NEW SHREDS OF THE OLD SNARE.  
CONTAINING 

The Apparitions of two new female Ghosts.  
The Copies of diverse Letters of late intercourse concerning Romish affairs.  
Special Indulgences purchased at Rome, granted to diverse English gentle-beleeving Catholics for their ready money.  
A Catalogue of English Nuns of the late transportations within these two or three years.    
By JOHN GEE, Master of Arts, late of Exon-Colledge in Oxford.  
LONDON, Printed for Robert Mylbourne. 1624.   

NEW SHREDDS OF THE OLD SNARE broken by the foot of J. G.  
The Induction.  
SOme have been said in the old time upon receiving of a wound to have been healed by the rust of the weapon that gave the wound; and verily for my part, after the spraine and dislocation which I have suffered by intanglement in Popish Snares, nothing hath been more available to me for my perfect cure than the view and search of those rotten ragged shredds of those cords of vanity and illusion, which a while dia hold me captive in the time of my weakness The best means therefore for the confirming of myself and arming others, is and will be the further enquiring into the particular courses of the great seducing Masters, especially the jesuites; the viewing and handling whereof upon bare Narration without inference or application, is sufficient to show the weakeness of those twine-thred bonds and Cobweb nets which they cast over the silly fry of their floating Disciples.  
Since the inditing and publishing of my former Book, called, The Foot out of the Snare, I have attained better information and knowledge of divers particulars, which I thought fit to commend to public view, for the better unmasking of our Loiolan Mirabilaries, who as yet impudently persist to play their pranks amongst us. 
These are eiusdem fills of the same thread with the former woof of the old Snare.  Some snips of which their legerdemain tricks, shufflingly twisted and deeply died in grain, here I display in a new Web for the eiking out the Curtains of the tiring house of their former stage in array and manner as followeth.   



All that can sing or say,  
Come and hear a jesuits play.   
IN the Conclusion or appendent to my former Book, I made bold to acquaint my Reader with Mary Wiltshire, sometime ensnared and cooped by a pack of jesuites or Priests, with the engine of personated Apparitions; as also I gave a touch in general of Mris Bouchers daughter, which here according to my notice followeth in particular.  
About some three years since Mary Boucher alias Butcher, daughter of Anne Boucher of the City of London widow (and Gentlewoman of good sort) was entertained in the service of the Lady A. a Papist. But before she went to serve the said Lady, Mris Boucher her mother told the Lady A. that by no means she would permit her daughter to live with her, if she thought she would be diverted from her Religion, she being then a good Protestant. The Lady promised that neither herself nor any other should have to do with her in that particular. Yet there repairing often to this Lady's house Mr Fisher, Mr Wainman, and Mr Ireland, jesuites, they were still busy and labouring with this Marry Boucher to become a Romish Catholic, telling her that she must be damned if she did not embrace their Religion, and as for the Protestant Religion they told her that it was the devil's doctrine, brought in by Martin Luther, who had conference with the devil and learnt of him every point of that belief which the Protestants now retain. For proof hereof they shown her a Printed Book wherein Luther's conference with the devil was at large expressed. Upon reading whereof the young woman did seem to stagger, and was much perplexed. And after a while these jesuites came to her Mistress house again and then began to tamper and deal with her as before, and Mr Fisher told her that he knew better than herself what would become of her. We are Gods Prophets (quoth he) we can do Miracles, and we are inspired with divine Illuminations. It is revealed unto me that you must go beyond the Seas, and become a Nun, which is to live an Angelical life, yea it is the most excellent of all other kinds of living; 
A loud lewd Hyperbole.  For it obtaineth the same grace which is had in Baptism, and the entering into that order doth take away all sin, both the fault and punishment, and restoreth to the first state of Innocency as Baptism doth. For proof whereof he alleged unto her divers sentences pretended to be taken out of the Fathers. This young woman much amazed at him, told him, that her Mother would never yield she should become a Papist, much less to be a Nun and to leave her Country. Mr Fisher and Mr Wainman both replied, You must not respect your mother in these matters. She is an Heretic, and you shall be God's child, and we would advise you never to see her any more. These things troubling and distempering the young woman's mind, she found herself scarce well, and then went and laid her down upon her bed, where after she had rested herself a while, there comes into the chamber one Mris Vause, a great Recusant, and asked her how she did, and then came to her and did with somewhat stroke or rub her forehead. After which time Mary Boucher felt herself very ill at ease and distempered in her head. And about an half-houre after Mris Vause was departed from her, she heard her chamber door open, and with that a great light flashed into the room two or three times, which she thought some body did by way of jest or merriment, to make her afraid. Whereupon she called on them not to affright her, for that she was not well. But forthwith came into the room an apparition or shape as of a woman all in white, with countenance pale and won, with long tresses of hair hanging down to her middle who still made toward her; whereat this sick woman was much afraid. But this visible approaching nearer to her, bade her not to fear; for that she came to her for her eternal good and happiness. And with that the appearing woman began by degrees to remove with her hand the hair from her face, and asked this Mary whither she knew who she was; with that this distressed Mary looked earnestly on her, and then cried out, Oh my Godmother, and would have gotten off from her bed to have asked her blessing. But the other bade her lie still and not stir. And then touching her with a hand cold as earth or iron, asked her where is your mother, where is my husband, where are my children? And then told her she was come from Purgatory, where she had long endured torture and torment. And she came to tell her how she her God-daughter should escape the same. And then began to question with her, what Religion she was of: Marry Boucher told her, I am a Protestant. Oh then quoth this Preaching goodly ghost, thou hast no hope at all ever to see heaven. Then it asked her again, how many Sacraments there were. She answered, two. 
A Cathechizing Ghost.  Nay quoth the Ghost, thou art deceived there are seven. Then it asked her the third time, whether she did believe the point of Transubstantiation. She answered, No. God-daughter quoth the Ghost, thou must believe that especially; For, for not believing that point, there is daily many hundreds that are damned. And in this manner did this familiar informing, conferring Ghost continue for the space of an hour or two questioning with Mary Boucher, who lay in great heat and agony, sweeting and quaking upon her bed, no body all this while coming near & disturbing them, which she saith makes her since the rather believe it was a plot devised and practised by the Priests, with the consent of her Mistress: For in this Chamber where she lay, there did use every quarter-houre of the day to be some one or other coming in and out, being the chamber where the children and Maidservants lay, and had often occasion thither. When this Ghost had so long conferred with her, and was taking her leave, it willed her in this manner. By all means see that you tell my children what you have seen, and how their Mother appeared unto you, and what counsel she hath given you. And then it vanished away. 
Exit Ghost.   
Shortly after the vanishing of this vision, there comes into Mary Bouchers chamber Mris Vause, and asked her how she fared. She answered her not well, but told her what had happened. Oh then quoth Mris Vause, It is time for thee to become a good Catholic; For assure thyself it was a special favour and mercy of God that thou shouldest have such a warning. And so giving her more instructions to this purpose, went away. 
Exit Vause. Intrat Godmother. Nimble Actors know their Q.  And then appeared again the Ghost and spoke to her in this manner. God-daughter thou mayst think I love thee well to come thus to thee and tell thee what thou must do to be saved, and not rather to have spoken to one of my own children. But I consider that thou art ordained for an extraordinary end, to be a Nun, which is the happiest life of all other. For they that so live are Saints upon earth. The vow that is made by those who enter into that order deserveth the plenary remission of all sins, and justification before God. 
justification. Will the jesuites justify this for ghostly doctrine? A bold Ghost alluding to S. Paul's instruction by Ananias. Act. 22.  And therefore God-daughter if any holy man persuade thee to that course of life, accept of it, and I would have thee to repair unto one Mr Ireland a Priest, and he will direct thee in this course. Whatsoever he biddeth thee to do, refuse it not. And so the Ghost vanished the second time. And in the whole appeared unto her above a dozen times, which so amazed her, that she was not herself a long time after.  
Though this vision was privately Acted, yet the noise of it was bruited abroad and came to the ear of Mris Boucher the Mother, who thereupon came to the house of her Mistress to speak with her daughter, but being forsooth an Heretic might not be admitted after long waiting to question with her own child about this strange news. Nay the daughter herself upon fresh apprehension hereof was persuaded by those in the house to estrange herself toward her own mother, who notwithstanding pressing on, did at length speak with her Mistress the Lady of the house, and in her daughter's presence upbraided them with these Collusions, and telling the Lady that she thought her to be of better understanding then to put any belief in such devices, adding moreover, that it was great wrong to the dead Lady to be thus acted as being in Purgatory; when as she was a woman so virtuous and religious, that it is not to be doubted but that she is in heaven. And though using great importunity to have her daughter home, she could not obtain it, whereupon she used further means by complaining unto some in high place and authority, for the rescuing of her child out of the possession of those who had thus deluded her: But using all the helps she could, it was more than half a year ere she could get her daughter home to her. And within a week after her daughters being with her, some of these ghostly Fathers that sent this ghost to her, did by the conveyance of a private Letter call her off again, so that she made an escape from her Mother and flew the second time to their lure. And to prevent her Mother's recovering of her again, they determined to set her packing beyond the Seas, there to be Nunnified. To which end they scratched up by their Catholicke-hookes the sum of threescore pounds to line this new Nun. This coming to her Mother's notice, whetted her endeavours to regain her child, and accordingly she spoke to some who she knew had interest in those that robbed her of her daughter, threatening that she would complain to the Highest, and declare their deceitful lewd courses. This sharp ingredient wrought so well, that the voyage was stayed and her daughter restored. Who since being in her Mother's tuition and receiving due instruction, hath by God's blessing pulled her Foot out of the Snare, well seeing and leaving the vanity of Popery. She is now married and dwelleth near Bainards-Castle in London, where of late I visited her to inform myself the better of the truth of these particulars. And within these very few days she being demanded in my hearing, what means she thinketh to have been used to make those apparitions to her, and disquiets in her, she saith; She thinketh in her conscience some of those things could not be done without Witchcraft, or some strange help by the devil. 
The particulars of this apparition are incntioned in my former Book.  In which opinion I must needs say she doth concur with Mary Wiltshire, who not long since in my hearing repeated such apparitions made to her to the same end, did with great asseverance express that she verily thinketh that they who made the apparition of the Virgin Mary, dealt by Sorcery or such indirect devilish means.  
I doubt I shall now sure undergo the Ferula of our grand pedantic Masters the jesuites, for telling so many tales out of the school: which their Anger will be the more implacable, because they know my informations to be good, my relations to be warrantable, and the very circumstances of them to trench upon the reputation of those who would be thought so wise and uncontrollable, that they deserve to hold the whole Christian world in pupillage and pillage. But for my part I must spare them never a whit the more. The necessity of any duty overcometh the weight of their menaces. As he that hath been incited to hold out a Castle mutinously against the lawful owners and governors thereof, when he seethe his fault and hath slipped away from his fellow Mutineers, is in duty bond not to favour those his quondam-Mates, but rather for the better demonstration of his allegiance, is to discover what he can the practices of their combination, and to lead others on to the battery of that hold in such places where he by experience knows it to lie weak and best assaileable: So I am so fare from repenting of the former declarations made by me, out of conscience and truth against those that possess many a secret hold in the Territories of his Majesty's Dominions, seizing upon the hearts and houses of many, and captivating them within a combination, in opposition against our Religion established, and discontent against the course of our civil estate and Laws; that I cannot but go on in using my best memory to recollect what I knew, and means to inquire what formerly I knew not, that might conduce to the further display of their practices. I confess I speak stones, and lay ink and gall on their tetters. But, Dicatur veritas, rumpatur invidia; Let the Truth be spread, and their Envy burst it Gall.   

❧ The second Comodie of a Female Apparition, acted by the thrice honourable Company of jesuites, Players to the Pope's Holiness.  

jesuites are in at all games.  ABout August last 1623. Mr Fisher and Mr Wainman, jesuits, came to a Romish Recusants house in Surrey, where sojourned a young Gentlewoman, one Mris Francis Peard, whose parents being dead, she had her portion of goods in her own hands, which portion (as I am credibly informed) was above a thousand pounds. Mr Fisher & Mr Wainman laboured to persuade this Gentlewoman to become a Romish Catholic, and at length prevailed and perverted her; which done Mr Fisher and Mr Wainman began to consider how they might work her out of her moneys, which being so round a sum, they laboured to get this fat Fish into their Net.  

A Mountebanks Oration.  Master Wainman gins here to Act his part, and first comes to her by himself and saith; Oh Mistress Francis, what a glorious sight did I behold the last night. At midnight being in my bed I lay awake and began to say over my Breviary, 
The Breviary is attractive of Virgins in the night as well as in the day.  which I had no sooner done, but there appeared unto me a beautiful Virgin like yourself, all in white, glittering like an Angel, and said unto me, Behold I am such a one, whom you being my ghostly Father persuaded to become a Nun, and now I appear to give you thanks. For since my departure out of this world, I reign in glory with the Virgin Mary. All the tongues in the world cannot express that which I now possess. There is a Gentlewoman you lately persuaded to become a Catholic, Mris Francis Peard: Oh persuade her to the same life that I led in the heavenly Monastery at Brussels: She will without doubt be a good Saint. 
Oh thrice blessed jesuite.  This visible having thus spoken unto Mr Wainman, It gave him (as he said) three Benedictions and vanished away.  

