A looking-glasse for papists to see their owne deformities in matters of faith, and religion: and for formall protestants; to make them more carefull of the true profession of Iesus Christ: lest at any time they fall away from the sinceritie of the Gospell of Christ. With a briefe history of the Popes liues, from the first three hundred yeeres after Christ, vntill Paul the fift.

A LOOKING-GLASSE FOR PAPISTS .

1. Against Peters Supremacy . MARKE 10. 42.

The Lords of the Nations haue domination ouer them , &c. But it shall not be so among you : but whosoeuer will be great among you , let him be your seruant ; and whosoeuer will be chiefe , shall be seruant of all : for euen the Sonne of man came not to be serued , but to serue , &c.

Luke 22. 26.

Let the greatest among you be as the least , and the chiefest as he that serueth .

Matthew 20. 26.

Whosoeuer will be great among you , let him be your seruant ; and whosoeuer will be chiefe , let him be your seruant , &c.

The Papists places for Supremacy . 1 COR. 12. 22. The head cannot say to the feete , I haue no neede of you . Say they : This must be the Pastor ouer the Flocke : Ergo , Of Peter in respect of the Apostles .

Answere . THE Apostle speaketh of no headship , but considering the consent of the members one for another , hee intendeth that so it should be in the Church for auoiding of contention ; not as the Popes , that disgrace , subiect , yea , killeth Kings , the chiefe members of the Church , and many other great Diuines , as Iohn Hus , and Ierome of Prage , worthy men ; onely because they would not assent with them .

Matth. 16. 18. Thou art Peter , and vpon this Peter , will I build my Church .

Answere . With shame enough , for the vulgar , which vpon paine of the Popes curse no man must al●er , hath Super hanc petram ; that is , vpon this Rocke : which was Peters confession Christ meant , euen himselfe the foundation of the Church ; as a Rocke . Hereunto Tunstall and Stokeley , two Popish Bishops agree . 1 Cor. 3. 11. Other foundation can no man lay , then that which is laide , which is , Iesus Christ , the chiefe Shepheard . 1 Pet. 5. 2. 4. Where the chiefe Shepheard shall appeare , &c. Not the Pope I trowe .

Matthew 16. 19. To thee will I giue the Keyes , &c. By this they vnderstand the fulnesse of power Ecclesiasticall , to make him head .

Answere . The question being propounded to them all , Peter answering , one for all ; therefore together one for them all receiued this power : and therefore whatsoeuer Christ promised to Peter , he promised to him , to them alike ; as Matt. 18. 18. and Ioh. 20. 23. it is said , not to Peter alone , but to them all : Whatsoeuer ye bind on earth , shall be , &c. And whosoeuer sinnes ye remit , &c.

Chrysostome on this place saith ; What therefore did Peter , the mouth of all the Apostles , and crowne of the whole Company ? When all were asked the question , hee alone answered , and being asked of the opinion of the common people , they all answered : but when hee asked them of their owne opinion , Peter presently start forth , and preuenting the rest , said ; Thou art Christ that Sonne of God : Againe , Vpon this Rocke ; that is , that Faith , and Confession : And againe , The Keyes of the Kingdome of Heauen , &c. the same is common to them all , Iohn 20. 21. 22. 23. Peter after disswaded Christ to die , whereupon Chrisostome saith : From hence surely we plainely see , that he spake not before of himselfe . Keyes . This is a Metaphor , intending the publike Office of the Apostles , the publike preaching of the Gospell through the World , which yet they were not to enter vpon , till they were fully furnished . Luk. 24 47. Acts 1. 4. These Keyes are not deliuered to Peter alone , for hee saith in the future tence ; I will giue ; not doe , or haue giuen . Luk 24. 49. Where the commission is giuen to them all , not naming Peter . Mat. 28. 19. Mar. 16. 15. Ioh. 20. 21. Goe into all the World , preach the Gospell to euery creature . But the full power was not vntill the fiftieth day after the resurrection , when the holy Ghost came vpon euery one of them ; and now they executed their Office in preaching the Gospell , which was , the Keyes to open the Kingdome of Heauen . If Peter onely had the Keyes to open the kingdome of heauen , what should haue become of the greatest part of the World : yea , of vs Gentiles ?

Their fourth place , Luke 22. 31. Simon , Simon , Sathan hath desired to sift you , &c. If to strengthen the Apostles ; then he must be supreame head .

Answere . Whereas the Papists vnderstand by you , the other Apostles , that were to accuse Christ , that choosing twelue men to worke , being Master to all , ( and giuing graces alike to all ) would send them to a fellow laborer , to be taught after his departure : but Peter shall giue answere in this point , that he meant not so ; but by brethren he meaneth all the faithfull . 2 Pet. 1. 10. Wherefore brethren giue alwayes diligence to make your calling and election sure , &c.

So the rest of the Apostles call the faithfull , brethren , as children of one Father , 2 Thess. 2. 1. We beseech you brethren , &c. and 3. 1. Furthermore , Brethren pray for vs : and verse 6. Rom. 12. 1. I beseech you brethren by the mercy of our Lord Iesus Christ . 1 Pet. 5. 8. 9. So that by Brethren , our Sauiour meant the faithfull , whom Peter , and the rest should strengthen . To this end , verse 2. he exhorteth to feede the Flocke , and to take care of them . And Paul , Acts 14. 22. Strengthened them .

Their fift place , Iohn 21. 15. 17. Feede my Sheepe . This they vnderstand of Peter to the rest of the Apostles .

Answere . This was a Commandement giuen before of Christ in his former Commission , Iohn 20. 21. Giuen to Peter with all the Apostles : As my Father sent me , so send I you . Receiue the holy Ghost . Whosoeuer sinnes ye remit , &c. Therefore this was no new charge : but willeth him to looke to that , lest he might start aside , as he had done before ; Matthew 16. 22. Goe after me Sathan . And Matthew 26. He denyed him three times .

Feede my Lambes . Sheepe : This is a Metaphor taken from a Flocke of Sheepe , and Lambes . Now Christ is the good Shepheard , that hath giuen his life for the Sheepe ; Iohn 10. 11. and 1 Peter 1. 4. The Sheepe-fold is the Church , and the Sheepe and Lambes , are the faithfull , to be gathered into the Sheepe-fold ; Iohn 10. 1. 16. By his Substitutes , Apostles , Pastors , &c. Ephe. 4. 11. The Church is called , a Flocke . Luke 12. 32. Feare not little Flocke . Acts 20. 28. Take heede vnto all the Flocke . Paul speaking to the Pastors , 1 Pet. 1. 5. speaking to the Elders . Feede the Flocke of Christ , which dependeth vpon you . Therefore Peter had no authority ouer the other Apostles , but they and he had one commandement and commission to goe into the whole World , to preach the Gospell , and ordaine Ministers .

The sixt place , Acts 1. 15. Peter propoundeth an election to be made of a new Apostle ; Ergo head of the rest .

Answere . This proueth that he was the Prolocutor , or common-speaker , as with vs in Parliament , and might be the first in place , for Order , but not the Elector ; for that was done by them all : as Acts 1. 22. And they appointed two , not Peter alone , and the election was of God disposing the Lots .

The seauenth place , Acts 15. 7. He is president of the Counsell of the Apostles . He speaketh first , he concludeth , with lie and all .

Answere . The Text shall confute this . He , as is said , was first in order , ( but not in authority ) as the common speaker : verse 12. Barnabas and Paul spake with great silence of the rest , and when they ceased , verse 13. Iames answered ; Whose sentence preuailed : And then not Peter , but all the Apostles and Elders , and the whole Church concluded . So Peters primacy of order , was not the Popes supremacy .

The eight place , Gal. 1. 18. Paul after three yeeres came to see Peter , ( say they ) to doe him honor : Ergo Superior .

Answere . If it were so that he came to honour Peter , this proues not his primacy ; for then should Wiues be superiors to their Husbands : For , 1 Pet. 3. 7. saith ; Let Wiues be subiect to their Husbands : yet he saith , They must giue them honour . Ahashureosh honoured Mordecai , yet he was not aboue him .

Chrysostome , 1 Gal. saith ; That Paul was Peters Peere in dignity . Ambrose there saith , Paul was euen such another as Peter .

Augustine there saith ; Their authority to be equall , and for Pauls honour , what hee wanted in time , is supplyed by Christs glory ; not as the rest , made an Apostle on the earth , but from heauen , while he now raigned in Maiestie .

Gal. 11. Paul himselfe saith ; He was an Apostle , not of men , nor by men , but by Iesus Christ : Againe , 2. 6. Of them which seemed to be chiefe , I was not taught : And verse 11. he saith ; When Peter came to Antioch , I withstood him to his face : for he was worthy to be blamed .

The ninth place , Gal. 1. 18. as before . That he tarryed with him fifteene dayes : no small honour , say they .

Answere . Mary , the chiefe of women , went a great iourney to salute Elizabeth , and taryed with her three moneths , no small time ; the Babe sprang in her wombe at her salutation , yea , shee was filled with the holy Ghost : You will not say , I trow , Elizabeth was aboue Mary . Therefore Augustine , Ambrose , Chrysost. Theodoret , Ierome , and others say , that Paul came to Peter , not to learne of him , but of reuerence and loue to be acquainted with him : Ergo Paul acknowledged no supremacy .

The tenth place , Iohn 10. 16. There shall be one Flocke , and one Shepheard : which is , the Bishop of Rome .

Answere . The Text plainely sheweth it to be Christ , who by the preaching of the Gospell gathereth them that are not yet called , and so to the end of the World ; that so there may be one Sheepe-fold , Iohn 10. 16. Himselfe being the chiefe Shepheard , 1 Pet. 5. 4.

In all these places we can finde no supremacy in Peter , yet the Pope will needes be his successour . Now let vs see how he succeedes ; and because he standeth much on the place , though many wretches succeede good men in place , yet we will examine it : but if he be Peters successour , he must succeed him rather in labour , in preaching the Gospell of Christ , and in holy life and conuersation .

First of the place , whether Peter sate euer Bishop of Rome .

PEter was an Apostle . Now the Apostles were not deputed to any certaine place ; but had the whole World for their Diocesse .

Marke 16. 15. Goe into all the World , preach the Gospell to euery creature , &c.

1 Pet. 1. Therefore Peter writeth vnto the Churches which he had planted in Pontus , Galatia , Capadocia , Asia , and Bethinia , making no mention of Italie , or Rome ; though I denie not , but he might be there as an Apostle , but not to reside there : for that had beene to goe beyond his Commission .

The Papists alledge for their proofe , Hierome de viris illustribus : That Peter sate Bishop at Antioch 7. yeeres , and then went to Rome the second of Claudius , where he sate 25. yeeres , euen to the 14. yeere of Nero , at what time he dyed .

Now let vs examine this point . Paul was conuerted the first yeere after Christ , and tarryed in Arabia three yeeres : Gal. 1. 17. 18. Then he went to Ierusalem to visit Peter , the fourth yeere after Christ , and the 22. of Tiberius . Then Peter was one at Ierusalem , Acts 12. 3. Againe , Peter was put in prison the second , or third of Claudius , Anno Christi 11. and Acts 13. 14 , Paul preached at Antioch the eight of Claudius ; where it is not like that Peter was : for then there had beene little neede of him . Againe , Luke would haue made some mention of him : for Paul came twice to Antioch , Acts 14. 21. 26. and there they aboad long time with the Disciples ; no mention of Peters being there . About this time Paul and Barnabas goe vp to Ierusalem , to conferre with the Apostles about Circumcision ; where the Apostles called a Counsell about that matter : where Peter was the first speaker , but Iames concludeth the point ; and this was the eleuenth yere of Claudius : And they wrote Letters vnto to the Brethren that were at Antiochia : So wee see that Peter was not yet there , but at Ierusalem , Anno Christi 18. Claudij 10. That he might be at Antioch as an Apostle , we denie not , but when he went , or how long he tarried , the Scripture sheweth not , neither can Papists proue .

But Peter being at Ierusalem the tenth of Claudius , and Claudius dyed foure yeeres after . Now Nero succeeding , raigned but 14. yeeres ; foure and 14. make but eighteene : How could Peter sit seauen yeeres Bishop of Antioch , and after 25. yeeres at Rome ; which maketh 32. yeeres ? So they must put 4. or fiue Emperors raignes to make vp the number , that is , the first of Domitian : for Galba raigned but seauen moneths , Otho but three moneths , Vespasian nine yeeres , Titus two yeeres , Domitian fifteene yeeres : out of which if you take two yeeres , makes it vp the 32. and Peter was dead 14. yeeres before , by their owne confession , the last of Nero : and then we finde another in the place , one Anaclet . To conclude , they can neuer proue he sate Bishop at Antioch seauen yeeres , nor at Rome at all .

Here a Friar of their owne , one Onuphrius , skilfull in Antiquities , and the Popes Secretary . It is cleere ( saith he ) and manifestly knowne by the Acts of the Apostles , and Pauls Epistle to the Galathians , that for nine yeeres space after Christs death , vntill the second of Claudius , Peter neuer went out of Iury : Wherefore , if he came to Rome at that time , it followeth of necessity , that he did not sit seauen yeeres at Antioch before he came thither . For from the second of Claudius , vntill his death , is about 25. yeeres : and though the ancient Writers say , He sate at Rome , yet it followeth not , that he aboade still in the City : For in the fourth yeere after his comming thither , he returned to Ierusalem , and was present at the Counsell there : Thence he came to Antioch , and there continued seauen yeeres , vntill the raigne of Nero , when he came to Rome , where hee repaired the Roman Church , which was decaying . After that , when he had trauelled almost thorow all Europe , he returned to Rome , in the first of Nero , and there was put to death . Thus far Onuphrius . Therefore it is but a tale , that he sate Bishop of Rome 25. yeeres , or at all ; but that hee was there as an Apostle , as hath beene said before .

Now come wee to examine how the Pope succeedeth Peter .

PEter , if he were at Rome , it was , as he was an Apostle , to preach the Gospell , and to establish the Church there , as he did in other places , euen as Paul did , and the rest of the Apostles through the World ; according to their commission and commandement giuen by Christ ; Matthew 28. 19. Againe , he was there to confirme with his bloud the Doctrine taught , and was obedient to the Emperour , and suffered death at his command : whereby he left an ensample for doctrine , and manner of liuing to his successors .

Now let vs see how the Pope succeedeth Peter .

He teacheth not Christ the onely meanes of saluation , but his own traditions , merits , worshipping of Saints , &c. and persecuteth , and putteth them to death , that obey not his decrees , and commands . Secondly , he yeeldeth not obedience to authority , as Peter taught , and practised . 1 Peter 2. 13. Submit your selues vnto all manner or dinances of men , for the Lords sake , whether vnto the King , as the Superior , or to Rulers sent by him for punishment , &c. And Paul , Rom. 13. Let euery soule be subject to the higher powers , &c. Whosoeuer resisteth power , resisteth Gods ordinance .

But the Pope commandeth Kings , curseth them , and killeth them ; to that end he hath his triple Crowne , and elaymeth soueraignty ouer the Church , and commandeth the treasure of the World : whereas Peter had neither gold , nor siluer , Acts 3. 6. The Lot of the Church is to be persecuted , not to persecute : we must not looke to fare better then our Master , saith Christ ; Iohn 15. 20. Remember the words : I said vnto you , the seruant is not greater then the Master ; if they haue persecuted me , they will also persecute you . If the Pope be Christs seruant , as hee calles himselfe , Seruant of Seruants ; let him shew his markes for Christ : as Paul , Gal. 6. 17. Behold , I beare in my body the markes of the Lord Iesus . See 2 Cor. 11. 23. And therefore we conclude , the Pope to be Antichrist , not Christs seruant , nor Peters successor .

Now enquire we the time when it is like the Pope beganne .

REuelation 20. 2. We haue a manifest Prophecie , that Sathan should be bound , which ranged at pleasure in the vnchristian World , that is , before Christ ; who shall lighten things that are hid in darkenesse , 1 Cor. 4. 5. and Luk. 1. 79. & Ioh. 1. 5. & Ioh. 3. 19. This is condemnation , that light is come into the World , and men loued darkenesse , &c. Act. 17. 30. The time of this ignorance God regarded not , but now biddeth all men , Euery , &c. Now this light is Christ , and the preaching of the Gospell . Sathan therefore must be bound one thousand yeeres from Christs preaching , that he should not through the darkenesse of error , vexe men as he had done , though their bodies be not freed from the Crosse , and persecution , that they may be like their Master . Now the Apostles and Bishops of Rome , with other Bishops , Ierusalem , Antioch , Constantinople , and the rest that succeeded , not at Rome , but wheresoeuer ; for preaching Christ crucified , were so occupied , what with preaching , and vnder the Crosse , for the space of the first 300. yeeres , as they had no leysure to dreame of Supremacy : After which time ( as Rest breeds Rust ) so by little and little they grew ambitious , and now and then one Bishop or other , would affect priority : so as about the end of the next 300. yeeres , they began to desire primacy , but not supremacy : As Policarpe Bishop of Ierusalem challenged the first place , 426. yeeres after Christ . Gelacius Bishop of Rome , after him about 445. Iustine Emperor of Rome , made Misda Bishop of Rome Patriarch , about 520. About the same time , Iohn of Constantinople , Bishop , was called vniuersall Bishop . Iohn the first Bishop of Rome , a good man , was put in prison , and dyed for the truth . Pelagius Bishop of Rome , was the first that challenged the primacy by Scripture . Iohn Bishop of Constantinople , called himselfe vniuersall Bishop , 582. Gregory the Great , Bishop of Rome , first of that name , reproued Iohn of Constantinople , for calling himselfe vniuersall Bishop , 591. Before him Iohn the third , Bishop of Rome , decreed that none should be called summus Sacerdos , or vniuersal Bishop , about 566. All this while no thought of a Pope , or of Peters successor in Rome .

Now Phocas , seruant to Mauricius Emperor , killed his Master , the Empresse , and children most cruelly : At this time Boniface the third Bishop of Rome , obtained of this Butcher the title to be called vniuersall . Bishop , Anno 607.

Note that the primacy of the Bishop of Rome was established by a murtherer , and a Traytor , who dyed miserably : for the 612. of Christ , he was slaine by the Souldiers of his Guard . Abbas Vesper , & others say , that Heraclius and Persius slew him , cutting off his hands and feete : others adde , that his priuy members were cut off , and his body burnt . Estate Church .

Boniface the 3. liued but 9. moneths ( so soone his pride came to an end ) whose life and decrees perished together , Anno 607.

Martin the 1. Bishop of Rome , was buffeted by the Emperour for reprouing him , being an heretike , and was further vilely entreated , banished from Constantinople , ( whither the Emperour sent for him ) to Pontus , with his tongue cut out , 649. Yet Rome no Supremacy , but subiect to the Emperour , both in creation , and deposing .

Constance Emperour , spoyled Rome ( because the Bishops were not willing he should remoue thither ) more in seuen dayes , then all the Barbarians did in 360. yeers . Anno Christi 662.

Vitelian , called Bishop of Rome , to him the Emperour by singular grace confirmed the priuiledges of the Church , which notwithstanding , hee after brake , and made them of no force , Fasci . Temporum .

The sixt Counsel of Constantinople , approued Masse in the Latine tongue . The Greeke Priests were permitted to liue in mariage , but not the Priests of the West-Churches : None to answere for a Childe , but such as knew the Lords Prayer , and the Beliefe of the faithfull . In the second Volume of Counsels , none to vow not to marry , and that Priests which separated themselues from their Wiues , because of their sacred Orders , should be excluded from the Communion . Peter viret in dialogo , to them of Orbe .

In the 12. & 13. Counsell of Tolledo , such were Anathamised , as forbid eating of flesh . Pet. Viret .

Benet the 2. Bishop of Rome , obtained of the Emperor , that the election of the Bishop of Rome , made by the people , Clergie , and Souldiers , without attending any more the authority of the Emperour , should be lawfull . Anno Christi 685.

