the Levites also was to help the Priests in gathering of tiths and to carry water and wood for the Tabernacle Q. Wherein did the high Priest differ from other Priests A. The high Priest only had power to enter into the Sanctuary he only wore a blew robe with bells a golden Ephod a breast-plate a linnen Myter a plate of Gold on his head by the Crown or plate was signified Christs Kingly office by the breast-plate his Priestly and by the bells his Prophetical office the high Priest also was only anointed after the order of Priesthood was setled but before this every Priest was anointed he also wore about his paps a broydred girdle to signifie that his heart should be girt and restrained from the love of earthly things They that took Sanctuary were not to be set at liberty till the death of the high Priest to signifie that by the death of our High Priest Jesus Christ we are made free The high Priesthood was tied to the line of Aarons first born the other Priests were of Aarons other children the Levites were of Levies other posterity the high Priest might marry none but a Maide other Priests migh marry a Widow Levit. 21. The high Priest might not miourn for the death of his kindred other Priests might mourn for their Father Mother Son Daughter Brother and husbandlesse Sister in other things they agreed For all Priests must be without blemish all must be presented to the Lord at the door of the Tabernacle all must be washed all must be consecrated by offering certaine Sacrifices all must have the blood of the Ram put on the tip of the right eare the thumb of the right hand and great toe of the right foot Exod. 29 Q. What Church government was there after Moses A. In the Desart Eleazer succeeded his Father Aaron and substituted under him Phinees to be chief of the Levites After the Israelites entred the Land the Tabernacle staied some years at Silo then did Ioshuah divide the Land and designed certain Cities of refuge which with some other Cities he assigned to the Priests and Levites The Priesthood did not continue long in the house of Aaron but after the death of Eleazer and three Priests his Successors this office devolved to Eli of the family of Ithamar who being carelesse suffered divers abuses to creep into the Ecclesiastical Government till God raised Samuel who reformed both the State and Church by appointing Schools of Prophets and Consistories of Levites From Silo the Tabernacle was translated to Nob from thence to Gibeon when Nob was destroyed by Ioab and at last it rested in Ierusalem So that all this time there could be no setled Church discipline among the Jewes The Ark also was oftentimes removed to wit from Canaan to the Philistines from thence to the Bethshemites afterward it stayed twenty years at Kiriathjeharim after this it remained three moneths with Obed-Edom and at last it was brought by David into Ierusalem All this time neither Tabernacle nor Ark nor Priesthood were setled till David assembled the Levites and out of them chose Abiathar for High Priest and Tsadoc for chief of the inferiour Priests who were to deliver the Ark to the Levites to be carried on their shoulders and withal appointed Singers and other Musitians in all 68. of the Levites He appointed also for the service of the Tabeâ—â—acle in Gibeon Tsadoc and his Brethren At last David being assured by Nathan that his Son Solomon should build the Temple he ordered that 24000. Levites should be set apart for the service of the Temple to wit 4000. door-keepers and as many Singers and 6000. Judges and Governors and the rest for other Offices Abiathar is made high Priest to wait on the Ark at Ierusalem Tsadoc is chief of the inferior Priests to serve in the Tabernacle at Silo. Tsadoc was Sauls high Priest descended from Eleazer Aarons first born Abiathar of the stock of Ithamar and Eli fled to David who entertained him for his high Priest after the death of Saul David retained them both thinking it did not stand with his honour and piety to reject Sauls high Priest This Tsadoc under Soloman was anointed the second time Priest as Solomon was the second time anointed King 1 Chron. 29. 22. and Abiathar is deposed for the sins of Eli and his Sons and so in Tsadoc the Priesthood is translated from the house of Ithamar to Aarons family again There were also Treasurers ordained some for the first fruits and tenths and others for the moneys that were given to the Temple towards the redemption of vows first born and sins The Priests and Levites were maintained out of the first fruits and tithes the other treasure was for maintaining the daily sacrifices and other charges of the Temple the Gibeonites with others appointed by David and Solomon did help the Levites in their Ministration the Priests and in their absence the Levites did administer justice both in Ierusalem and in the Cities of Refuge and ordered Ecclesiastick affairs There were also sometimes Extraordinary Prophets besides the Ordinary It s probable that the ordinary Prophets were of the Tribe of Levi because the administration and care of holy things belonged to them but extraordinary Prophets were of other Tribes these medled not with sacraments and sacrifices which was the Priests office nor had they their calling by succession as the Priests nor was the gift of Prophecy only tied to the man as the Priesthood was for we read of Miriam Hulda and divers other women Prophets and in the Primitive Church though women must not speak in the Church by preaching praying or exhorting in an ordinary way as the Ministers use yet they were not debarred to utter their extraordinary prophesies if so be their heads were covered in sign of modesty but otherwise the Apostle will not have women to speak in the Church because they must be in subjection to their Husbands and this punishment is laid on them for being deceived in Eve and harkning to the counsel of Satan For if women did preach they might be suspected to speak by that Spirit that deluded Eve Q. What was the Ecclesiastick Government after Solomon A. The renting of the ten Tribes from the other two under Roboam did much impair the beauty and magnificence of the Ecclesiastick state Besides that it was much defaced by idolatry but reformed by Hezekias Iosias and Iehosaphat who took away the high places Under Athaliah it was almost extinguished had not Iehojada the high Priest anointed Ioash who again reformed Religion He being denied all aid from the Levites out of their treasure towards the repairing of the Temple caused a Chest to be made into which mony given in that kinde should be put and imployed by the high Priest or by the chief of the inferior Priests and the Kings Scribe or Secretary towards the reparations of the Temple whereas before it was collected by the Levites King Vzziah
who produceth all things of himselfe the End of Ends and first cause of all operations the Author of all goodnesse and beauty by whose light all things shine c. Simplicius saith that from this divine beauty proceed all beauties and all truths from this divine truth the beginning of all beginnings the sowrce and original of all goodnesse the cause of causes God of Gods c. Plotinus to the same purpose makes God the original of all things and who only is sufficient in himselfe giving being to all c. The same doctrine is taught by his Scholar â—orphyrie and likewise by all the other Platoâ—â—sts this was also the general Tenet of the Stoicks as may be seen in Epictetus who sheweth that above all things we must learn to know there is but one God the governour of all things c. who is not ignorant of our works words and thoughts c. Cicero tells us that nothing is more excellent then God by whom the world is governed who is subject and obedient to none So Seneca we must find out something more ancient then the world whence the Stars had their original c. He calls God the Soul and Spirit the preserver and keeper of this Universe the Lord and Architect of this great work c. The same is acknowledged by Chrysippus as he is cited by Plutarch there cannot saith he be found out any other beginning or original of justice but from Iupiter who is the common nature fate and providence of all things The Peripateticks maintained the same doctrine as may be seen in Aristotles Physicks Metaphysicks and De mundo he acknowledgeth a first infinite and eternal Mover who is only wise and the cause of causes He is the Father of gods and men the preserver of the world the mover of Heavens Sun Moon c. His Scholar Theophrasâ—us to the same purpose confesseth that from this one principle all things have their existence and consistence that God made all things of nothing Alexander Aphrodisaeus and the rest affirm the same truth aud not onely the Philosophers but likewise the Poets assented to this doctrin Orpheus sings thus 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 there is none other but this great King whose seat is in Heaven and is compassed with clouds who seeth all things and is seen of none c. To the same purpose Phocyllides 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 There is one wise God powerfull and blessed But of this subject I will speak more hereafter concerning the Sun I could alleadge Homer Hesiod Sophocles Virgil Ovid and other Poets to this purpose but this work is already performed by Iustin Martyr Eusebius Clemens Lactantius Plessis and others who likewise have inserted many verses out of the Sibylls Q. What Priests had the Romans A. Of these we have said somewhat already but we will say something more Their antientest Priests were Luperci the Priests of Pan Lycaeus Potitii and Pinarii of Hercules Of divination by chirping of Birds Augures of divining by Poultry Pullarii They that had the care of Altars and looked into the intrals of the Sacrifice were called Aruspices and Extispices Curiones were the Priests that had care of each Curla or Ward in the City for Romulus divided Rome into 33 Wards and assigned to each of them a Priest or Curio Over these was Curio maximus that is an Archbishop The Priests which Romulus ordained to the memory of Titus Tatius King of the Sabins were called Sodales Tatit. The Priests that went alwayes covered with threaden caps or hoods were called Flamines quasi Filamines whereof there were divers sorts as we have already shewed Of the Vestal Priestesses and the Salii as also of the Feciales Rex Sacrificulus and Pontifex maximus we have said The Priests that had the charge of the Sibylls books were at first but two called Duumviri then they were increased to ten Decemviri at last to fifteen called Quindecemviri Fauna or Fatua who for her loyalty to her husband was called Bona Dea had her peculiar Priestesses The Priests of Sybele mother of the Gods were called Gâ—lli whose chiefe or Archbishop was called Archi-gallus there were also other Priests called Triumviri and Septemviri epulonum who had charge of the publiquâ— Feasts and games Besides these every Idol had his Priest and these had their under Officers or servants called Camilli The servants of