AN ANSWER OR ADMONITION to those of the Church of Rome, touching the jubilee, proclaimed by the Bull, made and set forth by Pope Clement the eight, for the year of our Lord. 1600.  
Translated out of French.  
LONDON, Printed by E. Allde for john Wolf.   

An advertisement, or admonition to those of the Church of Rome, touching the jubilee, proclaimed by the Bull, made and set forth by Pope Clement the eight, for the year of our Lord. 1600.  
YOu of the Church of Rome, that bear the name of Christians, and vaunt yourselves to be Catholic members, of the Catholic and Apostolic Church, adding thereunto the name of Roman; Now it is time that you awake from the profound sleep, wherein long time you have continued, and open your eyes in a manner blinded with the obscurity of errors, where with you have continually been nourished and fed by the traditions of worldly men, under the beautiful titles which by usurpation they attribute unto themselves: for if ever you had matter or occasion to acknowledge, that the son of perdition (of whom Saint Paul speaketh in the 2. to the Thess. 2.) is revealed, and that he sitteth in the Temple of God, making himself God, and usurping the power and authority that appertaineth only unto God: yea and lifting up himself above that which is called God, in that he taketh upon him to control the ordinances and decrees of God; certainly it is now or else never. And again if you will look narrowly into, and examine the contents of the Bull (rightly to be termed a bubble or bottle of water) touching the jubilee, you shall most manifestly perceive it. God grant you the grace, that in truth this year may be unto you, the agreeable and peaceable year of your salvation and remission of your sins in one only jesus Christ, 
1. Cor. 1. Act. 4.  our wisdom, justice, Sanctification, and redemption, who is only given us by the Father, to this effect.  
Pope Clement the eight, following the good and commendable custom of his Predecessors, as he saith, thereby the better to strengthen and increase the Kingdom of Antichrist, and more and more to bring in subjection, the consciences of men under his tyranny, hath pronounced the jubilee for the year of our Lord 1600. adorning and enriching the same with most beautiful titles, the better to cause his Merchandise to be esteemed. But as being placed in this seat, he is the eldest Son of Satan, & that he hath rather succeeded Simon Magus; then Simon Peter, in this pretended authority: therefore he beginneth his goodly Bull, with a most manifest and open lie. And to speak truth, he could not otherwise maintain his trumpery, and abominable errors.  
He saith that the jubilee ought to be celebrated (according to the custom) within the City of Rome, because it is found to be so by the ancient traditions, etc. But he cannot show that this custom hath been ordained and appointed by jesus Christ, our great Doctor and only Master; Neither yet, that it was ever practised, nor put in use by the Apostles. For as the ancient Doctor S. Tertullian saith: jesus Christ saith not I am the custom, 
Against Hermogenes.  but I am the truth. And Saint Cyprian, conformable thereunto: custom without the truth, is the antiquity of error. And if we must only hear jesus Christ, we must not stay, nor lay hold upon that which any one before us, shall have esteemed lawful to be done: but upon that which Christ, who is before all men, hath first done: for we must not follow the customs of men, but the truth of God.  
And although Clement the eight saith, that this institution hath not proceeded from a vain superstition, but of a pure and religious worshipping: Yet can it not be true, but clean contrary, for that all whatsoever is done without faith is sin; and faith is not grounded upon the institution and traditions of men, but only upon the pure word of God. So that than it appeareth, that the superstition grounded upon insatiable avarice, and immoderate ambition of such as have attained unto this Seat, have forged this jubilee, after the manner of the secular year of the Romans': That is, of a certain Feast and plays, which was celebrated every hundred years within the City of Rome, among the Pagans: as in like manner Candlemas day hath been established by them, in place of the Feast which the Pagans used to celebrate upon the same day, and with the like ceremonies of Candles and Lights, in the honour of their Goddess Proserpin. Mark then how these good Prelates and heads of the Church have transfigured the feasts of the Pagans into their Papistical Feasts, only changing the names.  
But let us see the antiquity of the institution of this Bull: 
Platine upon Boniface 8. Naucler.  we find by writing, that in Anno 1300. Pope Boniface the eight caused the first jubilee to be published, to the same end aforesaid, as he said according to the institution mentioned in the old Testament: 
Gen. 44.  and commanded it to be celebrated, every hundred years. Behold the original of the jubilee, edified upon a good foundation: behold a good successor of the Apostles, that taught us a full deliverance and discharge from the yoke of the ceremonies of the Law! and this Pope will enclose, and hold us in a much more straighter servitude. The jewish jubilee ordained by the express commandment of God, was indifferently observed throughout all judea, 
Levit. 25.  not any man for that cause being bound to go unto jerusalem. And this Pope encloseth it within his City of Rome: but of that we will speak more hereafter. There are then but three hundred years fully accomplished, since that this invention hath been established, and so by consequence, it was not at any time used within the precedent 1300. years: Behold the great antiquity, wherewith these Holy Fathers seem to fight against us, and by the means thereof abuse so many poor people.  
But what is this Boniface of happy memory, of whom Clement the eight is successor? If we may believe certain Historiographers (as in truth his entry into the Papacy, all the course of his life, and his death manifestly declare) he was one that entered like a fox, reigned like a lion and died like a dog. Is he not then a Pope of happy memory? Notwithstanding, it is no marvel though Clement saith so: for that the memory of the most part of the rest of the Pope's is not much better, and divers of them much more abominable. The Historians aforesaid, speaking of the wicked act he had played with this Pope Clement his predecessor (which was, that after he had persuaded him (like a crafty fox) to leave the Papacy, when this poor Celestine went again unto his Hermitage: he like a furious lion, caused him to be cast in prison, where with grief he died.) Add further, that this man appeared to be a parsonage full of great ingratitude and deceit: in this, that being provoked by ambition, he so deceived that holy man, having persuaded him to leave this dignity, having taken and put him into the tower of Fumon, constrained him to die therein before his time; And we must not omit by silence, that which Nauclerus saith, which is, that in Anno 1295. the seat being vacant, as the Florentine history declareth, Cardinal Benet was in great care for the Papacy, not staying till he was called thereunto, 
Note.  like Aaron: whereupon it happened that one night he went (not with any great train) to the Palace of King Charles, promising him all aid that the Church could give, if by his means he might be made Pope: whereupon, the King persuaded by this hope, found the means that the Cardinals his friends, elected him Pope. Behold the holy man, of whom Clement the eight is successor? so the supposts and upholders of the Papacy have a most firm argument to maintain and defend their vocation, which is the succession of such men.  
