A Relation of Christians in the World

The second sort of Christians in Europe, are The Roman Catholics: Who inhabit

SPain, being in compass 1893 miles, or thereabouts, in times past divided into many Kingdoms; but now united into one. In this great Kingdom, are about eleven Archbishops and many Bishops, men of great Dignity and Estate. Saint James is affirmed to be the Apostle of Spain, as also Saint Paul: Osius Bishop of Corduba, (whom Constantine honored for the marks of Jesus Christ that he bore) and Isidore Bishop of Sivill, are famous for opposing the Arian Heretics with Illefonsus Archbishop of Toledo, Isidorus Scholar, Fulgentius, and others. The revenues of the Spanish Bishops are very great. As the Archbishop of Toledo hath 250000 Ducats per annum: more than some Kingdoms.

Italy, being as some write 900 miles in length, and in breadth from the Adriatic Sea to the Ligurian shore 240 miles, growing narrower in breadth, until it shut itself into two horns, either of which are not above 14 miles in breadth. Of this Country the King of Spain hath a part; as the Kingdom of Naples and the Dutchie of Millaine. In it also, the Venetians; The Duke of Florence, and other Princes and Common-wealths have several Dominions. In Italy also resideth the Bishop of Rome, who as he hath many Cardinals, Metropolitans, Archbishops, and Bishops under him; so also many temporal Dukedoms and Principalities, of which he is absolute Prince and Lord. The Bishops of Rome for the first 300 years, were most of them Martyrs: as Clement who was tied to an Anchor, and cast into the Sea: Fabian, who did prohibit the Emperor Philip to enter the Church without some show of penitence: Cornelius who was banished, revoked, whipt and beheaded, &c. Paul and Barnabas preached Christ first in Rome: and afterward, was the first Bishop of Millaine, where Saint Ambrose also sat.

France, mingled with Protestants as before, being about 200 leagues square, in which is reckoned, Loraine, Saboie, and Avignon (belonging to the Pope) and Geneva with four Territories not subject to the French King. The Church Gallican is best privileged of all the Churches in Christendom, that are under the Pope. It is more free from payments to the Pope than the Church of Spain: as also to the King they pay only the Disme; whereas in Spain the King hath his Tertias, Subsidio, Pila, Escusado, in all, a moitie of the Church-livings.

In France are reckoned 12 Archbishoprics, 104 Bishoprics, 540 Archpriories, 1450 Abbeys, 12322 Priories, 567 Nunneries, 130000 Parish Priests, 700 Convents of Friers, 259 Commendants of the Order of the Knights of Malta: six of the French Bishops are Peers of France, who are to aid the King with their Council.

Poland, mingled with Protestants and Greeks, as before: there are in Poland two Archbishoprics, and many Bishoprics. The Archbishop of Guesne is Primate, and in the vacancy hath regal Authority, precedeth in Council, proclaimeth the new King, &c.

Some part of Germany, in which Country are reckoned seven Archbishops, and about 47 Bishops: Three of their Archbishops are Princes Electors.

Halfe the Netherlands in which there are two Archbishoprics, and many Bishoprics.

One third part of Switzerland, and the Grisons Country, Austria, Hungaria, Bohemia, and some other Countries, mingled with Protestants as before.

The third sort of Christians in Europe, are the Muscovites

VNder the great Emperor of Moscovia, whose Dominions in Europe and Asia: extend from Narve to Siberia, West and East about 4400 Verstes, and from Cola to Astracan, North and South 4226 or thereabouts. A Verst is about three quarters of a mile. They received the Christian Faith from Saint Andrew the Apostle, as their Histories report. They have the holy Scriptures in their own tongue translated by St. Jerome, they use the service of St. Chrysostom, translated into the vulgar; neither is their Clergy mean, base or beggarly.

The now Emperor Michael honored his father Theodore with the Patriarkship of Mosco: their Patriarke, Metropolitans, Arch-Bishops under him are men of great dignity and honor: what their Clergy want in learning, they have and make good in devotion and holiness of life. Some of their Bishops have 2000, some 3000 Rubbles per annum.

The fourth sort of Christians are the Greeks

VNder the Patriarke of Constantinople, who live mingled with the Turks, and make two thirds and more of the Inhabitants in many places of the Turks Dominions.

The Grand Signior alloweth the Christians the liberty of their Religion, they paying a tribute, and the Bishops their Ecclesiastical Government. The Patriarkship of Constantinople being void, Sultan Muhammad the Emperor, that subdued Constantinople, invested Gennadius into it with great solemnity, giving to him his Pastoral staff, and many gifts. This Patriarke had 28 Provinces under his jurisdiction: and yet hath at this day many Metropolitans, Arch-Bishops, and Bishops under him. Stachis was their first Bishop, placed there by St. Andrew, and now Cyril governeth the Patriarchal See, in a continued succession from Stachis before named. In this Church the holy Apostles constituted many Bishops: As St. Paul placed Timothy in Ephesus, Titus in Crete, Silas in Corinth, Silvanus in Thessalonica, with others: As St. Andrew constituted Stachis (before named) Bishop of Bizantium, now called Constantinople: Philologus Bishop in Sinope, Calistus Bishop in Nice, Polycarp Disciple to St. John, was Bishop of Smyrna. In time following, this Church had many holy Patriarchs, as St. Chrysostom, Gregory, Nazianzen, Paul the Patriarch, (whom the Arians banished, and strangled) with others, who governed this Church, whose memories shall remain forever.

The Patriarchs of Constantinople, before the Turks Conquest, were men of great dignity and estate: as Theophylact about the year 936, kept 2000 Horse: and Alexander, An. 1043, died worth 800000 Crowns. The Patriarch now hath (as Chytraeus writeth) about 20000 Dollers yearly for his maintenance. He hath also out of Moscovia some pension, which was in time past under his jurisdiction. The Greeks of Corcira, Candy, and other Islands, are subject to the Venetians, who have Arch-Bishops, and Bishops under them.

In Asia are the Christians

1 VNder the Patriarch of Jerusalem, who absolutely moderateth in Judea, and over all professors of the Greek Religion throughout Syria. This Patriarch hath had 101 Bishops under him. St. James (called the Just and the Brother of our Lord) was the first Bishop there, and now Theophanes sitteth in that See: Simon Cleophas succeeded James: among these Bishops Cyrillus was famous, a man greatly hated by the Arians, and deposed by them. This Church is most ancient: The Law went out of Zion, and the Word of God from Jerusalem. This City was Emporium, The mart of the Christian Faith, and the Mother of all Churches, as Theodoret saith.