Flamen Dialis were called Flaminei They had their Church-Wardens called Aeditui their Trumpeters and Sacbutters called Tubicines and Tibicines Popae were those that bound the Sacrifices Victimarii that killed them Their Cryers that went before the Priest to injoyn the people to forbear working during the time of Sacrificing were called Preciae The women that were hired to sing the praises of the dead were named Praeficae Their Grave diggers Vespilones Q. What sort of Sacrifices did the ancient Romans use A. They used to offer a day before the solemn Sacrifice a preparative Sacrifice called Hostia Praecedanâ—a Their Succedaneae were Sacrifices which succeeded when the former were not satisfactory Wethers that were led to be Sacrificed with a Lamb on each side of them were called Ambiguiâ— Bidentes were sheep sacrificed having two horns and two eminent teeth Ambervales were sacrifices carried in their Processions about the fields Amburbales were Processions and sacrifices about the City Heysers sacrificed which had never been tamed or put under the yoke were called Injuges The Priest having brought the sacrifice to the Altar used to pray laying his hand on the Altar Musick in the mean time sounding Then he layeth on the head of the beast Corn or a Cake with Salt and Frankincense this was called Immolatio from molâ— the Cake Then followed Libatio which was the tasting of the Wine and sprinkling thereof upon the beasts head this done the hairs between the horns of the beast being pluckt out were flung into the fire this they called Libamina Primâ— Then the beast was killed the blood received in vessels and the intrails searched at last the beast is cut in pieces one piece was wrapped in meale and then burned on the Altar this was called Litare After this they went to feasting singing and dancing now every particular God had his sacrifice white beasts were sacrificed to their supernal Gods black to the infernal The Bull was the proper sacrifice of Iupiter Neptune Apollo Mars Luna and the Heroes The Ram was sacrificed to Mars and the Heroes Wine was offered to Ceres and Liber The Goat to Aesculapius and Liber Milk and hony to Ceres A Horse to Sol and Mars A Lamb to Iuno and Faunus A Dove to Venus A Doe to Pan and Minerva A Hinde to Diana A Hog to Sylvanus A Cock to the Lares A Sow to Cybele and a Sow to Ceres A Hen to Aesculapius and a Child to Saturne c. But this last was abolished by the Romans To each god also they assigned his particular Bird. The
would have burnt incense on the Altar but was prohibited by Azariah the high Priest and eighty other Priests This Vzziah named also Azariah though a King yet was justly resisted by the Priests for his pride sacriledge and ambition in medling with their function whereby he violated the Laws of Politick government which a King should maintain for confusion must arise where offices are not distinct but where men are suffered to incroach upon each others function 2. He had no calling to the Priesthood and no man taketh upon him this office but he that is called of God as was Aaron 3. He violated the Law of God who confined the Priesthood to the house of Aaron and Tribe of Levi excluding from that all other Tribes 4. He was injurious to Christ whose type the high Priest was in offering sacrifices and incense representing thereby our high Priest Christ Jesus who offered up himself a sacrifice of a sweet smelling savour unto God So Iohojada the high Priest did well to depose Athaliah who was a stranger an idolater and usurper this was lawful for him so to doe being high Priest whose authority was great both in civil and ecclesiastick affaires but this is no warrant for any private man to attempt the like Besides Iehojada was bound to see the young King righted both as he was high Priest and as he was his kinsman Hezechias restored all according to King Davids institution he raised great Taxes towards the maintenance of Gods worship and permitted the Levites to flea the burnt offrings which before belonged only to the Priests office and caused the people to keep the Passover in the second moneth whereas by Moses his institution it should be kept the first moneth He permitted also many that were not sanctified or cleansed to eat the Passover against Moses his Law which were innovations in Religion Iosias reformes all abuses abolisheth idolatry repaireth the Temple readeth publickly the Law of Moses which was found by Hilkiah the high Priest and makes a covenant with God to keep the Law Under King Eliakim or Ioachim Religion was so corrupted that the Priests Levites Prophets or Scribes with the Elders of the people condemned the Prophet Ieremy to death Under Zedechiah both the Church government and state fell together in Iudea Q. In the mean while what Church government was there among the Ten Tribes A. The Kings of Israel our of policy least the people should return again to Ierusalem and the two Tribes defaced their Religion with much Idolatrous worship for executing of which they had their Priests and inferior Ministers answering to the Levites but they suffered no Priests or Levites of the order of Aaron to live amongst them Yet they had their Prophets also and Prophets Children or Scholars Their two chief Prophets extraordinary were Eliah and Elisha They had also their Elders who had power of Ecclesiastical censures but both Elders and people were ruled by the Prophets who recided in the chief Cities at last the ten Tribes lost both themselves and Church discipline when they were carried away by the Assyrians When Salmanasser carried away the Israelites into Assyria some remainders of them stayed behinde in their own country but being overpressed with multitudes of strangers sent thither to new plant the country the small number of the Ephramites left behind were forced to comply with the new inhabitants in their idolatrous religions now that the Israelites were not quite driven out of their native country may be seen in the History of Iosiah 2 Chron. 34. 6 7 33 2 Chron 35. 18. 2 Kings 23. 19 20. Q. Wherein did the outward splendor of the Iews Religion consist A. In the wealth and magnificence of their Temple which for the beauty riches and greatnesse thereof was one of the wonders of the world for besides the abundance of Iron work there was in it an incredible quantity of brasse silver and golden materials The great Altar the Sea or Caldron the Basis the two Pillars before the Temple the twelve Oxen the ten Lavers the Pots the Shovels the Basins and other Utinsels of the Temple were all of brasse 1 Kings 7. as for silver Iosephus tells us lib. 8. 9. that there were in the Temple ten thousand Candlesticks whereof most were silver wine Tankards eighty thousand silver Phials ten thousand two hundred thousand silver Trumpets forty thousand Snuffers or pot-hooks which he calls musical instruments besides incredible numbers of silver Plates and Dishes silver Tables and the Doors of silver This we know that David left seven thousand talents of refined silver for the Temple besides what Solomon added 1 Chron. 29. as for gold we read that the Oracle and Altar were overlayed with gold so were the Cherubins and the whole house overlaid with gold and the very floore also 1 Kings 6. besides the golden Altar Solomon made the Table whereon the shewbread was of gold the Candlesticks also with the flowers and lamps and tongs with the bowls snuffers basons spoons censers and hinges all of pure gold 1 Kings 7. I need not speak of the rich woods and pretious stones in the Temple The Contriver of this Fabrick was God himselfe the form of it was four square the Courts four one for the Gentiles another for the Israelites the third for women and the fourth for the Priests the Gentiles might not enter into the Israelites court for that was counted a prophanation of the Temple yet our Saviour who was frequently conversant in the court of the Gentiles accounted that a part of his Fathers house and the house of prayer and it was out of this Court that he whipped the buyers and sellers this was called Solomons porch Iohn 10. Acts 3. because in that place Solomon stood when he dedicated the Temple and used there to pray or because it stood undemolished by the Chaldeans when the rest of the Temple was destroyed In the Priests Court stood the Altar of burnt offerings and the brasen Sea In the Sanctuary called the Oracle because there God delivered his Oracles stood the Ark the Censer Propitiatory and Cherubines it had no light nor window in it hither the high Priest only had access and that but once a year where he burned incense so that he neither could see not be seen In the holy place which was also without windows there burned lights perpetually to represent the celestial lights but in the most holy there was no light at all to shew that all outward light is but darknesse being compared with that light which God inhabiteth and which no man can approach unto Within the Ark were the two Tables of the Law the pot with Manna and Aarons rod. The Tables and the rod represented Christs active and passive obedience the golden pot with Manna his two natures The Temple was built after the manner of the Tabernacle but that did far exceed this in stability magnitude glory and continuance In the Tabernacle were but
sometimes by bowing or prostrating the whole body and sometimes by kissing the idol or by kissing their own hand if they could not reach to kisse the idol of this Job speaketh if my mouth hath kissed mine hand when I beheld the Sun shining or the Moon walking in her brightnesse Iob. 31. 