Mr Wainman the Precursor unto Fisher to beat game into his Net.  After the narration of this vision made to Mris Peard, Mr Wainman began to exhort her to Nunship, and used divers Arguments for the alluring her to such course of living. And so left the Gentlewoman for that time, who as yet was unresolved what to do. The week following Mr Fisher persuaded this Gentlewoman to come to London, and appointed her to lodge in a Popish house in Drury lane, and told her she should there hear a very excellent Sermon. According to his direction she came to the appointed house in London, and the day following heard a Sermon preached by a jesuite, whose name she could not learn; but his Text was taken out of 1 Cor. 7. And for Virgins a Commandment of our Lord I have not, but Counsel I give▪ as having obtained mercy of our Lord to be faithful etc.  
In which Sermon he took occasion to handle the point of Vows, and said, that to vow Chastity and to live unmarried, was an Angelical life upon earth, resembling the state of the blessed in heaven, where they 
Math. 22.  neither marry nor be married, but are as the Angels of God in heaven. And spoke particularly of Nuns, that as they sing in God's choir here upon earth, so they shall sing a song of joy in heaven which none can sing but they; and shall be crowned with a special Crown of glory, which none can wear but they.  
This Sermon much inflamed the Gentlewoman with zeal to become a Nun: which Mr Fisher well perceived. And the night following after this Gentlewoman had been in her bed some hour or two, there seemed to be a great light in her Chamber, which at the first beholding thereof astonished her, and then presently after appeared unto her, a shape like unto a woman all in white: from her face seemed to come little streams of fire, or glittering light. This Woman-shape first bade her not be afraid, for she came to her with a message from heaven, and said her name was St Lucy, who being borne of honourable Parents, and of a great Family, had great riches left unto her by her friends; 
The fruitful useful part of a ghostly Sermon is in the Application.  which riches fearing lest they should be an hindrance to her in the process of godliness, she bestowed all upon the poor and lived a Monastical life, by means whereof she is now one of the most glorious Saints in heaven. And then said this crafty vision to the Gentlewoman, Do you also dispose of those worldly things that you have to the poor, and toward religious Uses, and go your ways and live a religious life amongst the good company of Virgins at Brussels, and so shall you be sure to be saved, and freed from the fire of Purgatory, which otherwise you cannot escape. And so this vision left her.  

Cogging were la●…e, if dubbing did not follow.  The next morning came to visit her Mr Fisher and Mr Wainman, to whom she presently began to relate what she had seen that night, and that St Lucy had appeared to her and talked with her. 
The poor Protestant Heretics have no such sweet visions.  Oh what a happy woman are you quoth Mr Fisher. You may see what it is to be a Catholic and to be of our Church. Thus doth God work his Miracles amongst us daily, and by such visions doth God commonly reveal himself unto us. What will you now do then, said Mr Wainman? Will you not become a Nun? Yes forsooth, said the Gentlewoman, I will be advised by you. So then they wished her to get her moneys ready, and one of them would be her Conductor to Brussels. But, quoth Mr Wainman, you had best give an hundred pounds presently to poor Catholics in thankfulness for St Lucyes good will towards you. 
The fine which St Lucyes' Tenants pay at entrance, an hundred pounds.  Yea, said Mr Fisher, that indeed will be a work meritorious. Then said Mr Wainman, You had best put it into our hands, and we will distribute it where we find most fit. 
Quisque sibi proximus. He is an ill Cook that licks not his own fingers.  To all this the innocent Gentlewoman with little repine yielded, and within few days after delivered them an hundred pounds. Shortly after they came to her and told her, that they must have an hundred pounds more to send over to the Nunnery before her, 
Hard Landlords that exact a second fine. Why should they not be sued in Court of equity to restore it?  to make provision of some necesseries against her coming. The which hundred pounds they likewise tugged out of her hands; and for the space of a quarter of a year, these two Master- jesuites, like two cunning old Grayhounds that could well serve one another's turn for the catching the poor hare, with some other journeymen of their trade, made great labour to and fro this Gentlewoman, and every one of them began to pluck a feather from the plume of her estate.  
She seeing and plainly perceiving that they made Religion a stalking horse to intent their own profit, began to take consideration thereof, and to meditate on their practising, assuring herself that they aimed at nothing more than to cheat her of her moneys and goods. 
Experience dear bought.  And seriously weighing the particulars of the apparition presented to her in Drury lane, she concluded it must needs be some juggling trick devised by those Masters, and assisted by some in the house. In brief, she resolved to shake off her gracious grandfather's the Priests and jesuites, and so to bid her new Guest the Roman Religion farewell.  
By the like Pageant or trick of legerdemain was Elizabeth powel of Holborn within this twelvemonth befopped with Visions and Revelations, and persuaded to become a Nun, whom of late the Priests have packed over to some Monastery, giving her belike not so long a time of deliberation to bethink herself; or rather her ghostly Father Mr Musket is a man somewhat nimbler than his Copesmates. He was the Master-gamster (as I have heard) who fetched over this said Elizabeth powel, but in what manner he played his part upon the Stage, I cannot yet learn.  
As concerning their other Imposture and Cozenage of Mris Peard, I see no reason but that these jesuites should be sued; First upon an Action of Account, how they have disposed these sums, being committed to them in trust, and limited to others uses. Nor would I be the Advocate for them if they were sued in the Star-chamber for Subornation, lewd practice and Cozenage, having entered into such a combination, and executed the same by such cheating, shuffling, and Comical an Engine. I have heard that in that high Court within these three years some combining cheating Companions, have been questioned for stripping a simple credulous man out of his revenues, by setting up one of their company in a Tavern to Act a Commanding part over the rest of that good fellowship, who by their device should have such authority, that none of the rest might disobey whatsoever he imposed on them. 
Mr K●a: befooled.  This Commander they styled by the mighty name of Captain Gogge, who upon pretence of this power, made one of his silly Companions to set his hand to a writing there brought, which proved a Release of right in certain Lands, which for aught I hear could never be recovered again. But the jesuits' devices are more refined▪ this only by the spirit of liquor and bond of roaring good fellowship, but theirs by pretended divine inspirations, visible messengers, and audible messages from heaven. And what persuasive power is there between the blustering Commands of any Gog or Magog in comparison of the sweet insinuations of a Virgin-Saint, imitating in some sort the Angel Gabriel in speaking to a Virgin and comforming herself to her own name in the manner of her apparition, flashing out rays or beams of light. O Luciam lucidissimam, or rather O luculentam fraudem, O lutulentum scelus! A bold, palpable, dirty Imposture. And if we consider this kind of knavery in the highest pitch of it, me thinks these lewd pagenteeres should be questioned also in some Ecclesiastical Court for Profanation of heaven and holy things, making them by such devices little better than Theatrical and fabulous tricks to get money and inescate poor deceived souls. I know not whither any of our Bishop's Courts, or high Commission do take cognisance of such kind of abuses, but if they do, those holy, heavenly, Virginal, Monastical, fantastical, sophistical Contrivers and Actors will cut out work for them to spend some time in censure.  
But now I bethink myself how deeply I am mistaken, I had forgotten that the superexcellent, transcendent, exorbitant order of the jesuites, is not subject to any but their own seraphical Superiors. What talk you of our Courts of justice in England? They have no more power over these exempts, than the King of Kallecut hath over the Virginian Toma-Coma. All Romish Priests forsooth are exempt from secular hands, and jesuites Exemptissimi from the secular Priests. The Consistories of our Bishops can do no Acts but nullities against any of these; For every thing they do is void ipso facto, quia per non judicem. Ours are not Ecclesiastical judges, nor have any jurisdiction, because not derived from the Wellhead at Rome, nor imparted by him who hath the keys of all Church-lockes at his girdle, and setting his hands by his side bravely says, Data est mihi omnis potestas in Coelo & in terra. All power is given to me in heaven and in earth.  
But now for manner of cleanly conveyance of this business, nay, in these manifold Pageants of heavenly visibles, I have thought with myself divers times to what kind of operation I should refer it. Somewhat I think may be done this way by Paper Lanterns or transparent Glasses to eradiate & redouble light, & cast out painted shapes by multiplication of the species visibiles, & artificial directing of refractions. And for the Actor that puts life into this mimical Artillery by motion and voice, that may be done by some nimble handed and footed Novice jesuitable Boy, that can as easily put on the person of St Lucy, or The virgin Mary, as a Play-boy can act winged Mercury, or Eagle mounted Ganymedes.  
But the jesuits' being or having Actors of such dexterity, I see no reason but that they should set up a company for themselves, which surely will put down The Fortune, Red-Bull, Cockpit, & Globe. Only three exceptions some make against them which perhaps may make their Customers after a while some what cool and thinly to frequent them.  

1 Tautology.  
It seems by want of variety the Poet is drawn dry.  One is, that the plots of their Comedies twang all upon one string, apparitions of the same kind, their Actors having little or no variety of disguise. In all these three or four Plays, none comes in Acting but A Woman, A Woman, A Woman, arrayed in white, white, white. 
I am so charitable to plead for them without a Fee.  But I answer for them; That perhaps may be excused, because the spectators are women, and so she likely to consort best with her own sex. Neither have they much variety of apparel. One white robe and no other habit in three several Plays. White from Heaven, and white from Purgatory. I will be so kind as to answer for them in case of Tautology, or want of variety, with that advice which was once given to an Orator, who being to make an Oration before a curious Auditory, and belabouring his memory with often cunning it by heart, at length loathed his own work by often hearing it, and therefore disinherited the Auditories acceptation; Whereto his Friend made answer; Though you by often repeating it are weary, yet to them it will be fresh enough, because they shall hear it but once. So though themselves are guilty of the dulness of the same trick which they act often, yet their comfort is, that it is represented but to one, and so the less spread, and every time of repetition 'tis presented to a new spectator that never saw it before, to whom it may well be fresh and welcome.  

2. incongruity.  The second Objection is incongruity, the Poet seeming worthy to be quarrelled with all for devising to send one in a white robe from the smoky burning Kitchen of Purgatory. The Tell-tale from that place should rather have come in a scorched sheet all turned to tinder. But hereto I answer for our good Poets the jesuites. If the sheet had been burnt to tinder, it would not have hung together, and so all the device had fall'n in pieces.  
But stay Sir Poet, one word more concerning the title of incongruity. What Decorum is it to bring from Purgatory her that Acted Godmother, who was known to the Spectatrix to have been a Protestant: whereas all those that build Purgatory, do intent it for a hot Inn for the Roman Catholics only. But no Heretic may have the honour to smell of those flames, but are beat down with a Club to hell in posthaste with out baiting by the way. Hereto I answer, that these Actors would give out that she died a Romanist, and hope they may pretend so, because she lived and died a very virtuous life: Godliness being a proper Privilege entailed to the Romanists, who seeing any Ship of great burden, (any great learned man) passing to his Haven, give aim presently and say, it is ours; 
Vid. The jesuits Cathech. lib. 1. cap. 17.  thus dealt Puteanus the Provincial of the jesuits with him, who was veré Iesuit●-mastix, religious and renowned Mr Beza; and as cunningly or knavishly dealt foul-mouthed Mr Musket, and doting Doctor Kellison, both Seculars, with the late reverend and learned Bishop of London. But Fallitur cum sua tota cater va Diabolus. The devil and all his rout were much deceived. They died in a constant belief, persuasion, and profession of that holy Truth of God, in defence whereof they stood both by writing & speaking against the Church of Rome.  
Now to make up your mouth against all distaste of incongruity, I say the Poet kept within his Circle. For he well knew that deep passions, especially affright and astonishing admiration, do for the time bereave and suspend exact enquiring discourse. Well might he presume that the spectator being a Woman would not be too full of true Syllogism, and being possessed with admiration of her revi●…'d Godmother, would not be too busy in Theological Queres, how she was capable of that place from whence she came to visit her God-daughter.  

