHER , were carefullie attended , and avoyded in latter Editions , I would gladlie wish .

Secondlie , How they accuse the Councels , when they make against them , eyof Fraude , and Ignorance , in determination ; or else , of after-falsification .

A Cleare instance wee haue of this , Bell. 〈◊〉 d. Rom. pont . in Bellarmine , who speaking of that most ancient and famous Councell of Chalcedon , holden Anno 451 , & of their Decree against anie Papall Supremacie , layeth no lesse to their charge , than Fra●d● and Falsehood , in expresse tearmes .

Againe , to prooue that the Pope may erre , and hath erred , and that hee was likewise subject to Councels of olde , when the sixt Synode is alleadged , condemning Honorius , as a Monothelite , Bell. lib 4 de pont. c. 11 §. 〈◊〉 secu●dum ▪ Bellarmine answereth thus , Decept●s fuisse patres ex falsis rumoribus , & non intellectis Episcolis Honorii , ideoque immerito cum Haereticis numerasse Honorium : that is , That those Fathers were deceived , by false Rumours , and by Ignorance , in not vnderstanding the Epistles of Honorius ; and therefore , that verie vndeservedlie they reckoned Honorius amongst other Heretickes : imputing so , both blind Ignorance , and vnwise Rashnesse , to all those Reverend Fathers . And when this will not serue his turne , hee layeth an imputation of after-falsification on all the Registers , and Record keepers of this famous Councell , saying , Honori● nomen sine dubio inter eos qui damnati erant , est insertum ab aemulis Romanae Ecclesiae : that is , That the Name of Honorius , without doubt , was insert amongst others that were condemned , by the Enviers of the Church of Rome .

Likewise , when the seaventh Synod is alleadged , Bell. ibid. §. ad tertium . where-in ( after long time that interveined , and due tryall was taken ) the sentence of the condemning Honorius , is confirmed , and the sixt Synod there-in is approven , Bellarmine answereth , Deceptos fuisse patres ex sexta Synodo , quae vel corrupta erat , vel per errorem Honorium damnaverat : that is , That those Fathers also were deceived by the sixt Councell , which was either corrupt , or else through Errour , had condemned Honorius .

In lyke manner , when the Epistle of Pope Leo , Bell. i●id sect. ad s●●●m . contained also and registrated in those Councels , is adduced for probation of the preceeding point , which hee wrote to the Emperour Constantinus Pogonatus , witnessing the trueth of Honorius Heresie , and just condemnation in the fore-said Councels , Bellarmine replyeth vnto that also , saying , Di●o Epistolam Leonis esse etiam corruptam : that is , I say , ( altho without anie warrand ) that the Epistle of Pope Leo is also corrupt , &c. Nec tenemur unum Leonem magis sequi , quam alios tot summos pontifices : that is And if that Epistle bee true , yet wee are not bound to follow one Pope , Leo , more than so manie other Popes .

Yea , some seeing the evidence so cleare , and vnavoydable , of Pope Honorius conviction of Heresie , in so solemne and famous free Councels , haue beene so impudent , as to say , That they were but forged , and counterfeyt , Bell. lib. 1. de concil . c. 5. sect. Corvenerunt . as Bellarmine testifieth of Albertus Pighius : But Turrianus ( sayth hee ) de●endeth the contrarie , that they are both sincere and vpright . Thus wee see , when they are straited , how they flie in others Faces : and this cleare evidence doth Bellarmine afford vs , in a weightie matter of their Popish Vnitie .

Thirdlie , How they admit Councels , onlie where-in they make for them ; and reject them disdaynfullie , as no Councels , where-in they make agaynst them .

FOR probation heere-of , let vs adduce Bellarmine , Bell. lib. 1. de sanct. c. 18. §. secundus . who when out of the third Councell of Carthage , hee would proue the Macchabees to bee Canonicke Scripture , he giveth this reason , why Calvine cannot denye the authoritie there-of , in this , because hee vseth the authoritie there-of in another poynt him-selfe , to wit , agaynst the invocation of Sayncts : and therefore he cannot say , Patres in uno sapere , ( sayth hee ) & in alio delirasse : that is , That the Fathers were wise in one point , but proved sottish in another . And yet , speaking of that famous first Councel of Chalcedon , Bell. lib. 3. de Laicu c. 20. §. ad hoc . & their decreeting agaynst Papall Supremacie , he bringeth in Pope Gelasius Verdict there-of , where-with himselfe consenteth , saying , Quod in eo quaedam fuerunt bona , & admittenda , quaedam vero mala , & rejicienda : that is , That in that Councell , some thinges were good , and to be admitted ; and some thinges were evill , and to bee rejected . And consequentlie , that the Fathers were wyse in some things , and in other things proved but sottish : to wit , in such things , as they make agaynst Poperie , viz. that great Dagon especially of the Pope's Supremacie .

