to bee inhabitants of it and was called by the Emperours name AElia Thus we see that the Iewes who would not receiue Christ who came in his Fathers name yet they received another who came in his owne name and like vnto babes who are easily deceived with trifles they were bewitched with the splendor of a glorious name for Barcochebas signifieth the sonne of a starre and hee said to the Iewes that hee was sent as a light from heaven to succour their distressed estate but hee might haue beene called more iustly Barchosba the sonne of a lie Here I giue warning againe that we take heed to our selues left wee bee circumvented with the deceitfull snares of the diuell for it is an easie thing to fall but a difficult thing to rise againe The Christians who lived in the dayes of Adrian were glad to bee refreshed with the crums of outward comfort which are denyed to no accused person in the whole world viz. that Christians shall not be condemned to death for the importunate clamours and cryes of a raging people accusing them except it be prooved that they haue transgressed the Law and haue committed some fact worthy of death Reade the Epistle of Adrian written to Minutius Fundanus Deputy in Asia The good intention of Adrian in building a Church for the honour of Christ voyd of Images because such was the custome of Christians was hindered by some of his familiar friends who sayd that if hee so did all men would forsake the temples of the gods of the Gentiles and become Christians In this point good Reader marke what Church is like vnto the ancient Primitiue and Apostolike Church whether the Church decked with Images or the Church voyd of Images Antoninus Pius TO Adrian succeeded Antoninus Pius his adopted son and raigned 23. yeares Hee was so carefull to preserue the liues of his Subjects that hee counted it greater honour to saue the life of one Subiect then to destroy the liues of a thousand enemies In this Emperours time Iustinus Martyr wrote notable bookes of Apologie for the Christians which were presented and read in the Senate of Rome and mollified the Emperours minde toward Christians as clearely appeareth by his edict proclaimed at Ephesus in time of most solemne conventions of all Asia Antoninus Philosophus and L. Verus AFter Antoninus Pius succeeded his sonne in law Antoninus Philosophus otherwise called Marcus Aurelius with his brother L. Aurelius Verus This is the first time wherein the Romane Empire was governed by two Augusties Albeit Titus had associated his brother Domitian to be a fellow labourer with him in the worke of government yet was not Domitian counted or called Augustus vntill the death of his brother Titus But now at one and the selfe same time two Emperours do raigne Antoninus Philosophus raigned nineteene yeares Lucius Verus his brother nine yeares And so after the death of Verus the whole gouernment returned to Antoninus Philosophus onely Hee was called a Philosopher not onely in regard of his knowledge but also in respect of the practise of Philosophie He was neither greatly pust vp by prosperity nor cast downe by aduersity yet he was a cruell persecuter of innocent Christians Now is the fuell added to the furnace the fourth time and the flame is great and the arme of wicked men who hated the name of Christians is strengthened by the Emperours commandement The trumpets of the Monarches of the world found the alarme against him who made them Kings rulers on the earth The poore innocent lambs of the sheepfold of Christ appointed for the shambles strengthened their hearts in God and in the power of his might chose rather to suffer adversity with their brethren then to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season they were content to be racked and would not be delivered that they might bee partakers of a better resurrection whose bodies torne with stripes vntill their very inward bowels were patent to the outward sight witnessed the vnrent firmenesse and stability of their faith They were so supported with the power of that grace that commeth from aboue that they were not terrified with the multiplied numbers of cruell torments newly devised for dashing that invincible courage of faith which was seene in Christians Yea further then this When the persecuting enemies were compelled to change the high tuned accent of their menacing speeches and to craue but a little conformitie to the Emperours desire in swearing by his fortune the holy men of God would not once seeme to fall away from their profession by answering with timerous and doubtfull words but glorified God with a cleare and constant confession of their Christian faith Polycarpus Bishop of Smyrna and Iustinus Martyr a man of singular erudition were both martyred in the fervent heat of this persecution But aboue all other places the consuming flame of the furnace brast out most vehemently in France that happy Nation wherein both of old and late time so many were found worthy to giue their blood for the name of Christ. Vetius Epagathus Maturus Prothenus Attalus Sanctus and Photinus Bishoppe of Lyons all suffered for the testimony of Christ in France And Blandina a worthy woman suffered many torments and renewed her spirituall courage by continuall iteration of these words Christiana sum that is I am a Christian. In like manner Christians were persecuted with the slanderous speeches of Pagans obiecting vnto them the banquets of Thyestes and the chambering of Oedipus that is the eating of mens flesh and incestuous coppulations But men who are giuen to the momentaneall delights of sin are not willing to die because that by death they are separated from all bodily pleasures The Christians by patient and willing suffering of death for Christs sake clearely witnessed vnto the world that they were not addicted to the deceitfull pleasures of sinne Neverthelesse these slanderous speeches were credited by the pagans and tooke such deepe roote in their hearts that those who seemed before to be more meek and moderate then others now they became full of madnesse and rage against Christians and that which was foretolde by our master Christ it was fulfilled at this time to wit The time shall come that whosoever killeth you shall thinke hee doth God good service The huge number of Martyrs that were slaine in the fury of this persecution are both accurratly and at great length set downe by that worthy instrument of Gods glory who lately wrote the Booke of Martyrs I onely point out shortly the estate of the Church at this time In this Emperours time good men were not wanting who admonished him to appease his wrath against Christians such as Claudius Apolinaris Bishop of Hierapolis and Melito Bishop of Sardis But nothing could asswage his cruell heart vntill hee was cast into the furnace of grievous troubles himselfe for his army that fought against the Germanes and Samaritanes fell