Sergius the 1. was chosen in a Schisme : he was in danger for condemning the Heresie of the Monotholites : He sent Vmbred to the Frisons to conuert them to the faith , 688.

Philippicus Bardanius , Emperour , made an Edict that all the Images of Saints should be taken from Churches . 717. and that by consent of Iohn , Patriarke of Constantinople . No maruell though Pope , and Papists be of another minde ; for they haue left the second Commandement out of the number of Commandements , which the Church of Rome approues .

Gregorie the 2. excommunicated the Emperor Leo , and discharged his people from obedience . 714.

Leo Emperour , reformed the Church of Images , although the Pope with-stood . 720.

Gregorie sent Boniface , alias Wenefred , an English Monk , into diuers places , to preach the faith ; he was martyred , as was one Willobrordus sent before to preach by Sergius Nauclere .

Priests mariages against , Purgatorie , Reliques , Fraternities . Albertus Gallus , Clement , and Scotus , with many other learned men in France and Germany , withstood the Bishop , reformed Boniface in reliques , single-life , Images , Purgatorie , and Popes Supremacy . An. Christi , 735. The Pope is not yet setled in his nest .

Constantine the fift Emperour , was vehement against Images . Anno Christi , 741.

Sergius the 2. absolued Pippin , and the French , of their oath to the King , 752.

Paul the 1. sate ten yeeres and odde : He was vehement against the Emperour for Images , 758.

Theodor Bishop of Ierusalem , maintained Images , 758.

Nicholas , Bishop of Constance , was against Images , 766.

Adrian the 1. gaue authority vnto Charles the Great , to choose the Pope , and to inuest Bishops , and Archbishops , 772.

Leo the fourth Emperor , was against Images , 777.

Raiginbald in Lumbardie would not obey the decree of Adrian , but kept their Wiues still , 779.

Leo the 3. Bishop of Rome , sate 20. yeeres : He was imprisoned of the Romans for his cruelty , but Charles the Great pacified all , 796.

Stephen the 4. Bishop of Rome , sate one yere : He sought his confirmation of Lodowicke Emperour , 816.

Gregory the 4. Bishop of Rome , would not take the Bishopricke , before he was confirmed of the Emperour , 827. Yet no Supremacy .

Iohn the 8. a woman Pope , sate two yeeres & one moneth . By generall consent shee was chosen Pope , but not long after being great with childe by her seruant , hauing for a while hid her great belly , in the end going to Lateran , betweene the Theater , which they call the Collosse of Nero , and Saint Clement , falling into her throwes , shee was deliuered ; hauing sate two yeeres , and one moneth , and foure dayes : and was buried without honor . Anno 158. See Platina , Marianus , Scotus , Sigisbertus , Ranulphe , Volateran , Bergonius , Martin .

Benedict the 3. sate three yeeres , being chosen , he receiued the Office weeping , taking God to witnesse that he was not worthy of such a charge ; he continued three dayes in fasting and prayer , desiring God to giue him grace to gouerne the Church . Sup. Cron. Nauclere . He was deposed from the Papacy , by the conspiracy of certaine wicked persons , and a Cardinall vsurped the place but after againe he was restored . Estat . Church , 857.

Nicholas the 1. sate ten yeres , he began to compel single life , but could not preuaile ; his decrees were greatly resisted . Huldrike Bishop of Asburge in Almaigne , writ a worthy Epistle vnto him , Extant 859. Plat. Esta . Church , In his Epistle he puts him in minde of the like decree made by Gregory , who finding the fruit of his single life , ( namely , 6000. Infants heads found in a Pond , whither he sent for Fish , ) whereupon hee greatly repented himselfe of his decree , which he confessed was the cause of so lamentable a murther , and so hee altered his former decree . Esta Church , the Epistle at large , 859.

Adrian the second , sate sixe yeeres : he was chosen without the Emperour , and excusing the matter , the Emperour was appeased , he was saluted Pope , Plat. Ro. Barus . after he granted the Election to the Citizens of Rome . Nauc . and Chron. Abb. 869. There was great diuision betweene the Greeke and Latine Church , onely for the primacy , and for the diuersity of Ceremonies . Ro: Barus . Nauclere .

Iohn the ninth , sate ten yeeres : he wrote Saint Gregories life in foure Volumes , he gaue occasion of great contention and warres , in choosing of the Emperour . The Pope was committed to prison , but by the helpe of his friends he escaped , and fledde into France , where he remained a yeere . In the meane time Charles the third , Emperour , was at Rome , and kept it . He sent for the Pope to Rome , who returned , and so they raigned two yeeres together : Platina , Florent , and Ro. Barus . Finally , hee was poysoned , or as some say , slaine with the blow of a mallet , vpon a conspiracy made against him . Chron. Abb. Vestper . Ro: Barus . 880.

Martin the second , sate one yeere and fiue moneths : he restored Formosus Bishop , disgraded by his Predecessor ; This Pope entred the Popedome by euill arts . Supple . Chron. 884.

Adrian the third , sate one yeere and three moneths , he decreed the Emperor to be no more looked for in choosing of the Pope , but that the Election of the Clergy should be free : Dist. ●… . Anno 886.

Leo the sixt , sate seauen moneths and fifteene dayes .

Stephen the fift , sate sixe yeeres and ten moneths .

Formosus Bishop of Portuens : was appointed Pope , and sate fiue yeeres and sixe moneths , against the will of some Romans , which pretended that Cardinall Sergius was chosen , whereupon proceeded a great schisme , cruell and scandelous , and indured a great time ; this Formosus bought the Papacy . Iohn le Maire . Supp . Cron.

Boniface the sixt , sate fifteene dayes .

Stephen the sixt , sate one yeere and sixe moneths , hee euilly requited his predecessor Formosus , who made him Bishop of Anania , he condemned his acts , caused his body to be taken out of his Tombe , threw his two fingers into Tiber , and buried his body in lay mens apparell : Plat. Naucler . Ro. Barus . At last he repented his faults , and became a Monke . Supp . Cron.

Romaine , sate three moneths and 22. dayes , hee established the acts and decrees of Formosus , and disanulled the acts and decrees of Stephen . Naucler . Anno 900.

Theodor the second , sate 22. dayes , he was a seditious man , and a very monster in nature ; he condemned Stephen , he restored the acts and fauourers of Formosus : Naucler . 900.

Iohn the tenth , sate two yeeres , hee was a sedicious monster , he restored Formosus , and burned Stephens acts ; he moued sedition in Rome , and for feare fledde to Rauenna : Ro. Barus and Sigeber . 905.

Benet the fourth , sate three yeeres , he did nothing worthy of memory . Platt .

Leo the fift , sate forty dayes ; a Cardinall his familiar● called Christopher , imprisoned him , and by violence obtained the Papacy . Leo dyed of griefe , 905.

Christopher sate seauen moneths , he entered by violence , and so he lost it ; for he was deposed , and imprisoned , was constrained to be a Monke , which was the onely refuge of the miserable ; wherein disordered Church-men were detained , and inclosed in strong Monasteries , and there hee dyed . Naucler and Cron. Abb. 905.

Sergius the third , sate seauen yeeres , he condemned Formosus acts , he tooke vp his body , and cut off his head , and threw him into Tyber : he begat Iohn the twelfth vpon a faire Whoore , Wife to Guido . Luithorandus . Anno 906.

Note , Formosus : Boniface the sixt , Stephen the sixt , Romaine , Theodorus the second , Iohn the tenth , Bennet the fourth , Leo the fifth , Christopher , Sergius the third ; All these Popes condemned one anothers acts , ten succeeding one another , aboue 20. yeeres : where is now their consent they boast so of , a maine marke of their Church ?

Anastasius the third , sate two yeeres and two moneths , an honest Pope : Supp . and Cron.

Laudo sate fiue moneths , and more .

Iohn the eleuenth , sate thirteene yeeres and two moneths , he was Pope Sergius sonne , and proued no better then his Father , sauing he proued a good Souldier ; His owne Souldiers stifled him to death : Naucler . 917.

Stephen sate two yeeres , and twelue dayes .

Iohn the twelfth , son to Pope Laudo , sate foure yeeres , ten moneths , and fifteene dayes : he did nothing worthy memory , and of some is not numbred in the Catalogue of Popes : Supp . Chron. He obtained the Popedome by his Harlot Theodora : he was strangled with a cushion by the Souldiers of Guido : Premonstra 917.

Leo the seauenth , sate three yeeres and sixe moneths . The Heresie of the Anthropomorphites ( which say , that God hath a corporall forme ) was at that time renewed . The Bishop of Verone writ against it .

Stephen the eight , sate three yeeres , foure moneths , and twelue dayes ; some say he was murthered in a sedition , insomuch as he was neuer publikely seene : Chron. Abb.

Martine the third , sate three yeeres , sixe moneths , and foureteene dayes ; he was peaceable , and gaue himselfe to repaire Temples , and to nourish the poore : saith Supp . Chron.

Agapatus the second , sate nine yeeres , he did nothing memorable .

Iohn the thirteenth , sate nine yeeres , and three moneths . This mans Father Abaric , being of the greatest power of Rome , caused the noblest and chiefe Rulers to promise and sweare , to choose after the death of Agapatus , his eldest sonne , this Iohn : He was a vile monster in life , he committed incest with both his Sisters , and his Fathers Concubines ; at Dice he would call to the Diuel , and drinke to the Diuell , he maintained a publike stewes . He was deposed by the Emperour in a Counsell ; was againe placed , and soone after was taken againe in adultery , and was slayne by the husband of the wife , about 960. Plat. Ro. Baras . Chron. Sigesb . Naucler . and Ioh. Maire : Others say , that the diuell brake his necke Anton Chro. Fasci Baronius .

Benet the fift sate sixe moneths and fiue dayes : Hee was deposed by the Emperour , and banished into Almaine , where hee dyed , and Leo placed in his roome : Anno 963. Naucler .

Leo the eight sate one yeere and foure moneths : Hee established to the Emperour , the choosing of the Pope , with inuesting . Naucler . and Dist. 63. cap. in Synod . 964.

Iohn the fourteenth sate sixe yeeres , eleuen months , and ten dayes : He was imprisoned by the Citizens , and Peter , Prouost of Rome , but was restored by the Emperour Otho the first ; and Peter was deliuered to the Popes deuotion , who gaue him to the tormentors hands , who vnapparrelled him , cut off his beard , and set him vpon an Asse , his face to ward the tayle , and his hands bound vnder the tayle , and so was led through the Towne , and beaten with rods : after he was brought to prison , and finally , was banished into Almaine . Naucler . Volateran . Anno 965.

Benet the sixt sate one yeere , and sixe moneths : Hee was put in prison at Saint Angelo , wherein he was strangled by Cynthius . Naucler . 973.

Boniface the seauenth sate seauen months : the greatest in Rome conspired against him , for hee entred by euill meanes . He pilled the most precious treasures of the Church of Saint Peter , and fledde into Constantinople , where he continued eight moneths , & hauing turned all into siluer , he returned into Rome . In his absence they lifted vp one , whom they called Iohn the fifteenth : Hee sate eight moneths : But Boniface corrupted the vilest and wicked persons of Rome . This done , he tooke Pope Iohn , and put out his eyes , and made him die with hunger in the castle of Saint Angelo , and so possest the place , but he died incontinently after of a sodayne death , and his corps was drawne with a cord by his feete through the streetes , and pierced with pikes by the Romanes : but the Clarks buried him . Naucler . Ro. Barus . Cro. Abb. Anno 976.

Benet the seuenth sate eight yeeres and sixe moneths : he did nothing worthy memory .

Iohn the fifteenth died in prison , as before : in Bonif. 7.

Iohn the sixteenth sate foure moneths : for giuing the goods of the Church to his parents , friends and allies , he was hated of the Clergie , and people , and was inclosed in the Castle of Saint Angelo , where he died of hunger . Supp . Cron Ro. Barus . 976.

Iohn the seuenteenth sate tenne yeeres : for feare of Crescentius the Roman Rebell , he fled to Hitruria , crauing aide of the Emperour , and Gregory the fift was placed in his roome . 987.

Gregorie the fift sate three yeeres : He was deposed after the Emperours departure , and Iohn the eighteenth was placed in his roome : but the Emperour killed both the new Popes , Iohn and Crescentius , and placed Gregorie . 995. and so was a Schisme of two Popes . Naucler . Supp . Cron. & Plat.

Siluester the second sate foure yeeres : Hee was a Magitian , and came to the Seate by the Art of the Diuell , vnto whom hee had done homage , that all his affaires might goe after his wish . He had most curious bookes of Magicke , which he got from a Philosopher , by the helpe of his daughter ; and fearing to be surprized of it , he vowed himselfe to the Diuell , vpon condition he would bring him to France , and at last he came to be Pope : And desiring of the Diuell to know how long he should be Pope , the Diuell answered ; vntill hee sayd Masse at Ierusalem . Then he followed his delights : but on a day in Lent celebrating the Masse in the Church of the holy Crosse of Ierusalem , he was sodainely taken with a great feuer , &c. and sodainely hee heard a great tumult of Diuells in his presence , &c. and surprized with feare , hee sent for his Cardinalls , and commanded his body should be hewen in peeces ; but specially , such of his members whereby hee had worshipped the Diuell , and then that all should be put in a Cart , and vnto what place soeuer the Horses which drew the Cart went , and should stay , there he should be buried . The horses , without any direction , carried his body into the Church of Laterane , where he was layd in a Sepulchre . And at this day his Sepulchre is a pronostike token of a Popes death . 999. Ro. Barus . Suppl . Cron. Bermo and Naucler .

Iohn the twentith sate foure yeeres and fiue moneths : He was suspected to haue made away his predecessour .

From Siluester vntill Hildebrand these Popes gaue themselues to diabolicall Arts : He died not without suspition of poyson . Naucler . 1006.

Sergius the fourth sate two yeeres and sixe moneths : He entred by Art Magicke . 1006.

Benet the eight sate twelue yeeres : Hee was deposed by the Cardinalls and people of Rome , and at the length got his place againe ; and soone after dyed . Supp . Chron. He appeared after his death vnto a Bishop his familiar , vpon a blacke horse , and complayning of his torments , shewing how he might , by Suffrages , Masses , and Alms-deeds be discharged from Purgatory . Anno 1010. Plat. Naucler . Ro. Barus . Supp . Chron. Fasci . temporum , with others .

Note wee here , the Pope that can giue Indulgences for twenty thousand yeeres , and deliuer what soules he will out of Purgatory , cannot now ease himselfe . Quomodo constat ?

Iohn the twenty one sate tenne yeeres : Hee crowned Conrad Emperour ; and therefore hee defended him against the Romans . Theophilact , alias Benedict the ninth . Iohn , Gratian , Laurence , Massican , Brazutus , Heldibrand : all Coniurers ruled at Rome , Anno 1031.

Benet the ninth sate tenne yeeres , foure moneths , and nine dayes . Supp . Chron. He was an horrible Coniurer , who by inchantment hauing got the Popedome to his two Vnckles , Benedict , and Iohn , now himselfe obtained it . He stirred vp Peter of Hungary against the Emperour Henry : Hee chose another Pope to him , Siluester the third ; and solde the Popedome to a third , Gregorie the sixt , Three Popes . and so three were Popes together ; but the Emperour deposed them all , and placed Clement the second . 1033.

Henry the third , Emperour , called Niger , cut off the Schisme of the Popes . 1041.

Siluester the third sate fiftie and fiue dayes : after Benet was depriued hee was chosen Pope , by gifts and corruptions . Supp . Chron.

Gregorie the sixt sate two yeeres and sixe moneths : In the time of the former Schisme hee was adiudged a Symoniacke , and Homicide , yet he bought the Popedome of Benet . Ro. Barus .

Clement the second sate nine moneths : After the foure aboue-named were deposed : He was chosen in ful counsell : Hee crowned Henry the third Emperour , who before he departed from Rome , constrayned the Romanes , by oath , to renounce their right of Election , without any more medling therein hereafter , to auoyd Schisme , and Scandals , which commonly arise of such Elections . Naucler . The Romanes , after his departure , forgetting their oath , imprisoned this Pope , after he had gouerned nine moneths . Some say that Damasus his Successour was Author thereof : others say , Gerard Brasier and Heldibrand , a man expert in poysoning . Benno . In his time men forged Visions and Miracles , to establish the Sacrament of the Masse , which then was called the Sacrament of the Altar : this Pope was poysoned soone after the Emperours departure . Naucler .

Damasus the second sate three and twenty dayes : He entred by force , for he occupied the Popedome without Election , either suffrage of people , or Clergie . Chron. Ro. Barus . He poysoned Clement , and himselfe was poisoned by Brazutus . Anno 1048.

Leo the ninth sate sixe yeeres : He being sent by the Emperour , reiecting the Election , was chosen by the people through Hildebrand . Plat. He condemned Beringarius doctrine . He was poisoned by Brazutus , and Benedict the ninth got his place againe , and dyed ; and after appeared in the likenesse of a Beare . 1049.

Popescannot saue themselues from Purgatorie .

Victor the second : The people of Rome fearing the Emperours displeasure in choosing of a new Pope ( hauing before forgotten their oath ) sent Hildebrand towards the Emperour , to choose a Pope , and in the meane while , Victor was chosen , not so voluntarily , as to please the Emperour , in electing an Almaine , borne of Bauier : he ruled two yeeres and three moneths : he was poysoned by Brazutus . 1054.

Stephen the ninth sate ten moneths , after other foure moneths , hee brought Millane vnder the obedience of Rome , which from the Apostles time was free . Plat. Ro. Barus . Naucler .

Benet the tenth sate nine moneths : the Romanes corrupted with siluer , elected him against the Cannons , though the Glergie were against it . But he was constrained to giue ouer the Popedome , and led a priuate life .

Nicholas the second sate three yeeres and six months : he called a Counsell at Rome , where they decreed Transubstantiation . Nicholas caused Berengarius to recant . He was poysoned by Brazutus . Hildebrand expelled Benedict from the Popedome , because he said he entred not in by the doore , but by force , and gifts . Plat. So were two Popes together vntill Benedict resigned . 1058.

Alexander the second sate eleuen yeeres : He had Candalus chosen against him , who comming to Rome with a strong band ; Alexander met him with the Romans , and the battell was hard and sharpe , where was a great slaughter , where Alexander got the day . The warre betwixt them continued two yeeres . Candalus was constrained to yeelde , and to redeeme his life with sixe hundred markes . Iohn le maire 1062.

Alexander was buffeted by Hildebrand , was imprisoned , & died , about 1074. Others , 1062. Benno Cardinal .

Gregory the seauenth , before called Hildebrand , sate twelue yeeres , and one moneth : rather a monster in nature then a man . Hee poysoned seauen or eight Popes by the seruice of Brazutus , the sooner to come to the Papacie ; hee vsurped the Papacie without Emperour , Clergie , or people . Hee cruelly hand●ed the family of Quintius , who had imprisoned him ; he caused the Emperour three dayes to attend bare foote for absolution . He stirred Rodulph against him , and two more , one after the death of another : hee vsed to carry about him a curious booke of Nigromancy , which one day forgetting , hee sent two of his trusty seruants , in such matters , to fetch it him ( being now at the doore of the Lateran ) with a speciall charge , not to looke into it . But they of a curious minde opened it and read in the Booke ; and sodainely the Angells of Sathan presented thems●lues , the multitude whereof , and the horrour of them , brought these two young men almost out of their wits , and as themselues reported , these euill spirits insisted strongly , saying ; Wherefore haue you called vs ? Command vs quickely what you will haue vs to doe , else we will fall vpon you , &c. One of the young men answered , Cast vs downe these walls strait-way , and shewing them certaine high walls , in a moment , the euill spirits threw them to the earth . They thus terrified , and trembling , almost without breath , came to their master : this writeth Benno , a Cardinall , who was in this time . This Pope practised treasons and murther against the Emperour , insomuch as hee sought to haue slaine him euen in the Church as he should haue been at his prayers . He praied often in the Church of Saint Marke in mount Auentine . The Pope suborned one , promising great summes of money , to lay great stones vpon the beames of the Church , ouer the place where the Emperour vsually prayed , and to be let downe vpon the Emperour to crush him to death : but this wretched creature remouing a stone too heauie for him , fell downe with it vpon the pauement of the Church , & it burst him all asunder . Iohn Bishop of Port the Popes Secretary , openly in the Pulpet confessed Hildebrand to haue done such a thing , and we also as deceiuers should be burned aliue ; giuing to vnderstand , that which he had done of the Sacrament of the Supper of our Lord , that is , the decree of Transubstantiation : whereof Hildebrand commanding Counsell of a certaine thing ( as of old the Painims did of their Idols ) hee cast the Hoast into the fire , because it gaue him no answere , though the Cardinalls spake against it . Thus farre Benno a Cardinall .

