CHAP. I. The Introduction wherein an account is given of this day's Eminent deliverance which must be carefully recorded, and thankfully acknowledged by us.

AS amongst the judgements which God executeth upon the earth there is a great and wide difference: some be such as [Page 2] neither Fathers, nor fathers fathers have seen since the day that they were upon the earth un­to this day, 10 Ezod: 7: Some be such, as the very hearing of them shall make both the eares to tingle 2 Kings 21. 12: Some be such, as are without the least mixture and allay of mercy 14 Rev. 10 So amongst the mercies and salvations of God there is a difference; they are not all of one and the same size. Some be such as resemble the starres of the first magnitude; others such as are like the starres of the second and third magnitude. Some are superlative and matchlesse; farre above others in their lustre and eminency. These mercies are to be diligently observed, and exactly number'd by us: Of such we are to keep as true a Register as David did an Inventory of the Gold and Silver that he prepared for the Temple. 1 Chron. 22: 14, The Iron and the Brasse, which was without weight he number'd not: but the gold and silver he weighs, and sets down the just num­ber of the Talents. So though we cannot reckon every blessing that comes from hea­ven, in regard they are without number, and without measure: yet ought we to be exact in recording the golden and silver mercies of God vouchsafed to us. And as we are to commemorate signal mercies and deliverances, so to transmit the memo­ry [Page 3] of them to succeeding generations. See this both required and practised,

1. Required 17 Exod: 13, 14. Joshua discomfitted Amalek, and his people with the edge of the sword. And the Lord said unto Moses, write this for a memorial in a book. 78. Psa: 5. For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commaunded our Fathers: that they should make them known to their children. And what is that? read v: 4. his strength and his won­derful works. Once more 102. Psal: 16. 18. When the Lord shall build up Zion, he shall ap­pear in his glory. This shall be written for the generation to come, and the people which shall be created shall praise the Lord.

2, Practised and that several wayes. 1. Sometimes by appointing yearly Feasts of remembrance 9 Esth: 21, 22. To establish this among them that they should keep the four­teenth day of the moneth Adar, and the fifteenth day of the same yearly: As the day wherein the Jewes rested from their enemies, and the moneth which was turned unto them from sorrow to joy, & from mourning into a good day: that they should make them dayes of feasting and joy. in comme­moration of that signal deliverance which God had wrought for them. 2 By making Eucharistical Songs, which they taught their children: as in 15 Exod: for the overthrow [Page 4] of Pharaoh: in 5 Judg [...] for the defeat of Jabin and Sisera; in 1 Sam: 8. for the slaughter of Goliah. 3 By their significant names which were sometimes imposed upon persons, and sometimes upon places. 1. Up­on persons. This course Joseph took to per­petuate the memory of signal mercies con­ferr'd on him in Egypt 41 Gen: 51, 52. He called the name of his first born Manass [...]h; for God (said he) hath made me forget all my toil, and all my Fathers house: And the name of the second called he Ephraim; for God hath caused me to be fruitful in the land of my affliction.

The like was done afterwards by Moses in reference unto what befel him in Midian 18 Exod: 3, 4. 2 Sometimes upon places. Thus Abraham, when his son Isaac had esca­ped, and a ram been accepted in stead of him, called the name of that place Jeh [...]vah­jireh, as it is said to this day, in the mount of the Lord it shall be seen. 22 Gen: 13, 14. The like did Jacob when he saw the Angel of God 32 Gen: 2.

And if eminent mercies and deliverances are to be recorded, and the memory of them transmitted to posterity: surely then the su­perlative and transcendent deliverance and salvation, which was given by God unto the whole Kingdome; as on this day from the [Page 5] Gun-Powder Plot, may justly challeng [...] place in that Chronicle and Catalogue [...] mercies. This is a deliverance (saith one) upon the head of which may be truly written; such as the present age may admire; such as posterity will scarce believe; such as History cannot par­rallel. What the Historian saith of that day wherein Scipio and Hanniball disputed that long depending cause between Rome and Carthage in open field vizt; that the Roman Empire had not seen a greater day: The same may we say of this dayes salva [...]ion; England never received a greater deliver­ance. And therefore ought the memory of it be dear unto every one, that would not so far gratifie the Papists, as by the forgetting of Gods goodnesse to silence and bury th [...]s their wickednesse, which should stand upon record to their eternal infamy. Let us look a little into the blacknesse of the Conspiracy which wants a name to expresse it, unlesse we call it (as one doth) a Catholick Ʋ [...]llany and you shall hereby best discerne the tras­cendency of the deliverance. Was there ever any wickednesse in all the Ages that are past, which by the help of History we may come to the knowledge of, that did equal this? This was a Plot wherein the flower of our Gentry, our whole Nobility, the Lords annointed, the royal seed, nay [Page 6] Protestant Religion were all devoted to one stroke of destruction. And observe what instruments of cruelty they had prepared for this slaughter; such as that not one of that Assembly could have fled from the fury of, though they had had the wings of Eagles: nor resisted the force of, though their flesh had been as brasse or their strength as stones vizt: 36 Barrels of Gun-powder. These were the instruments of their cruelty; such as were never found in the habitations of Simeon and Levi. Let us further observe with what secrecy and successe this bloody Plot was carried on. With what secrecy; none could be admitted to consultation about the thing but those that would by vowes and oaths, and Sacraments, and all that is sa­cred, binde themselves more then once nei­ther directly, nor indirectly, neither plain­ly nor by circumstance to discover the Plot. And with what successe was this bloody de­sign carried on! How did God for a time seem to smile upon their project and facili­tate their work, when providence offered them the con [...]eniency of a Cellar; whereas they thought that by strength of hand, they must have digged a Vault to lay their pow­der in! God himselfe seem'd to take their part: and they who in 88 had sworn that God was turn'd Lutheran, began now to [Page 7] hope that he was become a good Catholick a­gain. These particulars discover the emi­nency of this deliverance which we comme­morate this day.

CHAP. II. The cohaerence of the words with a brief expli­cation of them.

GOd who at sundry times, and in di­vers manners spake in time past unto the Fathers by the Prophets, hath in these last dayes spoken to us by his Son. 1 Heb: 1, 2. by whom not only the Gospel of salvation is communicated unto us; but also the reve­lation of future events in this last age of the world. 1. Rev: 1. That many things in this Book are [...] hard to be understood is acknowledged by all; and therefore much revelation is necessary to understand this Book of revelation. But though some things be dark and mysterious, yet other things are plain and obvious, even to the meanest capacity; particularly this prophe­sie concerning Romes total and eternal de­struction. That by Babylon, mentioned in the beginning of this Chapter, Rome is un­derstood, we have the suffrage of Antiquity. † Babylon was as a first Rome, and Rome is as a second Babylon saith St. Austin de Civit. dei [Page 8] Lib: 18. cap. 2. And in the same Book cap. 22. he saith that Rome is built as another Ba­bylon, and daughter of the former Babylon. And Tertullian saith Tertull: advers: Marcion: lib: 3. cap: 13. Babylon in St. John is the figure of Rome, as being like that, a great City, proud of its dominion, and a destroyer of the Saints of God. The Romanists say that Babylon here is to be taken figuratively not properly: so that it is not the old Chaldean, but the new mystical Babylon that is here spoken of. Nay further they say, that by Babylon in this Chapter and else where in this prophecy Rome is to be understood: so A Lapide, Ribera, Viega &c. Nay Bellarmin de Rom: pont: lib: 2. cap: 2. p: 718. produceth several Scriptures and Fathers to prove it: But then they adde, this was true of Rome when Ethnical, and not now when Papal; of Rome under the persecuting Em­perour, not of Rome under the Christian Pope. That this is false appeareth. 1. St. John writeth a prophecy not a Hystory; he tells us what should be, not what then was; therefore if St. John spake of Rome (which they confesse) it must necessarily follow that he spake of Rome as now it is, Not of Rome as then it was; of Rome Christian, not of Rome Pagan. 2. Anti­christ is to be in the Temple of God, which was not true of the heathen Emperours, 3. Its such a Babylon that for a while they were [Page 9] lawfully in her; but when her corruptions did encrease, then they were commaunded to depart. 4. That St. John speakes of Rome after the coming of Antichist is most clear from several passages both in this and the pre­cedent chapters. But Antichrist was not to come (say our Adversaries) while Rome was Pagan, but after the dissolution of the Roman Empire. 2 Thes: 2. 8, And then shall that wicked be revealed. And when is that? When he that letteth shall be taken out of the way v: 7. And who is this, but the Emperours of Rome according to the judg­ment of Antiquity? Who shall be taken out of the way (saith De resur­rect: carn: cap: 24. pag: 688. Tertullian) but the Roman State? the division of which among ten Kings shall bring in Antichrist. After the decay of the Roman Empire Paul saith that Antichrist shall appear. Ambrose. To these I might add St. Chrysost: Theophilact. &c. in 2 Thes: 2. The In. 17. Rev: Rhemists call the Roman Empe­rours the figure of Antichrist. And the An­tients give this reason for it; So long as the Roman Empire flourished, Antithrist could not appear: for there could not be two prin­cipal Rulers of the same place at the same time.

By which we may judge what was the opinion of the Fathers touching Antichrists seat. That Rome shall be the principal seat [Page 10] of Antichrist is confessed by many of their own Doctors: so the Rhemists in 17 Rev: 5. Again they say that the scariet whore, and Beast, and Antichrist are one and the same. in 13 Rev: 1. But Rome in the judgment of their great Bellarm: is the seat of the scarlet whore; therefore it must needs be the seat of Antichrist. That Babylon which St. John describes in the Revelat: is the seat and City * de visib: Monar: de­monst; de Antichr: 38 p: 758. of Antichrist, saith Sanders.

I might to these arguments subjoin the confession of their two great Jesuites, Ribera and Viega. This must be understood of Rome, † Ribera: in: 14. Rev: num: 42. & 57. not only such as she was under the Emperours, but also such as she shall be in the latter dayes. That the name of Babylon must be referred to her, and not only to that Rome which served * Viega: in: cap: 17. com: 1. sect: 3. Idols, before she received the faith of Christ, but also to that Rome, which shall be in the dayes of Antichrist.

In these words then we have a prophecy of the dismal and final destruction of Rome Antichristian with the causes thereof, which are three. 1. Their Avarice and Luxury. 2. Their heretical and damnable doctrines. 3. Their bloody cruelty.