3. Dear price.  The third abatement of the honour and continuance of this Scenical company is, that they make their spectators pay to dear for their Income. Representations and Apparitions from the dead might be s●ene fare cheaper at other Playhouses. As for example, the Ghost in Hamlet, Don Andrea's Ghost in Hieronimo. As for flashes of light, we might see very cheap in the Comedy of Pyramus and Thisbe, where one comes in with a Lantern and Acts Moonshine. But here for a Comedy consisting of one Scene, and one Actor, 'tis very dear market to pay an hundred pounds for entrance, and besides that another hundred pounds for sitting in a box near the Stage. But here I answer for them (though I think I shall have little thank for my pains of them) that they having but one Spectator, must have as much of that one as if they had an whole Theatre full. The Lawyer that pleads at Bar for his Client, will not therefore abate any thing of his Fee because the Auditory is small or the judges few, his study and preparation being the same.  
Moreover, though there be but one Actor appearing here upon the Stage, yet you must consider that here are divers others within the tiring-house, that take a great deal of pains to project the plot, to instruct the Actor, and to furnish him with habit and ornament. And who can tell how many sharers there are that must take part of that which is paid? Wherein I hope that these two jesuites, F. Fisher, and F. Wainman, men of extraordinary action, have a triple or quatriple share each of them, as being the principal overruling Masters. Would any man think that Burbege should be content with a single share, who was the flower and life of his company, the Loadstone of the Auditory, and the Roscius of the Stage?  
Another matter more troubled my curiosity, where and of what Master they learned these tricks of legerdemain. I always thought they had their rudiments from some juggling Hocas Pocas in a quart pot. 
A man of great name and fame.  At length I learnt that one of them, namely, Mr Wainman, alias Mr Wrightman, alias Mr Wood, alias Mr Peacock, alias Mr Baker, alias Mr Read, alias Mr Frye, alias Mr French (I think he taketh eight names to answer to the eight Beatitudines) had been heretofore the Auditor and Disciple of a grand Master, notorious in the people's reputation for strange feats. And beside I learned that this said Wainman had long since some tricks of cleanly conveyance, whereof he brought a whole waine-load from Bristol, where he made himself very famous by professing that he could make the Philosopher's stone, and turn any mettle into gold; But he so turned over the money of a Knight thereabouts by Evaporation, Calcination, Projection, and Cohobbation, that the Knight might well have wished this Mountebank had studied less the Chemical Trade, unless he had left more fruit of his labours by projection behind him. 
An Alchemist usually answers his deluded scholar with expectation of Projection, and tells him the more his Materials be multiplied, the stronger will the Projection be; especially if it come to the maintenance of an hundred pounds. Vid. The Play of the Alchemist.  And yet have I heard he was not utterly unfruitful there. For how soever his Inventions proved abortive concerning the Philosopher's stone, yet he lest some evidence of bringing forth some work of perfection, or rather imperfection by other kind of stones; concerning which employment of Multiplication, I could make a Quere how it agrees with his Priesthood, or with the sublimated quintessence of his jesuitical order. Whose holy function would be blasted and cracked in sunder by any Matrimonial Conjunction? If himself were to answer, he could easily put it off with some equivocating trick, 
Vid. Dr Sheldon of the Miracles of Antichrist.  like his brother Ignatian, who being examined upon oath whether he were a Priest, answered, No; and after said, he meant he was not a Priest of Baal. And so ask this man whether it accord with his Fatherhood to be as fruitful in the flesh as in the spirit, he will have some sodering shift that will make all sound, without urging the Text Crescite & multiplicamini & replete terram. Gen. 1. 28.  
That which I would now have you observe out of Mr Fisher and Mr Wainmans pretty juggling practices is, with what creeping sly stealth the Master-Gamesters the jesuites do drive the female Partridges into their Net by the help of the setting Dog of sneaking Visions and Phantasms. Or to come nearer the habit of this Scene; When I consider their carriage and wily beguiling conveyance, me thinks I behold the cunning Fowler, such as I have known in the Fenne-Countries, and elsewhere, that do shoot at Woodcocks, Snipes, and wild Fowl, by sneaking behind a painted cloth which they carry before them, having pictured in it the shape of a Horse, which while the silly Fowl gazeth on, she is knocked down with Hale-shot, and so put in the Fowlers-budget. Oh the Artificial incomparable engine of jesuitical Fowlers, the painted Hobby-horse of Saintlike Apparitions from Heaven or Purgatory! Whilst the silly Bird gazeth with rapting admiration; Bounce says the jesuits' Gun, Thou art mine, and takes them by the Coxcomb, and packs them by dozen to send by the Poulterers to be put in Coops at Brussels, and elsewhere. 
Quó pulchrius E● charius.  Wherein I commend their skill in their Trade, that they choose as near as they can those fowl that are fat and fair of feather. If a lean one come in the way, the fatter shall bear it out. In the one they have a pretence of Wisdom, in the other of Charity.  
But oh, the profound Policy which our Ignatians use for the confirmation and establishment of their Religion, consisting in these superlative projects and practices, wherein they go as fare beyond their fellow Priests, as Master Stevens galloping Cross beyond a penny Palm Cross; 
Vid. The Foot out of the Snare. pag. 70.  or F. Garnets' little straw beyond all the Wheat-sheaves in England. What infallible arguments are these strange Apparitions to uphold Faith? The Sorbonites in truth upbraid the jesuites with a Doctrine, that they hold it lawful to forge a Miracle for the furtherance of their Religion: Why should not I think, that they hold it as lawful sometimes to forge a vision, for the better maintenance of their Catholic cause? I remember how the Sorbon concluded by a Decree of the year 1554. and 1564. 
The Sorbons' censure of the jesuites.  Hac societas periculosa in negotio fidei, vana, nugax, mendax, pacis Ecclesiae perturbativa, Monastica Religionis eversura, & magis in destructionem quam in edificationem ordinata, etc. Surely if brethren of the same seam censure thus hardly of them for their loud lying, let none wonder if I begin to sentence them for the only Cogging Impostors of these times, scandalising the name of Christian with most impious inventions, unbefitting any though desperate Heretic, and arguing little less than Atheistical profanes. As for their visions, and such like eyrie Mountebank Hobgoblin-stuffe, I say 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, Fools may be frighted with Hags, and Fairies; men of understanding know it is but knavery.    

THE COPIES OF DIVERS LETTERS OF Late Intercourse concerning Romish Affairs.  

The Copy of a Letter (the Original whereof is in my hands) sent from Rome to F. COLLETON, Archpriest, alias  of LONDON.  
FAther Colleton we received your Letters dated the xxixth of March, wherein you writ of Prince CHARLES his going for Spain. The news was here before your Letters, and there is no doubt but we shall now work all things to our own content. Father Pitts is sent from his Holiness with Letters to the King of Spain, upon his return we shall hear more. His Holiness hath created 3 new Bishops: Dr Bishop is Bishop of Chalcedon, and comes shortly into England: Dr Bath and F. john Roch are made Bishops, the one of Gortyna, the other of Cydonea, and are to be sent into Ireland. If matters succeed well, there will be other new Bishops and an Archbishop sent over for the propagating of true discipline in your Kingdom: and for those who have now endured the heat of the day will be the freer passage to Ecclesiastical dignity. His Holiness would have you advise those who are subordinate to you, that they walk warily, to be as secret as formerly, the easier (as he saith) may they work their own ends. He would have none puffed up, or swell with sensual delights, but remain yet mortified, that humility, charity, obedience, contemplation, zeal of souls may be most observed. As water doth more inflame the Smith's forge, as repugnance doth animate the Lion's courage, as tartness eggeth the languishing appetite: so will it embolden and strengthen the Heretics, if they know they are to find opposition to their natural inclinations, and sensuality. Religion (saith the Divinest of all Divines S. Thomas of Aquin) 
I had thought St Augustine, St Bernard and some other of the Fathers had been as divine as Herald  must have neighbourhood of Policy, Tunc enim piae suae observantiae ex maiori discretione ordinatae sunt ad finem religionis. For than her pious observantions through more discretion are directed to the end of Religion.  
Our Colledge-money from the Catholics of England comes in slowly: There is three hundred pounds of what we accustomed to receive behind. We must entreat you to call upon them, and if T. M. be in England, acquaint him with it. I have written hereof to Mr Wright, and have desired him to send us an hundred pounds from his stock: he knows where to receive it again. Father Spencer I hear hath lain sick this great while at Bordeaux, I pray God send him lusty again good man. We hear that Mr Daniel (whom Father Sweet knows well) hath an ancient Manuscript called the History of S. Gertrude; desire F. Sweet if it be possible to get it for us, and send it to Rome, or else to Louvain or Tournay. There are the Histories of St Columban, St Rumuld, and St Fursius, which his Holiness hath given order shall be translated into English for the good and benefit of the lay- Catholics. I believe the Heretics droop and begin to hold down their heads of late▪ 'tis not possible they should hold up long, either in England, France, or Germany, they have lost their plumes. Let me know what the old Block saith; you know my meaning. Send us over if you can six or ten young Scholars to Rome, Let not Dr Kellison admit any more at Douai, till there be supply made here. There was one Mr Harelcot an English Gentleman here of late, and is travailed hence to the Holy-Land, he had Letters of commendation from F. Fisher. Writ to us as oft as you can hereafter, that we may hear how things succeed. Have among you Cor unum & animam unam. And so praying to our Lady and All Saints for the extirpation of Heresy among you, with commendations to my kindred, you know whom I love best, not forgetting G. Smith, who will wonder he had no Letter from me. I Rest.  
Your brother in ✚ H. Flood. Rome. March 27. 1623.  

❧ A short Comment upon Master Floods long Letter.  
INdorsed, To Father Colleton Archdeacon of London] To another Letter following, Father Colleton hath subscribed himself, Vicarius generalis orientalis Angliae, Vicar general of the East of England Promotion comes very fast on him. For I hear moreover that of late, he is made Deane of Chalcedon; which I do not see by what dispensation he can hold, being so fare remote as London is from Constantinople; yet I will try whether I can likewise get him a faculty to be Deane of Dunstable.  
His Holiness hath made three new Bishops.] It is questioned whether his Holiness be a Bishop himself, for that since Gregory the thirteenth, there hath been no true Pope: but all that have succeeded him have been mere Intruders into the Papacy. vide. A Book Entitled, The New man, translated into English by William Crashaw, Bachelor in Divinity, according to the Latin Copy sent from Rome into England, Printed 1622.  
Dr Bishop is Bishop of Chalcedon and comes shortly into England.] I will believe him another time. For according to his promise true it is, that the Bishop of Chalcedon is come into England, and hath laid about him in Pontificalibus, having confirmed many, and ordained some. When I was their child, they would have had me receive Confirmation from him. 'tis strange I refused it, when so many gaping, gazing gulls flocked after him (as after a Lord at Whitsun) with desire to kiss but the very ground where he had stood. 
Asperges me Domine saith the Holy mighty man, Mundati estis saith his Chaplain Mr Ouerton.  Oh blessed they that were asperged but with the least drop of his thrice hallowed Holy water. Mundati sunt, they were purged from all sin. But what shall I say of those who had the livery and handsel of his sacred Crozier-staffe, when his Lordship lorded it with his taper-bearers of each side, and one with a Censor burning Incense before him? Oh surely those that had this Benediction (as Fr. Leech said upon another occasion) Peccare non possint si maximé velint, 'twas almost impossible for them to commit any more sin.  
Dr Bath and F. john Roch are made Bishops, the one of Gortyna, the other of Cydonea, and are to be sent into Ireland.] Were I in Ireland and there wanted a Bishop's Benediction or Confirmation, I might I think run over a great deal of ground, and leave many a merry old Town behind me, before I should find the several Seas of these two new-stampt Bishops; but casting mine eyes upon the Globe of the whole earth, I find that Gortyna and Cydonea are two renowned Cities of the I'll of Crete or Candy, which Island (as Strabo writeth) is compassed with the Aegean, African, Egilan, and Cytheran Seas. So that by the next packet that comes from Rome to the Pope's Council in Ireland, I desire to be resolved whether per mortem or else per lapsum these two new Bishops came to their Seas. Secondly, I would be satisfied concerning the largeness of those two Dioceses Gortyna and Cydonea; and how long the Kingdom of Ireland (divided from the Continent of Crete by a great many lakes and gulfs) hath been within their precints. Thirdly I desire to know what revennewes are annexed or appendent to those said Bishoprickes, that the Bishops choose rather to be commorant at their manner houses in Ireland, than at their ancient Palaces at home.  
If matters succeed well, there will be other new Bishops and an Archbishop sent over.] They must wait for another wind before they cross the Seas. 'tis a dangerous storm; many of their Mates are like to suffer shipwreck. But I perceive they make account that their Hierarchy shall blow away ours.  
Our Colledge-money from the Catholics of England comes in slowly.] I perceive according to the old Proverb, The English Catholics are still the Pope's Asses. But he is beholding to his janissaries the jesuites, who will whip them sound if they bear not their accustomed loads. Yet I hear that in the Northern parts, their Mules backs are almost bursten with over-riding.  
There is three hundred pounds to receive behind] It were a fit Quere what they have received, so many of their Customers being observed of late to be turned Bankrupts.  
Let Mr Wright send an hundred pounds from his stock.] It were good grafting upon this stock that bears so fruitful branches.  
There are the Histories of St Columban, St Rumuld, St Fursius, which his Holiness hath given order to be translated etc.] I warrant you there be good husks in this trough to feed Roman Catholic Pigs of devouring belief.  
The Catholics droop, they cannot hold up long, etc.] See how they have cast the die to make us loser's and Bankrupts.  
Let me know what the old Block saith.] We are such Blockheads that we do not yet understand who this Block is. The jesuites Cabala must help us.  
Praying for the extirpation of heresy.] Extirpation? The zeal of this Prayer may kindle an Invasion of Gunpowder, if need be.   

The Letter subscribed by H. Flood.  
I Have heard there are three Floods, notorious projecting proditorious jesuites beyond the Seas, all of them well studied in Machiavelli. One of them caused the jesuites at Lisbon to spend a great deal of money upon Powder on a Festival day a little before the Powder-Treason in England should have been effected, thereby to make experience of the force thereof. And also persuaded one john How (a Merchant whom he had perverted) and diverse other Catholics to go over into England, and to expect their Redemption there (as he called it) a while. He is much honoured by the State-Papists of this Kingdom. Some I have heard give a large testimony of his Wisdom and Worth. I believe it is he that was the Father of this pestilent LETTER.    

¶ A Letter sent from one Mr Worthington a Priest, to a kinsman of his living in Lancashire.  

The Copy of this Letter I have from Worthingtons' friend, who will justify the truth of it.  WOrthy and well-beloved Cousin, you fhall please to understand, that at my late being at Tholouse I received your Letter, and returned an answer thereunto again, though (as I hear) it never came to your hands. Since have I been at Rouen, where I met with another Letter of yours, which I had not time to answer from thence, neither would the answering of it there have been convenient. Since am I come to Hage in Holland, where I can scarce endure to hear the lavish and vile speeches which a sort of base unbridled people daily disgorge against the Majesty of the King of Spain. For singularity among the people I have noted, that they are generally so bred up to the Bible, that almost every Cobbler is a Dutch Doctor of Divinity, and by inward illumination of spirit, understandeth the Scripture as well as he that wrote it. Those of Holland and the adjacent parts term themselves of the United Provinces; but never people in this world lived in a more disvnited unity; so great a confusion hath this freedom brought among them of every Idiots babbling out of the Bible. There are not more different languages at the Tower of Babel, then there are different beliefs in Holland. But I leave them to their differences and inward illuminations, borrowed from Martin Luther the New-Religion-maker of Germany, and desire you let me hear so soon as may be what news in England, whether the Proclamation be yet come forth for Toleration, that we may make us merry at home in our Kingdom without control. I was told by one Mr Hinslow some two or three days since, that there is three or four Churches building in London for Catholics, and that the King hath appointed the Bishop of Chalcedon to Preach at Pauls-Crosse, and that Mr Fisher hath Preached before his Majesty twice already. If this be true I will be with you within this month. I hear the Prince was married upon Easter day last, a Gentleman told me who was then at Madrid. I could acquaint you with all the solemnity, but that I know you hear the news in England as soon as it is with us. F. Mason is lately dead, and much lamented at Brussels. I was in good hope my sister joan would have come over to me before this time. I spoke to the Lady Abbess for her, who hath promised she shall be presently admitted, and will accept of eightscore pounds. I pray you to pay ten pounds for me to my Cousin Maxfield in London, which I sent unto him for, and I have received it. I wish his brother Henry and we could agree as well in mind and judgement, as we do in ancient amity. I could write some other news hence, but for reasons I spare, till I be departed hence, and then I shall make you laugh. For this time in hast I leave you to God, and in all kind affection I take of you my leave, desiring you to remember me to all those to whom in duty and love I am bounden, I need not name them all, but rest  
Your loving kinsman I. Worthington. Hage, this 4th of May. 1623.  

