Chariot drawn with Lyons to shew that the earth supporteth all Towers and Castles produceth all herbs and trees is the predominant Element in compounded bodies signified by the Crown Key and Scepter the motion of her Chariot on foure wheels signifieth the motion not of the earth but of her inhabitants in the four seasons of the year the Lions and all earthly creatures though never so strong and fierce are subject to the Laws of terrestrial nature Of the manner how Ceres was painted and worshipped we have said already By Proserpina they meant the Earth as she is fruitful and cherisheth the seeds cast into her For this cause she is called Bona Dea from the many good things she affords us and Fauna à Favendo from favouring and cherishing us Pomona from the fruits and Flora from the Flowers she produceth and Pales as she furnisheth fodder to the cattel therefore she was held the goddesse of Shepherds and her Feasts Palilia were kept without shedding of blood then were the Cattel purified with Sulphure Rosemary Sabin and Bayes and made to passe through flames of stubble and hay Q. What worship had the Deity of the Sea A. He was called Neptune and worshipped in the form of an ancient man with a Crown on his head holding his Trident in one hand and embraced his Wife Amphithrite with the other Between his legs was a Dolphin His Chariot drawn with Horses The Sea 's swift motion was represented by the Dolphin and Horses and its Dominion over all other waters by the Crown and Scepter He was called Consus from counsel to shew that Princes Counsels should be hid as the cause of the ebbing and flowing of the Sea is He was called Neptunus à Nubendo from covering the Earth Nereus and his Wife Thetis were Sea deities and indeed the same with Neptune so was Oceanus whose Chariot was drawn by four Whales Proteus is also the same though those are held by most to be different gods yet in effect all is but one and the same deity so were the Tritons and Nereides though these with the Sirenes are thought by some to be monstrous Fishes The Tritons were counted Neptunes Trumpeters to shew the noise and roaring of the Sea Old Glaucus is also the same Sea-god with the rest who is described and worshipped in the form of an old man with long hair and beard dropping with water his breast beset with Sea-oars and below the Navel like a Fish Q. What worship and names did they give to Death A. Death was held a Deity and worshipped under the name of Pluto or Plutus sitting in a dark Throne with a black Ebony Crown on his head a rod in one hand to drive together the dead bodies and a key in the other to lock them in At his feet was placed the three-headed-dog Cerberus all which was to shew the condition of the dead The Cypress-tree stood alwayes by him he was called from gathering or driving people together Death is the great King of darknesse who drives all men rich and poor wise and fools Kings and beggars into one place omnes eodem cogimur Death is called Cerberus that is a devourer of flesh For it consumes all flesh This is the black dog as Seneca calls him which is still barking at and biting of mortals he is called Bellua centiceps by Horace the-hundreth headed beast for death hath a hundred ways to seize upon us The same death is expressed by Charon to some by Acheron to others for to good men who depart hence with a clear conscience death is comfortable but to the wicked whom the furies of an evil conscience do torment death is terrible and comfortlesse expressed by the word Acheron Q. What was the manner of sacrificing in Greece A. None came neer the altar till they were first purified neither must the sacrifice be laid on the altar till it was also Instrated or purified with Meale and holy water called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The standers by were besprinkled with this water after a firebrand taken from the altar had been quenched in it and then some holy flower or meal was cast on them This done the Priest prayed then the Victim was brought to the altar with the head upward if it was dedicated to the superiour gods but if to the inferiour with its head downward The Fat Heart Spleen and Liver were offered to the gods the rest of the beast was eat up by the Priests and people spending the rest of the day in gormandising and drunkennesse When the Greeks sacrificed to Vesta and the Romans to the Lares they left nothing of the sacrifice hence Lari sacrificare 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 was to eat up all The poorer sort offered 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is Meat or Cakes the same with the Roman mol◠which by the richer sort was mingled with Wine and Oyl These frugal sacrifices are called by Pindarus 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Supplicating sacrifices intimating that there is more devotion in these mean sacrifices then many times in those that are more costly for it is not the sacrifice but the heart of the sacrificer God requires They used to try if their victim would prove acceptable to their Gods by putting the Cake on the head between the horns which were in solemn feasts gilded if the beast stood quiet it was fit to be sacrificed if otherwise it was rejected In all sacrifices Vesta was first invocated 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to shew both the antiquity and necessity of fire in sacrificing Their custom also was to sacrifice in the morning to the Gods in the evening to the Heroes or Demi-gods The Greeks did not as the Romans grind the corn which they laid on the head of the Victim but laid it on whole 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 saith Suides to shew the manner of the ancient feeding before the grinding of corn was invented This whole corn was called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 They were wont also after their sacrifice and feast to burn the tongue of the beast and besprinkle it with Wine as Homer sheweth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 This was to shew that after drinking and feasting the tongue should be silent and nothing divulged what was then spoken This was also done in honour of Mercury the god of Eloquence and of sleep for about sleeping time the tongue was sacrificed The Grecian Priests used to dance or run about their Altars beginning first at the left hand to shew the motion of the Zodiack which is from the West called by Astronomers the left part of the world then they danced beginning at the right hand to shew the motion of the first sphear which is from East to West Their bloody sacrifices were called impure but Frankincense Myrth and such like were named by them 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Pure offerings The flesh of the Victims were called Theothyta but by the Christian Doctors Idolothyra They that gathered
looking forward and two backward in his right hand it held a horn which the Priest every yeer sprinkled with Wine in the left hand a Bow this also seems to be Mars The Sclavi adored an Idol standing on a Pillar with a Plough-share in one hand a Lance and Banner in the other his head was beset with Garlands his leggs were Booted and at one of his heels a bell did hang. Some of them did worship an Idol on whose brest was a Target in which was ingraven an Oxe head It had a Pole-Axe in its hand and a little Bird sitting on its head All these may seem to represent Mars The Moscovites and Russians adored an Idol called Perun in the shape of a man holding a burning stone in his hand resembling Thunder a fire of Oken wood was continually maintained burning to the honour of this Idol it was death for the Ministeres if they suffered this fire to go out It seems this was Iupiters Image The Stetinians in Pomerania worshipped a three-headed Idol and used to ask Oracles or advice of a black horse the charge of which was committed to one of the Priests In the countries about Moscovia they worship an idol called Zolota Baba the golden Hag. It is a Statue like an old woman holding an infant in her bosome and neer to her stands another infant To this Idol they offer the richest Sabel skins they have They sacrifice Stags to her with the blood whereof they annoint her face eyes and her other parts The beasts entrails are devoured raw by the Prlests With this idol they use to consult in their doubts and dangers