AA THE BLACK year. Seria iocis. printer's or publisher's device LONDON Printed by E. Allde, for William Timme, dwelling in Pater noster-rowe, at the sign of the Flower de Luce and Crown near Cheapside. 1606. TO THE RIGHT Worshipful, and worthy Lover of learning, and virtue, Master Francis Coppinger, Esquire. A. N. wisheth all health and happiness. Having (Right Worshipful) resolved with myself, to publish this little Treatise, & knowing it subject to much prejudice, except it were graced with some worthy Patron, (I mean not by the learned, for they are too courteous, to be Carping; nor by the well minded, for they cherish Science: but by Detractors, who having no learning to judge, want no liberty to reprove) I have followed the example of Metabo. King of the Volschi, who desirous to deliver his only Daughter from all peril, & danger, consecrated and dedicated her to the Sister of the Surne. So I no less careful of my labours, than the King of his Camilla, with deliberate, and advised judgement, wholly devote, & offer my Book to your favour and protection; who being the true Maecenas of the Muses, and judicial in their exercises, are of power to relieve my weakness by your worthiness, & to privilege me from envy, though she were priest to devour me. If midst your general favour to all desert, your worship vouchsafe this particular benefit to my industry; no day or time (as Tully counseleth) shall define the memory of your benefits: But as a true remembrance of your favours, my future study and labour, shall be employed to do you all ready and willing service. By him that desires to be a more deserver of your love. Antho: Nixon. To the Reader. GEntlemen, I here presume to present you with this little Treatise, occasioned chiefly by the late treacherous proceedings, although it be mixed with various matter to please conceit, because that hath already been sufficiently handled by others. I know some will look at it narrowly, and say the shape is but bad, though the operation may be good. Zoilus with his squint eyes will find fault both with matter and Method: But I care not though they be crabbed, if I find you courteous. Let an Ass strike me, I will never lift my heel. And if Diogenes be cynical I will shake off his frumps with Aristippus. Some odd scoffing companion that hath a commonwealth of Self-love in his head, may perhaps say, the Subject of this Pamphlet is more common than commendable: I answer him with a common principle of Philosophy. Bonum quò communis, cò melius. If that will not serve, let him either amend it or sit down and blow his fingers, or else go learn to knit Nets of coventry-blew for Woodcocks. I know (Gentlemen) fools will have Bolts, and they will shoot them as well at a bush, as at a Bird: and some will have frumps, if it be but to call their Father whoreson: But howsoever, I know, facilius est cavillare quam corrigere, and a Dog will have a barking Tooth, though he be warned. To such I write not, let them be still vain: but to those whom education and learning hath endued with courtesy and generous spirits. If I find them respective of me, I have the full desired end of my labours. Resting in hope, whereof I commit myself and my Book to your favourable censures. Yours Antho: Nixon. The Black year. BY this years Revolution, which is the suns entrance into the sign of the martial Ram, there shall many black enormities, & does commodities happen to the world: Men forget those good virtues, which are naturally graffed in them; whose effects bec, to do good to others: and wherein the Image of God is resembled in man, and sensually cherish their bodies with a moment of pleasure, to be after punished with an eternity of pain. And shall follow the conditions of the world, dissembling still with the same, holding themselves happy that can fly from the seeing eye not from the sin, that can applaud in public and defraud in private. Such as be rich, shall be sure of friends, But they that are poor, may spend money when they can get it. Those that have no Mittens in Winter, may blow their nails by authority, for no man will pity them that are needy: Such as carry empty purses, may dine by wit, if it will prevail, or walk in Paul's by Duke Humphrey for Charity is fled that should feed the hungry. Old familiarity shall be forgotten, and friendship draw back, if ability grow bare, according to that of the Poet. Quem novi tacitus me praeterit: Os mihi claudit paupertas, cum etc. Many men for lack of wit, shall follow Bacchus, not Ceres, and esteem better of malt, than wheat: and many for lack of honesty shall swell by Venus, and make more reckoning of a Chamber then a Church. The greatest holiness shall not be in the granest show; nor the longest bearded prove the wisest. Many by superfluities, & inordinate repasts shall win under the froth of Lust, and by Gluttony, not only sin in Lechery, but sink in blockishness and folly. For Pinguis venter non generat subtilem sensum. Many shall be so newfangle in their forms of apparel, that a new fashion shall scarcely appear in the French Kings Kitchen, but it shall be presently translated over into the Court of England. But that shall cause Mercers to have many bad debtors, and make Catchpoles to be Gentlemen, for like bugbeares they shall cause such as fear them to fly from them: for they are as terrible to the sight of a poor debtor, as a Butcher's knife to an Essex Calf, or a cup of small Beer to an Ale-knight in a frosty morning. Such as keep not day shall fail to borrow when they need. Crackt-credit shall have less commodity, and pennuty shall be bought with Repentance by such Gentlemen as sell land in reversion, while their fathers are living. divers shall this year be so conversant with Venus, that by pleasing her they shall displease themselves, & surfeit with such a heat after their labour, that the very hairs shall be banished from their heads, & poor Barbers be made beggars for want of work. Such as climb above their reach shall be sure of a countercheck, and such as plot treachery shall have a halter for their labour, and Derick shall make th●● shorter not by the hair, but by the head. traitors shall covet to fly like Swallows, Fearing their secrets to be revealed: And Pope-sworne Tretchers shall kiss the gallows, Their cunning plots shall not be concealed, In their best hopes they have ever failed, Than what befell to Catesby and that crew, Befall to them that are not subjects true. This year shall be bad to such as buy suits in Birchin-lane upon credit, for either they shall be badly sowed, Or if the outside deceive them not, yet shall the inside be all old stuff, and no sooner on but a seam out. Some Bookesellers this year shall not have cause to boast of their win, for that many write, that flow with phrases, and yet are barren in substance, and such are neither wise, nor witty: others are so concise, that you need a commentary to understand them, others have good wits, but so critical, that they arraign other men's works at the Tribunal seat of every