To make an end of this matter, I will add that which Platina setteth down of the government and end of this Boniface (or rather Maliface:) this man saith he, died when (that is like a dog) he sought to procure terror and fear among Emperors, Kings, Princes, nations and people rather than to plant true Religion: that used all means he could to give and take away kingdoms: to banish and after that to recall men again, when it pleased him, being without all measure puffed up with the great treasure, by him gotten from all places.  
Let us now return unto our jubilee, which the Pope commandeth at the end of 100 years, although (saith he) some others have restrained it unto a shorter number of years: as Clement the sixth, that caused it to be celebrated 50. years after, but he did it the easilier to fill his Coffers. And it is to be noted, that this said Pope, the better to make himself to be known to be Antichrist, in the Bull by him sent forth for the same effect, commanded the Angels to draw out of Purgatory the souls of all those that died in the way to Rome. But how can Clement the eight prove, that this custom, at the end of every 100 years, to celebrate this holy jubilee is Divine, and that rather in the City of Rome, then else where? What virtue hath this number of 100 more than any other? What charity is there so long a time to defer, so great a benefit as this jubilee bringeth? Clement the sixth had more reason in appearance, in abbreviating the time from 50. to 50. years, according to that of the jews. The number of 7. multiplied in itself, inclusively comprehending 49 signifying, perfection in the holy Scriptures: But yet nevertheless the use of that jubilee of the jews, did wholly cease at the coming of jesus Christ: and we find not that any other hath been established for the Christians, in a certain number of years. As we read that Baptism succeeded Circumeision, & the holy Sacrament, the Paschal Lamb. And as this holy Father can not prove that, but only because it is his pleasure, and that his will ought be holden for a decree of the Celestial Court: So can he much less prove, that such a thing ought to be done in Rome, by him called the Fortress and house of christian religion. As many words as in that place he setteth down, are so many blasphemies: that the town most given over unto all the villainies that ever were; which also by S. jerom in his time, 
In the pref: upon Didimus  is called the seat of the whore appareled in purple vestures: the City wherein all things are permitted, where virtue is banished: the town wherein all sacred things, yea God himself (if it were possible) are to be sold. But what speak I of sacred things? All things profane, defiled, and unclean, are to be bought by him that offereth most money. The City wherein the Cardinals, (by the Pope termed his reverend brethren,) lead a life more than Sardanapalike, for that they are not ashamed to walk with their Concubines throughout the City, in the open view and sight of all the people. Sodomy is therein tolerable, approved and maintained: that such a town (I say) ought to be called the Fortress and house of religion? but according to the saying of Petrarke, the house of dolour, the School of error, and the temple of heresy. But to what end is this jubilee ordained? to reiterate and renew (saith Clement the eight) the memory of so great a benefit: that is, that jesus Christ the Son of justice, he that brought salvation to all the world, is borne of the Virgin Mary, etc. Now you shall see how this is done: if we ought to refer it to any certain place of celebration, it were fit to be done in Bethlehem, where jesus Christ (according to the flesh) was borne, then in Rome: but we have not any commandment, neither for this place, nor for any other. But, as express commandment was given unto the Apostles to Preach the Gospel throughout all the world: so is it, that throughout all the world, we must celebrate the memory of the Son of God, without distinction of this, or that place. The Lord is with those that are assembled in his name, & according to his will. The holy Sacrament was ordained by him, to the end that we should celebrate it in memory of him; not only because that he was borne, but also, that he suffered death and passion, for the remission of our sins, and rose again for our justification. And we must not attend a 100 50. or 25. years, but we must do it as often as we may & not at Rome, from whence the Gospel, yea and jesus Christ himself is banished: but in all places, where the Doctrine of the Gospel is purely Preached, & the holy Sacraments administered, according to the ordinance of our Sovereign Pastor and Master, our Lord and Saviour jesus Christ.  
The Pope calleth himself, the successor of the Apostles: where do we find that the Apostles did establish any certain seat, whereunto they have enjoined us to resort, as to the stone of faith? But to the contrary, they themselves went & Preached throughout all the world: they themselves went to seek the sheep, and stayed not till the sheep came to find them. S. Peter himself preached unto the jews, and S. Paul unto the Gentiles. Now that S. Peter erected his seat in Rome, there is no appearance thereof: the book of the Acts of the Apostles, and the Epistles of S. Paul, both that which he wrote unto the Romans', and that which he sent out of prison in Rome, do sufficiently overthrow and disprove all these impostures, that would affirm the contrary: for in any of them, there is not any mention made of S. Peter. And as touching that which the Monk Onuphrius saith, that S. Peter did first erect his seat in Rome, for the space of nine years, and that he was driven away among other jews, by the Emperor Claudius; whereby it fell out that he was present in Jerusalem, at the assembly of the Apostles recited by Saint Luke Act. 15. which is but a mere jest, and a notable lie, 
Act. 15.16.17.  devised in his Monkish cap: For he can by no means show, nor by any approved Author verify it: besides that, that Saint Luke allegeth touching this matter, proveth him a liar. Where he saith, that S. Paul having stayed for a time in Antiochia, after his return from jerusalem, went to visit the Churches, where he and Barnabas had Preached: and having passed by Syria and Cilicia, came to Iconia; and from thence went for Phrigia and Galatia, and then to Macedonia, where he stayed long time, Preaching in many places thereof; at the last he came to Athens, and from thence to Corinthus, where he met with Aquilla and Priscila, who not long before, or lately came thither out of Italy, because Claudius had commanded the jews to departed out of Rome. Now this word (lately) showeth that Onuphrius deceiveth himself, or else would deceive other men, affirming that S. Peter was driven out of Rome, by Claudius: For S. Paul having stayed (from the time of the Synod at jerusalem) in Antiohia, could not have made so long a voyage. Preaching the Gospel almost in every place, where he passed, in so short a time. And touching the rest, if it were so that S. Peter had been at Rome, doth it follow that he was the head of the Church? There is but one only jesus Christ, who is also the true stone of the Faith, whereupon the Church of God is erected, and not Saint Peter. Which hath been so often proved by the Authorities and witnesses of the most ancient Doctors, that it would be but mere labour lost, to reiterate it: only I will allege one witness taken out