1. Their Avarice and Luxury; For thy Merchants were the great men of the earth. This cannot be understood literally; for it were a weak reason, because thy Merchants [Page 11] are great men, therefore thou shalt be de­stroy'd: By Merchants therefore we must understand Romes Factors, the Popes In­dulgencers, and other Off [...]cers of his Exche­quer. These sell cursed spiritual Wares, Pardons, Masses, Diriges, Trentals &c. and make merchandize of mens souls, and flourish by this traffique like the Nobles and Peers of the earth. Theod: Nie [...]. tells us † de Schis­mate Pa­pist: lib: 1. cap: 68. that out of one Country, and Province Pope Boniface 9. received above an hundred thou­sand Florens. His Officers went out poorly habited, and meanly mounted, but they re­turn'd (saith he) with their stately horses and in great Pomp. And what vast summes of money did Tecelius, and his fellow Indul­gencers rake together in Pope Leo 10. time, All things are set to sale at Rome, the Tem­ple, the Priests, the Altars, yea heaven and God himselfe; as their Mantuan speakes.

Venalia nobis Templa, sacerdotes, altaria, sacra, Coronae, Ignes, thura, preces, Caelum est venale, deus (que)

2. Their heretical and damnable doc­trines, which are often compared to entic­ing and intoxicating Wines: by thy sorceries were all Nations deceived.

The Original word translated, Sor­ceries, properly signifieth poysoning: but here (and in many other places of sacred [Page 12] Writ) it is to be taken in a larger sense, and denotes the craft and subtilty, the me­thods and Acts of insinuation, by which the Pope and his Agents seduce the Nations to their damnable principles, and abominable practices.

3. Their bloody cruelty: And in her was found the blood of Prophets, and of Saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth. But how can this be, since so many thousands have been slain in other parts and places of the world? I answer, either because the doctrine which caused their blood to be shed, was from Rome; or because she gave com­mission to slay the Saints and Servants of God who were barbarously murther'd and massacred in other Kingdomes and Coun­trys, as England, Scotland, France &c. God plagues Rome as the Original cause of all this cruelty. But more of this afterwards▪ The two latter causes of Romes destruction I intend to insist upon; Hence we may note.

Obser: That the wayes and methods which Rome Papal hath used to advance he [...] selfe, and propogate her doctrines wil [...] bring inevitable ruine and destruction upon her. In the prosecution of this doc­trinal proposition I w [...]ll 1. Give you a [...] account of those wayes and method [...] [Page 13] which Rome Papal, that is the Pope and Agents have used to greaten themselves, and propogate their doctrines. 2. Con­firm the truth of this Proposition. 3. Pro­ceed to some practical Inferences.

First, I shall give you an account of those wayes and Methods, which the Pope and his Agents have used to propogate their doctrines. And here I will mention five or six.

CHAP. III. Of Romish Forgeries.

1. LEt us begin with their Forgeries, which are most notorious. How have they adopted false into the number, right, and authority of true Fathers? Our worthy Dr. James hath produced about 187 Treatises (to which I could add above an hundred more) which are not only suspected, but plainly convicted of forgery by the Pa­pists themselves: and yet these very Trea­tises are frequently urged by them to con­firm their monstrous Opinions. To make good this assertion, I will give you a few Instances: and here I shall confine my self to their great Bellar: and Coccius whose wri­tings are so highly prized by all Papists.

[Page 14] 1. Linus Bishop of Rome his two Book [...] of the Passion of the blessed Apostles Peter and Paul, are adjudged spurious by Baron: Tom: [...]. p: 785. Baroniu [...] and Possev: Appar: tom: 2. p: [...]45. Possevin. And though Bellarmin gran [...] that Linus w [...]it the Acts of Peter and Paul [...] yet he saith they are now lost.

2. Clements eight Bookes of Apostolica [...] Constitutions are censured by Bellar: de: script: Ec­cles: p: [...]6. Baronius, Tom: 1. p: 145. Bel­larmin and de script: Eccles: p: 58. 59. Possevin.

3. Clements Epistles to St. James and o­thers are rejected by Apper: tom: [...]. p: 328. Bellarmin and de script: Eccles: p: 56. 57. Posse­vin.

4. Dionysius the Areopagites Bookes of th [...] Ecclesiastical and Celestial Hierarchy canno [...] be his; for the Author of these Books (a [...] appears by several passages in them) live [...] Apparat: tom: 1. p: 331. 336. after the Nicaene Councel.

5. Origens Homilies upon Job are rejected as supposititious by de script. Eccles: p: 84. Bellar: Appar: tom: 2. p: 526. Possevin, and Biblioth: lib: 4. p: 285. Sixtus Senensis.

6. Origens Treatises upon the 36, 37, 38▪ Psal: are questioned by Bellar: and reject­ed by Appar: tom: 2. p: 527. Possevin.

7. St. Cyprians 12 Treatises de Cardinali­bus de script: Eccles: 84. Christi operibus are censured by de script: Eccles: p: 93. Bellar▪ and he gives several invincible reasons for it.

[Page 15] 8. Zeno's Sermons are accounted spurious by Biblioth: lib: [...]. p: [...]13 Senensis, and Cardinal Bellar: de script: Eccles: p: 99.

9. Arnobius his Commentaries upon the Psalmes are rejected by Bellar: and Sixtus De script: Eccles: p: 102. Senensis.

10. Marcus Bishop of Rome his Epistle unto Athanasius is censured by Biblioth: lib: 4. p: [...]05 Baronius. to [...]. [...]. p: 396.

11. Athanasius his Book de Imagine Pas­sionis Christi is rejected by Card: Bellar: De script: Eccles: p: 116.

12. Athanasius his Questions to Antio­chus De script: Eccles: p: [...] 114. are absolutely condemned by Bellarm:

13. Dorotheus his Synop: de vita Prophet: & Descipul: Christi is rejected by Bellarm: as spurious and fabulou [...].

14. Ambrose his Commentaries upon the Epistle. of St. Paul are censured by Card: de script: Eccles: p: 143. Bellar: for which he gives fower reasons. de script: Eccle [...]s: p: 153. Appar: tom: 1. p: 77.

15. Amphilochius his book of the life of St. Basil is condemned by Card: Tom: 1. p: 41 [...]. Bellar: and de script: Eccles: p: 165. Possevin.

16. Athanasius de Annuntiatione is re­jected by Cardinal Baronius.

17. St. Hieromes Commentaries on the Epistles are censured by Bellarm: (who makes Pelagius the Heretick the Author of them) by Biblioth: lib: 4. p: 251. Sixtus Senensis, and Possevin. Appor: tom: 2. p: [...]

[Page 16] 18. St. Austines Questiones Veteris & Novi Testam: are rejected by De script: Eccles: p: 187. Bellarmin as written by some Heretick.

19. St. Chrysostomes Opus imperfectum in Mat: was written by some Arrian saith De script: Eccles: p: 176. Bellarmin.

20. Cornelius his Epistle de translation [...] Corporum P [...]tri & Pauli. is rejected as spu­rious by De script: Eccles: p: 89. Bellarmin.

I might adde some hundreds more if time would permit: And yet these very Trea­tises are confidently urged by Bellarm: and Coccius to prove Peters Supremacy (and con­sequently the Popes) Trasubstantiation: Communion in one kind; Purgatory; Invocation of Saints &c.

I have observed above an hundred Trea­tises, which passe under the names of several Fathers (who lived within 500 years after Christ) Censuredas supposititious by Cardinal Bellar: de Scriptoribus Ecclesiasticis; and yet all or most of them are urged by him in his Controversies against the Protestants. This is such a piece of knavery, as none but a Frontlesse Romanist can be guilty of. Forgery is a notorious Crime, and even in matters of lesser consequence severely pu­nished by the Lawes of this Nation. If any person shall by false conspiracy, subtilty, and [...]lt: [...]. Eliz: cap: 1 [...]. [Page 17] falsity, forge any deed, [...]harter, or writing or shall procure, publish, and shew forth in Evidence any such false and forged deed, or Writing as true, knowing the same to be false and forged, and shall be thereof con­victed, he shall be set upon the Pillory in some open Market Town; and there to have both his eares cut off, and also his Nostrils to b [...] s [...]it, and cut, and seared with an hot Iron, so as they may remain for a perpetual note or mark of his falshood. Were this good & wholesome Law executed up­on our Adversaries of Rome (the moral equity of which extends unto them) they would have as few Eares as now they have true Fathers on their side. And so much concerning the first way and Method which the Pope and his Agents use to propogate their doctrines, by which mul­titudes have been seduced.

CHAP. IIII. Wherein is declared how the Papists h [...]ve corrupted the true Fathers, and ancient Writers.

[...]. LEt us now consider their fra [...] ­lency in corrupting the true Fa­thers, and primitive Writers. There [Page 18] being many passages in the Fathers and other Ancient Writers frequently pro­duced by Protestants against them, to which they were not able to make any ra­tional reply; and finding that their nice distinctions, and subtile evasions could not satisfy their Adversaries, nor with­out difficulty retain their Friends: they resolved to ease themselves of that Wit-labour for the future, and take some other course that might secure their delud­ed Profelytes, and convince (or at least silence) their professed Enemies. And what course more effectual to accomplish their design, than by purging and blotting these offensive passages out of the Fathers and other Primitive Writers? In order to this great undertaking the Pope ap­pointed certain Cardinals with the Master of the sacred Pallace general Inquisitors at Rome; and to them gave he power to constitute particular Inquisitors in every Diocesse. Hereupon they fell to work, and carefully compiled, and I say pri­vately as appeareth by that clause of secrecy in the King of S [...]ains' Commission to the Inquisi­tors. This Diploma or Commission is Printed both in Dutch and Latine and pre [...]ixt be­fore the Ex­purgatory Index of Belg: and Madrid: in which the King af­firms that he caused the Belgick Index to be printed by his own cheif printer, at his own charge not to be sould publickly but pri­vately distributed to such as should be employ'd in the worke for their direction. And a litle after giving facultie to the Prelates to choose one or more Assistants, he adds that they should keep the Expurge­tory Index privately, and not im­port a Copy of it to any man. privately [Page 19] Printed several Expurgatory Indices at Rome, Madrid, Naples, Lisbon &c. wherein are expressed these scandalous passages (yet not the hundreth part of what they have expunged) in the Writ­ings of the Ancients, which are to be left out, when reprinted, which must be with all possible speed. And to make all more sure, they got as many of the former Edi­tions of the Fathers Works, as they could into their hands, not fearing their Ad­versaries would reprint them, who wan­ted means to vent an Impression, being prohibited to be sould in all Catholick Countries.