Q. What Religion did the Scythians Getes Thracians Cymbrians Goths Lucitanians other Europeans profess A. The same Gentilisme with the rest adoring Idols of stocks and stones in stead of the true God or rather they worshipped the Devil as appears by their inhumane humane sacrifices The Scythians used to sacrifice every hundreth captive to Mars So did the Thracians thinking there was no other means to pacifie that angry and butcherly god but by murthering of men Of the same opinion were the old Germans who sacrificed men to Mercury The Cymbrians or Cymmerians by their women Priests used to murther and sacrifice men These she-devils girt with brasse girdles and in a white surplice used to cut the throats of the captives to rip up their bowels and by inspection to foretel the event of the war and withal to make drums of their skins The Goths did not think they pleased the Devil sufficiently except first they had tormented the poor captive by hanging him upon a tree and then by tearing him in pieces among brambles and thorns These Goths or Getes believed that the dead went into a pleasant place where their God Tamolxius ruled to him they used still to send a Messenger chosen out among themselves by lot who in a boat of five Oars went to supplicate for such things as they wanted Their manner of sending him was thus They took him hand and foot and flung him upon the points of sharp pikes if he fell down dead they concluded that the god was well pleased with that messenger if otherwise they rejected him as an unworthy messenger therefore they chose another to whom they gave instructions before he died what he should say to their god and so having slain him upon their pikes committed the dead body in the boat to the mercy of the sea The Lithuanians used to burn their chief captives to their gods The Lusitanians ripped open the bowels of their captives in their divinations and presented their right hands being cut off to their gods The Sclavi worshipped an idol called Suantovitus whose Priest the day before he sacrificeth makes clean the Chappel which none must enter but he alone and whilest he is in it he must not draw his breath but hold his head out of the window least with his mortal breath he should pollute the Idol The next day the people watching without the Chappel door view the Idols cup if they find any of the liquor which was put there wasted they conclude the next years scarcity but other wise they hope for plenty and so they fill the cup again and pray to the Idol for victory and plenty then pouring out old wine at the idols feet and offering to him a great cake they spend the rest of the day in gormandising It is held a sin and a dishonour to the idol not to be drunk then Every one payeth a piece of money to the idols maintenance to which also is paid the third part of all bâ—oties taken in the war To this purpose the idol maintained three hundred horse whom the Priest payed being the Idols treasurer In Lituania Russia and the adjacent places the Rusticks offer a yearly sacrifice of Calves Hogs Sowes Cocks and Hens about the end of October when their fruits are all gathered in to their idol Ziemiennick they beat all these creatures to death then offer them with prayers and thanksgiving which done they fall to eating and drinking flinging first pieces of flesh into every corner of the house Q. What did the Lithuanians Polonians Hungarians Samogetians and their neighbours professe A. Their chief god was the Sun They worshipped also the Fire which they continually maintained by Priests chosen for that purpose They ascribed also Divinity and worship to trees and the taller the tree was the more adoration it had When Christianity began to be preached among the Lithuanians and were exhorted to cut their trees none would venture to touch these gods till the preacheâ—s encouraged them by their example but when they saw the trees cut down they began to lament the losse of their gods and complained to their Prince of the wrong done to them by the Christians whereupon the Preachers were commanded presently to abandon the country and so these dogs returned to their vomit They adored also Serpents which they entertained in their houses and used by their Priests to ask Oracles or advice of the fire concerning their friends when they fell sick if they should recover health again The same Idolatry was used by the Polonians or Sarmatians The Hungarians or Pannonians did not onely worship the Sun Moon and Stars but also every thing they first met with in the morning Most part of Livonia is yet idolatrous worshipping the Planets and observe the heathenish customes in their burials and marriages In Samogethia a country bordering on Prussia Livonia and Lithuania they worshipped for their chief god the Fire which their Priests continually maintained within a Tower on the top of an high hill till Vladislaus King of Poland beat down the Tower and put out the fire and withal caused their Groves to be cut down which they held sacred with the Birds beasts and every thing in them They burn the bodies of their chief friends with their horses furniture and best cloaths and withal set down victuals by
came of Eleazer And the government held out in some sort till Herod the first overthrew it by thrusting out the lawful Priests and substituting at his pleasure unworthy men The like was done by the Roman Governors then were the Levites deprived of their tiths by the chief Priests The singers were permitted by Agrippa the younger to wear a linnen garment as well as the Priests they retained then some Priests and Levites they had also Scribes and Lawyers who exercised Ecclesiastick Jurisdiction with the Elders of the people They had also Synagogues of their profession abroad in Alexandria Cilicia and other places Acts. 6. 9. and in Iudea too whither the people met to pray and hear the Law and Prophets read The Synagogues had their Rulers Acts 13. 15. who did interpret the Law they were also called Prophets Scribes and Lawyers but the Government of the Jewish Church was much pestered by the Samaritans Esseans Sadduces and Pharises Nazareans who rejected the books of Mojes Hemerobaptists who washed themselves daily and the Herodians who held that Herod was Christ the Esseans contemned marriage and thought themselves holier then other men therefore called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Saints they would have had all things equal The Samaritans rejected all Scripture except the Pentateuch and were the sworn enemies of the Iews The Pharisees were so called from Separation for they separated themselves from other men accounting all profane but themselves They placed all Sanctimony in outward shews The Sadduces so called from Justice denied providence subjected all things to our will denied the souls Immortality Angels and the Resurrection The Scribes perverred all by their sophistical glosses on the Law Of these things see Sigonius Bertram Iosephus and others Q. But what Church government have the Iewes at this day A. In Rome Venice Worms Mentz Frankford on the Moen Fridburg Amsterdam and in divers places of Poland Bohemia and elsewhere they have their Synagogues where they use to pray together and to hear the Law read Before they come thither they wash themselves and scrape their shooes with an iron fastened in a wall before the Synagogue They enter with great reverence bowing themselves towards the Ark where their Law is kept and are tied to a set form of prayer which they must read in their books they that cannot read must hearken diligently and say Amen though they understand not what is read for their Liturgy is the old Hebrew which they generally understand not They utter divers brief benedictions and after them some short prayers and because they cannot sacrifice being banished from Ierusalem the place appointed for sacrifice therefore in stead thereof they read the Law concerning sacrifices and offerings and some Expositions thereof out of the Thalmud which they understand not They pray in particular for the rebuilding of Ierusalem and their return thither which they dayly expect for which they expresse great joy and vociferation Then they read a long prayer collected out of the Psalms with some part out of the first Book of the Chronicles ch 30. Then they conclude with singing these words of Obadiah vers 17. But upon mount Sion shall be deliverance and there shall be holinesse and the house of Iacob shall possesse their possessions c. And the house of Esau shall be stubble c. And Saviours shall come upon mount Sion to judge the mount of Esau and the Kingdom shall be the Lords Other Songs also they sing much to this purpose and when they sing or say these words Hearken O Israel the Lord our God is one God they turn their heads to the four corners of the world intimating thereby that God is every where King There be some of their prayers which they are bound to say every day twice standing strait thinking that thereby they shall merit But when they utter these words of Isai. 6. 