2 Under the Patriarch of Antioch, Who had 141 Bishops under him. Their first Bishop was St. Peter, and now Athanasius. The Disciples were first called Christians there. Ignatius the holy Martyr was Bishop of this Church, and Cyril, who was slain for denying Numerian the Emperor, son of Charus, to enter his Church, because he had sacrificed to Idols. Charus was slain by Thunder, and Numerian by Aper.

3 The Georgians in Iberia, who have 18 Bishops under their Metropolitan, or Patriarch.

4 The Circassians who inhabit a Country about 500 miles long, and 200 miles broad.

5 The Mengrellians, who live as the Circassians do, (by themselves) not mingled with the Mohammedans.

6 The Christians in Asia the less, who except, the Cilitians and Isaurians are subject to the Patriarch of Constantinople. These Churches of Asia the less St. John governed, and placed Bishops in them.

7 The Christians in the Kingdoms of Cazan and Astracan, and other Countries in Asia, under the dominion of the Emperor of Muscovia, who hath under him, in Europe, and Asia, a greater extent of Land than the Roman Catholics have in Europe. All the Asiatic Christians before named are of the Greek communion, and observe the Greek rites.

8 The Armenians, under their two chief Patriarchs: one of these Patriarchs liveth under the Turk, the other under the Persian. In Cardinal 'Baronius Annals, you may read of 1000 Armenian Bishops: Thaddaeus (whom they much esteem) preached the Faith to them: Now I hear the Patriarch of the greater Armenia, to be called Moses. As these Christians live in Armenia the greater and lesser, so also in many Countries and Cities of Asia, Africa, and Europe.

About the year 324, Gregory (whom they call Illuminator) was Bishop of Armenia, who suffered Martyrdom under Licinius the Emperor.

In the year 1609, Abbas, the Persian Emperor, put to death 1000 of these Christians, upon a Letter feigned to be written from their Patriarch to the Pope of Rome, acknowledging him to be Head of the Church.

9 The Jacobites, who inhabit a great part of Asia, and other places mingled with Mohammedans and Pagans. Their Patriarch having many Bishops under him keepeth residence in Caramite, the Metropolis of Mesopotamia: we may read of a Patriarch of the Jacobites, in the time of Heraclius the Emperor.

10 The Chaldean and Assyrian Christians, with others, under the Patriarch of Mozul, who have many of them their Services in the Syrian Tongue, being the language in which our Lord preached. These Christians inhabit, mingled with Mohammedans and Pagans, a great part of the Orient; for beside the Countries of Babylon, Assyria, Mesopotamia, Parthia, Media, &c. wherein many of these Christians are found. They are scattered far and near in the East, both Northerly in Cathaia, and Southerly in India. Trigautius reckoneth 14 Metropolitans, viz. of India, China, Cambaia, Mogor, Hilam, Nzivin, Prath, Assur, Bethgarmi, Halack, Passes, Mauzeor, xam Raziqueor, besides many Archbishops, and Bishops.

Cardinal Vitriacus in his History of the East, reporteth, these Christians with the Jacobites, to be more in number then the Latins and Greeks. These Christians were converted by Saint Thomas the Apostle: and in their Service-book they have this Hymn, as Trigantius reporteth. The Indians, the Chinoises, the Persians, and other Islanders, and they that are in Syria, Armenia, Grecia, and Romania, in commemoration of S. Thomas, do offer praise to thy holy Name.

11 The Maronites in Mount Libanus, who have a Patriarch; and eight or nine Bishops under him.

12 The Indians of Saint Thome, so called, because they received the Christian Faith from Saint Thomas the Apostle. These Christians inhabit many places in the East Indies, as Melia-par (where Saint Thomas was buried, and hath a goodly Temple erected to his name) Angamall (where an Archbishop resideth) Cranganor, Negapatan, Vaipecotan and others, Trigautius writeth that when the Portugals arrived at Cochin, that the Lord Jacob ruled the Malabar Church, who styled himself Metropolitan of India and China, and that Joseph succeeded him. Josephus Indus borne in Cranganor, in East India also writeth of a great Prelat, to whom twelve Cardinals were subject with two Patriarchs, and many Archbishops and Bishops.

13 The Chinoises possess a Country little less then all Europe. Saint Thomas preached the Gospel first amongst them, afterwards they had a supply of Preachers from Judea. K. Tay with Neu huanti, reigning in the year 782. They erected a Monument, declaring the bringing in of the Gospel into China in what Provinces it was promulgated, and how many years it flourished. The Monument is graven with Syrian Letters with these words:

Adam sacerdos Presbyter & Papalis Zinostan seu regionis Sinarum: in the margent of this Monument, there are divers names engraven of them that brought the sweet Name of our Lord Jesus Christ among them, as Constantine Saba cusio seu Aethiops, Dominus Sergius, &c. Paulus Venetus writeth of a Christian Church in the great City of Quinsay. I read also of Gaspara a China Bishop.

14 Cathaia is one of the largest Empires upon the face of the whole Earth, in which there be also many Christians. They write of a Christian King of Tenduc, whose native Subjects are Christians: besides he ruleth far and wide over many Provinces, whose inhabitants are also for the most part Christians.

To conclude, there is neither speech nor language, but his voice hath been heard among them. The sound of the Gospel is gone out into all Lands, and the Word of God into the ends of the World.

In Africa are these Christians following

1 VNder the Patriarch of Alexandria, whose jurisdiction hath been from the River of Nile, to the Gaditan straits. In the City of Caire only are thought to be 200000 Christians, Saint Mark was their first Bishop, and now Metrophanes governeth and precedeth there, brought up in Oxford, sent hither by Cyril the then Patriarch to our late Lord Archbishop of Canterbury. In Cardinal Baronious Annalls, you may read of a Succession of Bishops from Saint Mark, to Gabriel, the then Patriarch. There is a service in the Syrian tongue, set forth by Severus Patriarch of Alexandria: also a service in the Cophts Language set forth in print by Kirkerus. The Cophts are the native EEgyptians, and have a Patriarch of their own.