By this purgation they hoped that the mouth of Antiquity would be shut from uttering one syllable against them; and by inserting words (for this they have also done) where necessity required, and by drawing into the Text of the Fathers the Marginal Notes, and Glosses of their Monks and Fryars, the mouth of Anti­quity would be opened for them.

This villany is so notorious, that they endeavour to free themselves from the imputation of it by a confident (or rather impudent) denyal of the fact.

Obj: It it true (say they) that Inqui­s [...]tors were appointed to purge Author [...] but they medled not with the Text of the Fathers, but only with the Observations, Annotations, or Scholies that are made upon them by late Authors.

Ans: The insufficiency of this plea will appear by demonstrating these three par­ticulars. 1. That they have command­ed several sentences in the Text of the Fathers to be expung'd, and blotted out. 2. That they defend the justice and equi­ty of that Command. 3. That their practice hath corresponded with it.

1. That they have commanded several words and sentences in the Text of the Fathers, and other Primitive Writers to be expung'd and blotted out. This is clear from their Expurgatory Indices printed at Madrid, Rome, and other places. I will give you a few Instances, and so passe on to the next particular. In the Spanish Index these words are com­manded to be thrust out of the Text of St. Cyrills Commentaries upon Isaiah. cap: 47. Delea [...]tur [...] T [...]rtu illa verba: [...] veró [...]. & Thou hast proceeded so farre in impiety, that now there is left unto thee no place for salvation: for equal punishment will alwayes follow grievous offences. And upon 51 [Page 21] chap: these words: Delea [...]tur ex Tertu illa verb [...] Sed vbi non ha [...]e­rent &. p: 62. But when they cast a­way all fear of God, and would not receive Jesus Christ by faith, as it is written.

Hillary in his Enarration upon 118 Ps: must have these words dashed out: Span: In­dex: p: 1 [...]0. Non ex meritis salus, salvation is not of merit; with many other passages in his Works. I might instance in several other Fathers, which have many expressions against Idolatry, Satisfactions, Peters Supremacy &c. commanded to be blotted out in their Expurgatory Indices: but these are suf­ficient to evidence the truth of this first particular viz: That they have command­ed several words, and sentences in the Text of the Fathers to be expung'd and blotted out.

Obj: Its true (say they) some words and sentences are commanded to be expung'd out of the Text of the Fathers, but they are only such as crept in either by the Printers negligence, or the fraud of Hereticks, that is, of Protestants. Concil: Trid: In In­dice Lib: prohib: de Correct;

Ans: 1. The corruptions we charge them with cannot be attributed to the oversight of the Printer, or Corrector; for they are of a larger size: whole sentence [...] are Commanded to be blotted out.

2. Nor could they be foisted in by the fraud of Hereticks; for in those dayes none of the Fathers had been printed by Protestants. Again, peruse the places which we produce as razed and corrupted, and it will appear whether [...]ide, Papal or Protestant, were more likely to have an hand in it. The nature of most of the corruptions will discover the guilty per­son.

2. That they defend the justice and equity of that Command. Though their Gretser deny this purgation of the Fathers. lib. 2. de jure & more prohib: lib: mal: cap: 9. p: 313—(where he chargeth Junius against whom he writes with a lye) and (lib: 2. cap: 7. pag: 298) calls up­on our Dr. James to name but one Father purged, and corrupted by them: Yet he asserts the Popes Authority to do it, and and calls the exercise of it a worke of mercy. lib. 2. cap: 9. p: 321. And that he may not seem to contradict himselfe in this and the precedent Chapters, he makes use of this subtile distinction: the Fathers may be considered either qua Fathers, or qua Fathers in law. The Fathers of the Church, as they are Fathers feed their Children with sound and wholesome doctrine, [Page 23] and are not to be purged: But as they are Fathers in law, that is, deliver any other doctrine than their Father the Pope, or Mother the Church doth or shall maintain, then they may, nay they must be cor­rected. lib. 2. cap: 10. p: 328.

3. That their practice hath correspon­ded with that command. So much is acknowledged by Sixtus Senensis in his Epistle to Pope Pius 5. in which a­mongst his many and famous Acts, he recounts this for one of the greatest. That he caused the Writings of all Catholick Authors, but especially those of the Antient Fathers, to be purged. Manutius em­ploy'd by the Pope to print several of the Fathers at Rome, saith, In praefat: ad Piu [...] [...] in lib: Car­dinali [...] Poli de Concilio▪ that care was taken to have them so corrected, that there should be no spot which might infect the minds of the simple with the shew or l [...]keness of false doctrine.

To make this yet more clear I will subjoyn a few Instances. St. Cyprian de bone patientiae tells us post gustatam Eucha­ristiam &c. After the eating of the Eu­charist the hands are not, or ought not to be defiled with blood: But in their Cyprian printed at Colen, they have changed the words, and read it, post g [...]stat [...]m Eucha­ristiam: [Page 24] and so urge this place fo [...] the circumgestation of the Sacrament. Thus much is confessed by Annot: in lib: de bone patient: p: 270. Pamelius. That notorious corruption of St. Cyprian de Unitate Ecelesiae hath been often men­tioned by our Divines. The Ancient Cyprian saith, The rest of the Ap [...]stles were equal to Peter both in honour and power. The Paris Cyprian hath added these words. The Primacy is given to Peter; he hath ap­pointed one Chair; Peters Chair. He who for­saketh Peters Chair in which the Church was founded, doth he trust himselfe to be in the Church? Prefat: in I [...]: [...] ­p [...]rg: Belg: Franciscus Ju [...]ius as an eye wit­nesse tells us that being at Lyons, and inti­mately acquainted with Ludovicus Sauri­us Corrector of the Presse, and going to visit him he found him revising St. Ambrose's Works, which Frelonius was then print­ing. After some discourse Saurius shew'd him some printed leaves cancellated and [...]a [...]ed, saying, this is the first impression which we printed according to the best C [...]pies; but two Franciscans by command have blot­ted out those passages, and put these in their place (praeter omnem nostrorum librorum fi­dem) to the great losse and trouble of Fre­lonius. And not only particular Fathers, but also general Councels have been cor­rected [Page 25] and corrupted by them. The Councel of Laodic [...]a. Can: 35. saith; It is not lawful for Christians to forsake the Church of God, and nominate or invo­cate Angelos, Angels: they have made it Angulos, Angles; that is, they must not forsake the Church and pray in Cor­ners. The Councel of Agatha Can: 3 [...]. saith, Let no Clergy man presume to sue any man in a temporal Court without the leave of his Bishop: But they read, Let no man presume to sue a Clerk before a temporal Judge without the Bishop [...] leave. I might also instance in the Councel of Chalcedon, and many others: but these few may serve in stead of multitudes, which might be brought, of their corrup­ting the witnesses and ra [...]ing the Records of Antiquity, by which their Errors, and Novelties might be condemned.

Many hundred, nay thousand places in the Fathers, and Ancient Writers are purged, of which no mention is made in their Expurgatory Indices: so that now it is hard to find the Fathers in the Fathers.

And our Adversaries of Rome have not only corrected and corrupted the printed Volumes, but also the Manuscript [Page 26] Copies of the Fathers. I remember Dr. James of the Fathers in his Appendix to the Reader, tells us that in the Ʋatican Library there are certain men maintained onely to write out the Acts of the Councells and Copies of the Fathers Works, who are brought up to imitate the ancient Letters: and thus Manuscripts themselves are purged by the Romanists. This information he re­ceived from an eye witnesse. And this Story we have confirm'd in the Proposi­tion presented to the Noble Prince Henry to advance that glorious design which he had of erecting a Royal Library with all sorts of Books, and Editions, in these words: The Pope gathereth up all the Manuscripts he can into his Library the Ʋatican, and there useth them at his pleasure. One of their tricks is notorious: they have men that can counterfeit any hand, and write the old hands that were written 500, and 1000 years ago: then they have an ar­tificial Inke, which within three dayes after the writing, looks as if it had been written 500 yeares before. Thus having altered, and taken out all that made for us, and a­gainst them, they suppress the old true Copies, and produce these now ones, as the Authen­ticall all Books. And doubtlesse these are [Page 27] the antient Manuscripts, which Manu­tius and others follow in their late Editi­ons of the Primitive Fathers.

Neither have our Romanists content­ed themselves in corrupting the Fathers whether printed, or written, but they have proceeded to corrupt the holy Scrip­tures; which is a degree of wickednesse beyond all degrees of comparison. I will instance in a few places.

3 Gen: 15. And I will put enmity be­tween thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed: it shall bruise thy head—The Vulgar Latine Ipsa centeret, She shall bruise thy head, that is the Virgin Mary, [...]s their Doctors expound i [...]. But the Hebr: Septuag: Chald: Paraph: Targ: Onkel: Hebr: Samarit: Syriack, and Per­ [...]ick Versions, read it either Ipse, or Ips [...]m. And what use do they make of this cor­ [...]uption? To extoll the praises of the Vir­gin Mary, and prove her patronage and protection.

4 Gen: 13. And Cain said unto the Lord, [...]y punishment is greater then I can bear. The Vulgar Latine reads it, mine iniquity [...] greater, quam ut veniam m [...]ear. then I an merit pardo [...]; contrary to the Hebr [...]eptu [...]g: Targ: Onkel: Syria: Arab: and [Page 28] Pers: Versions. And this is done to countenance their doctrine of merit de congruo.

Psal: 99: 5. Exalt ye the Lord our God, and worship at his footstool: for he is holy. The Vulgar Latine reads it Adorate sea­bellum pedum ejus, quia sanctum est, adore his footstool because it is holy: Contrary to the Heb: Septuag: Chaldee paraphrase &c. And this place is urged by Bellar: for adoration of Saints De Sanct: Beatitud. lib: 1, cap: 13.

Joh 14: 26. But the Comforter which is the Holy Ghost, whom tbe Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. The Vulgar Latine reads it, Spiritus sanctus suggeret vobis ōnia quaec [...]n (que) dixere: the ho­ly Spirit will suggest to you all things what­soever I shall say unto you. contrary to the Greek, Syr: Pers: and Arab: Versions. And what use do they make of this cor­ruption? To prove that whatsoever is de­fin'd in Councells, is to be received as the Oracles of God.

