Antichrist Pointed and Painted Out in His True Colors

TO THE READER.

MArvell not, that after so many Worthies in CHRIST'S Church, who have so largelie written of this Subject; That I should need anymore to put Pen to Paper in this particular. For, that which hath moved me, is not only that these spoken of, have written partly in Latin not understood by all, & obvious to few. And, others that have written in English, have so copiouslie enlarged themselves by discourse therein; and are likewise rare here and in the hands of few. But, likewise my special Motive hath been the daily increase of Popery almost, and the spreading it self everiewhere: Partlie, through these unhappy differences in CHRIST'S Church of late, within the three Kingdoms: And, partly, through the sedulitie of the masked Jesuits and Seminary Priests, who numerouslie now swarm everywher, upon the presumptiō of inpunitie, and like the Pharesees of old, do make Proselytes to themselves, in all parts. Which with grief (I am sure) should zealouslie affect every sound Professor. But, chiefly, Pastors, and such as have been called to the holy Ministry, to give Warning from the Watch Tower: And, contend for the Faith once delyvered to the Saints: Against such disguysed wolves; coming in sheep's clothing, to devour CHRIST'S Flock. And, in particular, to discover that Antichrist: And, let GOD'S People see who he is: And▪ that these are his Emissaries, who seek so to seduce them. For, whose detection likewise, I have taken a course to my knowledge) not formerly taken by any: Both in respect of brevity, and more easy perusal. As, likewise, for proving the Point, and every particular thereof, by vndenyble Testimonies; Writs, and Witnessing, of Romanists thenselves. Whereby is evidenced to any not Prejudged, or Wilfullie Obdured, and Obstinate; that the Pope is that grand, Antichrist foreprophesied in Scripture: And, dare give a Defyance to any Priest or Papist, to instance any other who-so-ever▪ to whom the whole Prophecies; and Properties▪ set down in Scripture, and in this subsequent Treatise; being collectivelie, and joyntlie taken; & assented by the Romanists themselves, doeth clearly agree. Except only to the Pope. By which this being proven that he is that Antichrist ; It consequently followeth, That Popish doctrine, is Antichristianism. And▪ that these who embrace the same, are Followers of Antichrist, and Drinks of that golden Cup, that is in the hand of that mystical Whoore, full of Abhominations & Filthiness of her Fornication: And, except they repent, and come out of Babel, as they are partakers of her sins: So they shall be partakets of her plagues. And, one day, as is threatened, REVEL. 14.10. They shall drink of the wine of the Wrath of GOD; Which is poured out without mixture, into the Cup of His Indignation. Which I pray GOD, That everyone that is a Christian, may avoid, and eschew.

A TABLE, Of the Contents of this Book.

• CHAP. 1. THe Introduction to this Treatise, concerning Antichrist.
• 2. That Antichrist is not one individual person, but a continued succession of many.
• 3. What manner of person Antichrist is; and how he is described by Paul, 2. Thessalon. 2.3. & proved to be the Pope.
• 4. How Antichrist is described by John, Revel. 9.
• 5. How Antichrist is described by John, Revel. 13.11.
• 6. How Antichrist is described by John, Revel. 17.11.12. &c. And, by all these places, proving the Pope to be that Antichrist.
• 7. Where Antichrist is to be found; or his place in general, 2. Thess. 2.4.
• 8. Antichrists Seat, or his Place, in particular, proved to be Rome, Revel. 17.9.
• 9. Of the time when Antichrist should come, and be revealed, 2. Thess. 2.7.8.
• 10. Of the marks, whereby to know Antichrist. And, 1. Of his exorbitant and matchless pride: In exalting himself, above all that is called god, 2. Thess▪ 2.4.
• 11. Of Antichrists sitting in the Temple of god, as God: Showing him self, that: he is god, 2. Thess. 2.4. And, of his names of Blaspemie. Revel. 17.3.
• 12. Of the Popes not only equalling himself with God▪ But also exalting himself above God. Which is the hight of Antichristian pride, and matchless impiety.
• 13. Of Antichrists, or the Popes Idolatry, and Spiritual whoredom, Rev. 17.6.
• 14. Of Antichrists, or the Popes Bloodie Crueltie, Revel. 17.6.
• 15. Of Antichrists, or the Popes Spiritual Merchandize, or Simony, Rev. 18.13.
• 16. Of Antichrists, or the Popes Lawlesse and most wicked life, 2. Thess. 2.3.
• 17. Of Antichrists, or the Popes and his Clergy, their feigned miracles, and lying wonders▪ 2. Thess▪ 2.9.
• 18. Of the final destruction of Antichrist; and ruin of that Papal Sea, Revel. 18.2. and 2. Thess. 2.8.

ANTI-CHRIST Pointed & painted out in his true Colours. OR The Pope of Rome, proven to be that Antichrist ▪ by the witnessing of Romanists themselves.

CHAP. I. The Introduction to this Treatiss, concerning Antichrist.

T HE two greatest mistakings in the world; & of greatest concernment; are the first of the obstinate Jew ; the other, of the misled Christian. The one concerning the true MESSIAH CHRIST: The other, concerning his opposit Antichrist, clear Prophecies of the Old Testament, so plainly pointing out 〈◊〉 the one; That it's a wonder, how the blind Jew long ago should not have known CHRIST: And, no less plain praedictions, & places of the New Testament, to the lyf painting out the other: That it is no less wonder, that seduced Christians so long, should not know who is that Antichrist. But, the like cause of such mislaking by both; Is, while the incredulous Jew, looked for a wordly temporal Monarch to come; He stood amongst the midst of them, who was the true SAVIOUR OF SOULES CHRIST, foretold by the Prophets: Even so while the seduced Christian looketh for an individual Antihrist, as yet only to come, of such a conceated Tribe, Nation, and Continuance, (as their Impostor's teach them.) In the mean time likewise, he sitteth amongst the midst of them, as in the Temple of God▪ who is the Destroyer of Souls Antichrist, foretold by the Apostles. So that the diversion of the eye from the right object; and not remarking what is present, to gaze ydlelie, after a misconceated future, hath been Satan's policy, to make the Savior of mankynd, unknown to the incredulous Jew ; and is now the same to make that ABADDON, and Destroyer of Souls, unknown in like manner to the misled Christian.

But, will we trace the footsteps of a revealed Way, and the Words of that Evangelical Prophecy ; Forbidden to be sealed up; but given to be shown unto GOD'S Servants: And, whereof both sanctified Hearers • nd Readers, are pronounced Blessed ; we shall clearly see him to be that Roman Antichrist: Pretending, notwithstanding, to be Christ's Vicar on earth: And, therefore, to be horned, like the LAMB: But, if we look to his mouth, or doctrine, we shall find him to be his main opposit; and, to speak like the Dragon.

Seeing, then, that notwithstanding of the falls resemblance of the Lambs horns the blasphemous mouth of the Dragons Vicar, (rather than CHRIST'S,) is so well known: And; that the retreat from mystical Babylon, to holy IERUSALEM doth so clearly sound. Seeing, also, that, that whore and mother of whoredoms, is so clearly discovered, is greatly also deserted. And, at last, destroyed shall be: And, as is said, REVEL. 16.12. The waters of the great River Euphrates, is so much dried up; upon which the Whore sitteth; which are Peoples, and Multitudes, and Nations, and Tongues. And, that, (as the Prophet speaketh;) The time of Babel's Threshing is come: And yet a little while; and the time of her harvest shall come, when the LORD shall bring her down so, that her dust shall be scraped from her: And, she shall be made like the top of a bare rock. My earnest wish, therefore, shall be, That none be so desperatelie mad, as to be like Lots sons in law; Not to go out of Sodom, (as she is spiritually called,) till by fire and brimstone they be consumed; nor, to abide in Babel, after the call of evocation, to be partakers of her sins, till they receive of her plagues. But, as the wise men followed the star, till they found out CHRIST; that they might adore HIM. So that they being spiritually wise, may, inlyke manner, follow the star of GOD'S revealed Light: Whereby they may find out Antichrist: That so they may avoid and abhor him. By which (GOD willing,) they shall see both who he is, and where he is. Next, whence he came, and when he came. And, last, what are his marks, and whither he goeth.

CHAP. II. That Antichrist is not one only individual person, but a continued succession of many,

F Irst, then, we are to consider, that the name Antichrist, as it is generally, or more largelie taken; signifieth all that are any wise enemies to CHRIST, or the Truth, as we see it taken, 1. John. 2.18. But, as it is taken more properly and peculiarlie, or by way of eminency, it signifieth that man of sin, and son • of perdition: of whom the Apostle speaketh, 2. Thess. 2.3. Whom John, also, Revel. 9.11. calleth that King, or Monarch over these Locusts, that came forth out of the smoke of the bottomless pit: And, Revel. 13.11. That Beast that arose out of the earth; horned like the Lamb: But speaking like the Dragon. And, whom all agree to be that Grand & fore-prophesied Antichrist. And, whom we take not to be any one only individual person; but a continued succession ef many. So that, when we say, That the Pope is Antichrist. We mean not individuallie; this or that Pope only: But, collectivelie, that the whole succession from Boniface the rhird; downwards is such: who about the year 607. obtained from the Emperor Phocas ; that Antichristian Title, (as Gregory calleth it,) Of Universal Bishop ; or, Head of the Church. Which none of his Predecessors ever assumed. And, of whom the same Gregory foretold, saying, The king of Pryde, is at hand, (meaning Antichrist: ) and, which is fearful scarce to be spoken, (saith he;) an army of priests, is prepared for him. So that here we have who are the Locusts, of whom John speaketh; and, who is their king over them, who is called ABADDON▪ and, who by a Popes own declaration is, to be a Prince of Priests ; as the Pope is styled.

And, seeing this is a Principle; That the Pope cannot err: Especiallie, such a Pop • , as Gregory the Great, speaking definitivelie. Then, they must confess, that Antichrist is come a thousand years ago. And, being a Prince of Priests ; consequently, is a person Ecclesiastical. Neither is it unusual in Scripture, (saith their Jesuit Ribera,) that by one many alike; and of the same incorporation, are signified. Which he proveth out of Matth. 22.11. Where by one man, many are signified: and, out of Daniel, 7. and the Angels interpretatiō of the Ram that he saw having horns. Which Ram, (saith the Angel, is the king of the Medes & Persians: Quibus verbis, (saith the Jesuit,) vt recte Hieronymus exposuit, non hic aut ill Rex designatur; sed omnes reges Medorum atque Persarum sibi ordine succedentes, & quasi vnum corpus efficientes: That is, by which words, as Jerome rightly expoundeth, is designed; not this or that king: but, all the kings of the Medes and Persians ; succeeding each one to another, in Order: And, making all up one body. Therefore, also, saith Aquinas, accordingly, that Antichrist is the whole body of such: And, not one man, so, also, speaketh the ordinar gloss, and Cardinal Hugo ; calling Antichrist the Universe, or whole succession of such. Yea, the Papists themselves, when they say, That the Pope is the Vicar of CHRIST, and head of the Church. They mean not any one Pope only: But, the whole succession of such, which they deryve from PETER.

Thus having shown, that Antichrist is not one only individual person: but, a succession of many. We come next, to consider, how he is in holy Scripture described. And, before we any further proceed, we are to frame this irrefragable Argument, and plain Demonstration, thus:

Unto whom the Prophecies of holy Scripture, descrybing Antichrist, do sole, and only agree, he is that Grand Antichrist, foretold in the Scriptures. But, unto the Pope of Rome, the Prophecies of the holy Seripture, descrybing Antichrist, do sole and only agree.

Therefore, it followeth; That the Pope of Rome, is that Grand Antichrist, foretold in the Scriptures. The Major is undeniable, all the Controversy, therefore, is only in the probation of the Minor : which I shall (GOD willing) labor, to prove, by the Induction, of the Prophecies themselves: and, their Application, all of them, to the Pope. And, that being taken collectivelie or joyntlie, they are appliable to none else, but to him.

CHAP. III. What manner of person Antichrist is: and, how he is described by Paul, 2. Thessalon. 2.3. and proved to be the Pope.

F Irst▪ then; The Apostle Paul descryveth him, that he shall be the head of a falling away, or Apostasy, from the Faith. For, so Bellarmine himself speaketh, saying; By this falling away, most rightly, may Antichrist be understood: For, he shall be so an Apostate, that he may be called Apostasy himself Whence it followeth, That he shall not be (as the Papists fancy) an Obstinate Jew ; who never professed the Christian Faith. And, therefore, cannot be said, to have made Apostasy from the Truth thereof: But, an Apostate Christian: Who still retaining the Christian name, shall notwithstanding make defection frō the Truth of Christian doctrine. Therefore, saith Augustine, upon his resemblance of the horns of the LAMB; Sub Nomine Christiano agnum praefert, vt draconis veneua latentur infundat: That is; Under the Christian name, he resembleth the LAMB, (saith he,) that the more secretly he may pour in the poison of the dragon. And, again, in the same place; He would not counterfit the lyknesse of the Lamb, (saith he,) if he did openly speak against him: But, doeth counterfit Christianity: That the more craftily he may deceive the simple. So, likewise, speaketh Origen, on Matth. 11.27. and others.

And, to make us the more clearly to know this Apostasy, whereof the Apostle speaketh, he instanceth two doctrines thereof; which he calleth the doctrines of devils. Which the Pope, and his adherents do teach: Thereby showing that of • im he meaneth this Apostasy: To wit, the forbidding of marriage: which under the name of uncleanness, (contrary to GOD'S Word, calling it the Bed undefyled,) he forbiddeth to the Clergy: And, commanding, to abstaisn from meats, at certain forbidden times as unlawful, and for conscience sake,. Which in the contrary, according to Chtistian liberty, GGD hath created, (saith the Scripture,) to be received with thanks giving.

Where, likewise, it is to be noted; That to show his deep dessembling, in opposing the Truth of CHRIST, under the Christian name, it is said; tha • he shall speak lies in hypocrisy. And, therefore, getteth Judas style, being called the son of perdition: To show us, that as Judas, was the chief ring-leader of those who came against CHRIST. Yet, professing him self a Disciple of His; and saluting Him, Master, with a kiss. So is Antichrist, the chief ring-leader of these t hat are against Christ's Truth: Yet, professing him self a chief Disciple: Yea, CHRIST'S own Vicar. Therefore: doeth their own famous Florentine: And, so much extolled Petrarcha, say▪ what other is done continually there, (to wit, at Rome,) by these enemies of CHRIST, and the Pharisees, of our times (says he) but like Judas & the Roman Soldiers, whill they would seem to worship Him, they sell Him, they crown him with thorns, they spit on Him, they mock Him, they pierce Him, and of new they crucify Him.

Next it is to be observed frō this same title common with Judas which is given also to him, that he shall not only be a professor of the Christian name in hypocrisy & by dissembling of unrighteousness, but likewise ( like Judas ) he shall be a Preacher thereof. Therefore saith Hilary, Sub opinione falsae pietatis & specie evangelicae praedicationis, Christo contrari • s erit, ut Dominus noster Jesus Christus denegetur cum praedicari creditor, That is under the show of piety and preaching of the Gospel, he shall be contrar to Christ, so that even then our Lord Jesus Christ shall be denied, when it is believed that he is preached. Therefore Rev. 9. He is called a fallen star, whereupon saith the Jesuit Ribera, Ex quo perspicitur praedicatorem aliquem magnum significari, that is, whereby is evident that some great or eminent preacher is understood (says he)

CHAP. IV. How Antichrist is described by the Apostle John, Revel. 9.

T He Apostle John doth likewise describe Antichrist, REVEL. 9. to be a Staerre, and what is meaned by stars in the Revelation the first Chapter tells Revel. 1.16. To wit, Bishops & pastors of the Church, as the Jesuit Ribera upō that place acknowledgeth, and who is meaned by this Star, ALFONSUS declareth saying, primae notae Episcopus, or an eminent Bishop. 2. He is called a fallen starr like Lucifer, therefore saith their Lyr • , Episcopus malus est, qui stelladicitur ration officij. That is, he who is called this star. Is a wicked Bishop, so called a star by reason of his office. 3. He is said to be a fallen star from heaven to earth, that is, 1. From the purity of heavenly doctrine to that which savors only of the earth, or human invention & traditions, whereupon most points of of popery ar grounded. 2. From a holy and heavenly disposition and seeking things above, to an earthly disposition▪ affecting earthly things, as riches, preferment, and Monarchik power & Jurisdiction, &c. Concerning which defection of the Roman Church, and the head thereof. Platina, the Pope's own Secretary; in the life of Marcellinus giveth this Testimony; saying, Our Vices are come to that hight; that scarce there is any place, left of obtaining Mercy at GOD'S Hands: For, how great is the Av • rice of Priests, (saith he?) And, of these who are in highest place, (meaning the Pope;) Whas Lust? What Pomp, and Pryd? What Idleness, and Ignorance of themselves; and, of TRUE CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE? How little Religion? And, the little, that is rather Hypocricall, then true? 3. By falling away from the Heaven, to the earth: is understood, His falling away from the true Church; (Which because of her heavenly disposition, is so called in the Rev elation, in opposition to the earthly sort: Called thereforethe earth; (as their Carthusian expoundeth.) So that, though he pretend to be chieffe Pastor, and Head of the true Church. He is not so much as a true Member thereof: But, an Adversarie, and an Enemy thereto. Therefore, said Eberhardus, Archbishop of Salisburg of the Pope at an Imperial dyat at Reinsburg, ANNO 1246. (as Aventin reporteth,) Sub Pontificis maximi titulo & Pastoris pelle, lupum se • issimum, (nisi coeci sumus,) sentimus. That is, Under the Tytle of Pope, or Chieffe Bishop; as under the Skin of a Shepherd, we feel (except we be blind) a most cruel Wolffe. As, also, so speaketh that noble PETRARCH, Vides enim non modo CHRISTI adversarium; Sed quod est gravius, sub-CHRISTI vexillo rebellantem CHRISTO, militantem Satanae, & CHRISTI Sanguine tumidum. That is, Thou seest not only CHRIST'S Adversarie, (meaning, the Pope,) but, which is more grievous to see, That under the Banner of Christian Profession, he rebelleth against CHRIST, fighteth for Satan; and, is drunk with the blood of CHRIST:) To wit, in His Members.)

