The Weather Cock of Romes Religion

THE WORLD TVRN'D TOPSIE TVRVIE BY PAPISTS.

I N old World, The Bishops of Rome preached painfully, and ordinarily, as may appear by the Homilies which are extant unto this day, under the names of Leo the First, and Gregory the First: But à multis seculis vix quisquam (ex Romanis Pont.) reperitur e Cathedra docuisse: It can hardly be proved, that any one Bishop of Rome, for many of these hundred years last past, were seen in a Pulpit, as John. Mariana confesseth.

In old World, The Bishops of Rome were Censu pauperrimi, eruditione diuites▪ Poor in purse, but rich in wisdom and goodness: But, nunc aliquoties contingunt Rom. Pont. aerario locupletissimi Apostolicis opibus, hoc est, sacrâ doctrinâ, & pietate nudissimi: In these latter days we have many Bishops of Rome, rich in purse, but as poor in learning and piety, as Job of wealth, in his greatest misery, as Erasmus witnesseth, In pontificibus nemo hodie sanctitatem requirit: No man, in these days, looks for honesty in a Bishop of Rome, as Mussonus confesseth.

In old World, All Bishops, and such Presbyters who were of any special note for their honesty and learning were called Popes, as Lindan, Onuphrius, Duaren, and Baronius confess. Saint Cyprian, Bishop of Carthage; Saint Austin, Bishop of Hippo: Saint Athanasius, Bishop of Alexandria, were called Popes. But now the Bishop of Rome claymes it in his sole right to be called Pope. Gregory the Seuenth, about the year 1073. (a little after the Devil was let loose) made a Decree to that purpose, providing: Vt Papae nomen vnicum esset in vniuerso orbe Christiano, nec liceret alicui seipsum vel alium eo nomine appellare: That there should be but one man in all Christendom called Pope: and that no man should dare to style himself, or any other, with the name of Pope.

In old World, The Bishops of Rome were styled by other Bishops with such Titles as argued good fellowship among them, and no superiority in one over another. Saint Cyprian termed Cornelius Bishop of Rome, frater, Collega, Coepiscopus, Brother, Colleague, and fellow Bishop. The Bishops assembled in Council at Serdica, speaking of Julius Bishop of Rome, gave him no other titles, than that of Brother, & Colleague: which they gave indifferently to Athanasius, Asclepas, and all other Bishops to whom they writ, and of whom they had occasion to speak. In like manner, the Bishops of Constantinople used Damasus Bishop of Rome, Brothering him, and Colleaguing him, as they did others, to whom they writ as well as to him. But now the Bishop of Rome is called, Vniuersalis Episcopus, vniuersalis Pastor, ^o vniuersalis Iudex, Prorex Coelestis, ^q Uice-deus, Deus mortalis, Opt. Mar. Supremum in torris numen, ^u Caput totius Ecclesiae, ^u Pater Ecclesiae, ^x Sponsus Ecclesiae, ^y Mater Ecclesiae, ^z Rex regum, & Dominus dominantium: The universal Bishop; the universal Pastor; the universal Judge; the Vice-roy of heaven; a mortal God; the best, and the greatest; the highest power on earth; the head of the whole Church; the father of the Church; the Churches husband; the King of Kings, and Lord of Lord's.

In old World, The Bishops of Rome stood not upon superscriptions of Letters, but received such as were sent unto them, how ever they were indorsed: But now they have made a Decree in consistory: Ne post hac ab vllis Principibus missae recipiantur literae, quae debitis Titulis non sunt inscriptae: That no Letters be received from any Prince, unless they give the Bishop of Rome his due titles.

In old World, When Emperors writ to the Bishops of Rome, they prefixed their own names before the Bishops: and when the Bishops writ to the Emperor, they set their names after the Emperors: But hic stylus impraesentiarum in Rom. Curia exoleuit: This manner of writing is out of use in the Roman Court in our days. In literis ad nos missis nomen tuum nostro praeponis, in quo, insolentiae, non dicam arrogantiae, nomen incurris: In the letters which you sent unto us, you set your own name before ours: whereby you incur suspicion of insolency, I will not say arrogancy, saith Pope Adrian to Frederick the Emperor. And, Falsum-praesumi rescriptum, in quo non legatur summi Pontificis nomen ante caetera: That is supposed to be a false writ, in which the Popes name is not set in the first place, saith a Popish Lawyer.

