The Church militant historically continued from the yeare of our Saviours Incarnation 33. untill this present, 1640. By William Vaughan, Knight.

THE MOST MEMORABLE OCCVRRENCES , WHICH ●apned in Our Christian Church , from The Thirtieth Three yeere of Our Saviours ●●carnation ; and from the Eighteenth yeere ●f Tiberius Caesars Raigne the Roman Emperour , untill the yeere of Our Lord 100. at which time Trajan the Emperour began his Raigne . The Argument . Behold what Thanks from Worldlings worse then Mad For Preaching Truth , the chiefe Apostles had . ●ot One escapes a sad Tormenting Fate , Which holpe to build at first the Churches state . WHat better Fruit can a New Sparkling Muse Produce then Holy Odes for Christians use ? ●hen by th' Apostles Glasse of Peace to chime ? 〈◊〉 from late Iarres to scare the World with Rime ? O would I could , like Roman Arato , In English Tune such Labours undergoe , As might display th' Apostles Acts and Lives , Gladding our Age with their Pure Honey-Hives ! Which spite of Drones , False Brethren , stormy Blast And tortures stood through watchings , vows & Fa●● Forear'd against the Foemen of the Crosse , As to prevent from Hell ensuing Losse . Although our Latter be not built as well , Nor may that Church in Glory paralell , Yet our Good Will availes in stead of Spice , And our New man helps us to Sacrifice ; For we have had our Martys , like the First , Yea , and the Living Rocke to quench our Thirst ; We have beheld the Spirits Lightning Sword ; Onely , I feare , we want the Flames of Love , Which Primer Saints with mutuall Heate did move . This want Some may with their Ambrosian Food Supply , sound forth , and publish for our good , If , as they have begunne , they warble out ●hat I to bring about do stand in doubt . ●his Taske Pauls Faithfull Mate in Physicke sk●ll'd , Though more for Soules then Bodies Cure , fulfill'd ●cring two Workes to Greeke Theophilus , 〈◊〉 Monuments , and by his Lamps to us ; 〈◊〉 left them us to shew what Legacies ●●e Heavens lent for Christian Sacrifice . ●ence , as his Ape , by Imitations straine ●ope some Light for Brittaines Church to gaine , ● least to serve as Sparkes , Babes to revive , ●ho faile for want of Torches store to thrive . ●Hen that our New-mans Sire , the Holy Ghost ▪ ●●h Cloven Tongues , like Fire , at Pentecost 〈◊〉 lighted on th' Apostles visible , ●he some times inspir'd invisible ●●s Prophets : then Faith , Love , and Christian Ioye● ●●ighd Delphick Dreames , and Babels●arring Noise ; Then , Men that learnd no language save their owne Amid ' strange Folkes rung fo●th the Lords Renowne And blaz'd his deedes in every Forraigne Tongue , Like Angels Quire , with sweet harmonious song As perfectly , as they their Natives were , So that those Aliens stood entranc'd with Feare , For how could they but be agast to heare Iewes speake with Tongs peculiar to their Eare. Some Others deem'd them Mad , or Drunk with Win● Till Peter prov'd them rapt with Joyes Divine . He prov'd them rapt by Gods immediate Rayes , With Ectasies above all Humane wayes . And not alone the gifts of Tongues , but Zeale To Preach they had , and without Drugs to heale . Some Prophesi●d , some Sung , whil'st others told What wondrous Acts the Lord performd of Old . Those Mystick sparkes , which by Degrees we learne God then infus'd , as of more Blessings Earne , To paralell Iob , Abraham , Salomon , For Patience , Faith , and Wisedome thereupon . 〈◊〉 who can blaze the Wonders of that Day ? ●e more I muse on them , the more Dismay 〈◊〉 spend my Sence , Lord , rayse up my desires , ● sing th' . Event of that Dayes Glorious Fires , ●hich comforted the Gentile as the Iew , ●rich'd the Barren Will , made Old things New . 〈◊〉 such rare Signes came first the Mystèry Three in One , the sacred Trinity 〈◊〉 be more knowne unto the Church on Earth , ●●d since Old Rites were past at our New Birth , ●at she might name at her solemnities ●e Holy Ghost Colleaged to Baptize . ● working we agnize , feele , and admire , 〈◊〉 who but He could stony Hearts inspire ? Done as with Gifts this Holy Flame appear'd , ●uls Chaos melt , and their dull wits had clear'd , ●ds Word then from Melchisedechs choice Towne , ● from the Earths fixt Meditullium blowne , Pierst Egypt , Greece , Damascus , Babilon , The Temperate , yea , and the Torrid Zone , Where Negroes , though of Circumcised Race , Converted by an Eunuch looke for Grace . The Gospell pierc'd each Countrey and each Towne , Truths Sound went forth to all the world then know Whereby no Nation might excuses pleade , But that they might be linkt with Christ their Head . WIth like successe the Christian Faith did bloome , And flourish there where brave Triumphant Rome Prepard the way by Morall Arts and Aw , That Grace Mens Hearts might so the sooner draw . While tatling Newes fond Athens itch'd to tell , The Romans dri'd her Aristotles Well . These Second Meanes for Planting Christian Rites , In those dayes much avayld Romes Proselites . Arts usher Faith . Faith quick by Hearing growes , But most of all when the Good Spirit blowes . There wanted none of these in Ancient Rome , Where vowes & teares for Grace had purcha●'d roome . Rome was the Empires Head , Great Caesars Seat , The Westernes Mother Church , where then complete From Salem s●one the Crosses radiant Starre , Which in Pauls time enlightning neere and farre Transferr'd on Linus , Clemens , Anaclete , The Martyrs Crowne with Flaming stones beset , And thence bespred Truthes universall Course , ●or then all Men to Tiber had recourse . ●ut though I much commend Old Christian Rome , 〈◊〉 should forget my selfe and Christendome , 〈◊〉 that faire Towne of memorized Fame Which first profest to beare the Christian Name , 〈◊〉 chance to passe by vnsaluted now , Not doing Homage which all Christians ow. Had I rich Tassoes veine to set her forth , Or Godfreyes strength to vindicate he●worth , 〈◊〉 would possesse all Christians Catholicke , That Antioch was S , Peters Bishopricke . And that it well becomes a Christian Knight , Who first bore Christian Badge to doe her Right . I would redeeme her from proud Ottoman From Muffties sway , and Mechaes Alcoran . In Iowry Land arose the Gentiles Light , From Antioch came the Name , which Fiends doth frig●● And shall out last all Names , untill our Head , As God and Man shall judge both Quick and Dead , Till Christ resignes to the Supremest Mace , To All in All , his Intercessors Place . THis Light and Name the Sire of Antichrist , In Envie unto Man , and spite to Christ : With his Blacke-Guard that were depriv'd of Light , And for their Pride enwrapt in Errours Night : They all conspir'd , and strove to prejudice With all their Might , the New-mans Sacrifice . For this designe , their Malice to effect , They seiz'd the wits of Annas and his sect . They first plaid on the soules of Saducees , ●nd gull'd such Braines as idolld Golden Fees : ●hrist in his Limmes to Crucifie againe ; And all for Pomps support and worldly Gaine . THe Creeple rais'd in Iesus Christ his Name , ●y Fishermen , that wonder put to shame The Iewish Scribes , so that they burn'd for Ire , And fear'd least Christ might di●● their Levites Fire , Or quite abate their Old Traditions Gaine , Which holpe their present Glory to maintaine . At first they silenc'd them , and then with Gall They thundred out big words ses●uipedall : That if thenceforth they acted Miracles In Iesus Name , they would as Spectacles Of Infamy their Bodies publickely Afflict , or make them in Iaile-Shackles ly . But since th' Apostles them regarded not , Nor car'd for Threats , nor scourging , then they shot Their Church-Darts out of Excommunications , Till a Law Doctour calm'd their Combinations . By this Advice , that no Devise of Man Might stop the Will of God , do what they can . ON this the Levites rested for a while , And ceas'd their hande with Murther to defile . The which Advise if Romes late Catholikes , Had ●aigh'd for them whom they call'd Here tickes , Rome might have held a Reverend Mothers Sway , She had ere this turn'd Easterne Nights to Day : Where ministring now scandall to the Turkes , Both they and we detest their Bloudy workes . For Ten Yeares space , till Claudius Casar raignd , The Scribes lay still , their spleene a while restrain'd , And seem'd to winke at the Apostles Fame , Whilst in that breathing Truce the Christian Name , The Church encreas'd , had all her wants reliev'd , Antioch receiv'd , S●maritans Believ'd , Ioppa ●rejoyc'd , Caesare a gained Grace , ●●d many Iewes joyd of the Christian Race ; ●well the Gentiles , as the Circumtiz'd ; ●n'd in One League for Christ to be Baptiz'd . ●hat Good Time Saints gaped not for Gold , ●liv'd in Common , their Possessions sold , ●●d without Guile the Price did distribute , ●hereby they barr'd the Cause of wrangling suite , ● Mine and Thine . Their Care was Bread and Wine 〈◊〉 sacred use , and for the Heavenly Vine ; 〈◊〉 build Christs Church upon the New-Mans Rock , 〈◊〉 on the Sand , False Keyes , or stumbling Block . ●●at Wonders wrought they of stupendious sort ●●ove fraile Sence ? Or Carnall wits Report ? 〈◊〉 Words they made the Cripled wight to walke , ●he Dead to Rise , Blinde see , the Dumbe to talke . 〈◊〉 Words they strooke a Lying Couple Dead , ●nd Blinded One , who men by Charmes misseled . Through Iesus Name they wrought such Miracles , And freed themselves from Tyrants Manacles . The Fame of such faire deedes in Salem rung , As Nettle prickes the Envious Clergy stung . That Gentiles should partake with Israels Tribes Of Gods good Grace , they brookt not without ●i●es They flouted that the New-mans Troupes aswell , As their Old Scribes should ●ame the Fiends of Hell And the most part , like unto snarling Curres In Manger lay'd , found fault with Others Cures . Repining thus at Progresse of the Word , Since that no Trickes could stop it , by the Sword . ●ebedees sonne they caus'd to lose his breath , As they by stoning wrought the Deacons death ; By Caesars Minion King they weav'd their Plot , Who would have cast on Peter the like Lot , But that an Angel came to free his Chaines , To Plague with wormes the Tyrant for his Paines . ●His puts my Muse in mind of Phillips Queene , ●ho wreakd on Saints her Gall with swelling spleene , ●ill with her Gods , her States , and Calleis Losse , ●e felt the weight of a more heavie Crosse ; ●nd of the Royall Brothers styl'd Valois , ●ho di'd in Blood for Blood , and Bloody Ioyes , ●riaes Rings can testifie likewise , ●hat they have got by Belgiaes bloudy Cries . MOre mild yet dealt Agrippa with Saint Paul , ●ot barring him from Romes Appeale at all , ●t would have join'd with Feftus to enlarge , ●nd save for his Appeale him to discharge . Much lesse would once that sage Praetorian Peere ●or Words & Names the Iewes mad Clamours heare . HOw many Snares with Tumultes , spite , and Rage Did they spread forth for Christians in that Age ? By all the meanes , which Satan could devise , Men sought to stop the New Mans Sacrifice . But all in vaine , like trod on Cammomell It grew the more , and with a fragrant smell . Not Elimas , nor Magus with Hell Charmes , Nor could Dianaes Smith knock down their Armes , Or quench in them the Holy Spirits Flame , Which they conferr'd in Jesus Christ his Name , That like themselves at first Enthusians rapt , For Holy Trances they made others apt . VNwearied they in their Vocation went , And acted Deedes to Arts astonishment . No by-respects to Glory , Wealth , or Ease , No Emulations Sting could make them cease From the Pursuit of the Immortall Prize ; No servile Feares , Detraction , nor surmize , Could let their maine intent , and Ghostly Race , From setting forth Gods Charter of free Grace . No Chollers Heate , Debate , nor Casuall Brawle . As fell betwixt Saint Peter and Saint Paule For Iewish Rites , as likewise came to passe For Chusing Mark twixt Paule and Barnabas ; Or as it chanc'd to Abraham and Lot : Their Passions sway'd not so , that they forgot The Progresse of the Word , the worke in hand , But that they ranne , and toil'd by Sea and Land . In Accidentalles , though as Men they err'd ; Yet , as Divines , the substance they preferr'd . Their Elder Man they stoupt in spite of vice , And their New-Man went on to Sacrifice . Here Paule and Silas Preach , Apollos there , While Barnabas and Marke , doe teach else where . Mathias , Iude , and Simon burn'd alike To execute their Charge Apostolicke . With the like zeale all the Apostles rapt Transformed soules for Mysticke Trances apt . THey Catechiz'd , and sought their Saviours Praise , Their Soveraigne Ioyes were to reclaime some Strayt With Constant Faith the Gospel they did blaze , And daily wrought great wonders of amaze ; Till by Romes Mace the Type of Antichrist , Which slue their Master Christ , they di'd for Christ . In all their Deeds they were so farre from Pride , That when some Gentiles would have Deified Good Barnabas and Paul with glorious shout In stead of yeelding thankes they ranne about With cloathes all rent among the wondring throng , And beg'd of them the Deity not to wrong , Nor by detracting from their Makers Grace With Sacrifice his servants to disgrace . They vilified themselves , tooke up the Crosse , Contemning Pompe and Gold , like seumme or drosse . They varnish'd not Gods Word with Glosse of schooles But sought the wholsome spring , not Muddy Pooles , And spar'd their New built Church to interrupt , With knotty doubts of Phantasies Corrupt . Now for a Type of their essentiall Gare , ● will produce this One Example rare , When Proselites of Pharisaicall sort , Would Gentiles to strict Moses Lawes exhort : ●● Salems Councell the Apostles sate , And in few lines resolv'd their Questions state : Whereas by some ye were perplext with Feare ●bout Old Rites , we warne you to forbeare From Meates Prophane at Idolles Sacrifice . From beastly Lust , or Wives Pluralities , From strangled Flesh , and shedding Humane Blood , ●f as your owne , yee Carke anothers Good : And do abstaine from the said sinnes withall , Yee shall doe well . By Barnabas and Paul . And two of the Chiefe Brethren moe they sent These Pithy Actes the Gentiles to Content . Whereby I note on Weaklings they impose No heavier Yoake then what the New-man chose . They combred not the Church with Needlesse Lawes , Nor with Traditions Superstitious Flawes . They could not brooke Food drest with Satans 〈◊〉 Nor at Christs Feasts to glut their hungry Mawes . Thus we observe how easie is Christs Yoak , That to cleare doubts Faith beares the Soveraign 〈◊〉 Faith linkt with Love requires us to forbeare , And not for Toyes Christs seamelesse Coate to teare . HOw wondrously did the Good Spirit breathe The New-Mans Gifts , from darkenesse & from death To raise up soules ? and Heathen Clouds to cleare ? Dispersing Christs Disciples heere and there ? By visions He Immediate lighted on Cornelius and Saint Peter , both for One ●●fect , to let the wavering Gentiles know , ●●at God tooke care within their Hearts to sow ●s seed of Grace , which stubborne Iewes abus'd , ●●d Christ their Head , Gods husbandman refus'd : ●●d that without respect of high or low , 〈◊〉 loves all them , who to his Service bow ▪ ●Hat Travels did good Peter undergoe ? Sea and Land he did undaunted goe , ●●ough wanting meanes , unfurnished of Money , ●t for himselfe to gaine a Patrimony 〈◊〉 corruptible mould , or brittle Masse ▪ ●●ich like fond dreames in time away doe passe ? 〈◊〉 for his Master Christ soules wrapt with mists , 〈◊〉 Ignorance he made good Catechists , ●od Catholicks Apostolickes he made , ●●●tructing them in his Soule-fishing Trade . ●●d as some write , when Simon with his Whore . ●●ene brag'd , hee like a God would soare Above the Clouds , by Peters vowes he fell , And brake his Necke , left by his Guard of Hell . TO Iewes and Gentiles He the Gospel taught , But chiefly he the Iewes conversion sought ; Deputed for the Circumcisions Charge , Unto the Elect , dispenst hee shew'd at large The Patent of his ●eald Apostleship ; Yea , and , if Fame belies him not , his Ship And Fishing-nets hee left at Tibers streame , Where some then so journ'd of Ierusalem , As in the Acts wee read ; there he baptiz'd , ( If there he was ) till Nero tyranniz'd . Now whether Rome hath cause of him to boast , As for his seate more then the Holy Ghost , Which living Peter gave to men of Faith , Some since have strove , not following Peters path● 'T is certaint , that he w●re no Triple Crowne : None kist his Foot , nor ●rod he Princes downe . 'T is knowne , that Gold and silver he hast none : A Tanners house was of his Lodg●ngs One . 'T is credited , that to the Crosse he bow'd , A kind of Death which onely Rome allow'd , Till : Constantine in love to Christ for bad This cruell paine and spectacle most sad ; That being Old against fraile Natures will , Others did Peter lead his Bloud to spill , As Christ foretold ; but his Crosse-fixed place ( Romes Empire lay so large ) I dare not trace . BUt sure I am Saint Paul in bloudy Rome , When Nero raign'd , endured Martyrdome . There , having twice before that Tyrant stood , His Faiths Defence he sealed with his Bloud About the time when that mad Bouteseu , Had fir'd the City with his wanton Crew , Because he ●ong'd to sing the sacke of Troy , And by such Types would execute his Toy , To cloake the Fact , and stop the Mutiny , Yet not repenting of his villainy , He authour'd Christians of those dismall cryes , And butcher'd them to bleare the Peoples eyes . Among that guiltlesse Troupe then suffered Paul , Who had fore-wrote what should him there befall . This chosen Saint hath left brave Monuments Unto the Church , which Satans Ambushments Can never trap , nor Canker-fretting Age Consume , but they stand firme in spight of Rage . IN Albions Orbe an arched stately Roome , The chiefest Pile , I thinke , in Christendome , Of Pauls sole Name , revives his memory , Till Doomes-dayes blast the River Thames shall dry ; In the meane time grave Saint-like Ministers , Accompanied with Asaphs Quiristers , Sing praise to God for gracing of Saint Paul , Who once had beene a bloody-minded Saul . Of late repair'd it shines with zealous Fire , ●s erst with flames rag'd the stupendious spite . Blest be their Zeale , their Cares , and good Intent , Which have re-built this famous Monument , Resembling that of Salems Second one , Renew'd by Iewes , first built by Salomon . LIke these , so did all Christs Apostles Fish , And on some Coast or other never miste To catch for Christ some choise and dainty Prey , Bartholomew and Thomas knew the way ●nto the East , and there engrav'd their Names . ●aint Mathewes Paines sev'n flouded Nilus fames , And pretious Iohn the Bel●ll Abissine , From him and Philip claimes Christ a Faith Divine . Achaia vaunts of good Saint Andrewes Cares , With whom he pawn'd his Bones , till those rich wares , Some Scottish Saints by a Greeke Monke redeem'd , Them and their worth , like precious Gems , esteem'd . While Mark from Peters mouth Gods Word compil● , To leave it her , Niles Alexandria smiles , Sea-spousing Venice too did sacrifice Unto Saint Mark a goodly Edifice . The latter James , Christs kinsm●n by the flesh , In Salem liv'd , disorders to redresse , Where hee , though stiled just , as spectacle Of shame , was throwne downe from the P●●●a●le , Which Satan mov'd to Christ . There he expir'd , And Roman Force the place soone after fir'd , Yet hath his Fame to after-Ages spred , His Bishops Seat with Christians flourished , By Princes grac'd , and for Antiquity Puts Antioch downe , and Romes Priority . At the First Councell Iame● ●a● President . There , S●in●t cloz'd up the Circumcised Ren● . In Salem ●ate the High Commission Court , Where they decided doubts of most import . Galicians since built up a sacred 〈◊〉 At Compostell , which later Wits profane , Adoring ●●mes , as if Humanity Should offer Vowes due to the Trinity . ABout the Time of Iames his death , to 〈◊〉 The Fatall Web for sinfull Salem spunn● , Upon the Siege the Christian Iewes fore-warn'd By Oracle from Christ , fled thence una●●'d With Humane helpes , but guarded by Divine Supplica , themselves to ●ella they confine , Where they on I●rdans B●●ks securely lay , While Rebell-Iewes were slaine , and fold away . SO stood the Church with them , who flourish'd first , Next Christs Ascent most pure , untill accurst , The Iewish Nation for their Crying sinne , And hardned Hearts deep woes were plu●ged in , And then God pleas'd for Iewries unbeliefe , The Gentiles to adopt to Iewries griefe , And our Church seemes to them a stumbling sinne , Till all th' Elected Gentiles be come in : As unto them of Antichristian Race She seemes , till Babel feeles her last disgrace . But why were Saints , like Christ , so foulely slaint : Because the more they suff●red here , more Gaine They reape , the Nobler Crowne in Heav'n they gai●● ; And shall judge those , who put them hereto paine . IF you would know by Times Gradation m●c , Domitius and Domitian yeelds you store ; Read Tacitus , when Rome lay wast with fire , How Christians felt the Formers Franticke Ire : Some crucifi'd ▪ some burnt , and some were ●as'd In wild beasts skins , by Mastives torne and chasd So cruelly , that who did them contemne , In hate to N●●●●s spleene then pittied them . Though Christians were to manifolded paine , Throughout the twelfe yeere put of Neroes Raigne , ●et like to Palme supprest , the more they grew ; The Church the more by Martyrs did renew . Athmos with Romes whole Empire tells what paine , The Church endurd in the last Flavians Raigne , ●ith greater Numbers Martyrs Calendar ●anonizing then in mad Neroes yeare : ●uring which Rage some Brethren false did rove , The Deacons Sect , lewd Family of Love ; ●nd hee that durst afore Christs Darling bath , ●ut felt the Doome of his incensed wrath ; The Bath-walls fell , crushd Cerinthe underneath , As soone as Iohn had menac'd him with death .

THE OCCVRRANCES OF THE SECOND AGE From the yeere of our Lord 100. untill the yeere 200. At which time Severus raigned Emperour of Rome . The Argument . Saint John deceas'd , Fiends Seedes of Error sow , Yet doth the Church , though persecuted , grow , And from her Wombe spring up a Learned Crew Of Saints , who with their bloud do Truth renew . HE that desires a Saint-like Life to lead , Let him the steps of ancient fathers tread , Who neerest liv'd unto th' Apostles times ; Thence I collect the Course in Raptur'd Rimes , Which Christ his Church then for her members held What Pathes they trac'd , and wherein she excelld , If wee mislike her Plainenesse , or their Marts , Love bids us chastely gaze , and winke at Warts ; For like the Moon at full , sometimes the Church , Raignes knowne from her , who lives upon the lurch , Dispersed through the World , Apostolicke , Yet , like our God in Three , one Catholicke , In sundry shapes repleat with sacred Fire ; With many Tongues , in Spirit yet entire And Essence one ; who , though diversifi'd For Rites or Forme , 〈◊〉 yet ●ustifi'd By Faith with Him , who tryes mens Consciences , Beares with their ●●ips , and heares her Grievances . Returne , quoth hee , Ye● people full of strife , Who Me have wrong'd , like a rebellious Wife . Alluding to which challenge in his Word : Before the Lord and Ange●●s I record , That I beleeve no Church on Earth this day , Then Britaines Church goes a more knowing 〈◊〉 ▪ In substance pure , and in her good intents , Seal'd rightly with the Newmans Sacraments . And with the Best her Elders I conferre , Yet dare not say her Troupes doe never erre , Nor brag that shee hath neither Mole nor Wen , While shee cohabits heere with mortall men : But pray , that she in Fruit more pregnant thrive , As shee in shape is like the Primitive ; And that with flames of mutuall Love wee glow , As forward as in height we seeme to grow . One thing I adde against her Foes in briefe , And therewithall to ease our Weaklings griefe ; Although I honour with my heart and Pen , The Couneclls , Fathers , and the Ancient men , Who wrote before the seventh Century Became bewitcht with Babels Mystery , Yet we no more give credit to their Lore , Their Matter , Tropes , and Topick Maximes store Derived from Old Adams double Tree , Nor further then wee finde them to agree With Gods owne Word , or Oracles Divine , Dare wee consent with them in every Line , For men may erre , yea , Learned Countells erre By Faction● sway'd , as other whiles they were ; And , as Eusebius markt , the Church began To be unchast , soone as th' Apostles ranne The Hower-glasse out of their lives Pilgrim age , By Cerinths Toyles , and Nicholaites Rage ; Or by those Fogges , which Epiphanius brands For Heresies of Antichristian Bands ; Or Sects , whose Augustine expells the mists , Be they Pelagians , or the Donatists . AT the New Rising of the Second Age , In the First yeere came Trajan on the Stage , Adopted Caesar by good Nerv●es choise , Broiles to prevent , and Cares to counterpoise . In his precedent Raigne Domitians Act Against the Church in Rome was somewhat slackt ; But otherwhere the Praetours for their Gaine By Christians goods escbeat , renew'd againe The Old Decree , and in their Liberties Practiz'd on Saints their former Cruelties . But leaving them a while to racke and rage , I now glance on the Wonder of that Age. OF Him I sing , who would have kneeled downe , But was forbod , unto an Angel , knowne Of all the Apostles longest to have seene The Churches course eclips'd by Tyranis spleene . One while assail'd , anon strong Militant Iohn saw her curbe Conetits exorbitant . Thou haft , O glorious Saint , beheld her Pure , Like to the ●unne dispelling Clouds obscure . When Shepheard Pan deceas'd , then Oracles From that time ceas'd through Christian Miracles ; For when Tiberi●t swayd , Fiends waild their losse , While they shipt Tam●● forc'd to bruite ●he Crosse , And to proclaime in Midland Seas with dread : That Pan , the great God Pan , was newly dead . Thou hast survivd thy Brethren , and thy Mates , Thou hast beheld strange Turnes of worldly States , The Temple sackt , Ierusalem destroyd , Thy Native soile all harried and annoyd , Thou liv'st to see weedes of blacke Heresies , Amidst the Church spring up , Apostafies Grownerife , the Saints with Persecutions flame Scorcht every where , and put to open shame , Thou hast out-dar'd a dozen Emperours , Since thy good Lord triumphed over powrs , When thou beganst to shine , Tiberius raignd , They saw thy Lifes sun-set , whom Trajan paind . What dangers , wrackes , and buffetings of Fiends , Hast thou oft felt ? What snares of glozing Friends ? Portents to make the Patient●● Iob dismaid ; Thou hast out-liv'd thy Charge , the Widow-Maid , Thy Mother deare adopted on the Crosse , To thee his Minion left , to ease thy losse , When therehence out thou tookst her to thy house , As a true Nunne , to helpe thy Christian vowes . HOw long shee liv'd with thee , to calculate , An Angel must the certaine Time relate , Or name the Place where her Blest Body lyes , Whether she was in Body Enoch-wise , Immediately to Heaven assumed up ? Or dwelt with Iohn till Age made her to stoup ? And payd her debt as other Mortalls doe To Nature , much it skills not us to know ? Since now with Christ her Soule Triumphant rests , And as her Life deserv'd with him she feasts : Admitting no such Mediatrix style , Or Goddesses , as some themselves beguile , That she doth oftentimes command her Sonne To heare a Sinners suite , or Orison ? SAve that I might be into Whirle-pooles brought , Or for my Guesse be too Sagacious thought , I would Conjecture at the Time when Iohn , Before the Siege of Salem undergone , Departed into Corinth , Ephesus , Or other Coasts , where Titus and Timotheus , Were by Saint Paul ordain'd to Over-see , There , to confirme each Saint in his Degree , As they by Him , who all those Churches bare Upon his shoulders first , were bred with Care . There , he consum'd the Remnant of his Age , Untill to Pathmos by Domitians Rage Confin'd , he saw in spirit Christ againe , Who then and there by Revelations plaine To his Rapt Sence , though hid from Carnall Braine , Did prophesie the future Churches staine . For Comfort of th' Elect the Lord appear'd Unto this Saint , and his Wits Sences clear'd , To understand what plagues he will effect In the last dayes for his true Words Neglect . THese Mysteries Christ opened unto Iohn , Whom he reserv'd so long . And thereupon I humbly glance by leave of Holy Wits , To whom my Muse her Raptures here submits : That when One asked Christ , what Iohn should do ? Whether he should remaine behinde or go ? His Answer was unto this bold Assay . If my will be to have him here to stay Untill I come , what matters that to thee ? And long he staid , as all may cleerely see . Before his Death he did so settle things , That Greece his Praise aswell as Asia rings . In Norvaes Raigne he came with his Release To Ephesus , where he deceas'd in Peace , While Trajan sway'd , as Graecian Clearks relate , Having escap'd an Oily scalding Fate , Impos'd on him by fierce Domitians Rage , Who then exiled him to Pathmos Cage , Where , though cub'd up a while from Christians sight , He saw what cheer'd his Soule , His Masters Light . BOth in his time , and after , soone began The Divels Plots to scare the Christian man , Which Valentinian and Menander spred , And many moe , which Weaklings then misled : For whose Mistakes Saint Irenaeus griev'd , Two hundred yeeres ere Epiphanius liv'd , To blazon them and other Heresies , Which then obscur'd the New Mans Sacrifice , After Saint Iohns decease , till Adrian raign'd , The Roman Praetours still the Christians Pain'd , Who so confirm'd were for the Fiery Crosse , They fear'd not Death , nor Paine , nor Fortunes Losse . The Truth when rackt by Inquisition strict , That Christians much were wrong'd by Romes Edict , Great Trajan then did unto Pliny write , To mitigate the Fiery Trialls Spight ; Yet not to spare them , if they were brought in . ( Damn'd policie so cloaking Bloody Sinne ) In which implicite Snare Ignatius bound , Like Christs fine Corne , by Lions Teeth was ground . NExt after this , the Second Century Points at some Saints of Glorious Memory , As Pillars of that Age , with whom as Chiefe , Succeeding those fore-nam'd I ranke in Briefe A Martyr'd Sire of Naples Palestine , One that foretold his death to Antonine , When shortly after did a Cynickes Hate Conclude with Flames the Swans Prognosticate , Having first wrote , to calme the Emperours Spleene his Defence , and to Romes Senatours . In Iustines time , which by the yeeres account , Since Christs Ascention up from Olives Mount , One Hundred shone , good Christians liv'd content With simple Meanes , and scorn'd the Blandishment Of Gaine or Pompe , with all false worldly Wares : But fixt on Christ , and Cure of Soules their Cares . Platoes and Moores Eutopiaes Common-Wealth , Compar'd to them seemes but Promethean stealth , Phant asticke Dreames , or Speculations Flame , Which being unpractiz'd breed the Authours shame , They taught and wrought with Reall Charity , As if that day they were arraign'd to dye ; Not like to Stoicks dissembling Lookes austere ; But against Sinne with Discipline severe , With Vowes and Fasts the Outward man to tame ; Not for Repute , or Superficiall Fame , But with intent to keepe their Vessels pure , And to seale up their Christian Calling sure , They promis'd not but what they did performe , And squar'd their Deedes to the Apostles Forme , Such Pious Deedes with Zealous Sparkes beset , As I for Saints have in my Preface set . From Justines Workes likewise I apprehend The Eucharists Religious Use and End : We take no Common Bread nor Common Wine , ( Saith he ) but like as Christ by the Divine Bright Word became true Flesh , and for our Good , Tooke on him our Attire of Flesh and Blood , So we by Vertue of his Word , Record That Food to be the Body of the Lord ; Yet Sacramentall Wine and Sacred Bread , Which have our Soules by the Remembrance fed . With this short Course the Presect of the Feast , Insinuates Vowes into each Sacred Breast ; They fed with zeale : the Throng Thanksgiving sing , And Deacons did unto the Absent bring The Consecrated Food , that they likewise Might have a Taste of the Soule-sacrifice : Such was the Ancients Forme , to distribute The Holy Food without Quirkes or Dispute . IN those Dayes Crosse to Food blest by the Word , Was Sacrifice of Flesh at Heathens Boord To Idoll-Gods , which Christians did refuse , By reason of the Cursed End and Vse , ( As we likewise that Carnall Food despise , Which some Create a God at Sacrifice ) And yet the Food , ere it was so disgrac'd , Could not pollute the honest Takers taste . So when Gods Word hath blest Ours to record Our Saviours Crosse , it quickens by that Word , Which full of Life breathes Spirit , Life , Reliefe , If it be tane by Soules firme of Beliefe ; For otherwise the present Ectasy Doth uanish , and away those Blessings fly : They at their Feast Emanuels Presence lose , His Presence , whose rare Forme some Clearks appose . Though they beleeve , that Christ is God and Man , And stiled God with us , his Forme they scan , And question , how could Paul and Stephen see Emanuel , while on Earth Men living be ? As to the Pure this Mysti●ke Trance turnes Pure , So t is Damnations Bait to the Impure . And when Faiths Feast becomes a Sacrifice To Idoll Gods , it tends to prejudice ; For this grave Cause good Christians doe refuse False Altars Meate , where Satan Poison scrues . WHat shall I write of Mark Aurelius Raigne ? When all his Campe distrest for want of Raine , Were at the point to perish , Christians then , By Miracle gain'd showres to save his Men ? While hopelesse Pagans dig'd , by Prayers they Gain'd in One Night what they had toyl'd by Day . Such wondrous Deedes of the Church Primitive , Like those Blest Showrs , will cause our M●se to thrive , If therewithall we moisten Thirsty Soules , Which long to taste of our Nectarean Bowles , In hope from Bruites to be trasnform'd anew To better shapes , then Ovid could renew , Or Samian Forge . Our New-Man sings more strange , Of Manners , not of Bodies , the Exchange . WIthin this Age liv'd Irenaeus knowne A Bishop , where France built her Lions Towne . He stoutly did the Marriage-state defend , Whose Foes , he writes , blame God and Natures End . He taxed Romish Victors Lightnings Flash , And qualifi'd his Squibs denounced rash , Which he presum'd against the East to throw , For Easters Date with Supercilious Brow : ( Or did perhaps not excommunicate , But barre with them Rome to communicate . ) So likewise did Grave Policrates blame His Censure-causing Schisme , and Christians shame . This Reverend Man , to win the more Applause For his Defence of that propounded Cause , Demonstrated , that his seven Ancestours , And he the Eighth from those Progenitours , Were Bishops all of Ephesus , and held Their yearely Course of Easter unrepeal'd , Implying , that his Lineall Holy Race , Confirm'd the Truth to cleare that wrangling Case . NExt unto those shone Athenagor as , Tatian , and He , who with his Sire would passe To Martyrdome , and but for Mothers Teares Partake , like Adamant , not shrunke with Feares . He gloss'd Gods Word , & would have bin more priz'd , If he had not too much allegoriz'd . Severus sent for him ( such was his Fame ) To Antioch , where he stuck to Christ his Name , And blaz'd his Word with such rare Eloquence , That he return'd by Caesar grac'd from thence , Dismiss'd with Gifts , and Courtiers good report , He came againe to the sev'n Flouded Port , Where he much Oyle in Alexanders Towne , Consum'd , untill his Errour put him downe . Where well he wrote , no better Writer knowne : Where ill , none worse then Origen is showne . Famous for this : he termes Christs Flesh and Bl●●●● The Spirits Type , his Word Soule-quickning Food ; Most infamous for this : that first he Gelt Himselfe , and then for feare he should have felt A Buggering Rape by a Black-hired Moore , He Sacrific'd to Idolls ( a farre more Scurfe-spreading sinne ) for which with Bolts accurst , By Alexandriaes Church , to Teares he burst , Whenlighting on a Text in Salmes Towne , And there desir'd to Preach , he found his owne Unhappy Act by Lot , nay by Divine Appointment : How the Precepts which are mine , Dar'st thou presume within thy Mouth profane To teach or read , O thou ungodly Man ? Upon which Text poore Origen abasht , With Teares his Crime and his Presumption washt .