of their own Authors, which by consequent they cannot reprove. Petra dedit Petro: Petrus diadema Rodulpho. The stone (that is Christ) gave the Diadem to Peter, and Peter gave it to Redulphus. Now although this is false, as it shall hereafter be proved: so is it notwithstanding that God by a just judgement, & admirable wisdom, hath drawn from this lie (that the stone gave Peter the Diadem) this true confession, that Christ is the stone: as also the gloze; Et Super hanc Petram, in the distinction 19 C. ita Dominus, saith: I believe that the Lord by this indiction, hath declared no other thing, then only the words which S. Peter answered unto the Lord, when he said; thou art the Christ the Son of the living God. For the Church is erected upon this article of the faith. Then God hath built his Church upon himself. Also behold what is added in the margin. Where he saith, upon this stone etc. That is, the same which thou hast confessed: that is to say, myself: for the stone was Christ: De consecrat: dist. 2. C●re vera: Upon which foundation Peter was edified. It is then by a false title, that the Pope saith, that he sitteth in S. Peter's chair: that he is the Father of those that call themselves Catholics, & sovereign Pastor of the sheep. For, without making any long discourse touching the disloyalties, disorders, covetousness, ambition, intolerable tyranny, and pride more than diabolical, where with the most part of those that have mounted up into this abominable seat, have been adorned and enriched, or rather spotted and defiled, seeing the histories of their lives are filled therewith. What duty of a Father, or Pastor, (I beseech you) do they show? Is it in setting jesus Christ, and all his benefits to sale? Is it in sucking the substance of Kingdoms, by their pardons and indulgences? And further, by means of the Annates and such like diabolical inventions, and all to draw money into their purses? Have we any one example of the Apostles, which in any thing doth resemble these things? 
Sueto in Tiberio.  The Emperor Tiberius although an Infidel and a tyrant, did nevertheless say, that it is the ducty of a good Pastor, to shear the sheep, but not to slay them. If we look into the traffic, and policies of the City of Rome, we shall find it to be but a right flaying, how much worse I omit. That which this holy father addeth, is no truer than the rest that went before: for how is it possible for saith to shine, where it is not? Will you say, that there is the faith, where man's traditions and inventions, are preferred before the express commandments of God? This only example shall suffice; God often times saith, and that in most plain and cuident words. Thou shalt not make any Image, nor the likeness thereof, neither shalt thou worship them: The Pope saith, thou shalt erect Images, and the likeness of God and of his Saints and shalt worship them with the same worship, that belongeth unto the things which they represent. Can there be any faith there, where the simple people are taught to have recourse unto creatures, to invoke and call upon them, and to make vows and services to them, that belong to God alone? Likewise, can there be faith where men teach that we must doubt the promises of God; there where the sovereign Bishop with his supporters, openly, boldly, and shamelessly maintain, that the holy Scriptures, although divinely inspired, and profitable Doctrine, to reprehend, correct, and reprove, that the man of God may be perfect, and instructed in all good works: are nevertheless imperfect, and uncertain, and that we must have recourse unto traditions, which they term the unwritten word?  
Where he saith that this truth hath never been changed, by any course of times. That shall be found to be most untrue, by such as will but confer the Doctrine which the holy Prophets and Apostles have left us in writing, with their inventions and traditions; for that the one resembleth the other, as much as light and darkness, and truth and untruth. But behold a most sufficient witness of the union, that the celebration of this jubilee, where the name of God is outrageously blasphemed, the blood of the Son of God, villainously abused and trodden under foot, and his death and passion, exposed for a mockery and pastime. This notwithstanding, this holy Father, the better to cover his subtlety and malice, full of deceit, will ground his jubilee, upon that which is Prophesied of our Lord jesus Christ, in Esay 61. As our Lord himself expoundeth it in Luk. 4. But behold, unadvisedly not thinking thereof, he discovereth his deceits, and impostures, being clean contrary to that he saith he will do, following our Saviour Christ. It is said in Luke 4. that jesus Christ according to his manner, being entered into the Synagogue of Nazareth, upon a Sabbath day, stood up to read, and that the book of the Prophet Esay was laid before him, & having opened it, he turned to the parcel of Scripture, where it is witten, the Spirit of God is upon me, because he hath anointed me. He hath sent me to the end, that I might Preach unto the poor, that I might heal those that are contrite of heart: that I should annownce deliverance unto captives, and sight unto the blind, and set at liberty those that are bruised and broken in pieces, etc. But how did jesus Christ do this? did he command the jews to whom he Preached, to come and find him in a certain place, there to cause them to visit certain Temples, and Churches, and for the space of thus many or so many days, with other such like follies as they must do at Rome? Was it not rather in Preaching repentance, and amendment of life, and free remission of sins, unto all that are true repentant, by the faith which they ought to have in jesus Christ, without sending them hither and thither, with Tapers, gold and silver? And did it not only in Nazareth, 
Mar. 1.  but throughout all judea, and in Jerusalem itself, as you may read in the Evangelists, especially in Saint John. 
Math. 25. Act. 1.  The like he commandeth his Apostles, when he saith: go and Preach the Gospel throughout all the world. Also you shall be witnesses unto me, in jerusalem, and through all judea and Samaria, and to the end of the world. In doing this, did he ordain the celebration of the true spiritual jubilee, to be in one certain place, and to be celebrated at the end of every 100 of 50. years? This solemn Feast ought it not to be celebrated every day: as Saint Paul also exhorteth us, touching the spiritual celebration of the true Paschall Lamb, our Lord and Saviour jesus Christ? 1. Cor. 5. The Apostles & among others, Saint Peter and Saint Paul, did they use by their Bulls, to proclaim this year of jubilee? Did they not Preach it openly themselves, going personally from town to town, and village to village, to announce and declare remission of sins, by the precious blood of jesus Christ, to all believers? as also conversion and amendment of life? They also sent Epistles to the Churches, but not to cause the faithful to come to the places where they were resident, there to kiss their Pantofles, and to receive a sign of the Cross, as they call it: Neither yet attribute unto themselves, such a tyrannical power over the Kings, Princes and people of the earth, as the Popes do. The Son of God, neither yet his Apostles, did not appoint a certain time, place nor days, to persuade the faithful to repentance. Every day and every year, aught to be the year of jubilee, to all the faithful.  