Note a beginning of the fruits of that cursed decree of Transubstantiation applied vnto charmes and inchantments . Moreouer , as he rose vp from his seate to excommunicate the Emperor Henry the fourth , the seate ( lately made of new and strong wood ) of it selfe brake into many peeces in terrible manner . Benno . He decreed single life to the Clergie , where-about hee moued maruellous tragedies , yet in Almaine , and in Fraunce were twenty foure Bishops and more , which together with their Clergie , were married , and defended , and constantly maintained their marriage . He commanded the vowe of Chastitie : hee ordayned the offering of the Masse . He was deposed , and fled to Salerne . An. 1086. where he died in exile . Abb. Vesp . Benno Balenus poisoned .

Clement the third was chosen Ante-pope to Gregorie the seauenth ; so were two Popes together sixeteene yeares : he sate three yeares and fiue moneths . Plat.

Victor the third was made Pope , not by election of Cardinalls , nor people of Rome , but was there inthronized , by Mathilde , Gregories louer onely , and the Normans of that faction : hee sate foure moneths . He entred and intended to follow the example of his predecessour Gregorie , in mouing of warres , and against the Emperour , and Pope Clement : he died of poison , which was put into the Challice by his Subdeacon , as he sung Masse . Herman . Contract . Carsulan . praemonst . 1086.

Vrban the second , chosen by Mathilde onely , against the will of the Emperour , sate twelue yeares , foure moneths , and nineteene dayes . He was Hildebrands familiar , he watred , & caused to grow his pernitious seeds . He excommunicated the Archbishop of Rauenna , and Clement the third , because he had bin chosen by the Emperour : some call him the Perturber of the World . He would absolue none excommunicated by Hildebrand : and fearing to fall into danger of his life , he went secretly out of the Towne , and celebrated many Synods at Melph , two at Troy , three at Plaisance , foure at Cleremont , fiue at Toures , in which he confirmed the acts of Hildebrand , and made new Ecclesiasticall ordinances , to fortifie the Papacy . This Pope cursed the Emperour , and the Ante-pope Clement , and he him againe . Hee heard Anselme against William Rufus 1088.

Paschal the second sate eighteene-yeeres , and sixe moneths , and seauen dayes : He followed the steppes of Hildebrand : He imployed all his time in warres : he put from their dignities all Ecclesiasticall persons which had been ordained by the Emperor . He assembled a Counsell at Rome . 1101. because of an opinion of a Bishop of Florence , touching Antichrist already borne . Sabellicus . Seeing so many mischiefes committed in the Church , he prohibited Ministers marriages . Hee renewed the excommunication of Gregory the seauenth , and Vrban the second , against the Emperour Henry the fourth , causing the sonne to take vp Armes against his father , an inhumane , and horrible crueltie . The sonne most vnnaturally besieged his father , tooke him traiterously , dispoiled him of all his Imperiall dignities , and made him die a poore miserable man , in great captiuitie and heauines : and all at the instigation of Christs pretended Vicar . Yet this Papall monster , not appeased with his death , commanded by his Letters , that his body should be vnburied , and cast out of the Church , &c. and to be depriued for fiue yeeres of Sepulture . Euseb. Chron. Hee dispoyled the Archbishop of Rauenna of his lands , applying them to his owne profit : and after commanded the Archbishop of the same place to be taken vp , who had beene chosen Pope by the Emperour , in the time of Gregory the seuenth , sixe yeares after hee had laid in the Sepulchre . The Emperor and the Pope accorded , yeelding to Henry the fift inuestitures : but after he reuoked it and excommunicated the Emperour . But the Emperour comming to Rome , the Pope fled to Apulia , where he dyed . Anno 1114.

Gelasius the second sate one yeere and six months , was chosen without the Emperor : he was imprisond by Cinthius a great man of Rome , but he was deliuered by the people : the Emperor sent his Armie to Rome . The Pope fearing , fled to Gayette . The Emperor created another Pope called Gregorie the eight , the eighteenth Schisme of two Popes . Gelacius condemned the Emperour , and the Ante-pope . R. Barus . Gelacius came secretly to Rome ; hee was knowne , and hardly escaped into France . Supp . Chron. 1118. He dyed of a plurifie at Clugni , where he was buried .

Calixt the second sate fiue yeeres : he was chosen by the Cardinalls . The Ante-pope came against him . He was ouercome in battell ; and being taken by Pope Calixt , hee was set vpon a Cammell , his face towards the taile , and so made him goe , and after imprisoned him . Iohn le Maire . Fasc . temporum . 1119.

Honorius the second sate fiue yeares , and two moneths : Arnulph Archbishop of Lions had at that time a singular gr●ce in preaching ; and after he had preached in 〈◊〉 and came to Italie , he came to Rome , but because hee rebuked too sharpely the vices , delights , and pompes of the Church-men , hee was slaine . The Pope seemed to be grieued at it , yet made he no great search for the murtherers . Plat. Sabellicus . Bonifac. Simo.

This Popes Legate Iohn , was taken in bed with a whoore at London . Grafton .

Innocent the second sate foureteene yeeres : hee warred against Roger the Norman ; but Innocent was ouerthrowne in battell , and led away prisoner : while he was in prison , the Romans elected another , but Innocent agreeing with Roger , hee was constrained to goe into France for succour , where he held two Counsells : after he returned towards the Emperour , who promised his aide , and so he returned into Italie . Anaclete the Antepope hearing thereof , stole away all the treasure and reliques of the Church , to wage them which were of his band : He dyed with griefe , and his Cardinalls craued pardon . Thus two Popes continued sixe yeeres . 1136.

Celestine the second sate fiue months , and eight daies : he died of the pestilence .

Lucius the second sate one yeere : hee willing to take away the dignity of the Patritian , died of the pestilence . Supp . Chron. Fasci . temporum .

Eugenius the third sate eight yeeres : hauing excommunicated certaine Romans , hee was constrained to flee into France , 1145. comming againe he was honourably receiued ; but he soone after dyed at Tyber , going to recreate himselfe . Hee was brought to Rome , and buried in the Temple of Saint Peter . Supp . Cron. 1145.

Saint Bernard against the impietie of the Popes , and the Ecclesiasticall sort : see his 67. Sermon , where he calleth them the Ministers of Antechrist . Item 57. in his booke to Eugenius . Item in the 33. Sermon vpon the Canticles , he often saith that Prelates are but Pilats . He reproueth Eugenius , that leauing the word of God , hee aduanced humane Traditions . And Hugo Cardinalis , in his Postill vpon Saint Iohn alleadgeth that Bernard sayth in a certaine place : It seemeth , O good Iesus , that all the vniuersity of Christians haue conspired against thee , and they are the chiefe of the conspiration which obtaine the Primacie of the Church .

Anastasius sate one yeere .

Adrian the fourth sate fiue yeeres and sixe moneths : he would not goe to the Church of Lateran to be consecrated , vntill first Arnold Bishop of Brixe was cast out of the Towne , who opposed himselfe against the administration of Ciuill things , and Temporall Sword , which the Clergie had vsurped . Hee was angry with the Emperour for holding his left stirrope at his lighting . Hee stirred vp all Italie to rebell against him , for receiuing homage of his owne Bishops . He was troubled of the Romans for their auncient Liberties . Iohn of Salisburie Bishop of Chartyrs , was a worthy man : Hee reproued many things in the Clergie , and Popes , and being very familiar with Adrian , he was heard to say to Iohn , That there were many Popes which rather succeeded Romulus in murther , then Saint Peter in feeding the sheepe . He excommunicated William King of Sicilie , and Pouill . Finally , he was choaked with a flie : he sayd , the life of a Pope was most miserable . 1154.

Alexander the third sate about two and twenty yeers : He was chosen by one halfe of the Cardinalls , and Victor on the other side ; and so continued a Schisme of two Popes twenty yeeres , euen all the dayes of Alexander : For after Victor , came Paschalis the third , then Calixt , lastly , Innocent : vnto these all the Bishops of the Empire were sworne . Alexander granted the auncient Liberties to the Romans . He caused all Italie to rebell against the Emperour : hee troade vpon the Emperours necke . Hee defended Becket against Henry the second , King of England 1160. Hee seeking the Emperours death ( while he was busied with the Turke ) sent a Letter to the Turke , with the liuely Image of the King , to seeke to slay him . The Emperour with his Chaplaine on a hote day going to wash him , was surprized by an ambush of the Sultans , and brought before the Turke , where he fained himselfe to be the Emperours Chaplaine ; but the Turke shewing him his Image , and the Popes Letters , he confessed the truth , and desired fauor : at length the Turke sent him away , vnder certaine conditions agreed betwixt them . The Emperour returning , assigned a day at Noremberg , and assembled his Court , declared the Pope Alexander his treason , shewing his Letters , and the Image . Briefly , euery one promised his helpe to pay his ransome , and to doe iustice vpon the said Alexander . The Pope vnderstanding his treason was come to light , and what the Emperour intended against him , he fled from Rome in the habite of his coole , and came to Venice . The Venetians maintained the Pope . The Emperour sent Embassadours to demand Alexander ; finally , he sent his sonne Otho : the youth led with his Company , gaue battell : he lost the victory , and was taken prisoner ; which the Pope seeing , would not agree with the Emperour , except he came to Venice , and receiued the meanes he would offer . The Emperour to helpe his sonne , came to Venice . The Pope would not absolue him of excommunication , vntill he presented himselfe at the doore of Saint Markes Church : When he came thither , the Pope commanded him , in the presence of al the people , to cast himselfe vpon the ground , and demand pardon ; which he doing , the Pope set his foot vpon the Emperours necke , and pressing it downe , sayd : Thou shalt goe vpon the Aspe and Basiliske , and tread vnder thy feete , the Lyon and the Dragon . The Emperour answered ; This was not said to thee , but to Peter . But the Pope stepping againe vpon his neck , answered , Both to me , and to Peter . The Emperour fearing some danger , held his peace ; and so was absolued , and vpon conditions agreed . Estate of the Church , and Plat. Now let the world iudge , whether this be Christs Vicar , Peters true Successour , a seruant of seruants , or a Luciferian proude Pope , the sonne of perdition , and Antechrist himselfe , that ●itteth in the Temple of God , and boasteth himselfe aboue all that is called God . 1180.

Lucius the third sate foure yeeres , and two moneths : while he went about to expell the Consuls and Patricij of Rome , he was cast out , and withdrew himselfe to Venice : Such as tooke his part , had their eyes put out ; others were set vpon Asses , with their faces towards the tayle , and ignominiously handled . Platin. Hee dyed at Veron .

Vrban the third sate one yeere , and sixe months . Sup.

Gregorie the eight sate fiftie seauen dayes .

Clement the third sate three yeeres , and sixe months : he made a Decretall against all such Priests as celebrated Masse in woodden vessells , and with common bread . Heere is nothing respected but outward things , and the commandement of God neglected . Note againe , common bread was now in vse in the Lords Supper .

Celestine the third sate sixe yeeres : Hee crowned the Emperour with his feet , sitting in his Pontifical Chaire , and holding the Imperiall Crowne betweene his feete ; and the Emperour bowing downe his head , and likewise the Empresse , receiued it from his feet : and immediately hee kickes it off againe to the ground , in token that he had power ( if he so deserue ) to depose him . The Cardinalls standing round about , reuerently tooke it vp , and set it on their heads againe . Baronius . Ranulph . Mysterie of Iniquitie .

Innocent the third sate eighteene yeeres : he absolued the Princes from their oath to the Emperour , caused them to choose Otho the fourth , and after excommunicated Otho also . This Pope added a very dangerous pestilence vnto the Articles of the Faith , that is , Transubstantiation , as a thirteenth Article of the Faith . See the Decretalls . Tit. 1. De Summa Trinitate & fide Apostolica . cap. Firmiter credimus . This Decretall was made in the yeere of Christ 1215. and promulged in the Counsell of Lateran . Hee made another Decree of the Cannon of the Masse , and commanded it to be receiued , as from the Apostles : Thus they place in the roome of the doctrine of the Apostles , their owne Decrees . Hee also commaunded confession in the Priests eare , at the least once a yeare . See Decretal . Tit. 38. cap. Omnes vtriusque sexus . He dyed at Pice . Anno 1216.

Honorius the third sate tenne yeeres , and seauen moneths : he excommunicated the Emperour : hee raised the French against the Earle of Thelossa , for fauouring Albingenses . He was denyed in France the exactions of two Prebends in euery Church , and two Monkes in euery Abbey 1216. Hee confirmed the order of the Iacobines , which his predecessors had refused to do ; and confirmed the order of the Mendicants . He commanded the Hoste should be kept in a place by it selfe , and well inclosed . When the Hoste was lifted vp , the people to do reuerence , and bowe to it ; and also , when it was carried to the sicke . He confirmed the order of Saint Francis . Fasci . temporum . Thus the fulnesse of infection is come into the Church by the foure plagues of begging Monkes .

Gregorie the ninth sate foureteene yeeres , and three moneths : This Pope heaped vp Decretalls , and commanded them to be kept through all Christendome , in Schooles and Iudgement . Thus the word of God is set aside for their traditions . Peter de Vienna complained , That all the world cannot fill the insatiabilitie of the Pope ; That the turpitudes of the Clergie are so great , and enormious , as shame forbiddeth to speake thereof . Hee also maintained , that the Pope , neither by diuine , nor humane right , hath any power of the Sword . The Pope excommunicated him . William the Gold-smith at this time , sheweth that the Pope is Antichrist , Rome Babylon , the Prelates , members of Antichrist . Caesarius 10. Distinct. 3. of his Dialogues . The Pope was driuen out of Rome by the Romans . He cursed the Emperour Frederike for not going to the holy Land : and the second time , for punishing Rebells , and receiued 12000. ounces of gold , for absoluing him . Vide Plat. and the Mysterie of Iniquitie . pa. 360. He cursed the Greeke Church , and they him againe : he plagued the Clergie of England by exactions , foure markes of euery Church : the fift part of euery Ecclesiasticall person : 10000. markes for maintaining of the warres against the Emperour : he stirred vp his sonne against him . He wrote to the Sarazens , not to agree with him . He fell out with the Cardinall Columna , because he would not doe a vile message to the Emperour , saying ; I hold thee not hence-forth for Cardinall : Nor I thee for Pope , sayd Columna : and so he departed : Math. Paris . See the Mystery of Iniquity . fol. 304. Gregorie afflicted with so many mischiefes , fell sicke , and dyed with sorrow and griefe . 1241.

Celestine the fourth sate eighteen dayes : was poisoned .

Innocent the fourth sate eleuen yeeres , and sixe moneths : He canonized many Saints , made much of begging Friers . Hee prescribed the Emperour Frederike , and Conrade , and then commanded William to be chosen against him . He exacted in England the third of all Church-goods : and the yeerely fruits of vacant Benefices , and halfe of all Non-residences : and all the intestate Ecclesiasticall . Againe , of some Priests , fifteene , of some tenne , of some , fiue able men , furnished with horse and harnesse to the warres , for one whole yeere : besides 10000. markes , and after 70000. markes to this warre , in despite of King Henry ; besides Peter-pence : 60000. markes yeerely of A●…ent Clarkes : He reuoked Friers priuiledges , excommunicated them , and all religious persons . The Emperour sayde ( foreseeing what would follow when hee was chosen Pope ; ) I haue lost a Cardinall my friend , and haue chosen a Pope mine enemie : Plat. So honours change manners ; and the very pride of the place makes them forget all duty to God , and man . He dyed miserably at Naples , sooner than he thought . Naucler . 1250.

Alexander the fourth sate seauen yeeres : he was set vp against Conrade the Emperour : hee reuoked the acts of Innocent , condemned the Bookes of Gulielmus de Sancto amore , written against Begging Friers : Plat. popish Clergie , calling the Pope Antechrist . He lost his armie in Nicrea , and comming to Viterbe , he dyed there 1261.

From Siluester the second that diuellish Magitian , vntill this time , the Popes haue reigned as incarnate diuells , in all trumperies , deceits , oppression of the good , and manifest tyrannies , and haue tormented by their infernall furies , the greatest monarkes ; Henry the fourth and fift , the second Fredericke , and other princes of the earth .

Vrbane the fourth sate three yeeres and one moneth : hee raised vp warres against Maufroy , and after against Conradin , and ouercame them both , and so obtayned the lands ; but the end was miserable : for the Sicillians , after the yeere 1282. rebelled against him , and slew all his French army in an euening sodainely , and opened their women great with childe , and cast away their fruit , that they , nor none of that generation might remaine . This occasion was afterward commonly called , the Euensong of Sicilie : This Pope dyed at Peruse .

Clement the fourth sate three yeers and nine months : He had wife and children . Hee was the King of France his Chancellor . After his wifes death , he was Bishop of Pauy : after Archbishop of Narbon : after Cardinall , and was chosen Pope . Hee demanded a certaine tenth in Almayne . Iohn , Glossator of the Decree , and Prouost of Saint Stephen de Alberstate , opposed himselfe against it , and appealed to the next Counceil , for the which hee was excommunicated of the Pope , and depriued of his office . Sea of Histories . Clement had a nephew which held three Benefices ; he constrained him to forsake two of them . Naucler . He died at Viterbe .

Gregorie the tenth sate foure yeeres : he assembled a Counsell at Lions , where was agreed the tenth part of the goods of the Church , to be giuen for sixe yeeres , to maintaine the warres for the conquest of the lands beyond the Seas . He labored to bring the Greeke Church vnto Rome , but all in vaine ; so as he is not vniuersall Bishop , nor his Successors . 1272. He came to Aretinum , where he died .

Innocent the fift sate sixe moneths , and two dayes .

Adrian the fift sate fortie dayes : he died at Viterbe . 1276. before hee was consecrated .

Iohn the two and twentieth sate eight moneths , promising himselfe long life , foretold by the Starres , as hee affirmed it , but in the presence of his people , a new Vault , Valerius calleth it a playing Hall ; Stella , a rich and precious chamber , which he had built in his pallace at Viterbie , fell the fourth day following sodainely vpon him , in the yeere 1277. and the seauenth day after the sayd ruine , he was found miserably slaine , betwixt the stones and the timber , and was buried in the great Church . Here the Pope found by experience the vanity of his diuination . At this time was the doctrine of the Waldois , holding but two Sacraments , baptisme and the Communion : The Masse an abhominable and detestable thing , and therefore to be abolished : All humane tradition to be reiected , as not necessary to saluation : against many other toyes of Popery ; against the Popes Supremacie ; called Rome very Babylon , and the Pope the fountaine of all euill .

Nicholas the third sate foure yeeres : He transported to himselfe the dignity of the Senator of Rome . He made a Parke for Hares and Conies , for his pleasure to hunt in . He gaue much to his nephew , or rather bastard , called Barthand , that hee tooke from others by force : as some say , hee ingendered vpon a Concubine of his bastards , a monster , whose haire and nayles were like a Beares . See Iohn de Naion , in his Institutions of Beda .

And as hee was determined to preferre the house of the Vrsins , of which house he was , and therefore had caused to be paynted the pictures of Beares in the Pallace , being in the towne of Sutry , hee was taken with an Apoplexy , of which he died sodainly , and without speech . Anno 1291.