Eph: 5: 32. This is a great mistery (speaking of Marriage) The Vulgar La­tine reads it, Sacramentum hoc magnum, [Page 29] this is a great Sacrament; Contrary to the Original word [...], which is never used in Scripture for that which we properly call a Sacrament; and to the Syr: Arab: and Aethiop: Vers: And this place thus corrupted they urge to prove that Matrimony is a Sacrament.

Heb: 11: 21. Jacob worshipped upon the top of his staff. The Vulgar Latine reads it, adoravit fastigium virgae ejus, he adored the top of his staff. Con [...]rary to the Ori­ginal, the Syn: Arab: and Aethiop: Vers. And this place they urge for Image wor­ship.

Heb: 13: 16. With such Sacrifices God is well pleased. The Vulgar Latine reads it, talibus hostiis promeretur Deut, by such sacrifices we merit of God: Contrary to the Original the Syr: Arab: and Aethiop: Vers: And this place is urged to prove works of Charity to be Meritorious.

Many more places both in the Old and New Testament might be produced, but these are sufficient to convict the Vul­gar Latine of notorious corruptions. Nay many of their own Doctors confesse as much.

I [...]stit: Mo [...] lib: 8. cap: 3. p: 1155. Azorius the Jesuite saith, that many of their Writers since the Councel of Trent, Viega, Canus, Payna, and Lin­danus, have noted many Errors in the Vulgar Latine, not only by the fault of the Printer, but by the ignorance of the Interpreter.

And Isidore, Clarius, Brixianus ( This Pre­face is com­manded to be expung'd by the Councell of Treat. In­dex lib: pre­hibit: reg: 3 Praef: in Bibl:) affirmeth that the Ʋulgar Latine is corrupted in 8000 places. And yet the Councel of Trent hath Constituted this the only Authentick Edition by which all Controversies must be determined. Co [...]c: [...]r [...] ­de [...]t: Sessio: 4. Ca [...]: 21. In all publick Lectures, Disputations, Ser­mons, and Expositions this Edition must be used as Authentick, and let no man dare to reject it upon any pretext whatsoever.

Obj: This Translation is St. Jeromes, who lived in the fourth Century; and therefore not corrupted by Papists to main­tain their Novel Doctrines.

Ans: Many Papists deny this to be St. Jeromes, and produce invincible Ar­guments. Others say it is partly not wholy Jeromes: so Driedo. Some af­firme (saith he) that this Latine Transla­tion De Eccles Scriptur: [...]b: 2. p: 40. [Page 31] is neither Jeromes, nor in all things con­sonant to the Original. And afterwards in his first Proposition he saith, that this Latine Interpretation is neither altogether different from St. Jeromes, nor in all things agreeable to it. I will conclude this with the testimony of their great De verbo dei lib: 2. cap: 11. p▪ 120. Bellarmin: The Vulgar Edition hath not one Author, but some things from Jerome, and some things from Lucian, and some things from Theodotion, and some things from another unknown Interpreter.

And so much concerning Romish For­geries, and Corruptions; which give us just cause to suspect the Antiquity of their Doctrines. For if the Ancient Fa­thers vote for them (as they would per­swade the world) why do they produce so many counterfeit Treatises, and cor­rupted passages, as lawful witnesses a­gainst us? May we not well question that mans title, who in Court produceth a forged, or corrupted Deed, when he knows his Adversary is able to prove the Forgery?

CHAP: V. Of Romish Treasons and bloody Cruelties.

3. WEE now proceed to the third Method which the Pope and his Factors have used to propogate their Doctrines vizt. their horrid Treasons, and bloody Cruelties. The Romish Doc­tors lay down these propolitions as un­denyable Maximes.

1. That the Pope hath power and au­thority to depose Kings and to dispose of their Kingdomes. For this they urge 1 Jer: 10. I have this day set thee over the Nations, and over the Kingdomes, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroys and to throw down to build, and to plant: which (say they) was prophetically spo­ken of the Pope. And thus Pope Pius 5. in his Bull against Queen Elizabeth ex­pounds it. Epist: ad Micbael: Imp: Const: Baron: Tom: 10, p: 560. Nicolus 1. proveth his Pa­pal power, because it was said to Peter, Kill and eat, and because to him alone was granted that power to draw a Net full of fishes to Land. And Extravag: Tit: 8,: p 853. Boniface the 8. prov­eth his Soveraignity, because it is writ­ten, that in the beginning God creaeed Hea­ven and Earth. But how weak, and ri­diculous [Page 33] soever their proofs are, yet this doctrine is un animously received, and zealously defended by them. I could here produce a cloud of witnesses, Sal­meron, Molina, Seulckenius, Coquam, Lessius &c. These w [...]th many others, tell us, that the Pope hath power to punish Kings by deposing them, and giving their Kingdomes to others: That this is the opinion of all Divines both Ancient and Modern, of all Catholick Lawyers, of Occumenical Councels, and Popes: That in this there is no disagreement amongsi them: That he cannot be held a Catholick, no nor Christian, that is against it: That Christ had not been careful enough of the Church, and salvation of souls, if he had not left the Pope a power over Kings &c. And that this is the judgment of our English Romanists is most evident from their numerous Pam­phlets; to which I might adde the An­swers of several Seminary Priests (when Prisoners in the Tower) unto certain Articles ministred unto them in the Year 158 [...].

Nay they teach that not only the Pope but the people! also, may depose their Kings. And here let two of their great Doctors speak for the rest viz: Bellarmine [Page 34] and Estius. The first saith, Bellar: de Concil: lib: 2 c: 19. p: 139 That if the King turn Tyrant, the people may depose him, and choose another. And he gives this reason for it; Bellar: de [...]icis: lib: [...]3 c: 6. It is the Consent of the people that constitutes Kings, or other Ruler [...] over them; and therefore if cause be giv­en, they may turn the Kingdome into an Aristocracy, Democracy &c. And [...] 4. lib: S [...]te [...]t: lib: 2. p: 444. Estius speaks to the same purpose; The Nobles and people by the Authority residing in them, may defend themselves from Tyranny and not only choose themselves a lawful Prince, but also, cause being given, may dethrone him again

And they mention several cases, in which it is lawful to depose Kings. As [...]evarden­tius menti­ons: 12. Con: in Est: p. 90 &. 1. If they be Prodigal of the publick Revenues. 2. If violato [...]s of the Publick faith. 3. If they be he guilty of Sacriledge. 4. If they be Tyrants. 5. If they be negligent, or insufficient, or effeminate. 6. If they be Hereticks. In these, and many o­ther cases, say their great Doctors, and some of their Councels, the Pope, and people may deprive King; and Princes of all Rule and government.

2. That the Pope can absolve Subjects from their Oathes of Allegiance, and their Obedience due to their respective [Page 35] Princes. Aquin: 2 [...] Quaest: 1 [...]. Art: 2. Their Angelical Doctor tells us, that when any Prince is declared ex­communicate for Apostacy, his Subjects are ipso facto freed from his government, and their oath of fealty. And Franciscus Suarez affirms, that the Pope can absolve Subjects from their Oaths of Deseas: Fidei Cath: lib: 3. cap: 23. n: 21. lib [...]. c: 2. [...]: 7. cap: 5. [...]2. 3 Allegiance; that to affirme the contrary is to act against the custome of the Church, the use and approbation of General Councels, the Consent of Catholick Doctors, and a­gainst reason, and is plainly Hereticall. And what was the judgement of Cardinal Perron is clear from his speech to the third Estate of France (for which several Bishops highly commended him, and the Pope gave him thanks) in which he saith, that subjects may be absolved from their Oaths of Allegiance made to their Kings. That all parties of the Catholick Church did hold it, and so did the French Church ever since divinity was taught in Schools, till the coming of Calvin. Against this Speech our Learned King James writ his Remonstrance for the Right of Kings, and the Independency of their Crowns.

3. That Kings excommunicated, and depos'd may be lawfully kill'd by their [Page 36] own Subjects; because then they cease to be Kings. Lessius [...]: C [...]th: lib: 6. cap: 4. [...]. 18. 14. tells us, that the people, Parliament, or any other having [...]e J [...]stit: [...] 2. cap: [...]: 4, [...] 12. [...]e J [...]stit: lib. 5. Quaest: 1. Art: 3. Authority, may depose a tyrannical Prince, and declare him an Enemy; whereby any thing may be attempted against his person, because he then ceaseth to be a King. Dom­inicus Soto saith, that when once a decree is g [...]ne out against a King, then any one may be the Executioner. And Suarez affirms no lesse then three times in one Paragraph, that Kings may be murther'd by their own Subjects; and he gives this weighty reason: When a King is deposed, he is no lawful King, and therefore may be be kill'd by any private man. And that this is not the private Opinion of Suarez, but unanimously received by all Roma­nists, is clear from the high censures of approbation in the beginning of his Book. Alpho [...]so a Castello Branco Bishop of Co­nimbria declare: that he hath read it exactly over, and f [...]d [...] all things in it agreeable to the holy Scriptures, Apostolical Tradition, General Councels, and Papal decrees. Fer­ [...]ando M [...]rtin: Masca [...]gnus Bishop of Sylvis saith, that he hath also read it over, and find [...] nothing in it, but what is Orthodox. And M [...]rte Alph [...]s [...] a [Page 37] Mello Bishop of Lamego saith also, that he hath read it over, and thinks it wor­thy to be published for the publick good of Christendome. Nor is this all, but (to passe over the Inquisition, and others, who allow it the same priviledges) the University of C [...]mplut: after a serious view, and consideration of it, declare that there is nothing in it contrary to the Roman Catholick [...]ith: that every thing i [...] worthy of praise and commendation.

