which the Eucharist is covered signifying how Christs body was wrapped up in fine linnen for as linnen is first washed then wrung and lastly dried so must our souls be first washed in tears then wrung by repentance and lastly dried by the heat of the love of God Organs are also used in Churches to excite the minde and to stir up devotion Yet in the Popes Chappel there are none perhaps to shew that he needs no such helps Their Altars are inclosed with railes to keep off the people for the Priests only have accesse to them they were anciently places of refuge and are covered all the year except in the passion week then they are stript to represent Christs nakednesse on the crosse Ordinarily the Altar is placed towards the East yet in the Church of Antioch it was placed towards the West On the Altar sâ—ands the Pixis or Ciborium which keepeth the Host for strangers sick persons and travellers but it must not be kept above seven dayes least it mould therefore the Priest must eat it himselfe and put in a fresh one They have Fonts called Baptisteria of stone in which the water of Baptisme is consecrated by the Priest who poureth oyle into it he also by breathing and by certain words exorciseth the evil spirit Salt is consecrated and put into the childs month to shew that he must have spiritual Salt within him Then the Priest layeth his hand on the childs head in sign he is reconciled and made a member of the Church Then he signeth his forehead with the sign of the crosse that hereafter he may not be ashamed of Christ crucified He puts his finger into his eare and into his nostrils also with spittle saying to his right eare Epphâ—ra that is be thou opened to shew that by nature we are deaf in spiritual things as was that man whom Christ after this manner cured in the Gospel The touching of the Nostrils sheweth that the child must remember his vow in baptisme so long as he hath breath in him Then he anoints the Child two times that he may renounce the devil and all his works c. The breast is first anointed then the shoulders to shew the strength of our love and faith in the Trinity and that withall we must be wrestlers against all spiritual wickednesse The childe is three times dipe in the water and in some places onely sprinkled to shew Christs three days burial and our faith in the Trinity After baptisme the child is anointed by the Priest on the forehead with chrisme and cloathed in white to signifie he must cast off the old man and be cloathed with innocency Antiently those that were baptized at Easter wore white all that week which they laid aside the Sunday following called therefore 〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉 this also signified the glory of the resurrection Then a wax candle burning is given him to shew the light of faith and knowledge that should be in him and with which he should be ready to meet the bridegroom Then the Godfathers are instructed concerning their duty to the Child Q. 28. What other Vtensils have they in their Churches A. They have three viols or flaggons for oyl which the Priest carrieth on the day of the Lords Supper one holds the oyl of the Catechumeni the second is for the Chrisâ—me and the third for the oyl of the sick With the Chrisme the baptized are anointed on their crown and they that are confirmed on the forehead and so are they who be ordained The Catechumeni and 〈◊〉 are anointed with single oyl They have also in theiâ— Churches holy water pots which by some are called 〈◊〉 by others Situlae and Aquâ—ninaâ—ia and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 This pot must be of Stone or Marble at which is tied with a chaine the holy water spunge with this salt water they are 〈◊〉 that enter into the Church because antiently they wasted before they entered into the Temple to shew that with pure and sanctiâ—ied minds we must come before God They have also Bells which they 〈◊〉 with water and consecrate with certain prayers these have suceeded the Trumpets used by the Jewes to 〈◊〉 together the Assembly They have also Altars which they anoint and consecrate holy Reliques whereof many doubtlesse are supposititious and false therefore no new Reliques are to be received without the Bishops approbation nor to be honoured without the Popes authority And because the Altar represents Christ therefore the Priest after Masse in sign of reverence and subjection kisseth the Altar by which also he sheweth the great desire the Church hath to enjoy Christ when she saith Let him kisse me with the kisses of his mouth The Vestry is the place where the sacred Vestiments of which we have already spoken are kept Here the Priest before Masse puts on his holy garments this place they say represents the Virgins Womb in which our great high Priest put on the garment of our humane nature that in it he might offer the true propiatory sacrifiâ—e to God his Father for the sins of the world They make also every part of their material Temple to have a mystical signification The Quire represents the Church triumphant the main body the Church militant the Porch or great Door is Christ by whom onely we have accesse to the Father the Windows are the Scriptures which give light to the spiritual Church the Pillars are the Apostles by their Doctrine supporting the Church the Pavement is Humility and faith the Cover is Gods protection the Tower with the Bells are the Prelates which ought to be eminent in their conversation and sounding in their preaching the Cock on the top thereof is to put them in minde of their vigilancy the Lights that shine continually in their Churches are to signifie our good works which should shine before men Q. 29. What office do they perform to the dead A. They have a peculiar office or service for the dead in Purgatory which some perform every third day that they might be partakers of Christs resurrection who overcame death that day some again every seventh day that they may attain to the eternal Sabbath or rest in Heaven whereof Gods resting from the works of Creation on the seâ—enth day was a type Others perform this office the thirtieth day because the Israelites mourned for Moses and Aaron thirty days Others again the fortieth day because Ioseph and his brethren bewailed Iacob forty days Others the fiftieth day because the fiftieth year is the Jubilee or year of liberty which they wish these imprisoned soules may partake eternally Others perform this office yearly and make it anniversary but if this day fall upon Sunday or any other solemn festivity then it must not be kept nor put off till the next day as the feasts of the Saints are but must be kept the day before that the souls may the sooner partake the fruits of our devotion No