THE STATE OF THE BISHOPS OF ROME DURING THE TIME OF PERSECVTION , and while they were subject to the Emperours . IT may be heere some Curious Wits expect , That I their Lives and Deedes should recollect , Whom Priestly Votes h●ve voyc'd for Roman Popes In Peters Chaire , on whom they sixt their Hope● To binde and loose their manifolded Cri●e● Both then and now , and in ensuing Times . But such a Taske I dare not undergoe , Nor will I have with Fraudfull Styles to doe : The Servant when of Servants One proclaimes Himselfe , and yet a Monarques Power claimes . Let them who build on Flesh and Blouds Desires , Entangling their Beliefe with needlesse Fires Of High Ambitious Thrones , not warranted By Gods deare Lambe , who for our sakes here led An Humble Life : Let them I say bow downe Before the Gold-cross'd Shooe and Triple Growne . But I am sure they no Record shall finde , Nor Chronicle , that mentions in that kinde The least Reflexe of Royall Majesty Due to Romes Popes with Both Swords Soveraignty , Untill the French the Lumbards overcame , Till Charlemaine did Desiderius tame Since Phocas Time they Nine score yeeres before , Above all Priests the Chiefest Mi●er wore : Since Constantines , who Phocas did precede Three Hundred yeeres , a Patriarchs sway I read They had heere in our West . But till that Time They scarce found space to breath , much lesse to climb , Or claime a Mace , and to be called Lord , A Style , which Christ forbad , and Saints abhorr'd ; For till the Raigne of Constantine the Great , Thirty they were , which grac'd Romes Pastours Seat , And of those Thirty Bishops there were None , But they were slaine , or did through Troubles grone . As English Saints were in Queen Maries dayes By Tyrants spleene distressed sundry wayes , Imprison'd , rackt , and put to Open shame , Depriv'd of all their Goods , and burnt in Flame : So Christs New Church , tho with rare Dowries blest , Neere for Three Hundred yeares was sore opprest . Caefars without , and Herteickes within , Did persecute , and plunge her Members in So many Toiles , that hardly they could meet In Private Place , nor one another greet With Common shewes of Neighbours Amity ; How then could they thinke on Priority ? And stand on Points of Prelates Primacie , Without distrust of some Conspiracie ? THe Truth is this : who were styl'd Bishops then , They fish'd not for fraile Wealth , but Soules of Men , Not to enrich themselves with Private store , But like Saint Paul , the Crosse they thought on m●●● From Christian Caesars they got Liberties , But not so great to claime Regalities , About the Yeare Sixe Hundred sixty sixe , We finde that Rome began to play more Tricks Then she durst act within the Ages past , As Paul and John fore-told her Breach at last ) And never left to lift her Lofty Crest , Till she Gods Word had darkned in the West , And dar'd upon the Caesars State to prey , The maine great Let to her Prodigious Sway. She never ceas'd to stirre up raging Fires , Till she at Trent concluded her Desires , Repugnant to the Vow , which she profest At her First Rise , Sixe Hundred yeares at least , At such wild Fits I onely glance , not carpe ; This Taske I leave for an iambicks Warpe .

THE OCCVRRANCES OF THE THIRD AGE , From the yeere of our Lord 200. untill the yeere 300. At which time Dioclesian and Maximinus raigned Emperours of Rome . The Argument Next to the Greekes the Latine Scribes begin , Idolaters unto Christs Church to win ▪ Romes Tyrants fret , and Saints they martirize . Saint Anthony into a Desart flyes . WIthin this Age the Church most Militant And Cautious , strove to shun exorbitant Attempts of Foes ; one while to secret Caves Constrained to retire ; sometimes to tame the Braves Of her owne Tribe , Domesticke Mutineers , Shee us'd the Spirits Sword ; 〈◊〉 the Jeeres And Flou●ing Stuffes of F●rrainers to daunt , Which did at her Poore Robes and Altars taunt , She fought against Caetilius and his Traine , And prov'd their Vaunt for Outward Glories vaine . Her State was then unsetled ▪ New , and Poore , But Time to come might make her flourish more . A thousand of such Taunts and Fiery Darts , A Thousand of great Dangers , Envious Arts , By Satans Plots she daily underwent , While Caesars sought their Pagan-Gods Content . The neerer that the Church drew to her Time Of Liberty , least that too high she climbe , Satan suborn'd his Agents in this Age , Against her Race to shew their utmost Rage . He knew her Thraldomes Date to Iohn foretold , Would shortly end . And that made him so bold . AS otherwhiles a Woman Chast and Faire . Dishevel'd seemes , or with loose dangling Haire : So without Art , and in her Native Dresse The Church at first for want of Time to dresse , And to compose her Outward Ornament , Came forth to spread her Saviours Testament , Not carking much for Superficiall Wea●e , But in the Heart the New Mans Gifts to beare ; And yet both Chaste and Faire She comely shone , With Constant Faith built on the Corner-stone . And though she liv'd and raign'd of Men unseen With Carnall Eyes , yet of Good Angels seen , Heard in the Quire , which to the Lambe belongs , Answer'd by Saints with Sympathizing Songs , Nay , seene and knowne of Men Reborne anew Both then and now , who never kneel'd to Baal , But to One Christ , the Saviour of us all , Who by his Word , and bright Di●rnall Light , Hath late disperst the Tempests of the Night , Sav'd us , like Peter , out of Her●ds Iayle , From Babels Powder-traine , for Saints availe . For which sweet Grace , redintegracious Love , The Saints on Earth with Those of Heaven above , United in One League shall ever sing Melodious Songs to our Triumphant King . OUr Latine West unto the Church of Greece , Acknowledge must her selfe in some degrees Inferiour and oblig'd , From her she had the Forme Of Christian Rites false Altars to reforme , As she the Substance from Ierusalem , More neere to Greece then Rome , the Church Supreme , From her she borrow'd her prime Words of Art , Those Second coin'd Intentions , to impart From Man to Man by Termes , Discourse , and Tongue , What otherwise would dormant lye unstrung . Her Noblest Name of Christian Catholick , The Eucharist , the Faith Apostolick , Types , Symboles , and Ecclesiasticke Lawes , What be they but Greeke words for Christian Cause Disguis'd in Latine Robes Faith to expresse ? And to worke on Mild Hearers more or lesse ? The Sev'nty Soribes translated Iewries Ioyes To the Greeke Tongue by Philadephus Choise . Saint Paul and Luke divulg'd in Graecian Tone Christs Mysteries , yea , and Saint Iohn wrought on His Auditours in Graecian Vestiment , Fit in that Age to further his Intent . Greece more to praise , ere Rome saw Christ his Light , Some Greekes of Philip cray'd his Masters sight . NO marvell then , that Greeks , ere Latinists Did publish Workes , fought in our Christian Lists With Infidells against their Rites obsceane . Towards the Period of the Second Sceane , To celebrate this Age , Tertullian rose , With Tullian Phrase to daunt the Churches Foes , False Heretickes and Jewes , whom he refells ; And but for Dreaming Fasts his Part excells , Whilst he , gainst Marcion makes Christs Body good , Truths Figure , not Imaginary Food , Since Figures shew not false , but things indeed . And in another Place , quoth he , We feed By Hearing on the Word In●arnate blest , With Understanding chew , through Faith digest . SAint Cyprian him succeeds , who famous made By Monuments , which cannot faile nor fade , The Churches Union ; and the Martyrs Crowne , Which since himselfe receiv'd in Carthage Towne . This Saint bids us the Holy Bread to part , And breake by Faith , not with sharpe Teeth nor Art , While we confesse : That , which is broke to Parts , Divine-Humane both God and Man imparts . Out of his Bookes we cull , at Carthage Towne How he did fr●t , and all the Councell frowne To heare , that any should Romes Pope install , The Bishop of all Bishops Generall . NExt after him Minucius Foelix came In Roman Robes , Caecilius overcame With Dialogues , and foil'd his Heath'nish Dreames . So did Arnobius by the Spirits Beames , In the like Garbe the Gentiles Rage abate ; And shewes the Cause , why Christians Idolls hate . By Fabian Bath'd He grac'd this Centers Age , Who first of Caesars wore the Christian Badge . LOng had the Church been rackt with bitter woes , In travell , like a Woman tir'd with Throes , To bring that faire Light forth , and Blessed Birth , Which in th' Elect shines with Harmonious Mirth , The Inward Man , I meane , whose Praise we sing , Grac'd to that end with Will by Heavens King . Through all the Roman Empire tortured , And by fierce Tyrants hands sore Martyred In every Age during her Pilgrimage Heere in this World , untill Maxentius Rage , Became supprest by zealous Constantine , She felt what Dioclesian , Maximine , And what their Praetours could impose of Force Upon her Limmes without their least remorce She felt , Christ in his Members felt againe , What Hangmen could inflict of Hellish Paine , And what their Predecessors could inflict Upon her Lambes by Proclamations strict , ( Prefiguring our late New Christian Fry , Whom men professing Christ in Flames did fry ) And yet they fail'd by their Decrees severe , Or Wolvish Decius them to daunt with feare , But that in midst of Paine , by Satan stung , They to the Lambe Allelujaes sung . Slighting the Gridiron through the Holy Ghost : Now chuse thy Flesh , quoth Lawrence , Raw or Rost. Faire Theodora to the Stewes confin'd , ●er Friend holp her to scape in Masked kind , ●ay'd in her place , He thrall'd , she came againe ; ●et did the Iudge for Martyrs both arraigne , MAuger all Rackes and Flames Saint Alba● here ●n Brittaine first , and Noble George appeare , Who arm'd on Horse-backe with a Sangaine Crosse Leagu'd Salems Knights , and oft fear'd Englands Foes , As Ancient Wits conceiv'd their Aiery Signe , Like that , which meteour'd once to Constantine . Which Signe they might more fitly to their Head Impute then with his Members quartered . Their Crimson Gore transform'd to Robes of White , By vertue of their Faith Beames-darting-bright . With Amphibale they live yet in our West And with those Twaine , whom of her Martyrs Best , With sacred Bayes at Vsk Carleons Towne Saint Aaron , and Saint Iulius still doth Crowne . WIthin this Age , like to th' Essences Sect , Good Men of Life austene did Cells erect Of Christian Hermites or Anachorites , In Aegypts Desarts , there , that Convertites Might solitaty dwell , from Passions free , And from those Baites , wherewith we daily see The greatest Part , ev'n of the Churches Brood , Ensnar'd ( a Mystick Point not understood By Libertines in these our Carnall Dayes ) There , cloystred up from soule Temptations stayes Alone and farre from Mortalls Company The Holy Saint , the long-liv'd Anthony , His life sustaining onely by the Fruit Of one Palmitoe Tree , whose Rind did suit And cloath his Limmes , as did the Fruit him feed . His Patterne then good Saint Macarius trac'd , Whose Presence since the Nicen Councell grac'd , O happy Types ▪ If Superstition since For Hypocrites Some came not to convince ; As Savoyes Hermite through Confessions shrow'd , Since Cuckolded the Best of all the Crowd . ABout the end of this Third Century , When Dioclesians Rage and Butchery Did persecute the Saints , God raised up Lactantius to confirme them not to droup , For now their Time of Liberty drew neere , Which by Gods Grace did after soone appeare : For saving Philip , whom Pope Fabian blest , All Caesars hitherto Christs Flocke opprest . The Church as yet fixt on no Constant Formes Of Government . So grievous were the Stormes Of Persecution rais'd by Tytants Rage , The First three Ages of her Pilgrimage , That she could not Correct , but now and then , Judge , nor with Tythes reward Industrious men . As Lollards were by our Lancastrians curb'd , And Huguenots in France by Kings disturb'd , So her aw'd St●rres durst scarce a Synod call By stealth , much lesse a Councell Generall , Where her Chiefe Watchmen of the Christian Race , Might Congregate in one convenient Place . Popes stood not then on high Prerogatives , Glad oft to flye , to lurke , and save their lives : But Christians now began to be more bold , The Time in the Apocalipse foretold , The two and Forty Monthes being full expir'd ( Monthes counted for Yeares Sabbaths ) they aspir'd ▪ By the Imperiall Leave to settle things In Order without Gall , or Envious stings , As shall appeare after Licinius Death . Meane while I le rest , so to resume more breath .

THE OCCVRRANCES OF THE FOURTH AGE , From the Yeare of our Lord 300. untill the Yeare 400. being the Second Yeare of the Raigne of Arcadius and Honorius the Sonnes of Theodosius the Roman Emperour . The Argument . The Glorious Church , which Constantine ●uil● vp . At his Decease , by Arrians vext doth droupe . For Schooles Restraint of Julian she complaines ▪ Which Rise againe through Theodosius Paines . THough I be slow the Strumpet to 〈◊〉 , Yet I contend to blaze the New-man● Taske , And to performe enough to satisfie My Noble Friends , where the True Church did lye . Since Christ his Time untill our present Age , Mauger Hells spight during her Pilgrimage : Because she did on no Foundation stand But Christ , none shall her Name with Errour brand ; Because she built upon the Living Rocke , Which Peter voucht , she shunn'd the Fatall shocke Of the fierce Dragons Floud , in Darknesse shin'd , Though to a Desart rude she seem'd confin'd . Because she squar'd her Doctrine and her Rites According to Gods Word , her Opposites Can never blacke her Fame and Memory , Nor need she feare Proud Babels Mystery , That Errours spirit can obliterate The Gospels Text , which she enjoyes of late . I Will make good , that though some Curse & 〈◊〉 , Yet by Gods Rayes , or his Saint Michaels Banner ; She spreads Christs Name , in Saints and Martyrs blest , In Dangers oft , and seldome times at Rest ; One while in Tents , in Warres against her Foes : Another time beleaguer'd , feeling woes , When seeking Christ in time of superstition , The Watchmen smote her in the Inquisition , As Salomon sung in his Canticles ; As Christ himselfe by Scribes Conven●ic●●s , And Roman Doome in person felt what Grace His Limmes with Men finde in their Holy Race . By Martyrs Bloud and spoiles of the Old Man , Our New man first his Sacrifice began , Continues still his Feast , though some conspire To marre the same , and Our Good Church to fire . ANd yet for all Mens Hate , our Mother lives , Yea , from her Flames the New Man buds and thrives , Not much unlike the Phoenix , whom they say , That being burnt her Like revives alway , Though alway not so Vigourous or Faire , By reason of the Climate , Food , or Aire , Too high Conceit of her splendidious Worth , Or of the Keyes to shut the stubborne forth ; Or other Accidentall Le ts she seeme But vile , or lacking Tythes , in poore esteeme , Nipt with hard Winters Frost , or scorcht with Hear , Course Dyet , or with changing Soile or Seate . Yet at the last the Bridegroome in extreames Shewes her the way to his spirituall Streames , To pray with Zeale , more cautiously to watch , Least Fiend-like Pride her or her Brood attache , To feed his Flocke , though they ungratefull be , Combining to keepe backe his Tythes , her Fee . For whether Poore or Sicke by dankish Aire , She sleepes not , till she doth to Christ repaire With contrite thoughts , and Lusts Mortification , With the New-mans and Soules Resussitation , Of whom she begs , and humbly sues for Grace , Which on her Teares she gaines , then sees his Face , The splendour of his Spirit working wonders ; With mildest Gales restraining Sinaies Thunders ; And thereupon is throned on a Hill , With large Command , according to his Will. To Bind or Loose her Childrens Sinnes to keepe , To watch , and Feed , but not to Flay his Sheepe , Like her with Triple Crowne on seven Hills , Who with false Fires now sits as God , and fills Mens Consciences with Smoaky Pardons , Wares Of the Beasts Marke , with Lies and Bug●e are Cares , A Bout three hundred Yeares the Gospels Light , Had through our Saviours Bloud acquired Might And rooting , when restrain'd it faster spred , Enlightning Soules whom Forged Tales missed . When die had foil'd Maxentius , Maximine , And to a Nooke Licinius did confine , The Christian Church was rear'd by Constantine , Most Glorious on a Hill , with Rires Divine , And decent States , as well from Foes Contempt , As from home-scandalls to become exempt . Soone as that Signe had meteour'd in the Aire , Which Conquerour him styl'd , he did repaire The Ruines of the Church , recalled home Those whom late Tyrants had proscrib'd from Rome . SUch Grace she found : But soone her Sonnes forgot To thanks our God the Author of their Lot , Who had inspir'd th' Imperiall Majesty With Zeale to serve One God in Trinity , And at the Nic●ne Councell to restore By Publick Acts what prostrate lay before , To build up Temples with large Liberties , There , to serve God with Vowes and Sacrifice , To chuse Grave Mitred Sires to over-see , Least Christ his Flocke by Wolves should scared ●e , And by Decree to quashall Idolls downe At Synod held in Eliberi● Towne . This Course he tooke by his Good Mothers Lore , Whose Birth much Fame to Brittains did restore ; And Helens Name deserves to be engilt , For finding Christ his Crosse , for Temples built . Five Bishopricks he rais'd to mighty Height , Whereof each One possest a Severall Right ; And None of these in one anothers Charge To meddle , but their owne Taske to discharge , O're-seeing their Proper Flockes . The Chiefest Roome He gave the Popes of New and Ancient Rome : The Third he granted to Jerusalem : Then Antiochs fell and Alexandriaes stem . This stinted Course they long observ'd , and None Swarv'd from the Stem at Nice agreed upon , But Brethren-like liv'd in true Amity , Not striving for more Seates Priority , Then Constantine out of his bounteous Grace Allotted them in their distinguish'd Place . The First , that sithence kickt , was He of Rome , Who at Bizantiums Councell would become The Chiefest Priest as of Old Rome the Pope , Sometime the Empires Head of spatious scope ; The which the Pope of New-built Rome gaine-sayd , And there to hold the Prime Place he assayd ; At which Vigilius did so powte and frowne , He would not meet with them , though then in Town . Thus they , who should a Lowly Minde possesse , Began to climbe to Lordly Loftinesse , Perverting to wrong Sence the Living Rocke , Gods Word , the Keyes , and Feeding of Christs Flocke . That they might raigne here in this World a while , For a few yeares pufft with a Princely Stile : When they know in their Consciences they Erre , That after Death they fall , like Lucifer . But they for Faith lean'd unto Humane worth , And scatt'red Doubts against Gods Spirit forth . They mutined against the Holy Ghost ; Apostate Arrians raung'd through every Coast. They soone forgot the Mysticke Crosses sence , The New-mans Vewes , and the Words Excellence . Their Plenty pufft them up , and the Sunnes Light Bedazzeled them , like Gazing Birds of Night . For the True Substante , Shadowes they ador'd , For the Creator , Creatures they implor'd ▪ The late Baptiz'd enur'd to Pagan Rites , To Saturnalian Feasts , and Idoll sights , Could not away with that Religions Forme , Which typing Christs their Lives ought to reforme , Their Flamiues grudg'd , that the New-●lergy held The Conquest over Soules , themselves expelld . The Lay-men wav'd betwixt the Old and New , Like Aethiops loath to change their pristine Hew . To punish these , when Constantine was urg'd , Not so , said he , Mad men should rather purgd By Physicke be . We must , though Curres do bark , With Gentle Gales to Port bring Christ his Ark. This Prince , when he Paphnutius saw at Ni●e , His Hollowes kist , whom Focs depriv'd of Eyes . The Roman Empire was most fortunate Under his Sway. He rais'd Romes falling state To such a Height , that never Kingdome since His Paralell enjoy'd , nor any Prince Succeeded like to him in Pieties True Practice , farre exempt from Avarice And Crying sinnes . His Palace with the Poore Then with Praetorian Bands abounded more . He was not serv'd in Gold or Silver Plate , Though he might set on all the World a rate , But Earthen Vessels or of Wood he chose . He curbd himselfe , because he would not lose His wavering Subjects hearts . And what he spar'd Above the Pensions of his Souldiers , Guard , The Publike Troup , and his owne Private Charge , He yeerely did conferre the same at large To Pious use , and Temples up to build , But more Christs Living Temple to rebuild . Blest was the Church while ▪ his good Monarch raign● Having Peace , Freedome , Wealth , and Honour gain'd ▪ But after his decease by Arrians vext , She like a Widow stood long time perplext , But not with Open Force , for Satan then Was for a Thousand Yeares from Murthering Men , For the Faiths sake begun to be restrain'd , Yet so , that Saints for Tryall might be Pain'd . SInce I my Taske for Constantine have spun , I must not leave Constantiaes Web unspun . This zealous Princesse , whether Fancies Flame , Or to become Cortivall of her Fame ▪ Who late had found the Crosse in Calvary , Or Satans Plot into her Creed to pry , Whether these Tempting Baites wrought on her Will , To shake her Faith , and her Best Part to spill : She sought the Picture of our Saviour Christ , As if her Creed did on the same consist To bring to passe her Project frivolous , She wrote unto Euscbius Pamphilus , Requiring him to send it her to Greece , To make her happy in that Graven Peece . The Holy Father with disdainefull Eye Perus'd her Lines ; he feard Idolatry , Lest the Connivence at such Passages , Might blurre the New-mans Ghostly Images . He therefore answer'd her with Piety , In Zealous Lines , not without Majesty : Your Grace desires , Christs Portraiture to have , But which of his Two Persons would you crave ? Which doe you meane ( quoth he ) His Shape Divine , That beares the ●●kenesse of the First in Trine ? Or else the Image of a Servants Forme , To which for us he did himselfe transforme ? If you aspire his God-heads Shape to see , Take heed you touch not on Old Adams Tree ; None knowes the Father but the Sonne alone , And none but by the Father knowes the Sonne . But if that Persons-Picture you demand , Borne of our Flesh , you must then understand , That none by Art and Oily Colours di'd , Can limne His Bodies Frame now Glorifi'd ; For since that his Disciples could not see His shining Face at Tabor , how shall wee View his bright Face and Persons Lineaments , Which till Doomes-day he hath removed hence ? On this Monition the Good Empresse staid , And of such Carnall Types became afraid . WHile Luke-warme Thoughts contended much with Zeale , False Arrius crept into Christs Common-weale , Where Six score yeares his Sect Good Men so griev'd , That in those dayes the Most part mis-believ'd . Two Councels then the Arrian side preferr'd , The Millaine stray'd , the Ariminian err'd : Yea , Bishops both of New and Ancient Rome , Subscribed , and to Hereticks gave roome . Against them all did Athanafius warre , And therefore may be stil'd That Ages Starre . By his true Zeale and Pen the Arrians quail'd , And Truth at last with Victory prevail'd . During Soules Time of Blindnesse , Satans Warre Began againe both neere at hand and farre . Against false Hearts , not by Blouds violence , But by fly Arts to try Saints Innocence . To dim the Churches Splendour , he sent out His slyest Fiends to compasse them about ▪ Mad Iulian he stirr'd up , till he perforce Did yeeld unto the Galileans Force : Where Magick Spells , nor his Deare ●orphiry , Could stop Gods Doome due for his Trechery , Which unto Christians interdicting Schooles , Made Wits more ho● , his Counsellors but Fooles . As bad prov'd Valens , since to Arrians sold , But Gothes by Fire purg'd his Presumption bold . WHat Iulian spoild , did Valentinian raise , And Gra●ian grace . But Theodosius Praise Deserves much more . He by Pope Damasus , And Millains starre did Arrian Tumults crush . Blest be his Name , who barr'd for his Amisse From Church refrain'd , till he gain'd Ambrose blisse , And though a King of Kings , yet not withstood Checks for rash Doome of Thessalonians Blood . O Godly Prince ! who when he might command A Pardon , yet most humbly demand . Of him One sung : Each thing with him prevailes : So Winds Conjurd descended to his Sailes : For him the Heavens fought , the Waves went backe , And Natures course for all his Foes ran slacke . This Claudian blazd with Panegyrick straine , And Ambrose of his Death did much complaine : I lov'd this Prince , quoth he , because he car'd , More for the Church then his owne Wea le regard . MUch owes the Church unto his Memory , For after he had chasd Idolatry , And calm'd the Arrians Rage to Catholicks Content , he setled Christian Bishopricks ▪ And least the Church for want of Meanes should ●ade , Confirm'd the Act which Good Iovinian made For Tythes to Pastours , which hath ever since Reviv'd the Fame of this Religious Prince . What Good this Act hath done in Ages past , Till Mungrell Monkes the Churches Hire defac't , Encroaching on the Clergy Seculare , For their Support of Sloth and Private Care , Let Godly States observe , and waigh what Losse Ensues of Soules by such as doe ingrosse Impropriate Tythes , while many Thousands pine For want of Meanes to spread the Seed Divine .

