The blacke yeare Seria iocis.

The Blacke yeare .

BY this yeares Reuolution , which is the Sunnes entrance into the signe of the martiall Ramme , there shall many blacke enormities , & dis commodities happen to the world : Men forgette those good vertues , which are naturally graffed in them ; whose effects bec , to doe good to others : and wherein the Image of God is resembled in man , and sensually cherrish their bodies with a moment of pleasure , to be after punished with an eternitie of paine . And shall follow the conditions of the world , dissembling still with the same , holding themselues happie that can flye from the seeing eye not from the sinne , that can applaud in publique and defraude in priuate . Such as bee rich , shall bee sure of friendes , But they that are poore , may spend money when they can get it . Those that haue no Mittens in Winter , may blow their nailes by authoritie , for no man will pittie them that are needy : Such as carry empty purses , may dine by wit , if it will preuaile , or walke in Paules by Duke Humphry for Charitie is fled that should feede the hungrie . Old familiaritie shall bee forgotten , and friendship draw backe , if habilitie grow bare , according to that of the Poet. Quem noui tacitus me praeterit : Os mihi claudit paupertas , cum &c.

Many men for lacke of witte , shall followe Bacchus , not Ceres , and esteeme better of mault , then wheate : and many for lacke of honestie shall swell by Venus , and make more reckoning of a Chamber then a Church . The greatest holinesse shall not be in the granest shewe ; nor the longest bearded prooue the wisest . Many by superfluities , & inordinate repastes shall winne vnder the froath of Lust , and by Gluttony , not onelye sinne in Letchery , but sincke in blockishnes and folly . For Pinguis venter non generat subtilem sensum . Many shal be so new-fangle in their formes of apparrell , that a new fashion shall scarcelye appeare in the French Kings Kitchin , but it shall be presently translated ouer into the Court of England . But that shal cause Mercers to haue many bad debtors , and make Catchpoles to be Gentlemen , for like bug-beares they shal cause such as feare them to flye from them : for they are as terrible to the sight of a poore debtor , as a Butchers knife to an Essex Calfe , or a cup of small Beere to an Ale-knight in a frosty morning . Such as keepe not day shall faile to borrowe when they neede . Crackt-credit shall haue lesse commoditie , and pennuty shall bee bought with Repentance by such Gentlemen as sell land in reuertion , while their fathers are liuing . Diuers shal this yere be so conuersant with Venus , that by pleasing her they shall displease themselues , & surfet with such a heate after their labour , that the very haires shal be banished from their heads , & poore Barbers be made beggers for want of work . Such as climbe aboue their reach shall be sure of a counterchecke , and such as plot treachery shall haue a halter for their labour , and Derick shal make th●● shorter not by the hayre , but by the head .

Traytors shall couet to flye like Swallowes , Fearing their secrets to be reuealed : And Pope-sworne Tretchers shall kisse the gallowes , Their cunning plots shall not be concealed , In their best hopes they haue euer failed , Then what befell to Catesby and that crew , Befall to them that are not subiects true .

This yeare shall be bad to such as buy sutes in Birchin-lane vpon credit , for eyther they shall bee badly sowed , Or if the outside deceaue them not , yet shall the inside bee all olde stuffe , and no sooner on but a seame out . Some Bookesellers this yeare shall not haue cause to boast of their winnings , for that many write , that flowe with phrases , and yet are barrein in substance , and such are neyther wise , nor wittye : others are so concise , that you neede a comentarie to vnderstand them , others haue good wittes , but so criticall , that they arraigne other mens works at the Tribunall seate of euery censurious Aristarchs vnderstanding , when their owne are sacrificed in Paules Church-yard for bringing in the Dutch Curtezan to corrupt English conditions , and sent away Westward for carping both at Court , Cittie and countrie . For they are so sodaine witted , that a Flea can no sooner friske foorth , but they must needs comment on her . Others shal be so subiect to affection , that when they haue don any thing worthy of praise , they eyther like Hennes that goe cackling , in regard of their new laid Egge , and blaze their owne workes abroad , or indeauour by secret insinuation to bee commended by others , as the Italian Poet did , who hauing made an Epigram which much pleased himselfe , shewed it to some of his friendes , praysing it aboue the skies :

They presently demaunding who was the Author ? He for very shame of pride would not tell them it was his , but with a fleeting countenance gaue them to vnderstand , that the verses and the laughter were Cosi●-germaines , and issued both from the same proud heart , Therin discouering both his owne selfe-loue and vanitie .

Doctor Aloander with a myraculous insight , espied that by reason of some retrograde influence it should happen , that this yeare , many Countries shall bee highly troubled with warres , Commotions , sicknesses , and Plagues . The Spirit ( saith hee ) among the Godlyc shall warre with the flesh , and honest plaine dealing shall bee at deadly fewde with Peter Pick-thanks secret insinuation . A dreadfull debate shall be betwixt the Wife and the Husband , who shall beare moste sway and authoritie : insomuch as the wife shall sitte playing in the Chamber aboue , when the Husband shall stand working in the shop belowc . There shall be also as much strife among Players , who shall haue the greatest Auditory , as is warre among the foure knaues at Cardes , for superioritic . Brokers and Vsurers shall so pinch the poore this yeare , that for euer after , they shall be no better then Knaues by estimation . Land-lords and Lease-mongers shall peele their Tennants , raysing rents , and taking houses ouer mens heads , to the vndoing of Man , wife and Children . Gentlemen that were wont to keepe good houses , and maintaine Hospitalitie in the Countrie , shall this yeare depart from thence , giuing ouethouse keeping , and come to London , And eyther keepe a chamber there , or waite at the Court ( vncalled ) with a man , and a Lackey after him , where he was wont to maintaine halfe a score proper men to attend on him , and thirtye or fortie other persons besides , euery day in the weeke .

Tapsters shall this yeare in Sommer , be indyted for mingling their bottle Ale with small Beere , and Ale-wiues in winter for filling three pots to one toste , and for selling flesh on Frydaies without lycence . Many black tempests shall be in Taphouses , for Cannes shall flye about , ( and light on mens heads ) without winges : and with the rich , poore men shall bee accounted knaues without occasion .