censorious Aristarchs' understanding, when their own are sacrificed in Paul's Churchyard for bringing in the Dutch Courtesan to corrupt English conditions, and sent away Westward for carping both at Court, City and country. For they are so sudden witted, that a Flea can no sooner frisk forth, but they must needs comment on her. Others shall be so subject to affection, that when they have done any thing worthy of praise, they either like Hens that go cackling, in regard of their new laid Egg, and blaze their own works abroad, or endeavour by secret insinuation to be commended by others, as the Italian Poet did, who having made an Epigram which much pleased himself, showed it to some of his friends, praising it above the skies: They presently demanding who was the Author? He for very shame of pride would not tell them it was his, but with a fleeting countenance gave them to understand, that the verses and the laughter were Cosi●-germaines, and issued both from the same proud heart, Therein discovering both his own self-love and vanity. Doctor Aloander with a miraculous insight, espied that by reason of some retrograde influence it should happen, that this year, many Countries shall be highly troubled with wars, Commotions, sicknesses, and Plagues. The Spirit (saith he) among the Godlyc shall war with the flesh, and honest plain dealing shall be at deadly feud with Peter Pickthanks secret insinuation. A dreadful debate shall be betwixt the Wife and the Husband, who shall bear most sway and authority: insomuch as the wife shall sit playing in the Chamber above, when the Husband shall stand working in the shop belowc. There shall be also as much strife among Players, who shall have the greatest Auditory, as is war among the four knaves at Cards, for superioritic. Brokers and Usurers shall so pinch the poor this year, that for ever after, they shall be no better than Knaves by estimation. Landlords and Lease-mongers shall peel their Tenants, raising rents, and taking houses over men's heads, to the undoing of Man, wife and Children. Gentlemen that were wont to keep good houses, and maintain Hospitality in the Country, shall this year depart from thence, giving ovethouse keeping, and come to London, And either keep a chamber there, or wait at the Court (uncalled) with a man, and a Lackey after him, where he was wont to maintain half a score proper men to attend on him, and thirty or forty other persons beside, every day in the week. Tapster's shall this year in Summer, be indicted for mingling their bottle Ale with small Beer, and Alewives in winter for filling three pots to one toast, and for selling flesh on Fridays without licence. Many black tempests shall be in Taphouses, for Cans shall fly about, (and light on men's heads) without wings: and with the rich, poor men shall be accounted knaves without occasion. Some shall be so costive in their stomachs, as they shall carry hollow hearts under holy shapes, and wear brave hoods, that have but bare learning. Those that can flatter least, shall speed worst, Qui nescit dissimulare, nescit vi●ere. And he that cannot verba dare ad voluntatem, and soothe up his superiors in their follies and imperfections, shall as hardly thrive this year, as it is likely that men will be afraid of a good fire at Midsummer, if it be possible to have a frost of three week's continuance in july. For tell but Quintus, that his breath doth stink, And do not cog and say 'tis sweet and clear, he'll let thee pass, and never bid thee drink, When as Auphidius shall have good cheer, For now who loves to play a worldlings part, Must teach his tongue refrain to tell his heart. He is a ga●●ant, fit to serve a Lord, And at the Court to have a special place, Which can both claw, and sooth at every word, And swear that's rare, which doth deserve no grace, And when his Lord an idle tale doth tell, Cries (by this hand) you have spoke passing well. In this dangerous year shall happen many Combattes between the flesh & the spirit, & our inordinate passions (will we nill we) shall not cease almost hourly to rise up against Reason, and so molest us, perturbting our rest and inward quietness. For example whereof I will recite unto you, what was related in the life of S. Anselm: once Archbishop of Canterbury, that as he walked into the fields, he saw a shepherds little Boy, who had caught a Bird and In vita Anselmi. tied a stone to her leg with a third, and ever as the Bird mounted up to soar aloft, the stone drew her down again. The reverend old man much moved at this sight, fell presently a weeping; lamenting thereby the miserable conditions of men, who no sooner endeavour to ascend to heaven by contemplation, but the flesh hales the heart back again, and draws to earth, enforcing the soul to lie there like a Beast, which should have soared in the heavens like an Angel. Some shall have so much wit, that they shall surfeit on it and strive so long against the stream, as their bodies shall fail to carry their heads any longer. Some shall have such large consciences, as they shall build fair houses by bribery, gather much wealth by contention and cruelty, and ere they are aware, heap up riches for an other, & wretchedness for themselves. For una opibus poterit nox quoque obesse tuis. Water shall this year be so weak an Element in the world, that men and women shall scarce have tears sufficient to bewail their sins: and there shall be such a dearth of Onions, that Widows shall want moisture to follow their Husbands to their Funerals. Few shall wax beggars by giving of Alms, for in our time the world is so far from giving, as a Nigards purse will scarce bequeath his master a good dinner. Many shall be so seduced by blind opinions, that digging a pit for others, they shall fall into it themselves, and cry peccavi when the Pope's pardon shall not prevail against their Treachery. Coin shall ●uaile more than conscience, for they that have the one, & are not much troubled with the other, study nothing less than to do good, nothing more than to do hurt, and spit their worst, least they should die in the devils debt. Few that are poor shall have more money than they need, and many that are wealthy, not so much wit as they want. The hearts of the wicked shall be so hardened, as they shall say, ●ush we can never be cast down, for there shall no harm happen unto us. yet the fattest Ox we s●e is readiest for slaughter, and the felicity of fools is their own destruction. It is hard (saith Aristotle) to find a man, which in prosperity Arist. Li. Li. 2. Rhetor. ad Theodectten. cap. 10 is not proud, disdainful, & arrogant, such are many, whom strength, whom riches, whom Clients, whom authority, whom favour hath exalted: for if dignity and honour (which seldom make men better) be oftentimes linked to this devilish behaviour, what can be looked for else, but many prodigious monsters, hurtful to men, & execrable before God: according to that Asperius misero nilest, dumb surgit in altum. Yet how suddenly they have consumed and come to fearful