It is therefore a plain mockery to publish this goodly jubilee. The Pope saith that he Preacheth, as being the Ambassador of jesus Christ, unto all the world: But who gave him that charge? a certain number of Cardinals. And from whom have they this authority? 
Act. 1. & 6. & 14.  Is it from Christ? No, for it was not so from the beginning, when S. Mathias should be chosen, & others likewise that were called to any Ecclesiastical charge. But it is the Pope himself that hath advanced them to this high dignity, to establish & fortify his realm of Abbadon. Had the Apostles this proud manner, when they went into any country, to send for Kings, Princes, and people, to come to kiss their Pantable? Did they cause themselves to be borne upon men's shoulders, as this goodly Ambassador doth? Cornelius the Centinier did he go to S. Peter? But according to the instruction of the Angel, did not he send to fetch him? & did he not say unto him that he had well done that he came? It is true, he would have worshipped him, but he was sharply admonished to the contrary. So much there wanted, that S. Peter would have made him to kiss his pantable. It is therefore necessary for the Pope, for the well exercising of his office of Ambassador, to go as the Apostles did, preaching the gospel thorough out all the world: & not to content himself with sending a piece of paper, to cause so many people to come to Rome, to obtain pardons. In truth it is a good exhortation that he gieth unto all men, to convert & turn unto God. For so the doctrine of the gospel teacheth us. But to speak with the authority of sovereign Pastor; it is the part of Antichrist, as also to assign a certain place, & certain days to do penance, and obtain pardon.  
These are things that may not be prolonged, neither yet posted over till the next day, as David saith, Psal. 95. 
Psa. 95.  To day, when you hear his voice, harden not your hearts. The grace of God is not at this day tied to a certain place, but is spread throughout all the world, to all the faithful, which give certain testimony of their faith, by a true repentance and amendment of life. As touching that which this holy Father saith, that if it were need he would shed his blood, for those that are strayed out of the way: I leave that to the secret judgement of God, seeing that there is not any likelihood or appearance, that those who so long and many years, have bathed themselves in the blood of so great numbers of peoples & nations, especially such as have sought their salvation in the blood of jesus Christ, would shed their own blood. But the Son of God, at the day of his judgement, so much desired by his elect, & so fearful to the wicked, will judge them. But if Pope Clement had never so little fear of this judgement, which he calleth fearful: if he would believe that there is a God judge of all the world, would he not tremble in his heart? Would not his hairs stare and stand upright upon his head, and all his body become pale and wan, when he dareth in such sort power out so many blasphemies, all at one time? First when he speaketh of the jubilee, that was celebrated in Rome a hundredth years past, under Pope Alexander the sixth: will you know who that Pope was; read the Histories of such as have written his life. Guichardine saith, his Pontificats, being gotten by villainous means, was peradventure maintained by more villainous means, than ever were heard off. And some there were that believed (for there is nothing so wicked and unjust, which was not thought to be in him) that Bajazeth having intelligence that the King of France, came into Italy, corrupted the Pope with money, by means of George Bucciard, to cause him to procure the death of jemy his brother. All the rest that writ, speak of him as of a monster in nature.  
And it appeareth by all the discourse of his life, that the reason why he caused the jubilee to be celebrated, was more to have money, whereof he was extreme covetous, to enrich his Son Caesar Borgia, then for any devotion he had to the holy Church. And to prove it, at the beginning of the same year, & as it were at the very instant time, when this goodly jubilee should begin, the aforesaid Caesar battered the Town of Forly, holding the Lady thereof enclosed therein. Was not this a fair celebrating the jubilee, and getting of pardons, to oppress poor Widows, and fatherless children? Guichardin saith also, 
Guicciar. Lib. 5.  in his fift book. And to the end, saith he, that he might not omit any kind of gain, he sent pardons into Italy, and all other nations, which are called jubilee, celebrated in Rome, with a great assembly of people inhabiting beyond the mountains: and gave to those that could not come, means to obtain the said pardons, so they paid for them: which money so gotten, with all the treasure that he could by any means draw from the treasures and Lands of the Church, he gave it to his Son, that died at Forly. In the fixed book he addeth, that he being poisoned, all the City ran in great troops unto the Church of S. Peter, to see his body, and none of them could satisfy their eyes to behold this Dragon dead: who by his immoderate ambition, pestiferous dissimulation, and all sorts of examples, of horrible cruelties, monstrous covetousness, and unspeakable greediness, having sold without distinction, both sacred and profane things, had poisoned all the world.  
He saith that Rome is the place which God hath chosen: Rome I say that hath been in horror and execration to all the world, since the Popes have usurped this tyranny over the bodies and souls of men. monsieur de Januille, that hath written, the life of S. Joys among other things, saith: that the King returning from Palestina, and passing through Italy, would not go to salute the Pope, fearing to behold the vices and evil examples of the Court of Rome. Petrarch in his Epistles saith thus: here saith he, dwelleth Namroth, the fearful builder of the great Tower. Hear is resident Simiramis with her quiver: monstrous Minos guideth the process, Rhadamanthus & Cerberus dwell there. To be short, all monstrous execrations have their nests therein: all confusions, obscurites and horrors reign therein most puisantly. The Canonists themselves cease not to speak of the corruptions that are in this court of Rome; As among the rest john Andre in his gloze upon these words; Gens sancta, whereupon the Pope will ordain his church of Rome; In cap: fundamenta de electione, et electi potest. In the sixth saith thus, touching the malice of the Romans', John the Monk, refereth us herein to the first Chapter of the Epistle to the Romans', and saith that Saint Barnard hath written of them to Pope Eugenius. Which we likewise read in the mirror of Histories. Lib. 29. cap. 27. The said john the Monk said that Rome was Founded by rovers, thieves & other such like persons, that it yet savoureth of the beginning, & that it was called Rome, as gnawing the hands, alleging a verse to the same purpose. Roma Manus rodit, quos rodere non valet odit. This Pope addeth, that it is the spiritual Zion, the holy Jerusalem, not according to the letter (but by antephrase) Spiritually, from whence the law of God, and the light of the evangelical truth, from the first birth of the Church, hath been distributed and spread, throughout all the world, etc.  