THE OCCVRRENCES OF THE FIFTH AGE , From the yeere of our Lord 400. untill the yeere 500. At which Time Anastasius Raigned Emperour of Rome . The Argument . Priests Marriages Confirm'd . Foule Heresies Burst out . False Christians plagu'd by Enemies . What wondrous Wits that Age brought forth Divine . Now bloom'd the Irish Church and Abissine . THat Parcell of false Babels Mystery , Broacht at the End of the last Century Inhibiting Priests Marriage , in the Rise Of this New Age returnes to Hell , and dyes . For while the Arrians Heat began to slake , Siricius made Romes Clergies hearts to ake , When he would them in the last Age constraine , To live without their Wives in Tantales Paine , Without their Plightd Mates , whom Christ had joy'nd As Type of his Church-Mystery , injoyn'd From Strangers sheets , as well with Holy Seed To store his Church , as to partake some Meed For Solace of their Lives anxiety , While they soil'd not Chast Society , Like Heathen Men , with Wives Pluralities , Or haunted Whores in surreptitious wise . But quickly was this Cloud disperst and gone , As not by Mortalls to be undergone , When Wiser Men condemned his Decree , And prov'd the Marriage State for all men free , Aswell by Lessons out of Sacred Story , As Nicens Warrant to Paphnutius Glory , Who though himselfe had never married been , Yet he to barre Priests Marriage deem'd it Sinne. And so the Councell held at Gangren past , The like Decree for evermore to last , That Married Priests might safely Minister , And who enacted otherwise did erre , With thundring Doome accursing every Wight , That dares maintaine that Tenets Opposite . Saint Nazianzen sung that he was borne , The third Yeare since his Si●e a Priest was sworne . THough this and other Fire-drakes choake in snuffe , Yet did not Other Clouds leave off to puffe And poison Soules . Each One must have his Guard Of Angels two both Good and Bad , to ward Or tempt his Soule , that the Sect Manicbee Might conjure them , but not without a Fee . To ayde them with Free-will and Merits Charmes , Pelagius offers now to lend them Armes . For these two Sects together with the Mists Breath'd forth by Arrians and the Donatists , The World then suff'red condigne Punishments , In Lives and Fortunes with distracted Rents . THat Ages Church was so with Heresies Beset , and from the Truth seduc'd with Lies , That though she fled into a Wildernesse , To sojourne there safe from their Wickednesse , And damned Plots , yet did the Dragon spew A Floud of 〈◊〉 in hope to 〈◊〉 he●hew . But missing her he persecutes her Seed , And seekes by Open Force to slay her Breed . Which though he fail'd because of his restraint , Yet he prevai'ld her Luke-warme Race to taint . For this great Warre he rais'd up Bloudy Foes , Gothes , Vandalls , Hunnes , all prest at his dispose , By Rhadagase , Alaricke , Totilas , By Him , whom , Aetius foil'd , proud A●tilas , Who had proclaim'd himselfe the Scourge of God , To chastise Mortalls with an Iron Rod ; Besides the Vandall Arrian Gensericke , Who sackt at Austines Death his Bishopricke . By these whom Rome had sometimes kept in Thrall , God suff'red Fiends for Sinne to worke Romes Fall , To let lewd Worldlings know , that when they faile In Zeale and Love , then Satan will prevaile . Before these Stormes , when as the Church was like To perish quite , God grac'd her Catholike Againe by Meanes of Athanasius Creed , By Ambrose , Jerome , and good Austines Deed. BEsides those Foure , how many radiant Lamps Did the Good Spirit raise against the Damps Of Hellish Fiends in that fam'd Century ? From Gratians Time , till Zenoes Empery ? No Age before nor since hath ever seene Such Lights to Crowne Theology a Queene , No Age more wise , more Learned Wits brought forth , Since the Apostles Time of better Worth Then those fore-nam'd , then famous Hi●●ary , Theodoret , Eusebius , Gregory , And Basil his deare Mate , then Chrysost omes Rare Ho●●ties , whose fluent Golden Tomes Ravish the dullest sence , Or who can share With Epiphanius ? Or for skill compare With both the Cyrills , or with Emissene ? And Others , who renown'd that Ages Scene ? Extirping Arrians , and the M●●ichees ? Daunting Donatus , and his Complices ? And striving to keepe downe Pelagians Pride ? Orfor a time to stint their swelling Tide , Which but for them had sooner made the way For sale of Soules , and Antichristian Sway ? These shone as Starres within the Fir●ament , And did then Satan in that Age prevent From his deep Reach . And we might doe as much , If next Gods Word upon their Stone we touch Discreetly without Passion , or selfe-love , Since Men are pro●e the worst things to approve . Tempted by Fiends , which wheele about the Braine , To misconceive the Right for Worldly Gaine . Such bred in Errour from their Infancie , Will hardly see the Truths resplendencie . BUt soone relaps'd that Ages Proselytes , They whoor'd againe as did the Israelites . On which Relapse He that for Abrams Seed Could raise up Stones , a Stony-hearted breed , Stirr'd from the North his Blessings to partake , Which Christians soil'd . These did in time forsake Their Pagan Gods , and the True Faith embrac'd In milder Climes , which Hypocrites disgrac'd . At last they fell likewise through pamp'●ing Ease , And with grosse Sinnes their Saviour did displease . SO stood where Caesars raign'd the Churches state : But now I must looke backe where Belul sate , The Southerne Queenes Successour , Sabaes Heire , Who was Baptiz'd in the Fourth Hundred Yeare . LOng had the Church of th' Equinoctiall Line , Candaces Clime , since stil'd the Abissine , Been tost on Nilus Lakes by Mungrell Windes , Compos'd of Iewish Rites and Heath'nish Mindes . But now those Stormes allay'd , att●nements made , That Christians might through Circumcision wade , And each partake of Others Lawes and Love , Both leagu'd , both vow'd Baptized to approve The Christian Eunuches Faith by Philip taught , And long before to Ethiopia brought . Above Three Hundred Yeares the Gospels Spring Had cheer'd their parched Zone , and every thing Began to grow with various faire Encrease Of Ghostly Gifts and Homilies of Peace By their Abunaes Care , and Clergies Toyle , Onely the Great Ones still did them embroyle With Carnall Snares to crosse their good Attempts . Like as the Romaine Caesars Saints intents By Tyranny had interrupted long , Till Constantine redrest the Churches wrong . So likewise Saints among the Abissines Were trod upon , or by sore Mulcts and Fines , Opprest , that some kept close , some fled away , Some as it were in hugger mugger lay : Others for feare recanted from the Light , Dissembling what they knew to be the Right , As many here gloz'd in Queene Maries dayes , And some in France with our Reformed wayes ; Untill their Foes were calm'd , and Liberty Of Conscience sign'd to the New Christian Fry ; About which time Hells Rage became allay'd , Which for Three Hundred Yeares the Saints oreswayd . BUt now on the Approach of this Fifth Age , By his Grave Counsaile and Abunaes sage . The Emperour of Ethiopiaes Land The Gospel more began to understand , And rais'd the Christian Faith with Publike vowes , Yet mixt with Iewish Rites and Levites showes , And though their Formes appeare extravagant , In Substance yet their Faith is Protestant , And little diff'ring from the Primitive Which we professe . Like Ours their Clergy Wive ; They Minister the Cup unto the Lay ; They honour Saints with a Memoriall way , But worship not Shrines , nor Imagery , Lest they might fall to flat Idolatry . Sound Christians , were it not that thēy too much On Moses Lawes the Observation touch : Or else that they for their Dispense do plead , That to eate Bacon , Hares-flesh , or the like , Might make them Leprons , and their Bodies sicke , Their Climates Sunne diseasing Bloud and Braine : That what agrees with us procures them Paine . Perhaps they ranke their Circumcisions use , And shrowd it with Indifferent things excuse . DEvout they are , when in the Church they meet , They spit not there , nor come with durty feet . Their Lent is long , which by their Foes observ'd , They oft surprize them through their Feasts halfe starv'd . Some Ancient Bookes among us lost they hold , Which they esteeme as Gemmes , more deare then Gold , The Oracles of Enoch , and the Booke Of the Apostles Canons they o're-looke , And the lost Acts of one of Calcedons Old Councells they retaine like Precious Stones . The Patriarch still of Alexandriaes Bay Claymes from Saint Marke their Sacerdotall Sway. These Negroes here for Christians I assigne , To shew that Christ his Church doth elsewhere shine , And that she might grow strong within the South , When in our West she seem'd a Dwarfe in growth . Out of the Christian Church exil'd by Romes Fierce Caesars for the Faith some left their Homes , And fled for shelter to Remoter Climes , In hope to shun the malice of the Times ; To shun the ten great Persecutions Rage , Many were forc't their Fortunes to ●ngage , Some past the Bosphors Straights , som Gibraltars , Others reti●'d themselves where Sunne-burnt Carres , Twice yearely touch on both the Hemispere● , That they might live secur'd from worldly Feares . The like , whilst that mad Dioclesian rav'd , Our Brittaines did , and Neighbours succour crav'd , Who giving them Corporeall Nourishments , Were by their Guests with Soule-Food recompenc'd . A Saint-like Bounty , where both Parties Blest Partake of Love , the Greatest with the Least . ) Among these Nations , now my Muse invites The Reader to review some Neighbour Lights . THat Humid Westerne I le , whose Soile resists twists , Snakes , Toads , and Moules , whose Wood no Cob-web Stor'd with true Saints a Saint-like Stile now gaines , Trampling Pelagians downe by Patricks Paines . For while they skream'd in Brittain , France , & Rome , He Preacht free Grace to reeling Christendome ; He Preacht sweet Peace , dehorting men from Jarres , From Crying Sinnes , from Murther , Spoiles & Warres ; Though some of late in Printed Legends tell , That by his Word he Thousands packt to Hell . ( A strange Narration , that a Saint should act So opposite to Christ a Bloudy Fact . ) But after his Decease , Hybernia lost Within few Yeares the Style which grac'd her most : And then mad Broils her Members prickt like Goads , Worse than the Stings or Bane of Snakes and Toads . Yea , God with Wolves plagu'd her Back-sliding Fry , Because they like Samarians went awry : In mingling with Gods Worship , Idoll sights , Traditions Flawes , and Superstitious Rites .

THE OCCVRRENCES OF THE SIXTH AGE , Chiefly what hapned in the I le of Brittaine after the Arrivall of the Saxons from the Yeare of our Lord 500. untill the Yeare 600. being the Sixteenth Yeare of the Raign of Maurice the Romaine Emperour . The Argument . The Christian Church , which Greeks & Latins rear'd , In Brittaine lyes with Pagan Rites besmear'd , Trod on by Saxons Troupes , and Wodens Brood , But worse by her Owne Natives sheading Blood . FIve Hundred Yeares from Christ not fully told , When Arrians stopt , then stept Pelagians bold With more sly Tricks of Humans Worth to boast Then tha● Dull Sect , which wrongd the Holy Ghost . Wherefore New Broiles infested Christ endome , To chastife men for Schisme , as to make Roome For Antichrist the Head of Heretickes , Which Mystick wise from Mungrell Catholickes Deriv'd his Birth , and will a Tyrant grow . Because Men loved Lies , such Plagues did flow . Great Plagues indeed ; which since defil'd the East With Carnall Baites by an Arabian drest , And with Soule-tainting Charmes by Popes profest , Cookt by Pelagians first within the West , Confounding Faith by Whimseyes of the Braine With Flesh and Blouds Desires , and Merits staine , So that Our Ile her Former Glory lost ; There was no Roome left for the Holy Ghost , Pelagi●s had her Motions so engrost And then her North to Hu●ler all was lost By Scots and Ficts usurpt with dismall woes . Because she Grace blasphem'd , God sent her Foes , Which like a Del●ge broke through Adrians Wall , Till Strangers came with Armes to end the Brawle . Yet ended not her stinke of Ghostly sinne , Nor Carnall Snares , where she involv'd had beene . THe Sunne had run One Hundrid Yeares at full , Ere Heathnish hands could all her Feathers pull , Or part asunder her Old Seamelesse Weare , Which Christ his Font had dipt with Reverend Feare , In Dies sent her from Eleuthere in graine , And by Great Helens Sonne Confirm'd againe ; Plaine without staine , I meane , and free from Pride , Or that foule Schisme , which did her since betide By her Abortive Brood , Pelagian Crew , The Sect that made Millions of Soules to rue . Plaine Robes she wore without Embroidery , Or Worldlings Garbe , when Antient Hillary Greeted his Brethren here in Brittany ▪ Those whom Faith linkt to Saints sweet Company . So well had Damian and Fugatius bore Christs Ensigne here two hundred yeares before , That at the Councell Grave Theodoret Rejoyc'd to see our Brittish Elders met . WIth Purest Flowres Our Brittain Church did bloom , Till in Honorius Raigne , Gothes ra●sackt Rome . She flourish'd under Romaine Legions long , But those being gone , she faded and went wrong ; And then Fiends watcht the Time while Heresie Possest weake Albions Braine with Lunacie . They saw how she cosseted her Child Pelagius , how she was by him beguil●d , They loath to lose advantage , nurst the Hate Betwixt her and her Aydes . Although of late The Remnant which the Romaine Caesars left Of Souldiers here to guard this I le from Theft , Were with the ablest Brittish Youth to France , Transported there to lead a Warre-like Dance Against Romes Foes , where by Warres-casualties Few liv'd to see their Home-Calamities : Yet Brittaines rather here for Empire fought Then to gaine Soules for their Redeemer sought , Or rather Romaine Fry in Brittaine borne , Their Factions made Our Brittish Church a scorne : Their Church , which late with Twenty eight did towre Since counted sev'n , and ebb'd to Bishops foure . Their Temples and Romes Legionary Townes , Were quarter'd out for Teutons Garrisons ; Before the Sunne had Forty yeeres his Race Run through , since Hengist rais'd Old Wodens Mace , Those Germains then did them , like Wolves , devoure , Since Home and Forraigne Saints did faile to scoure Their Vessels cleane from Filth , since both did faile Saint German and Saint Lupus to prevaile . AFter these Starres declin'd to Natures Course , For Thirty Yeares the Church oft fared worse , Some times aloft she mounted ; other times She stood amaz'd at Change of Worldly Climes ; Peace setled her in a Calme Aire againe , When Dubrice did Pelagian Blasts restraine , About the time of Great Justinians Raigne , And then a while Our Church renew'd againe , When after home bred Jarres and Civill strife , Our Petty Kings chose Val●ant Arthur Chiefe Over their Troupes in Brittaines Westerne Lands Against fierce Wodens Race , and Saxon Bands , But soone relaps'd the Brittaines , proud of spoiles , Not caring for Devotion , all for Broiles . They one another strove more to supplant For Elbow-roome , then Christian Faith to plant . SUch impious Blurres observ'd by Hellish Fiends , They sow'd Debate betwixt them and their Friends , Made them so slight their Patriarchs grave advise , That in dispaire he from Carleon flies ; Whence cause he brookt not the Silures Crimes , Demetia beg'd his Crozier , Hapre , and Chimes . But why didst thou , Saint David , fly from Usk , To smell of Herrings , when thou mightst have Musk And Frankincense to offer unto God , Neerer then where thou fixest thy Abode ? Amidst the Craggy Hills and Foaming Floud , So farre remote to doe the Saxons good ? Why mightst not thou beat downe Idolatries , As thou didst daunt Pelagian Mysteries ? Which by Free-will had strove Gods Grace to rend , And on Mans owne Poore Merits to depend ? Feare caus'd thy Flight , or else thy Clergies Hate Brookt not the Glory of a Rising State ; Or Discontent to finde the want of Love , Among thy Flocke procured thy Remove . Meane while behold thy Country-men at ods , Struggling for brittle Sway , like Demy-Gods . AT the Decease of that brave Martiall Prince , Whose Tombe was found in Glastenbury since , All went to wracke , like Alexanders State , They parted that which he had gain'd of late , And by their Strife with fell intestine Rage The Victours lost the Saxons Vassalage . While they obey'd One Soveraigne Generall , Nor Scots nor Picts could work their finall Fall . Their Foe-men paid them Tribute , and the East Of Wodens Brood cring'd to the Brittaines West . But Sussex now out-braves proud Constantine , While Vortipore South Cambria makes to whine , Looke how the Nymphes of Dee and Severne grone To beare the yoak of Conan and Malgon ; How Mone and Man with the Lancastrian Lasse Cry out : Alasse , that they serve Cunoglasse , Who , though the Greatest of the Brittaine Kings , Shames Christians more then Humbers Pagan stings . THese leagu'd with Arthur late for States Defence Against their Foes , now for Preheminence Contend , and kill their Kinne , like Sheep or Beeves , And , which to blaze as yet my Nation grieves , More prone to smother Truth with glozing Cardes Then heare their Twnysogs Fall by honest Bardh's : Two harmelesse Youths of Arthurs Princely Ligne Were slaine in Wintons Church by Constantine , That Cornish Wolfe , who had usurpt their Right , He slew them there in their owne Mothers sight , Without regard unto that Sacred Place , To Christ his Altar , or their Noble Race . And as their Kings , so did their Iudges rave . Sheading Inferiours Bloud , whom Christ forgave . They sit on Theeves , themselves the greatest Theeves , Defloure the Daughter , whilst the Father grieves . Their Plighted Mates they murther or divorce , And spare not Altars to profane with Force . THe Bruit of these Misdeeds inhumane strikes Such Odiousnesse , such Horrour , and Dislikes , That their owne Bloud , whom Brinish Seas divide , Gaules Britonants , disdaine with them to side ; And their Old Friends of Patricks Iland scorne To ayde a wicked State through Discord torne ; Nay worse , instead of aide Gurmundus came From thence for Spoiles , and soone them overcame , The Brittaines thus forlorne , Nort humbria gaines , Mercia starts up , and the West-Saxon Raignes , Which Last will last , and shall chalk out the way In times to come for a Monarchique Sway. NO wonder that rude Strangers gained roome , And banishd them from their best Native Home , Sith neither Dubrice , David , nor such Starres Could them reforme , God sent them bloudy Jarres ; Not all at once , but by Degrees he sent His whips of Wrath whereby some might repent ; But all in vaine . No Threats could Brittaines tame , They did those Sinnes which Paini●s blush to name . Hengist at first did but East Brittaine 〈◊〉 , And Thirty Lustres past ere Angles Prease Durst Severne passe , and longer Yeares then tho●● , Ere Offa could his Marches Meeres enclose During which Terme had Brittaines tr●●●he Path Of Penitence , they might have calm'd Gods Wrath , Exchang'd with Foes the Chain of Thraldomes yoak , And scap'd what since they felt , Bellon●es stroake . SO sung a Swan of Claud us Caesars Towne , Whose Birth fell out that Yeare , when Brittaines won The Day with Trophees at the 〈◊〉 , And did their Trench with Saxon Coarses fill . He not a Rush did for lewd Tyrants passe , But against Five stood like a Wall of Brasse . He shew'd what heavy Plagues would them befall , How they and none but they caus'd Brittaines Fall ; Their Incests , Thefis , and their loud Crying Sinnes , Which to commit they car'd no more then Pinnes , With Tragick Buskin and Proph●ticke straine , He fear'd not of their Treasons ro complaine , Who though but weake against the Common Foe , Divided Kings , at home yet raged so With Bloudy spoyles , that through their Tyranny , They lost the most Part of West Brittany , For all , which they possest from Winchester To Cornewall , Pagans got with Glocester . Now Sussex , and the Mercian Kings arise On Seve●●es shoare to plant Dutch Colonies . Such Threnes of thine , Good Gildas , proved true , As Christians felt ●q that which did ensue . THeir Champions then to Woods & Mountains fled , Where Savage bent , and with such Rancour led For the long Knives Complot , which like a Torch From time to time did their gall'd Entrailes scorch , Their Clergy at no hand would joyne to Preach The Gospel , not the Saxon Rout to teach , Unlesse they would to them againe restore Their Country back , which they had snatch'd before : Untill at length Romes blessed Gregery Dispatcht a Monke of Famous Memory To Englands Kent , where soone he did convert Prepar'd by his Faire Queene King Et●el●ert . Whence thousands moe with all their Kings became By Austines paines Baptiz'd , to Brittaines shame . For which neglect of theirs , and Neighbours scorne , Their State all rent , and through Dissention torne , Northumbers since did to West-Chester rush , Slay Bangors Monkes , and B●o●maels Forces crush So deadly , that thenceforth they seldome dar'd To try the Fields Event with Foes prepar'd . And this sore Blow in Judgement them befell , As Gildas first , and Austine did foretell . THus stood the case with Brittains Commonwealth , Because they gave themselves to Rapines , Stealth , To Fraud , Revenge , and chiefly to contemne Those , whom they might have made good Christian men Without the helpe of more Competitours , Brought from proud Rome to build up Babels Tow●es , For Austine , when he came , began to strive With them for Rule , and Romes Prerogative , Which compli'd not with Saints of Christian sort , As an old Hermite guess'd by Austines Port , Who Pope-like set disdain'd to rise and greet Sev'n Christian Bishops with Love-congies meet . Such harsh Salutes , or Inhumanity , So farre remote from sage Urbanity , What could they but distracted Rents produce ? Ending in Schisme , and Holy things abuse ? Our Saviour Christ was meek , all made of Love : The Devill proud , and so his servants prove . O what adoe they kept ? what Coile ? what sturres ? With Synods Pleas , with Quillets , and Demurres ? Like Turkes for Turbants , Monkes for ●rizes Hew , So Christians then did one another sue . The Easters Time procur'd this Factious Brawle , The Romish Claim'd from Peter and from Paul , The Brittish by Prescription from Saint Iohn , And their Feasts Date the Greek Church grounded on . But nothing could appease the Adverse side , Till Force at last the Quarrell did decide , Untill Saint Colman and the Scottish Clerkes For Unions sake were faine to yeeld to Quirkes , POpe Foelix now sign'd the Last Unctions use , Which did in time a Sacra●ent produce , That by more Fees Priests might enrich themselves For sacring Oiled Feet from aiery Elves . One thing of Note must not forgotten be , How in the Yeare Five Hundred Fifty Three . Then at a Councell in Bizantium held The Romaine Pope Vigilius was refell'd For Heresie , Judg'd Excommunicate , And doom'd to be deprived of his State . For which and murthers prov'd the Emperour , With slender diet starv'd him in a Tower , A just reward for claiming all that Scope Of Liberties due to the Westerne Pope , Which Nicens Councell under Constantine , Did long before betwixt Five Popes assigne , Betwixt them of both Romes , of Salems Flocke , Of Antioch , and of Alexandriaes stocke , So that our Popes in the West Franchise watcht The Soules , which Peters Net for Christ then catcht , Not with Hells Husks , Traditions , Dreames , and Lie● But them to feed with Scriptures Homilies . So wily was the Serpent to begin With our Prime men and Starres , to plunge them in The Gulfe of Worldly Pride and Avarice , That by their meanes they Others might entice , For when the Head feeles Pestilentiall Flame ; How soone puts it the Members out of frame ? If , like Saint Peter , He that claimes his Place , Had liv'd , Romes Church had stood in better Case . But how should then the Prophesies of Paul , And of Saint Iohn beene verifi'd at all ? ●n vaine the Man of sinne , Perditions Sonne , Long time by Caesars Pompe barr'd in that Throne To sit as God , and in Gods Temple too , The use of Meates and Marriage to undoe ; To wrong the Church by Carnall Sacrifice , Of Soules and Bodies making Marchandise ; In vaine Great Babels Whore the Scripture hath Describ'd , if Rome had kept her Former Faith : By thrall'd Vigilius mark , that Popes were then , Ev'n for Six Hundred Yeares to Mighty Men , Eaths Lords , enthrall'd aswell for Life as State ; Yea , Christ our Head to Caesar paid a Rate Both for himselfe and Peter from a Fish Without excuse , Grudge , or repining Pish , As they did since , which challenge Peters Chaire , Under pretext Romes ruines to repaire . And herewithall let all true Christians know : " As long as men are kept in aw and Low , " At some High Powers beck , whom they doe feare , " So long they vertuous are , or so appeare . This of the Popes may well be verified , " While they were by the Caesars terrified , " And subject to the Lawes , so long they thriv'd " In Goodnesse , Preacht the Crosse , in order liv'd . But when they once obtain'd the Primacie Above their Peeres , and the Supremacie Above the Caesars , then they wantoniz'd , Grew Avaricious , Proud , and ill adviz'd . But this great Flame will not breake throughly out , Untill th' Eleventh Age shall wheele about , When with False Christs , like Capernaites Chymeres , The Dragon more will charme Great Babels eares . Thinke on these Sparks , yee States and People all , From the Kings Bench to the poort Coblers Awle .