to be taken twice Whereas they knew that God commanded them to encompass Iericho seven times that day and that works of charity necessity and of Religion were to be done that day the preparation for the Sabbath was proclaimed by sound of trumpet and to shew their zeal to that day they would keep some more hours then were enjoyned which additament they called Sabbathulum They would not dresse meat that day because then it did not rain Manns in the desart besides the seventh day which was the Sabbath or rest for men and beasts they had every seventh year a Sabbath wherein the ground rested and their great Sabbath in the end of seven times seven called the Iubilee in which debters prisoners and morgagers of lands were made free when the Passeover fell upon the Sabbath this was called the great Sabbath Iohn 19. 31. and then there was a preparation for the Passover Iohn 19. 14. but there was no preparation due to the Passeover but in respect of the Sabbath which had this priviledge above all other festivals because God had particularly sanctificed this day for his service being both a memorative day of Gods rest from the works of creation and figurative of our rest in Heaven this day is abolished in respect of the ceremonial and judicial part thereof but in respect of the morality it remaineth still Q. How did the Iewes observe their Passover A. They eat the first Passeover standing with their loyns girt shooes on their feet and staves in their hands to shew they were in haste to be gone but afterward when they were secure out of danger they eat the Passeover sitting or leaning after the Roman manner which posture our Saviour observed when he eat the Passeover The beast that must be eat was a Lamb or Kid as being cheapest and because it must be eat up at one time this Lamb was to be kept four dayes to wit from the tenth day till the fifteenth that they might have the longer time to think on their deliverance by looking on the Lamb and withall to search if any defects were in it for the Lamb must be without blemish but this custome did not hold long it must be also a male and not above a year old There must not be fewer then ten at the eating of the Lamb. it was killed between the two evenings that is between three of the afternoon till sun-setting which was the first and from thence till day light was quite spent which was the second evening This killing of the Lamb was rather a Sacrament then a Sacrifice as not being performed by a Priest but by private men and not in the place appointed for sacrifices but in private houses The blood of the Lamb was sprinkled on their thresholds this ceremony was used but only the first Passeover as I can find the Lamb was roasted not boiled for the more expedition and nothing of it must be left least it should hinder them in their journy and it must be eat with sower herbs to put them in minde of their bitter servitude in Egypt the bread that was eat with it was unleavened to shew their haste in removing thence the whole solemnity from this was called the feast of unleavened bread and likewise the Passeover Albeit properly the Passover was only the first day yet the whole eight days were so named This sacrament was a true representation of Christ the immediate Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world who is the true Passover because the devouring Angel of Gods wrath hath past over our sins he was killed and roasted by the fire of his Fathers wrath he is our true food whom we must eat with sowr herbs and our loyns girt to shew how ready we must be to undergo the bitterness of afflictions and to subdue our carnal lusts we must eat him without leaven that is without pride and hypocrisie now is the time to eat him by faith for this is the evening of the world in which our Passover was sacrificed for us The first and last day of this feast were the two great days but the days between them were only half holy days Other ceremonies of this feast we will see anon in the observation of Easter by the Moderne Jewes Q. What were the feasts of Pentecost and Tabernacles A. Pentecost was kept in memory of the Law given on Sinai fifty days after the Passover The first day of the Passover was called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the second 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the first Sabbath after this second day was called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is the second first Sabbath Luk. 16. 1. and because their harvest began at Easter and ended at Pentecost therefore they are commanded Levit. 23. 10 to offer a sheaf of the first fruits of their harvest upon the morrow or second day of their great feast and on the Pentecost to offer two wave-loaves the first offering was to sanctifie their harvest the second was in token of thanks to God for the finishing of their harvest The feast of Tabernacles was kept in memory of their fourty years aboad in the wilderness when they lived in Tents and by day were shadowed by a cloud The first and last days were the chief days especially the last called therefore the great day of the feast Iohn 7. 37. and in these long feasts the first and last days are called Sabbaths In this feast their custome was to hold in their hands branches of trees which they called Hosanna with this Hosanna they honoured Christ they made booths therefore the feast was called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in the open air in which they lived seven days together except in time of rain weak and impotent persons were excused and exempted from these booths which were made up of Citrine trees Palmes Mirtles and Willows The next day after the feast they compassed the Altar seven times with Palmes in their hands in memory of the encompasâ—ing of Iericho During the time of this feast many bullocks were offered as may be seen Numb 29. on the last day of the feast they read the last Section of the Law and began the first and drew water out of the river Siloah which in the Temple they delivered to the Priests who poured it with wine on the Altar the people singing with joy shall you draw water out of the wells of Salvation Isa. 12. 3. This feast was kept the fifteenth day of Tisri the seventh moneth but Ieroboam kept it the fifteenth day of the eighth moneth some think that this feast was kept as a thanksgiving to God for their Vintage and Plutarch calls it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a bearing about of Thyrsi that is of Spears wrapped about with Ivy in honour of Bacchus But of these passages see Hospinian de orig fest Munster in Calendar and on Leviticus Fagius on Leviticus the Thalmud tract de tabern Scaliger de emend temp Iosephus in antiq