Next: Whereas he claymeth, (as PETER'S Successor to have committed to him the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven; the Apostle here showeth, That it is the key of the bottomless pit, that is given to him, quia ei permittitur, (saith their own Lyra,) abuti potestate Episcopali. That is, Because it is permitted unto him, to abuse Episcopal authority, or power. Which by the keys is understood, in opening, or shutting; damning, or saving. Which power over the bottomless pit; who is he that claymeth it so much, as the Pope? In throwing down to Hell, by his Thunder-bolt of Excommunication, whom he listeth; and, liberating Souls, out of his Hellish Purgatory, whom he pleaseth. So that as he changeth his Station, and falleth from Heaven: So, he loseth the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven: And, as he becometh the Angel of the Bottomlesse Pit; so suteablie he getteth the key thereof. And, from a Star, which abefore, (while he stood in his first Station▪ as the Primitive Bishops of Rome ;) being now fallen by Apostasy, from the True Faith, (as the Apostle speaketh:) He becometh a Broacher of Darkness: and, bringeth in both Error and Ignorance, on the face of the Visible Church, as the Popish ordinary gloss, and the Jesuit Ribera expoundeth. And, therefore, is said to open the Bottomlesse Pit; which before by the preaching of the Gospel, in power & purity was shut, (as it were,) Ignorance and Error being thereby suppressed. Out of which first proceedeth smoke: and out of the smoke, Locusts. Over whom he becometh a Sovereign Head and Monarch. And, therefore, ( Vers. 11.) is called their king Abaddon, Appollyon: To show thereby That first Ignorance and Error, should be brought in by him, in place of Knowledge and Truth. And, next; That Ignorance and Error, • red and brought forth the swarms of Locusts. Which Beda calleth the disciples of Antichrist: and, Lyra, ejus Sacerdotes & Ministros. That is, His Priests under him and ministers: Following Pope Gregory the first herein: Who declaring the Tytle of Universal Bishop, to be Antichristiā, propheticallie speaketh of his Successor, Boniface the third: who assumed that Tytle; saying, The king of Pryde, is at hand: and, which is fearful to be spoken: An army of Priests is prepared for him. The diverse Orders of whom; and, of the Popish Clergy, are here compared to Locusts: 1. Because of their swarming multitude. For which cause, the huge army of the Midianites, who infested Israel ; are compared to them, Judge 7.12. 2. Because of their devouring and eating up of every Herb, Fruits of Trees; and every green thing, as we see in that Plague of Egypt, Exod. 10.15. As the Romish Clergy, in like manner, have enhanced to themselves, the best places & things in every land, where they didswarme. 3. They are very busy still busing and leaping, from place to place: Even as Seminary priests in like manner and Jesuits do, to advance and advantage themselves, and their Religion: And, like the old Pharisees, to make men their Proselits, the children of the Devil, seven times more than themselves. 4. As Locusts do most harm by their mouths: So do these Locusts by their false doctrine. 5. It is said, also, That power was given to these Locusts, as the power of Scorpions. Therefore, Vers. 10, It is said, That they have tales like Scorpions: and, their sting is in their tail; whereby they hurt. By which tales, are meant False doctrines: as we see expounded Isai. 9.15. Which are venomous, and infect poor souls. Therefore, saith their own Jesuit Ribera, Vulnera s •• a & venenata infligunt. That is; They sting with cruel, and venomous stinging. 6. And, this also, they do, (saith he,) Furtim & latenter. That is; Slighlie, and unperceaveablie, (as the Apostle speaketh,) By deceaveablenesse of unrighteousness: And, in a mystery, like the envyous man, who did sow the Tares in the night. 7. Their stinging is not at first felt hurtful: Because the same is in a sort pleasant: But, is found to be thereafter painful, and deadly: Even, so, is Popish doctrine, in death especially, filling the hearts then of poor souls with doubtinges, terroures of conscience, and fear of Purgatory, and the like: Which maketh them to be f • ed therefrom; to bequeath such large Legacies for Soul-Masses and Diriges, &c. 8. The shape of these Locusts, are said, To be like horses, prepared unto battle, denotating their forward, fierce, and furious oppositions; by all bloody Plots, and Practises, against the Truth; as the poor Waldenses found, the Massacre of Paris can witness; and the intended Invincible Spanish Armado, in 88. and English Pouder-treason, in 1605. 9. They had upon their heads. as it were, crowns; which their own Lyra expoundeth, To be Tonsura clericalis, propter quam, (saith he,) homines honorem illis deferunt. That is, Their shaven crown; for the which, men have them in an honorable respect: And, wherehy is signfied, , (saith their RABANUS MAURUS, and DURAND▪ in his Rationale divinorum. ) That they are not only Priests, but Kings, and have a Royal Priesthood. 10. Their faces, were as the faces of men: Showing their fair Pretences, and courteous human carriage: Through covetousness, (as PEYER speaketh,) With feigned words; making merchandize of souls. And, therefore, also, are said, To have hair, like women's hair: Signifying thereby, their alluring ways; to draw men, to their spiritual whoredom, and sensual religion. Therefore, saith their own Jesuit, Ribera, Capilli ergo mulierum significant non solum eos humanitatem simulatoros esse▪ sed etiam blanditias, muliebribus similes adhibituros: That is▪ Therefore, their women's hair signifieth not only, that they shall counterfect humanity, But also, shall use alluring forms; like the in • ysings of womē. 11. But withal it is said, that their teeth that are hid under this, are as the teeth of Lions. Signifying thereby either their cruelty against all their opposers as their own Lyra expoundeth, or their making a prey of such as they obtain by their simulate humanity & allurements, as experience hath taught of the Roman Clergy, and Jesuitical sort especially, and as the Apostle foreprophecyed of such, who under pretence of long prayers should devour Widows houses. 12. It is said of them that they had as it were Breastplats of iron. Whereby ( saith Bedae ) is understood, Obdurata contra veritatē praecordia, that is their obdured hearts against the Truth, or as Andreas Caesariensis expoundeth, Quae obfirmatam notant duritiē, that is, which denotats their obfirmed induration, so that we need not to think it strange although in in so clear convincing light we see them obdured in their errors. 13. They are said to have wings, signifying thereby not only their sedulity, like the old Pharisees compassing sea & land to make Proselits to themselves. But likewise their exalting and lifting up of themselves above all others, as being the spiritual estate, and exeeming themselves from & above all Civil Jurisdiction. And last, IT IS said that they have a KING over them, to show that the gover • ement under which they are, is Monarchical, which Bellarmine proveth the papal to be, and if we would know from a Cardinals mouth who is this KING, Hugo Cardinalis telleth us that he is Antichrist, whose name is set down both in hebrew and Greek to be a destroyer, to show that the LORD would have him to be known to be so, both to Jew & Gentile, that they may the better avoid him, and his crafty seduction; as our SAVIOURS Name is likewise set down in both these languages, to show that He is a Common SAVIOUR to be embraced both by Jew and Gentile. And th • t this forenamed king of the • e Locusts is His main opposite. 〈◊〉 is called a destroyer (as the true KING of His Church is called a SAVIOUR.) 1. Because by his errors and Idolatry he seeketh to destroy the Faith, from which he hath made apostasy, and the true Worship of GOD. 2. Because thereby he is also a destroyer of souls. 3. Because by his bloody persecution he destroyeth the bodies of true Professors by fire and sword, as we see foreprophe • yed of him. Revel. 11.7. and therefore is said to be Drunk with the blood of the Saints. REVEL. 17.6. And 4. He destroyeth and devoureth up men's goods, by his pardons, indulgencies, soul-masses, and making all things sellable at Rome, as Aeneas Sylvius, afterward Pope Pius 2. testifieth, saying, Ther is nothing which the Court of Rome giveth without money, For the very imposition of hands: and the gifts of the Holy Ghost are sold, neither is the remission of sins bestowed upon any without Money. As also Carmelite Frier Mantuan saith.

Now how agreeable • e all the former to the Pope and his clergy we have shown, and let any papist that breathes, show the same can be so appliable to any other whom they call heretics, and that they acknowledge or have any one universallie over them: as king, and exercising Ecclesiastical Monarchical government.

CHAP. V. How Antichrist is described by John, Revel. 13.11.

F Irst for our better information herein, Antichrist his first original, or manner of rising, whence and how is set down to wit, as Revel. 13.1. The first beast there described (whereby the old Romam Empire is signified) is said to have come out of the sea: that is, to have risen to it greatness by tumultuous wars, like stormy s • rges and waves of of the sea, and by Martial atchievments. So the second beast, designing Antichrist by consent of all Interpreters & described verse 11. Is said to arise out of the earth, because 1. As the Jesuit Ribera expoundeth, he shall arise from a very small beginning to a great hight, as these things that from small seeds arise and grow out of the earth to be tall trees, which their own Franciscus Duarenus telleth us was the way of the Popes arising from Episcopus unius urbis, to be Episcopus totius Orbis ; or Universal Bishop of the whole Church. 2. He is said to arise out of the earth, to show that as things that arise out of the earth, do rise and grow up unperceiveablie, ita vt crevisse non crescere cernimus, so should Antichrist arise piece and piece, working in a mystery and by deceiveablenes of unrighteousness. which began in the seeds thereof in the Apostles times (as they declare and we may see COLOss. 2.) And as the tares which the envyous man did sow in the night time whill the servants were asleep, did grow up to a good degree before they were espied, so did Antichrist before he was revealed and thereafter opposed. 3. This beast did arise out of the earth, as being hatched out of earthly avarice & ambition, as Gregory speaketh of Antichrist, calling him therefore, The King of Pryde, who by usurping the title of Universal Bishop would exalt Himself like Lucifer above all his fellow Angels, and who ariseth out of the earth (saith their own Carthusian) that is (saith he) Ex rerum terrenarū opulentia, out of the abundance of earthly riches, wherewith that mystical Whoore is so puffed up, that she is described so glorious, Revel. 17 4. and saith, I sit as a Queen and shall see no sorrow.

Next seeing that it is said that this beast is horned like the Lamb; but speaketh like the Dragon, Let us 1. see what is meaned hereby in general, 2. What is to be • nderstood by these horns in particular. First then in general hereby is shown that Antichrist is not an open & avowed, but a covered and disguysed enemy, like a Wolf in sheep's clothing, oppunging CHRIST and His Truth not by force, but by fraud, and all Deceiveablenes of unrighteousness speaking lies in hypocrisy, Therefore Antichristianism is called The mystery of iniquity, whereupon the ordinare gloss saith, The impiety of Antichrist is mystical, that is, cloaked under rhe name of godliness, so that he is a prime hypocrite, like Judas after whom he is called The son of perdition, pretending himself to be Dux foederis, that is, the prince of the Covenant, as Jerome calleth him, and consequently the Head of the Church, whillas he is the greatest opposer thereof, Neither could it be (saith Radulphus Flaviacensis) that Antichrist should attain unto Ecclesiastical honors, and (as the Apostle testifieth) sit in the Temple of GOD, that's the society of the Faithful▪ & take the Chair of honor, unless having first pretended a kind of conformity with the Faythfull, he should deceive these of whom he is to be received. Next by the two bornes of the Lamb, whereby simple and unsound Christians are deceived, are understood ( saith their own Primasius & with him the ordinare gloss) the Two T • staments, to wit, the Old and New which agree with the Lamb CHRIST, and which the beast shall attempt to usurp (as having authority over the Scriptures,) and counterfiting himself to be the Lamb (saith he) to wit, in power, as his Viccar upon earth, that so he may (saith he) invade the Lamb. to wit the more craf • ily. The Jesuit Ribera also saith that by these two horns is meaned, The beasts simulat meekness and holieres, (which the Pope also pretendeth being called his holiness, and the servant of God's servants, whill as he is Lord of Lord's. As likewise he is horned like the Lamb. (saith their ordinare gloss, because thereby he will counterfit himself to have innocence of life (pretending chastity,) and true doctrine, (pretending infallibility. (Others also understand by these two horns the Royal & Prophetical Offices of CHRIST. Which as CHRIST'S Viccar the Pope doeth claim, as to be sole Monarch, and the infallible DOCTOR of the Church, and as Platina the Pops Secretary reporteth in the life of Paul the second that he said, that all Laws were placed in the Cabinet of his breast, so that what he determineth, all flesh must yield unto.

But it is said, that he is horned like the Lamb, whereby he deceiveth many simple souls, yet he may be known by this, that he speaketh like the Dragon, to wit, by his erroneous doctrine clearly opposite to what CHRIST speaketh in his holy Scriptures, as may be instanced almost in all the points of popery, likewise (saith Jerome of Antichrist) Quasi Deus loquetur, vt qui Dei assumit potentiam, that is, he shall speak as if he were GOD, as taking upon him divine authority or power, to wit, that he cannot err, and again in the same place, Religionem omnem suae subijcere potestati conabitur, (saith he) that is he shall attempt to subject all Religion to his power, yea more, augere tentabit (saith he) Sacramenta Ecclesiae, that is he shall augment the number of the sacraments of the Church, to wit, his fyve bastard sacraments, all which that the Pope doth, none can be so impudent, as to deny. For how he subjects all Religion to himself, let Cardinal Cusanus declare, who affirmeth that according to times and occasions he may change the sense of Scripture, and when His sense or the Churches is changed, it is to be believetd that GOD changeth his Judgment, which if this be not the Dragons mouth. I know not what can be it. In like-manner in the Popes Cannō Law, there it is said, that though the Pope should lead in troops innumerable people after himself to hell. Hujus culpas redarguere praesumat mortaliumnullus, quia cunctos ipse judicaturus, a nemine est judicādus, that is, Let no mortal man notwithstanding presume to find fault with him because he is to judge all men, but is to be judged by none: And if this again be not the Dragons mouth; let a Pope himself Gregory the first declare, who speaking of him, who should usurp the Antichristian title (as he calleth it) of Universal Bishope (Which the Pope now doeth) saith; Qui conabitur in culmen singularitatis erumpere, vt & nulli subesse & solus omnibus praeesse videbitur, That is, who will strive to such a Hight of singularity, that he will be subject to none, and yet he alone will be above all others; Which Cardinal Cusan declareth to be the right meaning of that title of Universal Bishope, which the Pope now assumeth, saying, that It importeth one to be so Principal, as all others should be subject to him, and he to none. which made Eberhardus Archbishope of Salisburg likewise in an imperial dyat holden at Reinsburg, in the year, 1246. As Aventin reporteh, avowedly speaking of the Pope, to call him that Antichrist, saying, Perditus ill homo quem Antichristum vocare solent, in cujus front blasphemy nomen scriptum est; Deus sum, errare non possum, in templo Dei sedet ac longe lateque dominatur, &c. That is, that man of perdition. whom they use to call Antichrist, in whose fore-head the name of Blasphemy is written, that is, I am God and cannot err, he (I say) sits now in the Temple of GOD, (saith he) & far and wyde doeth reign, And though he calleth himself the servant of servants; yet as if he were GOD, (saith he) He will be Lord of Lord's. Thus we see how this apocalyptick & Antichristian beast speaketh like the dragon, of whose blasphemous & dragon mouth, we shall speak more hereafter.

CHAP. VI. How Antichrist is described by John, REVEL. 17.11.12. &c.

I N that place Antichrist is described by the Apostle, to be the last head or sovereign government which should reign or rule over that Great City, Which in John's days did reign over the Kings of the earth, by which City Rome is understood by the consent of all, For so saith Bellarmine, Vrbs illa magna sedens super septem montes, & habens imperium super Reges terrae, Roma est ; That is, that great City, that fits on seven hills, and hath dominion over the Kings of the earth, is Rome: so likewise saith the Jesuit Ribera, yea further, Hoc in nullam urbē aeque convenit ac in Romam, That is, this cannot agree to no other town or city (saith he) as to Rome.

By this great City then so situate and described, seeing that it is granted that it is Rome ; We are to consider, who is the the last head or sovereign government over the same, under which it shall go to utter ruin. (As we see REVEL. 18.19. is foreprophecyed of her) and to show this is the papacy, IT is shown unto us 1. By the origin and rising thereof, to wit, that this head or sovereign government over that city should arise by the decay and fall of the old Romā empyre, and at the same time also, when by the same decay other Kings should arise to Monarchik Dignity with her, which, verse 12. is called at one hour, as 1. John 2.18. the last hour is taken for the last time: Neither is it to be understood that at one precise period of time, the papacy over Rome, and the rising of other Kings should be, whose kingdoms before were tributary provinces only to the old Roman Empire, but as John's last hour includeth some ages, so this some difference of time, neither by ten Kings is a precise number of such to be understood, but a definite number put for an indefinite, as we see usual in scripture Gen. 31.7. Numb. 14▪ 22. and as likewise BELLARMIN acknowledgeth. Whence it is as sure that Antichrist is come, and not to come (as papists fancy) and hath the sovereign government over Rome, as it is visible to the whole World, that there are Kings now in the several kingdoms of Europe, which before were tributary provinces only to the old Roman & now decayed Empire, seeing that at one time he was to rise to his soveragnitie over Rome with them.