ends, there need not be called to mind any long forepassed remembrance to testify. Many shall this year have their eyes so dazzled, as they shall not know themselves, many so pust with pride as striving beyond their compass, they shall cry peccavi in the Poultry, for their borrowed bravery. Many shall be troubled with that fault, which Tully calls Defectum naturae, (cowardice, or weakness of spirit) that their finger shall no sooner ache, but they must strait to the Physician, & so enrich him, impoverish themselves, and yet never be without diseases. This year shall be Cares, and grief of mind, And alteration of weather some where: It shall be hard judging for men that are blind, As by wandering the wrong way may appear. Of all things true friendship, shall be most dear, Mercury and Saturn in combust declare, That Pickthanks this year, shall utter much ware. Great trouble by the heavens impressions, Great mischief done by wicked people: Some worthy death by their own confessions, Take good heed of Guato and his Disciple: Rents shall be raised double, and triple, Land lords this year, some good, some bad, Young women and Widows, both wise and mad. The poor shall be vexed with such pain i'th' purse, As he that lacks money, may also lack meat: The Usurer shall have the beggars curse, Ambition shall strive for honour's seat: Malt shall cause many to sell their wheat, The Cuckoo in Summer shall temper his throat, To pipe mine Hostess a merry note. divers shall be troubled with a defect, and imperfection that proceeds from the corruption of nature, namely with Curiosity or a diligent inquisition of other men's faults, and an extreme negligence in their own. Moale-hilles in other men shall seem mountains, and craggy Rocks in themselves, smooth rushes: Other men's faults shall be before their eyes, but their own behind their backs. The reason why men judge more quickly other men's follies than their own, partly proceeds from Self-love, which blindeth them in their own actions, partly because they see other men's defects directly, and their own by a certain reflection, For as no man knoweth his own face, because he never see it, but by reflection from a glass, and other men's countenances, he conceiveth most perfectly, because he views them directly, & in themselves, So by a certain circle we wind about ourselves, whereas by a right live we pass into the corners of other men's souls at least by rash judgements and sinister suspicions. Galen to this purpose relateth Aesop, who said, every man Galen. de cog. amin. Morb. C. 2. had a wallet hanged upon his shoulders, the one half upon our breast, the other half upon our backs: the former was full of other men's faults, which we continually beheld, the part behind loaden with our own offences, which we never regarded. Some shall have too much familiarity with scoffing, & gibing, the which proceeds from pride and envy, and is hardly continued without dissension, for men are not at all times apt to receive jests. Many that in conversing are (for a time) able to discourse well, shall after that time their oil is spent, thrust out all they have on a sudden, and after become very barren. Such are they that at a Table will have all talk, when others in place shall be silent, that are better able than themselves to use effectual speech in any matter propounded. But these men are commonly neither witty, nor humble, for witty men are seldom drawn dry in their conceits, and humble men will distill their knowledge according to their talents, & not above their reach. Some shall have such nimbleness in their chops, as they shall devour more at a meal, than they are able to pay for in a month. Some such a buzzing in their brain, as they shall not admit good counsel or admonition, but shall esteem better of their own unstaid, and headstrong resolution, than the grave advice of Time-bought experience. To such is assigned a whip of nettles to scourge their Sic volo with Noli poenitentiam tanti emere. If that will not serve the turn: A pound of Hemp, three Standards, and three flats, Are very fit to make such mates new hats. Some shall be stopped in their hearts with such an Aconiton of obediency, as they shall be utterly obstinate to receive the Antidote of grace, and so be given over to a reprobate sense, that they shall persevet in vanity, without any touch or feeling of their folly. Such without mature Repentance & amendment shall never attain that celestial land, nor enjoy that heavenly repast, which Nemo novit nisi qui accipit. Many that are wicked and unlearned, impudent in face, and egregious Parasites in behaviour, shall be exalted to glory, when men famous, as well for learning as religion, shall be either condemned, or of sycophants defaced, or for some small occasion unworthily disgraded. As happened to Beliserius, who lost his eyes by justinian. Darkness shall not abide the light, nor ignorance (through her Impudence) refrain to set herself against learning and knowledge, For as Quintilian doth witness, Quo quisque minus valet, hoc se magis attollere, et dilatare conatur. Quintil. l. 2. Cap. 3. The least of power, the more vainglorious, And again. Quo minus sapuit, minus habent pudoris. The more fool the more impudent. Some shall be blind in their own and politic in other men's matters, some love a bowling-alley better than a Sermon, and suspect their wives at home, because themselves play false abroad. Amongst all other evils (by my speculation, & knowledge of this black) there shall be none more ri●e, than the Mumpsimus, which shall so swell some women's lips, as they shall have a longing desire to kiss others besides their Husbands. Many shall have their cheeks so monstrously swollen, as (although they be tempted with large fees) yet they shall not have power to speak in a just cause. This year shall breed divers Monsters in our Nation, whereof some shall have such long tongues, as they can keep no counsel. But whatsoever they hear, they shall presently blab forth, & often times make a matter worse in telling. Some others shall have such lightness in their brains, that albeit they know little, yet they shall meddle much, and thrust themselves so far into others affairs, that for lack oflooking into their own, they shall either dance a beggars Galliard, or feel the price of such follies as follow Hadiwistes. There shall be also such various wonders, such strange inundations, such miraculous comotions, as such as want legs shall be glad to go on crutches and such as lost their horses and cars at the last Lottery, and pawned their● apparel to venture for a blank paper, shall ever hereafter wear a fools Cap for their labour, and if they run not mad at their folly, yet shall they be glad to drudge with a basket at their backs for hazarding that was their own into other men's hands, by such sly and secret cozenage. So the poor Car men shall curse Aristotle that said Corruptio unius est generatio alterius, for their old Carts being gone, they have no stock to buy others. Many shall drive