A LOOKING-GLASS FOR PAPISTS: To see their own Deformities in matters of Faith, and Religion: And for formal Protestants; to make them more careful of the true profession of JESUS CHRIST: lest at any time they fall away from the sincerity of the Gospel of Christ.  
With a brief History of the Pope's lives, from the first three hundred years after Christ, until Paul the fift.  
Of Babylon, There came a voice from heaven, saying: Come away from her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins; lest ye be partakers of her plagues.  Reu. 18. 4.  depiction of the destruction of Babylon (Revelation 18.4) 
Printed at London by T. S. for Nathaniel Newberry. 1621.   

TO HIS COUNTRYMEN, the Papists in ENGLAND, R. W. wisheth all increase of knowledge in Spiritual things, with a desire to know the Truth, and power of CHRIST crucified.  
BRETHREN, my heart's desire (with Paul) and earnest prayer to God for you, is, that you might be saved. For of many of you I may say, You have a zeal, but not according to knowledge: whom I chief pity. But I can not so say of many: who withhold the truth in unrighteousness, their consciences daily accusing them, that they strive against the light, which shineth in darkness; namely, the word of God: which is a Lantern unto our feet, and a light unto our paths, to direct us in all doubts and difficulties in matters of salvation: The want of the knowledge whereof, is the main cause of all error, as saith our Saviour Christ, Math. 22. 29. Ye err, not knowing the Scriptures, etc. Again, john 5. 39 Search the Scriptures, for in them ye have eternal life: and they are they that testify of me. But indeed the god of this world, even the Devil, and Sathanas (who knoweth that his kingdom is assaulted by them, and finally shall be overthrown by this breath of his mouth) laboureth by all possible means, to stop the course thereof. And therefore hath set his Agent, the Pope, on work, to take from you the knowledge thereof, to the end, to keep you in the darkness of Idolatry and superstition; that so his king doom may be continued, and increased, amongst the chilaren of unbelief. Else why hath he caused the Scriptures in our mother tongue to be publicly burnt? and the owners of such Books, held, and condemned for heretics, and their bodies also consumed with fire? Again, why doth he deliver the small portions, or fragments of Scripture (which he useth in his Lyth●rgie unto the people) in an unknown tongue: Teaching them also to pray in Latin, which they understand not; whereas the Apostle, 1 Cor. 14. 19 saith: I had rather, in the Congregation, speak five words to edification, than ten thousand words in a strange tongue: verse 11. and 16. how shall they that occupy the room of the unlearned say, Amen, at the giving of thankes? And again, verse 23. If one come in unlearned, will he not say, ye are out of your wits? etc. See the whole Chapter: Notwithstanding the Pope, as the Devil's instrument, hath taken from you the use of your own language in God's service (pre●ended) the fountain of living water, I mean the Scriptures, and have digged pits that will hold no water; I mean their own decrees, traditions, and constitutions: which they put upon the people instead of the word of God, as a rule of life to be observed, and kept, upon pain of the Pope's curse. Beloved Countrymen, consider I beseech you, what I say, and suffer not the Devil, by him, to keep your souls captive, and refuse not the voice of the wise Charmers, Psalm 58. 5. Come, and hear our Ministry, our prayers, and preaching: and suspect betimes (as others have done of late, as zealous in your profession as yourselves) that all is not well on your side: while they keep from you the knowledge of your own evidence, I mean the Scriptures, which propoundeth unto you your right in that immortal inheritance in heaven; purchased unto you only by his most precious bloodshedding: and by faith in him alone obtained. The Lord give you a right understanding in all things. And accept, I pray you, of my poor Labours, which is but the gleaning after other men's harvests. Let not prejudice, or old error, cause you to refuse the gift of a friend, that meaneth well unto you. It will ease you of the search of many Authors, and most of them Papists, for religion, as yourselves, etc. You dwell not in Rome, nor under the Pope's command (except the fault be in yourselves;) where indeed it would be the danger of your lives to have any English Book of the Scripture, or other books against the Pope, or any point of Popery: But in a kingdom (which thorough God's mercy) hath banished the Pope and Popery many days since. Use therefore your liberty: and see what they whom you hold for enemies, can say against your errors. If you refuse this advice, it is not the Pope that can stand you in stead in the day of judgement: but your condemnation shall be so much the more just, because you have refused counsel, Ezech. 2. 5. The Lord give you a heart to consider of these things aright.  
Your well-willer in Christ jesus, R. W. a poor Minister in Norfolk; Aetatis suae. 74.   

¶ The Printer to the Reader.  
CHristian Reader; by how much the shorter the time of the Devil's rage against God's Church is to endure, by so much the more fiercely doth he incite his Instruments to bestir themselves for to persecute the people of God; yea, if it were possible, to destroy them for ever: which, although it be restrained by Almighty God, who doth so govern and protect his Children, that the Gates of Hell shall not prevail against them; insomuch, that all true Lovers of Truth and Godliness, may rejoice and be comforted in assurance thereof: yet may we not so slumber in security, as to neglect the means of our safety, and of the impugning of the powers of Satan, especially the kingdom of Anti-christ; but every one must endeavour diligently to do that which belongs unto him.  
To this end, not long since (according to the trust reposed in me by that Reverend & worthy man, master Doctor Burges) I adventured upon thy courteous acceptation, with one Treatise, called, The Pope's deadly Wound, which, having already found some kind entertainment at thy hands, I could not keep back this second, committed unto my dispose by the same Learned man, a little before his Travails into foreign Countries, that so, as with two Stones out of one Siing, the great blaspheming Giant may the more easily be laid grovelling. It is the work of a very ancient and grave Minister of GOD'S Word; and very brief and pithy. I hope thy acceptation of my goodwill: and I beseech GOD for CHRIST'S sake, to make it profitable unto thee.  
Farewell.   

The Contents of this Book.  

1 THAT Peter had no Supremacy over the Apostles. fol. 1.  
2 That Peter never sat Bishop of Rome. 7  
3 a Examination how the Popes succeed Peter. 10  
4 The time when the Pope began: with the History of their lives, in brief, from the first three hundred years after Christ, until Pope Paul the fift, etc. 11. 12. 13. etc.  
5 A brief Recapitulation of their lives, the better to find out the Histories.  
6 The Conclusion for Doctrine, with the examination. 79  
7 Arguments to prove the Pope Anti-christ. 101    

A LOOKING-GLASS FOR PAPISTS.  

1. Against Peter's Supremacy.  MARK 10. 42. 
The Lords of the Nations have domination over them, etc. But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your servant; and whosoever will be chief, shall be servant of all: for even the Son of man came not to be served, but to serve, etc.  Luke 22. 26. 
Let the greatest among you be as the least, and the chiefest as he that serveth.  Matthew 20. 26. 
Whosoever will be great among you, let him be your servant; and whosoever will be chief, let him be your servant, etc.  
The Papists places for Supremacy. 1 COR. 12. 22. The head cannot say to the feet, I have no need of you. Say they: This must be the Pastor over the Flock: Ergo, Of Peter in respect of the Apostles.  
Answer. THE Apostle speaketh of no headship, but considering the consent of the members one for another, he intendeth that so it should be in the Church for avoiding of contention; not as the Popes, that disgrace, subject, yea, killeth Kings, the chief members of the Church, and many other great Divines, as john Hus, and Jerome of prague, worthy men; only because they would not assent with them.  
Matth. 16. 18. Thou art Peter, and upon this Peter, will I build my Church.  
Answer. With shame enough, for the vulgar, which upon pain of the Popes curse no man must al●er, hath Super hanc petram; that is, upon this Rock: which was Peter's confession Christ meant, even himself the foundation of the Church; as a Rock. Hereunto Tunstall and Stokesly, two Popish Bishops agree. 1 Cor. 3. 11. Other foundation can no man lay, then that which is laid, which is, jesus Christ, the chief Shepherd. 1 Pet. 5. 2. 4. Where the chief Shepherd shall appear, etc. Not the Pope I trow.  
Matthew 16. 19 To thee will I give the Keys, etc. By this they understand the fullness of power Ecclesiastical, to make him head.  
Answer. The question being propounded to them all, Peter answering, one for all; therefore together one for them all received this power: and therefore whatsoever Christ promised to Peter, he promised to him, to them alike; as Matt. 18. 18. and joh. 20. 23. it is said, not to Peter alone, but to them all: Whatsoever ye bind on earth, shall be, etc. And whosoever sins ye remit, etc.  
Chrysostome on this place saith; What therefore did Peter, the mouth of all the Apostles, and crown of the whole Company? When all were asked the question, he alone answered, and being asked of the opinion of the common people, they all answered: but when he asked them of their own opinion, Peter presently start forth, and preventing the rest, said; Thou art Christ that Son of God: Again, Upon this Rock; that is, that Faith, and Confession: And again, The Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven, etc. the same is common to them all, john 20. 21. 22. 23. Peter after dissuaded Christ to die, whereupon Chrisostome saith: From hence surely we plainly see, that he spoke not before of himself. Keys. This is a Metaphor, intending the public Office of the Apostles, the public preaching of the Gospel through the World, which yet they were not to enter upon, till they were fully furnished. Luk. 24 47. Acts 1. 4. These Keys are not delivered to Peter alone, for he saith in the future tense; I will give; not do, or have given. Luk 24. 49. Where the commission is given to them all, not naming Peter. Mat. 28. 19 Mar. 16. 15. joh. 20. 21. Go into all the World, preach the Gospel to every creature. But the full power was not until the fiftieth day after the resurrection, when the holy Ghost came upon every one of them; and now they executed their Office in preaching the Gospel, which was, the Keys to open the Kingdom of Heaven. If Peter only had the Keys to open the kingdom of heaven, what should have become of the greatest part of the World: yea, of us Gentiles?  
Their fourth place, Luke 22. 31. Simon, Simon, Satan hath desired to sift you, etc. If to strengthen the Apostles; then he must be supreme head.  
Answer. Whereas the Papists understand by you, the other Apostles, that were to accuse Christ, that choosing twelve men to work, being Master to all, (and giving graces alike to all) would send them to a fellow labourer, to be taught after his departure: but Peter shall give answer in this point, that he meant not so; but by brethren he meaneth all the faithful. 2 Pet. 1. 10. Wherefore brethren give always diligence to make your calling and election sure, etc.  
So the rest of the Apostles call the faithful, brethren, as children of one Father, 2 Thess. 2. 1. We beseech you brethren, etc. and 3. 1. Furthermore, Brethren pray for us: and verse 6. Rom. 12. 1. I beseech you brethren by the mercy of our Lord jesus Christ. 1 Pet. 5. 8. 9 So that by Brethren, our Saviour meant the faithful, whom Peter, and the rest should strengthen. To this end, verse 2. he exhorteth to feed the Flock, and to take care of them. And Paul, Acts 14. 22. Strengthened them.  
Their fift place, john 21. 15. 17. Feed my Sheep. This they understand of Peter to the rest of the Apostles.  
Answer. This was a Commandment given before of Christ in his former Commission, john 20. 21. Given to Peter with all the Apostles: As my Father sent me, so send I you. Receive the holy Ghost. Whosoever sins ye remit, etc. Therefore this was no new charge: but willeth him to look to that, lest he might start aside, as he had done before; Matthew 16. 22. Go after me Satan. And Matthew 26. He denied him three times.  
Feed my Lambs. Sheep: This is a Metaphor taken from a Flock of Sheep, and Lambs. Now Christ is the good Shepherd, that hath given his life for the Sheep; john 10. 11. and 1 Peter 1. 4. The Sheepfold is the Church, and the Sheep and Lambs, are the faithful, to be gathered into the Sheepfold; john 10. 1. 16. By his Substitutes, Apostles, Pastors, etc. Ephe. 4. 11. The Church is called, a Flock. Luke 12. 32. Fear not little Flock. Acts 20. 28. Take heed unto all the Flock. Paul speaking to the Pastors, 1 Pet. 1. 5. speaking to the Elders. Feed the Flock of Christ, which dependeth upon you. Therefore Peter had no authority over the other Apostles, but they and he had one commandment and commission to go into the whole World, to preach the Gospel, and ordain Ministers.  
The sixth place, Acts 1. 15. Peter propoundeth an election to be made of a new Apostle; Ergo head of the rest.  
Answer. This proveth that he was the Prolocutor, or common-speaker, as with us in Parliament, and might be the first in place, for Order, but not the Elector; for that was done by them all: as Acts 1. 22. And they appointed two, not Peter alone, and the election was of God disposing the Lots.  
The seaventh place, Acts 15. 7. He is precedent of the Counsel of the Apostles. He speaketh first, he concludeth, with lie and all.  
Answer. The Text shall confute this. He, as is said, was first in order, (but not in authority) as the common speaker: verse 12. Barnabas and Paul spoke with great silence of the rest, and when they ceased, verse 13. james answered; Whose sentence prevailed: And then not Peter, but all the Apostles and Elders, and the whole Church concluded. So Peter's primacy of order, was not the Pope's supremacy.  
The eight place, Gal. 1. 18. Paul after three years came to see Peter, (say they) to do him honour: Ergo Superior.  
Answer. If it were so that he came to honour Peter, this proves not his primacy; for than should Wives be superiors to their Husbands: For, 1 Pet. 3. 7. saith; Let Wives be subject to their Husbands: yet he saith, They must give them honour. Ahashureosh honoured Mordecai, yet he was not above him.  
Chrysostome, 1 Gal. saith; That Paul was Peter's Peer in dignity. Ambrose there saith, Paul was even such another as Peter.  
Augustine there saith; Their authority to be equal, and for Paul's honour, what he wanted in time, is supplied by Christ's glory; not as the rest, made an Apostle on the earth, but from heaven, while he now reigned in Majesty.  
Gal. 11. Paul himself saith; He was an Apostle, not of men, nor by men, but by jesus Christ: Again, 2. 6. Of them which seemed to be chief, I was not taught: And verse 11. he saith; When Peter came to Antioch, I withstood him to his face: for he was worthy to be blamed.  
The ninth place, Gal. 1. 18. as before. That he tarried with him fifteen days: no small honour, say they.  
Answer. Marry, the chief of women, went a great journey to salute Elizabeth, and tarried with her three months, no small time; the Babe sprang in her womb at her salutation, yea, she was filled with the holy Ghost: You will not say, I trow, Elizabeth was above Mary. Therefore Augustine, Ambrose, Chrysost. Theodoret, Jerome, and others say, that Paul came to Peter, not to learn of him, but of reverence and love to be acquainted with him: Ergo Paul acknowledged no supremacy.  
The tenth place, john 10. 16. There shall be one Flock, and one Shepherd: which is, the Bishop of Rome.  
Answer. The Text plainly showeth it to be Christ, who by the preaching of the Gospel gathereth them that are not yet called, and so to the end of the World; that so there may be one Sheepfold, john 10. 16. Himself being the chief Shepherd, 1 Pet. 5. 4.  
In all these places we can find no supremacy in Peter, yet the Pope will needs be his successor. Now let us see how he succeeds; and because he standeth much on the place, though many wretches succeed good men in place, yet we will examine it: but if he be Peter's successor, he must succeed him rather in labour, in preaching the Gospel of Christ, and in holy life and conversation.   

First of the place, whether Peter sat ever Bishop of Rome.  
PEter was an Apostle. Now the Apostles were not deputed to any certain place; but had the whole World for their Diocese.  
Mark 16. 15. Go into all the World, preach the Gospel to every creature, etc.  
1 Pet. 1. Therefore Peter writeth unto the Churches which he had planted in Pontus, Galatia, Capadocia, Asia, and Bethinia, making no mention of Italy, or Rome; though I deny not, but he might be there as an Apostle, but not to reside there: for that had been to go beyond his Commission.  
The Papists allege for their proof, Hierome de viris illustribus: That Peter sat Bishop at Antioch 7. years, and then went to Rome the second of Claudius, where he sat 25. years, even to the 14. year of Nero, at what time he died.  
Now let us examine this point. Paul was converted the first year after Christ, and tarried in Arabia three years: Gal. 1. 17. 18. Then he went to jerusalem to visit Peter, the fourth year after Christ, and the 22. of Tiberius. Then Peter was one at jerusalem, Acts 12. 3. Again, Peter was put in prison the second, or third of Claudius, Anno Christi 11. and Acts 13. 14, Paul preached at Antioch the eight of Claudius; where it is not like that Peter was: for then there had been little need of him. Again, Luke would have made some mention of him: for Paul came twice to Antioch, Acts 14. 21. 26. and there they abode long time with the Disciples; no mention of Peter's being there. About this time Paul and Barnabas go up to jerusalem, to confer with the Apostles about Circumcision; where the Apostles called a Counsel about that matter: where Peter was the first speaker, but james concludeth the point; and this was the eleventh year of Claudius: And they wrote Letters unto to the Brethren that were at Antiochia: So we see that Peter was not yet there, but at jerusalem, Anno Christi 18. Claudij 10. That he might be at Antioch as an Apostle, we deny not, but when he went, or how long he tarried, the Scripture showeth not, neither can Papists prove.  
But Peter being at jerusalem the tenth of Claudius, and Claudius died four years after. Now Nero succeeding, reigned but 14. years; four and 14. make but eighteen: How could Peter sit seven years Bishop of Antioch, and after 25. years at Rome; which maketh 32. years? So they must put 4. or five Emperors reigns to make up the number, that is, the first of Domitian: for Galba reigned but seven months, Otho but three months, Vespasian nine years, Titus two years, Domitian fifteen years: out of which if you take two years, makes it up the 32. and Peter was dead 14. years before, by their own confession, the last of Nero: and then we find another in the place, one Anaclet. To conclude, they can never prove he sat Bishop at Antioch seven years, nor at Rome at all.  
Here a Friar of their own, one Onuphrius, skilful in Antiquities, and the Pope's Secretary. It is clear (saith he) and manifestly known by the Acts of the Apostles, and Paul's Epistle to the Galathians, that for nine years space after Christ's death, until the second of Claudius, Peter never went out of jury: Wherefore, if he came to Rome at that time, it followeth of necessity, that he did not sit seven years at Antioch before he came thither. For from the second of Claudius, until his death, is about 25. years: and though the ancient Writers say, He sat at Rome, yet it followeth not, that he abode still in the City: For in the fourth year after his coming thither, he returned to jerusalem, and was present at the Counsel there: Thence he came to Antioch, and there continued seven years, until the reign of Nero, when he came to Rome, where he repaired the Roman Church, which was decaying. After that, when he had traveled almost thorough all Europe, he returned to Rome, in the first of Nero, and there was put to death. Thus far Onuphrius. Therefore it is but a tale, that he sat Bishop of Rome 25. years, or at all; but that he was there as an Apostle, as hath been said before.   

