Hand but when they had the outward Power then they turned Persecutors especially the Bishops of Rome when they had the outward Power on their Side then they were worâ—e then Constantine the great who gave Liberty to all Christians and others to worship God without forcing of any as their Actions following afterwards make it appear for being countenanced by the Emperor they grew proud and lordly and increasing in Power and outward Authority though set up at first by the Emperor at last excluded him from having any Authority or Power over the See of Rome as after a Season may be made appear In the year 367 Damasus was Bishop of Rome eighteen years Also in the first three or four hundred years before ever the Bishop of Rome did get so high as to be called Universal Bishop Abundance of Darkness spread over and Abundance of Idolatry and superstitious Things were invented and Abundance of Orders as Fryars and Monks and Monasteries and Nunneries wherein they were diverted from the Order of the Gospel and a great Apostacy came in In the year two hundred sixty two Anthony is called the Father of the Monks who followed the Example of Paulus born at Thebes in Egypt who retired himself to a private cave under the Foot of a Rock in the seventh Persecution of Decius and one called Basil is said to be the first that built Monasteries and ordained Vows of Poverty Chastity and Obedience and these are called the Monks of Basil's order and are bound to abstain from all kind of Flesh and here began this Doctrine of Devils contrary to the Doctrines of the Apostles of Christ the next that prescribed Orders was Augustine born in the Year three hundred fifty this Order was called Austin-Fryars they wear a Leathern Girdle to distinguish them from the Monks the first Order of the Fryars was Mendicants the third that prescribed Orders was Benedict in the year four hundred seventy two and out of this Order did spring the Monks of Benedict and divers other Orders which I have mentioned before in the former Part of the Book the fourth that prescribed Orders was Francis of Assis these were called Franciscans or Grey-Fryars their Rule and Order was confirmed by Innocent the third these are the fourth Order of Fryars-Mendicants or begging-Fryars and from this Order sprung Fryars-Minories or Capucien-Fryars Minories were ordained by Franciscus de Pola and Capuciens were ordained by one Matthew Basa of Acona the Jesuites were first founded by Ignatius Loyola born in Navar these were first confirmed by Paul the third The Nuns first Author was one Clara the Daughler of Assis who forsook her Father's House and devised an Order of Religious Women who vowed Poverty and Virginity they were confirmed by Honorius the third but many of these and their practiceâ— which are contrary to the primitive time being before mentioned in this book I shall let them pass and so return to the Bishops of Rome but divers contentions and sects began to break forth and the Bishops not only of Rome but of Alexandria and Nicomedia and Miletus and one clashing against another Alexander Bishop of Alexandria and Eusebeus Bishop of Nicomedia and many Bishops in other places joyning one to one side and one to another and envying one another insomuch that as Eusebius saith a man might have seen not only the presidents and chief Rulers of the churches envying one against another with spightful opprobrious Terms and also the multitude severed into parts that the christian Religion was openly derided of all men and so called Councils and Synods and condemned one another and excommunicated one another as Hereticks and so went out of the Long suffering and patience and Forbearance which the Apostle exhorted unto And so no less then four hundred years many run wholly out into contention about Dayes Meats and Drinks some running this Way and some that Way and forging things upon the Apostles and the Churches in Asia saying that John the Disciple gave them an Order to observe Easter the fourteenth day of the Moneth and Rome and the Western parts alledge Peter and Paul for their Author how they left them this tradition both alike true for this came up more by custom then any Injunction from the Apostles or tradition either for they condemned such things in their Life time and called them beggerly Rudiments such as inhabit at Rome they began to make Fasts and fasted three Weeks before Easter excepting the Saturday and the Sunday Illyricum Greece and Alexandria began their Fasting-dayes six Weeks before Easter and that they call forty dayes fasting or Lent others begin seven Weeks before Easter yet in all the while they use Abstinency but only fifteen days and have intermission among these dayes and yet call these forty dayes fasting or Lent so that they disagreed in the time disagreed in the Moneths disagreed in the Dayes and Times and in the Abstinence and contended about these things as for Life and Death and excommunicating one another and judging one another Hereticks and at last when they got Power killed one another and stirred up the Emperors one against another and this in the 350 or 400. years after Christ. And all this fasting was but from some Meat as though some had been clean and some had been unclean some abstained only from Flesh and fed only upon Fish and all other creatures others upon Fish and Fowls of the Air affirming their Original is of the Water and so no Flesh and other some fasted till nine of the clock and then eat of divers Sorts as they pleased and here was their Fast and their Lent about which was all this contention and Stir all which Practices are condemned in the Apostles Writings and such Ignorance and Hypocrisie for the Kingdom of God stands not in Meats and Drinks and yet the Protestants and they that call themselves Reformed will needs press these things as holy Institutions whenas it is manifest when the Christians in former dayes began to judge one another about these things and strive and bite one another and devour one another they lost the Power and then Mystery-Baâ—ylon began to rise these things became her Merchandize and these Practices came to be called Christianity which Christ and his Apostles would have been ashamed of And about the Sacrament great contention arose as about the time and manner some did receive the Bread and Wine every Sabbath-Day yet Alexandria and Rome do not use it yet the Egyptians â—oyned to Alexandria and the Inhabitants of Thebes they had an other Order they did receive it when they had banquetted and filled themselves with Delicates and then received their Communion and they judged one another in these things In Thessaloniea Macedonia and Hellas in Achaia they baptize only on the Easter-holy-dayes Likewise in Hellâ—s Jerusalem and Thessalica their Service they said with candlelight likewise in Caesaria Cappadocia and at Cyprus the Priests and Bishops expound the Scripture on the
should be the greatest and said unto them The Gentiles exercise Lordship one over another but it shall not be so amongst you and though Peter and the rest of the Apostles who were in the Power of God had that which did open into the Kingdom of God and shut out that which did defile yet this we are sure of he sold no Pardons nor Indulgences for Gain and filthy Lucre as many have done whom you call Peter's Successors and Christ's Vicar and Universal Bishop and visible Head but it is manifest how the Pope became visible Head and Universal Bishop not because of any Work or Labour in the Doctrine of Christ or the Work of the Gospel but by means of the Roman Emperor for while the Christians were under Persecution and Suffering there was no talk of visible Heads or much of Universal Bishop for then Rome had no more Priority then the rest for the Churches at Constantinople at Jerusalem at Caesaria at Cyprus and Alexandria for the first three hundred Years they had as much Power in their several Churches as Rome had and often the Elders or Bishops of the afore-said Churches did reprove sharply the Bishop of Rome but at last above five hundred Years or upwards Phocas to aspire to the Empire of Rome he murthered his own Master Mauritius and his Children to attain unto the Empire so at that time Boniface the third was Bishop of Rome and Phocas somewhat fearing and willing to have Boniface his Favour condesceâ—deth to all his Petitions and grants him to be Universal head-head-Bishop over all Christian Churches