per viam expedientiae that is although it be not lawfull by way of iustice yet is it meet to doe it as a thing expedient to be done He exercised his tyrannie and power of excommunication against Andronicus Paleologus Emperour of Constantinople declaring him a schismaticke and heretike because hee neither would nor durst suffer the Grecians to make their appeale from the Greeke Church to the Pope neither would acknowledge him for his superior For the Grecians euer constantly refused to be subiect to the Romane bishop except in that short time wherein the Frenchmen had the Empire of the East and in the time of Michael Paleologus who in the Councell at Lyons submitted himselfe to Gregorie the tenth whereby he procured vnto himselfe such hatred that after his death the Grecians denyed vnto him the honour and place of buriall as hath beene declared In like manner hee excommunicated the Venetians for preferring Azada to the estate of Ferrare yea Francis DaÌ„dalus Ambassador from the Venetians to the said Clement for pacifying his furie and obtaining that absolution suffered a chaine of iron to be tyed about his necke and to lye downe vnder the Popes table there like a Dog to catch the bones which fell from the table vntill the Popes furie was assuaged And lest he should be inferiour to his predecessors in subduing all powers vnder his feet hee ordained that the king of the Romans should not enioy the title and right of an Emperour without confirmation giuen by the Pope Next to Clement followed Pope Iohn the two and twentieth After that the chaire of Rome had beene vacant for the space of two yeeres and three months hee ruled nineteene yeeres foure months and was verie much giuen to heape vp riches so that hee proclamed them to be heretickes who affirmed that Christ and his Apostles had no possessions in the world He would not condiscend to the Coronation of Lewes the fift Duke of Bauaria to be Emperour because hee vsed the Empâ—â— all dignitie in Italie before hee was authorised by the Popeâ—â— which cause Lewes tooke his iourney to Rome and theâ—â— crowned by the Cardinalls and set vp another Pope in 〈◊〉 called Nicolaus the fift against Iohn who was then residâ—â— at a Auiniogue in France and so the church of Rome 〈◊〉 begun to haue two heads Pope 〈◊〉 the twelfe followed and ruled seuen yeeres 〈…〉 and seuenâ—â—eene dayes 〈…〉 Pope Clement the sixt and ruled ten 〈…〉 twentie eight dayes hee reduced the 〈…〉 was kept on the hundred yeere to the fiftieth yeere and to allure men to goe to warre for recouering of the holy land hee set forth blasphemous bulls commaunding the Angells to convey euerie mans soule to Paradise who died by the way giuing also power to all and singular persons signed with the Crosse to deliuer three or foure prisoners whom they pleased best out of the pains of Purgatorie After Clement the sixt followed Innocentius the sixt and ruled nine yeeres eight months and six dayes Hee imprisoned a certaine frier called Ioannes de rupescissa because hee Prophecied of the fall of the Pope and his Cardinalls by the parable of a bird cloathed with other birds fethers which in respect of her pryde were all plucked from her After him succeeded Vrbanus the fift and ruled eight yeeres and foure months In whose time the order of the Iesuits begun Next to Pope Vrban succeeded Gregorie the eleuenth who reduced the Papacie againe out of France to Rome after it had continued there aboue 70. yeeres moued hereunto vpon this occasion Hee had reprooued a certaine Bishoppe who stood by him from long absence from his charge to whom the Bishop replyed againe that the Bishop of Rome himselfe who ought to be a patterne to all the rest was longer absent from the place where his Church did tye him whereby the Pope tooke occasion to remoue his court from Fraunce to Rome When hee returned hee found the estate of Italie greatly disquieted with cruell warres and specially betwixt the Venetians and the Genoans whom the Pope threatned with excommunication if they both desisted not but before hee was able to accomplish this worke he ended his life after he had ruled seuen yeeres fiue months after whose death followed a great schisme in the Church of Rome For the Cardinalls of Italie choosed an Italian Pope whom they called Vrbanus the sixt and the Cardinalls of France choosed a Pope of the French nation whom they called Clemens the seuenth This scisme continued for the space of 38. yeeres vntill the generall Councell holden at Constance during which time were found at least two Popes raigning at one time the one in Auiniogue and the other in Rome In the dayes of this Pope Vrbane sprang vp Iohn Wickliffe in England of whose doctrine somewhat shall hereafter be spoken God willing whom Pope Vrbane such was the prouidence of God could not attend to suppresse being otherwise busied in suppressing his Competitor Clement the seuenth insomuch that this litle sparkle which begun in England enkindled forth with flames in the kingdome of Boheme and many other places to the great hurt of Antichrists kingdome To Vrbane after hee had ruled vnhappily as Platina writeth a eleuen yeeres and eight months succeeded Bonifacius the ninth and ruled foureteene yeeres and nine months hee was impudent in selling of Pardons that hee brought Peters keyes into great contempt After him succeeded Innocentius the seuenth and ruled two yeeres Of other Doctors IN this age God raised vp manie witnesses of his truth as also made the knowledge of letters the studie of tongues to spring vp againe after it had bin suppressed many yeeres in the Roman church for some learned men of the Grecians fearing the crueltie of the Turke fled vnto Italie by whose fruitfull trauaills learning begun againe to reuiue and spread it selfe thorow all parts of the West Of this number was Emmanuell Chrysoloras of Byzantium Theodorus Gaza of Thessalonica and Georgius Trapezuntius with many moe whose names are worthie to bee kept in good remembrance because they brought a good treasure with them out of Grecia where with many afterward were enriched Amongst those witnesses of the truth Marsilius Patavinus is iustly numbered who taking the defence of the Emperour Lewes agâ—inst the Pope who did excommunicate him affirmes in his booke called defensor pacis that the Pope hath no authoritie ouer other Bishops much lesse ouer the Emperour Secondly that the word of God ought only to be iudge in all causes Ecclesiasticall Thirdly that the Clergie and Pope should be subiect to Magistrates Fourthly That the head of the Church is Christ and that hee neuer appointed any vicar or Pope ouer his vniuersall Church Fiftly That Bishops ought to be chosen by their owne Church and Clergie Sixtly That the Mariage of Priests may be lawfully permitted Seuenthly That S. Peter was