Some shall be so costiue in their stomackes , as they shall cary hollowe hearts vnder holy shapes , and weare braue hoodes , that haue but bare learning . Those that can flatter least , shall speede worst , Qui nescit dissimulare , nescit vi●ere . And he that cannot verba dare ad voluntatem , and sooth vp his superiours in their follyes and imperfections , shall as hardly thriue this yeare , as it is likely that men will be affraide of a good fyre at Midsomer , if it bee possible to haue a frost of three weeks continuance in Iuly .

For tell but Quintus , that his breath doth stincke , And doe not cogge and say 't is sweete and cleere , Hee le let thee passe , and neuer bid thee drinke , When as Auphidius shall haue good cheere , For now who loues to play a worldlings part , Must teach his tongue refraine to tell his heart . Hee is a ga●●ant , fit to serue a Lord , And at the Court to haue a speciall place , Which can both claw , and sooth at euerie word , And sweare that 's rare , which doth deserue no grace , And when his Lord an idle tale doth tell , Cryes ( by this hand ) you haue spoke passing well .

In this dangerous yeare shal happen many Combattes betweene the flesh & the spirit , & our inordinate passions ( will wee nill wee ) shall not cease almost hourely to rise vp against Reason , and so molest vs , perturbting our rest and inward quietnes . For example whereof I wil recite vnto you , what was related in the life of S. Anselme : once Archbishop of Canterbury , that as hee walked into the fields , he saw a Shepheards little Boy , who had caught a Bird and In vita Anselmi . tyed a stone to her legge with a thrid , and euer as the Bird mounted vp to soare aloft , the stone drewe her downe againe . The reuerend old man much mooued at this sight , fell presently a weeping ; lamenting thereby the miserable conditions of men , who no sooner indeauour to ascend to heauen by contemplation , but the flesh hales the heart backe againe , and drawes to earth , enforcing the soule to lye there like a Beast , which should haue soared in the heauens like an Angell .

Some shall haue so much wit , that they shall surfet on it and striue so long against the streame , as their bodyes shall faile to carrie their heads any longer . Some shall haue such large consciences , as they shall build fayre houses by briberie , gather much wealth by contention and crueltie , and ere they are aware , heap vp riches for an other , & wretchednesse for themselues . For Vna opibus poterit nox quoque obesse tuis .

Water shall this yeare bee so weake an Element in the world , that men and women shall scarce haue teares sufficient to bewaile their sins : and there shall be such a dearth of Onyons , that Widdowes shal want moysture to follow their Husbands to their Funeralles . Fewe shall wax beggers by giuing of Almes , for in our time the world is so far from giuing , as a Nigards purse will scarce bequeath his maister a good dinner . Many shall be so seduced by blinde opinions , that digging a pit for others , they shall fall into it themselues , and cry peccaui when the Popes pardon shall not preuaile against their Treachery . Coyne shall ●uaile more then conscience , for they that haue the one , & are not much troubled with the other , study nothing lesse then to doe good , nothing more then to doe hurt , and spitte their worst , least they should die in the Deuils debt . Few that are poore shal haue more money then they need , and many that are wealthy , not so much wit as they want .

The hearts of the wicked shall be so hardned , as they shall say , ●ush we can neuer be cast downe , for there shall no harme happen vnto vs . yet the fattest Oxe we s●e is readyest for slaughter , and the felicitie of fooles is their owne destruction .

It is hard ( saith Aristotle ) to finde a man , which in prosperitie Arist. Li. Li. 2. Rhetor. ad Theodectten . cap. 10 is not proud , disdainful , & arrogant , such are many , whome strength , whome ritches , whome Clyents , whom authoritie , whome fauour hath exalted : for if dignitie and honour ( which seldome make men better ) bee oftentimes lincked to this diuelish behauiour , what can be looked for else , but many prodigious monsters , hurtful to men , & execrable before God : according to that Asperius misero nilest , dum surgit in altum .

Yet howe sodenlye they haue consumed and come to fearefull ends , there need not be called to minde any long fore-passed remembrance to testifie .

Many shall this yere haue their eyes so dazeled , as they shall not knowe themselues , many so pust with pryde as striuing beyond their compasse , they shall crye peccaui in the Poultrye , for their borrowed brauerie . Manye shall bee troubled with that fault , which Tully calles Defectum naturae , ( cowardice , or weakenes of spirrit ) that their finger shall no sooner ake , but they must straite to the Physition , & so inrich him , impouerish themselues , and yet neuer be without diseases .

This yeare shall be Cares , and griefe of minde , And alteration of weather some where : It shall be hard iudging for men that are blinde , As by wandring the wrong way may appeare . Of all things true friendship , shall be most deare , Mercury and Saturne in combust declare , That Pick-thankes this yeare , shall vtter much ware . Great trouble by the heauens impressions , Great mischiefe doone by wicked people : Some worthy death by their owne confessions , Take good heede of Guato and his Disciple : Rents shall be raised double , and triple , Land lordes this yeare , some good , some bad , Young women and Widdowes , both wise and mad . The poore shall be vext with such paine i' th purse , As he that lackes money , may also lacke meate : The Vsurer shall haue the beggers curse , Ambition shall striue for honours seate : Mault shall cause many to sell their wheate , The Cuckowe in Summer shall temper his throate , To pipe mine Hostesse a merrie note .

Diuers shall be troubled with a defect , and imperfection that proceedes from the corruption of nature , namelye with Curiositie or a diligent inquisition of other mens faults , and an extreame negligence in their owne . Moale-hilles in other men shall seeme mountaines , and craggye Rocks in themselues , smooth rushes : Other mens faultes shall bee before their eyes , but their owne behinde their backes . The reason why men iudge more quickly other mens follies then their own , partly proceedes from Selfe-loue , which blindeth them in their owne actions , partly because they see other mens defects directly , and their owne by a certaine reflexion , For as no man knoweth his owne face , because he neuer see it , but by reflexion from a glasse , and other mens countenances , hee conceaueth moste perfectly , because he viewes them dyrectly , & in themselues , So by a certaine circle we winde about our selues , whereas by a right liue wee passe into the corners of other mens soules at least by rash iudgements and sinister suspitions . Galen to this purpose relateth Aesop , who said , euery man Galen . de cog . amin . Morb. C. 2. had a wallet hang'd vpon his shoulders , the one halfe vpon our brest , the other halfe vpon our backes : the former was full of other mens faults , which we continually beheld , the part behinde loaden with our owne offences , which wee neuer regarded .