We must not wonder why this holy Father and his Coherents so straightly prohibit to the laity, the reading of the holy Scriptures, unless they be permitted by their Prelate. Because it is the only means to licence them, to prefer all what pleaseth them, and to make men believe that black is white, and falsehood truth.  
It is certain that the Church, assembled of the faithful, is the true celestial Jerusalem. But what resemblance hath it with the Church of Rome, the which much more savoureth of Agar the servant, then of Sara the free woman? 
Gal. 4.  For even as the child of the servant, which was engendered after the flesh, persecuted him that was borne after the Spirit; So is it now. And to prove it, read S. Paul Gal. 5. Continue, (saith he) in the liberty by the which Christ hath delivered us. After that he addeth, all ye are void of Christ, that are justified by the law, & are destitute of the grace: for we stay for the hope of justice, by the spirit which is of faith. For in jesus Christ, neither circumcision, nor uncircumcision, do prevail but faith which worketh by charity: Now to tie man's salvation to good works, to induce an infinite number of ceremonies, contrary to the liberty & freedom which Christ hath obtained for us, to entertain a great part of those observed in the old law, which were all abolished at the coming of jesus Christ, is it not an imposition of a most insuportable yoke upon the shoulders of the faithful? Is it not to reduce a more hard & strait servitude then that, from the which jesus Christ hath delivered us? And the P. would make us believe that the church of Rome (which is this Agar, 
Apoc. 7.  yea twofold more slave than Agar,) is the celestial jerusalem & the spiritual Zion: but he should rather say, that it is the great City, which spiritually signifieth Sodoma. But when he saith that from Rome, the law of God is derived, & the truth of the evangelical faith, from the beginning of the church hath been distributed throughout all the world: 
Esay. 2.  Is not this a manifest contradiction to the holy ghost, which teacheth the contrary. The prophesy of Esay, was it not manifestly accomplished in the city of jerusalem, when the Apostles & other holy men, having there received the holy ghost, & preached therein, went from thence, to go & preach the Gospel throughout all the world, as jesus Christ had commanded them? Doth not S. Mar. about the end of his gospel, say that jesus Christ after he had spoken with his Apostles, was taken up into heaven, & there sitteth on the right hand of God. And they being gone forth, preached the gospel in all places. Now this issuing or going forth, aught to be understood of Jerusalem, & not of Rome. Clement speaking so after his predecessors, doth he not wrong to the rest of the Apostles, as if they were Ciphers, or that they were idle persons, contenting themselves with the names & titles of Apostles, as in truth the Popes & other Prelates, of their tyrannical dignities do? for that only excepted, they have nothing but the bare name. But is it not evident and manifest unto us, by the Acts of the Apostles, Rom. 15. that when S. Paul wrote that Epistle, he had preached the gospel, from jerusalem, and all about it, unto Jlltrica & Esclavoma: that is to say, in diverse places of Asia & Europe. Behold now ye Romans', how that because you neither would, nor will receive the love of the truth, thereby to be saved. God sendeth you the efficacy of deceit, 
Thes. 1.  that you should believe lies, etc. This holy father addeth, that it is that happy City, whereof the faith being commended by the mouth of the Apostle, is preached throughout the world, etc. Alas, where do men at this day speak of the faith of the Romans'? Is it in Turkey, Persia or Tartary? but is it in the places subject to the Pope? It may be, by those that know neither faith nor religion, but believe only by heresy: and as they themselves allege, believe in the faith of their Vicar. But all those that know what Rome is, & how they govern & live therein, will say and affirm, that it is not only the School of Epicurism, but also of Atheism, & despising of God & his holy word, the receptacle & support of all wickedness. But behold a right papal lodgick: The faith of the Roman christians in the time of S. Paul, was commended through the world: therefore the faith of those that dwell in Rome now, is commended through all the world, as if faith were successive in them, if the true faith did not make itself known, by good works. But for that corruption is a thing successive in such as are not regenerate by the holy ghost, we might better & trulier reason thus: the corruptions, intolerable vices, & Sodomy, that reigned among the Roman paynim, were known to all the world. So at this day, such vices reign in Rome, not only among the people, but among the principal of this infernal Hirarchy, are known through all the world. Then it is not there that we must search the faith of these first christians: for it is wholly buried under the earth.  
Now if such a consequent, as this which the Pope allegeth, of the time past, to the time present were receavable, we might say as much of those that dwell in Thessalonia: for Saint Paul giveth the like witness to those that lived in his time, yea a greater than of those in Rome. You have been saith he, patrons to all the believers, as well in Macedonia, as in Achaia. For the word of God hath not only shined from you into Macedonia and Achaia: but your faith which is in God, is spread throughout all the world. Behold then reasons well grounded, to maintain the excellency and prerogative of Rome.  
But behold one which crowneth the work, that is, that the most blessed Princes of the Apostles, S. Peter, and S. Paul have shed all their doctrine with their bloods, to the end that by means of S. Peter's chair, being made the capital Citry in the world, it should be the Mother of all the believers, and Mistress of all other Churches, etc. But if it should be denied him, how could he prove it: but only that it pleased the Popes his predecefsors, builders of this tyranny: for with other proof he could not furnish himself. If the preaching of the Gospel with effusion of blood could obtain this dignity, who knoweth not but that jerusalem ought to be preferred therein before all others? considering the great prerogatives that it had before, over all the Cities in the world? For that besides them, the Prophets did therein Preach the word of God, and likewise were therein stoned, and put to death.  