Moreover Demetrius of Thessalonica hath set forth a Service used in Cair, and among the Christians in Arabia. The Holy Bishop Athanasius, who opposed the Arian World, was six and forty years Patriarch of Alexandria, with many other Holy Bishops, as among others Poterius Bishop of Alexandria, who was slain by the Eutychian Heretics, hailed through the streets, his body cut in pieces, and his Entrails chewed by them. The Patriarchs of Alexandria have been great Princes, and wear a Crown: His title is Ecumenic Judge.

So many Holy men lived in this Church in ancient time, that it was called the Paradise of God.

2 The Abassine Christians, under the Emperor of Ethiopia, who inhabit many Kingdoms of Africa: They received the Faith first from Philip, and afterwards Saint Matthew the Apostle preached among them: they have a Patriarch, or Abuna, a-man of great esteem and estate. Their Abuna (when Alvares was in Ethiopia) was called Mark, a Reverend old Man, aged about 110, a man gracious in his speech, never speaking without blessing of God, and giving of Thanks: when he goeth out of his Tent he rideth upon a Mule, well attended: Their Churches are built round, adorned with rich hangings and Plate; They have their Service in their own tongue. Zago Zabo Bugana Raze, that is, The Vice-Roy of Bugana, an Ethiopian Bishop, was sent Ambassador from the Ethiopian Emperor, to John King of Portugal, who remained in Europe many years; whose Confession of faith is set down by Damianus a Goes. As also the Ethiopian Rites are set forth in Print by Alvares, a Portugal Priest, who was some years Leidger in Ethiopia, sent thither by the King of Portugal. Thomas a Jesuit writeth of a long succession of the Abassin Abunas. There is also a succession of the Christian Abassin Emperors, from Abraham called the Saint, who reigned about the year 427, to Abbas and Claudius their late Emperors: It is reported, that the Turk hath subdued much of the Prets Country; yet the Abassine Religion may continue, which the Turk taketh not from any.

3 The Christians also inhabit the Kingdom of Cephala. Thevet writeth that they received the faith by the preaching of the Abbyssinians.

4. Moreover the Matacasian Kingdom received Christianity by the means of the King of Cephala. The Matacasian King placed over his Churches eight Bishops, and over them a Primate, or Patriarch, whom they call Elchadie, or Ishmael.

In time past Christianity flourished in the North-west part of Africa. We read of Synods there of above 200 Bishops, and in one Province called Zingitana, (where Carthage stood) of 164 Bishops to be under one Metropolitan. When these Churches flourished, they opposed the jurisdiction of the Bishop of Rome over them, as appeareth by writings of St. Cyprian, St. Augustine, the sixth Council of Carthage, and by a Synod at Melevis, in both which the African Fathers forbad appeals to Rome. In the North-west parts of Africa do remain only now two Bishopriks: (viz) Septa and Tanger: And whereas in Barbary, Algier, and other places, there are many thousands of Christians in Captivity, they are allowed by their Patrons, the Moors, the liberty of their Religion: and the learnedest or eldest, is to the rest instead of a Priest.

6 Beside the subjects of Prester John, very many people of the neighbor Kingdoms, mixed with Mohammedans, and Heathen people do profess the Religion, and Rites of the Abassin Christians, as Miraeus affirmeth.

7 In Congo, called by some Manicongo, there are, or have been some Christians. Miraeus reokoneth up a succession of nine Christian Kings in that Kingdom.

8 In Monomopata there have been some Christians: and they have had a King baptized.

9. In the Isle of Zocotora there are some Christians, who have also a Protomist, or Bishop over them.

10 The Portugals and Spaniards inhabit certain Towns and Forts in Africa, as also the English and Hollanders reside in some places of Africa.

Miraeus setteth down Alphabetically the Bishoprics of Africa, and reckoneth about 430; but howsoever many of the Bishoprics are not, but ruinated and dissolved; yet the Fame of the Sanctity, and learning of their Holy Bishops heretofore, shall continue forever: As of St. Cyprian Bishop of Carthage: St. Austin Bishop of Hippo: Aurelius Bishop of Carthage: Athanasius Patriarch of Alexandria; Origen, Tertullian, Arnobius, and others, who governed the Church of God after a most singular manner, and having finished their course, rest with God in Heaven.

But by the way, to add a word or two, for the better understanding of this my Relation: Whereas you have heard of many Bishops in Europe, Asia, and Africa, it will not be impertinent to set down what manner of men these Bishops in the Primative Church were: for some suppose Bishops and Elders to be all one, (which was the Herefie of Arius) and that they lived meanly upon Alms and Stipends.

For the first, the Office of a Bishop is set down by St. Paul, Titus the 1. and 5. For this cause I left thee in Crete, that thou shouldst set in order things that are wanting, and ordain Elders in every City. Here we see Elders, or Pastors to be in every City: But Titus, the Bishop, had the charge to order, and ordain Elders for the whole Island, in which we read 100 Cities to have been, besides Towns: Titus was their first Bishop, and there is now an Archbishop residing there, who hath Bishops under him.

For the second, whereas some suppose that Bishops then lived upon alms or stipends, hear what Saint Augustine hath left written of his little Bishopric of Hippo, in Africa. (Saint Augustine was a Patricians son, and had a fair estate from his Father:) I (saith he) went not from Riches, but to Riches: my fathers estate left me, was not the twentieth part in comparison of the Farms & other Estates which I was Lord of by being Bishop of Hippo. In the 60 Epistle of Saint Cyprian, you may perceive the estate of the Church of Carthage, of which place he was Bishop. Also Eusebius setteth down the condition of the Church of Rome, under Cornelius the Bishop and Martyr: who had under him 155 Clergy men, besides a multitude of Widows and Poor, who were abundantly relieved, and lest any man should think this to be done penuriously. The said Cornelius, writeth to Fabian Bishop of Antioch, that so great a multitude were by the Providence of God made rich, and abounding in all plenteousness. In ancient time the Church Goods were divided into four parts, one to the Bishop for the maintenance of his Dignity and State, the second to the inferior Clergy, the third to the poor, and the fourth for building, repairing and adorning of the Church, and other uses.

