The theater of the Popes monarchie wherein is described as well the vncleane liues of that wicked generation, as also their Antichristian gouernment, and vsurped kingdome : togeather with their horrible superstition, and blasphemous religion, as it is now vsed at this present, where Antichrist the Pope & his members do beare rule / by Phillip Stubbes.

The Theater of the Popes monarchy , wherein is described as wel the vncleane liues of that wicked generation , as also their Antichristian gouernment , and vsurped kingdome : together with their horrible superstition , and blasphemous religion , as it is nowe vsed at this present , where Antichrist the Pope and his members doe beare rule . The Speakers . Philemon and Stuperius . Philemon .

MY friende ( Stuperius ) seeing it hath pleased God that we be heare mette togeather at thys present so conueniently : let vs spend the tyme in some suche godly talke , and communication , as both maye tend to the glory of God ( for to that end chiefly was man ordeined : Why manne was created . ) and also to the mutual edification one of another : knowing that at the day of iudgement we must render accounts , What accounts wee must render at the day of iudgement . not only for al our thoughts , words , and deeds ( whether they be good or bad ) but also for euery least moment of time that hath been lent vs in thys life , how we haue spent and bestowed the same .

Stu.

I am very glad ( brother Philemon ) to heare you so well affected . And with all my hearte , I will obeye your good aduertisement and godly request : assuring you , that I reioyce not a lyttle of such a good companion . For indeede ( as you say ) all our speeches ought to tende to the glory of GOD. All our speeches ought to bee to Gods glory . And therefore when we speake , wee ought to followe the commaundement of the Apostle , who sayeth . Si quis loquitur , vt sermo Dei loquatur . That is , If any man speake , let him speake as the word of God teacheth him . Again , we haue an other commandement geuen vs by God himselfe in the sixt of Deuteronomie namely that we talke and commune of the worde of God , when wee rise vp in the morning , We ought alway to talke of the woorde of God . when we are at our meat , when wee lay vs downe to sleepe , when wee walke abroade by the waye , when we are at home in our houses , or whatsoeuer wee doe els , all our communication ought to be of God , and of his wonderous workes . And the Apostle in another place willeth vs that our communication be such , as may giue grace to the hearers , and not offence to anye . But now adayes the cleaue contrarye is euerye where practysed . For if anye man talke of the woorde of GOD neuer so lyttle a whyle , doeth it not mouere nauseam as it were , that is , seemeth it not lothesome , when in the meane tyme too talke of bawdrye , Filthy talke counted a creation . of filthinesse and vncleanenesse , a whole houre , a whole daye together , yea all their liues thorow seemeth a recreation ( as they cal it ) and an exercyse most pleasant . But if they would remember what our sauiour Christ saith in the gospel of S. Mathew 12. chap. Mat. 12. I think they would take heede what they said . De omni verbo otioso homines reddituri sunt raetionem nouiss●me die . That is : Men shal giue account of euery ydle word at the day of iudgement . Againe hee telleth them that Exsermonibus suis iustificabuntur , & ex sermonibus suis condemnabuntur . A ca●eat for vncleane talkers . Of their wordes they shall be iustified , and of their words , they shal be condemned . If they woulde bee mindeful of this , I doubt not , but they wold leaue off to interlace their speeches as they doe wyth bawdry , scurrilitie , wantonnesse , & blasphemy , with swearing , cursing , and banning , rather resembling heerein the infernall furies then sober wyse Christians .

Phile.

You haue saide well . And therefore the Apostle Iames biddeth vs , if we be merry , to sing Psalmes , & if we be sadde or sorrowfull to pray : by whiche rule of the Apostle is forbid and condemned all filthye talke or communication contrary to the word of God , All filthy talke condemned . all vncleane woordes , wanton songues , lasciuious sonettes , bawdye ballades , and all other prophane talke whatsoeuer ▪ For wherefore did the maiestie of GOD giue vnto manne the vse of the tongue aboue all other creatures , Why God gaue man the vse of the tongue . but to this ende ? namely , that he might gloryfie his Creator therewith , and edifie his Christian brethren ? And therfore that wee may discharge our dueties , as well in the one as in the other , let vs descende intoo some particular poynts , which we may handle to the glory of God , and our mutuall edification .

Stupe .

I am wel contented , proceed in Gods name , and demaund what you will .

Phile.

I pray you how many churches are there generally ?

Stupe .

To speake generally there be two Churches . Two Churches . to wit , the Church of God , & the Church of the Diuel : the beloued spouse of Christ , & the whoorish sinagogue of Sathan , the Electe , and the Reprobate , the vessels of saluation , & the vessels of damnation .

Philem.

Howe many folde is the Church of God ?

Stupe .

Two fold , militant , and tryumphant . Mili●●nt is that , which beyng dispersed euery where vppon the face of the earth , Militant churche what it is . fighteth and warreth dayly against the Diuell , the world & the fleshe . And Triumphant is that , Churche triumphant what it is . which beeing deliuered out of this life , resteth in eternall glory . Both which Churches Militant & Triumphant , as they be members of one misticall bodye ( Christe Iesus ) so shal they a●ter the dissolution of this life , bee vnited together as members of the same body , Churche tryumphant and militant all one . christ Iesus being their head . And albeit that they be distinct in tyme and place onely , yet make they both , but one true Church of God , as many members make but one perfect body .

Phile.

Howe manye folde is the Church malignant ?

Stupe .

Two fold , the wicked & reprobate , which liue here militant vppon the earth , & the wicked reprobats which are departed hence , which last may bee called the Church infernall .

Phile.

Why cal you it militant ?

Stupe .

Because it fighteth & warreth against God , against Christ Iesus his worde , against his glorye and sacred trueth in al things , yea , and agaynst all godlinesse and vertue in general .

Phile.

Why cal you it the Church infernal ?

Stupe .

Because it beeing dissolued , liueth in eternal paines , suffering ( in the iustice of God , ) the punishment of euerlasting damnation . And euen as the mylitant & triumphant Church of God , doe make but one body : so these Churches of the diuel , both which do liue here , & whiare departed hence do make but one bodie also , the Diuel being the head thereof ,

Philemon .

What doe you call the Church of God ?

Stupe .

I cal the Church of God , the vniuersal number , What the church of is . & society of al Christian people , dispearsed throughout the whole worlde agreeing together in one trueth , one faith , and one hope of eternal life by Iesus Christ .

Phile.

What be the marks and tokens wherby this church is knowen , and discerned from the Church malignant , and sinagogue of sathan ?

Stu.

They bee many , but especially these . The true preaching of the worde of God , the due administration of the sacramentes , The infallible narkes of the rue Church . the execution of Ecclesiasticall discipline according to the prescript rule of Gods woorde , and the like . So that where thou seest these things duely & truely practised , know thou that there is the vndoubted church of God . Upon the other side where thou seest all these things neglected ( as it is in the papacie ) nay cleane impugned , knowe thou , that there is not so muche as the face of the true visible Church of God but the counterfeit church of Sathan where the Diuel maketh his continual residence .

Phile.

Seeing that the Lorde hath his Churche his beloued spouse , and chosen congregation in this worlde , whom hath he constituted the supreme head , and gouernour of the same .

Stupe .

Christ Iesus whose the bodie is , muste needes bee the heade of the Churche , Cor. 11.3 . according to the saying of the Apostle . I will that you knowe that Christ is the heade of euery manne . ●e . 1.22 . Agayne , God hath made al things subiect vnder his feete , and hath appointed him ouer al things to be head ouer the church . In another place he saith : Ephe. 4.15 . But let vs folowe the truth in loue , and in all things grow vp in him , which is the head , that is Christ . And to the Collossians he saith plainly thus : Colos. 1.18 . And hee ( meaning Christ ) is the head of the bodie of the Churche . Againe in the second chapter following he sayth : Colos. 2.10 . And yee are complete in him , which is the hear of all principalitie and power . And further in the booke of Samuel he saith : 2. Sam. 22.44 . Thou hast deliuered mee from the contentions of my people , thou hast preserued me to bee head ouer nations , &c. By all which places ( besides infinite the like , Christ the onlie head of his body the church ▪ which , fearing least I might seeme tedious , I omit ) it appeareth that Christ Iesus onely is the sole , true , & only head of his body the church , and not anye other power or principalitie vpon earth whatsoeuer . And althogh that Christ bee the onelie vniuersall & peremptorie head of his Church , yet my meaning is not to denie Christian Princes that lawefull power and authoritie which the word of god doth alow them : Howe princes are heads ouer the church of God . that is to be the chief heads ouer euery seuerall Church or congregation , and ouer euery particular person and member of the same , within theyr kingdomes and dominions as his Lieuetenaunts , and Uicegerents vnder hym , to rule and gouerne the people of God by the rule and scepter of his worde .

Phile.

But I haue harde that no christian prince can be head ouer the Church of God , but the pope onlie , what is your opinion in that ?

Stupe .

In deede the Pope ( I will not denie ) is Supreame head ouer the vniuersall Church vpon the earth : The pope head ouer the churche of Satan . but of what vniuersall Church ? Of the Catholike or vniuersal church of satan ( acording to my former diuision ) . Of this malignant church I confes he is the only Supreme head . But ouer the church of God , The pope no head ouer the church of god , nor any member of the same . the Spouse of Christe Iesus , hee is so farre from beeing head , that hee is not so much as a perfect member of the same : For proofe whereof , doe marke but thys one reason : he that impugneth the worde of God , and the doctrine of Christ Iesus wittyngly and willynglie is no true member of Christe Iesus . But the Pope ( as the worlde beareth witnesse ) in all his Actes , Dooinges , and Proceedynges generally , impugneche the woorde of GOD both wittinglye and willingly , ergo , neither hee nor any of hys Adherents are the true members of the mysticall bodie of Christe Iesus .

And notwythstandinge , The pope in pudent . that hee is conuinced both by the worde of GOD , the testimonie of his owne conscience , & the common verdict of all the woorlde , that he is so farre from being the supreme heade ouer the Uniuersall Churche of Christe vppon the earth , that hee is not any true member thereof , The pope d●●ludeth the worlde . yet hee beareth ( or woulde beare ) the worlde in hande , that hee is the onely Supreame head ouer the Churche of GOD , that Christe Iesus hath made and constitute hym his Uicare , and Lieuetenaunt generall , to rule and reigne according too hys owne corrupt humour . But howe falsly hee arrogateth this superioritye to hymselfe , euery manne ( except wilfullie blynde ) maye perceyue . For is not the Church of GOD , The Pope a verlet . the wyfe and Spouse of Christe Iesus ? Than howe dareth he challendge to be head ouer another mans wife ? Is he not a verlet , that will require it ? and is not the wife a harlot that will permit it ? And is not that a monstrous bodye , whiche hath moe heads then one ? Therefore co conclude , Christ Iesus is the only Supreme head of the Churche , ●●rist Iesus , & ●●t toe pope is ●●ad ouer his ●●urch . and not the Pope . The Pope hath his Churche ( to wit the malignant church , & Sinagogue of Satan ) whereouer he is head . And as for the Church of God , hee may let it alone , for he hath no part , nor fellowship therein , except hee repent , and conuert in time .

Phile.

Who was the first of those lustie bruites , that challendged this Supremacie before all others ?

Stupe .

It is saide that Iohn Patriarch of Constantinople , beganne to take vpon him to bee called the supreme head , ●ho challen●ed the name ●f vniuersal ●●shop first . or vniuersall Bishop ouer all christendome . Then Bonifacius the thirde Bishop of Rome , seeing , that to bee called head ouer all the worlde was a glorious title , obteined of Phocas the Emperour to be called head ouer al the world . in the yeere of our Lord .680 . The pope ha●●ched of a C●●catrices egge And thus was the egge laid , that hatched this Cokatrice , with all his filthie pewling brood .

Phile.

There hath bin & is great controuersie amongst many concerning the Pope , of whom yet hitherto , I could neuer heare a perfect description . I pray you therefore what is the Pope ?

Stupe .

Are you such a simple foole that you knowe not what the Pope is ? Hee is a manne as others are , What the pope is . but in all kinde of mischiefe farre surpassing any : who , by blood , murder , Simonie , monie , and a thousand such like indirect means vsurpeth the Sea of Rome , where hee sitteth as Bishop generall , and head ouer all the worlde , euen as Lucifer and and Beelzebub doe in the kingdome of hell . The pope 〈◊〉 foorth in hi● colours . But if you will haue a plainer description of him , hee is a blasphemer , a sacrileger , an impostor , a seducer of the people , a false prophet , an Apostatae , a teacher of lyes and fables , a father of superstition , and idolatrie , an enemie to Christ Iesus , and his word , a cruel Tartarian in sheadding of innocent blood , a homicide or murtherer , a sower of sedition and dissention among Christian Princes , a perturber of the whole world , And to be short , euen Antichrist himself , ●he pope An●●christe . the sonne of perdition , and first borne of Satan , whom Christ Iesus shal destroy with the breath of his mouth .

Phile.

This is an odde felow in deede , wherefore doth hee call himselfe by the name of pope ?

Stupe .

Because hee woulde bee thought too bee some great and wonderfull thing , and to be had in admiration amongest men . For wheras the Latine woorde ( Papa ) in Englishe ( Pope ) was at the first a name common too all good Bishops , 〈◊〉 a commō●●me to all B. 〈◊〉 fathers in 〈◊〉 time . and fathers throughout the worlde , he like a greedie ambitious gripe , challendgeth that name properly to himselfe . And why ? Forsooth because he may seeme the graund captain ouer all the worlde . ●hy the pope called Papa . And therefore hee greatly delighteth to be called Papa , that is Pope , or holy father , as it were pater patrum , the father of all fathers , & head of all people . ●hereof papa ●●mmeth . But some think ( & not vnlikely ) that this word papa Pope , commeth of this interiection papè , which is a word of great wonder , & admiration , for when wee heare anye straunge & vnquoth thing that greatly amaseth vs , we crie out in admiration of the same ( papè ) oh Iesus , oh good Lord , what a wonder is this ? So that by arrogating this name to himself he would beare the world in hande that hee is some strange thing , and as it were some diuine power sent downe from the heauens .

Phi.

Proceed further I pray you to declare vnto me the glorious estate , the princely power , the large dominions , the infinit riches , the magnificent titles , & dignity of this monster , and worlds wonder the pope , as he wil bee called , for they say , that in these things , as in al things els he passeth al others

Stupe .

There was neuer any earthly power , neither Emperor , king , prince , duke , No power vpon earth comparable to the pope . Lord , nor any other Potentate , no not Alexander the great conqueror of al the worlde , Hanniball , Cateline , Hector , nor any other that heerein might compare with this gresie prelate : And no maruayle . For whereas their power extended no further than from Easte to West , from North to South , and from one end of the earth to another : his power ( or els the beast lyeth ) reacheth not onely ouer all the face of the earth , and from one ende of the worlde to another , but also from the earth too heauen ( yea heauen is his owne good , The wonderfull power of the pope . to bestowe on whom he wil at his pleasure , ) from heauen to hel , from hel to purgatorie , a place which neither God nor the diuel euer knew , nor yet once hard of , tyl the pope who knoweth all secretes founde it out .