Agayne , when this fame Councell of Chalcedon ( which he acknowledgeth was vniversallie and whollie approven ) is cited agaynst Forraigne Appeales , to Rome ; yet Bellarmine answereth heere-to , Bell. lib. 2. de Pont. cap. 2● . sect. secun●o . thus : That Pope Leo did approue the same , onlie so farre as it medled with the explication of matters of Fayth . Now if Papall Supremacie be not a point of Fayth , let Boniface the eight his Decree witnesse , declaring , That except a man belieue the same , hee cannot bee saved . Seeing , therefore , that Pope Leo approved the Councell , in so farre as it defyned matters of Fayth ; in so farre , then , as it defyned concerning Papall Supremacie , it will followe , by Bellarmine's owne consent , Extravag . unam sanct●m . That the same was approven by Pope Leo fore-sayde .

In lyke manner , Bellarmine adduceth the Councell of Eliberis , Bell. lib. 1. de 〈◊〉 . cap. 7. sect. qu●n●o . for Baptisme by Laickes . But when the same is adduced , agaynst Images in Churches , Lib. 2. 〈◊〉 c. 9 sect. add● . hee rejecteth the same , as of no authoritie .

Also , that famous Councell of Franckford , holden vnder Charles the Great , agaynst the worship of Images , was confirmed by Pope Hadrian ▪ ( sayeth Bellarmine ) in so farre as it defyned , Lib. 1. de con. c. 7. sect. quartum . That Christ was not the adoptiue Sonne of God . But is rejected by him , ( sayeth hee ) vpon the other part , in so farre , as that Councell condemned the seaventh Councell before it , to wit , for decreeing the worshipping of Images .

Agayne , where-in Concilium Quinisextum , or Trullanum , maketh for picturing of Images in Churches , Bellarmine sayeth , 〈◊〉 . § hos ergo . That in so farre it was approven by Pope Hadrian , but wherin it displeased his Holinesse , it was rejected , vpon this reason , Because the Pope was not there-by him-selfe , nor his Legates . Which reason , if it were sufficient for rejecting a Councell ; then vpon the same might that second famous & Generall Councell bee rejected , which was celebrated at Constantinople , agaynst Macedonius , that denyed the Deitie of the Spirit . For thus doeth Bellarmine confesse hereof , Bell. lib. 1. de concil . c. 5. §. Est vero . saying , That it is to bee noted , that in that Councell , not one of the Westerne partes was there : and yet it is whollie approven , & Pope Gregorie reverenced the same , as one of the foure Gospels .

Bell. lib. 2. de pont. c. 13. §. Denique . Lyke-wyse , in the poynt of Papal Supremacie , Bellarmine , to proue the same by ancient Councels , citeth the Florentine . But when a Canon of the same Councell , is cited agaynst Vnction in Confirmation , as no-wyse Apostolicall , Bell. lib. 2. de confirm . c. 9. §. Resp. Bellarmine answereth , That all things that are in Councels , pertayne not to the Fayth .

Bell. lib. 4. de E●ch . c. 10. §. Eusse . In lyke manner , Bellarmine , to proue the Communion , vnder one kynde , to haue beene an olde Custome , long before Constance , hee citeth the Councel of Basill . But when the same Councel is cited , to proue the Councell , aboue the Pope , it is rejected , with no gentler Styles , than Conciliabulum Schismaticum , Seditiosum , & nullius Authoritatis : that is , A Schismaticke Conventicle , and a seditious , which is of no Authoritie . Bell. lib. 3. de Eccles. c. 16 §. Ad. So highlie doeth Bellarmine advance here-by their Note of Popish Vnitie . ☜

Againe , the Councell of Constance , ( sayth Bellarmine ) in the first Sessions thereof , Bell lib. ● . de conci . c 7. §. Qut●tum . where it defineth the Councell to bee aboue the Pope , is rejected : but in the last Sessions thereof , and in all things that Pope Martine 5 approved , it is received by all good Catholickes . Basill then was lawfull in the beginning , but vnlawfull in the ending , because it displeaseth the Pope . And Constance heere in the contrarie , is vnlawfull in the beginning , but lawfull in the ende , because it pleaseth him . So that wee may see , altho Bishops in Councels be Iudges , and haue a decisme Vote , so that , whereon they agree , ( according to Bellarmine's assertion ) they may say , Bell. lib. 2. de Co●●●● . c 11. §. Quarto . It seemed good to the holie Ghost , and to vs . Yet when they haue decreeted all , even Sub anathemate , yet the Pope , out of his supereminent power , may admit what hee list , or reject what hee pleaseth ; and so advanceth himselfe aboue the holie Ghost , ( to whom in the decreeing those things , seemed good ) and consequentlie aboue GOD , and that which is worshipped .