2. As it is shown unto us who shall be the last Head over Rome by the time of his rising to be so, when, even so it is shown unto us verse 8. Who he shall be by the place from which he ariseth, or whence, in these words; The beast that thou sawest was and is not, and (speaking in the future) shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, where first we must remember that by the beast in general is understood in this prophecy the Roman Jurisdiction, whereof, the Apostle or rather the Angel maketh fo • re estates. 1. That he was, to wit, before John's days in the person of fyve kings, that is several sorts of governements, (as the Jesuit Ribera and others do expound) And which fyve, verse 10. are said to be fallen, which were Kings, Consuls, Decemuirs, Tribuns, and Dictators. 2. Is not (saith the Angel in John's days) to wit, as before, under any of the former governements. 3. And yet is, to wit under the imperial government, which then stood, and therefore in the present time, is the sixth Head spoken of, verse 10. Whereof the angel saith, and one is. And 4. Speaking in the future and of the last sort of government over that city; he saith, and shall ascend out of the Bottomlesse pit, &c. Where he setteth down three things concerning the papal government, 1. Whence it cometh. 2. The general subjection thereto, and 3. The last total ruin thereof, and of Rome over which the same is chiefly exercised. First then he saith that this beast or last Head shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, having reference herein to that fallen star spoken of Chap. 9. Who verse 11. is called the Angel of the bottomless pit, agreed by all to be Antichrist, and expounded by Romanists themselves, (as I have shown Chapter 4.) To be some eminent Bishop, & who shall have Monarchik soveragnity, & therefore is called the King that shall be over the Locusts there described, which Beda calleth, the disciples of Antichrist, & Lyra, his priests over whom he is Prince, and Pope Gregory calleth Th • Army or swarm of Priests which were prepared for the King of Pride, who in his • yme was near at hand, (a thousand years ago) as he plainly affirmeth.

2. The general subjection that shall be to this last Head, or sort of p • pall government over Rome, is set down in these words. That they that dwell upon the earth shall wonder (whose names, are not written in the book of life) when they behold the beast, Reference being had to that which is said Chap. 13.3. of the general subjection to the old Roman empire, That all the World wondered at the beast, which general subjection also is set down verse 13. Where it is said, That the Kings, who received power as Kings at one hour with the beast, (meaning the European kings) and (as verse 2.) Who had committed spiritual Fornication with the Whoore, being idolatrous, and having one mind with her, they should give their power and strength unto the beast (as his secular arm) To make war against the Lamb ; That is, to persecute the professors of the Truth of CHRIST, but at last The Lamb should overcome them, to wit, by conversion or eversion. And therefore, 3. The last and total ruin of Head and state under him is set down in these words (that as Antichrist is called The son of perdition 2. Thess. 2.3. So He should go into perdition.

Having thus spoken of the beast, as the eight and last Head of Rome (The seventh being that of the Goths, which continued only 70 years, and therefore is said verse 10. to continue but a short space.) The better yet to know him, we have to consider the mystery of the woman that is born up and supported by this beast, that is, by the papacy, which is the Roman Clergy, whom they call the Church or their Churchmen. First then this is a woman, by which a Church is meaned, as we see Revel. 12 1. 2. She is a Whoorish woman that is here spoken of, like AHOLAH and AHOLIBAH, or an Idolatrous Church. 3. As making the kings of the earth, and inhabitants thereof, drunk with the wine of her Fornication, and procuring, as hath been said, such a general subjection to her, She is a pretended catholic Church. 4. As a mother of Harlots, (as she is called, v. 5.) She is a mother Church, and 5. mystical Babylon, which Jesuit Ribera and other Romanists expoundeth rightly to be Rome, She is the Roman Church, all which being put together maketh up here the clear description of that Antichristian Church, over which the Pope is Head and Monarch, which is, the Romā, catholic, mother, Idolatrous church so much doted upon by seduced papists, and generally submitted unto by them.

Out of which complete description of Antichrist, let any papist under Heaven find out any other but the Pope, to whom the same in all points may be applied, as being the eight head of sovereign authority over Rome, who arose thereto by the the decay of the Roman Empire, and at the same time when others arose to sovereign authority with him, as kings over these Kingdoms which now they rule, and which before were tributary provinces only to the Roman Empire, & who claimeth a suppreame ecclesiastical authority over all priests and ecclesiastical persons, as Universal Bishope, and Monarch of the Church, and who also hath claimed and heretofore obtained a general subjection of all persons whatsoever to him and his sea (according to his decree theranent) as being head of the Roman Catholic, mother Church, which hath dependence upon him and which he again supporteth by his pretended infallibility and power.

From all which former, we therefore frame this argument; The eight head as governor, who now sits in Rome, and who arose at one time to soveraignitie over that City, when others arose to be free kings over their kingdoms, which before were tributary provinces to the old Roman Empire, (as all Histories record) & hath procured all subjection of all persons to him & his sea, not by force, but by allurement, of a sensual Religion, and like an intysing Whoore, hath made these that are subject to him to commit spiritual Fornication, which is idolatry, and who also claimeth especially a supreme ecclesiastical authority over all priests and ecclesiastical persons, as universal Bishope, sole Monarch, and Head of the Romā Catholic mother church. This head I say described so by John, is that grand Antichrist. But the Pope is such; Therefore he is that Grand Antichrist. The major is scripture, expounded as hath been shown, by Romanists thenselves, & by evidence of histories. the minor likewise is clear by fit application in all points, to the Pope, and appliable to no other, and by his own undeniable practice; Therefore the conclusion inevitablie followeth.

CHAP. VII. Where Antichrist is to be found; or his place in general, 2 Thess. 2.4.

H Aving thus seen who is Antichrist ; Next we are to search and try where he is, and first His place in general. 2. in particular. First then as for his place in general, Paul telleth us, That he shall sit as GOD (pretending to be his Vice-gerent and usurping his power) in the Temple of GOD, by which not any one material Temple is to be understood, (as that of IERUSALEM, which the papists fancy tha • Antichrist shall reedifye and which their own Pintus upon ISAIAH 25. • howes shall never be reedifyed.) But the Professor • of the Christiā Name in common ar thereby to be understood, which therefore have the name of the Church, and as we see thē so called, (especially these who are truly Christians.) 1. Cor. 3.16. & Ephes. 2.21. And therefore saith Chrysostom upon this place. 2 Th • ss 2.4. Sedebit in Templo DEI non eo quod est Hierosolymis, sed in Ecclesiis, That is he shall sit in the Temple of GOD, not in that which is in IERUSALEM, but in the Churches, and what is meaned by these words of Sitting. Theodoret telleth us, (The Spirit of GOD using the same word that the papists use, speaking of the Pops reign, saying, Sedittot annos, & calling Rome the Apostolical Sea or Sedes Apostolica▪) Thus therefore saith Theodoret, Templum appellavit Ecclesias i • quibus primam sedem arripiet, That is, the Holy Ghost called the Churches the Temple, in which Antichrist shall usurp the first seat or primacy. Thus also speaketh Aquinas. Therefore it is expounded (saith he) In templo DEI. Idest in Ecclesia, quia multi de Ecclesia eum accipient, vel secundum Augustinum, in templo DEI sedeat, idest, ut principetur & dominetur ta • quam ipse cum suis nunciis sit templū DEI, sicut CHRISTVS est cum suis. That is he shall sit in the temple of GOD, that is in the Church, because many that are of the Church shall receive him, or according to Aug • stin, he sits in the Temple of GOD, that is, the Prince or Monareh thereof, and hath Dominion therein, as if he with his Clergy were the church of GOD, as CHRIST is with His followers; So likewise speaketh the ordinar gloss and Lyra upon this place, & the express words of Augustine are these Rectius putant latin dici, sicut in graeco est. Non in Templo DEI, sed in Templū DEI sedeat, tanquam ipse sit Templum DEI quod est Ecclesia, sicut dicimus, sedit in amicum, idest, ut Amicus. That is, they think that more rightly it may be said in the latin, as it is in the Greek, not in the Temple of GOD, but that Antichrist should sit as the Temple of GOD, that is, as if he were the Temple of GOD, which is his Church. Even as we say, he sits for a Friend, that is as if he were a friend, and (which title of the Church) we see that that the Pops parasits giveth unto him, calling him the Virtuall Church wherein only is infallibility. Whereupon Radevicus a Roman channon, speaking of Pope Victor 2. saith thus, Ipse Antichristi tempora prafigurans, usque adeo erectus est supra se, vt in Templo DEI sederit, ostendens se tanquam sit DEVS, & multi abominationem desolationis stantem in loco sancto, non sine multa lachrymarum effusione corporis oculis inspexerunt. That is, he prefiguring the time of Antichrist, was so far exalted above himself, as that he did sit in the Temple of GOD, showing himself as if he were GOD, and many did behold this abomination of desolation standing in the Holy place, not without much effusion of tears, & which sitting of Antichrist as the vicar of Christ in the Church, (whose horns he resembleth, by a deceiveableness of unrighteousness) did so seduce simple and unsound Christians, that except by the Scriptures, he could never otherwise be known, nor his Dragon mouth perceived. Therefore saith Chrysostom, Haeresis impia quae est exercitus Antichristi, stabit in sanctis l • cis Ecclesiae, obtinens Ecclesias vt si velit quis cognoscere quae sit vera Ecclesia, unde cognoscet similitudinis confusion, nisi tantummodo ex scriptures. That is, that wicked heresy, which is Antichrists army. shall stand in the holy places of rhe Church: pretending that they are the Church; so as if any would know what is the true Church. How or whereby shall he know this in so great a confusion of likeness, but allanerlie by the Scriptures?

From the former words then and explication of them we reason thus. He who sits in the Temple of GOD, that is, his Church, as GOD (His vice-gerent to wit, or vicar of CHRIST) and therefore usurpeth the first place and primacy therein, and as Monarch thereof who shall claim dominion over the same; Yea moreover, who shall sit in the Church as if he himself were the church (to wit, virtual as they call him, and being only infallible) he I say who doeth this is the grand Antichrist, But the Pope doeth this, Therefore he is the grand Antichrist. The Major is Scripture, expounded by fathers and Romanists thenselves, The minor is clear likewise by the Pops own claim & Bellarmins doctrine of him. LIB. 2. de pont. Rom. cap. 12. and LIB. 2. d • Ecclesia, cap. 15.16. &c. Therefore the Conclusion inevitablie followeth.

CHAP. VIII. Antichrists Seat, or his place in particular, Revel. 17.9. and 18. proved to be Rome.

A S for Antichrists seat or place in particular, It is described two ways: REVEL. 17. First by the name of mystical Babylon, verse 5. And thereafter by the name of That great City▪ which in John's days did reign over the Kings of the Earth. Now that Rome is signified by both these we are to prove, & consequently, that Rome is the Seat of Antichrist ; First then that by mystical Babylon, Rome is understood: resembling the Assyrian Babylon in pride, Idolatry, and filthiness; and especially in cruel persecution of the People of GOD. We have not only the testimonies of Fathers, as TERTULIAN, IEROM, AUGUSTIN, AMBROSE, BEDA and OECUMENIUS and especially IEROM writing to PAULINUS, speaking thus of ROME▪ When I was in Babylon, (saith he) and Lived an inhabitant of that Purple Whoore, I desired to treat some what of the holy Ghost, and to dedicate my work to the Bishope of that City, and behold, the assembly of the Pharisees There (meaning the Roman Clergy) They cried me down. And as for the testimonies of the fore-named Fathers. They ar to be found as followers, TERTULLIAN adversus Iudaeos, & LIB. 3. contra Matrimonium. AUGUSTIN de civitate DEI, LIB. 18. c. 2. AMBROSE in 2 Thess, 2. BEDA and OECUMENIUS in 1. Pet. cap. ult. out of which place by Peter's writing from Babylon which the Romanists themselves expound to be Rome, they would prove that Peter was a • Rome, for so Lyra and Cajetan expound that place, as also Bellarmine and Baronius. The Jesuit also Viega speaketh thus, Omnia quae in his capitibus de Babylon commemorantur, in Romam urbem aptissime quadrant ; That is, all these things which are spoken of Babylon in these Chapters most fitly agree to the City of Rome, Etiam quae erit tempore Antichristi ; Even as it is to be in the time of Antichrist. The Jesuit Ribera likewise Arbitror ergo (quod Andreas Episcopus Caesareae, & Arethas in hujus libri Commentaries nonnullos sensisse testantur) Romam nomine Babylonis designari, That is, I believe therefore (that which ANDREW also Bishope of Cesarea, and ARETHAS testifieth that some others in their Com • mentaries upon this book did • old) that by the name of Babylon, Rome is understood, and again. Hui • convenient aptissime omnia quae de Babylon dicuntur in hoc libro, That is, all things that are spoken of Babylon in this book most fitly agreeth with Rome, which he proveth thereafter by many Authorities and witnesses.

The only evasion that Romanists use is, that by Babylon, Rome is designed as it was Heathen in the days of NERO, and other heathen Emperors, or as it shall be in the end of the World under their fancied Antichrist ye to come, whereby as ever they grant that Rome is the proper seat of Antichrist. But to show their error in the first, to wit, that it is not called Babylon as it was heathen and under the old Roman Heathen Emperors, but under the Pops. First, Rome Heathen was under the sixth Head, which was imperial government, but Rome as it is described by John, and to be the Seat of Antichrist, is under the last head which is papal government. 2. Rome Heathen under imperial government procured subjection of nations to her by force and martial coaction, but Rome as she is described by John to be the Seat of Antichrist, and under papal government procured subjection of natio • s to her by fraud and Whoorish allurements (as v. 4.) of crafty seduction. 3. Rome as the seat of Antichrist is described committing spiritual fornication with the kings of the earth, who are called, v. 12. the horns of the Beast, to whom they give their power, as his secular arm, to war against the LAMB, by persecuting the saints of GOD His Martyr's: but when Rome was Heathen, these kings were not at all, for they were to rise a long time after Rome's ceasing to be under the heathē Emperors. 4. Rome is described by John as the Seat of Antichrist, by way of prophecy, not what she was then in John's days, but what she was after to be. And 5. Rome is described by John under her eight or last head, (which I have proven the Pope to be) under whom she is to go to such utter ruin, as never anymore to be inhabited, nor the light of a Candle to be seen in her, Where it is evident that this never yet befell to Rome Heathen under the old imperial government.

Next, where they would allege, when the former evasion failieth them, that it is Rome, as it shall be in the end of the world, under the fancied Antichrist, yet to come. 1. (as hath been said) hereby they confess that Rome is the proper Seat of Antichrist. 2. If this were true, then the Beast spoken of should have more Heads then eight, to wit, a nynth after the Papal government; under which it is prophesied that it shall go to utter ruin, and so not to have a nynth head at all. 3. The Jesuit Ribera saith of Rome, Si quando haec eadem fecerit, quae Johannes tempore faciebat, iterum Babylon, vocabitur, That is, if Rome shall do these same things, which she did in John's tym, then she shall justly be called again Babylon, as she was before, and consequently come to that utter ruin foreprophecied of her, Cap. 18.2. and 21. For it is manifest (saith he) Quod peccata quae extremo tempore patrabit▪ omnino similia futura iis quae fecit cum imperiū tenebant Imperatores. That is, that the sins which she shall commit in the last times, shall be altogether alike with the sins which she committed when the Emperors of old did reign over her. Now that she is guilty of the same sins, and in a greater measure; Let these ensuing Romanists themselves declare, 1. Their own famous Florentine, Arch-dean and chanon Petrarch, who lived in the 1300 year of CHRIST, speaketh thus, Ecce jam oculis vides, jam manibus palpas, qualis est Babylon illa novissima, fervens, aestuans obseena, terribilis, &c. That is, behold now thou seeth with thy eyes, and feels with thy hands what a City this last spoken of Babylon is, hot burning in lust, filthy, and terrible, &c. Wherein what ever impiety (saith he) or most wicked manners everywhere, the whole World ever had or hath, thou shall find all accumulated there in one mass of impiety, and thereafter he saith; Yea, what other thing is done there, by the enemys of CHRIST, and Pharisees of our time, (to wit, the Roman clergy) but like Judas and the Roman Soldiers, while they would seem to worship Him, they sell Him, they crown Him with thorns, they spit on Him, they mock Him, they pierce Him, and of new they crucify Him ▪ and then concluds thus▪ O Pudor, O Dolor, O Indigni • tas, talium hodie ur dicitur, est Rom • . Tha is, O sh • me, O grief, O disgrace, for as hath been said, of such persons consisteth Rome at this day, and more particularly speaking of the Pope he saith, Non Apostolicam sed predonis in morem videres, ne{que} signis virtutū ac miraculis, sed • ignis castrorum & miris instructum legionibus, quasi in has terra • non Petrū sed Hannibilē desti • asset, That is, where thou may see, not an Apostolic man or successor, but one like a Robber, nor one Famous for signs of virtue or miracles, but for military Ensigns and Armies mightily furnished, as if he had not been appointed by CHRIST, to be a Successor to Peter, but rather against these land • to be another Hannibal.