There jesus Christ did Preach: there he was scourged, beaten, spit upon, and lastly put to death. Saint Peter also, and his companions were there beaten and holden in prison, because they Preached jesus Christ within the City: there S. Stephen was stoned for the same occasion: and S. james beheaded, and the other S. james killed with clubs: this nevertheless gave no advantage to Jerusalem, much less to Rome. The Pope knoweth well, or else he ought to know, how much this primacy hath been debated between Popes, Pelagius and Gregory, Bishops of Rome, and john Bishop of Constantinople: that Gregory condemned the unmeasurable ambition of the said John: and that the Bishops of Rome, never obtained it, until the time of Boniface the third, who by the authority of the cruel tyrant and parricide Phocas, obtained the title of the universal Bishop: and yet the Popes did not as then, mount up into so high a degree of sovereignty, as at this day they are.  
For as it is found written in the first lesson, that is Song upon the first day of November, which beginneth Legimus, (which within a certain time, hath been gelded of certain breviaries) Pope Boniface, that was the fourth Pope after Gregory, by petition obtained of the Emperor Phocas, one of the Pagan's Temples within Rome, called the Pantheon: which he dedicated to the Virgin Mary, and to the Holy Mattirs, whereby it appeareth, that the Popes as then were not Lords of Rome, to dispose of the Temples therein at their pleasure, as at this day they do. So this Soveraigntye hath been a most unjust, and more than tyrannical usurpation. All that is added, that there is the stone of faith, the fountain of sacerdotal unity, etc.  
It is to be understood which S. Paul saith, 2. Thessaly. 2. That this Son of perdition will come, with all fraud of injustice, in those that perish. For all that, no not the least point, can be found within the City of Rome: namely, that which he saith, that it is the fountain of sacerdotal unity. For besides that this Pontificats is an usurped dignity, contrary to the express ordinance of jesus Christ; tending rather to the ruin of the Church, then to the conversation thereof. It is a total destruction of the sacerdotal dignity of our Lord and Saviour jesus Christ.  
But where was this fair spring of sacerdotal unity, when schisms reigned in this church, more than in any other? especially when there were two seats: one at Rome, the other at Avignon: and then when there was not only two Popes, but many times three. Shall we say that there is the sincere verity, where the traditions of men, are in the like, yea & in greater authority than the word of God? There where those that shall have transgressed the commandments of: that which they name the holy Mother Church, shall be more grievously punished then swearers, and blasphemers of the sacred name of God: there where the Pope usurpeth the authority to dispense against the word of God.  
He saith, that there (that is to say at Rome) are the keys of the kingdom of Heaven, and the power to bind and unbind; but it is an usurpation, for this authority doth properly belong to all those that are called to the charge of preaching & declaring the doctrine of the Gospel. As also that which he addeth that the Pope is the dispensator of the treasures of the Church, which can never be diminished. For all the true and faithful Pastors of the Church of God, are the true dispensators of the treasures of jesus Christ. And we must mark well that which S. Paul saith, 1. Cor. 4. That it is requisite that such a dispensator should be faithful: but where shall this fidelity be found, in Popes that sell, that which they call the treasures of the Church; yea and all things both sacred and profane for ready money? True dispensation, doth it consist in making a sign with two fingers; to present the Pantable to kiss; and to give a piece of sealed paper or parchment? Is it not in the sincere Preaching of the word of God, & the right administration of the holy Sacraments? Where doth the Pope this? It should be a wonder to hear him Preach. So it is nevertheless, that in that sort the Apostles did dispense the treasures of the grace & mercy of God: as we may read in the book of their Acts, and in their Epistles. But behold I pray you a right jest, & pure mockery, to say: that the gates of the most ancient Churches of Rome, are opened with solemn ceremonies, and that the faithful are purged from the spots of sin, to the end that the souls redeemed by the blood of jesus Christ, by the Divine virtues of the Sacraments, should be absolved and delivered from the yoke of Iron, and the tyranny of the devil, etc. Is it possible, in more manifest terms to mock with God? and to expose, and bring in reproach the precious blood of his most dear Son, then in speaking in this manner? From whence hath the Pope drawn this goodly, yea rather damnable devotion, but only from the pit of Hell? The ancient jubilee was established among the jews, by the express commandment of God. Where will the Pope find that jesus Christ hath ordained this? which is the invention of Boniface the eight, and that first they must give a blow with a small hammer, where with having stricken, then with great blows of levers and staves, open the gates of his Basilisks, to obaine all the benefits whereof he speaketh? This manner of action, is not to be found in any place of the holy Scriptures, neither yet in the books of the most pure and first Doctors. But that it hath been revealed to his predecessors: if it were, it was by the spirit of Satan, that transsigureth himself into an Angel of light, that he might induce the simple people to commit two evils: the one to sorsake God, which is the spring of waters, that continually without ceasing run into life eternal: 
jer. 2,  the other to dig broken cisterns, and such as hold no water. But touching the true spiritual jubilee, the Apostles declared it, every where, and in all places, as occasion served, & according to their charge. As S. Peter first in Jerusalem, that all the house of Israel (saith he) may know that this jesus whom you have crucified, was by God made our Lord & Christ. Therefore be you repentant, & be you every man baptized in the name of jesus Christ, 
Act. 2.  to the remission of sins. And in the Chap. following, repent you, saith he, & convert, to the end your sins may be defaced. And in the 10. God commanded us, to preach unto the people, & to witness that jesus is ordained of God to be judge both of the quick & the dead: & also all the Prophets bear him witness, that all those that believe in him, shall receive remission of their sins. Now faith cometh, not by going a long journey over the mountains unto Rome, or else where, but by hearing the word of God, which is the word of faith; Which S, Pa. also saith, that he Preacheth; that is, that if we confess the Lord jesus with our lips, & believe with our heart's that God raised him from the dead, we shall be saved. hearken to that which S. Paul saith in the Act. 13 Brethren I would have you know, that the remission of sins by this jesus, is announced unto you & that every one of you by this man is absolved of all the things whereof by the law of Moses, you could not be absolved. Now this was not at Rome that he spoke this, but at Antiochia in Pesidia. He sent them not to Rome, where according to Onuphrius allegation, Saint Peter as then was resident, but assured them, (if they there believed,) of the remission and entire absolution of the pain and culpe of their sins.  