Preaching of his owne death and bloodshed for the redemption of many Neither conquered he free men to make them slaues as other Conquerours had done but they who were slaues indeed to Sathan vnto them he gaue the libertie of the sonnes of God Now these twelue Apostles the more faithfully they laboured in the worke of their ministrie the worse were they entreated by the vnthankefull world according as Christ had foretold The most part of them were put to death the rest were not free of many painefull sufferings and rebukes which they willingly sustained for the name of Christ. Peter and Paul are supposed to haue beene martyred at Rome Andrew to haue beene crucified in Achaia Mathew beheaded in Ethiopia Iames the brother of Iohn was beheaded by Herod in Iudea Iames the sonne of Alpheus called Iustus was throwne downe headlong from the Pinacle of the Temple Simon of Canaan was crucified in the dayes of Traianus being an hundreth and twentie yeeres old when he suffered Martyrdome Bartholomew is said to haue beene martyred in Armenia and Simon Zelotes to haue beene crucified in Brittaine Iohn died at Ephesus Philip in Hierapolis Functius calleth the Towne Hierosopolis Iudas Lebbeus at Edessa Thomas in India and Matthias in Ethiopia Of Evangelists AS concerning the Evangelists they were fellow-labourers with the Apostles in the worke of Christ and were also partakers with them of Christs sufferings The Evangelist Marke died in Alexandria Luke in Bithynia others say in Constantinople Philip who first was a Deacon and afterward an Evangelist died in Cesarea Barnabas in the Isle of Cyprus Where Timothy and Titus did compleate their dayes it is not certainly knowne Chytraeus opinion about Timothy I haue alreadie declared Ierome supposeth that Titus died in Candie The successours of the Apostles and Evangelists are not to be reckoned as the successours of Emperours because he who next obtaineth the Emperiall Diadem and place of gouernment is counted the successour of the last Emperour but he who obtaineth a faithfull Pastors chaire and teacheth a doctrine contrarie to that which a faithfull Pastor hath taught is to be counted a grieuous Wolfe stepped vp into his roome And Nazianzenus calleth such a man an adversarie standing vp in the place of a faithfull Pastor darkenesse succeeding to light a tempest succeeding to calme weather and madnesse obteining place where right reason was wont to be And therefore those Bishops and Doctors following who keepe inviolably that forme of wholesome doctrine which they receiued from the Apostles these I say alone are to be counted true successours of the Apostles Bishops of Rome OF this number was Linus Bishop of Rome who after the martyrdom of Peter Paul governed that Church ten yeeres three moneths and twelue dayes Eusebius thinketh this is that same Linus of whom the Apostle Paul writeth in the last Chapter of his second Epistle to Timothy Eubulus Pudens Linus and Claudia salute thee After him succeeded Anacletus and gouerned nine yeeres three moneths and ten dayes and after him Clâ—mens ruled eleuen yeeres Eusebius also thinketh this is that Clemens of whom the Apostle Paul writeth to the Philippians Yea I beseech thee faithfull yoke-fellow helpe those women that laboured with me in the Gospell with Clement also and with other my fellow labourers whose names are in the booke of life Ignatius Bishop of Antioch had his heart so inflamed with the loue of Christ that when his dissolution was neere approaching he said to the Romanes now doe I begin to be the Disciple of Christ I couet for nothing that can be seene with bodily eyes to the end that I may enioy Iesus Christ let the fire the crosse the beasts the breaking of bones convulsion of members and bruising of the whole bodie and the torments of the Deuill sease vpon me prouided I may be partaker of Iesus Christ. He was deuoured with beasts in the dayes of Traianus and so patiently indured death for the Name of Iesus that he allured the deuouring beasts to approach neere vnto his bodie that it being ground with the teeth of beasts he might be found as fine flowre in the house of his Father About the same time also flourished Papias Bishop of Hierapolis who was a man of great authoritie because of his neerenesse to the Apostles dayes yet leaning more to the report of the doctrine of the Apostles then to the certaintie of their owne writings he fell into the errour of the Chiliastes who imagined that Christ should raise the godly first and liue with them a thousand yeeres in this earth in all kinde of delicate pleasures CENTVRIE II. Bishops of Rome IN this second Centurie the Bishops of Rome for the most part proued faithfull and worthie seruants of Christ. A great number of them were baptized with the Baptisme of Christ and dranke of the cup that Christ dranke of and were drenched with their owne blood and they watered the Church of Rome with the streames of their blood as Egypt is watered and made fruitfull with the invndation of Nilus men of blessed remembrance Damasus writeth that from Saint Peter to Telesphorus all the Bishops of Rome were Martyrs Others added that vntill the dayes of Sylvester who liued in the time of the raigne of Constantine all the Bishops of Rome had the honour of martyrdome But in these hyperbolicke speeches neither hath the distinction betweene a Martyr and a Confessour beene rightly considered albeit well marked by Euseb. eccl hist. lib. 5. cap. 2. neither hath the history of the raigne of Antoninus Pius beene rightly pondered in whose dayes Hyginus and Pius liued and were not slaine for the testimony of Christ. Alwayes it is an envious minde that holdeth backe from worthie men their due prayse and commendation both in doing of good and patient suffering of euill for Christs sake In rehearsing the names of the Romane Bishops I thought meete to follow Ireneus and Eusebius rather then Platina In the first Centurie after the martyrdome of Peter and Paul Linus Anacletus and Clemens were teachers of the Romane Church In the second Centurie follow Evaristus Alexander 1. Xistus 1. Telesphorus Hyginus Pius 1. Anicetus Soter Eleutherius and Victor This Victor must needes be called the 13. Bishop of Rome if Eleutherius be the 12. according to the computation of Ireneus lib. 3. cap. 3. Onuphrius according to his owne custome giueth more credite to olde parchments that he hath found in the Vatican Bibliotheke then to any auncient Father He beginneth earely to distinguish Cletus from Anacletus that by taking libertie to thrust in one moe in the first Centurie he may haue the greater boldnesse to thrust out another of the feminine sexe in another Centurie For it grieueth him to the heart to heare this thing so vniversally affirmed and to see the penne of Platina blushing when he writeth of Iohannes the eight he