CHAP. XIIII . Popish avowed Rejection , in their late Councels , of the most primitiue and principall Antiquitie .

LAST of all , what regard they carrie in their late Papall Councels , to the most principall , & onlie greatest Antiquitie of Divine Institution , Apostolicall Practise , and holie Custome of the primitiue Church , which is the onelie way that should bee inquired for , let their avowed Confession , of the Transgression of those Sacred Limits , & their professed Declyning from that primitiue Path , testifie : saying thus in Councel , concerning the matter of the holie Eucharist .

Al-be-it Christ did institute this Venerable Sacrament after Supper , Concil. Constan. Sess 13. Con●●l . Trid. Sess. 21. ( say they ) and gaue the same to His Disciples , vnder both kyndes of Bread and Wyne : And lyke-wyse , al-be-it in the primitiue Church , the same Sacrament was received by the Faythful vnder both kynds ; yet , not-with-standing , this custom is , vpon speciall reasons now broght in , to wit , For the eschewing of Perils , and Scandals , That it shall bee hence-foorth received by the Priest vnder both kyndes ; but by the Laickes , onelie vnder one kynde , of Bread . These are the verie plaine wordes of those Popish Prelates , in the Councell of Constance .

And yet Bellarmine , for this Reâson onelie , of Disagreement from Christ's Institution , Bell. lib. 1. de Euch. c. 2. and His owne Practise or Example there-in , rejecteth Saynct Iames Lyturgie : making , that want of Conformitie there-to , ( as to the Patterne in the Mount ) a just cause of rejecting any prescription in God's Sacred worship , whether contrarie , or diverse there-from .

No marvell , there-fore , as the Iewes rejected Christ Him-selfe , preferring to Him , Barabbas ; so that after Him , also they persecuted His Disciples : And even so , it is no marvell , that the Romanists nowe reject at their pleasure , the fore-sayde humane Testimonies , which are agaynst them ; preferring to Sacred Antiquitie , their new Venome of Heresie ; when they so peartlie , and publicklie , professe their Incroaching vpon the most ancient Institution , and Sacred Testament of the verie Sonne of GOD , and the Great Seale of HIS Glorious Kingdome .

THE THIRD BOOKE . OF HISTORIE .

CHAP. XV. How they deale with the auncient Histriographers , and their owne Records .

1. By giving them the Lie , when they make agaynst them .

FIrst , then , for Precedencie , to begin with a Pope : when Aeneas Sylvius ( called there-after Pius the second ) declareth , That before the Councell of Nice , little respect was had to the Church of Rome , but each one lived to him-selfe , Bellarmine answereth , Sententia Aeneae Sylvii partim non est vera : Bell. lib. 2. de pont. c. 17. §. Cum. that is , The Relation of Aeneas Sylvius , is not partlie true . And so the Cardinall giveth his Holinesse , roundlie the Lie .

Next , to a Pope , howe hee vseth a Cardinall , let his owne wordes witnesse : For when Benno the Cardinal , is truelie relating the Vitiousnesse of Pope Gregorie the seaventh , and the Innocencie of the Emperour , Henrie the fourth , whome hee persecuted , Bellarmine calleth him a Lowde Liar : Bell. ● . 1. de pont. c. 17. Pet. 〈◊〉 ▪ and sayeth , that his booke is full of moste shamelesse Lies .

Thirdlie , howe conjunctlie a Troupe of Wryters , for companie , get the Lie together , let Bellarmine giue Testimonie vnto vs ; who telleth vs , That al-be-it all auncient Wryters agree in this , That the Councell of Franckford condemned the seaventh Synode , which established the worshipping of Images ; yet Alanus Copus sayeth , Mentiuntur omnes : that is , They are all Liars . Which Bellarmine calleth , Bell ▪ ● . 2. de concil . c. 8. sect. 〈◊〉 . Paulo durius dictum : that is , Some-what hardlie spoken . But beholde , how hee next falleth into this Ditch him-selfe .