Some shall haue too much familiaritie with scoffing , & gibing , the which proceedes from pride and enuie , and is hardly continued without dissention , for men are not at all times apt to receiue iestes . Many that in conuersing are ( for a time ) able to discourse wel , shal after that time their oyle is spent , thrust out all they haue on a sodaine , and after become verie barren . Such are they that at a Table wil haue all talke , when others in place shall be silent , that are better able then themselues to vse effectual speech in any matter propounded . But these men are commonly neither witty , nor humble , for wittie men are seldome drawne drie in their conceipts , and humble men will distill their knowledge according to their talents , & not aboue their reach .

Some shall haue such nimblenes in their choppes , as they shall deuoure more at a meale , then they are able to pay for in a month . Some such a buzzing in their brayne , as they shall not admitte good counsaile or admonition , but shall esteeme better of their own vnstayed , and headstrong resolution , then the graue aduice of Time-bought experience . To such is assigned a whip of nettles to scourge their Sic volo with Noli poenitentiam tanti emere . If that will not serue the turne : A pound of Hempe , three Standers , and three flattes , Are very fit to make such mates new hattes .

Some shall be stopt in their heartes with such an Aconiton of obediencie , as they shall bee vtterly obstinate to receiue the Antidote of grace , and so be giuen ouer to a reprobate sence , that they shal perseuet in vanitie , without any touch or feeling of their follie . Such without mature Repentance & amendment shal neuer attaine that caelestiall land , nor inioy that heauenly repast , which Nemo nouit nisi qui accipit .

Many that are wicked and vnlearned , impudent in face , and egregious Parasites in behauiour , shall be exalted to glorie , when men famous , as well for learning as religion , shall be eyther condemned , or of Sycophantes defaced , or for some small occasion vnworthily disgraded . As hapned to Beliserius , who lost his eyes by Iustinian .

Darknes shall not abide the light , nor ignorance ( through her Impudency ) refraine to set herselfe against learning and knowledge , For as Quintilian doth witnesse , Quo quisque minus valet , hoc se magis attollere , et dilatare conatur . Quintil. l. 2. Cap. 3. The least of power , the more vaineglorious , And againe . Quo minus sapuit , minus habent pudoris . The more foole the more impudent .

Some shall be blinde in their owne and politique in other mens matters , some loue a bowling-alley better then a Sermon , and suspect their wiues at home , because themselues play false abroad .

Amongst all other euills ( by my speculation , & knowledge of this blacke ) there shall bee none more ri●e , then the Mumpsimus , which shall so swell some womens lippes , as they shall haue a longing desire to kisse others besides their Husbands . Many shall haue their cheekes so monstrously swolne , as ( although they be tempted with large fees ) yet they shall not haue power to speak in a iust cause .

This yeare shall breede diuers Monsters in our Nation , whereof some shall haue such long tongues , as they can keepe no counsell . But whatsoeuer they heare , they shall presently blab foorth , & often times make a matter worse in telling . Some others shall haue such lightnesse in their braines , that albeit they know little , yet they shall meddle much , and thrust themselues so farre into others affayres , that for lacke oflooking into their owne , they shall eyther daunce a Beggers Galliard , or feele the price of such follies as follow Hadiwistes . There shal be also such various wonders , such strange inundations , such miraculous comotions , as such as want legges shall be glad to goe on crutches and such as lost their horses and carres at the last Lotterie , and pawnd their● apparell to venture for a blancke paper , shall euer heereafter weare a fooles Cap for their labour , and if they runne not mad at their folly , yet shall they bee glad to drudge with a basket at their backs for hazarding that was their owne into other mens handes , by such slye and secret cousnage .

So the poore Car men shall cursse Aristotle that said Corruptio vnius est generatio alterius , for their olde Carts being gone , they haue no stocke to buy others .

Many shal driue whole A●●-tubbes into consumptions and so drowne their stomacks in liquor , as if in a short time they pisse not out their wealth , and cause the ●ot to infect their purses , and eate out the bottome , yet shall they consume their bodies , and make themselues sicklye , or ten to one , not possibly escape the dropsic .

Gentlemen , shall this yeare be much wronged by their Taylors , for their consciences are now larger then euer they were : for where they were wont to steale but halte a yard of broad cloath in making vp a payre of breeches , now they doe largely nicke their Customers also in the lace , and take more then enough for the new fashion sake , besides their olde fees .

There shall bee a mightie conspiracie amongst Bakers , Butchers and Brewers , insomuch as they that lacke monye , or haue not good credit , shall neither haue breade , meate , nor drinke , when they are drye or hungrie . Poore men are much threatned that Lawyers shall pleade none of their causes without coine , for if they should , Westminster-Hall would bee little troubled with rich men , and so Pettie-loggers , Lifters , and Cut-purses would bee greatly hindred , and impouerished .

Schollers shall bee preferred , when such as sing Bases , leaue to loue good drinke , Or when such dye of surfettes , that keepe a temperate dyet . But flatterers shall haue great giftes , when the good and godly labours of Schollers shall be scarce worth Gramercies .

Sextons shal this yere complaine of their hard fortunes , for that their gettinges shal decrease , & what they purchased in the plague time , they shall now haue leysure to consume , 〈◊〉 wring the marrow of the malte , and so sucking in , a cup of Spanish Sacke , that when their two or three yeares gaynes has been but one yeares spending , they shal at last be serued with a fieri facias and pray for the imployment of Coffin-mongers , and that there may not growe such rust vpon Spades & Pick-axes . But amongst all these blacke and disaster accydents : this yeare promiseth good fortune to Saylors , and Souldiours , for what they gette by the sword , they may spend at their pleasures , & if beyond count and reckoning they haue anye thing paide them by the Treasurer , if they build not Hospitalles with it , they may imploy it on apparrell , or to the maintenance of the honest knot of friendship . Players shal haue libertie to be as famous in pride and idlenes , as they are dissolute in liuing , and as best in their marriages for communitie , as vnhappie in their choyces for honesty .

Women are like to bee endued with such masculine courage , as if they once haue their willes , they will euer after striue for the maisterie , therfore marryed men of weakest wit , and worst courage had best to bee prouided of good weapons , to defend themselues from assaults , for such husbands as are not able to resist them valiantly , are awarded to pay a Sheepes-head to their next neighbour in pennance of their pusillanimitie . Seeing then that the oyle of Holly is a present remedie for a shrewd huswife , he is a flat foole , that suffers his wife to crowne him with a Pispotte .