27. but of the Babylonish idolatry see Diodorus Philostratus Eusebius Isidor Scaliger Q. How doth it appear that the Gentile Idols were dead men A. By their own testimonies for Hermes in Asclepio as Apuleâ—us records confesseth that Aesculapius grandfather to Asclepius and that Mercury his own grandfather who had divine worship at Hermopolis in Egypt were men whose bodies were buried the one in Lybia the other in Egypt in the Town Hermopolis so called from him but under these names Spirits or Devils are worshipped which I did draw or intice into their Statues Plutarch witnesseth that the Egyptian god Osyris was a man who because he distinguished every Region in the Camp by their colours in which Dogs Oxen and other beasts were painted therefore after his death he was honoured under these shapes In Cyprians book concerning the vanity of Idols Alexander is informed by Leo the chief Egyptian Priest that their gods were no other then men The Greek Poets in rehearsing the Genealogy and off-spring of their gods do intimate that they were men King â—aunus in Italy made his Grandfather Saturn a god and so he did deifie his father Picus and his wife Fauna who from her gift of prophecying was called Fatua and afterward Bona dea When the Senate made an Act that none should be worshipped at Rome for gods but such as the Senate did allow did they not by this Act intimate that their gods were but men and subject to their approbation Cicero in his books of the nature of Gods sheweth that all their Deities both great and small were but men their Temples were their Sepulchres and their Religion but Superstition Virgil by confessing that the Trojan gods were subdued by the Grecians doth acknowledge they were but men Sibylla calls the Gentile gods 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is the idols or images of dead carkasses the whole story of Iupiter to wit his birth education actions and death do testifie he was but a man and if we look on his adulteries incests with his own sister Iuno and his daughter Minerva if on his Sodomy with Ganymedes his ravishing of Europa and many others if on his impiety against his father Saturn whom he drove out of his kingdom and forced to hide himselfe in Italy if I say we consider these things we must needs say that he was so far from being a god that he scarce deserved the name of a man but rather of a savage beast and indeed not unlike in â—alacity to the Goat his Nurse Such another god was Saturn a cruel murtherer of his own children and whose chief delight was to have little children sacrificed to him What was Mercury but a Theese Venus a Whoore Bacchus a Drunkard Vulcan was but a Smith Apollo a Shepherd and Mason Mars a Souldier Neptune a Mariner Minerva a Spinster or Weaver Saturn a Husbandman Aesculapius a Physitian c. in a word as these were men so they had no other Deity but what they had from men therefore I will end with that witty saying Si Dii cur plangit is si mortui cur adoratis if these are gods why do you bewail them if men why do you adore them But against these deified men the fathers of the Church have written sufficiently chiefly Clemens Augustine Eusebius Tertullian Cyprian Lactantius Arnobius Nazianzene c. who tell us that there was no Religion at all among the Gentiles seeing every kinde of impurity and impiety was patronized by their gods and as Greg. Nazianzene saith in his third Oration against Iulian 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is to be wicked was not only counted no disgrace but it was also honoured with Altars and Sacrifices Therefore justly might the Apostle call the worshippers of such gods Atheists because they did not worship the true God but such as were no gods at all and scarce worthy to be called men Goodly gods saith the same Father who would be drawn to Aethiopia so far off for the love of good cheer these sure were belly-gods and withall would undertake a quarrel for the Strumpet Lacaena Q. What Religious worship or idolatrous rather was used in Hierapolis of Syria A. In this holy City for so Hierapolis signifieth was a magnificent Temple built by Deucalion or as some write by Semiramis or as others by Bacchus Queen Stratonice repaired or re-builded rather this Temple being decayed Here men used to geld themselves and put on womens apparrel such Priests were called Galli Here stood two Priapi or Phalli and within the Quire into which the chief Priest onely might enter stood Iupiters statue supported with Bulls Iuno's with Lyons having in one hand a Scepter and a Distaff in the other In the Temple stood Apollo cloathed and bearded whose Oracles were much consulted if the Petition was liked the Image would move forward if otherwise backward Here also stood divers other Idols 300. Priests were maintained here who did Minister all in white with their heads covered and sacrificed twice a day with singing and musical Instruments if to Iuno but to Iupiter no musick Their high Priest was elected every year whose cloathing was Purple and a golden Myter Not far from the Temple was a deep Lake in which were kept consecrated fishes in the midst thereof stood a stone Altar crowned continually with Garlands on this odours did still burn They had divers feasts the greatest was that of the Fire where they set divers trees hung with divers sorts of beasts for sacrifice on fire after they had carried about these Fires in Procession their Idols Here the gelded Priests wound each other and divers young men at this feast geld themselves Here was much confused Musick Disorder Fury and Prophecying Into the Temple none might enter in 30. days in whose Family any died and then his head must be shaved He that but lookt upon a dead Corps was excluded the Temple a whole day To touch a Dove was abomination because Semiramis was transformed into a Dove and so it was to touch fishes because of Derceto the Mermaid and Mother of Semiramis half a Fish and half a Woman To Hierapolis were divers Pilgrimages each Pilgrim was tied to cut his hair on his head and browes to sacrifice a sheep to kneele and pray upon the fleece thereof to lay the head and feet of the sheep upon his own head to crown himself to drink cold waâ—er onely and to sleep on the ground till his return The young men were bound to consecrate their hair then to cut it in the Temple and to offer it in a box of Gold or Silver with their names inscribed thereon Some other foolish circumstances there were in
in the morning though a Goose or an Asse and all the day after they pray to it but a Crow they cannot abide the sight of that will make them keep in all day They salute the first appearance of the New Moon with prayers on their knees Neer to every Idol is a Cistern of water in which they that passe by wash their feet worship and offer Rice Eggs or such like When they sow mow marry go to sea and when the women lie in they feast their idols with musick and other solemnities fourteen days together and so do sea-men after they return home See Linschoten Q Of what Religion are the people of Malabar A. Pythagoreans they are holding not onely the immortality of Soules both of beasts and men and transanimation but also a divinity in Elephants Kine and other beasts therefore at Calecut the chief City of this Dominion and head of a small Kingdome of the same name there is a stately Temple of 700. pillars dedicated to the Ape Their Bramanes or Priests the successors of the old Brachmannes are in such esteeme here that the King will not converse with his new married Wife till one of the chief Bramanes hath had the first nights lodging with her They hold that God made the World but because the trouble of governing thereof is so great therefore hath given the charge thereof to Satan whom they worship with flowers on their Altars and sacrifices of Cocks The Bramanes wash his image sitting in a fiery Throne with three Crowns and four Horns in sweet water every morning The King of Calecut eats no meat till it be first offered by his Priests to this Idol Debtors that will not pay are arrested by a rod sent from the chief of the Bramanes with which a circle is made about the Debtor in the Kings name and the said Priest out of which he daâ—e not go till the debt be satisfied otherwise he is put to death Every twelfth year in the City of Quilacare is a Jubilee kept to the honour of their Idol in which the King of that place upon a Scaffold covered with silk before the people washeth himself then prayeth to the Idol and having cut off his nose ears lips and other parts at last cuts his own throat as a sacrifice to his idol His successor by their discipline is bound to be present and to act the same tragedy on himselfe at the next Jubilee See Castaneda Barbosa Boterus Linâ—â—hoten and Purchas Q. How caâ—â— these Idolatrous Pagans to beleeve the immortality of souls A. By the meer force of natural reason for they observed that the soul is incorporeal not onely free from al dependance on the body in respect of its essence but also in regard of its inorganical operations to wit of Understanding and Will they found that the more the body decayed and grew weak the more vigorous active and strong was the soul that it lost nothing of its operations by the losse or decay of the outward senses that it could comprehened all the world within it self that it could move it self in an instant from one end of the world to the other that it can make things past many years agoe as if they were present that it can conceive spiritual Essences and Universalities all which do prove how far the soul exceedeth the body and bodily senses which can reach no farther then to sensible qualities singularities or individuals to things present only to bodies only Besides they observed that the soul could not dye or perish or corrupt and putrifie as bodies do because it is immaterial simple without composition of different substances and free from contrary and destructive qualities which are the causes of death corruption and putrefaction in bodies Again every body is quantitative sensible and may be measured and filled but the soul hath no quantitie nor is it sensible but by its effects nor can it be measured nor can the whole world fill it nor doth it increase or decrease as bodies do nor can it receive hurt or detriment from any outward thing and whereas bodily senses are weakned by any vehement object as the eye by too much light the ear by a violent souâ—d c. the soul is perfected by its object and the more sublime or eminent the object is the more is the soul corroborated in sits understanding neither is the soul subject to time and motion as bodies are for it makes all times present and is not capable of generation corruption alteration c. moreover there is in the soul even of Epicurus himself a desire of immortality which desire cannot be in vain nor frustrated because natural and consequently necessary and wee know that God hath made nothing in vain but this desire must be in vain if frustrâ—ted And we find that many who have denied the souls immortality in their health and prosperity have been forced to confesse it in their sicknesse and troubles and on their death bed If we look upon the writings of the learned Gentiles we shall find them professing this truth this we may see in the fragments of Zoroastres in Trismegistus in Phocillides who thus sings 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 That is The soul is immortal and void of old age and liveth allwayes And againe 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 That is The soules remain void of fate in death The Pythagoreans believed the same as we see by their opinion of Transanimation Socrates and Plato speak most divinely of the soul essence and immortality so doth Aristotle in his books De anima so do the Poets so doth Cicero in Som. Scip. Erigamus in caeâ—um oculos tanquam in Patriam in quam nobis aliquando redeundum est Let us saith he lift up our eyes towards Heaven as our country to which at last we shall return So he saith The body is fraile but the spirit is immortal So Seneca Animus unde demissus estâ— ibi illum aeterna requies manet Eternal rest remaines for the soul there from whence it came Animus sacer aeternus cui non possit inijci manus Many such passages may be seen in his writiâ—gs and that generally the Gentiles believed this truth is plain by their opinion they had of torments in Hell and of joyes in their Elysian fields Q. Of what Religion are the people of Narsinga and Bisnagar A. This rich Indian Kingdom having these two names from the two Chief Cities thereof is infested with horrible Idolatry Here is an Idol to which Pilgrimes resort either with their hands bound or ropes abovt their necks or knives sticking in their armes and legs which limbs if they fester they are accounted holy Gold Silver and Jewels are given by these Pilgrims to maintain this Idol and his Temple All these gifts are cast into a Lake and kept there for the uses aforesaid This Idol is carried yearly in procession with Virgins and Musick going before Under the Idols Chariot Pilgrims
