Pansebeia, or, A view of all religions in the world with the severall church-governments from the creation, to these times : also, a discovery of all known heresies in all ages and places, and choice observations and reflections throughout the whole / by Alexander Ross.

The Contents of the Fourteenth Section.

Of the Eastern Religions, and first of the Greeks. 2. Of the Church dignities, and discipline in the Greek Church at this day▪ 3. Of the other Nations, professing the Greek Re∣ligion, chiefly the Moscovites, and Armenians. 4. Of the Monks, Nun••, and Eremites of Moscovia. 5. Of the form of service in their Chu. ches. 6. How they administer the Sacraments. 7. The Doctrine and Ceremonies of the Rus∣sian Church at this day. 8. Of their Marriage and Fu∣neral Ceremonies. 9. Of the profession of the Armeni∣ans. 10. Of the other Greek Sects, namely the Mel∣chites, Georgians, and Mengrelians. 11. Of the Ne∣storians, Indians, and Jacobites. 12. Of the Maro∣nites Religions. 13. Of the Cophti. 14. Of the Abys∣sin Christians. 15. Wherein the Protestants agree with, and dissent from other Christian Churches.

SECT. XIIII. (Book 14)

Quest. 1. HAving taken a view of the differences in Reli∣gion among the Romanists and Anti Roman∣ists in the West, what Religion do the Christians in the East professe?

A. In the East the Greek Religion pre∣vaileth in many places,* 1.1 chiefly in those Countries of Europe; namely, Greece, Macedon, Epirus, 〈◊〉〈◊〉, Thr••ce, Servia, Basci•• Moldavia, Walachi••▪ Bosnia, Podolia, and Moscovia; In the Islands also of the Aegean Sea, and in some parts of Poland, Dalmatia, and Croatia; in some parts also of Asia, namely, in Natolia, Circassia, Mengrelia, and Russia. The Greek•• place much of their devotion in the worship of the

Virgin Mary, and of painted, but not carved Ima∣ges; in the interces••ion, prayers, help, and merits of the Saints, which they invocate in their Temples. They place justification not in faith, but in workes; School-divinity, chiefly the works of Thomas Aquin••s; which they have in Greek, are in great request with them. The Sacrifice of the Masse, is used for the quick, and the dead; and they use to buy Masses; they do not hold a Purgatory fire, yet they believe there is a third place between that of the blessed and the damned, where they remain who have deferred re∣pentance till the end of their life;

but if this place be not Purgatory, I know not what it is, not what the souls do there.

Though they deny the Procession of the Ho∣ly Ghost from the Son, yet▪ they baptise in the name of the Three Persons. Priests among them may marry once, but not of••••er. That marriage is unlawfull, which is contracted within the seventh degree of Consanguinity and Affinity. They use leavened bread in the Sacrament, and administer in both kinds; they have four L••••ts in the year; they deny the Popes su∣premacy, abstain from blood and things strangled; observe the Jewish Sabbath with the Lords day. They use neither confirmation, nor extream unction, and will not have either the blessed souls i•• Heaven to en∣joy Gods presence, or the wicked in Hell to be tor∣mented ••ill the day of judgement; preaching is little used amongst them, but Masses often; therefore one of their Monks, whom they call Coloieri, for preach∣ing,* 1.2 sometimes in Lent, and at Christmasse, and Ea∣stet, was accused and banished to Mount Sinai by the Patriarch of Constantinople, as Chytraus witnesseth. They esteem equal with the Scriptures, the Acts of the seven Greek Synods, and the writings of Basil, Chrysosto••e, 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and their traditions. They believe that the souls of the dead are bettered by the prayers of the living. They are no less for the Church∣es authority and for Traditions, then the Roman Ca∣tholicks be; when the Sacrament is carried through the Templ••, the people by bowing themselves adore it, and falling on their knees, kisse the 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

Q. 2. What Ecclesiastical Dignities and Discipline is there in the Greek Church at this day?

A. They have their Patriarch,* 1.3 who resides at Con∣stantinople, who is elected by his Metropolitans and Arch-Bishops, but is confirmed by the great Turkes chief Bassa, who upon promise of some thousand Duckets from the Patriarch, do••h ratifie his privi∣ledges. He hath no more authority with the great Turk, then any Christian Embassadour, who thinks it a great honour to be admitted to fall down at the Seigniors feet, and to kisse his cloak. Next to the Patriarch are the Metropolitans, who are placed ac∣cording to their antiquity. Of thes Metropolitans are 74. under whom are Arch-Bishops, and Bishops. The Metropolitan of Thessalonica hath ten Bishops un∣der him; he of Athens hath six; Corinth hath foure Bishops, and one hundred Churches; Mitylena had five Bishopricks, but now none; Chalcedon hath a Me∣tropolitan and sixty Churches, but no Bishops; The Metropolis of Nicaea hath fifty Churches, but no Bi∣shop at this time; Ephesus hath fifty Churches, but no Bishop; Philippi, the Metropolis of Macedonia, hath one hundred and fifty Churches; Antiochia of Pi••idia, is Metropolis of fourty Churches; Smyr••a is Metro∣polis of eighty Churches; but fourty or fifty persons make a Church in Greece. Most of the Metropolies in Asia are ••••ined. The Greeks at Constantinople are di∣stributed into certain Churches, where they meet on Sundays and holy days; their greatest congregations scarce exceed three hundred persons. Their chiefe Feast is that of Maries assumption; every Lords day in Lent, the Patriarch sayeth Masse, sometimes in one Church, sometimes in another, where he collects the almes of well disposed people. They have no musick in their Churches: the Women are shut up in their Churches within latises, that they may not be seen by the men. In the Patriarchs own Church are to be seen the bodies of Mary Salome, of Saint Euphemi••, and the Murble Pillar, to which Christ was bound, when he was scourged. They have also in the Greek Church Hieromonachi and Priests whom they call Popes; 〈◊〉〈◊〉 may consecrate, and say Masse. They have the••?