Martin the fourth sate two yeeres and eight months : he excommunicated Peter King of Aragon , and exposed his kingdome for a prey to the first that could get it , because hee ordayned an army by Sea into Sicilie against Charles ; and absolued his subiects of their oath . Note that all the pastime of Popes , is , to set Princes together by the eares . Hee granted to Rome the choyce of two Senators , of the Nobilitie , and excommunicated Paliolagus Emperour of Greece . He tooke the Cencubine of his predecessour Nicholas : but lest such an accident might happen him as did vnto others ; namely , that if he had a childe , it should be like vnto a Beare , he commanded all the Beares which had beene paynted in the Pallace by a Pope of the house of the Vrsins , should be defaced : For he knew well , that the figure of things vpon which women thinke , when they conceiue , oft-times , is certainely imprinted in them . The. Cooper Abridgement of Chron. But as once hee was taking his ordinary refection with his Captaines , he was taken with a secret mallady whereof he died . See Cusalanus .

Honorius the fourth sate two yeeres : he excommunicated Peter King of Aragon , who then occupied the kingdome of Sicilie against Charles , and confirmed the Edict of his Predecessour against him . Thus they succeed one another in cruelty : he confirmed the Sect of August . He died . 1288.

Nicholas the fourth sate foure yeeres , and one month . Naucler . Some say six yeeres . Many cruell warres , murthers , dissentions , and brawles in his time happened in Rome , vpon his occasion , giuing more countenance to the one part , then to the other : and this continued two yeeres . Fasci ▪ temporum . Nicholas died of griefe , because all things happened not after his wish . 1291.

Celestine the fift sate two yeeres and fiue moneths : he went about the reformation of the Clergie : they grinding their teeth at him , called him Sot and Dotard : one of these companions killed Benet ; suborned another , who making a cranny in his chamber , many nights cryed as it had beene an Angell from heauen , Gelestine , Gelestine , renounce thy Papacy , for that charge exceedeth thy force . Some also in the day time counselled him to giue ouer his Popedome , and prouide for his saluation . Note wee here that Rome cannot abide to heare of reformation . As he returned from Naples , he dismissed himselfe of that charge , &c. See Christian Massius : yet first hee made a constitution by all their consents , That it should be lawfull for a Pope to giue ouer such a charge : which Boniface his successour subtilly confirmed , and placed it in the sixt booke of his Decretalls : But this Boniface fearing that the people despising him , should cleaue vnto Celestine , caused him to be put in close prison , where he dyed . 1295.

Boniface the eight sate eight yeeres and nine moneths : He obtained the place ( as before ) by fraud and violence , to his predecessour Celestine . This is he of whom it is spoken , that hee entred as a Foxe , reigned as a Lion , and died as a Dogge . He was a terrour to Emperours , Kings and Princes , Nations and People , which he more respected then Religion , which gaue and tooke away kingdomes at his pleasure , extraordinarily thirsting after gold from all places . He was also cruell against the dead , for he caused a godly man , buried twenty yeeres before , to be taken out of his graue , and burnt for heresie , as he decreed . His pride and arrogancie was so hatefull to Princes , as Philip King of France , to bring vnder his pride made forces against him , inuaded him priuily in the night at Anagni , and breaking downe the gates , tooke him in his fathers house , and carried him to Rome prisoner , where through griefe of minde he died , thirtie fiue dayes after , and all his goods and treasure went to pillage . Platin. Iohn de la Maire . On Ashwednesday he gaue Ashes vnto the people of Genes : and Porchat the Archbishop of the Towne presented himselfe before him , and vnderstanding that hee was of the Gebellins , whom he hated , hee being on his knees vncouered , respecting neither day nor place , people , or religion , in his malice he cast an handfull of ashes in his eies , & abusing Scripture said : Remember that thou art a Gebelline , and that with Gebelius thou shalt be brought to ashes : and strait depriued the Archbishop of his dignity , though after he restored him . Platina . Crinis . Cor. Abb. 1295.

Benet the eleuenth sate eight moneths : hee was a good man , and studied for concord : hee contemned Friers , reuoked Bonifaces Decrees . Comming to Peruse , he there fell sicke , and dyed : But it was after proued , that a certaine Abbesse presented vnto him poysoned figges , whereof hee dyed ; and Leander affirmeth hee dyed of poyson . 1304.

Clement the fift sate at Auignon eight yeeres and tenne moneths : hee was enthronized at Lyons , in the Church of Saint Iust , with a mighty concourse of the Cleargie , and all estates . But their great pompe was mixed with great mourning : for as an innumerable multitude were mounted vpon an olde wall of Saint Iust , the sayd wall fell , and slew Duke Iohn of Brittaine : The King was there wounded , and the Pope throwne ouer his horse , and troden vnder foote , where he lost a rich Carbuncle out of his triple Crowne , esteemed at sixe thousand florens of golde , ( Pride must haue a fall : ) besides , more then twelue other noble persons were there wounded , and dyed . These things done , the King departed , and the Pope made his residencie at Auignon . This Pope kept his Roman Court , not at Rome , but at Auignon , where it abode by the space of seauentie three yeeres , before it returned to Rome . See Iohn le Maire . Hee sent three Cardinalls to gouerne Rome . This Clement was a publique whoore-monger , and a great maintayner of harlots . Chron. Herm. Paralip . Vesp . He gaue to them that offered themselues against the Turke , foure soules out of Purgatory , at their will , Agrippa de vanitat . This Pope commanded the Angells to carry into the ioyes of Paradice , and draw out of Purgatory , the soule of him whosoeuer should die in the way going in pilgrimage to Rome : moreouer , that the paines of hell shall no way be inflicted vpon them . In a Bull which is kept by Coppy at Vienna and Limego at this day . Agrippa de vanit . Scient . Hee condemned them that would not worship the bread of the Eucharist . He ordained , That the oathes deliuered to Princes , were not oathes of subiection , but of fidelity . Hee ordayned a feast instituted in the honour of the bread in the Eucharist , which the Papists call Gods feast . Hee pronounced that the Reliques of Saints ought to be greatly honoured . Finally , he being tormented with a fluxe of the belly , and paine of the stomacke and sides , he deceased in a Castle called Rocquemaure vpon Bosue 1314.

Behold here how humane traditions doe increase instead of the word of God .

Iohn the three and twentith sate nineteene yeeres and foure moneths . Hee condemned the Constitutions of Nicholas . Deer . 6. tit . 12. He made a Constitution against Friers Minors : he taught certaine errours , amongst others , that soules so soone as they were dispoyled of the bodies , should not see God before the last Iudgement . Massius witnesseth , his father had so taught him before . He writ to the Grecians , that there was but one Church , whereof hee was chiefe , and the Vicar of Iesus Christ . The Grecians answered , Wee beleeue surely that thy power is very great ouer thy subiects ; we cannot indure thy extreame pride , nor satisfie thy couetousnesse : the Diuell be with thee , for God is with vs . Iohn de la Mandauill in his sixt booke rehearseth it . He declared Lewes de Bauiere a Rebell , Schismaticke , and Heretike , because ( being chosen Emperour ) hee tooke the gouernement without any oath to the Pope of subiection . Hiero Marius . The Emperour came to appease the Popes rage to Millaine , and sent to Auignon , to the Pope , that hee would grant him kindly , the ornaments of the Empire , the Pope refused his Ambassadours , with great shame , and cited the Emperour peremptorily , that hee would come to Auignon , and submit himselfe to the ordinances of the Church . The Emperour knowing their tyranny , would not submit himselfe ; as if hee were his seruant , and would not goe , but sent againe to make the same request . The Pope persisted in his opinion , &c. The Emperour calling vnto him many Princes and Lords of Italie , came to Rome , where he was honourably receiued of the people . The greatest Lords of Rome sent Ambassadours to the Pope , beseeching him to visit the towne , and grant to the King of the Romans the imperiall ornaments : which if he refused to doe , they protested to obserue the auncient Law , and to vse the right of the Roman people . The Pope hearing the Embassage , draue them backe shamefully with vile words , and threates ; which the Roman people seeing , departed , and so by the commandement of all the Clergie , and people , hee was crowned , &c. Hereupon the Pope accused him as one guiltie of diuine treason , and an heretike , and published against him a very rigorous Processe . ( Oh Luciferian pride , vnbeseeming Peters successour . ) The Emperour fortifying himselfe , published in all parts of the Empire , an appellation against the Pope , that hee for his part doth execute the Testament of Iesus Christ , teaching peace ; which the Pope disturbeth in all Christendome , and remembers not , that all the honour he now hath , was graunted by Saint Constantine , to Siluester , when he was yet hid , and therefore accuseth him of Ingratitude , &c. and then they agreed to bring into the Church of Christ , the auncient custome obserued in electing the Pope ; namely , that being chosen by the people , he should be confirmed by the Emperour : and therefore one , called Peter Carbaria , a Frier , was created Pope , and called Nicholas the fift : and Pope Iohn was declared an hereticke , a tyrant of the Church , and not a Pastour , but a perturber of the peace of Christians : which proceedings the Emperour and the Princes , assistant at the Counsell held at Rome , submitted to the iudgement of the Catholique Church . Marius . This done , the Emperour returned into Almaine , and Pope Nicholas remayned in Italy . But finally Boniface , County of Pise , deliuered him to Pope Iohn , and he died in great misery , being straitly detained . See Suppl . Chron. Platin. 1334.

Benet the twelfth sate seuen yeeres and three months : hee was enemy to the Emperour Lewis , as his predecessour ; for he renewed the excommunication , and dispoyled him of all honour . Marius . Lewis assembled at Frankford all the Electors , &c. He shewed , that it onely pertaineth to the Electors of the Empire , and not to any other , to choose the King of Romans , or Emperour , for in substance they are all one : which Emperour may exercise the affaires of the Empire , without any confirmation of the Roman seate : Who ought to be sacred by the Pope , after notice by the Princes , that he is legittimately chosen : But if the Pope refuse , hee may be proclaymed Emperour Augustus , by any Catholique Bishop whatsoeuer , as hath beene long time vsed : and all such Vnctions are onely certayne ceremonies , inuented by Popes , which giue only the name , not the thing . The Emperour makes not an oathe of fidelitie to the Popes , but for the defence of the Faith ; not to giue him any superioritie in things which concerne the Temporaltie . Further , hee shewed in the vacancie of the Empire , it is false , that the right is deuolued vnto the Pope , and that this is against the liberty and dignity of the Empire : but that by a custome approued , and vsed of long time , without any contradiction , during the vacation of the Empire , it pertaineth to the Countie Palatine of Rheine , to haue the managing of the affaires of the Empire . This done , he yeelded a reason of his faith , and purged himselfe of all things obiected against him , by Iohn and Benet the twelfth .

The integrity of this Lewis so preuayled with Pope Bennet , as a peace was after concluded betweene them ; insomuch as the French Ambassadours called the Pope , the Protector of Heretickes . Bennet absolued him of his excommunication ; but being menaced by the King of France , hee left the Sentence giuen by his predecessour against Lewis . This Pope was an olde adulterer , and bought deare the Sister of Francis Petrarke a faire woman , of her brother called Gerard. He contradicted his predecessours heresie , affirming , that the soules of the godly , as soone as they be departed from the body , do see the face of God . Decret. Benedictus Deus in donis . He said the Pope had no parents . Fasci Temporum . He dyed at Auignon , to the great ioy of many . Opposition . Andrew de Castra . & Bardosanes . He defended Grace against Free-will . Iohn de Rupe Scissa taught , the Pope to be Antechrist , and the Church of Babylon .

Clement the sixt sate eleuen yeeres in Auignon : he was a man very desirous of women , of honour and power : Led with a diabolicall furie , hee fixed letters vpon the gates and doores of Temples , by which he threatned the Emperour vpon grieuous punishment , that within three dayes he should renounce the right of the Empire . H. Marius .

The Emperour came to Frankeford , and sought the Popes fauour . The Pope answered the Ambassadours , that he neuer would pardon Lewis , but vpon very vniust and cruell conditions , and so gaue a formulary to the Ambassadours . Lewis shewed this to the Princes , &c. The Princes iudged them to tend to the destruction of the Empire , and promised ayde : but the Pope most cruelly excommunicated Lewis . Hee depriued Iohn Bishop of Magunce , one of the Electours , and solicited the Electors to choose a new Emperour : they chose Charles the fourth , who was crowned in Bohemia , during the emperie of Lewis ; but he was not reputed Emperour , no not after the death of Lewis . Lewis was poysoned , as is sayd , hauing drunke of the cup of Iane Dutchesse of Austrich ; at the poynt of death he cryed : O God be mercifull to mee a poore sinner . Munster , and others . 1348. The Pope died sodainely , being strucken with an impostume . 1353.

Opposition . Conrad Hagar taught , that the Sacrament of the Masse was auaileable neither for quicke nor dead . Francis Patriarcha condemned Monkes and Friers , called Rome the whoore of Babylon , the Schoole of Errour , the Temple of Heresie . Epist. 20. with many others .

Innocent the sixt sate nine yeeres : He would haue gathered a Tenth of the Clergie , but was denyed , and so ceased . He was sparing in his diet , and liuing ; but in expences of warre , very large . This Pope ordayned the feast of Iesus Christs Launce and Nailes : to the end those dead Idols might be adored by the Christians . Before his death was such an Eclipse of the Sunne as was neuer seene . Massius . Plat. As he was preparing an army by Sea against the Turke , the Romans being in troubles and seditions , he was so vexed in minde , that hee dyed with griefe . Anno 1362.

Vrban the fift sate eight yeeres : He sent a Legat into Italie , with full power , and so repressed the Vicounts , and other Gouernours of Townes ; threatning great losses , if they would not submit themselues vnder the obedience of the Roman Church . Armacan a learned man and Bishop of Ireland , published Conclusions against Friers , teaching that it was a villainous thing for a Christian to begge without neede . Volater . He sayd he could not finde foure Bibles in Oxford . Iesuites began by Iohn Columbau , and Francis Vincent of Burgony . Volat . Sabell . Iohn Wickecliffe of Oxford in England , a rare Theologian , he touched liuely the abuses of the Popedome , against begging Friers and Monkes ; hee had King Edward to friend . The Pope as he returned into France dyed at Marcellus , not without suspition of poyson . Sabell .

Charles the fift Emperour and King of France , caused the Scripture to be translated into French . 1366.

Gregorie the eleuenth sate at Auignon seauen yeeres and fiue moneths : Many of the townes of Italy reuolted from his obedience : At the perswasion of a Nunne , he pronounced sentence of Interdiction against the Florentines the first Authors , and seised all the townes about them , and made warre vpon them . Naucler . Gregorie dyed , being tormented with an intollerable paine in the bladder . Plat. 1378.

Vrban the sixt sate eleuen yeeres : he was a cruell man , of whom by prayer nothing could be obtayned . Crautzius . He being come to the Popedome , sought to reuenge himselfe : he was forsaken of his Cardinalls , as a false Pope , and Clement the seauenth chosen .

Clement the seauenth sate in Auignon fifteene yeeres : and thus beganne the two and twentith Schisme of two Popes 29. yeeres , vntill the Counsell of Constance , the one cursing and warring with the other , that about 200000. were miserably slaine and drowned . Clement was chosen three months after Vrban . Vrban made thirtie new Cardinals in one day , and displaced the old , and put them in prison . Hee was vnder the safe keeping of the King of Naples , for his pride certayne dayes ; at the length , desiring that hee might goe to new Cesarea for his health , hee was set at libertie , where hee gathered forces against the King : But Raymundus the Generall of the Kings forces , Vrban comming with all his Court to the next shore , he shipped them , and brought the Pope to Genua , and of seauen Cardinals being taken at new Cesarea , putting fiue of them into sackes , he drowned them in the Sea , because he thought they fauoured Clement . The Pope Vrban succeeding vnhappily in his Popedome , dyed the eleuenth yeere of his Popedome , few lamenting his death , as a rude and execrable person . Plattina . Theodor. Cerinth . The waters and fountaines were poysoned , whereof he dyed , and all his nobility . Naucler . These two Popes sent terrible Bulls into diuers parts of the world , and so sowed defamatorie bookes , wherein they named one another Antechrist , Schismatickes . Heretickes , tyrants , traytors , theeues , vniust , sowers of tares , and children of Belial . Iohn de Ligni , in a Treatise in fauour of Vrban , and the Abbot of Saint Vast : the Kings Chancellor of France , in fauour of Clement ; That the Pope is Antechrist , no better witnesses then themselues . Clement dyed at Auignon 1394. Matthias a Bohemian proueth the Pope to be Antechrist , and Friers , heretickes . Walter Brut : In likewise , many Noble men in England maintained Wickecliffes doctrine ; The Lord Montague , Lord Clifford , Earle of Salisburie . Swinderby a priest wrote against Transubstantiation . 1387.

Boniface the ninth sate at Rome fifteene yeeres . Hee was chosen after Vrban . He made a Law whereby hee obtayned the seigniorie of all the world , that is , that no Parson should be promoted to any Benefice , before hee had payed to the Apostolique Chamber , all the reuenewes of the first yeere . Hee made great marchandize of Indulgences , and sold them for money .

Bennet the thirteenth sate at Auignon one and twentie yeeres : He gaue to Charles the sixt , King of France , the tenth part of all Ecclesiasticall goods , to make him his friend , and to diuide the spoyle . And as hee was in his Country , Catalongue , in a strong Castle called Pauiscole , maintaining himselfe the true Vicar of Iesus Christ , hee was condemned many wayes by the authority of the sayd Counsell . Finally , dying at Pauiscole , he commanded his Cardinals , that presently they should choose another in his place , and they elected one Giles Menios , and called him Clement the eight . Plattina .

This Pope made Cardinalls at the instigation of Abphonsus King , and did all that a Pope should doe . But after Martin 1. had agreed with Alphonsus , by his commandement Giles renounced all his right to the Popedome , and was declared Bishop of Maiorque ; and the Cardinalls made by him willingly renounced their dignities .

Innocent the seauenth was chosen after Boniface the ninth sate at Rome two yeeres : he being Cardinall , was wont to taxe the negligence and fearefulnesse of the former Popes : for he said , it came to passe through their sloath , that the Church of Rome , and the destruction of the whole Christian Common-wealth , was not yet cut off . But when he came to the Papacie , he followed the steppes of Vrban , and Boniface , whom being a priuate man , hee had taxed . Hee warred with the Citizens of Rome . The Anti-pope Benedict reclayming . Plattina . With the neglect of his sepulcher his memory perished . Hee had a care that Nicholas the fift should be restored to his Popedome . Plat. 1404.

Gregorie the twelfth sate eight yeeres : he was chosen after the death of Innocent , and an oath taken to yeeld , if the profit of the Church required it , but hee would not , though hee promised before a Notarie , before he was confirmed Pope , 1407. Benet , and Gregory , were perswaded by Charles the sixt Emperour , for the good and vnion of the Church , to giue ouer their rights . Benet gaue no answere : but dismissed the Ambassadour without farewell ; and for feare to be constrained , prouided for himselfe . A Counsell was held at Pice , to vnite the vniuersall Church , whereunto Gregorie and Benet were cited , but had no care to appeare , but derided it . So at the said Counsell , Gregory and Benet were both deposed , & one called Alexander was instituted ; so were three Popes together : but Gregorie fled to Austrich , &c. To their deposition all Christian Nations consented , except a part of Spaine , and the Count Arnimacke , and the King of Scots , who fauoured Benet .

Alexander the fift sate eight moneths . He was a learned man , a worthy and a godly man : hee was chosen with the consent of all the Cardinalls in the Counsell of Pice . Thus Gregorie and Bennet not giuing ouer , were three Popes at once . Alexander was so liberall to the poore , and to men worthy of his charity , as within a while he left nothing to himselfe . Whereupon , in merriment , he was wont to say : He had been a rich Bishop , a poore Cardinal , and a beggerly Pope . After the Counsell of Pice , he goeth to Bononie , where he fell grieuously sicke ; and knowing Death to be neere , the Cardinalls comming vnto him , he exhorted them to concord and peace , and to preserue the dignity of the Church , and testified , though Death were before his eyes , yet he did not feare , &c. And when hee could hardly vtter the words , hee sayd , My peace I giue vnto you , my peace I leaue with you . See Plat. 1409.