Guiana 21. Of Brasil 22. Of Peru. 23. Of Hispaniola SECT III. Quest. WHat was the Religion of the old Africans A. Their chief gods were the Sun and Fire to which they erected Temples and kept the Fire continually burning on Altars to that purpose The Planets were the Numidian and Lybian gods From Gentilisme they were converted to Judaism then to Christianity and at last to Mahumetanisme We read that Matthias the Apostle preached in Aethiopia and Simon another Apostle in Mauritania about the time of Constantine Christianity was generally received in the hither and lesser Africa and was by the Goths infected with Arianisme which made way for Mahumetanism The Poeni or Phonicians and Carthoginians whilest Gentiles offered men sacrifices to Saturn in their supplications they put infants in the arms of Saturns brazen image made hot with fire and so were burned to death At Tunis neer the Lake â—itonia Miuerva taught the use of Oyle and invented the Art of Spinning therefore she was worshipped as a goddesse Venus was a great deity in Phoenicia Iuno in Carthage At this day they are Mahumetans whose Religion consisteth most in washing and frequenting of the Mosques See Alexander ab Alexandro Ih. Leo Sâ—idas and others Q. What is the Religion and Church Discipline of Fez A. They are at this day Mahumetans in their prosession and in their Devotion no ways sparing for there are in the City of Temples and Chappels about 700 whereof some are garnished with many pillars and Fountains of Marble Each Temple hath one Priest to say Service and look to his Churches revenue which he bestoweth upon the Church-Officers namely the Porters Cryers and the Lamp-lighters these are night Officers but for the day Cryers who from their Steeples call the people to prayers these have no pay but onely are freed from tenths and all other payments In the great Church which is about a mile and halfe in compasse and hath 31 great gates the roofe whereof is upheld with twenty Arches in breadth and 38 in length are lighted every night 900 Lamps some of the greaâ—est are of brasse with sockets for 1500 Lamps About the walls are divers Pulpits for their Readers who begin their Lectures shortly after break of day in the Summer they read after Sun-set Mahumets Law and Moral Philosophie are read then to the winter Lectures are allowed large revenues books and Candles The Priest of this Temple taketh charge of the Orphans mony and of the poor to whom he dealeth Corn and mony every Holy-day This Temple hath a treasurer and under him eight Notaries and six Clarks twenty 〈◊〉 for the husbandry twenty Lime-kills and twenty Brick-kills for repairing of the Temple the Revenâ—es of which are 200 Ducatsaday Oâ—â—er Temples of the City are hence furnished when they want Here are two stately Colledges for porfessors of divers Sciences and divers Hospitals for strangers and the â—ick with all accommodations Their Marriages are performed in the Church They have great feasting at the circumcision of the males They observe divers Feastivals at some of which the youth do with Cudgels and other weapons knok down one another so that many murthers are committed They make Bone-fires on the Feast of St Iohn Baptist and on Christmasse â—Even eat Sallades of green Hearbs On Mahumets birth-day the Poets make Sonnets in his praise which they reherse publiquely and are rewarded accordingly In Fez are 200 Grammer-Schools the youth are bound in seven yeers to learn the Alcoran by heart On Mahumets birth-day every boy carrieth a wax torch to school which they light before day and let them burn till Sun-rising all this while singing Mahumets praise Candles are presented to the King that day of incredible heigth and bignesse who that night heareth all the Law read By Mahuments Law Soothsayers are inprisoned and yet here are many of that profession There are here divers Sects of Mahumetans some like our Anabaptists condeming all learning and trusting to Enthusiasmes others who think by their fasting and good works that they are so holy and perfect that they cannot sin There be some who hold all Religions to be true because every one takes that to be God which he worships and they teach that the Heaven with the Planets Stars and Elements are one God They have also their Hermits By their Discipline Women may not enter their Mosques because of their often pollutions and for that Eve first sinned The day after a child is born the Priest is sent for to pray The child is washed by the women who name it and then it is circumcised but somtimes the circumcision is put off for divers yeers They are very strict in their fastings not tasting any thing though they should faint till the Stars appear the Mufti or High-Priest sits with the King every day in judgment except the Friday then the King sits alone See 〈…〉 c. Q. What are their times of Prayer A. Two hours afore day then they pray for the day 2. Two hours after day then they give thanks for the day 3. At Noon then they give thanks for that halfe the day is past 4. At four in the afternoon then they pray that the Sun may well set on them 5. At twilight they give thanks after their daily labours 6. They pray-two hours after twi-light and then they desire a good night thus they pray six times in 24. hours and so devout they are that when they hear the Sexton from their Steeples cry to prayer before day then may no man touch his wife but prepare to prayer by washing or other devotion either at Church or in his own house after this his prayer the Talby or Priest sits down and resolves for half an hour all doubts that are moved in matters of their Law He is counted profane and disabled from being witnesse who prayeth not six times a day See Purchas in his Pilgrimage Q. What is the Religion of Morocco A. The same is there professed that is in Fez but they are not altogether so devout in Morocco as in Fez for they have not that number of magnificent Temples Colledges Hospitals and Schools yet some they have especially one Temple very large and stately in Morocco with a magnificent Steeple of incredible hight they have also their Hermites and other Religious men in all these they come short of Fez by reason they are often molested by the incursions of the Arabians They here also among them as in Fez multitudes of Jews who â—â—cked over thither when they were driven out of Spain by Ferdinand and out of Portugal by King 〈◊〉 There be also among them many Christians but in miserable captivity and slavery whereas the Turks elsewhere in spiritual affairs subject themselves to the Caliph of Cairo these African kingdoms acknowledge onely their subjection to the Caliph of Bagdaâ— or Babylon The Turks of Morocco and Fez think they merit Heaven if they kill many Christians therefore they
on Friday and in their Lent is punished with disgrace and a pecuniary Mulct 9. In divers ridiculous ceremonies acted by their Priests as pulling off the shooes which all people are tyed to do when they enter into their Temples in stretching out the hands and joyning them together in kissing the ground in lifting up the head in stopping of the ears with their fingers in praying with their faces to the South because Mecca is there in wiping their eyes with their hands in observing a Lenten Fast for one moneth in a yeer changing the moneth every yeer so that they fast one whole yeer in twelve and then they abstain from all meat and drink till the stars appear In plucking off their hairs at the end of their Fast and in painting of their nayls with a red colour 10. In Pilgrimages to Mecca in circumcision of their children in feasting at the Graves of the dead and in other such vain ceremonies Q. What Ceremonies observe they in their Pilgrimage to Mecca A. This journey is undertaken and performed every yeer and it is held so necessary that he who doth not once in his life go this Pilgrimage shall be assuredly damned whereas Paradise and remission of sins is procured to them that go it The way is long and tedious to those of Greece being six moneths journey and dangerous by reason of Arabian theeves mountains of sand with which divers are overwhelmed and want of water in those sandy and barren desarts Their chief care is to be reconciled to each other where there is any difference before they go for if they leave not behind them all grudges and quarels their Pilgrimage will do them no good they begin their journey from Cairo about three weeks after their Easter called Bairam being guarded with 200 Spachi on Dromedaries and 200 Ianizaries on Camels with eight pieces of Ordnance a rich vesture for the Prophet and a green Velvet covering wrought with gold to cover his Tomb which the Bassa delivers to the Captain of the Pilgrims The Camels that carry these Vestures are covered with cloth of gold and many small bels the night before their departure is kept with great Feasting and triumphs No man may hinder his wife from this Pilgrimage and every servant is made free that goeth it The Camel that carrieth the box with the Alcoran is covered with cloth of gold and silk the box with silk onely during the journey but with gold and Jewels at their entring into Mecca Musitians also and singers encompasse the Camel and much vain Pompe is used in this Pilgrimage They use divers washings by the way when they meet with water When they come to Mecca the house of Abraham which they fable was miraculously built receiveth a new covering and a new Gate the old vesture is sold to Pilgrims which hath a vertue in it to pardon sins after many idle Ceremonies performed they go round about Abrahams house seven times then they kisse a black stone which they believe fell down thither from Heaven at first it was white but by the often kissing of sinners it is become black then they wash themselves in the Pond Zunzun without the Gate five paces this pond the Angel shewed to Hagar when she wanted water for Ismael Of this also they drink and pray for pardon of their sins After five days abode at Mecca they go to the Hill of pardâ—ns 15 miles distant and there they leave all their sins behind them after they have heard a Sermon and prayed and offered Sacrifices Upon their return they must not look back to the Hill lest their sins follow them From hence they repair to Medina where Mahomets Sepulchre is thought to be but by the way they run up a certain hill which they call the mount of health they run that they may sweat out all their sins Thence they come pure to the Seducers tombe which notwithstanding they