Lay-Monks, Deacons, and Sub-Deacons, and their Anagnostes, who read the Dom••nical Epistle and other things. The Monks who are all of Saint Basils order have their Archimandrithes or Abbots. Their Monks are not idle, but work; they are called Caloieri; the Pa∣triarch,* 1.4 Metropolites, and Bishops are of this order, and abstain from flesh; but in Lent, and other fasting times they forbear fish, milk and egges; the Greeks celebrate their Liturgies in the old Greek tongue, which they scarce understand. On festival days, they use the Liturgy of Basil, on other days that of Chryso∣st••me. They have no other tran••lation of the Bible, but that of the 70.

Q. 3, What other Nations professe the Greek Religion, besides those al••eady named?

A. The Moscovites and Armenians; ••s for the Mos∣covites,* 1.5 they with the Russians were converted by the Greeks, and are with them of the same communion and faith, saving that they differ from the Greeks, in receiving children of seven years old to the Commu∣nion, in mingling the bread and wine in the chalice with warm water, and distributing it together in a spoon: besides, they permit neither Priest nor Dea∣con to officiate or take orders, except they be marri∣ed; and yet when they are actually in orders, will not allow them to marry: they dissolve marriage upon every light occasion: the Arch-Bishop of Mosco, their chief Metropolitan, was wont to be confirmed by the Patriarch of Constantinople, but is now nominated by the Prince or Great Duke, and consecrated by three of his own Suffragans, whereof there be but eleven in all that Dominion; but the Bishops of South Russia subject to the King of Poland, have submitted them∣selves to the Pope; and whereas the Russian Clergy were wont to send yearly gifts to the Patriarch of Constantinople, residing at Sio or Chios; now the Gr••at Duke himself sends him somewhat yearly toward his maintenance: the Bishops of Moscovia, besides their Tythes, have large rents to maintain them according to their Place and Dignitie; and they have as large an Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction, as any Clergy in Chri∣stendome: they do so highly esteemthe Scriptures

and four General Councels, that they touch them not without crossing and bowing: Besides their Patriarch and two Metropolitans of Novograd, and Rostove, they have 4 Arch-Bishops, and six Bishops; besides Priests, Arch-Priests, Deacons, Monks, Nuns, and Heremites. The Patriarch of Mosco was invested in his jurisdiction by Hieronymo, the banished Patri∣arch of Constantinople, or Sio; because in the Isle Chio or Sio, was the Patriarchs seat, after he was banished by the Turk from B••zantium. The Bishops in their Solemnities wear rich Mitres on their heads, embroy∣dered copes with Gold and Pearle on their backs, and a Crosiers staff in their hands; when they ride a∣broad, they blesse the people with their two fore∣fingers. All Bishops, Arch Bishops, and Metropo∣lites are chosen by the Great Duke himselfe, out of their Monasteries; so that first they must be Monks, before they can attain these dignities; so they must be all unmarried men. The Ceremonies of the Bishops inauguration are in a manner the same that are used in the Church of Rome. Preaching is not used in this Church; onely twice a year, to wit, the first of Sep∣tember, which is their new years day, and on Saint Iohn Baptists day, in the Cathedral Church a short speech is made by the Metropolite, Arch-Bishop, or Bishop, tending to love with their neighbours, obe∣dience and Loyalty to their Prince, to the observation of their Fasts and Vows, and to perform their dnti•••• to the holy Church, &c. Clergy there keep out learning, to keep up Tyranny. The Priests crowns are not shaven but shorne, and by the Bishop anoin∣ted with oyle; who in the Priests ordination puts his Surplise on him, and sets a white crosse on his breast, which he is not to wear above eight days; and so he is authorised to say, sing, and administer the Sacraments in the Church. They honour the Images of Saints; their Priests must marry but once; the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 people pray not themselves, but cause the Priests 〈◊〉〈◊〉 pray for them, when they go about any businesse or journy. Every year there is great meetings to so∣lemnise the Saints day that is Patron of their Church; and to have prayers said to that Saint for themselves

and friends, and so an offering is made to the Priest for his pains;* 1.6 for he lives on the peoples benevolence, and not on Tythes▪ once a quarter the Priest bless∣eth his Parishioners houses with persume, and holy water, for which he is paid; but whatsoever benefit the Priest makes of his place, he must pay the tenth thereof to the Bishop. The Priest wears long 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of hair▪ hanging down by his ears, a gowne with a broad cape, and a walking staff in his hand. He wears his surplise, and on solemne days his cope, when he reads the Liturgy. They have their Regular Priests, who live in Covents. In Cathedral Churches are Arch-Priests, and Arch-Deacons; every Priest hath his Deacon or Sexton.