THE OCCVRRENCES OF THE SEVENTH AGE , From the Yeare of our Lord 600. untill the Yeare 700. in which Tract of Time the Romaine Pope got the Style of the Universall Bishop , and Mahomets Sect began . The Argument . What Heresies sprang up ere Antichrist Broke from his Swathes into the Church of Christ . He growes . but not to full maturity , Till he hath got the Two-fold Soveraignty . NExt to Gods Word , or Oracles Divine , Contemplating on Matyriz'd Iustine , Tertullian , Irene , Tatian , Clementine , Lactantius , Euphreme , Ierome , Origen , Eusebius , Leo , Cyrill , Nazianzen , On Epiphanius , Basil , Hillary , Theodoret , Ruffinus , Gregory , And their more Ancients Cyprian , Chrysostome , With those of Af●rick , Asia , Greece or Rome , Whither they in th' Abissines Libraries , Or Vaticans immur'd for Antiquaries ; Whether in Pri●● , or Manuscripts they be , Musing , I say , on them with insight free , Who wro●e within the First Six Hundred Yeare , Besides the Synods of the Sacred Peeres , Chiefly at Nice ( to sort New things with Old ) I wish this Post serit set in stamps of Gold : Those Wits , who can Grave Epiphanius scan , May helpe to fan Romes Church from the Old Man , Like Wheat from Chaffe , or Gold from dust and drosse . I wish this done , but dare not it ingrosse , Or undertake my wishing to fulfill Or want of time , of Strength , of Levites skill . THough while proud Caesars rav'd , some Christians pain'd , Yet Pliny shewes their state when Trajan raign'd ; Nor could their Rage , nor Victors thundring schisme , For Easters Rites impeach Faiths Catechisme . Curst were those Weeds sprung of Idolatries , Which by Truths Flame Good Epiphanius tries : And Blest the Flowres , or Herballs of the Fields , For Quintessence which Epiphanius yeelds . There , Millenaires , and grosse Monothelites , With other Clouds dim the First Churches Lights . There , see wise men then ●ire Drakes more unsure , Yet others there more sure then Cynosure , Though Origen and Cyprian in some things Have err'd , yet Saints by Union Calm'd their stings . While Arrians Rage Chiefe Rulers of the Rost , The Orthodox proclaime the Holy Ghost . While Capernaites Christs Flesh most grossely take , True Saints by Faith that Mystick Food partake . Where Ebionites and Manichees taxe Marriage , There , Gods Elect dissolves so strict a Carriage . Where Montanists for Merit Fasts erect At Times prefixt , there , Saints a snake suspect . Priscillians teach men to Equivocate , But Christian Saints all Double-dealing hate . Caianes Sect did Angels Help implore , And with fond Vowes their mystick Shapes adore : As likewise did those doating Heretickes , Whom some in Austines Time term'd Angellicks . But Saints Christs Father serve , that Mighty One In Persons Three , and three in One alone , Not Creatures , nor the Members , but the Head Of Creatures Life , the Iudge of Quick and Dead . All others Help they utterly disclaime , Save that , which they through Christ his Merits claime . Some to Our Lady offer'd Sacrifice , But Epiphane blames them of Heath'nish vice , Suites Womens Cakes for her Idolatriz'd With Trash , which to Heav'ns Queen were sacrifie'd , Equalls their Deed to that which snared Eve , Yea , to the Serpents which did Eve deceave , And likewise teares the Vaile where Christ was painted Forbidding Dead Mens Pictures to be Sainted ; Wherewith by Letter he upon this Theame , Acquaints the Bishop of Ierusalem , Advising him not to endure the like Scandall , or Crime within his Bishopricke . This of the Veile at Anablata hung Was then from Greek turn'd to the Latin Tongue . Novatus damn'd men after Baptismes Breach , But no Despairing Fate Mild Christians teach ; They rather will raise up the Br●ized Reed , Then Thunder out what is not in their Creed . SUch Lamps this Holy Worke of Ancient Date Exemplifies for us to imitate Such Damps likewise expressed in that Work May warne th' Elect , where doth the Dragon lurk . There , Heretickes in sundry Formes appeare , There , Christ his Church you may discerne most cleare , And how good Christians liv'd in Dayes of Yore , With what they taught before that Rome turn'd whore , Or which of Either Church are growne of late In Faith , or Manners more Adulterate , There , with some Paines we might gaine knowledge more , Which Worke I wish , but want the Lydian Lore To touch , to try the Spirits , and apply The Extracts to the Moderne Policy . Let some Grave Elder with Seraphick Love , Indifferent , Just , and Mild , the Spirits prove . Let Usher , Hall , or Learned Montague , My Mate sometimes in Eaton those renew , Which , if my Mindes presaging Augury Faile not , will yet to us more Newes discry ; Or if Affaires afford them not the leasure , To levy , rate , and draw the hidden Treasure , Some Good Professour of Judicious Braine , Which wants a Flocke , may undergoe the straine ; Orsome brave Spirit of our Academes , Start up blaze those sacred Theoremes , Which adding wings to our Reformed Flights , Would serve to guard our New-born Lambs from Kites And shew them Gentle Bathes , when to the Brim , Old Tiber fill'd cause Elephants to swim ; While Honest Swains them greet : God blesse the weak , And grant they not their Christian vowes do breake , While Saints doe Saints salute : God speed the Plow , And make us all content with what we sow . So that their Seed be pure , full well we know , They with Increase and Peace shall reap and Mow. The Harvest great , no doubt but Christ enow Of Workemen will provide , though I be slow . I now review another Century : About the Sev'nth of Christ , the Mystery Of Ghostly Sinne began to domineere , And here-hence-out a Pilot false will steere The Churches Ship exalted by his Mace , Who durst usurpe his Lords Imperiall Place , Bereaving Him , his Wife , and Babes of Life , ( An Omen sure portending future Strife ) From Phocas first receiv'd Pope Boniface Investiture of his Supremest Place , And to be styl'd , The Churches Soveraigne Lord , Which some have wrested since to Peters Sword , Which smote off Malchus Eare. In the meane while Hypocrisie did all the World beguile , For from the Yeare since Boniface began , The Dragon wrought upon the Braine of Man , With more sly Trickes then in the Times before On Hereticks , or Wits of weaker Lore . Pope Gregory fore-saw this Mystick Cloud , And New Romes Patriarch therefore warn'd aloud : That who aspir'd to be the Soveraigne Priest , He was fore-runner of False Antichrist . THis Gregory fore-told , although himselfe Had left his Ship on a suspected Shelfe ; When here in England he gave Austine leave To winke at Heathen Feasts , to interweave Their Stuffe with Faith , which some resemblance had With Christian Formes , to weane them form their Bad And damned Garbes , that so by Easie steps They might ascend , and not by sodaine Leapes . These Pagan Rites by Saints conniv'd at first , Like tainted Vessels savour'd of the Worst , And long retain'd their mixt Religions Taint , Till the Last Age , on the New mans Complaint , Had purifi'd what the Good Spirit knew Expedient in the Church Christ to renew . THat Monster , which since the Apostles Age Crept Mysticke-wise , grew big , began to rage , And Raigne soone after Gregories Decease , Under the Keyes pretence disturbing Peace , And shall for Gold assume Iehovahes Might , To Thunder , Blesse , or Curse each Mortall wight ; For now henceforth a Mixt Religion flowes , To marre Good Seed the Tempter Darnell sowes . With Dreggish Dreames , which here Pelagians first , And Monkish Braines had brew'd , they quench their Thirst. With Reliques , Shrines , and Lies , Monastick Cells Abound , and Darknesse now the Light expells . Foule Sodomy instead of Lawfull Flames , And now our West Blacke Superstition shames . As Mungrells of Samaria Sacrific'd Some unto God , some Creatures Idoliz'd : Some this besaint , that Image they observe , But really the Most Part Mauzzim serve . On Creatures they the God-heads Right conferre , And while they kneele to Shrines most grossely erre ; The Sunne 's Eclips'd , The Gospel they misprise , And slight the Crosse , the New-mans Sacrifice : The Fiery Crosse they slight , and hope by Deedes And Humane Craft to blot out all Mis-deedes . BOth East and West , since Mahome● began , Since Mecha roar'd the Moorish Alcoran , Find much adoe their Credit to excuse , But must confesse the New-man they abuse , While the Old Man with his Voluptuous store , Traditions , and his Trident they adore ; While Dust and Ashes they extoll too much , Gods Word concealing , where they inly grutch At Him , who did Poore Fishermen inspire With sundry Tongues appearing then , like Fire , Unlesse they will mad Iulians cause support , Restraining Light from all the Vulgar Sort , Who burnt the Scriptures , interdicted Zeale , And forbad Schooles to Christians Common-weale : As from the Yeare Six Hundred Sixty Sixe , Rome did obscure Gods Word to raise her Pixe ▪ And what more Signe of a Tyrannick Sway Could be , then with One Tongue to oversway The Christian Church compos'd of many Sounds ? The Catholick of unrestrained Bounds ? Within this Age likewise the Agarens , By changing of their Names to Saracens , Intruded on the Right of Abrams Heire , On Christs as Moses Lawes , and on the Faire Possessions of the Church in Siriaes Land , With Aegypt , which to his Arabian strand Now Mahomet doth adde , that by those Three The Hornes in Daniel might accomplishe be , With Hodgepodge-Dreames Cookt for a Fairy Feast . And so himselfe of those Three Realmes possest Dar'd to spue out the most Presumptuous thing , The Alcoran , I meane , against our Christ , Whereby he grew One of Great Antichrist His Chiefest Limbs to Lord it in the East , As Popes already crept into the West ; And save for Christian Name , which they doe beare , Shall over-match him in our Worldly spheare , For as the One himselfe styles Lord of Lords : So Ours shall goe beyond him by lowd Words , And Thundring Bulls accursing men to Hell , Dethroning Kings , and seating Soules aswell In Heaven , as in Purgatory-Cells : In which Attempts the Pope the Turk excells . BUt whether for Pelagian Heresie , Or for her Fraud Romes great Apostasie Fell out ? ( For though Pelagius she may blame , Yet his Conceptions with implicite Flame She hugges ) Or when she turned Courtezan ? Or when was Satan curb'd ? I leave to scan , Loath to resolve such Questions Scrupulous , Till Fresher Gales , for their more cleere discusse , Shall quicken up my gravell'd Intellect From Ancient Scribes the Truth to recollect . I Had almost forgot here downe to quote Among these Broiles one memorable Note ; About the Yeare Six Hundred Sixty Foure , When Sarasens and Popes began to rore , A Female-Saint of Yorke did Prophetize , And speake against Romes New Enormities : She stood against the Shaving of the Crowne , Which then the Romish Church , to know her owne False Prophets by , as Publike Mark or Seale , Had forc'd on Priests with a lowd thundring Peale . Against the same , and Easters Romaine Date Good Hilda spake , but Popes said she did prate : For since they durst the New-mans Course exchange , Why might not they all Ancient Orders change ? Adde to the Church New Sacraments , as Lights ? And alter Times aswell as Outward Rites ? He , that presumes above all Councells , Kings , And States , will do farre more prodigious things . Thus Popes have done . Therefore I strongly fixe Upon the Yeare Six Hundred Sixty Sixe . When Gog with Force advanc'd the Alcoran , When Magogs wiles set up the Outward Man : Then did those Foes , though diff●ring in their wayes , Begin with Filth to soile the Churches Rayes .

THE OCCVRRENCES OF THE EIGHTH AGE , From the yeere of our Lord 700. untill the yeere 800. At which Time Irene raigned Empresse of Constantinople , being the Mother of Constantine and Nicephorus . About which Time Ecbert began his Monarchy in England . The Argument . The Churches Brood seduc'd with Monkish Lies And Mechaes Dreames , the Gospel they misprize ; Mungrells themselves , then Mixt Religions flow , Yet some reclaim'd , their Mothers Voyce did know . ABout the Yeare Six Hundred Sixty Sixe , Strife dimm'd the use of the true Crucifixe . For Pictur'd Saints the Greek Imperiallists Began to taxe our Westerne Latinists , Whose Right or Wrong Serenus , Gregory , And Epiphane did long afore descry . Some priz'd those Types , like Bookes , to edifie : Some them defi'd , least Gulls them Deifie . Some thought their sight did quicken much the sence , Whilst others held they dull'd the Conscience . But to summe this : we must our Bodies yeeld As Mindes to serve the Lord , or lose the Field . We outwardly must to Gods Rites attend , As inwardly on his Good Gifts intend , For what the Heart adores , the Tongue sounds out , The Knee bowes to , the Sight puts out of doubt . Then , Agars seed prevail'd to Tyrannize , Popes to usurpe , and both to Sympathize With Satans Genius , by false masked zeale To over-sway Christs Church and Common-weale , Fraud taught them first to crouch and to dissemble , Then Fiends train'd them to make their Foes to trēble . Thus darkned stood our Westerne Hemisphere , Till She that 's with the Sun cloth'd did appeare . By Trumpets sound , and Printings Mystery , Recalling home her Strayes from P●pery . Among which Lutes harmoniously Divine , Would I could thrust this Oaten Pipe of Mine . BUt was Our Church on Earth invisible Till Luthers Time ? No sure . Most visible She lay to Saints , though to some Romish hid , Like Diamonds in Mines , yet clearly did She breath in Christ , although not eminent To Carnall Eyes , or on a Hill transparent , Yet Catholick , and through the World diffus'd , She sojourned with Holy Rayes infus'd , Like a Poore Pilgrim , one while in the East She liv'd retir'd . Another while the West , She put in mind of Jeremiaes Threnes : Anon the Northerne-Iles , and Isters Fennes She visited , and oftentimes the South , Or all at once she wakened from their Sloth , Which ●ruitfull Greece , and rich Arsaces Land Could testifie with Ethiopiaes Strand : Which C●●ms Tartaria and the Moguls Ground Could blaze how she Nestorians did confound . Which Snow● Mos●ho●s Clime could justifie ; Yea , many in our West could verifie , That she , Good Soule , with Teares and Doctrine soun● Sought to red●●me them in Hells Fetters bound , And on Christs Merits onely to rely Without Distrust or Ambiguity , Tendring her Glosse Christs Gospel to expound , But most were deafe , or would not heare her Sound , For either in a Tongue unknowne , by roat , Or ●arnally they would her D●ctates note . Nay , when she would indifferent things to use P●rmit her B●bes , her Love they would abuse ; And for her Care , her Champions they would raze Out of their Files with Curst Anathemaes . Yet some of better Mould attentively Ga●e ●are ; and these I praise deservedly ▪ SOme Godly Mo●kes , and the Old Saxon Bede Shew us what Life a Christian ought to lead . He d●ing wisht , a● Cutber● wrote , that Men Would read Gods Word , and humane dreams contemn To which Good End himselfe in English To●e Christs Gospel left according to Saint Iohn . Those Holy Monks liv'd not on others sweat , Nor idly did by Strangers Tythes get Meat , But earn'd repast in Gardens by the Spade , Or in foule weather by some Houshold Trade . To keep their thoughts from sensual Plots they wrought , And on High Dayes or Fest●●als they taught Their Auditours what sence Christs Mystery Beares to imprint his Passions M●mory ; Or Catechis'd the weake and tender Braine With Scriptures Text , and intelligible straine ▪ But when the Lumbards were by Cha●lemaine Represt , then Popes rais'd up their Pe●cocks Traine ▪ With Carnall Sence and Carnall meanes support , Transforming Rites ingrosse stupendio●s sor● , And by Degrees transferr'd to Catholickes Traditions hatcht by Former Heretickes . What Wheele is this ? what strange Extravagance ? Religious Rome , like Dina , gads to Daunce . Nay more , she paints her Face , like Jezabel , Darkning those Gifts , wherein she did excell , She that most Honour'd was next Salems Church , Spreads Lying Dreames , and now lives by the lurch . She , that was once the Westernes sacred Dame , Converting Heathen Soules unto the Lambe , Usurps Saint Peters Place with Lofty Style , Depraves Gods Gifts , and reares up Babels Pile . She , that was Chast , delights to play the Queane , And more then Good to practize Deeds obsceane , But these are Tri●les in respect of those Great Sinnes , to which she will henceforth dispose Her Wh●●rish will , for wicked Sodo●y She will commit , cheat men with Alchimy ; She will proud Nembr●d from Damnation free , And will besamt false Magus for a Fee . She will Create New Christs , burn Saints , force Hell , Mew up Gods Word , and Vertue quite expell . She Christendome will topsie-turvie turne , Dethrone her Kings , and make their Subjects mourne , But here the Comfort lyes : though Rome playes false , And Nero-like , debauch'd , yet all her Brawles , Plots , Menaces , and Tortures cannot stop The Pens of Some the Truth to underprop With Learned Workes , to blaze in every Age Her Breach of Faith , and tyrannizing Rage . THe strong Conceit of the States Holinesse , Saint Peters Keyes , and Shrines did so possesse Remoter Braines , that Rome they did prefer Before all Climes . Thither Cadwallader Our Brittish King for Refuge in Distresse , And sundry Others went for Happinesse , As they then dream'd : Some for Monastick Rest : Some to become there by such Merits Blest . And if Ravennaes Feare , and Lumbards Sway Had not then blockt them in their Pilgrims way , With dangers by Banditi in some Straight About the Alpes , where Theeves for Preyes awaite , ( Such was the Blindnesse of that Ages Zeale ) Romes Mart had greater been ; more lowd her Peale , As sithence for her Marchandize encreafe Fell out , though to their Losse of Inward Peace . WHile Rome thus vaunted of Imagery , Greece seconded her Sinfull Mystery . And though New Rome long struggled with the Old , Yet now her Keyes then Ice become Cold : And so prevail'd damn'd Errour at the last , That Nicens second Councell made agast Our Christian Church , when that Romes glorious Head She saw Accurst , and yet themselves mis-led Would set forth Acts for Images Adore , Which their Greek Church condemned had before . Honorius was most justly Censured , But Idolls use they ill determined . For Heresie the Romaine Pope they quail'd , Yet Heresie within themselves prevail'd ; And what the Former Age brookt as a Booke , An Image now like to a God they tooke , And held an Idoll in no l●sse esteeme Then Pagans did to honour Dagon seeme , This Ages Griefe I point at , that the East We may conclude as faulty as the West . None can excuse themselves . Aswell New Rome , As did the Old , for Antichrist made roome . Because , like Rome , a Mungrell Faith they those ; The Greeks their Fame of Iconomaches lose . Yet this stole in but like an Ague Fit , They soone recover'd , and confounded it . THey did not since so Superstitious grow , To vow that Service which to Christ they owe , They kneel'd not downe , nor orav'd d●a●● Idoll● ayd● , As if their Church to Baal they had betray'd . They minister the Cup unto the Lay ; Their Clergy-men doe Marry to this day ; And in the Mother-Tongue the Gospel read , Not like the Westernes Rome so much misled . ANd yet no doubt their Church went much astray In many points , though not so grosse away , As Rome . They held , and made apparant Boast Of idle Quirkes about the Holy Ghost , That they might share , and be in tangled in The Mystery of the Lewd Man of Sinne. For which Foule Crime , and D●pravation , Christ Did then with-draw his Grace , and in that Mist , The Dragon did worke on their Enemies , As on their Wi●● , their Empire to surprize , And to prey on their Chiefe Metropolis , As Turkes still doe . And all for their amisse . ERe I conclude this Ages Century , I must not over-slip , how Zachary The Romaine Pope against Gods Word gave way From Childerick the Crowne to put away , And to Depose the French Mens Lawfull King On Pipins Plea , and for no other thing Then for a slothfull Life , and that a Bee Was fitter then a Drone to Over-see And Rule a Realme , that he tooke all the Care , While Childerick lay still in Pleasures Snare , Or lull'd a sleep , not caring but for Ease , Whereby he did the Common-wealth displease . On this surmize ; the Pope gave his Assent , That the Poore King be to a Cloister sent And shorne a Monke , that Pipine weare the Crowne , The lawfull Heires from Native Right quite thrown . For this good Turne the Pope to gratifie , The Franks New King combin'd to fortifie Saint Peters Seat against the Lumbards strength , That he Ravenna forc'd to yeeld at length . The Yeare of Christ Seven Hundred Fifty Sixe , When men did much on Outward Objects fixe , Then Constantine to Pipine in the West Sent first the use use of Organs from the East , In imitation of King Davids Harpe , A Godly Use , though Some thereat doe carpe , Which though Pope Paul the First did not abhorre , Yet afterwards he dar'd that Emperour With Curses for opposing Images : On these Popes doated so with Passages Of Glorious Shewes , that Adrian Peter all In Silver cloath'd , and Paul with Golden Pall. THus by Degrees Rome that was fam'd for Chaste , Began to paint her Face , and prove unchaste . But though Popes daub'd , & were more proud become , Others went Plaine like Old Religious Rome ; And in Our West will so continue still , Till to adore False Christs , Fiends bane their Will. All were not Bad ; although the Head was craz'd , The Lord yet some of Romes poore Members grac'd . No doubt , He blest some of the Romain Brood ; Caiphas was Bad , but Nichodemus Good . When that Elias thought the Church downe reel'd , Sev'n Thousand were to Baal that never kneel'd . As in the East , so in the West there were Thousands which then from Idolls did forbeare , Fixing their onely Faith on Maries Seed , The Churches Head , which ransom'd Evaes Deed. Now the first use to Christen Bells began , Whereby ( I thinke ) they Baptisme did profane , When they deprav'd the Rites of Sacred Font , Wherewith to type the New-man we are wont .

THE OCCVRRENCES OF THE NINTH AGE , From the Yeare of our Lord 800. ( About which Time Charles the Great of France after his Conquest of the Lumbards , was Crowned by Pope Leo the Third Emperour of the West ) untill the Yeare 900. About which time the Danes sore afflicted England . The Argument . Charles builds New Schooles , subjects the Westerne Broiles , And with the Pope shares Faire Ravennaes Spoiles . Though some rare Wits renowned then that Age , Two Monstrous Deeds yet shame the Romaine Stage . BRave Charlemaine , like Romes bifronted Sire , Whom Pagans at the Former Yeares expire , And at the Newes Approach renew'd with Bayes : So merited this Prince redoubted Praise , For clozing up in the Last falling Age Our Westerne wounds made by Barbarian Rage . No Fate of Worldly Wheeles , nor length of Yeares Shall cancell Martells Deedes , nor the Twelve Peeres Dimme , nor expunge from Honours Calendar , For their Exploits and Memorable Warre Against the Moores , with whom they did so cope , That they quite lost their proud Ambitious Hope Of Conqu'ring France , as they subjected Spaine , But left behinde Two hundred Thousand slaine Of Moorish Coarses for a Pawne or Signe , That none shall France but Christians make to whine . CHarles after Broiles in this Ninth Age began Three Academes to found for the New-man , To propagate in France and Italy , By whose faire Patterne Moe did fructifie In other Christian Lands , from whence Some rose , Some Rome to ayd , and some her to oppose : For though the Head of the Vertigo wheel'd , Some Members yet there were , which never reel'd . ANd surely Charles the Name of Great deserves Aswell as Constantine , but that he serves Too lavishly in my Conceit to prop Rome with more States , when she had need of stop . He Desiderius for her sake immur'd , And her with him to share the Spoiles endur'd . He did to her that Patrimony signe , Which since she falsely forg'd from Constantine ; For which henceforth we must expect but Force , Spirituall Rapes , and the New-mans Divorce , Truth crying out , that they the Lumbards wrong'd , And that the Fee to Irens Sonne belong'd , Great Constantines Successour , New Romes Lord . But how should then proud Babel be ador'd ? ALasse , that such Effects from Kings did streame , To taint the Springs of New Ierusalem , Since what they gave out of their Love and Zeale , Redounded to corrupt Christs Common-weale ▪ The more Rome had , the more she coveted , ( Ambition perkes with reines unlimited ) And never will the Pope in quiet rest , Till he rides on a Scarlet colour'd Beast , Till he Crown'd with a Triple Diademe Shall both his Mates and Emperours contemne . But the Red Dragon yet workes covertly , He spues not all his Dr●gges but lees them ly At randome , whilst this Age amaz'd doth passe Like to a Dreame ; and that the Next an Asse Shall turne , extinct of Light , and Learnings Fruit , Which Charles had left for Honours faire pursuit : Whereby more Roome shall for ambitious Rome Enlarged be for Soules abroad to roame . About the Yeare Eight Hundred Sixty Six , Romes Church being growne of late a Meretrix , Chast Marriage more to bring into Decay , And to promote the Antichristian Sway By Sodomes Snares and Brothelries accurst , Consented that Pope Nicholas the First , With Lucifers and all the Monks applause Should then enact these grosse Tyrannicque Lawes : That no Lay-men receive the Sacrament By Married Priests , though with devout intent ; As if Gods Mysticks from John Baptists Sire , Or Peter savour'd of Profaner Fire ; And that thenceforth no Priest should celebrate Within Precincts of all the Christian state Gods Service in the Vulgar Mother Tongue , But in the Latine , which did all belong , As he surmiz'd , to Peters Government , And so to him by reason consequent , Excepting onely the Sclavonian Rout And Polanders , whom he of Grace left out ▪ Thus hath Romes Lord the Devils Doctrine broacht , And falsely on the New-mans Right encroacht . Where was Christs Church the while ? gone from that Elsewhere ( perhaps a Thousand Yeares ) to chime , That so Rome being for her unthankfulnesse Cut off , the Gospels Sound might Others blesse . But while this Eighth Centurian Age did last , Some Wits barr'd Sinne from spreading too too fast . OF these I praise good Bertrams Unity And Haymons Cares , because the verity Of our late Doubts about the Sacrament Of the Lords Feast they quote , and what is meant By that Divine and Mystick Ordinance , Which Carnall Clerkes by Transubstantiate Trance Broacht to confound our Weaklings Apprehension For his true Bodies Forme , Site , and Dimension : Ae●●gera then gloss'd the Sacrament 〈◊〉 them , from which our Moderne Popes dissent . So learned Raban did , and Isidore , Who held those Points , which Bertram held before . NO Clarks then cloy'd Christs Flock with heavy Mast But drest his Feast fit for the New-mans tast : They Christ Receiv'd by Intellectuall Trance , And upwards taught by Faith Soules to advance . They taught their Flocke the Old Man to deface , And to embrace the Holy Spirits Grace : The Chaine 'twixt Christ and us incorporate , Christs Flesh and Bloud with Ours Regenerate : The Sacrament not taken in One kinde . ( Who would bar Wine from Guests but men unkind ) The Reall Forme whereof unspeakable If I describe , the Saints will say I babble , For Carnall Reason knowes not to define , How Christ descends at our Great Feast Divine . Upon our Faith the Holy Ghost alights , And He with Christ our rapt-up Soules unites , Makes us in Minde and Body Sympathize With Christ his Humane Nature Mystick-wise , BUt then before this Century expir'd , The Romish Church two Monstruous Meteours fn'd , And by their Dampe gave warning to those Times , That Vengeance was at hand , unlesse betimes They would New Babel shun with her false charmes , And damned Plots po●tencing after-harmes . The One fell out when the Whore Moguntine In a Mans habit plaid the false Divine , So blear'd the Romaines Eyes , that they for Pope Elected her , to shew how they did grope , And stumble in re-building Babels Walls , Which they should let , lest they become her Thralls . A reall Signe , that Rome then turned Whore With Carnall soil'd , with Ghostly Traffick more . THe Other Prodigy Pope Sergius spred , When he the Corps of Pope Formosus dead Dig'd from his Grave , beheaded him with shame , And into Tybers Streame then flung the same . How well Romes Head deserves the Name by John Fore-told of Old : The Whore of Babylon ? BY these two Flaming Brands and Papall Jarres , Good Watch-men may dissever Fiends from Starres , And by the Fruit proud Antichrist discerne , If foggy Mists impeacht them not to learne . His Empires wound which long since Goths had made By Constantines Remove , had for his Trade Of Soules beene soone recur'd , yea , Antichrist Been sooner knowne : But God that Cloudy Mist Permitted by degrees the West to blinde , Which grew of wild degenerated kinde , Untill Romes Cup of Fornications full Were mounted to the height the World to gull , That so his Word fulfill'd , her fearefull Fall Amaze them more , who her a Queen install . While she deferres her Coron●tion Day , The Next farre duller Age prepares her way , To climbe above all Christian States and Kings , And to invert for Gold Gods sacred things . Marke , Reader , but with Feare ; and Glory not In that Old Churches Fall , lest that thy Lot For thy proud Peacocks vaunt of thine Owne Worth , May hap , like her , from Grace to be cast forth . While thus the Popes their Monarchy contrive , Within the Yeare Eight Hundred Ninety Five : In imitation of brave Charlemaine , Who founded Schooles poore Students to maintaine , And likewise of the Saxon Sigebert , Who rear'd the like in Cambridge to convert Two Ages past rude Wits from Ignorance : King Alfred built for Schollers Maintenance An Academe , or Universitie At Oxford , which with Men of Pietie , Men skilfull in the Tongues and Arts he stor'd , Such as could well expound Gods Sacred Word , Whereof himselfe a present Patterne was , And might be stil'd true Vertues Looking-glass● ; Ev'n as our Iames was Learnings Oracle , Styl'd Faiths Defender , Brittaines Miracle ; For as the One clad Part of Davids H●mnes In Saxon Garbe , wrote Bookes , and Carechismes : So did Our King of Famous Memory New-clothe those Psalmes in Verse , and Popery Convince with sundry Bookes , and Babylon , For which Our Age inscribes him Salomon . IN Turne of Time , as Faith did ebbe and flow , Or as the Moone eclips'd , or Winds did blow , Religion wav'd , sprung up another Fry , Which grounding Faith on vaine Imagery , And their owne Merits puffe , for Penance sake , Or with Great Rome to part Vaine-glories stake , Took up Good Alfreds Taske , to build more Roomes In the Oxonian Towne , upon whose Tombes Faire Violets and Roses sithence grew , Because they living strove Arts to renew . This moved Wainflet , Wickam , Chiches●ey , And Others with more Fabrickes to supply That Nursery ; Some brought in Wood , some Clay , Some Stone , aswell the Clergy as the Lay. Hence as from Sinons Horse Minervaes Knights Came forth , well skill'd in Fences and in Fights . Hence as from Saplings shot up Goodly Trees , Hence as from Hives came up Industrious Bees , Whereof some did the Conscience edifie , The Common-wealth some Others beautifie . Hence Wickli●se rose , Bale , and laborious Foxe , Who holp to build Our Temple Orthodoxe , Though not in Zeale to match the Primitive , thrive , Yet by such Good Mens Cares through Grace wee By Martyrs Acts fetcht from Old Registers To stop the Mouthes of false Interpreters , As by those Wits nurst up with Food Divine On Oxfords Paps , which now in London shine , And likewise by a Thousand Other Starres , Whose Radiant Rayes excell the Sunny Carres , At whose rare Gifts and Voyce our Brittains wonder , When they strike Sinne , like to the Sonnes of Thunder .

THE OCCVRRENCES OF THE TENTH AGE , From the yeere of our Lord 900. untill the yeere 1000. At which Time raigned Emperour Otho the Third , whom the Almaines call the Worlds Wonder . About which Time King Et heldred Raigned in England . The Argument .

The Dulnesse of this Age. The Pope Supreme

In Rule unto the Latine Tongue binds them

Who are his Th●alles . Yet to the Truth some stand

Most firme . Th' Electours now grace Teutons Land .