3. Holy Holy Holy Lord God of Sabbath the Earth is full of the Glory they leap three times They hold that whosoever doth speak whilest they are praying shall eat burning coales when they are dead After this they utter an execrable praver against all Christians and baptized Jews Then they pray for peace bowing their head to the left then to the right hand and depart out of the Synagogue with their faces stil towards the Ark like crabs going backward They use also to go slowly out of the Synagogue lest by making haste they might seem to be weary of praying When they mention the adoration which is given to Christ by Christians they spit on the ground in detestation thereof Q. What circumstances do the Iews now observe in praying A. They pray being girt standing upright with their faces toward Ierusalem laying their hand on their heart and bowing their head They hold it a great sin in praying to belch yawn spit or break wind because they hold the Angels to be there present but if any be necessiated to break wind he must beg pardon of God who hath made him a body so full of holes he that prays must make no interruption though a Serpent should bite him or the King of Israel speak to him They are bound to utter an hundred blessings every day In praying they must not touch their naked skin They hold sneezing in prayers to be a good signe but breaking wind to be ominous and they beleeve that whosoever saith heartily Amen to their prayers hasteneth their Redemption Q. What is the time and order of their Evening prayer A. About five in the afternoon the Door-keeper of the Synagogue with a hammer knocks at their doores warning them to repair to Evening prayer When they are come they sit down and begin their service with these words of the 84. Psalm Blessed are they that dwell in thy house Then the Precentor having said or sung some Psalms and half that holy prayer called Kaddesh the whole Synagogve saith eighteen prayers according to the number of bones in a mans back And then the Praecentor comes down from his Pulpit and falls upon his knees before the Ark after the example of Ioshuah Iosh. 7. 6. and layeth his left hand under his face because it is said Cant. 2. 6. His left hand is under my head This the people do likewise and with their faces covered and towards the ground they say the sixth Psalm Having ended their Evening Prayer and pawsed a while they begin their night prayers which they should say after supper but because it would be inconvenient to return late to the Synagogue and many times they are drunk after supper therefore before they depart they say some prayers but if any have a quarrel with his neighbour he takes the Liturgy-book and shuts it clapping his hand upon it intimating hereby that he would pray no more till his neighbour were reconciled to him Q. Why do the Iews beside the Sabbath keep holy the Monday and Thursday A. Ezdras appointed that the people should meet three times
in the week to be taught the Law because in the Desart of Sur the people wandred three dayes without water that iâ— say they without the Law And because Moses went up the mountain the second time to renew the Tables of the Law and to pacifie Gods anger for the peoples worshipping the Golden Calf on Thursday and returned thence on Monday therefore the devoted Jews use to fast these two days as the Pharisee did in the Gospel Q. What Ceremonies observe they about the Book of the Law A. In every Synagogue the Book of the Law is kept within a Chest this Book is the Pentareuch written on parchment in great Characters and carried to and fro on two staves fastened at each end of the parchment Before the door of the Ark or Chest hangs a piece of Tapestry on which divers birds are figured because birds were pictuted upon the Ark of the Covenant This book is wrapt in linnen which is covered with Silk Velvet or Tissue The office of carrying the Law is sold to him that gives most and the money is bestowed on the poor The two staves are called the trees of Life When the Praecentor brings the book out of the Ark into the Pulpit then they all sing these words Numb 10. 35. Let God arise and let his enemies be scatrered c. After some Anthymns are sung one comes between the Chasan or Chief Singer and him who bought the Office of carrying the Law and kisses not the parchment for that were too great presumption but the cloaths in which it is wrapped then with a loud voice he blesseth God who hath chosen them before all others and given them a Law Then the chief Singer reads a Chapter and the Book is kissed again with blessing of God for giving the true Law Then it is elevated on high the whole Congregation shouting This is the Law that Moses gave to Israel The Women in the mean time being in a distinct Synagogue by themselves are not permitted to kisse the Book nor to be there with the men to shew what modesty ought to be there but if he who carrieth the Book should by chance stumble with it a long fast must be enjoyned that fall being held ommous and a presage of great calamities When the Book is wrapped up again within all its coverings young and old kiss it touching it only with their two fingers and whilest it is carried back to the Ark they all sing again Return Lord to the many thousands of Israel Num. 10. 36. So prayers being ended as they are going out of the Synagogue they say The Lord preserve my going out and comming in from henceforth and for ever Psal 5. 9. Q. What is their manner of observing the Sabbath at this day A. Because Moses commanded the Israelites to gather as much Manna on the sixth day as might serve them also the seventh therefore all that they eat and drink on the Sabbath is prepared and dressed on the Friday and if the servants work be more then they can perform before the Sabbath their Masters be they never so great and rich must help them that the Sabbath be not broken yet they have three Feasts that day one in the Evening when they begin their Rest the second at Noon and the third in the Evening when they conclude their Sabbath All that day their Tables remain covered If they do not wash their heads hands and feet If they pair not their nailes beginning at the fourth finger on the left hand which pairings must not be trod upon but either burned or buried if they change not their cloaths if the men cut not their beards and the women if they combe not their heads if they sharp not their knives and make every thing clean in their houses on the Friday they esteem the neglect of any of these circumstances a violation of their Sabbath Before the Sun go down the women kindle their Sabbatarian lights which is an ancient custome as may be seen in Persius Satyr 5. Herodis venere dies unctáque senestrae Depositae pinguem nebulam vemuere lucernae Except we understand here by Herods dayes Herods birth-day which was carefully observed by the Herodian Sect. Now the reason why the women kindle the lights is because the first woman extinguished the light and glory of man by her disobedience They also use to hasten their Sabbath and to enlarge it by adâ—ing a part of the work day that the souls in Purgatoâ—y may have the more liberty and refreshing who all that time cocl and refresh themselves in water for which cause the Jews are forbid by their Rabbins to draw all the water out of any place but to leave some for refrigeration of these scorched souls They beleeve that a good and evil Angel stand before their Synagogues observing who pray and hear most diligently These Angels wait upon such to their houses where finding all clean and neat they depart joyfully though the evil Angel be not concerned but is forced to shew a seeming content They do not put out their lights all that day nor must they snuff them least they should thereby break their Sabbath nor must they that day catch a Flea or kill a Louse If a Iew in his journey be overtaken by the Sabbath he must stay though in the midst of a Field or Wood though in danger of theeves storms or hunger he must not budge They begin their feasting on the Sabbath with conse crated Wine and two loaves of Bread in memory of the double portion of Manna they gathered for the Sabbath which day they think is not sufficiently observed except they eat and drink largly in the day time and kiss their Wives often in the night In their Synagogues they have read to them seven of their Chapters by seven several men who come in at one door and go out at another These Lectures are out of Moses and the Prophets Act. 13. 