In old World, They who writ unto the Pope, used words of the singular number, thou-ing hint, as they did others. But Pope Adrian took that in great snuff at the hands of Frederick the Emperor: And since that, no man dares thou the Pope.

In old World, The Pope of Rome acknowledged the Emperor for his Lord and Master: But in these latter times, the Popes of Rome have taught the Emperor to acknowledge them for his Lord and Master.

In old World, even till Gregory the First his time (by Bell. his confession) Imperator dominium temporale in vrbem Rom. habebat: The Emperor had the temporal government of the City of Rome: But now the Pope 〈◊〉 taken it into his own hands. The Emperor hath not so much as a Goose-gate in the City of Rome.

In old World, the Popes were not wont to give arms, as Princes and Noble-men did: Veteres Pontifices talem, morem non leguntur habuisse: The ancient Popes had no such custom, saith Azorius: But, about the yere 1040. this custom was taken up, and is continued, Vt Ro. Pont. insignibus Gentilitijs vterentur, saith the same Azorius.

In old World, till Siluesters time, Cardinalium nomen non legimus: we read not so much as of the name of Cardinal, as Azorius confesseth; yet now the name is common.

In old World, there were Cardinals in other places, as well as at Rome. There were Cardinals at Rauenna, at Pisa, at Milan, at Naples in Italy, at Compostella in Spain, at Paul's Church in London: But now, as the Bishop of Rome hath robbed other Bishops of the name Pope: so hath he robbed other Cardinals of the name Cardinal. Pius 5. in suo deplomate Anno 1568. penitùs hoc nomen in omnibus alijs Ecclesijs praeterquam in Rom. extinxit: & solummodo Cardinalis nomencompetere voluit Cardinalibus S. R. E. à Papacreatis. Pius the 5. in his Bull, bearing date 1568. hath cried down the name Cardinal in all other Churches but in Rome: and he hath decreed, that such only as are created Cardinals of the Church of Rome, by the Pope, shall be called Cardinals, as is witnessed by Mosconius, Vicar general to the Arch-bishop of Bononia.

In old World, the Cardinals of Rome were inferior to Bishops: in so much, that a Cardinal-ship was but a step to a Bishopric▪ But now Cardinals are superiors to all Bishops. A Bishopric is a step to a Cardinal-ship, as Bell. himself confesseth.

In old World, it was decreed, Vt nullus Clericorum vestimenta purpura induat: That none of the Clergy should wear purple: But now the Pope and his Cardinals are clad in purple: And Baronius justifies them therein.

In old World, it was decreed, Ne deinceps Ro. Pont. & Cardinales vterentur Equis & Mulis sed tantum Asinis, Christi, cuius videri vellent vicarij, exemplo: That the Popes of Rome, and their Cardinals, should not ride upon Horses or Mules, but on Asses, as our Savior Christ did, whose Vicars, they say, they are. But Genebrard upon mention of this, cries out, O legem nunc prodigiose euersā! O excellent Law, but as now quite out of force!

In old World, it was decreed, That no Arch-bishop should pay anything for the Pall which they received of the Bishop of Rome: But now it stands some, ere they can get it home, in 30. fere millibus aureorum, almost 30000. French Crowns.

In old World, it was decreed, under pain of the great Curse; That no man should dare so much as to talk of electing a new Pope or Bishop of the City wherein he lived, nisi tertio die depositionis eius, but the third day after his burial: But since the making of this, they have chosen new Popes at Rome, ere the former Popes were buried, yea, ere their bones were thoroughly cold.

In old World, even in Chrysostom, Ambrose, Austin, Leo the First, Gregory the First his time, all Bishops, even the Bishops of Rome, were chosen by the Clergy, and people of their Cities, as Bell. confesseth: But now the Bishop of Rome is chosen by the Cardinals only: and all other Bishops are chosen by the Bishop of Rome. A custom so absurd, that Sylvester Prierias did note it in these words: Hodie, quando ambitio & lasciuia totam Ecclesiam deturpauit, Papa reseruat sibi collationem omnium dignitatum, (.i.) Patriarcharum, Metropolitanorum, Episcoporum, &c.

