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Pisgah euangelica. By the method of the Reuelation, presenting to publike view those Cananites ouer whom our Lord Iesus Christ and his holie Church shall triumph after seuerall battailes. That which is past is shewed in a briefe ecclesiasticall historie, containing most of the mutations which haue befallen the Church, from the yeere of our Lord 97, vnto the yeere 1603. as they haue been shewed vnto S. Iohn in Patmos, and recorded by such historiographers as are of least suspected faith. Gathered by William Symonds, sometimes fellow of Magdalen Colledge in Oxford.

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Title
Pisgah euangelica. By the method of the Reuelation, presenting to publike view those Cananites ouer whom our Lord Iesus Christ and his holie Church shall triumph after seuerall battailes. That which is past is shewed in a briefe ecclesiasticall historie, containing most of the mutations which haue befallen the Church, from the yeere of our Lord 97, vnto the yeere 1603. as they haue been shewed vnto S. Iohn in Patmos, and recorded by such historiographers as are of least suspected faith. Gathered by William Symonds, sometimes fellow of Magdalen Colledge in Oxford.
Author
Symonds, William, 1556-1616?
Publication
Imprinted at London :: By Felix Kyngston, for Edmund Weauer, and are to be sold at his shop at the great north-doore of S. Pauls Church,
1605.
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Subject terms
Catholic Church -- Controversial literature -- Early works to 1800.
Bible. -- N.T. -- Revelation -- Commentaries -- Early works to 1800.
Papacy -- Early works to 1800.
Cite this Item
"Pisgah euangelica. By the method of the Reuelation, presenting to publike view those Cananites ouer whom our Lord Iesus Christ and his holie Church shall triumph after seuerall battailes. That which is past is shewed in a briefe ecclesiasticall historie, containing most of the mutations which haue befallen the Church, from the yeere of our Lord 97, vnto the yeere 1603. as they haue been shewed vnto S. Iohn in Patmos, and recorded by such historiographers as are of least suspected faith. Gathered by William Symonds, sometimes fellow of Magdalen Colledge in Oxford." In the digital collection Early English Books Online 2. https://name.umdl.umich.edu/A13288.0001.001. University of Michigan Library Digital Collections. Accessed May 1, 2024.

Pages

CHAP VI.

The fift Period. Of the recured beast, the true Antichrist; which presenteth him∣selfe in the beast which commeth out of the bot∣tomlesse pit; of the respect and dependance which he got, and of the worship of the Dragon, &c.

THe Empire beyond all hope wasl wonderfully cu∣red of the wound it receiued by the sword of the barbarous nations that made inundation thereinto as a floud. And the Church which before hada shined as the Sunne, escaped by flight,b and was holpen by the earth.

Then was thec Dragon wroth with the woman, and went and made warre with the remnant of her seede first, and after with the holy citie. Wee are in the first battell to consider the ene∣mies, their seuerall manner of fight, the continuance, and the successe.

Thed enemies are the Dragon, and the seed of the womā. The Dragon beeing now vpon the earth, euen vpon the

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e sea sand, which isf the bounder and keeper in of the sea: namely commanding and disposing of the Princes that go∣uerne and restraine theg people and nations, &c. doth warre by his deputie: The beast which was wounded by the sword, and did liue by meanes of Popes, who are that beast which had two hornes like the Lambe. The recured beast is the politicke go∣uernour of the publike face of the Christian world. This ex∣ternall face is compared to the courts which ish without the Temple, whither the Kings, the Priests, the whole multitude and people of all sortes resorted in the time of the Law. This multitude is now left to be gouerned by him which is commonly called Antichrist; who was to be reuealed vnto the world presently vpon the taking away of the Empire out of the West; which did withhold the Gospel in the times of the Apostles. As the Apostle saith, Hei which now withhol∣deth (the Gospel) shall let (the disclosing of Antichrist) till he•• be taken out of the way. And then shall the wicked man be reuea∣led, &c.k For when as the Romane (or West) Empire shal bee taken away, then shall Antichrist come. And not without cause: for while the feare of the Empire shall be, none shall presently be subiect to Antichrist. But when the Empire shal be destroyed, he shall inuade the principalities of the Em∣pire beeing void; and shall indeauour to take vnto himselfe by force the Empire both of God and man.

This recured beast (which is called Antichrist) is descri∣bed to be A woman sitting on a scarlet coloured beast.l

The womanm is (Rome) that great citie, which in (S. Iohns time) had dominion ouer the Kings of the earth: vpon whichn also, the kingdomes which did afterwards arise did de∣pend. Shee is described by her place, apparell, profession, & name. Her place is said to bee Thea wildernesse in the spirit, that is, in matters concerning the spirit, a forlorne and deso∣late place, a wildernesse, spiritually so called; in which all things areb so confounded that a man cannot looke vpon

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it without sighing for griefe. A place ofc Dragons and O∣striges, and wilde people, &c. Howsoeuer vngodly and igno∣rant men commend her for holinesse and ciuilitie: So barba∣rous in the times following did that citie or policie prooue; The place is also called a wildernes ford the desolation which the citie is to come vnto in the ende.

As touching her apparel, it is said to be much vnlike the true Church, which was cloathed in heauenly apparel: This woman wase arraied in purple and scarlet, thef colours of the robes by which the Emperours were knowne, and withg which Princes did vse to honour them whom they would aduāce; which was oftē also put for theh Magistracie & the Magistrates. The signification is, that that citie should by ho∣nors giuē vnto it by Princes rise vnto no lesse than imperiall soueraigntie in the time of Antichrist. As also teaching that riches, externall glorie, princely immunitie, & authority should be the onely thing that shee principally laboureth for. Fori the Bi∣shops of Rome were from this time of an ambition more thā immoderate; and so are men of corrupt mindes destitute of the truth, which thinkek that gaine is godlinesse. And so much vn∣like the true Church, that trode the moone vnder foote, because shee knoweth that Godlinesse is great gaine, &c. Shee is fur∣ther said to be gilded with gold, and pretious stones, and pearles, trimming her selfe as a bride, or rather a curtezan for the greatest Prince.

Her profession isl whordome, in the sense of both the ta∣bles; spirituall, for idolatrie, andm inuentions of men; and carnall for adulteries, which grewe to bee very common, when men and women were seduced to lead a single life: wherefore this woman is calledn The great whore, euen spiri∣tuallyo Sodome.

For the more easie inticing of Kings and Princes of the earth to commit fornication with her sheep had a cup of gold in her hand; a fit vessel for Princes to drinke in. This cup is said

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to be full of abominations and filthinesse of her fornications: like such harlots as make amatorie potions of their filthinesse, causing Princes and people to receiue at her hands most fil∣thy idolatrie, euen to worship the Dragon the diuell in idols which are masked vnder the names of Saints, and other beastly life contrarie to theq Church of Christ, which giueth spiced wine, and new wine of Pomegranets. Shee is also said to haue a cuppe in her hand full of abhominations, because shees made all nations to drinke of the wine of the wrath of her for∣nications, contrarie to God, whot causeth all the wicked of the earth to wring out, and drinke the dregges of his cup of wrath. Soa that with her inchantments were deceiued all nati∣ons.

That the things here spoken are vnderstood ofb Rome, Tertullian, Hierome, Ambrose, Primasius, are witnesses: yea Genebrardc speaking of the dilaceration and wounding of the Empire, and of the sacking and burning of Rome by the Gothes, &c. (which was when Rome was Christian) saith, so was fulfilled that in 17. Apocalyps, v. 16. And the tenne hornes are tenne Kings, they shall hate the where, &c. Confessing Chri∣stianed Rome to be the where truely, though he missed in the application of the place to that time.

As concerning her name, it is said that it was written in herd forehead, that is, openly that euery man may read it.

Her first name is A mysterie, which word Mysterious is written in the fore part of the Popes Miter or Crowne, to signifie that Poperie was like the learning of thee Gnostocks, some great mysterie for spirituall signification: as if the (Reg∣na mundi) kingdomes of the world were set vpon his holy head.

Her second name isf Great Babylon, which is a name very properly giuen, beeingg so like for the beginning and pro∣gresse as might bee to Babylon. For not onely after Ramulus hither vnder ciuill Princes, but also from hence vnder the

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Popes for magnificence, Monarchie, amplitude of domini∣ons, &c. Rome may iustly be compared to Babylon.

But this Ecclesiastical Monarchie beginning here is com∣pared to Babel in her first building. For as at the beginning when Babel was built, the Lord confounded theh language of the builders, that euery one perceiued not anothers languages so was this policie of Romes greatnesse built vp in the time of Antichrist by people of diuers languages, whereof the one vnderstood not the other: namely, the people vnder the tenne kingdomes which did arise vpon the inundation of these strangers. Yea Rome vnderstood not the language of her own religion.