Now is it any maruaile though his power bee greater then all others vpon earth , wheras he hath such absolute power and authoritie in heauen that the Angels are at his becke ▪ in hell that the Diuels tremble and quake at his check , The Pope ●reatly feared ●n purgatorie . and in Purgatorie that the poore soules broyling in heate , looke for release at his handes , and feare his Maiestie a greate deale more , than the glorious Maiestie of GOD ? These thynges howe absurde soeuer they be , hee blushsheth not to publish in bookes and pamphlets to the viewe of the worlde .

Phile.

What armes giues thys mightie Monarch , for seeing that his power is so great , it must needes bee , that his armes are riche , and suche as may set foorth the glory and magnificence of his Papall estate ?

Stupe .

I am very vnskilfull in blasing of armes , for I was neuer herauld in all my life : but yet I wyll tel you the best that I can . The Popes armes which he giueth . The Pope giueth the twoo crosse keyes , which hee calleeh ( falsly ) Saint Peters keies . These keyes hee blaseth very richly in golde and siluer Scutchins , thereby the rather to perswade the worlde , that neither Emperour , None can enter into heauen without the Popes pasport . Kyng , Queene , high nor lowe , riche , nor poore , can enter in●to the kingdome of heauen without the graunt of hys pasporte , & commission , & except hee open , and vnlocke the gates . By force of these keies he perswadeth the worlde that it lyeth in his power to open heauen gates to whome hee will , and too shutte them against whome hee will , The force of the Popes keies . to sende to heauen whom hee pleaseth , and to throwe downe to hell againe whom he thinketh good .

This is a worthie knight Marshall , I trowe , and such a fellow as is too bee feared . Is it anye maruell thoughe Kynges and Princes , high and lowe , rich and poore , euen all in general haue trembled at the very name of the Pope ? Thus playeth hee both the Iugler in castinge mystes before mennes eyes , The pope plaieth the iugler and the traitor together . the rather to deceiue them wyth hys Diuelish deceptions , and illusions : and also the false Traitour to GOD in stealing away the hearts of the people from the Lord .

Phile.

Howe came he by these pretensed counterfait keies , can you tell ?

Stupe .

I will tell you . As hee commeth by all thinges els , that is , by vsurpation , How the pope commeth by al things . by false wresting , and wrything of Scriptures , and a thousande such like indirect meanes , which he hath coyned in the forge of his owne braine , And the better to bring hys purpose about , he pleadeth to haue receiued them from Saint Peter ▪ who ( as he falsly alleadgeth ) was Pope of Rome before him . But least action bee commensed against him , his Plee proued naught and him selfe a liar , it behooueth him first of all , Doubted whe●ther Peter wer●euer at Rome ▪ to proue whether Peter was euer at Rome , which is doubted of many : nay clearely proued by as learned and famous menne as haue writte in all tongues , that hee was neuer at Rome , muche lesse Bishoppe or Pope there . And hauing prooued that hee was there ( which hee can hardly doe ) it standeth hym then in hand to prooue that he was Pope there , Peter neuer pope of Rom● whiche neither hee , nor all the worlde too helpe hym with besides , shall neuer bee able too doe . Then hauing prooued that hee was there , and that hee was Pope there also , yet helpeth it him not , excepte hee can prooue that Peter gaue it him eyther by wyll , Deede of gyfte , Feaftmente , or some other lawefull graunte , whereby hee maie wyth good conscience inioye that , whiche both Christe Iesus , the blessed Apostle Saint Peter , and all the reste of the Apostles in generall did alwayes refuse . The Pope pu● to his shifts . Or yf that hee canne not dooe thys , lette hym then shewe vs by what other hidden meanes it may come vnto him , whether by lineal discent , by hereditarie possession , or by what other conueiance . And hauing proued al this , yet helpeth it him nothing at all vnlesse hee canne prooue that Peter had suche large power and authoritie as hee pretendeth by these keies . These thynges if eyther hee or a nye of his whelpes can prooue vnto mee , The Popes whelpes . than wyll I say more vnto them : in the meane time I rest perswaded that hee is so farre from hauing any power in or ouer , The no pope member of the church of god . the Churche of God vppon earth by reason of these keyes , or any thing els , that hee is not so muche as a member of the same . But notwythstandinge I confesse , The spiritual keies of the kingdome of heauen . that Peter receyued the Spirituall Keyes of the kingdome of heauen , that is , the power of bindyng , and loosing of sins , togeather with the power and gyfte of expoundinge , interpretynge , and explaning of the holy Scriptures to the people . And not onely did Peter receiue these keyes , but also all the reste of the Apostles wythe hym , and in them , all other faithfull Preachers , Pastours , Doctours , and Ministers of the Gospell as effectually , as fully , and as amplie as the Apostles themselues .

Phile.

What is meant by these keies ?

Stupe .

A key ( yee knowe ) is an instrument that men vse , to open , and to shut withall . Wthat is ment by the keies . Therefore is this Metaphor borrowed thereof : by which keyes is meant potestas soluendi , & ligandi , the power of bynding and loosing : as I tolde you before in the Page precedent .

Phile.

How is binding , & loocing perfourmed ?

Stupe .

By preaching of the lawe , and the Gospel , as for example . When the lawe is preached , and the fearefull threates , and comminations therof thundred foorth against any impenitent sinner , then may hee bee saide to be bounden , and his sinnes to bee retained . And when the glad tidings of the Gospel is preached too the penitent , and contrite sinner , How binding and loosing is perfourmed . then may he be saide to be loosed and his sinnes to be remitted .

Again , when any one ariseth against the Maiestie of GOD , and rebelleth against his lawes and commaundements without eyther remorse of conscience , feare of God , intention of amendement , or repentaunce at all , this man is bounden , and his sinnes retayned . But vpon the other side , if hee sinne of frailtie , and afterwarde truelie repenteth , amendeth , and turneth too the Lorde wythall hys hearte , Howe wee are saide to bee bound and loosed . wyth an intention neuer to committe the same offence againe , and constantly beléeuing in Iesus Christe trusting too bee saued and pardoned by his death , then is hee loosed , and hys sinnes cleerely put away and remitted . In this sorte , and in this case hath euerie faithfull Pastour and Preacher of the Gospell , full , absolute , and Plenarie power too binde the impenitent sinner , Howe the Ministers of the gospel haue power to remit sinne . that is , to pronounce hym by the warraunt of Gods worde , to be bound , and to loose him agayne , that is , to pronounce hym by the woorde of God too bee loosed when hee repenteth , and turneth to the Lorde with all his hearte , as I haue saide .

Thus ye see the power of the keies , that is , Binding and loosing restrained within the compasse of Gods worde . of bynding , and loosing , is restrayned within the Pale and wall of Gods woorde , and not in suche a lauish maner , and raunging sorte as pleasethe Magister noster , our greate Master the Pope too determine . For if it were true , or coulde bee prooued , that the Pope hadde this Plenarie power , too bynde and loose whome hee would wythout the warraunt of the woorde of GOD , then woulde I not blame them yf all the worlde wente after him , and not onely worshypped hym as a manne , but as a GOD vppon earthe . Is it any maruaile though hee hath withe thys Sweete Bayte , The popes venemous hook and poysone bayte . and venemous Hooke , drawen vntoo hym selfe the moste Kingdomes and Nations of the woorlde ? But nowe ( GOD bee thanked ) they beeing better instructed in the woorde of GOD , and seeynge hys horrible Blasphemie , Superstition , Idolatrie , and euen Diuelrie it selfe , haue the most of them made Defection , and shrunke from hym . And dayly doe they fall from his Antichristian kingdom , The most part of the popes ●ingdomes are ●alne from him . and the Lord graunt that more and more may fall from hym euery day and houre , tyll there be none left with him , that God may be glorified and they eternally saued in the daye of the Lord Iesus .

Phile.

Mee thinke that menne might easily spie out his doings being so detestable as they bee , and hauing spied them out , myght then eschewe them , might they not ?

Stupe .

Yes : And God bee praysed , so they doe dayly , Englande hathe spied out his knaueries : Kingdomes ●●lne from the ●●pe . and therefore hath spewed hym out . Scotlande hath done the like . Fraunce hath abandoned hym . Germanie hath vtterly forsaken hym : Yea , and part of his owne countrie of Italie seeing hys abhominations , haue and doe dayly fall from hym , with infinite other places , Countries , and Nations , which for breuities sake I omit .

Phil.

It cannot otherwise be , but hauing the woorde of God amongest them , they must needes finde out his knaueries being so grosse , that a man with halfe an eye ( as they vse to say ) may easily perceiue them .

Stupe .

You saye the trueth . Gods worde the ouerthrow of the Popes kingdome . But if the worde of God shoulde once bee set a ; broch , and come to light , then ( he knoweth it verye well ) his kingdome of ignoraunce , and darknesse woulde soone decay and come to naught . And therefore to the end that he may the better maynteine his kingdome of ignoraunce , hee clappeth vppe the Byble , The Pope forbiddeth the reading of the Scriptures . forbidding all men whatsoeuer to reade it , or once to looke one worde vpon it , and that vppon payne of damnation : saying further that none ought to looke vpon it , but he and his rabbynes , or such others as he shal license and authorize therto by his bulles of dispensation . This is cleane contrary to the doctrine of our sauiour Christ , who biddeth vs searche the Scriptures saying . The Popes doctrine contrary to Christes . Scrutamini Scripturas eae sunt enim qui testificantur de me . Whiche is , Searche the scriptures , for those are they that beare witnesse of me . In an other place , he saith , Scrutamini scripturas , in eis enim speratis vitam eternam habere . Al men ought to search the Scriptures . That is , search the scriptures , for in them you hope to haue eternal life . This is contrary to the example of the Birreans in the Actes of the Apostles , Birreans their notable example . who searched the scriptures dayly to see whether the things preached by the Apostles were true , or not . Nowe whether it bee better to obeye Christe who commandeth vs to search the scriptures or the Pope , who forbiddeth vs the sight of them , iudge you . And to the ende that he may bee sure to keepe the worlde in Cymmeriis tenebris , in palpable darknesse , & grosse ignoraunce stil , ( for ignorance he calleth the mother of deuotion , Ignoraunce the mother of damnation not of deuotion . whereas indeede it may well bee called the mother of damnation ) he not only locketh vp the byble vnder strong lockes , & keyes , but also turneth it into a straunge tongue , Bible locked vp and in a strange toung . contrary to the doctrine both of our sauiour Christe his blessed Apostle Paul , who commandeth that al thinges be done in the Church to edification , 1. Cor. 14. & in a knowen tongue : & also to the example of the Prymitiue and Apostolicall Church , who euer vsed to haue the bible , and other diuine bookes , in the mother tongue , which they vnderstoode . And as though this restraint were not badde ynough , he giueth in charge that no man be so bolde as to interprete or expounde the scriptures , Scripture to be no otherwise interpreted , then pleaseth the Pope . otherwise then hee shall think meet in his commentaries , gloses , and paraphrases . Thus he woulde bee thought too haue all knowledge in his breast ( for so som of his Sorbonisis haue written of him , that in scrinto pectoris Papae conditur omnis scientia , that is , In the chest of the popes breast , lieth hid all knowledge whatsoeuer ) & to be onely wise , The pope would be thought onely wise . & al the world besides to be blind as betles , & to see , or know nothing . Under which gay pretence of wisedom & knowledge , whatsoeuer he deereeth must stand for an infallible & an vndoubted truth : no man must ask any question of it , but what soeuer he commandeth be it right or wrong , truth or falshood , it must be obeied forthwith vpon payn of damnation . And why not ? Nether the Pope nor his Father the Diuell canne erre . for whatsoeuer he speaketh , yea althogh he but dreme it , it is truth forsooth , & so m●st al men take it : for he is the onely felow vpon the earth that cannot erre , neither in life , nor doctrine , no more than the diuel himself .

Phile.

Euery man may count him but an Asse in so deeming of himself , for the holy Ghost teacheth vs , that Omnis homo mendax , solus Deus verax , that is : Euery man is a lier , and God onely is true . Therefore if hee bee a man ( but I rather think him a Diuel incarnate ) he must needes erre : For hominis est errare , labi , & decipi : It is naturally giuen to euery man to erre , to fall away , & to be deceiued . But notwithstanding they holde ( as I heare say ) that he is not a plaine or naked man as other men be , The Pope a deyfied creature and no man . but a diuine creature , deified with the Godhead , and euen as it were a God hym selfe , and therefore cannot erre . But Peter of whom he so much braggeth , & whose successor he boasteth himselfe to be , Peter denied hys Mayster thrise . when the Lord had taken hys grace from him for a time , denied his maister , not once , nor twise , but iii. times . Christe called him an other time bar Satana the sonne of the diuell , saying come after mee sathan , thou sauorest not those thyngs whiche are of GOD , but of men . By all which reasons ( with infinite the lyke which might be alleadged , if eyther tyme would permit me , or the necessitie of the cause required the same ) it manifestly appeareth , that the pope not only doth erre simply both in life and doctrine , The Pope erreth in all things . but also erreth most grossely , and moste shamefully in al thinges .

Stupe .

Nay , but he hath prouided a cooling card for them that shal so iudge of him . For , be his doings , his whole life , & doctrine neuer so detestable , yet maye none be so bolde , The Popes cooling carde . as to iudge of them . And his reason ( or cooling card ) is this . Qui omnium viuentium iudex constitutus est , a nemine est iudicandus , that is , He who is appointed to bee the iudge of all men , ought to bee iudged of none . No although hee draw infinite millions of men , No man may iudge of the Pope . and women to hell , by his wycked example of life , yet may no manne iudge of hym for it . Thus raigneth hee vpon earth as one , neither fearing God , nor yet reuerencing man . And why not ? For this is a maxime in his law , A maxime i● the Popes law Sic volo , sic iubeo , sic mando , est ratio praeclara , voluntas , that is , so I will , so I bidde , and so I commaunde , my will is the ballaunce of equitie , and the square rule of iustice .

Phi.

If his wil stand for law as in truth it doth , then must he neads be of a woonderfull power , and might , yea euen as a God in comparison of other menne , is hee not taken so to be ?

Stupe .

Yes truly . And not without great cause , for as they say , he is of such a wonderfull power , The greate power of our Maister Pope . that of wrong he can make righte , of falsehood truth , of iniustice , iustice , of lighte , darkenesse , of darknes light , and when his holinesse is pleased he can make the swanne blacke , and the crowe white . Hee can also diuorce those whom the lawe of God hath ioyned togeather , and againe whom the law of God hath diuorced , he can ioyne together . He can dispence either with the law of God , or of man , breaking , allowing , or disalowing what pleaseth his humor . Subiects he can discharge from their allegeance to their prince . The Pope must haue a share in euery thing . He also licenseth , & dispenseth with al kind of the euery , robbery , whordom murther , manslaughter , or els what abhomination soeuer , so that his share may be therin , which you may be sure is not the smallest parte .

Phile.

This follow seemeth rather a monster in nature then a man , that thus dareth peruerte all thinges to serue his own turne .

Stupe .