whole A●●-tubbes into consumptions and so drown their stomachs in liquor, as if in a short time they piss not out their wealth, and cause the ●ot to infect their purses, and eat out the bottom, yet shall they consume their bodies, and make themselves sickly, or ten to one, not possibly escape the dropsic. Gentlemen, shall this year be much wronged by their Tailors, for their consciences are now larger than ever they were: for where they were wont to steal but halt a yard of broad cloth in making up a pair of breeches, now they do largely nick their Customers also in the lace, and take more then enough for the new fashion sake, besides their old fees. There shall be a mighty conspiracy amongst Bakers, Butchers and Brewers, insomuch as they that lack money, or have not good credit, shall neither have bread, meat, nor drink, when they are dry or hungry. Poor men are much threatened that Lawyers shall plead none of their causes without coin, for if they should, Westminster-Hall would be little troubled with rich men, and so Pettie-loggers, Lifters, and Cutpurses would be greatly hindered, and impoverished. scholars shall be preferred, when such as sing Bases, leave to love good drink, Or when such die of surfeits, that keep a temperate diet. But flatterers shall have great gifts, when the good and godly labours of Scholars shall be scarce worth Gramercies. Sexton's shall this year complain of their hard fortunes, for that their gettings shall decrease, & what they purchased in the plague time, they shall now have leisure to consume, 〈◊〉 wring the marrow of the malt, and so sucking in, a cup of Spanish Sack, that when their two or three years gains has been but one years spending, they shall at last be served with a fieri facias and pray for the employment of Coffin-mongers, and that there may not grow such rust upon Spades & Pickaxes. But amongst all these black and disaster accydents: this year promiseth good fortune to sailors, and Soldiers, for what they get by the sword, they may spend at their pleasures, & if beyond count and reckoning they have any thing paid them by the Treasurer, if they build not Hospitals with it, they may employ it on apparel, or to the maintenance of the honest knot of friendship. Player's shall have liberty to be as famous in pride and idleness, as they are dissolute in living, and as best in their marriages for community, as unhappy in their choices for honesty. Women are like to be endued with such masculine courage, as if they once have their wills, they will ever after strive for the mastery, therefore married men of weakest wit, and worst courage had best to be provided of good weapons, to defend themselves from assaults, for such husbands as are not able to resist them valiantly, are awarded to pay a Sheepshead to their next neighbour in penance of their pusillanimity. Seeing then that the oil of Holly is a present remedy for a shrewd housewife, he is a flat fool, that suffers his wife to crown him with a Pispotte. The French disease in this westerly parts is like to prove very dangerous, especially to such as are not provided to undergo the charge of three weeks diet, without which they shall never be without Ache in their bones, until the Usurers of London swear to bestow a new Steeple upon Paul's Church. This shall be a black year for thieves, and seditious persons, for all kind of 〈◊〉 shall so prosper both in Upland grounds and in highways, as the very stalks thereof shall almost touch the top of Tyburn. Those that are thin clad & want fuel may not strain courtesy to go cold to bed, unless better order to provided for the price of Sea-coals, that private gain may not enhance the rate thereof to public grief, and discommodity. It is to be much doubted that this year there shall be such store of Caterpillars, as they shall not only devour blossoms, but consume the best of our possessions, & such plenty of thankless Trencher-flyes, as will hang on the fullness of prosperity, and fly from declining estate, and adversity according to that of the Poet. Non deerunt socij rebus (mihi crede) secundis, adversis, nullus te putat esse bonum. Never was such a curious generation clasped under the cope of heaven, as is in these our miserable days. For what vain studies exercise (for most part) our judiciary Astronomers, by calculating Nativities, foretelling events, prescribing the limits of men's lives, foreshowing their perils, and dangers but mere cozenage, and idle curiosity? who many times shutting a knave in a circle, and looking about for the devil, find him lurk in their bosoms. Such shall be the corruptions of men's minds, that Ingratitude shall forget her best benafactors, and raised by insinuation to sublime condition) shall be unmindful of the happiness, that follows content, & is enemy to ambitions aspiring. For seldom can Presumption be enthronde, To live esteemed, or die to be bemoaned, An humble coat entapissed with moss, A lowly life that fears no sudden loss, A mind that dreads no fall, nor craves no Crown, But makes his true-content, his best renown. These are the choice contents, the goods, the gain, which rightly can be ours; The rest are vain, If then thou see a troup of guarded Knaves, wait at Aagastoe's heels, like servile slaves, Be not aghast, admire not at his state, " For now the world is bend to serve, and hate, 'tis true: that slave whom Pompey did promoate, was he that first assayed to cut his throat. judas shall this year walk about the world, and sell his Neighbour for commodity to any man: But the jews shall be of an other disposition, for having taken out a penny in the shilling these many years, they shall now with good conscience venture upon three pence with the advantage. From the superfluity of men's brains shall be hatched that hideous monster (self conceit) & like a Tyrant so reign in people's hearts, that many men shall think their opinion is their God & many women imagine that none are so fair as themselves. Many shall apparently prove themselves knavish, yet ●in their own opinions will be accounted honest. The Cobbler shall say the Shoemaker is a butcher, & Cherillus shall swear he is more learned than Homer. Crafts in occupations, & sects in Religions shall abound this year, and Rebels are promised to far no worse, than Hens do among Foxes. Such as are penitent in this world, shall have comfort in a better, but they that depend on destiny, and not on God, may perchance look through such narrow latyces as the world shall laugh to see impiety sequestered from impunity. There shall be this year many rare devices, for some shall so long devise for other men, that they shall be barren themselves. Some shall devise snares for others and entrap themselves. Vulcan shall make a net to catch Venus, and jealousy shall lay a bait to entangle Vulcan. To be verbis tenus, factis procul, to promise much, and to perform little, shall be as usual this year, as it is ordinary with boys in Lent time to love Figs on Thursday, better than twigs on Friday, or with Maids about