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
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
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
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
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
other places These emissary messengers of Christ or rather of Satan boyled over with their various opinions held marriages of no account and dreamed divers other things Some taught by parables and their own illusive dreams others acknowledged not him a Brother who defiled his Baptisme with sinnes others preferred the Baptisme of Iohn before that of Christ others taught that all Magistrates and whoever were unsatisfied with their Religion ought to be destroyed root and branch some would acknowledge nothing but their own visions and prophecies others that all the Prophets and Teachers that were departed this life should shortly rise again and should reign with Christ upon earth a thousand years and should receive a hundred fold for what ever they had left behind them Some of these men affirmed that they had communication with God some with Angels but the more discreet and wiser sort of men conceived that their conferences had been with the devill Hereupon the great Prophet Iohn Mathias upon whose account his most vain Apostles already proclaimed a Peace perceiving an occasion by this means of domineering in this world consecrated in his stead his disciple Iames Campensis a Sawyer Bishop at Amsterdam committing unto his charge the people to be seduced with the same zeal as he had begun These things being thus fairly carried he repaired to Munster to his Apostle and Ambassadour Iohn Buckhold whom he made Governour of the City who presently published these severe edicts That every man should bring his gold and silver and whatever were of greater importance into the common heap and that no man should detain any thing at his house for the receiving of which things so collected a place was appointed Though the people were not a little astonished at the rigour and severity of the edict yet did they submit thereto Moreover he forbad the reading of all books but the Bible all which that they ought to be burnt the divine authority had by him its witnesse commanded At this very time a certain Tradesman whose name was Hubert Trutiling had scattered some contuâ—â—elious expressions concerning this great Prophet whereat he being immeasurâ—bly incenled even to the losse of all compassion caused the foresaid Trutiling to be brought into the Market place where he is accused and sentenced Whereupon he himself laying his violent hands upon this innocent man layes him along upon the ground in that posture he runs him through with a spear but finding by the palpitation that there was some remainder of life he made him be conveighed thence and taking a musket from one that stood by which was charged killed him intimating that he was commanded by God that is to say his own who was a murtherer from the beginning to do what he had done This noble exploit performed he took a long lance in his hand and hastily ran about the City crying out that he was commanded by God the Father to put to flight the enemy which at that time had closely besieged Munster Having taken the said weapon and running like a mad man upon the enemy he himself was run through by a souldier of Misna JOHN BuCKHOLD or JOHN of LEYDEN Agressusque nefas magnum et memorabile Regem Somniat abjecta forfice sceptra gerens THE CONTENTS IOHN BUCKHOLD his character his disputing and contention with the Ecclesiasticks concerning Paedobaptisme he succeeds John Mathias he comforts the people with a pretended revelation he makes Bernard Knipperdoling of a Consul to become common executioner Buckhold feigneth himself â—umb he assâ—â—â—es the Magistracy he allowes Polygamy he takes to himself three wiues he is made King and appoints Officers under him his sumptuous apparel his Titles were King of Iustice King of the new Jerusalem his throne his Coiâ— and motto therein The King Queen and Courtiers waâ—e on the people at a Feast with other ligressions The King endeaâ—ours to raise â—â—â—â—â—tions abroad is happily prevented He suspects his own safety his large promises to his Captaines himself 〈…〉 one of his wives he feignes himself sick and deludes the people with an expectation of deliverance in the time of famine forgets community he is betrayed by his confident it brought prisoner before the Bishop who checks him his jesting answer and proposall â—e is put to a 〈◊〉 place is convinced of his offences his deserved and severe execution IOHN BUCKHOLD was a â—â—â—cher of Leyden a 〈◊〉 fellow eloquent very perfect in the 〈…〉 confident more â—â—â—geable then proteus a serious student of 〈◊〉 briefly a most ferrent Anabaptist This man being sent by Iohn Mathiaâ— to Munster was a perpetual thorn in the sides of the Ecclesiasticks craftily â—iâ—ting them about the bâ—sinesse of Pâ—â—â—â—baptisme in which employment he spent nine whole moneths and most 〈◊〉 making his party good with them both as disputationand litigious contention while in the mean time he secretly spawn'd and scatter'd the doctrine of Anabaptisme as much as lay in his power About that time a certain unknown Preacher of the word of God 〈…〉 Stapreda of Meurs came to Munster who supplying the place of Roâ—manâ—â—s in preaching seduced him and teaâ—ened him with Anabaptisme and he also publickly anatâ—â—matized Pâ—dobaptisme This gave occasion of raising 〈◊〉 among the people they who before were only secretly instructed by Iohn Buckhold discover themselves openly to the world and lay aside all disguises of their intentions City they have their in most parts of the frequentmeetings indivers 〈◊〉 but all in the night time whereat the Magistrates being 〈◊〉 and offended prohibited their Conventicles and some they banished But they weigh not this any thing and being sent out at one gate they came in at another and lay concealed among those that were the favourers of their Sect. Hereupon the Senate caused all the Ecclesiasticks to assemble at the Palace to dispute the businesse of Paedobaptisme In this Assembly Rotmannus stood tooth and naile for the Anabaptists but those of the Reformation fully refuted their errors as the publick acts concerning that businesse do abundantly testifie At this very time the Ministers of the Church of Argentoratum signed and set out an account of their Faith in a printed Book Hereupon the Senate of Munster by a publick edict banished the Anabaptists out of the City which edict they persisting in contention opposed being now arrived to that rashnesse and impudence that they thrust a reformed Preacher one Peter Werthemius out of the Church Yea some of them rioting about the City whereof the Ringleader was Henry Rollius cryed out as they went Repent and be rebaptized otherwise will the heavy wrath of God fall upon you These things hapned about the end of the year M.D.XXXIII and the beginning of M.D.XXXIV Some honest-hearted and harmlesse men partly out of an apprehension of divine wrath as they made them beleive partly for fear of men suffered themselves to be washed in the lâ—ver of Anabaptisme For the Anabaptists