Buxtorfius Tremellius c. Q. What were their new Moons and Feasts of Trumpets and Expiation A. Every new Moon was a festival among the Jews in which as on the Sabbath people repaired to the Prophets for instruction 2 Kings 4. 23. then it was not lawful to buy or sel Amos 8. 4 yet the first new Moon in the beginning of their seventh moneth called Tisri according to their Ecclesiastical account but the first moneth in their civil computation was called particularly the Feast of Trumpets for though at other feasts they sounded trumpets yet at this feast there was more sounding to wit all the day not so much in memory of Isaacs deliverance from death on mount Moriah nor for the Law given with sound of trumpets on mount Sinai for the feast of Pentecost was instituted for that but for the greater solemnity of the new year from whence they reckoned their Sabbatical years and Jubiles and dated all their deeds and bargains This sounding then of trumpets was a solemn promulgation of the new year and a preparation for the three ensuing feasts that moneth to wit of Expiation the tenth day of Tabernacles from the fifteenth to the one and twentieth and the great feast on the two and twentieth day but I think this was no particular feast but the conclusion of the feast of Tabernacles Of the sacrifices to be offered in the new Moons read Numb 28. 11 15. as for those words of David Psa. 81. 3. blow the trumpet in the new Moon they are most likely to be meant of the first new Moon or feast of Trumpets The feast of Expiation was kept the tenth day of Tisri and it was so called because the high Priest then entred into the Oracle to expiate his own and the peoples sins for himselfe he took a young Bullock and a Ram for the people he took a Ram for a burnt offering and two hee Goats for a sin offering the two Goats he presented at the door of the Tabernacle before the Lord one of these lots being cast was sent into the wildernesse this was called the Scape-Goat upon whose head the Priest laid all the sins and evils of the people to be carried away by the Goat into the wilderness The other Goat was sacrificed On this day was their great fast Act. 8. 9. wherein they abstained from all kind of work and delights so that they might not kindle fire nor dresse meat notwithstanding their afflicting themselves the joyful Jubile was this day proclaimed Of the rites used at this day by the Moderne Jwes we will speak hereafter Q. What was their Sabbaticnl yeare and their Idbile A. Every seventh year was a Sabbath or rest for then the land did rest from plowing and sowing then poor debtors that were native Iewes and not Proselytes or strangers were released if they were not able to pay by this God would exercise the charity of his people to the poor and have them rely on his providence who gave such increase to the sixth year that it brought forth provision enough for three years and therefore all things were this time held in common and they lived as Adam did in Paradise or as people in the golden age when the earth spâ—nte sua of its own accord brought forth all things omnis tulit omnia tellus Of this years fertility see Levit. 25. 20. The Hebrew servants were this year to be set free Exod. 21. 2. and the Law to be read publickly Deut. 31. 10. The Jubilee so called from Iobal a Ram because of the sounding of Rams horns at that time was instituted Levit. 25. 8. for the comfort of prisoners servants and debtors for then all things were brought back to their former estate and therefore perhaps it is called Jubilee from Iobhel to deduce or bring back all lands that had been sold or morgaged were restored to the right owners by which meanes Families and Tribes were preserved entire without commixtion or confusion and their ancient inheritances remained whole This feast was kept every fiftieth year but was proclaimed the forty ninth on the day of expiation and was a type of that great liberty and delivery we have by Christ which is begun in this world and consummated in that which is to come where we shall enjoy eternal rest and shall obtain remission of all our debts and the possession of that ancient inheritance prepared for us before the foundation of the world This year of Jubilee also was to put them in minde of their deliverance from the captivity of Egypt As in the Sabbatical year so likewise in this all things were common the servant whose ear was bored is now set free and the slave that was sold for six years is now dismissed although those six years were not yet ended The beasts also had liberty to feed where they pleased But as the Jewes did keep no Jubilee in the captivity of Babylon neither have they kept any since Christ. As for their feasts of Purim and dedication or renovation called therefore in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 we will speak anon These were all the Festivals kept by the Iewes the three chief besides the Sabbath were the Passover Pentecost and Tabernacles in commemoration of three great benefits without which no Society or Common-wealth can subsist to wit Liberty Laws and Defence or Protection Now for diverse reasons God instituted so many feastival days First because he would have his people keep in mind the benefits he bestowed on them Secondly to give him thanks which they solemnly did chiefly at Easter by offering their first fruits at Pentecost by offering Loaves at the feast of Tabernacles by sacrificing in that they had now gathered in all their fruits Thirdly by these festivals the love and amity of Gods people were the more preserved in their often meetings Fourthly and so was their devotion the oftner exercised in sacrifices by which the Levites and poor were releeved Fifthly unity of Religion was also by this means preserved Sixthly and their obedience also in this was tried Seventhly but chiefly Christ the promised Messiah was in these Feasts represented for every sacrifice and oblation did shadow forth his death and passion by whose blood alone and not by the blood of Goats and Rams we have obtained eternal redemption Q. What sorts of Excommunication was used among the Iews A. At first they excluded the delinquent out of their Synagogue John 9. 22 but not quite out of the Temple for he might stand in the gate in time of Divine service this censure lasted thirty days and more if the party repented not and if he died without repentance he wanted the ceremonies of common burial and a stone was laid on his coffin signifying he deserved stoning They had a higher degree of excommunication which Saint Paul calls a giving over to Satan 1 Cor. 5. 5. by the Greeks the partie so excommunicate was called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and such