Constans highly offended against Martinus sent first Olympus the Exarche of Italie either to take Pope Martinus prisoner or els to kill him but his attempts were frustrate not without a miraculous worke of God as Platina recordeth And afterward he sent Theodorus Calliopas who vnder pretence of friendship came to salute the Pope and cast him in bonds and sent him to Constantinople where Constans the Emperour caused his tongue to be cut out and his right hand cut off and banished him to Chersonesus Ponti The chaire of Rome was vacant for the space of foureteene moneths because they had no certaintie of the time of the death of Pope Martinus Next vnto him Eugenius the first was chosen Pope and gouerned two yeeres and nine moneths He was the first that made an Ordinance that Bishops should haue prison-houses for correcting the enormitie and contumacie of the Clergie After him succeeded Vitalianus the first he continued foureteene yeeres and sixe moneths in the Popedome to the singing of Psalmes in the Church by vive voyce he added Organs Next after Vitalianus followed Adeodatus and ruled foure yeeres two moneths and fiue dayes of a Monke he was made Pope In his time there were terrible apparitions in Heauen a great Comete continuing for the space of three moneths terrible thunders the like whereof had not beene heard in any preceding time great abundance of raine fastning the Corne to the ground so that they grew againe and in some places of Italie came to maturitie and ripenesse Great incursions of Turkes and Saracens who spoyled the Isle of Sicilie In all these calamities sayth Platina Adeodatus multiplied supplications for preuenting the fore-signified wrath to come If repentance and abolishing of horrible Idolatrie which had now taken deepe roote had beene joyned with prayers the Lord might haue beene the more easily entreated Donus or Domnus his successor ruled fiue yeeres and ten dayes he reduced the Church of Rauenna after long reluctation to the obedience of the chaire of Rome It is to be noted that all the time they were not subiect to the Bishop of Rome they were called by the Romanes 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 so bent were they to vindicate all declining from their authoritie with opprobrious names of Heresies imposed to the decliners thereof Agatho successor to Donus ruled 2. yeeres 6. moneths and 15. dayes of whom Platina writeth that he cured a leprous man with a kisse as Pope Deus dedit had done before In his time Constantinus Pogonatus Emperour gathered the sixt generall Councell at Constantinople wherein the heresie of the Monothelites was condemned and Macarius Patriarch of Antiochia for his obstinate perseuering in that errour was excommunicate and Theophanius sometime an Abbot was placed in his roome But this I remit vnto its owne place The epistle of Agatho written to the sixt generall Councell is full of Antichristian pride wherein he affirmeth that the chaire of Rome neuer erred and that it cannot erre that euery soule that is to be saued must professe the Romane traditions and all the constitutions of the Romane Church are to be receiued as if they had beene deliuered by the diuine voyce of Peter Likewise he damned the marriage of men in a spirituall calling he commendeth the Masse impudently alledging a writing of Chrysostome concerning the Masse whereas in all the writings of Chrysostome this word of the Masse is not to be found After Agatho succeeded Leo the second who continued onely ten moneths and seuenteene dayes He was the first author of the kissing of the Pax. To him succeeded Benedictus the second and ruled ten moneths and twelue dayes onely In his dayes Constantinus Pogonatus Emperour ordained that in time to come the consent of the Emperour and Exarche of Italie should not be expected but he whom the Clergie and people did elect should forth-with be counted the Vicar of Christ. In so doing the Emperour very vnaduisedly put an hurtfull weapon into the Popes hand whereby the estate of the Empire was encombered and hurt afterward Iohannes the fift his successor continued not aboue one yeere and nine dayes And Conon the first the successor of Iohn the fift ended his course after the issue of 11. moneths and 3. dayes After the death of Conon the election of the Pope was like to be decided by weapons rather than by Suffrages and Votes some fauoured Theodorus others promoued Paschalis and neither of the parties would yeeld to the other In the end the people thought expedient to reiect them both and to choose some third person to the Popedome So they elected Sergius the first and carried him vpon their shoulders to the Church of Laterane In his time Iustinian the second gathered a Councell at Constantinople to perfect and finish the worke which his father had begun Sergius refused to subscribe the Acts of the sixt generall Councell albeit his Ambassadour who was present at the Councell had subscribed them Of the consecrated Hoste he ordained one part to be put into the Chalice to represent the bodie of Christ which was risen from death another part to be eaten to represent the bodie of Christ walking vpon the earth the third part to be laid vpon the Altar vntill the ende of the Masse to represent the bodie of Christ lying in the Sepulchre He gouerned thirteene yeeres eight moneths and twentie-foure dayes Patriarches of Constantinople COncerning the Patriarches of Constantinople in this Century little mention is made of them because for the most part they kept not the right faith but were intangled with heresie After Cyriacus Thomas and Iohannes and Constantinus succeeded whose faith as vnspotted with any blame of heresie hath an honest testimony in Church rolles called Sacra diptytha Sergius Pyrrhus and Paulus were miserably infected with the heresie of the Monothelites Pyrrhuâ— once recanted his heresie and was absolued from excommunication by Pope Theodorus but he returned incontinent againe as a dog to his vomite Pope Theodorus when he excommunicated him the second time vsed a new and insolent fórme of doing the like whereof was neuer heard at any time before for he infused some drops of the consecrated cup into inke and writ a sentence of cursing against Pyrrus Paulus also obtained at the hands of the Emperour Constans edicts to be affixed in diuers places whereby all men should be compelled to subscribe to the error of the Monothelites After them Petrus and Theodorus albeit they maintained not the fore-mentioned heresie with so high and proud attempts as others had done yet they were addicted vnto it Gregorius successor to Theodorus in the sixt generall Councell had defended the error of the Monothelites but when he was cleerly refuted by testimonies of Scripture by places cited out of the Fathers he yeelded and embraced the true faith Callyniâ—us ministred vnder the raign of Iustinian the second who demolished a Church neere approching to his pallace