Q. 4. Are there any store of Monks, Nuns, and Ere∣••ites in Moscovia?

A. Every City abounds with Monks of St. Basils order;* 1.7 for many out of displeasure, others out of fear in avoid punishment, and others to avoid taxes and oppression, do embrace this life; besides the opinion of ••••••rit they have thereby. When any is admitted, he is by the Abbot stript of his Secular Garments, and next to his skin, is cloathed with a white Fl••nnel shirt; over which is a long Garment, girded with a ••road leathern belt. The upper Garment is of Say, of a ••ooty-colour; then his crown is shorne, to whom the Abbot sheweth, that as his haires are taken from his head, so must he be taken from the world: this done he anoints his crown with Oyle, puts on his ••wle, and so receives him into the Fraternity, ha∣ving vowed abstinence from flesh, and perpetual cha∣stity. The Monks do not onely live upon their rents, but they trade also, and are great Merchants; as for scholarship they have none. Sergius is a great Saint ••mongst them, to whom the Empress goeth sometimes in Pilgrimage. They have divers Nunneries; some whereof are onely for Noble mens Widows and Daughters, whose stock the Emperor meanes to ex∣••i••guish. They have E••emites also, who go stark naked, except about the middle, they wear long hair, and an l••on collar about their neck or middle. The people esteem them as Saints, and Prophets, and whatsoever

they say is received as Oracles, even by the great Duke himselfe.* 1.8 He thinks himself in great favour with God, who is reproved, or robbed of any part of his goods by them. But of these E••emites there be very few in that cold country.

Q. 5. What form of Service have they in their Churches?

A. They have their Matti••s every morning;* 1.9 the Priest attended by his Deacon, in the middle of the Church, calls on Christ for a blessing, in the name of the Trinity, and then repeats three times, Lord have mercy upon us: this done, he marcheth into the chancel, whither no man may enter but the Priest alone; and there at the Altar he sayeth the Lords prayer, and twelve times Lord have mercy upon us; Then Praised at the Trinity: The Deacon and people answer Amen. Then he reads the Psalmes for the day, and with the people turns to the Images on the wall, to which they bow three times knocking their heads to the ground. Then he reads the Decalogue, and Athanasius his Creed. After this the Deacon standing without the Chancel door, reads a part of their Legend of Saints lives, which is divided into so many parts as there be days in the year; then he addeth some collects or prayers. This Service lasteth about two hours, all which time many Wax Candles burn before their Images, some as big as a mans wast; such are vowed and enjoyned by pe••nance. They have about nine of the morning an∣other service, and on Festival days they have solemn devotion. The evening service is begun like the mar∣nings; after the Psalmes the Priest singeth the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in their Language, and then all with one voice, Lord have mercy upon us, thirty times together; and the boyes answer thirty times; then is read by the Priest, and on holy days sung; the first Psalme, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 repented ten times. Then the Priest reads some part of the Gospel, which he ends with three Hallelujahs; and withal that evening service with a collect for the day; all this while the Priest standeth as, the high 〈◊〉〈◊〉. The Deacon•• stand without the Chancel, whither they dare not come during service time.* 1.10 The people stand together in the body of the Church, for they have no Pews to sit in.

Q. 6. How do they administer the Sacraments?

〈…〉〈…〉 Eight days after the Child is born, he is brought to the Church-porch,* 1.11 where the Priest receives him; and tells the witnesses their duties in the childs edu∣cation after baptisme, namely to teach him how to know God and Christ, and withal what Saints are the chiefe mediators; then he conjures the Devil out of the water, and so after some prayers, he plungeth the child three times over head and ears in a tub of warm water, holding it necessary that every part of the child be dipped. They use the same words that we do; In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost: and not By the Holy Ghost, as some Hereticks have used. Then the Priest lay••th oyl and salt mixed to∣gether on the Childes forehead, on both sides of his face, and on his lips praying that God would make him a good Christian, &c. This done, the child being now made a Christian, is carried from the Porch into the Church: The Priest marching before, who layeth him on a cushion before the feet of the chief Image in the Church, to which he is recommended as to his Mediator. After baptisme the childs hair is cut off, wrapped up in wax, and reserved as a relique in the Church. The Russians use to re-bap∣baptise their Proselyte Christians, and in some Mona∣sterie to instruct them in their religion; first they cloath the new convert with a fresh Russian Garment, then they crown him with a Garland, anoint his head with oyl, put a wax light into his hand, and for seven days together pray over him four times a day; all which time he is to forbear flesh, and white meats. After the seventh day he is washed, and, on the eighth day is brought into the Church, and there instructed how to bow, knock his head, and crosse himself before their images. The Russians commu∣nicate but once a year, in Lent after confession to the Priest; who calls them up to the Altar, askes them if they be clean from sin; if they be, they are admit∣ted; but never above three at one time. Whilest the Priest prayeth, the communicants stand with their ••rms folded one within another; then he delivereth to them a spoonful of bread and wine tempered toge∣ther, saying, Eat this drink this, without any pause. Then

he delivereth bread by it self, and wine mingled with warm water, to represent the water and bloc•• that issued out of Christ side. Then the Communi∣cants follow the Priest thrice about the Altar, with their folded arms.* 1.12 At last after prayers the Priest char∣geth them to make good cheer and be merry for se∣ven days together, & to fast the next seven days after.