may not see being hanged about with a Silk Curtain which by the Eunuchs being 50. in number to attend on the tombe and to light the Lamps is taken down when the Pilgrims Captain presenteth the new one without each man gives to the Eunuchs handkerchiefs or such like to touch the tombe therewith this they keep as a special Relique When they return to Egypt the Captain presenteth the Alcoran to the Bassa to kisse and then it is laid up again the Captain is Feasted and presented with a Garment of cloth of Gold They used to cut in pieces the Camel with his Furniture which carried the Alcoran and reserve these pieces for holy Reliques The Alcoran also is elevated that all might see and adore it which done every one with joy returns to his one home Q. What Ceremonies use they about their Circumcision A. They are Circumcised about eight years of age the Child is carried on hors-back with a Tullipant on his head to the Temple with a torch before him on a spear deckt with flowers which is left with the Priest as his Fee who first nippeth the end of the skin of the childs yard with pincers to mortifie it then with his sizzers he nimbly cuts it off presently a powder is laid on to ease the pain and afterward salt The childs hands being loosed looketh as he is taught by the Priest towards heaven and lifting up the first finger of his right hand saith these words God is one God and Mahomet in his Prophet Then he is carried home in state after some prayers and offerings at the Church Sometimes the child is circumcised at home and receiveth his name not then but when he is born They feast then commonly three days which ended the child is carried with Pomp to the Bath and from thence home where he is presented with divers gifts from his Parents Friends Women are not circumcised but are tied to make profession of their Mahumetan faith Q. What Rites doe they observe about the sick and dead A. Their Priests and chief friends visit them exhort them to repentance and read Psalms to them When any dieth the Priest compasseth the Corps with a string of beads made of Lignum Aloes praying God to have mercy on him then the Priests carry it into the Garden wash it and cover it with its own garments with flowers also and persumes and his Turband is set on his head Women perform this office to the body of a woman This done the body is carried to the Temple with the head forwards and set down at the Church-door whilst the Priests are performing their service then it is carried to the burial-place without the City the Priests pray for his soul are paid for their pains and feasted at home Some part of their good cheer is set on the grave for the soul to feed on or for alms to the poor They believe there are two Angels who with angry looks and flaming firebrands examine the dead party of his former life whom they whip with
more acceptable then wine In other points they were Pepuzians and differed from them onely in cheese offering therefore they were called Artotyritae from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 bread and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 cheese Q. 18. What was the Religion of the Tessarescae Decatitae or Quarradecimani and of the Alogiani A. The former of these were so called from observing Easter on the fourteenth day of the Moon in March after the manner of the Iewes and they made Saint Iohn the author of that custome which was observed by the Oriental Churches till Pope Victor excommunicated them as Schismaticks in dissenting from the custome of the Western Church This controversie fell out about the 165 year of Christ Severus then being Emperour and from the first Original thereof continued 200. years This Heresie was condemned by the council of Nice and ordered that Easter should be kept after the manner of the Western Church which derived their custom from Saint Peter These Hereticks also denied repentance to those that fell after baptisme which was the Novatian Heresie Alogiani so called from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the privative and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the word because they denied Christ to be the word and consequently they denied his divinity as Ebion and Cerinthus had done before Samosâ—tenus Aâ—â—ius and the Mahumetans afterward These Alogiani rejected Saint Iohns Gospel and his Apocalypse as not written by him but by Cerinthus which is ridiculous for Cerinthus denied Christs Divinity which Saint John asserteth in writing that the Word was God These Hereticks were named also Berilliani from Berillus a Bishop in Arabia who taught that Christ was a man and then became the word of God The first broacher of this Heresie is thought to be Artemon a profane man who lived about the time of Severus Emperour 167. years after Christ from him they were called Artemonitâ— Q 19. What was the Religion of the Adamians Elcesians and Theodotians A. The Adamians or Adamites so called either from one Adam their author or from Adam the first man whose nakednesse they imitate sprung up shortly after the Gnosticks and were called Prodiciani from one Prodicus whom they followed Of this Sect there be many extant at this day They held it unlawful for men or women to wear cloathes in their congregation and assemblies seeing their meetings were the only Paradise on earth where they were to have life Eternal and not in Heavenâ— as Adam then in his Paradise so Christians in theirs should be naken and nor cloathed with the badges of their sin and shame They rejected marriages as diabolical therefore they used promiscuous copulation in the dark they rejected also all prayers to God as needlesse seeing he knew without us what we wanted The Elcesei so called from Elcesae an impostor and Sampsei from a spotted kind of Serpent which they represented in their changable dispositions were much addicted to judicial Astrology and Soothsaying They held two Priests one below made of the Virgin a meer man and one above they confound Christ with the Holy Ghost and sometimes they call him Christs Sister but in a masculine name to both which persons they give longitude latitude and locality To water they ascribe a divinity and so they did to two Whoores Marthus and Marthana the dust of whose feet and spittle they worshipped as holy reliques They had a certaine Apocrypha book the reading whereof procured remission of â—in and they held it no sin to deny Christ in time of persecution This Heresie began to spread about 210. years after Christ under Gordian the Emperor See Origen who writ against it The Theodocians so called from one Theodoâ—us or Theodotion who lived under Severus Emperour 170. years after Christ. He was a Byzantian by birth and a Tanner by profession who taught that in times of persecution we may deny Christ and in so doing we deny not God because Christ was meerly man and that he was begotten of the seed of man He also added to and took from the writings of the Evangelists what he pleased Q 20. What was the Religion of the Melchisedecians Bardesanists and Noetians A. The former were called Melchisedecians for believing that Melchisedeck was not a man but a Divine power superiour to Christ whom they held to be a meer man One Theodotus Scholar to the former Theodotus the Tanner was author of this Sect who lived under Severus about 174. years after Christ. The Bardesanists were so called from one Bardesanes a Syrian who lived under Verus the Emperour 144. years after Christ. He taught that all things even God himself were subject to Fate or a Stoical necessity so that he took away all liberty both from God and man and that vertue and vice depended on the Stars He renewed also the whimsies of the Aeones by which he overthrew Christs divinity and denied the Resurrection of the flesh The Noetians so called from Noetus born in Smyrna taught that there was but one Person in the Trinity which was both mortal and immortal in heaven God and impatible on earth Man and patible So they made a Trinity not of Persons but of Names and Functions Noetus also taught that he was Moses and that his brother was Aaron This Heretick was buried with the burial of an Asse and his city Smyrna was overthrown eight years after he broached his Heresie He lived about 140. years after Christ under M. Antoninus and L. Verus Emperours Q. 21. Of what Religion were the Valesians the Cathari Angelici and Apostolici A. The Valesians so called from one Valens an Arabian who out of the doctrine of the Gnosticks or Tatians condemned marriage and procreation Therefore his Scholars after the example of Origen gelded themselves thinking none can enter into heaven but Eunuchs Whereas the Eunuchs Christ speaks of be such as by continence subdue the lusts of the flesh This Heresie springing under Iulianus Philippus Emperour about the year of Christ 216. The Cathari 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 so called by themselves as if they were purer then other men derived most of their Tenets from Novatâ—s hence they were named Novatians This Novatus lived under Decius the Emperour after Christ 220. years He was an African born This Heresie lasted till the time of Arcadius to wit 148. years they denyed repentance to those who fell after Baptism they bragged much of their Sanctity and good works They condemned second Marriages as adulterous They used rebaptization as the Donatists did afterward They rejected also Oyl or Chrism in Baptisme The Angelici were so called from worshipping of Angels it seems this Heresie was begun in the Apostles time who condemneth it but had its growth shortly after the Melchisedecians about the year of Christ 180. The Apostolici were so called from imitating the holinesse of the Apostles these were the spawn of the Encratites about the year