In old World, as Cardinal Tolet confesseth, Prohibita fuit sub vna specie communio, & iniunctum Catholicis, vt sub vtraque communicarent: It was forbidden the Laity to communicate in one kind, and enjoined them to receive in both kinds: But now the Laity among the Papists, receive in one kind only: The Priest who delivered it to a Lay-man in both kinds, is excommunicate.

In old World, Eucharistia sub vtraque specie 〈…〉 lita: The Communion was reserved in both kinds, 〈…〉 Baronius confesseth. But now the Popish Church hath taken order it shall be reserved in one kind only, to wit, in bread.

In old World, the words of Consecration were uttered openly, as the Papists generally confess. But now, submissâ voice proferuntur: they are uttered in secret.

In old World, It was the custom to deliver the Sacrament of Christ's body into the hands of the Receiver. But now (by Papists) the Sacrament is put into the Receiuers mouth, and not given into his hand.

In old World, the Deacon was accustomed to bid then depart, who did not communicate. They were reputed impudent, and wicked wretches, who looked on, & communicated not. But now Papists allow lookers on.

In old World, It was the custom to communicate • very day: Nomo Catholicus inficiari potest fuisse Apostolorum, & S. Rom. Ecclesiae consuetudinem, imo institutum vtque sancitum ab Anacleti temporibus, viz. vt omnes quotidie cōmunicarent: No Catholic can deny, but that it was the custom of the Apostles, and of the Church of Rome, ever since Pope Anaclotus days: yea, no Catholic can deny, but it was an Ordinance and Decree of the Apostles, and of the Roman Church ever since Anacletus days, That men should communicate every day, saith Madridus the Jesuit. But now, Videtur relictum arbitrio cuiuslibet: it seems to be left to every man's choice, whether he will do so or no, as the Glosser notes.

In old World, this Canon stood in force, Seculares qui in Natali Domini, Pascha, Pentecoste, non communicauerint, nec inter Catholicos numerentur: Those Lay-men who do not communicate at Christ-mass, Easter, and Whitsuntide, shall not be called, nor held for Catholics. But their Decree consuetudine abrogatus est; is repealed by a contrary custom, saith Azorius.

In old World, they were wont to break the Sacramental bread. And, Ecclesia Graeca, & Ethiopica reti ••• veterem illam consuetudinem: The Greek and Ethiopian Church retains that ancient custom still, saith Lorinus. But now, Non vsurpatur fractio, sed singuli panes, seu minores hostiae consecrantur ad vitandum periculum decidentiū micaerum; there is no breaking of bread used, but little Wafer-Cakes are consecrated, and delivered whole, for fear, that if they were broken, some crumbs should fall to the ground, saith the same man.

In old World, the people had as good a share of the Communion bread as the Priest had: But now the Laity and such of the Clergy as consecrate not, are taught, That they must be content with a lesser Host than that which the consecrating Priest hath.

In old World, the tradition of the Romish Church was such, That they did not consecrate upon any Friday or Saturday thorough-out the year. But now, the Papists consecrate every day, save only on Good-Friday.

In old World, the Papists (on Sheare-Thursday) might have celebrated the Communion, though they had not been fasting: for, vt Sacramentum Altaris non nisi à ieiunis hominibus celebretur, excepto vno die anniuersario, quo Coena Domini celebratur, was decreed by the third Council at Carthage. But now, hac Decreti posterior pars abrogatur: this latter part of the Decree is repealed, as Papists confess.

In old World (as Papists say) it was decreed, That such as received the Sacrament, should fast certain hours after. But this, hodie non seruatur, sed paulo post comedi potest, secundùm Thomam, saith Sylvester. Consuetudo sieve praecep • um nihil comedendi post susceptionem Eucharistiae, per contrariam consuetudinem abrogatum est: The custom or commandment of not eating after the receiving of the Sacrament, is abrogated by a contrary custom, saith Josephus Angles.