the Jews eight days together The two first and two last are solemnly kept the other four are but half festivals They first repair to their Synagogues then after some praying and singing they run home to their Tents but do not stay there all night as their Ancestors were wont to do They use to take in one hand boughs of Palme Olive and Willow and in the other a Pome-citron then they bless God and shake the boughs towards the four cardinal points of Heaven then having placed the Law upon the Pulpit they go round about it seven times in seven days in memory of the Walls of Iericho encompassed seven times Then having shaken the branches in their hands they pray against Christians This feast is kept about the middle of September in which moneth they beleeve shall be fought the great battel between Gog and Magog in which Gog shall be slain and the Jews restored to their own Land About night they go abroad in the Moon light believing that God doth reveal to them by the shadows of the Moon who shall live or die that year for then they begin the computation of their year The shaking of the branches towards the four corners of the world signifies the destruction of the four great Monarchies to wit the Assyrian Persian Grecian and Roman They make great use of Citrons in this feast for they send sixteen men every year into Spain to bring with them as many of these as they can for by the Citrons they say are represented just men who are as full of good their workes as this fruit is full of seeds Q. How do they keep their new Moons A. Their new Moons are but halfe holy days with them for in the morning they go to their Synagogues the rest of the day they spend in eating drinking and gaming The day before the new Moon they use to fast when they first see her they utter a Benediction and leap three times towards her wishing that their enemies may come no neerer to hurt them then they are able to come neer and hurt her The women have more right to keep this day holy then the men because they would not part with their Ear-rings and Jewels towards the making of the Golden Calf but willingly parted with them towards the building of the Temple They give a ridiculous reason why sacrifices were commanded every new Moon because say they the Moon murmured against God in the beginning therfore he took her light from her and appointed sacrifices to expiare her crime Q. Why do the Iews fast in the moneth of August A. Because they hold the world was made in September therefore they make that moneth the beginning of their year and believe that about that time God will come to judge the world for this cause they fast and pray divers days before and baptize themselvs in Lakes and Rivers and where these are wanting they make pits which they fill with water in these they dip themselves over head and ears thinking this a meanes to expiate their sins they frequent their Synagogues and Church yards desiring God to pardon them for the good Jews sake who are buried there and in the same they distribute large Alms to the poor In some places there they cause Rams horns to be sounded when they go to their Synagogues to put the greater terrour in them when they consider their sins and the horror of Gods judgements Their fasting ceremonies being ended they shave and bath themselves and begin their year with much mirth and jovialty Q. What solemnity use they in beginning their new year A. Because they are commanded by Moses Lev. 23. 24. to keep holy the first day of the seventh moneth therefore they begin their Civil year from that day which after evening peayer in their Synagogues they initiate with a cup of wine wishing to each other a good year The younger sort repair to the chief Rabbi for his blessing which he bestoweth on them by prayer and imposition of hands Being returned home they fall to eating drinking and making merry On the Table is set down a Rams head to put them in minde of that Ram which on this day was sacrificed in Isaacs stead and to signifie that they shall be the Head and not the Tail of Christians They feed that night plentifully on fish and fruit to shew that they will encrease and multiply in good works as the fish do in the Sea and that their enemies shall be cut off from all help as the fruit is plucked off from the tree In the morning they go betimes to their Synagogues to sing and pray the Law is taken twice out of the Ark and some Lessons read after which one soundeth a Rams horn on the Pulpit if he sounds clear it s a good sign if otherwise they hold it ominous and a sign of a bad year This horn-trumpet is also in memory of Isaacs delivery by the Ram this day as they hold The rest of the day they spend in good cheer and mirth After dinner they go to the waters there to drown their sins If they see any fish in the water they shake their cloaths that their sins falling upon those fishes may be carried away by them into the Sea as of old they were by the scape-goat into the wilderness At night they feast again and so initiate the year with two days mirth Q. How doe they prepare themselves for Morning prayer A. They hold it necessary that every Jew from the fifteenth of Iune till Pentecost should rise before day because then the nights are long but from Pentecost till the fifteenth of Iune they may rise after day their rising will be the more acceptable to God if they have weeped in the night for with such the stars and planets do weep they must let their tears fall down their cheeks because then God is ready with his bottle to receive them these tears may serve them for good use because when at any time the enemies of Israel send out Edicts to destroy the Jewes God is ready with these bottles to pour them out upon these writings and to blotuot the Edict that the Jews may receive no hurt thereby They hold the morning the best time to enter into the house of God because David faith Thou wilt heat my voice betimes in the morning In the evening they say God commands all the gates of Heaven to be shut which are guarded by certain Angels who are silent till after midnight then a great noise is heard in Heaven commanding the gates to be opened this noise is heard by our cocks here below who presently upon this clap their wings and crow that men thereby may awake then the evil spirits who had leave to wander up and down in the night whilest Heaven gates were shut lose all power of doing hurt as soon as they hear the cock crow they must say this prayer as they are taught by their Rabbins