It is thought he had a poisoned drinke giuen him of a Physitian , Marcellus of Parma , hired by Balthazar a Cardinall ( whom hee fauoured ) with a great summe of money . Panecius reciteth in his 56. Sermon , and Estate of the Church .

Note , Rome cannot abide an honest man to be Pope .

Iohn the twenty foure succeeded Alexander , before Balthazer Cosse , Cardinall : hee sate fiue yeeres at Bolognie ; he came to the Popedome , rather by force and violence , then by free Canonicall Election : For being at Bolognie , rather as a Lord and Master then a Legate , the Fathers being assembled to choose a Pope , hee exceedingly threatned them , if they elected not such a one as pleased him : Therefore many were presented ; but hee approued none . Then sayd the Cardinalls vnto him , Name him whom you like . Then hee answered , Giue me Saint Peters Mantle , and pontificall habite , and I will giue them to him , whom I would haue to be Pope . When hee had receiued them , hee put them vpon himselfe , and sayd ; It is I that am Pope : and though they were not pleased therewith , yet they were faine to dissemble ; so furious terrible , and inuironed with souldiers was he . This reporteth Stella . After his Election he went to Rome to hold a Synode . In the first Session , the Pope sitting on a high seate , &c. there came an Owle , and sate vpon one of the balkes of the Temple , looking directly vpon the Pope , saluting him with a fearefull song : The company could scarse keepe themselues from laughing . The Pope beganne to be ashamed , to sweat , and to be tormented in himselfe ; and finally , finding no way to ease himselfe , he dismissed the company , and retired . There was another Session after this , wherein came the like ; but this Owle could not be chased away , neither with cries , nor stones , nor for staues that were throwne at him . Nicholas Clemengis Archdeacon of Baieux .

The Counsel of Constance assembled , where the Pope appeared . 1414. This Counsell indured foure yeeres ; sixe of Gregories Cardinalls approued the Counsell . Naucler . Iohn Husse , and Hierome of Prage were sent for , and had the Emperours safe-conduct : and because they would not recant , they were notwithstanding both burnt . Many crimes were obiected against the Pope ; whereupon he fled away in a disguised habite ; and vsed many places for his defence . Naucler . He was taken , and brought to Constance , and there detained in prison : After they proued against him fiftie and foure criminall Articles . He was deposed by all the Counsell . Himselfe approued his depositions , &c. Naucler . 1416. They cited also Gregorie the twelfth , but he resigned his Papacie into the hands of the Counsell . Hee was created Legate in the Marquesdome of Ancon : where hee dyed soone after . Iohn de la Maire .

Martine the fifth ( though Benets Cardinalls choose Clement the eight , but preuayled not ) was chosen of thirty three Cardinalls in the Counsell of Constance , he sate foureteene yeeres . Hee condemned all the acts of the former Popes in the Schisme . Iohn being deliuered out of prison commeth to Florence vnto Martine , kissed his feet , and acknowledged him true Pope , and Christs Vicar . Martine receiuing him into the number of the Cardinalls , created him Bishop of Tusculane : but he ( as it is thought ) not induring a priuate life , through griefe of minde , after certaine moneths , dyed . Martine of a Bishop of Florence , created an Archbishop . The yeere after , the Riuer Tibris did so increase as it drowned all the plaines in Rome , and filled the Temple Pantheon , euen vnto the high Altar . A great plague ensued , that compelled them to change the place and time of the Counsell intended . Certaine Cardinalls , after the death of Iohn the foure and twentieth , created a new Pope , and called him Clement the eight : but after a while hee gaue ouer , the rest were put in prison . Pope Martine died of an Apoplexie . 1431.

Eugenius the fourth sate sixeteene yeeres : after his creation , hee appoynted a certayne day for a generall Consistorie ; whither came so great a multitude , that the beames of the place cracking , it bred such a feare , that in the flying away of the people , the Bishop of Senagal , a Citizen of Rome was boren downe , and dyed . The Popes pride prouoked much warres in the Citty , and abroad , and he was often driuen to his straits , being prest with warres euery way . The Emperour and other Princes and Prelates , admonished him twice or thrice , to appoynt a conuenient place at Basill for the Counsell , which was concluded in the Counsell of Constance , from tenne yeeres to tenne yeeres , and to come thither with his Cardinals : otherwise they would deale with him as with an enemie , and an obstinate person . Whereunto hee assented ; But hee was so vexed with warres on euery side , as hee had scarse libertie to rest . But hee confirmed the Counsell of Basill , begunne by Martine his predecessour ; and hee was by the same deposed , and condemned an Hereticke , and Schismaticke . Plat. The Counsell of Basill chose Faelix . 1448.

Faelix the fift Duke of Sauore , was chosen by the Counsell of Basill , Anti-pape ; but Eugenius deposed , and would not yeeld ; so there was a Schisme of two Popes thirteene yeeres : some say sixeteene together , till Faelix was contented to giue ouer to Nicholas the fift . Plattin . 1439. Some followed Eugenius , some Faelix , some Newtrails , and obeyed neither . Platt . Who was then Christs Vicar ?

Nicholas the fift sate at Rome eight yeeres : Hee was crowned the nineteenth of March 1447. yet ceased not the Schisme of two Popes : for Faelix counted himselfe still Pope . In the yeere 1448. Faelix renounced the Popedome , and Nicholas reigned alone . Nicholas held a Iubilie at Rome , 1450. whither resorted such a multitude of people , as many were stifled as they entred and came out of the Churches : There perished about two hundred persons , besides a number which fell into the floud as they passed ouer the bridge of Saint Angelo . This Pope died of a feauer and gout . Naucler . Plattina . Others say hee was poysoned , as appeared by his intrailes , opened . Sea of Histories .

Calixt the third , sate three yeeres : he stirred vp Christians against the Turke ; he ordayned , that no person should appeale from the Pope to the Counsell . He sold letters of pardons for fiue ducats a peece , saith Valerius , whereby he left vnto his successours , an hundred and fifteene thousand Ducats ; he died in Iuly . 1458.

Pius the second sate sixe yeeres : hee was very ambitious : hee published a voyage against the Turke ; vnder colour of warring against the Turkes , the Popes gat great store of siluer . Hee exceeded in crueltie : before hee was Pope , hee had written with singular diligence , two bookes of the Acts of the Counsell of Basill : but being Pope , he sought to represse them , labouring , not to lessen the Papall tyranny , but to increase it in what he could . Stella .

He made warres with Borge Duke of Mutine , because he fauoured Sigismund Malatest , with many other great cruelties . For his profit he deposed many Bishops : He was sumptuous in building : hee made a Sepulchre of Marble for his fathers and mothers bones . See Plattina . Amongst many things left in writing , this was one : With great reason ( saith he ) was Marriage taken from Priests ; yet there is a farre greater reason , wherefore it ought to haue beene yeelded them againe . Also in his second booke of Counsells he saith : It may be that it were not the worse if a many Priests were married : for many being married Priests should be saued ; which in their barren singlenesse are damned . Himselfe abolished the Monasteries of S. Brigit , and S. Clare , commanding them out , that they might burne no more , and vnder the habite of Religion , they should not hide whoredome . Caelius secundus . Hee was surprized of a slowe feauer , whereof hee died at Ancon . 1464. Plattina . Sabellicus .

Paul the second sate seauen yeeres : he was of a proude spirit , ambitious , and couetous . Hee exceeded all his ancestors in sumptuous attire , and all kinde of precious attire . Plattina . O noble Successour of Peter !

Hee was an enemy to learning : hee put away many learned men , as forreiners , and strangers , with their bookes giuen to the spoyle : But diuers , with Plattina himselfe , desiring the matter might be referred vnto the Iudges , the Pope in great anger answered : Do you not know , that all Iudgement is placed in our breast ? Plattina wrote a letter to the Pope , desiring , that if without cause he would spoyle them of their iust purchase , yet it would please him , they might haue leaue to complaine of their wrong , and vniust ignominy : For being banished of you , wee must passe vnto Kings and Princes ; and we will intreate them that you appoint a Counsell , wherein you may be constrained to giue a reason of your doing . Paulus hauing read the letter , he presently chargeth me of Libells spreading out against him . And though I freed my selfe of that charge , because I had set my name thereto : yet I was bound with grieuous fetters , and put into a high Tower , in the middest of winter , exposed to all windes , foure months . At the length , at the importunate suite of a Cardinall , I was set at libertie ; with admonition , that I should not depart the Citie , affirming , that if I went among the Indies , Paul would fetch me thence . He was sodainely put in feare by a report that youths , hauing Calimacho their Captaine , had conspired against him , whereby he feared to be surprized at home , and abroad ; whereupon hee put many to torture , with Captaine Calimacho , whereof many died in the torture . Hee was a great eater of Melons ; he eate the same day that he died , in the night , two very great Melons : he died of an Apoplexie , the tenth of the Kalends of August . 1471. being alone in his Chamber , no man seeing him ; when that day being very merry hee had a Consistory : He went about to establish Priests marriages , but hee was preuented by death . It was said , when hee came abroad , he was wont to paint his face , with all kinde of precious stones about him , Aaron-like , desirous to be seene and wondered at . Hee was a great drinker , but of small wines . He so hated the study of humanitie , as he called the students thereof by one name , Heretickes . Hereupon he perswaded the Romans , they should no longer bring vp their children in learning , it was enough if they learned to reade and write Plattin . Others say , the Diuell brake his necke , as he was committing Sodomatrie .

Sixtus the fourth sate thirteen yeeres : he was in great danger of his life at his Coronation , by reason of a mutiny , whilest they carried him in his Litter to the Church of Lateran : hee was in danger of his life , being assailed with stones , so as he was forsaken almost of all that accompanied his Litter . Hee made many warres against Ferdinand King of Pouill . Hee builded in Rome Stewes for both kindes . Cornelius Agrippa . cap. 64. he graunted to Cardinalls the vse of Sodomatry , for three hot moneths . Sextus being sicke of a feuer , vnderstanding that a peace was made betwixt the Venetians and other Potentates , sodainely yeelded the spirit . Naucler . The rents of the Curtizans amounted to the value of twenty thousand ducats yeerely . Onuphrius . Agrippa de vanit . Scient. Wisellus de Indulgentijs . Witnesses . Naucler . 1484.

Innocens the eight sate eight yeeres : hee was once a poore childe , he was nourished amongest the seruants of Ferdinand king of Sicilie : afterward he came to Rome , he remained long time with Philip Cardinall of Bolongne . After hee was made Bishop of Sauonne , at the length he was made Cardinall , and Pope . He was of a great stature , but farre from learning . Almost from the beginning of his Popedome , hee conspired against Ferdinand ( that brought him vp ) with the Princes of the Kingdome , and warred against him , &c. but being wearied with warres , he gaue himselfe to all pleasures . He aduanced his bastards , as Francis , and inriched his daughter , Theodorin , which he married to a rich man of Genoa . He begat eight sons and as many daughters . Marcellus poeta . No maruell though Rome calles him Father . See his Epitaph following : Why seekest thou witnes to proue Cibo a man ? Looke on his brats , faire gages , deny 't and you can : Eight bastard sonnes he begat , as many daughters , Worthily then may Rome count this man Father , saith Marcellus .

Alluding to the triall of the Sexe , ordayned after the deceit of Pope Ioane : Vncleannesse , Auarice , Sloath , Gluttony , Are heere octaue , intomb'd , where thou dost lye .

Alexander the sixt , called Borgia , before a Cardinall : seeking to mount higher , being a Negromancer ; hee vsed the helpe of the Diuell , who promised him vpon agreement by oath , and writing , so as hee would in all things thew himselfe a faithfull protectour of Sathan . Afterward the Diuell came vnto him ( hauing promised he should not appeare in any hideous or fearfull forme ) honourably apparrelled , who after certaine talke had betwixt them , assured the Cardinall he should be Pope . Borgia being very ioyous , hee inquired how long hee should reigne : The Diuell gaue him an ambiguous answer , viz. that hee should reigne , the space of eleauen and eight . The Cardinall foolishly promised himselfe nineteene yeeres ; but Sathan meant eleuen yeeres and eight moneths . Now being chosen Pope , hee named himselfe Alexander the sixt : he made his bastard sonne called Valentine , being a Cardinall , a Duke , and surnamed him Caesar Borgia : he shed much bloud , saith Valerius . He gathered siluer as much as hee could , to satisfie his lust . He solde offices for 750. ducats apeece : hee aduanced his bastards as his predecessors had done : hee made the youngest of his sonnes a Prince of Sicilie : his second sonne called Caesar Valentine , hee made Cardinall ; the eldest he made Duke of Spaine , he was slaine at Rome : and his brother Cardinall being wearie of Priesthood , he espoused one of King Lewis his kinswomen : his daughter Lucrece , whose carnall copulation himselfe had , was married to three Princes successiuely . See Iohn Functius . He was odious to the whole world : and except God had shortned his dayes , by an errour of his Cup-bearer , giuing him a poysoned Cuppe for another ; as he poysoned some of the Cardinalls , he had a purpose to haue poysoned all , whose goods he had challenged after their death . See Guiccinard . li. 5. Onuphrius . Alexander supping vnder a vine neere the Vatican , to enioy the coolenesse of the ayre , he was sodainely carried away , desperately sicke , into the Pallace . The next morning he dyed , blacke , swolne , and beyond all credit deformed . Baleus . Being sicke in bed , he sent his seruant Madena to his wardrobe , to fetch him a little booke enriched with gold , and precious stones : This booke contained all manner of illusions and inchantments , whereby hee would haue beene certified of his life : The seruant running thither , saw one in the Popes Chaire , very like himselfe ; whereat being afraid , he ranne to his master , pale , and wanne , halfe dead ; which the Pope perceiuing , suffering him to recouer , willed him to goe the second time ; where finding the man still in the Chaire , hee was wonderfully afraide , and being demanded of him , what he had to doe there : he answered , To fetch a certaine garment for the Pope : At which words the Diuell being then in the Chaire , making an horrible noyse , sayd , I am the Pope . These things reported to the Pope . His euill beganne to encrease , and Death approached . A short time after , a man apparrelled like a Lackey knocked at the Popes chamber doore , saying he must needes speake with the Pope . All other drew aside , and great speech was betweene them . The Pope pleaded , his time was not yet come ; for he promised him nineteene yeers continuance ; but the Lackey answered ; He promised him eleauen yeeres and eight moneths , which was accomplished , and therefore hee must needes die . The Pope pleading for longer time , could not be heard : This talke was heard by them in the next chamber . Finally , as Sathan went away , the Pope with great cries , and sighes , and fearefull sobbes , died . See Onuphrius the Popes Historiographer . Guicciardin . Volateran . Iohn Baleus . much more these Authors report . This Pope had with his sonne , a daughter , with whom both the father and sonne lay . Pontanus , and Samozarius haue left written . 1502.

Opposition . Iohn Weselne an excellent Diuine called Fax mundi , against the Pope and his doctrine . Rodolph Agricola was of the same opinion . Hierom Sauanorola , with two more Friers , were against Iustification by workes , merits , pardons ; they were hanged , and burned . Sabellicus . 1499. This Pope caused to be cut out , the tongue , and both the hands of Anthonius Mancenellus , a learned man , because he had written a very elegant Oration against the wicked manners , villanies , and dishonest life of him .

Pius the third , as soone as he was made Pope , hee intended warre with France , because they had occupied a part of Italy vnder their subiection ; whom the Pope hoped to haue driuen cleane out of those Lands : hee intended also an army against the Turkes ; but while hee went about this , he dyed the 27. day after his election . Anno 1503.

Note from Siluester the second , Anno one thousand , vntill Innocent the fourth , 1240. the space of 240. yeers , the grashoppers were sent out from the bottomlesse pit to deuoure Christians , in soule and body . From Innocent the fourth , vntill Iulius the second , 1504. that is , 196. they haue beene permitted to nourish , and maintaine it , obscuring all truth , that by false doctrine , and lying myracles , they might seduce ( if it were possible ) euen the Elect , by Friers Mendicants , and massing Priests , and haue cruelly put to death the gaine-sayers : But from that time , vnder Iulius the second , and euer since , the Papacie hath , and , through Gods mercie , is like to decay still , euen till the comming of Christ ; who shal confound Antechrist with the breath of his mouth .

Iulius the second , a man ( as it were ) chiefly borne for warre . Hee besieged Rauenna , and tooke it , and from diuers Princes he tooke diuers Townes , not without great effusion of bloud . He excommunicated the king of Fraunce , and king of Nauarre , and gaue their Kingdomes to whomsoever could first occupy them . Massius . cap. 20. Chron.

The Counsell of Latterane was begunne by Iulius . 1512. This monster died the yeare following , after he had begunne the Counsell , hauing committed an in finite number of murthers , and wickednesses vnheard of before . Iulian meaning to goe to warre against Maximilian , and Lewis , passing ouer the bridge , he cast Saint Peters keyes into Tyber , and tooke the Sword of Saint Paul , saying : The Keyes of Saint Peter serue vs to no purpose : it may be Saint Paules Sword will doe something . He dispensed with King Henry the eight for his marriage : hee excommunicated Lewis the French King , and gaue away his kingdome .

Epigram . By fraud the Merchant Iulius rakes in pelfe , For heauen he sells , yet hath it not himselfe . 1513

Leo the tenth : he gaue himselfe to pleasures , and lusts of the flesh : he had Singers and Musitians at his Table . He hated mortally the Gospell , and on a day Bembo the Cardinall vttering a thing out of the Gospell , he answered , It hath euer sufficiently beene knowne , what profit the fable of Christ hath brought vs , and ours . The same day that Leo made thirty one Cardinalls , in the very Temple where they were assembled , happened such a great tempest , which shooke and carried away the Image of Christ out of his Mothers lappe , and the Keyes out of the hands of Saint Peter there ; 1517. At which very time , Luther beganne to thunder against the Pope . He commaunded Luthers bookes to be burnt at Rome , and Luther burnt his Cannons , and popish Decretalls , at Wittenberge . The Pope reioycing at the ouerthrow of the French King , making good cheere , sodainly died at his Table . Baleus . 1524. Opposition . Picus Mirandola against reall Presence , the worship of the Crosse , and Images .

Adrian the sixt sate two yeeres : the Bookes of a certaine Phisitian and Magitian were burnt at Rome ; some of which were brought to Adrian , whereof hee made great account , and they were , after his death found amongst his secret papers . Adrian after hee had persecuted the truth of the Gospell ( as his predecessors ) in the person of Luther , and Occolampadius dyed , suspected of poyson . Abb. Vesp . Others say , he was too good to be a Pope ; for seeing the abuses of the Court of Rome , and going about to reforme them , he was taken away by death . 1523. See a Bishop of their owne Espenseus , a learned man , who saith that he deliuered by his Nuncio , to the assembly of the States of Germany his resolution that way . Therefore they would euer since chuse none but Italians .

Clement the seauenth sate eleauen yeeres : The twentieth of Ianuary following , 1522. the iourney of Swises was held at Lucerne , where they wholly confirmed the Popes doctrine , and condemned that of the Gospel . The Pope was besieged a long time with his Cardinalls in the Castle of Saint Angelo ; hee was taken prisoner by Charles Emperour , and was ransomed with our money from England , at 40000. ducats . At Berne hee held a Disputation , wherein Swinglius , Bucer , Cappo , and Blaurer , vanquished by Scripture the aduerse part . Finally , they confirmed by the authoritie of the Magistrates through all their land , the sayd Articles ; abolished the Masse , and threw downe Images and Altars . Rome was sacked by the Emperour more miserably then euer by Gothes , and Vandalls . The Pope dyed in the end of September , of a disease in the stomacke : Others thinke he was poysoned by the smell of a Torch . See Iohn Paptist . Fulgentius 1534.