In old World, Omnes simul psallebant in Ecclesia: All Christians sung together in the Church. Yet now, soli Cleri • i canunt: the Clerks only sing, as Bell. confesseth. Yea, though the Papists confess, that it was given in commandment by Saint Paul, Vt fideles in suis conuentibus Psalms & Hymnis alternatim cord simul & ore decantatis Deum laudent: That the faithful in their Assemblies should in their turns praise God with heart and voice, by singing of Psalms: yet they tell us, that Ecclesiastica instit optime prouisum est, ne praeter certos ad hoc inscriptes, alij in Ecclesia psallerent: It is excellently well provided for by the orders of the Church, that none shall sing but a set number appointed for that purpose, viz. Priests, Clerks, and Quiristers.

In old World, even ab initio naescentis Ecclesiae, populus post recitatas preces, respondebat, Amen: from the first birth of the Church, the common people at the end of prayers, said Amen, as Durantus proves. But now with Papists, the Parish-Clerke only saith Amen.

In old World, the Bible was translated into known Languages, as Papists confess. But now, Id ipsum fieri omnino non expedit: It is not meet it should be so, say they.

In old World, it was ordered, That no books should be read in the Church, nisi solos libros noui & vet. Test. but the Books of the Old and New Testament. But, hodie quorumlibet somnia, imo muliercularum deliramenta leguntur inter diuinas Scripturas: At this day every idle bodies dreams, and old wives fancies are read with the Canonical Scriptures, saith Erasmus.

In old World, Patres dicebant, ad Hebraicos vel Graecos codices recurrendum esse: The Fathers said, we ought to have recourse to the Hebrew or to the Greek Copies, saith Azorius. But now, Non est quod ad Hebraica vel Graeca ex • mplaria recurramus: There is no reason why we should do so, saith the same man.

In old World, Bishops and Presbyters read all manner of books; heretical as well as orthodoxal: by the Papists confession. Yet at this day, they are agreed upon this point, Haereticorum libros non esse legendos hodie, nisi solùm ad illis, quibus ex specially licentia summi Pontificis id concessum fuerit: That no man may read in these days any heretical books, except they have a special license from the Pope. Quod partibus antiquissimis licuit, nobis non licet; It is not lawful for us to do that, which it was lawful for the ancient Fathers to do, say Papists.

In old World, he was thought to wrong a Martyr, who prayed for him: for it ran currant of old, Iniuriam facit Martyri, qui orat pro Martyr. But now, the Papists pray for them whom they account Martyrs, for, pro celeberrimis illis Carthusianis in Anglia Martyribus, totus, ordo Carthusiae per orbem Christianum diffusus, consuetas pro defunctis preces ad Deum fudit; The whole Order of the Carthusian Monks thorough-out the world, said their ordinary prayers for the dead, for those famous Carthusian Monks who were martyred in England, saith Molanus: concluding, that pro nostri temporis Martyribns absque iniuria oratur: Men may pray for the Martyrs of these days without wronging them: giving this pretty reason hereof, Because plerunque sunt imperfecti Martyrs: The most of the Martyrs in our time are poor Martyrs, such are all your Tyburne Martyrs.

In old World, Leo the First said, Non permittendum est vt quisquam extra Sacerdotalem ordinem constitutus, gradum sibi praedicatoris assumat: It is not to be suffered that any who is not Priested should preach. But now the Popes of Rome dispence with Jesuits, Lay-Jesuits, who are not Priested, to preach, as Durantus witnesseth.

In old World, Imperator congregabat Concilia: The Emperor called Councils, saith a Cardinal of France Tempore magni Constantini & aliorum Augustorum ad congreganda Concilia non quaesitus est magnopere Roman assensus Papae: In the time of Constantine the Great, and other Emperors, the Bishop of Rome his assent was not greatly required to the calling of a Council, saith Aeneas Siluius. But now it is over-ruled, That calling of Councils belongs to the Pope, and not to the Emperor.