midnight to fall a dreaming, and see visions, to the heartgrief oftentimes of their Parents. It shall be hard for to prosper, if they wash not their hands clean, for by soiling their work they are in great danger to lose their workmaisters. Many strange conflicts shall be in cups and Cans, for good liquor shall make some so venturous, as they will destroy the Turk and all his power at one draft. This year is like to prove fatal to such as follow the Garden Alleys, for as some have gone before, so the rest are like to follow, and mar their drinking with an hempen twist unless they leave Harlotte-hunting, with more good will then Millers have mind to morning prayer if the wind serve them in any corner on Sundays. Daws shall leave to build in Steeples, & begin to dwell in Cities. And if dissimulation do this year forsake Court and Country, I will give him that first finds the same, full leave and licence to call me liar. For with the world the world dissembles still, And to their own confusions follow ill, Holding it true felicity to fly, Not from the sin, but from the seeing eye, Truth is pursued by hate: He is deemed wise That to the world, his worldly wit applies, And in this age who winks at each estate, Hath found the means to make him fortunate. Favours and Offices (to persons of desert) shall not be granted without suit, and supplication, for many so gape for preferment; as they aim rather at the gain, than the pain. Goodness and true-love (principally discovered in the bountiful giving, and bestowing of benefits (shall not this year win to many eternal same, as it did to divers, (whereof Histories make mention) and for which experience this old and true verse was penned. Si quis in hoc mundo vult cunctis gratus haberi det capiat, quarat, plurima pauca, nihil. He that to all will here be grateful thought, must give, accept, demand much, little, nought. For instead of this, men only level at private profit, & commodity, and be so far from doing good deeds, that no man shall find in his heart to teach Grantham steeple to hold up his head manly again by the assistance of learned Masons. Gamesters, and such as consecrate themselves to play at Dice, Cards, and such other games, shall have bad fortune this year, for in a minute they shall lose more than they can gather again in a month. These are unprofitable Members, and deserve to be cut from the body of a commonwealth, for they are as unfit to live in the same, as a Candle is to burn in a straw-bed. Tides shall this year mount beyond their bounds, insomuch as many striving to stretch beyond compass shall so heat themselves on New-market-heath, that they shall be constrained to cool their heels in Newgate, where they are no sooner arrived, but four knaves in the cards shall suddenly leap from out the bunch, and desperately be ready (as partners) to entertain them. This black year threatens divers and sundty sorts of Takers, for some one shall be desirous to be taken for wise, who is indeed Sapientum octaws. Some will be glad to take bad Silver of poor debtors, and a Bottle of Ale, when they cannot get a pottle of wine. Some shall take their neighbour's bed for their own: some the Maid for the Mistress, especially in houses, where Virgo is so predominant with the Master, and wants a Mistress to look, narrowly unto her. This year is unlikely to be favourable to Masterless men, and pennyles companions, for he that has but one shirt to shift him, may not think scorn to wear a fowl on Sunday. Tripe-wines should be exquisite Physicians, for in one offal (as Ned Beck says) they shall find more simples than ever Galen gathered since he knew what physic meant. Old Fowlers, and young Farmers may not think much if their success be but bad this year: for the one shall Catch Lobcockes instead of Larks, and the other sell their freehold for Pease-pottage. But now Seria iocis. There are beside these, many other accidents that may serve to show the many enormities, wherewith humane conditions make their souls black, and putrefied, for we see all men grow A malo ad peius, and all things we perceive to wax daily worse, and worse, and to decrease in their virtue. The air is oftentimes corrupt, sometimes with untimely showers, sometimes with unprofitable dryness: now with two much cold, now with extreme heat. The fruitfulness of the field is not such as it hath been before time. riches, and substance we see consumed, the progeny of Noble men we perceive not to be multiplied, but decreased either by discord or disloyalty. Lords and great men bend their cogitations to the oppressing of their poor Tenants, and by often fines, and exactions, bring honest men to beggary, and by the example of Pharo make Slaves of their Servants and Subjects. Another great argument of this years, (or rather of the worlds corruption) is, that all good arts and learning are so contemned and little rewarded, or respected. The Universities, Schools and Scelestiall Discipline, (which are the causes and fountains of knowledge) now pilipended, and not regarded. Although God in this last age, hath showed his good will, and marvelous love towards us, especially (in that so great barbarousness of our Predecessors, when all arts and liberal learning, was hid, and known to few, the Latin tongue polluted: the faculties not apprehended) by raising up so many learned men, which with great study & pains, have brought all the sciences to their purity, and delivered unto us a more easy way, to the attaining the perfect knowledge of them all. Yet experience teacheth that these guests that have of long time been at the full, do now decrease, and grow to be lessened. For not that advised judgement, not that industry, not those exercises in studies, are now which have been. Every man hath his particular manner of parley, strives to speak in print, hunts after Metaphors, coins Phrases, and labours extremely that his words may smell of subtlety, elegancy, and neat delivery, in such affected sort, hat for the most he leaves nothing behind him, but a sent of verbal pride and foolish affection. This is that time wherein aboundeth marvelous security. By which ariseth not only in●ffable wickedness against God, but also a lamentable disorder and confusion in commonweals. For if we compare the time present with that which is past, we shall perceive vice to have come to his ripeness, and to reign (almost) without controlment. ●or (notwithstanding God hath given us discipline whereby we are taught to frame our affections to his will, and to dwell in unity according to his word) what desire of good life, or zeal in religion is there to be found? Many a man thinks himself sufficiently religious, if he can seemingly fashion himself to the frequenting of Sermons, and repairing to ordinary service and ceremonies, when — Fronte politus. austutam vopido servat sub pectore vulpem. Many think well of themselves in making the Doctrine of love, peace, and unity, the occasion of strife, contention and heresy. Many suppose they serve God well, (if knowing