The next whom we produce is Platina the Pops own Secretary, who in the lyf of Pope Marcellin speaketh thus of the Roman Clergy, Hi enim livore, superbia, inimicitiis, odiis, inter se certantes, tyrannidem potius quam Sacerdotium sapere videbantur, Christian • pietatis omnino obliti, • c divina mysteria potius prophanantes quā celebrantes, sed quid futurum nostra aetate aerbitramur, quum vitia nostra eo crevere u • vix apud DEVM miserecordiae locum nobis reliquerint ? Tha • is, For these men by envy, pride, inimitie and hatred striving amongst themselves, did rather seem to savor of tyranny, then of Priesthood, being altogether forgetful of Christian piety, and rather profaning holy mysteries, then celebrating them, but what think you will be the estate of things in our age to come? when our vices are grown to that hight, that they have left scarce any place with GOD, for mercy and forgiveness? & immediately thereafter he saith, Quanta sit avaritia, & cor •• maximê q • ireru • potiuntur, quanta libid • undique conquisita, quanta ambitio, & pompa, quanta superbia & desidia, quanta ignoratio tum sui ipsius, tum doctrinae Christianae, quanta p • rvareligio, & s • mulata potius quā vera, quum corrupti mores vel in prophanis hominibus, quos seculares vocant, detestandi non attine • dicere, cum ipsi ita aperte & palā peccent, a • s • inde laudem quaerere •• ▪ That is, How great is the ava • ice of Priests, & chiefly of those, who are in highest place (meaning the Pope) What leacherie where ever it may be exercised, what ambition and pomp, how great pride & idleness, how great ignorance both of themselves and of Christian doctrine, how little religion, and that rather Hypocriticall nor true, what great corruption of manners, that even in profane persons whom they call secular men were detestable, it belongeth not to speak, when as they sin so openly and in public, as if by sinning so they were seeking praises to • hemselves. This made Nicolaus Clemangis in his book, De corrupto Ecclesiae statis, who was Arch-dean of Bajon, in the year 1400. to send Rome to that prophecy of Ezekiel, and in the two sisters AHOLAH and AHOLI • AH to read her like guiltienes, and judgment to come upon her, and thereafter saith he, F • c eorum vaticinia alio spectare, quid de tua Prophetia Johannes scilicet in Apocalipsi censes? an non illam saltem aliquae ex parte pertinere putas? Num pudorem ita cum sensu perdidis • i ut haec neges? Illā ergo i • tuer • , & lege damnationem magnae Meretricis super aq • as multas sedentis, illic{que} tua facta praeclara contemplare & tuos fururos casus. That is, but let it be that the Prophecies of the Prophets look another way, what thinks thou of the prophecy of John in the REVELATION that c • ncerneth thyself? Doeth thou not think that in some part at least it belongeth to thee? Hath thou so far lost shame & all feeling that thou dare deny the same, look therefore upon that prophecy, and read the damnation of the great whoor that sitteth upon many waters, & in her behold they fine deeds, and thy future fall; Therefore also said Bernard more particularly, Bestia illa de Apocalypsi cui datum est os loqui blsphemias, & bellum gerere cum sanctis. Petri cathedram o • cupat, tanquam leo paratus ad praedam. Epist. 125. That is, that beast spoken of in the Revelation, to whom a mouth is given to speak blasphemies, and to make war • against the saints, doeth now occupy Peters chay • e, as a lyon prepared for his prey.

By all which former famous testimonies of Romanists themselves, We see that Rome under papacy is presently, & hath been long ago, that mystical Babylon, and great Whoore that siteth upō many waters, and who is that great City spoken of Revel. 17.18. And that she is guilty of no less sins, but rather greater, nor ever she was guilty of in the time of the old Roman Emperors, both in the Head, and inferior clergy, which made him to be long ago to be declared▪ and avowed to be Antichrist, & his clergy to be Ministers of Antichrist, as Eberhardus Archbishope of Salisburg in a solemn imperial dyat at Reinsburg anno 1246. publicly professed. & as in ENGLAND, anno 1340. A worthy gentleman Gefrey Chaucer, of woodstok & Elm esquyre, Ambassador ofttimes from king Edward the third to foreign Princes, did plainly express in his poeme of the plough-man's tale speaking first of the Pope himself thus;

And thereafter of his Clergy he speaketh thus.

Attyred in all tyrrannie. So speaketh also Bernard of the Roman Clergy, ser. 33. in CANTICA. Omnes amici & omnes inimici, Ministri sunt Christ • sed serviunt Antichristo ; That is, All profess themselves to be friends, but are all foe • , they are called the servants of CHRIST, but they serve Antichrist.

From all the former we agree thus▪ Misticall Babylon (called the whore that siteth upon many waters) &c. Is the seat of Antichrist, as all do agree. But Rome under papacy is Misticall Babylon as hath been proven by Romanists thē. selves. Therefore Rome, under papacy is the seat of Antichrist.

CHAP. IX. Of the time when Antichrist should come and be revealed, 2 Thess. 2 7 8

H Aving spoken of the Place where Antichrist is. We are next to inquire of the tym when he should come & be revealed, which the Apostle declareth to be in these words When he that letteth (speaking of his own times) should be taken out of the way, and then that wicked man should be revealed, &c. To wit, Antichrists. Wherein we have two things to consider. First, What the Apostle meaneth by him who did then lett or hinder Antichrists rising and revealing. 2. Whether he who then did lett be taken out of the way.

First then Bellarmine acknowledgeth by the uniform consent of Fathers, and of latter writers, that by him who did then lett, the old Roman Empire as it was then in it grandeur and integrity, is understood; For who shall be taken out of the way, but the Roman state (saith Tertullian) whose taking out of the way by the division thereof amongst ten Kings shall bring in Antichrist, So also saith Ambrose, That after the decay of the Roman Empire, Paul saith that Antichrist shall appear ; So speaketh Cyril, Jerome ad Algasiam, Oecumenius, Theophy • act, Sedulius, Primasius, & Auselmus upon that place of Paul, and m • re remarkable Chrysostom, who saith That when the Empire shall be dissolved, he shall seize upon the vacancy, and shall challenge to himself the rule or government both Human and Divine, as Mantuan saith of the Pope, Ense potens gemino, &c. And as the Pope claimeth. Extrav. c. unam sanctam. Next, the same likewise doeth Romanists affirm, as Aquinas, Cajetan, Lyra and others upon this place of Paul.

It resteth then next to consider, If the • ld Roman Empire be taken out of the way (in so far specially as it did lett Antichrists coming or rising and appearing in his colors.) For probation whereof we have a cloud of witnesses.

First Haymo a german Archbishope, who lived anno 800. writing upon this place saith, The Apostle showeth that our LORD shall not come to judgment, till first a decay be of the Roman Empire, which we now see fulfilled (saith he) & that Antichrist doeth now appear in the World, who shall kill the Martyrs of CHRIST; Lyra likewise upon the same words of Paul, saith, That in his time (anno 1300) The whole Kingdoms of the World had already revolted from the Roman Empire, denying subjection or tribute thereto. Aquinas in like manner upon these words saith thus, That it was a sign of CHRIST'S coming, to wit, the rule over all the World of the Roman Empire, so it is a sign of Antichrists coming, to wit, the revolt of Countries frrm the Roman Empire, but (saith he) Countries have long since revolted from the Roman Empire, and now in place of of that temporal Monarchy hath succeeded one which is spiritual, into which the temporal is changed, That is, in plainer terms, that the Antichristian Monarchy foreprophecied by Paul is in the place thereof erected. Salmeron also the Jesuit (on 2. Thess. 2. dispute. 2. saith, The Roman Empire is long ago overthrown and divided in many Kingdoms, and as it were (saith he) altogether extinct. So that he who is now called the Roman Emperor is but a very smallest shadow (saith he) of the old Empire, in so far as he possesseth not the very City of Rome from which he is styled Roman (saith he.) The like doeth the Jesuits Justinian, Viega, and A • osta affirm, commenting upon Paulls words, with Stapulensis and others.

The Author likewise of Fasciculus tem • orum ; A Charter Monk showeth that this irrecoverable decay began, anno, 639. So that now (saith he) all the four Monarchies are decayed and there rests none now but that of Antichrists. Which decay in like manner when it began by the invasion of the Goths and Vandall's and became thereafter divyded into so many Kingdoms, There Paulus Iouius in the beginning of his History declareth, and saith, That at that time, Potentia Caesarū • ato cessit, or, the old Romā Empire expired and (as it were) gave up the ghost, (saith he) where I cannot omit, how that Bellarmine and others frō the Greek Article 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , that mā of sin, & son of perdition, would prove Antichrist to be an individual person▪ & not collective or successive government of many, to whom I must for answer, ask here, whether doeth the like article v. 7. praefixed before 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , He who letelh, denotat one individual Roman Emperor who then lived and did lett, or acollective & successive government of many singular Emperors, who were to come one after another, till the abolishing thereof, which therefore in the preceeding verse is called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 . And which I think no learned Romanist will have face to deny.

Now, as for the revealing of this man of sin, whereof Paul speaketh, There are two principal degrees; The first, when Boniface the third assumed to himself the supremacy over the whole universal Church, which he did when he usurped the title of Universal Bishope & Head of the Church, which his predecessor Gregory the first had declared to be Antichristian, and that he nor none of his predecessors had ever usurped the same, which was done about the year 607.

The second degree was when Boniface the eight (as their own author of Fasciculus temporm speaketh) In tantam arrogantiam seipsum erexit, ut Dominum totius mundi se diceret, tam in t • mporalibus, quam in spiritualibus, That is, (saith he) who exaltet • himself to that hight of pride▪ that he affirm •• himself to be the supreme Lord of the whole World, as well in temporal as in things spiritual. Which is that proper mark of Antichrist, whereof the Apostle speaketh 2. Thess. 2.4. & which Gregory also the first, setteth down in his moralls & expos • ō of Job, 29. of whom also Platina the Pops Secretary speaketh thus, Who endeavoreth (saith he) more to strick with terror, Emperors, Kings, Princes, Nations and People, then to promove Religion, and who attempted as it pleased him, to give or take away Kingdoms, and to depose Kings from them or restore them to them. Which is the Pops practice unto this day, and whereof their own Sigebert in his chronicle speaketh thus, Haec novitas, non dicam Haeresis nondum in mundo pullular •• . That is, before this time, this novelty, not to call it Haeresie, had not before that time sprung up in the World, which maketh this usurpation of supremacy over Emperors and Kings by Gregory the 7. (alias Hildebrand) and Boniface the 8. his successor, after the Thousand year of GOD, to be esteemed the second degree of the revealing of Antichrist : Whence it was, that (as their own Aventin reporteh, ) Plerique tunc Hildebrandum Antichristum esse praedicabant. That is, that sundry did preach that Hildebrand was Antichrist, and under the title of CHRIST'S vicar, did play the part of Antichrist▪ sitting in the Temple of GOD, and exalting himself above all that is called GOD, as if he were GOD: glorying also (said they) that he cannot err, and what ever he saith, that it is the Law of GOD. So that Omnes boni▪ aperti, justi, ingenui eo tempore Antichristi Regnū cepisse cernebant. That is, all good, plain, just, and ingenuous men, (saith he) saw that then began the Kingdom of Antichrist. We hold then that Antichrist was come, and first revealed himself in Boniface the Third, and thereafter came to his full growth and clearer revelation, in the person of Gregory the 7. and his successors, Boniface the 8. and others, in whose time Platina reporteth that there was such a terrible Earthquake that the like was never seen before and a dreadful Comet portending great calamity to come upon the World.

From all which former we frame this argument, how soon as the Roman empyre (which did lett in Paul's time) was abolished and taken out of the way, then Antichrist was to come: and thereafter to be revealed. But the Roman Empire which did lett in Paul's time, is many ages ago abolished, and taken out of the way: Therefore, many ages ago Antichrist is come, and revealed, and consequently is not yet to come, as the Papists do fancy.

The major proposition is contained in scripture. 2. Thess. 2.7.8. Expounded to be the Roman Empire by the general consent of Fathers and Romanists themselves, the assumption likewise is clearly proven by a cloud of witnesses of Romanists themselves in like manner, therefore the conclusion inevitablie followeth.

Having then seen 1. Who is Antichrist, for his person. 2. Where he is, for place, & 3. When he was come, for time, Followeth now 4. How he is to be known by his marks, and first.

CHAH X. Of Antichrists exorbitant & matchless Pride, in exalting himself above all that is called GOD. 2. Thess. 2.4.

T he first mark then whereby the Scripture deseriveth Antichrist to be known, is his exorbitāt & matchless pride, For which Gregory the first called him Rex superbiae, or the king of pride, and which pride the Apostle describeth in these words 2. Thess. 2.4. who opposeth & exalteth himself (saith he) above all that is called GOD, that is, (as saith their own Carthusian) above all creatures, that are either reputed or for some singular eminency are so called by participation of name only, and not of essence ; whom the Apostle 1. Cor. 8.5. distinguisheth in these who are either Earthlie or Heavenlie, saying, For though there be that are called gods whether in Heaven or upon Earth, &c. of which the earthly are princes, so called Psal. 82.6. & the heavenly are angels so called, Psal. 97.7.

Now to apply that the Pope exalteth himself above all Princes or Magistrates; that proud claim and decree of Boniface the 8. witnesseth: wherein he affirmeth that He is to judge all men, but is to be judged by none, and that all human creature whatsoever is to be subject to him under pain of damnation, and that he so far exceedeth the Emperor, as the sun doth the moon ; whereupon (as hath been said) the author of Fasciculus temporum. a charter Monk saith, That it was he tha • raised himself to such a hight of pride, as he called himself Lord of the whole World.

With this proud decree, so speaketh also his parasits, therefore saith Panormitan, The Pope (saith he) Habet subditas omnes creaturas, that is, he hath subject to him all creatures, and none may decline, nor appeal from his Jurisdiction. Cardinal Turrecremata likewise speaketh thus, As CHRIST got Dominion from his Father (saith he) above all principalities and powers, and over all creatures whatsoever that hath being, that all knees should bow to him▪ so hath he givē this full domini • & power to Peter and his Successors.

Where I cannot omit that which is related by that learned Italian, author of the history of the Council of TRENT. who speaking of Paul the fourth, telleth That he never spake with Ambassadors, but he thundered in their ears, (saith he▪) That he was above all Princes, and that he would not that any of them should be too homelie or familiar with him. That he could also change and dispose of Kingdoms, and was his successor who hath deposed Kings and Emperors, and did often repeat, for a beginning of the authority exercised by him, that he had made Ireland a kingdom, and went on so far (saith he) that in consistory, and at his table publicklie in the presence of many; He said, he would not have any prince for his Companion, but all subjects under this foot. (so he said, stricking it against the ground) as it is fit, and as it is his will who hath built the Church, and hath placed them in this degree.

Yea not only will he have kings and princes subject to him, and (as Platinae reporteth of Boniface the 8. as we have shown) at his pleasure will depose them from their kingdoms, or repone them; but likewise he will have them all to adore and worship him, as the supreme God on earth, (as Stapletoun and others style him. Therefore saith Blondus. Omnes Principes orbis terrarum Po • tificem u • Deum summum adorant. That is, All the princes of the World adore the Pope as the most high GOD. Whence it is, that their Carmelit Frier Baptista Mantuanus speaketh thus of him. Cujus vestigia adorant.

Caesar, & aurato vestititi murice Reges. Whence it is also that Stenchus speaking of the Emperor Constantins Donation of Rome to the Pope, saith, That at that tym Constantine adored the Pope as GOD. Platina likewise in the life of Steven the second telleth us how Pepin king of France at the Pops entry within his bounds kissed his foot and adored him, and Paulus Iovius, speaking of Charles the fifth his coronation at Rome, saith, That he religious • ie kneeling, and grooflings having kissed his foot, he adored or worshipped the Pope, (by a religious adoration, as CHRIST'S vicar upon earth. )

Ranulphus also in his polychronicon, and Baronius in his annal's, setteth down the manner of the Coronation of the Emperor Henry son to Fredrick by Pop Celestin the third. That sitting in his pontifical Chair, he held the imperial Crown between his feet, and when the Emperor bowing his head lowly had taken it up, and it was put upon his head▪ The Pope presently with his foot stricking of the Crown, cast it down upon the ground in token that he had power, if he deserved, to depose him there from: and then the Cardinals taking it up, set it again upon the Emperors Head, which made Matheus Parisiensis say of the forenamed Innocent, that he did know, and many ways had learned by experience; Quod Papa super omnes mortals ambitiosus erat & superbus. That is, That the Pope beyound all mortal men was the most ambitious and proudest. As likewise made that worshipful Gentleman, and great poet in his time Gefrey Chaucer, of whom we spoke before, to say of the Pope, as head of the Roman Church. in his plow-man's tale.

Yea not only is it enough that Emperors and Kings be subject unto him, & that he exalt himself above them, and that he make them kiss his foot, and kick off their Crowns off from their heads (though he be the Emperor) but lykwise when he pleaseth, to tread upon their necks, as Abbas Vrspergensis reporteth that Alexander the third, did to the Emperor Frederick at S. MARKS church in Venice. As also we have it set down in the book of sacred Ceremonies, That the Emperor or greatest Prince that is present at the Pops Coronation, is to carry his trayne that day, to hold his stirrup at his leaping on and lighting: and if he go in litter, to carry him on their shoulders, hold the basen to him, and bring in his first measse of meat. Whereof I may say, Is this the imitation of CHRIST'S humility which he recommended to His disciples? Or as Bernard said to Pope Eugenius, in the like case, did Peter so? or played Paul such prancks? when he was reprehending Eugenius for his pompous carriage and convoy, saying, Thou goeth in procession glistering with gold, and compassed about with such a variety of convoy, and by so doing what example getteth Christ's sheep or edifying? If I durst say, (saith he) it is the Devils pasture rather which they get, teaching them pride, nor Christ's, and thou may see that all ecclesiastical zeal is now hot, only for defending of wordly dignity (saith he) all men hunting after honor, but little or nothing after piety. Thus you see how the Popes pride, & his Clergies was painted out in Bernard's time near 500. years ago.