The Comment.  
AS for the former part of his Letter which concerneth the Hollanders, they are of age to answer for themselves.  
What news in England, whether the Proclamation be yet come forth for Toleration.] The hope of a Toleration is the Wine that seasons all their merry Feasts; but I hope their Wine is turned to Vinegar by another Proclamation, though some (I hear) make but a jest of it.  
Three or four Churches building in London for Catholics.] Risum teneatis amici? Belike they are like those Churches builded upon the sand, a flood came and washed them away. I wonder to which of their new Canonized rubricall Saints those new Churches must be dedicated: Oh I remember, to St Nicholas Nemo, and the Parish where they stand is Nullibi in the Metropolis of Utopia. Go ask Sr Thomas Moor on which end of those Churches the Weathercock shall stand.  
The King hath appointed the Bishop of Chalcedon to Preach at Pauls-Crosse.] Yes very true, and his Text must be Act. 1.20. Episcopatum eius alter accipiat. His Bishopric let another take.  
Mr Fisher hath Preached before his Majesty twice already.] As true as steel. And there to the comfort of his Auditory he told his own heroical Acts in producing Actors from Heaven and Purgatery, for the Nunnizing of Mary Wiltshire, Mary Boucher, Mris Francis Peard, and others his ghostly children.  
I hear the Prince was married upon Easter day.] True and trusty news. The Capons are not yet fed that should be eaten at that Feast, and yet the Epithilamium or Marriage-Song is made by Master Pateson in the dedication to the Book called, The image of both Churches.  
The Lady Abbess will accept of eight score pounds.] I verily believe it and more money if she could get it. A good Broker for Dowries; but those Dowries suck a great deal of money out of England.  
I shall make you laugh.] Good sport belike. In the mean time we laugh at you (good Master Worthington) for your news of non ens; and that you build Churches and Castles in the air.    

¶ A Letter sent from the said J. Worthington to his Uncle in London, a Seminary Priest.  
Most loving Uncle,  
I Know you take it very unkindly that I wrote not unto you by the last packet; but the reason was because I intended to have come over within a week following, had not Dr Kellison hindered me. Let me entreat you to provide some good house where I may be entertained in London at. Midsummer, when I intent to see England. We understand there is liberty enough now, every man with you may use his Conscience. My Cousin Melling wrote unto me that they hoped to purchase all the Churches in Lancashire, if this world last long. The heaven hath been long full with our cries, the world with our afflictions, Sed tandem miserendi tempus, exultandi dies. Pursuivants, men infamous, who at their pleasures enriched themselves with the spoil of our goods, I hear that now they sneak up and down, and the only preferment any of them can attain unto, is to keep a Tobacco-shop. We shall no more I hope be made a Spectacle to the World, and to Angels, and to men. But Nisi praecedit pugna, non succedit victoria, saith St Cyprian. It is a comfort that the case is so altered. Interim Germanicus. I was lately at the Hage in Holland, where I found but seven Religions in one Family; the man of the house being of one Religion, the wife of another, the children and servants of others. The high powerful Lords the States keep a great toil there, though the best of them were but the son of a Beere-Brewer or Basketmaker. I saw there King james his daughter and her Worshipful Husband, whose high aspiring thoughts are now low enough, even as low as that muddy Country is beneath any sound earth. Their dwellings are fit to be a habitation for fishes than for men. I got an Ague there which I was afraid I should not so soon have shaken off. I would entreat you Uncle to send me over to Douai five pounds, to fit me with some necessaries against my journey: And I have written to my Cousin Maxfield to send me five more. I have Printed a Book which I will bring over with me, I am sure that will help me with money enough in England. I was at Antwerp where I bought a Box of hallowed Rings, which I value at a great rate, so that I will begin to pay my debts to yourself and others my good friends when I have been a while in England. Wish my Cousin Maxfield to show you his Letter. I remember my duty unto you, and so rest  
Your loving Nephew I. Worthington. Duac. May 20. 1623.  

❧ The Comment.  
LEt me entreat you to provide some good house where I may be entertained.] His harbinger hath provided him a house in Holborn, one of those that stand in the next way to Tyburn.  
My cousin Melling wrote, that they hoped (if this world last long) to purchase all the Churches in Lancashire.] We thank your cousin Melling for telling of a long lasting world; But as for Lancashire, I can give by my abode in it, some little account of it, and of their acquaintances swelling into thousands, yet I hope they shall never purchase Church there, though they have purchased and invaded too many houses and families.  
Pursuivants etc.] Do they now scorn the Officers of justice and Religion amongst us? If hereafter those Pipes that have for a time been put up in a bag shall be played on again, let not those take it in snuff who have now made no more of our Laws made against them then of a vanishing evaporated whiff of Tobacco. And as for the Pursuivants, they would have this libelling knave to know, that the worst of them hath means to maintain himself without being beholding to any Popish Pedlarly Priest whatsoever.  
Interim Germanicus.] Cunningly spoken. I think he alludes to the Interim in the time of Charles the fift, and would imply that they have in England a middling provisional sect of Statizing, Temporising Romanists, who can conform to the times, in hope they shall be otherwise fairer bend for their ends. Many here are that tread upon Roman earth, though English ground.  
A Beere-brewer or Basketmaker.] He had this jest out of Robert Parsons, the brazen-faced libelling jesuite his books. But yet those Brewers he speaks of have made drink so strong that it hath oft been huffecap to their enemies. And their Baskets have been so stuffed with earth upon their rampiers, that the greatest Ordnance of the enemy could not demolish them at Bergen up-zone.  
Whose high aspiring hopes, etc.] God may please to give them a time to repair their decays, which they patiently expect. But it may be some trial of their patience, to have their losses redoubled by storms from that faction whose supporters have procured and continued those damages.  
I got an Ague there.] By feeling your purse I find you have febrem pestilentem, at least a malignant fever; your blood and spirits being possessed with a calenture gotten or increased by the bad air upon the banks of Tiber.  
I have printed a little Bocke.] No doubt it is a goodly work made by this five pound man. Some bungling butcherly bundle of miraculating Saints piping new. Let Mr Henry Barber of Holborn have the uttering and dispersing of it, who met me within these few days and challenged me for putting him into my Catalogue of Popish Booksellers, and said he had little reason to have gone in among them, for that he had been in prison for it heretofore. Or if Henry Barber be by this means too infamous, I commend you Mr Worthington to another Trader, one Mr Udall of Gunpowder-Alley, who was very angry that in my Catalogue I put him down plain Udall without an M. at his girdle.  
Money enough.] Pray mark how these cheating Mates make a prey of their credulous Laic Disciples. They count it no small part of their revennew the sums which they squeise by dropping idle pocket Pamphlets which they sell at an high Market and unreasonable rates, as before I have showed in diverse particulars. I doubt whether they have wit enough that upon these occasions furnish them with moneys enough.  
A box of hollowed rings, which I value at a great rate.] Doth he make them Hogs whom he thus ringeth, or rather wringeth by extracting good silver from men & women past Nonage, though not Dotage for such rattle-baby toys? Oh Trumpery! Is this zeal and Christian Devotion? Why do we laugh at the barbarous Indians for imparting to us their richest commodities in exchange for glass, beads, penny whittles, copper rings, & c? But the Pope's Benediction, or any the least touch of Sainting Miracle-monging fiction is able to infuse the highest worth into the basest baggagely New-nothing to hang upon the sleeve of admiring adoring ghostly Children of the jesuites. How doth his Holiness exorcise and conjure Beads of wood, of stone, of Coral, and of all other stuff, making besotted Ignaro's believe they have great power against sin, the Devil, and Hell; whereas alas all is but cheating, and to gull them of their money. (* ⁎ *)    

The Copy of a Letter Indorsed as followeth.  
Au Tresreverend Pere le Pere Berville, General des Peres de la Congregation de L'oratoire en France a Paris.  
REverendissime Pater,  
Dost nobis hoc tempore homo prudens, diligens, & constans, qui negotia Episcopi nostri, & Cleri in Curiâ Romanâ tractet: Habetis in vestra Congregatione R. P. Thomam Rant Anglum, qui Italicé loquitur, & Romae aliquando versatus cum laude est, & in Anglia antequam Congregationem vestram ingrediebatur causis agendis diu, multumque studuit. Hunc idoneum reputamus, cui negotia nostra committamus. Rogamus itaque Reverendissimam Paternitatem vestram ut hunc virum nobis concedat, vel ad tempus saltem commo let, ne R mi Episcopi et nostrae causae oportuno praesidio in ea altissima Curia distitutae sint Vestrae Congregationis proprium esse inaudivimus viros pios et prudentes Episcopis concedere: quapropter summis precibus obsecramus, ne hanc gratiam denegetis Ordinario nostro vestri amantissimo, qui hoc etiam a Paternitate vestra Reverendissima antea petiit. Quo quidem beneficio nos omnes sibi & Congregationi suae summopere devinciet. Deus Reverendissimam Paternitatem vestram diutissimé seruet incolumen.  
Reverendissimae Paternitatis vestrae observantissimi, 

joannes Colletonus Vicarius generalis orientalis Angliae.  
Richardus SmitheusVicarius generalis in partibus Australibus Angliae.  
Richardus Broughtonus Vicarius generalis Septentrionalis partis Angliae.  
Edwardus Bennettus Vicarius generalis in partibus Occidentalibus Angliae.   Londini 24. Septembris Anno Domini 1623.  

The former Letter in English. Indorsed  
To the most reverend Father the Father Beruille, General of the Fathers of the Congregation of the Oratory in France, deliver this in Paris.  
Most reverend Father,  

He means the late new cast Bishop of Chalcedon.  WE want at this present a wise, diligent, and constant man, who may dispatch the businesses of our Bishop and Clergy in the Roman Court. You have in your Congregation a reverend Father, one Thomas Rant an English man, who speaks Italian and hath been to his commendation sometime employed at Rome; as also he was much and long employed in England in soliciting of businesses, before his admission to your Congregation. This man we think fit to trust with our affairs. 
Their affairs are Fairs to purchase money.  And therefore, we beseech your most reverend Fatherhood that you would grant us this man, or at least lend him us for a time, lest the most reverend Bishop's affairs & ours should be destitute of Protection, as occasion may serve in that most high Court. We have heard that it is proper to your Congregation to afford pious & prudent men unto Bishops. Wherefore we earnestly entreat you, that you would not deny our Ordinary this favour, who doth fervently love you, and hath heretofore requested thus much from your most reverend Fatherhood. By which benefit your Fatherhood shall much oblige us all to yourself and your Congregation. God long preserve your most reverend Fatherhood in prosperity.  
Your most reverend Fatherhoods much bounden, 

john Colleton Vicar general of the East parts of England.  
Richard Smith Vicar general of the South parts of England.  
Richard Broughton Vicar general of the North parts of England.  
Edward Bennet Vicar general of the West parts of England.   London 24 of September. 1623.   

The Comment.  
Poor England you find quartered without judgement, by this domineeting Quaternion of Popish popular Quarter-masters. An admirable new-erected intruded Hierarchy. Our Lord Bishops had need look to their Rochets. For I hear of a strange imaginary scambling after the revennewes of their Church-livings. Great hopes there is of purchasing Churches, & great news of sending over more new Bishops. The nimble-footed Messengers deligated from the Pope's Holiness, may intrude where they list and obtrude what they please (it should seem) without restraint or reproof. Alas great Roman Idoll-Gull, there is none of our Bishops that fear your leaden Bull. As for your Bishops of Chalcedon, Gortyna, and Cydonea, who have their authority so bravely signed sub annulo Piscatoris, I desire them to tarry where their land lies that may maintain them in Pontificalibus. The truth is, in England we have as yet no empty Palace worthy to entertain them except it be the Gatehouse at Westminster, or the Stone house at Newgate, where they shall be pompously attended.  
Is it not enough that the little Foxes of Rome eat up our Grapes, but other wild Boars must must enter into our Vineyard? The Lord hath yet a hook for their nostrils and a bridle for their lips. Let Abaddon the King of the Locusts, that Romish usurper rave and brave, seeking to enlarge his Territories from East to West, or as far as he lift, claiming Hyperbolical power to bear through Diabolical drifts; It makes no matter; our josiah (whose name shall ever remain upon record in the Calendar of the just) hath taken away all abominations of iniquity, all intruding jurisdiction that might stream hither from the Well of Rome; having in himself 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, an inbred power, limited only with justice and equity; 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 absolute dominion and universal command; and yet 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 also, subjection to none but God only. And who (but the Pope and his adherents) doubteth, but that the limbs and branches of his authority are extended over all persons and in all causes as well Ecclesiastical as Civilli His power profession and faculty is immediate and next unto God, held from him in Capite, not derived from beneath: he is not one of those Princes of whom Blondus speaketh, that should honour and worship the Pope as God; he kisseth not the hands and feet of his Holiness, but is architectonical, supreme and commander of all other functions and vocations. 
Blond. Just. Roma. lib. 3. Bertrandus.     

¶ The Copy of a Letter sent from P. Rowe a Romish Priest, to his brother William Rowe in ENGLAND.  
Loving Brother,  
ALbeit according to S. Bernard's saying, Efficacior lingua quam litera: The tongue is of greater efficacy than the Pen, And so I could wish rather to enlarge myself unto you by word then by writing, (my occasion of writing unto you at this time being very serious) yet sith according to the old Proverb, 'Gainst necessity there is no law, I will plead my cause by this mute Advocate of my mind.  