For theyi left off to speake latine at Rome vpon the com∣ming of the Lombards. And the Greeke and the Hebrew grew cleane out of knowledge in a small time: andk like the Druides they would not suffer their religion to be knowne to the vulgar people. And herein shee is contrarie to the Christian Church, which was built vp by thea gift of tōgues, whereby the Teachers speake vnto euery one in his own language. Againe it is called Babylon by comparison of the crueltie which the Babylonians vsed in captiuing the Chri∣stians,b speaking to them andc teaching them in a strange language, as they did the Iewes. Therefore it is also calledd Egypt.

Thirdly, shee is called That mother, by excellencie the mother of all other Churches, like vnto the Cataphrygians; arrogating to herselfe to be the onely conceiuer and bring∣er forth of the children of the Church. This is a name in which the Church of Rome doth glorie in, wherefore they that follow the Church do call here the mother, and queene, and mistresse. Thef Bishop of Rome was wont to write him∣selfe the Bishop of the Church of Rome; much better than now (as Volateran thinketh) when he writeth himselfe The Bishop of the Catholike Church. For if the Romane be the Ca∣tholike,

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they then seeme to take the honour from that fa∣mous city.

But whatsoeuer she thinketh of herselfe, Saint Iohn saith g that she is the mother of the whoredomes and abhominations of the earth. Which Saint Paul expresseth by the name ofh the man of sinne. For all the heads of the gouernment of Rome were blasphemous, none truely religious, (howsoeuer now and then, very rarely, some godly man was in autho∣ritie.) And in the time of Saint Iohn,i all the abhomination and idolatry, which was enforced vpon the Christians, came from Rome. So also from this time forth, Rome standeth cheefely vpon this point, that all nations must receiue the ordinances of the Church, as shee hath conceiued them. Which yet (for the most part) are whoredomes, for supersti∣tion, idolatrie, and abhominable treasons, murthers, adulte∣ries, &c. which she hath conceiued of heretikes, tyrants, and other vngodly persons. Insomuch that there is nothing so abhominable in all the earth, formerly condemned in aun∣cient heretikes, but she is willing to conceiue it, and bring it forth; if it may any wise helpe to further her greatnes. So that Rome is henceforth, an Epitome of all abhominable he∣resies. The beast that she sitteth vpon, and doth beare her vp in this wonderfull pride, is described by his originall, name, and forme.

As concerning the place of his originall, he is said toa as∣cend out of the bottomlesse pit; that is, to arise to the greatnes of Babylon, by the opinion which the world had of him, that as he boasted, so he had great authoritie in the bottomlesse pit, and power (like theb pontifex Maximus of Numa his in∣uenting) to pacifie the spirits in the behalfe of those which were dead.

For whereas Pelagius the Pope had brought into the Masse prayer for the dead, out of the corruptions of some former ages; especially seeing the world to stand so much

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affected with the Monkes ofc Benedicts institution, tha tooke much vpon them, as though they were able to pro∣fit the dead; this kinde of doctrine of the power that priests had, to doe the dead much good, was brought into the Church; and taught very diligently; and enforced by the lying signes of the apparition of soules that were departed; and diuers pretended reuelations, which the dead comming from the bottomlesse pit should shew vnto the liuing, &c. whereupon the ignorant and foolish world was led captiue to this beast, to make it great by the subiection of many vn∣to this his doctrine of the bottomlesse pit. It may also be said to rise out of the bottomlesse pit,d for the darke and deepe schoole-learning,e or profoundnes of Sathan which it teacheth; leauing the plaine and easie doctrine of the Scriptures, the more easily to delude the world with difficul∣ties and subtilties.

The name of this beast, isf an image of the beast which was wounded with the sworde, and did liue againe; namely the image of the ciuill monarchie or Empire which was woun∣ded with the sworde of the Gothes, and other strangers; but did liue by meanes of the Papacie. Now because the sinnes of the Arian Princes, Constantine, Constantius, Iulian, and Valens, were the cause why God in his iust iudgement, did make the Empire in the West, and especially in Rome of which they gloried, to be abolished; this beast is the image of the Empire, as it was corrupted with heresie: wherefore this isg a Monarchie, not ciuill in the hands of Emperors, but Ecclesiasticall, vnder him who hath hornes like the Lambe. For the gouernment of the Church of Rome is cal∣led an Ecclesiasticall Monarchie. Fora Rome, the very god∣desse of all landes, and queene of all nations, doth seeme to require the seates and Empire both of God and of man∣kinde.

And this is theb seuenth head, or forme of kingdome or

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gouernment of Rome. For in the time of Saint Iohn, the So∣ueraigntie, first of Kings, second Consuls, third Decemuiri, fourth Dictators, fifth Triumuiri, were fallen; one was, name∣ly the Emperors being the sixth; and now the Empire be∣ing wounded to death, steppeth vp this beast, the seuenth. Whereof the Pope standing a while, as a Prince, is an eight, and is one of the seuen, being a member of this beast.

As touching the forme of this beast, he is said to hauec seuen heads and tenne hornes; herein, both like vnto the Dragon, which represented the heathen Empire; and also like the other monstrous beast which represented the pre∣tended Christian Empire, which was corrupted with heresie. And because this is said to be the image of the latter beast, as that was of the Dragon, it is implied that this beast hath also mouthes as Lyons for force and maiestie; body like the Pan∣theresse, for swiftnes, inamouring, deceiuing, and inchaun∣ting such which are to be deluded by her; and feete like vnto Beares feete, for strong and sure marching, and couetousnes &c. And as into the description of thed other beast, so into this is to be supplied out ofe Daniel, that his teeth were of yron and his nayles of brasse, which deuoured brake in peeces, and stampeth the residue vnder feete, euenf Abaddon and Apollyan, and therefore is called by Saint Paulg the sonne of perdition; wherefore this beast doth beare the image of that which signified the corrupted Empire. So that,h what shif∣ting, periurie, dissimulation,i spreading of false rumors, crueltie, &c. to be found in the stories of the Arian Prin∣ces and Bishops: the same is reuiued in this beast. And whereas this beast, by reason of the number of heads and hornes, is likewise in a manner compared to the Dra∣gon; what superstition, tyrannie, and persecution is found in the stories of the heathen persecutors, the same in his time is reuiued by this beast. And this is the cause, that this beast is called by the k name of the Gentiles. Wherefore

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the Pope is thel Pont. Max. of Numaes deuising vnto whom were committed the ceremonies of diuine seruices and of funerals, with the order to pacifie the spirits, in the behalfe of them which were dead. And so at this time mena wondered at the beast that was in the time Numa, and is not in the time of Saint Iohn, and yet is and was in the time of Saint Iohn, in title, in the Emperors; who called themselues Pontifices Maximi. The rest of the Clergie, represent the other magistrates and people, which did in the time of the Gentiles gouerne the policie of Rome.

  • The beast of Rome.
  • Emperor Pont. Max.
  • Prouinces.
  • Proconsuls.
  • Tribunes.
  • Centurions.
  • Garisons.
  • Voluntaries.
  • Tributarie gent.
  • Trayned youth.
  • The image the papacie.
  • Pope Pont. Max.
  • Forraine Churches.
  • Cardinals, &c.
  • Legats, &c.
  • Rectors.
  • Abbies.
  • Begging Fryers.
  • Orders of Souldiers.
  • Seminaries.
  • The Turkes policie.
  • Mahomet highest Bishop.
  • Prouinces.
  • Beglerbij Bassi.
  • Sangiaci.
  • Flamboler sobasir.
  • Timariota.
  • Akengi.
  • Spachi.
  • Saray.

In this table are compared the heathen, and pretended Christian policie of Rome, with the Mahumetanes.

Quis istorum chiron fuit.

In the papacie the honours and ceremonies; both ciuill and Ecclesiasticall, are altogether borrowed of the Gentiles, Iewes, Barbarians, Arians, &c.b There can no difference be shewed, but that onely the names of the things be changed. Hisc seuen heads are those seuen policies, by which Rome was gouerned; and those seuen hilles, vpon which it was built; of which hath been spoken in the discription of the Dragon before. Cap. 1.

Hisd tenne hornes are tenne Kings, or principalities, which in Iohns time had not receiued the kingdome; but did re∣ceiue power as Kings at one houre with the beast; this Monar∣chicall dignitie of the Church of Rome, that is, those tenne

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kingdomes, or common-wealths, which arose out of the former inundation of strangers.

Furthermore this beast is said toe bee scarlet coloured, herein differing from the other which was white spotted, little eyes of blacke. For this is red like the Panthers of Sy∣ria, and Africa, or rather like the red Dragon; signifying that this beast hath more authoritie, and is more bloody then were the Arians. Fora in her is found all the blood that is shed vpon the earth.