piece of drie timber budded and flourished yet was he an idiot and an vnlearned man Remaclus Bishop of the same Towne and borne in Burdeaux of France left his Episcopall office and went to the Wildernesse where hee led an Heremiticall life defending his insolent fact by the example of Moses Abraham Elias Heliseus and Christ himselfe who were all found to haue beene in the Wildernesse But if hee had beene a man of deepe vnderstanding hee might haue alledged more pertinently the example of Narcissus bishop of Ierusalem who in going to the Wildernesse forsooke his Episcopall office for a time than the example of Christ who went vnto the Wildernesse to enter into the holie office of Preaching after preparation of fasting praying and fighting with spirituall armour against the prince of Darknesse Notwithstanding hee is thought both in his life time and also after his death to haue wrought miracles In Austume a Towne of France called in Latine AugustodunuÌ„ Leodegarius is thought to haue retained his voice the benefite of distinct speaking after that his tongue was cut out and that manie miraculous works were wrought after his death if credite can bee giuen to Vincentius The miracles of Andoenus Bishop of Rowen who also writ a booke of the miraculous deliuerance of the soule of Dagobertus king of France and an infinite number of other lying miracles all confirming superstition of purpose I leaue them as fables superaboundant in the writings of Vincentius Concerning Isidorus Hispalensis occasion will be offered to speake of him in the sixt Councell of Toledo The vaine disputation concerning the diuersitie of the keeping of Easter day in Scotland and England betwixt Colmannus and Wuilfridus it is as vnnecessarie to be written as it was vnnecessary with heat and contention to haue beene disputed CENTVRIE VIII Popes of Rome AFter Pope Sergius succeeded Iohn the 6. and continued 3. yeeres and 3. months After him Pope Ioannes 7. continued 2. yeeres and 7. monthes hee liued in the dayes of Iustinian the 2. who sent Ambassadors vnto him for procuring an vnion betwixt the churches of the East and west because they differed in opinions concerning the Canons of the sixt generall Councell wherein prohibition of marriage to men in spirituall offices was dissallowed and the Patriarch of Constantinople was equalled in autoritie to the Patriarch of Rome These Ambassadors aforesaid returned from Pope Iohn the seuenth without any answere with proud carriage or as others thinke a cowardlie forme of dealing all writers doe reproue After him succeeded Sisinius who continued not about 20. dayes in his Popedome After Sisinius succeeded Constantine the first and gouerned 7. yeeres and 20. dayes his Popedome was vnder the raigne of Iustinian the second Philippicus and Anastasius The Emp. Iustinian supported him against Foelix Bishop of Ravenna who had refused to pay to the B. of Rome the summe of money imposed vnto him in time of his ordination so that Foelix was taken prisoner by the Emperours admirall and sent to Constantinople where his eyes were put out he was baÌ„ished to Pontus Against the Emp. Philippicus he contended as one hauing authoritie to raze the name of the Emp. out of charters as had bin already declared This is the Pope who was Iudge betwixt the B. of Ticinum and Millane who contended for superioritie and Constantine exemed the shop of Ticinum from the jurisdiction of the Bishop of Millan but in such way as he should be subject to the Church of Rome The Emperour Iustinian the second sent for Pope Constantine who came to Constantinople and from thence went to Nicomedia where he met with the Emperour and the Emperour kissed his feete Marke the growing and daylie increasing pride of the Roman Antichrist After Constantine succeeded Gregorius the second and continued sixteene yeeres nine months and eleuen dayes Hee liued vnder the raigne of the Emperour Leo Isaurus whom he rashly excommunicated for abolishing of images Also he drew away from the obedience of the Emperour the countries of Hesperia Aemilia Liguria and other parts of Italie forbidding them to pay tribute to the Emperour expresse contrary to Christes commandement Matth. 22.21 where He saith Giue vnto Caesar that which is Caesars c. and this Christ spake concerning paying of tribute Gregorie the third gouerned ten yeeres eight monthes and twentie foure dayes and followed the foote steps of his predecessor both in aduancing the doctrine of worshipping of images and in with-drawing the people of Italie from the obedience of the Emperour More-ouer he gathered a Councell at Rome wherein the worshipping of images had allowance And the Emperour Leo was both excommunicated and likewise so farre as in him lay depriued of his Emperiall dignitie So early did the beast of Rome euen in ciuill matters vsurp autority ouer the Princes and Monarches of the world In his dayes the towne of Rome was besieged by Luitprand king of Lombardis But Carolus Martellus a noble prince in France beeing sollicited by letters of Gregorie to support the distressed estate of the Church of Rome hee perswaded Luitbrand to desist from molesting besieging the towne of Rome After Gregorie the third succeeded Zacharias the first coÌ„tinued ten yeeres foure months and foure dayes In antichristian pride hee surpassed all his predecessors distributing the Kingdomes of the world at his pleasure For he procured that Pipinus the sonne of Carolus Martellus who was but a subject and ruler of the kings house should bee anointed king of France and that Childericus the lawfull successour of the kingdome should haue his head shauen and be thrust into a Monasterie Likewise he procured that Carolomâ—nnus the elder brother of Pipinius should be a Monke of the Order of Saint Benedict in the Monasterie of Cassinates Rachis also king of Lombardes after hee had raigned 4. yeeres gaue ouer his kingly authority and entered to a Monasterie and exhorted his wife and children to do the like and so his brother Aistulphus obtained the kingdome Pipinus was anointed king of France by Bonifacius at the commaundement of Pope Zacharias anno 750. or as Platina reckoneth Anno 753. What recompence of reward Pipinus rendered to the chaire of Rome for this beneuoleÌ„ce or rather this manifest iniquitie of Zacharias it will be declared in the description of the life gouernememt and carriage of Stephanus the second if the Lord please After Zacharias succeeded Stephanus the second and ruled fiue yeeres and one month In his time Aistulphus King of Lombardes besieged Rome at two diuers times and Stephanus implored the aide and assistance of Pipinus King of France at both times At the first time Pipinus besieged Aistulphus in Papia the chiefe Citie of residence of the kinges of Lombardes and compelled him to restore to the chaire of Rome all the townes and lands which by violence hee had taken from them But at his second comming he not only