and there was the first rise of Rome â—s visible Head for this frivolous Reason of being Peter's Successor could never have raised him to that height but then the Emperor's Power and Authority became to be the more forcible Plea for before that time the Bishops of Rome were chosen by the Emperor's consent but after he had got Power Emperors could not be chosen but by the Popes consent and then came the Bishop of Rome to be a visible Head and be called Universal Bishop Christs Vicar a Lord spiritual over all the Churches and in process of time Lord temporal over all the Empire And thus your Church of Rome became magnificent and great to sit as a Queen upon the Waters Nations Kindreds and Tongues as you acknowledge your Church of Rome hath spread over and here is a Head and a Body which are joyned together in Union Christ is the Head of the true Body which is his Church and his Wife and Antichrist he is the visible Head of his visible Church and Wife Mystery-Baâ—ylon The next piece of Merchandize which the Authâ—r brings forth to view is Purgatory and prayer to be made for the dead and also prâ—yer unto Saints and the Authors proof is 1 Cor. 3.15 wheâ—e he Apostle speaks Every mans Work shall be tryed and that Work whâ—ch will not abide the Fire must be Burnt and this the Author calls The Fire of another World and Prayer for the Dead he proves out of 12 of Maccabees and prayer to the Saints he sayes it's lawful to Pray in this Wâ—rld unto good People and Paul while he lived did Pray for others and also did beg their Prayers And the Angel in the first of Zachary prayed for Iâ—rael and there can be no harm in Praying to them that can Pray for us Answ. They that dwell in the shadow of death are lik to speak out of thick darkness they that have made a Covenant with Death are loath to have it broken and they that have a mind to continue in Sin while they live have a mind to put the Evil day afar off Judgment afar off Evil-doers will never have it time to give account for their Evil deeds and so put it off till they are Dead and to another World and let â—he Devil have Prehemience in their Hearts while they live and reckon their Sins venial and Light faults this is contrary to the Doctrine of the true church of Christ and contrary to the Apostles Doctrine who said The Wages of Sin is death and there is no Sin goes Unpunished nor Unjudged and Sion is redeemed through Judgment and by the Spirit of burning and Purgatory is a Fiaction falshood and a Lye and there is no cleansing from Sin in another World Solomon saith As the Tree falleth whether to the North or to the South so shall the Tree lye and the Word of God who have received it in their Hearts which is as a Fire that purifies and the Blood of Christ is that which cleanseth from all Sin and there 's not any cleansâ—ng from any Sin but by it and there is no cleansing in another World but Purgatory hath been invented and Prayer for the Dead that thereby the Pope might be enriched and sell the invented Prayers and Aâ—e Maâ—â—es and so cheat People of their Money and there 's no Sacrifice to be offer'd for the Dead who dye in their Sins nor no Remission after this Life And as for praying to the Saints the Scripture makes no mention of and though Paul did Pray for others and beg the Prayers of others yet he prayed not for them when they were dead neither did beg the Prayer of the deâ—d but prayed for them who were Believers in the true Church and desired the Prayers of them that were living Members and were alive and lived in the World and were redeemed out of it and the Angel prayed not for the People of Israel when they were dead and that which thou calls Jeremy's prayer in the Maccabees was never spoken by the Spirit of the Lord nor the Offering was not made in the Will of God and the Prophet saith Though Abraham know us not and Israel be ignorant of us yet thou O Lord art our Father And the Lord said unto David Seek my Face and call upon me in the day of trouble and I will hear and Answer Not upon Mary Peter and Paul Dominick and Anthâ—ny Again it 's contrary to the Practice of the Saints in the Primitive times and contrary to the Doctrine of Christ who said unto his Disciples Whatsoever you ask in my Name the Father shall give it to you He doth not speak of any other Name neither is any Prayer or Supplication accepted of the Father but in the name of Christ alone So these Doctrines are false and Doctrines of Devils never commanded nor Practised by any of the Saints in the Primitive time but only have been invented and practised by the Apostatesâ— who have Erred from the Faith and Practice which was onâ—e delivered unto the Saints which the church of Rome hath made Ship-wrack of in many things which I have made appear and I shall proceed to more particulars to manifest it lest any should be beguiled with such deceitful Babylonish Merchandize which the Nations are too much corrupted with already The next false Doctrine which the Author layes down is That
is the mighty Power of God alone which must be waited for and believed in and received and made manifest in the Hearts of the People or else they cannot come out of the Apostacy nor see to the End of those Things that are to be abolished and this is that which must be witnessed by every Man that comes to be a living Stone of the holy City and a living Son of the free-Woman and true Member of the Heavenly Jerusalem which God hath caused to descend which is the Mother of all the Saints and the Womb that brings them all forth and the Breast at which they all suck and are satisfied and nourished up to everlasting Life These Sayings are faithful and true and blessed is he that heareth believeth and receiveth them And this is a Testimony of the People called Quakers whom God hath brought out of the Apostacy to the Beginning again to see the Brightneâ—s of the Day of the Lord wherein there is not a Cloud Furthermore it is manifest how many Things have been introduced and brought concerning Worship and Ordinances and are taught to be Doctrines of the primitive Times whenas they be brought in by Men of corrupt Minds in latter Ages which had lost the Faith once delivered to the Saints and had lost the Gospel-Order and compelled People by outward Law to submit unto them and yet all those Things they would fasten upon the Scriptures and bring some Scripture which they pervert as a Cloak and a Cover to blind People withal but I shall descend to some Particulars CHAP. V. Concerning sprinckling Infants AND first concerning Baptizing or Christening Infants as it hath been called which is without prescribed Command or Example commanded or ordained by Christ or his Apostles although many in these latter Ages have wrested the Scriptures thinking thereby to make their own Inventions to be reckoned or accounted to be the Ordinances of God and the main Ground which the greatest Rabbies have given hath been from these or the like Scriptures Go teach and baptize all Nations Mat. 28.19 But this is nothing at all to prove baptizing of Infants here Teaching was to go before Baptizing or Discipling as the Words may be rendered for they were not like to be Discipled which were untaught now Infants not being capable of teaching so are not capable of being made Disciples now to baptize Infants or sprinckle them with Water which are untaught and not capable of being Disciples is a ridiculous Thing and to do it so as the Church of Rome uses it and they who are separated from them is contrary to the Scriptures and there is no mention made of Water at all nor Infants and their other Scriptures they have offered for Proofs to prove this an Ordinance of Christ and why only because Christ took up Children into his Arms and blessed them and because he said Whosoever enters into the Kingdom of God must enter as a little Child these Scriptures have been tendered for good Proofs but the spiritual-minded will judge of the Weakness of them who offer these Things for a Proof But again it hath been said and accounted Orthodox that Baptism came in the Room of Circumcision but how they will prove it is yet unknown to many for the Scriptures make not mention of any such thing for one Type did never type out another but every Type typified a Substance Now Circumcision was a Type or a Figure and cutting off the Fore-skin was a Figure of Circumcision and cutting off the Fore-skin of the Heart now Baptism with Water is a