Those that are of religious Orders vow obedience to their Superiors, who may command them to run to any Angle of the world, to the Indies.  So it is that I have received command from our Superior to travel to the City of Seleucia within the Province of Isauria, a place I know not where, & so I know not whether ever I shall see England again. I will delay my journey eight weeks longer, and would entreat you (as you respect me) to send me over before my going the thirty pounds you own me. Though I told you I would forbear it a year longer, yet now I cannot do it, neither would you I hope desire it, considering my case. I had come this Summer into England, but that the Superior of our Order is thus pleased to put a trick upon me, the burden whereof I must patiently undergo. I have deserved better I am sure, then to be so foisted off and driven God knows where. I wrote unto you a fortnight since by Mr Herbart, desiring you to send me a dozen yards of good broadcloth, of a fine new mixed colour for a friend of mine. We every day expect to hear from you and to receive it. The money that is in my brother james hands I freely forgive him, for I know he needs it. 
The Pope's pardons you find are hardly purchased.  I procured Mr Shepheard an Indulgence, but there is yet twelve pounds of the charges unsent, I hearken still when I shall receive it. If he have not yet taken order (as I appointed him) for the payment of it in Antwerp; I pray speak to him that he send it over with your money. I pray let there be no jarring betwixt my brother Robert and you: I have written to him and charged him deeply to behave himself soberly and lovingly toward you. Had I come over as was intended, we might have had great comfort one of another. I envy not the brave life which my fellow Priests in England now lead. Remember me dear to Master Browne, Mr Midleton, Mr jones, Mr Curley, Mr Bond, and whom else of my acquaintance you meet withal, and let them know what is become of me. Tell Master Midleton that he look well to my Books, and if I never see him again they are his. I desire him to write to me so soon as he can. Let me hear how the Catholic Cause doth thrive of late. I hear all is as we would have it. 
Not so Sir, for you would have all turned topsie turuye. Again your new Hierarchy is not yet established.  I cannot write what I would at this time, but defer it till I hear of another Messenger. And so desiring you to pray for me I rest  
Your loving Brother, P. Rowe. Lisle April 8. 1623.  
The Hollanders have had a late overthrow; and for other News we have none.  

The Comment.  
THose news now which the Romanists, the Authors of the aforesaid Letters intended should be Occulté dimissa privately conveyed to their truehearted friends in England, are by a wrong Messenger, Oculis & auribus subiecta infidelibus, miscarried fare contrary to their hopes and expectation. It is easily collected from their said Letters of what spirit and temper they are, what mark they shoot at. I desire the Reader to make construction of some things himself. I have by the means of good friends come to the sight of other Letters of theirs, all which savour of nothing but rancour and malice against us Protestants. But alas what are all their stout Invectives, but so many gusts of wind to drown in disgrace the ship of Christ? What are all their threats but raging waves that batter her? What are their peevish and malicious slanders, the fond absurdities they foist upon us, but horrible monsters? What all their brags and boasts, but Siren's songs? Such waves against God's Church have never wanted in any age, who by battering her have broken themselves; yet will not the latter learne of the former, nor fear their ends whose courses they follow, but with a new rage of fury run to their ruin.     


A PROCLAMATION Concerning the Sale of Jndulgences at the next Staple Fair at Rome now near at hand Anno Domini 1625. Called the great year of jubilee.  
IT is not unknown to the learneder sort especially of those who live within the Circle of the Christian Papalizing world, that this present year of Grace 1624. is the Eeve or Vigil of the b●…th jolly year of jubilee, beginning In die Natalis Domini prox. when the grand Mart of Pardons & Indulgences is to be set up, and open shop thereof to be kept in the Popeholy merry old City of Rome.  
In the Eeve of this great Staple Fair, it behooveth we who have devoted myself in all service to his Holiness, to exhort and advise all tender-hearted Romanists, to provide themselves with two things especially, Sinnes enough, and Gold enough. Sins enough, else there will be no wounds to cure. Gold enough, else there will be no cure for the wounds. The weakness and corruption of our nature will be get the first, we need no spur to gallop down that Hill. And the corruptions of the Court of Rome will attract the other.  
Deposcuntur opes tanquam medicina malorum,  
Exportantur opes irritamenta malorum.  
In this great Fair I must tell you we have nothing but honest and fair dealing, our trading being by way of compensation in equal balance. Sin you know is so heavy a thing that it presseth a man down into Hell. Nothing therefore is able to lift a man up from the downfall, but that which itself is most heavy. Philosophy and Experience tell us, that Auro nihil gravius, no created matter in the world weighs heavier than gold. Nothing therefore hath our hallowing holy Father the Pope thought fit to put into his scales to lift men out of Purgatory and mount them on high than massy silver and gold. Whereof if thou come to our Stations at Rome, see thou bring thy burden and weight. Auro enim nihil r arius, nil charius, nil suavius, nil gratius. Nothing at his Holiness Market may be sold without gold. But bring that; and then as for Dispensations, Absolutions, Appellations, Faculties, Inuestitures, and such Interests as the Church of Rome doth afford, thou shalt want none; So say the Negotiators of that Apostolical Sea. Oh brave and beautiful Rome? 
Apoc. 18.  The Merchants are waxen rich with the abundance of thy pleasures. Vnde haberi possit Indulgentiarum communicatio nisi ab hac sede, saith Bellarmine the great Bailif and Clerk of this Market? Who can forgive sins but the Pope only? His Pardons are that traffic whereby the Church of Rome (whereof his Holiness is the Head) keepeth her intimate correspondency and participation with all her members, tying thereby their consciences by a secret and strong obligation unto the Pontifical Seat.  
Doth any one think that they are ordinary trinkets and trifles which are set to sale in the Pope's Market? 
In for● Papali.  Commodities vendible at Sturbridge, or Bartholomew Fair? Fie younster, you are much deceived. Famous Babylon, the seven held City, Papal Rome, She shall have many that shall be Merchants unto her of the souls of men. Apoc. 18. 13. Her Indulgences are a relaxation of temporal pains inflicted upon souls in Purgatory. And is it a small matter I pray you to escape the hot, fiery, flagrant, torrid, sulphurous smoke and flames of Purgatory? Oh no; It is written in the Decrees, 
Capit. quid in aliud distinct. ●5.  There is no earthly pain or Martyrdom, to be compared to the pains of Purgatory. And the holy man that Angelical Doctor Thomas of Aquine saith, That the pain of the fire of hell, and the fire of Purgatory is all one, and that they differ nothing at all, but that the one is but temporal and the other eternal. Virgil set a partition of Iron and other mettle betwixt those two fires. 
Aeneiad. lib. 6.  Yet some men be of opinion that the partition was but a pale made of Wainscot, which (because it was of wood) was long agone burnt away; 
Hell and Purgatory both but one Kitchen.  so that now Hell and Purgatory enter both in at one hole and are both but one fire. There was a soul which had lain thirty years in Purgatory (saith the Book called Sermons discipuli de Tempore) 
Sermons discipuli de tempore & de sanctis. serm. 160.  and at last there came an Angel, who did bid the soul choose, whether it would tarry yet one short Winter's day in Purgatory, or that it would return into the world again, and there do a marvellous hard penance, to wit, for one long hundred year's space should go barefoot, and tread still upon sharp iron nails, eat nothing else but brown bread, and drink bitter gall mingled with vinegar, and wear a cloth of Camel's hair next the skin, and a stone under the head in place of a pillow. This soul did choose much rather to do all that same hard penance in earth, than to tarry one day longer in Purgatory. Consider now what a sharp, bitter, biting sauce Purgatory is, all the plagues & pains whereof thou mayst escape if thou wilt but go to the Fair at Rome, and carry some store of money with thee.  

A pretty tale to toll Greist to the Popes Mill.  In the territory of Apamea a town of Syria, there lived one Germane Mossocus a man very rich and covetous. He was advised by his friends in one of the years of Grace or jubilee to travel to Rome, there to be made a brother of the Gilled, and to partake of all the Indulgences, Remissions, Privileges, Liberties, Dispensations, Sacrifices, Benedictions, etc. which his Holiness is used to give at that time publicly: the said German was so loath to part with his money, and to be at any expense in travelling to Rome, that he chose rather to lose that great blessing offered him, then to unloose any of his worm-eaten rotten bags of silver. Wherefore mark what followed. His house was burnt down to the ground, and his money perished therewith, and himself narrowly at that time escaped the fire. And now his riches being all vanished, he travailed to Rome for Indulgence & Pardon for his sins, where being arrived he entered into the Temple of S. Constanza, where there met him the Ghost of one Isoac a neighbour of his, who died some two years before, and told him he had all that while been in Purgatory; but now (quoth he) by the help of the holy Masses, Mattenses, Suffrages, Almsdeeds, Pilgrimages, and other good works of piety and charity had at this time, I am delivered. Those bitter pains that I have endured (quoth the Ghost) thou mightest have escaped, but that thou didst regard a little dirt and dust, that is thy money more than thy soul; thou hast escaped of late one fire, the burning of thy body; but there is a worse fire the flames of Purgatory, which thou canst not escape. German Mossocus hereupon much amazed, pined away and about a week after died. And at the very instant as he was departing out of the world, he was heard pronounce these words; I see the Flame. 
In the Book called The proof of Purgatory, Printed An. 1621. pag. 84. 85.   
Again, one Hernandes Garcia, Earl of Castille in Spain, who warred much with Almancor of Corduba King of the Moors, being to fight a great battle against his said Adversary, was desirous afore his going into the field to get our holy Father the Pope's Benediction, not doubting but by means thereof he should have the more prosperous success. And so with haste to Rome he went, where being arrived he visited his Holiness, who did Bless him and thereby assured him of victory. At the same time he obtained from his Holiness a special pardon and plenary Indulgence for all his sins; and then sallied upon the Moors. In the conflict the Moors were chased, and admirably discomfited. Great cause here was for Hernandes to praise God for the grace he received from his Holiness, finding that good issue in his aforesaid affairs. But he became most ingrateful, and did at a certain time scoff at the Pope's Indulgences, no whit regarding the inestimable weight thereof. But mark his reward: he was presently stricken lame and blind. And after that there appeared unto him many thousand souls, who said they came out of Purgatory, and did strive amongst themselves who should gain of his Holiness that Pardon which had been given to this said Hernand Garcia, and by him wretch not esteemed. 
Belike it was Holiday with them that day: For learned Mr Stevens writeth that upon any Saint's day The souls in Purgatory are at rest.  This said vision brought him to a remembrance of his impiety, & a serious consideration of the infinite mystery of the Pope's Indulgence, which is perfectly available to purge a man from his sins, and to free him from the scorching pains of Purgatory. So that after, he repent him of his former evil, and still sued unto the Pope to be again merciful unto him. And after the performance of great penance he was again pardoned by his Holiness. Which pardon was no sooner granted, but he had his sight restored him, and the perfect use of his limbs as he had before. Witness the Author of the Book before Cited, called The Proof of Purgatory. pag. 71. 72. Et sequ.  
Here are too tales able to stop the mouth of the most obstinate Heretic in the world, who shall be bold to say the Pope's Indulgences are but pickpurse trash and trumpery: Oh yes note the punishments of the contemners of them: mark their extraordinary operation, fare beyond any quack-salving Empirics pill or potion. A man blind and lame you have heard restored to his limbs and sight by the holy Father's only Pardon and Indulgence. And but that one of his Holiness Canonical Authors told me of it, I should have sworn it had been a lie in a budget. For my own part I now know what to think, believe it else who will.  
Yet it may be; as Aesop devised all his Fables for the Morals sake: So the Popish Legendarians invent their tales to make a good moral use of them only, for the wealth and reputation of the Pope and his Clergy. Purgatory, Pardons, and Indulgences, indeed they are the Channels that bring water to the Bishop of Rome and his Chaplains Mill; the stalking walking Horses that bring home all the Provander and provision to his Holiness Kitchen: the Posts or Pillars that uphold the whole fabric of their Masses, Miracles, Processions, Pilgrimages, Dirges, and the like.  
Pope john the eight, through the great pity that he had upon the silly souls burnt and broiled in Purgatory (like dried Herring, or Westphalian Hams or gamon's of Bacon which hang seven years long in the smoke) by the good and ripe advice and council of Odilion a holy Father and Monk of an Abbey called Clunie did command and ordain that always the next day after All-hallowes day, 
Allsoules day.  a solemn day of devotion should be kept for all Christian souls: which order is very precisely followed and observed by our dear mother the holy Church of Rome, and many years of Pardon given or granted to all those, which upon that day do devoutly visit the Chantry Priests and Masses of Scali Coeli, using their purse liberally for that purpose, and to have a trental of Masses, a sack full of seven Psalms, and three or four pokes packed with Pater nosters and Aue Maries, all well measured and filled, whereof to make a present to the silly souls in Purgatory, for that is fit meat for their mouths, and they are as well refreshed with those dainties, as though they were wrapped about the head with a wet clout in a cold morning. But yet I will not omit a pretty take for my purpose.  
We read (quoth the Author of the book called Sermons discipuli de tempore) 
Serm. 41.  that in old time good people would on All-hallowen day take bread and deal for all Christian souls. And one good Woman a widow, who had in store but three pecks of flower, did make it all into loaves and deal it, saying to them that received it, Remember to pray for the soul of my Mother. And one of them praying very earnestly for the soul of this good Woman's Mother, her Mother appeared unto her and told her, my daughter by her charity and thou by thy good prayers hast now helped me out of Purgatory; Tell my daughter that she sell her Cow and go presently to Rome to the Pope's Holiness for a Pardon for her sins, and then she may be eased of such pains as I have endured: which being told to her daughter, she rejoiced much and did as she was bidden, and went to Rome, and had Indulgence. And the Pope by divine revelation knew before she came of all that had happened to her. 
This Tale is alleged by Father Stevens in his Book called The Unity of God's Church. pag. 271.   
Let me then entreat all honest English Italianated Romanists, who are willing to chaffer for this singular, exquisite commodity of Indulgence at the best hand in this next ensuing year of jubilee, that they provide them of good store of cash; though I hear Pardons will be then very plenty, and therefore the less dainty.  
The prices they shall find high or low according to the coarseness or fineness of their Remission, the lightness or weightiness of the crime, the ability or weakness of the purchaser. I have within these few days seen in the hands of one (who esteemeth it as a great rarity) an authentical Book of the particular Prices and Taxations of all Pardons, Faculties, and Indulgences grantable by the Pope's liberal Holiness, which Book was Printed above an hundred years ago in Paris, bearing the name of Taxa Came●…e Apostolicae, which as I guess is like to be published in English ere long against the opening of the great Market, for the benefit of the Christian world. And sure a great benefit it is and special conveniency to our Romanists who are willing to trade, to know before hand the prices of the Market by the Book of the general Bailiff, or Clerk of the Market. It is defended by some Writers 
Deseusio Parisien. Curi●… pro libertate Eccl. Gall. Ludovic. 11. Oblato arus. 77.  that the common Indulgences only, with the Letters of pardon, and the Reseruationes pectorals, mentales, regressus generales & speciales accessus, with other such trifles more, are worth to the Pope in one only Kingdom above two hundred thousand Crowns a year: which through all Christendom would amount to above ten millions of Crowns, which is a pretty moderate reckoning or sum. I have been informed by some of the Priests in London that some great persons of our Kingdom have sent the Pope two or three hundred pounds a piece for Pardons. The use of some of which Indulgences in the manner of their proceed is very remarkable. For they are the Mother or Midwife of many wicked practices, for the advantage of their Church, as being the very bellowes which blow the fire of Treason against the persons and states of Princes. This ware bewitcheth not only private men, but great Kings; For her Merchants are the great men of the earth. Apoc. 18. 3. Therefore infinite store of this Babylonian trumpery was transported unto the poor Indians, for the pretended benefit of their souls, but for the intended benefit of a Princes worldly estate.  
The Ministration of the Pope's pardons is with the ingredients of Parchment, Wax, and encaunted Words, all which by purging the entrailes of their purses have a wonderful operation in them.  
The Treasury of Indulgences is shut up in a Chest (his Holiness having the Keys) wherein is heaped up all the superfluous meritorious good works of St Francis, S ● Benedict, St Dominick, S ● Thomas a Becket, St Boniface, St Alphonse, and other holy Fathers, 
Petrus Asores in Catholica assertione de lege.  whose merits being so overflowing plentiful, over and beside what hath answered for their own sins, 
Vid. Extravag. Clement. 6.  the Pope dispenseth and distributeth the remainder to every person according to his Holiness discretion, which is much guided by weight and measure of that which is brought to purchase a good Market. 
Thesaurum Ecclesiae vocant Christi & sanctorum Apostolorum, Martyrumque merita. Caluin. Instit. lib. 3 cap. 5.  The bottom of this Chest is so unplummetable, that it can never be sounded, emptied nor diminished. If it were possible that all the people of the world did go to Rome in one year of jubilee that every one might receive full Indulgence and Pardon, yet should the same Chest be no more emptied thereby, than the Ocean Sea should be with taking out of it one spoonful of water; or St Goddards mountains be diminished by taking from them one handful of sand.  