Paul the third sate fifteene yeeres : King Henry the eight banished the Popes authoritie , who challenged to be Supreame head of the Church of England . Fisher Bishop of Rochester , and Thomas Moore Chancellour were beheaded , because they would not agree to the Kings Edict . This Paul was an Astrologian , a Magitian , and a Diuine . Hee had a familiar , one Denis Senila , a Magitian , whom hee made Cardinall , with one Gaurice of Portugall , Cecius , and Mercell , Negromancers , and wicked villaines . Of these hee did inquire the fortunes of himselfe , and of his bastards . Hee had a Sister called Iulia Fernese , which hee gaue to Pope Alexander , to be Cardinall and Bishop of Hostia , which hee obtained , for these are good prises ( or their younger brethren ) to maintaine their whooredomes , or that which is worse : See Agrippa . This muttherer poysoned his mother and nephew , that al the succession of the Ferneses might fall vpon him . Hee had another sister , whose carnall company hee sometime had : but because she loued others company more then his , hee poysoned her also : He defloured another maid of a noble house , pretending to be a Gentleman of the Legats , and promised marriage , who finding the truth , she ranne madde . Againe , one Nicholas de Chesme finding him one day adulterously abusing his wife Laurea Fernese ( who was also the said Paules neece ) hee wounded so well with his dagger , as he carried the markes to his graue . Moreouer , this good father Paul , tooke his pleasure with his daughter Constance , and poysoned her husband . He also had in his Table the number of 45000. whores , of whom he exacted euery moneth tribute , to haue liberty to exercise their whoredome . See Baleus , and Eusebius captiue . Hee cursed King Henry the eight , and gaue his kingdome to whomsoeuer could get it . He gaue leaue by an Indulgence , to communicate the Lords Supper vnder both kindes , and to eate all manner of meates , at all times . The Ministers of the Lantzgraues Countrey , refused the Indulgence . Estate of the Church . He ordained the Counsell of Trent the first of Nouember 1542. The Pope dyed , the tenth of Nouember .

Iulius the third sate fiue yeeres . Because of auncient custome the Pope might giue his red Hatre to whom he would , he made Cardinall a young boy , called Innocent : The Cardinals being against it , asked what he saw in this young man that deserued it . Hee answered , I pray you , what found you in me to doe me this honour , to make me Pope , without any desert ? Aduaunce this young man , and he will merit it . He was a ribbald and a mighty blasphemer : he loued Swines flesh : his Steward and Physitian sayd , it was not good for the gout : He cryed out , Bring me my porke flesh , All di spitto di Deo : that is , In despite of God . At another time for his Peacocke detayned , being very angry , &c. hee sayd , If God were so angry for an Apple , as to cast our first Parents out of Paradise , wherefore should it not be lawfull for me , that am his Vicar , to be angry for a Peacock , better then an Apple ? He had three bowles at feasts for euacuation . Estate of the Church .

Marcellus the second sate twenty dayes : he was President of the Counsell of Trent , where he put out Iames Nichiantes Bishop of Fossa Claodia , because hee would not allow Traditions to be receiued , and allowed with like reuerence as the Gospell . Also Guillam de Venice sayd , that the Counsell of Venice was aboue the Pope : and Vergerius was also put from the Counsell , because he denyed the Legend of Saint George , and Saint Christopher to be true , which he proued from Paul the third : for he hath commanded , that both these Legends should be taken out of the Breuiarie , and commanded that all such should be taken out , which were not true . Hee died of the Iaundise the 20. day after his election . 1555.

Paul the fourth sate foure yeeres , two moneths , and twenty seauen dayes : This Pope inuented a new sect of Monks , and called them Iesuites . Before he was Pope , hee writ a Booke vnto Paul the third , touching the reformation of the Church : but being Pope , hee cared neither for Iesus Christ , nor for his Church : In his book he confirmeth almost all the points we vse to reprehend in Poperie . He grieued the people of Rome , because of his warres , and exactions , that scarce had hee yeeleded vp the spirit , but the Roman people , whihc wished death vnto him , because of his warres , and exactions , and tyrannies ; broke the prisons of the Inquisitions , deliuered the prisoners , fired the whole building , threw downe the Popes Image , cutting off the head and right hand thereof , which were drawne three dayes together thorow the Towne , and then cast into Tyber . Hee kept openly a Gentlemans wife . Hee vsed to eate Snailes , and to drinke strong wine , called Magnagarra , for lust . Hee died in bed with his whoore . 1565. Estate of the Church .

Pius the fourth sate sixe yeeres : Hee caused to be strangled , the fift of March , 1561. in the night , in Saint Angelo , the Cardinall Charles Caraffe . He beheaded also in another prison , the County of Palliane , and certaine other Cardinalls , shewing their bodies the next day vnto the people . He cited the Queene of Nauarre , because of the profession of the Gospell , to answer in the Popes Consistorie ; and for want of appearance within sixe moneths , her Countrey to be giuen to the next Conqueror . The fourth of December was ended the Counsel of Trent , 1563. which from the beginning to the ending , continued eighteene yeeres , wherein all the Articles of Popish doctrine were confirmed . The eight of September Pius the fourth died .

Pius the fift sate sixe yeeres : Iohn Functius , a learned Chronographer , amongst all of our time was beheaded , because he , with other Preachers of the Gospell , were against the dreames of Osiander . The Pope sent a great Present to the Duke of Alua , as a recompence of so great paynes he had taken to maintaine the Popedome . He sent his roaring Bull of Basan against Queene Elizabeth . 1571.

Gregorie the thirteenth sate thirteene yeeres . The Pope , by adding of tenne dayes in October , so as for the fift they should reckon fifteene : This , to eternize the Popes name , was called the Gregorian Kallender . The Pope dayly vrged the performance of his Kallender in Germany , D. Chytreus 1585. Whereupon presently sedition burst out . This Pope renewed the hatred of his predecessour Pius the fift against Queene Elizabeth of England ; First , by sending his great Armada into Ireland ; then , by sending Parry , and others . This Pope had his Concubine before hee was Pope , and after hee was Pope ; by whom he had two little sonnes , which sayd vnto him such graces , as made him laugh : Philippicus his sonnes grace was , That the Pope his Father gaue him fiue thousand crownes a yeere . M. Cyp. Volater . He died at Rome . Aprill 11. 1585.

Sixtus the fift sate sixe yeeres : This Foelix , so called before , being a poore mans sonne , was brought vp by a Gentlewoman so long , as he grew proude : then shee caused him to be beaten : Then hee fled to Rome , and the Pope tooke him into seruice ; at the length he made him a Cardinall ; and by his good friends in Spaine hee was made Pope . M. Cyp. Volater . One day talking of his meane birth , he said he came of an illustrious house : for , said he , the vpper part of the house being alwayes torne and vncouered , the Sunne made it most glorious with his beames . See Antonius Caracalla De vitis Pontificum . This Pope excommunicated the King of Nauarre , and Condie , giuing his Countrey to such as could get it ; declaring him vncapable of the succession of the crowne of France . He approued a Nunne , called Maria de Visitatione , who long deluded the people : She grew so famous , as the king of Spaine inquired of her his good successe for England 1588. Shee promised good successe : and that Duke Medina , Generall , ( she pronounced openly ) should returne a victorious Prince . So prosper all Gods enemies . But the next yeere after , all her holinesse , false miracles , and great dissimulations were soone found out , and she punished for the same . See M. Cyp. Volater . The most Christian Prince of Condie , whom the Pope excommunicated , and cursed , was poysoned . The king of France , whom hee also excommunicated with many threats , was slaine by a Iacobine Frier , in his priuy-chamber ; vnder colour of deliuering a letter out of his sleeue , he drew forth a poysoned knife out of his sleeue , wherewith he killed him . D. Chytreus 1589. No Religion will stay the Papists . The Pope at Rome made an Oration in the commendation of this Frier , comparing him with Eleazer , and Iudith : and , not thus satisfied , he denyed any honour to be made at his buriall , or any man to pray for him . This Pope died the seauen and twenty of August , 1590. He made many new Holidayes , M. Cyp. Volater .

Vrban the seuenth sate twelue daies : There happened a great earthquake vpon the day of his Election at Vienna and Austria . The next day after his election he fell sicke , and determined to remoue his Court to the hill of Quirinus , a better ayre : but hee tarried , because it was against the custome to goe abroad before hee was crowned . But he dyed the twelfth day after . Arthur Cicer.

Gregorie the foureteenth sate tenne moneths and ten dayes : hee was proclaymed by the high Court of Parliament , Chalnut and Toures , an enemy to the common peace , and to the vnion of the Catholique Religion , and to the king and his royall seate , adherent to the conspiracie of Spaine , a fauourer of Rebells , guilty of the most cruell , most inhumane , and most detestable death of Henry the third most Catholique King : Againe , an Act was made against the Popes Bulles : hee dyed of a quartane feuer . He was troubled with a continuall flux which he had . Arthur Cicer. 1591.

Innocent the ninth sate two moneths and odde dayes , and died being threescore and ten yeeres of age : so that in the space of foureteene moneths , foure Popes dyed ; Sixtus , Vrban , Gregorie , Innocent , as it is to be thought , the most , or all died of poyson : for Bazutus is not dead , that killed sixe Popes with poyson . See the life of Damasus the second . 1591.

Clement the eight sate nine yeeres : The Earle of Fuentes practized with Lopus , and promised 50000. crownes to poyson Queene Elizabeth . Hee also dealt with Emmanuel Adrian to kill the King of Fraunce , with the odious smell of a poysoned rose . Da. Chytreus . 1594. Iohn Castill a Scholler of the Iesuites strucke the King of Fraunce with a knife : but the King stouping to take vp the Lords before him , hee strucke out one of his teeth , and was apprehended , &c. The King after two yeeres intreating the Pope , was receiued into the lappe of the Church , and declared Christian King of France , with condition to receiue the Counsell of Trent , and to remoue the young Prince of Condie from the company of Hereticks : That he should restore the reuenews , and goods taken from the Bishops and Abbeys , and testifie his conuersion to the Catholique Princes , &c. Da. Chytreus . The Pope discontented at Caesar Est , who enioyed the Empire after the death of the Emperour Rodolph , whom he declared his heire in his life time , strucke him with the Thunder-bolt of Excommunication , and made warre vpon him . Caesar Est Duke of Ferrara , the matter being taken vp , yeelded Ferrara to the Pope , who vnited it to the Popedome . Pope Clement made thirteene Cardinalls , amongst whom was Rob. Bellarmine Iesuite . 1599. This yeere 1600. Richard L. Bishop of London , with two other Commissioners . Doctor Parkins , and Doctor Swale , were sent in Embassage to Embden , to treate with the Commissioners from the King of Denmarke , and returned the eight of Iuly following . 1600.

Paul the fift renewed the Index expurgatorius ; wherein is contayned , MERCVRIVS GALLO-BELGICVS . The humble supplication of Roger Widdrington , an English Catholique , vnto the most holy Lord Pope Paul the fift . Item , a little Booke tituled Marcus Anthonius de Dominicis ; Archbishop of Spalato , with others .

Now to conclude this point by recapitulation . The Popes that claime to be Peters Successors , you see they neither succeed in place , as hath beene proued ( for sixe or seuen Popes sate at Auignon about fourescore yeres , ) nor in manner of liuing , as by their owne Chronicles , with others doe appeare : for some were couetous ;

Couetous : Boniface the eight : Calixt the third : Iohn the twenty three : Boniface the ninth .

Proude : Bennet the twelfth : Adrian the fourth : Celestine the third : Innocent the fourth : Alexander the third : Gregory the thirteenth : Clement the fift , sixt , seauenth : Boniface the eight : Paul the second : Iohn the three and twenty .

Ambitious : as may be seene since about fiue hundred yeeres after Christ , when they laboured for superioritie , Policarp Bishop of Ierusalem : Misda Bishop of Rome : Iohn Bishop of Constance : Pelagius Bishop of Rome : Iohn Bishop of Constance , opposed by Gregorie the great : and Iohn the third Bishop of Rome . See fol. 6.

Blasphemers : Leo the third : Iohn the thirteenth : Iulius the third : Leo the tenth .

Heretickes : Leo the seauenth : Boniface the eight : Iohn the twenty three : Eugenius the fourth .

Schismatickes , as two , yea three Popes together ; some two yeeres , sixeteene yeeres , sixe yeeres , twenty yeeres , thirty nine yeeres , seuen yeeres , thirteene yeeres : See Alexander the second , third and sixt : Hildebrand : Paschalis : Calixt the second : Honorius the second : Innocent the second : Bennet the thirteenth : Three Popes together seauen yeeres . See Faelix 5.

Coniurers : Siluester the second , and so forth ; nine or ten Popes together . See Gregorie the seauenth : Paul the third : Alexander the sixt .

In league with the Diuell : Alexander the sixt : Siluester the second .

Incestuous : Iohn the thirteenth : Alexander the sixt : Paul the third .

Sodomites : Sixtus the fourth .

Whoremongers , Iohn the eight , and thirteenth : Victor the third : Paul the third , and fourth : Innocent the fourth : Clement the third : Sergius the third : Sixtus the fourth : Gregory the thirteenth .

Cruell Iohn the foureteenth : Vrban the second , and sixt : Boniface the seuenth : Alexander the sixt : Pius the fourth .

Murtherers : Pius the fourth : Gregorie the seauenth : Stephen the eight : Sixtus the fift : Gregorie the foureteenth : Honorius the second .

Poysoners one of another : Damasus the second : Victor the second , and third : Celestine the fourth : Paul the third .

Treacherous : Alexander the third : Gregorie the seauenth , and ninth : Innocent the ninth .

Cousoners : Alexander the third : Boniface the eight : Celestine the fift : Benedict the tenth .

Warriers , setting Princes together by the eares , rather then Peters successours , Bennet the ninth : Martin the fourth : Alexander the second : Innocent the second and seauenth : Iohn the eleuenth : Iulius the second : Eugenius the third : Paschal the second : Vrban the third and sixt : Clement the seauenth : Gregorie the foureteenth : yea in the Schisme of Popes , they cursed and warred one with another . See Victor 3. and Paschal 2. as in a fight betweene Vrban the sixt , and Clement the seauenth , there were miserably slaine two hundred thousand men and many more , and many besides were drowned . See Clemen . 7.

Diuers condemned one anothers Decrees , Iohn the twelfth : and vnder Sergius the third : Martine the fift .

Iohn the twenty three , chose himselfe Pope , Damas . 2.

Now to conclude with Cornelius Agrippa de Vanitat . Hee hauing spoken of the wickednesse of Popes in generall , saith ; I passe by those other monsters of the Roman Popes , such as was Formosus , and those nine that followed , which sometime ruled filthily in the Church . I say nothing also of those latter Popes , Paul the second : Sixtus the fourth : Alexander the sixt : Iulius the second ; the most famous troublers of the Christian world : besides Eugenius , which for breaking faith with the Turke , did cast all the Christian Common-wealth into most mortall and bloudy warres ; as if faith were not to be kept with an enemie . Moreouer , how much danger Alexander the sixt brought to the Christians , by taking away , by poyson , Zizimus Pazaithe , the Turkes brother , is sufficiently knowne vnto all men . Thus farre Cornelius . cap. 6.

Thus did not Peter , who taught faithfully , preached Christ diligently , and sought and taught peace amongst men ; was holy , humble , and sober , in conuersation ; and in the end , gaue his life for the truth . The Pope therefore in life , being thus contrary vnto Peter , is the successour of Antechrist , not of Peter .

Now come wee to examine the Doctrine :

And first for Iustification .

AS for the Law , that should haue condemned vs for euer , Christ hath satisfied his Fathers wrath , and hath fulfilled it for vs ; and no man in the world could haue done it but he , Esay 53. 5. Hee was wounded for our transgressions , and by his stripes wee are healed . 2 Cor. 5. 11. He which knew no sinne , was made sinne for vs , that we might be made the , &c. Christ was made sinne by imputation , that we might be made righteous before God , by imputation of his righteousnesse to vs ; Rom. 5. 19. As by one mans disobedience many were made sinners , &c. Note a comparison betweene Adam and Christ , Iob 9. 2. How shall man , compared with God , be iustified ? Rom. 3. 10. 11. 12. They haue gone all out of the way , &c. Rom. 4. 5. To him that worketh not , but beleeueth , &c. and 5. verse 1. Being iustified thorow faith , wee &c. Ephes. 2 8. By grace yee are saued through faith , not of your selues , &c. Rom. 8. 20. Whom he hath called , them also he hath iustified . 1 Cor. 4. 4. See : from these places I reason thus : If Christ hath satisfied the Law for vs : If hee be our peace with God : If by his stripes we be healed : If his righteousnes be ours by imputation onely : If by his obedience only we be made righteous : If there be none that can doe good , no not one . If iustified thorow faith , wee haue peace with God . If saued by grace , not of workes . If neuer so righteous , yet wee are not thereby iustified . Then our Iustfication , is plainly without vs , and it commeth onely by Christs righteousnesse imputed , and by faith receined . Though these be as euident as the Sunne at noone , yet they cauill with vs from other places of Scripture , to maintaine Iustification from our selues , or at least to part stakes with Christ .

Papists first place Psal. 7. 8 Iudge me , O Lord , according to my righteousnesse . Solut. This is not spoken of our righteousnesse before God : but Dauid being falsly accused vnto Saul , by his enemies ( his heart being free from any intention of euill against him ) desires God to be Iudge betweene him , and them ; and therefore this serueth not for the Iustification of a sinner before God .

The second place , 2 Corint 4 14. Our light afflictions which are but for a moment , causeth vnto vs a farre more excellent weight of glorie . If afflictions ( say they ) worke our saluation , much more good workes . Solut. Afflictions ( say we ) worke our saluation , not as causes procuring it , but as meanes directing vs thereto . Bernard . They be via regni , non causa regnandi . Psalme 119. 71. It is good for me that I haue beene in trouble ; for , &c.

Of Sacraments , the number .

The Papists teach seauen Sacraments , contrary to Scripture , by a foolish mysticall taking the number of seauen in Scripture , as a number of perfection : as it was said to Naaman . 2 King . 5. 10. Goe wash seauentimes . Againe , Iob 4. 2. Offered seauen Bullockes , and seauen Rammes , seauen Starres , seauen Candlestickes : These are too idle to be answered , and therefore I leaue them to former answers : for this number may as well ferue for a mysterie of iniquitie , Reuel. 17. 18. Sacraments , both in the old and new Testament , were of Gods ordinance ; men may not make Sacraments . Christ putting an end to the olde Testament , was the Authour of the Sacraments of the new Testament : and appointing outward signes of holy things , hee instituted two , Baptisme , and the Sacrament of the Lords Supper ; no more are to be found in the new Testament of his making , or commandement . The first he sanctified in his owne person , Mat. 3. 16. for he was baptized of Iohn : The same he commended , and commanded to his Apostles , after his resurrection , Mat. 28. 19. The Lords Supper : this he instituted , and ministred in his owne person also , Luke 22. 19. commaunding to doe this in the remembrance of him . The remission of sinnes is represented in Baptisme , Acts 2. 38 : The death of Christ is set forth in the Lords Supper , 1 Corinth. 11. 26. Whereby our faith is strengthened , and our hope confirmed in the promises of God . The like commendation is not giuen of any other of their Sacraments . Many other ceremonies Christ vsed ; but hee hath not layd his commandement vpon them as vpon these . Thus our doctrine for the number , is more auncient then the Churches of Rome .

Of Baptisme .

For the outward signe thereof , we haue onely water , according to Christs Institution ; representing the bloud of Christ , in washing away of our sinnes : For the forme we baptize onely , In the name of the Father , the Sonne , and the Holy-Ghost , according to Christs commandement , Mat. 28. 19. Papists ( to omit their trifling about God-fathers and God-mothers ) that Fathers nor Mothers should not be witnesses to their children . 936. that man & wife may not answer for one child : that gossips may not marry , nor Monckes nor Nunnes to be Gossips , &c. None are to be baptized before the Priests , through their coniurations , breathings , spittings , and salting , doe driue the Diuell out of them . Pope Celestine 428. Clement commanded Oyle and Creame to annoint the forehead , and to be crossed therewith : if this be not to be subiect to the curse of God , for adding to the word , &c. Thus our doctrine and vse , for Baptisme , and the ceremonies thereof , is more ancient then the doctrine of Rome .