When Martinus Polonus relateth the Historie of Sylvester the second ▪ who solde him-selfe to the Devill , to attayne to the Papacie : which Historie Platina , Bembus , Nauclerus , Fasciculus , Onupbrius , and all other Histriographers , Bell. l. 4 ▪ de pont. c. 12. §. Resp. testifie : Yet Bellarmine ( having a Face of the lyke temper with the brazen bellie of Nebuchadnezar's Image ) aunswereth , saying , Respondeo sine dubio esse fabulas quae narrantur de magia & morte Sylvestrit that is , I answere , That without doubt , ( sayeth hee ) they are but Fables , which are tolde of the Witchcraft , and death of pope Sylvester .

Agayne , when the same Martinus Polonus , and other thirtie & three Historicians , ( all Friendes to the Church of Rome , most of them Clergie Men , & some of them Sayncts ) report , howe pope Ioane , a vitious Whoore , possessed the papall Sea so long , and died publicklie in birth , in her pontificall procession , Bellarmine giveth him , Bell. 〈◊〉 1. de pont. c. 24. §. Deinde . and all the rest , the Lie .

In lyke manner , when Paphnutius Opposition , in the first Councell of Nice , to compelled Single lyfe , is recorded , not onelie by Socrates and Zozomen , but also by Epiphanius ; and received as true , by all their owne Wryters , Espen . de contin . l. 1. c. 4. Alth. l. 13. t. Sacerdos . Grat. dist. 31. c. 12. P. Cost . Ep. ad fratrem . Bell. lib 1. de cler. c. 20. §. At neque . as Espenseus , Alphonsus de Castro , Gratian , Petrus Costus , and others : yet not-with-standing , Bellarmine answereth , saying , Eyther that all is false , which those men report of Paphnutius ; or else , if anie such thing fell out , that it was but badlie tolde by them .

Last of al , how they vse their own Wryters severally , let these few Instances lyk-wyse to vs notifie . When Beatus Rhenanus deponeth faythfullie , That pope Zepherin was a Montanist , Bellarmine aunswereth thus , Bell lib. 4. de pont. cap. 8. §. Quia . Mentitur Rhenanus : that is , Hee is a lowde Liar .

When Canus , lyk-wyse , declareth , That pope Honorius was an Hereticke ; having for his warrand , not onelie his condemning in Councels , but also his owne Letter , contayning a cleare Evidence , That hee was a Monothelite , Bellarmine , Bell. lib. 4. de pont. c. 11. §. ad secundam . not-with-standing , aunswereth thus , Dico Canum , his errare : that is , I saye , that Canus twyse strayeth from the Trueth .

And , when Durand and Adrian , are produced , to testifie , That Gregorie did erre , Bellarmine aunswereth shortlie , Bell. ibidem c. 10. §. Resp. and sayeth , That Gregorie erred not : but they rather erred , departing from the Trueth , ( sayeth hee ) in reporting so .

2. How they alleadge them to be corrupt , when they make agaynst them .

FOr instancing heere-of : when wee bring a place out of Eusebius , agaynst papall Supremacie ; showing , If anie had the same in the Apostles dayes , it was Iames , the Lord's Brother , who was bishop of Hierusalem , and is called Episcopus Apostolorum ; Bellarmine aunswereth heere-to , Bell. l. 1. de pont. c. 26. sect. ad . Locum sine dubio esse corruptum : that is , That the place of Eusebius , is without all doubt , corrupted .

Agayne , when we bring agaynst the same Supremacie , the Act of that auncient Councell of Carthage , ( as their owne Gratian citeth , Grat. Dist. 99. c. prima . and setteth it downe ) That none , no , not the bishop of Rome , should bee called Vniversall ; and which in effect pope Gregorie him-selfe doeth testifie ; Greg. l. 4. Epist. ●8 . Bell. lib. 2. de pont. cap. 31. sect. ad . Bellarmine aunswereth , That Gratian corrupted that Canon , by adding some wordes there-vnto , and there-fore , that the same is of no authoritie , nor his Relation there-of , of anie credit at all .

Like-wise , let vs see , how vpon incertayne probabilities , and conjecturall suspicions onlie , they reject what-so-ever they finde to make agaynst them .