Now come we to examine how the Pope succeedeth Peter.  
PEter, if he were at Rome, it was, as he was an Apostle, to preach the Gospel, and to establish the Church there, as he did in other places, even as Paul did, and the rest of the Apostles through the World; according to their commission and commandment given by Christ; Matthew 28. 19 Again, he was there to confirm with his blood the Doctrine taught, and was obedient to the Emperor, and suffered death at his command: whereby he left an ensample for doctrine, and manner of living to his successors.  
Now let us see how the Pope succeedeth Peter.  
He teacheth not Christ the only means of salvation, but his own traditions, merits, worshipping of Saints, etc. and persecuteth, and putteth them to death, that obey not his decrees, and commands. Secondly, he yields not obedience to authority, as Peter taught, and practised. 1 Peter 2. 13. Submit yourselves unto all manner or dinances of men, for the Lords sake, whether unto the King, as the Superior, or to Rulers sent by him for punishment, etc. And Paul, Rom. 13. Let every soul be subject to the higher powers, etc. Whosoever resisteth power, resisteth God's ordinance.  
But the Pope commandeth Kings, curseth them, and killeth them; to that end he hath his triple Crown, and elaymeth sovereignty over the Church, and commandeth the treasure of the World: whereas Peter had neither gold, nor silver, Acts 3. 6. The Lot of the Church is to be persecuted, not to persecute: we must not look to far better than our Master, saith Christ; john 15. 20. Remember the words: I said unto you, the servant is not greater than the Master; if they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If the Pope be Christ's servant, as he calls himself, Servant of Servants; let him show his marks for Christ: as Paul, Gal. 6. 17. Behold, I bear in my body the marks of the Lord jesus. See 2 Cor. 11. 23. And therefore we conclude, the Pope to be Antichrist, not Christ's servant, nor Peter's successor.   