If you knew al , you would say so . For he taketh into his handes the whole power , and state of Caesar , & therfore writeth he himselfe heire apparant to the Empire . The Pope heire apparent to the Emperour . And to this purpose hee hath perswaded emperors , kings , & princes that he may & ought so to do iure diuino , that is , by force of gods law , whiche seemeth most monstrous . Wherin if any do resist him , then putteth he them in feare , & threatneth them with his absolute power in heauen , The Popes fray bugge . earth & hel , & with excommunication , & other his flashing thunderbolts of commination . Yea to this passe hath he brought it , that neither Emperour , king , nor Prince is lawfullye crowned , which is not crowned by him : The Pope crowneth emperours with his feete . & as thogh his holy hands were too good to set the crown vpon their heads , he crowneth them ( for the most part ) with hys toes , they laying their heades downe vppon the grounde . The Pope deposeth kynges and Emperors when hee ly●t . Hee also maketh and putteth downe Emperours , kinges and princes at his pleasure . So that if any one dysplease his holinesse , he is by and by throwen downe as low as hell , deposed from his regal dignitie , his crowne plucked of his head , and scepter out of his hands , excommunicate , and an other put in hys place . And then if it fortune that this king so deposed doe rise in armes to defende his people , his countrie , and his owne right , then rayseth he vp other kings , & Princes against hym : So that were he otherwise neuer so mightie of hymself , yet shall hee not bee able to preuayle against them all . Upon the other side , if he referre his cause to a general Counsel to be decyded there , No generall counsell can be gathered with out the Pope . it booteth not . For there is no Councell that can be gathered without his consent , and allowance of the same . Neyther maye they determine , or decree any thing but what shall sound pleasant in hys eares . And then the small end of all is , The next way for kinges to come by theyr owne at the popes hands . and the next waye for the kinges and Princes deposed , to come by their dignities again , to submit themselues , bodies , landes , goodes , people , countrey , life and all into the Popes handes , to aske forgiuenesse , and falling downe vpon their knees , too prostrate themselues , and kisse his feete in hope of grace . This done , then peraduenture if he wil giue money ynough he shall bee restored to hys kyngdome agayne . Marke the conscyence of this fellow . But yet if an other wyll gyue more then hee for it , hee goeth wythout it too , my lyfe for youres . And notwythstandyng all thys submyssion , if they please him not well , hee wyll not sticke to treade and crample vppon them , lyke dogges . As wee reade of a certayne Emperour , The proude Pope stampte vpon the neck of a good Emperour lyke a dogge . whose neck the Pope proudly stampe vpon as though he had bin , a beast . There was also another pope , who vsed to makkings & Emperours his blocks to stand vpon , when he mounted vpon his horse . Some kings must hold his styrrops , Kynges made footstooles to the pope . other some ( on either side one at the least ) must lead his horse by the bridle thorow thicke and thinne . Kings holding the popes styrrops . And thus maketh hee all men , both Emperours , kings & princes euen all in generall subiecte vntoo him , in the meane time he himselfe beeyng subiect to none . And yet notwithstanding , there is nowe , neither emperor , king , nor prince , that dares mute against him , but him they obey as sole lord of heauen & earth . None dares mute against the pope . Whatsoeuer he commaundes , they dare not but fulfil . In so much that if he command them to make warre against the countrey , people , or nation , them gather they their troups & legions of armed men to gether , & forwarde they go , sacking , spoyling and burning both cities , towns , & countries . And imbruing their hands in the blood of poore innocentes , The popes mercy in shedding of blood . they slaye and kill euen all without mercy , man , woman , and child , putting all too the edge of the swoorde most cruelly too beholde . And this they must doe . Why ? Because the Pope commands them so to do : whose commandement whether it bee wrong or ryght aboue all thynges in the Worlde is to bee obeyed in euerye poynt without exception .

Phil.

This is an intollerable slauery , and seruilitye , I maruell that euer christian princes will suffer themselues so to be abused , and that of a greasie prelate .

Stupe .

Nay , he proceedeth further , & as though the former abuses were not sufficyent , hee maketh the lawes , the Courtes , Al courts subiecte too the pope . and Offices of kynges and Prynces subiect vnto hym : So that if any man dislyke of the lawes , & Courtes of their Prynces , he maye frankely , and freely make his appeale to the pope , Appeale to the court of Rome and Court of Rome . By which meanes hee raketh in moneye not a lyttle euerye yeere .

Phile.

Is it possible that princes will put vp this iniurie at his hands , and not bee reuenged ? I praye you how doth hee behaue himselfe towardes them , that they rise not vppe against him , and pull him out of hys kingdom by the eares ?

Stu.

He feedes their humors he speaketh pleasant things vnto them , The popes profession . hee flattereth & fawneth vpon them in such sort as he makes them beleeue the moone is of green cheese , and so it is indeede , if he say so . But for feare of the woorst , and for further safegarde of hys personne , hee entreth intoo league with all suche kings & princes of euery countrey , The pope enreth League wyth kings & princes , and why . as are of any great force & power , least ( happily ) they might indanger his estate , incase they shoulde resist his Maiesties person . And if it happen that at anye tyme hee want money , What shyfte the pope maketh when he lackes money . The popes beagles doe hunte for money . and knoweth not howe to come by any , then sendeth he foorth hys Embassadours , his Legates , his Suffraganes , and hys Cardynals into all landes , thorow whose diligent industry he setteth kings and princes together by the eares : and beyng at bloody warres amongst themselues , then wil he be sure to take parte with him that is the stronger : be it wrong or right that maketh no matter : for of wrong he can make right . Alwayes prouyded that in all spoyles , The popes share . prayes , bootyes , and escheates , he haue the greatest share , for that is the thinge that hee desires , The mark the pope leueleth at . and the onely marke that hee shootes at . Thus hee feedeth hymselfe wyth the blood of the poore innocent Lambes , contrarye both to the law of God , The pope thirsteth for blood and his own calling , which is to saue blood and not to shed innocent blood .

Phile.

Doth he euer goe to field in his owne person ?

Stupe .

Yea very often , in this sort . First of all hee is cloathed in hys ryche Corselet coate , The pope warreth in his owne person . guilt and behanged with all manner of precious stones , in hys shyrte of mayle , and his heade peece all glystering in golde , with his hoare goatishe bearde , hanging downe too his gyrdlesteede . And in this warlyke manner marcheth he forwarde with his ●andes of menne , The popes marche in the field when h● fighteth for Ioanes best cap. horses , and charettes , like the sandes of the Sea in number . All whiche beeinge at his becke , when he commaundeth , they inclose mightye townes , circumuall huge cities , subuert castels & towers , trench in strong holds , & in fine battering them with great ordinance ( for munition want they none ) they lay them leuell with the grounde . The popes le●nity and com●passion . And like mercilesse Tartarians , they slaye man , woman , and child , without respect had either of age , The pope a bloodsucker . sexe , time , place , or person . Which noble stratagem atchieued , this bloodye Villayne with all his cut-throates returne agayne to Rome with no smal spoiles , where is such bonefires , such feasting and banqueting , Bonefires at Rome for slaughter of Gods saints . suche going of procession , suche massyng , and mummyng for ioye of thys greate vyctory , ( or rather moste bloodye massacre of Gods Saintes ) as the lyke hath not beene seene of many yeeres before .

Philemon .

Mee thinke it is altogeather agaynste hys callyng , as I sayde before , that hee beeynge a Prieste , shoulde shewe suche crueltie .

Stupe .

What ? Cruelty doe you call it ? No , it is not crueltie . You maye not flaunder our holye father so . Doe you not knowe that of cruelty , The popes metamorphosis . he can make lenity , and of lenity cruelty , changing any thing intoo the nature of another at his pleasure ? And although he rid them of their liues in this world ( which of force they must once leaue , if he were not ) yet can he send them packing into heauen when hee will : and so haue they made a good change , haue they not ? Or if they goe to hell , euen thyther sends he hys power down , with charms & solemne ceremonies , which reach euen vnto the smoaky pit it self , The popes power sent into hell . & vnto the burning lake of the same . By means wherof althogh he can not peremptorily loose the damned soules from their cheynes , nor free them from theyr payns , nor although he he not able to breake the turning wheeles , to kil the dreadfull snake , to coole the boyling ledd , nor to quench the flaming fire , yet can he ease & make lesser their paines by farre . And which is more , som write that , when he wil , such is his absolute power ) he can bring to passe that the fire of hell cannot burne , The pope ca● make the paines of hell to ceasse . the wheeles turne , the ledd boyle , the snakes not sting , nor the woormes gnawe or byte any more . And if the dyuel anger him muche , or it chaunce too rayne a golden showre , he will empty hell in spite of the Diuelles heade , and sende them wyth a pasporte into Heauen , whether God will or not . And why may he not doe this ? For hath hee not the keyes of Heauen gates , and may he not open and shut them when he wyll ? Nowe he that can doe these thyngs , may he not play the Rex wel ynough ? And is he not worthy to be made of , The pope pla●eth the Rex . & accepted amongst men , not as a man , but as a God rather ?

Phile

Yea truly . And as I remember one of his whelpes hath thus written of him . The pope better then God . Papa deo maior & praestantior est , & quicquid potest deus , idem & Papa . That is the Pope is greater and better than God & looke whatsoeuer god can do , the same can the pope do . Yea & some of them say , that he can do more than God . For say they , God cannot make God , The pope can do that God cannot doe . but the pope can make God when hee will , & therfore must he needs be not only a god , but also more than a God . I praye you therefore what authority and power hath he elswhere more than this ?

Stupe .

Besides his power in heauen , earth , & hell , he hath also power in another place called Purgatory nullibi , Purgatory . Nullibi . or Purgatory pickepurse choose you whether , a place which neither God nor the diuel euer knew of , til he of late founde it out , & yet for all that cannot he himself tel where it is , nor in what part it is adiacent . But in this place he rules the rost , he is rector chori , the leder of the daunce there , and none rules but hee alone . In thys broyling fire muste euerye soule that departeth this life bee cleansed and purified ( saieth this master lyar ) before it can enter into the kingdome of heauen seuen yeres space , The pope saith euery soule must be punished 7. yeeres in purgatorie for euery sinne that euer he committed in thy● life . for euery sin that euer he committed in al his life , whether they be small or great , except they bee released by his meanes . And therefore teacheth he the people to giue money to Friers , Monkes , The Popes merchandize . and Priestes too say Masses , Diriges , Trentalles , Ladie Psalters , Himmes , Prayers , Orisons , Exorsizations , and the like for the soules in Purgatorie : which as sone as euer they be said , So sone as money rings in the boxes , the soules in purgatorye feele ease . the soules feele wonderful great ease thereby : yea of such force are they that so soone as euer the money ringeth in the boxe , the soules receiue comfort . And if money come in freely , hee will not sticke too graunt you foorth suche a generall pardon and indulgence , Money wyll sweepe Purgatory cleane . as shal sweepe all Purgatorie cleane . And beeyng once graunted forth ( they cary such meale in mouth as they saye ) neither Pluto , The popes bandogs . Cerberus , Lucifer , Beelzebub , nor the greatest Diuelles in Hell cann withstand his power , nor keep back one soule , although they labour neuer so fast with their croked clawes & crabbed fleshooks to stay the soules there stil. No they dare not mute against him , How the diuels ●remble . his power maketh them all too tremble like mountaines , & to shake like Okes : By this deuise of poling purgatorie he gayneth more to himselfe , than the mightiest prince that lyeth vpon the earth , may dispend in annuall reuenewes yeerely . And therefore I cannot blame him thogh he make much of such a pad , Purgatorie the popes sowe . and cherish such a sow that wil bring him forth euery yeere such a farrow of pigges as these .

Phile.

I perceiue his power is marueilous great , & farre surpassing the power of any earthly wight els . I pray you with what maner of attyre and habite is he clothed ? For seeing , that he excelleth all men in power , & dignitie , it seemeth incident too his maiesticall estate , that hee bee richlier clothed then all other men .

Stupe ,

In sumptuous robes , and ryche attyre , there may no earthly creature compare with him . For when he is desposed to bee seene abrode , he is cladde al ouer from toppe to tooe , ( as they say ) in purple coloure , The popes attyre . in silkes , veluets , sattans , damaskes , and withall , in cloath of golde , siluer , and tinsell , besette aboute wyth all kynde of pretious Stones from India , and from all the coastes of the worlde . Than vpon his head hath he a Triple crowne all of perfecte golde , A triple crown hanged with Diademes , Carbuncles , Smaradges , Saphyres , Pearles , and all kinde of precious Stones glistring like the Sun . The popes crosier . His crosier then & double crosse of gold is carried solemnly before him , he bring garded behind and before with swarmes of Cardinals , The popes gard . Monkes , Friers , Priestes , and an infinit number of harnished men marching in battaile aray : besides these things , they haue their strange gestures , The strange gestures of the papists . aswel with hande and foote , as with head and shoulders , & all parts of their body , which to see & mark wold make a man to laugh that hath but one laughter in his belly . All thinges the pope commeth nere are holy . And in suche veneration is this holy father hadde , that the ground whereupon he standeth or goeth , is taken to be holy ground , all things that he handleth or commeth neere , yea if hee but tooke vppon it with his holy eyes , it is straight way holy .

In this order marcheth this holy satanist towardes the Temple or Church carryed a wonderfull height vpon mens shoulders , The pope carried on mens shoulders . euen as the sacred Arke of Aaron was , wherein the hiden Manna lay . Compare nowe all thinges whiche this great Antichrist the Pope doth , with the doings and actions of our Sauiour Christe , and thou shalt see no analogie , resemblance , or agreement betwixte them , but rather a playne Antithesis , and contrarietie . The great difference betwixt Christ and the Pope . Christe Iesus when he was vpon the earth , lyued in pouertie , and meane estate . The pope lyueth in wealth , and abundance of all things . Christe Iesus had neither siluer nor gold , and therefore when hee should pay tribute was forced to flie to a myracle to get a penie , The Pope hath Millions of golde , and mountaines of siluer by him . Christ Iesus commaunded hys Apostles that they should not carry money in their purses , nor two coates for their backs : and that they should preach the worde freely . The pope wyll none of that . The Pope commaundeth the cleane contrarie , insomuch that it is grown into a Prouerb , No Penie , no Pater noster . Christe Iesus went on foote long and tedious iourneies , If the Pope should goe on foote , it would hurte hym , for hee is so fatte , that it would fry and melt hys grease wythin hym . so that he being wearie was forced to rest him at the well of Iacob , about the sixte houre of the day , that is twelue of the clocke after the Computation of the Iewes . The Pope hee is carried on mens shoulders too too goodly , and rydeth in sumptuous Wagons , Charets , Quoches , Horselitters and the like , beeing all either of pure golde or siluer , or els of some other costly thing , behanged with pretious stones , cloth of golde , veluet , silke , damaske , Satten , and what not els seemely to beholde . Christ Iesus was glad to weare a crowne of thornes vpon his head , But the Pope meanes not to change hys crown of gold for Christes crowne of thornes . pricking him to the brain pan . The Pope weareth a triple crown all of golde , and pretious stones , betokening his threefolde power in heauen , earth , and hell , wherein wee thinke the Pope is much deceiued . For as he hath power in heauen , in earth , in hel , and in Purgatorie , The Pope ought to wear a quadruple crowne . so he shoulde weare a quadruple crowne , too signifie his absolute power in them all . And therefore would I wishe some of his Bastardes to tel his holines of his great ouersight , and to amend it in time . And thus too conclude , thou seest by these fewe comparisons betwixt Christ and the Pope , what agreement there is betweene them , as muche as is betwixt light , and darkenes , truth and falshood , heate , and cold , God , & the Diuel , heauen , and hell . And therefore mayest thou know that hee is that great Antichrist that was forespoken of , shuld come towardes the ende of the worlde , The pope proued antichrist . whom the Lorde shall destroy with the glory of his comming .