Type or Figure 1 Pet. 3.21 which typed out the spiritual Washing or Regeneration and if Baptism of Infants came in the room of Circumcision then how do they agree in a Parallel the Males were only circumcised and why are the Females now baptized if Baptism came in the room of Circumcision Another Thing which hath been alledged for a Proof is that which Christ spoke to Nicodemus John 3.5 Except a Man be born again of Water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God from whence it hath been inferred by many that Baptism of Infants was absolutely necessary to Salvation Christ spoke of that which did regenerate and make anew and cleanse the Heart and of the clean Water which the Prophet Ezekiel spoke of which he would pour upon his People visible Water cleanseth not the inside neither doth regenerate but the Water which Christ giveth to every one that thirsteth to drink is the Water of Life and this washeth the inside and cleanseth the Heart and this is the washing of Regeneration which whosoever comes not to know cannot enter in the Kingdom of God because that which is deâ—â—led is shut out but they thaâ— do not loâ—k after the Substance have made an Idol of the Figure but the Church of Rome themselves which were the first Invenâ—ers and Setters up of this human Institution have said That this mâ—st be received by Tradition and not from the Scriptures because it could not be approved as a Commandment witness Claudias Espontiâ—â— a Popish Bishop at a Council at Pysoy in France 1500. and yet this Doctrine hath been held out to the Nations for Catholick and Apostolick which the primitive Churches made no mention of neither the Apostles taught any such Doctrine but was preached up by such who went out of the Light and from the Power into the Nations which became as Waters for the first Ordainer of Baptism of Infants and that they should have a God-father and God-mother was Ignatius Bishop of Rome long after the Apostles Dayes when Rome was got up into Pride claimed Authority over all Christian Churches to impose upon them whatever they listed for Doctrine and such dark things as these have been brought forth whereof mention might be made of many Things and what unsavoury Words as God fathers and God-mothers are used not only amongst them but also amongst the Protestants to this day who is God's Father or who is God's Mother is this Apostolick Doctrine as though God was begotten by Generation indeed is it not Blasphemy to affirm such things and also to hold up such things all which demonstrates these things to be in the Apostacy And therefore you who profess your selves that you are come out of the Apostacy and are reformed Churches for Shame leave off practising and pleading for the upholding such things which the Scriptures do not own or else the Practice of the Saints in former Ages will judge you And it hath been reckoned as absolute necessary to Salvation and therefore Victor Bishop of Rome did institute that the Children might be christened by a Lay-man or Lay-woman in time of Necessity because Infants were often in Danger as Polydore makes mention Lib. 4. CHAP. VI. Concerning the Sign of the Cross and ordaining of Parish Churches LIkewise the Sign of the Cross and the Chrisme are invented things which are in the Apostacy and therefore
Temple at Jerusalem to be Worshipped as God Herod who Mocked Christ with his Souldiers and set him at nought was banished and died miserablely he likewise put forth Caiphas the High Priest and afterwards in the forth Year of his Reign Caligula was slain Claudius Nero succeeded him and Reigned thirteen years a grievous Tyrant and an hater of all Good by him was James the Son of Zebedee Martyred and Simon and Parmenâ—s the second of the seven Deâ—cons Martyred and Thomâ—s who preached to the Medes and Persians was slain with a dart in his Reign about this time Simon Zelotes who Preached in Africa was crucified Andrew and Matthew the one crucified and the other slain with a Spear Matthias and Philip the one was crucified and the other Stoned to Death About the 62 year after Christ James the Son of Alpheus called the Brother of Christ was Stoned to death with many more and Mark slain at Alexandria Domitius Nero began his Reign about the sixty seventh year after Christ he Reigned fourteen years Emperour of Rome under him was the first of the ten Roman Persecutions he caused the Christians of all Ages Sects and sorts to suffer he commanded Rome to be set on Fire in twelve places and to avoid the infamy thereof he accused the Christians with it and caused them to be persecuted and put to Death and in the latter end of his Reign Paul was put to Death for the Testimony of the Faith of Christ. In the year sixty nine this Nero was afterwards proclaimed by the Senate of Rome an Enemy to all Mankind and condemned to be drawn through the City and to be Whipt to Death for fear of which he fled and afterwards slew himself and the Church had Rest for a season from Persecution after him In the ninety sixth year began Domitian the Emperour to Reign who began the second Persecution who was a Blasphemer against God and an Idolater In his dayes was Simon Bishop of Jerusalem crucified and John the Evangelist banished into the Isle of Patmos but after the Death of Domitian he was released by Pertinax this Domitian the Emperour fearing the coming of Christ again commanded that all that could be found of the stock of David in Jewry should be slain and many false Accusations were brought against the Christians and the Inquisition was this Swear the Truth whether thou art indeed a Christian and if they confessed they were condemned and put to Death for that alone Clement succeeded Anacletus the Bishop of Rome and after him Everistus who was martyred under Trajanus in the 102 year after Christ. In the Reign of Trajanus the Emperor began the third persecution of the Christians Simon who was said to be Christ's kinsman was Bishop of Jerusalem and Ignatius Bishop of Antioch who suffered Martyrdom in the Reign of Trajanus in the year 111. with many other of the Christians who were destroyed in this persecution the churh of Rome was not so highly exalted as afterwasd she usurped Authority neither were the Officers thereof nor Bishops so corrupt as afterwards they came to be both in Doctrine and Practice Marcus Antonius Verus began the forth Persecution in the year 162. in whose time a great number who professed Christ suffered cruel Deaths in Asia and in France and other parts among whom was Polycarpuâ— the Bishop of Smyrna this persecution continued thirteen years The church had some rest under the Reign of Lucius Antonius Comadus and then the Christians began to wrangle and jangle about the celebration of Easter and about Observations of Times and Feasts and run into things outward and contended about them and so weakned themselves and hurt one another Alexander Bishop of Rome succeeded Everistus and Telesphorus succeeded him likewise and Higinus and Pius and Ansatus Soler and Elutherius all these were Bishops of Rome but many things began to creep in in their time but being kept under by the Roman Emperors they did not get much outward Power because they had no outward compelling Laws to force their Institutions in divers things which were contrary unto the former Apostles Practices yet notwithstanding there was something of Truth and of the Power of it kept and they testified against the Idolatry of the Heathen and so suffered death Severus succeeded in the Empire about the year 195. under whom was the fifth Persecution against the Christians who reigned eighteen years in the beginning of his reign he was somewhat favourable to the Christians but afterwards through the malicious suggestions and accusations of wicked men he was so enraged and incensed against the Christians that by proclaimation he commanded through the Empire that no Christians any more should be suffered whereby a great number were destroyed and killed as Eusebius saith in his 6 th Book about the year 205. This Severus the Emperor was slain in Brittain about the year 214. and was buried at York Aurelius Alexander Severus began his reign about 224. at this time the Church had gotten some rest from Persecution at this time the Christians had gotted some House or Place to meet in in this time of rest in Rome and the Cooks and Tiplers challenged it to belong to them the matter being