Now inquire we the time when it is like the Pope began.  
Revelation 20. 2. We have a manifest Prophecy, that Satan should be bound, which ranged at pleasure in the  World, that is, before Christ; who shall lighten things that are hid in darkness, 1 Cor. 4. 5. and Luk. 1. 79. & joh. 1. 5. & joh. 3. 19 This is condemnation, that light is come into the World, and men loved darkness, etc. Act. 17. 30. The time of this ignorance God regarded not, but now biddeth all men, Every, etc. Now this light is Christ, and the preaching of the Gospel. Satan therefore must be bound one thousand years from Christ's preaching, that he should not through the darkness of error, vex men as he had done, though their bodies be not freed from the Cross, and persecution, that they may be like their Master. Now the Apostles and Bishops of Rome, with other Bishops, jerusalem, Antioch, Constantinople, and the rest that succeeded, not at Rome, but wheresoever; for preaching Christ crucified, were so occupied, what with preaching, and under the Cross, for the space of the first 300. years, as they had no leisure to dream of Supremacy: After which time (as Rest breeds Rust) so by little and little they grew ambitious, and now and then one Bishop or other, would affect priority: so as about the end of the next 300. years, they began to desire primacy, but not supremacy: As Policarpe Bishop of jerusalem challenged the first place, 426. years after Christ. Gelacius Bishop of Rome, after him about 445. justine Emperor of Rome, made Misda Bishop of Rome Patriarch, about 520. About the same time, john of Constantinople, Bishop, was called universal Bishop. john the first Bishop of Rome, a good man, was put in prison, and died for the truth. Pelagius Bishop of Rome, was the first that challenged the primacy by Scripture. john Bishop of Constantinople, called himself universal Bishop, 582. Gregory the Great, Bishop of Rome, first of that name, reproved john of Constantinople, for calling himself universal Bishop, 591. Before him john the third, Bishop of Rome, decreed that none should be called summus Sacerdos, or universal Bishop, about 566. All this while no thought of a Pope, or of Peter's successor in Rome.  
Now Phocas, servant to Mauricius Emperor, killed his Master, the Empress, and children most cruelly: At this time Boniface the third Bishop of Rome, obtained of this Butcher the title to be called universal. Bishop, Anno 607.  
Note that the primacy of the Bishop of Rome was established by a murderer, and a Traitor, who died miserably: for the 612. of Christ, he was slain by the Soldiers of his Guard. Abbas Vesper, & others say, that Heraclius and Persius slew him, cutting off his hands and feet: others add, that his privy members were cut off, and his body burnt. Estate Church.  
Boniface the 3. lived but 9 months (so soon his pride came to an end) whose life and decrees perished together, Anno 607.  
Martin the 1. Bishop of Rome, was buffeted by the Emperor for reproving him, being an heretic, and was further vilely entreated, banished from Constantinople, (whither the Emperor sent for him) to Pontus, with his tongue cut out, 649. Yet Rome no Supremacy, but subject to the Emperor, both in creation, and deposing.  
Constance Emperor, spoilt Rome (because the Bishops were not willing he should remove thither) more in seven days, than all the Barbarians did in 360. years. Anno Christi 662.  
Vitelian, called Bishop of Rome, to him the Emperor by singular grace confirmed the privileges of the Church, which notwithstanding, he after brake, and made them of no force, Fasci. Temporum.  
The sixth Counsel of Constantinople, approved Mass in the Latin tongue. The Greek Priests were permitted to live in marriage, but not the Priests of the West-Churches: None to answer for a Child, but such as knew the Lords Prayer, and the Belief of the faithful. In the second Volume of Counsels, none to vow not to marry, and that Priests which separated themselves from their Wives, because of their sacred Orders, should be excluded from the Communion. Peter viret in dialogo, to them of Orb.  
In the 12. & 13. Counsel of Toledo, such were Anathamised, as forbid eating of flesh. Pet. Viret.  
Benet the 2. Bishop of Rome, obtained of the Emperor, that the election of the Bishop of Rome, made by the people, Clergy, and Soldiers, without attending any more the authority of the Emperor, should be lawful. Anno Christi 685.  
Sergius the 1. was chosen in a Schism: he was in danger for condemning the Heresy of the Monotholites: He sent Vmbred to the Frisons to convert them to the faith, 688.  
Philippicus Bardanius, Emperor, made an Edict that all the Images of Saints should be taken from Churches. 717. and that by consent of john, Patriarch of Constantinople. No marvel though Pope, and Papists be of another mind; for they have left the second Commandment out of the number of Commandments, which the Church of Rome approves.  
Gregory the 2. excommunicated the Emperor Leo, and discharged his people from obedience. 714.  
Leo Emperor, reform the Church of Images, although the Pope withstood. 720.  
Gregory sent Boniface, alias Wenefred, an English Monk, into diverse places, to preach the faith; he was martyred, as was one Willobrordus sent before to preach by Sergius Nauclere.  
Priest's marriages against, Purgatory, Relics, Fraternities. Albertus Gallus, Clement, and Scotus, with many other learned men in France and Germany, withstood the Bishop, reform Boniface in relics, single-life, Images, Purgatory, and Pope's Supremacy. An. Christi, 735. The Pope is not yet settled in his nest.  
Constantine the fift Emperor, was vehement against Images. Anno Christi, 741.  
Sergius the 2. absolved Pippin, and the French, of their oath to the King, 752.  
Paul the 1. sat ten years and odd: He was vehement against the Emperor for Images, 758.  
Theodor Bishop of jerusalem, maintained Images, 758.  
Nicholas, Bishop of Constance, was against Images, 766.  
Adrian the 1. gave authority unto Charles the Great, to choose the Pope, and to invest Bishops, and Archbishops, 772.  
Leo the fourth Emperor, was against Images, 777.  
Raiginbald in Lombardy would not obey the decree of Adrian, but kept their Wives still, 779.  
Leo the 3. Bishop of Rome, sat 20. years: He was imprisoned of the Romans for his cruelty, but Charles the Great pacified all, 796.  
Stephen the 4. Bishop of Rome, sat one year: He sought his confirmation of Lodowicke Emperor, 816.  
Gregory the 4. Bishop of Rome, would not take the Bishopric, before he was confirmed of the Emperor, 827. Yet no Supremacy.  
john the 8. a woman Pope, sat two years & one month. By general consent she was chosen Pope, but not long after being great with child by her servant, having for a while hide her great belly, in the end going to Lateran, between the Theatre, which they call the Colosse of Nero, and Saint Clement, falling into her throws, she was delivered; having sat two years, and one month, and four days: and was buried without honour. Anno 158. See Platina, Marianus, Scotus, Sigisbertus, ranulph, Volateran, Bergonius, Martin.  
Benedict the 3. sat three years, being chosen, he received the Office weeping, taking God to witness that he was not worthy of such a charge; he continued three days in fasting and prayer, desiring God to give him grace to govern the Church. Sup. Cron. Nauclere. He was deposed from the Papacy, by the conspiracy of certain wicked persons, and a Cardinal usurped the place but after again he was restored. Estate. Church, 857.  
Nicholas the 1. sat ten years, he began to compel single life, but could not prevail; his decrees were greatly resisted. Huldrike Bishop of Asburge in Almaigne, writ a worthy Epistle unto him, Extant 859. Plat. Esta. Church, In his Epistle he puts him in mind of the like decree made by Gregory, who finding the fruit of his single life, (namely, 6000. Infant's heads found in a Pond, whither he sent for Fish,) whereupon he greatly repent himself of his decree, which he confessed was the cause of so lamentable a murder, and so he altered his former decree. Esta Church, the Epistle at large, 859.  
Adrian the second, sat six years: he was chosen without the Emperor, and excusing the matter, the Emperor was appeased, he was saluted Pope, Plat. Ro. Barus. after he granted the Election to the Citizens of Rome. Nauc. and Chron. Abb. 869. There was great division between the Greek and Latin Church, only for the primacy, and for the diversity of Ceremonies. Ro: Barus. Nauclere.  
john the ninth, sat ten years: he wrote Saint Gregory's life in four Volumes, he gave occasion of great contention and wars, in choosing of the Emperor. The Pope was committed to prison, but by the help of his friends he escaped, and fled into France, where he remained a year. In the mean time Charles the third, Emperor, was at Rome, and kept it. He sent for the Pope to Rome, who returned, and so they reigned two years together: Platina, Florent, and Ro. Barus. Finally, he was poisoned, or as some say, slain with the blow of a mallet, upon a conspiracy made against him. Chron. Abb. Vestper. Ro: Barus. 880.  
Martin the second, sat one year and five months: he restored Formosus Bishop, disgraded by his Predecessor; This Pope entered the Popedom by evil arts. Supple. Chron. 884.  
Adrian the third, sat one year and three months, he decreed the Emperor to be no more looked for in choosing of the Pope, but that the Election of the Clergy should be free: Dist. ●…. Anno 886.  
Leo the sixth, sat seven months and fifteen days.  
Stephen the fift, sat six years and ten months.  
Formosus Bishop of Portuens: was appointed Pope, and sat five years and six months, against the will of some Romans, which pretended that Cardinal Sergius was chosen, whereupon proceeded a great schism, cruel and scandelous, and endured a great time; this Formosus bought the Papacy. john le Maire. Sup. Cron.  
Boniface the sixth, sat fifteen days.  
Stephen the sixth, sat one year and six months, he evilly requited his predecessor Formosus, who made him Bishop of Anania, he condemned his acts, caused his body to be taken out of his Tomb, threw his two fingers into Tiber, and buried his body in lay men's apparel: Plat. Naucler. Ro. Barus. At last he repent his faults, and became a Monk. Sup. Cron.  
Roman, sat three months and 22. days, he established the acts and decrees of Formosus, and disannulled the acts and decrees of Stephen. Naucler. Anno 900.  
Theodor the second, sat 22. days, he was a seditious man, and a very monster in nature; he condemned Stephen, he restored the acts and favourers of Formosus: Naucler. 900.  
john the tenth, sat two years, he was a seditious monster, he restored Formosus, and burned Stephen's acts; he moved sedition in Rome, and for fear fled to Ravenna: Ro. Barus and Sigeber. 905.  
Benet the fourth, sat three years, he did nothing worthy of memory. Platt.  
Leo the fift, sat forty days; a Cardinal his familiar● called Christopher, imprisoned him, and by violence obtained the Papacy. Leo died of grief, 905.  
Christopher sat seven months, he entered by violence, and so he lost it; for he was deposed, and imprisoned, was constrained to be a Monk, which was the only refuge of the miserable; wherein disordered Churchmen were detained, and enclosed in strong Monasteries, and there he died. Naucler and Cron. Abb. 905.  
Sergius the third, sat seven years, he condemned Formosus acts, he took up his body, and cut off his head, and threw him into Tiber: he begat john the twelfth upon a fair Whore, Wife to Guido. Luithorandus. Anno 906.  
Note, Formosus: Boniface the sixth, Stephen the sixth, Roman, Theodorus the second, john the tenth, Bennet the fourth, Leo the fifth, Christopher, Sergius the third; All these Popes condemned one another's acts, ten succeeding one another, above 20. years: where is now their consent they boast so of, a main mark of their Church?  
Anastasius the third, sat two years and two months, an honest Pope: Sup. and Cron.  
Laudo sat five months, and more.  
john the eleventh, sat thirteen years and two months, he was Pope Sergius son, and proved no better than his Father, saving he proved a good Soldier; His own Soldiers stifled him to death: Naucler. 917.  
Stephen sat two years, and twelve days.  
john the twelfth, son to Pope Laudo, sat four years, ten months, and fifteen days: he did nothing worthy memory, and of some is not numbered in the Catalogue of Popes: Sup. Chron. He obtained the Popedom by his Harlot Theodora: he was strangled with a cushion by the Soldiers of Guido: Premonstra 917.  
Leo the seaventh, sat three years and six months. The Heresy of the Anthropomorphites (which say, that God hath a corporal form) was at that time renewed. The Bishop of Verone writ against it.  
Stephen the eight, sat three years, four months, and twelve days; some say he was murdered in a sedition, insomuch as he was never publicly seen: Chron. Abb.  
Martin the third, sat three years, six months, and fourteen days; he was peaceable, and gave himself to repair Temples, and to nourish the poor: saith Sup. Chron.  
Agapatus the second, sat nine years, he did nothing memorable.  
john the thirteenth, sat nine years, and three months. This man's Father Abaric, being of the greatest power of Rome, caused the noblest and chief Rulers to promise and swear, to choose after the death of Agapatus, his eldest son, this john: He was a vile monster in life, he committed incest with both his Sisters, and his Father's Concubines; at Dice he would call to the Devil, and drink to the Devil, he maintained a public stews. He was deposed by the Emperor in a Counsel; was again placed, and soon after was taken again in adultery, and was slain by the husband of the wife, about 960. Plat. Ro. Baras. Chron. Sigesb. Naucler. and joh. More: Others say, that the devil broke his neck Anton Chro. Fasci Baronius.  
Benet the fift sat six months and five days: He was deposed by the Emperor, and banished into Almain, where he died, and Leo placed in his room: Anno 963. Naucler.  
Leo the eight sat one year and four months: He established to the Emperor, the choosing of the Pope, with investing. Naucler. and Dist. 63. cap. in Synod. 964.  
john the fourteenth sat six years, eleven months, and ten days: He was imprisoned by the Citizens, and Peter, Provost of Rome, but was restored by the Emperor Otho the first; and Peter was delivered to the Pope's devotion, who gave him to the tormentors hands, who unapparrelled him, cut off his beard, and set him upon an Ass, his face to ward the tail, and his hands bound under the tail, and so was led through the Town, and beaten with rods: after he was brought to prison, and finally, was banished into Almain. Naucler. Volateran. Anno 965.  
Benet the sixth sat one year, and six months: He was put in prison at Saint Angelo, wherein he was strangled by Cynthius. Naucler. 973.  
Boniface the seaventh sat seven months: the greatest in Rome conspired against him, for he entered by evil means. He peeled the most precious treasures of the Church of Saint Peter, and fled into Constantinople, where he continued eight months, & having turned all into silver, he returned into Rome. In his absence they lifted up one, whom they called john the fifteenth: He sat eight months: But Boniface corrupted the vilest and wicked persons of Rome. This done, he took Pope john, and put out his eyes, and made him die with hunger in the castle of Saint Angelo, and so possessed the place, but he died incontinently after of a sudden death, and his corpse was drawn with a cord by his feet through the streets, and pierced with pikes by the Romans: but the Clarks buried him. Naucler. Ro. Barus. Cro. Abb. Anno 976.  
Benet the seventh sat eight years and six months: he did nothing worthy memory.  
john the fifteenth died in prison, as before: in Bonif. 7.  
john the sixteenth sat four months: for giving the goods of the Church to his parents, friends and allies, he was hated of the Clergy, and people, and was enclosed in the Castle of Saint Angelo, where he died of hunger. Sup. Cron Ro. Barus. 976.  
john the seventeenth sat ten years: for fear of Crescentius the Roman Rebel, he fled to Hitruria, craving aid of the Emperor, and Gregory the fift was placed in his room. 987.  
Gregory the fift sat three years: He was deposed after the Emperor's departure, and john the eighteenth was placed in his room: but the Emperor killed both the new Popes, john and Crescentius, and placed Gregory. 995. and so was a Schism of two Popes. Naucler. Sup. Cron. & Plat.  
Silvester the second sat four years: He was a Magician, and came to the Seat by the Art of the Devil, unto whom he had done homage, that all his affairs might go after his wish. He had most curious books of Magic, which he got from a Philosopher, by the help of his daughter; and fearing to be surprised of it, he vowed himself to the Devil, upon condition he would bring him to France, and at last he came to be Pope: And desiring of the Devil to know how long he should be Pope, the Devil answered; until he said Mass at jerusalem. Then he followed his delights: but on a day in Lent celebrating the Mass in the Church of the holy Cross of jerusalem, he was suddenly taken with a great fever, etc. and suddenly he heard a great tumult of Devils in his presence, etc. and surprised with fear, he sent for his Cardinals, and commanded his body should be hewn in pieces; but specially, such of his members whereby he had worshipped the Devil, and then that all should be put in a Cart, and unto what place soever the Horses which drew the Cart went, and should stay, there he should be buried. The horses, without any direction, carried his body into the Church of Laterane, where he was laid in a Sepulchre. And at this day his Sepulchre is a pronostike token of a Pope's death. 999. Ro. Barus. Suppl. Cron. Bermo and Naucler.  
john the twentith sat four years and five months: He was suspected to have made away his predecessor.  
From Silvester until Hildebrand these Popes gave themselves to diabolical Arts: He died not without suspicion of poison. Naucler. 1006.  
Sergius the fourth sat two years and six months: He entered by Art Magic. 1006.  
Benet the eight sat twelve years: He was deposed by the Cardinals and people of Rome, and at the length got his place again; and soon after died. Sup. Chron. He appeared after his death unto a Bishop his familiar, upon a black horse, and complaining of his torments, showing how he might, by Suffrages, Masses, and Alms-deeds be discharged from Purgatory. Anno 1010. Plat. Naucler. Ro. Barus. Sup. Chron. Fasci. temporum, with others.  
Note we here, the Pope that can give Indulgences for twenty thousand years, and deliver what souls he will out of Purgatory, cannot now ease himself. Quomodo constat?  
john the twenty one sat ten years: He crowned Conrade Emperor; and therefore he defended him against the Romans. Theophilact, alias Benedict the ninth. john, Gratian, Laurence, Massican, Brazutus, Heldibrand: all Conjurers ruled at Rome, Anno 1031.  
Benet the ninth sat ten years, four months, and nine days. Sup. Chron. He was an horrible Conjurer, who by enchantment having got the Popedom to his two Uncles, Benedict, and john, now himself obtained it. He stirred up Peter of Hungary against the Emperor Henry: He chose another Pope to him, Silvester the third; and sold the Popedom to a third, Gregory the sixth, 
Three Popes.  and so three were Popes together; but the Emperor deposed them all, and placed Clement the second. 1033.  
Henry the third, Emperor, called Niger, cut off the Schism of the Popes. 1041.  
Silvester the third sat fifty and five days: after Benet was deprived he was chosen Pope, by gifts and corruptions. Sup. Chron.  
Gregory the sixth sat two years and six months: In the time of the former Schism he was adjudged a Symoniacke, and Homicide, yet he bought the Popedom of Benet. Ro. Barus.  
Clement the second sat nine months: After the four abovenamed were deposed: He was chosen in full counsel: He crowned Henry the third Emperor, who before he departed from Rome, constrained the Romans, by oath, to renounce their right of Election, without any more meddling therein hereafter, to avoid Schism, and Scandals, which commonly arise of such Elections. Naucler. The Romans, after his departure, forgetting their oath, imprisoned this Pope, after he had governed nine months. Some say that Damasus his Successor was Author thereof: others say, Gerard Brasier and Heldibrand, a man expert in poisoning. Benno. In his time men forged Visions and Miracles, to establish the Sacrament of the Mass, which then was called the Sacrament of the Altar: this Pope was poisoned soon after the Emperor's departure. Naucler.  
Damasus the second sat three and twenty days: He entered by force, for he occupied the Popedom without Election, either suffrage of people, or Clergy. Chron. Ro. Barus. He poisoned Clement, and himself was poisoned by Brazutus. Anno 1048.  
Leo the ninth sat six years: He being sent by the Emperor, rejecting the Election, was chosen by the people through Hildebrand. Plat. He condemned Beringarius doctrine. He was poisoned by Brazutus, and Benedict the ninth got his place again, and died; and after appeared in the likeness of a Bear. 1049.  
Popescannot save themselves from Purgatory.  
Victor the second: The people of Rome fearing the Emperor's displeasure in choosing of a new Pope (having before forgotten their oath) sent Hildebrand towards the Emperor, to choose a Pope, and in the mean while, Victor was chosen, not so voluntarily, as to please the Emperor, in electing an Almain, borne of Bavier: he ruled two years and three months: he was poisoned by Brazutus. 1054.  
Stephen the ninth sat ten months, after other four months, he brought Milan under the obedience of Rome, which from the Apostles time was free. Plat. Ro. Barus. Naucler.  
Benet the tenth sat nine months: the Romans corrupted with silver, elected him against the Cannons, though the Glergie were against it. But he was constrained to give over the Popedom, and led a private life.  
Nicholas the second sat three years and six months: he called a Counsel at Rome, where they decreed Transubstantiation. Nicholas caused Berengarius to recant. He was poisoned by Brazutus. Hildebrand expelled Benedict from the Popedom, because he said he entered not in by the door, but by force, and gifts. Plat. So were two Popes together until Benedict resigned. 1058.  
Alexander the second sat eleven years: He had Candalus chosen against him, who coming to Rome with a strong band; Alexander met him with the Romans, and the battle was hard and sharp, where was a great slaughter, where Alexander got the day. The war betwixt them continued two years. Candalus was constrained to yield, and to redeem his life with six hundred marks. john le maire 1062.  
Alexander was buffeted by Hildebrand, was imprisoned, & died, about 1074. Others, 1062. Benno Cardinal.  
Gregory the seaventh, before called Hildebrand, sat twelve years, and one month: rather a monster in nature then a man. He poisoned seven or eight Popes by the service of Brazutus, the sooner to come to the Papacy; he usurped the Papacy without Emperor, Clergy, or people. He cruelly handled the family of Quintius, who had imprisoned him; he caused the Emperor three days to attend bare foot for absolution. He stirred Rodulph against him, and two more, one after the death of another: he used to carry about him a curious book of Necromancy, which one day forgetting, he sent two of his trusty servants, in such matters, to fetch it him (being now at the door of the Lateran) with a special charge, not to look into it. But they of a curious mind opened it and read in the Book; and suddenly the Angels of Satan presented themselves, the multitude whereof, and the horror of them, brought these two young men almost out of their wits, and as themselves reported, these evil spirits insisted strongly, saying; Wherefore have you called us? Command us quickly what you will have us to do, else we will fall upon you, etc. One of the young men answered, Cast us down these walls straightway, and showing them certain high walls, in a moment, the evil spirits threw them to the earth. They thus terrified, and trembling, almost without breath, came to their master: this writeth Benno, a Cardinal, who was in this time. This Pope practised treasons and murder against the Emperor, insomuch as he sought to have slain him even in the Church as he should have been at his prayers. He prayed often in the Church of Saint Mark in mount Aventine. The Pope suborned one, promising great sums of money, to lay great stones upon the beams of the Church, over the place where the Emperor usually prayed, and to be let down upon the Emperor to crush him to death: but this wretched creature removing a stone too heavy for him, fell down with it upon the pavement of the Church, & it burst him all asunder. john Bishop of Port the Pope's Secretary, openly in the Pulpit confessed Hildebrand to have done such a thing, and we also as deceivers should be burned alive; giving to understand, that which he had done of the Sacrament of the Supper of our Lord, that is, the decree of Transubstantiation: whereof Hildebrand commanding Counsel of a certain thing (as of old the Painims did of their Idols) he cast the Host into the fire, because it gave him no answer, though the Cardinals spoke against it. Thus fare Benno a Cardinal.  
Note a beginning of the fruits of that cursed decree of Transubstantiation applied unto charms and enchantments. Moreover, as he rose up from his seat to excommunicate the Emperor Henry the fourth, the seat (lately made of new and strong wood) of itself broke into many pieces in terrible manner. Benno. He decreed single life to the Clergy, whereabout he moved marvelous tragedies, yet in Almain, and in France were twenty four Bishops and more, which together with their Clergy, were married, and defended, and constantly maintained their marriage. He commanded the vow of Chastity: he ordained the offering of the Mass. He was deposed, and fled to Salerne. An. 1086. where he died in exile. Abb. Vesp. Benno Balenus poisoned.  
Clement the third was chosen Antepope to Gregory the seaventh; so were two Popes together sixteen years: he sat three years and five months. Plat.  
Victor the third was made Pope, not by election of Cardinals, nor people of Rome, but was there enthronized, by Mathilde, Gregory's lover only, and the Normans of that faction: he sat four months. He entered and intended to follow the example of his predecessor Gregory, in moving of wars, and against the Emperor, and Pope Clement: he died of poison, which was put into the Chalice by his Subdeacon, as he sung Mass. Herman. Contract. Carsulan. praemonst. 1086.  
Vrban the second, chosen by Mathilde only, against the will of the Emperor, sat twelve years, four months, and nineteen days. He was Hildebrands' familiar, he watered, & caused to grow his pernicious seeds. He excommunicated the Archbishop of Ravenna, and Clement the third, because he had been chosen by the Emperor: some call him the Perturber of the World. He would absolve none excommunicated by Hildebrand: and fearing to fall into danger of his life, he went secretly out of the Town, and celebrated many Synods at Melph, two at Troy, three at Plaisance, four at Clerimont, five at Toures, in which he confirmed the acts of Hildebrand, and made new Ecclesiastical ordinances, to fortify the Papacy. This Pope cursed the Emperor, and the Antepope Clement, and he him again. He heard Anselme against William Rufus 1088.  
Paschal the second sat eighteeneyeeres, and six months, and seven days: He followed the steps of Hildebrand: He employed all his time in wars: he put from their dignities all Ecclesiastical persons which had been ordained by the Emperor. He assembled a Counsel at Rome. 1101. because of an opinion of a Bishop of Florence, touching Antichrist already borne. Sabellicus. Seeing so many mischiefs committed in the Church, he prohibited Ministers marriages. He renewed the excommunication of Gregory the seaventh, and Vrban the second, against the Emperor Henry the fourth, causing the son to take up Arms against his father, an inhuman, and horrible cruelty. The son most unnaturally besieged his father, took him traitorously, despoiled him of all his Imperial dignities, and made him die a poor miserable man, in great captivity and heaviness: and all at the instigation of Christ's pretended Vicar. Yet this Papal monster, not appeased with his death, commanded by his Letters, that his body should be unburied, and cast out of the Church, etc. and to be deprived for five years of Sepulture. Euseb. Chron. He despoiled the Archbishop of Ravenna of his lands, applying them to his own profit: and after commanded the Archbishop of the same place to be taken up, who had been chosen Pope by the Emperor, in the time of Gregory the seventh, six years after he had laid in the Sepulchre. The Emperor and the Pope accorded, yielding to Henry the fift investitures: but after he revoked it and excommunicated the Emperor. But the Emperor coming to Rome, the Pope fled to Apulia, where he died. Anno 1114.  
Gelasius the second sat one year and six months, was chosen without the Emperor: he was imprisoned by Cinthius a great man of Rome, but he was delivered by the people: the Emperor sent his Army to Rome. The Pope fearing, fled to Gayette. The Emperor created another Pope called Gregory the eight, the eighteenth Schism of two Popes. Gelacius condemned the Emperor, and the Antepope. R. Barus. Gelacius came secretly to Rome; he was known, and hardly escaped into France. Sup. Chron. 1118. He died of a pleurisy at Clugni, where he was buried.  
Calixt the second sat five years: he was chosen by the Cardinals. The Antepope came against him. He was overcome in battle; and being taken by Pope Calixt, he was set upon a Camel, his face towards the tail, and so made him go, and after imprisoned him. john le Maire. Fasc. temporum. 1119.  
Honorius the second sat five years, and two months: Arnulph Archbishop of Lions had at that time a singular gr●ce in preaching; and after he had preached in 〈◊〉 and came to Italy, he came to Rome, but because he rebuked too sharply the vices, delights, and pomps of the Churchmen, he was slain. The Pope seemed to be grieved at it, yet made he no great search for the murderers. Plat. Sabellicus. Bonifac. Simo.  
This Pope's Legate john, was taken in bed with a whore at London. Grafton.  
Innocent the second sat fourteen years: he warred against Roger the Norman; but Innocent was overthrown in battle, and led away prisoner: while he was in prison, the Romans elected another, but Innocent agreeing with Roger, he was constrained to go into France for succour, where he held two Counsels: after he returned towards the Emperor, who promised his aid, and so he returned into Italy. Anaclete the Antepope hearing thereof, stole away all the treasure and relics of the Church, to wage them which were of his band: He died with grief, and his Cardinals craved pardon. Thus two Popes continued six years. 1136.  
Celestine the second sat five months, and eight days: he died of the pestilence.  
Lucius the second sat one year: he willing to take away the dignity of the Patrician, died of the pestilence. Sup. Chron. Fasci. temporum.  
Eugenius the third sat eight years: having excommunicated certain Romans, he was constrained to flee into France, 1145. coming again he was honourably received; but he soon after died at Tiber, going to recreate himself. He was brought to Rome, and buried in the Temple of Saint Peter. Sup. Cron. 1145.  
Saint Bernard against the impiety of the Popes, and the Ecclesiastical sort: see his 67. Sermon, where he calleth them the Ministers of Antechrist. Item 57 in his book to Eugenius. Item in the 33. Sermon upon the Canticles, he often saith that Prelates are but Pilat's. He reproveth Eugenius, that leaving the word of God, he advanced humane Traditions. And Hugo Cardinalis, in his Postill upon Saint john allegeth that Bernard saith in a certain place: It seemeth, O good jesus, that all the university of Christians have conspired against thee, and they are the chief of the conspiration which obtain the Primacy of the Church.  
Anastasius sat one year.  
Adrian the fourth sat five years and six months: he would not go to the Church of Lateran to be consecrated, until first Arnold Bishop of Brixe was cast out of the Town, who opposed himself against the administration of Civil things, and Temporal Sword, which the Clergy had usurped. He was angry with the Emperor for holding his left stirrup at his lighting. He stirred up all Italy to rebel against him, for receiving homage of his own Bishops. He was troubled of the Romans for their ancient Liberties. john of Salisbury Bishop of Chartyrs, was a worthy man: He reproved many things in the Clergy, and Popes, and being very familiar with Adrian, he was heard to say to john, That there were many Popes which rather succeeded Romulus in murder, than Saint Peter in feeding the sheep. He excommunicated William King of Sicily, and Povill. Finally, he was choked with a fly: he said, the life of a Pope was most miserable. 1154.  
Alexander the third sat about two and twenty years: He was chosen by one half of the Cardinals, and Victor on the other side; and so continued a Schism of two Popes twenty years, even all the days of Alexander: For after Victor, came Paschalis the third, then Calixt, lastly, Innocent: unto these all the Bishops of the Empire were sworn. Alexander granted the ancient Liberties to the Romans. He caused all Italy to rebel against the Emperor: he trod upon the Emperor's neck. He defended Becket against Henry the second, King of England 1160. He seeking the Emperor's death (while he was busied with the Turk) sent a Letter to the Turk, with the lively Image of the King, to seek to slay him. The Emperor with his Chaplain on a hot day going to wash him, was surprised by an ambush of the Sultan's, and brought before the Turk, where he feigned himself to be the Emperor's Chaplain; but the Turk showing him his Image, and the Pope's Letters, he confessed the truth, and desired favour: at length the Turk sent him away, under certain conditions agreed betwixt them. The Emperor returning, assigned a day at Noremberg, and assembled his Court, declared the Pope Alexander his treason, showing his Letters, and the Image. Briefly, every one promised his help to pay his ransom, and to do justice upon the said Alexander. The Pope understanding his treason was come to light, and what the Emperor intended against him, he fled from Rome in the habit of his cool, and came to Venice. The Venetians maintained the Pope. The Emperor sent Ambassadors to demand Alexander; finally, he sent his son Otho: the youth led with his Company, gave battle: he lost the victory, and was taken prisoner; which the Pope seeing, would not agree with the Emperor, except he came to Venice, and received the means he would offer. The Emperor to help his son, came to Venice. The Pope would not absolve him of excommunication, until he presented himself at the door of Saint Marks Church: When he came thither, the Pope commanded him, in the presence of all the people, to cast himself upon the ground, and demand pardon; which he doing, the Pope set his foot upon the Emperor's neck, and pressing it down, said: Thou shalt go upon the Asp and Basilisk, and tread under thy feet, the Lion and the Dragon. The Emperor answered; This was not said to thee, but to Peter. But the Pope stepping again upon his neck, answered, Both to me, and to Peter. The Emperor fearing some danger, held his peace; and so was absolved, and upon conditions agreed. Estate of the Church, and Plat. Now let the world judge, whether this be Christ's Vicar, Peter's true Successor, a servant of servants, or a Luciferian proud Pope, the son of perdition, and Antechrist himself, that fits in the Temple of God, and boasteth himself above all that is called God. 1180.  
Lucius the third sat four years, and two months: while he went about to expel the Consuls and Patricij of Rome, he was cast out, and withdrew himself to Venice: Such as took his part, had their eyes put out; others were set upon Asses, with their faces towards the tail, and ignominiously handled. Platin. He died at Veron.  
Vrban the third sat one year, and six months. Sup.  
Gregory the eight sat fifty seven days.  
Clement the third sat three years, and six months: he made a Decretal against all such Priests as celebrated Mass in wooden vessels, and with common bread. Hear is nothing respected but outward things, and the commandment of God neglected. Note again, common bread was now in use in the Lord's Supper.  
Celestine the third sat six years: He crowned the Emperor with his feet, sitting in his Pontifical Chair, and holding the Imperial Crown between his feet; and the Emperor bowing down his head, and likewise the Empress, received it from his feet: and immediately he kicks it off again to the ground, in token that he had power (if he so deserve) to depose him. The Cardinals standing round about, reverently took it up, and set it on their heads again. Baronius. Ranulph. Mystery of Iniquity.  
Innocent the third sat eighteen years: he absolved the Princes from their oath to the Emperor, caused them to choose Otho the fourth, and after excommunicated Otho also. This Pope added a very dangerous pestilence unto the Articles of the Faith, that is, Transubstantiation, as a thirteenth Article of the Faith. See the decretals. Tit. 1. De Summa Trinitate & fide Apostolica. cap. Firmiter credimus. This Decretal was made in the year of Christ 1215. and promulged in the Counsel of Lateran. He made another Decree of the Cannon of the Mass, and commanded it to be received, as from the Apostles: Thus they place in the room of the doctrine of the Apostles, their own Decrees. He also commanded confession in the Priest's ear, at the least once a year. See Decretal. Tit. 38. cap. Omnes utriusque sexus. He died at Pice. Anno 1216.  
Honorius the third sat ten years, and seven months: he excommunicated the Emperor: he raised the French against the Earl of Thelossa, for favouring Albingenses. He was denied in France the exactions of two Prebends in every Church, and two Monks in every Abbey 1216. He confirmed the order of the jacobines, which his predecessors had refused to do; and confirmed the order of the Mendicants. He commanded the Host should be kept in a place by itself, and well enclosed. When the Host was lifted up, the people to do reverence, and bow to it; and also, when it was carried to the sick. He confirmed the order of Saint Francis. Fasci. temporum. Thus the fullness of infection is come into the Church by the four plagues of begging Monks.  
Gregory the ninth sat fourteen years, and three months: This Pope heaped up decretals, and commanded them to be kept through all Christendom, in Schools and judgement. Thus the word of God is set aside for their traditions. Peter de Vienna complained, That all the world cannot fill the insatiabilitie of the Pope; That the turpitudes of the Clergy are so great, and enormous, as shame forbiddeth to speak thereof. He also maintained, that the Pope, neither by divine, nor humane right, hath any power of the Sword. The Pope excommunicated him. William the Goldsmith at this time, showeth that the Pope is Antichrist, Rome Babylon, the Prelates, members of Antichrist. Caesarius 10. Distinct. 3. of his Dialogues. The Pope was driven out of Rome by the Romans. He cursed the Emperor Fredrick for not going to the holy Land: and the second time, for punishing Rebels, and received 12000. ounces of gold, for absolving him. Vide Plat. and the Mystery of Iniquity. pa. 360. He cursed the Greek Church, and they him again: he plagued the Clergy of England by exactions, four marks of every Church: the fift part of every Ecclesiastical person: 10000 marks for maintaining of the wars against the Emperor: he stirred up his son against him. He wrote to the Saracens, not to agree with him. He fell out with the Cardinal Columna, because he would not do a vile message to the Emperor, saying; I hold thee not henceforth for Cardinal: Nor I thee for Pope, said Columna: and so he departed: Math. Paris. See the Mystery of Iniquity. fol. 304. Gregory afflicted with so many mischiefs, fell sick, and died with sorrow and grief. 1241.  
Celestine the fourth sat eighteen days: was poisoned.  
Innocent the fourth sat eleven years, and six months: He canonised many Saints, made much of begging Friars. He prescribed the Emperor Fredrick, and Conrade, and then commanded William to be chosen against him. He exacted in England the third of all church-good: and the yearly fruits of vacant Benefices, and half of all Nonresidences: and all the intestate Ecclesiastical. Again, of some Priests, fifteen, of some ten, of some, five able men, furnished with horse and harness to the wars, for one whole year: besides 10000 marks, and after 70000. marks to this war, in despite of King Henry; besides Peter-pences: 60000. marks yearly of A●…ent Clerks: He revoked Friars privileges, excommunicated them, and all religious persons. The Emperor said (foreseeing what would follow when he was chosen Pope;) I have lost a Cardinal my friend, and have chosen a Pope mine enemy: Plat. So honours change manners; and the very pride of the place makes them forget all duty to God, and man. He died miserably at Naples, sooner than he thought. Naucler. 1250.  
Alexander the fourth sat seven years: he was set up against Conrade the Emperor: he revoked the acts of Innocent, condemned the Books of Gulielmus de Sancto amore, written against Begging Friars: Plat. popish Clergy, calling the Pope Antechrist. He lost his army in Nicrea, and coming to Viterbe, he died there 1261.  
From Silvester the second that devilish Magician, until this time, the Popes have reigned as incarnate devils, in all trumperies, deceits, oppression of the good, and manifest tyrannies, and have tormented by their infernal furies, the greatest monarchs; Henry the fourth and fift, the second Frederick, and other princes of the earth.  
Vrbane the fourth sat three years and one month: he raised up wars against Maufroy, and after against Conradin, and overcame them both, and so obtained the lands; but the end was miserable: for the Sicillians, after the year 1282. rebelled against him, and slew all his French army in an evening suddenly, and opened their women great with child, and cast away their fruit, that they, nor none of that generation might remain. This occasion was afterward commonly called, the Evensong of Sicily: This Pope died at Peruse.  