Phile.

It is greatly to bee wondered at , howe he commeth by money to maintaine this great cost , and stately porte withall ?

Stupe .

Neuer wonder at that : for neither emperour , king , nor prince hath such store of Gold in their chestes , as he hath . For besides his owne inheritance which is both far & broad , he hath from all the parts in Christendom ( almost ) taxes , tallages , The popes exactions too mayntayne his pride . contributions , tenths , tithes , Peter pence ( as he calleth them ) & other greuous impositions not a few , al which by most intollerable exaction he vsurpeth : hee hath also belonging to his pretensed patrimonie , both cities , townes , countries & nations , castles & towres , besides hauens , ports , sinques , & creekes , wherby he gaineth yerely 1000 talents & more to his cofers , Beyond al this , he gaineth as much or more , by graunting pardons , & indulgences , by pardoning & remitting sin , Pardons & indulgences . by giuing forth dispensations , qualifications , tot quots , pluralities , non residentaries , anuates , & like deuises infinite . Besides this , by his pelting palles , The gayn that commes in too the pope by pelting palles . he may drinke 100000. li. a yeere . And what he gaineth by selling , by chopping & chaunging of bishoprikes , abbeies , nunneries , The popes chaffer . priories , prebends , personages , vicarages , and the like , let the world iudge , is it any wonder now , how he commeth by money enough too support hys estate withal , hauing so many wayes to gaine by ? Insomuch that Pope Iohn 22. after his discese left 25. millions , The tresure of Rome infinite . or 25. times a thousande thousande of crownes in redie money behind him , besides what he spent vpon whores , That was not the least part I warrant you . bauds , and knaues , in pride , ryot , gluttonie , and excesse during his life .

In the time of Pope Martin 5. there was brought too Rome 9. Millions of golde at one time out of Fraunce , which is 9. times a thousand thousand crowns , Oh extreeme polyng . for Benefices , and other Ecclesiasticall promotions , whereat the Archbishop of Madenbourgh admiring said , Iudicet timoraius , quae verago haec : Rome a deuouryng gulphe . that is , Lette a wise man iudge , what a deuouring gulph the Citie of Rome is . Al things as I tolde you before are sold for money at Rome , and therefore Iohn Picus writeth thus , Al thyngs sold at Rome for money . Vendit Alexander , cruces altaria Christum , vendere iure potest , emerat ille prius : that is , Alxander the pope selleth crosses , altares , yea , and Christe himselfe also , and why not ? For , saith he , hee bought all before with his money ? Whereto agreeth Baptista Mantuanus , a Monk writing thus : Venalia nobis templa , Sacerdotes , altaria , sacra , coronae : ignis , thura , praeces coelum est venale , Deusque . That is , At Rome Churches , priestes , altares , sacrifices , crownes , fire , frankensence , prayers , heauen , and God himselfe is is to be sold for money . And therefore hee concludeth thus and saith , The wickednes & corruption of Rome described . Viuire qui sanctè cupitis , discedite Roma , omnia cum liceant , non licet esse pium : that is , All that desire to liue in the feare of God get you from Rome : for wheras all other things are lawfull there , yet is it not lawefull too bee good there .

Phile.

I marueiled not so muche before , how hee came by money sufficient to maintaine his estate wythal , A thyng to b● maruayled at but now I maruel a thousand times more howe hee spendeth so muche as commeth in yeerely into his treasurie ?

Stupe .

He hath wayes enough to spend it I warrant you , and if it were x. times as much . For rather than to faile he wil spend you a hundreth thousande crownes in a yere , vpon whores , baudes and harlots , vpon strumpets , brothels , & vile filthie Sodomits . Hee wil spende a hundred thousande crownes in a yere vpon whoores and harlots , &c. He wil spend you as much , nay ten times as m●ch , in riot , gluttonie , drunkennesse , g●urmandize , and all kinde of excesse . And what hee spends in pride , in erecting of gorgeous houses , in building of Abbeies , Priories Hospitals , How the pope spendeth hys money . Seminaries , Monastaries , Churches , casteles , and towres ( wherin he wil be sure to place his deare friends kinsmen , and familiars ) it is infinite and vnmeasurable . Thus briefly hast thou hearde what the Pope is , and howe Luciferlike he liueth : nowe iudge thou whether he be the same that he wold be thought to bee , and not rather Antichrist himselfe . And therefore I cannot but maruaile greatly at the blindnes of the worlde , The pope vnholy . who either effectionate him so muche , or yet thinke him to be holye , whereas of himselfe you see , hee is nothing lesse . But belike hee takethe hys holinesse of the place and Sea of Rome which if it wer true that the place could make an vnholy man , The place cannot make a manne good , whiche before is nought . holy , or a naughty man good , then should it follow that all that haue been at Rome , shoulde bee as holy as the Pope , which were blasphemie to say . The Diuel holier then the pope . And then why shoulde not the Diuell be holy , yea and holier than the Pope , for that hee was in a holier place then Rome is : namelye , the kingdome of heauen . And thus muche concerning the pontificall person , state , and dignitie of the Pope , the great Antichriste of the worlde . Nowe to speake a worde or two of Cardinals the chiefest pillers of this antichristian vsurped kingdome .

Of Cardinalles the pillers of the Popes kingdome , their original , offices , Pride , and corruption . Philemon .

I Pray you ( brother Stuperius ) what are the Cardinals , whome you call the pillers , and supportes of this popish antichristian kingdome ?

Stupe .

They are suche as for the most part , are descended of noble blood , of honourable Parentage , Cardinalles what they are and of auncient houses , intruded into this office of Cardinalship , by money , Symonie , and friendshippe , altogeather vnlearned , especially in the lawe of GOD. These Cardinalles haue ioynte power wythe him , in some measure , to gouerne hys kyngdome withall : but the whole power is denied them , as a thing which resteth in the pope alone , as head & prince ouer all the rest .

Phile.

Whereof doe they take theyr names too bee called Cardinals ?

Stupe .

They take their names of this latine word Cardo ( as some thinke ) that is , ●Vherof Car●ynals take ●heir names . a hooke , a hinge , or staple , whereupon a dore or a gate doth hang. Too this ende ( no doubt ) that they may bee thought and taken to be the very hinges hookes , staples and charmels , whereupon the whole frame , and building of the Church doth hang and depend . And euen as no dore nor gate can hang wythout a staple or hooke , or hynge too reste vpon , so no Churche can stand without it bee vnderpropped wyth the staffe of their stay . And so holye a societie and brotherhood is this viperous generation of Cardinals , The holy societie of cardinals . that euen the Pope himself is hatches of them , The pope chosen by cardinals . and chosen by them in conclaues , and secrete places . And thus they delude the world wyth theyr pretensed shewes of faigned holinesse .

Phile.

When they are created Cardinals by the pope , what othe , & charge do they vndertake , & promise to their idol God the pope ?

Stupe .

First of all , they sweare to be faithfull , The othes tha● the cardinals take when they are admitted . true , and loyall to the popes person : secondly , they promise to maintaine and vphold his kingdome , power , and dignitie , and to inlarge S. Peters patrimonie , as muche as lyeth in theyr power . Thirdly , to see that al his law●s s●●ctions , statutes , orders , constitutions & ceremonies , be duely kept , and obserued in euery point . Fourthly , that they neither doe cause , nor consent to be done any maner of iniurie , violence , or oppression to the Popes person , nor too conceale i● by whomsoeuer it bee intended . And fiftly , Oh cursed oth that they fight and contend against Christ Iesus and his holy worde , to the maintenance of poperie , & extirpation of christianitie . These Cardinals thus sworn , & alleageāced to his holines do in such diligence execu●e their charge , that they will rather bee torne in peeces with wilde horses , The constanc● of these cardinals to theyr dad the pope . than to faile in the least point . And for the great credit that he hath in them , oftentimes hee sendeth them Ambassadours & Legates , to Emperours kinges , and princes , by whose meanes he easily vndermineth the state of euery countrie , The Pope ma●eth whole ●yngdomes & ●ountries ●ys pray tho●ow cardinals ●ood helpe . knoweth al the secretes thereof , and in the ende as a greedy puttocke maketh the same a praye for his owne paunch . By them he exciteth kings and princes too warres , by them hee whetteth them against the sincere Professours of the Gospel , but as he calleth them against heretiks . Finally by them he worketh all mischiefe in generall .

Phile.

In what maner be they receiued , when they come as ambassadours , and Legates too kinges , and princes ?

Stupe .

Like Gods almost , for going foorth , they sende before them their messengers in poste , The maner of ●eceiuyng of ●ardinals being ●ent as ambas●adours into a●y lande or ●ountry . too signifie to the kyng , or prince of their comming , to thys ende that preparation may be made for them according to their calling . Then , when as they come within the territories of the Lande or Countrie whyther they goe : noble men are sence 〈…〉 them with great p●mpe , and some●●●s the prince himselfe is glad to t●●dge towards them , The concourse of people runnyng to meete cardinals . or els they wil looke 〈◊〉 on him . And as for the greate company of Friers , Monks , Abbots , Priors , C●uents , Priests , Clarks , Scholemasters and the like , they goe not , but run , thicke & threefold , al clad in white Surplesses , with crosses either of gold or siluer carryed before them . The common people also of euery sexe and age , are not beehinde , who comming before their great dads Legate , down they fall vpon theyr knees , with capping & crowching , bowing and becking , wonderful to beholde . And to the ende that this pageant may haue all his perfect members , and right limnies , they are commanded to cry out , Iesus saue your grace ( our holy father the cardinal ) holy S. Mary , The peoples cry to the cardinals grace . & al the holy saints of god , preserue your highnes , and send you long life . Then goeth hee marching forward guarded with whole armies of men & horses . And all the way as they goe , the mad people kneelyng downe before him , desire theyr holy fathers blessing . The maner of the the Cardinals blessing . Then falleth he to blessing , & crossing eyther with the two formost fingers of hys righte hande , or els with all the whole hand , muche like the foolish gander that blesseth his goslings with his bill .

Phile.

These fellowes are lustie bruites in deede , and carry a statelye port , mary sir , tell mee what do they els ?

Stupe .

Their port passeth anye kings port for seldome or neuer do they ryde without two or three thousand men with them , The stately ●ort of cardi●als . besides noblemen , gentlemen , and others , with suche a sorte of horses , mules , camels , asses , ( yea asses the most of them ) Wagons , Chariots , Quoches , horslitters , Cardinals beg ●●rly attyre . cartes & other cariages , as is wonderfull to see . And as for their apparrel , it is for the most part of crymson silke , veluet , satten , damask , grogram , & the like . Uppon their heads they weare great broade hats of purple colour . But if you will haue a plainer description of Cardinals , and what a porte they carry , marke this example following of Cardinall Wolsey sometime Cardinall in England , Cardinal Wol●●y his example ●t wonderful ●ride . & by him , mayest thou learne what al the rest are : first , he hadde in his hall continually 3. boords , or tables , kept with three seuerall officers , that is a shewarde which was alwaies a priest , a treasurer being a knight , & a controler an esquire . His coferer also being a Doctor , 3. marshals : three yeomen Ushers in the hal , besides two groomes , and almners . Then in the hall kitchin , two Clearkes of the Kitchin , Marke this geare wel . a Clearke controuler , a Surueyor of the the dresser , a clearke of the spicery . Also in his hall kitchin , hee had of ma●ster Cookes two , and of other inferior cookes , scullions , and labourers twelue personnes , foure yeomen of the scullery , foure other yeomen of the siluer scullery , Oh famous Cardynal . two yeomen of the pastrye , with two other pastelers vnder the yeomen . Then in his priuy Kitchin a mayster Cooke , who went dayly in Ueluet or in satten with a great chayn of gold , and two other yeomen , and a groome . In the scalding house a yeoman , Oh excelling pryde . and 2. groomes . In the Pantrey two persons . In the buttry two yeomen , 2 groomes , and two ●●ges . In the yeomanry lykewise . In the seller three yeomen , and 3. pages . In his chaundry 2. In the wafary two . In the wardrobe of beddes , the maister of the wardrobe and tenne other persons . In the Laundrye a yeoman , a groome , thirty pages , two yeomen purueyers and one groome . In the bake house , a yeomen and two groomes . In the woodyard a yeoman , Oh surpassyng vanity . & a grome . In the barne one : in the garden a yeoman & two grooms . Porters at the gate , 2. yeomen & 2 , grooms a yeoman of his barge , and a maister of his horse , a cleark of his stable , Here were mo offyces then a fewe . a yeoman of the same . The Sadler : the farrior : a yeoman of hys chariot : a sumpter manne : a yeoman of hys styrroppe , a mu●●ter . Sixteene groomes of his stable , euery of whom kept 4. Geldings . In the almory a yeoman , and a groom . In his chappel he had a Deane a great diuine , The pomp of the Cardinals Chappel . a Subdeane , a Repeater of the quire : a Gospeller , a Pistler . Of singing priests ten . A maister of the children . Seculars of the chappel : singing men twelue , singing children ten , with a seruant to wait vpon them . In the reuestry a yeoman , & two groom●s besides diuers retayners that came thither at principal feasts . For the furniture of his chappel it passeth mans reason to declare with the number of iewels , vessels & ornaments , which daily were vsed there . There hath been seene at one procession in his hall forty foure riche copes of one sute wor● , besides rich Crosses , candlestickes , vasons , Ewers , censors , and the lyke infinite . Copes 44. in the cardinalles hall at one time . He had 2. Crossebrarers , and two piller bearers , in his great chamber : And in his priuy chamber , first the chief chamberlain , & vizechāberlain . Of gentlemen vshers ( besides one in his priuy chamber ) he had 12. daily waiters : & of gentlemen waiters in his priuy chamber , he had six , and of Lords niene or ten , who had ech of them 2. men ape●te allowed them to wait vpon them , Oh pontificall Prelate . except the earle of Darby who had 5. men allowed him : Thē●ad he of Gentlemen , of Cupbearers , Caruers and sewers , both of the priuie Chamber , and greate chamber . With Gentlemen daily waiters there forty persons : Of yeomen Ushers 6. of groomes in his chamber 8. of yeomen in his chamber fortye fiue dayly . Here is good stuffe marke it who will . There was attendyng on hys boord● of Doctoures , and Chaplaynes sixe●eene besides them of his chappel : a cleark of his closet : Attendants vpon the cardynals person . 2. secretaries , & 2. clearks of hys signer , & foure Counsellers learned in the Lawe , hee had diuers Officers of the Chauncery also waytynge vppon him , that is to say , the clearke of the crown : a ryding clearke , a clearke of the hamper : and a chafer of the ware , then a clearke of the checke : he had also foure footmen garnished in rich running coats : Oh Lucifer-like pryde , who euer saw the like . when he rode in any iourney , he had an herrauld of armes , and a Sergeaunt of armes : a Phisition : an Apothicary : four minstrels , a keeper of his ten●es : an armorer , an instructer of his wa●des , two pe●●en of the warderobe of his robes : and a keeper of his chamber continually in the court . He had also the Surueyer of Yorke and a Clearke of the green● cloth in his house . All these with others mo● were vp rysing , By S. Cronian he feasts a prety ordinary ▪ then . and downe lying ▪ at bed , and a●boorde in his house . Besides this , euery Gentleman . Officer ; or worthie person , had one dr●wn , or mo allowed them to attend vpon them , whiche grewe to a woonderfull companye . Thus hast thou ●●arde the stately porte ▪ and lusty countenaunce , that these Cardinals do beare . And looke what a one thou seest this Cardinall Wolsey , too haue been , euen suche are all the reste of the Cardinals at this day . Iudge thou now whether they passe not any , This passeth the beggerlyenesse of poore Christ and his Apostles . eyther king , prince or Emperour in all kind of excesse whatsoeuer : and whether there be any thing in them , woorthie of commendation , or sauouring of Christ Iesus , or his Apostles . And thus muche briefly concerning Cardinals and their pryde .