brought before the Heathen Emperor Severus he judged it to be more honest and reasonable that this Place should be continued to the Christians to worship God in then that the Cooks and Victualers and Tiplers should enjoy it by this all may understand that there was no great Minsters Steeple-houses or Places called Churches erected in Rome unto this time for the Christians although there is so much ado in this time about Steeple-houses and Minsters and Parish-churches within this latter Age by them that are run into visible things have been so strongly pressed for a house of God and a holy Church so that in this time the Christians had no Mass-houses with Steeples and Crosses and Bells and Organs standing East and West which are pleaded for to be decent and holy Institutions yet notwithstanding the Moderation of this Emperor Galistus and Urbanus Bishops of Rome were put to death but yet the Bishops of Rome did not arrogate to themselves to be universal and these were not called Popes though divers superstitious things crept in and were allowed by the said Bishops and they were declining from the Doctrine and Practice of the Apostles in the first century and this was about the year 226. Maximinius the next was chosen Emperor rather by the wilfulness of Souldiers then the Will of the Senate he caused the sixth Persecution which was great against the Christians especially against the Leaders and Teachers hoping that when they were smitten the Sheep would soon be scattered this was in the year 237. Pontianus Bishop of Rome was banished by this Emperor and many more christians suffered under this Emperor and were put to death and more it is likely would have suffered but the Lord shortned his dayes and his Tyranny for he
they bore for God I believe they were accepted and had peace with God The tenth Persecution began under the Reign of Dioclesian which was in the year 289. this was the last Persecution against the Christians which was horrible and grievous that never was any Persecution before or since comparable to it for the time which it continued which was the space of ten years together though there were more Emperours which had a Hand in this Persecution yet Principally it beareth the Name of Dioclesian this Diocletian the Emperour took unto himself Maximinius to be Partner with him in his Empire those two Emperours chose two others to themselves that is to say Gallerius and Constantius whom they called Cesars Gallerius was sent into the East-parts against the Christians and Constantius to the West to Britain these two last Reigned moderately and did not Persecute the Christians for about 19 years so they Prospered in their Wars abroad but afterwards by reason of their Victories were puft up with Pride in their Hearts they Ordained a triumph at Rome after which triumph Diocletian gave Commandment that he himself should be Worshipped as God and said he was Brother to the Sun and Moon and so commanded the People to kiss his Feet which afterwards when the chief Bishop of Rome got up into Pride and claimed Superiority over all the Christian Churches having got the Authority of the Dragon commanded the Emperours and Kings then to kiss his Feet and so in this the Pope hath imitated the Heathen Emperour who was the greatest Persecutor that ever we read of But to return to Diocletian he began a great and grievous Persecution of the Christians which was the nineteenth year of his Reign in the year of Christ 103. he commanded all the Meeting places of the Christians to be Spoiled and the Books of the holy Scriptures to be burned he sent out a Proclamation for casting all the Bishops and Elders into Prison in his Empire and constrained them by several Torments to Worship Idols and so great Persecution there was among the Christians and grievous Torments they suffered because they would not offer Sacrifice to Idols one Noble man at Nicomedia pluckt down the two Emperours Proclaimations against the Christians not fearing the Emperours who were then in the City for which Act he was put to most bitter Death afterwards they were so mad that they sought to destroy all the Christiâ—ns in the World it can hardly be expressed with Words what numbers suffered and what Blood was shed throughout all the Regions and they cast the Christians among the Lyons Bears and Leopards who were kept hungry for that purpose and them that the wild Beasts would not devour they slew them with the Sword and threw them into the Sea Cerena the Wife of Dioclesian he killed because she was a Christian two thousand were Burnt in one place many suffered in Phrygia and were burnt with the whole City in this Persecution likewise in France Spain and Britain so that some Rivers were Coloured with Blood one thousand slain sometimes in one day and they slew them by ten twenty sixty and sometimes an hundred Men Women and Children Damasius Beda Oratius Honorus and others do testifie that there were slain in the space of one Month seventeen thousand Persons likewise Peter Bishâ—p of Alexandria and three hundred more were slain with Axes there Mauritius was slain with 6666. Victor with 360 were slain in the City of Troy the Christians notwithstanding all this Persecution did increase and though a Cloud was over many and Darkness entred in in part respectively to what had been in the first Century yet they were the best Witnesses for the Lord in their Generation and the Christians did increase so that the two Heathen Emperours were tryed with Persecuting and gave up their Empire and led a private Life having Reigned one and twenty Years which was in the Year 305. these two latter Emperours Maximinius and Constantius who were called Caesars now became the Emperours of the whole one in the East and the other in the West Maxentius was set up Emperour by the Souldiers and goes against Maximinius the Emperour who sent Severus his Son to War against him which Severus being slain Lycinus Caesar was chosen in his room so that Maximinius Constantius and Maxentius continued the tenth Persecution after Dioclesian and his partner had given over saâ—ing Constantine and especially his Son Constantius were kind to the Christians Constantius chused those who refused to offer Sacrifice and commit Idolatry to be in his Court and Banished the Heathen Idolaters as unfit for his Service that were Traytors to God and this was about â—he year 311. On the other hand Maximinius the Emperour and his partner were very Wicked in Idolatry and Cruelty God struck him with a great Plague in the Belly and secret Parts which putrifying broke out with Swarms of Lice which caused such a stink that the Physician could not endure the same wherefore he slew the Physician and by the anguish of his Disease he slacked Persecution making confession that his Persecuting of them had brought this upon him and so acknowledged his Offence and the Infidels divers exalted the God of the Christians yet afterwards being incensed against the Christians this Emperour set up Decrees afresh to Persecute the Christians whereby many Bishops others were Martyred here was no titles of Lord-Bishops Arch-Bishops not yet in the first three hundred Years neither was there any Pope then that did lay claim to Supremacy over all the Churches neither had these Bishops whole Countries and Provinces for their Maintenance neither all Rome Constantinople Antioch and Jerusalem and all People therein for their Diocesses but them only of the Christians who believed in each of those places but afterwards in the great Persecution there followed great Famine and Pestilence on the Heathen whiâ—h caused the Persecutiâ—n to cease and caused Maximinius to revoke his Decrees and punished the Inchanters that incensed him against the Christians Maximinus who was joyned in the Empire with Dioclesian who laid down the Government of the Empire endeavoured to have slain Constantius the Emperour that he might have got up again into the Empire but failing of his enterprize was slain of Constantius Maxentius this time Reigns wickedly and Tyrantly at Rome which caused the Romans to intreat Constantine to come against Maxentius for his Wickedness who made War against him and upon a Bridge made of Boats over the River Tyber he was intrapped by Constantine and drowned in Tyber and thus the Righteous Judgment of God at last came upon them for their Blood and Cruelty as a Recompence and a reward for their Deeds but Constantine set forth Decrees of favour to the Christians Marcelliuns was Bishop of Rome about the tenth year of Dioclesian in the Persecution he Sacrificed to Idols was excommunicated by three hundred Bishops but afterwards was killed in the Massacre of Dioclesian
