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.

MElchior Rinck an Anabaptist. He is accounted a notable interpreter of dream••s and visions. His di∣sciple Thomas S••••cker in a waking dream cut off his brother Leonard's head; pretending for his murther obedience to the decree of God.

MELCHIOR RINCK a most wonderfull 〈◊〉〈◊〉,* 1.1 was also a most extraordinary promoter of Ana∣baptisme, and among his followers celebrated the festivals of it. He made it 〈◊〉〈◊〉 businesse to extoll Anabaptisme above all others, with those commendations (which certainly i•• wanted not) Besides he was accoun∣ted no ordinary promoter and interpreter of dreames and visions,* 1.2 which it was thought, he could not per∣forme without the special indulgence of God the Father; nay, he arrived to that esteem among the chiefest of his opinion▪ and became so abso∣lute••y possessed of their minds, that his followers interpreted whatever was scattered abroad concern∣ing dreames and visions, to have proceeded from heavenly inspirations from God the Father. Accor∣dingly in Switzerland (to omit other particulars) at Sangall, even at a full Concill, his disciple Thomas Scucker,* 1.3 being rapt into an Enthusiasme, (his Father and Mother then present, and his Brother Leonard, ha∣ving by his command, cast himself at his knees before him) calls for a sword, whereupon the parents and di∣vers others running to know what was the cause and meaning of such an extravagant action, he bid them not be troubled at all▪ for that there should happen nothing but what should be according to th•• will of God; Of this waking dream did they all un••∣nimously expect the interpretation. The for 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Thomas [guilty alas of too much 〈◊〉〈◊〉] did, in the presence of all those sleeping-waking ••pectators 〈◊〉〈◊〉 off his own Brothers head, and having forgotten the use of water, baptized him with his owne blood. But what followed? The Magistrate having sud∣den notice of it, and th•• offence b••ing fresh and horrid,* 1.4 the Malefactor is dragg'd to prison by head and shoulders, where he, having long con∣••idered his action with himself, professed he had therein obeyed the decrees of the Divine power. These things,* 1.5 did the unfortunate yeare one thou∣sand

five hundred twenty and seven see. Here men may perceive, in a most wicked and unjustifiable ••ction, the eminent tracts of an implacable fury and madnesse; which God of his infinite goodnesse and mercy avert from these times.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Melchior Rinck an Ana∣baptist▪
• * 1.2

  He is accoun∣ted a notable Interpreter of dreams and vi∣sions.
• * 1.3

  His disciple Thomas Scuc∣ker, in a wa∣king dream cut off his Brother Leonards head.
• * 1.4

  He pretend•• (for his mu••ther) obedience to the decree of God.
• * 1.5

  ANNO 1527.