When that Record is adduced of pope Boniface the second , who in his Letter to Eulalius , bishop of Thessalonica , maketh manifest , That the whole Fathers , of that famous Councell of Carthage being excommunicated of the bishop of Rome , in token of their not acknowledgement of such power , or Supremacie , that they remayned so , without regard there-of , for the space of an hundreth yeares , and died , moste of them all , vnder the said Censure , ( Augustine being one of them , & yet accounted a Saynct ) Bellarmine hereto aunswereth , Bell. l. 2. de pont. c. 25. sect. Resp. Valde mihi Epistolas eas esse suspectas : that is , That hee suspecteth greatlie those Epistles of Boniface : where-as their owne Lindanus sayeth , Lind. panopl. l. 4. cap. 89. in fin● . That hee that scorneth those as forged , I pray you , what will hee leaue ( sayeth hee ) of all the Storie of Antiquitie , safe or sound vnto vs ?

And when wee produce Socrates Testimonie , against the Antiquitie of the fourtie dayes of their Popish Lent , Bell. lib. 2. de oper. bon. c. 11. §. Sed probabile . Bellarmine answereth , That it is probable , that Socrates booke is corrupted .

3. How they admit them as true , onelie when they make for them ; but otherwyse roughlie reject them .

TO cleare this out of our foresayde Bellarmine , Bell. l. 4 de pont. c. 9. when hee is to liberate Pope Liberius of Arrianisme , hee citeth the Testimonie of Socrates , Bell. l. 1. de cler. c. 20. Zozomen , and Nicep●orus , as the faithfull Recorders of that Age : and yet when Socrates , is cited by vs , to witnesse the Nicen Councels acquiescing to Paphnutius speach , concerning the married Clergie , and Zozomen is brought to witnesse Nectarius fact , against Auricular Confession , Bellarmine calleth ●hem both in those points , manifest Liars , and Heretickes : Baron . annal. anno 325. num. 6. even as Baronius sayth the lyke of Nicephorus , whereas their owne Canus avoweth all those to bee , ●an . loc. Theol. l. 11. c. 5. sect. Quod. Probatae fidei Authores : that is , Authors of approved Credite .

In lyke manner , Sopbronius , and Simeon Metaphrastes , are cited by Bellarmine , ut illustres Historici , to proue his point of Papacie : but when they report , that Linus died before Peter , whome they make to haue beene Pope after Peter , Bell. l. 2. de pont. c. 6. sect. Adversus . and ●o ●alsifieth their Succession , then are they disdainfullie repudiated by Bellarmine .

Lyke-wyse , Bellarmine adduceth Zonaras , to proue Honorius Innocencie , as there-in , one of sole and singular Authoritie : yet in another case , concerning the Emperour Constantines commanding of Pope Sylvester , Bellarmine rejecteth his Narration and Testimonie . Bell. l. 1. de Concil. c. 20. sect. Resp.

Also , Bellarmine adduceth Marianus Scotus , Baron . Ann. ton . 1. anno 34. ( whom Baronius calleth Nobilis Chronologus ) to proue Pope Zacharie's just deposing of Childerike , King of France , Bell. l. 2. de pont. c. 17. sect. Ac. and Pope Gregorie's the seaventh just opposition to Henrie the fourth . But when Fasciculus Temporum , L. 4. de pont. c. 13. sect. Marianus . who followeth him , and the Passionall , ( two of their famous Histories ) are produced to improoue Peter's sitting at Rome , Bellarmine answereth , L. 2. de pont. c. 5. sect. Quo●●rca . Wee justlie contemne ( sayeth hee ) Fasciculus Temporum , and the Passional chiefelie , seeing Fasciculus followeth Marianus Scotus , who contradicteth most clearlie both himselfe and the Trueth .

Againe , for the justnesse of the fore-named Pope Zacharie's deposition of King Childericke , Bell. l. 2. de pont. c. 17. sect. Ac. Bellarmine citeth Sigebert : but when hee is cited to testifie the Innocencie of Henrie the fourth , whom Hildebrand persecuted , L. 4. de pont. c. 13. §. Deinde . then Bellarmine alleadgeth him to bee vnworthie of Credite .

Lykewyse , for the clearing of the orderlie and just proceedinges in Pope Gregorie's Election to the Papacie , Bell. ibid. sect. Extat . Bellarmine citeth Platina , as the onelie saythfull Recorder , in whom ( sayeth hee ) is the verie forme of his election set downe . But when hee is adduced by vs , to prooue the noveltie of Auricular Confession , and that the first enjoynet there-of , was Innocent the third , Bellarmine rejecteth Platina , Bell. l. 3. de punit . c. 13. sect. Deinde . saying , I trow it bee a Lie ( sayeth hee ) which Platina reporteth : adding , that hee is no authorized Author , altho his Declaration in his Preface to the Pope , by whose command hee wrote , doeth evidentlie show the contrarie .