For conclusion we will add, that which S. Paul saith to Agrippa, whereof the Pope hath inferred certain words in his Bull. That jesus Christ had appeared unto him, 
Act. 26.  to establish him a minister and witness, as well of the things that he had seen, as of the things that he would show unto him, delivering him from the people of the jews and the Gentiles, to whom he sent him: to the end, saith jesus Christ, that thou mayst open their eyes, and that they might convert from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan, to God; to the end that they receive remission of sins, and part in the inheritance among the sanctified, by the faith that is in me. Whereupon, saith S. Paul, I was not disobedient to the celestial vision. But first I declared, to them that are in Damas' and in Jerusalem, & throughout all judea: after that to the Gentiles, that they should repent and convert unto God, doing works worthy of those that repent.  
Doth it not manifestly appear by all these passages, that it is not at Rome, nor in the Baselisques, that we must seek these great benefits which the Pope promiseth us by his Bull; but in all places, where the word of God is Preached, and at all times, such as by true faith do receive them, are partakers of those benefits.  
Wherefore, what pretence soever Clement the eight taketh, as touching the actions of his predecessors, whom he termeth Sovereign Bishops, and of the consent of the Cardinals: it cannot be, by God's authority, which never commanded it, much less by the Apostles, who never practised the like, but taught the contrary, that he hath published his jubilee: but rather by the authority of Satan the father of lies, who by subtlety and accustomed malice, hath in such fort profaned this authority to remit and retain sins, as God hath given it to his church, in the persons of true and faithful pastors, in causing it to be attributed unto such as have not any vocation in the Church, if it be well considered (neither in matter nor form) and that make traffic and Merchandise of the grace & mercy, yea and of the justice of God. And which is more, make certain Stirrups, to lengthen or shorten them, as their accursed ambition, avarice, favours, and wicked wills leadeth them.  
If therefore, poor Roman Catholics, you will be well assured to participate, and have part of the treasures which jesus Christ hath brought, and daily presenteth unto us, and by consequent have peace in your consciences; It is not in any sort necessary that you should so much travel your bodies to go to Rome; there to stay 15. days, or a month, to go visit the Basilisks and Temples, every day during that time, to have a sign of the hand of a mortal man, which you term the sign of the Cross, and a blessing: supposing by this means, to have full & entire remission of all your sins, as well mortal as venial. The holy Ghost showeth you a way much more assured, and a great deal shorter, 
Rom. 10.  when by his vessel of election (S. Paul) he saith, Now the justice which is by faith, (that is the remission of sins, as S. Paul himself expoundeth it in the 4. chap. precedent) saith thus: say not in thy heart, who shall go up into heaven? that is to bring jesus Christ again from above. Or who shall go down into hell, that is to recall jesus Christ from the dead. But what saith the Scripture, the word of God is near thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart. It is the word of faith, which we Preach: for if thou confessest the Lord jesus with thy mouth, and believest with thy heart, that God raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. Then to believe we must hear this sacred word of God, as the said S. Paul showeth afterward. For by the same, the remission of all our sins, by the precious blood of jesus Christ, is declared unto us, in his name & authority, if we believe. This word like wise teacheth us in all places to pray unto our only God, 
1. Tim. 2.  in the name of jesus Christ; exhorteth us all the days of our life to walk worthily, 
Luk. 1.  and with a good conscience, in the vocation whereunto we are called: to live holily and righteously: to labour in good works, 
Ephe. 4.  and not to do unto another, but as we would be done unto ourselves. Now for a conclusion, the holy Father addeth most goodly demonstrations and exhortations. First to the patriarchs, Primates, etc. whom he saith, are called to have part of this joy. And what? not to feed the troop of the celestial pasture, which is the Gospel, and bring men to jesus Christ the sovereign Pastor of our souls: But to incite them to go to Rome, there to find his holiness, to visit the Basilisks of the Princes of the earth, S. Peter, and S. Paul, behold the word which he will have them teach, and the better to encourage them, he calleth them, the lights of the world. We must not then be abashed if the world be holden in so great darkness: seeing that such lights are dark & full of obscurity. Also the salt of the earth: yea, a salt that is not good, but hath lost the savour, & corrupteth all the meat, that is salted therewith. For what example of good do those kind of people show? Where shall you find more riots and dissolutions, then in the Courts and houses of these Prelates? Read what S. Barnard saith, touching those of his time, who nevertheless, were not half so corrupt, as these in our days. For that the world is daily worse and worse: how doth this holy Father speak to Pope Eugenius, that had been his Desciple? and how doth he paint out these kind of people in their colours? Is this fellow saith he, a servant (for the Pope nameth himself the servant of servants) to whom continually out of all places there repaireth, Simoniastes, Sacrilegiers, whoremongers, incestuous persons and such like monsters, either to obtain, or retain Ecclesiastical dignities: Also upon the Canticles Sermon 77. There are very few saith he, that seek not their own, what so ever it cost them. They love presents, and cannot likewise love jesus Christ, for they have made a league with Mammon. Behold how they walk in proud array, appareled in divers vestures, or of divers colours, like a Bride that issueth out of her chamber, etc. And after in the same Sermon. Whom will't thou find me among the Prelates, that desireth not rather to empty the purses of those that are their subjects, then to extirp vices? Also in the Epistle 152. the insolency of the Clergy (whereof the negligence of the Bishops is the principal occasion,) doth in all places trouble the Church.  
But you will say, that the holy Father admonisheth them of their duties, according as he doth his own, yea that which tendeth more to practise that which S. Barnard saith, touching the emptying of purses, then to repress vices: whereof proceedeth the old proverb, never horse nor man got any thing, by going to Rome. I would gladly demand, if that be the preaching of the word of God, if it be to beget faithful to the Gospel (which is to bring them to jesus Christ) to invite all the world to go to Rome, there to visit the temples of S. Peter, & S. Paul, the which Saints, this holy Father, the better to set forth his Merchandise, and to make it of great value: calleth the Princes of the earth, and saith that they declare the word of God throughout all the world. These holy persons never once dreamt of such impostures, and much less did they require them: Their holy Epistles are sufficient testimonies to the contrary: but he will adorn them with this goodly title, to the end that we should understand, that he, as their successor, is the Prince of the earth. Also we read of Boniface the eight, that at the first jubilee, having the first day showed himself in his Pontifical habits, the next day, he appeared before an infinite number of people, armed from the head to the feet, & by one of his Criers, caused to be proclaimed: I am Caesar. But who had given him this dignity? was it jesus Christ, when he saith, the Kings of the earth, exercise, rule and dominion over the people, but it shall not be so among you.  