But whereas, some think, the chief points of Reformation to be put down Bishops, and to ceaze upon Church-livings, and to put their Ministers to stipends. I suppose it to be a great plague laid upon a Church, to make their Ministers Stipendaries: and so to depend upon the benevolences of their people, it being the curse of God denounced upon the Priests of the Posterity of Eli, to bow for a piece of silver, and to crowch for a morsel of bread: For the miserable condition of Stipendarie Ministers, read Doctor Saravia, who setteth down the poornesse of their Stipends, as also the difficulty of attaining those little Pittances allotted to them, viz. that oft the Ministers are compelled to travel no small journeys to their Pay Masters, in most humble manner (as if it were begging their Stipends) and yet many times sent away with empty Purses, and laden with reproachful words, and this not only by the Treasurers, but all by men of base condition, as Shoemakers, Tailors, Curriers, &c. who are ready to reproach their poor Ministers, saying, You are our servants, we pay you your wages: he reporteth also that he heard some of their Burgomasters say, We must take heed to these our Ministers, especially, that their Stipends be not so great: they that too much pamper their servants, shall find them stubborn and contumacious.

The greatest of the Primative Persecutours, is affirmed, to be Julian the Emperor: Who although he set forth no Mandate to put Christians to death; yet he endeavored by subtle means to undo Christian Religion: forbidding Christian Schools, and the use of Learning, debarring them from all offices of government, and burthening them with heavy taxes and payments: he robbed the Church, and spoiled Spiritual Persons of their Revenues, and took away their maintenance:

Whereas other Tyrants persecuted Presbyterors: the Presbyters, or Ministers Julian persecuted Praesbyterium, the whole Order of Ministers, or Priesthood: by which means none would apply themselves to the study of Divinity, when after long, painful, and costly study, they should have nothing to live upon. Such Reformations before-named, may rather be called Persecutions than Reformations of a Church.

Is this a Reformation, to dispoyle their Bish • ps of their Livings, which they enjoyed from the very beginning of Christianity amongst them, and to root out the very name of Bishops from among them.

Is this a Reformation to appropriate to themselves, or convert to profane uses the Livings of their learned Pastors, set apart by their forefathers for their maintenance, and put them to pour Stipends, and oft pay them as the Soldiers are paid in some places with Flemmish cheese?

Is this a Reformation to pilfer and pill Churches of their Plate and rich Ornaments, which many a devout Saint had offered to the service of Almighty God, and to convert them to profane uses, which the very Goths and Vandals durst not touch (no not in their Enemies Churches) for fear of God's heavy indignation upon them?

Is it a Reformation to pluck down Churches, built to the honor of God with great labor and cost? (I have heard one tell me, that he saw the great Church at Redding, overthrown with a Myne) God be merciful to us, and deliver all them that bear the name of Christ from such Reformations. But whom should I exclaim upon for this exercrable wickedness: upon the Reformers, God forbid? they I hope, had no such intent, or upon the Ministers who had delivered their Magistrates from their slavery to the Pope: alas, by this means they were brought to misery and slavery. But upon some covetous persons, men void of all Religion, who under color of Religion and Piety, joining with the Reformers, made a prey of the Church, and brought it to this misery.

How can these men expect an inheritance with Christ in Heaven, who have defrauded him here in earth? But what do I telling them of Heaven. If Almighty God did punish Ananias and Saphyra with sudden death, who gave much to the Church, and kept back only some part dedicated to God, and that of their own: how shall these men stand in judgment that never gave anything of their own, but have seized upon those livings, which not they, but their Pious Forefathers, with many Execrations had given and dedicated for the Service of Almighty God.

In this their execrable dealing, they have given great offense, not only to the Romanists, but to them who are displeased with the Roman Superstitions and Doctrines, and would willingly make a separation from them: but they see in these Reformations, not a secession from their enormities, but rather a defection from all Antiquity. In my poor opinion, to overthrow the Policy and Government instituted by Christ in his Church, and continued to this our age, and used in all Churches else, cannot be a Reformation, but rather a Deformation. All this I write not that I blame that which is reformed, but for the amendment of that which is deformed, which Almighty God grant in his good time. Queen Elizabeth of blessed memory, was wont to say, That it is in a manner all one to have no Clergy at all, as a beggarly or base one.

In America.

THere are some Christians, both Roman Catholics, and Protestants. The King of Spain is said to have in America four Regions, or at least the Maritine parts of the said Regions.

The Regions are New Spain, Castella, Neuva, Peru, and Brazil.

The Hollanders have surprised a great part of Brazil.

Some write that the Indians had some knowledge of Christ before the Spaniards arrived there.

For the Estate of Religion in West India, under the Spaniard, most of the Inhabitants of the Inland Countries, and wilder parts, continue in their Paganism. Thomas a Jesus writeth. Although (saith he) the Indians have long enjoyed the Husbandry of Ministers, so that all are baptized, yet very many of them worship Idols, who taking offense at the covetousness of their Parish Priests, blaspheme the Christian Faith.

In America also are divers Plantations of Protestants, English and Dutch, not only in the Islands, but also in the continent. And thus much I have related of the Christians in the World: but whereas many places of the World are unknown to us, so also are the sheep of our great Shepherd, who cannot all be counted, we being ignorant of the Pastures in which they feed. The Spaniards have in West India some Bishops.

2 What manner of Christians.

AS I have in the first place reckoned up these several sorts of Christians before named. So in the Second place my purpose is to set down what manner of Christians these be, both for soundness of Faith, and holiness of life: For the first, these Christians are all Baptized in the Name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. They receive the Holy Eucharist in both kinds; according to our Lord and Savior's institution. They Believe the Creed, retain the Canonical Scriptures; yea, from some of these Churches, both we, and the Roman Catholics, have received the Sacraments, and holy Scriptures. Seeing then that these Christians use the same Sacraments as we do: Seeing they believe in Jesus Christ, and profess to fight under the Banner of Christ Crucified, and rejoice in their suffering for his sake: far be it from us ever to think these Christians to be cast away and rejected from being of the household of Faith.

Of these Christians Brocard the Monk testifieth.

Moreover, those whom we judge to be damned Heretics, as the Nestorians, Iacobits, Maronites, and Georgians, and such like are found to be, for the most part, honest and simple men, living uprightly towards God and Man. But to answer some particular objections made by some Roman Catholic against these Churches.