In lyke manner , in a matter of Historie , for proofe , that Peter substituted Clement to succeed him , Bell. lib. 2. de Pont. cap. 5. sect ▪ deinde . Bellarmine citeth Tertullian , Tanquam gravissimus author : but when hee is adduced by vs , to proue , that Pope Zepherin was a Monatist , in this poynt of Historie , L. 4. ●e pont. c. 8. §. Resp. Bellarmine answereth , That there is no trust to bee given to him .

Also Gregorie's Dialogues , and the Stories there-in contayned , are cyted by Bellarmine , Bell. l. 2. de mon. c. 21. §. Alia . L. 1. de sanct. c. 19. §. S. Greg. L. 2. de purg . c. 6. sect. prima . for Monasticall lyfe , and invocation of Sayncts , &c. but is rejected as false , when he ridiculouslie telleth of a Purgatorie of Soules , after death , into warme Bathes .

Thus vse they their Historicians at their pleasure , whether ancient or more recent , even as Herod vsed the Baptist ; who altho hee heard him in manie things gladlie , yet he rejected and persecuted him , in the matter of Herodias .

4. How they haue so forged , and corrupted Recordes that are extant , and taken others al-together out of the way , that in things concerning the Trueth , which maketh agaynst them , they haue left verie little to bee seene , and feysted in , manie contrarie Falsehoods .

THE thing that ever that Whoore of Babylon hath most laboured for , Aeneas Sylvius , alias Pius 2. Epist. 288. and her Suppostes for her haue most endevoured , hath beene still A Supreame , and sole Soveraignitie . The which , altho a Pope , and one of the Sitters on that Scarlet-coloured Beast , doeth ingenuouslie confesse , That Rome was free , and farre from the lyke Challenge , or the Church of GOD , from the acknowledgement of anie such Diotrephes-lyke Preheminence , in her purest and primitiue tymes , whyle as shee remayned as an holie and chaste Spouse vnto CHRIST , vnder the Dragon's Persecution , till the tyme of the Councell of Nice . Yet , that the World may bee borne in hand , That such Supremacie , as is nowe challenged , was ever reckoned due to that Seate of Majestie ; and that even from the verie beginning , and profession of true Christianitie ▪ that shee did sit as a Queene ; there-fore , for probation heere-of , and to make vp that Gappe betweene the Apostolicall tymes , and that Councell of Nice , they haue forged some Decretall Epistles , 1 1 Decretall Epistles counterfeyt . of the bishops of Rome , to haue interveaned , fraughted with no other Ballast , nor Burden , but Soveraignitie , and their Hornes still sounding on high , the trebble tune onelie of Lordes Paramont , and Vniversall Seignorie .

And if the Nicene Fathers haue beene too niggardlie disposed , by passing a Sentence , of confyning those Romane bishops , within their owne Circuites , agaynst anie such boundlesse , and vniversall Supremacie : then , the Worlde must knowe , that shee is not so destitute of Lovers , but that shee hath her Favourites , which can mende their Fault ; and lyke Picke-Lockes , with wrong Keyes , release their holie Mother , from such narrowe Imprisonment , and can make Canons before hande , to bee vrged in due tyme , by their pope Zozimus , and to giue such an hard Charge , 2 2 A Canon of Nice , counterfeyt . to a whole Africane Councell , as they shall bee in hope , that those shall yeelde presentlie , to such a braue Batterie . Which if that fayle them ( as vnluckilie it did ) and that Paper onelie bee found in the shot , in place of hard Bullet ; Then shall bee made vp , two famous counterfeyt Councels : the one where-of , shall bee a Romane , ( and there-fore no marvell , if in Favours of Rome ) which shall checke Nice , 3 3 Concil. Rom. Cap. 20. Anno 315. 〈◊〉 . ●in●●ssan . anno 301. ●oth counterfeyt . for its Nycenesse , and match , yea , out-match the same , in Venerable Antiquitie : and shall not yeelde onelie , That the Pope hath power , to judge all others ; but ( as if that were too narrow a Scantling ) shall giue him this Prerogatiue , by their Declatatour , expresselie to bee judged by none .