Thisb beast is full of names of blasphemies, as a Pantheresse is full of spots. For all manner of persons in this hierarchie, from the greatest to the least, doe open their mouthes to blaspheme, curse, slaunder, lie, scoffe, &c. And as they be euer blasphemous, more or lesse; so they spare no persons nor things. For they blasphemec God, his name his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heauen, yet were the Arians not so bad; for the beast representing them,d had names of blasphe∣mies on his heads, onely the Princes, and some chiefe persons being blasphemous; the rest ignorantly religious or not so blasphemous.

The other enemie ise Michael withf his horsemen; and as he is theg Lambe; and they that are on his side, called and chose, and faithfull. By these the Lambe bringeth a double woe vpon the inhabitants of the earth, and the sea, which are subiect to the Romane Ecclesiasticall Empire.

The first woe is three fould, which the Lambe Iesus Christ inflicteth as he is the Priest, the King, and Prophet of his Church.

As he is the Priest of the Church, he causethh four An∣gels, or fierce and vnresistable nations, to be loosed against them that dwell vpon the earth.

To this purpose first is sounded thei sixth Trumpet, that is, a sixth kinde of doctrine is brought forth into the world; to wit the doctrine of the bottomlesse pit, which was neuer

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heard of in the Church of God before. A doctrine of the Gen∣tiles; henceforth, in some sort common to the papacie with the Mahumetans. But the former heresies they share be∣tweene them thus. What hath been heretically taught a∣gainst the Trinitie, the Mahumetanes take vp. What against pietie, or holines, the popish beast doth embrace.

Hereupon is heard a commaundement to loose these Angels; and then the execution of the commaundement doth follow.

Of the commaundement, first is shewed the place from whence it came, and then the matter commaunded.

As for the place, Saint Iohn saithk I heard a certaine voyce from the foure hornes of the golden Altar which is before God; meaning that he heard the voyce from Christ Iesus, as he is the high Priest; the Mediator to make reconciliation be∣tweene God and man. For that was signified by thel goul∣den Altar in the Tabernacle. Now because that from hence commeth not an assurance of reconciliation; but a curse; It is an argument that the world had corrupted the doctrine of the reconciliation of Christ, either in his person; or other∣wise by offering their prayers bya strange fire, with the af∣fections of men; as did Nadab and Abihu; or arrogated theb priests office, as Chorah, Dathan and Abiram; or making themselues mediators by the merit of their prayers.c The doctrine of the person of Christ, had been horribly corrup∣ted in the East, by the Arians, Acatians, Eutychians, Ne∣storians, &c. by reason of which blasphemie, they were so farre from obtaining reconciliation by Iesus Christ; as that contrariwise they had procured a curse and iudgement. So likewise in the West he was made intercessor for the dead; and others also were ioyned with him in the office of inter∣cession, as the virgin Mary, Peter, Paul, &c. as if he himselfe were vnsufficient, &c. which also caused this fearefull curse to be sent vpon the Empire in the West, to vexe it &c.

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The matter of the commaundement is,d that the sixt An∣gel which had the Trumpet, should loose the foure Angels which were bound at the great riuer Euphrates, that is, that those foure nations of the Persians, Saracens, Turkes, or Parthians, and Tartars, or Sarmatians, which were bound, either by league, or affinity, or the strength of the waters, or rockes; neere to the head streame, or fall of the great riuer Euphra∣tes; should be loosed from their bond, by the ministrie of Angels, bringing in new doctrine, so that of friends they should become foes.

The execution of this commaundement doth follow, by those foure nations; both ready and fierce.

They are said to be ready prepared ate an houre, at a day, at a moneth, and at a yeere; to wit at euery moment; short and long.

Their fiercenes is this, thatf comming with millions of horsemen, they both by their Generals, and also by their Prophets or teachers, commaund as horrible waste as was made atg Sodom, and G••m••rrah, when is was destroyed with fire and brimstone.

Their commission is bothh to kill the third part of the men, and to bringi a woe vponk the remnant.

The third part of men, is the third part of the Empire, as it was deuided amongst three Princes, the sonnes of Con∣stantine. And because in the foure first Trumpets, was men∣tion made of al third part, and that in the second Trumpets interpretation there is set downe by name, a catalogue of a third part; the same is to be repeated here. Wherefore it is to be thought, that the Turkes, &c. must abolish the Chri∣stian faith, in these, and these onely countries of the Empire;m Macedonia, Panomia, and in itn Singidnum, and the cities of them which were called Ma••si, Mysia, Persia, Bythinia, Thracia, Cilicia, Capadocia, Syria, Mesopotamia, Phaenicia, A∣rabia, Palestina, Aegyptus, Africa, Thebani, which the nobles

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of the Emperors court, viz. Constantinople. All these are constrained to blaspheme the trinitie, vnder tyrants, in the same countries, where they sinned against the trinitie vnder the Gospel.

The other two thirds of the Empire, called thea remnant must not be killed; but afflicted, for their idolatry, murther, socery, fornication, and theft.

As Iesus Christ, the Lambe, isb King of his Church, he warreth by ciuill Princes, in whom is a liuely type of the glo∣rious kingdome of Christ, possessing both land and sea, in such sort as none can take it from him, his feete being pillers of fire.

These ciuill Princesc haue in their hand the little booke open, that is, they doe keepe open the Scriptures, which Anti∣christ doth labour to shut.

By these Christ Iesus, both taketh possession of the land and sea; and also deliuereth the word of God, to poore af∣flicted preachers; who renew the preaching of the Gos∣pel, to people, and nations, and tongues, and many kings of the tenne, &c.

As Christ is Prophet of the Church, he doth, asd at the buildings of the Temple, measure the Church of this new building, after this inundation of the strangers. To this purpose, to these of the spirit of Saint Iohn, who was in tri∣bulation,e is giuen a reede an ordinarie instrument to mea∣sure with. But this reede is said to be like vnto a rod, which is anf instrument for the punishment of malefactors, and not like the ordinary measuring line; to signifie, that such as would truely measure the Church, should doe it with the rods with which they had been scourged, as malefactors; the true Prophets, from hence being commonly esteemed wicked, and therefore often exposed to tribulation. For now commeth the time, of which Christ spake when he said,g they that kill you shall thinke they doe God good seruice.

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h In this measure hee meateth the Temple of God, and the Al∣tar, and them that worship therein; but casteth out the vtter court, which also the scripture calleth The temple in which Antichrist doth raigne.

The speech is taken from the Temple whichi king Salo∣mon built, which was deuided into three parts. First the holy, and holiest places, called by excellencie The temple, & con∣tained the Arke, the Altar of incense, the lampes, and tables of shew bread; all which were couered. Secondly there was the open place, in which was placed the lauer or sea, and the altar of burnt offerings. The third part was called thek Courts, and was deuided intol the inner court, which was for the Priests; and the vtter court where the King, and Priests, and Prophets, and people did assemble for the seruice of God, for instruction,m and for iudgement in doubtfull causes; ciuil and diuine.

The doctrine figuredn in the Temple and altar, which are continued in the profession of the Gospel, are to be measu∣red and esteemed holy and good, though by Antichrist shut vp, and blasphemed. But that which was represented by the vtter Court, namely the publike assemblies, for that which is called the seruice of God; their courts of iurisdiction, as farre as concerneth the causes of the Lord; the Angell comman∣deth S. Iohn to cast out, and all holy men to count them com∣mon and vncleane. The reason whereof is, thata as the tem∣ple of the Iews was deliuered into the hāds of Antiochus E∣piphanes; so by the temeritie and ignorance of Princes, the courts are giuen to such as for their manner of rites are butb the Gentiles in effect, though in appearance like thec Ma∣niches, they seeme Christians. The manner of their behauiour here, is not to rule with the key of knowledge,d but to de∣uoure, break in peeces, stamp and tread the residue of the holy city vnder foot, as Abaddō the son of perdition. And although the Papacie from hence forth corrupteth all assemblies with the tyrannies and superstitions of the Gentiles, and abhomi∣nations

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of condemned heretickes; yet dothe this Man of Sinne here exalt himselfe, as (if) himselfe were the temple of God, and take to himselfe whatsoeuer was figured by the temple of Salomon, and his kingly pallace. Howbeit in these courts shall bee euer found two witnesses raised vp by the Lord, euen a competent number to stablish a truth; who shall prophesie, by teaching, and cōmination, cloathed in sacke∣cloath, poore, humble,f and sorrowfull to see the abhomi∣nations and blasphemies in the Church, by the Gentiles, &c. Among such therefore is now the Church to bee sought for.