In old World, A tempore Apostolorum per multos annos, etiam per aliquot secula, Presbyteri et Diocam omnes ad Concilia vocabantur: From the Apostles times, for many years, yea for many ages, all Elders (Priests if you will) & Deacons were called unto Councils, as Bellarm▪ confesseth. But now, either few or none are called. Now Bishops only are the Domini facientes totum.

In old World, Reges ac Imperatores non adfuisse tantùm Synodo, sed praefuisse legimus: We read that Kings and Emperors were not only present at Councils, but as Presidents of them, saith Duaren. And so much may be gathered out of Marcianus the Emperors words, which are to be found in Gratian. But now, the Pope must needs be President, either in his own person, or by his Deputy.

In old World, primis sexcentis veloctingentis annis, summi Pontifices cogebant Concilia Nationalia Episcoporum Italiae: for the space of six hundred or eight hundred years after Christ, the Bishops of Rome, for the weightier matters of the Church, called National Councils of the Bishops of Italy, as Bell. confesseth. But now they have left that. Now the Pope and his Cardinals dispatch all, as Bell. tells us.

In old World, before Gregory the First his days, Lent always began on that day which we call the First-Sunday in Lent, as AZorius proves well. But now, all men know, theirs begins on Ash-Wednesday.

In old World, Lent was thought to end upon Palme-Sunday: for Quadragesima impletur ad Festum Palmarū, saith Anastasius Nicaenus. But now, theirs is thought to end upon Easter-even.

In old World, it was decreed, That the Clergy should have one week more in their Lent than the Laity. But now this Decree is out of force, saith Azorius: Clerici hodie non servant, sed initium faciunt i • iuniorum vt Laies: The Clergy keep not this Decree, but begin Lent when the Laity begin it, saith Antonius Augustinus.

In old World, Wednesday was commanded to be a Fasting-day, as Bell. and Azorius prove fully. But now, a man may eat flesh upon Wednesday, by both their confessions.

In old World, they fasted at Rome in the time of Advent. But now they use not to fast then.

In old World, they might drink no wine on Fasting-days; for veteres Canones vinum interdixêre diebus ieiuniorum; The old Canons forbade wine on Fasting-days, saith Alfonsus Pisanus. But now Papists drink, and may drink wine, hold belly, hold.

In old World, veteres Canones interdixêre siceram, & omne quod inebriare potest, & mulsam, & cerui • iam: It was not lawful to drink any liquor which might intoxicate a man's brains. But now no liquor is exempted on fasting-days.

In old World, veteres Canones interdixêre Pisces: the ancient Canons forbade fish on fasting-days, saith Pisanus. But now, Piscibus vti licet: a man of their Church, may lawfully eat fish, saith the same Pisanus.

In old World, they who fasted, ate but one meal on a day: for, Unicam in ieiunio refectionem esse debere, exempla Scripturarum, testimonia Patrum, & perpetua consuetudo fidelium probant: The examples in Scriptures, the testimonies of the Fathers, and the continual practice of the faithful, prove they should have no more, saith Bellarmine. But now, over and besides a dinner, men may have at night refectiunculam, or collationem, as some of them call it: indeed, a banquet (for it consists of fruits, & sweet-meats) upon a fasting-day. Yea, they may have this, though refectiunculae nocturnae veteribus prorsus ignotae: Such night-banquets were altogether unknown to antiquity, saith Pisanus.

In old World, they used not on fasting-days to take their meal before night, or toward night; Apud veteres inauditum est prorsus vt ante horam 9. quae est tertia post merid. ieinnium quodcunque soluatur: It was never heard of among the Ancients, that any Fast ended before three of the clock in the after-noon, saith Bell. But now, Jeiunium in vesperam vsque prorogari solitum, in meridiem transtulit Ecclesia: The Popish Church allows men on fasting-days to take their meal at noon, which was wont to be▪ taken at night, as Erasmus notes. Suppers are changed into dinners, saith Bellarmine.