Next; let us see how the Pope exalteth himself above Angels, that are likewise called gods, Psal. 97.7. And first Rodevicus a Popish Bishop who was Constable of the castle of S. ANGELO in his Book called Speculum vitae humanae saith That the Pope is ordained to be above not only human but divine principalities, and not only to rule mortal men, but immortalls, not only men▪ but Angels. After which he applieth to the Pope places of scripture which speak only of GOD, in JOB. That he is one, and there is not a second, and again, Thou art mighty above the mightiest and wise in counsel, and elsewhere in Scripture, where it is said by the Prophet, to whō all power and dominion is given, & of whom David meaned, when he said he hath given him all power & dominion, & that all people and languages should be subject unto him. Of which blaphemous trash the reader may see more in the oration uttered before Pius the second, by the Deputies of Florence, registrat by Antonius bishop of that City, as also in that of Jacobus Tecano Chamberlain to Urban the sixth, and Alvarez Pelagius Penitentiarie to John the 22. As likewise in Augustinus triumphus, alias, de Ancona in his Book De potestate Ecclesiae, dedicat to John the 22. and thereafter to Gregory the 13. Printed at Rome, 1582. With the Popes privilege, and in Lancelotus Conradus his book of the same subject, approved by Pius the 4. And the Bishop of Bitonto in his Oration before the council of Trent, with diverse others.

Next we see that he exalteth himself above Angels in respect, as Johannes Faber saith, he permitteth himself to be adored, by religious adoration, as Paulus Iovius speaketh in the place before cited, which the Angel refused Revel. 22.9. because he was John's fellow-servant, & yet the Pope hypocriticallie calleth himself the servant of GOD'S servants; As also, whereas the Angels are only called holy, yet he is called in the abstract, Holienesse itself.

Thirdly, In the bull of Clement the sixth, in favors of these who should happen to die coming to his jubile, these were his words. We command the Angels to carry their souls into Abraham's bosom which bull is extant, registrat in the treatise of Johannes Phofferus Professor of divinity in Friburg. DE MATERIA INDULGENTIARUM, anno 1472.

From all the which former, we frame this argument, he who exalteh himself above all that is called GOD, is the Grand Antichrist, & man of sin, foretold of 2. Thess. 2.4. But the Pope doth this, as hath been clearly proven by Romanists themselves: Therefore the Pope is that Grand Antichrist and man of sin, foretold of 2. Thess. 2.4.

CHAP. XI. Of Antichrists sitting in the Temple of GOD, as GOD, Showing himself that he is GOD. 2. Thess. 2.4. And of his Names of blasphemy, Revel. 17.3.

H Aving shown how Antichrist exalteth himself above all that is called GOD. We come next to his sitting as GOD, in the Temple of GOD, showing himself that he is GOD, as the Apostle speaketh, 2. Thess. 2.4. That is, so far as any mortal man can in the hight of pride equal himself with GOD, which the Pope doeth 1. By usurping not only the Tytle of CHRIST'S vicar upon earth, that is, as it is said of Moses being to Aaron, instead of GOD, Exod. 4.16. But also 2. In usurping blasphemouslie the very name of GOD in the singular, which in the plural only is communicated to Kings and Princes, Psal. 82.6. As it was written upon that Triumphall Arch at Rome.

Therefore Panormitan calleth him Dominus Deus noster Papa And of late Stapleton in the Dedicatorie Epistle of his Treatise De principiis Doctrine. calleth Gregory the 13. Supremum Numen in terris, or the Supreame GOD upon earth, therefore saith Frossardus in his fourth • ome and tenth Chapter, That as there is but One GOD in Heaven, so there is no reasen but there ought in like manner, to be but one god only upon earth, to wit, the Pope. Wherefore, (as Platina recordeth) Pope Paul the second used to say, That he had all Laws in the cabinet of his own breast, & could rescind or approve the actions of all mē • according to his pleasure. Whence also that worshipful Gentleman forenamed Gefrey Chaucer speaketh thus of the Pope in his time, in his Plow-man's tale. Whence it is likewise that their own Cassander of late saith, Pontificem vero Romanum (quem Papam dicimus) tantum non Deum faciunt, ejusque authoritatem non modo supra totam Ecclesiam, sed supra ipsam scripturam divinam efferunt, & sententiam ejus divinis oraculis parem, imo infallibilem fidei regulam consti ••• nt. That is, They make the Roman Bishop, (whom we call the Pope) little less nor GOD, & extolleth his authority not only above the whole Church, but also above the holy Scriptures (which is to be above GOD) and maketh his sentence or decree equal to the Oracles of GOD, (& consequently himself to be equal to GOD,) yea to be the infallible Rule of Faith.

3. He showeth Himself to be GOD, and sit as GOD in the Temple of GOD, whill as he usurpeth the other Tytles that are only proper to GOD, a • . 1. To be Head of the Church of GOD, as Bellarmine styleth him, ascribing that unto him with other titles as followeth, which as it is contrar to holy scripture. 2. Cor. 11.2. Where CHRIST is called the One and only Husband of His Church, and consequently her only Head, so Gregory the first calleth it A devilish usurpation, under pretence of humility, by pride of a pompaticke title (saith he) to attempt so the subjecting of Christ's members to himself, as Head of the Church, quae omnia uni soli capiti cohaerent, (saith he) That is, all which cohere to one only head thereof, to wit CHRIST, and again writing to John patriark of Constantinople who began first to usurp the same, he saith If Paul eschewed that the members of the LORD'S body should be particularly subjected unto other heads beside CHRIST, altho they were Apostles, what will thou be able to answer at the strick Trial of the last judgment to CHRIST the Head of His Universal Church, who preasseth by the title of Universal Bishope to subject all these his members unto thee as head? which wickedness (saith he) what else is it but thereby to imita • him, to wit, Lucifer, who despysing the Legions of his follow Angels, joined with him, in one society; did attempt to mount above them to such a hight of singularity: That he likewise, would be under none; but he alone would be above all others: (which is, indeed, to sit, as God, in the Temple of God.) And, therefore, such Style Gregory declareth, to be not only proud and profane; but also Antichristian. And which none of my Predecessors (saith he,) Bishops of Rome, would ever consent to have: Neither I myself, would consent thereto, for what were this, else but to lose the Faith, (saith he;) and, to make ship-wrack thereof ▪

2. BELLERMINE styleth the Pope, The Husband of CHRIST'S Church: contrary to the place forecited, 2. Cor. 11.2, Of which saith BERNARD, to▪ Pope EUGENIUS; when he had told, That Christ is the only Husband of His Church: Wherefhre, (saith he,) call not his Beloved Spouse Thyne, and challenge thou nothing as proper to thee over her. And, which Title their canonized AQUINAS, LYRA, & LOMBARD; on 2. Cor. 11.2. showeth to be proper only to CHRIST alone; and without blasphemy, is not communicable to any.

3. Bellarmine, also, calleth the Pope General Father. A Title proper only to GOD: Therefore, saith Pope Gregory to John of Constantinople ; who first attempted to usurp that Style. How wilt thou answer in the Day of that Terrible Examination of CHRIST the Judge; who is to come, who deserveth to be called, not only Father, (saith he,) but also, The General Father of all?

4. By the same Bellarmine, in the place forecited, he is called That Corner Stone ▪ spoken of by Isai. cap. 28. proved, and precious ; which Title to be only proper to CHRIST; and without gross blasphemy, to be communicable to none, these Romanists beareth witness: To wit, Hugo de S. Charo, Pintus, and Perusin, on this place, rendering these Reasons: 1. Because he, and he only as a corner stone coupled together, both Jew and Gentile in one unity of Faith. 2. He is called PROVED, by the Passion of His Cross; which He only endured. 3. As, also, He is called PRECIOUS; In respect both of the Infinit Worth and Excellencie of His Person; being GOD and MAN: As likewise, by the Merit of His Sufferinges, whereby the world is redeemed.

He was called, That Light that came into the World: And, which the World received not by Cornelius Mùs, Bishop of Bitonto, in a public Oration, before the Council of Trent ; which is extant, and printed at Rome in Platea Parionis: which is spoken ( John 1.9.) only of CHRIST. And, which Tytle their own Lyra, Carthusian, and Ferus, showeth to belong only; and is competent to CHRIST.

So, likewise, (as Antoninus, Archbishop of Florence reporteth in his History, ) when the Sicilian Ambassadors asking pardon of Pope Martin the fourth, delyvered their Ambassage in these terms: saying▪ Agnus DEI qus tollis peccata mundi miserere nobis. The Pope accepting of this Tytle, replied disdaynfully: saying; In the terms whereby the Souldeours mocked CHRIST, Ave, Rex Iudeorum, & dabant illi alapas.

So that by assuming such Tytles proper only to GOD, and CHRIST JESUS, GOD and MAN; we see he sitteth as God, in the Temple of God: All which being so many Blasphemies, it is no marvel therefore, that, That Scarlet coloured Beast spoken of, Revel. 17.3. Is said, to be full of the names of blasphemies. Amongst which in express terms Gregory calleth the Tytle of Universal Bishop, Nomen Blasphemiae ; though there were no more than that name alone, to prove the Pope to be Antichrist.

From all which former, we reason thus, he that sitteth in the temple of God, as God, that is, as in God's stead claiming to be his vicar general, and who usurpeth alike Tytles with God, which are only proper to God: and in him are the names of blasphemy spoken of Revel. 17.3. Who also equalleth his decrees & traditions with the very oracles of God, he is the Antichrist.

But the Pope doth all this, as we have proven in all this preceeding Chapter, by the witnessing of Romanists themselves, Therefore, it followeth that the Pope is Antichrist.

CHAP. XII. Of the Popes, not only equalling himself with GOD; But extolling himself above GOD himself. Which is the hight of Antichristian Pryde, and Matchless Impiety.

H Aving shown, how the Pope exalteth himself against all that is called GOD, by participation only of name: And, equalleth himself, also, with him, who is GOD only, in Essence▪ Followeth, to show, How like Lucifer in his Meridian, or highest ascension, he extolleth himself, above GOD. 1. Extolling his Authority, over the Scriptures; which are the WORD of GOD: And, consequently, above GOD himself. 2. Making himself Judge over GOD'S WORD: And, what it saith is lawful. He saying; It is unlawful. 3. In taking from GOD'S WORD; and cancelling some of His Commandments. 4. In the contradicting in express terms GOD'S WORD: For which He is justly called Antichrist: That is, Con ••• rie in his Doctrine to CHRIST. And, 5. In dispensing against GOD'S WORD: And, allowing that which GOD'S WORD condemneth.

First, then, (as their own beforecited Cassander speaketh,) He extolleth his Authority above the Scriptures, which are GOD'S WORD; in so far (as Romanists teach;) That the Authority of the Church, (whereof he is head,) is above the Scriptures: And, that Scriptures must follow the Church, (as her Lackey;) and not the Church the Scriptures. Therefore, saith, Cardinal Cusanus; Sequuntur igitur Scripturae Ecclesians; sed non e converso. That is, Therefore, the Scriptures follow the Church: But not that the Church is to follow the Scriptures; Quare nec mirum (saith he,) si praxis Ecclesiae vno tempore inter interpretor Scripturam vno modo, & alio tempore, alio modo, nam intellectus currit cum praxi. That is, Therefore, it is no marvel, if the practice of the Church interpreteth the Scripture at one time, one way; and at another time, another way: For, the meaning of the Scripture runneth with the practice of the Church; in so far as, mutato judicio Ecclesiae, (saith he,) mutatum est & DEI judicium. That is, The Church changing her judgment; GOD must also, change His judgment. Then, which what can be greater exalting a • oue GOD, and Blasphemy?

Secondly; He extolleth himself above GOD; in so far as he maketh himself judge over GOD'S WORD. And, what it saith, is lawful: he saith, is unlawful. One example whereof in place of many, we have in the Popes Ca • on Law: Where it is said, speaking of seco • d Marriages; Secundam quidem accipere vxorem, secundum prec • ptum Apostoli (propter incontinentiam hominum,) licitum est, secundum veritatis autem rationem, vere fornicatio est. That is, TO MARIE a second wyf, according to the Apostles command, (because of men's incontinency,) it is, indeed lawful. But according to the rule of truth: it is truly fornication. So that he censureth the Apostles command, which is GOD'S, to command sin and uncleanness: And, not to be according to the Rule of Truth. Which is highest Pryde and Blaspemie: And, nothing else, but the mouth of the Dragon.

Thirdly; He extolleth himself above GOD; in so far, as he dareth to take from GOD'S WORD; and blot out some of his moral commandments. For example; The second Commandment forbiddeth three things: 1. The representing of GOD by any image: 2. The worshipping of any image: and, 3. Anie sign of religious adoration; as bowing down to them. Now, lest the poor people should find how far they are misled; and made to commit Idolatry, by worshipping of images. Therefore, in their Catechisms they have taken out the second Commandment of the moral law. Nay, they are become so shameless, when they are pressed with this Lurd Impiety: That the Jesuit Vasquez say • h; That▪ that prohibition was only a positive ceremonial law; Ideoque tempore legis Euangelica, (saith he,) debet cessare. That is; And, therefore, in the time of the Law of the Gospel, it ought to cease, (saith he,) as if Idolatry were but a ceremony; and that the Gospel did not forbid the same. Contrarie to 1. COR. 6.9.

Fourthly: He extolleth himself above GOD'S WORD, and HIS Commandments, in contramanding; and express contradicting of GOD'S WORD. Whereof the Apostle noteth Therefore, two of his Doctrines; to be Doctrines of Devils; In forbidding of marriage; and, commanding to abstain from meats, which GOD hath created, to be received with thanksgiving, of them which believe; and know the Truth; for every creature is good, (saith the Apostle,) and, nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving. Yet, on the contrary: Albeit of marriage, that the Apostle saith, It is honorable amongst all, and the bed undefyled. 1. The Pope saith, It is not so amongst all: Because not amongst the Clergy, to whom he hath therefore forbidden the same. 2. Neither is the bed of Marriage, a bed undefyled, (saith he,) Because it is the uncleanness of the flesh; and, they that are in the flesh, (saith he in his Decretal of the Canon Law,) cannot please GOD. Now, what doctrine this is; and, how opposite to GOD'S: The Apostle not only telleth us; But, also, that worthy Martyr, Ignatius, the disciple of John, in his sixth Epistle to the Philadelphians ; saying, Si quis legitimam commixtionem, & liberorum procreationem corruptelam, & pollutionem appellet, talis Apostatam illum draconem in se habitantem fovet. That is, If any man shall call lawful copulation in marriage, and procreation of children, to be carnality and pollution Such a one entertaineth that Apostat dragon dwelling in him, (which is the devil.) Lykewyse, His prohibition and commanding, to abstain from meats, at such or such times, for conscience sake▪ contrary both to GOD'S WORD▪ and Christian Liberty; what else is it, also: But, the same apostat dragons mouth? And, while as in like manner, any who shall transgress this his command concerning meats; or any other, which are called Precepta Ecclesiae, shall be, and have been more severelie punished than any who transgress the Commandments of GOD: What else is this, but the exalting himself above GOD?

I might instance here the whole Doctrines of Popery expresslie contradictory to the Doctrine of GOD'S WORD; As, The Forbidding the people to read the Scriptures: Expresslie contrary unto CHRIST'S Commandment, John 5.39. And, the Apostles, Col. 3.16. The Invocatio • of Saints or Angels. Contrarie to Rom, 10.14. Prayer. also in an unknown tongue. Contrarie to 1. Cor. 14.15. Representing GOD by any Image. Contrarie to Isai 40.18. The worshipping of Images, or bowing to them. Contrarie to Exod. 20.5. The doctrine of Freewill in our conversion. Contrarie to 2. Cor. 3.5. Justification by works. Contrarie to Rom. 3.21. The doctrine of Merit. Contrarie to Rom. 6.23. The doctrine of Purgatory : contrary to Revel. 14.13. Of Transubstantiation in the Sacrament: contrary to 1. Cor. 11.26. Of Keeping back the Cup. from the people: contrary to Matth. 26.27. and, 1. Cor. 11.28, And, Of the Mass: contrary to Heb. 10.14.

Fyftlie: He extolleth himself above GOD; by dispensing with the Law of GOD: Whereas it is a common received Rule; That no inferior can dispense with the Law of a Superior: but, on the contrary.

Now, that the Pope arrogateth to himself, this power to dispense with the Law of GOD; both the Romish doctrine, and the Popes practice conform doeth show.

And, first, for doctrine Angelus Clavasinus, in his Summa Angelica, giveth this reason, why the Pope dispenseth sometimes with GOD'S Law; Because we have the example of GOD Himself, (saith he,) that oftentimes he hath dispensed himself with his own law. And, the Pope may do all things, (saith Panormitan,) which GOD Himself may do. Lykewyse; The Pope may dispence against both the Old and New Testament, (saith he,) Cap. licet, n • m. 3. de feriis, f. 206. & Cap. 51. num. 4. de divertiis, f. 69. Imo Papa tollit jus divinum▪ dispensando contra Evangelium, (saith Petrus de Monte, in his Monarchia Papae. ) That is, The Pope may take away GOD'S Law, by his dispensation against the Gospel.

Next: For practice the forenamed Angelus Clavafinus, in his Summa Angelica, f. 241. relateth that Pope Martin, the fyfth, gave one a dispensation To marry his own sister: And, telleth us, That Sanctus Antoninus is a conjunct Recorder of this with him.