Of popish Bishops their office , superstition and pride . Philemon .

WHat manner of Bishops hath the Pope , for I am sure they are not the leaste pillers of this his whoorish and Adulterous Church ?

Stupe .

Such as his Cardinals are , such are his Bishoppes , The maner of the Popes Byshops . sauing that they carry not such a great port , and statelye sway as the other doe : els they are like them in all kynd of wickednesse . Fyrste of all , they take vpon them names , and tytles proper to kings , princes & Lords . They be stowt , The proude humors of the Bishoppes of Rome . proud and disdainefull , looking not onely for capp and knee of euerye man , but euen for kneeling and crowchyng downe to the ground . They haue great Bishoprickes worth by estymation two or three thousand pounds by yeere , wherto belong both castles & towers , wy●h cities , countries , and townes . They haue also the rule & gouernment of Abbies , granges , nunneries , priories , personages , vicarages , & all other kynd of Ecclesiasticall benefices & spirituall promotions wherof they feed themselues ( for change of pasture is good for them ) with the daintiest morsels . The fat morsels of Romish Bishops . Being thus furnished with abundance of all things , commonly they lye in some strong castle , sytuat in a solitary place , wher they preach as strawberies vse to grow , Where the romish bishops lye . that is once a yere , nay happily not once in 7. yeres . And to say truth , as they say , it needeth not , Blynking Syr Iohns , for they haue their blincking Syr Iohns , their begging Friers , Monks , & cloysterers that do it for them . These blind buzzards , Friers &c. the popes spanyels . and Assye peisants being sent forth by their Bishops , set abroach with all their might , the popes decrees , ceremonies , & orders : in the meane time not forgetting to declaim against heretikes , that is against such as put their confidence and trust in Christ Iesus alone , & his sacred trueth . The papystes take ● greate heed least they preach anye truth . But aboue all things , they take greate care least anye of them might at vnawares preach any truth out of the woord of God , for that were Heresie to God , and treason to the Popes person . For if they shoulde preache the trueth ( beeing sworne to maintaine the pope against Christ Iesus , Oh damnable othe . & his woord ) then might they be attainted of periury , and besides accused of heresie . Thus neither Bishoppe , nor prelate sworne to the pope , None of the papistes dare preach Christ Iesus aryght . dares preach Christ Iesus aright : for that were too destroye theyr proude Antichristian kingdom , which consisteth only of lies , falshood , murther , treason , vsurpation , & rebellion . Insomuch that a good bishop of Coleyne seing what wickednes vnder the visard and pretence of of godlines was daily committed : The example of the bishopp of Coleyn , who rather forsooke hys Bishoprick than to dyshonour Christ Iesus , as the papistes did . began to discouer & lay open their impieties , blasphemies & trecheries : but he was resisted of al , euery barking frier whetted his pen against him , & like serpentine vipers stung him euen to the death . Wel , report hereof comming to Rome , the pope assembled a councel , & cited this good old father to appere before him . Who seeyng their wycked intentions against him , gaue ouer his bishopricke , rather choosing wythout it , to preach Christ Iesus truly , then wyth it to dishonour him euery waye , as they did . These blockheaded popish byshops , as blinde as blynd bayardes , The Papistes say preaching is not necessary . thinke , yea and shame not say that preaching is not necessary , and that the people doe learne more by their dumb ceremonies , imageries , and other bableries , then they do by hearing the word of God preached . And indeede I think no lesse , for whereas by the worde of God preached they learne the way to saluation , By hearinge the worde of God preached men learn the pathwaye too heauen , by papistry the path way to hell . and life eternal , by imageries and other popish ceremonies , they learn the pathway to hell , and euerlasting damnation . And therefore they learn more by the one , than by the other . But more what ? more wickednesse and sin . But notwithstanding their seldome preaching , yet when they doe preache , it shal be commonly vpon some popish holiday , or festiual day of their own inuention , which is alwayes of greater estimation amongst them , then the Lords day , to wit , the Sabboth day is . In this their Pope holy day , what Idolatrye is committed , what superstition is practysed , and what grosse blasphemies , Idolatry committed vppon popish holydayes . & filthy absurdities are permitted , and exercised of them , it is almost vnspeakeable . Then , euen then , is there such censing , and singing , such masking and rynging , such chaunting , and roaryng , in the quyre , wyth Orgayns playing , and musicke soundyng , that thou wouldest rather thynke it a Satyricall stage playe of fooles consecrated to the Diuel , than a sober seruice of wisemen instituted to G●d .

Phile

How be the bishops attired in these solemn holy daies , & how do they behaue themselues amongest the rest in this goodly stately Pageant of theyrs ?

Stupe .

The Bishoppes are attyred with 14. sundry fortes of garments vpon their backes at once , The ridiculous attyre of Popish bishops vpon holidayes . without the which , they cannot sacrifice , nor ( maske ) I shuld say masse well . And some haue fifteene seueral kinds of garments , besides their pall , which maketh sixteene . First of al , he puts on his sandalles eythes of silke or veluet , his amias & his albe as white as snow , hanging down to his shoe . About his loynes he gyrdeth himself with a gyrdle of silke . About his neck is there a stoale , wrought for the greatest part of very good silk : This is dogin . which hauing a crosse ouerlaid vppon it , is ou●vnderneath hys gyrdle , & so buckled to him . Then he putteth on his tunicle of purple colour , and ▪ ouer that , his Dalmatike , a short sleeued garment : next ●e pulles on his sweete gloues vpon his delicate hands , That is pat . his fingers being thwacke with rings , precious stones . The ouer al these , he puts ●n his cope , with crosses thereon both behind and before : he hath also his braue wrought napkins & handkerchers , bedecked with gold & siluer round about . Then hath he his pall of a wonderful price , That is worth the wearyng then compassing in his porkishe necke . His hood with a strange deuised knotte , hangeth behynd his necke in the middest of hys backe . Next after this comes in his forked myter , with 2. labels ( I had almost said babels ) hanging downe beset round about with gold , siluer & pretious stones . Last of al , he takes his crosiare staffe in his hand , bedecke with golde , siluer , and castly i●wels . And in this playerly manner doth this hystrionical bishop play his part amongst the rest , The popyshe byshops like so players . making the temple of the Lord a stage or theater , themselues players , and the people starke fooles in beholding their fooleries .

Phil.

What doth the bishop , when he is thus apparrelled ?

Stupe .

He marcheth towardes the altar as fast as hee can trudge : which is but very softly , for the burthen of cloths , not only almost waigh him to the ground but also welneere take away his breath . And being come to the high ( halter ) altar I should say , marke his straunge ●●stures , & thou wilt wonder . For first of al , ( besides the shuffling of priestes , and clearks , The Byshops gestures at the high altar . to & fro like swarmes of bees ) the his●●● as●ing vp the which of his eyes towards heauen ▪ as though hee would● sain● straight waye , mumbleth to himself , certaine charmes or exorcisnies ( I think ) which neither hee nor anye of the rest ▪ vnderstande . The byshop coniures . This done , hee putteth off his myter from hys head , where one is 〈◊〉 at hande to receyue it , to keepe it , and to putte it on and off , as occasion shall serue . Variety is pleasant . One whyle he standes , another whyle he sittes , sometyme he trippeth , on thys side of the Altare , sometimes vppon that . Nowe he kysseth the Altare here , Insteed of hys lemman . now there , nowe the Chalice , nowe the Paxe , nowe the Booke , nowe one thing , then an other . Then hauing fisked in thys sort about the altare ynough , at the last he comes to the myddest or Centre of the same , and there hee maketh an ende of hys playe . Sometime he standeth hanging downe the head , The bishop in a brown study as though he were in a browne study , mumbling to him selfe no manne knoweth what .

Sometime he ioyneth both his hands together vpon the Altar , The lifting vp of the byshop● hands . somtime he lifteth them vp towards heauen , sometime he spreaddeth them towards the North , sometime towards the South , somtime towards the east , & somtime towards the west . One while he pattereth & blesseth , an other while he crosseth and censeth , fearing belike lest any saucy spirit , shuld come neere to deface his doings . Uppon the otherside his ministers are readye to lay cushions of silk , For flesh vpon his backe hee hath none and therefore hath need of cushyons . or cloth of gold vnder his elbowes to lean vpon , vnder his buttoc as to sit vppon , & vnder his feete too stand vpon . After these things thus set in order , the bishop calleth for frankencense , censors , sweet odours , candles , crosses , banners , & the like trumpery , which being brought , then falleth he to kissing & smearing the altar , & altar stone , as a soueraigne thing . Besides one standeth behind the bishop to see the nothing be wanting , holding vppe the patin inclosed in silke . Thus al thinges ended , the bishop eateth , and drynketh vppe all himselfe , not giuing anye parte to anye present . Which done the Satyre or Pageant , is perfected and ended . The papistes delude the world wyth gewgawes . Now seest thou with what gewgawes , these beetle headed papistes , doe delude the worlde , and dazle the eyes of the simple .

Besides this , there are some of these bishoppes , that will not blushe too haue a swoorde carryed before them , and placed vppon the holye Altare , A sword carried before popish bishops to the high altar , and why . too the ende that menne maye knowe theyr magnyficall power , and so both feare , and reuerence them the more . Thus they will bee both kinges , and priestes themselues alone , whether God wyll or not . Othersome there are , that will not take this paines vppon them , but couet rather too bee conuersaunt in Kynges Courtes , hoping thereby to attaine too greater promotion , Byshops conuersant in kinges courts . then by poring vpon a booke , and preaching of Christ Iesus . Where , by that time , that they haue bin a while , they fead humours so excellently , & are so skilfull in the eyght lyberall science ( to wit , the noble art of flattery , and assentation ) that in short space , they are admitted to be of the priuy councel , Popish bishops skilful in the art of flattery . without whose knowledge , consent , & agreement , nothing can be set forth , or established . In parliamentes they gyue theyr Councels , and rule all the rowte , euen at their pleasures . Byshops victualers of camp● . Some others agayne are victuallers of camps , and captaines in the warres nowe and then . These Popishe Byshoppes also are iustices of peace , iustices of Quorum , of heire determiner , and assyses , yea and Iudges of lyfe and death , for the most parte . All whiche callynges as they bee contrarye to the woorde of GOD ▪ in them , so doe they withdrawe them from the discharge of their duties otherwise .

Philemon .

That is verye true , it must needes bee so , for if there were neuer anye , that coulde dyscharge the one offyce suffycientlye , muche lesse shall there euer bee anie founde able too discharge them both . But I pray you what officers hath euerie Archbishop vnder him ?

Stuperius .

Euerye Archbishoppe amongest the Papistes hath almoste as many officers vnder hym as you hearde before , the Cardynall hadde , and therefore I wyll speake but of one of them , which is a Byshoppe , A byshop suffragane . but called by the name of a Suffragane .

Of Suffraganes amongst the papists , their horrible blasphemye , pride , and superstition . Philemon .

Hath euery bishop a Suffragane vnder him ?

Stupe .

Oh : no. None but Archbyshops , and metropolitanes only . For if euery inferior bishop should haue another bishop vnder him , that were a great inconuenience , and woulde burthen the church of God too much .

Phile.

Whereof do they take the names of suffraganes .

Stupe .

Truly I could neuer learne from whence they take them , nor I thinke Apollo himselfe neither .

Phile.

What is the office of thys suffragane bishop , and what doth he in his offyce ?

Stu.

He bishoppeth & confirmeth children halloweth altars , The offyce of suffraganes in the church of Rome . churches , churchyards & the like , he crosseth & blesseth the people , he prouideth greasy priests in euery parishe , he halloweth water in the font , stones , fire , palmes , ashes , and many other things : he christneth bels & giueth them proper names with great solennity . Manye other toyes & knacks belong to this suffragans office , which for tediousnes I omit . Only a few of his foolish ceremonies , wil I shew which he vseth in hallowing of churches & chappels , christening of bels , and giuing of orders .

Phile.

I pray you doe so , for they are things which I greatly desire too knowe .

The manner of hallowing of Churches , and Churcheyardes , as it is now vsed amongest the papistes . Stuperius .

FIrst of all , the sexten lurketh secretly in some corner of the churche , The order of the Papists hallowing of churches & church yardes . all others being thruste foorth , & the church doores fast closed , then are there twelue tapers set burning before the Altar , and as many before the crosse wythout . The Bishoppe or Suffragane all this while standeth without the Church with a wonderfull great pompe and pride , hauyng holy water hallowed with salt enough standing by him . And taking the holy water , Holy water alwayes one . he goeth three times aboute the Church , casting therof vpon the walles of the Churche as he goeth . Than hauing gone thrise aboute the Churche in this order , hee commeth to the Church-dore , and knocking three times on the dore with his staffe , saith , these woordes of the Psalme , Oh , blasphemous villanie so to abuse the words of the psalm to such a lewde purpose as thys . Lift vp your gates , &c. as though a whole legion of Diuelles were within the Church . Then commeth me Master clark , and in the name of all the Diuels , he saith , what king is hee that thus dareth knocks at these gates : Mary it is a proud prelate , whom all the diuels in hell cannot resist . And straight way as though the Diuels gaue place , the Clarke openeth the doores , and the bishop entreth wyth a fewe others , who are thought worthye to beholde such mysteries . Being then come into the Churche , first of all hee calleth vppon Saints , and Images , crosseth , and blesseth euery thyng that he seeth or commeth neere . The Churche floore also beeing strowed ouer withe ashes , or els with sande , ●●e first maketh crosses thereon , then letters in Latine , Greeke , and Hebrewe , whereof hee nothing vnderstandeth what they meane , no more then the manne in the Moone . Holy water purifieth & sanctifieth al things Then falleth hee to coniuring of newe holy water ( for now the old hath lost his force ) wyth wyne , Salte , and Ashes intermixt . This doone , hee proceedeth too hallowe the Altare , and hauing first made twelue crosses theron , The maner of hallowyng the Altar . he annointeth it with oyle , and chrisme rounde about : after thys hauyng set vpon euery corner of the Altar , a great manye of crosses , he besprynckleth it all ouer with his new made holy water , neuer ceasing but ietting about it 7. times , and as many times sprinkling it with holy water as before . In the middest of the Altar is a foure square hole , hewed out by great art , representyng the Sepulchre , thys hee annoyteth wyth chrysme , He crosseth the altar so often to feare away diuels . and oyle , with a thousande crosses on euery side . In thys Sepulchre , hee layeth his reliques , hys Frankensence , and hys geare .