The French disease in this westerly partes is like to proue verie dangerous , especially to such as are not prouided to vndergoe the charge of three weekes dyet , without which they shall neuer be without Ache in their bones , vntill the Vsurers of London sweare to bestowe a new Steeple vppon Paules Church . This shall be a blacke yeare for Theeues , and seditious persons , for all kinde of 〈◊〉 shall so prosper both in Vpland groundes and in high-waies , as the verie stalkes thereof shall almoste touch the top of Tyborne .

Those that are thinne clad & want fuell may not straine curtesie to goe cold to bed , vnlesse better order to prouided for the price of Sea-coales , that priuate gaine may not enhance the rate thereof to publique griefe , and discommoditie . It is to be much doubted that this yeare there shal be such store of Caterpillers , as they shal not only deuoure blossoms , but consume the best of our possessions , & such plentie of thankles Trencher-flyes , as will hang on the fulnesse of prosperitie , and flye from declyning estate , and aduersitie according to that of the Poet. Non deerunt socij rebus ( mihi crede ) secundis , aduersis , nullus te putat esse bonum .

Neuer was such a curious generation clasped vnder the cope of heauen , as is in these our miserable daies . For what vaine studyes exercise ( for moste part ) our iudiciary Astronomers , by calculating Natiuities , fore-telling euents , prescribing the limits of mens liues , fore-shewing their perrils , and daungers but meere cousnage , and idle curiositie ? who many times shutting a knaue in a circle , and looking about for the deuill , finde him lurk in their bosomes .

Such shall bee the corruptions of mens mindes , that Ingratitude shall forgette her best benafactors , and raysed by insinuation to sublime condition ) shall bee vnmindefull of the happinesse , that followes content , & is enemie to ambitions aspiring .

For seldome can Presumption be enthronde , To liue esteem'd , or dye to be bemoan'd , An humble coate entapissed with mosse , A lowly life that feares no sodaine losse , A minde that dreades no fall , nor craues no Crowne , But makes his true-content , his best renowne . These are the choice contents , the goods , the gaine , which rightly can bee ours ; The rest are vaine , If then thou see a troope of garded Knaues , waite at Aagastoe's heeles , like seruile slaues , Be not agast , admire not at his state , " For now the world is bent to serue , and hate , T is true : that slaue whome Pompey did promoate , was he that first assaid to cut his throate .

Iudas shall this yeare walke about the world , and sell his Neighbour for commoditie to any man : But the Iewes shall bee of an other disposition , for hauing taken out a pennie in the shilling these many yeares , they shall nowe with good conscience venture vppon three pence with the aduantage . From the superfluitie of mens braynes shall bee hatched that hideous monster ( selfe conceite ) & like a Tyrant so raigne in peoples hearts , that many men shall think their opinion is their God & many women imagine that none are so fayre as themselues . Many shall apparantlye prooue themselues knauish , yet ●in their owne opinions will be accounted honest . The Cobler shall say the Shoemaker is a botcher , & Cherillus shal sweare he is more learned than Homer . Craftes in occupations , & sectes in Religions shal abound this yeare , and Rebelles are promised to fare no worse , then Hennes doe among Foxes .

Such as are penitent in this world , shall haue comfort in a better , but they that depend on destinie , and not on God , may perchaunce looke through such narrow latyces as the world shall laugh to see impyetie sequestred from impunitie .

There shall bee this yeare many rare deuises , for some shall so long deuise for other men , that they shall bee barrayne them selues . Some shall deuise snares for others and intrappe themselues . Vulcan shal make a nette to catch Venus , and Iealousie shall lay a bayte to entangle Vulcan .

To be verbis tenus , factis procul , to promise much , and to performe little , shall be as vsuall this yeare , as it is ordinarie with boyes in Lent time to loue Figges on Thursday , better then twigs on Fryday , or with Maides about midnight to fall a dreaming , and see visions , to the heart-griefe oftentimes of their Parents .

It shall bee hard for to prosper , if they wash not their handes cleane , for by soyling their worke they are in great danger to lose their workmaisters . Many strange conflicts shall be in cuppes and Cannes , for good liquor shall make some so ventrous , as they will destroye the Turke and all his power at one draught .

This yeare is like to proue fatall to such as followe the Garden Alleyes , for as some haue gone before , so the rest are like to followe , and marre their drinking with an hempen twist vnlesse they leaue Harlotte-hunting , with more good will then Millers haue minde to morning prayer if the winde serue them in any corner on Sundaies . Dawes shall leaue to build in Steeples , & beginne to dwel in Citties . And if dissimulation doe this yere forsake Court and Countrie , I will giue him that first findes the same , full leaue and lycence to call mee lyer .

For with the world the world dissembles still , And to their owne confusions follow ill , Holding it true felicitie to flye , Not from the sinne , but from the seeing eye , Truth is pursude by hate : He is deem'd wise That to the world , his worldly witte applyes , And in this age who winkes at each estate , Hath found the meanes to make him fortunate .

Fauours and Offices ( to persons of desert ) shall not be graunted without suite , and supplycation , for many so gape for preferment ; as they ayme rather at the gaine , then the paine . Goodnesse and true-loue ( principally discouered in the bountifull giuing , and bestowing of benefits ( shall not this yeare winne to many eternall same , as it did to diuers , ( whereof Histories make mention ) and for which experience this old and true verse was penned . Si quis in hoc mundo vult cunctis gratus haberi det capiat , quarat , plurima pauca , nihil . He that to all will heere be gratefull thought , must giue , accept , demaand much , little , naught .

For instead of this , men onely leuell at priuate profit , & commoditie , and be so farre from doing good deedes , that no man shall finde in his heart to teach Grantham steeple to hold vp his head manly againe by the assistance of learned Masons .

Gamesters , and such as consecrate themselues to play at Dice , Cardes , and such other games , shall haue bad fortune this yeare , for in a minute they shall lose more then they can gather againe in a month . These are vnprofitable Members , and deserue to bee cut from the bodye of a common-wealth , for they are as vnfit to liue in the same , as a Candle is to burne in a straw-bed .