And first for the Greek Christians, whom some Roman Catholics account erroneous in their opinion concerning the proceeding of the Holy Ghost, whom they affirm to proceed from the Father by the Son. Now they do acknowledge the Holy Ghost to be the Spirit of the Son, as well as of the Father; because the Apostle saith, He is the Spirit of the Son: and in the Gospel he is called the Spirit of Truth. Now seeing it is no other thing to be the Spirit of the Father and the Son, then to proceed from the Father and the Son. They agree with us in Judgment, though they differ in Words, so saith Lombard, Thomas a Jesus, and also Cardinal Tolet affirmeth, the understanding Greek (saying That the Holy Ghost proceedeth by the Son) signifieth thereby nothing but that which we ourselves profess. But for full satisfaction in this point, Read the Book lately set forth by the most reverend Father in God, the Lord Arch-Bishop of Canterbury his Grace, (my Honorable Patron) in which it will appear: The Greeks to differ from us in form of Words only: So the Greeks deny not the Holy Ghost, whom they acknowledge to be the third Person in Trinity, God equal with the Father: Neither are they Heretical in this point, as some affirm them to be: so Condemning and casting into Hell so many Millions of Christian souls, redeemed with the precious blood of his dearest Son Jesus Christ, and for this point only: Moreover Guido the Carmelite, Prateolus, and others, impute unto the Grecians divers errors, which Lucianus of Cyprus, a Bishop, a learned Dominican, and a worthy man (as Possevine the lesuite accounteth him) showeth to be falsely ascribed to them. As that they teach, simple Fornication to be no sin, That it is no sin to lend upon Usury: That it is not necessary to make restitution of things unjustly taken away, with other things being mere slanders. Thomas a Jesus writeth, that one of the principal things that maketh the Grecians so averse from the Latins is, that they are wronged by them by untrue reports, and slanderous imputations. Of the Greek Communion are the Muscovites, the Russes in Poland, the Georgians, Circassians, Mengrellians, and Melchites, all these observe the Greek Rites.

2 Again, a great part of the Christians in Asia, Persia, Tartaria, and other Provinces are Heretics; Who affirm, That there were two Persons in Christ, as well as two Names: But this Error they have rejected, as Onuphrius writeth, they hold nothing savouring of that Error. These Christians, indeed, make a scruple of calling the blessed Virgin the Mother of God, left they should seem to make her the Mother of the holy Trinity and divine Essence.

3 The Christians in Egypt, Ethiopia, with the Jacobites in Syria, are accused to be infected with the Heresy of Eutyches, whereas they curse Eutyches for an Heretic, for confounding the two Natures of Christ. They affirm, The two Natures in Christ to be so united, that there is one personated Nature arising of two Natures, not personated without mixtion or confusion. As Thomas a Jesus, and others affirm.

4 They scandal also the Abassine Christians for using Circumcision: If you be circumcised, you are fallen from Grace, and Christ profiteth you nothing; whereas they circumcise not for any Religion; but only it being an ancient custom of the Ethiopians. They accuse them also of Anabaptism, For that they wash themselves yearly in the floods, in memorial of Christ's Baptism: As the Spaniards do yearly in memorial of Saint John the Baptist: And the like are the imputations laid upon other Churches. To conclude this point, through the merciful goodness of God, all these different sorts of Christians (by reason of delivering certain points of Faith, mistaking one another; or variety of opinion touching things not Fundamental; yet) agree in one substance of Faith: and are so far forth Orthodox, that they retain a saving Profession of all duties absolutely necessary to salvation, and are members of the true Catholic Church of God. As these Christians are Orthodox in the main: so for their holy lives and conversations they are to be admired, and may be exemplary unto others.

Holiness of Lives.

FIrst, for their Reverence in Churches, no man is allowed to walk, talk, or sit in them, especially, in the time of Divine Service. In Ethiopia, old men are allowed to use Crutches in the Church, and weak men to lean against the walls. Johannes Faber reporteth of the Rasses, that he hath not seen the like of them, for their frequenting Prayer, and devotion in their Prayers; who lying prostrate upon the ground, pour out their devout Prayers unto Almighty God.

For their Chastity, they permit no Stews, nor Brothel-houses among them. They punish Adultery with death. The Adulterer (among the Ethiopians) is accounted to dishonor the Emperor from whom all Honor is derived: Adulterers among them are cast alive unto the Lions.

They are (among other virtues) great lovers of Truth. Among us (saith Pretegian) if any man willingly tell a lie, he is accounted a man worthy of death: for the first he is admonished; for the second he doth penance; for the third he is led by a rope about his neck, out of the Town or City, and banished into some Desert, where commonly he perish for hunger.

For their Fasts, they keep them very strictly, far unlike the Roman Catholics in the West, who allow men to drink Wine and to eat sweet Meats in their very fasts. Thomas a Jesus writeth, that the austere living of the Greeks, causeth them to contemn the Latins: but let the Greeks know (saith he) that Christian Righteousness doth not consist chiefly in macerating the Body; but in Charity, Faith, Hope, and other virtues. Although these Christians are not so learned as we suppose the Christians in the West to be; yet they got far beyond them for godliness and devotion. And if these Christians shall be excluded Heaven, who join believing and doing, Faith and Works together: alas! where shall they appear that come far short of them?

But as you have heard of the great multitude of Christians in the World; of their Religion, holy Lives, and Conversations: we may in the next place consider what hath been the bane of the Church, (viz) Ambition; which was the ruin of the Angels in Heaven, and caused man to lose Paradise: Of this our Lord gave special warning to his Apostles, when they strove who should be greatest. And St. Paul, more especially to the Romans: Boast not thyself against the Branches: Be not high minded, but fear.

A great Controversy arose among the Bishops in the west parts of the World who should be greatest. The Bishop of Rome sitting in the Imperial City, claimed superiority above his fellow Bishops, precending a Canon of the Counsel of Nice: As also the donation of Constantine the Emperor. Likewise the Patriarch of Constantinople (the Emperors Court being removed thither) claimed the like preeminence, by the Decree of a Council, also by Donation of Maurice the Emperor. Indeed the Eastern Church may challenge to her self some preeminence, in regard of her great privileges and prerogatives, as having all the Apostles Sees, the greatest number of Patriarchs, being the bigger Church, and more ancient.