with her The death of King Charles Count Mongomrie condemned to death by the Queene The Prince of Condie chosen the Protestants generall The fifth ciuill warre in France for Religion Libero besieged in vaine by king Henry The death of the Cardinall of Lorain procured by himselfe King Henry scourgeth him selfe after the manner of the penitentiaries Many Ambassadors sollicit the king for peace but in vaine Mombruniris taken and executed by the Queene Cassimire the sonne of Count Palatine promiseth to aide the Protestants Alauscon the kings brother ioyneth himselfe with the Protestants By an edict of pacificatioÌ„ the fift civill warre ended Solyman the Turke besiegeth Zigeth Solyman dieth the towne taken Selim sent for proclaimed Emp. Selim taketh Famagusta from the Venetians The battell of Lepanto wherein the Turkes received a great overthrow by the Christians The league of Peron 1576. for the extirpation of the Protestants The causes moving the Leaguers to proceed in their association The drift of the Leaguers enterprise against the K. and crowne The King for lacke of courage maketh himself a slaue to the appetites of he Leaguers An edict against the Protestants The King of Navarre and the Prince of Condie with diverse others oppose themselues to the Leaguers The Pope excoÌ„municateth the King of France The Princeâ— of Germany send Ambassodors to deale for the Protestants helpe The sixt civill war in France for religion An army of Germans enter France in behalfe of the Protestants The battell of Coutras betwixt the Kings army the ProtestaÌ„ts The death of D. de Ioyense A skirmish betwixt the D. of Guise and the Rutters The Rutters retire out of France The Duke of Guise honored by the Pope and extolled by the Preachers of France for his crueltie The assemblie at Nancy of the Leagners against the King The conclusions agreed vpon by the assemble at Nancie The Duke of Guise contrarie to the kingâ— commandement arriueth at Paris and is of the people receiued with ioyfull acclamations The fearefull day of Barricadoes in Paris The king flieth out of Paris An edict published against the Protestants A Parliameâ—â— holden in France The death of the Duke of Guise The Queene mother dieth An assemblie of the Protestants at Rotchell send a request to the states at Bloyes The rebellion of the league against the king Duke De Maine sendeth men to surprise the king but is preuented The leaguers procure a Iacobin Monke to kill the king The death of Henry the third The Iacobin who killed the K. canonized The Cardinall of Burbon proclamed K. by the Leaguers K. Henry the 4. declared K. by K. Henry the 3. opposeth himselfe to the Leaguers The battell of Dreux wherein the Leaguers were discomfited The King besiegeth Paris The Duke of Parma entreth France for the â—eliefe of Paris The Duke of Parma returneth home In all other places of France the Leaguers went to ruine The Duke of Parma entreth France the 2. time in behalfe of the Leaguers but with bad successe The Kings favourites in diverse places prosper against the Leaguers The death of D. Ioyense The defection of the King from religion Peter Burrier stirred vp to slay the King The K. opposeth himself to the Leaguers Diuers towns yeeld themselues to the King Iohn Castill stirred vp by the Leaguers to murther the King is disappointed of his purpose Note The Parliaments decree about the execution of Castill and the Iesuits of Clermonts banishment The preparation of the Spanish nauie Anno 1588. A storme coâ—â—traineth the nauie to put to land The Spaniâ—â— Navie ouerthrowne Apostles Note Ioh. 16. Act. 12. Euseb. lib. 3. cap. 32. Ierom. Cat. sâ—rip eccles Ierom. catâ—l sâ—r p. eccles Evangelists Func chron Ierom. The true successours of the Apostles Act. 20. Nazia in orat in laudem Athanafâ— Linus Euseb. l. 3. c. 2. Chap. 4. ver 3. Ignatius Euseb. lib. 3. cap. 36. Papias Euseb. l. 3. c. 39. Bishops of Rome Note Alexander martyred Euseb. eccles hist. lib 4. c 1. Xistus martyred Euseb. lib. 4. cap. 5. Telesphorusâ— martyr Euseb. l. 4. c. 10 Anicetus a martyr Euseb. l. 4. c. 14 Platira de vita Eleuthâ—â—ij The rasâ—nâ—sse of Victor Euseb. eccl hist. lib. 5. cap. 26. Of other Doctours and Preachers Ierom. Catal. scrip eccles Agrippas Castor Euseb. lib. 4. cap. 7. Hegesippus Euseb. l. 4. c. 11 Melito Euseb. l. 4. c. 13. Hist. Magdeb. Euseb. l. 5. c. 24. Iustinus a martyr The manner of Iustinus his conversion Iustin Dialog cum Trepb Iustin. apol 2. Polycarâ—us martyred Polycaryus his dreame before his apprehension Eusâ—b lâ—b 4. cap. 15. Iâ—eneus Euseb. lib. 5. cap. 5. Iren. lib. 5 con Valenâ— Iren. l. 2. c. 34. Clemens Alexandrinus Bâ—colc chron Euseb. lib. 5. cap. 11. Strom. lib. 2. Hist. Magdeb. Euseb. lib. 5. cap. 12. Euseb. lib. 6. cap. â— Zephyrinus Platin. Euseb. 6.21 Note Mat. 18.16 Canon Apost cap. 74. Callistus Euseb. lib. 6. cap. 21. Note Vrbanus Euseb. lib. 6. cap. 22. Pontianus Platin. Tom. 1. Câ—ncil Anterus Euseb. lib. 6. cap. 29. Fabianus Func Chron. Commentar Platin. de vitis Tom. 1. Concil Note Heb. 13 16. Cornelius A councel at Rome against Novatus Euseb. lib. 6. cap. 43. The martyrdome of Cornelius Platin. de vita Euseb lib. 7. cap 2. Lucius Platin. Euseb. lib. 7. cap. 2. Tom 1. Concâ—l Stephanus Euseb. lib. 7. cap. 5. Platin. in vitâ— Lucij Dan 5. Tom. 1. Concil â— Gratia no. cap. 5. Xistus 2. Euseb lib. â— cap. 27. Note Dionysius Felix 1. Euseb. lib. 7. cap. 32. Platin. Mat. 26.73 Eutychianus â—â—seb lib 7. capâ—2 â—2 caius Euseb lib. 7. cap. 32. Func chron Platin. de vita Func Platin. Deâ—â—ct Caiâ— â—x lib. Pent. Dâ—mâ—â— Note Note Marcellinus Platin. Func Chron. Marcellus Platin. de vitis Eusebius Note Tertullian Ierom. catal scrip eccles Hist. Magd. cent 3. cap. 10. Origen Hist. Magd. cent 3. cap. 10. Note Coment Func in Chron. l. 6. Euseb. l. 6. c. 33. Ierom. catal script Eccles. Euseb. l 6. c. 17. Mat. 19.12 Euseb. l. 6. c. 8. Ierom. catul script eccles coment in Iona. Ierom. ibid. Nazian in laudem Cypriani Ierom. catal script eccles Hist. Madg. cent 3. câ—p 10. Note Aug. de Baptis contra Donat. lib. 5. cap. 17. Narcissus Examples of Gods iustice against false witnesses Euseb. c. 6. l. 9. Dios. Germanion Gordius Alexander Ierom. catal script Eccles. Ierom. ibid. Euseb. l 7. c. 14. Func Chron. Heraclas Dionysius Euseb. l. 6. c. 40. Func chron Asclepiades Euseb. l. 6. c. 1â— Zebenus Babylas Euseb. l. 6. c. 39. Fabius Euseb. l. 6. c. 44. Demetrianus Paulus Samosatenus Domnus Euseb. l. 7. c. 2â— Func Chron. Plat. â— Mâ—litiadâ—â— Euseb. lib. 10. cap. 5. August epist. 68. August epist. 162. 166. August Causâ—laâ—o epist. 86. Silvester Platina de vita Silvest Sâ—crat lib. 1. cap. 6. Theo. lib. 1. cap. 2.3 Euseb de vita Constâ—nt lib. 4. Simile Note Marcus Platin. de vita Mar. Iulius Soâ—om l.