Clement the fourth sat three years and nine months: He had wife and children. He was the King of France his Chancellor. After his wife's death, he was Bishop of Pavy: after Archbishop of Narbon: after Cardinal, and was chosen Pope. He demanded a certain tenth in Almaigne. john, Glossator of the Decree, and Provost of Saint Stephen de Alberstate, opposed himself against it, and appealed to the next council, for the which he was excommunicated of the Pope, and deprived of his office. Sea of Histories. Clement had a nephew which held three Benefices; he constrained him to forsake two of them. Naucler. He died at Viterbe.  
Gregory the tenth sat four years: he assembled a Counsel at Lions, where was agreed the tenth part of the goods of the Church, to be given for six years, to maintain the wars for the conquest of the lands beyond the Seas. He laboured to bring the Greek Church unto Rome, but all in vain; so as he is not universal Bishop, nor his Successors. 1272. He came to Aretinum, where he died.  
Innocent the fift sat six months, and two days.  
Adrian the fift sat forty days: he died at Viterbe. 1276. before he was consecrated.  
john the two and twentieth sat eight months, promising himself long life, foretold by the Stars, as he affirmed it, but in the presence of his people, a new Vault, Valerius calleth it a playing Hall; Stella, a rich and precious chamber, which he had built in his palace at Viterbie, fell the fourth day following suddenly upon him, in the year 1277. and the seaventh day after the said ruin, he was found miserably slain, betwixt the stones and the timber, and was buried in the great Church. Here the Pope found by experience the vanity of his divination. At this time was the doctrine of the Waldois, holding but two Sacraments, baptism and the Communion: The Mass an abominable and detestable thing, and therefore to be abolished: All humane tradition to be rejected, as not necessary to salvation: against many other toys of Popery; against the Pope's Supremacy; called Rome very Babylon, and the Pope the fountain of all evil.  
Nicholas the third sat four years: He transported to himself the dignity of the Senator of Rome. He made a Park for Hares and Coneys, for his pleasure to hunt in. He gave much to his nephew, or rather bastard, called Barthand, that he took from others by force: as some say, he engendered upon a Concubine of his bastards, a monster, whose hair and nails were like a Bears. See john de Naion, in his Institutions of Beda.  
And as he was determined to prefer the house of the Vrsins, of which house he was, and therefore had caused to be painted the pictures of Bears in the Palace, being in the town of Sutry, he was taken with an Apoplexy, of which he died suddenly, and without speech. Anno 1291.  
Martin the fourth sat two years and eight months: he excommunicated Peter King of Arragon, and exposed his kingdom for a prey to the first that could get it, because he ordained an army by Sea into Sicily against Charles; and absolved his subjects of their oath. Note that all the pastime of Popes, is, to set Princes together by the ears. He granted to Rome the choice of two Senators, of the Nobility, and excommunicated Paliolagus Emperor of Greece. He took the Cencubine of his predecessor Nicholas: but lest such an accident might happen him as did unto others; namely, that if he had a child, it should be like unto a Bear, he commanded all the Bears which had been painted in the Palace by a Pope of the house of the Vrsins, should be defaced: For he knew well, that the figure of things upon which women think, when they conceive, ofttimes, is certainly imprinted in them. The. Cooper Abridgement of Chron. But as once he was taking his ordinary refection with his Captains, he was taken with a secret malady whereof he died. See Cusalanus.  
Honorius the fourth sat two years: he excommunicated Peter King of Arragon, who then occupied the kingdom of Sicily against Charles, and confirmed the Edict of his Predecessor against him. Thus they succeed one another in cruelty: he confirmed the Sect of August. He died. 1288.  
Nicholas the fourth sat four years, and one month. Naucler. Some say six years. Many cruel wars, murders, dissensions, and brawls in his time happened in Rome, upon his occasion, giving more countenance to the one part, then to the other: and this continued two years. Fasci▪ temporum. Nicholas died of grief, because all things happened not after his wish. 1291.  
Celestine the fift sat two years and five months: he went about the reformation of the Clergy: they grinding their teeth at him, called him Sot and Dotard: one of these companions killed Benet; suborned another, who making a cranny in his chamber, many nights cried as it had been an Angel from heaven, Gelestine, Gelestine, renounce thy Papacy, for that charge exceedeth thy force. Some also in the day time counselled him to give over his Popedom, and provide for his salvation. Note we here that Rome cannot abide to hear of reformation. As he returned from Naples, he dismissed himself of that charge, etc. See Christian Massius: yet first he made a constitution by all their consents, That it should be lawful for a Pope to give over such a charge: which Boniface his successor subtly confirmed, and placed it in the sixth book of his decretals: But this Boniface fearing that the people despising him, should cleave unto Celestine, caused him to be put in close prison, where he died. 1295.  
Boniface the eight sat eight years and nine months: He obtained the place (as before) by fraud and violence, to his predecessor Celestine. This is he of whom it is spoken, that he entered as a Fox, reigned as a Lion, and died as a Dog. He was a terror to Emperors, Kings and Princes, Nations and People, which he more respected than Religion, which gave and took away kingdoms at his pleasure, extraordinarily thirsting after gold from all places. He was also cruel against the dead, for he caused a godly man, buried twenty years before, to be taken out of his grave, and burnt for heresy, as he decreed. His pride and arrogancy was so hateful to Princes, as Philip King of France, to bring under his pride made forces against him, invaded him privily in the night at Anagni, and breaking down the gates, took him in his father's house, and carried him to Rome prisoner, where through grief of mind he died, thirty five days after, and all his goods and treasure went to pillage. Platin. john de la Maire. On Ash-wednesday he gave Ashes unto the people of Genes: and Porchat the Archbishop of the Town presented himself before him, and understanding that he was of the Gebellins, whom he hated, he being on his knees uncovered, respecting neither day nor place, people, or religion, in his malice he cast an handful of ashes in his eyes, & abusing Scripture said: Remember that thou art a Gebelline, and that with Gebelius thou shalt be brought to ashes: and straight deprived the Archbishop of his dignity, though after he restored him. Platina. Crinis. Cor. Abb. 1295.  
Benet the eleventh sat eight months: he was a good man, and studied for concord: he contemned Friars, revoked Bonifaces Decrees. Coming to Peruse, he there fell sick, and died: But it was after proved, that a certain Abbess presented unto him poisoned figs, whereof he died; and Leander affirmeth he died of poison. 1304.  
Clement the fift sat at Auignon eight years and ten months: he was enthronised at Lions, in the Church of Saint Just, with a mighty concourse of the Clergy, and all estates. But their great pomp was mixed with great mourning: for as an innumerable multitude were mounted upon an old wall of Saint Just, the said wall fell, and slew Duke john of Britain: The King was there wounded, and the Pope thrown over his horse, and trodden under foot, where he lost a rich Carbuncle out of his triple Crown, esteemed at six thousand florins of gold, (Pride must have a fall:) besides, more than twelve other noble persons were there wounded, and died. These things done, the King departed, and the Pope made his residency at Auignon. This Pope kept his Roman Court, not at Rome, but at Auignon, where it abode by the space of seventy three years, before it returned to Rome. See john le Maire. He sent three Cardinals to govern Rome. This Clement was a public whooremonger, and a great maintainer of harlots. Chron. Herm. Paralip. Vesp. He gave to them that offered themselves against the Turk, four souls out of Purgatory, at their will, Agrippa de vanitat. This Pope commanded the Angels to carry into the joys of Paradise, and draw out of Purgatory, the soul of him whosoever should die in the way going in pilgrimage to Rome: moreover, that the pains of hell shall no way be inflicted upon them. In a Bull which is kept by Copy at Vienna and Limego at this day. Agrippa de vanit. Scient. He condemned them that would not worship the bread of the Eucharist. He ordained, That the oaths delivered to Princes, were not oaths of subjection, but of fidelity. He ordained a feast instituted in the honour of the bread in the Eucharist, which the Papists call Gods feast. He pronounced that the Relics of Saints ought to be greatly honoured. Finally, he being tormented with a flux of the belly, and pain of the stomach and sides, he deceased in a Castle called Rocquemaure upon Bosue 1314.  
Behold here how humane traditions do increase instead of the word of God.  
john the three and twentith sat nineteen years and four months. He condemned the Constitutions of Nicholas. Dear. 6. tit. 12. He made a Constitution against Friar's Minors: he taught certain errors, amongst others, that souls so soon as they were despoiled of the bodies, should not see God before the last judgement. Massius witnesseth, his father had so taught him before. He writ to the Grecians, that there was but one Church, whereof he was chief, and the Vicar of jesus Christ. The Grecians answered, We believe surely that thy power is very great over thy subjects; we cannot endure thy extreme pride, nor satisfy thy covetousness: the Devil be with thee, for God is with us. john de la Mandavill in his sixth book rehearseth it. He declared Lewes de Bauiere a Rebel, Schismatic, and Heretic, because (being chosen Emperor) he took the government without any oath to the Pope of subjection. Hiero Marius. The Emperor came to appease the Pope's rage to Milan, and sent to Auignon, to the Pope, that he would grant him kindly, the ornaments of the Empire, the Pope refused his Ambassadors, with great shame, and cited the Emperor peremptorily, that he would come to Auignon, and submit himself to the ordinances of the Church. The Emperor knowing their tyranny, would not submit himself; as if he were his servant, and would not go, but sent again to make the same request. The Pope persisted in his opinion, etc. The Emperor calling unto him many Princes and Lords of Italy, came to Rome, where he was honourably received of the people. The greatest Lords of Rome sent Ambassadors to the Pope, beseeching him to visit the town, and grant to the King of the Romans the imperial ornaments: which if he refused to do, they protested to observe the ancient Law, and to use the right of the Roman people. The Pope hearing the Embassage, drove them back shamefully with vile words, and threats; which the Roman people seeing, departed, and so by the commandment of all the Clergy, and people, he was crowned, etc. Hereupon the Pope accused him as one guilty of divine treason, and an heretic, and published against him a very rigorous Process. (Oh Luciferian pride, unbeseeming Peter's successor.) The Emperor fortifying himself, published in all parts of the Empire, an appellation against the Pope, that he for his part doth execute the Testament of jesus Christ, teaching peace; which the Pope disturbeth in all Christendom, and remembers not, that all the honour he now hath, was granted by Saint Constantine, to Silvester, when he was yet hid, and therefore accuseth him of Ingratitude, etc. and then they agreed to bring into the Church of Christ, the ancient custom observed in electing the Pope; namely, that being chosen by the people, he should be confirmed by the Emperor: and therefore one, called Peter Carbaria, a Friar, was created Pope, and called Nicholas the fift: and Pope john was declared an heretic, a tyrant of the Church, and not a Pastor, but a perturber of the peace of Christians: which proceed the Emperor and the Princes, assistant at the Counsel held at Rome, submitted to the judgement of the Catholic Church. Marius. This done, the Emperor returned into Almain, and Pope Nicholas remained in Italy. But finally Boniface, County of Pisa, delivered him to Pope john, and he died in great misery, being straight detained. See Suppl. Chron. Platin. 1334.  
Benet the twelfth sat seven years and three months: he was enemy to the Emperor Lewis, as his predecessor; for he renewed the excommunication, and despoiled him of all honour. Marius. Lewis assembled at Frankford all the Electors, etc. He shown, that it only pertaineth to the Electors of the Empire, and not to any other, to choose the King of Romans, or Emperor, for in substance they are all one: which Emperor may exercise the affairs of the Empire, without any confirmation of the Roman seat: Who ought to be sacred by the Pope, after notice by the Princes, that he is legittimately chosen: But if the Pope refuse, he may be proclaimed Emperor Augustus, by any Catholic Bishop whatsoever, as hath been long time used: and all such Unctions are only certain ceremonies, invented by Popes, which give only the name, not the thing. The Emperor makes not an oath of fidelity to the Popes, but for the defence of the Faith; not to give him any superiority in things which concern the Temporalty. Further, he shown in the vacancy of the Empire, it is false, that the right is devolved unto the Pope, and that this is against the liberty and dignity of the Empire: but that by a custom approved, and used of long time, without any contradiction, during the vacation of the Empire, it pertaineth to the County Palatine of Rhine, to have the managing of the affairs of the Empire. This done, he yielded a reason of his faith, and purged himself of all things objected against him, by john and Benet the twelfth.  
The integrity of this Lewis so prevailed with Pope Bennet, as a peace was after concluded between them; insomuch as the French Ambassadors called the Pope, the Protector of Heretics. Bennet absolved him of his excommunication; but being menaced by the King of France, he left the Sentence given by his predecessor against Lewis. This Pope was an old adulterer, and bought dear the Sister of Francis Petrarke a fair woman, of her brother called Gerard. He contradicted his predecessors heresy, affirming, that the souls of the godly, as soon as they be departed from the body, do see the face of God. Decret. Benedictus Deus in donis. He said the Pope had no parents. Fasci Temporum. He died at Auignon, to the great joy of many. Opposition. Andrew de Castra. & Bardosanes. He defended Grace against . john de Rupe Scissa taught, the Pope to be Antechrist, and the Church of Babylon.  
Clement the sixth sat eleven years in Auignon: he was a man very desirous of women, of honour and power: Led with a diabolical fury, he fixed letters upon the gates and doors of Temples, by which he threatened the Emperor upon grievous punishment, that within three days he should renounce the right of the Empire. H. Marius.  
The Emperor came to Frankfurt, and sought the Pope's favour. The Pope answered the Ambassadors, that he never would pardon Lewis, but upon very unjust and cruel conditions, and so gave a formulary to the Ambassadors. Lewis shown this to the Princes, etc. The Princes judged them to tend to the destruction of the Empire, and promised aid: but the Pope most cruelly excommunicated Lewis. He deprived john Bishop of Magunce, one of the Electours, and solicited the Electors to choose a new Emperor: they chose Charles the fourth, who was crowned in Bohemia, during the empery of Lewis; but he was not reputed Emperor, no not after the death of Lewis. Lewis was poisoned, as is said, having drunk of the cup of jane Duchess of Ostrich; at the point of death he cried: O God be merciful to me a poor sinner. Munster, and others. 1348. The Pope died suddenly, being strucken with an imposthume. 1353.  
Opposition. Conrade Hagar taught, that the Sacrament of the Mass was available neither for quick nor dead. Francis Patriarcha condemned Monks and Friars, called Rome the whore of Babylon, the School of Error, the Temple of Heresy. Epist. 20. with many others.  
Innocent the sixth sat nine years: He would have gathered a Tenth of the Clergy, but was denied, and so ceased. He was sparing in his diet, and living; but in expenses of war, very large. This Pope ordained the feast of jesus Christ's Lance and Nails: to the end those dead Idols might be adored by the Christians. Before his death was such an Eclipse of the Sun as was never seen. Massius. Plat. As he was preparing an army by Sea against the Turk, the Romans being in troubles and seditions, he was so vexed in mind, that he died with grief. Anno 1362.  
Vrban the fift sat eight years: He sent a Legate into Italy, with full power, and so repressed the Viscount's, and other Governors of Towns; threatening great losses, if they would not submit themselves under the obedience of the Roman Church. Armacan a learned man and Bishop of Ireland, published Conclusions against Friars, teaching that it was a villainous thing for a Christian to beg without need. Volater. He said he could not find four Bibles in Oxford. jesuites began by john Columbau, and Francis Vincent of Burgony. Volat. Sabell. john Wickecliffe of Oxford in England, a rare Theologian, he touched lively the abuses of the Popedom, against begging Friars and Monks; he had King Edward to friend. The Pope as he returned into France died at Marcellus, not without suspicion of poison. Sabell.  
Charles the fift Emperor and King of France, caused the Scripture to be translated into French. 1366.  
Gregory the eleventh sat at Auignon seven years and five months: Many of the towns of Italy revolted from his obedience: At the persuasion of a Nun, he pronounced sentence of Interdiction against the Florentines the first Authors, and seized all the towns about them, and made war upon them. Naucler. Gregory died, being tormented with an intolerable pain in the bladder. Plat. 1378.  
Vrban the sixth sat eleven years: he was a cruel man, of whom by prayer nothing could be obtained. Crautzius. He being come to the Popedom, sought to revenge himself: he was forsaken of his Cardinals, as a false Pope, and Clement the seaventh chosen.  
Clement the seaventh sat in Auignon fifteen years: and thus began the two and twentith Schism of two Popes 29. years, until the Counsel of Constance, the one cursing and warring with the other, that about 200000. were miserably slain and drowned. Clement was chosen three months after Vrban. Vrban made thirty new Cardinals in one day, and displaced the old, and put them in prison. He was under the safe keeping of the King of Naples, for his pride certain days; at the length, desiring that he might go to new Caesarea for his health, he was set at liberty, where he gathered forces against the King: But Raymundus the General of the King's forces, Vrban coming with all his Court to the next shore, he shipped them, and brought the Pope to Genua, and of seven Cardinals being taken at new Caesarea, putting five of them into sacks, he drowned them in the Sea, because he thought they favoured Clement. The Pope Vrban succeeding unhappily in his Popedom, died the eleventh year of his Popedom, few lamenting his death, as a rude and execrable person. Plattina. Theodor. Cerinth. The waters and fountains were poisoned, whereof he died, and all his nobility. Naucler. These two Popes sent terrible Bulls into diverse parts of the world, and so sowed defamatory books, wherein they named one another Antechrist, schismatics. Heretics, tyrants, traitors, thiefs, unjust, sowers of tares, and children of Belial. john de Ligni, in a Treatise in favour of urban, and the Abbot of Saint Vast: the King's Chancellor of France, in favour of Clement; That the Pope is Antechrist, no better witnesses than themselves. Clement died at Auignon 1394. Mathias a Bohemian proveth the Pope to be Antechrist, and Friars, heretics. Walter Brut: In likewise, many Noble men in England maintained Wickecliffes' doctrine; The Lord Montague, Lord Clifford, Earl of Salisbury. Swinderby a priest wrote against Transubstantiation. 1387.  
Boniface the ninth sat at Rome fifteen years. He was chosen after Vrban. He made a Law whereby he obtained the signiory of all the world, that is, that no Parson should be promoted to any Benefice, before he had paid to the Apostolic Chamber, all the revenues of the first year. He made great merchandise of Indulgences, and sold them for money.  
Bennet the thirteenth sat at Auignon one and twenty years: He gave to Charles the sixth, King of France, the tenth part of all Ecclesiastical goods, to make him his friend, and to divide the spoil. And as he was in his Country, Catalongue, in a strong Castle called Paviscole, maintaining himself the true Vicar of jesus Christ, he was condemned many ways by the authority of the said Counsel. Finally, dying at Paviscole, he commanded his Cardinals, that presently they should choose another in his place, and they elected one Giles Menios', and called him Clement the eight. Plattina.  
This Pope made Cardinals at the instigation of Abphonsus King, and did all that a Pope should do. But after Martin 1. had agreed with Alphonsus, by his commandment Giles renounced all his right to the Popedom, and was declared Bishop of Maiorque; and the Cardinals made by him willingly renounced their dignities.  
Innocent the seaventh was chosen after Boniface the ninth sat at Rome two years: he being Cardinal, was wont to tax the negligence and fearfulness of the former Popes: for he said, it came to pass through their sloth, that the Church of Rome, and the destruction of the whole Christian Commonwealth, was not yet cut off. But when he came to the Papacy, he followed the steps of urban, and Boniface, whom being a private man, he had taxed. He warred with the Citizens of Rome. The Antipope Benedict reclaiming. Plattina. With the neglect of his sepulchre his memory perished. He had a care that Nicholas the fift should be restored to his Popedom. Plat. 1404.  
Gregory the twelfth sat eight years: he was chosen after the death of Innocent, and an oath taken to yield, if the profit of the Church required it, but he would not, though he promised before a Notary, before he was confirmed Pope, 1407. Benet, and Gregory, were persuaded by Charles the sixth Emperor, for the good and union of the Church, to give over their rights. Benet gave no answer: but dismissed the Ambassador without farewell; and for fear to be constrained, provided for himself. A Counsel was held at Pice, to unite the universal Church, whereunto Gregory and Benet were cited, but had no care to appear, but derided it. So at the said Counsel, Gregory and Benet were both deposed, & one called Alexander was instituted; so were three Popes together: but Gregory fled to Ostrich, etc. To their deposition all Christian Nations consented, except a part of Spain, and the Count Arnimacke, and the King of Scots, who favoured Benet.  
Alexander the fift sat eight months. He was a learned man, a worthy and a godly man: he was chosen with the consent of all the Cardinals in the Counsel of Pice. Thus Gregory and Bennet not giving over, were three Popes at once. Alexander was so liberal to the poor, and to men worthy of his charity, as within a while he left nothing to himself. Whereupon, in merriment, he was wont to say: He had been a rich Bishop, a poor Cardinal, and a beggarly Pope. After the Counsel of Pice, he goeth to Bononie, where he fell grievously sick; and knowing Death to be near, the Cardinals coming unto him, he exhorted them to concord and peace, and to preserve the dignity of the Church, and testified, though Death were before his eyes, yet he did not fear, etc. And when he could hardly utter the words, he said, My peace I give unto you, my peace I leave with you. See Plat. 1409.  
It is thought he had a poisoned drink given him of a Physician, Marcellus of Parma, hired by Balthasar a Cardinal (whom he favoured) with a great sum of money. Panecius reciteth in his 56. Sermon, and Estate of the Church.  
Note, Rome cannot abide an honest man to be Pope.  
john the twenty four succeeded Alexander, before Balthazer Coss, Cardinal: he sat five years at Bolognie; he came to the Popedom, rather by force and violence, then by free Canonical Election: For being at Bolognie, rather as a Lord and Master then a Legate, the Father's being assembled to choose a Pope, he exceedingly threatened them, if they elected not such a one as pleased him: Therefore many were presented; but he approved none. Then said the Cardinals unto him, Name him whom you like. Then he answered, Give me Saint Peter's Mantle, and pontifical habit, and I will give them to him, whom I would have to be Pope. When he had received them, he put them upon himself, and said; It is I that am Pope: and though they were not pleased therewith, yet they were fain to dissemble; so furious terrible, and environed with soldiers was he. This reporteth Stella. After his Election he went to Rome to hold a Synod. In the first Session, the Pope sitting on a high seat, etc. there came an Owl, and sat upon one of the balks of the Temple, looking directly upon the Pope, saluting him with a fearful song: The company could scarce keep themselves from laughing. The Pope began to be ashamed, to sweat, and to be tormented in himself; and finally, finding no way to ease himself, he dismissed the company, and retired. There was another Session after this, wherein came the like; but this Owl could not be chased away, neither with cries, nor stones, nor for staffs that were thrown at him. Nicholas Clemengis Archdeacon of Baieux.  
The Counsel of Constance assembled, where the Pope appeared. 1414. This Counsel endured four years; six of Gregory's Cardinals approved the Counsel. Naucler. john Husse, and Hierome of prague were sent for, and had the Emperor's safe-conduct: and because they would not recant, they were notwithstanding both burnt. Many crimes were objected against the Pope; whereupon he fled away in a disguised habit; and used many places for his defence. Naucler. He was taken, and brought to Constance, and there detained in prison: After they proved against him fifty and four criminal Articles. He was deposed by all the Counsel. Himself approved his depositions, etc. Naucler. 1416. They cited also Gregory the twelfth, but he resigned his Papacy into the hands of the Counsel. He was created Legate in the marquisdom of Ancon: where he died soon after. john de la Maire.  
Martin the fifth (though Benet's Cardinals choose Clement the eight, but prevailed not) was chosen of thirty three Cardinals in the Counsel of Constance, he sat fourteen years. He condemned all the acts of the former Popes in the Schism. john being delivered out of prison cometh to Florence unto Martin, kissed his feet, and acknowledged him true Pope, and Christ's Vicar. Martin receiving him into the number of the Cardinals, created him Bishop of Tusculane: but he (as it is thought) not enduring a private life, through grief of mind, after certain months, died. Martin of a Bishop of Florence, created an Archbishop. The year after, the River Tiber did so increase as it drowned all the plains in Rome, and filled the Temple Pantheon, even unto the high Altar. A great plague ensued, that compelled them to change the place and time of the Counsel intended. Certain Cardinals, after the death of john the four and twentieth, created a new Pope, and called him Clement the eight: but after a while he gave over, the rest were put in prison. Pope Martin died of an Apoplexy. 1431.  
Eugenius the fourth sat sixteen years: after his creation, he appointed a certain day for a general Consistory; whither came so great a multitude, that the beams of the place cracking, it bred such a fear, that in the flying away of the people, the Bishop of Senagal, a Citizen of Rome was borens down, and died. The Pope's pride provoked much wars in the City, and abroad, and he was often driven to his straits, being pressed with wars every way. The Emperor and other Princes and Prelates, admonished him twice or thrice, to appoint a convenient place at Basill for the Counsel, which was concluded in the Counsel of Constance, from ten years to ten years, and to come thither with his Cardinals: otherwise they would deal with him as with an enemy, and an obstinate person. Whereunto he assented; But he was so vexed with wars on every side, as he had scarce liberty to rest. But he confirmed the Counsel of Basill, begun by Martin his predecessor; and he was by the same deposed, and condemned an Heretic, and Schismatic. Plat. The Counsel of Basill chose Faelix. 1448.  
Faelix the fift Duke of Savore, was chosen by the Counsel of Basill, Anti-pape; but Eugenius deposed, and would not yield; so there was a Schism of two Popes thirteen years: some say sixteen together, till Faelix was contented to give over to Nicholas the fift. Plattin. 1439. Some followed Eugenius, some Faelix, some Newtrails, and obeyed neither. Platt. Who was then Christ's Vicar?  
Nicholas the fift sat at Rome eight years: He was crowned the nineteenth of March 1447. yet ceased not the Schism of two Popes: for Faelix counted himself still Pope. In the year 1448. Faelix renounced the Popedom, and Nicholas reigned alone. Nicholas held a jubilee at Rome, 1450. whither resorted such a multitude of people, as many were stifled as they entered and came out of the Churches: There perished about two hundred persons, besides a number which fell into the flood as they passed over the bridge of Saint Angelo. This Pope died of a fever and gout. Naucler. Plattina. Others say he was poisoned, as appeared by his entrails, opened. Sea of Histories.  
Calixt the third, sat three years: he stirred up Christians against the Turk; he ordained, that no person should appeal from the Pope to the Counsel. He sold letters of pardons for five ducats a piece, saith Valerius, whereby he left unto his successors, an hundred and fifteen thousand Ducats; he died in july. 1458.  
Pius the second sat six years: he was very ambitious: he published a voyage against the Turk; under colour of warring against the Turks, the Popes got great store of silver. He exceeded in cruelty: before he was Pope, he had written with singular diligence, two books of the Acts of the Counsel of Basill: but being Pope, he sought to repress them, labouring, not to lessen the Papal tyranny, but to increase it in what he could. Stella.  
He made wars with Borge Duke of Mutiny, because he favoured Sigismond Malatest, with many other great cruelties. For his profit he deposed many Bishops: He was sumptuous in building: he made a Sepulchre of Marble for his fathers and mother's bones. See Plattina. Amongst many things left in writing, this was one: With great reason (saith he) was Marriage taken from Priests; yet there is a fare greater reason, wherefore it ought to have been yielded them again. Also in his second book of Counsels he saith: It may be that it were not the worse if a many Priests were married: for many being married Priests should be saved; which in their barren singleness are damned. Himself abolished the Monasteries of S. Brigit, and S. Clare, commanding them out, that they might burn no more, and under the habit of Religion, they should not hide whoredom. Caelius secundus. He was surprised of a slow fever, whereof he died at Ancon. 1464. Plattina. Sabellicus.  
Paul the second sat seven years: he was of a proud spirit, ambitious, and covetous. He exceeded all his ancestors in sumptuous attire, and all kind of precious attire. Plattina. O noble Successor of Peter!  
He was an enemy to learning: he put away many learned men, as foreigners, and strangers, with their books given to the spoil: But diverse, with Plattina himself, desiring the matter might be referred unto the judges, the Pope in great anger answered: Do you not know, that all judgement is placed in our breast? Plattina wrote a letter to the Pope, desiring, that if without cause he would spoil them of their just purchase, yet it would please him, they might have leave to complain of their wrong, and unjust ignominy: For being banished of you, we must pass unto Kings and Princes; and we will entreat them that you appoint a Counsel, wherein you may be constrained to give a reason of your doing. Paulus having read the letter, he presently chargeth me of Libels spreading out against him. And though I freed myself of that charge, because I had set my name thereto: yet I was bound with grievous fetters, and put into a high Tower, in the midst of winter, exposed to all winds, four months. At the length, at the importunate suit of a Cardinal, I was set at liberty; with admonition, that I should not departed the City, affirming, that if I went among the Indies, Paul would fetch me thence. He was suddenly put in fear by a report that youths, having Calimacho their Captain, had conspired against him, whereby he feared to be surprised at home, and abroad; whereupon he put many to torture, with Captain Calimacho, whereof many died in the torture. He was a great eater of Melons; he eat the same day that he died, in the night, two very great Melons: he died of an Apoplexy, the tenth of the Kalends of August. 1471. being alone in his Chamber, no man seeing him; when that day being very merry he had a Consistory: He went about to establish Priests marriages, but he was prevented by death. It was said, when he came abroad, he was wont to paint his face, with all kind of precious stones about him, Aaron-like, desirous to be seen and wondered at. He was a great drinker, but of small wines. He so hated the study of humanity, as he called the students thereof by one name, Heretics. Hereupon he persuaded the Romans, they should no longer bring up their children in learning, it was enough if they learned to read and write Plattin. Others say, the Devil broke his neck, as he was committing Sodomatrie.  
Sixtus the fourth sat thirteen years: he was in great danger of his life at his Coronation, by reason of a mutiny, whilst they carried him in his Litter to the Church of Lateran: he was in danger of his life, being assailed with stones, so as he was forsaken almost of all that accompanied his Litter. He made many wars against Ferdinand King of Povill. He builded in Rome Stews for both kinds. Cornelius Agrippa. cap. 64. he granted to Cardinals the use of Sodomatry, for three hot months. Sextus being sick of a fever, understanding that a peace was made betwixt the Venetians and other Potentates, suddenly yielded the spirit. Naucler. The rents of the Courtesans amounted to the value of twenty thousand ducats yearly. Onuphrius. Agrippa de vanit. Scient. Wisellus de Indulgentijs. Witnesses. Naucler. 1484.  
Innocens the eight sat eight years: he was once a poor child, he was nourished amongst the servants of Ferdinand king of Sicily: afterward he came to Rome, he remained long time with Philip Cardinal of Bolongne. After he was made Bishop of Sauonne, at the length he was made Cardinal, and Pope. He was of a great stature, but fare from learning. Almost from the beginning of his Popedom, he conspired against Ferdinand (that brought him up) with the Princes of the Kingdom, and warred against him, etc. but being wearied with wars, he gave himself to all pleasures. He advanced his bastards, as Francis, and enriched his daughter, Theodorin, which he married to a rich man of Genoa. He begat eight sons and as many daughters. Marcellus poeta. No marvel though Rome calls him Father. See his Epitaph following: 
Why seekest thou witness to prove Cibo a man?  
Look on his brats, fair gauges, deny't and you can:  
Eight bastard sons he begat, as many daughters,  
Worthily then may Rome count this man Father,  saith Marcellus.  
Alluding to the trial of the Sex, ordained after the deceit of Pope joane: 
Uncleanness, Avarice, Sloth, Gluttony,  
Are here octave, entombed, where thou dost lie.   
Alexander the sixth, called Borgia, before a Cardinal: seeking to mount higher, being a Necromancer; he used the help of the Devil, who promised him upon agreement by oath, and writing, so as he would in all things thew himself a faithful protector of Satan. Afterward the Devil came unto him (having promised he should not appear in any hideous or fearful form) honourably apparelled, who after certain talk had betwixt them, assured the Cardinal he should be Pope. Borgia being very joyous, he inquired how long he should reign: The Devil gave him an ambiguous answer, viz. that he should reign, the space of eleven and eight. The Cardinal foolishly promised himself nineteen years; but Satan meant eleven years and eight months. Now being chosen Pope, he named himself Alexander the sixth: he made his bastard son called Valentine, being a Cardinal, a Duke, and surnamed him Caesar Borgia: he shed much blood, saith Valerius. He gathered silver as much as he could, to satisfy his lust. He sold offices for 750. ducats apiece: he advanced his bastards as his predecessors had done: he made the youngest of his sons a Prince of Sicily: his second son called Caesar Valentine, he made Cardinal; the eldest he made Duke of Spain, he was slain at Rome: and his brother Cardinal being weary of Priesthood, he espoused one of King Lewis his kinswomen: his daughter Lucrece, whose carnal copulation himself had, was married to three Princes successively. See john Functius. He was odious to the whole world: and except God had shortened his days, by an error of his Cupbearer, giving him a poisoned Cup for another; as he poisoned some of the Cardinals, he had a purpose to have poisoned all, whose goods he had challenged after their death. See Guiccinard. li. 5. Onuphrius. Alexander supping under a vine near the Vatican, to enjoy the coolness of the air, he was suddenly carried away, desperately sick, into the Palace. The next morning he died, black, swollen, and beyond all credit deformed. Baleus. Being sick in bed, he sent his servant Madena to his wardrobe, to fetch him a little book enriched with gold, and precious stones: This book contained all manner of illusions and enchantments, whereby he would have been certified of his life: The servant running thither, saw one in the Pope's Chair, very like himself; whereat being afraid, he ran to his master, pale, and won, half dead; which the Pope perceiving, suffering him to recover, willed him to go the second time; where finding the man still in the Chair, he was wonderfully afraid, and being demanded of him, what he had to do there: he answered, To fetch a certain garment for the Pope: At which words the Devil being then in the Chair, making an horrible noise, said, I am the Pope. These things reported to the Pope. His evil began to increase, and Death approached. A short time after, a man apparelled like a Lackey knocked at the Pope's chamber door, saying he must needs speak with the Pope. All other drew aside, and great speech was between them. The Pope pleaded, his time was not yet come; for he promised him nineteen year's continuance; but the Lackey answered; He promised him eleven years and eight months, which was accomplished, and therefore he must needs die. The Pope pleading for longer time, could not be heard: This talk was heard by them in the next chamber. Finally, as Satan went away, the Pope with great cries, and sighs, and fearful sobs, died. See Onuphrius the Pope's Historiographer. Guicciardin. Volateran. john Baleus. much more these Author's report. This Pope had with his son, a daughter, with whom both the father and son lay. Pontanus, and Samozarius have left written. 1502.  
Opposition. john Weselne an excellent Divine called Fax mundi, against the Pope and his doctrine. Rodolph Agricola was of the same opinion. Hierom Savanorola, with two more Friars, were against justification by works, merits, pardons; they were hanged, and burned. Sabellicus. 1499. This Pope caused to be cut out, the tongue, and both the hands of Antonius Mancenellus, a learned man, because he had written a very elegant Oration against the wicked manners, villainies, and dishonest life of him.  
Pius the third, as soon as he was made Pope, he intended war with France, because they had occupied a part of Italy under their subjection; whom the Pope hoped to have driven clean out of those Lands: he intended also an army against the Turks; but while he went about this, he died the 27. day after his election. Anno 1503.  
Note from Silvester the second, Anno one thousand, until Innocent the fourth, 1240. the space of 240. years, the grasshoppers were sent out from the bottomless pit to devour Christians, in soul and body. From Innocent the fourth, until julius the second, 1504 that is, 196. they have been permitted to nourish, and maintain it, obscuring all truth, that by false doctrine, and lying miracles, they might seduce (if it were possible) even the Elect, by Friar's Mendicants, and massing Priests, and have cruelly put to death the gainsayers: But from that time, under julius the second, and ever since, the Papacy hath, and, through God's mercy, is like to decay still, even till the coming of Christ; who shall confound Antechrist with the breath of his mouth.  
julius' the second, a man (as it were) chief borne for war. He besieged Ravenna, and took it, and from diverse Princes he took diverse Towns, not without great effusion of blood. He excommunicated the king of France, and king of Navarre, and gave their Kingdoms to whomsoever could first occupy them. Massius. cap. 20. Chron.  
The Counsel of Latterane was begun by julius. 1512. This monster died the year following, after he had begun the Counsel, having committed an in finite number of murders, and wickednesses unheard of before. julian meaning to go to war against Maximilian, and Lewis, passing over the bridge, he cast Saint Peter's keys into Tiber, and took the Sword of Saint Paul, saying: The Keys of Saint Peter serve us to no purpose: it may be Saint Paul's Sword will do something. He dispensed with King Henry the eight for his marriage: he excommunicated Lewis the French King, and gave away his kingdom.  