reigned but three years The next Emperor was Gordianus in the year two hundred and forty who was more moderate towards the christians so that the sixth Persecution ceased but after he had reigned the space of six years he was slain by Philip the succeeding Emperor Philippus who slew Gordianus who was called the first christian Emperor who slew Gordianus and began with blood he with his Son Philip governed the Empire seven years about the year 246. it is said this Philip with his Son and Family was converted by Fabianus and Origen it is said that both he his Son were slain by Decius one of his own Captains and though being the first that brought in Christianity into the Imperial seat but the name of Christianity would not save him being out of the Nature beginning with blood it was required at his Hands and Anthetius Bishop of Rome after Pontanius Damasus saith that this Bishop was put to death because he recorded the deaths of the sufferers and here was the Beginning of that which they call the Legend of Martyrs in the Chucrh of Rome The seventh Persecution began by Decius who succeeded Philippus in the Year 250. by whom was moved a terrible Persecution against the Christians which is noted to be the seventh Persecution Fabianus being a married man and had a Wife was chosen Bishop of Rome this Doctrine of Devils forbidding to marry was not yet brought in which the Apostle to Timothy prophesied of no not in the Church of Rome nor for two hundred and fifty Years after Christ so the Emperor Decius put him to death and gave forth a Proclamation that all that professed the Name of Christ should be put to death Origen suffered many bonds wrackings torments for Religion yet afterwards it is said he sacrificed to Idols and was excoâ—municated yet afterwards repented And Nicephorus saith of this Persecution under the Emperor Decius that it was easie to number the Sancs of the Sea as them that suffered under him Cheremon a married Bishop fled with his Wife into the Mountain of Arabia and never was seen more the prohibition of Ecclesiastical men or Ministers marrying was not yet begun no not in the Church of Rome although they plead Antiquity for their Institutions and Practices the Emperor reigned but two Years and was slain by the Barbarians about this time divers Bishops suffered and others were condemned to mettal mines Cyprian Bishop of Carthage was banished these had no Power yet to give forth Laws or Inquisitions nor to force things upon People for they had not the outward Authority then though divers things which were unsound crept in by little and little even among them About the year two hundred and fifty five Valerianus together with his Son Gallienus came to be Emperors who reigned together at first they were moderate to the Christians for about two or three years insomuch that in the Emperors Court there were many Christians but afterwards being moved by an Egyptian was stirred up to persecution which was about the year two hundred fifty nine this Emperor was stirred up to persecute the Christians which was the eighth persecution being instigated by the Egyptian who was great in his court telling the Emperor that the Christians were the cause of all the Evils of Famine â—nd Plague upon the Empire divers Bishops and many hundreds were put to death besides Stephanus suffered with six more that were leading men also Lawrence suffered who was pinched with Fire-Tongs and laid upon an Iron Grate or Grid-iron red hot and so broyled to death In the sixth year of the Reign of Valerianus Gallianus having lâ—id for the space of three years in prison which Claudianus and Bossa his Wife were pâ—t to Death for being Christians likewise Fructuosus Bishop of Tarraconia with two Deacons were burned the same year for being Christians this Valerian the Emperor reigned seven years and was taken in the War by the King of Persia who made him his block to take horse on to his dying day and though the Christians in this time were much darkned yet they were much more justified in the Sight of God then the Heathen Emperors who came all or most of them to a woful End of their Cruelty and Tyranny and Murder for the Hand of the Lord who distributes Justice equally to every man according to his Works found them out and Gallianus the Son of Valerianus who joyned with his Father in persecution had many earthquakes and thirty Rebellions and Insurrections raised in his time in the Empire in nine years time and this stopt their persecuting of the Christians somewhat and after Gallianus the Emperor succeeded Claudius who reigned two years and after him Quintilianus the Brother of Claudius who continued only seventeen Dayes about the year two hundred seventy four in this time the Christians had some rest from Persecution The nineth Persecution began under Aurelianus who began his Reign mildly but soon after moves the nineth Persecution about this time many Christians suffered and some of the Bishops of Rome and Sixtus and Dionysius and many others in the middle of his Reign there was a Council of the Christians at Antioch the Emperor seeming not to be against it nor them but afterward he was about to seal an Edict for further Persecution of the Christians but he was so terrified with thundring and lightning that it stopt his Tyranny in the sixth year of his Reign he was slain about the year 276. After him succeeded Tacitus who reigned but six Moneths and Florianus reigned next who reigned but sixty Dayes and after him reigned Marcus Aurelius Probus who reigned six years and four moneths in this time there was no Persecution but the Christians had rest as in matters of Religion but he was slain by his Souldiers in the year two hundred eighty five Carus with his two Sons Carinus and Numerianus succeeded Probus in the Empire the Reign of which Emperors continued in all but three years Carus was slain with lightning and Numerianus was also slain Carinus the other Son reigned alone in Italy with much Wickedness who afterwards was slain by the hands of the Tribune at Rome so that from the latter end of the Reign of Valerianus unto the Reign of Dioclesian there seeming to be about forty four years in which there was little Persecution of the Christians but they had rest and enjoyed their Worship in quiet and they were kept under Sufferings and the Law and did not exercise Authority over the Consciences of the rest as afterwards they did when they came to have Power in their hands although as I said before divers things were brought in by the Bishops of Rome in this time which were much disagreeing with the Apostles Dayes yet they held part of the true Worship and bore a Testimony against the open prophaneness and cursed Idolatry and pride of the Heathen Emperors who killed one another for the Imperial Seat and in this Testimony that
many poor and that her own Diet was sparing and plain and her Expences full of Frugality Prosper saith also That a Minister able to live of himself ought not to desire any Thing to be given unto him and he that receiveth it doth it not without great Sin The Council at Antioch Anno 340. finding that much Fault had been among the Deacons to whom it properly belonged to distribute the Offerings or free Gifts where there was nâ—ed which they detained for their own covetous Ends the Council did ordain that the Bishop might distribute the Goods but required that they took no Part thereof to themselves nor to the Use of the Priests using the Apostles Words having Food and Rayment be therewith content Chrysostome notes who lived about the Year 400. â—hat Christian Converts joyned in Societies and lived in common after the Example of the former Saints at Jerusalem by whose Writings it doth appear that there was not the least mention made of Tythes in that Age the Church at this time living altogether by freâ— Offerings of Lands Monies and Goods the People were much pressed to bountiful Contributions for holy Uses as may be seen in the Writings of Hierome and Chrysostome who brought the Liberality of the Jews in their Payment of Tythes for an Example beneath which they would not have Christians determine their Charity Chrysostome