The Supper , or EVCHARIST .

For this we haue the Sacramentall signes , or outward Elements , Bread and Wine , representing the Body and Bloud of Christ , offered to the faithfull , with the signes , for the feeding of their soules , and strengthening of their faith , and putting them in mind of the precious bloud-shed in his bitter death and passion , according to Christs institution . Papists minister this Sacrament but in one kinde , that is , Bread onely ; for ( say they ) Christians are not bound by any commandement of God , to receiue the Sacrament in both kindes . Councel of Trent cap. 21. Bellarmine lib. 4. cap. 20. De Eucharist , and Counsell of Constance . Though Christ ordayned the Sacrament in both kindes , and the eldest Churches did so receiue it ; yet for all that , they shall be punished as Heretickes , that doe minister or receiue it . Sess. 13. See their proofes . Luke 24. 30. Christ appearing to the two Disciples going to Emaus , entring into an house , as he sate at Table , he tooke the Bread , and gaue thanks ; therefore one kind is sufficient . Againe , Acts 2. 24. And they continued in the Apostles doctrine , and in fellowship , and in breaking of bread , and in prayer . Solut. There is no reason to vnderstand these places of the breaking of bread in the Sacrament , but in vsuall repast . As for Luke 24. Christ was not ministring the Sacrament , for the two Disciples intended Supper ; and Christ ( as his manner was ) gaue thankes , and brake the bread , and they by this knowing him , he vanished out of their sight . Againe , if this had been the Sacrament , Christ had not said true , when vpon the Crosse ( before he gaue vp the Ghost ) he said , All things are fulfilled . Iohn 19. 29. Againe , Matth. 26. 29. I say vnto you , I will not drinke of the fruit of the Vine tree : If not drinke , then not eate . For the place , Acts 2. 24. This proues no sacramentall eating ; but continuing together , according to their Masters commandement , vntill the comming of the Holy Ghost , they did eate and drinke together : expounded in the sixe and forty verse , breaking bread at home , did eate their meate together with gladnesse , and singlenesse of heart . For Iohn 6. 11. It maketh as little to the Sacrament , as yet being not instituted ; and Christ expoundeth himselfe in verse 63. saying , The words that I speake vnto you , are spirit and life . Besides , if they will admit this place to be spoken of the Sacrament , then they are cast , in receiuing in one kind : for there he neuer speaketh of Bread , but he speaketh of Drinke also . So that wee conclude in the Institution of the Supper , according to the analogie of the Signes , Christ had respect vnto our full nourishment , Bread & Drinke , that so wee might finde in Christ , whatsoeuer is needefull to saluation ; for no man can liue with Bread alone , and although Christ teach vs to pray for daily bread ( which is a maruell you heere escaped ) yet by Synechdoche , hee meaneth drinke also , and all things necessary to this present life . Note we heere , while Papists will giue but Bread alone ( we will beate them with their owne weapon : ) They falsly charge vs in our communion , that we giue but a drie morsel , they giuing onely Bread to the people , should choake them , but that they are constrayned to giue a little Wine ( not as any part of the Sacrament ) but to helpe downe their breaden god , to his place .

Thus our doctrine and practise in the vse of this Sacrament , is farre more auncient , being from Christ , and the Scriptures , then theirs being from men , in one kind , about the yeere 1552. in the Counsell of Trent . Item , in the Counsell of Constance before , 1416. where they cursed all those that should say it was lawfull to communicate in both kindes : and yet by an Indulgence , he gaue leaue to them of Almaine to communicate in both kindes . See Paul the third : therefore the Pope may adde and take away at pleasure , but not without Gods curse .

Reall Presence .

We teach , that at the Lords Table , the Bread and Wine , must not be considered barely in themselues , but as outward signes , hauing relation to the Body and Bloud of Christ , arising from the very Institution of the Sacrament : That when the Bread and Wine , are present to the hand and mouth ; at the very same time , the Body and Bloud of Christ are present to the minde . Thus , and no otherwise , is Christ truly present with the Signes , to the beleeuing hearts of the Communicants . So Paul 1 Corinth. 10. 16. The Cuppe of blessing which wee blesse , is it not the Communion of the Bloud of Christ ? The Bread which we breake , is it not the Communion of the Body of Christ ? This Communion is double : First , of the Beleeuers , with Christ by faith ; Secondly , of the faithfull among themselues , through loue . Both these are mysticall . Againe , if the fleshly body be in the Sacrament ; then is it eaten and torne with the teeth . Augustine . Why preparest thou thy teeth and thy belly ? beleeue , and thou hast eaten . Againe , August . Christ , according to his maiestie , prouidence , and grace , is present with vs to the end of the world : but according to his assumed flesh , he is not alwayes with vs . Actes 1. 11. This Iesus which is taken vp from you into Heauen , shall so come , euen as yee haue seene him goe into Heauen . Matth. 26. 11. The poore yee shall haue alwayes , but me shall yee not haue alwayes . Reuelation 1. 7. Behold , he commeth in the Cloudes , and all eyes shall see him , euen they that haue pierced him . Moreouer , it ouerturneth an Article of our faith , which saith , He sitteth at the right hand of his Father , &c. Cirill sayth , Hee is absent in Body , and present in Vertue , that hath his dimensions . Papists alledge against this doctrine , Iohn 6. 55. My flesh is meate indeed , and my bloud is drinke indeed : Ergo ( say they ) Christs body must be eaten with the mouth . The very Capernaites counted this absurd . See Christs answer verse . 62. 63. See also the answer of this place before ; and in the title of the Supper . Besides , this Chapter must be vnderstoode of a spirituall eating of Christ by faith , whether in the Sacrament , or without . Againe , heere is proued both kindes : If of the Sacrament . Augustine vpon this place saith ; This is to eate his flesh , and drinke his bloud , to abide in Christ , and to haue him abiding in vs . This may be done without a Sacrament : Ergo , not necessary to be vnderstood of a Sacrament . That it must be vnderstood spiritually , Christ teacheth in vers. 35. He that commeth to mee , shall not hunger , and he that beleeueth in me , shall neuer thirst . To eate then , and to drinke Christ , is to beleeue in him ; and verse 63. he saith , The words which I speake , are spirit and life , that is spiritually to be vnderstood . Bernard . What is it to eate his flesh , and drinke his bloud , but to communicate with his Passion , and to imitate that conuersation which hee vsed in the flesh ? The other places alledged by them , may receiue answer from these , because I will not be troubled with them ( in this age , and weakenesse , ) and are alledged by them , of some through ignorance , of other maliciously striuing against the streame of their owne knowledge . To this Ergo , as to the other , I affirme our Doctrine to be more auncient then theirs ; as from Christ , the Apostles , and Scriptures , and of a better foundation . No question was heereof for the space of 1060. yeeres , vntill Nicholas the second .

Transubstantiation .

By this the Papists meane a changing of the substance of Bread and Wine , into the Body and Bloud of Christ : so as after the words of consecration , there remaines no Bread , but the very Body and Bloud of Christ , borne of the Virgin Mary , and who shall say to the contrary , let him be accursed : Counsell of Trent . 1550. attempted before 1212 , but opposed .

Popish Reasons .

Matthew 17. Christ transfigured his Body vpon the Mount : Ergo hee is able to exhibite his Body vnder the formes of Bread and Wine . Ans. The question is not so much of his power , as of his will . Psal. 135. 6. Whatsoeuer the Lord would , that did he in heauen and earth .

The second place , Iob. 2. 7. He turned water into Wine : then we need not doubt how he turned the Bread into his Body . Answer . In turning Water into Wine , he left it to the Iudgement of our senses , &c. But Popish Recusants doe not feele the rawe flesh of Christs Body , though they teach , they teare it with their teeth : and to feed vpon accidents , is no nourishment . Againe , Transubstantiation ouerturneth the very Supper of our Lord : for in euery Sacrament , there must be a Signe . Againe , it taketh away the nourishment of the Soule vnto eternall life ; for in Transubstantiation there remayneth onely the fleshly body of Christ . Councell of Constance . As the flesh of our Lord was vnited , by the Spirit , to the diuine nature : so the Bread of the Eucharist , the image of his flesh , being sanctified by the comming of the Holy-Ghost , is become the diuine Body . Againe , they hold the Bread consecrated , though not spent at once , but reserued and kept in boxes , pipes , and other vessells of the Church , for dayes , weeks , and moneths , to be carried to the sicke , or other vses , are still the very Body and Bloud of Christ . Counsell of Trent . Sess. 13. cap. 47. Then , though it should stincke , or grow full of wormes , or dogges or Mice eate it , yet it is his Body . Thus Christs Body must be subiect to these inconueniences . Also it is bound againe as in his graue , or worse pinched , against the nature of a fleshly body . There was no publique Lawe for this deuice , vntill the Counsell of Latterane , vnder Pope Innocent the third , Anno Christi 1215. Whereupon , in this , as in the rest , wee conclude with the Scriptures , and Fathers ; that the mysticall signes after Consecration loose not their proper nature . Theodoret. Gelasius Bishop of Rome , with others . So as our doctrine is more ancient , as from Christ , his Apostles and Scriptures . See the fruits of Transubstantiation in the Historie of Gregory the seauenth , who cast the Hoste into the fire , because it would giue no answere .

Against Images .

Papists make a great difference betweene an Image and an Idoll : 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , say they , is the true similitude of a thing ; but 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , in Latine , Similacrum ; doth represent that which it is not : as were the Idolls of Venus and Minerua , women-gods , meere deuised things of the heathen . Images , say they , we haue , but no Idolls . Bellar. cap. 5. Their proofes 1 Cor. 10. 19. An Idoll is nothing , that is , representeth nothing , such were the heathen Idolls . But the place is not so to be vnderstood : for so he saith of the things that are offered vnto them , which were not made to represent any thing ; neither were it needefull to shunne Idoll sacrifice , or to abhorre the Image , but that they are abused , and turned to the seruice of Idols , as it followeth there , verse 20. Therefore it is not said to be nothing , or offensiue being but wood , or stone , or such like , but because it is abused to Idolatrie . Againe , all the pictures of the Heathen were not Idolls in this sence , because they represented nothing ; For Iupiter , Mars , Apollo , Hercules , whose Images they had , were men sometime liuing . Moreouer , they haue Images representing nothing ; as of Angels , of God the Father , and of the Holy-Ghost , which haue no shape , or likenesse . Deuter. 4. 15. 16. Exod. 33. 20. Micha . 5. 13. where Idolls and Images are alike condemned . So haue they also imagined Saints , as Saint George , and Saint Christopher : for there were neuer any such . And the Pope himselfe commaunded them to be put out of the Decretalls . See Pope Marcellus 2. Paul 2. and therefore they haue Idolls by their owne interpretation , as well as the Heathen : but indeede there is no such difference in the Greeke names , which are indifferently taken in Scripture , Romans 1. 23. Paul calleth the Gentiles , Idols , Images . They turned the glory of the immortall God into the Image of a corruptible man , birds , beasts , &c. The word ther is 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 : Againe , Reuel. 9. 20. speaketh of them that continued to worship Diuells , and Idolls of golde and siluer , &c. it must needes be meant of Papists . We deny not Images for ciuill vses , Luke 20. 24. or such as God hath commanded to be vsed , but to be vsed in the worship of God , or in Temples , we vtterly deny , Exod. 20. 4. Thou shalt make to thy selfe no grauen Image , nor the likenesse &c. If they say , as before , of any false gods , they haue their answer before ; and the Roman Catechisme , on the second Commandement , saith it must be vnderstood of the true Iehoua , and it forbids vs to resemble God , either in his nature , property , or workes , Deut. 4. 15. Exodus 40. 18. To whom will yee liken God ? or what similitude will ye set vp vnto him ? Psal. 97. 7. Confounded be all they that worship grauen Images : worship him all ye gods . Tertul. de Idolis cap. 3. saith , That euery forme or representation , is to be termed an Idoll . And Isiod . etenim libr. 8. saith , that the heathen vsed the names of Image & Idoll , indifferently , in one , and the same signification , Acts 7. 41. Stephen called the golden Calfe an Idoll . Hier. saith that Idols are Images of dead men . Lactantius , li. 2. cap. 19. sayth , Where Images are for Religion , there is no Religion . Epiphanius saith , It is against the authority of the Scriptures , to see the Image of Christ , or of any Saint hanging in the Church . Epist. ad Iohannem Ierusalom . And further he saith , in the seauenth Counsell of Constantinople : Be mindefull ( beloued children ) not to bring Images into the Church , &c. nor let them be suffered in common houses ; for it is not meete a Christian should be occupyed by the eyes , but by the meditation of the minde . To conclude this poynt , 1 Iohn 5. verse 21. Babes , keepe your selues from Images . Papists obiect , they doe not worship the Image ; then doe they not obey the Popes Decrees : for in the second Counsell of Nice , it was decreed , That the Image of God should be worshipped with the same honour , that God himselfe was worshipped , 787. yeeres after Christ . Rhemes Testament in the Annotations vpon the Acts , cha. 17. verse 29. doe allow the Image of God to be pictured like an old man , with grey haires , in their Churches ; against Scriptures , and Fathers . But in the fourth Counsell of Constantinople the 7. generall , before the Nicene thirty nine yeeres , vnder Constantine the fift Emperour , it was decreed : If any man from henceforth , shall dare to make him an Image , to worship it in the Church , or set it vp in his house , or keepe it secretly ; if hee be of the Clergie , let him be deposed ; if a Lay man , accursed be hee , Anno 748. So as , doe they worship the Image , or God , in , or before the Image , they are condemned by Scripture , Antiquity , Counsells and Fathers , whatsoeuer reasons they haue to the contrary , as idle , and to no purpose . For Counsels , where at one was 330 Bishops , &c. Kings , Emperours , with the aduice of their Bishops , and learned men , haue condemned Images ; though the latter Popes , with the former , to maintaine their pompe , and keep the people occupied , haue taken from them Gods Booke , and haue set them vp these , as Babes to play withall , and to keepe them in perpetuall blindnesse .

Worshipping of Saints , and Prayers to them .

The Papists teach , That Saints departed , are with great profit and pietie called vpon , and prayed vnto ; and that it is not onely lawfull , but godly so to doe . Rhemists 1. Tim. 2. Sect. 4. Bellarm. cap. 19. De Sanctorum beati . But they say they pray to them as Intercessours onely : neyther doe they make them immediate Intercessours , but through Christ ; concluding their prayers , Per Christum Dominum nostrum . Bellarmin . Answer . This is not true ; for you desire not them onely to pray for you , but to haue mercy on you . As , O blessed Mary , haue mercy vpon vs , preserue thy seruants , &c. Gabriel Beet , one of your owne , is not ashamed to write , That God hath diuided his Kingdome , reseruing Iustice to himselfe , hath left mercie to the virgin Marie ; and a blasphemous Hymne : By the right of a Mother , Commaund the Redeemer . Epiphanius saith , Let Mary be had in honour , but let the Father , Sonne , and Holy-Ghost be adored : Let no man adore Mary , &c. Haeres . 79. Againe , it is false that they alwayes conclude their prayers , Per Christum Dominum nostrum : For , in that blasphemous prayer of Thomas , they pray : Thou by the bloud of Thomas , which he for vs did spend , Make vs ( O Christ ) to climbe where Thomas did ascend .

Heere they aske eternall life , by the bloud of Thomas : So some of the company haue abused the Psalmes , and the Lords Prayer , by placing our Lady , and other Saints in the roome of God .

Papists places , Exod. 32. 13. Moses prayer . Remember Abraham , Isaac , and Iacob , thy seruants . Moses ( say they ) hopeth to haue his prayer heard by their merits . Bellarmine . Answer . Moses rehearseth onely the Couenant made to them , and their seed , as it followeth there ; Moses therefore pleadeth not their merits , but Gods promise to them . Againe ( say they ) the Saints on earth desire one anothers prayers , Romans 15. 30. Ephesians 6. 18. Colossians 4. 3. Ergo : much more may wee desire the prayers of the Saints departed . Bellarmine . Answer . To pray one for another , hath a Commandement , the Lords prayer . Our Father , &c. and in other places of Scripture : It is a dutie of charity : But to request the Prayers of Saints departed , hath no warrant . Againe , wee pray one for another heere , because wee know one anothers necessities . Prayer is to be made to God onely , ( and to no creature besides ) as a principall part of his worship , Esay 42. 8. My glorie will I not giue to another , neyther my prayse to grauen images . Romans 10. 14. How shall they call vpon him on whom they haue not beleeued ? but we must beleeue only in God ; Ergo : no prayer to be made , but to him . The Rhemists say they beleeue in our Lady : Ergo , they may pray to her . Answer . Cursed are they that put any confidence in man , &c. Ieremy 17. 5. Againe , Hebr. 4. 16. we are willed to goe with boldnesse to the Throne of grace ; that wee may receiue mercie , and finde grace to helpe in the time of neede : Ergo , no neede of Saints inuocation . Augustine saith : He for whom no man prayeth , but himselfe intreateth for all ; he is the onely Mediatour : Ergo Saints are not to be prayed vnto , lib. 2. contra Permin . cap. 8. Nicen Counsell 2. artic. 2. Tharasius President of the Counsell saith ; We doe plainely testifie that we repose and referre our faith , and trust onely in God : Ergo , in no Saints or Angells . That the Saints pray for vs , they alledge these places , 2 Pet. 1. 15. I will endeuour therefore alwayes , that ye also may be able to haue remembrance of these things after my departure : where he promiseth , saith the Rhemists , and Bellarmine cap. 18. to be carefull , and to pray for them after his departure . This the Apostle performeth , in writing this Epistle , that they may remember the things that hee taught them , when hee was gone from them , not to pray vnto him after hee was dead , or hee to pray for them : For in verse 13. he saith , I thinke it meete , so long as I am in this Tabernacle , to stirre you vp , by putting you in remembrance : Ergo , not after his dissolution . Againe , they alledge the Reuelation 5. 8. The foure and twentie Elders are sayd to haue golden vialls full of odours , which are the prayers of the Saints , Rhemists : Ergo , The Saints pray for vs . Answer . This teacheth vs not that Saints pray for vs , and therefore wee must pray to them : But this is an action of the whole Church of God Triumphant , and Militant , which do offer vp their prayers , and thankes giuings of sweete odour vnto Christ , out of the sanctified vialls of their holy hearts , prophecied by Malachy 3. verses 3. 4. See Irenaeus lib. 4. cap. 33. and 34. Againe , Tertull. lib. 4. contra Marcianum . Psal. 141. 2. Let my prayers be directed in thy sight , as the incense , and the lifting vp of my hands , as the euening Sacrifice . See 1 Peter 2. 9. speaking to the people , saith , You are a royall Priesthood , &c. The Saints in heauen pray not for any man in particular , Esay 63. 16. The Church saith to God , Doubtlesse thou art our Father , though Abraham be ignorant of vs , and Israel knowes vs not . Now if Abraham , nor Israel , so great Patriarkes , then not Mary , Peter , Paul , &c. Augustine out of the words of Esay aboue , saith , If so great Patriarkes were ignorant what became of the people which were borne of their loynes , how is it like that other dead can be present , to vnderstand , and to be helping to mens affaires ? Psalme 73. verse 25. Whom haue I in heauen but thee ? and there is none on earth , &c. Againe , If the soules of the dead were present at the affaires of the liuing , my deuout Mother would neuer a night be from mee , who followed mee in her life , &c. Againe , Tractat. Iohn 22. This saith thy Sauiour . Thou hast no whither to goe but to me : Thou hast no way to goe but by mee . Againe , 1 Iohn 21. If any man sinne , &c. Vpon these words he sayth . He said not , Yee haue ; but being such an Apostle , said , We haue . Chrysostome de defectu Euangel. sayth , Thou hast no neede of Patrons , to goe to God , that thou shouldest search out others : But though thou be alone , and want a patron , and by thy selfe ; Pray vnto God , and thou shalt obtaine thy desire . Thus wee conclude our religion in this point , to be more ancient , and true then theirs ; as grounded vpon Christ , the Apostles , and Scriptures .