the consecrated Corn were named Parasitiâ— They that met to sacrifice were called Oâ—geones from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to sacrifice Phylothytae were those who superstitiously upon all occasions were given to sacrifice Sacred feasts were called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 because much wine was drunk to the honour of the gods and therefore 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is to be drunk because they used to be drunk 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 after they had sacrificed The burning of Incense or such like before the sacrifice were called Prothyoâ—â—ats Q. What Priests and Temples had the antient Greeks A. As they had multiplicity of gods so they had of Priests anciently The Priests of Iupiter and Apollo were young boyes beautiful and well born The Priests of Cybele were gelded Ceres Bona Dea and Bacchus had their women Priests Bellona's Priests used to sacrifice with their own blood The Athenian Priests called Hierophantae used to eat Hemlock or Cicuta to make them impotent towards women No man was made a Priest who had any blemish in his body Their garments and shoes were white if they were the Priests of Ceres Purity was the chief thing they observed outwardly They that sacrificed to the infernal gods wore black garments but Purple if they were the Priests of the Celestial deities They used also to wear Crowns or Myters with Ribbans or Laces Their office was not only to pray and sacrifice but also to purifie with brimstone and salt water Their chief Priests called Hierophantae were the same in authority with the Pontifices at Rome The Athenian noble Virgins called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 from bearing on their shoulders the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which was a basket or chest of gold in which the first fruits and other consecrated things were carried in their Panathenaian pomps to the honour of Minerva I say these Virgins did much resemble the Vestal Nuns at Rome the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 was as a Bishop or overseer of their sacred mysteries 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 was he that attended the sacred fire on the altar they had their 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Cryces or Preachers and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Church-Wardens and other officers Now for their Temples At Athens the Temple of Minerva was built in the highest part of the City so was Iupiters Temple at Rome built in the Capitol The Temple of Mercy called Asylum which was a Sanctuary for Delinquents was erected at Athens by the sons of Hercules Theseus had erected one before called Theseum in imitation of which Romulus at Rome built such another At first the Gentle gods had no Temples at all but were worshipped either on Hills or in Groves Cerops was the first as some think who built a Temple in Athens and Ianus in Italy Before that time they had no other Temples but the Sepulchres and Monuments of the dead The Temples of the celestial Gods were built upon the ground of the infernal under In the Country of Sparta Iupiter had a Temple called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 from the darknesse thereof being obscured with Groves There was also 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Chappel of the Earth and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Chappel of the Destinies the place where they had their Assemblies and Sermons called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Their Temples were called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 from the black smoak of their sacrifices and incense 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or according to the Atticks 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 was the general name for Temples because the Gods dwelt In them and because they were consecrated and holy they were named 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 was that part of the Temple where the Idol stood the same with the Latine Delulirum 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to cut or separate did signifie the Temple as it was set apart and separated from other buildings Such honour they gave to their Temples that they durst not tread on the threshold thereof but leapt over it nor must they passe by any Temple without reverence to it there they kept their treasures for the more security sacriledge being held then an execrable crime and so it was held an impiety to walk in the Temple of Apollo Pythius and punishable with death by the Law of Pisistratus Hence the Proverb when any danger was expressed or impiety 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 it had been better you had walked in the Pythium the word also 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifies easing of the body which that none might do the Images of Serpents were set over the gates of consecrated places Pinge duos angues sacer est locâ—â— extra me ite Their martimonial and funeral Rites were the same with the Romans The Contents of the fifth Section The Religion of the old Germans Gauls and Brittains 2. Of the Saxons Danes Swedes Moscovites Russians Pomeranians and their neighbours 3. Of the Scythians Getes Thracians Cymbrians Goths Lusitanians c. 4. Of the Lithuanians Polonians Hungarians Samogetians and their neighbours 5. Of divers Gentile gods besides the above named 6. The ranks and arms of their gods 7. With what creatures their Chariots were drawn 8. Of peculiar gods worshipped in peculiar places 9. The Greek chief Festivals SECT V. Quest. OF what Religion were the Germans Gauls and Brittains Answ. The Germans at first had neither Images nor Temples but abroad worshipped the Sun Moon and Stars Mother Earth was in chief esteem among them to her they dedicated a Chariot in a Grove which was lawful onely for the Priest to touch He was never to leave the Chariot which was alwyes covered with cloath and was drawn by two Oxen in Procession then holy days were appointed at the end of her journey she with the Chariot and cloathes were washed in a certain Lake but the Ministers who performed this work were never seen any more but were swallowed by the Lake and the goddesse restored again by her Priest to her Grove The ancient Gaules worshipped Mercury in the first place as being the god of High-ways Journys Gain and Merchandising after him they worshipped Apollo Iupiter Mars and Minerva They and the Germans were wont to sacrifice men sometimes so did the ancient Brittains which with the Gaules had the same Religion and Priests called Druidae from the Oakes under which they used to teach and sacrifice for they expounded all religious mysteries taught the youth decided controversies and suits in Law ordained rewards and punishments and such as obeyed not their decrees they excommunicated debarring them from all divine exercises and all commerce with men These Druidae had one chief over them whose successour was always elected They were free from paying taxes from serving in the war aâ—d had many other priviledges They committed not the mysteries of their Religion to writing but to the memory of their Disciples who spent