Lykewyse: Villa, Scotus, and Orbellis, all three on the fourth of the Sentences, reporteth; How that Pope Lucius dispensed with one Panormitan, to have two wives at once. Tho also, an Archbishop; Out of the plenitude of his power, (said they,) against the Apostle, 1. Tim. 2.3.

And, how the Pope of late dispensed with the king of Pole, Sigismund, to marry two sisters: As he did Henry the eyght before, to marry his brothers wyf, is notore to the whole world.

From all which former, I argue thus: He who extolleth himself, not only above all that is called God: But, also, above GOD himself: who is so in essence; He is that Grand Antichrist; That Man of Sin, in an eminent way; and son of Perdition ; As the SCRIPTURE testifieth.

But, the Pope doeth this many ways, as we have shown in this preceeding Chapter.

Therefore, He is that Grand Antichrist.

CHAP. XIII. Of Antichrists, or the Popes idolatry, and spiritual whoredom. Revel (17.6.

I N regard whereof Rome with her Papal Head, ( Revel. 17.6.) is called That Great Whoore, (and alluding to Her usual. and usurped Tytle of Mother-Church. ) She is called, The Mother of Harlots ; and, abominations of the earth: Being not only guilty herself of idolatry, (called spiritual whoredom;) But, also, being the propagater thereof to all other parts under her jurisdiction. So that she is like Jeroboam : Who not only sinned by Idolatry himself; but also made all ISRAELL to sin.

How guilty then, the Pope, and the Roman Church under him is hereof, we shall make manifest: 1. By their Adoration of Images. 2. By their Invocation of Saints and Angels: And 3. By their Adoration of the Hoste.

First, then, concerning the Adoration of Images; Decreed in their late Council of Trent, under Pius the fourth, Sess. 9. the doctrine; which by all their Schoolmen is asserted, (as testifieth their own Bishop Peresius, ) is this; That Images are to be worshipped, with the same worship as these whom they represent. And therefore, the Images of GOD and CHRIST, are to be worshipped, with the highest Divine Honor; which they call LATRIA. Which doctrine these who are here after named do maintain: To wit, Their canonized Saint, Thomas Aquinas. parte. 3. q. 25. art. 3. Alexander de Hales. part. 3. q. 30. art. vlt. Azorius, instit. moral. l 9. tit. 1. c. 6. Bonaventure, in tertiam Sent. Dist. 9. Cabrera in tertiā Thomae, q. 25. art. 3. disp. 2. num. 34. Jacobus Atlantus, in Rom. 1. f. 42. edit. venet. 1557. with dyvers others.

The Jesuit Vasquez, in like manner, disputeth the • uestion, and concludeth; That if the worship of Images, be a religious act at all, it may justly be called LATRIA: For LATRIA and Religion, are the same thing, (saith he.) And, so saith their Bishop Peresius likewise, in the place forecited. And, as for such subtle distinctions; whereby they would palliat their Idolatry. They are such, (as Bellermine speaketh; which neither themselves understand, who have broached them. And, far less the unlearned people, (saith he.) And, especially, that of DULIA; The Scripture witnessing, That the religious act thereof, is proper to GOD only, Deutr. 6.13. 1. Sam. 7.3. and Act. 20.19. And, when it was given to any creature, it was ever counted Idolatry, GAL. 4.8.

And, as this is their Idolatrous do • trine, concerning the sort of Adoration. So, likewise, concerning the extent, or termination there of; Thus saith Bellarmine: To wit, That images are to be worshipped properly: That is, As they are considered in themselve • ▪ So that the worship stayeth itself in the Image, (saith he.) For, if the Image were not to be worshipped; but vnproperlie. To wit, Because before it, or in it, or by it that which it representeth, is adored. Then, surly, it might be simply denied, (saith he,) That Images should be worshipped at all.

Next: To come to the practice of Adoration of Images: It is more than manifest, (saith their own Cassander,) Then can be expressed by words; that the worship of Images, is come to that hight: That the very Pagans themselves have given to their Idols. Neither is that excuse of any worth, (saith he.) Which some use to pretend, that they worship not the Images, but them whom they represent, for this color the Pagans also used for their idolatry as we see in Arnobius (saith he) and may be also seen in Aug. l. 3. de doct. Christ. c. 7. and elsewhere. And which excuse likewise BELLARMINS forecited words refuteth, where he saith, That if the Image were not to be worshipped, but improperlie: Because before it or in it; or by it that which it representeth is adored. Then, surly, it might be simply denied, (saith he,) that Images should be worshipped at all; yea, the same is come to that hight of madness (saith their own Polidor Virgil.) That this part of Religion is little different from impiety itself, for there are very many so exceeding rude and stupid (saith he) who worship images made of stocks & stones, brass and marble &c. not as representing figures, but as if they had sense and feeling, and confide more in these (to whom specially they go in Pilgramage) then in Christ Himself.

Yea, some dote so upon images (saith their own Gabriel Biell) that they believe a certan Deity, grace or holienes to be in them, whereby they are able to work miracles, restore health, and deliver from dangers, and to preserve from hurts and snares, out of the confidence of the forenamed, being moved to worship them, that they may obtain some of the former things: Whence also it is (saith he) that they oblige themselves to undergo Pilgramages▪ some to this and some to that Church, according as they respect the images, believing that this image in such a place is of greater virtue than in another, and is more famous for miracles, & of greater power, (a cleir example whereof we have in the pilgramages to our lady of Loretto & Hales) And if at any time miracles be wrought upō men who have recourse to them, this is not by virtue of the image (saith he) but some times by the operation of the Devil, to d • ceiue such idolatrous worshippers, GOD so permitting, and their infidelity so deserving the fame.

CHAP. XIV. Of the Popes or Antichrists bloody cruelty, Revel. 17.6.

O F Antichrist his Bloodie Crueltie, John speaking Revel. 17.6. Sayth thus, And I saw the Woman drunk with the blood of the Saints and Martyrs of Jesus, which to be true of the pope, I will, 1. instance their famous forecited Petrarch in the third Chapter of this Treatise, & in that Epistle of his, wherein he deploreth the calamity of the city of Rome, & speaking of the Pope and his Clergy there, saith to his friend to whom he writeth, being then at Rome, There thou seeth (saith he) not only CHRIST'S Adversarie (meaning the Pope as Antichrist) but which is more grievous to see, under the Banner of Christian profession, fighting against CHRIST, and drunk with his Blood (to wit, by persecution of his Saints.)

Bernard likewise in his first sermon of Paul's conversion crieth out thus, Heu, heu, Domine Deus, quia ipsi sunt in persecutione tua primi, qui videntur in Ecclesia tua primatum deligere & gerere principatū, That is, Alas, alas, LORD GOD, that these are first in the persecution of Thee, who are seen to love the primacy in thy Church, and to have the chief place, (meaning the Pope) and thereafter to clear himself more particularly and plainly he saith, Egressa est haec iniquitas à senioribus judicibus, Vicariis tuis, qui videntur regere populum tuum, that is, This iniquity is come forth from the eldest that are Judges, even these that pretend to be thy vicars, and who seem to govern thy people.

In-like-manner that charter Monk, who is author of Fasciculus temporum, he crieth out upon the 900. year of CHRIST, saying, O worst times that ever were (saith he) wherein the godly man doth perish, and truth is decayed amongst the sons of men, and after rehearsal of other vices in the Roman sea, he saith, O what persecution is now? Alas, what company, what Assemblie, yea, what man may be now secure.?

Likewise Platina the Popes Secretary in the life of Silvester the third showeth, That in these times good men were oppressed by the Popes, who had entered in by pride and Simony, and which fashion (saith he) I wish our times had not observed, and except GOD prevent it we are to see worse.

An example whereof both he in the life of Pope Honorius the second setteth down, as also the Abbot Tritemius in his Chronicle, Platina telleth us thus, That one Arnolphus, Christianae religions praedicator egregius, that is a notable preacher of the Christian religion, whom (saith he) many of the Roman Nobility did follow as a true disciple of CHRIST, and as a Prophet, was killed by the Clergy at Rome, Quia acerbe nimium in eorum lasciviam & libidinem inveheretur, & quia eorum pompam & in comparandis divitiis nimium studium improbaret, &c. Hunc laudibus ad Coelum tollebant, hinc odium, hinc irae, in perniciem been sentientis usque ad necem excitatae. That is, because he vehementlie enveyed against their voluptuousness & lusts, and because he reproved their pride and their too great care to gather riches, whō the Roman Nobility extolleth therefore with praises to the very heavens, but hence was the Cleargies hatred against him, hence was their wrath stirred up against him, who did rightly think of these things (saith he) even to the very murthering of him.

The like may be said of that famous Jerome of Sauanarola, whom for the same cause thy burned in ashes, as is said of him. Periit ignivomis Sa • anarola rogis. Hence it is also that Michael Cecaenas (above 400 years ago) General of the gray Friers, or order of S. Francis, in his book, Contra tyrannidem Papae complaineth, That there were two Churches, the one of the wicked, which then flowrished, & over which the Pope doth reign (saith he) and the other of godly and good men which the Pope (saith he) doth persecute. which made likewise that forecited worshipful Esquyre and famous Poët in his time Chaucer to speak thus of the Pope and his Clergy.

Whence it is likewise that the forecited Arch bishop of SALISBURG Eberhardus in his oration before the imperial meeting at Reinsburg, anno 1246. Said of the Pope avowedlie, Under the title of High Priest and chief Pastor (saith he) except we be blind, we may see a most cruel devouring Wolffe.

And yet no marvel that they were so cruel against the faithful witnesses of CHRIST in former times, who opposed them, (as we see foreprophecied, Revel 11.7.) When they were so cruel each one against another, as Platina witnesseth in the life of Sergius the third, who took the dead carkise of his Predecessour Formosus out of the grave, and as he had been alive beheaded him, and thereafter did cast the trunck o • his body into Tiber, whereupon saith Platina, See how far the Popes did degener from their Predecessors, who being most holy men and giving themselves to prayer, and preaching of Christian doctrine refused any such dignity when it was offered, but these (saith he) hunting after the Popdome by Simony and ambition, and having so attained thereto, misregarding all worship of GOD, Inimieitias non secus ac sevissimi quidam Tyranni inter se exercebant. That is, They did exercise hatred & cruelty one against another amongst themselves, no less than the most cruel Tyrants that ever were, (saith he)

What bloody wars likewise they stirred up thorough all Christendom, that Noble Roman Vall • as the Abbot Tritemius calleth him, telleth us in his treatise of Constantins counterfite donation▪ in the end thereof: saying, Papa & ipse bella pacatis populi • infert, & inter civitates & principes bella & discordias serit that is, The Pope both warreth himself against peaceable people, and soweth discord & wars amongst cities and princes, whereupon he (about the middle) exclameth thus. O Romani Pontifices • xemplum facinorum omnium caeteris Pontificibus, O improbissimi Scribae & Pharisei qui seed • is super cathedram Moysi, & opera Dathan & Ahiron facitis. That is, O ye Bishops of Rome who are an example of all most wicked crimes to all other Bishops, O most wicked Scribes and Pharisees who sitteth in Moses chair, and yet doeth the works of Dathan and Abiron. The instance of the truth whereof may be seen in that Tragicall History between the Emperor Frederick the second and Gregory the nynth, set down truly and impartially by Pandolphus an Italian & Romanist, concerning which (saith that author) When I consider with myself that CHRIST (whose vicars the Roman B • shops boasteth themselves to be) said to his disciples that they should follow Him, and imitate his example as their Master and Teacher, and commanded them further that they should not draw the sword, but put it up in the sheath, &c. And when I compare the Bishops of Rome, how near they follow Him whose vicars they say they are, & considereth so many and great conspiracies, treasons: & rebellions stirred up by them. &c. And when I meditate with myself the destruction of so many great and famous Cities, the subversion of such Common-Wealthes, the slaughter of so many men, and effusion of so much Christiā blood. &c. I am persuaded with myself to think and believe that to be true (saith he) which Aeneas Sylvius writeth in his history of Austria, that there is no great and notable destruction, no notorious & special calamity that hath happened either to the Common-Wealth, or to the Church of GOD, whereof the Bishops of Rome have not been the authors.

And as for the Popes cruelty against the poor Waldenses the author of Fasciculus temporum, a charter mo • k, telleth us in the life of Innocent the third, that an hundredth thousand of them wer partly s • ayne, and partly put to flight by the Earl of Montferrat the Popes General, of whom their own Reynerus testifyth, That they lived before men both piouslie and justly, and helieved all things rightly concerning GOD, and the articles of the Creed, only that they hated and spake evil of the Church of Rome, calling her the malignant Church, and that whore spoken of in the Revelation, and which sort of people (saith he) are thought to have continued from the very Apostles times, and were spread abroad in all places, for (as Yhuanus telleth us in the preface of the History of his time) being overcome by arms, they fled for refuge, some into the country of Provence and to the Alps bordering upon France, and found in thes • places refuge for their lives & doctrine, a part also went into Calabria & continued there long (saith • e) till the time of Pius the fourth, a part passed also into Germany, and dwelt amongst the Bohemians, some also went to Pole and Live-land, and others turning Westward (saith he) found refuge in Britane.

A notable example of which bloody cruelty against the remainder of these Waldenses, We read in the history of the council of Trent. anno 1545. While that bloody council was sitting, who inhabiting the Alps of Provence were suddenlie and unexpectedlie pursued by the President of the Parliament of Aix, Who neither having Weapons, nor thought otherwise than by flight to defend thenselves, all such who could not fly, but stood to their mercy, without sparing old or young, of what age or condition soever, they slew above 4000. persons who without making defense begged for mercy, & razed the Countries of Cabriers in Provence and Merindoll, in the County of Viinoifin ; wherein they formerly had their abode.

From which time of that bloody cruelty against the Waldenses, what also hath been likewise used against John Huss & Jerome of Prague, and these who after thē they called Hussits in BOHEMIA, & Lollards in ENGLAND; The History of the council of CONTSANCE, and of the BOHEMIAN wars by the Emperor Sigismund and the popes Emissaries, written by Aeneas Sylvi{us} afterward Pope. As also the annalls of ENGLAND, can testify, and though the exact number of them be not set down who suffered death & torments for the Truth in several places, yet it is certain that in less than 300. years, their number far exceeded thē who suffered in the times of of the ten Heathen persecutions. As Sanders the priest maketh mention in his book of the Churches visible Monarchy. AND from the rising of the Jesuits to the year 1580. which was little more to that time nor 30 years, Baldwin de A • christo counteth almost nine houndreth thousand to have been put to death. The Duke of Alva likewise used to glory that in few years in the Low-countries he had cut off 36000. Hugenots, as Junius likewise and Tilenus testify. Paulus Vargerius also a Roman Bishope (who best knew the same) testifieth that in the inquisition in the space of 30. years, 150000. were destroyed, as Downam of the Antichrist showeth.

The Author likewise of the History of the Council of Trent, declareth that at Pope Paul the fourth his instigation, and by the great persuasion of the Cardinal of Loraine for the French, and of Granuell Bishope of Arras for the Spaniards, in a very short time, before the year 1558. 50000. were executed for religion by the hand of the Hangman in the Low-countries, besides these huge multituds that suffered in France in the reign of Henry the second, and his son Francis, who succeeded as well in his Fathers cruelty: as in his kingdom, and who having appointed the Inquisitor Antonius Democares to discover them of the religion, by the instigation of George Cardinal of Armignac destroyed in Paris Poytou, Toulouse and Aix of PROVENCE, and other places so great a number as could scarce be counted, and for discovery of such they caused the pict ure of the Virgin MARIE, and of saints to be placed in every corner of PARIS, and throughout all FRANCE, and men to stand by them▪ with little boxes to ask alms for buying wax candles to be burnt before them, and whosoever refused to give, or bowed not to these images in passing by, was taken for a Hugenot & committed to prison, what cruelty was used likewise by Philip the 2. in Spain against Johannes▪ Pontius Count of Bayleno who with a preacher and many of the College of S. Isidor, wer burnt as Heretiks, may be seen in the forenamed History of the Council of Trent, also against Constantius Pontius confessor to Charles the 5. and 13 Noblemē. and 28 of the prime Nobility of Valladolid who were burnt in his presence, all done by thy Popes instigation.

As also that bloody decree of Charles the 9. king of FRANCE in July 1562. by the Parliament of Paris is not to be omitted, whereby it was decreed that it should be lawful to slay all the Hugenots, which by public order was read every sunday in every parish Church declaring them Rebells, public enemies, infamous, and all their posterity, and their goods confiscate. Hist. of the Council of Trent, LIB. 7. p. 648.

I omit the particularizing of the bloody wars of Germany, in the time of Charles the fifth Emperor, recorded by Sleidan. The bloody persecution likewise of queen Marie in ENGLAND, which the book of Martyrs reporteth▪ That never enough detestable massacre of Paris also; wherein as Thuanus witnesseth were killed 30000 protestants and above. The intended cruelty inlikemanner of that Spanish Armado, anno 1588. The Gun-powder Treason of England likewise. The bloody wars and of long continuance in Germany of late, and the Rebellion also and cruel massacre of protestants in Ireland, all stirred up by the Pope, and plotted by his Conclave at Rome.

So that justly it may be said, as Revel. 18.24. That in Her was found the blood of the LORD'S Prophets, and of his Saints, and of all that have been slain upon the earth.

CHAP. XV. Of Antichrists, or the Popes spiritual Merchandise or Simony, Revel. 18.13.