Tho. Becon. de Reliqu. Eccl. Rom. sol. 186.  Lastly, as for the extent of these Indulgences. Some of them are for an hundred thousand years, so liberal is the holy Father. Pope Innocent the 8. granted some for fifty thousand years as but an ordinary kindness; Pope Clement the 7. for forty thousand; Pope Clement the 5. for thirti● thousand years. 
Plenariae Indulgentiae a Papâ Centorum annorum: a Cardinalibus centum dierum: ab Episcopis quadraginta.  Some are granted to the living, some to the dead. Some purchase pardons as they do Lands, not only for themselves, but their heirs. Some have their whole sins remitted, some but part. Some have power granted for the freeing of one soul out of Purgatory by the Pope's Indulgence, others have liberty to free many. Some of their dispensations are the dissipations of divine and humane right; some are the disvniting of natural and moral bands. Some are to tie Princes in unlawful marriage; some to untie many Subjects from lawful obedience: All of them are of great presumption against the Laws of God and Nature. 
Caluin. Institut. lib. 3. cap. 5.  Sunt sanguinis Christi prophanatio, Satanaeque ludibrium, quo Christianum populum a Dei gratia, â vita quae est in Christo abducant, & a vera salutis via avertant.   

SPECIAL INDULGENCES PURCHASED AT Rome, granted to divers English Gentle believing Roman Catholics, for their money.  
MY chief intent in propounding a recital of particular Indulgences given to divers particular men of our Nation, is not (God is my witness) to cast imputation of folly upon Gentlemen of worthy and respected Families in our Nation; but to imply and signify in regard of the public by this taste and essay, what great sums of money are exhausted and gotten out of this Kingdom to enrich Rome upon pretence of these and other such like Trumperies. They make a Mart of the Nations. Esa. 23. 3. The Papal pardons indeed which like Summer-swallowes so busily fly abroad, what are they else then very Nets for money, Impostures, Sophistications, Circunductions, Collusions, and Deceive of the people, defacings of Christ's death, obscuring of Gods free grace, very spurs unto all lewdness of life? For what offence, knavery, sin, or abomination can be so great, which may not be healed and made clean with the mollifying oil of the Pope's candid Indulgence?  
— Venalia Romae  
Thura, Sacerdotes, caelum est venale, Deusque.   

Jndulgences granted to Relics, Crosses, Beads and Pictures, at the instance of Sr Robert Shirley, Ambassador from the King of Persia, to all Christian Princes.  
indulgence 1 THose who having any of the aforesaid things, shall confess and communicate, or say Mass, and moreover shall say the Psalm De profundis, with one Pater Noster and one Aue; and those that cannot read, three Pater nosters and three Aues, gain a plenary and deliver a soul out of Purgatory.  
indulgence 2 Those who shall say The Divine Office, or Offium B. Mariae, or 7 Psalms, or Coron. of our Lady, or a third part of the Rosary, or the Litanies of Saints with the Prayers, or that of our Lady approved, praying our Saviour for the exaltation of holy Church, and extirpation of heresy, gain all the Indulgences which in that day are got in all the Churches within and without the walls of Rome, and a Plenary for those that shall be confessed and communicated.  
indulgence 3 Those who shall say three Pater nosters and three Aue maries, praying our Saviour for the Advancement and Honour of Sr Robert Shirley, a grand Promotor of the Catholic cause, desiring also the increase of all Religious Orders, they are made partakers of all the Intercessions of the aforesaid renowned Knight; as also of all the sacrifices, prayers, fastings, mortifications, and pious works of any of the members of the Catholic Church.  
indulgence 4 Every time that any one shall examine his conscience, and after the same shall say one Pater noster and one Aue Marie; praying for the exaltation of holy Church, and extirpation of heresy, he doth gain the Remission of the third part of his sins, and being confessed and communicacated, saying seven Pater nosters and seven Aue Maries, deliver three souls out of Purgatory.   

Jndulgences granted to Crosses, Beads, and Pictures, at the instance of the Procurators of the Canonization of St Carolo Boromeo.  
indulgence 1 HIS Holiness doth grant to any that shall have about him any of those forenamed things blessed, and praying before any of the said Pictures, shall say the office of our Lady, of our Saviour, or of the dead, or the seven Penitential Psalms, or gradual, or the Coronarie of our Lady, or of our Saviour, or the third part of the rosary, or shall hear Mass, or a Preaching, or shall visit the most holy Sacrament, or shall accompany it, or shall give an Alms, or do any other like works (although they should be bound to do the same) praying for the extirpation of heresy, gain for every time the remission of the third part of their sins, and being confessed, and communicated, a plenary Indulgence, a poena et culpa, etc.  
indulgence 2 His Holiness doth also grant to every one that shall make reverence to any Cross or Picture, or shall recommend himself to God, to our Lady, to his good Angel, or to that Saint which he is most devoted to, or shall give thankes to God for his benefits received, or in the beginning any action, or in time of any tribulation shall sign himself three times with the sign of the holy Cross, or shall say once Deus in adiutorium meum intend, or shall do other pious or charitable works, gain for every time twenty years of Indulgence.  
indulgence 3 For every one that are penitent for their sins, with purpose to Confess them, and communicate, shall gain ten years of Indulgence, & when moreover they shall examine their consciences, they gain remission of the third part of their sins, and being effectually confessed, praying to God for the happy estate of holy Church, gain double.  
indulgence 4 And every time that any Priest shall confess & communicate or say Mass (as well being bound as for devotion) and pray to God for the extirpation of heresy, or the exaltation of holy Church, he shall gain a plenary, and praying for the souls in Purgatory, deliver every time a soul thence, according to their own intention.  
Whosoever shall cause to be said three Masses of the dead in one or more days twelve times in the year; for every time delivereth a soul out of Purgatory, according to his own intention.  
indulgence 5 Whosoever upon holy Thursday, and upon the day of the Ascension of our Saviour shall be confessed and communicate, and shall pray for his Holiness, and for the exaltation of holy Church, gaineth the Indulgences of the blessing of his Holiness, which he is used to give publicly in that day as if he were present.  
indulgence 6 In the days of the Stations of Rome, in what time of the year soever, who so hath any of the aforesaid holy things, may gain the same Indulgence as well for the living as the dead, saying in the Church, or at home before some of the said Pictures five Pater nosters, and five Aues in honour of the most holy blood of our Saviour, sprinkled in his most holy Passion.  
indulgence 7 Whosoever shall say one Miserere, or one Credo, etc. or Te Deum, etc. in honour of the most holy blood as above, and kiss the ground three times, may be partaker of the Indulgence which they do gain, which make the going of the holy stairs that day.  
indulgence 8 Those which are present at the most holy sacrifice of the Mass, and shall pray for his Holiness, for the Christian Princes, and tranquillity of their state, do gain every time all the Indulgences and Graces which in that day are got by visiting all the Churches within and without Rome.  
indulgence 9 Whosoever shall pray for the conservation and increase of religious Orders, is made partaker of all their sacrifices, fastings, disciplines, prayers, and other their good works, as if he were a member of any of them.  
indulgence 10 Whosoever having confessed and communicated in the feast of St Charles, shall say five Pater nosters and five Aues in honour of the Passion of our Saviour, getteth a plenary, and the remission of all their sins.  
indulgence 11 Likewise his Holiness doth grant to those that say one Pater noster and Aue, or the Psalm Laudate Dominum omnes gentes, or the Psalm De profundis, or shall kiss any of the above named holy things, saying three times jesus and one Salve, Pardon for all those deserts which they have unadvisedly committed in saying the divine office (either being bound thereto or for devotion) or any error in saying the office of our Lady, or our Saviour, or by saying or hearing Mass, or saying or doing any other kind of spiritual work.  
indulgence 12 Whosoever shall be hindered by any lawful cause so that he cannot be present at Mass, or that being a Priest cannot say Mass, or cannot say his office, or other things to which he was bound; By saying five Pater nosters and five Aues in honour of the most sacred blood of our Saviour sprinkled in his most holy Passion, obtaineth the same Indulgence which he should have had in fulfilling the aforesaid things. Those which at the point of death devoutly say once jesus with heart, not being able to pronounce it with their mouths, being therewith contrite, not being able to be confessed and communicated, obtain all Indulgences in form of a jubilee.  
indulgence 13 Lastly, his Holiness doth grant over and beside the abovenamed Indulgences and graces (of what sort soever they be) that it shall be sufficient for any one to have of the aforesaid holy things either proper or borrowed, and if that it happen any do break or be lost, one other may be put in the place of the same, and shall have the same graces and Indulgences, and that they do serve for all places of the world, neither are they to be recalled, except there be express mention made of the aforesaid Chapters.   

Jndulgences granted to a Countess of this Kingdom by the Intercession of her Son. Anno Domini 1607.  
indulgence 1 HIS Holiness is pleased to grant that for thirty years following, upon the sixth of February, every year, in the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, (which is seated upon one of the seven Hills, called Mons Esquilinus) there shall be said that day at the high Altar a Mass for the said Countess, and thereby shall she obtain a plenary remission for all her sins past. And by repeating five Pater Nosters, five Aues, and one Credo, etc. She shall be able herself to free a soul that day out of Purgatory.  
It is granted unto the said honourable Lady, that within a private Chapel of the aforesaid Church, called the Splendid Chapel of Pope Paolo the V (where he lieth buried) there shall be said upon the seventh of February during the space of thirty years following, Masses for the children and kindred of the said Countess; and by virtue thereof the third part of their sins shall be remitted; And if they be Confessed and Communicate the same day, they shall obtain a plenary Indulgence.  
indulgence 3 It shall be lawful for the said Lady and her Children in time of Lent, and other times of the year in the which white meats be prohibit and forbidden, to eat eggs, cheese, milk, butter, and other such like, freely and without scrupulosity; and if they be sick they may also eat flesh.  
indulgence Lastly, to the aforesaid Lady for divers her pious works, especially for her sustentation and maintenance of a Holy man to say Mass daily for the souls in Purgatory, she shall at the hour of her death have full remission of all her sins, excesses, and trespasses whatsoever. A poena & culpa etc. The like Indulgence hath she gained for her children, and as many of her kindred as she shall pray for, or wish well unto.   

❧ Jndulgences granted to the Catholics of England, at the instance of Cardinal Allen.  
indulgence 1 HIS Holiness doth grant to all the kindred and friends of the said Cardinal (embracing the Romish Catholic Religion, and saying every day three Pater nosters and three Aue Maries) freedom from the pains of Purgatory, and every one of them who shall say one Pater noster and one Aue more for the honour of the said Holy Cardinal, shall get a plenary Indulgence for his friend.  
indulgence 2 Whosoever shall cause to be said three Masses of the dead in one or more days twelve times in the year; For every time delivereth a soul out of Purgatory, according to his own intention.  
indulgence 3 Whosoever Catholic of England upon holy Thursday before Easter, and Ascension of our Saviour shall be Confessed and Communicate, and shall pray for his Holiness, for the Cardinals, and for the Exaltation of holy Church, gaineth the Indulgences of the blessing of his Holiness, (which he is used to give publicly in that day) as if he were present.  
indulgence 4 Whosoever honoureth our Lady with three Ave Maria's in a day more than is enjoined by his Confessor, and once in a week shall say over this Prayer.  O domina mea sancta Maria, matter Dei, pietate plenissima, summi Regis filia, matter gloriosissima, matter orphanorum, consolatio desolatorum, via errantium, salus omnium in te sperantium, virgo ante partum, virgo in partu, & virgo post partum; fons misericordiae, fons salutis & gratiae, fons consolationis & indulgentiae, fons pietatis & laetitiae, fons vitae & veniae; hodie & quotidie, & in hora exitus mei, & animam meam & corpus meum tibi commendo: omnem spem meam & consolationem meam, omnes angustias & miserias meas, vitam & finem vitae meae tibicommitto. Amen. 
Virgo virginum praeclara  
Mihi iam non sis amara.  
Whosoever performeth the premises shall receive many blessings from our Lady in this life, and at his death our Lady shall appear unto him and comfort him.  
His Holiness doth command all those that honour our Lady to carry about with them, the book called Officium B. Mariae Virgins, or our Lady's Psalter; and to keep our Lady's Beads and Pictures.   