some of contrary opinion, though not in the chiefest point of Religion) they doc condemn them with words, and commit them with curses to the devils punishment: when they themselves in the mean time, in a certain spiritual pride, and puffed up through a vain opinion of learning, do take heart of grace. Their adversaries oftentimes defending the better part, and more agreeable to the will of the highest, And yet forsooth this must not be called the spirit of sin, but of Religion, & godly zeal. Oh black time! Oh dangerous days! Oh devilish behaviour▪ what need many words? we may now plainly perceive greatest vice to be accounted chiefest virtue. And those men to be most extolled, that with a superficial show of dissembled sanctity can shadow their 〈…〉 rses, when of all others for impiety they are most worthily to be thrown down and dejected. Crafty and deceitful, are esteemed wise. Covetous, good Husbands; Spendthriftes, liberal: and rich men, are deemed the best men: they have promotions, & although by wicked means they attain them: yet Dives clarus erit, fortis iustas, Horat. Lib. Serm. 2. sapiens, etiam & Rex, & quicquid volet. As Horace said, The rich man shall be Noble, valiant, upright wise, yea and a King and what he wil And in another place. Aurea nunc virè sunt saecula, plurim 〈…〉 auro; Horat. L. 1. Epist. venit honos, Auro conciliatur amor, Auro pulsa fides, Aura venalia iura Auram lex sequitur mox sinè lege pudor, Scilicet uxorem cum dote fidemque & amicos & genus & formam Regina pecunia donat. Now are the brave and Golden days, now fame with gold we gain: And Gold can show us many means, men's favours to attain. By gold we hear the Music sweet, and laws we buy with gold, Law seeks for Gold and strait (unmeet) our name by it is sold. Yea wife with wealth, and faith and friends, and kin with comely hue, Doth madame Money, Prince, and Queen, most mortal men endue. And Boêtius lib. 1. ante prosam. undè habeant cura est paucis, sed oportet habere per scelus, atque nefas, Pauper ubique jacet. How they do get few men respect but riches have they must: By hook, or crook, we daily see, the weak to wall are thrust. These and the like vices both Poets, and Philosophers reprehended in their days, when wickedness did but spring, as they themselves have testified. Then how earnestly is God to be desired, that the times may now be bettered & these evils redressed. For albeit all manner of wickedness hath in this age ascended very high, yet are they not so come to the top, but that more horrid, and mischievous confusions then ever were, may be seen in Commonweals through evil government. We may continually perceive that such as are Parasites, and Flatterers, that can temporize, and sort their humours to be pleasing, beat all then brains, (●hough without desert, learning or honesty) and bend all their studies to be gracious in the eyes of the that are placed in the highest seat & authority, by which it falls out many times, that (for a season) they are well accepted, even of the best, but good Magistrates can smell them out, and will banish their company knowing that friendship not to be of countenance that is not grounded on the respect of virtue. It is therefore to be wished, that all Christian Princes would carefully commit these words to continual remembrance? you shall know them by their fruit. Men do not gather grapes of Thorns, or Figs of Thistles. And again, A naughty tree cannot bring forth good fruit. What 〈…〉 odnes than may be looked for at their hands, whose delight hath been ever in the execution of evil? How can they then be profitable to their Princes, faithful to their country, or careful of keeping justice, and Laws, which in all their life have been faithless to the King of Kings, and so far from keeping of justice, that they never had any sure knowledge of the same? what agreement, or good mixture can fire have with water? heat with cold, equity with unrighteousness? How can it be, that men should have a care of that country's prosperity, from which their hearts are alienated, as if it were not their native soil? Again: can men drowned in volumptuousnes (whose study is, Quaerere ovid. lib. 〈◊〉. fast. ut absumant, & absumptarequ●ere certant: to seek, that they may spend, and strive to find that is naughtily spent: ambitious, and lovers of themselves) with honesty prefer the Prince's prosperity, before tbeir private profit? & the Commonweals good, before their own gain? So that to place such in authority (if histories all times were noted) is to betray the Prince, overthrow the Kingdom, and to yield the simple sheep to the cruelty of ravening wolves. But because (in respect of this title to this small discourse,) it may perhaps be expected that somewhat be spoken of the late insolent and traitorous practice of Percy and his conspiracy, which I confess there hath already been much learnedly written, and for that among other coloured and shadowed courses for their Rebellion, this principally was one: namely to reform religion, and for his, and their conscience sake: whose Religion (if they had any) whereof they made outward show and profession, was according to the Romish Church, taught & brought hither from the Shambles, & Slaughter-house of souls, (I mean the Church of Rome) & continued here by Jesuits, and Seminarie-Priestes, who closely, and in disguised manner steal into this Land, and seduce and draw many souls of men from the true love, and worship of God and his will, and from their native loyalty and obedience to their King and Country. I have in regard thereof set down these special points ensuing: by which the church of Rome is made so glorious, & which are stiffly taught, & maintained by it, that it may be judged and censured whether it be the true Spouse of Christ: or on the contrary, whether it be not the false Church, and the apparent sink and Synagogue of Satan. 1. First, whereas the Church of Rome will be known to be the true church, by the visibility, Antiquity and multitude thereof, and so be seen and pointed at with the outward eye, and finger: you shall find that visibility, Antiquity, & multitude, are not the marks of the true Church but a little flock, few in number and yet of greatest Antiquity: as by these places may appear. For tell me I pray Act. 8. 1. you where the Church was visible, when being assembled at jerusalem, there arose a great persecution against it, insomuch as they were all dispersed and ●ca●●red: And where or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the church visible, when Christ was smitten, Mat. 12. 17 and all the rest was scattered, and hid, and concealed themselves. Doth not S. john in his Revelation expressly witness, Revel. 12. 6. 7. that the church of Christ (signified there by a woman) fled into a desert or wildetnesse, where she had a place prepared for her of God, and where she could not for a certain season be found of the persecutors? Where was the Church in the time of Elias the prophet? when he said, They have forsaken 1. Kings. 