Thus all thynges done in order , and annoynted with Oyle , and Chrisme , be-sprynkled with holy water , and crossed on euery side , The play is ended . hee endeth his Pageant and departeth . And thus much concernyng the hallowing of Churches , and churchyards .

Phil.

This is a wonderful enterlude indeed , the sight of this woulde make a Dogge too cast his gorge . I pray you what Ceremonies vseth thys Suffragane in giuing of orders ?

The Manner of popish orders giuing and what Ceremonies are obserued in the same . Stuperius .

FIrst of all , the Suffragane Bishoppe being come in place , cloathed in his pontificalibus , The maner of gyuyng of popish orders . euery one that is too bee made Priest , is called particularly by name , who standing all vpon a cluster , or heape together , clad in their long albes : the bishop asketh whether they be good and vertuous men , and of sufficienc●e able to take vpon them that high calling . The officer ( greased in the fist before ) answereth that they are learned , able , & sufficient men , and yet he neuer knewe them in all his life , nor yet so much as euer sawe , Because they are bnzzardes , & cannot see . or heard of them before . Then is ther a candle , & a candlestick brought from the high Altar to the Acolouth , with instruction giuen them that their office is continually to light candles in the Church , and to beare them aboute . This done , than is there an emptie cup brought , and put into their handes with lessons giuen to them , that their office is too giue wyne too the Priest at hys masse , which they doe not , & yet is their crowne shorn for it , These crown● shorne make 〈◊〉 many a man to weare a horn . neither it is lawful for them euer after to weare hayre there any more . After this mayster Coniurer the Bishop receiueth the book● , and deliuereth it to the new Priestes , commaundyng them to learne it by heart : Let them learne to reade it first good my lord , before they learne it by heart . & by power and veritie thereof to cast out Diuels . Than is the booke carryed againe to the hygh altar● , the Priest neuer reading one worde of it , beeing deliuered him clasped , and yet is he commanded to get it by hearte , and to caste out Diuels with the same . Then is deliuered him the tastament , The testament is giuen him , but to preache truly thereout is forbidden hym . in token that hee ought to preache the same truly too the people : whiche thing neyther hee their great grandsire the Pope , nor any of them all do perfourme .

Next after this , there are deliuered vntoo them , the keyes of the Churche dores togeather with ropes of Hempe , If they must keep out dogs out of the church then must they shut forth themselues in token that their office is too shut fast the dores , too driue out the Dogs out of the Churche , and to keepe the Churche , and al the holy Reliques fayre & cleane . Then is there oyle brought ▪ wherewith euery Priest hath his head , Priests annointed . his fingers , and thumbes oyled and greased . In the doing whereof is great heed taken , least any of the oyle shoulde chaunce to drop ●owne vpon the grounde , for that were a haynous offence . And therefore the Suffragan Bishoppe , and the Priestes they spounge , they wipt , they rubbe , and drye their fingers , Oh greasie hypocrites who streine at a gnat , & swallowe downe a camel . their head & all wonderfull to beholde . And for feare of the worst , they scoure their fingers & head wyth ashes , or sande , to the ende that all the holy oyle may be dryed vp and none spilt . For further securitie whereof , because they will bee sure that 〈◊〉 shall be spilt , they send for hot bread from the o●en , Hoa●e bread ●ent to dry vp the oyle . which being carryed to the ●olye Altar 〈…〉 they apply it too theyr heads and fingers , that they maye be sure the 〈◊〉 of their farred oyle is 〈◊〉 ▪ Whiche 〈◊〉 , the Bishoppe and Priestes departe , and so endethe the play .

Phile.

What is the order obserued in Christening of Belles , and what ceremonies doth he vse therein ?

The order and maner of christening of Belles , with the ridiculous ceremonies vsed there in by the papists . Stuperius .

WHen the● 〈◊〉 disposed to christen any Bell first of all there in warnyng therof giuen in the church , The order and maner of christening of bel● amongst the papists . & good while befo●e & the day appointed which day being come ▪ the people ●●ock thicke and threefold to see this commedie played . The godfathers & godmothers also being warned before by the churchwardens are present in all the best apparrell that they haue . Besides whom you shall haue 2. or 3. 〈◊〉 present euery one striuing & contending who shall bee godfathers , They striue who shall offend god most . & godmothers to the bell supposing it a wonderful preferment , a marueilous promotion , & singuler credit so to be .

Thus all things made readie , the bishop in all his masking geare commeth foorth like a coniuring iugler , and hauing made holy water with salt , and other sibbersause , he sprinkleth all things with the same , as a thing of an vnspeakable force . And althogh it be at noone dayes , His tapers why not , to light hym to the diuell . yet must he haue his tapers burning round about on euery side : & then kneeling downe hee very solemnely desireth the people to pray , that God wold vouchsafe to graunt to this Bell a blessed and happie Christendom : and withall a lustie sounde to driue away diuels , and 〈…〉 against all kinde of peril and ●●●●pe●s whatsoeuer . The oly● wyll make the gentleman bel too looke with a cheareful countenan e . This prayer ended , the Bishop ●●m●yuteth the bell in 〈…〉 pla●s with oyle , and chrisme , mumblyng 〈◊〉 himselfe certaine coniurat●ons & exorcismes , whiche no man heareth but he alone , and yet doe all men vnderstande i● as well as hee . Then commandeth hee the godfathers , & godmothers too gyue the name to the Bell which being giuen , hee powreth on water three or foure seueral times , annointing it with oyle and chrisme as before , for what cause I knowe not , except it bee either to make his bellie soluble , Why oyle is giuen to the bel . his ioynts nimble , or his colour fayre . This done hee putteth on the Bell a white linnen Chrisome , commanding the godfathers and godmothers thereof , too pull it vp from the grounde by ropes , It were fittes the ropes serued to hang you all in , than to pluck vp the bell wythall . and engines made for that purpose . Then fall they downe before this new christened bell , all prostrate vpon their knees , and offer vppe to this idol giftes , golde , siluer , frankensence , myrrh , and manye other thinges , euery one striuing who shall giue most . These Sacrifices , and offeringes too the Diuell ended , the Bell is hanged vppe in the steeple , with great applause of the people , euery one reioysing that the bel hath receiued such a happie christendome . For ioy wherof they celebrate a feast to Bacchus , Bacchus feaste celebrate by the papistes . spending all that day , & peraduenture 2. or 3. dayes after in daunsing and ryotting in feasting and banketting , in swilling , and drinking like filthie Epicures , tyll they being as drunken as swine , The papists sobrietie and christianity ▪ vomite and disgorge their stinking stomackes , worse then any dogges . And thus endeth this satyre , together with the plaies Enterludes , Pageants , office , and ceremonies of this Suffragan bishop .

Now whether there bee anythinge heere , either proueable by the woorde of God , or by the example of the primitiue Apostolicall churche , or any particuler member of the same euer since the beginning of the worlde , I referre it too the iudgemente of the wyse and learned .

Phile.

What Courtes hathe the pope vnder him , I pray you for it can not bee that suche a mightie monarchie can stand without any ?

Of the Popes Consistorie Courtes , with the abuses thereof . Stuperius .

HE hath courtes of diuers and sundrie kindes , the seuerall abuses whereof , if I should particularly intreat of , I should rather want time then matter . And therefore I will speake but only a worde or two concerning his consistorie court , the warehouse of al his horrible fraud , cosonage & deceite . In this court , The discription of the Popes consistorie court . for money , croked things ar made straight , rough , smoth , truth , falshoode , falshood truth , light darknesse , darknesse light , as pleaseth the master of the fees . Heere golde striketh the stroke , siluer wayes downe the ballance , and friendship , bribes , and giftes carrie the palme of victorie away . Heere such marriages as Gods word knitteth together , are dissolued and broken : and such mariages as Gods worde doth separate are vnited together . In this baudie Courte are such filthie matters handeled , Baudy matters handled in the popes consistory court . as chaste eares would blush once to heare spoken of , continent sober minds would shame once to thinke of , and shamefast lippes would bashe to vtter or speake of . And yet wyll these Romish Doctours ( Doctours of bawdrie ) laughe at them tyll they chynke agayne . Doctors of baudry . Out of thys Consistorie Courte of Faculties the Quauemyre of all abhomination there bee graunted licences too marrie with whome , What thinges be graunted foorth of this consistorie court of the pope . where , and when thou wylte , for money , although it be thy own sister , and at any time of the yeere , as well at times prohibited , Fruites of the popes courte . as not prohibited , licences to eate flesh in lent , or any tyme els , licences to stand with thy cap vpon thy head in the Church , at time of highe masse , licences to mary as many wiues as thou wilt , licences to commit whoredome , adulterie , and incest at thy pleasure , to keepe whores , & harlots besides thy wife , licences to commit Sodomitrie & buggery , licences to rob , to steale , too murther , to slap , & kill , to sweare , & blaspheme the sacred name of god : licences to haue as many benefices as thou canst get , licences to discontinue from thy Benefices . And to conclude , there is no deed so haynous , no fact so pernitious , nor any crime so infamous , but for money thou maist haue a licence in this court safely to commit it , & not only to commit it , but also to liue , and continue in it . Finally , in this court mayest thou haue a licence , All thinges in the popes courts to be had for money a tolleration , a quallification , & dispensation for any thing , & when thou hast doone , for money thou shalt haue a fayre absolution graunted thee vnder hand and seale manuel , to be discharged & set free à culpa & poena , Poena & culpa that is , both from the Faulte or Sinne committed , and also from the punishment or guilte , due for the same . Therefore what needest thou to care what thou doest ? For if thou hast money enough , The pope for money wyll thruste thee into heauen whether thou wilt or no. feare not , thou shalt not onely haue absolution , and pardon for all thy sinnes , but also in the end shalte bee chruste intoo heauen whether thou wilt or not . Such force hath money in this court .

Phile.

Bee there many officers in this cou●te ?

Stupe .

Yea a great many : but because I will not bee tedious , I wyl speake but of one onely : namely the officiall . This Officiall ( I may tell you ) is no small foole in this court , The official , & hys office . but euen such a fellow as ruleth all wyth a beck . Hym must you please ( I hadde welnigh sayde grease ) wyth money , bribes , and gyftes : if at least you euer meane too haue good of your Suite : hee onely is the yolke of the egge ( as they say ) or as it were the ryght hand of the Bishoppe . By hym the Byshoppe casteth foorthe his flashing thunderboltes of citations , The thunderboltes of the romish bishop . suspensions , excommunications , and the like , when no cause requireth it , agaynst better men then himselfe . But howsoeuer it falleth out , if thou bee once cited to appeare in this courte , I warne thee ( aboue all thinges ) to carry argent enough with thee , Money will serue thy turne dout thou not . and then I warraunt thee , thou shalt speed better then if the matter were such , that all lawes were on thy side . Then needest thou 〈…〉 care , Quid non pecunia potest . whether thy matter bee right or wrong , all is one for that if thou haste money enough . And thus much concerning the Popes consistorie courte , the officers , and abuses of the same .

Philemon .

I haue hearde talke of certaine Popysh Cha●ons , I pray you what bee they ?

Of Popishe Chanons , their offices , and abuses . Stuperius .

THE Chanons are iolly fellowes I promise you , beeyng all eyther gentlemen at the leaste , or els descended of some noble blood , Popish chanons what they bee , and their office . race , or parentage . In the olde time , this roome was reserued for the poore , and such as were godlye , learned and vertuons menne . But in the ende Gentlemen and other fatte cubbes , seeing the great wealth , ease , credite , and promotion that they were in , and with all their dainty fare & ydle life , began to thrust forth the poore men and to intrude themselues . So that now they are nothing in effect , Chanons swa●mes of lubberly gentlemen . but swarmes of luberly Gentlemen , and riche chops , lyuing in idlenes , gluttonie , and all kynde of ryotous excesse .

Phile.

What is their attyre and office ?

Stupe .

They vse too weare aboute their shoulders fine skins of hayre , and rich furres hanging downe to the skirts of their garments , a goodly sight ( forsoth ) and well beseemingg such persons . Note the hypocrisie of these deceyuers . And sometimes they goe in blacke mantles ( if it please theyr humours ) as thoughe they mourned for some notable matter : But Sub veste lugubri latitat ●●r amoenum . That is to say , Vnder a mourning weede , lurketh many a pleasant and mery hearte . Their office is , nowe and then too resorte too the churche , attyred in theyr lynnen whyte garments , in theyr cowles , or els in their foxe skinne hoods wyth tayles hanging downe to the grounde . Foxes attyred lyke Foxes . Where being assembled , they haue naught to do els , but to sing , and chaunte vppe their Canonicall houres , neyther they them selues , nor others , vnderstandyng what they saye . And least these porkyshe hogges shoulde take too muche paynes or strayne theyr throates ouer wyde , Quire men the chanons lurdens . they haue gotte a sorte of Lurdens , too Sing , Chaunte , and Rowle it vppe for them , and these they call Quyre menne . For money these fellowes wyll ryng it vppe in deede , and in shorte space dyspatch you the seuen houres , and al. And no maruayle , for from the tyme they begin tyl the time they haue made an end , they neuer cease , but rowle it ouer ( like as the waues of the Sea doe vse to tumble one ouer another ) as fast as euer they can galloppe . And whilest they bee at their singing , there is such striuing who shal go the highest , with such quauering and shiuering , Hogs striuing one too excell another in grunting . such boing and roaring , that ( if thou heardest them ) thou wouldst eyther thinke them mad , and ready to go to Bethleem , or els that they stroue for some wager . By meanes of which quyer men , A great griefe for poore chanons to sit so long . the Chanons themselues are discharged from great burthens , & payns : so that they neede to doe nothing , but only to sit by , as hearers of this melodious harmony . And oftentimes they seem weary of that too , and therefore strayne they curtesie , and without saying , much good doe it you , they depart before the play be ended . This is all the toyle and trauell which these men ( poore soules ) do take , Chanons their estimation & reward for doing nothing & for the which they haue great giftes giuen them , fayre houses buylte them , and are of al men called Rabbi , Sir , Maister , worshipful , and I cannot tell what els . At home they keepe great hospitality : but what is he that fareth the better for it : The Diuell , and theyr fat paunches . Gluttony of Chanons . And thus they liue in al kynd of pleasure , gluttony , and e●●esse worse then euer did the heathen . And for theyr pleasures ( least melancholy and studye together , might macera●e their bodyes ) they keepe parrattes , Apes , Munkies , Hawkes , The fooleries and bableries of Chanons . Hounds , and what not els , to delighte them withall . And thus they delighte in sinne , and take pleasure in iniquitie , and I feare me will so contynue stil , till their mouthes be ful of clay , and their breasts ful of grauell . Hitherto , briefly of popish Chanons , their offyces and abuses .

Philemon .