Nay this King-killing is not only law­ful, * [...] lib: 96. p: 454. &c. but highly commended, and rewar­ded with eternal glory. They encou­raged Fryar Climent to murther Henry 3. † Ant: Co­ly [...]et▪ p: 403 &c. of France, with these promises. That he shall be well recompenced for the fact; if he dye he shall surely fly to heaven as a Saint, an [...] [...]e [...]r [...]ll'd amongst the Roman Martyrs on Earth. And this horrid fact was highly commended by the Pope in a full Consistory at Rome. How did Pope † Baron: tom: 10. p. 4 [...]. Adrian 2. extoll and magnify Basilius for murthering Michael Emperour of Con­stantinople? Party was confirm'd in his resolutions to kill o [...]r Q: Elizabeth by a Letter from Cardinal C [...]o, in which we have these expressions: His Holynesse granteth unto you his blessing, Plenary In­dulgence, [Page 38] and remission of all your sins ac­cording to your desire. And how was Barriere encouraged to murther Henry 4. of France with these words, that he should gain by that Act, both great glory and Paradise. I could instance in many o­thers, but these are sufficient.

Thus you see what trayterous positions, and destructive of all Government, are laid down, and defended by our Roma­nists. Our King James therefore had good reason to say that none of those that truly know, and Speech in Parliment 1605. believe the whole grounds, and School Conclusions of their doctrines, can either prove good Christians, or good Subjects.

We have heard what treasc [...]able Doc­trines are delivered and defended by our Adversaries of Rome, and that their practices have been conformable to them all Hystories declare. How many trea­sons have the Popes of Rome Committed, Commanded, and Commended? Morneys Myst: In­iquit: who ci [...]s seve­rall Hyst [...] ­ri [...]s. Pope Gregory 4. and his Bishops promoted the Rebellion of the three Sons of Ludovicus Pius; and Gregory 7. raised a rebellion [Page 39] Henry 4. Emperour of Germany: Gold ast [...] Imperii Rom Mon, p: 561. Boniface 8. stirr'd up the people of France to re­bell against Philip 4. sirnamed le Bell. When Henry Bullenbrook Duke of Hereford and Lancaster landed in Yorkshire, most † Stow: p. 320. of the Bishops flocked to him, traiter­ously owning him for their Soveraign; and Thomas Arundell Arch-Bishop of Canterbury Preached against Richard 2. then King, and produced a Bull from Rome promising remission of sins to all those who should aid the said Henry a­gainst King Richard, who was afterwards murder'd in Pontefract Castle. How were the Irish encouraged to rebell by Pope Gregory 13. his Breve, promising to grant them as plenary a pardon of all their sins, as was formerly given to those, who fought against the Turks? and was not the Spanish Invasion Cambden p. 128 &c. promoted by the Pope, and our English Romanists? And that our late Warres here in England were raised and fostered by the arts of the Court of Rome, is more than probable. Vindicati­on of Prot: Relig: p: 58 &c. The Roman Priest and Confessor is known (saith Dr. De Moulin) who when he saw ‘the fatal stroke given to our late gra­cious King, flourished with his sword, and said, Now the greatest Enemy we [Page 40] have in the world is gone. When the Newes of that horrible execution came to Roan (saith the same Author) a Protestant Gentleman of Good Cre­dit was present in a great Company of Jesuited Persons: where after great expressions of joy, the gravest of the company, to whom all gave ear, spake much after this sort. The King of A notorious ye England at his Marriage had promised the re-establishing of the Catholick Religion: and when he delayed to fulfil his promise, we summoned him from time to time to performe it? We came so farre as to tell him, that if he would not do it, we should be forced to take those courses which would bring him to his destruction. We have giv­en him lawful warning, and when no warning would serve, we have kept our word to him, since he would not keep his word to us.’

That grave Rabbies sentence agreeth with ‘this certain intelligence which shall be justifyed whensoever Authority shall require it: That the year be­fore the Kings death, a select number of Jesuits were sent from their whole party in England; first to Paris, to [Page 41] consult with the Faculty of Sor [...]en; to whom they put this Question in wri­ting: That being the State of England was in likely posture to change Govern­ment, whether it was lawful for the Ca­tholicks to work that change, for the advancing and securing of the Catholick cause in England, by making away the King, whom there was no likelyhood to turn from his h [...]resy? Which was an­swered affirmatively. After this the same persons went to Rome, where the same Question being propounded and debated, it was concluded by the Pope and his Council, that it was both lawful and expedient for the Catholicks to promote that alteration of State.’ And what followed is known to all the world. Much more to this purpose you may read in the following pages.

Time would fail me should I recount all the Treasons which the Pope and his Agents have been the Authors and f [...] ­menters of. And yet these men (who make rebellion an Article of their faith) have the impudenc [...] to speak and write of their Loyalty to temporal Kings and Princes. Out [...]gli [...]h Romanists drew up a supplication to King J [...]es, and [...] [Page 42] Parliament, in which they doe not a little vaunt and brag of the Loyalty of their Religion in these words: The Ca­tholick Subject is (if any other) the glory, pag: 7. strength, and perpetuity of the Kingdome, because he principally seeketh Heaven in this world (and will not for the world be diverted) cannot be treacherous, or disloyal, or undu­tifull to your Highnesse, but in every ser­vice and distresse occurring, valiant, reso­lute, and most faithfull. And all these fair words were to the same King and Par­liament, whose destruction they intend­ed, and had at that time contrived. O unparrallel Hypocrisie!

And Philanax Anglicus (a late Pam­phleter) tells us, that the Romanists are pag: 104. to fight onely with prayers; Arms against Princes have no warrant. Who is Judge if the King transgresseth the Conditions of his Kingdom? onely God. Navar, Cunerus, and all the Catholick Doctors that ever I have seen, Surely then he ne­ver saw Aquinas, Saurez, Lessius &c, agree perfectly in this same sentence. And so much concerning their trayterous Doctrines, and rebellious practices, by which the Pope and his Agents have endeavoured to propogate their Religion.

Let us now take a survey of their bloody cruelties. And here I must lead you into Golgotha, a field very ample and large, like that to which God brought the Pro­phet Ezekiel 37. We may boldly affirme that the ten persecutions of the Emperours of Rome, never put to death so many, nor with that cruelty, as the power of the Bishop of Rome. Instruments of cruelty are in their habitations. To speak of the Murthers Massacres and cruelties of the Papists is so large a field, that entering into it. I know not where to begin, nor where to end. I could shew you a Sea of blood flowing from the See of Rome: like to that which Ezekiel speakes of 47 chapt: 3, 4, 5. which was at the first to the Ancles, then to the knees, then to the Loynes, deeper and deeper. I could entertain you with a lamentable Story (which would make you abhor the very name of Popery) of their barbarous cruelties exercised upon the Albigenses, and Waldenses: and their Parisian Massa­cre take briefly thus. Charles 9. King of France, under the pretence of the grand Solemnities of the King of Navar's Mar­riage with his Sister, invited all the Grandees of the Hugonots of France, with [Page 54] Leicester and Burghley out of England, and the Sons of the Palatine Elector out of Germany; intending by this means to * Thuanus lib: 52. 53. ruine the Protestant Rel [...]gion. The French obey'd, and appear to, where they † Camdent Eliz: p: 50. were entertain'd with all manner of Gayeties and Triumphs: but the conclu­sion was tragicall; for within a few hours many thousands were most barbarously massacred. This cruelty was celebrated by the Romanists in France, as one of the most glorious actions the world hath been acquainted with: great rejoycings at Court for it, and publick thanks given unto God. But the greatest joy was at Rome: Cardinal Lorain gave the Messen­ger that brought the Newes of it, a thou­sand Crownes: the Letter was read in the Conclave; publick thanks were given in their Churches, the Cannons dis­charged, Bonefires made, a Jubilee pub­lished throughout all Christendome: And a grand Procession was made to the Church of St. Lewis, where was the No­bility, Bishops, Cardinals, several Em­bassadours, and the Pope under a Canopy. And the better to perpetuate the memory of this Massacre, the Pope caus'd it to be [Page 43] painted about his great Hall in the La­teran, and there recorded in Marble.

I will not be your Pilat to w [...]ft you into the Indies, where the Christian Ro­manists have kill'd more Pagans, then ever Pagans killed Christians; nor yet speak of their butcheries in the late Irish Rebellion. One observes that nyne hun­dred thousand Protestants were murdered in Christendome in a few years. And so much for the third particular.

CHAP. VI.

CHAP: VII. Of Popish Signes, and Wonders, and lying Miracles.

5. WEe come now to discourse of their feigned Miracles, by which they have endeavoured (and with great suc­cessR) to propagate their Doctrines. That this should be one of Antichrists Methods to deceive the Nations, and enlarge his Kingdome, is clear from the Apostles words 2 Thes: 2: 8, 9. And then shall that wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the Spirit of his month, and shall destroy with the brightnesse of his coming: Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan, with all power, and signes, and lying wonders. Where we may observe. 1. The time of Antichrist [...] coming (for the Papists confesse that the Apostle here speaketh of Antichrist▪) this was before explicated. 2. The man­ner of his coming, which is after the work­ing [Page 97] of Satan with all power, and signes, and lying wonders; o [...] (as it is in the Original) Wonders of falshood; not only in respect of their end, because they tend to confirm errour; but in respect of their forme too: wanting that which is an essential part of Miracles, properly so called.

And that the Pope of Rome (the Anti­christ) and his Factors have used this wile and St [...]atagem to propagate their Doctrines, is most notorious. As they confidently urge these feigned Miracles to prove the Roman Church to be a true Church, so to confirm and establish their new coyn'd Doctrines, viz: Veneration of Images and sacred Reliques, Invocation of Saints, Transubstantiation, the Sacrifice of the Masse, Purgatory, Papal Indulgences, Prayers for the dead &c.

The second Nicent Councel, which decreed that Images should be worshipped, bring­eth pretty Stories to confirm this Consti­tution. Take one briefly thus: A certain Long: [...]um: Concil: p: 389. Christian leaving an Image of Christ behind him in the house, from which he re [...]ved; and a Je [...] succeeding him, having invited other Jews to dinner, one of them espied the Images which the other Jew affirm'd he had not [...] [Page 98] before: they ran with great fury and violence upon it, and pierced it in the side, out of which issued such a stream of blood, that they filled a great Water pot with it. Then they resolved (that they might see whether it had any vertue) to sprinkle sick persons therewith; this was done and they presently recovered. And in the life of Damascene we read, that his hand being cut off by the Saracens for his profession of the Christian faith, he praying before the Image of the Ʋirgin Mary, and shewing his hand cut off, fell asleep, and awaking, found his hand restored.