Q. 7. What is the Doctrine and Ceremonies of the Russi∣an Church at this day?

A, They hold that the Books of Moses (except Ge∣nesis) are not to be read in Churches,* 1.13 and are of no use since Christs comming; nor the Prophets, nor the Revelation. 2. They teach that their Church tradi∣tions are of equal authority with the word of God. 3. That the Greek Church, chiefly the Patriarch and his Synod, have full authority to interpret the Scriptures, and that their interpretation is authentick. 4. That the Holy Ghost proceedeth not from the Son. 5. They hold Christ to be the onely mediator of redemption, but not of intercession; this honour they give to the Saints; chiefly to the Virgin Mary, and Saint Nichola••, who they say is attended upon by three hundred of the chief Angels. 6. Their doctrine and practise is to adore the Images or Pictures of the Saints, whereof their Churches are full, and richly adorned. 7. They teach that in this life there can be no assurance of sal∣vation. 8. And that we are justified not by faith only, but by works also; which consist in prayers by num∣ber on their beads, in fasts, vows, almes, crossings, of∣ferings to Saints, and such like. 9. They ascribe great power to auricular confession in doing away sin. 10. They hold al to be damned, that dye without baptism. 11. Extream Unction is with them a Sacrament, though not of such necessity as baptisme, yet they hold it a cursed thing to dye without it. 12. They re-baptise Christians converted to their Church. 13. They e∣steem some meats more holy then others, and are very strictly superstitious in their fasts. 14. They disallow marriage in their Clergy; yet they permit their Priests to marry once. 15. They place such vertue in the cross that they advance it in all their high ways, on the tops of their Churches, on the doors of their Houses▪

and are upon all occasions signing themselves with it on their foreheads and breasts: They adore it, they use the signe thereof in stead of prayers and thanksgi∣ving in the morning and evening, when they sit down to meat and rise from table; when they swear, they swear by the Crosse, &c. 16. Such vertue they place in holy Water, that after the Bishops have consecrated the Rivers on the Ep••pbany, as their custome is then every year, people strive who shall first plunge their children, and themselves therein, and think their meat is blessed that is boyled in that water; and that the sick shall either recover, or be made more fit and holy for God, if they drink thereof. 17. They have their solemn Processions on the Epip••any, in which go two Deacons bearing banners in their hands, the one of our Lady, the other of Saint Michael fighting with the Dragon; after them follow the other Deacons and Priests two and two in a rank, with copes on their backs, and images hanging on their breasts. After these march the Bishops in their robes, then the Monks and their Abbots: and after them the Patriarch in rich attire, with a ball on the top of his Mytre, as if his head supported the world; at last comes the great Duke with his Nobility; when they are come to the River, a hole is made in the Ice; then the Patriarch prayeth, and conjureth the Devil out of the water; which done, he casteth salt, and censeth the water with incense, and so it becomes holy. This is the Pro∣cession at Mosco; where the people are provident, least the Devil (bring conjured out of the water) should enter into their houses, they make crosses with chalk over their doors. In their Processions also they carry the image of Christ within a Pix upon a high pole, which they adore, & think this image was made with∣out hands. 18. Such holinesse they place in their Priests benediction, that when they brew, they bring a dish of wo••t to the Priest within the Church, which he consecrates, and this makes the whole brewing ho∣ly. In harvest they do the like, by bringing the first fruits of their corn to the Priest to be hallowed. 19. On Palm Sunday, when the Patriarch rideth through the Mosco, the Great Duke holds his horse bridle,

and the people crie Hosa••••a, spreading their upper garments under his horse seet. The Duke hath for his service that day a pension from the Patriarch of 200. Rubbels. 20. Besides their Wednesdays and Fridays fasts, they have four Lents in the year: The first and great Lent is as ours, before Easter, the second about Midsummer, the third in Harvest time, the fourth about All-Hollow-tide; the first week of their great Lent they feed upon bread and salt onely, and drink nothing but water; in this Lent they have three Vigils, in the last whereof which is on good Friday, the whole Parish watcheth in the Church from nine a clock in the evening, till six in the morning; all which time they stand, except when they fall down and knock their heads against their Images, which must be 1••0. times in that night. 21. They have a Saint for every day of the year, which is held the Patron of that day. The Image whereof is brought every morning with the crosse into the Great Dukes Chamber, by the Priest his Chaplain; before which Image the Great Duke prayeth,* 1.14 crosseth himself, and knocks his head to the ground: then is he with his Images be sprinkled by the Priest with holy water. On his Chair where he sitteth, he hath always the picture of Christ, and of his Mother▪ as often as he, or his Nobles, drink or change their dishes at table, they crosse themselves.

Q. 8 What Ceremonies use they in their 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ari••ges & funerals?

A. Their Marriages are performed with such words of contract as are used among us,* 1.15 with a Ring also, and delivery of the Brides hand into the Bride-groomes by the Priest, who stand both at the Altar, opposite to each other. The Matrimonial knot being tied, the Bride comes to the Bride Groome, and falleth down at his feet, knocking her head upon his shooe, in sign of her subjection; and he casteth the lap of his upper garment over her, in token of cherishing and protecti∣on: then the Brides friends bow low to the Bride-Groome, and his friends likewise to hers, in sign of af∣finity and love: and withall the Bride-Groomes Fa∣ther offers to the Priest a loaf of bread, who delivers it to the Brides Father, with attestation before God and their pictures, that he deliver the Dowry wholy at

the appointed day, and keep love with one another; hereupon they break the loaf and eat it. This done, the married couple walk hand in hand to the Church porch, where the Bride-Groome drinketh to the Bride, who pledgeth him; then he goeth to his Fa∣thers house, and she to hers, where either entertain their friends apart. In token of plenty and fruitful∣nesse, corn is flung out of the windows upon the Bride and Brid-groom, at their entring into the house. In the evening the Bride is brought to the Bride-Groomes Fathers house; there she lodgeth that night in silence and obscurity; she must not be seen by the Bride-Groome, till the next day; for three days she must say little or nothing; then they depart to their own house, and Feast their friends. Upon any small dislike the man may enter into a Monastery, and so forsake his wife.* 1.16 At their Funerals they hire women to mourn, who howle over the body in a barbarous manner, asking him what he wanted, and why he would dye? They use to put into the dead parties hand a letter to Saint Nicholas their chief mediator, to intercede for him. They use both anniversary and monethly com∣memorations of their dead friends, over whose graves the Priest prayeth, and hath a penny for his pains. They that dye in the winter, because the ground then cannot be digged, have their bodies piled up together in a place, which they call Gods house, till the spring; what time the bodies and the earth being resolved and softned,* 1.17 every one taketh his dead freind and burieth him in the same apparel he used to wear when he lived.