The Majesty of the Emperor of Constantinople for above 1000 years, which hath with stood Paganism, and Mahumatisme: And of the Emperor of Moscho, and Trebizond, for some hundred of years. The authority of seven general Counsels held among them. The Syrian Language, in which the Son of God delivered his Holy Oracles: the Hebrew and Greek Tongues, in which they were Registred: and which hath had not only the Holy Apostles, but also Christ himself, when he was in his flesh, preaching among them. And this Church we are forced to confess (with the Bishop of Bitonto) to be our Mother Church, from whom the Latin Church hath received the Holy Scriptures, the Creedes, the Sacraments, and Christianity it self; as the very names of Baptism, Eucharist, Bishop, Deacon, Presbyter, and many other sacred things do testify,

Moreover, they have (as they affirm) St. Peters Chair, who was Bishop of Antioch, and governed that Church many a year: He was there Incathedrated, with great reverence received and esteemed: But going to Rome, he was there most vily used, and put to a most cruel death, with his fellow Apostle St. Paul. They also affirm that the City of Antioch (commonly called Theopolis, that is, The City of God) must needs be much dearer to St. Peter, which honored and reverenced him, than the City of Rome, which most unworthily used him, and put him to death. They moreover affirm, that he must rather leave the Keys to the Greek Church, than to the Romish, defiled with Simony, Usury, Avarice, and all other Vices whatsoever. The Greeks also charge the Latins with divers errors besides the challenging of the Supremacy, which they hold to be most grievous and intolerable: to teach all, & to be taught of none, and Dictator-like to give Laws to bind other Churches, yea, in things against their Consciences, as is their Doctrine of Purgatory, of Image-Worship, abusing their Fasts, making no conscience to drink in them all day long: that they scarce read the Sacred rules, and holy Scriptures; (saying) That the Popes Commandments, who for the time sitteth in the See of Rome, are their Canons and Laws.

That they make no account of Periury, yea that the Pope freeth them of all Periury, whensoever they intend to break any bargain or covenant made with any man.

That the Pope and his Priestly train remit slaughter, Periury, and all kind of crimes past, or to come; by which remission there is a gate opened to villainy: And that which is most ridiculous, for the future time, they will remit to a determined time of Moneths or Years, that the Latin Bishops are accessory to the death of Christian people, the Pope especially, who pronounceth the killer of Christians, such as resist the Papacy, blessed and happy.

That they shut up by their Laws all Priests and Deacons from marriage, and hold it an abomination to receive the Sacrament from married Priests.

That there are many Church Men among them, that commit whoredom, and all kind of uncleanness most securely, without punishment.

They accuse the Latins of many more Errors, both in their Doctrine, as also in their manners; some of which you may find in Cardinal Baronius Annalls. Tome 11 Anno Christi 1054. with some answers to them by the Cardinal. But this Church God hath humbled, being subdued by the Mohammedans, living as the Israelites in their Aegypticke Bondage. We may see their lamentable estate in the late Martyrdom of learned Cyril, late Patriarch of Constantinople, who had long and wisely governed that Church. And it seemeth that this his Crown of Martyrdom was not to him unexpected: as appeareth by a clause of a letter, written by him to our late Lord Arch-bishop of Canterbury, viz.

For the Name of Christ (saith he) which we profess, and whose marks we bear about in our Bodies, it is a joy to us to be afflicted and vexed. so also if it be the Will of God, to abide the utmost extremity of their cruelty; that in the fiery trial our Faith may shine more bright, and God receive the greater glory.

This Church hath been humbled (as before) but the Bishops of Rome have exalted themselves, not only above their follow Bishops, but also above their Lord's the Emperors, and the whole Church of God.

For the First, Pope Boniface the third having obtained of Phocas the Tyrant, the glorious Title of Universal Bishop, by little and little the Bishops of Rome, subdued divers Bishoprics under them. As Donus the first subjected Ravenna, about the year 676. Pope Stephen the ninth subdued Millaine, Anno 1057. and so others. Yea Urban the 2. exacted an oath of Bishops, for the further establishing of their Authority.

For the Second, Leo Isaurus being perplexed with war in Asia, and Constantinople it self being besieged by the Caliph, Pope Gregory the second stirred up the Princes of Italy against the said Emperor, who took Italy from him; of which the Pope hath a part, now called St. Peters Patrimony, which the Emperor could never again recover: The Bishops of Rome dividing the Empire into the East and West, Pope Leo the third proclaimed Charles of France Emperor, about the year 881. And Pope John the thirteenth, translated the Empire about the year 968, from the French to the Germans.

Thus by little and little the Emperors waxed weaker, and the Popes stronger, until the time of Gregory the seventh, who founded (as Aventine writeth) the Pontifical Empire. To this Man (saith Onuphrius) the Church of Rome is beholding for her freedom, and that she is preferred above all Kings and Emperors, whom before they obeyed as their Lord's, acknowledging themselves to be their Vassalls; as manifestly appeareth among other Records, by the Dating of their ancient Bulls and Charters, thus expressed: Such a one, our Lord and Emperor reigning. As also by the Letters of the Bishops of Rome, written to the Emperors; as of Pope Leo the first to Martian: By all means we are to be obedient to your Piety, and most Religious Will: As also of Gregory the great to Maurice the Emperor: I being subject to your command; and of divers others, as of Liberius to Constantius: Leo the first to Theodosius: Simplicius to Zeno: Felix to the same Emperor: Pope Anastatius to Anastatius the Emperor: Martin to Constantine, with many more. And some of the Bishops show a reason of this their Obedience to be, because they are commanded so to do in Holy Scripture: St. Peter himself commanding Obedience to the King, as supreme.

Thus they were for many hundred years subject to the Emperors: but now they claim a superiority above Kings and Princes, and challenge to themselves plenitude of Jurisdiction, to take away, and to give Empires and Kingdoms at their pleasures, bringing the Emperors in subjection.

Pope Constantine gave his Feet to kiss to Justinian the Emperor. Gregory the seventh compelled Henry the fourth to wait bare-footed at his Door three days and three nights, craving Absolution. Alexander the third set his feet upon the Emperor Fredericks neck.