saith I speak not these Things as commanding or forbidding they should give more yet as thinking it fit they should not give less then the tenth Part. And Hierome also doth admonish them to Bounty and Charity towards the poor not binding at all to offer this or that Part leaving them to their own Liberty yet pressing them not to be shorter then the Jews in their Tenths Ambrose who was Bishop of Millain about the Year 400. preached up Tenthes to be offered up for holy Uses as the Phrase was then but his Authority he produceth wholly from Moses's Writings likewise Augustiâ— Bishop of Hippo joyns and agrees with Ambrose in this thing but from the Law given to Israel take their whole Doctrine threatned them with great Penalties and heavy Judgments from God that did not give their Tenths but yet take Notice to what End they requir'd them that the poor might not want and say God hath reserved them for their Use so by this time Love did grow cold in many and the Power of God was much wanting which would have kept the Hearts of People open in Love and Mercy to their Members and therefore they were much prest and threatned by the Bishops to give their Tenths not that the Bishops had any better Ground but the Jewish Law for their Foundation and so in process of time this Doctrine came to be received many following he Opinion of the ancient Fathers yet hitherto it was not laid down as a positive Doctrine to pay them as the Jews did but only brought the Jews for an Example that Christians should not pay less Leo called the great about the Year 440. who reigned twenty Years he was very earnest in stirring up Mens Devotion to offer to the Church but speaketh not a Word of any Quantity Severin also 470. stirred up the Christians in Pannonia to give the Tenth to the poor Likewise Gregory not only admonished the Payment of Tythes from Moses's Law but also the observing of Lent which he reckoned as the Tenth of time in the Year and this he would have given unto God saying We are commanded in the Law to give the Tenth of all things unto God and thus Ignorance began to enter in and Judaism among the Christians brought in by their Leaders and from the Opinions of these and other ancient Fathers who took their Ground from the Law Tythes Easter Pentecost and other things came to be introduced and brought into the Church Yet notwithstanding the Doctrine and hard Threats of some of the great Bishops of that time It was not a General received Doctrine that Tythes ought to be paid till about the Year 800. Neither was any thing by the then Church determined or ordained touching the quantity that should be given though no doubt in many places the offerings of the devouter sort tenths or a greater part of their increase were given according to Ambrose's Doctrine and others And then at thâ—s time the Offerings or gifts to the Church were disposed of in this wise being received into a common Treasury one fourth part to the Priests out of which every one had his Portion another fourth part to the relief of the poor and sick and strangers A third to the building and repairing places of publick Meeting And the fourth to the Bishop and generally the Bishop lived in some Monastry and his Clergy with him from whence he sent them to Preach in the Countries and Diocesses and there they received such ofâ—â—rings as were made and brought them to the Treasury So that by the way the Readâ—â— may take notice that the Priest had no such peculiar Interest in that which was given but now they claim all Their Meetings places since called Churches were builded out of the gifts of People and the Poor were received and the Widdow But now Tythes taken by force three or four Fold and People compelled to build and repair their Houses or Temples by force and the Poor and the Widdow have no share nay have not many Poor been cast into Prison and Widdows goods Spoiled by the Priests of this Generation and how unsutable these Practices are unto the Apostles let all judge nay they are proud of the ancient Fathers and their Words but they will not so much as come near them in Example in any thing thâ—t is good So for shame you Protestants leave forcing of Maintenance and forcing of your Wages and forcing to repair your Houses of Worship and do not tell us of Church and Antiquity when you are far enough 〈◊〉 their practice though they were in a declining State in this Age I have been speaking of And although divers of the Fathers and Bishops and Popes in this Age did declare that Tythes were due and ought to be paid their Ground onâ—ly taken from Moses yet none of the first eight general Councils did 〈◊〉 much as ever mention the Name of Tythes or declare them a duty The ninth general Council held at Lateran under Pope Calixtus the second 1119. mentions Tythes but speaks only of such as had been given to the church by special consecration for at that time people being led to believe that their Tythes ought to be given to the Poor did dispose of them to the Heads and Rulers of religious Houses who kept open hospitality for the Poor and for strangers they were esteemed Holy and good treasurers for the poor who took care of distribution of them as is testified by Cassian But the Council held under Pope Alexander the third Anno 1180. Seeing much given to the Poor and little to the Priests
Ishmael Judas and all the Seed of Evil-doers as well as the Image of Christ or Peter Paul or Mary for any thing that they know which they have but received by Story and is but as Old Wives Fables which Paul to Timothy reproved And hath the Church of Rome no better Thing to put them in Mind of the Saints Life then a dead Picture or Image made by the Hand of the Crafts-man upon a Wall or a Board or Parchment or Paper this is Idolatry for Christ promised to his Disciples and to the true Church That he would send his Spirit to lead them into all Truth which is an invisible Thing and to bring to Remembrance whatever Christ had spoken and whatsoever was necessary as to Salvation whether the Saints Life and holy Practices which they lived in or whatsoever else as conduced to their Peace and Justification with God and what Images did God make Use of to shew his Miracles by This is but an old Fable formed by the Apostate Christians whose Minds are turned after Shadows and vain Shews and are erred from the invisible Life and worship the Works of mens Hands 2. Though Moâ—es did put off his Shoe 's according to the command of the Lord where God appeared in Power and Glory to him What is this to your purpose as to Create and form places and Consecrate them as Holy and then command Reverence and Honour unto them this is but to Worship the work of your own Hands and though David say in the 99 Psal. 5 vers Exalt the Lord God and worship at his foot-Stool for he is Holy What of all this doth God call Reliques or Images his Foot-stool And if the Author do judge that it was spoken of Zion and Jerusalem outward where Aaron and the rest of the Priests Worshipped doth not Christ say It â—s not at Jerusalem c. But they that â—orship God Worship him in spirit and Truth What! doth not the Church of Rome profess Christianity and Apostolick Doctrine and will now turn Jews or â—mitaters of them What is Rome Jerusalem or Zion And must Pictures invented and dead Pieces of Bones and Wood be recommended unto the Nations as holy things This is contrary to the Apostolick Church and with the Life of God is judged and the Life of the Saints whom you honour in Words and make Pictures of and worship the Works of your own Hands and Crucifie the Life where-ever it appears that they lived in and teach a contrary Doctrine 3. Confession may be made in Words of the true God and talk may be of his wonderous Works and yet People Idolâ—ters the church of the Jews who acknowledge the true God and had seen and heard of his wonderous works they eat and drank and rose up to Play and these were Idolaters and such is the church of Rome who take Peoples minds up with Garments and Vestments with Altars and Canales with Crucifixes and Agnus Dei with Images formed by Painters with a piece of Bread called a Holy Host and Eucharist an Unbloody Sacrâ—fice who neglect the Life and him that is the Head of the Body and his witness in their Hearts and consciences and lead them to worship and honour visible and carnal things and to busie their minds in the exercise of outward things which profit little or