Q. 9. What is the profession of the Armenians?

A. They were altogether of the Greek Religion,* 1.18 and subject to the Patriarch of Constantinople, but now are fallen off in most Tenets, and have two Patriarchs of thir own; the one resideth in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the greater, called 〈◊〉〈◊〉; the other in Armenia the lesser; but now the one sits in Persia; the other, to wi••, the lesser, in Cilici••. They are in some sort 〈◊〉〈◊〉, hold∣ing a coalition of Christs two natures, into one com∣pounded nature; but by their late confession▪ ìt seems they have renounced this opinion. Their Patriarch▪

they call Catholikes: they administer the Sacrament with unleavened bread; and will not have Christs body to be really in the Sacrament under the species of bread and wine; nor do they mingle water with wine. With the Greeks they deny the procession of the Holy Ghost from the Son. They give the Eucharist to Infants presently after Baptism; they pray for the dead, yet deny Purgatory; they re-baptise converts from the Latine Church. They fast the 25. of Decem∣ber, and keep Christmasse day on the Epiphany, or ra∣ther Christs baptisme. They keep the feast of Annun∣ciation the sixt day of April, the Purification the fourteenth of February. They eat flesh on Fridays, be∣twen Easter and Ascention day. In Lent they feed onely on Herbs, Rootes, Fruits, and Pulse; they ab∣stain from such beasts they account unclean▪ they hold that the souls of good men obtain not felicity till the Resurrection:* 1.19 They admit none to be secular Priests till they are married; but must not marry the second time. They will not have the Sacraments to confer grace. They administer the cup to all, and celebrate no Masse, without distributing the Sacrament. They invocate Saints, and insert divers words into the Creed which are neither Greek nor Latine.

Q. 10. What other Sects are there of the Greek Religion?

A. The Melchites,* 1.20 so called from Melech, a King, be∣cause they have always followed the faith of the Em∣perors of Constantinople, according as it was established by the Councel of Chalcedon, against Eutyches and Dioscorus. They are also called Syrians, from the coun∣try where they inhabit. These are altogether of the Greek Religion and Communion, but not of the juris∣diction of the Patriarch of Constantinople, but of the Arch-Bishop of Damascus, under the title of Patriarch of Antiochia; for this City, where Christianity had its first residence and name, and where Peter sat seven years Bishop, being wasted and forsaken, the Patri∣archs seat was translated to Damascus, where it re∣maineth. 2. The Georgians are also of the Greek Reli∣gion,* 1.21 but are not sub••ect to the Patriarch of Constanti∣nople, having a Metropolitan of their own, whose re∣sidence is in the Monastery of Saint Katharine, in

Mount Sin••i, a great way from Iberia, lying between the Euxin and Caspian Seas, where the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in∣habit; who are so called from Saint George, as some think, who converted them to Christianity, and whose picture they carry yet in 〈…〉〈…〉; but doubtlesse they were called 〈◊〉〈◊〉 before Saint George was born; for Mela speake of them in the first Book of his Geography, who lived in the time of Claudius the Emperor; and Vadianus on that place, thinks they were called Georgians from their Husban∣dry, to which they were much addicted. 3. The Geor∣gians next Neighbours,* 1.22 to wit, the Mengrelians, cal∣led of old Colchi, and the ancient Zychi, now called Circassians,* 1.23 whence the Sultan had his 〈◊〉〈◊〉, are also of the Greek Communion, and subject to the Pa∣triarch of Constantinople;* 1.24 but they baptise not their Children till they be eight years old. In other points they are of the Greek Religion, being converted to Christianity by Cyrillus and Methedius the Apostles or Ministers of the Patriarch of Constantinople.

Q. 11. What is the Religion of the Nestorians, Christians of Saint Thomas, and Jacobites?

A. 1. The Nestorians, so called from Nestorius the Heretick, whose opinion concerning two Persons in Christ they held a long time, and spread themselves through a great part of Asia,* 1.25 by reason of Cosroes the Persian King, who in hatred to Hera••••ius the Emperor, caused all Christians within his Dominions to become Nestorians; these were subject to the Patriarch of Mu∣sal, which some think to be Bagded or Babylo••, others Seleucia, and others a part of old 〈◊〉〈◊〉; but at this day most of them are subject to the Pope, both in ju∣risdiction, and partly in Religion, and have renounced their old errors concerning the two 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in Christ, that Mary should not be called the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of God; that the Councel of Ephesus, and all other Councels after it, are to be rejected; these errors I say, they have renounced, but they administer the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 with leavened bread, and in both kindes, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 permit their Priests to marry the third or fourth 〈◊〉〈◊〉 they have Crosses but not 〈◊〉〈◊〉, nor Crucifixes, nor 〈◊〉〈◊〉▪ confession 2. The Christians 〈…〉〈…〉