O Who can count the Churches dolefull Teare● , Her Woes , Her Fits , and Manifolded Feare● By Sarace●s , the Popes , and Heat●nish Bands , Who forraged , and rackt all Christian Lands ? No sooner had Victorious Charlemaine Parted with Popes the Scepter Soveraigne , Adding unto the Keyes a Diademe , But Rome grew proud of that brave State Supreme , Although as then it was a single Crownc , And not , as since , like Gerions , Triple growne ; So seem'd to have her former wound heal'd up , Which Caesars gave by their Remove ; her Cup O're-flow'd , her Mac● renewe'd , which Gorhes had rent . She frolicks now , forgets her Banishment ; She hopes , that the like Blow shall never light Upon her Limbs , nor work her more despight . She stands secure , and builds up Babels Walls , And by New Kings , her Tributary Thralls , Whom she hath train'd with Fetches into serve Her Turne , and as their God , her to observe , She stores her Palace with the price of Bloud , With Sinnefull Spoiles vail'd with an Angels Hood . While thus she vaunts of Carnall Dignities , And slights the Serpent , which concealed lies , Religion goes to wrack : and few there be , Which will , or dare the Gospels Splendour see . Dumbe are her Priests , and mu●fled are the Flock ; Both Honour Stocks more then the Living Rocke . Instead of Scriptures now , Traditions strange , The Divels Huskes , disperst . Lord ! how those range ! Which th●ugh but light at first in Wise mens Eyes , None fannes them , lest they might disgrace the Keyes Usurping Lord , who , whilst he grac'd those Toyes , Stopt Strangers murmure at the Latine Noise . O Tyranny , worse than Our Norman Kings ! Such was Great Henries Spleen , and such his stings Towards the Welsh or Brittish Nation bent , Because they had by their Troupes Ambushment Neere Snowdon Hills defeated in their Woods And Straights his Forces , in his angry Moods He meant , if hesped in a Victours way Old Cambers Tone quite to exile away , And force the Vanquisht from their Native Tongue To learne the English Tone . But of this wrong Consulting with an Hermite , when he heard How hard that Plot would prove , he seem'd afear'd : That though their Persons he might subjugate , Yet he could not that Tongue obliterate , Which was so Ancient , but it should endure Till Doomesday came , the Pure from the Impure To separate , and that this Sound among The Chiefe should vent Allelujaes Song . MUch then hath Rome to answer for this wrong , And they have Cause to waile , who were so long Barr'd from Soules-Comfort in the Mother-Tongue By Rapsodies unknowne , or Parrats Song . Before this Ninth Centurian Age began , Although the Head turn'd giddy , the New-man Forsooke not to reclaime the Chiefest Parts Of the Church-Body from the Serpents Arts. In all the Course of the Church-Pilgrimage , From the Apostles Time untill this Age , I apprehend no Pleas in that long Tract Of Time , nor reall Motives to substract , ( Some Schismaticques excepted , and some Few , Who seiz'd on Rights to their Creator due ) From her Essentiall Worth , and Purity● But that Romes Church leagu'd in Integrity With Cyprian , Ambrose , Ierome , Augustine , For the Resolve of Mysteries Divine ; And that with those , whom I have named last , We hold True Faith in spight of Babels Blast , The Faith , which they did Catholicke professe ; Yea , and the very same untowardnesse Of Factious Spirits , which they scorn'd , we scorne , Hating to see our Masters Rayment torne . DId any Farnous Writers from Christs Age ? Or in Eight Hundred Yeares since Christ engage Their Auditors to credit those lewd Points , Which with lewd threats Trents Councel late appoints Did either Popes , or Councels then ordaine From Wedlock Bonds the Clergy to refraine ? Did they compell their Flockes Gods Word to heare In a strange Tongue , as if they sencelesse were ? Did they without their Troupe Communicate ? Or let them without Wine participate The Holy Bread alone ? with curst intent So maiming halfe our Christian Sacrament ? Did they kneele downe to Images or Shrines ? Or offer Bribing Gifts ? Or pay them Fines ? Did they believe the Pope dispenc'd with Oathes ? Or could dispose of Realmes to Franks or Gothes ? Did Popes within sev'n Hundred Yeares exempt States from their Kings , or Kings hold in contempt ? Did they beleeve that Popes could Pardons sell ? And ransome Soules from Purgings Flames of Hell ? Or do the Greeks , the East , or Abissine Hold to this day , like Rome , their Rites Divine ? But rather joyne with us in most of these ▪ Holding her Sick of Schismaticques Disease ? Did they before the Councell Popes preferre ? As though , like Other Men , they could not erre ? No Romainist , although he loves the Pope , Unlesse he rackes too much , will prove I hope , That any Doctours broacht that Dostrine out Untill the Sunne the Ninth Age brought about ; Or till indeed long after by degrees Popes thundring Spells forc'd Monarques on their knees Against Christs Rule , who never grud●'d to pay Caesarean Toll , nor Pilate did gaine-say . And if they should by Romes Type patronize Those Errours , which the True Church doth despise , Let them looke backe upon the Word Divine , And see if there they can such Points define ; Or if before , or after Constantine , Till this Tenth Age from Purenesse did decline , They apprehend that Saints did Sympathize With those grosse dreams , which now they dearly prize . ONely some Shrines in Austins Time began To be in some request , by their Old Man Devis'd to soile the New , but not , as since , That they might from Gods Adoration flinch , With an All Haile to the Triumphall Wood , To Martyrs Ashes , or Saint Benets Hood . Though in our West Some us'd thus to comply , The East remembred yet Saint Anthony , Who at his Lives last gaspe , Sinne to prevent , Requir'd his Friends , that not with Monument They would enclose his Corps , but secretly Conceale the same , lest men might foolishly It Idolize in Zeale to doe him grace , Which would redound at last to their disgrace . To Iohn the Twelfe now Caesar Homage swore , And that the Mid-time of this Age did gore . OF all the Ages since the Word made Flesh First rose on Earth none for the Church had lesse Of Learnings Light then this Tenth Century , Dull'd through the Damps of Hells great Mystery . Full Fourescore yeares os Ignorance prevail'd , That Knowledge seem'd extinct , the Gospel fail'd . Who could repeat the Pater-Noster , Creed , And Ave Maries oft , though with small heed , Or gloss'd on Shrines , or mumbled Latine Masse , In Schooles he did for a good Graduate passe . But if he made Monastick Legends knowne , A Doctours Cap became his shaven Crowne . Whether this chanc'd by Romes deep Policie , That none might dive to her Supremacie , Which she had newly Crown'd , or that the Warres , Anxiety embroyling Soules with Cares Prevented Learnings Growth , we find small Signes In that tempestuous Time of Vertuous Lines , Or Monuments to move Posterity Not to accuse them of Impiety . Such was the Blindnesse of this darkned Age , That none scarce acted on the Muses Stage Parts to be seene of Gotams Auditours ; So busie were Old Fooles in building Towres And strong Monastick Cells , where they found Peace , Or to defend their Reliques from the Prease Of Souldiers stormes , which from the North did fall , Norwegians , Danes , and Pirates robbing all . Onely some Foppish Tales they left behinde , Thereby to cheat , not edifie the Minde : What Miracles were wrought in such a Place , Which they conceiv'd their Monkish Haunt to grace , How Dunstan hookt , catcht Satan by the Nose , With many moe absurder Lyes then those ; Like Oberons imagin'd Fairy Dance , Or Arthurs Knights , or the Twelve Peeres of France ; How Patrick kill●d Five Hundred Yeares before Thousands of Irish Kernes by Charmed Lore ; How David did a mighty Mountaine move , And by his Word the Massy Earth remove . With such Fond Tales they gull'd the Multitude , That 't is no marvell we account them rude . YEt o're his Church the Spirit vigilant Neglected not their Dreames extravagant To interrupt , by raising up the Wit Of Aelfrick to reforme their raving Fit , Which worke perhaps not usefull for that Age , But for our Doubts we doe conceive them sage , I meane for Christ his Body in suspence With Some , which till this Age in Ghostly Sence , I dare be bold to say , Saints ever tooke , Not Carnall-wise , but by the New-mans Booke . This Reverend Clerk in ancient Saxon Style Describes what Blots the Sacrament defile , And proves the Sence and Manner of the Feast To suit with None , but with the Spirits Guest . From the tenth Chapter of the Corinths First He thus compares : The Israelites a thirst Dranke of Christs Rock with a Spirituall Tast , And on his Flesh , though Clouded , brake their Fast. As our New-man , or zealous Catechist Admires Christs Body in the Eucharist : So they prais'd God for Manna and Rock-water , Types of the Churches Twinnes , how he begat her . OUt of the Forrest of this Century , Excepting , Rudenesse , Broiles , and Butchery , I apprehend no memorable Course To beautifie my Lines ; But worse and worse All things decline . This onely I conclude Imperiall Otho to extinguish Fiend , And mortall Jarres for Chusing Emperours On Sev'n conferr'd the first Elective Pow'res , Eternizing the Period of this Sceane , Whose Former Acts we count Rude and obsceane . This Otho by Pope Gregories Assent Did to assure the Almaines Government , And to content the Rhines Count Palatine , Because he next of Charlemaine his Ligne Deserv'd that Honour , which his Race hath held , Till Force of late the Golden Bull expell'd . For this brave Act the Authour got the Praise , To be enstil'd the Wonder of those Dayes , As they , who do that Order violate , Shall be proclaim'd Usurpers of the State . FOr an Appendix to my Register , I must not over-passe Pope Sylvester , Who by Hell-Charmes , Spells , Negromantick Lies , And Magick Arts defam'd the Papall Keyes , Preparing roome by that Catastrophe To the Next Age tost with a Sinnefull Sea .

THE OCCVRRENCES OF THE ELEVENTH AGE , From the Yeare of our Lord 1000. untill the Yeare 1100. About which time Godfrey of Lorraine became King of Ierusalem , and Henry the First Raigned King of England . The Argument . Hells Highest sleights a Thousand Yeares restrain'd , Breake out , when Priests the Searlet Hat had gain'd . The Clergy barr'd of Wives . The Masses Cake Turnes Flesh. The Holy Land now Christians take . NOw to glance on the Churches Darken'd wane , Who can deny but Rome became profane ? When Satan was let loose a Thousand Yeares After St. Iohns Prediction , as appeares Even till these Times with Curses , Fire , and Sword , And secret Slights to martyrize Gods Word ? Both Sun and Moone stood then eclips'd of Light , And Starre-like Men from Grace declined quite . The Heav'ns were mov'd , Strange Meteors scar'd the East , But Earth-quakes most appall'd the troubled West . Mens Consciences o're-clouded were with Mists , When Satan rang'd from his Confined Lists , With leave to prey upon those Romanists , Who had forsooke Christs Word for Antichrists , In giving heed unto Erroneous Spirits , Cashiering Marriage , and their Saviours Merits : Yoaking their Flockes , not of Necessity , But to subvert true Christian Liberty , ( I meane the Spirits Freedome , and Gods Word , Not that which Fooles do to the Flesh afford ) By Pilgrimage to Saints , Idolatry , With wonders wrought by Fiends their Faith to try , By Lies and Dreames bred in Scholastick Braine For Belly-work , Ambitious Ends , or Gaine : With Carnall Sence advancing Superstitions , And spotting Faith with needlesse Mens Traditions . With such Flim-Flams , since Satan was let loose , And since Romes Clergy Christ his Rivall chose , Were there False Church possest ; and to this day Some goe in those strange Labyrinths astray , Not willing to be won ; nor to decide By Scriptures Light the Quarrells of their Side . ABout this Time the Cardinalls arose Unto their Sway , till then a Secret Close , For though the Name were knowne of Cardinalls , Yet were they rankt but Deacons , Principalls , Or Parsons of Romes Parishes to serve The severall Cures , not Prelates to conserve The Papacies Resplendent Majesty , As since they grew by Satans Subtilty . On each of these his Holinesse conferres A Scarlet Hat , to Higher Place preferres , And amplifies with Bishopricks their State , Whereby they might live eminent , from Hate And Envy safe , the better to support Their Princely Pompe , and his Magnifique Port. At their Install he so much scarlet shares To cloth their Mules , that by those Scarlet Wares Saints may divine where Babels Whore abides , Which on a Beast of scarlet Colour rides . THese Men shut up within the Conclave close , And having by most Suff●ages him chose , Who stands for Pope , they then his usuall weare Pluck off , and in their stead bring glorious Geare : A Scarlet suit , Red stockings , and Red shooes , On which , because he claimes that he can loose Or bind mens Sinnes , a Golden Crosse they place , That some might kisse the same whom he would grace A Girdle red then they about him clap With Buckles all of Gold , and a Red Cap Present to him with Band of Gold and Pearle , Wrought and engirt fit for a King or Earle . Thus trimm'd , they put him on a Scarlet Cloak ; And to puffe up him more with Glories Smoak , Upon his Head the Triple Crowne they set With Carbuncles and Diamonds beset . At last they mount him , though a mortall Clod , And on an Altar Throne him , like a God , The Holy Place , where their Masse-God remaines : There none of them to kisse his Foot disdaines . His Chaplaines now turne Politick Divines , More prone to spoile then prop up Sions Vines . THus every Age hath added Royalties , Since first the Pope affected Soveraignties In Ghostly things above his Ghostly Mates , To scandalize the Church . This animates The Turks and Moores to counterpoize his Crowne With the like Tares by their Arabian sowne . For when they saw Religion mixt with Theames Of Humane stampe , they forged idler Dreames , That by such Carnall Baites their Sect like those Of Christian Name , might with such Wordlings glo●e As loved Pompe , and by their Muffry hope The like Soule-blisse as Christians from the Pope , Whereby both Sects make up the Antichrist , Turkes openly , Popes sl●ly crossing Christ . The Former rav'd , and quickly were reveal'd , The Latter grew by stealth , so lay conceal'd In Mystick sort from Carnall Drowzie Braines , Because Gods Word was hid , none took the Paines , Or durst indeed proclaime with open Lippes The Pope Christs Foe , or by th' Apocalipse Depaint him out in Coulours , least that Hire , Which Saints reapt since , they should have felt by Fire . BUt who would once suspect within the Church A Grave Divine to live so by the lurch , As to deprave the Holy Spirits Gifts ? And in a Saint-like shape with Satans shifts , Wherewith he tempted in the Desart Christ , To take the place of a Monarchique Priest ? And by the Keyes pretence for Gold to sell Mens Soules ? and to dispose of Realmes , aswell As to encroach upon the Churches Ark , That None should preach of Christ without his Mark ? Not onely in the Westerne Enpery , But o're the World he claimed Soveraignety ; And not alone he claim'd this Massy Round , But Other Worlds , and the Abisse profound , To order there , like Heathens Rhadamant , Soules Torment due for Deedes extravagant . How on the Psalmists Clause have School-men gloss●d ? Thou hast all things under his Feet dispos'd ? As Cattell Living men , as Fish pain'd Soules , As Aiery Foule High Saints the Pope controules . AMong the rest of Antichristian Blots , I may not overpasse Romes damned Plots About th' inhibiting of Nuptiall Rites Unto the Clergies Ranke by Romish Kites ; That Divellish Doctrine of the Latter Dayes By Paul fore-warn'd now Babels Strumpet waighes In a false Ballance by Hells Oracle , Slighting the Type of Cana●s Miracle ; And , as from Christ by Revelations New Authentick firm'd , she doth the same renew , Although that Plea Three Hundred Yeares before , Had ordred been against the Remaine Whore By the Sixth Councell in Bizantium held , And by th' Apostles Canons there upheld : That Deacons , Priests , or Clergy-men might marry , And if they should from this Position vary , The Priest not with his Wife cohabiting , They censur'd him with Deprivations sting ; And if he should his Wife repudiate , They then judg'd him for Excommunicate . But notwithstanding all the Councells Three At Gangren , Nice , and This , they would decree Suborn'd by peevish Monks to lay that Yoak , Which they in Younger Yeares could hardly brook . For quenching of this Sodomiticque Flame , We finde two Workes under Volusians Name , To prove the Weaknesse of that Canons worth , By Ausburgs Bishop Hulderick set forth . Pope Nicholas the Second of that Name By this and other Acts quite out of frame Set Romes weake Church . Ev'n he by Hildebrands Lewd Counsel scorcht the Church with burning Brāds And coram nobis brought good Berengare , That Babels Masse might prove as Market Ware . ABout that Time Rome fram'd a God of Bread Turn'd into Flesh , like Him , whom she had read In Genesis Created of Red Earth , Unto which Wight she Motion gave and Birth . To this New God with supercilious Brow She strictly charg'd her Subjects all to bow . Her Courtiers , and the Multitude confus'd Obey'd the Charge , but Gods Elect refus'd . Good Men refus'd , and Berengarius sought With Monkes support and Prelates underwrought , To contradict the Transubstantiate Masse , Or not to leave it unreformed passe . But Factious Wits with Worldly Policie , Tooke that to clinch and pinch Romes Primacie . Yet this Good Soule , though since for feare of death Enforced to recant , consum'd his Breath With Reasons sound , and Arguments profound , Till Tyranny his Patience did confound , In opposition to their Sacrament , Which derogates from the Man Christs Ascent ; And left behind what Hell can never blot , The Sence of that , which seemes to Some a knot . Nor wanted he Applauses in that Age Of Abbots , Monkes , and Prelates wise and sage ; And Hildebert a Norman Bishop wrot His praise at large , which Time shall never rot . T Is strange to me how Faction then prevail'd , That they had not in Disputations quail'd , Ashamed of their Ghostly Mans relapse , Having been nurst upon the Churches Paps , As they suppos'd , and of the Spirit borne , Yet they the Sence did Intellectuall scorne Of that Blest Food , which Christ himselfe fed on Before his Death , and gave thereof Construction Spirituall plaine , as all the Fathers did , That Saints might finde with ease the Treasure hid . But what they spake by Oratories Trope Rome wrested since her Masse to underprop . Sometimes the Fathers by Syne●doche , By Metonymy , or Hyperbole Spake to advance the Sacred Mystery , Thereby to print in ravisht Memory Soules healthfull Cure 'gainst Passions Insurrection Typ'd by Our Saviours Crosse and Resurrection . TOwards this Ages End Pope Hildebrand Attempted by maine Force and armed Hand , To wrest from Caesars Gift the Papacies Elections Grant , and Paramounting Sway , Which Popes receiv'd from them untill that Day . At least they tooke their Confirmations Wea le Not sure without the High Imperiall Seale , And so did other Bishops in his Land , Assume their Worldly States from Caesars Hand . But now the Pope by Romes New Cardinalls More pow'refull growne into his Party calls Aswell the Lay , as Clergy-men to ayde Him in his Warres , which Caesar sore dismay'd ; For by his Bulls he gave his Realmes away , And blockt from him and his the Heavens way . Thus he that tooke himselfe to be the Head Of Christ his Flocke claim'd Rule unlimited Aboue all Kings , and Earthly Potentates , And by the Keyes would alter worldly States . The Emperour accurst , he sends a Crowne To Rodolfe with this Posie written downe : The Rock to Peter gave the Rule Supreme , And he to Rodolfe gives the Diademe . Upon this Warrant of his Ghostly Sire Against his Lord proud Rodolfe did conspire . The Members rav'd , and turn'd irregulare , As if they felt the Cramp or Riding Mare . Then , Thousands rag'd with Frenzies Calentures , Till Thousands let them Bloud , or tooke their Cures . This Quarrell made all Germany to quake ; With Rodolfe Some , with Henry more partake . The Crosse and Eagle rear'd for Bloudy Signes , Yet Caesar foil'd Saint Peters false Assignes ; And Rodolfe in the last great Battell fought , Lost his Right Hand , which to him dying brought He shew'd it to the Bishops standing by , Lo , here the Guerdon of disloyalty , That Hand , quoth he , which did to Caesar vow , I lost by your Advise . Behold it now . But notwithstanding all these cruell Broiles , Proud Hildebrand , late Gregoriz'd , embroiles Himselfe againe , will hazard Soule and Body , But he will prove the Emperour a Noddy , His Soveraigne Selfe comparing to the Sun , And Caesars Person to his Vassall Moone . So long he play'd , till Caesar sacked Rome , Doom'd him , and set another in his roome : As Others his Successours Herods Sword Drew out so oft crosse to their Masters Word , That now of late Popes odious in their place , Twice Burbon did and Alva Rome deface . ABout this time our Rufus to enlarge New Forrest , there to have a Chase more large , Pull'd many Churches downe . But while he plies The Game , into his Heart an Arrow flies . ER● I proceed to the Next Ages Stemme , I must reflect upon Ierusalem . Our Westernes now by Romes Croisadoes spurr'd Made a brave League ; and like good Brethren stirrd With Christian Zeale , they having Antioch won To Salem went , and took that Famous Towne , Mauger the Forces of the Saracens , Erected there the Crosse for Christian Mens Encouragement then living in those dayes , Wherewith the sight they might , as Star-like Rayes , Behold a glimpse of some Pathetick Love Home-frozen there renew'd , of force to move Compunction in their hearts on Calvaries And Olivets survey , a Sacrifice Well pleasing unto Christ , while they with Teares Mus'd on his Griefes , his Bloudy sweat , and Feares , His Passion undergone for their Amisse , His Fathers Wrath for Sinne appeas'd , and Blisse Restor'd to them , and to the Penitent By his Deserts alone and Punishment , Who without help the Bloudy Wine-presse trod , And seal'd for us a New Contract with God . THis Citty by victorious Godfrey gain'd , When all his Host would have him there constrain'd As King to weare a Golden Crowne : Shall I Most Sinnefull Man , quoth he , unworthily Yeeld to be Crown'd with Gold in that same Towne , Where Christ was forc'd to weare a Thorny Crowne ? Farre be that Thought from me , weak Mortall Clod , To slight his Crosse , my Duty unto God . Such Carnall Pomp I utterly contemne : Pitch we our Thoughts on New Ierusalem , Where every Saint the Vassall as the King , Shall Crown'd with Blisse Alleluiaes sing .

The New-mans Complaint in the Name of Our Saviour Christ for the Romaine Churches Apostasie and Adulterate Religion . WHilst in thy Name I vent this just Complaint , Beare with my Song , O Christ , my Soveraigne Saint . But thou , Romes Cause of Sinne , thou Dotards Clod , Pack hence , or humbly waigh the Word of God ; I am Truths Light , yet None from r●aming cease : I am the Prince of Peace , yet None loves Peace : I am the Hill , yet None climbes Sions Mount : I am the Spring , yet None drinks of my Font : I am the Shepheard , yet None heares my Call : I am Gods Priest , yet None heedes me at all . I am Sinnes Death , yet None from Sin will rise : I am Soules Health , yet None me gratifies . I am the Way , yet none will tract my Pace : I am Lifes Vine , yet none aff●ords me Place : I am Faiths Quintessence , yet none partakes me : I am Soules Manna , yet aright none takes me . I am Most true to Man , None true to me : I am Rais'd up , yet None my Forme will see : I am Mans Baile , yet None doth con me Thankes : I am Hells scourge , yet None hates Satans Prankes : I am the Golden Meane , None waighes my Center : I am Heavn's Doore , yet None the doore dares enter . I am Gods Word , yet None will heare his Word : I am their Iudge , yet None regards the sword : I am Heavens strength , yet None sticks to my Fame : I am Zeales-Mover , yet None heedes the Flame . I am the Starre of the New-Eastern Morne : I am the New-mans Head , yet None 's new-borne . I am the Thundrer , yet None feares my stroake : I am Free-hearted , yet None beares my yoake . I am the Lambe , None will my Nature take : I am the Sunne , yet None Sinnes Cloudes forsake . I am Truths Rock , yet None will now believe me : I am Mens Hope , yet None will cease to grieve me ; But in these Times with coulour of my Rock , The Dragons seed doth persecute my Flock , And all Romes Clergy now doe listen more Unto the Popes Decrees then to my Lore . No wonder with Hells Plague that Soules are stung , When such foule Mists rise from the Monsters Dung . O wretched Man ! whom neither Christ his Path , Nor Gospel moves , nor yet his Threatning Wrath ! [ Nemo ] Yet if the Romaine None thou backward spell , [ Omen ] I may to thee a Converts LUCK fore-tell , Thou soone shalt chase our Aiery Foes to Hell , If thou by Faith seekst in the Heavens to dwell , And by the Crosse the Old Man to expell . Here lyes our Task : think on it , and Farewell .

The same Complaint reiterated in Latine Measures . DUm novus erumpo vates sub nomine Christi , Da veniam justae , Rex Sacrosancte , Querelae . Sed , Romae Terrene Senex , tu causa malorum , I procul , aut humili pende haec Oracula mente ; Sum Lux , sed Nemo Tenebras Latebrasque relinquit : Sum Rex Pacificus , sed nemo est Pacis amicus . Sum Mons , sed Montem conscendit Nemo Sionis : Sum Fons , sed potat Nemo de Fonte Pere●●i . Sum Pastor , sed Ovilis adest mihi Nemo vocanti : Sum Mystes , sed Nemo tenet mea Mystica mente . Sum Mors Peccati , Nemo expergiscitur insons : Sum Rediviva Salus , sed Nemo rependit amorem . Sum Via , sed Nemo sequitur vestigia nostra : Sum Vitis vitae , sed Nemo hanc Corde reponit . Sum Liquor , at Nemo me spiritualiter haurit : Sum Panis Coelestis , edit sed Pectore Nemo . Sum Fidus , sed Nemo fidem mihi praestat ad-●●●● Sum Sursum positus , sed me vult Nemo videre . Sum Datus Obses , agit mihi Grates Nemo libe●ter : Sum Satanae Domitor , sed vitat Nemo Gehennam . Sum Modus & Centrū , tamen hac duo Nemo revolvit , Sum Pia Porta Poli , sed Nemo precatur , ut int●et . Sum Praeco , sed Nemo sacris accommodat aures : Sum Judex , sed Nemo fugit modò vindicis Ensem . Sum Coeli virtus , sed adhaeret Nemo vigori : Sum Zeli Motor , sed flammis Nemo movetur . Sum Matutinum Sidus , vates que Diei : Sum Restaurator Populi , sed Nemo renat●● . Sum , Deus Altitonans , melior sed Nemo fit●ictu . Sum Mitis , sed molle jugum fert Nemo modernus . Sum Patiens Agnus , sed me vult Nemo Patronum . Sum Sol exoriens , sed nubila Nemo retractat : Sum Rupes Fidei , sed Nemo sideliter orat . Sum Spes sola hominum , sed Nemo lacessere probris Meque meumque Gregem Petrae sub imagine cessat . Sic hodie Semen solet insanire Draconis , Ut Papae Decreta magis quam Dogmata nostra , Iura Hominum non Iussa Dei bibit aure Sacerdes . Nec mirum ; Nubes ortae de stercore Monstri Inficiunt animas : Ecclesia pestc laborat ; O vetule infoelix ! qui Christi Calle , nec Aris , Nec sacris Monitis , nec moveare Minis ! Sin nomen NEMO supplex inverteris , OMEN Destinat , & Christo sic Anagramma placet . Aëreos Hostes cit● profligabis in Orcum , Si modo rimaris Caelica Claustra Fide , Proditor ille Senex tunc evanescet in Auras , Succumbit Christi cum tu● Massa Cruci . Hoc Opus , hic labor est ; Perlege , pende , Vale.