contended mightily euen as Lactantius of olde contended against the Pagans impugning the errour more mightily than solidly confirming the truth It is supposed that he ministred 13. yeeres vnder the Emperour Mauritius To whom succeeded Cyriacus Patriarchs of Alexandria AFter Iohn called Tabennesiota succeeded another Iohn who kept the true faith was banished by Anastatius because he would not damme the Councell of Chalcedone To Iohn succeeded Theodosius an obstinate defender of the errour of Eutiches He was familiarly acquainted with Seuerus of Antiochia and Anthimus of Constantinople whereby the misery of these dayes may be easily esâ—ied wherein three notable heretiques gouerned principall Townes such as Constantinople Alexandria and Antiochia He was so obstinate in his errour that he was rather content to be banished vnder the raigne of Iustinian than to renounce his errour After him succeeded Zoilus and after him Apollinarius who was present at the fift generall Councell To whom succeeded Eulogius and after him Petrus who ministred vnder the raigne of Mauritius Patriarches of Antiochia AFter Palladius succeeded Flavianus who suffered great troubles for the true faith namely by the cruell persecution of the Emperour Anastatius and the calumnies of Xenaeas B. of Hierapolis a stranger indeed from the couenant of God as his name importeth for he blamed Flavianus most vniustly of the heresie of Nestorius but when Flavianus both by word writing had cleared himselfe of that calumnie the malice of Xenaeas ceased not for he brought with him to Antiochia a great number of Monkes to compell Flavianus to abiure the Councell of Chalcedon The towne supported their Bishop against a raskall number of seditious and hereticall Monkes Notwithstanding the Emperour Anastatius infected with the heresie of Eutyches counted Flavianus who was most vniustly persecuted to be the author of this tumult and banished him and placed Severus in his roome The Emperour Iustinus the elder displaced Severus and punished him and appointed Paulus to be Bishop of Antiochia To Paulus succeeded Euphraesius who died in that fearefull calamitie of the Towne of Antiochia when it was shaken and ouerthrowne with earthquake as Evagrius witnesseth Euphraimius was a ciuill gouernour in the East parts who pittied the decayed estate of the towne of Antiochia and furnished all necessarie things for the repairing of the towne of Antiochia for which cause the people were so affectioned to him that they would haue him to be their Bishop So Euphraimius becomes Bishop of Antiochia or Theopolis for at this time it had both these names Evagrius writeth that he vndertooke the charge of the Apostolicke chaire in which words it is manifest that not onely the chaire of Rome but also the chaire of Antiochia was called the Apostolicke chaire The towne of Antiochia at this time was taken by Cosroes King of Persia set on fire and many of the people were cruelly slaine Euphraimius their Bishop at this time left the towne a perilous example except the people had beene in safetie and he onely persecuted yet he left behinde him so much as might redeeme all the Church goods After Euphraimius followed Domnius And after him Anastatius He ministred vnder the Emperour Iustinian at what time the Emperour fell into the errour of them who saide that our Lord Iesus in his very conception adioyned vnto his diuine nature an immortall body which was subiect to no humane infirmities Anastatius opposed himselfe to the Emperours opinion and the Bishops followed Anastatius and not the Emperour for this cause Iustinian was purposed to haue banished him but he escaped this trouble by the Emperours death Neuerthelesse he was banished by Iustinus the younger for some alledged cause of dilapidation of Church goods and Gregorius was placed in his roome Gregorius ministred in Antiochia 23. yeeres vnder Iustinius 2. Tiberius and Mauritius he was in great account with Mauritius to whom he foretolde that he would be promoted to the Imperiall dignitie And Mauritius imployed him in great and waghtie businesse such as in pacifying the tumult of his armie which made insurrection against Germanus their captaine Also he sent him Ambassadour to Cosroes King of Persia who was astonied at the grace that was in his speeches Notwithstanding he was accused by Asterius a Deputy of the East of the filthie sinne of incest but he cleared his owne innocencie so euidently that his accuser was with ignâ—minie scourged and banished He died of the gowtes infirmitie and after his death Anastatius whom Iustinus banished for dilapidation of Church-goods being yet aliue was restored to his owne place againe To whom succeeded Euphemius Patriarches of Ierusalem AFter Martyrius succeeded Helias a feruent defender of the true faith Neither would he condescend to the banishment of Euphemius Bishop of Constantinople nor to the admission of Seuerus to be Bishop of Antiochia therefore the Emperour Anastatius banished him To him succeeded Iohn of whose politicke dealing in circumueening Anastatius the Emperours captaine I haue sufficiently declared in the preceding history To Iohn succeeded Peter and after him Macarius and after Macarius Eustochius who impugned the Bookes of Origen and draue out of his bounds the Monks of Nova Laura defenders of the opinions of Origen Theodorus Ascidas B. of Caesarea in Cappadocia tooke this in an euill part The Emperour Iustinian caused a generall Councell to be gathered at Constantinople wherein not onely the bookes of Origen were damned but also Theodorus himselfe the defender of them This displeased the Emperour Iustinian because he loued Theodorus dearely therefore he procured that Eustochius B. of Ierusalem should be remooued and Macarius restored againe After whom succeeded Iohannes Neamus and Isicius In this Centurie whereas I pretermit the names of other Pastors and Doctors in the Church I haue done it vpon this consideration I find in this Centurie that by the irruption of barbarous people such as the Gothes Vandales Hunnes Auares Schythians Lombards youth was hindred from studies many memorable bookes were burnt ancient Languages were vtterly spoyled learning was greatly diminished flattery of preuailing powers increased ambition in the West heresie in the East turned the estate of the Church vpside-downe so that scarcely could men of good gifts and keeping integritie of faith be furnished vnto the principall Apostolicke chaires Now after a manner the sunne is going downe the shadowes waxe great the darkenesse approacheth the Antichrist is at the doore worthy to be welcommed with darkenesse and decay of knowledge What shall I now write of other Pastors and Doctors shall I follow the foolish conceits of Historio graphers in whose opinion the gift of miracles increased when the gift of knowledge decayed but the contrary is knowne by Scripture that the holy Apostles whom Christ indued with extraordinary gifts of working miraculous workes he indued them also with extraordinary gifts of knowledge but the writers of