19● etc. thy 〈◊〉 they have destroyed thine Altar, and sla●ne thy Prophets with the sword, and I am left alone. Agai 〈…〉 That under the reign of Achas there was taken pattern of a the Altar 2. King. 16 of the Idolaters of D 〈…〉 sens, and Urias the highpriest removed the Altar of the Lord. It appeareth thereby that the Priesthood was corrupted, the Altar removed & consequently the sacrifice ceased. I trust then there is no Papist so impudent to ●ay, that either the true Church ●as in the Scribes & pharisees, or in the time of Achas, M●●asses, and many other Kings of Israel, so visible and populous, as they would have it: But that the Church of Christ, were in that small number where soever dispersed. 2. Secondly, the Church of Rome holds, that Ignorance is the mother of de●●tion. But Christ saith, Ignorance is the mother of error, saying you ●rre, not knowing the Scriptures: And Christ Ma. 22. 29. joh. 5. 39 Coloss. 3. 16. Act. 17. biddeth the people to search the Scripture. Paul commanded that word of God should dwell p 〈…〉 sly in the people, whereby they might themselves: and the Bereans examined the Scriptures. 3. Thirdly, the Church of Rome teacheth, that the Scriptures 〈◊〉 to ●●read, and prayers to be used in a strange tangue. Saint Paul faith, He that speaketh in a strange tongue, speaketh not 1. Cor. 1● 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 but unto God, for no man heareth him, howbeit, in the spirit he speaketh secret things. He that speaketh in a strange language edifieth himself. I would that you all spoke strange languages, but rather that you prophesied. For greater is he that prophesieth, than he that speaketh divers tongues, except he expound it, that the church may receive edification. And now brethren, if I come unto you speaking divers tongues, what shall it profit you? etc. Morcover things without life which give a sound, whether it be Harp or Pipe, except they have a distinction in the sound, how shall it be known what is piped, or harped? So likewise by the tongue except you utter words which have signification, how shall it be understood what is spoken, for you shall speak in the air. 4. Fourthly, The Church of Rome doth teach there is a Purgatory, Christ in the Gospel, showeth only two places, namely heaven and hell. Christ said to the good Thief, this day shalt thou be with me in Paradlce, Christ saith, verily, Luke. 16. Lu. 23. 43. joh. 5. 25. Phil. 1. 2. 3 2. Cor. 5, 1. Reu. 14. 13 verily I say unto you, he that heareth my words, and believeth him that sent me, hath eternal life, and cometh not into condemnation, but passeth from death to life. Saint Paul saith, I co●et to be dissolved, and to be with Christ, Again for we know that when this earthly Tabernacle of ours is dissolved, we have a building of God, not made with hands, but eternal in the heavens. Again, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord; from hence forth they rest from their labours, and their works follow them. And Saint Peter, telleth the Sa●●tes and Children of God, and assureth them of it, That the end of their faith is the Salvation of their souls. 1. Pet. 1. 9 5. Fiftly. The Church of Ro●e teacheth, that since the fall of Adam, man hath free-will, whereas God saith, After that time, Gen. 6. that the imaginations of men's hearts are only, evil e●er●e day. Christ saith, No man c●n come unto me, except the Father draw jerem, 7. Rom. 3. 10. him. Again, Convert thou me, and I shall be co●●erted. Also There is not one that doth good 〈◊〉 not one. Again, without Heb. 11. 〈◊〉. Ro, 14. 23. joh. 15. 1. 〈◊〉 faith it is impossible to please God. And again, whatsoever is not of faith, is sin. Also except men be engrafted into him they can bring forth no fruits etc. 6. Sixtly, the Church of Rome delivereth the Sacrament, 〈◊〉 in one kind, namely bread. Christ saith, Drink ye all of this Cup. Mat. 26. 27 1. Cor. 11. 23. 28. Paul saith, Let a man examine himself, and so let him ●ate of this bread, and drink of this Cup. 7. seventhly, The Church of Rome holdeth Transubstantiation in the Sacrament, and this they would seem to ground upon these words. This is my body▪ which they will have to be expounded liberally. But why then do they not expound the words of Christ literally also concerning the cup? For the Text saith, in the 27. and 28. verses, that he took the Cup and said, this is my blood: I am sure they will not say that the Cup was the blood of Christ, (as the words be) but they will grant a sign in those words, namely, that by the Cup is meant, the wine in it. If then they will admit a figure in this, why may there not be a figure in the other? namely, this is my body, should be understood thus: This bread is a figure of my body, (which was broken for you,) circumcision was called the lords covenant, when indeed it was not the covenant. So likewise the Paschal Lamb is called the Passover, when indeed it was but a sign of the Passover. Christ saith, Do this in remembrance of me. And Saint Paul saith plainly, and expressly, that the communicants 1. Cor. 1●. 26. 28. do eat bread, and therefore it remaineth bread after the words of consecration. For if it were transubstantiated into the body of Christ, then were there no Bread to eat, but the body of Christ is the thing that should be eaten: But none do eat the very body of Christ, For if every Communicant did eat the very body of Christ nturally, carnally, & really, (as they ●●ossely suppo●●, Christ should have a number of bodies. ●esides, if C 〈…〉 gave his body to be eaten really by his Disciples, at the tim● of the institution of this Sacrament, what was it that did hang upon the Cross on the morrows? moreover it is said as touching the body of Christ. The heavens mus● contai●● 〈◊〉 to the end of the world. Eightly, The Church of Rom● hol●●●● the Pope h●th ●oritie to depose King●● and Primero 〈…〉 s. God deposeth the mighty from the●r seats, and ex●lteth them of the low degree. It is Luke. 1. Dan. 2. 20. & 4. 14. & ●1. 2. Cor. 10. 4. Ro. 13. 1. 2 3. 4. 1. Pet. 2. 13 Tit. 3. 1. joh. 18. 36. john. 6. 15. Ma. 22. 21. God that testifieth of himself, by me Kings reign, & Pri 〈…〉 ha●● dominion. Paul confesseth plain●ly, that the weapons of their warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God th●● is spiritual. And it manifest by the practice of the Apostles, and all their precepts, (commanding all Christians to obey their rulers, their Kings, & Princes, yea though they wer● persecutors) and the Apostles n●●er had any such authority committed to them. Christ himself saith, this Kingdom was not of this world: and refused to be made a King: Christ himself paid tribute unto C●sar, & co 〈…〉 nded others to give the 〈◊〉 and all other deity of subjection, and obedience to Caesar. 9 Ninthly, The Pope of Rome holds that he h●●h absolute pour to forgive sinners. But the Scribes in the Gospel could say, none can forgive sins but God. job saith, who can bring a clea●e thing out of filthiness, there is not one. And Esay saith, speaking Mark. 2. 7 job. 14. 4. Esa. 45. 