T O put a further Mark upon that Mystical Babylon and Her Antichristian Head, Revel. 18.13. It is shown with what Merchandise her Merchants should traffeque, amongst which is recounted last, as the most special to sum up all, The Souls of men, or practice of that horrible sin of Simony; in making merchandise of Spiritual things which concerneth men's souls and salvation. And which the Pope doth both by buying, and next by selling, as we shall show by Romanists themselves.

First then to begin at buying spiritual offices, and the highest of them, the Popedom itself, let that famous testimony of Platin • the Popes own Secretary make the same manifest, who in the life of Sylvester the third saith thus, That these who most exceeded in pride and brybrie attained to that degree of dignity, all good men being born down & rejected▪ which custom (saith he) I wish our times had not keeped, but this is but little, and except GOD preven • it, we are see worse times, (saith he) & to show it was an ordinar way of climbing up to the Popedom. In the lyf of Benedict the 4. (he saith) That the Popes of that age were rather Monsters than men, a quib{us} ambitione & largitione Petri sedes occupata est, poti{us} quā possessa, that is, by whō Peters most holy chair was rather usurped than justly possessed. Wherupon in the life of another Pope, Sergius the third, he exclaimeth, saying, See then how far these later Bishops of Rome have degenerate from their predecessors, who being most holy men contemned that honor when it was willingly offered unto them, being wholly given to prayer and preaching, whereas these later (saith he) neglecting divine worship, and seeking and attaining to the Popedom by pride and Simony, have exercised such inimitie amongst themselves, like so many cruel tyrants. &c. The like he testifieth in the life of Stevin the sixth, as also Onuphrius Panvinius doeth the same in the life of Gregory the sixth and others.

Glaber also a Monk about the year 1047. who dedicat his history to Abbot Odilon speaking of Sylvester the Third, saith thus. Now the Pope of Rome the Nephew of his Predecessors Bennet and John is a Child about ten years old, Intercedente thesaurorum pecunia. That is, by the means of a treasure of monies (saith he) by which means likewise he telleth that the rest of the prelates in the Roman Church were advanced, Quos aurū potius vel argentum exaltabit quaem meritū, whereupon he concludeth saying, Pro • dolor de his evidentissime scriptura ait, imo os ipsius DEI, principes extiterunt, & non cognovi. That is, Alas for grief, for of these the scripture (yea, GOD'S own mouth) speaketh most clearly, they became Rulers, but not by me, and I did no • know it, that is acknowledge them. This Sylvester the third, Bennet the ninth▪ and Gregory the sixth, Platina in the life of Gregory the sixth calleth Triateterrima monstra, that is, three most wicked monsters, and of that Sylvester saith, Lyke a Thief and Robber he entered not by the door, but by the postern. Cardinal Baronius also calleth these three, Tricipitem bestiam portis inferi emergentem, That is; That three headed beast, or Cerberus that came from the gates of hell, & yet were in their times counted and called, the heads of CHRIST'S Church. From this wicked practice of Simony, Petrus Damianus Bishope of Ostia took occasion to complain, that Peter who by a perpetual curse damned Simony before, was uow forced to set up a shop of Simoniak trade, and in these verses to cry out.

This also made a Monk Bernard In his satyrs, wherein he poynteth out the Pope and his Simoniak clergy: to cry out likewise, saying. Next; for selling spiritual and ecclesiastical Offices and other things. First let their famous Bernard and Abbot of Clarevall speak, who saith in his sixth sermon upon the 91. psalm. Ipsa quoque Ecclesiasticae dignitatis officia in turpem quaestum & tenebrarum negotium transiere, nec in his salus animarum, sed luxus queritur divitiarum. That is, the very offices of ecclesiastic dignities are turned to filthy gain & the work of darkness, neither in these is sought the salvation of souls, but the abundance of riches.

Whence it is that Baptista Mantuanus their carmelit Frier in his book, De calamitatibus temporū speaketh thus of Rome,

That is, all things are sellable at Rome. Churches, and priesthoods, altars and other sacred things, shaven crowns, purgatory fire, incense and prayers, yea, Heaven and God Himself is there to be sold.

Agreeable hereunto speaketh Clenard in his Epistle, being professor in Lovane, and thereafter in Portugal, saying,

Their famous Petrarch likewise in his Epistle whose title is, Calamitatem Romae deplorat, and which hath been before cited, speaketh thus, Do they not (saith he) buy, sell, and make merchandise of CHRIST Himself? Whose Name night and day they extol with praises, & clotheth his Images with gold and silver. Marsilius Patavinus Inlikemanner anno 1320. in the 24. Chapter of the second part of his book, entitled Defensor pacis, saith thus, These who have visited the Church of Rome, which I may more truly call a shop of traffic, and an horrid den of thieves, (saith he) they shall see plainly that it is become a receptacle of all villainies, & Merchants for all wares both spiritual and temporal, a very haven for all Simoniaks. So also speaketh that noble and learned Roman Laurentius Valla in his book, De donatione Constantini, saying of the Pope, That he was not only a devourer of the People, and not only destroyeth the Cōmonwealth, which Verres, nor Catelin, nor any robber durst. Sed & rem Ecclesiasticam & Spiritum san • tum questui habet, quod Simon ill • Magus etiam detestaretur, That is, but also he expoundeth to gain ecclesiastical things, yea the very Holy Ghost, which Simon Magus himself would detest. Inlikemanner Theodoricus Vricus of the order of the Augustine Monks, in his first book, De consolatione Ecclesiae, dedicat to the Emperor Sigismond, saith thus.

Which is Englished thus.

And if we will hear a Popes own confessiō to wit Pius secund{us} who before he was assumed to the Popedom & was called Aeneas Sylvius in his fourth epistle to John Peregall his procutor then ar Rome writteh thus, There is nothing which the Court of Rome giveth without money (saith he) for the very imposition of hands and gifts of the Holy Ghost are sold, neither is the remission of sins bestowed upon any (saith he) but upon such as give money for the same.

And Platina the Popes secretarie, in the life of Boniface the ninth, telleth us that the Popes plenary indulgences were everywhere so ordinarlie sold, that the authority of the keys and Apostolic letters was altogether vilifyed.

And of late Claudius Espenceus a spanish Bishope, setteth down in his Commentar upon the first of Titus & second digression, a list of the many Tricks and devyces of the court and chancerie of Rome, by gross Simony to draw in money, referring these who desire further information herein, to the book called Taxa cancellariae Apostolicae, & Taxa penitenti • ria, printed at PARIS by Tousant Denis, anno 1520. Wherein every sin or crime whatsoever is rated, for obtaining of remission thereof. The like practice of Simony and merchandise of spiritual things doth Lodovious vives regrait, upon Augustine's eighteenth book of the City of God, and the 22 Chapter. As likewise the worthy▪ English Esquyre Gefrey Chaucer of Woodstock, in his plow-man's tale, 400 years ago, saying of the Popes Clergy.

Whence it is that the Abbot of Vrsperg in his Chronicle and life of Philip the Emperor saith, That the waterfloods of all the treasures of the earth did flowe to Rome, to quench her insatiable thirst of money, as her Chancery & penitentiarie courts sufficiently can testify.

Hence it was that in the reign of Henry the third of ENGLAND, it was found (beside large accidents) that the Popes set rent in England was equal to the Kings, to wit, at that time 60000. merks, as the Monk Matthew of WESTMINSTER in his Flores historiarum, reporteth in the year, 1245. Beside that he exacted of all Residenters at their benefices the third thereof, and from non-Residents the half of their yearelie rent and the goods of all who died untested. Duarenus likewise a French Lawyer and Romanist in his book Pro desensione libertatis Ecclesiae gallicanae, witnesseth that in the time of Pius the third, the Pope drew out of FRANCE in one year for dispensations, pluralities of benefices, and the like; seven and twenty hundredth thousand crowns.

CHAP. XVI. Of Antichrists or the Popes lawless and most wicked Life, 2. Thess. 2.3.

F OR which respect Anchrist is called ( 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 ) That Man of sin, by way of Eminencie or excess therein, and v. 8. That lawless and wicked one, who as he professeth in his Cannon Law, (dist. 40 cap. 6. Si Papa &c.) Is to judge all but to be judged by none, altho he should not only go to Hell himself, but also lead innumerable troops of People with him.

Whence it is that of Benedict the ninth, Platina and Onuphrius reporteth, after his death he appeared to sundry in an horrid and monstrous shape telling he had been such a Pope, and being asked how, or why he did so appear, he answered, Quia in vita Exlex & sine ration vixi, that is, because I lived lawless, and as an unreasonable beast (said he) whence it is also, that Laurentius Valla that noble and learned Roman before cited, and channon of S. Lateran, speaketh thus, Nulla itaque usquam religio, nulla sanctitas, nullus Dei timor, & quod referens quoque horresco, omnium scelerum impii homines a Papa sumunt excusationem, That is, There is no religion at all to be seen, no holienes, no fear of God, and which I tremble also to speak of all sort of wickedness, wicked men from the Pope himself maketh their excuse.

To come then in particular, to the sins whereby it is evident that the Pope is that lawless and awe-less wicked one, or man of sin foreprophecied: in place of many (already spoken of) I shall mention two only main ones, whereby he resembleth Satan, (the vicar of whose power he is) to wit, cruelty and uncleanness, as Satan is called an unclean Spirit, and Murderer from the beginning, of the which sin of cruelty and blood-thristines, having spoken before, It resteth now only to speak of the other, the sin of uncleanness, whereof their own Carmelite Frier Baptista Mantuanus thus speaketh.

Englished thus,

Which made also their own most noble Petrarch in his Epistle, entitled, De inameno occiduae Babylonis statu, speak thus of that bestial (and scarce to be named amongst Christians) sin of Sodom, Hic Tauro supposita pasiphae mixtum{que} genus (quod Maro ait) prolesque biformis, veneris monumenta nefandae &c. Qui jam pontificalis lasciviae ludi sunt (saith he)

Particular instances of which sins of uncleanness I shall only relate out of their own most famous Authors, as first, Sergius the Third who succeeded Formosus, whose dead body (as hath been said) he untombed, beheaded, and cast into Tiber, was a most unclean beast, abusing his body with a most famous strumpet Marozia upon whom he begot, (as Onuphrius telleth us) John who afterward succeeded Pope, by the name of John 11. or as Platiua counteth John the 10.

After which forenamed Sergius succeeded John the Tenth, (or as Platinae counteth the Nynth, elected to be Pope (by their own Onuphrius testimony) by the means of a most notable strumpet, Theodora daughter of Marozia, who burnt in excessive lust with him, &c who was thereafter strangled by the means of Marozia, Sergius harlot, that so her son John the eleventh, (or as Platina counteth the tenth) might come to the Popedom.

This John likewise son to Pope Sergius by his harlot Marozia, by her means coming to the Popedom, had his life suitable also to his birth and entry, his life being wicked and his death violent. Which maketh their own Cardinal Baeronius in his tenth Tome of his Annalls, anno 912. art. 3. cry out thus, Quae tunc facies Ecclesiae Romans? quam foedissima, cum Romae dominarentur potentissimae aeque ac sordidissimae meretrices? quarum arbitrio mutarentur sedes, darentur Episcopy, & quod auditu nefandum est, intruderentur in sedem Petri earum amaesii, That is, O what face then had the Church of Rome, how filthy? wherein did rule and domin most powerful and most filthy Whoores, at whose pleasure Bishops were made, and transplantation from one sea to another, and which is most horrible either to be heard or spoken that their Whoore. masters should be by them intruded even into Peters chair.

After this wicked Monster John the eleventh, succeeded in short time John the twelth a boy of eyghteen years of age (as Baronius reporteth) by simony of his parents, who from his youth (as both Platina and Onuphrius reporteth) Was defiled with all manner of wickedness, being given (saith Platina) only to dycing, hunting, and whooring, so that it is reported that this wicked Monster (saith he) was stricken thorough in the very act of Adultery by the woman's Husband, whom he had abused, a famous husband indeed himself to the spouse of CHRIST'S Church upon earth.

After this Monster of wickedness, succeeded shortly Boniface the Seventh, by strangling (as Onuphrius reporteth) of his predecessor, a most sacrilegious Thief and Monster of cruelty (as Platina calleth him,) as well as of uncleanness. (a famous Pope indeed, to be called his holienesse.)

After whom in short time stepped up to the Popedom, Sylvester the Second, Who (as Platina and others do witness) gave himself wholly by paction to the Devil to attain to the Popedom, whose Body at last being rent and torn in pieces by the Devil, at his own direction beforehand, was laid upon a Cart and carried to the Church of S. LATERAN, where it was buried, and where before the death of any Pope since, his tomb is seen to sweat, (saith Platina ) and a collision or rumbling of his bones is heard. (A worthy head indeed of such a body as is the Church of CHRIST.)

Afterward succeeded Benedict the ninth Who was a Monster of all sorts of wickedness, and who after his death (as hath been said) appeared in so monstrous and ugly a shape, and declared that it was, because he had lived lawless and awles: and (as Baronius reporteth) who attained to the Popedom by simony of his parents, being only twelve years of age.

After Benedict the ninth, succeeded Sylvester the Third, Who entered (saith Platinae) not by the door, but like a Thief and Robber came in by the postern.

After him in likemanner succeeded Gregory the sixth, whom Platina with the former two, calleth Tria teterrima Monstra, and Cardinal Baronius the three headed Cerberus, and yet heads of the Church of CHRIST.

After this Gregory the sixth, in short time succeeded Gregory the seventh, called before Hildebrand, or more rightly, a Hells-brand, Whom the Council of Brixia accused of these wicked crimes following, (as the Abbot of Vrsperg reporteth) to wit, Simony and intrusion, sedition, adultery, sacrilege, murder. perjury, witchcraft, & necromancie, & therefore accordingly adjudged him worthy to be deposed.

Thereafter did Boniface the Eight succeed in the Papal sea, who (saith Platina) Strove more to shake with terror Emperors, Kings, Princes, Nations, & people, then any ways make them religious, (far contrary to CHRIST'S example or PETERS, whose vicar or successor he • claimeth to be) and of whom that Charter Monk, author of Fasciculus temporum, saith, That he entered like a fox, he lived like a lyon, and died as a dog.

But what shall I say of that notable Whoore and crafty Strumpet, who was Pope under the name of John the sevēth▪ whose villainy & vile uncleannes, was discovered by her bearing her birth on the very opē streets of Rome, by God's special providence, while she was going in procession to the church of Lateran, between the Theater called Colossum, & S. Clements Church, which thereafter since that time, Detestandi facinoris causa (saith Platina ) never any Pope went, and for preventing the like whereof in time coming that hole in the Chair wherein the Pope elected is first set, was devised, that by the last Deacon his genetalls may be handled for declaring him to be of the Masculine sex, as is reported by Platina, Martinus Polonus, Sigebert, Fasciculus temporum, and a cloud of many more popish historians.

Likewise may be added that incestous Monster. Alexander the sixth with his own daughter Lucretia, Whose Epitaph was this.

Whose life, as Guicciardin testifieth in his history of Italy was nothing else, But an acting of all monstrous uncleanness, immoderate ambition, pestiferous perfidy, unheard of avarice, (saith he) & most horrible cruelty.

I could recite many more examples, but these may suffice, so that it is most true which the Jesuit Pererius speaketh of Antichrist, that inwardly and in secret Super omnes voluptuarius & libidinosus erit, externa vero conversatione castitate mentietur, That is, above all men he shall be given to voluptuousness & lecherie, but in outward conversion he shall counterfite chastity.

CHAP. XVII. Of Antichrists or the Pope and his Clergy their feigned Miracles & lyeing wonders, 2. Thess. 2.9.

O F this the Apostle forewarneth, speaking of Antichrist, and saying, 2. Thess. 2.9. Whose coming (saith he) is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lyeing wonders, which he there calleth also, The deceiveableness of unrighteousness, & which 〈◊〉 called lyeing wonders, as Augustine teacheth in his book of the City of God, because they are either feigned by men, or the tricks of lying spirits for inducing men to believe lies, and so are either • falso as their Author, or ad falsum in their end. All which popish miracles I distinguish in three ranks, the first is of these who are falsely reported, but not done, the second is of these that seem to be done, but are only counterfited, the third is of these that are truly done, but by Satan. The first of which are bred of lies, and nourished by credulity, the second sort is bred of fraud, and fed by superstition, it being hard to tell whether Jugglers or priests (like these of Baal) have been greatest Cozeners. The third is, the working of Satan (as the Apostle speaketh 2. Thess. 2.9.) and his strong delusion of such, who because they receive not the love of the truth, therefore are given over to believe a lie, so that all popish miracles are either falsely reported, or falsely done, or falsely ascribed to God, saint, or angel. Whereof I may say with the learned & noble Romā Laurenti{us} Valla, in his book, de donatione Constantini, Non desiderat sinceritas christiana patrociniū falsitatis, the sincerity of Christiā religion standeth not in need of the patrocinie of falsehood, It is sufficiently defended (saith he) by itself, and by it own light & verity, without these counterfit and juggling tricks or fables, that are most contumelious (saith he) both against God, Christ, and the Holy Ghost.

The first end of which lying wonders, their own Lyra showeth to be filthy gain, saying upon Daniel the eleventh, and history of the dragon, The people were then deceived saith he) by their Priests who worshipped the Dragon, for their temporal gain, and even so now in the Church there is sometimes great deceiving of the people, by miracles feigned by priests and their adherents (saith he) for their gain inlikemanner.