or of Saint 〈◊〉〈◊〉, so called, because converted by him. They were heretofore Nestorians, and subject to the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Masal,* 1.26 but now are subordinate to the Pope, both in profession, and jurisdiction. They did use to give the Eucharist in both kindes; to sea∣son the bread with salt; instead of Wine to drink the ••oyce of Raisons; to baptise their children when fourty days old; to reject all Images except the cross, the Popes supremacy, extream ••uction, and second marriages of their Priests, &▪ but now they are of the Roman Religion.* 1.27 3. The Iacobites▪ so called from Ia∣cobus, the Syrian, a great Eucychian, are spread through many Kingdomes in the East. They are named also Dioscorians from Dioscorus, Patriarch of Alexandria, a great Patron of Eutyches. They belonged anciently, before the Councel of Chalcedon, to the jurisdiction of Antiochia; but since, they yeild obedience to a Patri∣arch of their own, whose residence is in Caramit the Old Metropolis of Mesopotamia, but yet retains the name of Patriarch of Antiochia. They held there was in Christ but one nature, will, and operation, and therefore in signing with the Crosse they used but one singer, whereas the other Eastern Christians used two. Before baptisme they imprinted on their chil∣dren the sign of the Crosse with a hot Iron. They deny Purgatory, and prayers for the dead, and say that the Angels are made of fire and light. They hold that just mens souls remain in the earth till the Resurrection; their Priests are married, they deny 〈◊〉〈◊〉 confession, give the Eucharist in both kindes, and the bread 〈◊〉〈◊〉. They circumcise both Sexes,* 1.28 they condemn Eutyches as an Heretick, and yet honour Dioscorus, and Iacob the Syr••an as Saints; but now they have utterly rejected the Heresie of one nature in Christ, and with the Latine Church acknow∣ledge two distinct natures, with their distinct pro∣perties, as may be seen by the Iacobites confessions.

Q. 12. What is the Religion of the Maronites?

A. The Maronites are so called from Maron a holy man,* 1.29 their chiefe residence is in Mount Libanus, though some inhabit Aleppo, Damas∣cus, Tripoli of Syria and Cyprus. Their Patriarch

is a Monk of Saint Anthony, having nine Bishops under him; he is alwayes called Peter, and will be stiled Patriarch of Antiochia, which title is claimed by the Iacobite Patriarch, who is alwayes named Ignatius. The Maronites were Monothelites, and with the Greeks denyed the Procession of the holy Ghost from the Son; abstained from blood and strangled things, ob∣served the Sabbath with the Lords day, condemned the fourth marriage as utterly unlawful; rejected confirmation; administred the Sacrament in leavened bread, and in both kindes; and excluded the blessed souls from heaven, till the Resurrection: they did be∣sides hold that all mens souls were created together in the beginning: that Hereticks are to be rebaptized; that the child is not to be baptized till the mother be purified, which is fourty dayes after a Male childe, and eighty after a Female; that children should re∣ceive the Eucharist, as soon as baptized; that the Fa∣ther may dissolve the Matrimony of his child, if he dislike it; that the Eucharist is not to be reserved, nor to be carried to sick persons,* 1.30 in danger of death; that Priests and Deacons must be married; that chil∣dren of five or six years old may be made Subdeacons; that women during their monthly purgations are not to be admitted into the Church, nor to the Eucha∣rist. But these opinions the Maronites renounced, when the Christians had the command of Syria and Palestine; but when Saladine recovered those 〈◊〉〈◊〉▪ the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 fell off from the Roman Church, and embraced their former Teners; but in the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Gregory the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and Clement the eighth they reconciled them∣selves again to the Roman Church.

Q. 13. What are the Cophti?

A. The 〈◊〉〈◊〉 are the Iacobites of Egypt,* 1.31 for the E∣gyptians were anciently named 〈◊〉〈◊〉; we call them Cophti, that is, Egyptian Christians, as the Iacob••res of Syria are named Syrians, and in no country were these Eu••ychians more patronised then in Syria and E∣gypt; yet these Iacobites differ from Eutyches in this, that He taught the two natures in Christ to be one by confusion or commixtion; whereas They say, that they are one by co-adunation, but so, that the properties

oh each nature remain distinct, so that in effect they 〈…〉〈…〉 but dare not say to, for fear of 〈…〉〈…〉 persons; not being able to 〈…〉〈…〉 the Nature and the Person. These 〈…〉〈…〉 to the Patriarch of Alexandria, whose 〈…〉〈…〉 is now in the City of Caire. They used here∣tofore to be circumcised; but by the Popes perswa∣sion have left it. They baptize not children till the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 day: to whom they give the Euceharist im∣mediately after baptism, and then also confer on them all sacred orders under Priesthood; their parents pro∣mising for them (and performing what they promise) till they be sixteen years old, chastity, fasting on Wed∣nesdayes▪ Fridays, and in the four Lents. They admi∣nister the Eucharist in leavened bread, and in both kinds. With the Greeks they leave out the words of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 creed, and from the Son; they deny the Sa∣crament and extream Unction to the sick,* 1.32 reject Pur∣gatory, and prayer for the dead, and all General Councils (chiehly Chalcedon) after that of Ephesus. They keep no Lords day, nor Feasts except in Cities. They marry, within the second degree of consanguinity without dispensation, they account the Romane Church heretical, and in their Liturgies use to read the Gospel of Nicode••••••.