a Bishop for if Presbyters had been distinct from Bishops Paul would not have left them unsaluted for why should he salute the Deacons and not thâ— Presbyters which are a higher degree Quest. Why were the Pastors called Bishops and Presbyters A. To put them in mind of their duty and dignity for the word Episcopus or Bishop signifieth the care inspection and oversight which they should have of mens souls in guiding instructing and feeding them with the Word and Sacraments Presbyter signifieth the age dignity and experience that ought to be in Ministers whose grave carriage wisdome and knowledge should procure reverence of the people to that high calling and obedience to their Doctrine Q. Are young men then fit to be made Presbyters oâ— Bishop A. No except there be extraordinary gifts in them as were in Timothy or in extream necessity when grave and ancient men cannot be found Temeritas florentis aelatis prudentia sinectutes Young men are rash inconstant head strong proud inconsiderate and indiscreet in their words and carriage for the most part which hath brought this high calling into obloquie and contempt They have not that experience wisdome gravity and knowledge that are in old men nor are they Masters of their passions and affections and how are they fit overseers of others who cannot oversee themselves a young Presbyter is a contradiction and a young Bishop is incongruous Young and green heads have been the cause of so much distemper so many Heresies and schismes in the Church of Christ Therefore little hope there is that ever peace Religion and truth shall flourish in that Church where giddy young men are Bishops or Presbyters and hot-spurs or green heads are preferred to gray hairs ancient Divines are fittest to serve the ancient of dayes Q. But if Paul constituted Presbyters and Deacons in all the Churches which be planted why doth he not salute them as he did these of Philippi A. For brevities sake he oftentimes omits them thinking it sufficient to have saluted the Church in generall in which they are included being members thereof Q. Is not the degree of Bishops higher than that of Presbyters A. Sometimes to avoid heresie schismes and troubles in the Church the Presbyters have chosen one of their own society to precede or oversee the rest but this was onely in some places and at some times and rather an ecclesiastick custome than a divine tradition saith Hierom. Q. But why did Paul besides his custome salute the Deacons at Philippi A. Because by Epaphroditus they had sent him relief therefore he would particularly thank them besides he would shew that under these two names of Presbyter and Deacon is contained the whole Ministry of the Church the Presbyter caring for the things of the soul the Deacon for the things of the body Q. What doth the ward Deacon signifie A. A Minister or servant for so the Magistrate is called Rom. 13. a Deacon or Minister Paul calls himself the Deacon of the Gospel Eph. 5. and he calls Christ the Deacon of Circumcision Rom. 15. but this word is appropriated to him that hath the charge of the poor and strangers in collecting and laying out the Church money for their relief Such were those seven mentioned Acts â— and as Christ had twelve Apostles so one of them to wit Iudas was a Deacon for he kept the bag Q. Were there in the Church preaching Presbyters onely A. No there were also ruling Elders of which Paul speaketh 1. Tim. 5. 1â— Let the Elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour especially they who labour in the Word and Doctrine for the preaching Presbyters thought it too great a burthen to preach and to have the inspection of mens manners therefore they desired some of the Laity to assist them whom they called ruling Elders Q. What difference is there between a Minister and a Deacon A. The Greek word signifieth both promiscuously but we have appropriated the word Minister to a preacher and the word Deacon to the Overseer of the poore Q. How doth it appear that Presbyter and Bishop was the same A. Because the Apostle Phil. 1. salutes the Bishops of Philippi but in one Town there is onely one Bishop usually so called So Acts 20. having called together the Presbyters he bids them take heed to the stock whereof the Holy Ghost hath made them Bishops And leaving Titus at Crete to establish Presbyters sheweth that a Bishop must be without reproof Q. Have there not been sometimes two Bishops in one Town A. We read in Sozomen l. 4. c. 14. that the Bishops assembled at Sirmium wrote to Foelix and the Clergy of Rome to admit of Liberius as an assistant Bishop to Foelix but the Councel of Nice forbids two Bishops to be in one City Can. 8. Q. Why do not the Reformed Churches now call our Ministers by the name of Bishops and Priests A. Because these Offices have been abused in Popery the one to pride and tyranny the other to superstition and idolatry Q. May a man exercise the office of Presbyter or Bishop without a calling A. No for no man takes upon him this office but he that is called of God as Aaron was Vzza was struck with sudden death for his rash touching of the Ark 2. Sam. 6. God complains of those Prophets that run and yet were not sent Ier. 23. and how can such preach if they be not sent Rom. 10. Leprâ—sie shall seize upon King Uzziah if he stretch out his hand to touch the Ark 2 Chron. 26. Christ himself spoke not of himsel nor was his Doctrine his own but his that sent him Iohn 5 7. Q. How must a man be called A. First Internally by the Spirit moving his heart and furnishing him with graces fit for so high a Calling Secondly Externally by the Church to which twofold calling we must yield obedience and not resist and run from it as Ionah did Q. How shall we know the inward call of the Spirit from the stattering concept of our Fancies A. If we are called by the Spirit we have no other ends but Gods glory and the salvation of souls we seek Christ for his miracles not for his loaves we will not trust to our own strength learning or eloquence but will disclaim our own sufficiency with the Apostle will accuse our own uncircumcised and defiled lips with Mosâ—s and Esay and will rely onely upon the goodnesse and promise of God who will give us wisdome and will put in our mouths what we shall speak Quest. How many sorts of callings are there in the Church A. Two to wit Extraordinary as that of the Apostles Evangelists and Prophets and Ordinary as the callings of Presbyters or Bishops of preaching Prophets or Pastors and of Deacons Q. Can both these callings be in one maâ— A. Yes for Ieremy and Ezechiel were ordinary Priests and Levites yet were extraordinary Prophets So Luther had an ordinary Function in the
sacerdos and in the Emperours of Rome that were also chief Pontifies and though Melchisedech was King and Priest and among the Iews Abraham was a Prince and a Priest Heli a Judge and a Priest the Machabees were Princes and Priests yet this was not ordinary for Abraham Melchisedech Heli were Types of Christ the Machabees by usurpation undertook both governments but ordinarily these Offices were distinct among the Iews therefore Moses who gave Lawes concerning the Priesthood did not exercise it himself neither did Ieshua David nor Salomon but on the contrary Saul and Vzziah were severely punished for medling with the Priests Office Saul for offering sacrifice lost his Kingdome and Vzziah was struck with Leprosie but among Christian these Officers are much more distinct for Christs Kingdome is not of this world and the Ministry is burden enough without other addition who is sufficient for it saith the Apostle besides it is Christs prerogative to be alone King and Priest of his Church Yet so far may the Magistrate meddle with the Ministry as to reform what is amisse both in their life and Doctrine examples hereof we have in Iehosaphat Ezechia and Iosiah and in Salomon too who deposed Abiathar the Priest Q. Was the Presbytery in use among the Iews A. Yes for besides the Civill Judicature which by Moses his appointment consisted of 70. men and had its seat in the City gates there was a spirituall or Ecclesiastick judicature kept in the Synagogues which judged of things holy and clean and discerned between holy and profane clean and unclean things and declared the Statutes of God and because of the Scribes among them they decided matters of their Civil Law Levit. 10. 10. This judicature consisted of Priests and Levites as also of the chief Fathers of Israel which we may call Lay or ruling Elders as we may see 2. Chroâ— 19. 8. Ichosaphat did not onely restore and reform from the Civil Courts called Sanhedrim in each City the chiefest whereof was at Ierusulem but also he reformed the Presbyteries or Ecclesiastick judicatures as may be seen there placing Amariah the chief Priest over these but Zâ—badiah ruler or Prince of the house of Iuda over the Synedria or Civil affairs called there verse 11 the Kings matters because the King was chief over these Courts as the High-Priest over the Presbyteries but afterward through the corruption of time These Courts were confounded and the Presbyteries did not onely judge de jure as anciently they used but also de facto even of life and death as in the time of the Mathaâ—ees but under the Romans this power was taken from them for they neither could put Christ nor Paul to death as for Stephen he was stoned not by the sentence of the Court but in a popular tumult Q. How are these two Courts named in the New Testament A. The Civil Court is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Councell the Ecclesiastick Court is named the Synagogue Mat. 10. 17. The chief of the Synagogue was the High-Priest but of the Councel was the Judge Deut. 17. 12. Ieremâ—ah was condemned by the Synagogue Ier. 26. 8. but absolved by the Councel or secular Judges in the Gate verse 16. Q. Why are Ministers called Presbyters and Bishops but not Priests in the New Testament A. Because they were to be put in mind of their dignity and Function which consisteth in the care and inspection of their stcok not in offering of sacrifice which was the proper work of the Priest but ceased when Christ our propitiatory sacrifice was offered besides Christ would reserve this prerâ—gative to himself in being the onely Priest of the New Testament not after the order of Aaron which ended when he was sacrificed but after the order of Melchisedech which was in him to continue for ever without successor Therefore the Ministers of the New Testament are no otherwise Priests then they are Kings but these titles are common to all Christians who by Christ are made Kings and Priests to God the Father Q. How are Ministers to be elected A. They must be examined whether they be apt to teach and well reported of by them who are without Therefore Tiâ—â—othy must not lay hands suddenly on any man 1. Tim. 5. 22. and 3. 7. Secondly the Bishop or Pastor must be chosen by all the Bishops or Pastors of the Province or by three at least as it was ordained by the Councel of Nice Canon 4. Thirdly the election of the Minister must be made known to the people as we may see in the sixth Canon of the Councel of Chalcedon Fourthly the people must give their approbation Acts 6. 5. therefore Saint Austin Epist. 110. presented his succcessor Eradiâ—s to the people for their consent Fifthly there must be imposition of hands a custome used not onely in the Christian Church 1. Tim 4. 14. and 5. verse 18. 〈◊〉 also among the Iews Num. 27. 18. Deut. 34. 9. Sixthly in the Reformed Churches the other Ministers give to him that is elected the hand of fellowship as Iaâ—s Peter and Iohn gave to Paul Gal. 2. Seventhly the new elected Minister subscribes the confession of faith and discipline of the Church which custome was used in the Churches of Africa Q. Are Romish Priests converted to our Church to be re-ordained A. There is no necessity of a new ordination for though their commission in the Church of Rome 〈…〉 the body and blood of Christ in the Eucharist yet they were ordained to preach the Word and to administer the Sacraments Which ordination is not nullified when they shake off the errors of Doctrine and preach the Wâ—â—d in purity 〈…〉 their ordination originally from the Pope or his subordinate Bishop but from Christâ— neither must their Oath taken in ordination to maintain the Romish Doctrine hinder them from preaching the Word in purity for an unlawfull Oath must not be kept Therefore Luther and others who forsook the errors of Rome received no new ordination Q. Had the Presbytery power to excommunicate A. Yes and not the Bishop alone for Paul would not by himself excommunicate the incestuous Corinthian without the Presbytery or the Church gathered together 1. Cor. 5. 4. for indeed the whole congregation should have notice given them of the Excommunication that they may avoid the party exommunicated Q. Vpon what is this power grounded A. Upon Gods own practice who excommunicated Adam out of Paradise and Cain from his presence 2. Upon his command who prohibited the unclean from entring the Temple till they were purified and from eating the Passeover or commercing with Gods people who commanded every soul not circumcised the eigth day to be cut off from the people 3 Upon Christs words Whomsoever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven 4. Upon Christs counsel forbidding to give that which is holy to dogs â—rto cast pearls before swine 5. Upon the Apostles practise Peter excommunicated Simon Magus in keeping him off