Epigram.  
By fraud the Merchant julius' rakes in pelf,  
For heaven he sells, yet hath it not himself.  
1513   
Leo the tenth: he gave himself to pleasures, and lusts of the flesh: he had Singers and Musicians at his Table. He hated mortally the Gospel, and on a day Bembo the Cardinal uttering a thing out of the Gospel, he answered, It hath ever sufficiently been known, what profit the fable of Christ hath brought us, and ours. The same day that Leo made thirty one Cardinals, in the very Temple where they were assembled, happened such a great tempest, which shaken and carried away the Image of Christ out of his Mother's lap, and the Keys out of the hands of Saint Peter there; 1517. At which very time, Luther began to thunder against the Pope. He commanded Luther's books to be burnt at Rome, and Luther burned his Cannons, and popish decretals, at Wittenberg. The Pope rejoicing at the overthrow of the French King, making good cheer, suddenly died at his Table. Baleus. 1524. Opposition. Picus Mirandola against real Presence, the worship of the Cross, and Images.  
Adrian the sixth sat two years: the Books of a certain Physician and Magician were burnt at Rome; some of which were brought to Adrian, whereof he made great account, and they were, after his death found amongst his secret papers. Adrian after he had persecuted the truth of the Gospel (as his predecessors) in the person of Luther, and Occolampadius died, suspected of poison. Abb. Vesp. Others say, he was too good to be a Pope; for seeing the abuses of the Court of Rome, and going about to reform them, he was taken away by death. 1523. See a Bishop of their own Espenseus, a learned man, who saith that he delivered by his Nuncio, to the assembly of the States of Germany his resolution that way. Therefore they would ever since choose none but Italians.  
Clement the seaventh sat eleven years: The twentieth of january following, 1522. the journey of Swisses was held at Lucerne, where they wholly confirmed the Pope's doctrine, and condemned that of the Gospel. The Pope was besieged a long time with his Cardinals in the Castle of Saint Angelo; he was taken prisoner by Charles Emperor, and was ransomed with our money from England, at 40000. ducats. At Berne he held a Disputation, wherein Swinglius, Bucer, Cappo, and Blaurer, vanquished by Scripture the adverse part. Finally, they confirmed by the authority of the Magistrates through all their land, the said Articles; abolished the Mass, and threw down Images and Altars. Rome was sacked by the Emperor more miserably than ever by Goths, and Vandals. The Pope died in the end of September, of a disease in the stomach: Others think he was poisoned by the smell of a Torch. See john Paptist. Fulgentius 1534.  
Paul the third sat fifteen years: King Henry the eight banished the Pope's authority, who challenged to be Supreme head of the Church of England. Fisher Bishop of Rochester, and Thomas Moor Chancellor were beheaded, because they would not agree to the King's Edict. This Paul was an Astrologian, a Magician, and a Divine. He had a familiar, one Denis Senila, a Magician, whom he made Cardinal, with one Gaurice of Portugal, Cecius, and Mercell, Negromancers, and wicked villains. Of these he did inquire the fortunes of himself, and of his bastards. He had a Sister called julia Farnese, which he gave to Pope Alexander, to be Cardinal and Bishop of Hostia, which he obtained, for these are good prizes (or their younger brethren) to maintain their whooredomes, or that which is worse: See Agrippa. This muttherer poisoned his mother and nephew, that all the succession of the Ferneses' might fall upon him. He had another sister, whose carnal company he sometime had: but because she loved others company more than his, he poisoned her also: He deflowered another maid of a noble house, pretending to be a Gentleman of the Legates, and promised marriage, who finding the truth, she ran mad. Again, one Nicholas de Chesme finding him one day adulterously abusing his wife Laurea Farnese (who was also the said Paul's niece) he wounded so well with his dagger, as he carried the marks to his grave. Moreover, this good father Paul, took his pleasure with his daughter Constance, and poisoned her husband. He also had in his Table the number of 45000. whores, of whom he exacted every month tribute, to have liberty to exercise their whoredom. See Baleus, and Eusebius captive. He cursed King Henry the eight, and gave his kingdom to whomsoever could get it. He gave leave by an Indulgence, to communicate the Lords Supper under both kinds, and to eat all manner of meats, at all times. The Ministers of the lantzgrave's Country, refused the Indulgence. Estate of the Church. He ordained the Counsel of Trent the first of November 1542. The Pope died, the tenth of November.  
julius' the third sat five years. Because of ancient custom the Pope might give his red Hatre to whom he would, he made Cardinal a young boy, called Innocent: The Cardinals being against it, asked what he saw in this young man that deserved it. He answered, I pray you, what found you in me to do me this honour, to make me Pope, without any desert? Advance this young man, and he will merit it. He was a ribbald and a mighty blasphemer: he loved Swine's flesh: his Steward and Physician said, it was not good for the gout: He cried out, Bring me my pork flesh, All di spitto di Deo: that is, In despite of God. At another time for his Peacock detained, being very angry, etc. he said, If God were so angry for an Apple, as to cast our first Parents out of Paradise, wherefore should it not be lawful for me, that am his Vicar, to be angry for a Peacock, better than an Apple? He had three bowls at feasts for evacuation. Estate of the Church.  
Marcellus the second sat twenty days: he was Precedent of the Counsel of Trent, where he put out james Nichiantes Bishop of Fossa Claodia, because he would not allow Traditions to be received, and allowed with like reverence as the Gospel. Also Guillam de Venice said, that the Counsel of Venice was above the Pope: and Vergerius was also put from the Counsel, because he denied the Legend of Saint George, and Saint Christopher to be true, which he proved from Paul the third: for he hath commanded, that both these Legends should be taken out of the Breuiarie, and commanded that all such should be taken out, which were not true. He died of the jaundice the 20. day after his election. 1555.  
Paul the fourth sat four years, two months, and twenty seven days: This Pope invented a new sect of Monks, and called them jesuits'. Before he was Pope, he writ a Book unto Paul the third, touching the reformation of the Church: but being Pope, he cared neither for jesus Christ, nor for his Church: In his book he confirmeth almost all the points we use to reprehend in Popery. He grieved the people of Rome, because of his wars, and exactions, that scarce had he yielded up the spirit, but the Roman people, whihc wished death unto him, because of his wars, and exactions, and tyrannies; broke the prisons of the Inquisitions, delivered the prisoners, fired the whole building, threw down the Pope's Image, cutting off the head and right hand thereof, which were drawn three days together thorough the Town, and then cast into Tiber. He kept openly a Gentleman's wife. He used to eat Snails, and to drink strong wine, called Magnagarra, for lust. He died in bed with his whore. 1565. Estate of the Church.  
Pius the fourth sat six years: He caused to be strangled, the fift of March, 1561. in the night, in Saint Angelo, the Cardinal Charles Caraffe. He beheaded also in another prison, the County of Palliane, and certain other Cardinals, showing their bodies the next day unto the people. He cited the Queen of Navarre, because of the profession of the Gospel, to answer in the Pope's Consistory; and for want of appearance within six months, her Country to be given to the next Conqueror. The fourth of December was ended the Counsel of Trent, 1563. which from the beginning to the ending, continued eighteen years, wherein all the Articles of Popish doctrine were confirmed. The eight of September Pius the fourth died.  
Pius the fift sat six years: john Functius, a learned Chronographer, amongst all of our time was beheaded, because he, with other Preachers of the Gospel, were against the dreams of Osiander. The Pope sent a great Present to the Duke of Alva, as a recompense of so great pains he had taken to maintain the Popedom. He sent his roaring Bull of Basan against Queen Elizabeth. 1571.  
Gregory the thirteenth sat thirteen years. The Pope, by adding of ten days in October, so as for the fift they should reckon fifteen: This, to eternize the Pope's name, was called the Gregorian Calendar. The Pope daily urged the performance of his Calendar in Germany, D. Chytreus 1585. Whereupon presently sedition burst out. This Pope renewed the hatred of his predecessor Pius the fift against Queen Elizabeth of England; First, by sending his great Armada into Ireland; then, by sending Parry, and others. This Pope had his Concubine before he was Pope, and after he was Pope; by whom he had two little sons, which said unto him such graces, as made him laugh: Philippicus his son's grace was, That the Pope his Father gave him five thousand crowns a year. M. Cyp. Volater. He died at Rome. April 11. 1585.  
Sixtus the fift sat six years: This Foelix, so called before, being a poor man's son, was brought up by a Gentlewoman so long, as he grew proud: then she caused him to be beaten: Then he fled to Rome, and the Pope took him into service; at the length he made him a Cardinal; and by his good friends in Spain he was made Pope. M. Cyp. Volater. One day talking of his mean birth, he said he came of an illustrious house: for, said he, the upper part of the house being always torn and uncovered, the Sun made it most glorious with his beams. See Antonius Caracalla De vitis Pontificum. This Pope excommunicated the King of Navarre, and Condie, giving his Country to such as could get it; declaring him uncapable of the succession of the crown of France. He approved a Nun, called Maria de Visitatione, who long deluded the people: She grew so famous, as the king of Spain inquired of her his good success for England 1588. She promised good success: and that Duke Medina, General, (she pronounced openly) should return a victorious Prince. So prosper all God's enemies. But the next year after, all her holiness, false miracles, and great dissimulations were soon found out, and she punished for the same. See M. Cyp. Volater. The most Christian Prince of Condie, whom the Pope excommunicated, and cursed, was poisoned. The king of France, whom he also excommunicated with many threats, was slain by a jacobine Friar, in his privy-chamber; under colour of delivering a letter out of his sleeve, he drew forth a poisoned knife out of his sleeve, wherewith he killed him. D. Chytreus 1589. No Religion will stay the Papists. The Pope at Rome made an Oration in the commendation of this Friar, comparing him with Eleazar, and judith: and, not thus satisfied, he denied any honour to be made at his burial, or any man to pray for him. This Pope died the seven and twenty of August, 1590. He made many new Holidays, M. Cyp. Volater.  
Vrban the seventh sat twelve days: There happened a great earthquake upon the day of his Election at Vienna and Austria. The next day after his election he fell sick, and determined to remove his Court to the hill of Quirinus, a better air: but he tarried, because it was against the custom to go abroad before he was crowned. But he died the twelfth day after. Arthur Cicer.  
Gregory the foureteenth sat ten months and ten days: he was proclaimed by the high Court of Parliament, Chalnut and Toures, an enemy to the common peace, and to the union of the Catholic Religion, and to the king and his royal seat, adherent to the conspiracy of Spain, a favourer of Rebels, guilty of the most cruel, most inhuman, and most detestable death of Henry the third most Catholic King: Again, an Act was made against the Pope's Bulls: he died of a quartane fever. He was troubled with a continual flux which he had. Arthur Cicer. 1591.  
Innocent the ninth sat two months and odd days, and died being threescore and ten years of age: so that in the space of fourteen months, four Popes died; Sixtus, Vrban, Gregory, Innocent, as it is to be thought, the most, or all died of poison: for Bazutus is not dead, that killed six Popes with poison. See the life of Damasus the second. 1591.  
Clement the eight sat nine years: The Earl of Fuentes practised with Lopus, and promised 50000. crowns to poison Queen Elizabeth. He also dealt with Emmanuel Adrian to kill the King of France, with the odious smell of a poisoned rose. Da. Chytreus. 1594. john Castill a Scholar of the jesuites struck the King of France with a knife: but the King stooping to take up the Lords before him, he struck out one of his teeth, and was apprehended, etc. The King after two years entreating the Pope, was received into the lap of the Church, and declared Christian King of France, with condition to receive the Counsel of Trent, and to remove the young Prince of Condie from the company of Heretics: That he should restore the revenues, and goods taken from the Bishops and Abbeys, and testify his conversion to the Catholic Princes, etc. Da. Chytreus. The Pope discontented at Caesar Est, who enjoyed the Empire after the death of the Emperor Rodolph, whom he declared his heir in his life time, struck him with the Thunderbolt of Excommunication, and made war upon him. Caesar Est Duke of Ferrara, the matter being taken up, yielded Ferrara to the Pope, who united it to the Popedom. Pope Clement made thirteen Cardinals, amongst whom was Rob. Bellarmine jesuite. 1599 This year 1600. Richard L. Bishop of London, with two other Commissioners. Doctor Parkins, and Doctor Small, were sent in Embassage to Embden, to treat with the Commissioners from the King of Denmark, and returned the eight of july following. 1600.  
Paul the fift renewed the Index expurgatorius; wherein is contained, MERCURIUS GALLOBELGICUS. The humble supplication of Roger Widdrington, an English Catholic, unto the most holy Lord Pope Paul the fift. Item, a little Book tituled Marcus Antonius de Dominicis; Archbishop of Spalleto, with others.   