Purgatorie .

Papists affirme , that there is a certaine infernall place in the earth called Purgatory , in the which , as in a prison-house , the soules which were not fully purged in this life , are there cleansed and purged by fire , before they can be receiued into heauen . Bellarm. De Purgator . Rhemists , Matth. 12. Sect 9. The proofes Zachar. 9. 11. Thou hast loosened thy prisoners out of the pit , wherein was no water . Psal. 66. 12. Wee went through fire and water , &c. These , and such like places are alledged . For the place of Zacharie , the Iesuite hath alledged it already ; for Lymbus patrum , and now he maketh it serue for Purgatorie . But Purgatorie and Lymbus patrum , are diuerse , and contrary things . For Lymbus patrum was onely for those ( as they say ) that liued before Christ , but Purgatory beganne since . Lymbus was voyde of paine , and punishment , as they confesse ; so is not Purgatorie . So as the place cannot signifie both . But they wrest Scripture at pleasure . Indeed the place intendeth no such thing : but it setteth forth the afflictions , and miseries of this life . For so Augustine De Ciuitate Dei , cap. 35. By the pit without water , hee vnderstandeth the drie and barren dungeon of humane misery , where there is no spring of Iustice , but the puddle and mire of iniquitie , that is , the Prophet speaketh of the deliuerance of the people from their cruell and vniust bondage . Againe , out of the Psalme 86. 13. Thou hast deliuered my soule from the lowest graue . What else ( sayth hee ) is the lowest pit or graue , but the lowest degree of miserie ? &c. 1 Corinth . 3. 13. is their maine place for Purgatorie . The fire shall trie euery mans worke . If any mans worke burne , he shall suffer losse , but hee shall saue himselfe : yet as it were thorow fire . Bellarmine , by Fire vnderstandeth the flames of Purgatorie ; by wood , stubble , straw , he vnderstandeth sinnes , which must be purged by fire . Answer . By the precious matter is not vnderstood the workes of Charitie , but the preaching of sound doctrine , by straw , and other combustible matter , is meant the affectation of eloquence , and corrupt teaching of the truth : yet holding the foundation : Not veniall sinnes , as they affirme ; and this Bellarmine also granteth . Secondly , Fire in this place is taken allegorically ; that is , by way of resemblance , as the rest of the words : neither can it be taken of their Purgatorie , because it trieth the workes onely , not the persons , as well the best matter as the base . But all shall not passe thorow Purgatory , by their owne confession : and therefore they shift it off with a double sence , verse 13. the fire they take for Gods sentence : in the verse 15. for the flames of Purgatorie . As if in Allegories the same words and place should admit a double sence . The day shall declare it : Bellarmine saith , The day of Christs comming ; Rhemists vnderstand it , the particular day of euery mans death : so well they agree together . But the meaning is apparant , that the day , that is , the time shall declare it : for God hath appoynted a time , to examine euery mans doctrine by fire ; which is nothing else , but the Iudgement of God , by the fire of his word : whereby euery man in the day of his calling and conuersion shall know whether hee hath preached aright , or no.

We acknowledge no such place as Purgatorie ; as a third place , but Heauen , or Hell , according to the Scriptures . Our purgation is in this life , afflictions , and faith in the bloud of Christ , 1 Iohn 1. 7. Christs bloud purgeth vs from all our sinnes . Hebr. 9. 14. It purgeth our consciences from dead workes . Wee acknowledge but two sorts of men , Ecclesiast. 12. 14. good , or bad , He that beleeueth , shall be saued ; he that beleeueth not , shall be damned . Marke 10. 16. Luke 16. 26. Iohn 3. 30. Augustine consenteth with vs , saying ; There is no middle or third place : but he must needs be with the Diuell , that is not with Christ , Lib. 1. cap. De Pecc . remiss . Againe , the third place besides heauen , and hell , we are vtterly ignorant of : nay , wee finde not in Scripture that there is any . Item , 2 Corint. 5. 10. Apocal. 14. 13. Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord , they rest from their labours : Ergo , no Purgatorie . August . Homil. 50. Tom. 10. After this life there remaynes no compunction , no satisfaction . Againe , August . Enchirid. cap. 115. Heere is all remission of sinnes . Heere be tentations that moue vs to sinne : Lastly , heere is the euill from which we desire to be deliuered : but there is none of all these . Againe , wee are not heere without sinne , but wee shall goe hence without sinne : Ergo , no neede of Purgatorie . De verbis Apostoli Serm. 3. Cirill . libr. 3. vpon Esay sayth : They which are once dead , can adde nothing to the things which they haue done , but shall remaine as they were left , and wait for the time of the last Iudgement . Chrysostom . ad populum Antiochenum , Homil. 22. sayth : After the end of this life , there is no occasion of merits . Hebrews 1. 3. Christ hath purged our sinnes , by himselfe . Counsell Aquisgrane , lib. 1. cap. 1. speaketh of the punishments , two in this life , one in the life to come , most grieuous . Of the two heere the Apostle speaketh : If wee would iudge our selues , we should not be , &c. The first is the punishment wherein euery sinner taketh reuenge of himselfe : The second , but when wee are iudged of God , wee are chastised , &c. This is the punishment which God in mercy doth lay vpon sinners in this world . The third is most fearefull and terrible ; not in this world , but in the next . Depart from me , &c. Ergo , no Purgatorie . The Papists can neuer agree of the place , nor continuance of time , how long ? And thus we still conclude , that their doctrine is Antichristian , condemned by Scripture , and all antiquitie , and Fathers .

Merits .

By Merits wee vnderstand any thing , or worke , whereby Gods fauour , and life eternall , from the dignitie of the worke binding God , &c. Merits are two-fold : one of the person , another of the worke . Of the person dying after Baptisme : Of the worke , by the condignitie , yea more , Supererrogation . I omit their idle and blasphemous speeches , and proofes , and come to the Answere . Wee renounce all personall merits of any meere man : therefore of Infants that cannot worke ; also of workes done by them : Onely wee acknowledge Christs workes to merite , which are made ours by imputation . But Papists will be saued by their owne workes . See Exod. chap. 20. 8. I will shew mercy to them that loue mee , and keepe my commandements : If these must haue mercy , who can pleade merits ? Romans 6. 23. The wages of sinne is death , but eternall life is the gift of God , thorow Iesus Christ . Ephes. 2. 8. 10. By grace ye are saued through faith , not of your selues : it is the gift of God , &c. Romans 8. 18. The sufferings of this life are not worthy , &c. Titus 3. 5. We are saued , not by workes which wee wrought , but according to his mercy , &c. Merit hath no place where mercie is required . See Fathers . Bernard . Those which wee call Merits , are the way to the Kingdome , not the cause of raigning . Augustine , All my hope is in the death of my Lord : His death is my merit , my merit is the passion of my Lord . Manuel , chapter two and twentie . Againe : He crowneth thee , because hee crowneth his owne gifts , not thy merits . Psalme 120. Againe , Lord , thou wilt quicken me , in thy Iustice , not in mine ; not because I haue deserued it , but because thou hast had compassion , Ps. 142. See more in the title of Iustification . Thus I cease to follow them in their idle discourses : concluding our Doctrine to be more auncient , as from Christ , the Apostles , Scriptures , and Fathers .

They obiect places of Scripture for reward . Answer . Reward is two-fold , either of merit , or of mercy . Life euerlasting is not of merit , but of mercy . Secondly , they obiect merits by couenant , Doe this , and thou shalt liue . Solut. No man can doe this : Ergo : a legall Couenant condemneth all men . Againe , there is an Euangelicall couenant , this promise is made , not to the work , but to the person , to his faith , laying hold on Christ , Beleeue , and thou shalt be saued , Marke 16. 16. Acts 8. 37. and 16. 31.

Now to conclude this poynt for Doctrine , as before of the liues of the Popes . I will vse the Argument our Sauiour Christ vsed against the Scribes and Pharisies , who saying they had Abraham to their father , Iohn 8. 39. answered ; If yee were the children of Abraham , ye would doe the deedes of Abraham : So say I , if the Popes be Peters successors , concerning Doctrine , they would shew it , in teaching Doctrine agreeable to Scriptures , &c. But this they doe not . For Peter taught Iustification by faith in Christ alone , as the rest of the Apostles ; and Christ himselfe , and haue left the same written in Scriptures , for our instruction and imitation . See title of Iustification .

Againe , Peter , Christ , and the Apostles , and Scriptures , teach only two Sacraments of the new testament : But they teach seauen ; contrary to Christ , Peter , and the Apostles . See title of Sacraments the number . Moreouer , Christ instituted Baptisme : the outward signe whereof is onely Water ; and the forme to baptize , In the name of the Father , the Sonne , and the Holy Ghost . Peter , the Apostles , and Euangelists rested in this : and left the same written in Scripture : but the Pope and Papists , vse a number of idle ceremonies , contrary to Peters practise , the Apostles , and Scriptures . See title of Baptisme .

Againe , for the Sacrament of the Lords Supper : In the Supper , Christ vsed in the Institution thereof bread and wine , as outward signes of his body , and his precious bloud , shed in remembrance : but these will vse but one outward signe , bread alone . Againe , they will haue Christ bodily present in the Sacrament , and will vtterly abolish the signes , by Transubstantiation , a toy of their owne deuising , so as no bread shall remayne , contrary to common sence , against Christ , Peter , and Stripture . See Reall presence , Supper , and Transubstantiation ; and so they vtterly destroy the Sacrament .

Againe , wee teach , no Images to be vsed in Gods seruice , either publique or priuate , according to the second Commaundement , Scripture , and Churches practise , foure hundred yeeres after Christ , and euer contradicted since : but they iustifie Image-seruice , as Lay-mens bookes , and the seruice of God , directly contrary to Scriptures . See title of Images . We teach , that God onely is to be worshipped ; neither Saints , nor Angells , and that God is robbed of his honor , by how much is giuen vnto them , &c. according to Peter , the Apostles , and Scripture . They directly teach the contrary , as derogatory to the office of Christ . See title of Worship of Saints . We teach according to Scripture : No Purgatorie , nor Purgation for sinne , but the bloud of Christ in this life , according to Peter , the Apostles , & Scriptures . But they teach a Purgatory , to purge sinnes after death . See title of Purgatory . We teach , that neither person nor worke , can merit , but the immaculate person of Christ , God & Man ; and his innocent workes , without sinne . They contrary teach : Merit of person , and workes , amongst sinfull men . See title of Merits . To omit many other Popish points of erronious doctrine , we conclude as before : That the Pope is no way Peters successour ; but an Hereticke , and plaine Antichrist , fore-told by the Apostle , 2 Thessal. 2. 4. Which sitteth as God in the Temple of God , boasting himselfe , that he is God .

Arguments to proue the Pope Anti-christ .

And first , their silly reasons to the contrary .

The late Counsell of Lateran 1517. commanded all Preachers , they should not meddle , nor dare once to speake of the comming of Anti-christ : which argueth a guiltie Conscience .

Now obserue their Arguments to proue the Pope , not to be Anti christ . 1. Argument : Anti christ is but one man , but the Popes haue beene many : Ergo. 2. Antichrist shall reigne but 3. yeeres , and a halfe : but the Popes haue reigned many hundreds of yeeres : Ergo , not Anti-christ . 3. Antichrist shall be knowne by name , but the Pope hath sundry names : Ergo , not Anti-christ . 4. He must come of the stocke of the Iewes ; but neuer was any Iew Pope : Ergo , &c. 5. His Seate must be at Ierusalem : but the Popes Seate is at Rome : Ergo , not Anti-christ . 6. He shall manifestly deny Christ , so doth not the Pope ( say they : ) Ergo , &c. 7. He shal doe strange miracles , bring fire from heauen , cause Images to speake : so doth not : Ergo. 8. He shall wage great battell , and conqu●… all the world : these agree not with the Pope : Ergo , the Pope is not Anti-christ . See the answer of these in D. Willet Synopsis . fol. 273. in quarto .

Now , to proue the Pope to be Anti-christ , we neede looke for no further proofe , then the Scripture : he being so liuely described there , which we trust shall appeare euident to all men . Note well the places .

1. DAn. 11. which contains a Prophecie of the kingdoms which should be enimies vnto the Church of God ; verse 3. of Greece ; verse 5. of Aegipt ; verse 28. of Syria ; verse 36. of the Romans , vnder Antiochus , Epiphanes , by whom the Pope is figured , it is said ; He shall doe what he will . This is most true of the Pope , his will must stand for reason . Distinct. 96. cap. Satis . If the Pope shall draw infinit soules to hell , no man is to say vnto him ; Sir , why doe you so ? In like manner , where he tooke the Cuppe from the Laitie , in receiuing the Lords Supper ; it is heresie to speak against it , non obstante , that is , though Christ did institute it so : Againe , the Pope may not be iudged , for he is called , Our Lord God the Pope Look Decrees 96. They say , God , and the Pope haue all one Consistorie : therefore the Pope may doe what he will , verse 37. It is said , He shall not care for the God of his Fathers : No more doth the Pope ; for he hath inuented , and erected a new breaden god , which his fathers neuer knew . Nor , for the desires of women , for he hath prohibited lawfull marriage ; and permitteth adultery , and Sodometry . Nor , care for any God , for hee shall magnifie himselfe aboue all : So doth the Pope : Ergo , Antichrist .

2 Argument : 2 Thessal. 2. 4. Paules description in euery point is verified in the Pope : He shall exalt himselfe aboue God : and euery thing , &c. So the Pope hath challenged the full authority of Christ ( as before ) and exalteth himselfe aboue Emperours , and Kings , which are called Gods vpon earth : yea , the Pope hath calculated the difference betweene him and them , saying , the Pope is 47. degrees aboue the Emperour ; as the Sunne is 47. degrees bigger then the Moone . Innocent the third in his Decretals . Moreouer , He shal sit in the Temple , that is , in the Church , and hath the Keyes ( as he boasteth ) of heauen , and hell , verse 9. Anti-christ shall come with lying signes . So doth the Pope , &c. verse 11. God shall send strong illusions : Neuer so strong as in Popery ; as the father persecuteth the sonne : & è contra : Husbands their Wiues , Masters their Seruants ; & è contra ; verse 3. Anti-christ is called the man of Sinne , and a wicked man . Where shall wee finde more wickednesse then in the Popes ? Some Coniurers , Siluester the second ; some in league with the Diuell , Alexander the sixt ; whooremongers , incestuous , Sodomites , blasphemers : Ergo , Anti-christs . See before , the Conclusion of the Popes liues . fol. 78.

3. Argument : Reuel. 8. 10. He is a Starre fallen from Heauen . So the Pope is departed from the ancient faith of Rome , to superstition , and idolatry , he hath the keyes of the bottomlesse pit . Who but the Pope giueth the Crosse-keyes ? who ( saith he ) may carry downe to hell with him Chariots loaden with soules ? cap. Si Papa . Distinct. 42. vers. 3. Locusts arising out of the bottomlesse pit : that is , innumerable swarmes of begging Friers , Iesuites : Ergo , Antichrist .

4. Argument : Reuel. 17. 5. The seate of Antichrist is described , in her fore-head a name written , a Mystery , Great Babylon , that is , Rome , the Commaunder ( at that time ) of all the world . And after the Emperours declining , the Pope , which commaundeth Emperours and Kings , verse 3. The seauen heads are seauen mountains , so is Rome built vpon seauen mountaines , &c. Ergo , the Pope Antichrist .

5. Argument : 1 Iohn 2. 22. Who is a lier , the same is Antichrist , that denyeth the Father and the Sonne . Who but the Pope that exalteth himselfe against all that is called God : dispensing against the law of Nature : against the precepts of the old and new Testament . Vide Willet . fol. 282.

6. Argument : 2 Thess. 2. 24. An Aduersary , &c. The Pope is an aduersary in doctrine , liuing and teaching cleane contrary to the Doctrine of Christ , and liuing cleane contrary to Christ , and his Apostles . See before , for life , and doctrine .

7. Argument : Reuelat. 17. 1. Anti-christ is called the Great Whoore. So , Anno Christi 853. There was a right whoore elected Pope , called Iohn the eight ; but it fell out to be Ioane , bigge with childe . See the Storie before . fol. 16. She sate two yeeres and sixe moneths ; though some left her out of the Catalogue for shame , as Marian ▪ Scotus writeth .

8. Argument : Reuel. 13. 11. This place plainely describeth Anti-christ : which succeeded the Roman Emperour , as vile , verse 12. and as powerfull .

See the Fathers .

BErnard saith , The beast in the Apocalypse , vnto whom is giuen a mouth , to speake blasphemies , occupieth Peters Chaire . Epist. 125.

Ioachim Abbas saith , Anti-christ was lately borne at Rome : vpon the Reuel . lib. 10. part. 5.

The Bishops in the Counsell of Rainspurge saith thus : Hildebrand the Pope , vnder the colour of Religion , laid the foundation of Anti-christ .

Gregory the first , and the best of all the Bishops of Rome , that followed , saith : I doe confidently affirme , that whosoeuer doth call himselfe Vniuersall Bishop , or desire so to be called , is the fore-runner of Anti-christ in his pride . Anno Christi 591.

Bernard vpon the words of Christ , Matth. 10. 42. The Lords of the Nations reigne , &c. but it shall not be so among you : saith to Pope Eugenius ; It is plaine that here dominion is forbidden the Apostles . Go to then , dare , & ye will , to take vpon you ruling an Apostleship : or in your Apostleship rule , or dominion . If you will haue both alike , you shall loose both : Otherwise you must not thinke your selfe exempt from the number of them , of whom the Lord complayneth thus . They haue reigned , but not of me ; they haue beene , but I haue not knowne them . De consideratione ad Eugenium . lib. 2.

Chrysostome vpon 2 Thess. 3. 4. 6. Hom. 4. As long as the Empire shall be had in awe , no man shall straightly submit himselfe to Anti-christ : but after the Empire shall be dissolued , Anti-christ shall inuade the state of the Empire : it standing voyde , hee shall labour to pull vnto himselfe the Empire both of man , and God . Who seeth not at this day the Empire dissolued , and the Pope euen Anti-christ to dominiere ouer Emperors & Kings ?

Hilarie ad Auxentium . Hierome ad Algasiam , question . 11. and Oecumenius vpon 2 Thessal. 2. will not admit that Anti-christ should sit at Ierusalem , but in the Church of God .

For the most part , all Princes and Bishops in Germanie , and Italie , haue published and called Gregorie the seauenth , and Iohn the two and twentieth Anti-christ . Auentinus . Anal. lib. 5. & 7.

See the sentence of Pope Adrian the fourth , fol. 17. against the Popes . See Clement the seauenth , fol. 27. where the Popes call one another Anti-christ . Let them be iudged from their owne mouthes .

Thus hauing ( through Gods mercy ) brought this businesse to an end , further then I euer intended it . And seeing it pleased not God to giue it that effect , wherevnto I laboured , in the particular , yet it may please him so to blesse and prosper it , as it shall not returne in vaine vnto him ; which hath seene my desire , my labour , and studie ( in mine olde age ) for them that are not yet called . Vnto whom I most humbly commend my Labour , and them to be blessed of him . Exhorting all the true Successours of Peter , I meane the Pastours of Congregations : to haue a care of their liues and Doctrine , that so labouring together faithfully , to gather into one , the Sheepe that are scattered abroad , into the folde of IESVS CHRIST , when the great Shep-heard shall appeare , wee may giue vp an account with ioy , and not with griefe , saying ; These are those ( LORD ) which thou hast giuen me . To whom be ascribed of vs , all glory , praise , power , and thankes-giuing , for euer and euer :

Amen .

FINIS .