was not Head of the Church nor Vicar of Christ nor successor of Peter that Bishops were murtherers in delivering over to the secular power such as did not obey them that canonical obedience was a humane invention that Priests though excommunicate ought to preach that Excommunications Suspensions and Interdicts were invented to maintain the Clergies pride These and such like points did he defend for which he was condemned in the councel of Constance These same opinions were maintained by Hierom of Prague for which also he was by the same Councel condemned the next year One Pickard of Fâ—anders renewed in Bâ—hemâ—a the Heresie of the Ad mâ—tes The Hussites divided themselves into thrâ—e Sects to wit the Pragenseâ— the Thabo iteâ— so called from mount Thabor where Christ was transfigurrd which name Zisca their Captain gave them calling the Castle where they used to meet Thabor as if they had seen there Christs transfiguratâ—on The third Sect were called Orphans after Zisca's death as having lost their Faâ—her and Patron all these used barbarous cruelty against Priests Monks Churches Images Reliques and such as professed the Roman Catholick Religion The Mosâ—ovites or Russians fell off to the Greek Religion and held that the Pope was not the chief Pastor of the Church that the Roman Church was nor head of the rest They rejected also the Latine Fathers the definitions canons and decrees of the general Councels and used leavened bread in their Eucharist One Rissuich a Hollander taught that the Angels were not created that the soule perished with the body that there was no Hell that the matter of the Elements was coeternal with God He blasphemed Christ as a Seducer and not the Son of God He held that Moses never saw God nor received his Law from him that Scriptures were but Fables that the Gospel was false and such like blasphemous stuffe did he spue out for which he was burned Q. 10. What opinions did the Sixteenth Century hâ—ld A. Martin Luther an Augustin Frier â—aught thaâ— Indulgences were unlawful that the Epistle to the Hebrews the Epistle of Iames the second of Pâ—ter the two last of Iohn the Epistle of Iude and the Apecalyâ—e were not canonical He opposed invâ—cation of Saints Image wâ—rship Free-wâ—ll the Popes Supremacy Excommunication teâ—poral posseâ—â—ions of â—he Clergy merit of Works possibility of tuâ—filing the Law the Monastical life caelibaâ— canonical obâ—dience distinction of Meats Transubstantiation communion under one kinde the Masse auricular confession Absolution Purgatory extream Unction and five of the Sacraments He held also that General Councels might erre that 〈◊〉 was not a particular person that Faith onely justified that a faithfull man may be assured of his salvation that to the faithful sin is not imputed that the first motions are sin that Sacraments did not confer grace Divers other opinions are fathered upon him by his adversaries as may be seen in the above named Authors The Anabaptists so called from Re-baptizing had for their author one Nicolas Storke who pretended familiarity with God by an Angel promising him a Kingdom if he would reform the Church and destroy the Princes that should hinder him His Scholar Muncer raised an army of 4000. Bores and Tradesmen in Suevia and Franconia to maintaine his Masters dreams but they were overthrown by Count Mansfield Iohn of Leyden a Taylor renewed the said dreams and made himself King in Munster of the Anabaptists whose Viceroy was Knipherdoâ—ing but this phantastical Monarchy was soon destroyed the Town taken after 13. moneths Siege where the King and his Viceroy with their chief Officers were put to death Their Tenets were that Christ was not the Son of Mary nor true God that we were righteous not by faith in Christ but by our own merits and sufferings They rejected original sin baptisme of Infants communion with other Churches Magisâ—â—acy among Christians Oaths and punishments of Malefactors They refused to swear allegeance to Princes and held that a Christian may have many wives and that he may put away his wife if she be of another Religion and marry another That no man must possesse any thing in proper that re-baptization may be used that before the day of judgement the godly should enjoy a Monarchy here on Earth that man had free-will in spiritual things and that any man may Preach and give the Sacraments Q. 11. What are the Anabaptists of Moravia A. These at first called themselves Apostolicall because they did imitate the Apostles in going bare-foot and in washing one anothers feet in having also all things in common amongst them But though this custom be now left yet at this day in Moraviae they have a common Steward who doth distribute equally things necessary to all They will admit none into their Society but such as have some trade and by their handy worke can get their livings As they have a common Steward for their temporals so they have a common Father for their spirituals who instructs them in their Religion and prayeth with them every morning before they goe abroad to worke These publike prayers are to them instead of Sermons They have a generall governour or head of their church whom none knoweth but themselves for they are bound not to reveal him They communicate twice in the year the men and women sit promiscuously together On the Lords day they walk two and two through the Towns and Villages being clothed in black and having slaves in their hands They are much given to silence at table for a quarter of an houre before they eat they sit and meditate covering their faces with their hands the like devotion they shew after meat All the while their governour stands by to observe their gesture that if any thing be unbeseeming he may tell them of it When they come to any place they discourse of the last judgement of the eternall paines of hell of the crueltie of Divels tormenting mens bodies and souls that so they may afright simple people into their religion then they comfort them by shewing them a way to escape all those torments if they will be but rebaptized and embrace their religion They observe no festival days nor will they admit of any disputations Q. 12. What Sects are spâ—ung out of Lutheranism A. Besides the Anabaptists already mentioned there be Adiaphorists of which Melancthon is thought to be author these hold the customs and constitutions of the church of Rome to be things indifferent and that they may be professed or not professed without scruple 2. Vbiquitaries These hold that Christs humanity as well as his divinity is every where even in hell Breâ—tius is thought to be father of this opinion But if Christs humanity be every where then we must deny the articles of his Resurrection Ascention and comming again to judge the Quick and the dead for what needs there such motions if he be everywhere 3. Majorists so called from one