Now to conclude this point by recapitulation. The Popes that claim to be Peter's Successors, you see they neither succeed in place, as hath been proved (for six or seven Popes sat at Auignon about fourscore years,) nor in manner of living, as by their own Chronicles, with others do appear: for some were covetous;  
Covetous: Boniface the eight: Calixt the third: john the twenty three: Boniface the ninth.  
Proud: Bennet the twelfth: Adrian the fourth: Celestine the third: Innocent the fourth: Alexander the third: Gregory the thirteenth: Clement the fift, sixth, seaventh: Boniface the eight: Paul the second: john the three and twenty.  
Ambitious: as may be seen since about five hundred years after Christ, when they laboured for superiority, Policarp Bishop of jerusalem: Misda Bishop of Rome: john Bishop of Constance: Pelagius Bishop of Rome: john Bishop of Constance, opposed by Gregory the great: and john the third Bishop of Rome. See fol. 6.  
Blasphemers: Leo the third: john the thirteenth: julius the third: Leo the tenth.  
Heretics: Leo the seaventh: Boniface the eight: john the twenty three: Eugenius the fourth.  
schismatics, as two, yea three Popes together; some two years, sixteen years, six years, twenty years, thirty nine years, seven years, thirteen years: See Alexander the second, third and sixth: Hildebrand: Paschalis: Calixt the second: Honorius the second: Innocent the second: Bennet the thirteenth: Three Popes together seven years. See Faelix 5.  
Conjurers: Silvester the second, and so forth; nine or ten Popes together. See Gregory the seaventh: Paul the third: Alexander the sixth.  
In league with the Devil: Alexander the sixth: Silvester the second.  
Incestuous: john the thirteenth: Alexander the sixth: Paul the third.  
Sodomites: Sixtus the fourth.  
Whoremongers, john the eight, and thirteenth: Victor the third: Paul the third, and fourth: Innocent the fourth: Clement the third: Sergius the third: Sixtus the fourth: Gregory the thirteenth.  
Cruel john the foureteenth: Vrban the second, and sixth: Boniface the seventh: Alexander the sixth: Pius the fourth.  
Murderers: Pius the fourth: Gregory the seaventh: Stephen the eight: Sixtus the fift: Gregory the foureteenth: Honorius the second.  
Poisoners one of another: Damasus the second: Victor the second, and third: Celestine the fourth: Paul the third.  
Treacherous: Alexander the third: Gregory the seaventh, and ninth: Innocent the ninth.  
Cozeners: Alexander the third: Boniface the eight: Celestine the fift: Benedict the tenth.  
Warriors, setting Princes together by the ears, rather than Peter's successors, Bennet the ninth: Martin the fourth: Alexander the second: Innocent the second and seaventh: john the eleventh: julius the second: Eugenius the third: Paschal the second: Vrban the third and sixth: Clement the seaventh: Gregory the foureteenth: yea in the Schism of Popes, they cursed and warred one with another. See Victor 3. and Paschal 2. as in a fight between Vrban the sixth, and Clement the seaventh, there were miserably slain two hundred thousand men and many more, and many beside were drowned. See Clemen. 7.  
divers condemned one another's Decrees, john the twelfth: and under Sergius the third: Martin the fift.  
john the twenty three, chose himself Pope, Damas'. 2.  
Now to conclude with Cornelius Agrippa de Vanitat. He having spoken of the wickedness of Popes in general, saith; I pass by those other monsters of the Roman Popes, such as was Formosus, and those nine that followed, which sometime ruled filthily in the Church. I say nothing also of those latter Popes, Paul the second: Sixtus the fourth: Alexander the sixth: julius the second; the most famous troublers of the Christian world: besides Eugenius, which for breaking faith with the Turk, did cast all the Christian Commonwealth into most mortal and bloody wars; as if faith were not to be kept with an enemy. Moreover, how much danger Alexander the sixth brought to the Christians, by taking away, by poison, Zizimus Pazaithe, the Turks brother, is sufficiently known unto all men. Thus fare Cornelius. cap. 6.  
Thus did not Peter, who taught faithfully, preached Christ diligently, and sought and taught peace amongst men; was holy, humble, and sober, in conversation; and in the end, gave his life for the truth. The Pope therefore in life, being thus contrary unto Peter, is the successor of Antechrist, not of Peter.   