These by theirg testimonie must vexe the inhabitants of the earth, both by bringing the graces of the spirit of God vpon good men; and therefore are said to be two Oliue trees, and also to giue holy light vnto them to direct them to the Lord; and therefore are called two golden candlesticks stan∣ding before the God of the earth: and by bringing heauie affli∣ction vpon such as will iniurie them in their prophecie. (For their word shall be as fire out of their mouthes to deuoure their aduersaries. And beeing equall in the power of their mini∣strie with Elias shall be able to shut the heauens, that it raine not in the daies of their prophesie; and beeing like vnto Moses in Egypt, haue power to smite the earth with all manner of plagues, as oft as they will: so that the earth is plagued because the witnesses of Christ are despised and persecuted.

Yea those two witnesses (called also 144, 000. of those which haue the testimonie of Iesus Christ and keep the comman∣dements of God) oppose themselues in the open courts of the temple, called now the visible Monarchie of the Church, a∣gainst the beast; byh innocencie, preaching, iudgements, & praier.

The manner of the womans sitting vpon this scarlet coloured beast, is, to tread the holy citie vnder foote. Yea shee excel∣leth her selfe in cruelty. For while shee was borne vp by hea∣then

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Emperours, shee was furious and bloodie, and therein as terrible and odious as a red Dragon. But now shee cloath∣eth her selfe with blood as witha purple and scarlet, thinking it her honour, for the seruice of God to kill the godly. And herein shee is so vnsatiable, that shee is drunken with the blood of the Saints, and with the blood of the Martyrs of Iesus, & that in admirable manner. For shee doth not content her selfe to kill those that stand against her, but also condem∣neth their memorie,b not suffering them to be put in monu∣ments.

And though these things, to such as are of the spirit of S. Iohn, doe euer appeare; yet outwardly shee seemeth first to make plentifull prouision for this kind of warre: and then she ioyneth battell with the Lambec and those that follow him. And these things doth this beast accomplish with his won∣ted lying signes and miracles, with false prophesie and o∣ther impostures.

For the more effectuall executing of thed wrath of the Dragon (which affection hee putteth on in all his oppositi∣ons) the beast prouideth himselfe with thee wonderfull fa∣uour and dependance of the whole earth, which is called by the name of Christian; as also studieth out a most secure dis∣cipline.

The world is saidf to wonder, greatly admiring the beast, the Papacie, by whose meanes the wounded head of Rome recouered life in the Hierarchie.

And also they followed the beast, which was like the Pan∣theresse. For as wheng the Panther which is a beautifull and gentle beast, amongst other wilde and rauenous beasts, doth wake, and come out of his denne and roare; other beasts which heare his voice, doe gather themselues togi∣ther and follow the sweetnesse of his odour which com∣meth forth of his mouth: so also when this Papacie, who is beautifull as an harlot, and gentle as Absolom amongst men,

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doth speake (though it bee like the Dragon) all men doe ga∣ther themselues together, and followe the words of his mouth, which seeme pleasant to those which are deluded. For from this time, those which before were calledh Locust-scorpions, haue set ouer them a king, the Popes, the angel of the bottomlesse pit. For those kingdomes which rose of the inun∣dation of the Barbarians one after another, began to giue re∣spect to the Bishops of Rome.i For God hath put in their hearts to fulfill his decree, and to bee of one consent, and to giue their kingdomes vnto the beast, vntill the wordes of God be fulfil∣led: and then to hate her.

The fauour that this beast found was so great, that the people vnder these tenne kings or principalities, were con∣tented by his meanes, euenk to worship the Dragon the di∣uell: that is, to become as very idolaters (for the worship of idols is the worship of diuels) as thosel Gentils which wor∣shipped Dragons in the temples of Apollo and Iuno. Form the Dragon the diuell gaue power to this beast, howsoe∣uer he pretended to haue his power from Christ, by the means of S. Peter.

The continuance of this battell is 42. moneths, which af∣ter the account of thea Astronomers, at 30. daies the month is a thousand two hundred and sixtie daies: that is, according to the vsuall Propheticall account, 1260. yeares, called afterb the Greeks Astronomers, A time, times, and halfe a time: that is, as many yeares as the Astronomers doe measure by an E∣quinoctiall (which they call a time) two equinoctials, and halfe an Equinoctial; which commeth to 1260. Iulian yeres. This is that time during which the woman the Church is in the wildernesse, whereas the great whore doth sit vpon the scar∣let coloured beast beeing hidden among them that follow Anti∣christ; yet kept from the presence of the serpent. This time also is thec courts of the temple, that is, the publike face of religi∣on is troden vnder foote by these Antichristian Gentiles; at

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least in some place. And these also are the last of thesed two thousand and three hundreth yeares, spoken of by Daniel, which beganne in the third yeare of Belshazzar, which wase 480. yeares before the birth of Christ. And this 42. months or 1260. yeares, is to begin in the Papacie of Pelagius 1. An∣no Christi 560. who brought in the fained superstitions of the Gentiles into the Church; so that they ende 1820. All these things will appeare in histories following.

The Complement.

In the time of Pelagius, who, as an Angel of the bottom∣lesse pit, brought newes into the world, that as it was among the Gentiles a thing much beleeued; so it was true among the Christians, that the liuing were able to helpe the dead by Masses, &c.f was borne Mahomet.

gHe hauing beene acquainted with the opinions of the Christians, Iewes, hereticks, &c. by Iohn a monke of the or∣der of Benedict, and Sergius a Nestorian was instructed so, that he looked about how vnder the pretext of religion he might bring the Arabians subiect vnto him:h his religion he boast∣eth to be reuealed vnto him by Gabriel the Angel. The scope whereof is, with extreame remedies of fire and sword to bring all to his law. In his law hee promiseth a new way to bring men to paradise, and deliuer them from the paines of hell, &c.

Iohn III.i repaired the Churchyards of the Saints and Martyrs. Narses grew discontent for some indignities offe∣red vnto him by the Emperour and the Emperesse, & com∣plaints of the Romans,k retired himselfe to Naples, where he expected the comming of the Lombards whom hee had sent for to possesse Italie.l This Pope got Narses to Rome fearing the hurt of Italie by his alienation; and made him Consul: so that there was great and inward friendship be∣tweene the Pope & Narses. m Italie in this Popes time was freed from the yoke of Constantinople, and the Romans began

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to rule by Patricij, for the deadly wound of the beast was hea∣led.

aThe office of the Exarchie of Rauenna was instituted; his office it was to confirme the election of the Pope of Rome: Michaels red horse caused that Italie was afflicted with ma∣ny slaughters by the irruption of the Barbarians, the Sueui in Galatia are conuerted from Arianisme.

Benedict I.b the Lombards inuade all Italie, and there was great famine by Michaels blacke horse. The Spaniards con∣uerted from Arianisme, and the profession of Monkes came first into Spaine.

Pelagius II.c was created Pope without the consent of the Emperour. Hed enforced Subdeacons to forsake their wiues by the diuels doctrine.e In his time Iohn the Bishop of Constantinople by the consent of Mauricius the Empe∣rour, tooke vnto himselfe the title of vniuersall Patriarke. Him first Pelagius withstood, and after Gregorius I. Many let∣ters beeing sent to and fro; so that it may be said of these two, the Bishop of Constantinople and Rome, as it was said of the Arians (whose image herein they which call themselues Catholikes, now are.)f These two did contend betweene themselues, not for religion, but for primacie, by the ouer∣much desire of honour, with which their mindes were who∣ly possessed. But Pelagius (finding the Emperour aduerse vn∣to him herein) decreed thatg none, no not the Bishop of Rome himselfe, should be called vniuersall. And also thath no Councel should be held without the consent of the Bishop of Rome.i Recaredus king of Spaine abolisheth Arianisme, & in a Councel reduceth his subiects to the Catholike faith. While the Lombards besiege Rome, after great stormes and raines, Michael by his pale horse pursued them so, thatk there came the pestilence, which caused the plague sore in the slancke, as a plague for those that despised marriage, &c.