Jndulgences and Pardons granted to Sir john Markam, Knight. Anno Domini. 1608.  
indulgence 1 HIS Holiness doth grant unto the said Knight for divers his pious and laudable acts, plenary Pardon and Absolution for all his sins formerly committed; as also Impossibility for the pains of Purgatory, promising him a good Angel always to attend him: He doth further yield that whosoever shall say for the soul of Sr john Markam (being dead) thrice Pater Noster & Aue, shall gain forty days of Indulgence whatsoever sin he commit.  
indulgence 2 His Holiness doth further grant to Katherine and Mary, sisters of the said Sr john Markam coming to Confession and Communicating, and having any of the Medals of this Pardon, saying three Pater nosters and three Aues, a plenary Indulgence for the time past; And if to the former they add a De profundis, they obtain Pardon for fifty days after, and may deliver a soul out of Purgatory.  
indulgence 3 The said Sr john Markam, and his Sisters, saying with Devotion at the hour of their death (the word) jesus; or if either of them cannot for the extremity of their trance pronounce it with the mouth, yet if either of the parties but think of that blessed name, they obtain a plenary Indulgence in form of a jubilee.   

❧ A Pardon granted unto Master Rawson of England. Anno Domini 1608.  
THe said Mr Rawson having devoted himself unto the service of the blessed Father and Lawmaker St Benedict, hath obtained by the Intercession of the said St Benedict, (who did call himself from all worldly tumults to serve God alone) a plenary Pardon for himself, and such Indulgence as followeth for all his brethren the Catholics of England.  
indulgence 1 Whosoever shall say Sancte benedict or a pro me, with Pater noster & Aue, shall forthwith have a third part of his sins remitted him.  
indulgence 2 Whosoever shall say three Pater nosters and three Aue Maries for the advancement and happy increase of all the Religious Professors of the Order of St Benedict, shall participate a particular benefit by all their sacrifices, prayers, fastings, mortification and good works, as if he were a particular member of that Religious Order.  
indulgence 3 Whosoever shall celebrate either by Devotion or Obligation for any part of that Order, shall forthwith deliver a soul out of Purgatory.  
indulgence 4 Whosoever shall sacrifice unto the Disciples of St Benedict, that is, to St Placidus, St Maurus, the Virgin St Scholastica his Sister, and to all holy Monks and Nuns, shall be able to make war against the Flesh, the World, and the Devil, and instantly deliver two souls out of Purgatory.   

❧ Jndulgences granted by his Holiness to the Family of the MANPHILDS in England. Anno Dominini 1608.  
indulgence 1 IN the days of the Stations of Rome, in what time of the year soever, any of the aforesaid Family shall pray before any of the sacred Relics and Pictures sent from his Holiness, they shall gain the same Indulgence as well for the living as the dead, as is given that day publicly at Rome, saying in the Church or at home before some of the said Pictures or Relics five Pater nosters and five Aue Maries, in honour of the most holy blood of our Saviour sprinkled in his most holy Passion. 
Of little worth is that skull or dead man's bone which will not (by becoming a holy Relic) add something to the Pope's Exchequer.   
indulgence 2 For saying one Miserere, or one Credo, or Te Deum, etc. in honour of the most holy blood as above, and kissing the ground three times, any of the aforesaid Family may be partaker of the Indulgences which they do gain who make the going of the holy Stairs that day.  
indulgence 3 Whosoever of the aforesaid Family having Confessed and Communicated, shall say this Antiphon in honour of our Lady, gaineth a plenary, and shall free a soul out of Purgatory.  


Aue Regina coelorum,  
Aue Domina Angelorum:  
Salue radix, salue porta,  
Ex qua mundo lux est orta.  
Gaude virgo gloriosa,  
Super omnes speciosa;  
Vale ô valde decora,  
Et pro nobis Christum exora.     

Indulgences granted to the Family of the Lord M. in England, at the Intercession of Tob. Matthew. Anno Domini. 1608.  
HIS Holiness hath granted unto the said Lord M. for the relief he hath afforded unto distressed Catholics, as also for his bounty to the houses of Brussels and Lisbon, 
I wish rather that this English money had been spent in England upon some public service there.  and for yielding his helping hand to the repair of the Churches of St Peter, Santa Maria Maggiore, St Paul's, St Sebastian and Fabian, St Lawrance, Santa Croce, St john de Lateran near Rome, that he shall be partaker of all the Masses, Prayers, Fast, Watch, Pilgrimages, etc. had at the Stations of Rome; together with a plenary Remission of all sins, A poena & culpa, etc. for a thousand Lents and sixtie-five years. And besides saying any day of the year three Pater Nosters and three Aues more than is commanded him by his ghostly Father, he shall be able to free one of his Friends out of Purgatory.   

Indulgences very large granted to the Family of the Lord W. at the Intercession of the said T. M.   

Indulgences granted to the Family of the Lord Va. at the Intercession of T. M.   

A PARDON GRANTED TO THO: GERARD. OF England Knight, and his Lady.  

PAulus quintus Episcopus, servus servorum Dei: Dilecto filio nobili viro Tho. Ger. Militi; & dilectae in Christo filiae nobili mulieri ejus uxori, salutem & Apostolicam benedictionem, etc.   

The same at large in English thus:  
PAul the fift, Bishop, servant of the servants of God: To his beloved son the noble Gentleman T. G. the younger, Knight; and to his beloved daughter in Christ the noble Lady his wife, greeting and Apostolical benediction. Having heard of late of some desires of yours which concern the salvation of your souls, and receiving your Petitions from the hands of the Religious man Henry Stanley, we have granted to your said Petitions a favourable hearing, and by the tenor of these presents do grant this Indulgence to your devotion. That such a ghostly Father as either of you shall choose, shall have power by Apostolical authority, to grant to you full remission of all your sins whereof you shall be confessed, as also freedom from the pains of Purgatory. And every Wednesday, Friday, or Saturday that any of you shall say over the Office of our Lady, you shall merit for whom you love best. And if upon Easter day you shall be confessed and communicate, and say nine Pater-nosters, and nine Aves, with a de profundis, for the souls in Purgatory, you shall every time be able to free one soul thence. Also at the hour of your death the Devil shall have no power over you, nor at all trouble or torment you. What lawful petition you shall ask at any time of God, he shall grant it you. Your enemies shall not prevail against you. Yet we declare that if upon confidence of this Remission, you shall commit any notorious sins wilfully, that then this present Pardon shall not help you as concerning them. You must also persist in the unity and faith of the holy Church of Rome, and pray for the extirpation of heresy, and live in obedience and devotion towards us & our successors Popes of Rome, canonically entering into that Sea, and further do your duty to all religious men. Lastly, you shall give twenty shillings yearly towards the maintenance of the Cope of S. Thomas Becket, and every Friday a penny to the first poor body you meet. Let it now be lawful for no man to infringe this Pardon and Grant of ours, or with any boldness to contradict it. And if any shall presume to attempt any such thing, let him know and assured lie understand, that he shall incur the indignation of Almighty God, and of his blessed Apostles Saint Peter and Saint Paul, & all other Martyrs and Saints. Given at S. Peter's in Rome, under the Fisher's Ring, the 9 of April, in the first year of our Papacy.    


The form of the Absolution wherewith they are absolved with whom his Holiness so graciously dispenseth.  

AVthoritate Dei Patris Omnipotentis, & beatorum Petri & Pauli Apostolorum ejus, ac authoritate Apostolica mihi in hac parte commissa: Ego absolvote abomnibus peccatis tuis mihi per te vere confessis & contritis, & de quibus confiteri v●lles; si tuae occurrerent memoriae. Plenariam absolutionem omnium peccatorum tuorum, in quantum claves Ecclesiae se extendunt in hac parte, authoritate istarum literarum Apostolicarum tibi do & concedo, ita ut sis absolutus ante Tribunal Domini nostri Jesu Christi, habeasque vitam aeternam, & vivas in secula seculorum. Amen.   

In English thus:  
BY the authority of God the Father Almighty, & of his blessed Apostles Peter and Paul, and by the Apostolic authority committed unto me in this behalf: I absolve thee from all thy sins, by thee to me truly confessed and contrite, and of which thou wouldst have been confessed, if they had come unto thy remembrance. Moreover I give and grant unto thee full absolution and remission of all thy sins, so fare as the keys of the Church do extend in this behalf by the authority of these Apostolic Letters, so that thou be absolved before the judging seat of our Lord jesus Christ, and have everlasting life, worlds without end. Amen.    

Another form of Absolution.  

AVthoritate Dei Patris Omnipotentis, Apostolorum Petri & Pauli, & totius matris Ecclesiae: ac virtute hujus Bullae & Papalis Jndulgentiae, Ego absolvo te ab omnibus peccatis tuis, etc.   

BY the authority of God the Father Almighty, of the Apostles Peter and Paul, and of all the mother Church, and by virtue of this Bull, the Pope's Pardon, I absolve thee from all thy sins, etc.    

A third form of Absolution.  

AVthoritate Dei Omnipotentis, & beatorum Petri & Pauli Apostolorum ejus, ac authoritate Apostolica mihi in hac parte commissa: Ego absolvo te ab omnibus peccatis tuis & poenistibi in Purgatorio debitis propter culpas & offensas quas contra Deum & animam tuam commisisti. Et in quantum mihi committitur, restituo te illi Jnnocentiae, in qua eras quando baptizatus fuisti, exceptis punctis hiis reservatis Domino Papae, ut anima tua vivat cum Christo in secula seculorum. Amen.   

BY the authority of God Almighty, and of his blessed Apostles Peter and Paul, and by the Aposto like authority committed unto me in this behalf, I absolve thee from all thy sins and pains due unto thee in Purgatory for the faults and offences which thou hast committed against God and thine own soul. And as much as lieth in my power, I restore thee unto that Innocence wherein thou wert when thou wast baptised, those points only excepted, which are reserved to the Lord Pope, that thy soul may live with Christ worlds without end. Amen.     