Their own Cassander likewise showeth us that the fostering of error in the minds of the people is another end, And that wicked men continuing in their wickedness, notwithstanding have believed, that by the intercession of saints only, they would readily be pardoned, which pernicious error (saith he) so far as can be; hath been confirmed by counterfit miracles. Of which sort that book called, the golden Legend and Speculum exemplorum is fraughted and full, and which their own Melchior Cano Bishop of the Canaries, ingenouslie & with a sorrowful heart (as he professeth) calleth both false and ridiculous.

To begin then with these feigned miracles whereof their own Lyra speaketh which are for gain, I will instance first, That notable one practiced by Pope Boniface the Eight (as the Pope • own Secretary recordeth it, ) not for a petty gain like inferior priests, but to attain to a Popedom, which was thus.

Boniface perceiving his predecessor Caelestin (who had been a Here • ite and was against his will elected Pope) to be a simple man, to move him to resign over the Popedom to him, suborned one in the night time to be in the house near to his Chamber, & to counterfit himself to be an Angel sent frō God, & by speaking thorough a hollow reed to him to direct him to dimitt the Popedom to Boniface, if he would be saved, which the simple man took to be a miraculous advertisment, and so dimitted the Popedom.

Another notable and later example in anno 1534. known to all FRANCE was this, The provost of Orleans wife died, and forebade her body to be buried with great solemnity (as use was) whereby the gray Friers in whose Church she was buried, being disappointed of the great gain which they expected, suborned a young Frier, placed above the syling of the Church in the time of even-song, to make a great noise, whereupon many resorting thither, and conjuration of the spirit being used to declare who he was, Answered, that it was the soul of the Provost of Orleans wife, & was damned for the Lutheran heresy (though she died a Roman Catholic) and she made that noise that her body might be raised out of the grave in that Church, and laid in some other common & unhallowed place, which thing the Provost, & some both of his and her friends, suspecting this to be a fraudulent trick of revenge, because they had not gotten their expected gain at her death and burial, they went to the King and desired the matter to be tried, which being done before the Parliament of PARIS, it was at last found out and confessed; and the young Frier, with the first Devysers, who were Colimannus, and one Stephanus Atrebatensis with their associates, were adjudged to be carried to Orleans, where the fact was committed, and thereafter to be brought forth to the place where public execution is used upon Malefactors, and openly there to confess their fraud, and to be accounted thence-forth infamous forever.

Wherefore is it likewise but for gain? that the Pope ascribeth such wonders that his consecrated Aguus Dei's can work, if any do wear • hem about them, as is comprehended in these verses following.

So that the Pope cannot only work wonders himself, but as he pretendeth here, can give a constant virtue to a dead thing carried about to do the like.

But of all popish miracles this may be accounted the greatest lyeing wonder, which a priest daily doth work by his whispering over a little piece bread fyve words of consecration, that he thereby immediately turneth the same into the substance of Christ's flesh and blood, and that thus Christ's body is multiplied in so many thousands of places at once, where the mass is said, and the creature becometh the Creator of his own creator.

Next to come to these Fabulous feigned wonders that are for confirmation of errors, they are either fabled to be so by men, or if they be really wrought they are (as their own Biell hereafter declareth) by the operation of the devil.

These then which are fabulouslie reported by men, we have one, whereof Platina maketh mention in the life of Sergius terti{us}, to confirm the great reverence that is due to the Pope, which was, that after Sergius the 3. had raised out of the grave the body of his predecessor Formosus, & after beheaded him, as if he had been alive, & did cast his body into the river Tiber, as unworthy of Christian burial, yet thereafter his body being caught into a net by some fishers, and brought to S. PETERS Church, all the Images that were there, bowed to him and did reverence.

Another to confirm the reverence & adoration that is due to the Hostie, Bellarmine telleth us in his third book of the Eucharist & 8. Chapter of a hungry Mare, who notwithstanding, the Hostie coming by, left her corn and turned her about to worship the Hostie.

Another doth Gabriel Biell report, That some Shepherds in the field, having laid down their bread upon a stone, and having pronounced over the same words of consecration, the bread turned into flesh.

Another to confirm the order of their Friers▪ It is reported that S. Dominik had such power over the Devil, that he forced him, when he appeared to him, by his conjuration: so long to hold his Lamp in his hand till it was consumed, and that the Devil was not only troubled there with, but also greatly tormented. This their forecited Melchior Cano reporteth, and yet ingenouslie giving his own judgment thereupon, calleth it a thing that is most ridiculous.

And more particularly to come to such sort of miracles that are reported to have been done in Rome, in a most ancient book (which I have beside me) called Mirabilia Rome, printed at Rome by one John Besicken, anno 1500. in the tenth year of Pope Alexander the sixth.

1. In the Church of S. Paul, at the right side of the Choir, it is reported that there standeth the Cross which spake to S. Bridget for her continual Prayer before the same 2. That in S. Mary's in the porch, are two Images of CHRIST, and the Virgin Mary, which a noble Roman Lady, named Galla received while she was at dinner, sent down to her from Heaven for her great devotion. 3. In the Church of S. Alexi{us} upon the hill called Aventine that the image of the virgin Mary which is there, spake to the keeper of that Church much to the praise of Alexius. 4. That in S. Mary's Church, is Her image, which spake to Pope Gregory, saying, Why doest thou not of • ner salute me, seeing ever as thou passeth by thou saluts this my image ? for which neglect upon his knees he presently craved Pardon, and ordained that all who should salute her there, should have 15. years of indulgence.

This made that learned Valla of their own, cry out saying in his book of Constantins donatiō, O miram hominū dementiam qui his anilibus deliramentis fidem habent. That is, O wonderful madness of men who give credit to such old-wyves fables & fancies. And therefore he subjo • neth saying, • r • bescat Christianus homo qui veritatis se ac lucis filium nominat proloqui quae non modo vera non sunt nec veresimilia. That is, let any Christian man be ashamed who calls himself a son of truth and of the light to utter these things which not only are no-wise true, but hath not a lyklie-hood of truth.

Last of all to come to such signs and lyeing wonders that are for confirmatiō of popish errors and are by the delusion or operation of the devil, whose vicar the Pope is more truly than CHRIST'S, First, for apparition of souls, and confirmation of purgatory whereas we have sundry popish histories, let Chrysostom declare in his 29 Homile upon Matthew, what these are, for thus he speaketh, These voices that say, I am the soul of such a one proceedeth (saith he) from the fraud and deceat of the devil, for it is not the soul that departed that saith that, but Satan (saith he) who that he may deceive the Hearers feigneth himself to be that soul.

Next whereas for confirmation of the worship of Images & going to such places in pilgramage as Loretto, our lady of Hales, & the like, sundry miracles ar ob • ruded to be believed to be wrought by them set down by Turselin the Jesuit. Their own famous Gabriel Biell in his 49. lecture on the Cannon of the Mass speaketh thus. If at any time miracles be wrought upon men (saith he) who have recourse unto them, this is not by virtue of the Images, but by the operation of the devil sometimes, to deceive (saith he) such disorderlie Worshippers, God so permitting, & their infidelity so deserving the same.

Of all these miracles then, that are pretended to be wrought by the Pope, or the Roman Church,, we may justly answer them in Augustine's words, & threteen treatise upon John, saying. The Lord hath forewarned us of these who pretend miracles, fortelling us that in these last days false Prophets shall arise, working signs & wonders that they may seduce (if it were possible the very Elect, & that the coming of Antichrist shall be after the working of Satan, with all power or efficacy, and with signs & lyeing wonders. So that how many miracles or wonders Romanists do allege for them, to prove them to be the true Church, with so many arguments do they furnish us against them, to prove their Church to be Antichristian, & the Head thereof to be that foretold Antichrist.

For Moses did show Deu. 13.1. that a false Prophet may work a sign and wonder, and for this end to draw God's people to idolatry, as our Savior likewise did forewarn that false Prophets should arise and work 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , great wonders. The Romanists therefore argue preposterouslie, while they would prove the truth of their doctrine by miracles, whereas they should prove their miracles to be true, by the truth of their doctrine, and agrement with scripture, this alone being the true and golden rule which Justin Martyr setteth down to know true and divine miracles and discern them from others, to wit, by the doctrine which they confirm, if it be that, which is registrat in the Word of God, to which they are seals

As for that Revel. 13.13. Where it is said, that the second beast (whereby Antichrist is meaned) doth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven upon the earth in the sight of men, allusion thereby being made to that fact of Elias in destroying his enemies by calling for fire from heaven to come down upon earth in the sight of men. 2. King. 1.10.11. Their own Lyra expoundeth this saying, Hic accipitur ignis metaphorice sicut & alia quae hic dicuntur, That is, fire is taken here metaphoricallie, as other things also which are here spoken. And thereafter, Inconspectu hominum, id est secundum falsa • estimationem credentium (saith he) that is, according to the false estimation of them who believed so. Whereby may be denotate the Popes thunder-bolts of excomunication against such as opposed him, and which (according to the false estimation of them who believed it) he hath power to throw down to destruction both their souls and bodies as unto fire eternally.

These things therefore being demonstrate concerning Antichrist, First, who he is for Person. 2. Where he is, for Place. 3. When he came for Time, 4. What were his properties for Marks. To wit, 1. Exorbitant pride under a pretext of humility. 2. Grosse Idolatry, under color of devotion and piety. 3. Bloodie cruelty, palliated under the pretext of holy zeal and sanctity. 4. Merchādize of spiritual things or simony, joined with horrid titles of blaesphemie. 5. A Lawlesse life, and in lecherie, through feigned holienesse and continency. And 6. Lyeing wonders, by subtilitie, abusing Christians simplicity.

From all which former premisses in all the preceeding Chapters, I repeat that argument Wherewith I began, thus. Unto whom the whole prophecies of holy scripture describing that grand Antichrist, and being joyntlie or collectivelie taken, doth sole and only agree. He is that grand Antichrist, foretold in the scripture.

But unto the Pope the whole prophecies of holy scripture describing that grand Antichrist, being joyntlie and collectivelie taken, doth sole & only agree. Therefore it followeth that he is that grand An • ichrist foretold in the scriptures.

And I defye any Priest or papist to find out any other to whom these prophecies or properties collectivelie taken, (as said is) doth agree. And specially by the testimonies of these, that are of that persons profession, as we have brought the testimonies of Romanists to prove these of the Pope.

Whence it is, that since the Pope came • o that Meridian or 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 of his hight, about the thousand year of God in the time of Gregory the 7. (as hath been said) and was fully then seen to be that man of sin spoken of 2. Thess. 2.4. The Lord hath stirred up from time to time in every Century since, some witnesses to avow him to be that grand & foretold Antichrist, as in the year of God, 1100. or thereby. The Bishope of Florence in the time of Paschalis the second declareth clearly that the Pope was that Antichrist. The same likewise did one Dulcinus Navarensis preach, as may be seen more ample in that book, called, Catalogus testium veritatis, & the Mageburg centuries, Cent. 12. As likewise Ioachimus Abbas declareth the same, being asked by Richard the first of England, as witnesseth Roger Houeden in the life of Richard the first. So likewise did Honorius Augustodunensis dialogue▪ de lib. Arb. & predest. And as their own forecited Aventin reporteth, All good, plain, Just, and ingenous persons (saith he) saw, that then began the kingdom of Antichrist. Avent. annal. Bojor. lib. 5. c. 10.

Inlikemanner, anno 11200. one Walter Mapez Arch-dean of Oxford, a famous man both for life and learning, of whom Giraldus Cambrensis maketh mention, in his book, called, Speculum Ecclesiae lib. 3. c. 1. and 14. Avowedlie maintained that the Pope was that Antichrist. The same did Eberhardus Archbishope of Salisburg in a public imperial diet at Reinsburg, as Aventin recordeth in his 5. and 7. books of the Bavarian annals· As also Robert Grosthead called the worthy Bishopeof Lincoln, as Matthew Paris reporteth in the life of Henry the third Whose bones therefore were thereafter caused to be raised by Pope Innocent and cast out of the Church.

Likewise in the 1300 year of God, Marsilius Patavinus in his book called Defensor pacis, c, 25. affirmeth that the Pope was that foretold Antichrist. So likewise did that worthy gentleman & famous Poet in his time, Gefrey Chaucer in his plow-man's tale at large. As also Michael Caesenas principal or pryor of the gray Friers, with diverse others. But most specially their famous Petrarch in that Epistle where he deploreth the calamity of the Town of Rome cited abefore.

Inlikemanner, in the year 1400. John Wickleff in England, whom thereafter followed John Huss and Jerome of Prague in BOHEME, avowedlie taught and did prove the Pope to be Antichrist. Witnessing the same to their death. Which then many houndreths, yea thousands publicklie professed & maintained with their blood.

Last of all in the year 1500. or little after, beside Jerome Savanarola in Italy▪ The Lord stirred up Luther in Germany, Melanchthon and many more to discover & declare the Pope to be that man of sin and foreprophecied Antichrist. which in all reformed Churches is now held for a most sure and true assertion, upon the grounds an d reasons that already hath been declared. So that it is no new doctrine, braoched only since Luther's time (as papists affirm) that the Pope is Antichrist. But grounded upon scripture and avowed by many who lived and died in the external Communion of the Roman Church, long before Luther.

CHAP. XVIII. Of the final destruction of Antichrist and ruin of the papal sea. 2. Thess. 2.8.

I T being already shown concerning Antichrist, who he is, and where he is, when he came, & whence he came, and what are his marks also whereby he may be known, followeth now at last that we see, what shall be his end, or whether he goeth, and this shall be according to his name given to him by Paul, & common with Judas, that is, he is called the son of perdition, & accordingly to perdition he shall go. And as he is called Abbadon Apolyon a Destroyer, so shall destruction be his later end. The manner whereof the Apostle setteth down 2. Thess. 2.8. That first that wicked man shall be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the breath of his mouth, and at last shall destroy him with the brightness of his coming. Which Cardinal Cajetan so expoundeth, By the breath of his mouth that is (saith he) by the spiritual virtue of the word of the Gospel piece and piece shall he turn away men from following of Antichrist, and lead them to embrace the truth. Which indeed is that victory of the Lamb spoken of Revel. 17.14. And the effect of that glorious work of Reformation begun before our days, & which shall hold on in magre of the opposition of all the enemies thereof, till it come to the finishing cubit, and Dagon utterly fall before the Ark of God, so that it may justly then be said, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, & that these lofty towers of hers are utterly and forever laid in the dust.

Of which her final destruction long ago did her own Nicolaus Clemangis Archdeane of Bajon and Parisian doctor of Theology forewarn her in his book, De corrupto Ecclesiae statu, saying. If therefore according to Ezekiel's parable of the two sisters Ahola and Aholiha, their elder sister (meaning Rome) hath done the like, yea, in a mad humor hath exceeded them in wickedness and fornication, How shall she think upon impunity? Therefore awake (saith he) at last out of thy long sleep (O unhapy Sister to that Synagogue) I say awake at last, and put an end (as I may say) to thy sleeping out of thy drunkenness wherein so long thou hast continued. And see read and understand that Prophet, and others, if by the testimony of that prophet, thy ebriety hath not besotted thy heart, If therefore there be any spark left unto thee of a sound mind, diligently (saith he) consider the Prophets speeches and thy own estate, and that thy confusion is not sleeping, but it is at hand, and thou shall see what end abideth thee, altho wickedly and dangerouslie thou hast lain so long in thy filthienesse; And if thou will not hear the Prophets, nor believe that they speak of thee, when they threaten so heavy judgments, thou truly deceiveth thyself and by too dangerous an error beguyleth thyself: For it is of thee that they speak, and thou should acknowledge, that these things which they threaten shall fall upon thee except thou repent. But giving and not granting that their prophecies concerneth others than thee. What thinketh thou (saith he) of that prophecy that meerlie concerneth thee, to wit, that of John in th e Revelation? at least dost thou not think in some part that belongeth to thee? Or hast thou lost so all shame and sense tha • thou can deny that? Behold therefore that prophecy, and read the damnation of the great Whoore that sitteth on many waters (saith he) and there behold thy wicked deeds, & thy fusure fall. A good progress • whereof to God's glory and his saints rejoicing is already seen, and as Euphrates was diverted by Cyrus frō the eastern Babylon before her overthrow, so by the diverting and drying up of these waters in a great part, whereupon the Whoore sitteth, by God's people deserting this western Babylon & their coming ou • of her upon God's call (as Lot did out of Sodom, God's people out of Egypt, & th • Christians out of Jerusalem to Pella before the destruction thereof) her overthrow and final destruction likewise is shortly to follow, & as the Prophet speaketh Ier. 51.33. As the tim of Babel's threshing is come, yet a little while, & the time of her harvest shall come, & though she sit as a Queen and in her security saith, She is 〈◊〉 Widow, & shall see no sorrow, yet her destruction & plagues shall come upon her in a day when she looketh not for it, the reason whe • eof is rendered to be this, in o • position to her strength and all her adherents, For strong is the Lord that judgeth her ▪ and loud is the cry of that blood, shed by her. Rev. 18.24. In which work (as was said of Esterne Babylon before) so happy shall they be whether princes, pastors, or people, according to their several stations, that shall be found most instrumental; The full performance whereof the Lord hasten to His glory and his saints rejoicing. AMEN.

To be added after the 3 line of 151. page.

This John the 12. in a Council at Rome, anno 692. Under the Emperor Otho was (as their Onuphrius reporteth) multis & magnis criminibus damnatus. Which their own Abbot Tritemi{us} paticularizeth as horrid cruelty, multiplied incests, drinking to the devil, at dyce invocati ng Venus and Juno with other heathen gods, murder, perjury, and sacrilege, &c. Whereby any may judge how justly this Pope migh tbecalled his Holienes.