THE OCCVRRENCES OF THE TWELFTH AGE , From the yeere of our Lord 1100. untill the yeere 1200. At which Time King John raigned here in England , who to be absolved of the Popes Excommunications made himselfe Tributary to His Holinesse . The Argument . The Councell Lateran confirmes the Masse . The Canon Lawes for Romes maine Profit passe . The Pope mounts up on Caesars humbled Back . Schoole-men new use . And Salem goes to wrack . THose whom Rome styl'd the Berengarian Sect , Because her Masse they ventur'd to correct , Were censur'd at the Councell Lateran , As at l'ercelli the like Act prophane Against them past that Politician Wh●re , For her Trades sake , in the last Age before . And here likewise such Labours went to Pot , As Joachim a Latian Abbot wrot , To prove : the Man of Sinne , the Antichrist , And Babels Whore jumpt with the Romaine Priest , O Valiant man ! who for this Mystick Point On Truths behalfe adventur'd his best Joint ! NO better sorts the Churches Pilgrimage In this obscure Eclipse , and Carnall Age : Popes struggling still for Worldly Dignity With Emperours , and for Priority . Amidst these Broyles , although Eugenius storme , Yet Bernard dar'd his Popedome to enforme , How he in striving Both the Swords to hold , Might lose them Both for his encroachment bold . ANd sure if Popes had not on Princes play'd , Nor warr'd with Worldly States , but onely Pray'd , And sought the Health of Soules by Lenity , They might have raign'd in long Prosperity , And by their Doctrine linkt with Holy Life Drawn wrangling States from Faction , Bloud & strife . Whereas for Peace they rather Quarrels spun , Not caring by what sleights they Places won . So that some call him Pope a Yeare or two , And that great Kings or Dukes doe kisse his shooe , Old Adrian wreakes not how he came to mount , Nor by what Meanes , so he his Peeres surmount . And yet this Fate with a repenting Breath This Pope perplext lamented at his Death , And said , that he , who got the Papacy By Murther , trac'd the Steps and Policie Of Romulus , who slue his Brother Rheme , Alone to weare Romes New-found Diademe . When that Eleven Hundred Yeares and Ten Had wheel'd from Christ his Birth , a Bishop then Of Florence preacht , that the Proud Man of Sinne , The Antichrist , who long conceal'd had been , Was surely come , and in Gods Temple sate , Pretending Right to sway the Christian State . The Mystick Let of Caesars Glorious Traine , Which made him hide his head , and did restraine His haughty Thoughts and Plots unlimited , Was thrust away , and neere extinguished By the Popes Tumults , Threats , and Stratagemes , Subjecting Bodies , Soules , and Diademes . Priests Ghostly Charge into an Earthly chang'd : The Spirits Gifts Simoniously exchang'd : The Words Eclipse : Idolatries encrease And Sodomies : with want of Christian Peace : These Hellish Crimes , or Deedes irregulare , Demonstrate , who the Churches Foe-men are . When Pope Paschalis Second of that Name Had heard diuulg'd his Hierarchies shame , Most Politick to stop the Bruit at first Of such New Sparkes , by his Old wayes accurst , He sent his Briefes at Florence to appoint A Councell there to right things out of joint , As he surmiz'd , where Coram nobis brought The Bishop there was forc'd to be new taught , With Babels Glosse to palliate what he knew , The Cole-black for Snow white , the False for True , And so to leave the Pope in Peters Chaire Chaffring for Soules , till Saints disturbe the Faire . BUt in the midst of all these brandling Cares , Which rackt the Church , succeeded other Snares , Soules to subject unto the Vultures Clawes , Renewd with Glosse Voluminous of Lawes By Azoes , Gratians , and Accursius Paines , That so Mens Wits by such divertive Traines , In hope of Worldly Fees to●ld might not pry Into Sinnes deep concealed Mystery , But nimbly helpe to execute the Bulls And Briefes , wherewith his Thralls the Tyrant gulls , Emptying their store , sacking their Substance dry , That he might joy at Clients Misery . And though the One the Elder Sister were , The Younger yet and Canon Law did beare The primest Sway , and Kings durst not gainesay But must appeare at Rome on a set day . For when the Pope enthrall'd the Emperour , Romes Keyes then Caesars Lawes did over-towre . TO fortifie the Canons glozing Glosse , About that Time Our Schoole-men then arose , Quaint Wits , who spun Divinity anew , And by Distinctions would the Gospel mew . Such Knots and Wiles did Curious Wits compose , That they to Rome might all the World transpose , And so heale up , and cloze the grievous Scarres , Which she sustain'd deservedly for Jarres . And for her Breach of Faith at Christ his Spring Vow'd , that to him she 'gainst the World would cling . But in the next Ensuing Age shall rise Bald Friers Sects to help Baals Sacrifice . To temper , or to stint these Busie Braines , There shall start up Men of unwearied Paines , Who seeme to raise Devotion at a pinch : 'Mong which I ranke Poore Francis Sainted since , Who innocent in Life , by Poverty Would faine restore the Old Integrity , To imitate , as much as in him lay , The Ancient Monks , or the Essences way , Or rather Benets Rules ; but afterward The Dragon brib'd his Mates to be his Guard ; His Sect soone stray'd , and his Fraternity With Merits boast corrupted Purity , Pestring the Church and Christian Common-weale , With Dreames adverse unto the Founders Zeale . OUt of their Dung did other Orders grow , Austere in Life , of Sanctimonious show , Pretending Holinesse in Outward Sight , But inwardly in Melancholick plight , Now spending Dayes and Nights neere in dispaire , Anon blowne up , like Bladders in the Aire , With Meritorious Wind , Pelagian Worth , And Humane Workes they set their Doctrine forth , They lash'd their Flesh to keep the Old man downe , And , like that Sect from craz'd Montanus flowne , They stupifi'd through Fasts their Brawny Sides In hope of Grace , and Worldly Fame besides . Meane while the Bloud of Christ they frustrate made , And by such blasted Buds Faiths Tree did fade . Yet by their Deedes , and seeming Sacrifice The Scarlet Whore thought to redeeme her vice ; And that their Workes of Supererogation Suffis'd at least to win a Prorogation Of Vengeance due for her high Pamperd Pride , If not to purge what Christ had left untri'd : Like those who bought , to ransome Iudas Sinne , Blouds Hire , a Field to bury Strangers in . O What a Rabble doth my Muse descry Of Croakers from the Dragons mouth to slye Within the space of the Next Ages Rowle ! All bent the Praise of Babel to enrowle ! The Domini●ks , Cartbusians , Augustines , The Carmelites , Capouchins , Iacobines , Besides the Order of the Ierome Crowd , To whom of late Castiles great Monarch vow'd His Marbled Palace of th' Escuriall Mount , Whose Structure cost him many Millions Count. These Orders , though of despicable Forme , In Beggers Rags , yet holp they to reforme Some things amisse at their first shooting up , Or else the Wh●res Abominations Cup Had quickly been by Kings descri'd and spilt ; Her Flock had flinch'd , and soone espi'd her Guilt . But the Conceit of these Mens Sanctity , And manner of their Lives Austerity Gain'd them Repute of Wiss Propheticall , Whose Vowes would shrowd Sinnes ne'r so Capitall . Yea , though a man had both his Parents slaine , Romes Pardons and their Vowes salv'd all againe . THis blindnesse lasted long , till Christ his Spouse Returned from the Desart Soules to rowze From Superstitious sleep , and Ignorance , To brighter Light , and a more Lively Trance . Like Ravens , Frogs , Scritchowles , and Dismall Fowle , Whose Auguries type Weather Faire or Foule , So did those Flying Spirits of that Age Seale up Dark Minds a Prey for Satans rage , And on th' Elect betoken Calmer Gales To blow , when tir'd with Old fanatique Tales , They should in Time to come Gods Spirit see , The Martyrs slaine reviv'd , from Sodome free . WHile Canonists , the School-men , and those Swarmes Of Lawyers rose , the Romaine Popes with Armes And Curses still , leaving the Lawes dispute To spurre their League , did Caesars persecute . No Treaties , Wars , nor Spoiles the Popes could tame ' Till One of them of Alexanders Name On Caesars humbled backe got on his Mule , As Foot-stoole to a a Lord of mad Mis-rule , Detracting from Christs Power : Thou shalt tread On Basiliskes , and bruize the Serpents Head . I doe to Peter this , and not to thee , Said Caesar : Both to Peter and to me , Repli'd the Mounted Priest ; for Peters Throne On Earth I hold , and he and I are One . O where was then Romes Boast of Innocence ? Of Catholick Consent , and Penitence ? Their Actions shew what Spirit raignes in them , Who durst assume the Triple Diademe , And manage both the Swords with more disdaine Then Bajazeth complain'd of Tamberlaine . But had not Caesars Sonne in Navall Fight By the Venetians been Captiv'd , such spite He could not have endur'd so patiently , Nor let such wrongs long unrevenged lye . NOw for this Age to winde up Babels height , One Thousand , and one Hundred Eighty Eight , About that Yeare the Machiavellian Pope , To settle surer his Imperious Hope , And to confirme his proud Investiture , Found out a Plot his Rapines to assure , And to employ his Neighbours farre from Rome , Lest they more pry into his Arts at home . By his Croisadoes Charmes Cri'd Sanctifi'd In Christ his Name , but by his Word untri'd , He packt from hence many a Valiant Band , Under pretence to Conquer Iewries Land , And there to build Jerusalem againe , Like Iericho sometime not Curst in vaine , And to regaine it back from Saladine , Who late had won the Land of Palestine . But as no Good flowes from a Tainted Spring . So hence then Losse ensu'd no other thing . CAESAR Romes Curses thinking to compound , Took up the Crosse , and by the way was drown'd . Yet could not so the Fathers Death appease ; The Popes his Sonnes by Curses barre from Peace . And to redeeme their Bloudy Spoiles with Deedes Of Merit , they spread Meritorious Seedes , As that Fond Age then dream'd , they prostitute To Meloch first , and then they institute The Orders of the Begging Friers , so To calme Gods Wrath , which kept such lowd adoe At Rich mens Doores , that Superstition more And more confirm'd Baals Power then before . About this Time my Learned Country-man Archdeacon Girald wrot , by whom I can Disprove out of his Bookes of Pilgrimage Which he set forth of Cambria in that Age , The Wonders of the Well of Winifride ; Which Friers Braines in After-times discri'd , When the Fourth Henry raign'd , that then , ev'n then They coin'd those Tales to gull poore Simple men , To haunt their Cells , and impious Sacrifice Grac'd from the Pope with Novell Liberties , And Leave to build a Chappell or a Fane , As Men were wont for the like use profane ; And as they did in this Fond Age erect Most Stately Shrines to Becket and his Sect. BEcause some Monkes Night Apparitious saw , Which K●aves or Fiends invented there to draw Concourse of Pilgrims , and Oblations store , They built such Shrines , and nois'd their Dreames the more . But Our New-man slights all such Miracles , As derogate from Scriptures Oracles , Not ignorant of the Old Serpents sleight , That he may seeme an Angel of the Light . Because Men loved Lies more then Gods Word , And tri'd them not by the Spirituall Sword , He suffered Satan to pervert their Will , That they believ'd what did the Spirit kill . To let our Blinded Strayes to know their Crimes , Derived from the Course of faultring Times , I warne them to looke back into this Age , And there to waigh what Cunning mixt with Rage Popes practiz'd then by more of Councels store To raise their Crest then in the Times before , How many Councels did the Romish Clerks Assemble in our West for their vaine Quirkes Support ? what Age before hath ever seene Of Councels held One Hundred and Fifteene ? ( For just so many did this Century Produce ) Some to confirme Sinnes Mystery With Attributes of the Divinest Style : That as the Head conspired to enstyle A Wafer Cake a God , so they likewise , As Members would a God him solemnize With Power rais'd above the Caesars farre , Since he could Soules from Purgatory barre . Some Councells leagu'd to send Croisadoes out To Palestine against the Persian Rout. Others were call'd the Married Priests to curbe ; And some were held the Caesars to disturbe , Exempting from their Lawes the Clergies Crew , Though nere so faulty , whence great scandalls grew . Some Councells did against all Kings contest Of Bishops their Investiture to wrest Unto the Popes . And some Pluralities , Of Popes restrain'd and their Enormities . And which seemes most uncharitable , foule , And Schismatick , some Councells did controule , Nay , put to silence the Reformed Flock , Who built their Faith upon the New-mans Rock , I meane , that Flock , which Lions Waldus won From Darknesse to look on the Gospels Sun . Such Acts above One Hundred Councells Tomes Contain'd to please the Popes , like Hecatombs , Within the space of the Twelfe Century ; And all to prop Great Babels Empery .

THE OCCVRRENCES OF THE THIRTEENTH AGE , From the yeere of our Lord 1200. untill the yeere 1300 At which Time King Edward the First raigned here in England . The Argument . The Waldois and Albigians Rome oppose , Caesars with Popes for R●le contesting lose . The Gransire , Sire , and Nephewes feele the Smart . Pope Celestine is gull'd by Waly Art . IN wofull Case remain'd the Church of Christ , Through Bloudy Broiles , that how she could subsist On Earth , while this Age lasted , it might dull A Sparkling Muse , but that I learn'd at full The Cause of her Retire , the Difference Betwixt her Wane , and her Lights excellence , Her Catholick , and her Subordinate Commanion , which false Rome would faine perswade That she alone doth owne without respect Unto her Mat●s , or Betters growne by Grace , Where none can see her Universall Face Save God himselfe . The World is large , our skill At stint : How then know we her Spatious Hill ? The Waldo is and th' Albigians in our West , The A●issines , and Others doe suggest , That they partake her Influence , and her Head , Ev'n Him that shall dispose of Quicke and Dead . Peter and Paul we know . But who are yee , Who Meere the Church of Nembrods proud degree ? POpe Innocent in the last puddled Age By Canons strict , but neither wise nor sage , Our English Clergy now did here so gore , As Hildebrand and Lanfrank did before . That they without more Shifts , Delayes , Dispence , Or hopes to calme Romes Spleen through bribing pēce Must turne away their Plighted Mates to grasse , Or be Accurst , and to refraine from Masse ; A heavy Doome , and not to be recall'd . This made our Clergy winch , when they were gall'd , And causelesly thus curb'd without remorce Of that , which Christ condemned the Divorce . Against this Flash Walter de Mapes wrot Oxfords Archdeacon stout ; he tax'd the Blot And Scandall which the Romaine Church encurr'd . He shew'd the Flames , which her poore Guard endur'd By such unlawfull Acts , those very Flames , Which Popes themselves not without branded Names Could well avoid in their more youthfull Yeares , Nor Cardinalls , nor any of their Peeres , They did enjoyne for tolerable Paine . This moved Mapes in Old Romaine Straine To gird and nip the Popes usurp'd Decree , And to prove Marriage for the Clergy free . But now my Muse more Bloudy Deedes must tell , Which then the Church endur'd from Fiends of Hell . About the Yeare Twelve Hundred Thirty One , The Greek and Latine Church could not attone Their Diff'rence new sprung up for Christian Rites , But a sore Schisme then chanc't , for Romish Kites Would rake ev'n to the bone all Churches else . They would yoake to Romes Soveraignty excelse The Easterne Church , and force investiture Of all their Bishops , and their Ghostly Cure Under the Keyes pretence to Romes proud Mace . But they would not subject , nor so abase Their Pastours Staffe , alleadging Old Decrees Of Synods made for ordring of their Fleece And Liberties in their prefixed Spheare , At Chalcedon , at Nice , and other where : That every Patriarch in their proper Charge , Should onely deale , and their owne Place discharge , Not medling with Anothers stinted Cure , But watching still their owne Flocks to secure , Not striving for high Seates of Prelacie , As Gregory then did for Primacie . To this Effect Bizantiums Patriarch wrot To Gregory the Ninth , that he could not Consent to thrall his Church unto his Will , Which , as a Tyrants Law , might spill or kill . At which Resolve Romes Lofty Prelate frown'd And by his lowing Bulls accursed Sound Anathemated him and all the East , Because they would not bow to his behest , And there withall proclaim'd the Crosse to fight , And to deprive them of Gods Blessings quite . According to his Will false Christians went , And Martyrs did with Cypriots Bloud augment . Before this Rupture both the East and West Till then agreed , on Union fixt their Rest , And though for Clericks Wives , and Masses Rites They varied , yet Romes Popes play'd not the Kites Till then on them , as in our Westerne Spheare , From whence they rak'd much Treasure every yeare ; They Both agreed , acknowledging One Head , One Christ , One Faith , One Iudge of Quick and Dead , One Universall Church , One Bond of Love , And that One Spirit ought them all to move : All Patriarchs linkt in mutuall Amity , Coequalls grac't with Honours Parity . But through this Rent by Babels Whore begun , A Bloudy Flag was for Both Churches spun . THis Schisme 'twixt East & West obscur'd the Crosse And to them both fore-doom'd a two-fold Losse , Of Worldly States to Greece in time to come ; But Losse of Ghostly Gifts to haughty Rome , Together with the Losse of Both the Swords , As Bernard to Eugenius well records ; When she shall see how many Potentates Will flinch from her , and free themselves and States ; When she shall heare One with a Dreadfull Tone Proclaime the Fall of Whor●sh Babylon . WHen Babel saw , that her Croisadoes mist Ierusalem to win againe for Christ , As she , but in Disguise , suggested then , Now she proclaimes them against Christian Men ; The Waldois and Alb gians feele her Spite , For against them she is resolv'd to fight . Some yeeld unto the Fiery Crosse. Some stay , Some stray , recant , and Others fly away With all their Kinne into Calabriaes Soile , Where till of late they liv'd safe from Romes Broile . Nor could that Age , nor yet the Ages since Extirpe their Seed , nor cause their Faith to fl●nch . Yee Darkned Ghosts of those inveagled Times , Who merit well Damnation for your Crimes , Doe what yee can , these New-sprung Waldois shall With their good Mates Albigians you appall , And shall out-last your Cursing Thunder-blasts Till Luther comes and gives you more distasts , At which appointed Time with lowder Crack Your Camerades shall tremble , or fall back From Ralaams League unto a Nobler Head , Whose Spirit them will into Sion lead . WEll neere 300. Yeares the Popes have fought With Emperours and Kings , their downefall sought , Depos'd the Sire , and rais'd a Rebell Sonne Unnaturall the Father to dethrone . They poyson'd some , and Others by degrees They forc'd to cry Peccavi on their knees ; And all for worldly Rule . Nay , Kings durst not Curbe Homi●ides ( such was the Clergies Lo● ) In those Dayes , that if they to Rome appeal'd , They were exempt , and had their Pardons seal'd . While Rebell Be●ket for poore things withstood His King , the Pope his Shield most firmely stood ; And Others of his Ranke hal'd to their Nets , Two English Kings of our Plantagenets . WHen Milan rose against the Emperour , With other Townes , though not to Babels Towre Subject at all , yet did Pope Gregory , Because the Rebels sought his Amity , Accurse the Third Time Caesars Majesty : And though some pleaded then a Nullity , Yet no submission served Frederick , But he stands barr'd from the Church Catholick . About the Yeare Two Hundred Thirty Eight With the one Thousand past , for his owne Right The Emperour was then compell'd to Fight , The while the Pope all Caesars League did smite With Thundring Darts pretended from Saint Paul And from Saint Peter to affright them all . But seeing that such Blasts small terrour strooke , He then proclaim'd the Crosse , and thereby shooke Th' Imperiall League , yet not so fatally , But that his Gibellines stood really , As with the Pope remain'd the Guelphian Side , Which Two did long all Italy divide . HEere ends not all this Centuries Complaint : With farre more dismall Stirres the Pope did taint Those Cloudy Times . The Father dead , he shootes Upon the Sonne his Bolts . It little bootes Him to submit . The Sonne alike must beare His Fathers Curse , and so to Sway forbeare . Conradus dead , he doth for Conradine As much and more , for him he doth confine Not onely from the Empire ; But his Owne Of Naples Realme with the Sicilian Crowne He gives away for Prey to Charles of France , Whose Banners there Pope Clement did advance , And never left ( such was his Chollers Flame To Conradine for his dead Grandsires Fame ) Till he and Austriaes Prince by a sly way Were taken and beheaded in One day ▪ Judge , Readers , now , if Popes liv'd like to Christ , Or whether they resembled Antichrist . SO Sly and Cautious were this Ages States , That None for feare to have with Popes Debates For Seventeene Yeares durst hazard on the Mace Imperiall , but the same lay for that Space Still vacant . For Alphonsus King of Spaine Had flat refus'd the Cumbers to sustaine , Least of an ancient Friend , his Ghostly Sire Become his Foe , and so his Love expire ; He would not leave , he said , Astronomy Which he then studied , for all Germany . Th' Electours then chose Richard Cornewalls Duke , The Romaines King , but he with some rebuke Was since put off , because his Holidome Expected more of Others for that Roome ; And thereupon he Hasburgs Earle enthrones , Since Austriaes Head , with him the Pope attones In Old Lausannaes Towne ; but could not get Him once to Rome , lest that his footing set In that unlucky Place , some Jealous Fit Might nip the Popes rash Braine and crazed Wit , That he from thence should never more returne , But perish there , except he serv'd his turne , As Caesars were before his time to doe Constrain'd , or else his Wrath to undergoe . And to that end the prudent Emperour Rehears'd the Tale , how to the Lions Bowre Who fain'd him sicke , the Fox saw many Beasts To enter in as Complementall Guests , But not the steps of any comming back . And that made him to Rome his Visit slacke . NOw at this Ages Period Celestine The Romish Pope was cheated by a fine And Cunning Sleight , the Popedome to resigne To Boniface , himselfe and to confine Into an Hermites Cell , to end his Dayes With Prayers , Fasts , and such Religious wayes . This by a whispring Cane or hollow Reed He acted , and his wish did so succeed . Thus Boniface began . But as such Plots Thrive seldome , so entangled in those knots , Which he for others warp'd , he waged Warres In Italy . In France he moved Jarres Against the King , with Fulminating Darts Against his Realme , till spite of all his Arts His Holinesse Captiv'd , in Prison fast , For very Griefe then he deceas'd at last , With this Memoriall fixed on his Clog : He came a Fox , Raign'd a Wolfe , di'd a Dog . But to encrease Romes Superstitious store , Before his Death he coin'd one Custome more , The Jubilees great Teare , wherein all such , Who came to Rome , were ●as'd of Sinne and Pouch : Eas'd of Sinnes Paine from Purgatories Flame , Eas'd of their Gold as Ransome for the same . This Pope decreed it first with Balaams Fire , When that One Hundred Yeares did full expire ; But since to Fifty Yeares Popes chang'd the Course , That they might reap more Gaine by Gulls recourse , And Pilgrim-Visits of the Lateran , And other Sainted-Fanes late made profane , Since Freedome was proclaim'd by Romish Sires For many Thousand Yeares from Purging Fires . So doth the Mystick Whore entangle Soules To credit Dreames , which raise her Market Tolles . And now likewise for her Gods Adoration Popes first Decreed the Messes Elevation . Thus I winde up this Popish Age , the while I warne thy Wits to greet , O Patricks Ile , Thy Prelate Fitz-Raphe , Primate Armachan , Who 'gainst the Upstart Friers playd the Man , And provd their Begging Orders Vaine and False Before the Pope and all his Cardinalls . So shone that time this Learned Mans Renowne , That when his Death was through Avinion knowne , A Cardinall was heard of Him to say : The Church hath lost a Pillar strong this day . ANd yet for all such Good mens Prophes●es , Rome would not quit her Pedlers Marchandise , Which to her use those Croaking Frie●s truckt , But by their Li●s she all our Horey suckt . ( Their Legends wrought such Superstitious Feare . ) They saw Our Lady here , Our Lady there , At Mountserrat , Lorrette , Walsingham , Whereby they got , as to th' Ephesian Dame , To Isis , Baal , and Moloch Temples built , And Images with Gold and Azure gilt , By which false specious Showes , old Satans Mists , Rich Offrings they procur'd to Romish Priests . Then , Miracles were rife , of Wise men knowne For Ghostly Wiles , now to a Proverbe growne ; That to conclude Some for Notorious Liers , It is enough to say , that they are Friers .

THE OCCVRRENCES OF THE FOURTEENTH AGE , From the Yeare of our Lord 1300. untill the Yeare 1400. At which time Henry the Fourth Ra●gned King of England . The Argument . The Fratricells soone up , and quasht . At Masse By Papall Plot then Caesar pois●ed was . Pope John maintaines , he can all Kings depose . Our Wickliffe now Romes Doctrine doth oppose . ABout the Dawne of this New Century , The Fratricells of Anabaptists Fry In Germany disperst their Arguments , That Christians should not perk to Governments ; But that all things lay Common to the Poore As to the Rich. No Creature lesse or more Then Others must possesse . Equallity They taught of States and Lives Conformity , Much like to that , which Plato Chymeriz'd , Or the Utopian Weale , which Moore devis'd . But their Opinions vanish'd into Smoak , And they themselves endur'd the Churches stroak , Censur'd for Bedlems of Corrupted Zeale , Offensive to the Church and Common-weale , Which without hope of Gaine would slothfull grow : Yet by the Fruit a Christians Faith we know . I wish in Wealth a Meane , from Mizers store A Miracle extended to the Poore . O how my Heart doth grieve to see their Cures Neglected , whilst our Dr●nish Epicures Most idly waste what Godly Families Would save from Dearth , and serve as Sacrifice To cover Sinnes . We car●y hence no Gold Nor Land ▪ Eight Foot alone a Coarse will hold . A Friers Act yet hapned to his Liege , Great Luxemb●roughs Caesar , at the Siege Of Florence more prodigious by the Popes Procurement , which quasht sodainely the Hopes And Life of the Imperiall Majesty , ( Deciphring Babels black Iniquity ) By a Black Frier with a Masses Cake Envenomed , and taen his Heart-strings brake . And so whom Force , nor Flashes could out-brave , One hallowed Bit dispatcht him to his Grave . NOr did the Next succeeding Emperour Much better speed , for he likewise the sowre And crabb'd aspect felt of proud Anti br●st . He Lewis dar'd out of the Church of Christ By Thund●ing Bulls to shut , and made his Boast , That he had Power through the Holy Ghost Both Emperours and Princes to dispose , And at his Will their Kingdomes to transpose . Thus John the Two and Twentieth of that Name On Caesar play'd , and Scriptures did defame , Untill some Grave and Learned Men arose In that Tempestuous Age him to oppose . AMong which Occam started up with Quill Of Cherubs Wing , and prov'd that Doctrine ill . He prov'd the Rule of all this Earthly Ball To appertaine unto States Temporall , And by the Light transferr'd from Holy Scrowles , How Truth exempts no priviledged Soules , No not the Pope himselfe from Caesars Doome , Since Peter felt by Nero Martyrdome . SO to the Glory of the English Race , Who with the First withstood the Papall Mace , He , whom the Godly for his Learned Workes Then styl'd , The Hammer of the Romish Church , On Grosted I reflect , Grave Lincolnes Sire : He stoutly wrot against his Forged Fire , Which netled him so much , that out of hand He would have cited him before his Band Of Pharisees at Tiber to appeare , But that admonish'd by his Councell there , Sage Cardinalls , he was content to passe Him over , lest the Bishop might surpasse Them by his rare incomparable Lore , And winde them in more Mazes then before . Two Ages past had Abbot Ioachim Against Romes Gaine a Prophet been to grim . O Glorious Ile , most happy is thy Fate , Which hadst the Luck first to descry thy State , Thy Churches dolefull state by Babel torne , And with the First to be in Christ New-borne , To shake her Yoak quite off , and to flye out From her Dark Jaile , mauger her Guardians stour . FRom time to time we read in Antiquartes , God rais'd up some to sound forth Romes Vagaries . Before that Wickliffe stretcht his Lions Paw , One Robert Gall Soule-rapt in Paris saw The Romish Church by Name with Head like Death , And with a Body leane , and scant of Breath : An Angel then , while this sight did appeare , Bad him the Romish Church mark standing there . SHe in our West was then of small extent , Perhaps retir'd else-where , like Abrams Tent ; Or She far'd in that Antichristian Age , Like Babels Jewes , or Saints through Neroes Rage . Heav'ns Path is Narrow , Stiep . Hells Broad , down hill , Good men but Few , the Greatest part are Ill : Yet of those Few 't is hard to know their Scope : Some sicke , some weake , or of Potentiall Hope , Yet of those Few the True Church is compos'd , And of those Few some were , like Starres , dispos'd By our Good God of Dangers to fore-tell , Whereby the Rest might save themselves from Hell . So Petrarch sung in two-fold Latian Style , And others did in Learned Workes compile Glauncing , nay Striking at Romes Antichrist , And drawing Soules from darke Cimmerian Mist. So Boccace had , although with Tales disguiz'd , The Friers wanton Thefts Epitomiz'd . As likewise those Three Nunnes Canoniz'd Saints , Like Babels Iewes , or Sybills made Complaints : Good Katharine , Bridget , and Hildegard Fore-told our New-mans Armes of safest ward , And that a New Reform'd Presbytery Their Liturgy should quash and Popery . THus by Records the Churches Race I try , And by Faiths Light her Orient Face descry , Like the New Moone approaching from the Wane , And shine more bright in Consciences Humane . By which and by Romes owne Historian Platine , I finde how liv'd the Head of the Church Latine , By Simony , and lewd Magicians Spells , By Murthers , Fraud , and Coining of New Hells , By setting all our Christ endome at ods , Because they kneel'd not to his Maumet Gods . With Factious Guelphes , his hurliburles Assignes , He warr'd against the Imperiall Gibellines . Amidst these Broiles and Crimes exorbitant , Christ whistled home his Flock extravagant . Some knew his Sound , and to his Fold return'd , Some staid behinde , and Refractaries turn'd . The First he linkt with his Church Catholick , But left the Latter of the Staggers Sick , And for a Prey to Fiends , because his Call They slighted , and his Cures Angelicall . Such to be gull'd he left by Aiery Elves , But his True Ark he steered free from Shelves . Now with faire Light from famous Oxford rose Our Wicklisse , Romes Foundations to oppose , By certaine Lords and Londoners Support , Which though some crost , yet gave a lowd Report , So lowd , that Husse and Icrome heard from Prague The Noise , and learn'd to flye from Babels Plague , And left to After-times such Fruitfull Seed , That the True Church now glories in the Breed . THen Chaucer by the Freedome of his Rimes Unsilenc'd scan'd the Darknesse of those Times : ( Of such strange Force are Tunes of Raptur'd Wits , That they have charm'd and still'd wild Tyrants Fits ) He plainely pointed at Romes Antichrist , Admiring at the Clergies stormy Mist , Which did so long our West exagitate . Like them in Zeale , though with unequall Fate , Did the Lord Cobham since , the Bohemes Husse , And those Good Soules in Brittaines I le discusse Religions state , those whom the Papists then Nick-named for their Faith Just and Fast Men. Whose Manner neere was such as Pliny writ To Trajan earst . They , as did Saints befit , Assembled in the Night , sung Psalmes , Receiv'd The Holy Food , and with sweet Trance conceiv'd Christs Mystick Gifts , the New-mans Sacrifice , The Spirits Flame , which Carnallists despise . They liv'd as Brethren , leagu'd in Unity With mutuall Love , and Goods Community , Relieving One anothers Need alwayes , Their owne Iust Fast Mens Need without delayes . For Pauls Epistles , or th' Apocalipse In English pen'd , because there Babels slips Were prophesied , they grudg'd not to defray Five Sterling Marks , a Scriveners Royall Pay , If we regard the scarcenesse then of Coine , Before Castile did Perues Oare purloine . And which is strange , they seldome mixt their Seed , But with their Mates , lest they might taint their Breed . Fooles styl'd them then , as they now Lutherans , The Knowne Men , or Wicklevian Puritans , The Iust and Fast , or with a Brow more sowre , Them Lollards markt , from whence came Lollaras Towre . IN Wales , About this Ages latter end , Did Blasts from Hell to Friers Braine ascend ; False Miracles these Merit-●onging Crew Pretended done by Winifride did brew Neere to a Well deriv'd from Rocky Lime , Which Holy they enstyld in that Dark Time , Because the Bloud of that good Virgin there , As they surmizd , was shed , and not else-where : Lord , how they roamd , like wild Geese , on the Fame ! And unto Baal with fat Oblations came ! All to enrich the Forgers of the Bruit With what they never toyld for , Strangers Fruit ! Before which Feat for their Monastick Weale , Their Beggars Wants they knew not how to heale . 'T is strange to see how soon the World turn'd Whore , When Girald past Two Hundred Yeares before That very Place with an exact Survay , Yet could not learne what men did since display .