Now come we to examine the Doctrine:  

And first for justification.  
AS for the Law, that should have condemned us for ever, Christ hath satisfied his Father's wrath, and hath fulfilled it for us; and no man in the world could have done it but he, Esay 53. 5. He was wounded for our transgressions, and by his stripes we are healed. 2 Cor. 5. 11. He which knew no sin, was made sin for us, that we might be made the, etc. Christ was made sin by imputation, that we might be made righteous before God, by imputation of his righteousness to us; Rom. 5. 19 As by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, etc. Note a comparison between Adam and Christ, job 9 2. How shall man, compared with God, be justified? Rom. 3. 10. 11. 12. They have gone all out of the way, etc. Rom. 4. 5. To him that worketh not, but believeth, etc. and 5. verse 1. Being justified thorough faith, we etc. Ephes. 2 8. By grace ye are saved through faith, not of yourselves, etc. Rom. 8. 20. Whom he hath called, them also he hath justified. 1 Cor. 4. 4. See: from these places I reason thus: If Christ hath satisfied the Law for us: If he be our peace with God: If by his stripes we be healed: If his righteousness be ours by imputation only: If by his obedience only we be made righteous: If there be none that can do good, no not one. If justified thorough faith, we have peace with God. If saved by grace, not of works. If never so righteous, yet we are not thereby justified. Then our justfication, is plainly without us, and it cometh only by Christ's righteousness imputed, and by faith receined. Though these be as evident as the Sun at noon, yet they cavil with us from other places of Scripture, to maintain justification from ourselves, or at least to part stakes with Christ.  
Papists first place Psal. 7. 8 judge me, O Lord, according to my righteousness. Solut. This is not spoken of our righteousness before God: but David being falsely accused unto Saul, by his enemies (his heart being free from any intention of evil against him) desires God to be judge between him, and them; and therefore this serveth not for the justification of a sinner before God.  
The second place, 2 Corint 4 14. Our light afflictions which are but for a moment, causeth unto us a fare more excellent weight of glory. If afflictions (say they) work our salvation, much more good works. Solut. Afflictions (say we) work our salvation, not as causes procuring it, but as means directing us thereto. Bernard. They be via regni, non causa regnandi. Psalm 119. 71. It is good for me that I have been in trouble; for, etc.   

Of Sacraments, the number.  
The Papists teach seven Sacraments, contrary to Scripture, by a foolish mystical taking the number of seven in Scripture, as a number of perfection: as it was said to Naaman. 2 King. 5. 10. Go wash seaventimes. Again, job 4. 2. Offered seven Bullocks, and seven Rams, seven Stars, seven Candlesticks: These are too idle to be answered, and therefore I leave them to former answers: for this number may as well serve for a mystery of iniquity, Reuel. 17. 18. Sacraments, both in the old and new Testament, were of God's ordinance; men may not make Sacraments. Christ putting an end to the old Testament, was the Author of the Sacraments of the new Testament: and appointing outward signs of holy things, he instituted two, Baptism, and the Sacrament of the Lords Supper; no more are to be found in the new Testament of his making, or commandment. The first he sanctified in his own person, Mat. 3. 16. for he was baptised of john: The same he commended, and commanded to his Apostles, after his resurrection, Mat. 28. 19 The Lord's Supper: this he instituted, and ministered in his own person also, Luke 22. 19 commanding to do this in the remembrance of him. The remission of sins is represented in Baptism, Acts 2. 38: The death of Christ is set forth in the Lord's Supper, 1 Corinth. 11. 26. Whereby our faith is strengthened, and our hope confirmed in the promises of God. The like commendation is not given of any other of their Sacraments. Many other ceremonies Christ used; but he hath not laid his commandment upon them as upon these. Thus our doctrine for the number, is more ancient than the Churches of Rome.   

Of Baptism.  
For the outward sign thereof, we have only water, according to Christ's Institution; representing the blood of Christ, in washing away of our sins: For the form we baptise only, In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy-Ghost, according to Christ's commandment, Mat. 28. 19 Papists (to omit their trifling about Godfathers and Godmothers) that Fathers nor Mothers should not be witnesses to their children. 936. that man & wife may not answer for one child: that gossips may not marry, nor Monckes nor Nuns to be Gossips, etc. None are to be baptised before the Priests, through their conjurations, breathe, spittings, and salting, do drive the Devil out of them. Pope Celestine 428. Clement commanded Oil and Cream to anoint the forehead, and to be crossed therewith: if this be not to be subject to the curse of God, for adding to the word, etc. Thus our doctrine and use, for Baptism, and the ceremonies thereof, is more ancient than the doctrine of Rome.   

The Supper, or EUCHARIST.  
For this we have the Sacramental signs, or outward Elements, Bread and Wine, representing the Body and Blood of Christ, offered to the faithful, with the signs, for the feeding of their souls, and strengthening of their faith, and putting them in mind of the precious bloodshed in his bitter death and passion, according to Christ's institution. Papists minister this Sacrament but in one kind, that is, Bread only; for (say they) Christians are not bound by any commandment of God, to receive the Sacrament in both kinds. Council of Trent cap. 21. Bellarmine lib. 4. cap. 20. De Eucharist, and Counsel of Constance. Though Christ ordained the Sacrament in both kinds, and the eldest Churches did so receive it; yet for all that, they shall be punished as Heretics, that do minister or receive it. Sess. 13. See their proofs. Luke 24. 30. Christ appearing to the two Disciples going to Emaus, entering into an house, as he sat at Table, he took the Bread, and gave thanks; therefore one kind is sufficient. Again, Acts 2. 24. And they continued in the Apostles doctrine, and in fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayer. Solut. There is no reason to understand these places of the breaking of bread in the Sacrament, but in usual repast. As for Luke 24. Christ was not ministering the Sacrament, for the two Disciples intended Supper; and Christ (as his manner was) gave thankes, and broke the bread, and they by this knowing him, he vanished out of their sight. Again, if this had been the Sacrament, Christ had not said true, when upon the Cross (before he gave up the Ghost) he said, All things are fulfilled. john 19 29. Again, Matth. 26. 29. I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the Vine tree: If not drink, than not eat. For the place, Acts 2. 24. This proves no sacramental eating; but continuing together, according to their Master's commandment, until the coming of the Holy Ghost, they did eat and drink together: expounded in the six and forty verse, breaking bread at home, did eat their meat together with gladness, and singleness of heart. For john 6. 11. It maketh as little to the Sacrament, as yet being not instituted; and Christ expoundeth himself in verse 63. saying, The words that I speak unto you, are spirit and life. Besides, if they will admit this place to be spoken of the Sacrament, than they are cast, in receiving in one kind: for there he never speaketh of Bread, but he speaketh of Drink also. So that we conclude in the Institution of the Supper, according to the analogy of the Signs, Christ had respect unto our full nourishment, Bread & Drink, that so we might find in Christ, whatsoever is needful to salvation; for no man can live with Bread alone, and although Christ teach us to pray for daily bread (which is a marvel you here escaped) yet by Synecdoche, he meaneth drink also, and all things necessary to this present life. Note we here, while Papists will give but Bread alone (we will beat them with their own weapon:) They falsely charge us in our communion, that we give but a dry morsel, they giving only Bread to the people, should choke them, but that they are constrained to give a little Wine (not as any part of the Sacrament) but to help down their breaden god, to his place.  
Thus our doctrine and practice in the use of this Sacrament, is fare more ancient, being from Christ, and the Scriptures, than theirs being from men, in one kind, about the year 1552. in the Counsel of Trent. Item, in the Counsel of Constance before, 1416. where they cursed all those that should say it was lawful to communicate in both kinds: and yet by an Indulgence, he gave leave to them of Almain to communicate in both kinds. See Paul the third: therefore the Pope may add and take away at pleasure, but not without God's curse.   

Real Presence.  
We teach, that at the Lords Table, the Bread and Wine, must not be considered barely in themselves, but as outward signs, having relation to the Body and Blood of Christ, arising from the very Institution of the Sacrament: That when the Bread and Wine, are present to the hand and mouth; at the very same time, the Body and Blood of Christ are present to the mind. Thus, and no otherwise, is Christ truly present with the Signs, to the believing hearts of the Communicants. So Paul 1 Corinth. 10. 16. The Cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the Communion of the Blood of Christ? The Bread which we break, is it not the Communion of the Body of Christ? This Communion is double: First, of the Believers, with Christ by faith; Secondly, of the faithful among themselves, through love. Both these are mystical. Again, if the fleshly body be in the Sacrament; then is it eaten and torn with the teeth. Augustine. Why preparest thou thy teeth and thy belly? believe, and thou hast eaten. Again, August. Christ, according to his majesty, providence, and grace, is present with us to the end of the world: but according to his assumed flesh, he is not always with us. Acts 1. 11. This jesus which is taken up from you into Heaven, shall so come, even as ye have seen him go into Heaven. Matth. 26. 11. The poor ye shall have always, but me shall ye not have always. Revelation 1. 7. Behold, he cometh in the Clouds, and all eyes shall see him, even they that have pierced him. Moreover, it overturneth an Article of our faith, which saith, He sitteth at the right hand of his Father, etc. Cirill saith, He is absent in Body, and present in Virtue, that hath his dimensions. Papists allege against this doctrine, john 6. 55. My flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed: Ergo (say they) Christ's body must be eaten with the mouth. The very Capernaites counted this absurd. See Christ's answer verse. 62. 63. See also the answer of this place before; and in the title of the Supper. Besides, this Chapter must be understood of a spiritual eating of Christ by faith, whether in the Sacrament, or without. Again, here is proved both kinds: If of the Sacrament. Augustine upon this place saith; This is to eat his flesh, and drink his blood, to abide in Christ, and to have him abiding in us. This may be done without a Sacrament: Ergo, not necessary to be understood of a Sacrament. That it must be understood spiritually, Christ teacheth in vers. 35. He that cometh to me, shall not hunger, and he that believeth in me, shall never thirst. To eat then, and to drink Christ, is to believe in him; and verse 63. he saith, The words which I speak, are spirit and life, that is spiritually to be understood. Bernard. What is it to eat his flesh, and drink his blood, but to communicate with his Passion, and to imitate that conversation which he used in the flesh? The other places alleged by them, may receive answer from these, because I will not be troubled with them (in this age, and weakness,) and are alleged by them, of some through ignorance, of other maliciously striving against the stream of their own knowledge. To this Ergo, as to the other, I affirm our Doctrine to be more ancient than theirs; as from Christ, the Apostles, and Scriptures, and of a better foundation. No question was hereof for the space of 1060. years, until Nicholas the second.   

Transubstantiation.  
By this the Papists mean a changing of the substance of Bread and Wine, into the Body and Blood of Christ: so as after the words of consecration, there remains no Bread, but the very Body and Blood of Christ, borne of the Virgin Mary, and who shall say to the contrary, let him be accursed: Counsel of Trent. 1550. attempted before 1212, but opposed.   

Popish Reasons.  
Matthew 17. Christ transfigured his Body upon the Mount: Ergo he is able to exhibit his Body under the forms of Bread and Wine. Ans. The question is not so much of his power, as of his will. Psal. 135. 6. Whatsoever the Lord would, that did he in heaven and earth.  
The second place, job. 2. 7. He turned water into Wine: then we need not doubt how he turned the Bread into his Body. Answer. In turning Water into Wine, he left it to the judgement of our senses, etc. But Popish Recusants do not feel the raw flesh of Christ's Body, though they teach, they tear it with their teeth: and to feed upon accidents, is no nourishment. Again, Transubstantiation overturneth the very Supper of our Lord: for in every Sacrament, there must be a Sign. Again, it taketh away the nourishment of the Soul unto eternal life; for in Transubstantiation there remaineth only the fleshly body of Christ. Council of Constance. As the flesh of our Lord was united, by the Spirit, to the divine nature: so the Bread of the Eucharist, the image of his flesh, being sanctified by the coming of the Holy-Ghost, is become the divine Body. Again, they hold the Bread consecrated, though not spent at once, but reserved and kept in boxes, pipes, and other vessels of the Church, for days, weeks, and months, to be carried to the sick, or other uses, are still the very Body and Blood of Christ. Counsel of Trent. Sess. 13. cap. 47. Then, though it should stink, or grow full of worms, or dogs or Mice eat it, yet it is his Body. Thus Christ's Body must be subject to these inconveniences. Also it is bound again as in his grave, or worse pinched, against the nature of a fleshly body. There was no public Law for this device, until the Counsel of Latterane, under Pope Innocent the third, Anno Christi 1215. Whereupon, in this, as in the rest, we conclude with the Scriptures, and Fathers; that the mystical signs after Consecration lose not their proper nature. Theodoret. Gelasius Bishop of Rome, with others. So as our doctrine is more ancient, as from Christ, his Apostles and Scriptures. See the fruits of Transubstantiation in the History of Gregory the seaventh, who cast the Host into the fire, because it would give no answer.   

Against Images.  
Papists make a great difference between an Image and an Idol: 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, say they, is the true similitude of a thing; but 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, in Latin, Similacrum; doth represent that which it is not: as were the Idols of Venus and Minerva, women-gods, mere devised things of the heathen. Images, say they, we have, but no Idols. Bellar. cap. 5. Their proofs 1 Cor. 10. 19 An Idol is nothing, that is, representeth nothing, such were the heathen Idols. But the place is not so to be understood: for so he saith of the things that are offered unto them, which were not made to represent any thing; neither were it needful to shun Idol sacrifice, or to abhor the Image, but that they are abused, and turned to the service of Idols, as it followeth there, verse 20. Therefore it is not said to be nothing, or offensive being but wood, or stone, or such like, but because it is abused to Idolatry. Again, all the pictures of the Heathen were not Idols in this sense, because they represented nothing; For jupiter, Mars, Apollo, Hercules, whose Images they had, were men sometime living. Moreover, they have Images representing nothing; as of Angels, of God the Father, and of the Holy-Ghost, which have no shape, or likeness. Deuter. 4. 15. 16. Exod. 33. 20. Micha. 5. 13. where Idols and Images are alike condemned. So have they also imagined Saints, as Saint George, and Saint Christopher: for there were never any such. And the Pope himself commanded them to be put out of the decretals. See Pope Marcellus 2. Paul 2. and therefore they have Idols by their own interpretation, as well as the Heathen: but indeed there is no such difference in the Greek names, which are indifferently taken in Scripture, Romans 1. 23. Paul calleth the Gentiles, Idols, Images. They turned the glory of the immortal God into the Image of a corruptible man, birds, beasts, etc. The word there is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉: Again, Reuel. 9 20. speaketh of them that continued to worship Devils, and Idols of gold and silver, etc. it must needs be meant of Papists. We deny not Images for civil uses, Luke 20. 24. or such as God hath commanded to be used, but to be used in the worship of God, or in Temples, we utterly deny, Exod. 20. 4. Thou shalt make to thyself no graved Image, nor the likeness etc. If they say, as before, of any false gods, they have their answer before; and the Roman Catechism, on the second Commandment, saith it must be understood of the true jehova, and it forbids us to resemble God, either in his nature, property, or works, Deut. 4. 15. Exodus 40. 18. To whom will ye liken God? or what similitude will ye set up unto him? Psal. 97. 7. Confounded be all they that worship graved Images: worship him all ye gods. Tertul. de Idolis cap. 3. saith, That every form or representation, is to be termed an Idol. And Isiod. etenim libr. 8. saith, that the heathen used the names of Image & Idol, indifferently, in one, and the same signification, Acts 7. 41. Stephen called the golden Calf an Idol. Hier. saith that Idols are Images of dead men. Lactantius, li. 2. cap. 19 saith, Where Images are for Religion, there is no Religion. Epiphanius saith, It is against the authority of the Scriptures, to see the Image of Christ, or of any Saint hanging in the Church. Epist. ad johannem jerusalom. And further he saith, in the seaventh Counsel of Constantinople: Be mindful (beloved children) not to bring Images into the Church, etc. nor let them be suffered in common houses; for it is not meet a Christian should be occupied by the eyes, but by the meditation of the mind. To conclude this point, 1 john 5. verse 21. Babes, keep yourselves from Images. Papists object, they do not worship the Image; then do they not obey the Pope's Decrees: for in the second Counsel of Nice, it was decreed, That the Image of God should be worshipped with the same honour, that God himself was worshipped, 787. years after Christ. Rheims Testament in the Annotations upon the Acts, cha. 17. verse 29. do allow the Image of God to be pictured like an old man, with grey hairs, in their Churches; against Scriptures, and Fathers. But in the fourth Counsel of Constantinople the 7. general, before the Nicene thirty nine years, under Constantine the fift Emperor, it was decreed: If any man from henceforth, shall dare to make him an Image, to worship it in the Church, or set it up in his house, or keep it secretly; if he be of the Clergy, let him be deposed; if a Lay man, accursed be he, Anno 748. So as, do they worship the Image, or God, in, or before the Image, they are condemned by Scripture, Antiquity, Counsels and Fathers, whatsoever reasons they have to the contrary, as idle, and to no purpose. For Counsels, where at one was 330 Bishops, etc. Kings, Emperors, with the advice of their Bishops, and learned men, have condemned Images; though the latter Popes, with the former, to maintain their pomp, and keep the people occupied, have taken from them Gods Book, and have set them up these, as Babes to play withal, and to keep them in perpetual blindness.   