Tydes shall this yeare mount beyond their boundes , insomuch as many striuing to stretch beyond compasse shal so heate themselues on New-market-heath , that they shall be constrained to coole their heeles in New-gate , where they are no sooner arryued , but foure knaues in the cardes shall sodenly leape from out the bunch , and desperately be ready ( as partners ) to entertaine them . This black yeare threatens diuers and sundty sortes of Takers , for some one shall be desirous to be taken for wise , who is indeede Sapientum octauus . Some will bee glad to take bad Siluer of poore debtors , and a Bottle of Ale , when they cannot get a pottle of wine . Some shall take their neighbours bed for their owne : some the Maide for the Mistresse , especially in houses , where Virgo is so predominant with the Maister , and wants a Mistresse to looke , narrowly vnto her .

This yeare is vnlikely to be fauourable to Maisterlesse men , and pennyles companions , for hee that has but one shirt to shift him , may not thinke scorne to weare a fowle on Sundaie . Tripe-wines should bee exquisite Phisitions , for in one of●al ( as Ned Beck sayes ) they shal find more simples then euer Gallen gathered since hee knew what physicke ment .

Olde Fowlers , and young Farmers may not think much if their successe bee but bad this yeare : for the one shall Catch Lobcockes insteede of Larkes , and the other sell their free-holde for Pease-pottage . But now Seria iocis .

There are besides these , many other accidents that may serue to shew the many enormities , wherewith humaine conditions make their soules blacke , and putrified , for wee see all men grow A malo ad peius , and all thinges we perceiue to waxe dayly worse , and worse , and to decrease in their vertue . The ayre is oftentimes corrupt , sometimes with vntimely showres , sometimes with vnprofitable drinesse : now with two much colde , now with extreame heate . The fruitfulnesse of the field is not such as it hath beene before time . Ritches , and substance we see consumed , the progeny of Noble men we perceiue not to be multiplyed , but decreased either by discord or disloyaltie . Lords and great men bend their cogitations to the oppressing of their poore Tennants , and by often fines , and exactions , bring honest men to beggery , and by the example of Pharo make Slaues of their Seruants and Subiects .

Another great argument of this yeares , ( or rather of the worldes corruption ) is , that all good artes and learning are so contemned and little rewarded , or respected . The Vniuersities , Schooles and Scelestiall Discipline , ( which are the causes and fountaines of knowledge ) now pilipended , and not regarded . Although God in this last age , hath shewed his good will , and maruellous loue towards vs , especially ( in that so great barbarousnesse of our Predecessors , when all artes and liberall learning , was hid , and knowne to fewe , the Latine tongue polluted : the faculties not apprehended ) by raysing vp so many learned men , which with great study & paines , haue brought all the Scyences to their puritie , and deliuered vnto vs a more easie way , to the attaining the perfect knowledge of them all .

Yet experience teacheth that these guestes that haue of long time beene at the ful , doe now decrease , and grow to be lessend . For not that aduised iudgement , not that industry , not those exercises in studies , are now which haue beene . Euerie man hath his particuler manner of parley , striues to speake in print , hunts after Metaphors , coynes Phrases , and labours extreamely that his words may smell of subtilty , elegancie , and neate deliuerie , in such affected sort , hat for the moste he leaues nothing behinde him , but a sent of verball pride and foolish affection .

This is that time wherein aboundeth marueilous securitie . By which ariseth not onelye in●ffable wickednesse against God , but also a lamentable disorder and confusion in common-weales . For if wee compare the time present with that which is past , wee shall perceiue vice to haue come to his ripenesse , and to raigne ( almost ) without controlement . ●or ( notwithstanding God hath giuen vs discipline whereby we are taught to frame our affections to his will , and to dwell in vnity according to his word ) what desire of good life , or zeale in religion is there to be found ? Many a man thinkes himselfe sufficiently religious , if hee can seemingly fashion himselfe to the frequenting of Sermons , and repayring to ordinarie seruice and ceremonies , when — Fronte politus . austutam vopido seruat sub pectore vulpem .

Many thinke well of themselues in making the Doctrine of loue , peace , and vnity , the occasion of strife , contention and heresie . Many suppose they serue God well , ( if knowing some of contrarie opinion , though not in the chiefest point of Religion ) they doc condemne them with wordes , and commit them with curses to the Deuils punnishment : when they themselues in the meane time , in a certaine spirituall pride , and puft vp through a vaine opynion of learning , doe take heart of grace . Their aduersaries oftentimes defending the better part , and more agreeable to the will of the highest , And yet forsooth this must not be called the spirit of sinne , but of Religion , & godly zeale . Oh black time ! Oh dangerous daies ! Oh deuillish behauiour ▪ what neede many wordes ? we may now plainelye perceiue greatest vice to bee accounted chiefest vertue . And those men to be moste extolled , that with a superficiall shew of dissembled sanctitie can shadow their 〈…〉 rses , when of all others for impietie they are moste worthily to be throwne downe and deiected .

Crafty and deceitefull , are esteemed wise . Couetous , good Husbands ; Spend-thriftes , liberal : and rich men , are deem'd the best men : they haue promotions , & although by wicked meanes they attaine them : yet Diues clarus erit , fortis iustas , Horat. Lib. Serm. 2. sapiens , etiam & Rex , & quicquid volet .

As Horace said , The rich man shall be Noble , valiant , vpright wise , yea and a King and what he wil.

And in another place .

Aurea nunc virè sunt saecula , plurim 〈…〉 auro ; Horat. L. 1. Epist. venit honos , Auro conciliatur amor , Auro pulsa fides , Aura venalia iura Auram lex sequitur mox sinè lege pudor , Scilicet vxorem cum dote fidemque & amicos & genus & formam Regina pecunia donat. Now are the braue and Golden daies , now fame with golde we gaine : And Gold can shew vs many meanes , mens fauours to attaine . By gold we heare the Mussicke sweete , and lawes we buy with golde , Law seekes for Gold and straite ( vnmeete ) our name by it is solde . Yea wife with wealth , and faith and friendes , and kinne with comely hue , Doth madame Money , Prince , and Queene , moste mortall men endue . And Boêtius lib. 1. ante prosam . Vndè habeant cura est paucis , sed oportet habere per scelus , atque nefas , Pauper vbique iacet .

How they doe get few men respect but ritches haue they must : By hooke , or crooke , we dayly see , the weake to wall are thrust .