Cloyster but hearing Gods Word read That the Abbot exceed not the proportion of his Monks in eating drinking cloathing sleeping and working and that he be not given to gadding abroad That the servants after the refection of the brothers eat by themselves and that the same Lessons be read to them which were read to the Brothers That Hallelujah be omitted in the Septuagesiâ—a That Novice must neither be shaved nor cloathed with a Monks garment till his time of probation be expired and promise made by him of obedience according to Saint Bennets rule That none be set over Monks but he that is a monk That in Lent the Brothers do work till the nineth houre then repaire to Masse and in the evening let them take their refection These are the chiefe duties to which Saint Bennets Monks are enjoyned by the aforesaid Synod And whereas at first the Monks were Lay-men and had no Priest but such as came from abroad at last they were permitted to have Priests of their owne and that they should receive Tythes First-fruits Oblations Donations as well as other Priests by Gregory the great Boniface and other Popes as may be seen in Gratian. Q. 23. What were the Rites and Institutions of the Monks of Cassmum A. This was the first Monastery of the Benedictins where divers Rites were observed which are not in Bennets Rule The chief are these Fourteen dayes before Easter all the Altars are stript of their ornaments and covered with black the Images are vailed Gloria Patri is not sung Three nights immediatly before Easter the Night Service continueth till the morning and is joyned to the Mattins no hells are rung the lights are put out the Abbot washeth the Monks feet In the Parasceue late a little bread and water is taken On Easter Eve in the night time the Tapers are kindled On Easter day before Masse there is a Procession with Burning Tapers and Holy Water the Priests singing and praying The two next dayes after Crosses Holy Water and Reliques are carried about with the Gospel and burning Tapers with singing and saluting each other with holy kisses the Priests being in their rich Copes Six severall times in the yeare they enter into the Refectory singing namely on Christmasse day on the Epiphany on Palme Sunday on the Holy Sabbath on Easter day and the third day in Easter week Every Lords day they have 12. Lectures and so many on their chief Festivals namely Christs Nativity the Epiphany the Purification of Mary the two Martyrs Faustinus and Iuletta S. Scholastica S. Bennet Ascension day the Festivals of the Apostles S. Laurence S. Mary S. German S. Andrew on these Eves they fast they doe not kneel nor work but on the lesser Festivals they read but eight Lessons and afterward they work Their meat and drink is measured to them according to the discretion of the Abbot When they receive new garments which is about S. Martins day they march singing with Tapers burning in their hands into the Vestry or Wardrobe where this Gospel is read Be not carefull what you shall eat nor what you shall drink nor for your bodies with what they shall be cloathed Then having prayed they lay down their old garments and receive new They begin their Lent on Quâ—â—quagesima Sunday and a few dayes before they receive wax for lights with which they are to read in the night time They confesse to one another twice a day in the morning of their failings by night in the evening of their failings by day They must not walk either within or without the Covent with a staff except they be weak What work soever they are about in the kitchin or else-where they sing Psalms They are shaven all together on certain days namely at Easter Ascension day the first of August the first of September and first of October and at S. Martins day and Christmasse If Easter fall out late they are shaved a little before Septuagesima and in the Quinquagesima Q. 24. What is the manner of electing their Abbots A. Each Monastery is to chuse an Abbot from among themselves either by generall consent or of the better part If there be none among them fit for that place then they may chuse out of some other Monastery when he is chosen it is not in their power to depose him If a Clergy-man be chosen Abbot he must leave off his former Function Two Abbots must not be chosen for one Monastery nor must one Abbot be over two Monasteries they must not meddle with secular affairs If an Abbot do not punish grievous enormities he is to be sent to another Covent where he is to do pennance but not in his own because of the strict subjection and obedience by which the Monks are tyed to their Abbots If the Covent chuse an unfit man for their Abbot the Bishop of the Diocesse with the neighbouring Abbots or the Prince of the place may depose him and choose another Now Princes ordinarily choose such as they please and impose them upon the Monks but the Abbot when he is chosen must be consecrated by the Bishop of the Diocesse who hath power to visit the Monasteries within his jurisdiction and to correct what is amisse If the Abbot shall refuse to submit to the Bishop he is suspended from the Communion till he repent Neither must he alienate any thing that belongs to the Covent without the Bishops consent if he do otherwise he must be degraded and the things alienated restored again by the Bishops command What is conferred by devout persons on the Monastery must not be converted by the Abbot to his own particular use No man must erect a Monastery without the Bishops consent nor must the Abbot travell into a forrein Country without leave from his Diocesan who must not do any thing that may tend to the prejudice of the Monastery which if he doe he is to be excommuncated Neither must he without the consent of the other Abbots depose an Abbot or alienate the things belonging to the Monastery for the Abbots offence In case of injury the Abbot may appeal from the Bishop to the Prince or to a Counel and some Abbots there are who with their Monasteries are onely subject to the Pope as Cassinum The Monastery of S. Maximinus near Trevers is subject onely to the Emperour in temporals and to the Pope in spirituals Anciently the Election of the Abbot was ratified by the Emperour or Prince in whose Dominion the Monastery was but afterwards the Pope extorted this power from the Emperour and drew all investitures to himself to whom the Abbots swear allegeance and fealty The Ceremony used by the Emperour in the Abbots confirmation was the delivering of a Staff and Ferula into his hands to put him in mind of his Pastoral Office Q. 25. What were the Nuns of this Order and what were their Rules A. Scholastica Sister to Bennet erected the Order of