27 15. 21. they pray for the souls of those who have violated the Sabbath who being in Hell have so much ease by their prayers as to turn from one side to the other But their Service lasteth not above the sixth hour which is our noon for by their Law they must neither pray nor fast beyond this hour If any dream of such things as they count ominous such as the burning of the Law the falling of their houses or teeth they must fast till the evening and so they must fast the next day as a punishment for fasting on the Sabbath After dinner the most of their discourse is about their use-money and other worldly businesse In the evening they repair to their Synagogues againe and thence to their third feast They conclude their Sabbath with singing or caterwaling rather which they continue as long as they can for ease of the defunct souls And withal they pray that Elias would hasten his comming even the next Sabbath if he please that he might
Hackluit and Purchas out of him Q. What is the Religion of Florida A. Their chiefe deities are the Sun and Moon which they honour with dances and songs Once a yeere they offer to the Sun a Harts hid stuffed with herbs hanging Garlands of fruits about his horns so presenting this gift towards the east they pray the Sun to make their land produce the same fruits again But to their Kings they use to Sacrifice their first-born males Much of their devotion like the rest of barbarous Salvages consisteth in singing dancing howling feasting and cutting of their own skins Adultery in the woman is punished with whipping In some parts of this Country the next of kin is permitted to cut the adulteresses throat and the woman to cut the adulterers In some parts also of this Country they worship the devil who when he appears and complains of thirst humane blood is shed to quench his thirst When a King is buried the cup wherein he used to drink is still set upon his grave and round about the same are stuck many arrows the people weep and Fast three days together the neighbour Kings his friends cuâ— off half their hair Women are hired who for six moneths howl for him three times a day This honour the King and Priest have that they are buried in their houses and burned with their houses and goods See Benzo Morgares Hackluit c. Q. Of what Religion are the Nations of west Virginia and Florida A Few of them are yet known but such as by Navigation are found upon the Sea-coasts and some Islands conquered by the Spaniards are worshippers of the Sun and Water because the Sun by his heat and the Water by its moisture produce all things therefore when they eat drink or Sacrifice they use to throw up in the ayre towards the Sun some part of their food The Spaniards took advantage of this Superstition and made these people believe they were messengers sent thither to them from the Sun whereupon they submitted holding it impious to reject the Messengers which their chief God had sent them They worship also here Idols and in some places the devil and observe the same superstitious Ceremonies in the burial of their dead that their neighbours do See Hackluit Q. What was the Religion of New-Spain A. They were grosse and bloody Idolaters before the Spaniards brought them to the knowledge of Christ who requires of his Disciples no other Sacrifice but that of a contrite heart he having shed his own blood that we might spare the shedding of ours These wretched Americans acknowledged one chief God yet they worshipped many Principally the Sun to whom they offered the heart of the Sacrifice even of men neither did they eat or drink or smell to a flower till they had cast up in the ayre to the Sun some portion of their meat and drink and some leaves of their flowers At Mexico they worshipped many Idols but three principally The first was called Vitziliputzli placed in an azure-coloured Chair with Snakes-heads at each corner On his head were rich plumes of Feathers with gold in his left hand was a white Target in his right a Staffe at his sides he had four darts Perhaps by this Image they represented the nature of God by his blew Chair they might signifie heaven his seat by the Snakes-heads his wisdome by the feathers and gold his glory by the Target protection by the Staffe direction and by the four arrows his power extending over the four parts of the world East West South and North or else which is more likely they represented the Sun by this Idol whose aboad is in the azure skie and his arrows or beams are extended to the 4. quarters of the world the feathers may signifie his lightness and the gold his glory his target and staff may shew that the Suns heat is both defensive and offensive Near to this Idol stood a Pillâ—r of lesse work and beauty on which was another Idol called Tâ—aloc perhaps by this they meant the Moon They had a third Idol of black stone with four darts in his right hand looking angerly this they worshipped as the god of Repentance this Idol with the others was richly adorned with gold any jewels In Cholula they worshipped the god of wealth or merchandising they had also an Idol of Paste or Dough which was consecrated and made every year to which rich presents were brought and stuck in the paste They made gods also of their chief Captives to whom they gave divine Honors for 6. somtimes for 12 months praying and sacrificing to him and carrying him in procession but at last the Priests kill him the Chief Priest pulls out his heart offers it smoaking to the Sun then is he opened cut in pieces and eaten They adored many other gods and goddesses with many heathenish Superstitioâ—s Of which see Ioseph Acosta in his History of the Indies Gomara Peter Martyr of Millan c. Out of this discourse we may see what crueltie is used among Idolaters in their barbarous sacrifices how lavish also they are of their gold silver and jewels with which they adorne their Idols this hath bin alwayes the Devils pollicie by outward splendor and wealth to draw ignorant and covetovs minded people to follow idolatrie for such a bewitching qualitie there is in the splendor of gold silver and stones that both the eyes and hearts of men are drawn after them to this purpose Lactantius l. 2. instit auri gemmarum et eboris pulchritudo ac nitâ—r perstringit oculos nec ullam religionem putant ubi illa fulserint itaque sub obtentu deorum avaritia et cupiditas colitur the beauty of Gold Iewels and Eborie doe so dazell mens eyes and captivatâ— their hearts that they think there is no Religion wherâ— these shine not therefore under pretence of worsh â—ing gods covetousnesse and desire is worshiped Heâ—ce Idolatrie may be truly called covetousnessâ— this by the Apostle is called Idolatrie Not without cause then did God forbid the Israelits to make to themselves gods of gold and silver as knowing what force these metalls have to draw mens mindes after them And indeed some of the wise Gentiles themselves laughed at the vanities of those who bestowed so much gold on their Idols autum Vasa Numae Saturniaque impulit â—ra saith Persius the gods were better worshipped in Numas earthen vessells then they were afterward in gold and he that offereth to God a sincere heart is more accepted then he that bestowes on Iupiter a golden beard dicite pontifices in sacro quid facit aurum and yet the excess of gold and silver in their Statues and Temples is stupendious as Lipsius sheweth de magnit urb Romae and the Romans were come to that hight of superstition that they thought a Bull was not a fit sacrifice to their gods if his hornes had not been gilded or his forehead adorned with plates of gold see