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Gregorius I.a surnamed The great, continued the opposi∣tion against Iohn of Constantinople in the matter of the su∣premacie,b and confidently said, that whosoeuer called himselfe, or was desirous to be called vniuersall Bishop, was the forerunner of Antichrist.c In humilitied (to represse the pride of the Bishop of Constantinople) he called himselfe the seruant of the seruants of God; which title also, his succes∣sors did vse: but Antonomastice, improperly.e Whereas be∣fore time there were no other titles in the Church, but Priests and chiefe Priests: Gregorie first deuided them into Patriarkes and Archbishops,f which difference was brought in chiefly by the Gentiles, who had Flamines and Archflami∣nes, &c.g He increased two pernicious things in the Church, concerning (the bottomlesse pit) inuocation of the dead,h and praier to the dead.i He first digested in a booke, and commē∣ded to the Church by many deceitfull miracles and reuelati∣ons; to further the new doctrine, which they say is found out of the state of the dead. Herein trusting the reports of some which heard the things reported by others, that some came from the dead. Hereby the Poets fables become good diuinitie; it beeing now acknowledged that the riuer Ache∣rou is in hell, where also a iudge sitteth like Minos, Eachus, and Radamanthus; purgatorie in Aetna, and in bathes, &c. that the dead might be holpen by masses, burials in Church∣es, praiers of Monkes, and Priests.a The reason which hee rendreth why so many things are now discouered of the soules of dead men, which hitherto lay hidde, is, that the end of the world is at hand, and as it were in fight. Takeb heads and be not deceiued, for many will come in my name and say, I am, and the time draweth neere, follow ye not them therefore. In this booke is deliuered this doctrine. Asc the soule is knowne to liue in the bodie by the motion of the members; so the life of the soule of the Saints, when it is out of the bodie, is to be esteemed by the vertue of miracles. Andd that the merit of the soule some∣times

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is not shewed when it departeth from the body; but is declared more truely after death. (A ready foundation for such Priests and Monkes which had the keeping of the places of burials, to build vp the credit of their impostures, about graues, as if they were miracles. And for them to obtrude vnto the world, whom they liked, to bee onely reputed as Saints.

This booke of Dialogues, is so contrarie to the Reuelation of Saint Iohn; that it may iustly bee called the Reuelation of Antichrist. This kinde of learning serued so to raise the beast out of the bottomlesse pit; that some doe say, that Gregory (to shew this power of the beast in the bottomlesse pit) recal∣led Traianf from hell, baptised him and sent him to heauen, A cup full of abhominations, &c. He wasg angrie for breaking of images, and called them lay mens bookes; which were to be kept, because the Gentiles vsed them to reade vpon. Heh forbad to destroy the Temples of idols, or to remoue the manner of the Gentiles worship;i but required to con∣tinue the externall mirth, to allure the people to serue God. He, worse then the heretikes called Collyridiani that wor∣ship the virgin Mary, carried thek image of the virgin Mary in procession (as the Gentiles did their gods) to driue away the plague. He instituted thel worship of the crosse, barefoote on good friday, and remitted canonicall pe∣nance; and promisedm cleane remission of sinnes, to such as frequented Churches on set dayes (that men might be allured to worship the Dragon.) He made a daungerous de∣creen of this heresie, that like the Maniches Electi, the Cler∣gie should not haue knowledge of their wiues; but when more then sixe thousand childrens heads were brought vn∣to him out of his fish pond; he confessed his owne decree to be the cause of this murther; and condemned his owne decree. Heo miraculously terrified Mauricius the Empe∣ror, by onep who in the habite of a Monke, stoode with a

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drawne sworde, and shaking it foretolde that he should be slaine with the sworde, for persecuting of Pope Gregory, from which sentence, neither by almes, prayers, nor teares, he was deliuered (but was caused to drinke of the wine of the wrath of the whore, and she is drunken with blood) for both himselfe, his wife, and children were murthered by Phocas. Whicha was no sooner don, but Gregory (as accessary) with the Clergie, sung gloria in excelsis; latentur cali, & exultet terra, for ioy; caried the images of Phocas, and Leontia his wife, into the Church of Casarius; the whole Clergie shou∣ting for ioy, and singing Exandi Christe; Phoca Augusto, & Leontia Augusta vita. And as the forerunner of Anti∣christ wrote to Leontia, to make especially S. Peter the pro∣tector and patrone of the Empire in earth; and intercessor in heauen (meaning that the Bishop of Rome should be in greatest estimation) (for the beast riseth out of the earth) This Pope like theb Maniches which preferre apocrypha writings before the new Testament, esteemed the foure generall Councels as thec foure Euangelists; and like Mon∣tanus the heretiked accursed euery one, which brake the least thing, which the Pope commaunded, and obeyed it not altogether. He causede the auncient monuments in Rome, to be cast into Tiber; least by their beautie, they should distract men, from the religion newly instituted. In hisf time Mahomet doth openly professe himselfe the onely Pro∣phet of God; and that whosoeuer durst gainesay his law, should be slaine. Many of his kinsfolkes, allies, friends and clients, who were throughly perswaded that he was such a one indeede, as he professed himselfe, and would seeme to be; followed him in the yeere 593. So in the West, theg Lombards, English, Spaniards, Venetians, Ligurians, &c. re∣ceiued the faith of the Church of Rome, and followed her. This Popeh sent Augustine into England, to conuert the English men. They which were sent (like those that built

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Babel) neither vnderstoode the Scriptures, nor the language of the people. The first point of religion which they shewed was this. They spread forth a banner with a painted cru∣cifixe, and so came in procession to the King, singing the Letanie in a strange tongue, and shewing some (deceitfull) miracles. He laboured to reduce the whole land to the ex∣ample of Rome, as Montanus did all Churches to Pepuza, &c; and therefore became enemie to the seuen Churches of the Britones, who followed the custome of the East Chur∣ches; and would not submit themselues to his pride, but (cast him out and measured him not as a man of God) because he learned not of Christ to beare his yoke. who was humble and meeke. He wrote to Augustine,a that the Clergie should in quinquagesima, abstaine from flesh, milke, meates, and egges, whichb meates the Manachies electi or priests forbare. There were inc Rome such as vsed a sweete and de∣lightsome modulation of the voyce at Masse; which Gre∣gory forbad vnder the paine of a curse. Some thinke that the manner to account fromd Christ, began to be of force onely about the yeere. 600.

Sabinianus, an vttere enemie to the proceedings of Gre∣gory, whom he blamed for spending the patrimonie of the Church, to get the peoples fauour. This Popef did nothing worth the marking; but that he deuised belles, and sance-belles. The Greeke tongue is altogether corrupted in his time; and so the tongue of the new Testament, is become barbarous to these builders of their new Babylon.

gBoniface the third hardly and with much contention, obtained of Phocas the murtherer, that the Church of Rome should be head, as mother and lady of all other Churches; that one might be set ouer the rest, and haue chiefe autho∣ritie, as it was among theh Druides. And asi Eulalius the Arian, entreated the Arian Councell at Antiochia Cariae, that he might haue the primacie for keeping vnitie. Thus

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Phocask made Rome the mother of Churches, and so he wor∣shipped the beast. Thisl Pope opening his mouth first vsed the termes of Volumus, and Iuhomus, we will and command, as words of the Popes approbation. In Sueniam are Chur∣ches planted.

Bonifacius the fourth obtainedn of Phocas, the Temple built by Domician called Pantheon, because is was dedica∣ted to all the Romane gods, and turned it into the Church of Saint Mary, and all the Saints. A fineo similitude of euill institutions of the Paganes: the (supposed) holy spirit, knew to chuse a holy armie; where the heathen worshipped di∣uels, there the Christians worshipped all the Saints; as ma∣king a medicine of a poyson; so is one art deluded with an∣other (but rather this Pope declareth that Church to be the mother of abhominations, that conceiueth by the Paganes.) In hisp time, Cosdroe king of Persia, (who had maried Mary the daughter of Mauritius, and for her sake was baptised, de∣testing the disloyal falsehood, and treachery of them which had elected so wicked a man as Phocas to bee their Prince, seeing he was polluted with the bloudie murther of his so∣ueraigne, reputing them as accessarie to the same horrible and bloudy fact, and conspiracie;) prepared a great armie at the instigation of his wife, to reuenge the death of his fa∣ther in law. (That in her, that is Rome, might be found all the bloud that is shed.) This Phocasa disposed al things in secret, by his Courtiers, after the Persian manner. They heard Am∣bassadors, suspended iustice, gaue offices; which is the worst, and most miserable course, that he which ruleth can take. For the court smoakes, are wont to hurt very grieuously. They were most in his fauour, which most vexed the people with vnsatiable rapine, and couetousnes. He wasb also guil∣tie of many rapes, murthers, and adulteries &c. In his timec therefore, Cosdroe soundeth an alarme, entred, and spoiled many of the Romane prouinces, Syria Palestina, Phoenicia,

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Cappadocia, Paphlagonia, in the East. And pursuing his cruel∣tie, with incredible successe, he would not bee entreated byd Heraclius to peace; except the Christians would cease to worship Christ crucified, and worship the sunne as the Per∣sians did: for their tailese are like vnto Serpents, &c,

Deus-dedit a Subdeacons sonne. Thef Romanes are at discord for the choyce of the Pope; he is said to haue clen∣sed a leaperg with a kisse; and authorised harlots, and wic∣ked persons, to be witnesse in causes of Simonie. Theh Duke of Bauaria, the Duke Boson with his armie in Austria are baptised.