And as they have lift up themselves over their fellow Bishops, and their Lord's the Emperors, so also over the whole Church of God, (viz.) Above General Councils: A General Council is the representative Church of God upon Earth: they claiming power to judge & control all men, her self to be judged of none: yea, to make new Articles of Faith. And as the Donatists falling from the unity of the Church, fell also into this Heretical Opinion, That the Catholic Church of God was nowhere to be found, but in a corner of Africa, where they dwelt, and amongst them. So the Romanists affirm the Catholic Church of God to be only in Rome, and in the Countries subject to their Bishop. And therefore they term themselves Catholics, excluding all other Christians in the World out of the Catholic Church, and so Heaven, and putting them into the state of damnation, (though never so Orthodox and Pious) for not being subject to their Bishop only. Yet many of these Christians, by them so damned; suffer grievous persecutions for Jesus Christ's sake; which they might quit themselves of, if they would renounce their Savior; and also attain great privileges and preferments. And that which is more, some of these Churches so damned, and condemned by them, never heard of the Bishop of Rome. Postel writeth a Book of the great multitude of Christians unknown to the Latin World. Before, the Papacy of Julius the third (writeth Miraeus) the name of the Chaldean Patriarch was unknown to us: Neither do I find any mention of him in the Popes Records. And yet Cardinal Amuleius reporteth, That he and his Bishops had long kept the Faith, and also many of them had suffered Martyrdom for Christ's Name. Also the Indian Christians of Taprobane, and the Islands adiacent (saith Thevet) nor their Fathers never heard of the Pope of Rome, nor his Cardinals, nor of the Greek Patriarchs, nor of the Councils, until the Portugals came among them; and yet they kept the Ceremonies of the Primative Church, which they received from the Apostles, and their Disciples.

God forbid that all these Christians, and especially they that have given their Bloods for Jesus Christ's Name, and glory in his Cross, should be excluded for having any share, or benefit by Christ's Blood; and this for not being subject to the Pope of Rome, and for not being members of the Roman Catholic Church, which they never heard of.

By this their uncharitableness, do not the Romish Catholics cut themselves off from the unity of the Catholic Church: As Firmilian writeth to St. Cyprian, of Pope Stephen Excommunicating other Churches.

Thou hast cut off thyself from the unity of the Churches: Deceive not thyself; he is a true Schismatic that maketh himself Apostate from the Communion and Union of the Churches: Thou thinkest they are divided from thee, but thou only art separated from them.

As the Church of Rome hath exalted her self above all other Churches, so also the Roman Catholics are accused for devising, and adding some new Articles of Faith to the old ones, much advancing the state and profit of their Clergy which the other Christians will not, nor dare admit of, having received only twelve from the holy Apostles.

As first, they have made the Popes Supremacy (before named) an Article of the Faith, (viz.) That their Bishop is head of the whole Church of God; and that every soul must be subject to him upon necessity of salvation.

Secondly, That their Bishop cannot err in Cathedra.

Thirdly, That their Bishops hath power to depose Kings, and to dispose of their Kingdoms.

Fourthly, For the honor of the inferior Clergy, they have made Transubstantiation a Doctrine of Faith, by which every Priest hath superlative power given him. As a Reverend Bishop writeth (viz.) To do a greater work daily than God did in the Creation: For therein Almighty God made but Creatures: But in this the Priest (as they say) can make his Maker.

Fifthly, for the more honor of the Clergy, They allow them, the only use of Christ's Blood in the Eucharist, prohibiting the Laity the use thereof: Which all the Christians in the Universe enjoy, but only the Romish Catholic Laity, and for this they have made a Decree flat against Christ's institution. viz.

Although the Lord Christ in his last Supper did deliver this venerable Sacrament in both kinds, &c. Yet, non obstante, they do approve and decree for a Law, the custom of receiving in one kind.

Again, for the better Maintenance of their Clergy, they have invented new devises; as Purgatory, with the horrible pains thereof, as with Burnings, Boylings, and Roasting of souls; they do so fright simple people, that they get much money from them. Of this place the Bishop of Rome hath jurisdiction (the other Orthodox Patriarchs having nothing to do with it) commanding out whom he will: much Treasure is got hereby.

2 Pardons, which are grounded upon Purgatory. Pardons began (saith Fisher, Bishop of Rochester) when men were frighted with Purgatory.

3 The inferior Clergy doth also share with the Pope in the profits of Purgatory; for they have turned the Holy Sacrament of the Eucharist into a Sacrifice, true, real, and propitiatory, under the name of Mass, in which they do say, that the Priest doth truly and really offer up Christ to God his Father: but this is done by way of bargain and hire, for remission of sins, and freedom of souls out of Purgatory. And of this they make great profit.

4 They have made a Canon for the Worshiping of Images,; and for this cause they have in every Church an Image or more of some of their Saints; many of which, simple people, and especially foolish women, are made to believe, to have some special virtue to help, as St. Radegond can make barren women fruitful. St. Bartilmew can make women to conceive a Male-child or a Female, according to their desires. St. Margart can give them easy labor. St. Uncomber can make peace between married folk. St. Edith can keep corn from blasting. And to these Saints simple people did trot with rich Offerings, and Worship these Saints with kneeling, bowing, and praying before them: yea, the Priests carry them about in Procession with great pomp, playing at noddy with the simplicity of the people.

5 They have also devised a Treasury, in which is reserved the surplussage of the Sufferings of Christ, & of the Saints. Whereas (say they) the least drop of Christ's Blood had been sufficient to have saved all the World. And that Christ shed all his blood; and also that many holy men suffered more than their sins deserved: least their sufferings should be in vain, they are reserved in this Treasury for the Pope to bestow where he list.

The other Orthodox Christian Patriarchs having nothing to do with this Treasury. With this, and such like devises they get much money from simple and silly people.

For the confirmation of these things, although they have no Scriptures, yet they will store you with multitudes of Miracles and Visions.

These, with some other the Church of Rome hath Canomzed for Articles, or Doctrines of Faith: as if the Apostles Creed should be defective, which the other Christians in the world think to be complete enough.

About these Additions is the contestation between the Roman Catholics, and the other Christians of the world. These are urged by the Romanists under their Popes curse; and these additions are rejected by others fearing God's curse, being Articles not left by the holy Apostles, nor found in holy Scriptures: The societies of Christians before named (excepting the Romanists) do all genegenerally (as I find) deny the Popes Supremacy, viz.

First, That every soul must be subject to him upon necessity of salvation.

Secondly, they affirm the Roman Bishops to be subject to Error, as other Bishops are.

Thirdly, they deny that he hath power to depose Kings, and to dispose of their Kingdoms.

Fourthly, they teach not works of Supererogation.

Fifthly, they admit not of Purgatory.

Sixthly, nor pray for deliverances of souls, from any temporal punishment after this life.

Seventhly, they reject the Romish Doctrine of Pardons and Indulgences.

Eighthly, they allow not private Masses.

Ninthly, they administer the Communion in both kinds, daring not to keep the Cup, the symbol of our Lord Jesus Christ's Blood from the Laity.

Tenthly, they believe not the Romish Transubstantiation.