many years in learning by heart their precepts in verse They believed the immortality of souls they read Philosophy to their Scholars It is thought by some that Diana's Temple stood where St Pauls Church in London stands now And Minerva had her Temple at Bath and Apollo in Scotland neer Dalkeith The Saxons worshipped the seven Planets among which Thor the same with Iupiter was chiefe from him Thursday was denominated Next was Wodan or Mars Wednesday is so called from him Fred or Frico was Venus to whom Friday was dedicated as Tuesday to Tuisco the founder of the German Nation Q. Vnder what shapes and formes did the old Saxons worship their gods A. They worshipped the Sun under the shape of halfe a naked man set upon a pillar whose head and face was all beset with firie rayes holding on his brest a flaming wheele by which they signified the Suns heat light and motion They worshipped the Moon under the form of a Woman with a short coat and a hood with long eares with the picture of the Moon before her brest they gave her also piked shoes Verstegan cannot find the reason of this habit but perhaps the reason may be this if I may have leave to conjecture they gave her a short coat to shew the swiftnesse of her motionâ— for a long coat signifieth a slow motion therefore they painted Saturne whose motion is the slowest of all the Planets with a long coat The hood or chapron with long eares was to represent her horns or else to shew that sounds are heard a far off in the night which is the time of her dominion Her piked shoes also may resemble her hornes Tuisco their third Idol is set out in the skin of some wild beast with a Scepter in his hand this is thought to be the first and most ancient of that nation from whom the Germans call themselves Tuytshen or as the Flemings pronunce it Duytshen as Verstegan observeth but I think that under this name they worshipped Mars for as Tacitus writes Mars was one of the German gods His hairie garments doth shew the feirce and truculent disposition of that warlike god besides that hairie Sylvanus is thought to be the same that Mars His Scepter may signifie the power and command which Souldiers have in the world But it is more likely by this Idol they meant Mercury for next to the Sun and Moon he was as Tacitus saith the Germans chief god His Scepter and hairie garment may signifie the power and command that eloquence and musick have over the most brutish natures and of these two faculties Mercury was the inventer And we must know that as the Romans next to the Sun and Moon honoured Mars the Patron of their city for which cause they dedicated to him the third day of the week so the Germans for the same cause dedicated to Mercury their chief founder and patron the same day which from his name Tuisco is called Tuesday yet retained among us Their fourth Idol was Woden from whom Wednesday is so called He was the Germans Mars and is called Woden from being wood or mad intimating hereby the firercenesse of Souldiers and furie of Warr. He is painted with a Crown on his head a sword in his hand and in compleat armor Their fift Idol is Thor which was their Iupiter for they made him the god of the aire and commander of winds rain and thunder they painted him sitting in a chaire of state with a Scepter in his right hand a golden Crown on his head encompassed with twelve stars by which they meant he was King of the upper regions and commander of the stars from him Thursday is named as among the Romans Dies Iovis from Iupiter Their sixt Idol was Friga from her our Friday is denominated and was the same that Venus among the Romans she is painted in the habit of a man in armes with a sword in one hand and a bow in the other so among the Romans she was Venus armnata and Barbata armed and bearded she is called by the Greeks 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in the masculin and by Aristophanes 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 so by Virgil Deus descendo ac ducente Deo flammam inter et hostes Their seventh Idol was Seater whence comes the â—ame Saterday dedicated to him Verstegan will not have this Seater to be the same that Saturne because he was other-ways called Crodo but this is no reason for most of the gods had different names the Sun is called Apollo and Phaebus the Moon Diana Lucina Proserpina The goddesse of wisdom is called Pallas and Minerva c. Doubtlesse then this Idol was Saturn as his picture shewes for he is set out like an old man and so he was painted among the Romans the wheele in his left hand signifieth the revolution of time the pail of water in his right hand wherein were â—lowrs and fruites and the pearch under his feet do shew the dominion Time hath over Sea and Land and all things there in containâ—d for all sublunarie things are subject to time and change His long coat as I shewed before did signifie the slownesse of Saturns motion which is not finished but in 30 yeers Other Idols they worshipped but of lesse note of which see Verstegan Q What was the Religion of the Danes Swedes Moscovites Russians Pomeranians and their neighbours A. The Danes and Swedes worshipped the same gods that the Saxons did They call upon Thor or Iupiter when the Pestilence is among them because he â—uleth in the ayre In the time of war they call upon Wodâ—n or Mars In their marriages they invocate Frico or Venus They had also their Heroes or demi-gods they used to kill nine males of each kind of sensitive creatures and to pacifie their gods with the blood thereof then to hang up their bodies in the Grove next the Temple called Vbsola In some parts of Saxony they worshipped Saturn under the name of Crodo like an old man standing on a fish holding in his hands a wheele and a pitcher Venus they worshipped in the form of a naked woman standing in a Chariot drawn with two Swans and two Doves On her head she wore a Garland of Myrtle in her right hand she had the Globe of the world in the other three Oranges Out of her brest proceeded a burning Tapâ—r The three Graces naked with fruit in their hands waited on her In Westphalia they worshipped an Idol all in armour holding a banner in his right hand with a Rose and in the left a pair of Scales On his Breast was carved a Beare on his Helmet a Lion It seems by the Idol they understood Mars The Rugians neer the Baltick sea worshipped Mars in the form of a Monster with seven faces and seven swords hanging by his side in their Scabberds he held the eighth sword naked in his hand The same Rugians as also the Bohemians worshipped an Idol with four heads two of them
dispersed Anchorites into one body and built them a Monastery on the top of the Hill near the Well of Elias by which stood an ancient Chappel of our Lady Perhaps from this Chappel the Carmelites were called the Virgins Brothers The same Almericus translated into Latine the Book concerning the institution of the first Monks written in Greek by Iohn Bishop of Ierusalem for the benefit of these Carmelites and placed over them a Latine Governour in the time of Pope Alexander the third who began this Popedom Aâ— 1170. The Governours name V as â—ertholdus Aquitanus some think this Order was instituted 40. years after to wit in the Papacy of Innocent the third Their second Governour was Brochard of Ierusalem who made them a rule much after the rule of Saint Basil which in the year 1199. was abridged and confirmed by Albert Patriarch of Ierusalem who tied them to fasting silence and canonical hours and the Lay-Brothers to Peter the Eremites Beads or Prayer and to our Ladies Psalter They were as yet tied to no Vow but that of obedience to their Superiour They came into England about the year 1240. Ralph Fresburn was their first Governour here and Hunfrid Nektâ—n the first Carmelite that read School Divinity in Cambridge and was of that order the first Doctor of Divinity This order came into Lituania Anno 1427. Whilst they were in Syria their Garment was a striped cloak of party colours which they say was used by the Prophet Eliah but Pope Honorius the third or as some say the fourth took from them this habit as not beseeming or agreeable to Religion and instead thereof gave them a white cloak and a white hood and under a coat with a scapulary of hair-colour The use of the white cloak was confirmed by Pope Nicholaus the