Bonifacius the fifth commaundedi Altars, and Churches to be sanctuaries for murtherers, &c. whence they might not be drawne by force; in imitation of thek Temple of Mercy, which was made in Athens, by the nephewes of Hercules. He required sacriledge to be punished with a curse; and first commaundedl that Monkes being priests might binde and loose. Mahometm maketh his first expedition for his religion, and began to giue lawes.

Honorius tooke then brasse tiles from Romulus Temple, to couer Saint Peters Church.o He inriched many Churches with siluer and golde; he instituted the feast of the exalta∣tion of the crosse, by the example of the East. Himp Pope Adrian reporteth to haue been an heretike; wherefore he was condemned in the sixth Councell of Constantinople, Act. 12. & 13. For defence of whom Genebrard saith, it is one thing for the Pope of Rome to bee an heretike in his owne person, and whatsoeuer is worse, he may be, or haue been: and another thing in the iudgement of faith, and promulgation thereof, to define against the faith. This last he cannot doe, for the force of the chaire (as he dreameth) is such, that it constraineth them that thinke and doe euill things, to speake those things which are good and true. (Thus followeth be the beast.) As though to write letters, in

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the approbation of a capitall heresie (which Honorius did) be not a definitue promulgation against the faith. Ghent is conuerted. Heracliusa the Emperor married his neece, of whom he had children incestuously, and gaue himselfe to diuelish artes. Mahometb and his Saracens being robbed of their pay by the Emperors paymasters; and reuiled as dogs (that in Rome might be found the blood of all that were slaine) gathered head, and by force and doctrine (by head and tayle) cruelly troubled the Christians; and vnto the Emperor and other Princes he sent letters sealed with this inscription, Mahomet the messenger of God; requiring them to submit themselues to his religion; and to esteeme him the highest Bishop. Which when the Emperor refused to doe, heec spoyled the Empire, slew 150,000. of the Em∣perors souldiers, tooke Arabia, Damascus, Phaenicia, Syria, Mesopotamia, Aegypt, Africa, and after that Persia. Against whom Heraclius loosed most fierce and barbarous nations from the Caspian mountaines and seas, whom Alexander the Great shut vp.

dSeuerus was confirmed by the Exarch of Rauenna,e who robbed the Lateran treasure. Hee was bountifull to the Clergie, diligent in the regiment of the Church; which he maruelously beautified with ornaments and monuments. The Almaignesf are conuerted to the Church of Rome.

gIohn the fourth redeemed many captiues with the Church treasure. Ierusalem is taken and wasted by theh Sa∣racent; as was Antiochia, and the rest of Syria.

iTheodorus a Bishops sonne, he was very circumspect for the dignitie of religion. The Emperor groweth vile and hatefull, both for heresie and sacriledge; and also because in his time the Empire of the East declined through the Sara∣cens. He easily absolued Pyrrhus thek Patriarke of Constan∣tinople from his heresie, gaue him a forme of profession, and sent him home; when Pyrrhus had platted the death of the

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Emperor Constantine, which vpon his returne he executed with the assistance of Marina the Empresse. Thel Saracens take away from the Grecians, Cilicia; and became Lordes of all the countries thereabout, excepting the kingdome ofm Abcas which is Georgia, and the countrie of Armenia (which two countries are not in the catalogue of those that condemned Athanasius at Tyrus) whereof see before. This Pope, by hisa sentence depriued Paul of Constantinople for heresie; but he kept his place by the Emperors fauour. He beautified and built Churches. In his time, fasting inb lent was thrust vpon the English-men.

Martinus the first sentc Legates, to withdraw the Empe∣ror and Paulus the Patriarke of Constantinople from heresie. The Emperour banished his Legates, sent his Exarch into Italie, to peruert, or take, or kill Martine, and spreade the heresie. But the Poped was so fauoured by the people, and a Councell then held, that he could not be hurte by the Ex∣arch, and the murtherer sent to kill the Pope, as they say, was stroken blind. The Pope was after apprehended by fraude, and banished, where he died, glorious for miracles. He reprouede the heathen customes of his time, which yet continued, as trimming vp of houses at Newyeeres tide, with greene boughes &c. Hef would not haue Deacons ordei∣ned, except they would vow chastitie (that is abstinence from mariage) and required the Clergie tog bee shorne. The Priestsh shauen crownes, seeme to bee taken from the Egyptians, whose Priests were customably shauen, in token of sorrow for the death of their god Apis. I thinke it for∣bidden in thei law. Thek Saracens subiect the greatest part of Affrica to their Empire. Theyl much diminish the Ro∣mane Empire, and encreased the Saracenical Empire. Rhodes, with the Iles about it, is taken; Sicilia wasted, they inuade Europe, waste Cyprus, and Aradus &c.

mEugenius the first decreed, that no Bishop might con∣uert

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the Church goods to his priuate vse; and thatn Bishops should haue prisons to punish the faults of the Clergie.

Vitalianus broughto Songes and Organes into the Church; and now Godp is serued with like musicke, as was the image which Nabuchadnezzer set vp. How it standeth with Gregories decreeq against the modulation of the voice, I doe not see. Constansr the Emperour forsaketh his heresie, and dedicateth to Saint Peter, the Gospell, richly decked with precious stones. He purposed to haues translated the seate of the Empire to Rome; but he could not; butt he spoi∣led Rome. I couldu not hitherto finde, that at any time the Church of Rome, had fullie the dominion of the Citie, and other things, which Constantine (is said) to haue giuen vnto it; except in the time of some few, and these the most naughtie Princes. Yea this Vitalianus had a greater fauour, that this bad Emperour did confirme the priuiledges of the Church, which notwithstanding, he presentlie brake againe. Then the Mahumetanes wasted Sicilia, Cyprus, threatned Italie, thrust the law of Christ out of Affrica, constituted their impietie through Affrica, and Asia, and attempted to bring it into Europe, and trod vnder foote the holy land. A∣deo-datus, a cured a leper with a kisse. Heb and his succes∣sor Donus laboured to encrease the honor and magnifi∣cence of the Church and Clergie. Thec Saraceus spoyle Syracuse, Thracia, besiege Constantinople, and cary away many prisoners from Africa. Do••••s reconciledd the Church Rauenna to Rome. In his time it is reported, that thee soule of Dag••bertus King of France was seene taken out of the hands of diuels, who were carying him to hell, by Dionysius, Mauritius, and Martine, whose temples he hono∣red while he liued (newes out of the bottomlesse pit to helpe the beast to rise from thence) (vpon this sorcery and lying miracle) 270. shipsf of the Arabians filthily waste the sea∣coasts of Spaine.

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Agatho clensedg a leper with a kisse. Heh instituted a new office for the Romane Church treasurie (for this beast hath Beares feete,) Rauennai gaue obedience to the Church of Rome; being taught, that it is not good to kicke against the pricke. Therek was held a Councell at Constantino∣ple. The Popel craued of the Emperour to stand fast in the catholike faith. The Emperor requesteth the Pope that laying aside all cauils, the Churches might be vnited by the vnitie of faith; and commaunded them Bishops, that lay∣ing aside philosophicall disputations, they should enquire of the faith with peaceable conference, and deliuered them bookes of the Fathers out of the librarie of Constantinople. In this Councell, the Latine and Greeke Churches weren re∣conciled. The Bishop of Rome was to be called vniuersall Bi∣shop; and the Bishop of Constantinople should write himselfe vniuersal patriarke. It waso also decreed, that images should be receiued into Churches, and worshipped with great reue∣rence as a thing wherby the laity might bep instructed (with lyes) as insteede of Scripture; and that incense might be bur∣ned, and tapers light before them. Thisq hanging vp of ta∣pers came of an old Pagane fashion of sacrifices, that the Pagans offered to Saturnus and Pluto, &c. Ther Popes Le∣gat said Masse at Constantinople in Latin (that ones vnderstand not anothers language.) When the Emperor had consented to worship the Dragon, (by setting vp idolatry) the Bulga∣rianst inuade Panonia, and Thracia, ouercame the Em∣perours armie, and much rented the Empire. This Popeu required the Popes decrees to bee receiued as confirmed by the diuine voyce of Peter vnto him; the Emperor sent backe the mony which he was wont to receiue of the Popes for their confirmatiō. But vnder condition that there should bee a general decree, that none should bee ordained Pope without the Emperors knowledge and commandement.

Leo the second ax skilfull musition; he instituted the kis∣sing

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of the Pax, and brought thea Bishops of Ra•••••••• into obedience and subiection; which before held themselues equall with the Popes. He g•••• such good opinion, that at his death al men wept for him as for their father. Heb by twelue compurgators cleared himselfe of certaine crimes, that were obiected against him.