THE OCCVRRENCES OF THE FIFTEENTH AGE , From the yeere of our Lord 1400. untill the yeere 1500 At which Time Henry the Seventh raigned King in England . The Argument . Our Churches slighted state . Bizantium lost . The Papacie in strife . The Hussites crost For Husse raise War , with Ziscaes Conquests crown'd . Strange Lands by Gama and Columbus found . AS I of late Old Rubbage diggd , I felt ( With Flaming Force my Perturbations melt , My Passions curbd , my Outward Man of Might Deprivd . And then I had a Ghostly Sight Of Robert Galls Parisian Iack-a-Lent , Whereof the Pope by Carnall Mindes Consent Is Supreme Head on Earth . But soone I saw Both Head and Body burne away like straw ; For Both indeed wore brittle Ornaments , And so dissolvd to the First Elements , His Soule descending into Lower Spheares Then those of Purging , which he farm'd for Yeares . Anon I saw with Intellectuall Eyes , From a Dark Iaile a comely Dame arise , When seeing me She stopt her Modest Pace , And like my Saviours Mother , full of Grace , Thou Mortall Man , quoth She , dost wonder now , Why on Poore Thralls my Favours I bestow , And not on Scarlet Robes in midst of Plenty ? I dwell not with the Proud ; Not one of Twenty , That spends the time in Carnall Jollity , Enjoyes my Love , Heat , or Society ; Which Caiphas-like , Pope Adrian true confest , He saw not how Romes Scepter could be blest , Since He , to whom Christ left the Churches Care , Shun'd worldly Rule , Pompe , and Simonious Ware . The Consciences , where I frequent me most ; Are styl'd The Temple of the Holy Ghost . And there , no Swine , no Beasts of prey , nor Curres Dare enter once , nor any thing that blurres . Notorious sinnes with Penance I commute , But Common slips to Nature I impute . I never sold the Holy Spirits Gifts , But I receive Strayes gratis without shifts . Though I enjoy the Keyes to bind or loose , I seldome Curse , nor Yealding Reedes do bruize . 'Gainst Hereticks I warre , but not with Sword , My Fence is Vowes and Teares , my Sword Gods Word . For my Chast Faith to Christ I am belov'd , And by his Fiery Crosse I am approv'd . If thou desirest then to finde me out , Looke , VAUGHAN , not for me among the Rout , But with my Babes , which beare a loving Mind , Wise , Constant , sad . And there thou me shalt finde . With such I liv d in Superstitious Times , And so proclaime me in thy New-mans Rimes . With such I dwelt by Worldlings scorn'd , the while My Beldame Foe Christs Altars did defile , With Carnall Sence and Sacrilegious Rape Moulding th' Immortall in fraile Mortall shape . THus stood Our Church , though not so faire of Face As she seemes now , yet by Elections Grace , Christs Merits , and his Blouds Prerogative She breathed free from Sinnes imputative , And though her Seed were not so pure as Our , Nor Ours , as Saints , yet may the Man-Gods Pow'r For their Faiths sake Old Passions purifie , When Doomedayes Flames shall Bodies change or try Or rather at Deaths Gaspe to Paradise Convaigh them like the Theefe , with Saints to rise , The Iudge will cloth them with his Robes of Grace , And them enroule with his True Churches Race . Thus stood Our Church most visible to Saints , Ere Luther broke into his Just Complaints . Here in Our West she persecuted lay , While Rome made sale of Soules and open Prey . She in the House of Mourning at the Stake Lay Patient , while Rome forg'd the Masses Cake . How did they her with Racks and Tortures touze Within their Jail●● and Inquisition House ? How in Old Times did Berengariu● fare , For daring to controule cotrupted Ware ? Nay , how in Spain● doe they speed at this day , Who Christ alone for Advoca●e display ? A Thousand Yeares the Dragon with Restraint Of Bloudy Force ●y Close . Till then a Saint Possest his Conscience free from Tortures Fi●e , Or Hells Const●aint . No Synod f●ll of Ire , Till the Fourth Henry raign'd , did signe a Law By Massacres poore England to withdraw From preaching Christ . No Councell Generall Doom'd Saints to Flames to end Religions Bra●le , Till Sigismond at Constance suffred Husse And Ierome to be burnt without discusse Of their true Cause . Yet Sautre first Of Martyrs did appease the Bloudy thirst Of Antichristian Priests in the First Yeare Of the said Henries Raigne . Next Badby here Thorpe , Purvey , Taylour , White , and Hoveden , With the Lord Cobham , Floure of Noblemen , Who did before the Bishops of this Land , With burning Zeale the Romish Church withstand , For the Faiths sake , and the Wicklevian Sect Did by their Bloud , and Martyrs Seales erect An Altar up in honour of our Christ As Members of their Head 'gainst Antichrist , How many Soules were forced to abjure And to recant ▪ No Saint then liy'd secure In the Three Henries Sway of Lancaster , Who preacht Gods Word , as He of Chichester Grave Peacock felt , and many moe , that far'd As bad because they Babels Whore out-dar'd ▪ Kent , Herefords , and Norwich Diocesse Saw men styl'd Lollards then with like successe Take up the Crosse , and yeeld for Christ their Breath . ( So Prelates Saints pursu'd with spite , and Death ) And not content the Living to torment , They one Degree beyond the Pagans went , For Wickliffs Bones from out the Grave they tore , And burnt , which lay there Forty Yeares before . With solemne Pomp and Degradations Maske , Those Gotam-Scribes perform'd that Gothish Taske . O Would the Lines of this Epitome Could move our Strayes , which haunt the Romish Sea , To meditate on Times Old Monuments , And there to marke what Savage Punishments One Hundred Yeares , ere Luther rose , were then Inflicted by mad Priests on Christian Men , For seeking to reforme Old things amisse , And by Gods Word to win blind strayes to Blisse : I might then hope some would relent and turne To our New-man , and with New Zeale would burne , Not heeding Dreames and Superstitious Mists , Which spred abroad by false Masse-monging Priests , And Idoliz'd by haughty Hildebrand , Lay yet on Rome an Ignominious Brand ; But noting what the New-man put in ure The first Six Hundred Yeares , they hold most pure . For such our Martyrs did , and such I know Great Brittaine now extolls , at least in show . BUt to review the Churches History , The Looking-Glasse of Sacred Memory : Whilst halfe this Age with doubtfull chance embroils , Which France shall feel , or England Bloudier Broules ? The Center of this Age melts into Teares , And cryes out shame upon 〈◊〉 Westorne P●●res , For suffring Turkes Bizantium to possesse , And by that meanes quite to subvert the Peace Of all the Easterne Church , and there for Christ To fiixe a mighty Limbe of Antichrist . Had they in time bu● seconded the Duke Of Burg●ndy when he Thralls a rebuke With a Check-mate receiv'd in Hungary , The Ottomans had not faire Bulgary Subjected , nor the Graecian Iles since won To Christians Losse , and Mahome●s renowne . But as with Cunning Plots the Dragon rac'd Our Westernes Faith , so then he there defac'd With Open Force the Easternes Primest Seat , The City of New Rome ; in which Defeat He glories , that the same with Salems Towne , And Antioch he from Servile Christians won . Their Sinnes them servile made , that so before The Iudgement Day their Fall might Others more Rowze up from Sloth and Dull Security To Watch , least they feele more Indignity . ANd then neere Thirty Yeares were past , since Popes Branding each Other for false Antipopes Copartners , at a Councell Generall By Sigismonds good Cares they stint the Brawle . At which I cannot in my Zealous Trance Unnamed leave a Chancellour of France , Grave Gerson , whom our Chronicles record , That for Truths Rights to be againe restor'd He motion'd to bring back the Light Divine , As in the Dayes of Paul or Constantine . This he crav'd in the Councell Generall Most Zealous , but the State Pontisicall Would not assent to heare of Reformation , Lest they might clinch their Court of Augmentation , Like Politicks , who winke at Theeves or Stewes , At Spoiles or Bribes , at Barrettours or Iewes , Encreasing Sinne , and what to Vengeance tends For Private Gaine , and their owne Idoll-ends . This Motion made that Clerk Magnanimous About the Time , when there they burned Husse , That Husse , who sung , that tho they broil'd the Goose , Within One Hundred Yeares should be let loose A Swan out of those Flames , as white as Snow , Whose pow'rful Tune wuld make more Ear●● to glow . Which Prophesie fell true , for the Events Gamaliels-like since answered the Contents ▪ Yet did that Councell doe one piece of Worth , For they depos'd Three Popes , and chose a Fourth . BUt afterwards the Caesar Sigismond For Breach of Faith by deare Experience conn'd , That though , as Toyes , wrongs Mortalls over-passe , Yet God will them not unrevenged passe , For of the Breach soone as Bohemia heard , The Safe-conduct infring'd , the Cause unheard , And that the Councell had condemned Husse And Ierome to be burnt without discusse Of the maine Points of Faith , for which they 〈◊〉 By Safe-conduct sign'd in th' Imperiall Name : And now affronted with this fond Reply , Or rather jeer'd with a Priseillian Lye : That Promise , Faith , and Vowes to Hereticks Were voyd in Law , if made by Catholicks ; The Taborites repin'd , faire Prague laments , And all Bohemia moves with sodaine Rent● , For their late Prophets Death , and Guil●l● 〈◊〉 Blo●d Shed for no cause , but that they Rome withstood . Then Valiant Zisca , like the Sonne of Nun , Heads against Caeser , many Battels won , And with small Numbers to all the Papists Wonder Great Armies daunts , as st●ook with claps of Thunder . The Bohemes so against their Foes prevail'd , That they their Losse , and Breach of Faith bewail'd ; And to this day those Rites in Boheme last , Which first to Husse from English Wickli●●e past . NOr was that Doctrine in Bohemia close , And England kept alone , but to oppose The Romish Sid● by Vertue of the Light Deriv'd from thence there daily came more Might . The Bishop of Cr●atia then did rise By Wickliffes Lamp , and did Romes Fall comprise In Measur'd Lines , which with Prophetick Glosse 〈◊〉 did for that Dark Age disclose . Cameracums Good Cardinall then wrot , And laid on Rome an everlasting Blot , As others in those Dayes the like reveal'd What from Old muddy Pates stood long conceal'd . So M●ntuan did and Savonarola , Clemangis , and the Count Mirandola Boldly declaime against Great Babels Pride , Ere Luther rose to write against her Side . For now had God in his appointed Time Refin'd more Wits the Gospel out to chime . THough for their Sinnes he Pius tooke away The Best of Popes , who whilst he liv'd , gave way Some Errours to reforme , and meant that Wives Should licenc'd be to Priests , yet still he lives For his Good Will enrowl'd in Lines of Fame , That Silvius thought to cover Babels shame . FOr like Effect God sent the Printers Presse , That with Good Bookes we might his Truth confesse , For till this Age faire Printing lay unknowne , And so for want of Workes Truth was prest downe . Gunnes likewise came within this Ages List , Invented by by a Frier Alchymist ▪ Now Beades came up , where Sixtus was not wary For Penance sake to linke the Ave-Mary . And after him , by the next raving Pope , Who for his Fact was worthy of a Rope , Romes Stewes came up , for whom he builded Roomes , And got the Whores to pay him Yearely Summes , Under pretence to keep some Women Chaste , But more for Gaine , and for his Priests unchaste , As though the Brothels could Knaves temptings let , By suffring Ill , Sinne Hidraes to beget . WHat now hath Rome to plead ? what Colour ? Shift ? Or false Demurre to cloak her wanton drift ? That she be not indited hereupon A Baud ? and styl'd the Whore of Babylon , Not onely Ghostly , but a Carnall Whore She stands arraign'd ; for , as yee heard before , A Whore indeed , a Woman Moguntine Sate Pope in Rome , and acted Rites Divine . If this be not sufficient Evidence , Examine well their Lives and Fr●●dulence , What Paramours Popes keptd what Bloudy Da●ce They led ? what Plut● their Bastards to advance ? That very Pope , which shall cloze up this Age , Can restifie with what tumul●uous Rage He rais'd his Sonne and Daughter to great States Caesar made Duke , a Duke Lucreti● mates . About the Yeare Six Hundred Sixty Six , The Antichristian Fiend began his Tricks And Lullabies to act through Carnall Ease , That men might fall to Scorbuts Foul● disease , Or to some Prantick Fits . Nor was it long But at the Time foretold , who did belong To the Great Cities D●●● , by Sea and Land Playd the fond Bed●ems at their Heads command . Her huge Impostume broke out at the last , That is Five Hundred Yeares she made ●uch wast Of Ragges for Tenes to keep her Issuer running , To serve her still it past our Westernes cunning . The Prince of Fiends such Humours , Spleen , and Gall Envenom'd had this Mystery withall , That for Gu●iat●m she must India riste , For Europes Drugges seem'd to her Lims a Trifle . Who durst oppose her what she went about ? She had the Keyes of Heaven and Hell to boot : Of all the World she was Chiefe Governesse , And of what Christ scorn'd in the Wildernesse . Only there wanted to supply her State The Gen●●es Map , and Isabellaes Fate . BEfore her Wane Gods Glory to extend , It chanc'd about this Ages Latter End , That Gama first from Lisbon tri'd the Course , To passe by Sea to the East-Indian Shores , Where having found the Load-stone since in use , He Pilots did from the Pole-starre reduce ; By which and Printing was the Gospels sound Dispers'd , and Both within this Age New-found . West-India then was was by Columbus seene , At the Expence of that Castilian Queene ; Who pawn'd her Jewels for the finding out Of those New Lands , whose Gold made Spain so stout , That aiming at the Westerne Monarchy . She Musters , Fights , holds Kings in Jealousies And Babels Whore hopes in that New-found Soilo By Mart of Soules to keep more revell Coile , And what She here hath by the Gospel lost , That to repaire in Indiaes Sun-burnt Coast. Our Seventh Henry might have made his Boast , Had he but been as prone as Ferdinand To take the tendred Map of that New Land . But though the Tract was large , yet Portingall And Castiles King contended , till the Brawle By the High Priests Imaginary Lines Umpir'd , they claim'd more then their Right confin●● . And so Romes Rites erected in that Coast. Satan repaires what he in Europe lost , Unlesse our Ile , to countepoise his Craft , Had lately aim'd into that North a Shaft , Which may perhaps some Consciences so wound , That Savages may heare the Gospels Sound , Which others Damps with Superstitious Fire Have there conceal'd , and hindred to inspire .

THE OCCVRRENCES OF THE SIXTEENTH AGE , From the yeere of our Lord 1500. untill the yeere 1600. The Argument . Where lay Our Church ●re Wickliffe first arose : By Prodigies Rome warn'd ere Luther rose . No Tyrants Plots could let Our Churches Sound , But Englands Queens did all her Foes confound . FRom Age to Age I shew'd the Churches race , Her Wane , her Wens , & her rèfulgent Fa●e ; And some I nam'd for Prophetizing Wits Times against our Beli●ls Fit● , Who labour'd to suppresse what Christ prescribes ? Besides th● Abissines under Pret●ous Iohn , Th' Armenians , Greekes , and Some in Babylon , Or otherwhere ( For who dares bound our Guest ? Since we are ti'd likewise to Judge the Best ? ) And not to bind Gods free unbounded Grace To any certaine Climate , Time , or Place ? ) Christ had his Church , a Remnant sav'd by Grace Alwayes inspir'd in some or Other Place ; Whether our Scribes pretend them Coloieros , Nesto●●n● , M●nkes , or Saint Iohns Cavoll●res ; Whether they hold of Persian Iacobites , The Hi●●ies Forme , or of Georgiaes Rites ; Of Maronites , or Coftics of the East , Or Catbelicks so craking in the West , Or Hermites , Nunnes , and l'olyntaries 〈◊〉 , Whose humbled hearts then Pomp Saints honor more Because they side with Christ , beare Christian Name , Though much in Blame , yet I will spare their Fame ; And let our Weaklings know , that some were Wise , And did of Old in Babel Sybillize ; By speciall Signes and Symptomes generall , But most by Sacred Starres Authenticall , Denouncing for her Slips Gods Wrath , her Fall , Unlesse she would Repent her at their Call . And so things came to passe , as they Divin'd , Her Spires for Rookes we now demolisht find , Some by the Force of furious Ottoman , Some forfeited for what the Lawes did scan : Her Chappels turn'd to Barnes , or Nests for Owles , Her Nunneries first built for harmelesse Soules Lye wast with her Rich Temporalls and Rents ; Yea , and Gods Tythes , Our Church-emoluments , By what just Warrant let the Lawes dispute , Some keepe away as yet ; and I am Mute , Because I see sometimes that Innocence , Aswell as Vice , dies of the Pestilence , An Order laid Pope Alexander downe For the New World . But shortly of his Owne Most wretched States and Life shall be bereft , And for Usurpers an Example left . For after this usurpt Partition made , His Bastard Sonne to try his Former Trade Of Pois●ning Those , whom he suppos'd would barre The Proud Designes of his complotted warre , His Motto blaz'd , the Hazards Die is cast , Caesar , or Nothing , now by Poisons Tast He meant to rid Suspected Cardinalls Out of the way , but hereby both their Falls , His Fathers and his Owne , he sodaine wrought , For he soone as the Fat all Wine was brought , Charged his Page , that he the Bottle watch , And when he call'd for Wine that he should reach It for his Guests ; the Pope came in the while , And thirsty call'd for Wine : the Page the Wil● Not knowing , thought the Wine reserv'd was Choise , And without more adoe , or Answers Noise , Fill'd him a Cup of the Empoisned Wine , And by just Doome , as writeth Gui●ciardine , Came in the Authour , his accursed Sonne All thirsty too , and tasted thereupon The Cup which he for Others brew'd , and lost His Father out of hand , himselfe almost Ran the same Fate , but that by Nature strong , He for that time escap'd to doe more wrong , Still quarrelling , till he was thrall'd and slaine . So Caesar Borgias liv'd and di'd a Caine. Pope Julius now to Tiber slung his Koyes , Then fought , and lost by French his Enemies . A Token that Romes Church to wrack began To fall , as you may by the sequele scan . THe Ourward Crosse in Teutons Soile appear'd Of Martyrs Forme , and with that Signe besmear'd Their Palaces , and Houshold Ornaments , Their Windowes , Doores , and Bodies Vestiments ; A signe to shew the Fiery Trialls Doome By Factious Gogs and Magogs Force to come , Veil'd with the Crosse , the Keyes , with Peters Net , With Iesus , with the Lawes , or Mahomet . This Miracle in Maximilians Time Fell out , not long before the Gospels Chime At Wittemberge with Motions life began By Luthers Zeale , that good Samaritan , Who , when most shunn'd to helpe the wounded Man , Cheer'd up , and Bath'd Christs Members pale and wan . ANd after this another Prodigy Befell to Rome , which no Apology Of Idolists can cover the mis-hap ; When little Iesus from his Mothers Lap Was in the Church remov'd , and Peters Keyes Throwne from his Pictures hand , Both in a trice Without respect of Persons by the stroke Of Thunders Crack and sacred Sulphures Smoake Just in that Church , where One and Thirty Priests With the Red Hat that Day , like Minstre●●ists , Installed were by Leo there with state In the same Yeare , when Lutber to abate His Loftinesse began with greater Fame Then Cardinalls support , in Christ his Name . OUr Kings and States of Westerne Christendome Complain'd and sought for some Redresse to come Of Faiths abuse , and Romes Impiety , But still the Head was deafe to Piety , He would no Member be , but the Church whole , Himselfe sole Iudge , and Church , without one Mole , Or Sinfull Spot , by which Prerogative He tyrannized so , that none could thrive ; He watcht with Vultures Clawes all Stakes to sweep : He watcht to flay , but not to feed the Sheep , Like Maltaes Iew , or those of La●lesse kind , Who under Maske of Law cease not to grind Christs Members , till they feele Hells measures heapt , Or till they reape what Old Masse-mongers reap● . So blinded were the Popes by Doome Divine , Till a Poore Man , a Frier Augustine , Since started up to doe that Glorious Deed , Which Gregories , and Austines doth exceed , Which Kings af●ay'd , but failed to performe : Nay , Kings durst not what Luther did reforme . Would God that some like Prophet took the Paines To bring back Love for which our Church complains . This Wonder God wrought in our Latter Dayes , That before Doome he might recall some Strayes , That Satans Pride he might by Sucklings tame , And by the Weak the Worldly Wizz and shame . WEll neere upon our Luthers Sacrifice , Grave Reuclin did and Valla breake the Ice , As London was prepar'd by Golets Flame , And Dutch-land by the Clerk of Rotter da●● ; As Swizzer Land , when Luther first began , By Zuinglius was stirr'd up Romes zeale to scan . But none then our Iust Fast Men triumph'd more , Whose Race had held full Sixscore Yeares before With Faggots Fire , and Lollards branded Paine Pursu'd till now , and now rejoyc'd againe , To see that Faith , which with the Hussites they Had long maintain'd , found out an open way By Luthers Zeale , Stigelius ravish● Mus● , And by Melancthons Flowres with blooming Newes . BAbel her Fall in Henries Time foresaw , When Premunire Englands ancient Law Her Clergy rackt . But most the quakt for Dread To heare him styl'd the Churches Supreme Head : For by that Style what Rome usurped heere Of Aunates , Far●●s , and Duties every Yeare , Our Parliament had on the King conferr'd To aide him in his Warres . These Spoiles transferr'd From Forraigne use to help the Natives want : 'T is strange to mark how soone men did recant Their Carnall Dreames ; and blind Idolatries , To celebrate the New-mans Sacrifice . BLest be Young Edward , Our Iosiaes Name , Who next commenc'd this Work of Pio●● Fame . But as the Former Brood , when Constantine Deceas'd , then prou'd ingratefull , the Next Lig●e Of Caesars fell to Arrian Heresie , And their Old Vomits with Apostasie : So wavering England in the Marian Raigne Quickly return'd to Babels yoak againe , Untill some Martyrs Blood , the Churches Seed , True Members of their Head in time of Need Had through Gods Grace behind them left a Fire , As Latimer foretold , which would inspire , And never be extinct in Albions Ile , Whilst that Our Kings beare Faiths Defenders Stile . This by our Virgin Queene of Tydirs Race , Great Debora , was since made good to raze , And quite demollish here Romes strongest Fort , And chiefest Nerves , which did her Pride support . And surely , if Romes Tributary Thralls Would take that Course , she on a sodaine falls . Her Lofty Towres would yeeld so loud a Crack That they , which Court her now , would soon go ba●k , When slartled up at the New wondrous Sight , They see a Church more Catholick of Light : They would ●vouch no Advocate but One , And build their Faith upon the Corner Stone , That was hewne from the Mountaine without hand , Male-borne without Male-Sire in Iewry Land . They would exalt Our Church Apostolick Above their Owne , the Car●all Catholick , And by Gods Word , Truths ground , the Churches no●e , They would conclude what now they ●on by roat . ABout the midst of this strange Century , Iniquities prodigious Mystery Began at Trent , or City Tridentine , Againe to play upon the Word Divine By Canons propt with Iulians Tyranny , More fit for Moores then Councells harmony . Least that the Gospel should Romes Captives free From their Old doating Dreames , they did decree , That all such Bookes , which Protestants had pen'd To blaze Gods Word , they should in pieces rend ; Or if they toucht her Carnall Copy-hold , To Martyr them , since Babel aimes at Gold ; And that who did gaine-say in Word or Deed , Or tooke it not as Parcell of their Creed , That the whole Masse both for the Dead and Quick Suffic'd , those Men they doom'd no Catholick ; That , who beleev'd not all the Romish Crewes Traditions , they were worse then Turks or Iewes . Such Acts at Trent were last determined By the Fourth Pi●s , Romes most impious Head , With Thundring Threats . From whence arose those Jars , Combustions , Powder-plots , and Bloudy Warres , Which ever since embroiled Christendome , And will ( I feare ) untill the Day of Doome Endure , unlesse our head-strong Strayes afford , While Time remaines , more Passage to Gods Word . NOne can deny , but that this Councell gave More Liberty for Papists to out-brave The Church Reform'd by Inquisitions strict To rack poore Soules , and by severe Edict On Forfeiture of Life and Goods Escheat , If they would not adore the Papall Seat . From hence began the Civill Warres in France , Which ended not but by most Bloudy Dance . And various sort of Massacres and Spoiles . They ended not for all their Leaguers Broiles , Untill their Kings , the Guisians , and their Chiefes , Who sided in the Quarrell , di'd in Griefes , In Anguishes and Bloud . And this the Starre In Seventy Two , which past all Comets 〈◊〉 For strange Portent and Blazing-hearded Rayes , Did then denounce with woes to stubborne Strayes , For Belgiaes injur'd States did thereupon Incenc'd by Alv●es Duke , and Austria●● Iohn , Who would have forc'd to Masse mens Consciences , Breake into warres against Spaines Out-r●●es ; Which last as yet . So likewise Portingall , With her Sebastian did in Affrick fall . Enduc'd to fight with Moores by Iesuites Traine , That Philip by his Death might ceaze all Spaine , Excluding Don Antonio and his Race Quite from the Sway of Lis●ons Royall Mace . But to retire to our French Leaguers back , How Fatall prov'd their Plots ? They thought to sack And ransack all the Townes , which Protestants , For their Defence then held . But in their wants God aided these , and on their Foes return'd The Tragick Flames , wherwith they would have burn'd Their Neighbors Roofes . Guise arm'd agaist his King , The King 'gainst him , till Both felt Judgments sting , Both di'd in Bloud , yea , which appear'd most rare , The King was caught in the same Bloudy Snare , Where he in time fore-past had leagu'd the Death Of Saints , whereby Catillion off his ●tea●h , For in that very Roome the King was slaine By Friers hands , where first was laid that Traine . LOng liv'd Our Queen to build things out of square A Virgin v●w'd to Christ , of Dowries rare , Excelling in the Gifts of Tongues and Arts ; But more then all ●●one her Diviner Parts . Church-Elders She propt up , when Some their Fall , As if their State toucht not the Temporall , For Lucre sake had plotted to deface Our Churches Forme , her Frame , and Outward Face , Whereby her Sway had prov'd an An●rchy , Of scorned stemme , the House of God a Sty , And Learning held in vile Contempt for lack Of Wages due ; yea , all had gone to wrack , If this Good Queene had not supported them , Who holp to build our New Ierusalem . IN her Buddes-time , to counterpoize , or let Our Churches Growth , or in her Te●ts beset To ruin● some of our good Souldi●rs , sp●●●g The Iesuites Sect with the False Serpents Tongue Disguis'd with Zeale , and promising to Youth Mountaines of Rules , New Documents for Truth . Upon which Newes , and Newne●●● of their Name , Degrading Antioch , and the Christi●● Fame , They wan Repute in Babel . But of ●are Discreeter States their Bloudy Doctrine hate . Among these Frogs croakt Mariana first Against all Kings , who were by Popes Accurst , And by Blacke Rules deriv'd from Hells Abysse , Dethron'd them of their States for their Amisse . Yea , and their Lives subjected unto Slaves . With such lewd Points , wherein this Jesuite raves , He Campians Braine so stuff'd , that Irelands Realme And Desmonds Crew he poisned with the streame ; For which his Plots and false Conspiracies , Himselfe became a Damned Sacrifice ; As well deserv'd the Authour for his Bookes Entangling Christians with such Hellish Hookes ▪ But all their Plots of Pi●●olls , Poison , Swords , Nor Romish Bulls , nor Briefes lowd thundring words , Could shorten or impeach Elizaes Raigne , But that she thriv'd in spight of Rome and Spaine , While they prevail'd with Fatall wound to sting One whom they tooke for the most Christian King ; Which Deed so pleas'd Pope Six●●● , that he durst With Iudith ranke the Malefactour C●rst . THis Sixtus dar'd to Excommunicate Our Famous Queene , her Empire to translate , As much as in him lay , and Leave to gore Her Person gave , as Pius did before . But all their roaring Bulls and Thunderclaps With Interest return'd , with heavy Raps Upon themselves , their Faction , and on those , To whom they dream'd her Kingdomes to transpose Under his shrowd , who from a Fishes Craw Did Toll for Christ and his owne Person draw . IN the meane time faire Englands Zealo●s Queene , Like Char-coale sparks , contemn'd their flashing spleen . And for her Zeale God blest her brave Attempts , That she cri'd Quittance for his slight Contempts Of Neighbours Love with the Great King of Spaine , Who suff●ed still his Inquisitions Traine , Under pretext of their Religions Lawes , To prey upon her Merchants without Cause , And on their Goods : or sheading of their Bloud ; Or Galley-slav'd ; or to weare Benets Hood . These wrongs by Drake and Candish she redrest , And fear'd not to encounter him at Best With all his Navall Force in Eighty Eight , And afterwards at Cales she shew'd her Might . Nor went his Indies free from her Revenge , Nor Belgiaes Soile , but that she did avenge Her Quarrell full , by Force of Armes transverse The Belgian State , and free the Hollanders From th' Inquisitions Yoake by Alva laid , And sithence train'd their Milk-sops by her Aide To turne brave Souldiers both on Sea and Land , To weary Spaine , and on their Guard to stand . AFter that Bloudy Feast in Seventy Two , When Sions Church French Herods would undo , Besieged Rochell with Munitions store By Sea she furnish● , and Reliev'd her Poore . Againe , France tasted of her Lenity , As Burbon tri'd and his Posterity , Which but for her good Cares , and Troupes Supply , Had stoupt unto Iberiaes Tyranny ; And Lorra●nes League then mammo●kt into Parts Had thrall'd all France to Spaines Superiour Darts . SHe planted Ireland , civilliz'd the Rude , Rebellious , Wild , and Kernish Multitude ; And neere her Set by Valiant Mountjoyes Cares , With Triumph there o're Spaine she cloz'd her Warres . So stood out State of Church and Common-weal● , In spight of Romish Bulls , Spaine , and Oneale , Secur'd from Schismes , Home-broyles , and Hostile Traine , As long as Great Elizabeth did Raigne . HEreby Our Strayes , who taxe the Gospels Sound , May feare how they Gods Church do meore and bound Within Romes Fold by Popes Prerogative , As if our Faith were pinn'd unto his Sleeve . Here they may see what ignominious Spoiles Romes Champions reapt for all their Bloudy Broiles ; Whilst that Our Princes in set Peace have stretcht Their Limmes , in Bloud their latest Gasp they fetcht . Not Austria , France , nor Rome with steely dint , Nor Marian Fire could Christ his Gospel stint , Nor could they raze the Name of Hugueno●s , Or Protestants for all their Bloudy Plots . Much lesse could their School-Doctors plead her Cause Against the Brightnesse of the Spirits Clause , Which by Saint Iohn had prophesied her Fall , And likewise her forewarned by Saint Paul , That she , whom for her Faith Renowned Fame Then blaz'd , should be at last cut off with shame , If she continued not , as she begun , Chast to her Spouse the Great Iehovahs Sonne . Gods Charter still goes with a whilest , or If Thou honour me , I will remove thy Griefe . Not her Decline could all her Clergy stop , Nor Canonists her Doctrine underprop ; Not Gratian , nor her Best , Panormitan , Nor all her Routes of Thalmudists prophane ; Not Wolsey , Poole , nor learned Cajetan , Kings-mating Cardinalls in Pomp Humane , The Mystick Remnant of the Dragons Band , Could vengeance stay , nor Iudgements Lees withstand . Their Martyrs Urnes can no way paralell Our Holy Ones , nor can their Legends tell Five Bishops burnt for their Religions sake , Where we can name consumed at the Stake Great Cranmer , Ridley , Hooper , Latimer , And Ferrar Sainted in our Register , With many moe , whom the Force Secular , Hells Magogs , hois'd to Martyrs Calendar , Though them they knew to be the Churches Seed , By hearing at their Death their Christian Creed : Which Creed , lest it might move a Conscience soft , Their Torturers have interrupted oft In midst of Flames , by hurling Staves or Stones , To wound the more their Heads and broiling Bones . O Valiant Men , true Members of our Head ! Who like to Him for Him to Death have bled ! O Glorious Saints , who left such Monuments Surpassing farre the Seven-fold Wonderments ! Who to prevent Soules Dearth built Granaries , Like Josephs store , inough for Sacrifice ! Whose Martyrdomes refulgent Memory Puts downe Romes Palles , and Shrines Imagery ! Who have , like Starres deriv'd from Heavens Light , Left Spectacles and Torches for our Sight ! God grant they may increase Devotions Flame , And dul those Schismes , which the next Age wil shame . In Briefe , no Age since Christ saw greater Change Of Manners , Knowledge , States , and which is strange , Great Rome twice sackt . The Common Foe more bold , Whilst our Chiefe West wav'd with the Spanish Gold .

