[ 1717] The Sin of Sacriledg, condemned.
AN Italian Seignior came with his Servant to one of our Ladies Images (no matter which,* 1.1 for they do not scant her of number) he threw in an Angle of gold; the humble picture, in gratitude, made a courtesie to him: The Servant observing and wondring at her Ladiships plausible carriage, purpo∣sed with himself to give somewhat too, that he might have somewhat of her courtesie as well as his Master; So he put into the basin six pence, and withall takes out his Masters Angel; the Image makes him loving courtesie, and seems to thank him kindly.* 1.2 Thus it is too too common now adayes, to take away the Clergies Angel, and lay down six pence in the stead thereof, to take away their just maintenance, and put ••hem upon the Peoples benevolence, like those that steal a goose, and stick down a feather, or those that have undone many, then build an Ho∣spital for some few; so they having made a sad purchase of Church-lands, having taken away a Talent of Church-maintenance return a mite of popular Contribution.