Benedictusc the second (is said to haue) obtained of the Emperour, that whom the armie, and Clergie, and people of Rome did chuse, should be esteemed the vicar of Christ (as if it were in man to substitute a vicar for Christ.) Though he wanted the consent of the Emperour or his Exarch of Rauenna. Hed repaired many Churches, with great charges. In his timee was a great pestilence. The Saracens inuade Libia.

Iohn the fifth appointedf the Pope to be consecrated by three certaine Bishops, which custome continueth. g He wrote a booke of the dignitie of the Pall.

Conon wash created Pope by the Exarch (where was then the graunt made to Benedict, two yeeres before?) thei armie and Clergie chusing others. He was esteemed Angel∣like for his vertue. Thek Emperor Iustinian receiued much damage by the Saracens.

S••rgius the first wasl made Pope by sedition; and in his time was a great schisme in the Church; both for the electi∣on of the Pope; and because twom generall Councels dis∣sented: Iustinian then Emperor, sent the Generall of his warres to take this Pope prisoner; because he would not subscribe to the Councell, for correcting the sixt Councell at Constantinople; but the Pope was rescued by the souldiers of Rauenna, and the places adioyning; and his Generall beate from Rome with contumelies and iniuries. He repairedo Churches, and conuerted the Saxons. (As it is reported) thep Lord reuealed vnto him a case of siluer, in which he found a good peece of (that he supposed to be) the crosse

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of Christ; whichq was carried into Constantines Church, and worshipped of all the people. As the heardsman found the sword of Mars, and gaue it to Att••las. The Romans (vpon this idolatrie)r beeing ouerthrowne by the Saracens, the name of the Saracens encreased, and the dignitie of the Ro∣mans was exceedingly diminished.

Iohn the sixt, interposeds himselfe betweene the souldi∣ers of Italie, & the Exarch, whom the souldiers would haue slaine for fauouring the Popes, more than the Emperours.

Iohn the seauenth, in hist time the Lombards gaue a great donation to S. Peter of the lands betweene Genna & France:u Genebrard (with some others) saith, that he restored it. But this hath no credible author, but is palea, that is, chaffe without wheate. Thex Saracens againe possesse Affrica. This Popey beautified Churches with pictures, and histories of the Saints.

Sisimus heldz the seate by schisme. Ina his time the king of Spaine, a flagitious man, fearing the alienation of his sub∣iects, and a rebellion by meanes of the Bishops; pulled down the fortifications of his land: Egypt and Affrica are wasted by the Saracens. Iustinianusa the Emperour restored to his Empire, apprehended them that cast him out, caused them to be drawne before him in the streetes; and treading hard vpon their neckes, the people cried, thou hast walked on the lyon and the basiliske, and trade vpon the lyon and the Dragon, &c.

Constantinus wasb so fauoured by Iustinian the tyrant, that because Felix the Archbishop of Rauenna would not giue the Pope money and obedience for his ordination; the Emperour burned out the Archbishops eies, by causing him to looke into a bright brasse panne in the sunne (and so Fe∣lix drinketh of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.) Hec sent for the Pope to Constantinople and honourably entertained him, confessed his sinnes vnto him, craued, and obtained ab∣solution;

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and first of any Emperour kissed the Popes feete,e and confirmed the Popes priuiledges and decree: (worship∣ping the beast.) Butf when the Pope was gone, hee reuoked that confirmation. The diuellish rite of kissing the feete of the Bishop of Rome, tooke his originall of the manner of the Romanes; who when they were Pagans, vsed to kisse the feete of the Priests, and other nobles, &c. Dioclesian made the commons stoope to kisse his feete. This Pagan example our Christian Bishop, and Gods Vicar, full vngodly, and vn∣goodly doth counterfeit.

gPhilippicus the Emperour holdeth a Councell, reiecteth the sixt Councel at Constantinople, and pulled downe images. But this Popeh held a Councel at Rome for images, against the Emperour, and excommunicated him: confirmed the decree of Agatha for images, decreedi that no money should be currant which had the name of an hereticall Em∣perour vpon it, nor his letters, name, or figure receiued; nor his image carried into the Church, nor his name remembred at Masse. Thus doth the beast labour to establish the worshippe of the Dragon, and the Emperour drinketh of the wine of the forni∣cation of the great whore.

kRoderike king of Spaine defiled the daughter of his lief∣tenant Iulian, who for his fornication calledl the Saraceus, who subdued and possessed the greatest part of all Spaine.

Gregorius the second, ordained tom fast and say Masse the fift day of the weeke in Lent, which Pope Melchiades for∣bad. Note that about these times, the Popes began to bee great in temporalties, as also to translate the Empire from one nation to another. For inn his time Leo the Emperour caused the images of God, and the Saints to be burned, and many that resisted him herein, to bee executed. Whereforea Pope Gregorie perswaded Italie and Rome to depart from his Empire, by openb rebellion; and deliberated of choosing a new Emperour, deposed thec Magistrates of the Exarchie,

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& euery citie chose them Dukes, & so the Exarchie continu∣ed vnder tenne Princes, or hornes. He excommunicated the Emperour, and forbade thed Italians to pay any tribute vn∣to him. The Saracens besiege Constantinople, but when the citizens cried vnto the Lord, they departed, oppressed with famine, colde, and pestilence; whereof are reported to die 300,000. the Emperour faring nothing the worse for the Popes excommunication. And whereas the Popes left the Emperours and were receiued into the league of France, thee Saracens came into France with their wiues and children and families, spoiled Burdeux and Poictieurs. Many Ger∣manesf came to Rome and are baptized by the Pope. Loweg Germanie, Westphalia, and Frisia, by the preaching of Boni∣face, whom the Pope sent thither, and by Martellus meanes, receiue the faith of the Church of Rome. The king of Eng∣land gaue out of euery house in all England a pennie to the Pope. One Syrus seduced many Iewes, saying that he was Christ.

Gregorius 3. gathered ah Councel, and decreed that ima∣ges are to be continued in the Churches. Contrarily,i Leo the Emperour pulled images downe; whose example also Constantine and Leo his successors did follow. The Pope by the consent of the Clergie of Rome, depriuedk the Empe∣rour of Christian communion. The Emperour confiscateth the patrimonie of the Church of Rome in Sicilia. Inl the troubles of Rome by the Lombards, this Pope called in Martellus a French, leauing the custome to craue aide of the Emperour. For now them Popes doe as the Arians were wont, namely, apply themselues to them that were of grea∣test power. And because the templen of Iupiter Dodonaeus was wont to be much frequented by the Gentiles for helpe, which they there receiued by touching of Pyrrhus great toe, there kept in a gilt boxe, because miraculously it was vn∣burned when the rest of his bodie was consumed with fire.

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The Pope would not haue his S. Peters any whit inferior to it. Foro he built a chappel in S. Peters Church, in which hee laid vp some reliques in a manner of all the Saints, and cau∣sed Masse to bee said there euery day. He also brought the clause of reliques into the Canon of the Masse. The Saraceusp are called into France, where they spoile the Churches, and waste all places from Burdeux to Poicteurs,q bringing with them their families.

Zacharias 1. inr his time Constantius the Emperour de∣faced images, and carted the Monkes for whoredome. Pi∣pins ambitious of the kingdom of France, sent to this Pope to know whether it were more meete that he which sate se∣cure at home, or hee that did vndergoe the charge of the kingdome, should beare the name of king. For Pipius and hist ancestours had vsurped the administration of the king∣dome of France, perswading the king to retire himselfe, to meddle with nothing, so that he was but as a cipher. The Popeu commandeth the people of France to receiue Pipine their king: and first (of any Pope) began to absolue the French men from their oath made to Childericus their king, andx annointed Pipine king by his Legate Boniface. Thus wasy Childericus deposed and Pipine aduanced, because hee was most for the profit of the Church of Rome. Forz the glosse vpon the Canon, where this storie is supposed to bee cited, 249. yeares before it was done, saith, that the Emperora may be deposed for any thing; wherefore he is to be depo∣sed, if he be lesse profitable. This Bonifacea wrote vnto the Pope, asking his aduice in many things. For he held and said that if the Pope be neuer so badde, neither doing, nor spea∣king any thing that is good, so that hee carrie with him in∣numerable soules to hell to bee tormented with the diuell, none may blame him. (Thus doth he giue the beast power to doe what he list.) This Boniface complaineth inb his letters of the whoredomes, drunkennesse, and negligence of Bi∣shops,

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of the heathen customes of the Gentiles continued in Rome, of the grosse ignorance of Priests, whereof one (like the builder of Babel) baptizing a childe in latine, which he vn∣derstood not, said, Baptise te in nomine Patria, filia, & spiri∣tu sancta; Hee also complaineth ofc the whoredomes of Nunnes, and he brought in Priests vestures and ornaments. Constantinus thed Emperour that pulled downe images, and persecuted that kinde of worship in the East, prouided ande sent a great Nauy against the Egyptian Saracens. Ina king of Westf Saxons made his land tributarie to the Pope, gi∣uing his power to the beast.