In old World, Ut constat ex Patribus, praesertim Ambrosio, Augustino, Leone, ieiunia cum Eleemosynis, precibus & vigilijs de more coniung ebantur: Fasting was accompanied with Alms, with prayer, with watching, as the Fathers testify, especially Ambrose, Austin, and Leo, saith A Zorius. But now, Vsu & more vigiliae sunt sublatae, & consuetudine factum est, vt ieiunia nostra careant illis comitibus quos extra solebat habere, nimirum precibus, & ele • mosynis: Watching is out of use, and so is prayer, and alms: fasting walks by it self: it hath lost his old companions, as the same Azorius confesseth.

In old World, Formula ieiunij prisci vere Christiana: The manner of fasting was truly Christian. But, Ieiunia Catholicorum passim Epicurea: the manner of fasting observed by Papists at this day, is Epicurean-like, as Bishop Lindan confesseth.

In old World, Abbots were inferior to the meanest of the Clergy, even to dog-keepers, or door-keepers, as they call them. But now, Abbots are next to Bishops: and some of them are Bishops fellows, entitled not as the ordinary sort, Reverend • Patres, Reverend Fathers: but Reuerendi Patres in Christo; Reverend Fathers in Christ.

In old World, Monks were underlings to Abbots: even then when Abbots were underlings to door-keepers. But now Monks have gotten the precedency of most of the Clergy, as AZorius confesseth.

In old World, Monks lived in Wildernesses, remote from all press of people, as out of the world: which the Papists themselves are driven to confess, as sufficiently proved by Saint Jerome: for, Si cupis esse quod diceris, Monachus. 1. solus: quid facis in vrbibus, quae vbique non sunt solorum habitacula, sed multorum: If thou desire to be that indeed which thou art called, a Monk, that is, a solitary person: what dost thou mean to live in a City, which is not a place for solitary persons, but for such as love good-fellowship, saith Saint Jerome? Upon which a Popish glozer 〈…〉 , Quod Monasteria non sunt constrai 〈…〉 in vrbibus: There should be no Monasteries in Cities. But now there are Monasteries in Cities: and as much good fellowship among Monks, as among good-fellows of the Town. The case is now altered. A Monk is a merry fellow.

In old World, Monks lived by the labor of their hands. The Monk that labored not with his hands for his living, was reputed a Thief. But now Monks live either altogether idly, or after another manner than in old time. They cannot away to work.

In old World, Monks were in no degree of Church-Ministry. Monachos vsque ad tempus Eusebij, SoZimi, & Siricij, Monachos simpliciter & non Clericos fuisse, Ecclesiastica testator Historia: The Ecclesiastical Histories witness, that til about. EuZebius, Sozimus, and Siricius days, Monks were Monks only, and not of the Clergy, saith Gratian: Primùm Monachi omnes, etiam Abbates Laici erant: At the first all Monks, yea and Abbots, were Lay persons, saith Azoriu • , Duaren, and others. But now, Vsus obtinuit vt Monachi, ijsdem atque Clerici muneribus & Officijs in Ecclesia fungerentur; The Monks are turned Clerks, and do all the offices belonging unto the Clergy.

In old World, Monks were of sparing diet: for, Conuiuia fugias, sit vilis & vespertinu • cibus, &c. Take heed of feasting, and let thy meat be of the worst, and eat it towards evening, &c. saith Saint Jerome: giving his opinion how Monks should be dieted. But now Monks have so pleasant and large fare, and so many meals, that their fatness and great bellies are grown into a proverb.

In old World, Monks were not notorious by singular weed, but every 〈◊〉 ware such apparel as he thought good, so it were decent. They were not tied to this or that, which made them markeable in the streets as they went: for, in vest nulla discretia, nulla admiratio: vtcunque placuerit incedere, nec detractionis est, nec laudis, saith Saint Jerome, speaking of a Monk. But now, as there 〈…〉

In old World▪ Monks might marry, and enjoy 〈…〉 posses 〈…〉 Monk marry, its though 〈…〉 deserves hanging. 〈◊〉 he may have no propri • goods.

In old World, 〈…〉 , Monks 〈…〉 not urged to vow. They might go or stay at their pl •• sure. And if they reported them of what they had do •• they might return to their former trade of life as 〈◊〉 dor Uirgil and Erasmus witness▪ But now they 〈◊〉 bound by-Vowes, &c.