Antony of Padua, proved Transubstan­tiation (to one that deny'd it) by the mi­raculous testimony of his hungry Beast, before which having set Corn and a con­secrated Hoast, in the name and power of * Chamier Panstr: Tom 2. 678. thy Creator (saith Antony) whom I now hold in my hands, I command thee that thou come presently in an humble manner, and give this hoast due reverence. He had no sooner spoken the words, but this devout Beast left the Corn, came to Antony, bowed the head, and bended the knee. And lest one Mira­cle be not sufficient to confirm you in the belief of such a fundamen [...]al Article, take one more, in short thus: A Womans [Page 99] Bees not thriving, by the advice of a Neig [...]bour, she steals a consecrated Wafer, and placeth it in one of her Hives, hoping it would drive away the disease, and blesse their undertakings. The devout Bees, in honour of such a Guest, fall to work, and w [...]th their honey-Combs make a pretty little Church with windows, a do [...]r, a Belfrey, yea and an Altar too, upon which they laid the Hoast, and pay'd great reverence to it. A notable Argument for Transubstantiation.

If they meet with any that scruple their Doctrine concerning Invocation of Saints, they w [...]ll rubb up their memories and tell them some miraculous Stories, to prove Martinus Polonus lib: 4. p. 241. it both lawful and profitable. Leo 1. Bishop of Rome, being under a strong temptation, and putting forth his hand to kisse a Woman, cut it off afterwards. Hereupon being unable to celebrate Masse, which the people then expected (for it was about Easter) he became an humble Suppliant to the Ʋirgin Mary: Hereupon she presently appeared, b [...]ought his hand and restored it: and so all was well again. And if this miracle be not sufficient to gain your assent to this Doc­trine, they have others more miraculous. [Page 100] They tell us (and we must not question the truth of it) that a little Bird being seized on by a greater, cry'd but out Ave Maria, and presently the great ravenous Bird fell down dead. And that a Parrat sporting her selfe out of a Cage, and be­ing almost seizd on by an Hawk, did but call upon St. Thomas a Becket, and the Hawk dyed immediately.

If any question the power and vertue of the Sign of the Crosse, they have innu­merable Miracles, some of which they will produce for his satisfaction. Fryar Theobald (as they tell us) by vertue of the sign of the Crosse, walked upon the water over Tyber. Fryar Andreas de Anania, who having some little Birds roasted at his own desire to stay his Appe­tite, yet upon better consideration, it went against his stomack todevour them: and being thus resolv'd, he makes but the Sign of the Crosse, and presently they re­vived, and flew [...]way. And St. Antony by the Sign of the Crosse, turned an ugly Todd into a fat roasted Capon piping hot.

If any doubt of the wonderful power * Spond: Epit: Anno. 1172. p. 1054. of the Popes Excommunication; Spondanus will tell them, that Dogs (though never [Page 101] so hungry) would not take bread from those four Knights that murther'd Tho [...]as a Becket, so long as they were under the Popes Anathema.

And that the Reliques of Saints are to † [...]old: L [...]g: cited. by Cha [...]: tom: 2. p. 679. be honoured, they prove by many Mi­racles. A certain Abbat desiring of the Abbesse of Col [...]n the body of one of the eleven thousand Virgins, promised to put it in a golden Box: But not perform­ing his promise, when they were at their Mattins (many being present, behold­ing, and admiring) the Body of that Vir­gin came out of the Wooden Box (judg­ing it too mean a lodging place) descen­ded from the Altar, passed through the Quire, and return'd to her Companions at Colen.

If you doubt of the immaculate con­ception of the Ʋirgin Mary they will tell you that Thomas Aquinas, who took much pains to clear up that point, was com­mended by her in these words Be [...]e de [...] scripsisti Thoma.

I will not mention any more of their New-coyn'd Doctrines, in confirmation of which many Miracles are produced. Thus doe they endeavour to establish their Novel Doctrines by lying Wonder [...] and [Page 102] Miracles: and great numbers of ignorant and superstitious persons have been de­luded by this Method.

Johannes Ʋalentinus a Dominican by his Impostures in this kind obtained (Saith Cath: Or­thod: Tom: 1. p. 374. Rivet) a great name in Bononia and so de­luded the Magistrates and people, that they look't upon him as come down from Heaven: they thought themselves happy if they could but touch the hemme of his Garment. His Confederates by agreement swore that he had raised 18. persons from the dead, that he could cure all diseases, and cast out Devils &c. And by these Arts, before the cheat was discovered, he had got in one year twen­ty thousand pounds. And Tyrrel the Priest in his Confession, which he drew up in writing, [...]aid, that within the compasse of halfe a year in Queen Elizabeths Raign (when all attempts against her sacred Per­son were defeated) by their cheating Exorcisms they prevailed upon 500, some say 5000 persons to embrace the the Ro­man Religion.

That these Miracles, which they so much boast of, are not true, is most evi­dent; because the Doctrines which they would confirm by them, are false: but God never puts forth his divine power [Page 103] in working Miracles to establish erroneous Doctrines; he never sets his Seal to a false Deed.

That Story of the Lives of their Saints, which they call Legenda aurea, the golden Legend, is made up of lying prodigies, and prodigious Lyes: So much is con­fessed by their own Doctors. Ludovicus Ʋives speaking of it saith, How unworthy both God and men is the Story of the Saints, I see no reason why it should be called the Golden Legend, being written by one that De corrupt: Art [...]: lib. 2. had an Iron face and leaden heart. And Chamier confirms it by the testimony of Canus: I do not excuse the Author of that Book intituled Speculum Exemplorum: nor of this History, which is called the golden Legend. In that thou maiest read monsters of Miracles more frequent than true mira­cles; and this was written by one that had neither prudence nor honesty. Panstrat: Cathol: Tom: 2. p. 677. And Espencaeus saith, that no Stable is so full of dung, as their Legends are full of Fables. In 1. Tim: digress: lib: 1. p: 224.

Consider (as an Antidote against this tempation) that things may be done (which may seem to be real miracles in the judgement of the wisest man on earth) by men of corrupt hearts 7 Math: 22, 23. [Page 104] and of corrupt heads 24 Math: 24: and therefo [...]e we must not judge by the Mira­cles what Doctrine is true, but by the Doctrine what Miracles are true. 13 Deut: 1—3.

CHAP: VIII. Of Popish Lyes and Slanders.

6. I Now proceed to the last way or method of Romes advancement, or which the Pope and his Agents use to pro­pagate their Religion viz: impudent lyes and slanders against their Adversaries, or who refuse to submit to the Conduct and government of the Roman Church. This Method Rome Pagan used for the extirpation of Christianity: and this Me­thod Rome Christian hath used for the pro­pagation of Popery.

That Rome Heathen took this course to suppresse the the growth, yea the being of Christianity, is very clear from Eccle­siastical Hystory. When Nero that mon­ster of men, had set Rome on fire, which burned nine dayes, to transfer the Odium of that impious act upon the Christians, he gave out that they had done it out of malice and revenge. And after wards the Heathen raised many malicious slanders [Page 105] against them, and laid to their charge most horrid crimes; as that they lived in in­cest: that in their night meetings, put­ting out the Candles, they mixed toge­ther in a filthy manner: that they killed their Children, and fed upon mans flesh: that they kept the Feasts of Thyestes, and committed the incest of Oedipus: that they were guilty of Sacr [...]ledge and Sedition, and Rebellion, and worshipped the head of an Asse. In Athens there was a Con­jurer which made an Image of Jupiter, that uttered these words, Jupiter com­mands the Christians to be banished out of this City, because they are enemies to him. Harlots also were suborned to swear that formerly they had been Christians, and so were privie to the wickednesse and im­piety which they committed amongst themselves at their Sabbath-meetings. Vid: Tertul: Apol: c. 7. 9. &c. These and many more such like calumnies we meet w [...]th in Eusebius, and other Ecclesi [...]stical Hystorians; by which the hearts of the Common people were set against Christianity, and the Emperours and other inferiour Governours incensed a­gainst the Professors of it. The truth of this appeares by an Epistle which the Christians in France writ to the Brethren [Page 106] in Asia, and Phrygia recorded by Euse­bius: They feigned against us (speaking of the Heathen) and reported that we used feast­ings Eccles: Hyst lib: 5. cap. 1 of Thyestes, and the in [...]est of Oedipus, with many other Crimes, which may neither with piety be thought upon, nor with modesty be uttered, nor without impiety believed: And these things being bruited abroad, every body was moved and incensed against us. Then was that saying of our Saviours fulfilled viz: The time will come, when as every one that slayeth you, shall thinke that therein he doth God good Service. Then suffered the holy Martyrs such torments as no tongue can ex­presse. Great was the rage both of people and Presidents against us &c. To this I could adde many more proofs out of Eusebius: but that is needlesse.

And that the Pope of Rome and his Factors have observed the same Method to propagate their Doctrines, is most noto­rious. How have they loaden with Ca­lumnies and false accusations the Enemies of their Church, especially those of the reformed Religion. They charge us Pro­testants with infidelity, cruelty, impiety, and what not.

1. With infidelity; that we dis-believe the Existence of God, the Divinity and [Page 107] Humanity of Christ, the immortality of the soul, the resurrection of the dead, and all the Articles of the Christian Re­ligion.

2. With cruelty. How have they ag­gravated Sands: p. 98. our proceedings here in England against their rebellious Priests, and Com­plices in Queen Elizabeths time, to the height of Nero's, and Dioclesians Perfe­cutions, and the Sufferers of their side in merits of cause, in extremity of torments; & in patience & constancy to the renown­ed Martyrs of that hercical age. Of this Subject they have published a great Ʋolume compiled with great industry (many pas­sages being illustrated with pictures) and approved by Authority; in short, there's nothing wanting but truth and honesty.