Q. 14. What are the Abyssin Christians?

A. These be they which in habit the Mid-land 〈◊〉〈◊〉,* 1.33 under Presbyter or Pre••ious 〈◊〉〈◊〉, they have a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of their own, whom they call Abunna, whose 〈◊〉〈◊〉 is white, his upper Vestime••t is like a Cardinals cloak 〈…〉〈…〉 before. When he rides abroad on his Mule, he is attended on with a great train; three crosses or sta••es are carried about him, and holdeth a crosse in his own hand. They have many 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Priests or Bishops, and great store of Mona∣steri••s. All their Patriarchs and Bishops are of S. An∣thonies order, as are the Patriarcks of Alexandria, to whose jurisdiction anciently Aethiopia did belong; and yet at this day they are tied to chuse their Abunna (whom they call Catholike) of the juri••diction of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, by the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of which place he is con∣firmed, consecrated and invested in his Ecclesiastical

Rights. In their Liturgy also they pray particularly for the Patriarch of Alexandria. The 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Re∣ligion consisteth in circumcising Male and Female; whether out of Religion, or the ancient custom of their Nation (as being descended from the ancient Aethiopians or Arabians, Ismaels posterity, who used to be circumcised) is uncertain: But most likely they are circumcised in memory and imitation of Christ, who was also circumcised. They use also every year to baptise themselves in Lakes and Rivers 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Epiphany day, in remembrance of Christs baptisme, who was baptized on that day in Iordan. The other points of their Religion be these: they abstain from such beasts as the old Law accounteth unclean; they keep the Sabbath and Sunday together: The Thurs∣day before Easter they administer the Sacrament is unlearened bread; but ordinarily in leavened bread▪ all communicate (standing) in both kindes. The Wine they receive from the De••con in a sp••on; and that in the Church onely▪ The day they receive in▪ they must not spit till 〈…〉〈…〉. After sorty days the Males are baptized, the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 after eighty, except in case of necessity; and then also they give them the Eucharist; they think their Children dying without baptisme shall be saved by the ••aith of their parents. They confesse after every sin committed, and then re∣ceive 〈…〉〈…〉. They are Iacobites in acknow∣ledging 〈…〉〈…〉 and will in Christ; therefore they 〈…〉〈…〉 of Chalcedan, for condemning Dioscorus the 〈◊〉〈◊〉. So they deny Confirmation Extream and 〈◊〉〈◊〉. They hold trad••ction of souls, admit of pain••ed, not 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Images; they usual∣ly excommunicate are none but 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and this one∣ly belongs to the 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Priests and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 have neither Tythes, nor Almes by begging, but live by their labour. They permit not their Bishops and Priests to marry twice. Flesh is eat every Friday be∣twixt Easter and Whitsunday. The King conferreth all Ecclesiastick promotions, except the Patriarch∣ship. Of these passages see the above named Authors, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Aethiopian Liturgy in Bibli••th••ca 〈◊〉〈◊〉. tom. 6. Alvares the King of Portugals Chaplain,

who lived in Aethiopia 6 years, & wrote the Aethiopian History. Zega Zabo an Aethiopian Bishop sent into Por∣tugal by King David the Abyssin; who set out the con∣fession of the Aethiopian faith, translated by Damianus a Goes, &c.

Q. 15, Wherein doth the Protestant Church agree with, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 dissent from other Christian Churches?

A. They agree with the Greek Church, in giving the Sacrament in both kindes,* 1.34 in admitting Priests to marry, in rejecting images, purgatory and extreame unction, and in denying the Popes supremacy; in the same points also they agree with the Melchites or Syri∣ans, with the Georgians, Mengrelians and Gircassians, and with the Moscovites or Russians, who are all of the Greek profession, though in some things they differ. The Protestants agree with the Nestorians in rejecting au••••cular confession, in permitting Priests to marry, in communicating in both kinds, and in rejecting Cru∣cifixes. With the Christians of Saint Thomas, they agree in administring the Sacrament in both kinds, in rejecting images and extream Unction, and permit∣ting Priests to marry, and denying the Pope suprema∣cy. They agree with the Iacobites, in confessing their sins only to God, in rejecting purgatory, and prayers for the dead, in giving the Sacrament in both kindes, and in unleavened bread, and in tolerating Priests marriages; in the same points also they agree with the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 or Christians of Egypt, with the Abyssins, Arme∣nians and Maronites. But the Protestants difher from the above named Churches in these subsequent points 1. They believe that the holy Ghost proceedeth from the Son. 2. They use unleavened bread in the Sacra∣ment. 3. The English Protestants allow Confirmati∣on. 4. They hold that the blessed souls enjoy Gods presence, and that the wicked are tormented in Hell, immediately after their departure hence. 5. They per∣mit Priests after ordination to marry. 6. They reject pictures as well as Massie-images. 7. They observe not the Saturday 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Sabbath. 8. They have but one Lent in the year. 9. They make no scruple in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of blood; in these points the Protestants dissent both from the Greek••, Melch••tes; Georgians, 〈◊〉〈◊〉▪ Cir∣cassiani,

Moscovites and other Sects above named. They defer not baptisme till the eighth year with the Cir∣cassians; they pray not for the dead, nor give the Sa∣crament in a spoon, nor divorce their Wives upon every light occasion, with the M••scovites; they affirm not two persons in Christ, nor deny Mary to be the Mother of God, nor reject the Councel of Ephesus, and all other Councels after it, with the Nestorians. They defer not baptism till the fortieth day, nor exclude Priests from second marriage, with the Christians of Saint Thomas. They do not ascribe one nature only, one will, and one operation to Christ, nor do they use circumcision, and a hot Iron in baptisme, nor do they reach that Angels are composed of fire and light, with the Iaoobites. They give not the Eucharist to In∣sants, they marry not in the second degree of consan∣guinity, nor do they read the Gospel of Nicodemus, with the Cop••ti. They do not hold traduction of souls by seminal propagation, nor baptize themselves every year, nor suffer they their Ministers to live by mecha∣nical labours, with the Abyssins. They use nor re∣bapti••ation, nor fasting on Christmasse day, nor ab∣stain from eating of uncleane beasts prohibited by the old Law, with the Armenians; they do not hold that all souls were created together, nor that parents ought to dissolve their childrens marriages when they please, nor that Children should be made Sub-Dea∣cons, nor that Menstr••ous Women should be exclu∣ded from the Sacrament, with the Maro••ites. The Pro∣testants do not celebvate their Liturgy in an unknown tongue, as the 〈…〉〈…〉, Iacobites, Indians and Nestorians do, who make use of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 or Syriack language in their divine service, which few under∣stand; nor with the Greeks, Melchi••es, Georgians, Cir∣cassians and others, do they use the ancient Greek tongue in their liturgies, which these above named know not, and yet make use of it in their Churches; nor with the Boman Catholicks doe they read and pray in Latine, but in their own vulgar languages, which are intelligible by all; in which point they agree with the Abyssins, A••menians, Moscovites, Russians▪ 〈◊〉〈◊〉, anciently called Illyrians. Lastly, Prote∣stants