These and the like vices both Poets , and Philosophers reprehended in their daies , when wickednes did but spring , as they themselues haue testified . Then how earnestlye is God to be desired , that the times may now be bettered & these euils redressed . For albeit all manner of wickednesse hath in this age ascended verie high , yet are they not so come to the toppe , but that more horrid , and mischeuous confusions then euer were , may bee seene in Common-weales through euill gouernment . We may continuallye perceiue that such as are Parasites , and Flatterers , that can temporize , and sort their humors to be pleasing , beate all then braines , ( ●hough without desert , learning or honesty ) and bend al their studies to be gracious in the eyes of the that are placed in the highest seate & authoritie , by which it falles out many times , that ( for a season ) they are wel accepted , euen of the best , but good Magistrates can smell them out , and will banish their companye knowing that friendship not to be of countenance that is not grounded on the respect of vertue .

It is therefore to be wished , that all Christian Princes would carefullye commit these wordes to contynuall remembrance ? you shall know them by their frute . Men doe not gather grapes of Thornes , or Figges of Thistles . And againe , A naughty tree cannot bring forth good frute . What 〈…〉 odnes then may bee looked for at their hands , whose delight hath beene euer in the execution of euill ? How can they then be profitable to their Princes , faithfull to their countrie , or carefull of keeping Iustice , and Lawes , which in all their life haue beene faithlesse to the King of Kings , and so farre from keeping of Iustice , that they neuer had any sure knowledge of the same ? what agreement , or good mixture can fire haue with water ? heate with cold , equity with vnrighteousnes ? How can it be , that men should haue a care of that countries prosperitie , from which their hearts are alienated , as if it were not their natiue soile ? Againe : can men drowned in volumptuousnes ( whose studie is , Quaerere Ouid. lib. 〈◊〉 . fast . vt absumant , & absumptarequ●ere certant : to seek , that they may spend , and striue to finde that is naughtily spent : ambitious , and louers of themselues ) with honestie preferre the Princes prosperitie , before tbeir priuate profitte ? & the Common-weales good , before their own gaine ? So that to place such in authoritie ( if histories all times were noted ) is to betray the Prince , ouerthrow the Kingdome , and to yeild the simple sheepe to the crueltie of rauening ●olues .

But because ( in respect of this title to this small discourse , ) it may perhaps bee expected that somewhat bee spoken of the late insolent and trayterous practise of Pearcy and his conspiracie , which I confesse there hath aready been much learnedly written , and for that among other coloured and shadowed courses for their Rebellion , this principally was one : namely to reforme religion , and for his , and their conscience sake : whose Religion ( if they had any ) whereof they made outward shewe and profession , was according to the Romish Church , taught & brought heather from the Shambles , & Slaughter-house of soules , ( I meane the Church of Rome ) & continued heere by Iesuites , and Seminarie-Priestes , who closely , and in disguised manner steale into this Land , and seduce and drawe many soules of men from the true loue , and worship of God and his will , and from their natiue loyaltie and obedience to their King and Countrie . I haue in regard thereof set downe these speciall points ensuing : by which the church of Rome is made so glorious , & which are stifly taught , & maintained by it , that it may be iudged and censured whether it be the true Spouse of Christ : or on the contrarie , whether it be not the false Church , and the apparant sinck and Synagogue of Sathan .

1. First , whereas the Church of Rome will be known to be the true church , by the Visibilitie , Antiquitie and multitude thereof , and so bee seene and pointed at with the outward eye , and finger : you shall finde that Visibilitie , Antiquitie , & multitude , are not the markes of the true Church but a little flocke , few in number and yet of greatest Antiquitie : as by these places may appeare . For tell me I pray Act. 8. 1. you where the Church was visible , when being assembled at Ierusalem , there arose a great persecution against it , insomuch as they were all dispersed and ●ca●●red : And where or 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the church visible , when Christ was smitten , Mat. 12. 17 and all the rest was scattered , and hid , and concealed themselues . Doth not S. Iohn in his Reuelation expresly witnesse , Reuel. 12. 6. 7. that the church of Christ ( signified there by a woman ) fled into a desert or wildetnesse , where shee had a place prepared for her of God , and where she could not for a certaine season be found of the persecutors ? Where was the Church in the time of Elias the prophe● ? when he said , They haue forsaken 1. Kinges . 19● &c. thy 〈◊〉 they haue destroyed thine Altar , and sla●ne thy Prophets with the sword , and I am left alone . Agai 〈…〉 That vnder the raigne of Achas there was taken patterne of a the Altar 2. King . 16 of the Idol●ters of D 〈…〉 sens , and Vrias the high-priest remoued the Altar of the Lord . It appeareth thereby that the Priesthood was corrupted , the Altar remooued & consequentlye the sacrifice ceased . I trust then there is no Papist so impudent to ●ay , that either the true Church ●as in the Scribes & Pharises , or in the time of Achas , M●●asses , and many other Kinges of Israel , so visible and populous , as they would haue it : But that the Church of Christ , were in that small number where so●uer dispearsed .

2. Secondly , the Church of Rome holdes , that Ignorance is the mother of de●●tion . But Christ saith , Ignorance is the mother of ●rr●r , saying you ●rre , not knowing the Scriptures : And Christ Ma. 22. 29. Ioh. 5. 39. Coloss. 3. 16. Act. 17. ●iddeth the people to search the Scripture . Paul commaunded that word of God should dwell p 〈…〉 sly in the people , whereby they might themselues : and the Bereans examined the Scriptures .

3. Thirdly , the Church of Rome teacheth , that the Scriptures 〈◊〉 to ●●read , and prayers to be vsed in a strange tangue . Saint Paul faith , He that speaketh in a strange tongue , speaketh not 1. Cor. 1● 〈◊〉〈◊〉 but vnto God , for no man heareth him , howbeit , in the spirit hee speaketh secret thinges . Hee that speaketh in a strange language edifieth himselfe . I would that you al spake strange languages , but rather that you prophecied . For greater is hee that prophecieth , then hee that speaketh diuers tongues , except he expound it , that the church may receaue edification .

And now bretheren , if I come vnto you speaking diuers tongues , what shall it profit you ? &c. Morcouer things without life which giue a sound , whether it bee Harpe or Pipe , except they haue a distinction in the sound , how shall it bee knowne what is piped , or harped ? So likewise by the tongue except you vtter wordes which haue signification , how shall it be vnderstood what is spoken , for you shal speak in the ayre .