Let us hear what S. Barnard saith, in the 2. book the consideratione to Pope Eugenius. Thou hast no need (saith he) of Sceptre, but of a Mantle, after the manner of the Prophets. The name of a Bishop signifieth an office, and not Dominion. But if thou challenge these things unto thyself by any extraordinary means: it is nor by any Apostolical right. It is most true that dominion and rule is forbidden unto the Apostles. Go thou then, and be so bold to usurp, or rule the Apostles office, or being an Apostle, the dominion, etc. This title then, doth not in any sort belong unto the Apostles, much less to their successors. It is a false pretence which this holy Father would lay hold upon. But if he would speak the truth, he should rather derive these titles from sathan, as from his liege, signor and Lord, from whom he holdeth authority and rule, according to the words used by Satan, to our Lord jesus Christ: if in falling down upon the earth, thou wilt worship me, I will give thee all the King dove's of the earth. For divers Popes have attained to this dignity, which they have left unto their successors, by having done homage unto Satan, the prince of this world. And further, where do we find that the Apostles have obtained this dignity? that for because they preached the law of God through all the world, therefore their Temples must be visited. Did not they teach every one, according to that which they had learned of their Master, that all those that believe in jesus Christ shallbe saved? jesus christ himself, 
joh. 5.  did not he teach, that whosoever believeth in him, is passed from death to life, and that he shall not enter into condemnation? Did he send us to Rome, or any other place? Doth he not say, if we eat his flesh, and drink his blood, (which he had preposed before in these terms, if we come to him, and if we believe in him) he dwelleth in us, and we in him. Can there be any charity, to expose so many persons to infinite pains, travails and dangers: to put them in great charges, to leave their houses, and vocations, to go a long journey to seek that which they may have at home at their own doors, if they have a true faith working by charity?  
But I pray you doth not the holy Father and his supports show a manifest contradiction in their opinions; and by consequent what spirit of error & lying speaketh by their mouths and not the spirit of truth? They proclaim with hew and cry, that in their Mass, the Sacramental words being pronounced, the substance of bread is transubstantiated into the body of Christ, and the wine into the blood. Now jesus Christ ordaining the holy Supper, would there by assure us, that if we communicate worthily, and examine our own consciences, we communicate his body which was delivered for us, and his blood which was shed for the remission of our sins. To be short, we are participants of the efficacy & virtue of his death and passion.  
If then it be so, that jesus Christ, very God, and very man, is there, (as they pretend) yea in corporal presence: Is it not a great folly and indiscretion, to go so far to seek that which they may have among themselves? Wherefore should jesus Christ present himself there unto us, and should not have so much power in his corporal presence, as men are made believe, that the bones, sepulchres, Temples and Images of S. Peter and S. Paul have? Is it not to make less account (without comparison) of the Master, then of the servants? Yea, is it not a despising of the Lord, who is always living, to adore and worship the putrefied carcases of his servants? If then it be true that they are his servants, who will deny it to be a manifest blasphemy? Wherefore all these goodly exhortations, by the Pope made, both to the Prelates, and to Kings, and Princes, are like to Sugar and other Spices, wherewith he seeketh to sweeten his venomous drink, thereby the easier to empoison all the world. We must not stay nor attend the 100 year of the Roman jubilee, to amend our lives, correct our vices, to dispose ourselves to do good, and to be intentive to the word of God, to read the holy Scriptures, to exercise charity, to give honour to whom honour belongeth, and tribute to those that aught to have tribute; and to pray to God one for an other, and namely for Kings, Princes, and such as are in authority. Such holy exercises are necessary for all the faithful, and at all times and seasons. And also such as are called to feed the Lords flock, ought not to attend until that time to teach, and instruct the people committed to their charge: 
Act. 20.  but they are always to do it, as S. Paul writeth to the Bishop of Ephes. yea, in time and out of time, according to the instruction by him given to his Disciple Timothy. For that following their Master's example, they must travel in his Vineyard, the 12. hours in the day, without staying till evening comes.  
Wherefore you my masters of the church of Rome, if you desire to be participants of salvation, hearken rather to the voice of the great Pastor of all Pastors, our only Saviour & redeemet jesus christ, 
Math. 11.  who so sweetly inviteth you unto his word. Come unto me all you that are laden, and I will comfort you. Also, If any man have thirst, let him come unto me, and I will refresh him. 
joh. 7.  Then unto these false Prophets, which make you run from place to place, binding your consciences, & cause you to doubt of your salvation. And the better to empty your purses, set before your eyes a fire of purgatory, wherein after you have been tormented in this world, by fastings, abstinences pilgrimages, and other corporal exercises, you must (as they make you believe) pass through, and therein remain, to be as it were new boiled and refined, before you enter into Paradise. But the Son of God maketh one self same promise unto all those, who by a true faith, shall seek their salvation in him: as he did unto the poor thief, when he said unto him, this day shalt thou be with me in Paradise: that is to say, if we commit our souls into his hands, he will receive them, and place them in ease and rest, attending the most happy resurrection; by means whereof, he will lead us all both in body and soul into his Paradise, which is the heritage prepared for us before the foundation of the world.  
This great eternal, and universal jubilee, whereunto God calleth, and summoneth us every day, hath been written by the precious blood, and signed by the death and passion of our Lord jesus Christ, the eternal Son of the eternal God, our great King, and only sovereign Sanctifier. Under written by the holy Apostle, that Preached and declared it unto all the world, to be indifferently received, and celebrated in all places, where the name of God is called upon, and sealed with two great seals of his Majesty, Baptism and the holy Supper.  
Ga. 1. Whosoever Preacheth any other Gospel let him be accursed. 1. Cor. 16. If there be any man that loveth not the Lord jesus Christ, let him be accursed. Maranatha.  
FINIS.