What other degrees bee there ? I haue heard of a certaine sort of Curtesanes belonging to the popes Church , I praye you what bee they ?

The maner of the popes Curtesans , with their horrible exactions , and abuses . Stuperius .

THese Curtesans are such fellowes , as haue ouerrun their maisters , The description of the popes Curtesans . or as are for some euil face driuen out of their countrey , who comming to Rome , creep eyther into some cardinall , or Bishops stable , and so become their horsekepers . Then in the end , in recompence of theyr great paynes , and long seruice doone , they make them priestes . And after they haue schooled them well , and made them wyse , and fit for their purpose , they sende them abroade into the countries : with bulles , and lycenses , to snatch vppe prebends , Popishe curtesans benefice catchers . and benefices for them selues , not when they fall , but before they fall . And if any man bee so bold , as in defence of his ●●ght , too withstande their proceedings , them they threaten him with the pope , the pope , The weapons that papistes fight withall . the court of Rome , the court of Rome : thinking , nay certeinly knowing that no man dare mute against them , when once they heare the name of the Pope . In this case the patrone like a peisaunt , standeth like one nipt in the head , neyther dareth he , nor any , for him , resist this cormorant curtesan , nor yet go to Rome to trye his right . By this meanes hys beagles , Curtesans the popes beagles , to hunte for gayne . & greedy gripes the curtesans , not only ceaze vpon fa● prebendes , and benefices for them selues , but also for the Pope , and other hys whelpes at Rome . Thus they hauing got benefices inough , somtimes they are resident vpon them . and sometimes not . And beeyng weary of their benefices , somtimes they sell them , Selling of Benefices . taking great sums of money for them , which doone , they trudge too Rome againe , with all possible speedes where for money they renew their buls , and lycenses againe . Then runne they raunging ouer the Countries afresh , Oh vyle & insatiable caterpillers neuer content wyth ynough . ceazing vppon all kind of lyuings , ( as before ) and when they haue got them they sell them like filthy Simonists as they bee . Thus some of them heape vppe mountaines of golde and siluer with the spoile of poore churches . Other some come by their prebends , Benefices com by , through a strange maner of cosonage . and lyuings , by a straunge manner of cosonage , as this . After that they haue obtained their warraunts , & their graunts from the cou●t of Rome , ( the moneth well obserued ) they cloth themselues either in the habit of some Countrey mann , Wolues in sheepes cloathing . or els of some poore Begger , and when they see the Church doore ●pen , then skip they in , & mounting vp to the high altar , there t●ei make declaration , howe that they hold the prebend belonging to that Church , and holy altar by the plenary power , & absolute authority of the pope , commanding both the patrone , and the people that they presume not to molest him , An arraund at Rome wil cost him eyther his lyfe , or al that he hath . lest they fetch him an arrand at Rome : this done , than comming downe from the altar , he entreth into the house , discharging them that dwel in it , and commaunding them to auoyd with bagg and baggage , and to delyuer vp the keyes , which done , they enter , and take possession of it , and so conuerte it too theyr owne proper vse .

Phile.

Are these fellowes learned or not , for being horsekepers , as you say they were , I cannot see , how they can be learned ?

Stupe .

They are so well learned , as the best of them all can hardly speak you 4. true words in Latine . The great lea●●ning of popys● horsekeepers the Curtesans They may wel be posed in their A. B. C. And yet when they come amongst the ignoraunt , and simple people , then sclat they it out lyke dyrte vpon a wall , and so are they taken to be great learned men . And thus as well they , as the reste delude the worlde with vayne shadowes , and lyue vpon the spoyle of the church . But of Curtizans , and their abuses inough .

Phil.

Hath the pope any persons & beneficed men in the countrey ? if he haue , I pray you shew me their office somwhat , with their maner of liuing .

The manner of popish persons & beneficed men , with their Idolatrye , blasphemy and superstition . Stuperius .

The true office of parsons and preachers . THe pope hath great store of them , in euerye corner . Theyr office is to preache the woorde of GOD truely , to minister the sacramentes sincerely , & to gouerne their seuerall flocks & congregations according to the woorde of God . Then the which they doe nothyng lesse , for the pope hath commanded them to the contrary , and therfore they preach ( almost ) nothing , but lyes , dreames , and fantasies of menne , Preaching of dreames . Idolatrye , blasphemie , superstition , and olde wiues tales , tending to vanity , & leading to vntruth . And to the end that they may the deepelier roote Idolatry , and superstition in the peoples hearts , they haue framed them a booke , called the Popish portesse , The popishe portesse a book ful of all abhomination , blasphemy , & sacriledges . full of moste horrible blasphemye , fables , and ●yes , whereto they are so neerely tied , that they thynke it an offence inexpiable too dygresse an ynche from the same .

Phile.

What manner of Sermons doe these lustye parsons make adayes ?

Stupe .

Excellent Sermons I warrant you : for some spend the time whilest he is in the pulpit , What maner of sermons the popish persons preach . in railing & scolding like queanes , some in shewing what wrong they haue done them , what slanders they haue sustained , & what tithes , & duties they haue loste . Some prophesie what shal bee deare , what good cheape , what shal be plenty , what scarce , & what weather shal happen al times & seasons of the yere . Good stuffe I warrant you . Othersom fil the peoples eares in shewing them of the popes wars , the emperors wars , the Turks warres , & a thousand such like toyes , and noueltyes . These Robin hoods sermons ended , Robin hoodes sermons . there is brought a long bederoll of paper , or parchment , wherin are writ the names of infinite thousandes of men , women , and children departed , all which beeyng openly read with a loude voyce , are then prayed for , that they may escape the broyling fire of purgatorie . This done , too masse go they as round as a ball , Blasphemyes in the masse . wherein are mo blasphemies , errors , abuses , & corruptions , then there are sands in the sea , starres in the skie , or grasse vpon the face of the earth . But that is no matter , their stomacks are so wranke , that they can brook any thing . Person Choploches . To conclude , masse beeing ended , these Person Choploches galloppe as fast as they canne trudge towardes Dinner , where howe dayntely they fare , and howe well they fill theyr paunches all the worlde knoweth .

Phile.

What exercises do they follow after dinner ?

Stupe .

Dinner beeyng ended , they go commonly to the alehouse ( for recreation , Exercises after dynner of the Papists . or els to study , you must imagyne ) where they carouse , and drinke aboute , till they prate like parrats , and that like pies . Good recreation forsooth and sit for the Diuels grace . And for further recreation to passe the time away withall , the goe to cards , to dice , too chesse , tables , and checquer , where wanteth neyther drinking , nor swearing , nor any thing els that myght offend the maiestye of God . And sometimes beeyng weary of these exercises , they fall to talke of hawdry , Talking of bawdry . filthinesse , scurrility , and all kynde of vncleannes , moste shamefull to heare . And least the long wynter nights should seeme wea●●some , or irksome vnto them , they haue 2. or 3. or as many whoores and harlots as they wil , Whores papists bedfellowes . to lye by their sweet sides , to solace themselues withal , after long study of good ale and bawdry . Thus hast thou heard the liues of the popish priests or parsons of the countrey , with their offices , exercises , and abuses . And heereof hitherto .

Phile.

What say you of Monkes , & their doings ? I would very fain heare something of them , what fellowes they be .

Of Monkes , their order , hipocrisie , blasphemy , superstition , & abuses . Stuperius .

THey are such as forsake the world vtterly , and betake them selues to a certaine kind of strait , The order & life of Monkes described . and a●stere life , lyuing eyther in the wildernes or desard , or els in monasteries , and other relygious houses , situate farre from hyghe wayes , and deu●yde of company . Theyr apparrell and habite as it is strange , and monstrous , nay apish and foolishe in fashion , Apyshe attyre of monks . so is it of diuerse and sundrye colours . They prescribe to themselues certaine very strict rules , and orders to liue by , through the obseruation wherof , together with these works of merite , and desert , Merites and desert . they trust to inherit the kingdom of heauen . Which place if merits might purchase ( as they cannot ) why shuld not they haue it ? for they haue suche store of them , that for money they wil sel you as manye as you list . And sometimes for these their works of merite ( or as they please to cal them , Selling of merits . works of supererogation ) they haue benefices , farmes , granges , castles , & towers , yea whole towns , countries , & dukedomes giuen them , as the sundry donations of diuers kings , Gifts for workes of supersti●● dukes , & others in old time can testifie . And no maruel , their holines is very greate , for doe they not chaunt vp Psalmes in the quier like hogs in the stal● do they not rore in the church like the fat ●uls of Basan ? do they not fast & pray , & do many good works ? And yet for all that , are they not worth a straw . For notwithstanding their fast and abstinence from certaine meats , they wil be sure to eat twise at the least , Fast of papists how strict it is , good Lord . the shortest winters day that is . When at dinner they giu● vppe their paunches withall kind of dainties , so as their bellies swelling like ticks or horseliches , Fasting in gluttony . their girdles are fain to bee loosed , that their guttes maye haue more scope : at these fastinge meales they will bee sure too haue all kynde of fishe , all kinde of spices , & al maner of wines of the best , & yet notwithstanding these felows fast to , yea & merit greatly therby ▪ but whether this be a true fasting , or not , both Bacchus , Milo , & Apitius themselues princes of drunkennesse , and gluttonye . I thinke , will deny . Thus through theyr hypocrisy and counterfeit holinesse , they haue a longe time so bewitched the world , the euen kings themselues , dukes , Lordes , and others all in generall , haue not onely thought them wondrous holy menne , but also , haue bought good workes . Good works , and Heauen bought for money . and heauen it selfe of them for money .

Phile.

Why doe they separate themselues from other men in that sorte , liuing in the wildernes and desart ?

Stupe .

They say , they do it , because the world being corrupt , they would not be corrupe with the same : Why monkes liue in the wildernesse . and because it liueth in darknesse , and they in the light . Because they are holye , and the worlde wycked , they good , and the worlde naught , and therefore doe they flye from it .

Phile.

These are vain allegations , & friuolous reasons : for if the world bee corrupt , ( as it is ) and sicke , nay dead in sinne , than hath it more need of the phisition to heale the same , Yea but Syr , they may doe what they list . & not to flie away : And if the world be in darknesse , then hath it more need of the light to shine amongst them . And albeit that the worlde bee wicked , may not they lyue godly in the same notwithstanding ? Did not Daniel , & many other Iewes in Babilon liue very godly , The godlye may liue godly amongst the wicked . amongst the wicked ? Did not Lot liue godly amongst the Sodomites ? Did not Ioseph liue godly in Egypte , and many others ? And therfore their separating of themselues from the worlde for these causes , is most superstitious , vayne , and ridiculous .

Stu.

You say very well . For although they p●●●end , that they forsake the world , yet is it but metre hipocrisie , The deepe hypocrisie of Monkes . and deceit : for there are no men , that liue more in the worlde , nor of the worlde , then they . In so muche that there is no greate thinge anye where done , or attempted , but these Monkes bee at the one end of it . In assemblyes for matters of pollicy , ●oncerning the common wealth , they are not only there ▪ but also publish , and set foorth lawes , statutes , and decrees of theyr owne authority . Monkes haue an oar in euery boate , and burn their lyps in euery mans pottage . If any warres he toward , their councel and aduise is required , if any wedding or solemn feast he any where solemnised , they are there . If any church he dedicate , they are at hand , or els the Comedy hath not all his partes . So that albeeyt that they pretend to lead spirituall liues , yet maist thou find a worldly life in them , if al others had loss it . To what ende therfore serueth their riote , theyr pompe , theyr proude aray , their shauen crowns shorne downe to the hard eares , or their houses out of high wayes , and the like ? Are they any thing els , then counterfei● shadowes , and pretensed shewes of sanctity , Practises too wyn worldlye credyt and to lose heauen . and holines , to winne them credit withall , and too get them estimation in the world ?

Phil.

What kynde of vowes doe they make , when they are made Monkes ?

Stup .

They vow first of al to obey the abbot or prio● , Vowes which monks make . the superintendent , or regent of their house . Secondly they swear & vow single life . Thirdly they vow to liue in pouerty al the daies of their life , and vtterly to forsake the worlde , then which they doe nothing lesse . Now how wel they keepe , & performe their vowes all the worlde seeth . Thus they 〈…〉 the worlde with theyr hypo●●●sie , Monkes theyr religion wherin it consisteth . and fayned Relygion consistyng , in synging , in rules of lyfe , and sundrye other lawes , and gestures , quoyned in the crooked forge of their owne deceitfull braynes .

Phile.

How many sorts of monkes are there , any moe then one ?

Stup .

There are of diuers sorts , but bicause I may be short , Two sortes of Monks . I wil deuide them into a sorts , into rich monks , and poore beggers , euen such as get their lyuings with playne begging . The welthyer sorte are such , as haue beene inriched by emperor● , kings , dukes , & noble men : who willingly haue bestowed vpon them greate possesions , How Monkes haue been enriched in olde time . & reuenewes , yea whole countries , together with pastures , medows , cities , towns , parks , pur●nes castles tower● , vine yards , orchards , & sontime whole dukedomes , & earledoms , to this end , & purpose , that by their praiers , merits , alms deeds & good works , their soules might escape the broyling fire of purgatory , and come to rest : which things thei promised them without all doubt to performe .

Phi.

Seing thei haue vowed to forsake the world , to fast and pray , & to mortifie their liues , what should they doe wyth these great possessions & glory of the world ? me thinke this is contrary to their profession , and maner of liuing .

Stupe .

You say true , but what then ? No man may say , Domine cur ita facie , Sir you do amisse , but al is well that they do , and al truth that they speake , though it be starke false . Indeede they fas● ( I cannot deuy ) but how ? til they be as lean as a brawn , Popish fastings . they pray till they be 〈◊〉 fast on sleepe as a Dormoufe , and they imbrace pouertie , till they be as rich , as any Emperour , king , or prince vppon the earth . These are they that haue forsaken the world , and yet no men more worldly then they . For marke where any fine valleyes were , Monkes planted themselues euer in the best places of the land . where any pleasant meddowes , or pastures ●ay compassed about with plenty of woods , & waters , wherin they might keepe plenty of fishe against fasting dayes came vppon them : there commonly they planted themselues , these were the solitarye places , where thys Porket fathers punished their stately poore bodies , Porket fathers . as you haue hearde before . And as for the statelines of their houses they might compare with any Kyng Prince , or Emperour whatsoeuer . For commonly they were built either of stone or bri●k , The statelines of monks houses . or both , moted about , & hauing drawe bridges too drawe vp when they woulde wyth parkes , forests , and chases adioyning , impaled , and trenched round about , and well stored with all kinde of game . In the midst of their houses , commonly they had stately towres ▪ furnished with all kinde of munition , and bedeckt with curious furniture , and riche ornaments and hangings to banquet & feast in . Theyr c●ndu●ts runne moste pleasantly in euery place , The wildernes wherein monks do liue . their gardens , and orchardes lie most pleasantly on euerye ●or , with fiue hearbes , ●urious knottes , and cloysters made quadrant wyse . So that it seemeth rather a pleasant ▪ Paradi●e of delightes , than a wildernesse , or de●are to punish or afflic●●nes body in . The other sort of monkes be they that liue ( as I tolde you ) of begging ▪ of poling , Monkes liuing on beggyng , poling & pillyng . and pilling most miserably . But of monkes their h●pocrisie , couetuousnesse , and seuerall abuses h●therto .