fourth Whilst they used the former habit they were highly esteemed by the Egyptians and maintained by the Sultan but when they began to wear the Popes new Livery he expelled them out of Egypt and burned down their Monastery and Chappel Honorius the fourth exempted them from the jurisdiction of Princes and Bishops Gregory the ninth forbade them to injoy possessions or revenues but to beg from door to door Honorius the fourth will have them called instead of Carmelites Brothers of the Virgin Mary Alexander the fourth allowed them prisons to punish their apostates and Iohn 23. took them into his immediate protection and by a vision was warned to keep them 〈◊〉 of purgatory Many of the Carmelites fell off from their first strictnesse of life and gave themselves to all 〈◊〉 and voluptuousnesse whereupon they were divided into two Sects the one were called Observantes the other Non Observantes to undertake this order is hâ—ld meritorious and three years indulgence is promised to him that shall at any time call them brothers of Saint Mary In many of their Cloysters they have the picture of Iohn Baptist in their habit because he is named Eliah and they say that Eliah did wear this habit they have changed now I mean the Non Observantes their hair-coloured coat into black Q. 13. What were the Dominicans A. These were so called from Dominicus a Spaniard their first Author they sprung out of the Humiliali and were instituted by Innocent the third Anno 1205. the chief end of their institution was to write expound and preach the word of God whence they are named Praedicantes or Praedicatores Dominicus was by Pope Innocent the third Anno. 1207. imployed with twelve Abbots of the Order of Cisterâ—iaeâ—s to preach down the Doctrines of the Aâ—â—igenses He by his preaching so incensed the Princes against them that they took arms and killed above One hundred thousâ—nd of them Dominicus with twelve more accompanied by Fulce Bishop of â—oledâ— went to Rome where he petitioneth Innocent the third to confirm his order who was somewhat averse till he dreamed that he saw Dâ—minicus supporting with his shoulders the Church of Lateran that was ready to fall down hereupon he adviseth Dominick to pitch upon some rule and he would ratifie it Dominick returns presently to his Disciples being sixteen together acquaints them with the Popes intention they all resolve to professe the rule of Saint Austin the preacher In the interim Innocent dieth Honorius the third succeeded 〈◊〉 confirmed their rule and institution Dâ—â—inick added some things to Saint Austins rule He divided his Monastery into three parts one for himself and contemplative Brothers the other for contemplative Sisters the third was for both sexes that were given to the active life these were called Brothers and Sisters of Saint Dominick or the Souldiers of Jesus Christ for as Dominick with the spirituall so these with the corporal sword were to subdue Hereticks The Dominicans are tied to reject all kinde of wealth money and possessions that their work of preaching may not be hindred To hold every year a general Chapter To fast seven moneths together namely from holy 〈◊〉 day in September till Easter and at all other times on Friday to abstain from flesh except in times of sicknesse To lye in Blankets not in Sheets nor on Feather-beds To be silent To wear a white coat under a black cloak which they say was prescribed by the Virgin Mary to one Rheginaldus in his sicknesse To have low-built Monasteries answering to their poverty and humility To be content with the title of Friers Praedicants whereas before they were stiled Friers of the blessed Virgin Mary To celebrate on every Saturday the Office of the Virgin Mary except in Lent and on Festival days To disperse themselves through all parts of the world for preaching the Gospel To choose them a Generall Master whose subordinate Prelates should be called Priors but not Abbots The first that was elected Master Generall was Dominious himself Anno 1220. who died the next year after The 〈◊〉 do not promise to live according to their rule or to keep it because not to performe such a promise is a mortall sin but onely to obey according to the rule because in this case omission or transgression obligeth not to the sin but to the punishment as they think For Dominick's good service against the 〈◊〉 he is made by Hâ—â—â—rius the third Master of thâ— sacred Palace And so the Dominicans are ordinaâ—â—â—â— mâ—sters of this place And because a Dominican poysoned Henry the seventh Emperor in the Eucharist therefore the Pope inflicted this punishment on thâ—â—â—der that their priests should ever after in the Eucharist use their left hand Antoninus writes that Dominick received a Staff from Peter and a Book from 〈◊〉 with â— command to preach the Gospel every where hereupon his disciples dispersed themselves into all parts Dominick himself went to Rome where by the concession of the Pope and Cardinals he gathered together in one Covent all the Nuns dispersed through divers places of the City where they had the Church of Saint Sabina assigned them 44 of them met together
The Penitents being received into the Church cut their Haire and Beards and lay aside their penitentiall garments and put on clean cloathes after the example of Ioseph when he was delivered out of prisâ—n This casting off their old cloathes puts them in minde of putting off the old man In Extream Vnction the Priest first besprinkleth the sick person and the whole roome with holy water then he anointeth the organs of the five senses because by them sin infecteth the soul the reines also and feet are anointed to expiate the sins that are in the concupiscible and motive faculties They onely must be anointed of whom there is no hope of recovery Of the Ceremonies used in Sacred Orders we will speak hereafter In Matrimony the Priest blesseth the married couple with prayers and oblations if they were never married before but they are not to blesse the second marriage The Woman is covered with a vaile after the example of Rebecca and to shew her subjection to the man she is united to the man by a Lace or Ribband tied in a knot by a Ring also put on the fourth finger of the left hand because of the veine that reacheth from thence to the heart signifying the mutual love that ought to be between them but marriages are not to be celebrated in Lent and other times of humiliation Q. 7. What are their Tenets concerning the Saints in Heaven A. They register their names in their Calendars after the Pope hath canonised them or given a testimony of their Sanctity and decreed honours for them namely publick Invocation dedication of Altars and Temples to them oblation of Sacrifices celebration of Festival days setting up of their Images and reservation of their Reliques The honour they give to God is called by them Latria that of the Saints is Dulia but the honour which they give to Christs humanity and the Virgin Mary is Hyperdulia 2. They say that the Saints make intercession for us not immediately to God but through Christ they obtain their requests 3. That we ought to invocate both Saints and Angels 4. That their Images are to be worshipped that the Images of Christ and of the Saints are not Idols because Idols are representations of that which is not and in Scripture the word Idol is spoken onely of Heathen Images that it is not unlawful to represent God by such Images as he hath described himself therefore they painâ— God in the form of an old man the Holy Ghost in the form of a Dove That though the Images of Christ and the Apostles are to be honoured in relation to the persons which they represent yet we must not think there is any Divinity in them or that they can help us or that we ought to aske any thing of them 5. That the Images of Christ and the Saints should be placed in Churches because the Images of the Cherubims were placed in Salomons Temple and before in the Tabernacle 6. That the Reliques of Christ and of the Saints are to be honoured and kissed as holy pledges of our Patrons yet not to be adored as God nor invocated as Saints 7. That the true Crosse of Christ the Nailes the Thornes c. by way of of analogy and reduction are to be worshipped with the same kind of worship or Latria that Christ is that the signe of the Crosse in the forehead or in the aire is a Sacred and venerable