holy Ghost appeared in fire in some places white is worn on the Festivities of the Martyrs because it is said Cant. 5. My beloved is white and red VVhite in his Confessors and Virgins Red in his Martyrs these are the Roses and Lillies of the Valley Black is worn upon Good Friday on all fasting days on the Rogation days in Masses for the dead from Advent till the Nativity and from Septuagesima till Easter Eve on Innocents day some wear black because of the mourning in Rama some red because of the blood of those young Martyrs Green which is made up of the three former colours white red and black is used between the 8. of Epiphany and Septuagesima likewise between Pentecost and Advent but in the City of Rome the violet colour is worn sometimes in stead of black and red Q. 19. Wherein consisteth the other parts of the Masse A. The second part begins with the offertory which is sung and so called from the Priests offering of the Hoast to God the Father and the peoples offering of their gifts to the Priest Then the Priest before he offereth the immaculate Hoast washeth his hands the second time in the interim the Deacon casteth over the Altar a fair linnen cloth called Corporale because it covers Christs body and represents his Church the mystical body it 's called also Palla from palliating or covering the mystery above named There is also another Palla or Corporal with which the Chalice is covered Then the Deacon presenteth the Patina with the round Hoast on it to the Priest or Bishop the Deacon alone can offer the Chalice but the Priest consecrates it who also mixeth the Wine and VVater in the Chalice which the Deacon cannot doe the Priest poureth out a little on the ground to shew that out of Christs side water and blood issued out and fell on the ground The water is blessed by the Priest when it is mixed but not the wine because the wine represents Christ who needs no blessing the Hoast is so placed on the Altar that it stands between the Chalice and the Priest to shew that Christ is the Mediator between God who is represented by the Priest and the People which the water in the Chalice resembleth Then the Priest fumeth the Altar and the Sacrifice three times over in manner of a crosse to shew Maries three-fold devotion in annointing Christs feet then his head and at last her intention to annoint his whole body then the Priest boweth himself kisseth the Altar and prayeth but softly to himselfe this prayer is called secreta and secretella but though it be said in silence yet the close of it is uttered with a loud voice per omnia saecula saeculorum then follows the Praefatio which begins with thanksgiving and ends with the confession of Gods majesty the minds of the people are prepared with these words Lift up your hearts the answer whereof is We lift them up unto the Lord then is sung this hymn Holy Holy Holy c. Heaven and Earth is full of thy Glory c. then follows Hosanna and after this the Canon which containeth the Regular making up of that ineffable mystery of the Eucharist it is also called Actio and Secreta because in it is giving of thanks and the Canon is uttered with a low voice The Canon by some is divided into five parts by others into more in it are divers prayers for the Church for the Pope for Bishops Kings all Orthodox Christians for Gentiles also Jewes and Hereticks those in particular are remembred for whom the sacrifice is to be offered whose names are rehearsed for those also that be present at the Masse and assistant and for himselfe likewise then is mention made of the Virgin Mary of the Apostles Evangelists and Martyrs but the Confessors are not named because they shed not their blood for Christ then follows the Consecration after many crossings these words being pronounced For this is my body the people answer Amen then the Hoast is elevated that the people may adore it and that by this might be represented Christs Resurrection and Ascension when the Priest mentioneth Christ Passion he stretcheth out his armes in manner of a crosse the Hoast is crossed by the Priest five times to shew the five wounds that Christ received but indeed in the Canon of the Masse there are seven several crossings of the Hoast and Chalice in the first the signe of the crosse is made three times in the second five times in the third twice in the fourth five times in the fifth twice in the sixth thrice and in the seventh five times so all makes up twenty five crossings prayers are also made for the dead Tâ—e Deacon washeth his hands to shew how Pilate did wash his hands when he delivered Christ to be scourged The third part of the Masse begins with the Pater Noster and some other prayers the Sub-deacon delivereth the Patina covered to the Deacon who uncovereth it and delivers it to the Priest kisseth his right hand and the Priest kisseth the Patina breaks the Hoast over the Chalice being now uncovered by the Deacon and puts a piece of it in the wine to shew that Christs body is not without blood The Hoast is broken into three parts to signifie the Trinity then the Bishop pronounceth a solemn blessing then is sung Agnuâ— Dei c that is O Lamb of God that takest away the sins of the world c. and then the kisse of peace is given according to the Apostles command Salute one another with a holy kisse In the fourth part of the Masse the Priest communicates thus he takes the one half of the Hoast for himself the other half he divides into two parts the one for the Deacon the other for the Sub-deacon after these three the Clergy and Monks communicate and after them the people the Priest holdeth the Chalice with both hands and drinks three times to signifie the Trinity the Hoast must not be chewed with the teeth but held in the mouth till it dissolve and after the taking thereof he must not spit but must wash his hands least any of the Hoast should stick to his fingers The three washings of the Priests hands in the Masse doe signifie the three-fold purity that ought to be in us to wit of our Thoughts Words and Works then follows the Post-communion which consisteth in thanksgiving and singing of Antiphones this done the Priest kisseth the Altar and removes again to the right side thereof where having uttered some prayers for the people and blessed them the Deacon with a loud voice saith Ite missa est that is Go in peace the Hoast is sent to God the Father to pacifie â—is anger Q. 20. In what else doth their outward Worship consist A. The fifth part of their Worship consisteth in their divine Service or Office as they call it whereof be two sorts one composed by S. Ambrose for the
the satisfaction and content of the rude people which could not comprehend how one and the same Deity could be diffused through all parts of the Universe therefore the wiser sort were forced to devise as many godâ— as there were species of things in the world And because the ignorant people would worship no Deity but what they saw therefore their Priests were fain to represent those invisible powers by pictures and images without which the people thought they could not be safe or secure if these gods were not still present with them They were affected with fear and joy according to the absence or presence of their gods this Virgiâ— Ecl. 1. intimates when he saith Nec tam praesentes alibi cognoscere divos and elsewhere Geor. 1. vos praesentia Numina Fauni so they held nothing propitious if their gods had not been present this made Aenaeas Aen. 3. so carefull to carry his gods about with him whereever he went Feror exul in altum cum sociâ—s natoque Penatibus magnis Diâ—s Therefore he foretells the ruine of Troy by the departure of her tutelar gods Excesserg omnes adytis arisque relictis Dii quibus imperium hoc steterat Aen. 2. Hence such care was taken by the Greciansâ— to steal away the Palladium the presence of which made Troy impregnable as they thought And the Romans had a custome that before they besieged any City they would first by conjuration or exorcisme call out their tutelar gods Therefore when Carthage was in any danger of the enemy the Priests used to bind Apollo their tutelar god to a pillar left he should be gone from them Hence it appears that they were forced to have Deities in every place at home they had their Lares and Penates in the fields they had their Ceres Pales Bacchus Pan Sylvanus Fauni c At sea they had their Neptune Tritâ—n Glaueus in their Harbours they had Portunus besides that every ship had its tutelar god set in the stern thereof Aurato praefulget Apolline puppis Aen. 10. The Woods had their Dryades the Trees Hamadryades the Flowres Napaâ— the Hills Orcades The Rivers Naiades the Lakes Liâ—â—eades the Fountains Eâ—hydriades and the Sea Nereides But notwithstanding this multiplicity the wiser sort acknowledged but one Deiâ—y as may be seen in Orpheus who thus singeth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 That is He is onely one begot of himself and of hiâ— alone are all things begot So elsewhere 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 That is Iupiter was the first and Jupiter is the last thunderer Jupiter is the head Jupiter is the middle from Jupiter alone are all things There is but one power one God the great Lord of all things Trismegistus confesseth there is but one divine nature 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 In defence of this truth Socrates died when he was forced to drink poyson for affirming there was but one God And Dâ—agoras laughed at the multiplicity of gods and at the simplicity of those who held the wooden Image of Hercules a god therefore in derision he flung it in the fire saying thou hast served Euristheus in 12. labours thou must serve me in this thirteenth The Sâ—bils in their verses prove the same that there is but one God 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is There is one God who alone 〈◊〉 â—â—mense and ingenerable And