And if this will not yet serue , to bee so Supreame in Ecclesiasticis , as to bee both Law-giver , and Law-lesse : but being glutted , with the Surfer of Spirituall Iurisdiction , his large Maw also , and appetite after Temporall power , must bee lyke-wyse satiate : There-fore , to set him on the highest pinacle of Pryde , and to put on the Kepstone of Absolute Monarchie , on his loftie and triple-crowned head , for the completing of the Mysterie of Iniquitie , and full in-thronizing of that Vicar of the Prince of Darknesse , into the Possession , ( or at least the Clayme ) of Satan's full Graunt , vnto this pretended Servaunt , of that which the Master had before re●used , when it was sayde vnto Him , All these will I giue thee , if thou wilt fall downe , and worshippe mee . There-fore , there must bee an ample and fayre Donation , 4 4 Constantine's Donation , counterfeyt . of Constantine's well framed out , where-in his Holinesse is invested , not onelie in the Citie of Rome , but also infeft , and seazed , as Lord Paramont , in Temporalibus , in the whole Seignorie , and Empyre of the West . Which Donation , howe grosselie it is forged , and Knavishlie counterfeyted , is clearlie showne , by their owne VALLA , a Romane , and Channon of Laterane .

And , as yet , the Pope not contenting with this , Boniface the eight , there-fore , doeth steppe farthest of all , and maketh the highest Reach : So that their owne FASCICULUS TEMPORUM testifyeth of him , Quod in tantam arrogantiam erexit seipsum , ut Dominum totius Mundi se diceret tam in Temporalibus , quam in Spiritualibus : that is , He rose vp , vnto so high pryde , that hee called him-selfe , Lord over the whole Worlde , as well in Temporall thinges , as in Spirituall . And which Clayme , himselfe , in his large Decretall , clearlie profes●eth . So that hee hath left it , as a Non ultra , to his Papall Successours .

Next , vnto forging whole Treatises , to come to their corrupting of other Records , for the Papall behoofe , let Cardinall Benno stand vp as a witnesse , in the life of Gregorie the seaventh , of whom their owne Aventin thus lykewyse reporteth , that , Non solum ad ambitionem suam occultandam fabulas comminiscitur , annales corrumpit , res gestas invertit ; sed etiam coelestia oracula adulterat , &c. that is , That Gregorie the seaventh , ( alias Hild●brand ) to hyde his pryde , did not onelie make vp Fables , as true Histories , did corrupt the sound Registers , and inverted things that were done ; but also did adulterate the verie heavenlie Oracles , expounding sacred Scripture falselie , ( sayeth hee ) and forcing the same , so to serue his wicked Lusts.

And last of all , how they haue taken all things almost out of the way , that could make agaynst them , ( so that it is GOD'S great providence , that wee haue the Scripture left vnto vs sound ) their owne Alphonsus de Castro furnisheth vs with a notable Example , A●phons . de Hares . lib. 1. cap. 13. testifying , Quod ducenta volumina Wickle●● , Episcopus Pragensis , ( sayeth hee ) concrema●i fecit , pulcherrime conscripta & regumentis pretiosis ornata : that is , That the Bishop of Prague caused burne two hundreth Volumes of Wicklesse's , most excellentlie well , written , and covered with most ritch Covers . And this hee did at his owne ha●d , without anie superiour warrand , long before the condemning of the sayde deceassed Wickleffe , or Ierome of Prague either , in their ensewing Councell ; making so of their Bookes , the bones of Bethel's Priestes , which was indeede their most succinct sort of confutation , Non arguendo , seit comburendo , all their Reasons , beeing Razing , and their firmest Argumentes , beeing the Fire and Ferio .

Againe , Pope Gelasius had a notable Epistle , against the mutilation of the SACRAMENT , and is cited by Gratian : But what doeth Bellarmine freelie confesse heere-of ? Bell. Lib. 4. de Euch. cap. 26. §. Resp. Haec Epistola ( sayeth hee ) modo fortasse non extat : that is , Perhaps , now , this Epistle is out of the way . Even as those Romish purgers doe professe of Bertram , that they care not , Index expurg . ● . Bertram . Si vel nusquam sit , vel intercidat : that is , That it were not in the Worlde at all , or were perished : because it is such a cleare Evidence , of the learned opposition , that was made eight hundreth yeares agoe to Transsubstantiation , when it was but hatching , as no clearer anie wayes can bee .

And in like manner , in the matter of Divorce , and priviledge of the partie wronged , to marrie againe , Gratian citeth a Canon of an auncient Councell : Bell. Lib. 1. de Matrim . c. 17 §. ●ecruidus . but Bellarmine sayeth , That now , Ne nomen quidem illius Concilii extat , ex quo canon ille depromptus est : that is , That not so much as the verie name of that Councell is extant , out of which that Canon is taken .