signe powerful to drive away evil spirits 8. That Pilgrimages ought to be undertaken to those holy places where the Images and Reliques of Christ and of the Saints are kept 9. That days should be kept holy in memory of the Saints the observation of which is a part of divine worship Q. 8. What is their Doctrine concerning the Church A. They teach that the government of the Church is Monarchical as being the most excellent form of government That the government of the Church was founded on the Person of Saint Peter That Peter was Bishop of Rome and so continued till his death That the Pope is Peters Successor and Christs Vicar by whom he is made head of the Church Militant That the Pope is not Antichrist but that the great Antichrist shall be a particular man of the Tribe of Dan who shall reign in Ierusalem three years and a half and shall be acknowleged by the Iewes as their Messiah whom he will make believe that he is of the Tribe of Iuda and descended of David 2. They hold that the Pope is the supream Judge in controversies of Faith and manners that his judgement is certain and infallible that he can erre in particular controversies of fact depending upon mans testimony and that he may erre as a private Doctor in questions of right as well of faith as of manners but that he cannot erre when with a General Council he makes decrees of faith or general precepts of manners and that the Pope is to be obeyed though either by himself or by a particular Councilâ— he erre in some doubtful matters but they generally now believe that though the Pope were an Heretick yet he cannot prescribe or define any Heretical Doctrine to be believed by the whole Church That the Pope hath a spiritual coactive jurisdiction in making Laws to bind the conscience by his sole authority without the consent of Priests or people and that he can judge and punish the transgressors of his Laws That as the Apostles had their immediate authority from Christ so the Bishops have the same immediately from the Pope That the Pope hath a supream power over the temporal estates of Christians to depose Kings and dispose of their Kingdoms in order to spiritual things and so far as it is necessary to the salvation of souls That it is not repugnant to Gods word for the same man to be both a Political and Ecclesiastical Prince seeing Melchisedech Moses Eli Samuel and the Macchabees exercised both powers 3. They believe that the true Church of Christ is onely that Society which acknowledgeth the Pope to be head thereof and Christs Vicar upon earth That they which are not baptized and the Catechumeni are not properly and actually members of the Church but onely in possibility That Hereticks Schismaticks and excommunicate persons are not members of the Church That reprobates are members of the militant Church Because in Noah's Ark were unclean beasts in the same Net are good and bad fishes at the same Wedding-feast many were called but few chosen in the same Sheep-fold are same Goats in the same house are vessels of dishonour Judas was one of the Apostles c. That the true Catholike Church is always visible for it is compared to a Mountain to a Candle to a City on a Hill c. That the true visible Church can never fail totally Because it is built on a Rock against which Hell Gates cannot prevaile c. That the true Church cannot fall into errour Because it is the Pillar
and ground of truth c. That the true notes of the Church are Universality Antiquity Continuance Multitude Succession of Bishops from the Apostles Ordination Unity in Doctrine Unity among the members themselves and with their head soundnesse of doctrine power and efficacy of doctrine holinesse of life miracles the light of prophesie the testimony of her enemies the unhappy end of those who oppresse the Church and the temporal felicity of such as have defended her Q. 9. What do they hold concerning Councils Monks Magistrates and Purgatory A. They teach that Diocesan Councils are to be convocated by the Bishops Provincial by Arch-Bishops National by Patriarchs or Primates but General Councils by the Pope alone and not by the Emperor without the Popes approbation except it be when the Pope is either imprisoned or dead or mad in such cases the Cardinals may call a Council That ordinarily Bishops have the power of decisive suffrages but by custome and priviledge Cardinals Abbots and Generals of orders have the same power though they be not Bishops That in a General Council should be present all Bishops at least of the greater Provinces except any be excommunicate That the Pope and the four Patriarchs of Constantinople Alexandria Antioch and Ierusalem or their Deputies be also present and at least some of the greater part of Provinces That the Pope is the supream President and Judge of Councils That Christians are bound to obey the decrees of Councils That General and particular Councils confirmed by the Pope cannot erre That the Scripture is above Councils as it is the infallible word of God but in respect of interpretation it is dependent from Councils That the Pope is above Councils and not to be judged by any 2. Concerning Monks they teach that their original is of Divine right That their institution is grounded upon Evangelical Counsel not precept That Counsels are not commanded but commended to us that commands are of things easie to be performed and taken out of the principles of nature Counsels are of things difficult and above nature and of things better then those of commands By precepts we are tied to obedience by Counsels we are left to our Free-will Precepts have their rewards and punishments but Counsels have no punishments but great rewards Hence arise the works of Supererogation That children if they be come to years of puberty may enter into a Monastery without their Parents consent if so be their Parents need not their help And so may Wives without their Husbands consent That Vowes though of things not commanded are a part of Gods worship That the promise made in baptisme to renounce the Devil the VVorld and the Flesh is not properly a Vow That the Vows of poverty obedience and continency are lawful That the Pope may dispense with Vows That the habits and shaving of Monks are of great use and antiquity 3. Concerning Magistrates they teach that their Laws doe no lesse bind the conscience then Divine or Ecclesiastick Laws That Magistrates are subject and inferiour to the Clergy in matters of Religion That Magistrates may inflict death on Hereticks 4. Concerning Purgatory they say that it is one of these four contignations or Roomes under ground the lowermost is hell where the pain of losse and sence is eternal The next above that is Purgatory where pain of losse sence is temporary Above that is the Receptacle of Infants where onely is the pain of losse eternal The uppermost was that of the Fathers where was onely temporal pain of losse now it is empty since Christs descent thither That in Purgatory are those souls which depart hence with venial sins or whose sins are pardoned but not the punishment That the suffâ—ages of the living are beneficial to the dead namely Masses Prayer and satisfactory works as almes pilgrimages fasts c. To which may be added indulgences Q. 10. Wherein doth the outward worship of the Church Rome consist and the first part of their Masse A. 1. In Churches Church yards Bels Altars Pictures â—rucifixes Images Curtains and other Church Ornaâ—ents as Tâ—pestry Candlesticks c. In dedication also of Churches consecration of Altars Anoyntings Sacraments c. 2. In Ministers Ecclesiastical Orders and their Functions such are Singers Psalmists Door-keepers Lectors or Readers Exorcists Acolyths who are to light the Tapers and hold them whilest the Gospel is read and to furnish wine for the Chalice c. Sub-Deacons Deacons Priests and Bishops c. The office also of the Acholyths is to make Agnus Dei of consecrated wax mixed with chrisme destributed by the Pope in the Church These Agni or Lambs represent the Lamb of God who taketh away the 〈◊〉 of the World for as the wax is begot of the Bee without libidinous copulation so was Christ of the B. Virgin as the honey is hid within the wax so was the divinity hid under the humanity The oyl or chrisme mixed with the wax signifieth that mercy and gentlenesse which was in Christ. They say that these Lambs are preservatives against