again 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 I alone am God and besides me there is no other God So Hâ—race Divosque mortalesque turmas imperio regit â—eus aequo He alone ruleth â—a justâ—ce all things I could alledge many testimonies out of the Greek and Latine Poets out of the Philosophers also to prove that the Geâ—tiles did acknowledge but one Deity howsoever they gave him many names besides their practise in uniting all the gods in one by dedicating the Pantheon to them intimating that as all the gods were united in one Temple so they were indeed but one in essence the Altar also at Athens erected to the unknown God doth confirm the same But this task hath been already performed by S. Austin Lacâ—antius Eusebiusâ— and other anâ—ient Doctors of the Church besides what hath been written of later years by Philip Morney â—lias Schâ—dius and others who also alledge many testimonies that the Gentiles were not ignorant of the Trinity of Persons as well as of the Unity of Essence which was the Pythagorean Quaternity wherein they held all perfection consisted Hence they used to swear by 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is Quaternity which they called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The fountain of perpeâ—ual nature and this doubtlesse was the same with 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Hebrew name of God 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which connsteth of 4. letters and so doth the Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Latine Deus the Italians French and Spaniards expresse the same name in four letters so did the ancient Germans in their word Diet the Sâ—lavâ—nian Buch the Panonian Isâ—u the Polonian Buog and the Arabian Alla are all of four letters and so is the naâ—e Iesu which was given to Christ by the Angel The Egyptians expressed God by the word Teâ—â— The Persians by Sire and the Magi by Orsi all intimating this Quaternity or Tâ—iniâ—â— in Unity So the Greeks expressed their chief God foreign and the Egyptians their Iâ—is and the Romans their Mars and the ancient Celtes their Thau and the Egyptians their Orus by which they meant the sun in four letters and perhaps they meant this Quaternity when they gave the sun four horses and four ears and placed four pitchers at his feet And it may be that the Queen of Cities and Lady of the World understanding the mystery of this Quaternity would not have her own name Roma to exceed or come short of four letters So Adon and Bael signified the sunne Now having shewed that the sun was the onely Deity the Gentiles worshipped under divers names in whom likewise they acknowledged a Trinity though not of persons yet of Powers or vertues to wit of light hear and influence so the oâ—b beams and light are the same sun in substance I should now shew how superstitious they were in their sun-worship some offering Horses and Charriots to him which the Iews also sometimes did others used to kneel to him at his rising the Maâ—â—ageâ—s were wont to sacrifice Horses to him the Chinois and other Indians honour him with â—inging of Verses calling him the Father of the Stars and the Moon their Mother the Americans of Peru and Mexico adored the sun by holding up their hand and making a sound with their mouth as if they had kissed of this customâ— we read in Ioh 31. 26. If I have kissed my hand behâ—lding the sun c. the Rhodians honoured him with their great Colossus and many Barbarous Nations did sacrifice men and children to him such were the sacrifices offered to Moloch by whom they meant the sun the Gentiles also to shew their
Christians Whether to be permitted amongst Christians to exercise their own Religion Wherein Christians are not to communicate with Iews Iews spend eight days in their Easter sâ—lemnities Their Pentecost Their feast of Tabernacles Their new Moons Fast in August Their solemnities in beginning the new year Their preparation for morning prayer Their feast of Reconciliation and Ceremonies therein Their Rites after the Law is read over Church Offices sold among the Iews Their feast of Dedication Their feast of Purim Their fasts Their Marriages Their Bills of Divorce Their separation of the wife from the deceased Husbands brother Their circumcision and Rites thereof How they redeem their first born Their duty to the sick Their Ceremonies about the dead Babylonians their ancient Religion The making worshipping of Images and bringing in Idolatry The Gentiles Idols were dead men Hierapolis the Religion thereof Gods of the Syrians Phoeâ—icians Their Religion and Discipline Arabians theiâ— Religion and Discipline Persians their ancient Religion Scythians their old Religion Tartars their old Religion Pagans their knowledge of the Creation Tartars their diversities of Religion Religions of the Northern countries neer the Pole Three wayes whereby Satan deludes men by false miracles The fear of Satans stratagems though illusions whence it proceeds Our duty respecting the many stratagems and illusions of Satan Chinois their Religion Indians their Ancient religion Siam its religion Pegu its Religion Bengala and its Religion Magor and its Religion Cambaia and its religion Goa the religion thereof Malabar its religion Pagans though Idolatrous believe the immortality of the soule Narsinga and Bisnagar its Religion Japon its religion Philippinae their religions Sumatra and Zeilan their Religions Egyptians their ancient Religion Egyptian Idolatry continuance thereof Egypt its modern religions Africans their Religion Fez the Religion and Church discipline thereof Their times of prayer Morocco its Religion Guinea its Religion Aethiopians of Africa their ancient Religion Their Religion at this day The lower Aethiopians their Religion Angola its Religion Congo its religion The Religion its Northern Neighbours African Islands their religions America the Religion thereof Virginia its Religion Florida its Religion Religions of the nations by west Virginia and Florida New Spain itâ— Religion Idolaters their cruelty and cost in their barbarous sacrifices Persius his notable saying Mexico its Priests and Sacrifices Americans acknowledge a Supreme God a Trinity the immortality of souls a life after this and have some tradition of Noahs flood New Spain its festival days Jucatan its religion and parts adjoyning Southern America the Religion thereof Paria Guiana and Debaiba their Religions Brasil its Religion Peru its Religion Peruviant their Festival days Peruvians their Belief of the departed souls Americans their superstitious feare aud Tyranny thereof Hispaniola its Religion Idolatry further condemned Europeans Greekes and Romans their Religions Romans their old Religion See Alexanâ— ab Alexandro Plutarch Pliâ— Cicero Gelâ—â— Fenestella Lâ—tus Their chief Festivals See Plutarch Alex. ab Alexandro Ioseph Scaliger Rosinus and others Their chiefgods But one God acknowâ—edged by the wiser sort of Gentiles Of these see Augustine in the City of God Lactantius Cicero Plutarch Rosinus and others Their Priests Of these seeâ— the aforenamed Authors Romans their Sacrifices Of these particulars see Servius on Virgil Rosinus Alexâ—â— ab Alex. and the Latine Poets Their marriage Rites See Scâ—liger de re Poetica Alex. ab Alex. Rosinus Servius Del-Rio in Senecam c. Their Funeral Rites Of these and other customs see Virgil. and Servius on him Kirchmannus also Rosinus Rhodiginus Alex. ab Alex. Gyraldus and others Burial of the dead an act of justice and mercy Aen. l. 9. Aen. lib. 10. Greeks and Gentiles their Religion and gods See the Greek Poets and their Interpreters Of these see the Greek and Latine Poets Greeks their gods how worshipped and painted See Pausanias Capella Boccatins c. See Cartarius Martianus Capella Scaliger Spondanus c. But see the Mytbologists and what we have written in Mystag Poetice Moon how worshipped Earth and fire how worshipped See the Mythologists Sea how worshipped Of all these we have spoken fully in Mystagogo poetico Death how worshipped Of these things see more in Mystag Poetic Greeks their Sacrificing See Suidas Eustathius Rhodiginus Athenaeus c. Their Priests and Temples But of theâ—â— passages 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 on Aristophâ—â— Suidas 〈◊〉 Virgil Cerda on Tertullian Rhodiginus Turneâ—us and others Germans Gauls and Brittains their Religions See Tacitus Cesars Commentaries Camden and others Old Saxons worshipped their gods under divers shapes and forms Danes Swedes Moscovites and their neighbours their Religions See Saxo Grammaticus Cranzius on Vandalia Olaus Guaguin and other Historians Scythians Getes Thracians Cymbrians Goths c their Religions See Olaus Magnus Saxo Guaguinus Ioâ—annes Magâ—â—s Aventinus c. Lithuanians Polonians Hungarians c. Their Religions See Olaus Munster in his Geography and others Gods of the Gentils Of these see Austin Lactantius Tertullian Plutarch Arnobius Eusebius c. How Ranked and Armed Of these see the Poets and their Commentators Their Chariots how drawn In Myst. Poet. In what peculiar places worshipped Greeks their chiefe Festivals Of these see Suidas Athenaeus Rhodiginus Gyraldus Hesychius â—ertullian Austin Plutarch Iuâ— Pollux the Scholiast of Aristophanes Meursius and others Mahumetans their Religion See Lanicerus and others Their Law Their opinions Mahomet not that great Antichrist spoken of by Saint Paul and Saint John Their Sects See Borrius Lanicerus Knolles Camerarius Iovius c. Mahumetans their religious orders See Menavino Nicholaus Nicholai Septemcastrensis c. See Georgiovitz Septemcastrensis Busbequius and others Their secular Priests See Cuspinian Knolles c. Their devotion See Georgiovitz Knolles Purchaâ— c. Their Pilgrimage to Mecca See Vertoman Lanicerus and others Their Circumcision See Georgiovitz and others Their Rites about the sick and dead See Menavino Bellonius c. Their Superstition how far spread Mahumetanism of what continuance Christianity its beginning Yeelds to Mahumetanism Religion by what Engines battered Hereticks and Heresies namely Simon Magus Menander Saturninus Basilides See Austin Irenaeus and Epiphanius upon this subject in their Books they wrote against Heresies Trinity denied by Simon Magus and his Scholars with others besides Iewes and Mahumetans and why See Irenaeus Austin Theodoret Tertullian Epiphanius c. Nicholatians Gnosticks See Irenaeus Tertullian Austin Theodoret c. Carpocrates See the authors above named Eusebius also and Clemens Alexandrinus Cerinthus Ebionites Nazarites See Epiphanius Eusebius Austin c. Valentinians Secundians Ptolomeans See Irenaeus Epiphanius Austin with his Commentator Danaeus c. Marcites Colarbasians Heracleonites See Tertullian Itenaeus Epiphanius Austin c. Ophites Cainites Sethites See the above named Authâ—â—s Archonticks Ascothyptaâ— See Austin Theodoret Isidorus c. Cerdon Marcion See Epiphanius Eusebius Austin Theodoret c. Apelles Tatianus See Irenaeus Tertullian Eusebius Austin Theodoret Epiphanius c. Cataphrygians See Epiphanius Eusebius Austin Theodoret Isidor