Phile.

Is there not a certaine other sect in the popes church , which they cal Abbots ? If there be , I would faine heare somewhat of them , for I thinke they be all whelps of one litter , all pigges of one sow , and al feathers of one nest ?

Of Abbots , their office , sodomitrie , superstition , and horrible abuses : Stuperius .

THere are Abbots enough , and moe than a good many . Their propertie is this . The propertie of Abbots . They contemne , and vtterly despise both the Monkes themselues , their orders , rules , tytles , lyues , and names , contending with tooth & nayle ( as they say ) to bee head ouer them . And as for theyr conuersation , they are so well giuen and vertuously enclined ; that neither mayde , The chastitie of Abbots . gyrle , nor wife ( almost ) can scape their handes without defiling . Their time ( for the most part ) as wel the daye as the night , they spend in wanton lewd daunces , filthie talke , in plaies , Enterludes , & the like lasciuious sportes tending vnto vice . Their crownes they vse too haue shauen ▪ as the Monkes haue , their beards cut very ill fauouredly , Abbots coules like draf sacke and their coules hanging down to the middest of their backes , like a bag or Sack to put draffe in . Their superstition , blasphemie , and hypocrisie , is nothing inferiour to the others : and for their moste detestable and horrible vices of Sodomitrie and Buggery , they far excell the ●est . Thus much briefly of Abbots , and theyr ab●ses .

Phile.

What say you of begging Friers ; bee there any of them ?

Of begging Fryers , their filthie Hypocrisie , cosonage , dissimulation , couetuousnesse , and abuses . Stuperius .

FRyers quoth you ? Yea I tell you , the Pope hath whole Legions of them , swarmyng lyke swarmes of Bees in euery Countrie and Coaste . And as they bee manne in number , so bee they of diuers , and sundry names .

Phil.

What be those ?

Stupe .

Some are called Franciscane Friers , Fryers of dyuers and sundry sorts and names . of S. Frauncis , Dominick friers , of S. Dominick , Benedictin friers , of S. Benedict . Barnardine fryers of S. B●rnard , Augustin● friers of S. Augustine , and so of the rest . Othersom are called White friers , Blacke fryers , Gray fryers . Obseruant fryers ▪ Friers Mendicats , Smocked friers , & a thousande others the like , which for tediousnesse I lette passe , for as the saying is : pauca sapienti , to a wise manne a fewe things are sufficient . By these you may coniecture what the rest are ▪ These friers with the rest of that filthie broode do all of them get their liuings by begging . By the practise whereof within few yeres they heape vp to themselues such mountaines of gold and siluer ( and yet it is a marueilous thing ▪ Fryers neuer handle money ( forsooth ) and yet haue whole mountaines of gold and siluer for they neuer handle money neither , but belike it is geuen them by myracle ) that they build them gorgeous houses , stately edifices , and sumptuous mansions to dwel in , furnished with all kind of necessaries supelle●●iles , comparable to any prince or noble man . How friers get their riches . And these riches they get with their hypocr●ticall prayers , longe seruice , selling of merites , & by their other apish ●estures of ●●cking down the head , & the like , by their dissembling hypocrisie , filed eloquence , Prety practises for vices on stages . seuere grau●tie & austeritie of life , by these crossing and blessing , & by their deep profound flattery , and a thousand such deuises , wherein they are so skilfull , that they maye seem not practisioners , but masters , not masters but doctors . Out of these puddles proceedeth al their game . Thorow the exercise & practise whereof , they are grown so impudent , The impudency of fryers . that ther can be no marriage solemnized neither in towne , nor countrie , no feast , or good cheere any where , but these shamelesse friers are redy with boxes in their hands , begging , Begging friers scratching euery man on the elbow . & crauing money , meate , drinke , and all things els of euery one present . Neither can any man sit quietly either at dinner , or at supper in his house , but in comme these beging friers , crossing , blessing , & so faring , that they wearie euerie manne and away will they not , till theyr bellies be ful and their hackes wel loaden also . Then when certaine holye times of fasting and praying commeth in , that the people must fast pray , and do pennance , then , and neuer vntil then , their gaines commeth tumbling in thicke and threefold . Then doth euery man hyre them too fast , How Friers gaines comes tumbling in . to pray and do penance for them , and pay them well for theyr labour . Besides these deuises they get abundance of their good dames of the countries both of cheese puddinges , My good dames of the countrie the fryers beste friends porke , bacon , brawns , sowse , corne , hemp , flaxe , bread , pyes , custards , flawnes , tarts , and what not ; for al is fish that commeth to net , and nothyng commeth amisse , that carryeth a pennie , or a halfpeny on his back . And because they may seeme to giue somewhat agayne , The pedlary ware of friers . they carrye about wyth them tootinge glasses , needles , pinnes , pointes , laces , ribbons , and other pedlary trifles , which they bestow vpon their good dames of the country for bussing them in the dark : Which thing when they be about leaste they should be cumbred with vntrussing of their pointes , they weare no hosen at all , but long side gownes to the foot : so that with litle adoe , they may go to their businesse . And if the good man chaunce to come in , in the meane time & find him at it , yet must he imagine that he is but in shriuing of her , and then al is wel .

Phile.

How many sorts of Friers are there ?

Stupe .

There bee twoo sortes , Two sorts of fryers . the rich friers , and the pore begging friers . The richer sorte the Pope dispenseth withall , giuing them leaue that after they haue got their great riches togeather by theyr begginge throughe the world , they may builde them gorgeous houses , and stately buildyngs , plant orchardes , Gardens , Uineyardes and what they wil : purchase landes and liuings as much as they please . Then are they called by the names of Lordes beyng ashamed of the names of beggers any longer . The poore begging fryers are such , as by theyr orders are constrained to remaine in pouertie & to beg as long as they liue . The poore friers doe better seruice to the pope then the ryche . By them the Pope vttereth his merchandize , and getteth himselfe into fauour of euery one . For the better perfourmaunce whereof they make no conscience to tel lies , to preach fables , Fryers make no conscience of lyes . & to vtter Canturbury ●ales for the word of God . They come & raunge all abroad euery where , both by sea and land : they creepe intoo the bosomes of kings , princes , noblemen , gentlemen , subiects , & others , seeking by all meanes possible to withdraw them from the way of truth , The practise of fryers . & to establish their dads kingdom . And thus by this meanes , they vpholde the popes estate , and their owne credite and wealth .

Phil.

Whatfurther authoritie haue they ?

Stup ,

They haue commission graunted them from that pope ( for feare least their proud kingdom should catch any s●at●e ) to enquyre after heretikes lollardes & other schismatiks , Commission to friers to en●uyre after heretikes . which deuide themselues from their blaspemous church . By force of which commission ( like bloddy butchers dogs ) they trouble good men , & women , & in the end , suck their blood , by burning their bodies to ashes , if they wil not forsake the truth , & beleeue their lyes . But if there be any out of their iurisdiction , whom they cannot handle so , then fal they the yeere of our Lorde God . 1523. And comming to the Pope afterwarde , confirmed the same order of Iesuites by his Bulles . These holy Iesuites ( forsooth ) are vowesses as well as the reste , but whereas the others make but 3. vowes , they make foure . Iesuites ma foure vowes First , they vowe pouertie , secondarily , chastitie : thirdly , obedience , and fourthly , that they wyll trudge ouer all the world if they be commaunded eyther by the Pope , or any of their good masters els , to set abroch popery , to abandon Christianitie , The chiefest office of Ies●●ites . to plaunt superstition , & to root out goodly religion , for this is their chiefest offce , as far as euer I coulde perceiue . And of suche perfection are they thought to bee , that in holines they are comparable to the maiestie of god , The pretense● holinesse of se●dicious Iesuit●● in godlines excelling the angels & in rightuousnes far surpassing the common nature of mankind . And therefore haue they taken to themselues a name deriued very blasphemously from the name of Iesus . To this end no doubt , that they may be thought to bee the seruaunts of Iesus and none els , and too holde the trueth , and none but they .

These seditious Iesuites , a 〈◊〉 kind of vipers , run rouing , from place to place , from countrie to countrie , now openly now secretly , sometimes in their priestly habite , ●h deceitfull ●●●elians , ha●ing al shewes ●f godlines , & ●et none at al. and , sometime in seruing mans attyre , now like lawiers , then like Courtiers , now like one sort of menne , and then like another , and all to roote vp ( as I haue saide ) christianitie and too plant poperye . And if they perceiue that the prince wyll not incline to theyr humours , nor agree to theyr ydolatrie , and papistrie , but mayntayne the true religion of God , then fall th●y to this pollicie . They creepe secretely into the mindes of the Nobilitie , ●esuites creepe ●●cretly into ●●e mind● of ●he nobility . Gentrie , and Communaltie , indeuoring by al means possible to draw theyr hearts from their alleageaunce , and obedience too theyr lawefull Prince , to di●like of all things and too sowe the seedes of Sedition , to moue Rebellion , Insurrection , Commotion , Warre , Mutunie , Murther , Bloodshed , and all kynde of trouble : to this ende , that they and their Complices may with more securitie make Inuast●●s , and Incursions into that Realme , or mites , Lateranes , Georgeans , Ioannians , Trinitaries , Iudians , Ambrosians , Magdalines , or Lazarines , redde Augustines , Helenians Sophians , Wincesbaterers , Gregorians , Constantinopolitanes , Columbins , crossed bretheren , Fratres clauorum , blacke friers , bretheren of the holy sepulchre , brethren of the vale of Iosaphat , brethren of S. Ioseph . brethren of S. Rufines , & a thousande others . Also of women , as Bagghines , Orders of 〈◊〉 men . Cloke Nuns , sisters Chanonesses , Ancresses . Next come in their orders of Heremites , as Heremites of S. Antonie , Orders of H●●remits . Heremites of S. Hillarie , of S. Macarins , of S. Theon , of S. Frontinean , S. Horns , S. Helene , S. Apolonia , S. Paule the Heremite , S. Piamotus , S. Casomianus , and infinite the like members of the same rabble , all which too recite , were , infinitum fi●ito comprehendere , that is , to comprehend that in number whiche is wythout number . Besides these , they haue also knightes of the Rhodes , or of Malta , Dutch knights , the knightes of Saynt Iames , our Ladies knights , S. Georges knights , knights of Herusalem , Calitrauenses . Montenienses , Gartarienses , Templers , Iesuites , and the like which for breuities sake I omit .

Phile.

I pray you what is the order and originall of these Iesuites ?

Iesuites their order , originall , treason , hypocrisie , and sedition . Stuperius .

●●e order and ●●ginning of ●●suites . THE order of these dounghill Iesuites was first founde out in the yeere of our Lorde , 1537. by a Spaniarde borne in Biskey , named Don Egnatio Leguiola , who with twelue of hys companions , whom he called hys Apostles , went to Rome , from thence too Uenice , pretending to goe too Hierusalem , but finding no shipping at Uenice readie , returned to Rome againe , where he published and set abroche hys holy religion of Iesuitanisme , neuer heard of before since the beginning of the world . There was also one Iohn Peter Guarrassa , Bishop of Quietta , a little before found out a stampe or patterne of the same in they are kinges , and princes ouer sinne , that they haue cut of , and diuided them selues from the world , with many other like fanaticall mysteries .

Phile.

Are these fryers also annointed as others are , at the time of their initiation ?

Stupe .

They are all annoynted , euen from the highest to the lowest , from the meanest priest to the head ruler , & gouerner of all . Fryers all annoynted . But from whence they deriue this annoyling , and greasing I cannot tell , except it be from the ceremonies of Moses lawe : which if they doe , then denie they Christ to be come , and to haue fulfilled the lawe for vs . For all ceremonies of Moses lawe ceassed , Their ceremoniall law of Moses abrog● by Christ . and were abrogate by Christe , as beeing but types and shadowes of things to come , and therefore may they not be vsed now vnder the Gospel without great impietie . And albeit that they grease and annoynt themselues at sundrie tunes , yet espeically doe they it , at three seuerall times : Friers annointed at three times especially . namely , the day of their christendom , the day of their consecration , or initiation ( as they cal it ) & at the day of their death . Besides all this , the church , & church● walles are anointed , the high altar , the bels , & euery thing els almost : for their holy oyle hath a wonderfull power , and force in it selfe , & therefore as without it they can almost coniure nothing , 〈◊〉 s holy oile 〈◊〉 h appease 〈◊〉 broyle . so with it they canne ( in effect ) doe any thing .

Phil.

What other orders of religion haue they besides these that you haue spoken of ?

Orders of religion amongest the papistes . Stuperius .

THey haue infinite orders of religion , and religious men , as orders of the Basilians , 〈◊〉 infinit or●●rs of religō●mongest the ●apists . Augustinians , Benedictines , Dominicans , Iacobines , Carthusians , Carmelites , Lady brothers , Seruitors , Obseruants , Conuētnals , Penitenciaries , Minimers , Capucines , Mendicants , Cluinares , Camaldulenses , Valenbrosences , Cisteriences , Bernardines , Coelestines , Gibertenenses , Milicenses , Castellenses , Mountoleuites , Castinenses , Armetes , Regulars , Premonstratenses , Whilliamites to making of filthie bookes , & raylyng pamphlets against them , therby to discredit both them & the doctrine which they professe . They are also ghostly fathers , & do shriue as wel kings , princes , dukes , & noblemen , as also all others of what degree soeuer they bee of , & haue absolute power ( or els they lye ) to absolue them a culpa & poena , ( as pleaseth them to distinguysh ) from their sinnes , and the punishment due for the same , so soone as euer they haue whispered them into their eares . Shrifte a brau● deuise for papists and such as maketh 〈◊〉 theyr purpos● . This is a deuise , passing all deuises , for by this he knoweth and vnderstandeth the secretes of al both men , and women , of kings & princes , & if they perceiue any thing to bee intended againste the state of their vsurped kingome , they certifie the pope of it , who straight way sendeth out his flashing thunderbolts of excommunication , The popes curse is Gods blessing no doubt . neuer ceasing til the authours of that practise be cursed with booke bell and candle , as blacke as Hell pitch . These friers cary pardons through the world , shriue & forgiue sin , certifie the pope of the secrets , & estate of euery countries , & often times return to Rome with their bags , and their caskets stuf● full of money like faithfull children of suche a cursed father .

Phile.

Haue these poling friers shauen crownes as the other theyr cousin germans the monks haue ?

Stupe .

Yea , their crownes are shauen , but after an other maner . For loke how much holier they be then the monks or any others , Friers crownes broder shorne them any others because they are holier then any others . so muche broder are their crownes shorne than any others : and therefore is there no hayre permitted to growe all their head ouer , saue around ring or circle , compassing their pate like a headlace or band , with these shauen seōses they raunge all abrode , despising all others that haue not their heads so shor● as theirs is .

Phile.

I wonder that they bee not ashamed to put off their hats , or to let their heads be seene bare ?

Stupe .

They shame at nothyng . For knowe you not , that they haue brasen faces , and therefore cannot blushe . But if they hadde not , yet woulde they not blushe at this : for say they , hereby is signified great thinges : as namely , that ●