nothing at all and so are Idolaters Worshipping the works of your own Hands which Christ and the Apostolick church bore Testimony against for that which the creature's mind goes out after besides or without that which may be known of God in the Heart is made an Idol of and the true God is not minded and them that Honour God's Friends and Saints walk in their Foot steps live their Life and honour their sayings but your church is contrary who would Kill and have killed about these invented Fopperies which is contrary to the Apostles Doctrine God accepts not Prayers by number or tale nor for multitude of Words which are without understanding and without the Spirit this Christ counted as Evil and reprehended the Pharisees and said It was like the vain repetitions of the Heathen who thought to be heard for their much babling and the Salutation which the Angel gave to Mary is no prayer And that which is called the Apostles Creed is no prayer and them that are unconverted unto God may prattle and prate over the Words in the unbelief and never have any acceptance of God And though the Prophet did pray seven times a day it was according to the motion of God's Spirit in his own Heart which shewed him his State and necessity and what is this to imitators when they pray not with the same Spirit neither in the same words And what if Mary lived threescore and three Years who gave commandment that Hail Mary should be said threescore and three times over The rest of the Saints are like to have but small shares of worship and honour if she go with all this in a day And what five wounds is that which the Church of Rome dreams of that five Pater Nosters must be said for the honour of With Deceit and Ignorance you wound him every day and your Pater-Nosters do not honor him at all pattred 〈◊〉 over with your polluted Lips who are given to speak Lyes and yoâ—r Tongues to speak Mischief which Christ accepteth not What are you all new creatures that say Our Father which art in Heaven Are you born again Are your Natures changed Sin you not Do you hallow his Name who do not love that which shews your Evil deeds Would you see his Kingdom come which stands in Righteousness Where will you appear Or how will you stand when he appears in his Power and Glory to take Vengeance on all them that will not that he should rule in their Hearts who is the true Light that lighteth every man that cometh into the World Would you see his will done on Earth as it is in Heaven when you walk contrary to his Doctrine which the Apostolick Church walked in and set up a numberless number of Traditions and Inventions of Men instead thereof which the Lord accepteth not and you pray not with Understanding 5. As for your Beads which are neither Jewish nor Christian but meer Heathenish as to reckon the number or tale of that which you call your Prayers by and though Kings Popes Cardinals and Bishops do the same this is but a small proof as for Authority Kings have drunk of the Whore's Cup and Popes and Cardinals have usurped Power that Christ never gave as to exercise Lord-ship and be Law-givers unto others for the Lord is the Saints Law-giver and the Saints Life and Judge and he will not give his Glory to another for Kings have drunk of the Whore's Cup of Fornication and Popes have usurped Authority and Cardinals have exercised Lord-ship over mens Consciences yea and over great Kingdoms and States too And if they pray by Beads as others do set
keep his Divotion within the Limits of such a Place or any parish for in the Respect of Offerings and profits Canterbury was indeed the only limitted parish so it was not material at what place they met or where they offered their Bounty so they did it 〈◊〉 where and it 's commonly received that Honorus who succeeded Augustine at Canterbury about the Year 630. divided his province into paâ—isâ—â—s as some of the greatest and most learned Writers relate But when the Pope's Doctrine was received and Divotion grown great such as it was most Lay-men of great Estates desired the Country Residence of some Chaplains or Clarks that might alwayes be ready for their Instruction their Families and adjoyning Tenants and then Parish Churches began to be builded by them also and the Bishops hallowed them as it was called and they were endued by particular Maintenance from the Founders the Territories Demesnes and Tenâ—â—â—ts and Neighbouring Possessions and they assigned the Limits where the holy Function should be exercised appointed the Persons 〈◊〉 should 〈◊〉 the Church and offer there and provided a special Sallery for the Performance and made the Revenue perpetually annexed to the Church of that 〈◊〉 who received it and so the Offerings were restrained from the Common Treasury of the Dioceâ—s Out of these Lay Foundations chiefly undoubtly came these kind of Parishes which at this day are in every Diocess their Difference in Quantity being originally because of the several Circuits Demesnes or Territories possessed by the Founders sometimes greater and sometimes lâ—ssâ—r At what time these Lay Foundations began to be frequent appears not but some mention is made of them about the Year 700. as Bede â—aith who mentions one Puch a Saxon Noble man and one Addi who builded also and endued them with Sallary but about the Year 800. many were founded by Lay men and recorded to be appropriated to the Abbey 〈◊〉 by this Time Lay Foundations grew very common and Parochial â—imits also of the Parishioners Divotion And in a Council hold under 〈◊〉 Arch-Bishop of Canterbury we find that where Churches are builded and that they are consecrated by the Bishop of the same Diocess a Canon of the same Synod ordains that though every Church upon the Death of every Bishop that all the Families of every Parish were to meet at the Church and sing 30 Psalms and 600 Psalâ—eâ—ies and â—0 Missays with Pasting and Prayer for the Soul of the Bishop deceased Many more Instances might be given and Presidents about these Parishes but enough of this only to inform the Reader of their Original from these it doth fâ—lly appear that the Limits of Parishes were understood but the first express mention of Limitation of Profits to this or that Church as in the Laws of King Edgar made in the Year 970. in the very Midnight of Popery where it was ordained that every man should pay his Tythes to the most ancient Church or Monastery where he heard God's Services but some Parishes had other Beginnings in Regard of the inconveniency which made 〈◊〉 Alexander write to the Bishop of York that he heard of a certain Parish in â—his Province so far distinct from the Parish Church thâ—t the 〈…〉 could not repair to it in Winter whereupon he commands the Arch-Bishop to build a Church in the Town and to institute a Presâ—nâ—â—tion of the Rector that might have to his Use all profits encreasing in those Limits and acknowledge a Superiority to the Mother-Church And so by the Authority of the Power either by the Pope Bishop or Princes who received their Doctrine the Limits and Maintenance of Parishes have been more or less as they ordained and as they do continue to this Day Likewise in other Kingdoms and Nations where the Pope had Authority the like Rules as aforesaid were observed as might be evidenced by sundry Authors but not to trouble my self or the Reader any more with such unprofitable Stuff I have only given these Instances to shew the Ground and Rise of them and shew how that people then were not limitted to any particular place in Respect of Worship neither in Respect of Pay or Duty so called but now them that pretend Reformation and have denyed the Pope and his Doctrine as they say that claim both and if all between such a Hedge and such a Ditâ—h such a Water and such a Way will not come and worship at that Place called their Parish Church and hear their Service and joyn with them iâ— iâ— though it be never so repugnant to the Doctrine of Christ and the true Worship of God but more especially if they come not with their Pay they will give them up all unto Satan by whole Sale and cast them into Prison and denounce them Hereticks and câ—y to the temporal Power for Help against these Non-conformists for they are not fit to live in a Nation because they are not commodious to us and then get an Order fetch away their Goods break open the Gates and carry away poor mens Corn drive away Oxen and Cows and trail away the Pots and Pans hale away Clothes