11. in the person of God, I, e●●n I, 〈◊〉 he that putteth away thine iniquities for mine own sake, and will not remember thy si●●es. And Paul confidently affirmeth when he saith Who shall lay any thing to the charge of Gods chosen, it is God that instifieth, who shall condemn? it is Christ which is dead, yea, or rather, Rom. 8. 33 34. which is risen again, who is also at the right hand of God and maketh request for us. Again the Lord i●●●●w to anger and of great mercy, & forgiving iniquity. And in another place God Numb. 14. ●8. speaking in ●i● 〈◊〉 person said, T●●●s ●e 〈…〉 th' 〈◊〉 f●● Exo. 34. 7. 〈…〉ds 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and transgr 〈…〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. etc. 10. T●nthly, the Church of Rome doth teach, that the Scriptures c 〈…〉 no● all tho●●gs necessary ●●sal●ati●n; but their unwritten traditions must (as they say ●e all received with ●q●●ll, and like authority, for so ●ath the Council of Trent determined. But S, I●●h saith that, these things are written that ye may bele〈…〉, and that in b●l●●●ing ye may ha●e life eternal. And Saint Paul saith that, the Scriptures are profitable t● repr●●●● to 2. Tim. 3. 15. Deut. 4. teach, and correct, to instruct and p●●fect th● man of God: and f●●ther that the Scriptures are able to ●ake men wise unto salnati●●, and God himself doth say, ye shall p●● no●●●ng to the word▪ wh●ch I commannd you, neither take ●●ght there from. Again Deut. 1● whatsoe●er I command you, that ta●e h●●d y●● do put nothing thereto, n●● take aught th●re from. And S. john in his Revelation Revel. 22. saith, that If any man shall add to t●is thing, God shall 〈◊〉 unto him, the plagues which are written in this book, and sha●● ta●● aw●y l●s part out of the book of life. I might yet add further touching the Offices of Christ, for that the Church of Rome will yield that the Office of Christ consisteth in these three points, namely that he i● both a Proph●s, a Priest and a ●●●g: which in words only, not in deeds and verity they w●ll acknowledge. For how miserably the Church of Rome, hath mangled and defaced the revealed will of this sacred Prophet, their, unwritten traditions, their popish Canons, & their own devices makes too apparent. Touching his Priesthood (which consisteth in two things, namely the offering up of himself for once a full, perfect, & sufficient sacrifice: & his intercession to his father, which remaineth to the world's end it is so pitifully defrauded, abused, and dshonoured by them, as no pen with any modesty can set down. As by their purgatory picck-pu●sc, their propitiatory Masses for the quick and the dead, the blasphemous titles attribute to the Virgin Mary. For he calls her the Qu●●n of 〈◊〉, the gate of Paradise, their life & sweetness, ●he ●easure of ●race, the re●●ge of sinners, and the Mediatrix of ●●n. And not only to her, but to saints departed they entreat wi●h like intercession, and hold them the●r mediators. Touching how they deal with Christ in hi● rule and government, the Pope he will reign in men's consciences, and will be tituled with Holy universal Mother Church, which cannot err: holy father the Pope, Bishop universals Prince of Priests, supreme head of the Ch●r●h, Vicar of Christ: and the admiration of the world. & ●. Touching his jurisdiction, he challengeth to himself both the swords; that is, the keys of the spiritual, and the Sceptre of the Laity, Not only subduing all Bishops under him, adua●●cing himself above Kings, and Emperors, causing some of them to lie under his feet, some to hold the stirrup: Kings to lead his horse by the Bridle, Some to kiss his feet: placing and displacing all degrees of people: pretending power and authority to invest Bishops, to give benefices, to spoil Churches, to give authority to bind and lose, to call general councils, to set up religions, to canonize Saints, to take appeals, to bind consciences, to make laws, to dispense with the law and word of God, to deliver from purgatory, and to command Angels etc. By which it appears, that as he presumeth to go beyond Christ in this world, so would he (if he knew how) expulse him also from heaven. Now in equal balance, single eye, & honest heart, it may easily be censured, whether the church of Rome be the spouse of christ, and whether God's word allow, and warrant his doings. I have but in brief past over the particulars, for to discourse of these points would ask large volumes. Yet I doubt not but all indifferent men, may behold by this, upon what rock these Treasons have been builded if the cause (as is pretended) hath been in regard of Religion, and their conscience: and such (of what condition soever) 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 been, and are still led on to dance after the Pipe of Priests, Jesuits, and Seminaries, may see what ground and warrant they find to approve and allow their actions & lives, in descending, and setting forth the Kingdom of their Master (the Pope) whose creeping in corners, whose outward holiness, whose Hypocrisy, Masses, Dirges, Beads, Crucifixes Prayers, Vows, whip, crosses, and Agnus Deis, have hitherto brought forth nought b●● rebellion, and disobedience to Prince, and breach of Lawer and government. Sibyl Erithra● speaking of Rome, telleth that her name Libro. 8. doth comprehend many woeful destinies, and that in these verses translated out of Greek into Latin by Castalion. Porro quater decies complebis terque trecentes Annos, atque octo, cum te pertingere metam Tristia fata, tuo completo nomine cogent. Now after what sort that prophecy is fulfilled, Castilion shows in his Annotations upon the same place, namely that antichrist should be overthrown and strangled with linen, that is, with interpretations of holy Scripture, imprinted in paper made of linen. That Rome elsewhere hath a name according to her nature, it is apparent by a certain answer of Pasquil. Roma quid est? qualis doc●●● 〈…〉 ordo. Quid docuit? iung●● 〈…〉 s. 〈◊〉 amor est, Amor est? qualis praeposterus▪ unde hoc. Roma, Noli dicere plura 〈◊〉. Hereof also in respect of her outward falsehood, which is linked oftentimes w●●h the spiritual fornication, she is worthily called in holy scripture, an Harlot etc. Let us ●●en abandon all good respects of her and her popish instruments, let us turn from these seducers, their cursed Doctrine. and superstitious ceremonies, & embrace the pure word of God, and willingly ●nd thankfully come to hear the same taught and preached. And if this year (the premises remembered, and their treacheries from time to time duly considered) prove not black, and fatal to them, that was intended to be baleful to us: If (I say) their pride ●w not now suppressed, to the rooting out of their Hypocrisy, & the setting forth of God's glory, (fo● which every faithful Christian prayeth) we may then expect their conspiracies to be still secretly continued, t●ei● 〈…〉 tes to be encouraged and his Kingdom (so happy made by the late discovery) not to be yet from imminent dangers thoroughly freed, or secured. FINIS.