this time especially Evagrius who concluded his History with the death of Mauritius bringeth in many famous men in this Centurie gifted with power to worke miraculous workes But when I consider the end of these miraculous workes they are brought in either to confirme the sanctimonie of the Monasticke life the adoration of the Crosse or some other grosse superstition Zosymas a monke is commended by him for his prophericall foreknowledge of the ruine of Antiochia and for the miracle of the Lyon who slew the Asse that caried his victualing to Caesarea and likewise the Lyon by his mandate was compelled to beare that same burden which the Aâ—â—e had borne to the portes of Caesarea No man is so senselesse or ignorant but may perceiue that this lying miracle is brought in to the confirmation of the excellency of the monasticall life The miracle of Thomas B. of Apamea tendeth to the adoration of the tree of the Croâ—â—e The miracle of the fire that came out of Barsaunphius shop at Gaza and consumed the most part of them who were in company with Eustochius B. of Ierusalem is a notable lie and tendeth onely to confirme superstition The miracle of the Image of the Virgine Marie detesting Anatolius an hypocrite an Idolater and a sorcerer and yet insinuating himselfe in familiar acquaintance with Gregorius B. of Antiochia in the dayes of the Emperour Tiberius any man may perceiue that this miracle is forged not so much for detestation of hypocrisie Idolatrie c sorcerie as for worshipping the Image of the Virgine with a deuout minde The miracle of Simeones who in his yo uth miraculously tamed a Pard and fastened his girdle about the necke thereof and brought it like a Catte into the Monasterie and afterward liued vpon the toppes of pillars and mountaines fed with branches of trees 68. yeeres this fable whereunto it tendeth all men doe see And finally the golden Crosse sent by Cosroes to Sergiopolis tendeth not onely to the invocation of Saints but also to put our trust and confidence in them as the last words of the Epistle of Cosro es and his wife Sira clearely importeth Now let the judicious Reader pardon me in pretermitting many things written by others left I should wearie them by filling their eares with fables and lyes CENTVRIE VII Of Popes Bishops Pastors and Doctors AFter Sabinianus succeeded Bonifacius the third and continued onely nine moneths in his Popedome finding opportunitie of time by the disliking that the Emperour Phocas had of the Patriarch of Constantinople Bonifacius insinuated himselfe in the fauour of the Emperour and obtained at his hands that the Church of Rome should be called the supreme head of all other Churches To him succeeded Bonifacius the fourth and gouerned sixe yeeres eight moneths and thirteene dayes He obtained from Phocas a Temple of olde builded to the honour of all the gods of the Gentiles called Pantheon this he purged from the abominations of Heathen people and dedicated it to the Virgine Marie and to the Saints Likewise he instituted a Festiuall day to be kept in honour of all the Saints in which day the Bishop of Rome himselfe should read the seruice He esteemed much of the Monasticke like and gaue vnto the Monkes equall honour with the Clergie in priuiledge of Preaching ministring the Sacraments binding and loosing c. so were the Monks associated into the tribe of the Priests After him succeeded Theodatus otherwise called Deus dedit and gouerned three yeeres and three dayes He made an Ordinance that no man should marry the woman to whom or with whom he had beene witnesse in Baptisme because this was counted spirituall consanguinity This was an vndoubted note of Antichrist to make lawes in the matter of marriage not agreeable to the law of God Many doe write that he cured a leprous man with a kisse But from this time forward let vs beware to giue hastie credite to miracles which are brought in for none other cause but onely to confirme a lying doctrine and in holy Scripture they are called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is Miracles of lyes To him succeeded Bonifacius the fift and ruled fiue yeeres and ten moneths He made a constitution that no man who ranne for safetie to a religious place should be drawne out of it by violence how grieuous soeuer his offence had beene A law-Antichristian indeede and much impairing the authoritie of the ciuill Magistrate Honorius the first succeeded Bonifacius the fift and ruled twelue yeeres eleuen moneths and seuenteene dayes He was infected with the heresie of the Monothelites and was damned in the sixt generall Councell assembled in the dayes of the Emperour Constantinus Pogonatus and hath bin touched in the Treatise of Succession To him succeeded Seuerinus the first and continued one yeere nine moneths and eleuen dayes He was confirmed in his Popedome by Isacius Exarche of Italie for at that time the election of the Clergie and consent of the people was not much set by Isacius also spoiled the treasures of the Church of Laterane being offended with this that the Church-treasures were so rich and that they bestowed nothing to the support of Souldiers who were in great necessitie After him followed Pope Iohn the fourth who exceeded not the space of one yeere one moneth and nineteene dayes in his gouernment Theodoretus the successor of Iohn the fourth was the sonne of Theodorus Bishop of Ierusalem If the Romane Church so much detested marriage in the persons of men in a spirituall calling how came it to passe that they admitted Theodoretus to be Pope who was the sonne of a married Bishop He ruled sixe yeeres fiue moneths and eighteene dayes He excommunicated Pyrrhus Patriarch of Constantinople for the heresie of the Monothelites but after the death of the Emperour Heraclius Pyrrhus returned from Afrike where he had remained a space in banishment he came to Rome recanted his errour and was absolued from excommunication but like vnto a dogge he returned againe to his vomite and was excommunicated of new againe by Theodoretus but Pyrrhus was slaine by the Senators of Constantinople before he was possessed into his former dignitie as partaker of the vile treason intended by Martina and Heracleonas her sonne against Constantine the sonne of the Emperour Heraclius After him succeeded Pope Martinus and gouerned sixe yeeres one moneth and twentie-sixe dayes He sent Ambassadours to Paulus Patriarch of Constantinople exhorting him to forsake the errour of the Monothelites but he misvsed the messengers the more confidently because he saw the Emperour Constans altogether addicted vnto the heresie of the Monothelites Martinus on the other part assembled a Councell at Rome of 150. Bishops wherein he renewed the excommunication of Syrus B. of Alexandria Sergius and Pyrrus Bishops of Constantinople likewise he excommunicated Paulus Bishop of Constantinople for the errour of the Monothelites The Emperour