Stephanus the second, wasg carried on mens shoulders, being troubled by Aistulph king of Lombards, getteth leaue of A••stulph to goe into France. Vponh his comming hee absolueth Pipine from his oath made toi Childericus his So∣ueraigne, and annointeth him king. So wask Childericus shauen, and thrust into a Monasterie. Hence the Bishops of Rome doe draw their authoritie of changing of kingdomes from one to another. Wherefore Pipine went twice into Ita∣lie, quieted the Lombards, and restored to the Pope his terri∣tories. In this expedition Constantine sent his Secretarie, &c. to Pipine with presents, as organs, &c. desiring him to take in Rauenna to the Emperours vse. Pipine answered, that heel came not into Italie for his profit, but for his soules health; and therefore would onely gratifie the Pope, the angel of the bottomlesse pit, & the people of Rome withm Rauenna, and all which the Lombards had subdued: and so hee gaue it to Pe∣ters chaire. The Saracensn alwaies subiected somewhat that belonged to the Romans: the Romanes dissenting with inte∣stine hatred, and onely looking vpon the kings of France: That in her may bee found all the blood that is shed vpon the earth. Theo Turks the third angell about Euphrates break forth of the Caspian parts.

Paulus the first, madep Pope by schisme. He threatned the

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Emperour with excommunication, because he pulled down images. Salinq the Arabian forbiddeth the Christians to build any new Churches.r Habdalus Prince of the Saracens laieth heauie tributes vpon the Christians: hee commandeth the Iewes and Christians at Ierusalem to be branded with Mahumetane characters. Theres was so great a drought that fountaines were dried vp.

Constantine the second, a laie man, suddainly madet Pope; a tyrant, and a great scandall to the Church of God: by the zeale of the faithfull he was thrust out of the Church, and his eies were puld out. Sure either the Pope or the faithfull er∣red herein.

Stephanus the third, a man very couragious and skilfull in hisu businesse, especially in Ecclesiasticall affaires, by a Coū∣cel he abrogated the decrees of his predecessor Constan∣tine the second.a And against the Emperour confirmed the worshipping of images. They were all accursed, that by any meanes should contradict it. He commanded images to beeb perfumed with frankincense after the manner of the Gen∣tiles.c The Maniches and Arians call the Romanes Ca∣tholikes and worship the beast. Abdala with an hundred ships troubleth the Mediterranean seas, and lamentably kil∣leth the Christians, ouerthrowing the Monasterie Cassi∣nense.

Adrianus the first, first sealedd his Bulls with lead:e Hee called Carolus Magnus into Italie. At Rome, at S. Peters al∣tar they confirmed an eternall league betweene them both. Carolus confirmed his fathersf donation, with the more. But Adrian called it a restitution. This Pope left the Patro∣nage of the Empire, and by ag solemne decree gaue the French king authoritie to choose the Pope, &c. Leo the fourth, theh Emperour was enraged against such which worshipped images. After the death of Leo, this Pope pre∣uailed with Constantinei the Emperour and his mother I∣rens

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to hold a Councel at Nicea. An old tricke of the Arians, that in time men might thinke it the first holy Coūcel there held. In this Councel was decreed the retaining, making, ha∣uing, setting vp, and worshipping of Images, and to salute them in the name of the Lord. So that now Papists are worse than the Collyridians, for the worship of the image of the Virgin Marie; than the Gnosticks or Carpocratians for the worship ofk the image of Christ; than the Armenians, for the worship of the crosse; than Simon Magus, for Saints; & than Angelici, for Angels; than the Gentils for reliques. To this purposel like them Anthropomorphitae, they incline to him that said, that neither Angels, nor diuels, nor the soules of men were without bodies, (incorporea.)n The arte of the diuell in the sight of men to deifie mortall nature by ima∣ges resembling men, made by arte, &c. Adrian to enforce the worshipping of images, writeth to the Councell; in his Epistle he citeth the storie of Constantines leprosie, and how Siluester baptized him; which Volaterano reiecteth for A∣pocrypha and false. This Synodep demanded if they receiued the letters of Adrian, answered, that they did followe, re∣ceiue, and approoue the letters of the Pope of old Rome, (the beast.) And though Carolus Magnus in aq Councell at Franckefort somewhat qualified the doctrine of images, yet this Councell preuailed also in the West; and so, All the worldr wondred and followed the beast. And they worshipped the Dra∣gon the diuell, by this doctrine of images. Thes Saracens at Ierusalem, in Natolia, Cyprus, Cappadocia, Galatia, Romania, doe exceedingly afflict the Christians. Thist Adrian forbade the vse of Ambrose M••ssal, and commanded Gregories Mis∣sall to be vsed in all Churches, but in Ambrose Church at Millaine.

uLeo the third, afflicted by the Clergie, had (as some fable) his eies and tongue cut out, which were miraculously resto∣red vnto him againe. He fledde to Car••lus Magnus to Pa∣derburu,

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where he consecrated a chappell, which Charles did build. Charles sent him and his accusers backe to Rome, where when hee came to heare the cause, it was answered him, that No man, especially No laie man might iudge the Pope. Wherefore Leo purged himselfe by oath, and was re∣stored, and his aduersaries were punished. For this causea Leo considering that the Emperor of Constantinople could hard∣ly defend that name, crowned Carolus Magnus Emperour, and so was theb Empire translated from the East into Frāce. Charlesc now crowned, maketh peace with the Emperour of Constantinople, and deuideth the Empire with him. He al∣sod held a Councel to restraine the violence of certaine ty∣rants which oppressed the Priests of the Lord.e He erected the Vniuersitie of Paris, gaue large stipends for reading Greeke, and caused thef text of the new and old Testament to be corrected (so doth the Angell keepe the little booke open in his hand.) The vse of pretiousg vestiments, in the distribu∣tion of the Lords supper, was brought in by the liberalitie of Charles the Great. This Leo, appointedh a number of compurgators, Priests, and the manner of the purgation; & appointed frankincense to beei vsed at the altar, after the manner of the Iewes and Gentiles. About thisk time, the office (or missall) of Ambrose, was almost left. In which were Psalmes and hymnes to bee sung after the manner of the East Church, and was spread into all Churches; Gregorie af∣terwards changed, added, and cut off many things. For holy fathers could not at the first ordaine all things according to decencie; but after, diuers did appoint diuers things. Thel Saracens make the Emperour tributarie vpon very vne∣quall conditions; and spoile Corsica and Sardinia.

Stephanus the fift wentm into France (takingn the office of the heathen Druides,) where hee crowned Pud••nicus Em∣perour, who swar•• ••o the Pope an oath of fidelitie. So now the Pope doth receiue an oath of the Emperour, as the Po••t.

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Max. was wont to doe of the heathen Romane Kings. He decreed that noo Sacrament was perfect without the signe of the crosse.

Paschalis the first was chosen without the Emperoursp consent; but translated the blame vpon the people and Clergie, and so pacified the Emperor, which was offended for the election. He also made sedition in Rome, but laid the fault elsewhere. He isq reported to represse with the signe of the crosse, the fire that began to consume Burgus, a schoole of Englishmen. Vntor him by letters pattents Ludo∣uicus the Emperor gaue and confirmed all Lombardy, Ra∣uenna, and Rome, with their iurisdictions, &c. and gaue the Councell at Rome leaue to chuse the Pope. And so was ful∣filled that which is written by the Prophet Daniel. The litles horne grew vp, so that three of the other (tenne) hornes, were rooted out before him; that is, the Popes grew vp so, that three of the other tenne kingdomes or principalities were rooted out before him. viz. the kingdome of the Gothes in Rome, the kingdome of the Lombardes, and the Exarchie of Ra∣uenna.t A Councell was held at Aquisgraue against those that laboured against images. The manner and customeu of priuate Masses began vnder Ludouicus Pius, which be∣forea were forbidden in a Councell at Mogunce. Can. 43.

Eugenius the second; inb his time Michael the Emperor of Constantinople sent his Orators to Ludouicus the Emperor of the West, to vnderstand his minde concerning images, Ludouicus reiecteth them ouer to the Pope andc Clergie. And thus was fulfilled that which was written: Andd they worshipped the beast, &c. And there was giuen him a mouth to speake great things and blasphemies, and power was giuen him to doe. Thee Saracens preuailed in Aquitania, and Sicilia, &c. Thusf the remnant repenteth not of their idolatry, &c.

Notes

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