and these two words Domine Proâ—asti in the Ovals are flames of fire burning about Gold-Smiths melting pots full of pieces of Gold At the end of the Collar within an Oval are two Angels standing upright holding a Chalice and Pixe Crowned on the Table whereof are three drops of blood with this Legend about the Oval Nihil isto triste recepto Q. 14. What were the Christian Military orders in the East A. The order of Cyprus and of Luzignan or of the Sword was instituted by Guye of Luzignan King of Ierusalem and Cyprus Anno 1195. The collar of this order was composed of Cordons of white Silk twined into love knots interlaced with the letters S. and R. at this hung an Oval of Gold with a sword in it about the Oval was engraved these words Securitas Regni Of the other Eastern orders wee have already spoken namely of that of the holy Sepulchre instituted by Baldwin the first of that name and second King of Ierusalem Brother to Godfrey oâ— Bulloigne Anno 1103. They were at first Canons Regular of Saint Austins order permitted to live in Ierusalem by the Sâ—â—acens after they were Knighted retained their white habit whereon they carried the Crosse of Ierusalem such as the Kings bare in their Armes Pope Innocent the eighth Anno 1484. united these Knights to the Hospitallers of Saint Iohn but this Union lasted not long for the Knights married wâ—ereupon Pope Alexander the sixth took the power of conferring this order himselfe giving power to the Guardian of the holy Sepulchre who is alwayes a Franciscan to conferr this order on Pilgrims to the Holy Land provided they take their Oath on the Holy Sepulchre Wee have also spoken of the Hospitallers of Saint Iohn Baptist of Ierusalem instituted by Baldwin first King there Anno 1104. Likewise of the Knights Templars instituted under Baldwin the second third King of Jerusalem Anno 1119. Of these I will make no further mention There were other orders in the Holy Land as the Knights of Saint John of Acres Of Saint Thomas Of Saint Gerion Of Saint Blaze c. but these were of small note and are now lost See Favines Theater of honour The Contents of the Twelfth Section The opinions of the Anabaptists and wherein they agree with the old Hereticks 2. The Tenets of the Brownists 3. Of the Familists 4. The Adamites and Antinomians 5. The Religion of the Socinians 6. Of the Arminians Tenets 7. Of the Church of Aruhem and the Millenaries opinions 8. Of many other Sects at this day amongst us 9. The opinions of the Independents 10. The Tenets of the Presbyterians where by way of a Catechisme is delivered their whole Doctrine concerning the Ministery Episcopacy Presbytery Lay-Eldership Deacons Civil Magistrates the Election of Ministers Ordination power of the Keyes Excommunication 11. Diverâ—s erroneous opinions which have been lately revived or hatched since the fall of our Church-Government c. SECT XII Quest. 1. WHat opinions in Religion are there held at this day among them that are fallen off from Rome A. We have already spoken of the opinions of Luther Calvin Oecolampadius Zuinglius and other Protestants whose Tenets are followed by many thousands at this day We have also spoken somewhat of the original and encrease of Anabaptisme now we will briefly set down their opinions as they are recorded by Pontanus Bullinger Gâ—stius Sleidan Osiander and others and will shew wherein they agree with the old condemned Hereticks They hold that Christ took not his flesh from the Virgin Mary so held the Heretick Valentinus 2. That Christ is not true God so held Arrius 3. They deny Baptisme to Infants so did the Pelagians 4. They re-baptise so did the Novatians Arrians Aetians and Donatists 5. They believe to enjoy here after the day of judgement an earthly Monarchy so did the Cerinthians Nepotians Millenaries and Mahumetans 6. They say our righteousnesse depends upon the works of charity and affliction not upon faith in Christ so did the Cathari Meletians Donatists and Pelagians 7. They maintain free-will in spiritual things so did the Pelagians 8. They account themselves the onely pure Church without sin so did the Donatists 9. They say Lay-men may administer the Sacraments so did the Marcionites and Pepuzians 10. They reject Magistracy among Christians so did the Minichees 11. They say that Christian Magistrates are not to punish Malefactors with death so said the Tertullianists 12. They will have all things in common with the old Nicholaitans 13. They teach that a man may put away his wife though not for adultery so taught the Iews 14. And that a Christian may have many wives which is the Doctrine of Mâ—homet 15. They will not swear at all in this they follow the Tenet of the old Pelagians Now all these opinions are ancient Heresies as we have shewed which have been refuted sufficiently by the ancient Doctors of the Church and condemned by General and Provincial Councils besides that divers late writers both of the Roman and Protestant Church have fully refelled these opinions whose writings they that are at leisure may peruse And by the way we must observe that as the Anabaptists have divers opinions so they have divers names Some are called Manzerians from Manzer who raised the Boores in Germany against their Lords He taught that all things shall be common 2. Separatists for separating themselves from the affairs of the World 3. Cathirists for thinking themselves more pure then others therefore deny original sin nor will they pray Forgive us our sins 4. Apostolicks who like the Apostles go without staff or scrip up and down the world preaching 5. Enthusiasts pretend revelations and brag they have the gift of prophesie 6. Silentes who place all their holinesse in silence 7. Adamites who believe that the wearing of cloathes is a cursed thing therefore they affect nakednesse 8. Georgians so called from David George the Familist who boasted he was greater then Christ. 9. Liberi who think they are made free by Christ from payments of Taxes or Debts and free from obedience to humane Laws 10. Hatites so called from one Huta who denyed Christs Divinity and made himselfe the onely son of God 11. Melchiorists so named from one Melchior of Strausburg who taught that Mary was the Conduit through which Christ did passe as water through a Pipe 12. Menonists so called of Menon a Friezlander 13. Beuheldians so called from their Author these affirme Polygamy to be an holy kinde of life 14. Augustinians from one Augustine a Bohemian who bragged he was the first that opened Paradise for himselfe and followers 15. Servetians so called from Servetus the Arrian who was burned at Geneva for denying Christs Divinity 1553. These will not baptize Children till they be thirty years of age 16. Denkians from one Denkius their author who with Origen would have the wicked and Devils to be saved 17. Monasterienses so called from Munster where Iohn of