off poor peoples Beds and then cry they are not subject to the Orders and Canons of the holy Church no not conformable to our Laws and this is the practice of our great Reformers of our latter Ages which are far worse then in the very Height of Popery by Reason oâ— which practices the Land mourns and because of which we cannot joyn with them in their Worship neither give them pay for doing of Mischief nor suffer the Lord's Goods to be given to such coveâ—ous lazy priests who serve not the Lord Jesus Christ but their own Bellies And for denying of these late Innovations and new upstart things which are no Congruity with the primitive Church of Christ we are great Sufferers at this Day but have rather chosen to keep our Consciences clear and the Doctrine of Christ inviolable whatsoever we suffer till God make our Innocency and our Righteousness appear as the Noon-day and plead our Cause in the midst of all our Enemies The poor Husband-man's CompIaint his Hope and Confidence LET Pope and Priest do what thy may God will take Tythes ere long away For they 're oppressive in the Land Which makes good Men against them stand For we oppressed are thereby Which makes 〈◊〉 to the Lord so cry To ease us of this Burthen sore That we may praise him evermore That he would hearken our Addresâ— Which we to in Humbleness Present our Suit to ease our Grief And thorow Pity send Relief For by the merciless Merchants Crew Of Babel's City doth renew Our Sufferings most heavily Housholds expos'd to Penury Our Kine and Oxen they by Force Drive away without Remorse Our Bedding Pewter and at last Our selves are into Prison cast Thus to Misery they their Doom By Authority fetcht from Rome Do expose our sad Estate And whole Housholds ruinate By that which they usurpate They
whole Families extirpate O great Oppression that again Makes us doubly complain Our heavy Burthen fetcheth Groans This cruel Tything forceâ—h Mâ—ans And wrongfully they have pretence Of Scripture made for their Defence From Levi's Tribe they would possess Tythes to them are by Success And thus the Gospel's Day in vain To get their Prey they would disdain But God's Worship that shall stand When they have done what 's in their Hand For what is done against God's Power Shall be thrown down as in an Hour The World shall destroyed be Who lives not long may come to see God will â—ry as there is need And send Deliverance to his Seed This is my Faith I do believe That God will sore the Wicked grieve Therefore let wicked Men repent That unto Hell they be not sent And if they subject be to God They may escape his heavy Rod The Time comes on and hastes apace Wherein great Babylon God will raze Out of her Power and Might so great That she 'll be turn'd out of her Seat That Christ may reiâ—n whose Due it is That all the Faithful him may bless Babylon's Merchants with their Pay In God's Time he 'll turn away For he is come to be their Fâ—e Which is Cauâ—e to bring their Woe For they shall cry Woe and Alass When there is none to make Redress As in one Hour shall Judgment come With Violence perpetual Doom Of Death and Famine shall she taste Her stately Buildings all laid waste The Day of howling shall betake And she thrown down into the Lake Thâ—s dreadfully her doubled Cup Of Wrath and Sorrow she 'll drink up For why the Lord's Decree shall stand His Purpose now is near at hand And what is prophesy'd shall come Babel's Merchants they shall mourn They shall weep and howl right sore Their Merchandize will sell no more After that which they did luâ—t Departed from them is as Just Read your Sentence Babel's Train Judgment comes with Might and Main The Wrath of God and Fury great Peâ—â—red from his Judgment-Seat From his Presence yea from him Will your Cup be 〈…〉 Kings will mourn and cry alaâ—s When they theâ—e Things see come to pasâ— For through Christ's Power and Renown Down goes Babel she goes down J. R. As one soreseeing the Day of Terror that is to come upon BABEL makes this Invitation COme out of her my People O return Make haste her Day 's at Hand to weep and mourn Her Dayes of howling hasten on apace She hath nigh liv'd her Time and run her Race Return return lest that her Plagues you taste For desolate must she her Buildings waste Her fiery Burning Smoak â— nigh at Hand For Fear of Torments Kings at Distance stand The Voice of Mourning shortly comes to pass Babylon's Merchants cry alass alass This City great is now coâ—â—'d ruinate And all her stately Buildings desolate Thuâ— Babylon the great is thrown to 'th Ground And never any more is to be found Then shall the glâ—rious Day and then the Voice As if of mighty Thunderings Saints rejoyce And they their Song of Halelujah sing Their Praises Honour Glory to their King Their Joy and Splendor now the Saints do say The Lamb is come this is our Nuptial Day O glorious Sun-shine King of Saints we 'll praise And in thy Powerful Wonder we amaze With admirable Joy our Souls to thee The Song of Sion sing O praised be Thou holy holy glorious righteous God Who Babylon hast shaken by thy Rod And givest thy Saints the Songs of Joy to sing Praise to their God Praise to their gracious King The Saints in Righteousness thou wilt aray With fine Adorning thee to praise alway And in thy glorious Habitation rest For evermore with Joy their Souls be blest Rejoyce rejoyce ye Saints of the most high To Sion's King give Praise eternally The wondrous Joyes unto you which are come Unto the Marriage Supper of the Lamb In Admiration which to you belong The doubled Halelujah is your Song When Babel's just Reward that Day shall be As a great Milstone cast into the Sea Reward her as she hath rewarded you Double her Cup her Torments eke renew For insomuch as she the Saints Blood shed With righteous Judgment shall she be judged Sit down ye Sufferers in the Patience-Seat And willingly content thâ—ugh it be great Your Measure 's hard in this your suffering Day But your Reward shall come with double Pay Resign your selves and willingly sit down In the Expectance of the glorious Crown For why your Portion glorious shall be A great Reward is sure you shall it see Fret not your selves because of Wicked Men Your Day will joyous be even so Amen E. G. The great COMPLAINT and OUT-CRY of one of the Sufferers of SION O Rulers of England and Teachers and People how long will it be ere you will awake out of the deep Slumber that hath seised upon you and consider a little you do all look upon in this Age that Popery is Idolatry and to maintain their Worship and Practice is not consistant with the Worship which you own but do you think that talking against Popery in the general whilest that you are upholding it in many Particulars in Point of Laws and Worship doth answer your Profession or will preserve you in the Day of the Lord when the Righteous Judgments of God shall be revealed seeing that though you have broken off from them in some circumstantial and ceremonial things for that very main Basis and Foundation upon which it standeth is absolutely Covetousness and filthy Lucre but to speak plain Tythes Offerings Oblations Mortuaries Peter-pence and quid non is claimed and looked upon to be due as to the Pope in Imitation of the Jews High Priest with all the Rabble of that Crew even from the very Bishop to the Quirister-boy and yet in Point of Wages and Pay all the aforesaid Ordinances which constitute by Authority from Râ—me stand as Evangelical or Jure divinâ— unto this Day amongst the reformed Churches so called which are not only disconsonant to the first primitive times but also contrary to the very Law of the Jews when Tythes Oblations and Offerings were due to be payed for then the Husband man Poor Fatherless Widdows and Orphans might all eat together of that which was offered or given according to the Command but now they which pretend another Ministry and lay little Claim to the Levitical Priest-hood and have also Possessions of Lands amongst their Brethren which the Levites had not these go with Tythes Offerings and divers other things never claimed by the Levites but claimed by popish Constitutions in the Mid-night of Popery and all these things the reformed Priests so termed lay claim unto and must have and will have or else the whole Nation shall ring with their Noise Common Pleas Exchequer Capiter Court Assise and Sessions Shrieffs Goalers Bâ—yliffs and every common Catchpole shall be employed to do their Work and all too