3. With impiety; that all manner of Crimes are committed and countenanced amongst us. Bellarmine saith that there are many wicked men among the Roman Catholicks, but not one good man among the Lutheran Hereticks. Their Fryars raised and published many foul slanders against the Waldenses, as that they were Sorcerers Buggerers &c. that when they assembled together in the night-time, their Pastors commanded the light [...] to be [Page 108] put out, saying, Qui potest capere, capiat, whereupon they committed abominable Incests, the Son with his Mother, the Brother with his Sister, the Father with his daughter &c. They tell the people both in Pulpit and private Conferences, (saith Sands) ‘that the Lutherans and Calvinists are blasphemers of God and p. 118. &c. all his Saints, that they abolish the Sa­craments; that they raze or rob Churches, and convert them into Sta­bles; that there is no kind of villany which is not currant among them; that in England they have neither Churches, nor form of Religion, nor serve God any way; that the English since their apostacy from the Roman Church are become so barbarous, that their Souldi­ers are very Cannibals, and eat young Children. But upon Geneva they are most severe, affirming that it is a pro­fessed Sanctuary of all impiety, giving entertainment to all the Rogues, Tray­tors, and Rebels of other Countries.’ This was so confidently reported in Italy (saith the fore-cited Author) that some Fryars, having robbed their Converts of their Church-plate, and Repositonies, they brought them in triumph to Geneva: but [Page 109] contrary to their expectation they were forthwith advanced to the Gibbet for their labour; which usage caused them to com­plain of their false information. And in Spain also was this report so firmly believ­ed, that a Spanish Gallant, who carried a mint about him, repaired thither to have stāps made him for the coyning of Pistolets. Being apprehended, his defence was, that he understood their City was free, & gave receipt to all offenders. It was answe [...]ed, that they received all offēders, but punish­ed their offences. A distinction which the grave Donne had not heard of before, & the learning of it then cost him no lesse than his life.

And that these calumnies might with more ease be credited by the Ʋulgar, they confidently report the great Promoters of the Reformation (as we Hereticks call it) viz: Luther, Calvin, Beza &c. to be men of loose principles and licentious practices.

Bellarmine affirmeth of Luther, that he justifies the Arrians, and saith, they did ve­ry well in expelling the word (Homousion) being a word that his soul hated. Praefat: disp: de Christo. Again, That faith ex­cept it be without (even the least) good works, doth not justify, and is not faith. Bellar: [Page 110] de Justific: lib: 1. cap. 12. Luther aver­reth that the ten Commandments belong not to us; for God did not lead us, but the Jewes out of Egypt. And how can a man prepare himselfe to good; seeing it is not in his power to make his wayes evil. For God worketh the wicked work of the wicked. Marquesse of Worcester. And concerning his death Thyraeus the Jesuite tells us this Storie: That the same day that Luther dy­ed, there was at Gheola a Town in Brabant many persons possessed of devils, that waited on their St. Dimna for deliverance, and were all that day delivered; but the next day they were all possessed again: whereupon the Exorcist asked the devils where they had been the day before; and they answered, that they were commanded by their Prince to be at the fu­neral of their fellow Labourer Luther. And for proof of this, Luthers own Servant that was with him at his death, looking out at the window, did more then once to his great terror, see a company of ugly sp [...]rits leaping and dancing without &c. De Daemonaicis cap. 8. pag: 16.

And Calvin they charge with these blasphemous passages: That God is the Author of all the evil thats done in the world: That in the death of Christ occurs a spectacle [Page 111] full of desperation. Marq: That Christ de­spaired upon the Crosse, and was damned. Bellar: de Christi Anima lib: 4. c. 8. And de Notis Eccles: lib: 4. cap: 17. he saith, that Calvin was eaten up of worms, even as Antiochus, Herod, and Maximinus. And then adds, that he dyed cursing and blas­pheming.

Of Beza they write that a little before Sands. p. 101. his death, he had in full Senate at Geneva recanted his Religion, exhorting them, if they had any care to save their souls, to seek reconciliation with the Roman Church, and to send for some Jesuites to instruct them.

Zuinglius affirms (saith the Marquesse) that these sayings, and such like, if thou wilt enter into life, keep the Commandments &c. are superfluous, and Hyperbolical: That when we commit adultery, or murther it is the work of God, being the mover, the author or inciter &c. God moveth the Thief to kill—he is forced to sin &c.

Some of these, and many more of the like nature (which I have not time to mention) you may find in the Marquesse of Worcesters papers to King Charles 1. all which are fully detected by our learned Mr. Cartwright in the second part of his [Page 112] Cer [...]am [...]n Religiosum. And thus we have dispatched the first thing propounded; shew'd you by what Arts and Polic [...]es the Whore of Babylon hath advanced her self, and deluded the Nations. And who ever considers the nature of them, how con­trariant they are to all Lawes both Divine and humane, and what dreadful menaces are annexed to them in sacred Writ,, can­not doubt of the truth of this Proposition (which was the second thing propounded) viz: That the wayes and methods which Rome Papal hath used to advance her selfe, and propagate her Doctrines, will bring inevi­table ruin, and destruction upon her.

CHAP. IX. Some practicall Inferences from the foregoing Discourse.

ARe these the Wayes and Methods which the Pope and his Factors have used to propagate their doctrines?

1. Here then we may see how it comes to passe that the Church of Rome hath such a numerous company of Proselytes. There was never Government framed by the wit of man more powerful to attain it [...] designed ends, than that of Rome; never any either more wisely contrived, [...] [Page 113] more diligently observed; insomuch that but for the natural weaknesse of falshood and dishonesty, their external meanes were sufficient to prevail upon the whole world to submit unto it. Whatsoever either wealth can sway with the lovers, or voluntary poverty w [...]th the despisers of the world; what honour with the am­bitious, or obedience with the humble; what great employments with active spi­rits, or perpetual quiet with restive bodies; what satisfaction the pleasant nature can take in sports and pastimes, or the austere mind in discipline and rigour; what love either Chastity can raise in the pure, or voluptuousnesse in the dissolute; what change of vowe; with the rash, or of E­state with the inconstant; what pardons with the guilty, or supplyes with the in­digent; what Miracles with the Credu­lous, and Visions with the Phantastical; what glorious shewes with the Vulgar, and multitude of Ceremonies with the superstitious; in short, whatsoever is congruent and complacential to the vari­ous tempers and dispositions of men, is to be found in the Church of Rome.

To conclude, never was there a Politie or Government in the world so strangely [Page 114] compacted of infinite contrarieties, all tending to entertain and gratifie the se­veral humours of men; and by Conse­quence more powerful to attain the ends of its institution.

2. Let us then thankfully acknowledge the infinite goodnesse and mercy of God in our signal deliverances from their Plots and Conspiracies, especially that of this day. I know the Anniversarie remem­b [...]ance of this eminent Deliverance trou­bles our Adversaries of Rome: they love not to hear of their impious designes, when not crowned with successe. Some Romanists would gladly have the world believe it to be a m [...]er cheat, onely a Trick of Salisbury, then Secretary of State; and for proofe they very gravely tell us this Storie, That one lurking under the Council-Table (and upon what jealousy came he there?) conceal'd by the long Car­pet, heard much of the Contrivance. A Tal [...] so ridiculous, that to endeavour its confutation, would argue one more im­pertinent, than the Tale-teller. If this were a Cheat, and known so to be, would no [...] Father Parsons, and others have va­poured w [...]th [...]t all the world over? Would they have concealed such a thing, that [Page 115] would have cleared up their innocency, and cast so much filth and dirt upon us? No man (who ha [...]h seen their Writings) can imagine that they were such Friends to us, and such Enemies to their own C [...]use and Credit.

That there really was such a Plot, can­not be deny'd till all Hystories be purged.

And that it was approved and promo­ted not only by a few inconsiderable per­sons (as others suggest) is not lesse evi­dent. Sir William Stanley, Sir Edmund Bainham, Father Parsons Rector of the English Colledge in Rome, William B [...]ldwin the Leg [...]er Jesuite in Flanders, Arhur Crefwell Legier for their cause in Spain, Hugh Owen with many others be­yond the Seas were acquainted with this bloody design, and highly commended it. Nay some of these solicited the King of Spain to have an Armie in ready­nesse at the water-side to waft over into England, when notice should be given of that fatal blow.

In May 1605. (the Romanists having made an Insurrection in Wales) Father Garnet writ a letter to the Pope, that a command might come from his Holynesse, or from Aquavica General of the Jesuits, [Page 116] to prevent all commotions of the Catho­licks here in England, that we might be lull'd asleep by their dissembled quietnesse and conformity. This request was gran­ted; though his other viz: to have it in­joyn'd upon Censures, was deny'd, least it might be an impediment to that grand design. Peruse the Relation of the whole proceedings against those barbarous Trai­tors, where you will find all this, and much more confessed by them.

Again, that the Pope was privie to this [...]. Andrews Respons: ad Apol: Bel­larm: c. 5. p. 11 [...]. Plot, and approved of it, is clear from the voluntary Confession of a Jesuite, who affirm'd, that three Bulls were sent from Rome upon this occasion; and should have been published in three of the chiefest places of England, had their design suc­ceeded: but that failing, they were sup­prest.

That the remembrance of this great deliverance may more affect us, let us consider it with all its adjuncts and cir­cumstances. We say that in Morals, the Circumstance is more then the substance: So many times in deliverances, the ad­juncts may be more than the matter. The cutting of a Stone may be more precious than the stone it selfe; and the stamp and [Page 117] workmanship of more value than the Metal. I cannot say so here; but doubt­lesse these two Adjuncts viz: freenesse and fulnesse, doe adde much to the glory of it.

1. Observe how freely we were deli­vered from the bloody complotments of our Roman Adversaries. Many signal deliverances hath God wrought for his Church in former Ages, but was there ever any so free as this? God delivered his Church from the barbarous conspiracy of Haman: but what prayers, and teares, and fastings did it cost Esther, and Mor­decai, and the Jewes ere they could ob­tain it? 4 Esth: 16. But this deliver­ance came not upon the wings of our pray­ers, but Gods free mercy; we were ig­norant of our danger, and therefore could not make Deliverance the Subject of our prayers. Masses were said in Rome for the good successe of the Catholick Design, but no prayers were made in England for our deliverance from it: and yet deliver­ed. In a word, we were delivered, before we sought deliverance.

2. Observe how fully we were deli­vered. The Plot was laid for a full de­struction, to cut off the King, Queen, and their hopeful Issue, our honourable [Page 118] Nobility, our reverend Clergies, our grave and learned Judges, the flower of our Gentry, yea the Protestant Religion. No Countrie, nor Age ever brought forth such a Monster of Treason; saith Thuanus, speaking of the Powder-Plot. Histor: lib: 135. p. 1215. No stroke so mortal as that of a Thunder-bolt, no hatred so cruel as that which fetcheth its pretences from Heaven. The losse of a particular person is oft-times, but like the putting out of a Candle, which brings onely darknesse to a roome: but the ruine of a State, is like the Eclipse of the Sunne, which brings a detriment to the whole Hemisphere.