4. Fourthly , The Church of Rome doth teach there is a Purgatorie , Christ in the Gospell , sheweth onely two places , namely heauen and hell . Christ said to the good Theefe , this day shalt thou bee with me in Paradlce , Christ saith , verily , Luke . 16. Lu. 23. 43. Ioh. 5. 25. Phil. 1. 2. 3 2. Cor. 5 , 1. Reu. 14. 13 verily I say vnto you , he that heareth my wordes , and beleeueth him that sent me , hath eternall life , and commeth not into condemnation , but passeth from death to life . Saint Paul saith , I co●et to be dissolued , and to be with Christ , Againe for we know that when this earthly Tabernacle of ours is dissolued , we haue a building of God , not made with handes , but eternal in the heauens .

Againe , Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord ; from hence foorth they rest from their labours , and their workes followe them . And Saint Peter , telleth the Sa●●tes and Children of God , and assureth them of it , That the end of their fayth is the Saluation of their soules . 1. Pet. 1. 9.

5. Fiftly . The Church of Ro●e teacheth , that since the fall of Adam , man hath free-will , whereas God saith , After that time , Gen. 6. that the imaginations of mens heartes are onely , euill e●er●e day . Christ saith , No man c●n come vnto me , except the Father draw Ierem , 7. Rom. 3. 10. him . Againe , Conuert thou me , and I shall be co●●erted . Also There is not one that dooth good 〈◊〉 not one . Againe , without Heb. 11. 〈◊〉 . Ro , 14. 23. Ioh. 15. 1. 〈◊〉 faith it is impossible to please God . And againe , whatsoeuer is not of faith , is sinne . Also except men be ingrafted into him they can bring foorth no fruites &c.

6. Sixtly , the Church of Rome deliuereth the Sacrament , 〈◊〉 in one kind , namely bread . Christ saith , Drink ye all of this Cup. Mat. 26. 27 1. Cor. 11. 23. 28. Paul saith , Let a man examine himselfe , and so let him ●ate of this bread , and drinke of this Cup.

7. Seauenthly , The Church of Rome holdeth Transubstantiation in the Sacrament , and this they would seeme to ground vpon these wordes . This is my bodie ▪ which they wil haue to be expounded liberally . But why then doe they not expound the wordes of Christ literally also concerning the cupp ? For the Text saith , in the 27. and 28. verses , that he tooke the Cup and said , this is my blood : I am sure they wil not say that the Cup was the blood of Christ , ( as the wordes bee ) but they will graunt a signe in those wordes , namely , that by the Cup is meant , the wine in it .

If then they will admitte a figure in this , why may there not be a figure in the other ? namely , this is my body , should be vnderstood thus : This bread is a figure of my body , ( which was broken for you , ) circumcision was called the Lordes couenant , when indeed it was not the couenant . So likewise the Pascall Lamb is called the Passouer , when indeed it was but a signe of the Passouer .

Christ saith , Doe this in remembrance of mee . And Saint Paul saith plainelye , and expresly , that the communicants 1. Cor. 1● . 26. 28. doe eate bread , and therefore it remaineth breade after the wordes of consecration . For if it were transubstantiated into the bodye of Christ , then were there no Breade to eate , but the bodye of Christ is the thing that should be eaten : But none doe eate the verye bodye of Christ , For if euerie Communicant did eate the verie bodie of Christ nturally , c●rnally , & really , ( as they ●●ossely suppo●● , Christ should haue a number of bodies . ●esides , if C 〈…〉 gaue his body to be eaten really by his Disciples , at the tim● of the institution of this Sacrament , what was it that did hang vpon the Crosse on the morrow● ? moreuer it is said as touching the bodie of Christ . The heanens mus● contai●● 〈◊〉 to the end of the world .

Eightly , The Church of Rom● hol●●●● the Pope h●th ●oritie to depose King●● and Pri 〈…〉 s. God deposeth the mightye from the●r seates , and ex●lteth them of the low degree . It is Luke . 1. Dan. 2. 20. & 4. 14. & ●1. 2. Cor. 10. 4. Ro. 13. 1. 2 3. 4. 1. Pet. 2. 13 Tit. 3. 1. Ioh. 18. 36. Iohn . 6. 15. Ma. 22. 21. God that testifieth of himselfe , by me Kings raigne , & Pri 〈…〉 ha●● domini●n . Paul confesseth plain●ly , that the weapons of their war-fare are not carnall , but mightie through God th●● is spirituall . And it manifest by the practise of the Apostles , and all their precepts , ( commaunding all Christians to obey their rulers , their Kinges , & Princes , yea though they wer● persecutors ) and the Apostles n●●er had any such authoritie committed to them . Christ himselfe saith , this Kingdome was not of this world : and refused to be made a King : Christ himselfe paid tribute vnto C●sar , & co 〈…〉 nded others to giue the 〈◊〉 and all other d●etie of subiecti●● , and obedience to Caesar.