General Pardons granted by diverse Popes for diverse considerations, etc.  
Pope Innocent the 8, hath granted to every man and woman that beareth the length upon him of Christ's nails wherewith he was fastened to the Cross (the just length of every one of them was nine inches) and worshippeth them daily with five Pater nosters, and five Aves, and a Creed, that he shall have granted him these seven great gifts that follow.  
The first is, He shall never die sudden nor evil death. The second is, He shall never be slain with sword nor weapon. The third is, His enemies shall never overcome him. The fourth is, Poison nor false witness shall never grieve him. The fist is, He shall have sufficient goods and honest living. The sixth is, He shall not die without the Sacraments of the Church. The seventh is, He shall be deliucred & defended from all wicked spirits, pestilence, fevers, and other maladies.  
Pope Jnnocent the 8, etc.  
TO all good Christian people disposed to say our Lady's Psalter within this Church or churchyard, on any of these beads, the which have been pardoned at the holy place of Shene, shall have ten thousand years of pardon. Also for every word in the Pater noster, Aue, and Credo, 23 days of pardon, totiens, quotiens.  
Also they are pardoned at Zion, and by that ye shall have for every Pater noster, Aue, and Credo said on them, three hundred days of pardon. Also unto all those that the beads do string, or cause to be stringed in time of necessity, there is granted by two Bishops fourscore days of pardon, and God's blessing and theirs.  
Also you must say first on the five beads five Pater nosters, five Aue Maries, and a Creed, in the worship of the 5 wounds of our Saviour Christ, and then after every Creed, say on the first white bead of the five jesus for thy holy name, and then on the red bead And for thy bitter passion, then on the first black bead Save us from sin & shame: then on the second black bead And endless damnation: and then on the last white bead Bring us to the bliss, That never shall miss Sweet jesus, Amen.  
The Pardon whereof, remembering the wounds great and small of our Saviour Christ, is 5 thousand, 4 hundred, 75 years, of these 5 beads. The whole sum of pardon granted of both Monasteries for every Psalter saying on these beads, is 26 thousand, 6 hundred years, and 50 days, totiens, quotiens.  
Therefore let no man nor woman presume to carry away or to convey the aforesaid beads, but hang them again where ye find them. For if they do, they are accursed four times in the year in the general sentence. And at every Psalters' end, pray for all christian souls.  
Pope Clement the 7, with diverse other holy Father's Popes of Rome his predecessors, of their paternal holiness and abundant graces, have granted to all the brethren & sistern of the said gyld that now be, and to all other that will be, full power and authority to choose them any able Priest to their Confessor, secular or religious, which may hear their confessions, and give unto them once in their life and in the Article of death, plenary and full remission of all their sins, excesses, offences, and trespasses, how grievous and enorm soever they be, à poena & culpa, etc.  
Again the brethren and sistern of the aforesaid gyld, may say or cause to be said, Masses and all other divine Services before day light incontinent after three of the clock after midnight not only in hallowed places, but also in unhallowed places, though they be suspended or interdicted by ordinary authority.  
Also every brother and sister that will say any Wednesday, Friday, or Saturday, one Pater noster, one Aue Maria, and a Credo, in any Church or Chapel where they do dwell, provided always that they give somewhat to the aforesaid gyld, and put-to their helping hand to the sustentation and maintenance of the charges of the said gyld, as oft as they shall so do, shall have clean remission à poena & culpa, and the same remission as if they had visited the Chapel of Scala coeli of Rome, and the Church of S. john Lateranense, when the Stations there be celebrated for the quick and dead. 
The picture of Saint john Baptist, and a stone, will drive away an angry dog.   
The aforesaid brethren and sistern also causing Mass to be said either on the Wednesday, Friday, or Saturday, in Church or Chapel for the dead, shall deliver what souls they will, and as oft as they will out of Purgatory.  
They may also lawfully in time of Lent and other times of the year, in the which white meats be prohibited and forbidden, eat eggs, cheese, milk, butter, and all other white meats, freely & without scrupulosity or grudge of conscience: and if they be sick, they also may eat flesh with counsel of their Ghostly father and Physician.  
And whosoever shall procure any man or woman to be brother or sister of the aforesaid gyld, shall have for his godly travel five hundred years of pardon. Also every brother and sister, with their fathers and mothers departed, shall be made partakers of all Masses, Mattenses, Prayers, Suffrages, Alms deeds, holy liuings, Pilgrimages, and all other good deeds & works of piety and charity, the which be done and shall be done throughout the whole universal Church militant, and all the members of the same for ever. And furthermore, our said holy Father hath granted to all Christian people, being truly penitent and confessed, or having purposed to be confessed, at such times as the Law hath determined, and there devoutly do visit the Chapel of our Lady in Goston, and also do visit three times seven Altars there assigned in the Parish Church at the Feasts of the glorious Assumption, Nativity, and all other feasts of the same our blessed Lady, or within eight days following after every of the same Feasts, or any day of the said Vtas, putting-to their helping hands to the maintenance of the charges of the same gyld, shall have and enjoy all and singular Indulgences and Remissions of their sins, as if they had personally visited the Church of the holy Apostles Peter and Paul at Rome, and other the 7 principal Churches the●… in the year of jubilee and Grace, and also shall have all the same Indulgences and Remissions of their sins as they should have if they had personally visited the Church of S. james in Compostell in Spain's, and had done or caused to be done there any other thing for the obtaining of the Indulgences of the said year of jubilee at Rome and Compostell.  
Also our holy Father hath declared and decreed, that these said Remissions, Faculties, Indulgences, and Dispensations, shall never be revoked, suspended, nor denulled, but ever to stand in full strength and virtue, from henceforth, notwithstanding the year of jubilee at Rome, or any other manner of cause whatsoever shall happen in time to come.  
And every man or woman may be made a brother and sister of Goston gyld, and enjoy all Remissions, Privileges, Liberties, etc. if they will pay every one of them at their entering six shillings eight pence, and every year after, during his or her life, eight pence, or else thirteen shillings four pence for the whole, for every singular person, towards the maintaining & sustentation of Priests, Clerks, and poor bead-men, which daily be found with the charges of the said gyld.  
Pope Clement the 5 granted to so many as give aught to the sustentation of the order of S. Trinity of Houndslow, his blessing for ever, and twelve years, a hundred and threescore days of pardon, with relaxations of the third part of their penance, and of the pains due for their sins.  
Pope Alexander the 4, to all the brethren and sistern of the aforesaid order, that giveth some good portion of their goods yearly to the brethren or Messengers of the said order, or in their Will and Testament do give and bequeath some honest portion of substance for the relief of the said brethren, hath licenced & granted, to choose unto them any apt and meet Priest to be their Confessor or ghostly Father, 
I advice them to take M. Medcalfe for the men, M. Leake for Gentlewomen.  & to absolve them from all their sins, toties, quoties, and also to be buried in Christian burial, of whatsoever death he deceased, if he were not excommunicated by name.  
Pope Innocent the third dispenseth with the brethren and sistern of the aforesaid Order concerning all vows of abstinence, and of pilgrimage going, except only the vow of pilgrimage unto Peter and Paul at Rome, and Saint james at Compostell, so that it shall be lawful for them to change those vows of abstinence and pilgrimage, unto other works of mercy and charity; and this hath he done of his special grace and mere motion to all them that give somewhat to the said Order of Saint Trinity.  
Pope Gregory the ninth hath granted to all brethren and sistern of the aforesaid order, and to all their parents and friends, whether they be, alive or dead, all those Indulgences and Pardons 
Pardons innumerable, and good cheap.  (which are innumerable, and may justly be compared with the Stars of the sky, and the sands of the Sea) that they have, which go on pilgrimage either unto Rome, or unto the holy Land.  
Pope Pius the 2 hath granted and given to the aforesaid brethren and sistern, once in their life plenary remission, and full forgiveness of all their sins, yea, and that in all such cases as are reserved to the Apostolic Sea.  

Very graciously and innocently considered.  Pope Innocent the eight hath confirmed all the aforesaid privileges, indulgences, pardons, etc. and of his special grace hath doubled them all for the salvation of the brethren and sistern of the Order of S. Trinity.  

Pardon of the Augustine Friars.  Pope john the 23 granted to so many as be brothers and sisters, and benefactors of the Friar's Hermit's of Saint Augustine, that they shall be partakers of all the prayers, sacrifices, preachings, contemplations, fastings, watchings, pilgrimages, vows, obedience, chastity, poverty, patience, mercy, alms, and of all other spiritual labours, travels, pains, exercises, etc. that be done either of the Friars of the aforesaid order, or of any other devout and religious people througout the world, with Remission and forgiveness of all their sins, à poena & culpa, toties, quoties.  
The like pardon was granted of diverse Popes to the Fraternity of Burton Lazare, with dispensation of vows, and relaxation of foam part of penance, with plenary remission of all their sins.  

The clemency of Pope Clement to such as are bountiful to S. Mary of Runcivall.  To them that gave any thing to the Hospital of Saint Mary of Runcivall nigh unto Charing-cross without the walls of London, Pope Clement the 4 granted that they should be partakers of all the Masses, Prayers, Fast, Watch, Pilgrimage-going unto the holy Land consecrate with the blood of Christ, or unto the City of Rome, privileged with the authority of the blessed Martyrs and Apostles Peter and Paul. And if they be Priests or Religious persons, either men or women, and have failed to say their divine Service, either through negligence or default of books, or sickness of body; the aforesaid holy Father doth mercifully absolve them from all such offences, and release them from the pain and punishment due unto such offenders.  

Money is the Merchant in all the Pope's affairs.  Pope Clement the 6, of his special grace hath given and granted to all them that give some part of their substance, being confessed and contrite, release of the third part enjoined them by their ghostly father, and three years of pardon, with an hundred days more of pardon, with free burial in places although interdict, and of whatsoever kind of death they chance to die, with 2000 Lents, and 85 days of pardon, etc.  
Pope Alexander the third hath granted to all them that give aught to the maintenance of the Collegiate Church of Saint john of Beverley an hundred days of pardon, and relaxation from the seventh part of their penance.  
Pope Innocent the fourth hath granted to all the brethren of the same fraternity, pardon of all sins forgotten, and of all vows broken, except the vow unto the Holy land, and at their latter end remission from all their sins, à poena & culpa: so that to every brother and sister of that fraternity, being confessed and absolved, their Confessor may say on this manner: 
john or joan, as free I make thee,  
As heart may think, or eye may see.  Of this pardon it is also thus written: 
Omnibus in annis qui turbant jura joannis:  
Ter execrantur, damnati jure probantur.   
The pardon granted to the Fraternity of S. Cornelis at Westminster for such as give any thing unto it, cometh in the year to two thousand, seven hundred and threescore days for ever to endure.  
To the Fraternity of the Sepulchre of our L. jesus Christ, have been granted by diverse Popes of Rome, especially Pope Vrban the 4, as large Indulgences as any of the former: pardons for 20, 30, and 40 thousand years, with odd days.    


A DISCOURSE OF ENGLISH NUNS of late transported within these two or three years.  
IT is observed, that cunning Fowlers when they have caught one bird in their net, will make use of that for a stolen to tole-on others. And so it is with our Priests & jesuits who entice the daughters of diverse of our Gentry here in England to the Nunneries beyond the Seas: They not only transport them thither, as it were with a Writ called Corpus cum causa, (them with and for their money) but also make use of those that are in the Cage already, that they may seem to sing out the praises of the place where they are. And to this end the Mother Abbess by the direction of an inspecting spiritual father maketh them write over letters, or rather inditeth letters in their name to the exceeding magnifying of the state wherein they live, that other young Birds of that brood, remaining in England, may be drawn to fly to the same foreign nests.  
I have seen of late diverse letters written from diverse Nunnified Gentlewomen to some of their kindred here in this Kingdom: The subject of which Letters, though from diverse hands, wholly concerned, first the extolling of those places wherein they were settled; secondly, the earnest requiring and demanding of great sums of money to be sent over at appointed times.  
For the former, I envy them not that mopish, monkish, foolish paradise into which their ghostly fathers have brought them, but am content they shall solace themselves with the joy and delight of their Angelical life.  

The sums of money which pass out of our Kingdom to the Nunneries.  But as concerning the other, I wish it were duly considered of, what infinite sums of money pass out of our kingdom yearly, to underline those said Nunneries. I have been credibly informed, and some of the Priests (namely, Father Flood jesuit, their prime Procurator, and others) have boasted in my hearing, that the annual pensions given by our popish Voluntaries to such uses, amount to the full value of four thousand pounds, besides the rich portions which many of our English women carry over with them, and must sacrifice and lay down to the Lady Abbess her shrine, before they be accepted of or admitted into their religious Cell, unde (ut ab Inferno) nulla est redemptio.  

The places to which our English women are sent.  The chief places of receipt for our English women, are Brussels, Griveling, and Lisbon. 
The several Orders of Nuns.  The several Covents of Nuns there are of S. Clares order, S. Bridgets or S. Bride's order, S. Katherine's order of Seine, justinian's order, Marry magdalen's order, and Augustine's order.  
Those that have but a little or no portion, are packed by their Masters to Griveling to the poor  Clares. Marry Wiltshire, the daughter of a poor Tailor, whom I spoke of in my other Book, being but a servant and a poor wench, she should have been seated in this lower form, being of the courser thread.  
Those of a moderate portion trudge away to Lisbon, where the whole Nunnery is allowed daily 5 crowns and their bread, with some other alms upon occasion bestowed upon them, as when they show the head of S. Ursula, the bones of S. Bridget and her daughter, sundry relics of S. Augustine, the milk of our Lady, the blood of Hales, with diverse such trinkets and conceits.  
But those that have a good round sum for their dowry (as 1000 or 2000 pounds, which some good customers carry hence) such are stamped for Brussels, where the hungry jesuits (who sometimes meet with as good booties as the Merchants of Argier) dispossess them of all worldly cares and vanities, and like subtle Alchemists refine them out of their silver and golden dross into a more sublime estate and condition.  
I have seen within these few days Letters that came from M.C. E.C. and A I. Nuns at Brussels to some of their kindred in England. One of them writes for five hundred pounds: That the Abbess had done a great favour in taking so little: That the Nunnery is poor, and that the Abbess cannot forbear the money any longer.  
Pope Innocent the fourth appointed a company of enlarged, uncloistred, ubiquitary Votists of several sodalities: A great many of which we have latent in our kingdom; and of whom the Priests and jesuits make great use. For these are the scraping Mendicants, who bring good store of provender to the Ignatian cratch. Their labour is to beg what they can get for their holy fathers or masters, and to do them all kinds of service, as to starch their linen, sweep their chambers, make their beds, wast their Church stuff, &c of which rank are Mistress Baily in Gray's Inn Lane, Clarentia the Maid, Mistress Halsal in Bloomesbury, Mistress Venetia, Mistress Philpot, Mistress Fowler, Mistress Flood in Holborn, Black Bess, and others.  
As for the beginning of Nuns. When Pope john the first was made Bishop of Rome, Monk Bennet, alias Benedict, after that he had placed himself and his Monkish brethren in a certain noble & famous Cloister, built upon the Mount Cassinus, raised up also an Order of Nuns, and made his sister Scholastica Abbess over them.  
Their Apparel is commonly a black, sometimes a grey coat, cloak, cowl, and veil. They may not read the holy Scripture without consent or permission of their superior. Their orders are all wrapped full of superstition and hypocrisy, seeking their salvation, not in Christ through faith, but in men's inventions by foolish and popish works.   

❧ A Catalogue of the Names of such young Women as to this Author's knowledge have been within two or three year's last passed transported to the Nunneries beyond the seas.  

Mrs. Anne M●…nfeild.  
Mistress Anderton.  
Mrs Parker.  
Mrs Anne Grace.  
Mrs. Talbot.  
Mrs. Linsel.  
Mrs. Sydnam.  
Mrs. Percy●.  
Mrs. Gerard.  
Mrs. Flood.  
Mrs. Ashton.  
Mrs. Greffin.  
Mrs. Halsal.  
Mrs' Blimstone.  
jane Roe.  
Mrs. Eueleigh.  
Mrs Worthington.  
Elizabeth Lusher.  
Bridget Lee, a kitchen maid, sometime dwelling at the upper end of Holborn.  
Mrs. Molineux.  
Mrs. Ingam  
Mrs. Webbe.  
Dorothy Stamp.  
Mrs. Ireland.  
Mrs. Blackstones.  
Elizabeth powel of Holborn.  
Mrs. Ruckwood.  
Mrs. Lathom.  
Mrs. Fortescue.  
Mrs. Winchcomb.  
Mrs. Townely.  
Mrs. Townely.  
Marry Turner.  
Marry Smith.  
Mrs. jones.  
Mrs. Bishop.  
Mrs. Owen.  
Mrs Clifton.  
Sara Brewer.  
Grace Wire.  
Mrs. Atkins.  
Mrs. Drury.  
Mrs. Stanley.  
Mrs. Sanders.  
Mrs. Conniers.  
Mrs. Abbington.    

Factors employed for the conveying over of the said Women to the Nunneries.  

MAster Hughes of London, a man very active in performing the said business.  
Master Palmer.  
Spanish john, commonly called The Devil's factor: or Forty pound john, which name was given him for cozening two gentlewomen of 40 pounds, whom he undertaken to transport.  
john Smith.  
A kinsman of Master Fisher the jesuit.  
Vdal of Gunpowder Alley.  
john Barbar.  
james Hart.  
Vincent.  
Captain Dak.  
Sherborne.  
Langton, a Lancashire man.  
Master Peter.  
Stubbes.  
Lovet, a brother to the popish Goldsmiths.    
FINIS.