lightning and tempests by vertue of their consecration O Catholicks great is your faith be it to you as you believe 3. In the Garments or Ornaments of Bishops Priests and other Church Ministers such are the Amictus which like the Ephod covers the head and shoulders of the Priest or Bishop therefore it 's called Superhumerale Alba or Camisâ—a is the Surplice of Linnen the Girdle or Belt with which the Priests loyns are girt The Stola is worn in form of a Chain about the Priests neck it covereth both his sides hangs down to the knee it is called Orarium because it is the habit of Orators that preach to or pray for the people Manipulus or Sudarium or Mappula or Phanon for all these names it hath is a Towel or Hâ—ndkerchieff carried by the Minister or Priest in his left hand or on his left arme Casula or Cappa or Pianon is an upper garment which covereth all the Body as it were a little Cottage called in Latine Casa These six Ornaments are common to Priests and Bishops there be nine Ornaments peculiar to Bishops namely Caligae which are long hose or stockings Sandalia a kind of slippers or shooes Succinctorium a kind of girdle Orale a linnen vaile cast over his head Tunica a long coat down to the heeles therefore called Talaris Dalmatica so called from Dalmatia the country where it was first woven is a garment with long and large sleeves representing the Crosse Chiroâ—hecae are white gloves of Kids skins Mitra is the Mytre or Ornament of the head Annulus is the Ring which the Bishop wears to shew he is betrothed to Christ Baculus Pastoralis is the Bishops crosier staff Pallium or the Pall is the Ornament of Arch-Bishops and Patriarchs The Pall is not to be worn but in the Church and in time of Masse yet Pope Gregory permitted it to be worn in solemn
otherwise interpret it when they did expresse the Sun as King of the Planers and chief Ruler of the world they painted him sitting on a throne holding a scepter in his left hand and a sword in the right out of the right side of his mouth came out thunder out of the left lightning on his head â—ate an Eagle under his feet was a Dragon and round about him sate 12 gods the Throne Scepter and Sword may signifie the Majesty and power of the Sun who by his heat causeth thunder and lightning the Eagle sheweth the swiftnesse of his motion and his piercing eye as discovering all things by his light his treading on the Dragon may shew that he by his heat subdueth the fâ—rercest creatures and most pestiferous vapours the 12. gods may signifie the 12. signes in the Zodiack or 12. moneths of the year when they did expresse the heat light and motion of the Sun they painted him like a man holding with both his hands a flaming wheel when they did represent the martiall courage and military heat of souldiers excited in their hearts by the heat of the Sun they set him out like an armed man holding a banner in one hand with a rose in it in the other a pair of scales on his breast was the picture of a bear on his target a lion the field about him full of flowers by which they signified valour and eloquence both requisite in a Commander the arms bear and lion were to shew the fiercenesse courage and defence that is or ought to be in military men the rose and flowery field did represent the sweetnesse and delight of eloquence the scales were to shew how words should be weighed in the ballance of discretion before they be uttered when they expressed how the sun by his heat and influence stirreth up Venereal love in living creatures they painted him like a woman for that passion is most impotent in that sex on her head she wore a mirtle garland to shew she is a Queen and that love should be alwayes green sweet and pleasant as the Myrtle in one hand she holds the world in the other three golden Apples to shew that the world is upheld by love and so is the riches thereof the three golden apples also signified the threefold beauty of the Sun to wit the Morning Meridian and Evening in her breast she had a burning torch to shew both the heat and light of the Sun and the fire of love which burneth in the breast Ardet in ossibus ignis caco carpitur igne Vulâ—us alit venis est mâ—llis â—lamma medullas Ardet amans Didâ— traxâ—tque per ossa furorem Virg. when they did expresse the Suns operation upon the Moon they painted him like a man with long ears holding the Moon in his hands to shew that she receives her light and power from him his long ears I think did signifie his readinesse to hear the supplications of all men though never so far distant These interpreatations I suppose are most likely to be consonant to the meaning of those who first devised those Images or Idols though the Saxon Chroniclers Albertus Crantzius Saxo-Grammaticus Munster Schâ—diâ—s and others do think these Images were erected to the memory of some German Princes or Commanders but it is unlikely that the Germans who were as Tacitus saith such great adorers of the Sun and Stars would give that worship to dead mens statues Caesar lib. 6. de bel Gal. tells us that the Germans onely worshipped for gods those which they saw and received help from as the sun Moon and fire other gods they never heard of but of the Europaean Idolatries we have spoken more fully before Q. 11. what hath been the chief supporter of all Religions at all times A. The honour maintenance and advancement of the Priesthood for so long as this is in esteem so long is Religion in request if they be slighted Religion also becometh contemptible Whereupon followeth Atheism and Anarchy which wise States considering have been carefull in all ages to maintain reverence advance the Ministers of Religion for if there be not power maintenance and respect given to the publick Ministers of Statâ— all government and obedience must needs fail the like will fall out in the â— Church if the Priesthood be neglected Therefore among the Iews we read what large maintenance was allowed to the Priests and Levites how they were honoured and reverenced by the people how the high Priest had no lesse or rather more honour than the Prince the one being honoured with a Mitre as the other with a Crown and both anointed with precious oil Among the Gentiles we find that the Priesthood was in such esteem that the Prince would be honoured both by the Priests office and name as we read of Metcâ—isedâ—â—h King of Salâ—m and Priest of the most High God Numa was both King and Priest so was Anius in the Poet Rex Anius Rex idem hominum Phoebique sacerdos Augustus and the other Roman Emperors held it no lesse honour to be stiled Pontiâ—â—ces Maxâ—mi Hâ—gh Priests than to be called Emperours For this cause Priests wore Crowns or Garlands as well as the Emperours Some were crowned with Bays as the Priests of Apollo some with Poplar leaves as the Priests of Hercules some with Myrtle some with Ivy some with Oaken leaves c. All Priests among the Romans were exempted from Taxes Wars and secular imployments The High Priest at Rome as Dionysius witnesseth l. 2. had in some respects more Priviledge than the Emperour and was not to give any acâ—ount of his actions to people and senate And Cicero in orat prâ— domo ad Poâ—tifâ—â—s doth acknowledge that the whole dignity of the State the safety life and liberty of all men and the Religion of the gods depended from the High Priests The great King of the Abyssins at this day will he called Prester or Priest Iohn though I know some deny this Among the Mahumeâ—ans none of the Musalmans or true believers as they call themselves must take upon him the title of Lord but the Calipha or High Priest onely and to offer the least wrong to the meanest Priest is there a heinous and punishable crime The Priests of Mars called Salii among the Romans were in such honour that none was admitted to this dignity but he that was Patricius or Nobly born In Tyâ—us the Priests of Hercules were attired in Purple and had the next place to the King In old time among the Germans none had power to punish offeâ—ders but the Priests The Tâ—allii honoured none with the Priviledge of a Palace but the King and Chief Priest Among the Egyptians none were Priests but Philosophers and none chosen King but out of the Priest-hood Mercury was called Trismegistus because he bore three great Offices to wit of a Philosopher of a Priest and of a King Among the Phoenicians the Priests of the Sâ—n had