9. Ninthly , The Pope of Rome holdes that he h●●h absol●t● p●wer to forgiue sinners . But the Scribes in the Gospel could say , none can f●rgiue sinnes but God . Iob saith , who can bring a clea●e thing out of filthines , there is not one . And Esay saith , speaking Mark . 2. 7 Iob. 14. 4. Esa. 45. 11. in the person of God , I , e●●n I , 〈◊〉 he that p●tteth away thine iniqui●ies for mine owne sake , and will not remember thy si●●es . And Paul confidently affirmeth when he saith Who shall lay any thing to the charge of Gods chosen , it is God that instifieth , who shall condemne ? it is Christ which is dead , yea , or rather , Rom. 8. 33 34. which is risen againe , who is also at the right hand of God and maketh request for vs . Againe the Lord i●●●●w to anger and of great mercie , & forgiuing iniquity . And in another place God Numb . 14. ●8 . speaking in ●i● 〈◊〉 person said , T●●●s ●e 〈…〉 th 〈◊〉 f●● Exo. 34. 7. 〈…〉ds 〈◊〉〈◊〉 , and transgr 〈…〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . &c. 10. T●nthly , the Church of Rome doth teach , that the Script●●es c 〈…〉 no● all tho●●gs n●cessarie ●●sal●ati●n ; but their v●written traditions must ( as they say ●e all recei●ed with ●q●●ll , and like authoritie , for so ●ath the Coun●●ll of Trent determi●●d . But S , I●●h saith that , these thinges are written that yee may bele〈…〉 , and that in b●l●●●ing yee may ha●e life eternall . And Saint Paul saith that , the Scriptures are profitable t● repr●●●● to 2. Tim. 3. 15. Deut. 4. teach , and correct , to instr●ct and p●●fect th● man of God : and f●●ther that the Script●●es are able to ●ake men wise vnto salnati●● , and God himselfe doth say , yee shall p●● no●●●ng to the word ▪ wh●ch I cōman̄d you , neith●r take ●●ght there from . Againe Deut. 1● whatsoe●er I comma●nd you , that ta●e h●●d y●● doe put nothing thereto , n●● take oug●t th●re from . And S. Iohn in his Reuelation Reuel. 22. saith , that If any man shall adde to t●is thing , God shall 〈◊〉 vnto him , the plagues which are written in this booke , and sha●● ta●● aw●y l●s part out of the booke of life . I might yet adde further touching the Offices of Christ , for that the Church of Rome will yeeld that the Office of Christ consisteth in these three poin●es , namely that he i● both a Proph●s , a Priest and a ●●●g : which in wordes onely , not in deedes and veritie they w●ll acknowledge . For how miserably the Church of Rome , hath mangled and defaced the reuealed will of this sacred Prophet , their , vnwritten traditions , their popish Canons , & their owne deuises makes too apparan● . Touch●ng his Priesthood ( which consisteth in two things , namely the offering vp of himself for once a ful , perfect , & sufficient sacrifice : & his intercession to his father , which remaineth to the worlds end it is so pittifully defrauded , abused , and dshonoured by them , as no pen with any modestie can set downe . As by their purgatory picck-pu●sc , their propitiatory Masses for the quick and the dead , the blasphemous titles attribute to the Virgin Mary . For he call●th her the Qu●●n of 〈◊〉 , the gate of Paradice , their life & sweetnes , ●he ●easure of ●race , the re●●ge of sinners , and the Mediatrix of ●●n . And not onely to her , but to Saintes departed they intreate wi●h like in●ercession , and holde them the●r mediators .

Touching how they deale with Christ in hi● rule and gouerment , the Pope he will raigne in mens consciences , and will be tituled with Holy vniuersall Mother Church , which cannot erre : holy father the Pope , Bishop vniuersal● Prince of Priests , supreame head of the Ch●r●h , Vicar of Christ : and the admiration of the world . & ● . Touching his iurisdiction , hee challengeth to himself both the swords ; that is , the keyes of the spirituall , and the Scepter of the Laitie , Not onely subduing all Bishops vnder him , adua●●cing himselfe aboue Kinges , and Emperors , causing some of them to lye vnder his feete , some to holde the stirrope : Kings to leade his horse by the Bridle , Some to kisse his feete : placing and displacing al degrees of people : pretending power and authoritie to inuest Bishops , to giue benefices , to spoile Churches , to giue authoritie to binde and lose , to call generall councelles , to sette vp religions , to cannonize Saintes , to take appeales , to binde consciences , to make lawes , to dispense with the lawe and word of God , to deliuer from purgatorie , and to commaund Angels &c. By which it appeares , that as hee presumeth to goe beyond Christ in this world , so wold he ( if he knew how ) expulse him also from heauen .

Now in equall ballance , single eye , & honest heart , it may easily be censured , whether the church of Rome be the spouse of christ , and whether Gods word allowe , and warrant his dooings . I haue but in briefe past ouer the particulars , for to discourse of these pointes would aske large volumes . Yet I doubt not but all indifferent men , may beholde by this , vppon what rocke these Treasons haue beene builded if the cause ( as is pretended ) hath beene in regard of Religion , and their conscience : and such ( of what condition soeuer ) 〈◊〉〈◊〉 beene , and are still ledde on to daunce after the Pipe of Priestes , Iesuites , and Seminaries , may see what ground and warrant they finde to approue and allowe their actions & liues , in desending , and setting foorth the Kingdome of their Maister ( the Pope ) whose creeping in corners , whose outward holynesse , whose Hypocrisie , Masses , Dirges , Beades , Crucifixes Prayers , Vowes , whippings , crosses , and Agnus deies , haue heatherto brought foorth nought b●● rebellion , and disobedience to Prince , and breach of Lawer and gouernment .

Sybil Erithra● speaking of Rome , telleth that her name Libro . 8. dooth comprehend manye woefull destinies , and that in these verses translated out of Greeke into Latine by Castalion . Porro quater decies complebis terque trecentes Annos , atque octo , cum te pertingere metam Tristia fata , tuo completo nomine cogent .

Nowe after what sorte that Prophecye is fulfilled , Castilion shewes in his Annotations vpon the same place , namely that Antychrist should bee ouerthrowne and strangled with linnen , that is , with interpretations of holy Scripture , imprinted in paper made of linnen .

That Rome else-where hath a name according to her nature , it is apparant by a certaine answere of Pasquill .

Roma quid est ? qualis doc●●● 〈…〉 ordo . Quid docuit ? iung●● 〈…〉 s. 〈◊〉 amor est , Amor est ? qualis praeposterus ▪ vnde hoc . Roma , Noli dicere plura 〈◊〉 .

Heereof also in respect of her outward falshood , which is lincked oftentimes w●●h the spirituall ●ornication , she is worthyly called in holy scripture , an Harlot &c.

Let vs ●●en abandon all good respects of her and her popish instruments , let vs tu●ne from these seducers , their curssed Doctrine . and superstitious ceremonies , & imbrace the pure word of God , and willingly ●nd thankefully come to heare the same taught and preached . And if this yeare ( the premises remembred , and their treacheries from time to time duely considered ) proue not blacke , and fatall to them , that was intended to be balefull to vs : If ( I say ) their pride ●w not now suppressed , to the rooting out of their Hypocrisie , & the setting forth of Gods glory , ( fo● which euery faithfull Christian prayeth ) we may then expect their conspiracies to be still secretly continued , t●ei● 〈…〉 tes to be encouraged and his Kingdome ( so happy made by the late discouerie ) not to be yet from imminent dangers throughly freed , or secured .

FINIS .