leaving their dennes broke into the City without any controll and with an unanimous violence assaulting the Market place they soon possessed themselves of the Palace and the Magazine sentencing with loud conclamations and such as required a greater voyce then that of Stentor that all were to be destroyed as so many Heathens and Reprobates that did not embrace Anabaptisme In this tumult a certain young man of Burchstenford was killed This gave occasion both to the Papists and to those of the Reformation to provide for their safety The chiefest Patrons of the Anabaptistical Heresy were Bernard Rotman Iohn Buckhold Bernard Knipperdoling Gerard Knippenburch Bernard Krachting c. These two parties having skirmished with as great eagernesse and animostly as greater armies exasperated one against another for some dayes there followed a Truce whereby it was agreed that every one should quietly enjoy and persever in his own Religion However the surges of Anabaptisme were not yet laid till they had entered into a conspiracy to drive those of the Reformation out of the City The most eminent of the Conclave writ to the Anabaptists of the Cities adjoyning viz. to these of Dâ—â—men Coesvelt Soyst Warendorp and Osenburg that leaving all things behind them they should repair with all speed to Munster promising they should have ten-fold what ever they left Being enticed by these propâ—â—â—â—ns husbands and wives leaving all behinde them 〈◊〉 in swarmes to Munster A great number of the more religious â—nhabitants looking on that strange rabble as an insufferable grievance to their City left it to the disposal of the Anabaptists who being by this meanes increased in number became also more extravagant degraded the Senate and chose another out of themselves wherein were Consuls Gerard Knippenburg and Bernard Kniperdeling whose Effigies is the ensuing BERNARD KNIPPERDOLING Quò non fastus abit quid non Rex impius audet Carnificem fecit qui modò Consulerat BEing now become Lords and Masters they in the first place seized on Maurice Church and burnt it and the houses all about it thence falling forcibly upon other holy places and Monasteries they carried away Gold Silver Ornaments and Utensils and whatsoever else was of any consequence Upon the fourth day after those rapines trudging up and down the streets and high-wayes they with a horrible howling uttered Repent Repent to which they added Depart depart be gone ye wicked otherwise woe be to you This done they immediately went armed in multitudes and with unspeakable barbarisme and cruelty turned out their miserable fellow-citizens as enemies to their Religion out of their houses and possessions and thrust them out of the City without any consideration of age or sexe so that many women with child had this misfortune seconded with that of dangerous abortions The Anabaptists presently by what right they please seize to themselves the possessions of the banished so that the honest and godly party being cast out of the City fell into the hands of the souldiers who had block'd up the City and all the avenues as among enemies by whom some were taken others unadvisedly killed at which entreaty the other honester part of citizens being discouraged and seeing that guilty and not guilty fared alike would not stirre a foot out of the City which being closely besieged by the Bishops Army all places were filled with blood â—ighâ— â—eares Now do the mad men of Munster and such as no Helleboâ—e can have any effect on grow insufferably insolent and above all that great Prophet Iohn Mathias of whom we have spoken before But that sally of his out of the City those of Munster looked on as a great Omen of their destruction thought that the unexpected death of that most holy man did signify that some great calamity did hang over their heads But Iohn Buckhold must be his successor a lid fit for the other pot who addressing himself to the people comforted them perswading them that they ought not to mourn for that unlooked for miscarriage of the Prophet for that it had long before been revealed to him and withall that he should marry his widow Upon Easter Eve they fell upon all the Churches and places of devotion about the City and pulled down all the brasse works Some few dayes after Bernard Knipperdoling prophesied that all the chiefest men ought to be disqualified and degraded and that the poor and the humble were to be exalted He also declared that it was the command of the divine Oracle that all Churches should be demolished which indeed was sufficiently performed The very same day Iohn Buckhold putting into the hands of Bernard Knipperdoling the Executioners sword conferred on him withall his employment and that according to Gods command so that he who had discharged the office of a Consul was now to execute that most dishonourable employment of a common executioner This most excellent condition he cheerfully accepted By this time had the City been besieged some moneths by the Bishops forces when resolving to 〈◊〉 it they lost both Gentlemen Commission Officers others to the number of about four thousand upon which they quitted all hope of taking it by force Some few dayes after Whitsuntide the City being notwithstanding the dis-execution of that assault still besieged was wholy taken up to rest and imaginary dreams wherein there were spent three whole days which done THE ANABAPTIST being awaken acted the part of Zacharias Iohn Baptist's father for pretending to be dumb he desired to have a Table-book wherein he wrote down the names of twelve men who should be as it were the twelve Elders of Israel and should administer all things at Munster as if it were the New Ierusalem and this he affirmed that he was commanded to do from heaven By this brokery did this crafty knave chalk out his way to that soveraign dignity whereof he was so ambitious But in the mean time consider by what a strange Stitch this excellently wicked Botcher did utterly dis-repute that Magistrate whom God had ordained and by the assistance of most illusive dreams his own excellency of playing the impostor he possessed himself of that dignity A while after our Prophet advanced certain conclusions tending to the allowance of Polygamy whereat the Ecclesiasticks made some opposition but afterwards were content to sit still So that not long after the Prophet at one bouâ— took to him three wives whereof the most eminent was the widow of the deceased Prophet Io. Mathias and whom he afterwards dignified with the title of Queen This example of Kingship some other knaves like himself did without any difficulty admit but divers of the more godly citizens looking on this thing with the greatest indignation that might be repairing to the Market place laid hands on the Prophet Knipperdoling which occasioning the people to take up arms they set upon those citizens in the palace and having taken them they delivered