Likewise , Bellarmine granteth plainlie , Bell. Lib. ● . de Pont. cap. 14. §. Tri●●s●●●s ter●●● . that the Decretall Epistle of Celestine the third , showing , that hee maintained the Heresie , That difference in Religion , is cause of Divorce , was before , amongst the olde Decretals , and that Alphonsus de Castro sawe it in his tyme ; but that the same is nowe quyte abolished , and taken away , hee freelie confesseth .

Besides those Suppressions of Evidences , what Oppressions lykewyse haue beene of the persons of the good and Godlie , vnder Papacie prevayling , since the eight hundreth yeare of GOD , let their owne Platina , in the lyfe of Sylvester the thirde , and their owne Fasciculus , after the lyfe of Steven the fift , testifie : the one recording , That all good Men suffered Oppression , and Rejection : and the other telling of such Persecution , that hee sayeth , Eia ! Quis conventus , quae Congregatio , quis Homo jam securus erit ? that is , Alace ! what Companie , what Assemblie , yea , what Man nowe , can bee safe ? And there-fore , hee calleth that Age where-of hee spake , The worst Tyme that ever was , In quo defecit Sanctus , ( sayth hee ) & diminutae sunt veritates à Filiis Hominum : that is , Where-in the holie Man is perished , and Trueth is departed from the Sonnes of Men. Thus were the Godlie ( as them-selues confesse ) in their persons eyther oppressed forciblie , or else their paynes were suppressed fraudefullie .

Which Oppression towardes the Godlie , Revel. 11. joyned with strong Delusion towardes the God-lesse , caused the Warning , which the fewe Witnesses gaue , that the same was eyther not heard , or if it was heard , it was not believed ; or what was witnessed , and believed , could not the least part thereof come to our Eares , who liue so long after them : Partlie thorowe ignorance of the Age , lacking Historicians , as BELLARMINE testifyeth of that nynth CENTURIE , Bell. Lib. 4. de Pont. cap. 12. in fin● . Quo nullum indoctius , ( sayeth hee ) nullum infoelicias : that is , Than which Age , none was ever more vnlearned , and more vnhappie : Partlie , also , thorowe the want of the ARTE OF PRINTING , and propagating of the true Travels of the LORD His Servauntes : Partlie thorowe the violent Curbing of the Pennes of the Pious , and partlie by interring their Paynes after them , by totall Deletion , whome they could not deterre in their Lyues , from faythfull Relation : or else so woefullie and wickedlie vitiating their Workes , that Corruption of Writs and Fal●ehoode is seene , where Correption of Vyce , and Trueth was ●et down : and with the EDOMITES agaynst the Temple , although not crying openlie , yet practizing privilie , razing , even razing to the Foundation , and drowning ( lyke the AEGYPTIANS , manie Birthes of ISRAELL , in their Rivers of Suppression , and in the LETHE of Eternall Oblivion .

So that wee may saye with the PROPHET , Except the LORD had left a verie small Remanent , as ISRAELL would haue beene lyke to SODOME , and lyke vnto GOMORRHA : Isai. 1. ● . So , except the LORD HIS Providence had made some to escape , Iudges , 9. as IOTHAM did from the Handes of ABIMELECH , or as IOASH was preserved , 2. Chron. 23. by the Wyfe of IEHOIDA , wee had not knowne so the Sedulitie and Subtiltie of ANTICHRISTIAN HIERARCHIE , as nowe wee see traced foorth , and treated of in their owne Historie . Neyther howe comfortablie , and carefullie ; mercifullie , and marvellouslie , lyke MOSES in PHARAOH his Court , ISRAELL in afflicting AEGYPT , the three Children in the fyerie Fornace , and the seaven thousand vnder cruell ACHAB : Even so , howe those Sealed , and Virgine Worshippers , haue beene reserved , and GOD'S People , in the midst of BABELL , ever beene preserved ; lyke the Temple vnpolluted , in the midst of Court and Citie , of that defyled multitude with Idolatry , who followed the Beast .

FINIS .

ERRATA .

PAg. 7. Lin. 5. Is is , for It is . Lin. penult. affrighted , for stricken . Pag. 11. lin. 17. to , for them . Pag. 30. lin. pen . by , for with .

Anie other Escapes in Printing , let the Reader amende .

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