differ from the Roman Catholicks in these points. 1. Of the number of Canonical Books of Scripture, of their sufficiency, authority and interpreter. 2. Of Christs descent into hel 3. Of the head of the Church, and of the Popes supremacy. 4. Of the true Catholick Church, 5. Of their Clergy, their orders, immunities and 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 6. Of ••he Monastical life, vows, and E∣vangelical Counsels. 7. Of the power of the Civil Ma∣gistrate. 8. Of Purgatory. 9. Of invocation of Saints. 10. Adoration of Images and Reliques. 11. Sacraments their number, efficacy and ceremonies. 12. Baptisme its necessity; effects and ceremonies. 13. Transubstan∣tiation, and the consequences thereof. 14. Of admini∣string in both kinds. 15. The sacrifice of the Masse. 16. Auricular confession. 17. Satisfaction. 18. Indulgences. 19. Extream Unction. 20. Original sin. 21. Free will, Predestination, and Grace. 22. Justification, Faith, and good wo••k••. 23. The Latine Service. 24. Traditions.

Some other small differences there are, and fewer there might be, if men would be moderate on ei∣ther side; but the spirit of contention and contra∣diction, hath hitherto hindered, and will yet hin∣der the peace of the Church, till the Prince of Pea••e, our true Solomon, who built this mystical Temple, without noyse of Axes or Hammers, put an end to all j••rrs and discords, till he whom both the Winds and Seas do obey, awake, who now seemes to be asleep; till he, I say, awake and rebuke the stormy winds, and proud billows on which his ship is tossed to and fro; that at last she may e••joy a calm time, and some Halcyonian days, and may cast Anchor in the safe harbour of tranquillity, where we may finde our Saviour, not in the Earthquakes, Whirlewinds, and fire of contention; but in the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and quiet voice of peace, concord and unity, which he left to us as a Legacy, but we have lost it by our pride, sacriledge, ••nvy, 〈◊〉〈◊〉, covetousness, pro∣fanenesse, and vain-glory.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Gre••k Religion at this day.
• * 1.2

  See the Coun∣cel of Florence, Boterus, Chy∣traeus, Brere∣wood, Ieremy, Patriarch of Constantinople in resp. ••d Ger∣man. Possevin. de reb. Mosc••v. &c.
• * 1.3

  Greeks, their Church dignities and discipline at this day.
• * 1.4

  See the above named Au∣thors, and the Letters of Ste∣phen Gerlochius to Crusius, An. 1575.
• * 1.5

  Moscovites, their Religion and discip••in.
• * 1.6

  See the above named Au∣thors, and withall the History of Russia, by G. Fletcher, Posse∣vin. de reb. Moscov. Sigism. de Moscovia, Guaguin descrip. Moscov. &c.
• * 1.7

  Monks and Nuns in Mus∣covia.
• * 1.8

  See the above named Au∣thors.
• * 1.9

  Moscovites, their Church service.
• * 1.10

  See the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Russia.
• * 1.11

  Their Sacra∣ments.
• * 1.12

  See the above named Histo∣ries.
• * 1.13

  Their Doctrine and Ceremonies.
• * 1.14

  See Fletcher, Boterus, Les E∣stats du Monde, and other re∣lations of Moscovia.
• * 1.15

  Their Marri∣ages.
• * 1.16

  Their funerals.
• * 1.17

  See the above named wri∣ters.
• * 1.18

  Armenians, their Religion.
• * 1.19

  See Baronius, Borerus, Chyt∣raeus, Boemus, Vitriacus his Oriental Histo∣ry; the Arme∣nian Confessi∣on, &c.
• * 1.20

  Melchites.
• * 1.21

  Georgians.
• * 1.22

  Mengrelians.
• * 1.23

  Circassians.
• * 1.24

  See Bellonius his observa∣tions, Boterus, Chytraeus de stat. Eccles. Thomas •• Iesu. Brerewood, Prateolus de Sectis, &c.
• * 1.25

  Nestorians.
• * 1.26

  Indians, their Religion at this day.
• * 1.27

  Iacobites.
• * 1.28

  In Bibliotheca Fatrum, Baro∣nius, &c. See the above na∣med Authors.
• * 1.29

  Maronites, their Religion.
• * 1.30

  See the above named Au∣thors, and withal Posse∣vin▪ apparat. sacr. Thomas a Iesu. de conver. Gent. Vitriacus Histor. Orient. Tyrius de bello sa••ra. &c.
• * 1.31

  Cophti of E∣gypt.
• * 1.32

  See the above named Au∣thors, with Bar••nius, and Thevets Cos∣mography of the Levant. c. 48.
• * 1.33

  Abyssins, their Religion.
• * 1.34

  Protestant Church, its a∣greement with, and dissent from other Christian Churches.