Eleventhly, nor the now real sacrificing of our Lord Jesus Christ to quit souls out of Purgatory.

Twefthly, they have married Priests.

Thirteenthly, they make no Image of God.

Foureteenthly, they have most of them their Service in their own, or a known Language.

And these are some of the causes of the bitter contentions between the Roman Catholics, and these other Churches: And as the Roman Church excommunicateth these Churches; so do they excommunicate the Roman Church: For example; the Patriarch of Constantinople doth yearly excommunicate the Pope and his Church for Schismatics: The Muscovites do the same, as counting the Pope an Heretic. The Patriarchs of Jerusalem & Antioch have done likewise. The Christians under the Patriarch of Mozul, call the Pope the Reprobate Bishop: other call him Antichrist. The Copts account the Roman Church Heretical and avoid the communion and conversation of the Latins no less then of the Jews.

Thus some of the Popes of Rome have been like Ishmael, whose hand was against every man, and every man's hand against him. The Turks in their Mohammedan Worship. The Pagans in their adoration of the Sun and Moon. The Egyptians in the service of Isis and Osyris, use diversity of worships and Rites, and yet still retain the ill-tied knot of Friendship in their Idol-worship. But Christians differing, thunder calumnies, & bolt out excommunications one against another, & after their excommunications usually follow eradications of Kingdoms, people, & estates by Conspiracies, rebellions, and hostile machinations by general Massacres, and particular torments: As how many Kings and great persons have been murdered by their desperate Assassins.

The said Massacre in France is not to be paralleled by any ancient cruelty.

The Acharonticall Powder treason, for the heinousness thereof, will seem incredible in the Ages to come. Examples are infinite; yea, so great is the uncharitableness and cruelty of the Roman Catholics to the Christians of the Reformed Churches, that if any of them die among them; they setting themselves (as if it were) upon God's Tribunal, (in whose secret Cabinet is blessing and cursing) give sentence of damnation against them, sending their souls packing to hell, and denying their bodies Christian Burial. Barbarous cruelty, void of Charity! As a tree is known by his Fruit, so is the true Church by Charity: By this (saith our Lord) all men shall know that ye are my Disciples, if ye love one another.

Zaga-Zabo, an Ethiopian Bishop, and sent Ambassador from the Emperor of Ethiopia to the K. of Portugal, complaineth: his words are these: The Romish Doctors (I know not how piously) forbad me the communion of our Lord's Body, all the time I was in Portugal, even the space of seven year; and (which I cannot relate without grief and tears) I was reputed among the Romanists as a Heathen, and Anathema: upon which their doings, let him that governeth all things look: to whose judgment I commit these their doings. This their uncharitableness doth not only offend other Christians; but also it maketh the very Mohammedans to loath our Profession, to condemn our Faith, and to persecute our Persons. Good Jesus! when shall these iarrings have an end? when shall the Church Catholic live in union of faith, and communion of Charity? O miserable Christians, return unto the Lord, and he will cure you: Earnest Prayer, endless Devotion, volumnes of penitentials, Ninives fastings, Peters weeping, Paul's conversion, is the Metredate and true Alexipharmacon to cure this Vlcer, to heal this never enough to be lamented Schism. Alas, who shall furnish my eyes with floods of water? who shall make my head a living Spring, that I might water my Couch with sorrowful tears? As for us Clergy men, let us not so much endeavor to make the Christians our adversaries odious to our people; as to move them to commiserate their estates, and so to make our joint prayers to Almighty God, (not for their confusion) but for their Conversion. Oh would to God, the Potentates and Monarchs of Christendom would join hand in hand, to make up the breaches of Zyon, and to build up the walls of Jerusalem.

Oh sweet Jesus, that cleansed thy Church by thy most precious blood, Prince of Peace, and author of love, grant us thy peace. To conclude, my most humble prayer to Almighty God is, that he would vouchsafe us, most unworthy, to enjoy that Legacy which our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ left unto us, viz. My Peace I give unto you; my Peace I leave with you. And for this cause, I humbly supplicate his Divine Majesty, that he would incline the great Bishop of Rome, Pope Urban, whom he hath endued with many gifts and graces; with the hearts of the Lord Cardinals and Prelates of the Church of Rome; that they would submit themselves to retrograde from some of their new Canons, to the ancient Primative Canons of their Church. viz. That they would restore to the Church of God, of which they have cure, in the Sacrament of the Eucharist, The Cup, the symboll of our Lord Jesus Christ's blood, according to our Lord's holy institution, and practice of the ancient Roman Church, and of all the other Christian Churches in the World.

That they would suffer our Lord Jesus Christ's sheep to drink of the Waters of Life, (viz.) to have the use of the Holy Scriptures in the Vulgar tongue, (from which they are now restrained) with their Service in their own tongue.

That they would permit Marriage to all men, and repress Stews and Brothel-houses, permitted by them, scandalous not only to all the Christians in the World; but also to them which are without: with some other like things; which may admit of reformation.

And also, whereas some other Churches pretend to abhor Idols, I wish from the bottom of my heart, that they would also abstain from committing of Sacrilege. And whereas they cry out of permitting of Stews and Brothel-houses in the Roman Church; that they would be as zealous in not permitting oppressing Usury among them: both which are alike abhominable in the eyes of Almighty God.

Sweet Jesus! what should not a man do? yea, what should he not suffer, to quench the fire of Contention in the Christian world!

There was a time, when the Roman Church did acknowledge her self a sister, and not a mistress.

There was a time, when as, with an Harmonious concord, she suffered with the rest of her Sisters, even when as Arianism had in a manner overwhelmed the world.

There was a time, when she gave her helping hand (as at the famous Councils of Nice, Ephesus, Constantinople, Chalcedon) and did not rule after a Dictatory manner.

Let none foster Schism against Conscience to maintain themselves in dignities, wealth, and promotions, to the ruin of the Christian World.

Christ's Coat is rent, his Garment is torn in pieces: The World is distracted and distempered with the raging waves of Opinions: By which means, the Turk overruleth the flourishing and most famous parts of Christendom: and have erected the worship of Muhammad, even in the stately Oriental Basilisks. Constantinople, the Queen of Beauty, is become a Mansion of Mohammedans: And, if these devisions continue still, the rest of the Christian world is likely to be in great danger. The good God of Peace, make peace in Christendom: and grant that all that confess his Holy Name, may agree in the Truth of his Holy Word; and live in Unity and godly Love. Amen.