THE OCCVRRENCES OF THE SEVENTEENTH AGE , From the yeere of our Lord 1600. untill this present yeere 1640. Being the 16. of King Charles his Raigne over Great Brittaine . The Argument . Our Church escapes the Dragons Powder-traine ; And is confirm'd in James , and Charles his Raigne . Abroad the Bloudy Crosse her Members s●ites ; In Brittaine some blame Types , and Outward Rites . THe third Yeare past of this our present Age , Our Sun-set Queen expir'd her Pilgrimag● A Virgin on our Virgin Ladi●s Eve ▪ To see her Starre Death did her hence b●●●av● . Elizabeth then folding up her Raigne Of Forty Foure , Triumphant over Spaine , The Popish Side , Tirone , and Irish Kernes ; Faire Englands Crowne to Him whom it concernes By Right of Bloud descends , to Salomon , Our Phoenix Iames , who like the radiant Sunne Shot forth his Rayes , of Kings the Paragon ; A Writer most acute , for Natives Tone Unparalell'd by any Regall Scribe , Next to that Starre , the Honour of his Tribe . Whether in Prose or Measur'd Lines he steeres , The Loadstone of his Labours still appeares Directly aim'd unto the New mans White . His Davids Psalmes our Belials so appall , None dare them now Geneva-jigges mis-call . This Posthume Fruit hath Learned Sterline late Set forth , the Fainting Soule to recreate . His Workes endure the Light , his Lamp the Night Of Ignorance repells , and None our Iames , His Bockes , his Life , or Raigne , save Envie blames . He Vorstius foil'd , restrain'd Superfluous Doubts , And by his Pen convinc'd Scholastick Routs . While here he liv'd , O how did Knowledge shine ! The Church renew her Hopes , the Grave Divine Affoord us daily Manna for Soule-Food , And by his Royall Rayes all things did Bud , Yea , his Rayes made the Wildest Red-shanks tame , Dri'd Irish Bogges , and spred Virginiaes Fame . NOr lackt this King the Gift of Prophesie , To pry into the Jesuites Secrecie , Whereby they thought to blow up Albions State With Powder-Traine Hells next obnoxious Fate . For though that Tressams Lines seem'd intricate , Flowing from Sphynx , or Coedipus his Pate , A Riddle , darke , and scorn'd by Other Men , Yet this Wise Prince the same did not contemne , But pointed at the Mine , and their Intent , Which they kept close sworne on the Sacrament . THis Peacefull King upon the least disgust Among his Neighbour States , or Warres mistrust , Spar'd for no Paines nor Charge to mediate A Christian End , their Passions to abate . How many Treaties hath Vienna seene ? What Embassies to calme fierce Austriaes Spleen ? That without Bloud the Palatine might gaine His Owne , he sent his onely Sonne to Spaine . In hope to shunne th' Events , which hapned since , To Dangers he expos'd our Darling Prince , That by that gentle Course or Sacrifice , He might prevent ensuing Prejudice . No Age paints out , nor points at the like Type Of Princely Love , Offence away to wipe . LIke Iames in Zeale came Young Iehosaphat , Our Royall Charles , whose sweet and moderate Condition yeeld us Hopes , that , like his Sire , He will retaine unquencht the Sacred Fire , Which in his Soule burnes calmely by the Heat Of Heavens Flame , the Holy Paraclete . Now in his Raigne we plant Virgini●es North With Colontes , and hope by setting forth The Gospel there the Savages to winne In Christ his Name from Lust and Bloudy Sinne : Our Dr●nes turne Bees in his Auspicious Raigne , Remov'd to Forraigne Iles in hope of Gaine , And by his Famous Glasse , who built of Old , For Tharsus Ships to fetch thence Ophirs Gold , This Prudent Prince preparts a Warre-like Flees To scowre the Seas , and Force with Force to mees , As testifie of late his Admiralls , Which forced Moores to yeeld home English Thralls . But more then all , the New man he doth grace , And the Divine holds in his Counsaile Place . While M●●s went on the Electours wings to pull , Against the Charter of the Golden Bull , Distressed Teutons Limmes found both reliefe And Succour of our Charles , to ease their Griefe . And while their Church with Tortures lay opprest , Her Babes exil'd : our Brittaine Mother blest Thrives by the Cares of our Religious Charles , Secur'd from Schisme , and Superstitious Snarles . O Happy Brittaine , couldst thou know thy Good Where Neighbor-states ore-flow with Spoiles & Bloud ! To calculate who were by Warres extinct In Belgia , France , and Germanies Precinct , Or the late Troubles of the Valroline , The Grisons Griefes , or Rochels to define , A Buskin craves more then Poeticall , Or Algebraes Points Mathematicall . Nay , he that counts the Scarres in Christian Lands , On Christian Folkes late made by Tyrants hands , Shall sooner tell the Names of Magogs Bands , Which Iohn compares unto the Ocean Sands . All which the Saints , though in their Tents beset By Fiends , yet them from Vowes no Crosses let . All which Gods Church , though oftentimes she feares , And vents forth Angels Mones , with Patience beares . Our King bewailes their Case , stands on Defence ; He Armes , and yet not ministers Offence . We feele their Griefes , with them we sympathize , And pray for Cure , which Passion mollifies . WHen Austriaes Caesar had with Eagles Wings Aspir'd , and lift against the King of Kings His lofty Head , and muster'd all his Force To trample on Christs Flocke without remorce , Having begun the Electours Plumes to pull Against the Germane Lawes and Golden Bull : Ev'n then ( O Wonder ! ) unexpected Aide Was by the Lord from Swethens Land convai'd , From the farre North brave King Gustav●s came , Who came like Thunder , fought , and overcame . And though this Heros perish'd for our Sinnes In Battell late , yet to the Philistines , Like Sampson , he full dearely sold his Breath , Confounded them , and Triumph'd by his Death ; Yea , from his Cinders since sprung up a Flame , Which Tyrants Threats , and Turncoats puts to shame . Long may thy Trophees last , Great Macchabee , All Terrour to our Foes , untill they see , That they who wittingly shead Christians Bloud , Like Romaine Pilate , and the Iewish Croud , Stand guilty all of Christ his Death againe , And cannot Purge , or wash away the staine With Bribes , or Ransome of Sophistick kind , Besides the Scandall which they leave behind , That Tearing Bonds of Christian Unity Confirmes the Turke by their Hostility To flout , and them with faigned Leagues to wind , As shortly his Confederates may find . Meane while they wast a Christian Monarchy , And Teutons Land becomes an Anarchy . BUt leaving them with Fire and Sword to skuffle , I saw Our Churches F●es begin to shu●●●e Strange Cards , in hope by Arts Legier-de-maine To win . The Stake is Soule prodigi●● Gain● , Which God avert , and grant that we take heed Of Sheep-skin'd Wolves , who sacrifice their Seed To Moloch , and expect for Ioviall Nunnes To be Confest by Romes unmarried So●●●s . This Women styld the Iesuitrices , Did lately presse , that they by their Accesse To Ladies might for their Conversion speed , And work upon their Owne fraile Sexes Creed With greater sleight , and with more fervency Then Priests oft blurr●d for Carnell Privacie . This Femall Sect , before it grew to height , Was by the present Pope , Urben● the Eight , Dasht in the Spring . A prudent Actinde●d , To stine the Growth of Antichristian S●●● . God grant him more such Sparkes , that as his Book . Of Poems bruites his skill , so he the Hook And Fishers Ner convert to better use Then Other Popes have done to Faiths abuse , The which he may , like Peter or Saint Paul , Soone bring to passe by Counsell Generall ; Yea , and perhaps he may there Reconcile Thòse Worldly Jarres , which blur Old Antiochs stile . FOr what poor things wuld some disguiz'd with zeale Disturbe the Peace of Christ his Common-weale ? Some startle at the Altars Ancient Name ; Others our setled Forme of Vowes defame . Because they want some businesse from without , To make their Badies sweat , or smart , they pour , And peevish grow , not knowing what they aile Within their Sickly Braine , till Eits prevaile ; Like idle Maias with the Greene-sicknesse vext , They loath what 's good , and in ward are perplext With bra●kish Fleame , with Moodes extravagant , And Longings oft from Reason discrepant . Because they cannot have their owne Chymeres And whimseyes of their Will , they wast with Feares , Repining at their Neighbours store of Grace , And yet their Crazed selves will not embrace The tendred Forme , nor joine in the Soule-Cure , As Others do , and with sweet Sauce procure , Whereby they may with Understanding Pray , And not by roat , nor rashly Vowes rep●● . Glutted with Quailes , and Ma●maes precious Fare , Their stomacks long for Onions , homely ware , And Simple Trash , which may the Bloud iuflame More then that wholesome Food , which they defame . Have we not seene more Pride in Course Attire Then in Rich Robes ? Yea , some , who did aspire Under the Mask of plaine Sincerity , Yet afterwards strove for Priority ? LEt him , that blames the Surplice comely weare , Looke how the Saints in long-white Robes appeare Before the Highest Throne , and then no doubt At such a Sight he will no longer pout . And who is he so frowardly severe , That rayles at Graduates Hood of Minnivere ? The Scarlet Robe ? or at the Corner'd Cap In Academes Matriculated Lap , Like Laureate Wreathes , borne and produc'd to grace Industrious Wits , the Churches hopefull Race ? That with such Types and Tokens garnished The Bees from Drones might be distinguished ? And that by Vertues Hire , faire Honours Crowne , Some might , as Starres , from Lesser Lights be known ! Much more distinct the Sacred Ranke had need From Vulgar Garbes of Grave and Reverend Weed , Aswell to move regard by Outward Hew Of Surplices and Miters , as to shew To hardned Romaine Strayes , that without stings We joyne with them in all Indifferent Things , And that to shun Offence , Faiths Essence say'd , We can for beare , and yeeld to them that rav'd In clozing Rents , for some Traditions , Rites , And Outward Formes , so to renew their Lights . The Iewes lost not by Aaro●● Bells their Hopes : And what lose we by Miters Sight , or Copes ? THus stands our Church be●et with Schismaticks , And Romish Routes pretended Catholiks : The Former raising Jarres for Triuiall things , The Latter seemes to taint the New mans Springs . And yet she shines most bright , while like a Storme , The Formers Faction quailes , and may reforme Their slips with Ease , at least , when mellow Age Shall by Degrees compose their Passions Rage . And there is Hope the Other will renounce Dependencies on Saints , and so pronounce : ( As did those Saints themselves ) Faith Justifies , And Christ his Bloud alone doth us suffice Without our Owne , or other Merits Boast , To gaine Salvation through the Holy Ghost . For want of Tythes the One a Sect contrives : And Discontent tempts Babels Fugitives . THus hath our Christ●an Church by Grace Divine , Past through the Seventeenth Age till Thirty Nine , And Sixteen Hundred Yeares from Christ his Birth Are fif●ly told by Mortalls here on Earth ; In spight of Tyrants , Schismes , Idolatry , The Dragons Floud , and Babels Butchery . O would my Muse knew wayes to ●●oncil● The stubborne Straye● and Hot-spurs of this 〈◊〉 That , as We all ex●oll One Christian Creed , And what wer● in Six Hundred Yeares decreed By the First Synods of the East and West , So we might meet at our Communion Feast In mutuall Love , without distrust or st●ngs , To pay our Vowes untō the King of Kings , Like Brethren with Harmonious Ravishment In Spirit , with One Will , and One Consent . Accounting Copes , Bells , Organs , Surplices , Or shaven Grownes , a● Rites , not ●●●●ances To barre the Faith or Conscience of a Saint , As Some with such Conceits the Church would ●aint . " A Christian should be mild in Temporall Things , " Which breeds not Sin , nor Soul-●ick Scandall brings . " So that Gods Word be preacht and Faith encrease , " I will accept what Outward G●rbes they please . " Il●●kneele , sit , stand , or else in Sack-cloth Fast ; " So that I may win Soules , no Flesh I le taste , " i le weare the Sa●t● Robe , Saint Be●●●s Hood , " Or Friers Cow●e , to doe our Weaklings good . " Such shapes I take for harmelesse Policie , " As Adi●p●ors with 〈◊〉 " Expedient for some Persons more then Other , " So to shake hands , and wrangling Quillets smother ; Not like Old 〈◊〉 of corrupted Zeale , Who rackt sometime the Romish Common-weale , And wanting Wit to chuse Frige Black , or Grey , Or White , at last they made a Bloudy Fray . ABout such Outward Formes the Fiend of late With Bloudy Broiles thought to enwrap our State . But He , that left at his Departure hence Against M●ll . ●l●t ● Gods Spirit for Defence , Inspir'd our King with Mercy , to forgiv● Them for whose Faul●s he more th●n they did griev● . When Some for Fam● , and Others for their Hir● , When some for Spoiles glad of Cambustions Fir●● And some for Doubts with swelling Spleen did hope In Savage Fight with Martiall 〈◊〉 & to cop●● Our Charles , though strongly 〈◊〉 extended the●● In Christian Love Grace unto ●●●ing Men. Like Him , who 〈◊〉 chose O●e Citizen Tus●●e then S●●y ● Thousand H●stise Men. By this rare Act of sacred Clemencie He paralells , nay , gets Precedencie Above all Kings that sway this Worldly Spheare , Whose Subjects more their Frownes and Rigour fe●● Then honour them for Ballanc'd Equity , Or Reall Deedes surmounting Quality . Had Theodosim so his Passions squar'd , He surely had the The ssalonians spar'd , And not been warn'd by Ambrose to refraine Erō ●illains Church , til conscience wrought some Pain O Happy Prince , that knew'st thy S●viours Will O Happy Land where sover 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to Kill Now , yee that vaunt of Al●ious Al●●nact , Or of Fergusim Sway , appla●d' this Act With thankfull Layes set forth in Charles his pr●ise , Who when he might destroy forgave your S●●●yes . But O what dolefull Newes 〈◊〉 in my B●●es That Discords Flame , late quencht , againe appeares ? We shall , they say , Have War●s , and bl●●dy 〈◊〉 , New M●sters , Taxes , Toile . Ou● Wizzards starres , And Malt-Worme Braines inculcate like B●g-beares , In Luke-warme Breasts effeminated Feares . My Censure now of our late Vulgars Bruit , Who blinded in their Owne would seeme acute In Heavens Affaires , is this : that if Our God Smite them or us , who can resist his Rod ▪ Some Ranke of Ease-require Pblebotomy : Some Craz'd : Some Leane , like an Anoatmy : Their Sinnes are great , and we excuse not Our . Our Feasts , Rich Rob●s , Law-suites , and Humors flore Bloud-letting need , and purge of Hellebore . But , if as oft as Me● offend , God powre The Vialls of his Wrath and Vengeance downe , Who now had liv'd to have his Mercies knowne ? Whether we dye at Sea , or on the Land By 〈◊〉 , Pl●gues , or Blowes from Butchers hand , That 〈◊〉 - string'd Whip , which doth us here attend For Temporall Revenge , or Trialls End , Gods Will be done . Yet whilst his Church on Earth Stands ●●me , I feare ●o Wars , no Pl●g●e nor D●●rt● ; For Worldly things ( so Fates have weav'd the Plot ) Rowle , reele , and squierme like Eeles within a Pot. HOw shall we then weare out these Worldly Broiles ? So voluble of Course , so full of Toiles ? Just as some deal● with a cumultuous Crew Of Leaguer'd God●s . When first the Quatre●● grew , And Shepheards met with mind to trounce them all , A Swains did thus their so daine Doome recall : What shall we do● with these bold Animalls : Which pill our Ple●ts , and spile our Vegetalls ? Which gathering into W●●ords ca●e not for words ? Nor with their ●aliant Tappe● doe feare our Swords . As if they would out-bear'd , they threaten us , That Cats enrag'd may turne as perilous As greater Beasts . Some thi●de them to immure , Lest other Beasts to Follies they i●ure . They Custo●● claime , and Native Li●erties , To pill our B●●k , and brouze on Grafts of price , But what bald Custome can their Bucks inferre ( Not in their R●tring time , for then to erre Was Frenzies Fit ) the Peace to violate ? With Skreames to seare our Melt●●●● State , When Prudent P●● with Councehance severe Assay'd by Law the Mutineers to feare ▪ What shall we doe with this long bearded Kind Of Castell , which presume to read the Ri●● And Beauty of our Woods without to●●roule ? Slighting our W●●s like a vain Blank or Serowle ? These Out-●ages are great . Yet 〈◊〉 With Pitty mixt warnes our Pi●●gerency Over Gods Crea●nes to provid●some Course , That Beasts of Gaine may thrive , no● fare the worse . Fire and Blood-latting are the last of Cures : So , to be Mild hurts not , but u●secures ; And though it seemes ● while , like to a Block Contemn'd of Frogs , yet lasts it like the Rock . The Oxe must not he muzzled , no● these Goates Depriv'd of Food , ●or Horses tob'd of O●tes . What Forrests are reserv'd for straggling Deere , Which retribute small Profit in the Yeare ? We foster greedy Hounds and swilling Swine : And shall we now lesse hurtfull Beasts confine ? What Cares take we for Drones more then for Bees ? And yet to Kiddes grutch a few Sapling Trees ? If we hemme in their Dammes , Both dye of Dearth , And so we lose some of the Best on Earth For Profits Breed . They rough and hardy are In Aires Extremes , content with simple Fare : ( A Gift which many Beasts , nay men do want , A Gift which lessens Crimes exorb●tant . ) A little them sustaines . And yet their Does Yeeld store of Milk to countervaile some Cowes . They doe bring forth two or three Kiddes a piece Within the Yeare ; their Milk doth cordialize , Natur'd like what they eate . Feed them with Spurge Or Lettice , then their Milk doth Humours purge . The Male-Goats Bloud refines the Diamond ; It breakes the Stone , and makes the Gravell'd sound . When it is bakt , or into Powder done , And strew'd on Liquid Food , it Cures the Stone Sooner then Leeks , or Alisanders Broth , Which seemes with it compar'd but skummy Froth . A Hivers Pasty tasts like Venison ; The Buffe defends from Frost as from the Sunne . I skip the Stuffe wrought of Goats stately Beard , Lest not a Goats-haires worth be what I heard ; Nor mention I Borrachoes Spanish Case , Which Pilgrims vow with Healths to Bacc●us Grace ; Nor yet their Flesh , which Portingalls do dresse And lay with Salt for Indiaes Voyages . So usefull are these Goats that none for want Of them in wild and New-found Lands can plant : Which is the Cause that Brittaines Colonies Thrive not there like the Spaniards Progenies . Now for my Vote or Cloze particulare , Which I submit to your more Silver Haire : It is not safe the moody to constraine ; Tread on a Worme , and it will turne againe . The Fits o're-past : we may cull out the Bad , Divide their Troupes , and Cure in time the Mad. If we permit the Weanelings of their Flocks , Their tender Kiddes , which cannot shift on Rocks For stronger Food , to champ on weaker Boughes ; And their Moone-sick on Plants sometimes to brouze : Both these will , when their Constitution growes To abler Nerves , eat Hay in time of Snowes , And be right glad to taste of stronger Food Aswell to our Content , as for their Good . And let the rest live in their Craggy Soile , In hope they will no more keepe revell Coile ; Lest if we thence provoke their Wilder Whelpes , They may turne mad with Tupping and with Yelpes , Unlesse in the Mid-Summers Moone we chaine Those whom we finde most Crazed in the Braine . 'T were well we could their Teeth with safety file , And not our hands with Streames of Bloud defile If they disband , and of their Crimes repent , And will with Griefe redeeme their Punishment , Let 's suffer them to spend their windy Breath Upon the Rocky Hills and Barren Heath , That it may be ingross'd in After-Rowles : We left them there , where bustling Boreas cooles The hottest Spleen , in hope that they would grow More usefull farre then we doe finde them now . When Riper Time shall Humours purifie , They will conforme themselves , at least their Fry . Since Forraigne Coasts to Beares & Wolves submit , I thinke we may lesse harmefull Goats admit To their Old Haunts our Dai●es to encrease , So that henceforth their Buckes from Tupping cease . Let us not then root out these Beasts with Beards , Weakning our Stock ( an Honour to our Heards ) Lest we give Cause of Jeering to our Foes , Who , if our Stock decayes , may worke us woes . They pill our Barke : that 's it you now will says So did our Iron-men and Tanners play : So Others have by causelesse Brawles and Fees , And H●athnish Spoiles , forc'd men to sell good Trees . But here one whisperd him : Touch not that Noat , Lest you be term'd a rash-promoting Goat , Incurring Scorne with hoobubsand out-cries , For glancing at our Modernes Robberies . The Swaine sbash'd , his Face to Crimson di'd ; And the Goats Cause lies in suspense untri●● : Where though Great Pan an Higher skill relies , Yet scornes he not a Rusticks poor● Supplies , In all Extreames on this I set my Rest. Of Ills to ●●use the Least , of Good the Best , And if I misse the Latter to attaine , Yet I will hope the Golden Me●ne to gaine . COncerning other Points of Faiths abuse , As Purgatories Paine , false Idolls use , Courting of Saints , to Christs apparant wrong , Gods Sacred Word kept from the Vulgar Tongue , Additions to the Masse , the Papall Keyes , And Priests debarr'd of Wives : Let him that waight● The Dreames of Balaams Priests , this Passage know : Pride made the Pope a Simon Magus grow , And then he chang'd the Spirits Gifts for Gaine . For after the Decease of Charlemaine , Who Sceptred Popes , in the ensuing Yeares , They to maintaine their Pomp , the Christian Meere● Of Modesty transcended , got elbow roome To spread the Divels Huskes in rampant Rome . Which to reforme , as we of late have done In Brittaines Orbe , by Wickliffs Cares begun About three Ages past , so let all them , Who hope to see the New Ierusalem , Looke backe upon the first Sixe Centuries ; Or if that seeme too tedious to revise , Let them the next Sixe Ages well review , And they shall finde Romes Faith then patcht anew , That by Degrees the Popes by Phocas first , And by Great Charles since rais'd , became accurst ; And that Our Church the very same of Old , Which was at Nice , and Chalcedon enroll'd For Orthodoxe , is Catholick and True , Onely , because new-scour'd , enstiled New . LOhere , Deare Countrey-men , in Pithy Phraze , What some have whirl'd about with winding Maze , And some , I hope , these short Analyses , Will rellish more then long Remonstrances , Since Substances yee like , I simply shew Where lay our Church Pure , Catholick and True , Before we tooke the Name of Protestants At Auspurg late , which Our Extravagants By Transmarine and false exotick Glo●●e Would soile , like Pitch , with Appellations grosse Of Hugueno●s , or Luthers Hereticks ; While they usurpe the Name of Catholicks , Like Hagars Brood , which Moores terme Saracen ; Like Hypocrites ; who passe for Godly Men. For why should they alone be in our West Call'd Catholicks , when Thousands in the East , The Abissines and Others doe contend For the like Name in Substance , Use , and End ? Why should the Parts above the Whole presume ? One Sister Church the Mothers Stile assume ? The Catholick , which spreads in every Coast With Mutuall Gifts powr'd by the Holy Ghost ? Why should the Beames against the Sunne compact ? The Branches from the Oakes Good Name detract ? Our Churches are ( waigh the Comparison ) As Boughes or Beames : Christs Spouse the Oak or Sun . And for Our Church , more yet I could relate , To manifest her Wane , Eclipse , and Fate In Popish Times , but that each Novice knowes What meanes the Desert , where she powr'd her vowes During the Raigne of that great Mystick Whore , Which preacht False Christs by the red Dragons Lore . But mauger Constance , Trent , and Lateran , The Night is past of Skreeching Ignorance , And we embrace the Spirits Countenance , Which at this day shines bright in Brittaines Ile , And may doe long , if we shun Hate and Guile . Not Ecchius , Moore , Poole , Fisher , Posstvine , Not Dowayes Fry , nor Copious Bellarmine Can match our Calvin , Zanchius , Bullinger , Frith , Jewell , Foxe , Fulkes , Raynolds , Whitaker , Andrewes , Usher , and those whose Melodies Mount up to Christ , like a New Sacrifice , With many moe in our Great Brittaines Orbe , Surviving yet , and able them to curbe : Whose Praises Web more Curious if I spun , I should then light a Candle in the Sunne ; Or undertake Saint Michaels Warre to pen , A Taske more fit for Angels then for Men. Yet by that Mystick Type Saints may discry The Battels Issue , and our Victory : For such a Palme the Fiery Crosses Signe Hath gain'd , as in the Dayes of Constantine . But now in Embers clozing up my Fire , I silently into my Thoughts retire , Oft looking backe to Babels Mystery , Oft musing on Faire Stons Victory , Where first Six Hundred Sixty Six I fixe , One Thousand then Six Hundred Fifty Sixe , Times Pedegree from Mans Creation cast , Till Fatall Showres for Sinne the Earth defac't , I ruminate in Mind , least sodainly While I deferre my Duty to supply , The last great Trumpets Sound concludes the Day To Worldlings woe , and Sinners sore Dismay . Warres in Faiths House proclaim'd , and Babylon Discover'd shew great Doomes-dayes signs neer gone : From which Extreames , Lord , save our Church as well As thou Elias didst from Iezabel , That with the Spirits streame she quench her Thirst Untill that Day , while Babel lies accurst . As long as Sun and Moone , or Raine-bowes signe Shall last , preserve our King like Constantine , Assigning us from Stewarts Regall Ligne Good Stwards still to over-see what 's Thine . Remove not hence our Churches Candlestick , While firmely we to Thy Sonnes Pledges stick , But for his Sake who paid the Costly Price In Judgement due for our Enormities , Whereas some led by Fiends as yet do stray , If they Repent , reduce them to thy way , That Ismaels Brood henceforth no Christians flout For Lutherans , or the Wicklevian Rout , For Huguenots , Novatians , Schismaticks , For Puritans , or Mungrell Catholicks . When these with Peter vouch Gods Living Sonne , With Paul One God , One Advocate alone Exploding School-mens Dreames , Hypocrisies , Soules-Marchandize , and winding Fallacies , We then shall soone for Other Points agree , Without recourse to Edens curious Tree . This Fruit the Church reapes by her Childrens Peace : When they from jarres , then Foes from jeering cease .