And observe how fully God defeated their bloody design: there was not the least hurt done. This deliverance was like that of the three Children in the fiery furnace 3 Dan: 27, There was not so much as an hair of their head singed, neither were their [...]oats changed, nor the smell of fire had passed on them. Or like that of Jerusalem from the fury of Sen [...]cherib, who coming up against that City full of pride and rage, intended nothing lesse than the utter ruine and destruction of it: but faith God, he shall not shoot an arrow there. Even thus were we delivered.

O let us be for ever thankful for this free and full, this eminent and glorious deliverance! not only verbally, but re­ally; with our lips, and in our lives. It is observable that the Israelites gracious de­liverance out of Egypt is made the Preface to the ten Commandments. Holynesse of life is the life of thankfulnesse.

How apt we are to fail in the perfor­mance of this duty is too evident both from sacred Writ▪ and daily experience. How did Gods own people abuse signal and transcendent mercies? not only by entertaining low and mean thoughts of them, but even by sinning against the Author of them. Can there be a greater wickednesse, than for a Pensioner of the Court who receives an ample Stipend from the King, to lay it out in buying poison to destroy him, or in raising, rebellion to dethrone him? And what is it that such men doe lesse, who abuse the mer­cies of God to the service of their lusts: and turn them, as Israel did the Jewels of the Egyptians, which God had given them, into a cursed Idol, before which bow'd and worshipped?

Such a foul sin it is, that it were to be wished, that no example could ever be [Page 120] produced of it; or that it had been con­fin'd to the generations that are long since past: that Jesurun had been the last, that waxed fat and kicked. 32 Deut. 15. or that the Prophet had made the last complaint, that Gods Corne, and Wine, and Oyle, and Silver, and Gold were em­ploy'd in the Service of Baal. His: 2. 8. But alas its a sin that lives to this day; a sin that England is deeply guilty of. If we compare this Land with other Nations and Churches, we shall find our Portion to be like that of the First born, double to what any of our Brethren in other Kingdomes have enjoyed. What blessing is it, that deserves to be stiled matchlesse, transcendent, glorious, which God hath not conferr'd upon us? If Peace be it, we have had it; if Plenty, we have had it; if Victory, we have had it; if the Gospel, we have have had it. Our im­placable Enemies of Rome have attempted all wayes, that wit or malice could invent, to deprive us of what is, and ought to be most dear unto us, and bring upon us the heavy Yoke of Popish Tyranny and Super­stitions, which neither we, nor our Fa­thers were able to bear.

If cursing could have done it, what a miserable and forlorn People had we been at this day? How often hath Balack sent to Balaam, come curse Israel, come defy England? and how often hath that Balaam cursed our Israel. We have heard of his Anniversarie Anathema's, wherein this Church and State have been struck with the thunder and lightning of his Papal curse. But the curse causlesse (saith Solo­mon) shall not come. And we may say to England, as Moses did to Israel con­cerning Balaams curse. Deut: 23. 5. Neverthelesse, the Lord thy God would not hearken unto Balaam: but the Lord thy God turned the curse into a blessing unto thee, because the Lord thy God loved thee.

And if power and policy could have done it, we had been a wretched and ruin'd people long ago; witnesse the Spanish Armado, and the Gun-powder-Plot. These Archers of Rome have sorely grieved us, and shot at us, and hated us. But our Bow hath abode in strength, and the arms of our hands have been made strong, by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob. Gen: 49: 23, 24.

O but how sadly have we abused these signal mercies and deliverances! How is [Page 122] that mercy of mercies sleighted by us, nay a burden to us, which should be priz­ed above all the endearments of this world, I mean, the Gospel of salvation? How have we wasted these mercies, as the Prodigal did his Portion, upon our lusts and filthinesse? we have streng­then'd our hands by them in rebellion a­gainst the Author of them. Not onely the banks of Religion, but Cavility too are broken down. Whereas 'tis usually said, that ill manners produce good lawes, we have reverst the Aphorisme, and the good precepts of our Religion have introduced the most corrupt manners. Our holy Faith which, like a foundation should support good works, hath like a Gulfe swal­lowed them up. And so universal a depra­vation is there amongst us, that we have scorce any thing left to distinguish us from the most barbarous people, but a better [...]ame and worse vices. How many give no other demonstration of their belief of a Deity, than their Oaths and blasphe­mies? and in stead of calling unto mercy to save them, their ordinary prayer is, God damne them. How many think it a [...]iece of gallantry to scoffe at Religion, [...]oll upon God, and make sport with his [Page 123] lawes? In aword, how many think it an argument of judgment to be above the fol­lies of Conscience, and the height of courage to defy Heaven, and outdare the Almighty? O tell it not in Gath, nor publish it in the streets of A [...]kelon, that a people, whom God hath so signally own'd, and miraculously delivered, should thus requite the Lord.

How justly may we expect some remar­kable judgments as the product of these monstrous impieties? and that if we con­sider, that sins against mercy are commit­ted against a darling attribute of God, which of all others he most delights to re­veal, and make known to the Sons of men, Now the more any sin is injurious to this attribute of mercy, the more black it must needs be. No darknesse is more formi­dable, than that of an Eclipse, which as­saults the very Vessels of light; no taste more unsavory, than that of sweet things, when corrupted: even so no sinne more hideous, than that which would darken the brightnesse of Gods love, and corrupt the sweetnesse of his mercy; and there­fore none more provoking to wrath and jealousie.

To conclude, let us not frantickly de­fie [Page 124] that omnipotency, which we are not able to resist, nor despise that goodnesse which is our only refuge: but since it hath pleased God in wrath to remember mer­cy, let us transcribe his Copy, and be as kinde to our selves, as he hath been to us. O that we may take pattern from Niniveh, cry, and cry mightily unto God, joyn humi­liation to our prayers, and reformation to both. And could we be perswaded to doe this with the same sincerity and universa­lity, we might hope with the same successe. Would all who have brought their fire­brands, bring also their teares, it might secure us such a tranquility here, as may calmly convoy us to that impassible state, where all teares shall be wiped from our eyes. And so much for the second Inference.

3. Think not then of an accommodati­on with the Church of Rome. It hath been the desire of many, and the endeavour of some to work a reconciliation betwixt our Church and that of Rome: these have at­tempted an impossibility. No communi­on between light and darknesse, truth and falshood, Christ and Antichrist. The North and South Poles may sooner meet, than an accommodation with the Church of Rome be effected. Come out of Baby­lon [Page 125] is the voice from Heaven; come out in affection, [...]nd come out in person: se­parate far from them. Say with Jacob Gen: 49. 6, 7. O my soul come not thou in­to their secret: unto their assembly, mine honour, be not thou united. Cursed be their Principles for they are Damnable, and their Practices for they are cruel.

4. Much lesse then think of returning to Rome. Stand fast in that truly Ancient, Catholick, and Apostolick Faith, which you have received. This Exhortation cannot be adjudg'd unnecessarie, if we consider that Romes Factors, the great Whores Panders are crafty and subtile to se­duce men to their Religion. See how the Spirit of God describes them, 9 Rev: 1, 2. &c. The Papists confesse that here by the Starre fallen from heaven is meant the Master of some error and heresie, and by the Locusts that arise out of the earth, the Teachers of these heresies.

This Starre (saith our learned King James in his Paraphrase on Revel:) is the Pope of Rome: and the Locusts that in­fect the aire, are Monks, Fryars, Jesu­ites &c. They have Crowns of gold, the the faces of men, and hair like Women: all al­luring, enticing, and tempting. And that [Page 126] you may stand fast in the truth, and not be seduced to Popery, I wi [...] commend to you (passing by many others) these two directions.

1. Doe not nourish any known sin. The Jewel of faith can never be kept in a crack'd Cabinet, a crazy Conscience He who puts away a good conscience, con­cerning faith will soon make shipwrack. 1 Tim: 1. 19. P [...]ophane Gospellers be­come a prey to those that goe abirding for souls with their corrupt Doctrines. 2 Thes: 2. 10, 11. The Apostle here describes the persons that shall be seduced by Anti­christ: they are such as walk after their lusts, and will not receive the love of the truth. These like the out-setting Deer are shot, while they within the Pale are safe.

2. Read the Scriptures carefully and constantly. It was the Speech of a dying Arch-Bishop of this place to his Chaplain, that in all the word of God, he could not find the least ground for Poperie. And so much, [...]y more is confessed by certain Bishops in Bononia in their Letter of Advice to the Pope concerning the establishment of the pag: 6. Roman Church: Lastly (which amongst the counsels and directions given to your Holynesse at this time, is chiefest and most weighty) [Page 127] the greatest care and diligence must be used, that as little of the Gospel as may be (especi­ally in the Ʋulgar Tongue) be read in these Cities which are within your Dominions. Let that little suffice, which is wont to be read in the Masse: and more than that let no mor­tal be allow'd to read. For so long as men were content with that little, your affairs succeeded according to desire; but quite o­therwaies since so much of the Scriptures was publickly read. In short this is the Book, which above all others, hath raised these storms and tempests. And truly, if any one read that Book viz: the Scriptures, and ob­serve the customes & pract [...]ses of our Church, will see that there is no agreement betwixt them, and that the Doctrine which we preach is altogether different from, and sometimes contrary to that contained in the Bible.

This Letter or Epistle was first disco­vered by Vergerius, after the death of Pope Paulus 3. saith Crashaw: and Wolfius gives us a large account of it, Lection: Memorab: Tom: 2. p. 549.

Carefully and conscientiously observe these directions, and I doubt not but you will be preserved from, or enabled to o­vercome all temptations to Popery. I [Page 128] will conclude with one of the Collects appointed for this day.

O LORD, Who didst this day discover the snares of death that were said for us, and didst wonderfully deliver us from the same; Be thou still our mighty Protector, and scatter our Ene­mies that delight in blood. Infatuate and defeat their counsels, abate their pride, asswage their malice, and confound their devices. Strengthen the hands of our gracious King Charles, and all that are put in authority under him, with judg­ment and justice, to cut off all such work­ers of iniquity, as turn religion into re­bellion, and faith into faction; that then may never prevail against us, or triumph in the ruine of thy Church among us: But that our gracious Soveraign and his Realmes, being preserved in thy true Religion, and by thy mercifull goodnesse protected in the same, we may all duly serve thée, and give thee thanks in thy holy Congregation, through Iesus Christ our Lord. Amen.