Worshipping of Saints, and Prayers to them.  
The Papists teach, That Saints departed, are with great profit and piety called upon, and prayed unto; and that it is not only lawful, but godly so to do. Rhemists 1. Tim. 2. Sect. 4. Bellarm. cap. 19 De Sanctorum beati. But they say they pray to them as Intercessors only: neither do they make them immediate Intercessors, but through Christ; concluding their prayers, Per Christum Dominum nostrum. Bellarmin. Answer. This is not true; for you desire not them only to pray for you, but to have mercy on you. As, O blessed Mary, have mercy upon us, preserve thy servants, etc. Gabriel Beet, one of your own, is not ashamed to write, That God hath divided his Kingdom, reserving justice to himself, hath left mercy to the virgin Marie; and a blasphemous Hymn: By the right of a Mother, Command the Redeemer. Epiphanius saith, Let Mary be had in honour, but let the Father, Son, and Holy-Ghost be adored: Let no man adore Mary, etc. Haeres. 79. Again, it is false that they always conclude their prayers, Per Christum Dominum nostrum: For, in that blasphemous prayer of Thomas, they pray: 
Thou by the blood of Thomas, which he for us did spend,  
Make us (O Christ) to climb where Thomas did ascend.   
Hear they ask eternal life, by the blood of Thomas: So some of the company have abused the Psalms, and the Lords Prayer, by placing our Lady, and other Saints in the room of God.  
Papists places, Exod. 32. 13. Moses prayer. Remember Abraham, Isaac, and jacob, thy servants. Moses (say they) hopeth to have his prayer heard by their merits. Bellarmine. Answer. Moses rehearseth only the Covenant made to them, and their seed, as it followeth there; Moses therefore pleadeth not their merits, but Gods promise to them. Again (say they) the Saints on earth desire one another's prayers, Romans 15. 30. Ephesians 6. 18. Colossians 4. 3. Ergo: much more may we desire the prayers of the Saints departed. Bellarmine. Answer. To pray one for another, hath a Commandment, the Lords prayer. Our Father, etc. and in other places of Scripture: It is a duty of charity: But to request the Prayers of Saints departed, hath no warrant. Again, we pray one for another here, because we know one another's necessities. Prayer is to be made to God only, (and to no creature beside) as a principal part of his worship, Esay 42. 8. My glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graved images. Romans 10. 14. How shall they call upon him on whom they have not believed? but we must believe only in God; Ergo: no prayer to be made, but to him. The Rhemists say they believe in our Lady: Ergo, they may pray to her. Answer. Cursed are they that put any confidence in man, etc. jeremy 17. 5. Again, Hebr. 4. 16. we are willed to go with boldness to the Throne of grace; that we may receive mercy, and find grace to help in the time of need: Ergo, no need of Saint's invocation. Augustine saith: He for whom no man prayeth, but himself intreateth for all; he is the only Mediator: Ergo Saints are not to be prayed unto, lib. 2. contra Permin. cap. 8. Nicen Counsel 2. artic. 2. Tharasius Precedent of the Counsel saith; We do plainly testify that we repose and refer our faith, and trust only in God: Ergo, in no Saints or Angels. That the Saints pray for us, they allege these places, 2 Pet. 1. 15. I will endeavour therefore always, that ye also may be able to have remembrance of these things after my departure: where he promiseth, saith the Rhemists, and Bellarmine cap. 18. to be careful, and to pray for them after his departure. This the Apostle performeth, in writing this Epistle, that they may remember the things that he taught them, when he was gone from them, not to pray unto him after he was dead, or he to pray for them: For in verse 13. he saith, I think it meet, so long as I am in this Tabernacle, to stir you up, by putting you in remembrance: Ergo, not after his dissolution. Again, they allege the Revelation 5. 8. The four and twenty Elders are said to have golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of the Saints, Rhemists: Ergo, The Saints pray for us. Answer. This teacheth us not that Saints pray for us, and therefore we must pray to them: But this is an action of the whole Church of God Triumphant, and Militant, which do offer up their prayers, and thankes givings of sweet odour unto Christ, out of the sanctified vials of their holy hearts, prophesied by Malachy 3. verses 3. 4. See Irenaeus lib. 4. cap. 33. and 34. Again, Tertull. lib. 4. contra Marcianum. Psal. 141. 2. Let my prayers be directed in thy sight, as the incense, and the lifting up of my hands, as the evening Sacrifice. See 1 Peter 2. 9 speaking to the people, saith, You are a royal Priesthood, etc. The Saints in heaven pray not for any man in particular, Esay 63. 16. The Church saith to God, Doubtless thou art our Father, though Abraham be ignorant of us, and Israel knows us not. Now if Abraham, nor Israel, so great Patriarches, than not Mary, Peter, Paul, etc. Augustine out of the words of Esay above, saith, If so great Patriarches were ignorant what became of the people which were borne of their loins, how is it like that other dead can be present, to understand, and to be helping to men's affairs? Psalm 73. verse 25. Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none on earth, etc. Again, If the souls of the dead were present at the affairs of the living, my devout Mother would never a night be from me, who followed me in her life, etc. Again, Tractat. john 22. This saith thy Saviour. Thou hast no whither to go but to me: Thou hast no way to go but by me. Again, 1 john 21. If any man sin, etc. Upon these words he saith. He said not, Ye have; but being such an Apostle, said, We have. Chrysostome de defectu Euangel. saith, Thou hast no need of Patrons, to go to God, that thou shouldest search out others: But though thou be alone, and want a patron, and by thyself; Pray unto God, and thou shalt obtain thy desire. Thus we conclude our religion in this point, to be more ancient, and true than theirs; as grounded upon Christ, the Apostles, and Scriptures.   

Purgatory.  
Papists affirm, that there is a certain infernal place in the earth called Purgatory, in the which, as in a prisonhouse, the souls which were not fully purged in this life, are there cleansed and purged by fire, before they can be received into heaven. Bellarm. De Purgator. Rhemists, Matth. 12. Sect 9 The proofs Zachar. 9 11. Thou hast loosened thy prisoners out of the pit, wherein was no water. Psal. 66. 12. We went through fire and water, etc. These, and such like places are alleged. For the place of Zacharie, the jesuite hath alleged it already; for Lymbus patrum, and now he maketh it serve for Purgatory. But Purgatory and Lymbus patrum, are divers, and contrary things. For Lymbus patrum was only for those (as they say) that lived before Christ, but Purgatory began since. Lymbus was void of pain, and punishment, as they confess; so is not Purgatory. So as the place cannot signify both. But they wrist Scripture at pleasure. Indeed the place intendeth no such thing: but it setteth forth the afflictions, and miseries of this life. For so Augustine De Civitate Dei, cap. 35. By the pit without water, he understandeth the dry and barren dungeon of humane misery, where there is no spring of justice, but the puddle and mire of iniquity, that is, the Prophet speaketh of the deliverance of the people from their cruel and unjust bondage. Again, out of the Psalm 86. 13. Thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest grave. What else (saith he) is the lowest pit or grave, but the lowest degree of misery? etc. 1 Corinth. 3. 13. is their main place for Purgatory. The fire shall try every man's work. If any man's work burn, he shall suffer loss, but he shall save himself: yet as it were thorough fire. Bellarmine, by Fire understandeth the flames of Purgatory; by wood, stubble, straw, he understandeth sins, which must be purged by fire. Answer. By the precious matter is not understood the works of Charity, but the preaching of sound doctrine, by straw, and other combustible matter, is meant the affectation of eloquence, and corrupt teaching of the truth: yet holding the foundation: Not venial sins, as they affirm; and this Bellarmine also granteth. Secondly, Fire in this place is taken allegorically; that is, by way of resemblance, as the rest of the words: neither can it be taken of their Purgatory, because it trieth the works only, not the persons, as well the best matter as the base. But all shall not pass thorough Purgatory, by their own confession: and therefore they shift it off with a double sense, verse 13. the fire they take for God's sentence: in the verse 15. for the flames of Purgatory. As if in Allegories the same words and place should admit a double sense. The day shall declare it: Bellarmine saith, The day of Christ's coming; Rhemists understand it, the particular day of every man's death: so well they agree together. But the meaning is apparent, that the day, that is, the time shall declare it: for God hath apppointed a time, to examine every man's doctrine by fire; which is nothing else, but the judgement of God, by the fire of his word: whereby every man in the day of his calling and conversion shall know whether he hath preached aright, or no.  
We acknowledge no such place as Purgatory; as a third place, but Heaven, or Hell, according to the Scriptures. Our purgation is in this life, afflictions, and faith in the blood of Christ, 1 john 1. 7. Christ's blood purgeth us from all our sins. Hebr. 9 14. It purgeth our consciences from dead works. We acknowledge but two sorts of men, Ecclesiast. 12. 14. good, or bad, He that believeth, shall be saved; he that believeth not, shall be damned. Mark 10. 16. Luke 16. 26. john 3. 30. Augustine consenteth with us, saying; There is no middle or third place: but he must needs be with the Devil, that is not with Christ, Lib. 1. cap. De Pecc. remiss. Again, the third place besides heaven, and hell, we are utterly ignorant of: nay, we find not in Scripture that there is any. Item, 2 Corint. 5. 10. Apocal. 14. 13. Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord, they rest from their labours: Ergo, no Purgatory. August. Homil. 50. Tom. 10. After this life there remains no compunction, no satisfaction. Again, August. Enchirid. cap. 115. Hear is all remission of sins. Hear be tentations that move us to sin: Lastly, here is the evil from which we desire to be delivered: but there is none of all these. Again, we are not here without sin, but we shall go hence without sin: Ergo, no need of Purgatory. De verbis Apostoli Serm. 3. Cirill. libr. 3. upon Esay saith: They which are once dead, can add nothing to the things which they have done, but shall remain as they were left, and wait for the time of the last judgement. Chrysostom. ad populum Antiochenum, Homil. 22. saith: After the end of this life, there is no occasion of merits. Hebrews 1. 3. Christ hath purged our sins, by himself. Counsel Aquisgrane, lib. 1. cap. 1. speaketh of the punishments, two in this life, one in the life to come, most grievous. Of the two here the Apostle speaketh: If we would judge ourselves, we should not be, etc. The first is the punishment wherein every sinner taketh revenge of himself: The second, but when we are judged of God, we are chastised, etc. This is the punishment which God in mercy doth lay upon sinners in this world. The third is most fearful and terrible; not in this world, but in the next. Depart from me, etc. Ergo, no Purgatory. The Papists can never agree of the place, nor continuance of time, how long? And thus we still conclude, that their doctrine is Antichristian, condemned by Scripture, and all antiquity, and Fathers.   

Merits.  
By Merits we understand any thing, or work, whereby God's favour, and life eternal, from the dignity of the work binding God, etc. Merits are twofold: one of the person, another of the work. Of the person dying after Baptism: Of the work, by the condignity, yea more, Supererrogation. I omit their idle and blasphemous speeches, and proofs, and come to the Answer. We renounce all personal merits of any mere man: therefore of Infants that cannot work; also of works done by them: Only we acknowledge Christ's works to merit, which are made ours by imputation. But Papists will be saved by their own works. See Exod. chap. 20. 8. I will show mercy to them that love me, and keep my commandments: If these must have mercy, who can plead merits? Romans 6. 23. The wages of sin is death, but eternal life is the gift of God, thorough jesus Christ. Ephes. 2. 8. 10. By grace ye are saved through faith, not of yourselves: it is the gift of God, &c. Romans 8. 18. The sufferings of this life are not worthy, etc. Titus 3. 5. We are saved, not by works which we wrought, but according to his mercy, etc. Merit hath no place where mercy is required. See Fathers. Bernard. Those which we call Merits, are the way to the Kingdom, not the cause of reigning. Augustine, All my hope is in the death of my Lord: His death is my merit, my merit is the passion of my Lord. Manuel, chapter two and twenty. Again: He crowneth thee, because he crowneth his own gifts, not thy merits. Psalm 120. Again, Lord, thou wilt quicken me, in thy justice, not in mine; not because I have deserved it, but because thou hast had compassion, Ps. 142. See more in the title of justification. Thus I cease to follow them in their idle discourses: concluding our Doctrine to be more ancient, as from Christ, the Apostles, Scriptures, and Fathers.  
They object places of Scripture for reward. Answer. Reward is twofold, either of merit, or of mercy. Life everlasting is not of merit, but of mercy. Secondly, they object merits by covenant, Do this, and thou shalt live. Solut. No man can do this: Ergo: a legal Covenant condemneth all men. Again, there is an Evangelicall covenant, this promise is made, not to the work, but to the person, to his faith, laying hold on Christ, Believe, and thou shalt be saved, Mark 16. 16. Acts 8. 37. and 16. 31.  
Now to conclude this point for Doctrine, as before of the lives of the Popes. I will use the Argument our Saviour Christ used against the Scribes and pharisees, who saying they had Abraham to their father, john 8. 39 answered; If ye were the children of Abraham, ye would do the deeds of Abraham: So say I, if the Popes be Peter's successors, concerning Doctrine, they would show it, in teaching Doctrine agreeable to Scriptures, etc. But this they do not. For Peter taught justification by faith in Christ alone, as the rest of the Apostles; and Christ himself, and have left the same written in Scriptures, for our instruction and imitation. See title of justification.  
Again, Peter, Christ, and the Apostles, and Scriptures, teach only two Sacraments of the new testament: But they teach seven; contrary to Christ, Peter, and the Apostles. See title of Sacraments the number. Moreover, Christ instituted Baptism: the outward sign whereof is only Water; and the form to baptise, In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. Peter, the Apostles, and Evangelists rested in this: and left the same written in Scripture: but the Pope and Papists, use a number of idle ceremonies, contrary to Peter's practice, the Apostles, and Scriptures. See title of Baptism.  
Again, for the Sacrament of the Lords Supper: In the Supper, Christ used in the Institution thereof bread and wine, as outward signs of his body, and his precious blood, shed in remembrance: but these will use but one outward sign, bread alone. Again, they will have Christ bodily present in the Sacrament, and will utterly abolish the signs, by Transubstantiation, a toy of their own devising, so as no bread shall remain, contrary to common sense, against Christ, Peter, and Scripture. See Real presence, Supper, and Transubstantiation; and so they utterly destroy the Sacrament.  
Again, we teach, no Images to be used in God's service, either public or private, according to the second Commandment, Scripture, and Churches practise, four hundred years after Christ, and ever contradicted since: but they justify Image-seruice, as laymen's books, and the service of God, directly contrary to Scriptures. See title of Images. We teach, that God only is to be worshipped; neither Saints, nor Angels, and that God is rob of his honour, by how much is given unto them, etc. according to Peter, the Apostles, and Scripture. They directly teach the contrary, as derogatory to the office of Christ. See title of Worship of Saints. We teach according to Scripture: No Purgatory, nor Purgation for sin, but the blood of Christ in this life, according to Peter, the Apostles, & Scriptures. But they teach a Purgatory, to purge sins after death. See title of Purgatory. We teach, that neither person nor work, can merit, but the immaculate person of Christ, God & Man; and his innocent works, without sin. They contrary teach: Merit of person, and works, amongst sinful men. See title of Merits. To omit many other Popish points of erroneous doctrine, we conclude as before: That the Pope is no way Peter's successor; but an Heretic, and plain Antichrist, foretell by the Apostle, 2 Thessal. 2. 4. Which sitteth as God in the Temple of God, boasting himself, that he is God.    

Arguments to prove the Pope Anti-christ.  
And first, their silly reasons to the contrary.  
The late Counsel of Lateran 1517. commanded all Preachers, they should not meddle, nor dare once to speak of the coming of Anti-christ: which argueth a guilty Conscience.  

Now observe their Arguments to prove the Pope, not to be Anti christ.  

1. Argument: Anti christ is but one man, but the Popes have been many: Ergo.  
2. Antichrist shall reign but 3. years, and a half: but the Popes have reigned many hundreds of years: Ergo, not Anti-christ.  
3. Antichrist shall be known by name, but the Pope hath sundry names: Ergo, not Anti-christ.  
4. He must come of the stock of the jews; but never was any jew Pope: Ergo, etc.  
5. His Seat must be at jerusalem: but the Pope's Seat is at Rome: Ergo, not Anti-christ.  
6. He shall manifestly deny Christ, so doth not the Pope (say they:) Ergo, etc.  
7. He shall do strange miracles, bring fire from heaven, cause Images to speak: so doth not: Ergo.  
8. He shall wage great battle, and conqu●… all the world: these agree not with the Pope: Ergo, the Pope is not Anti-christ. See the answer of these in D. Willet Synopsis. fol. 273. in quarto.    

Now, to prove the Pope to be Anti-christ, we need look for no further proof, than the Scripture: he being so lively described there, which we trust shall appear evident to all men. Note well the places.  
1. DAn. 11. which contains a Prophecy of the kingdoms which should be enemies unto the Church of God; verse 3. of Greece; verse 5. of Egypt; verse 28. of Syria; verse 36. of the Romans, under Antiochus, Epiphanes, by whom the Pope is figured, it is said; He shall do what he will. This is most true of the Pope, his will must stand for reason. Distinct. 96. cap. Satis. If the Pope shall draw infinite souls to hell, no man is to say unto him; Sir, why do you so? In like manner, where he took the Cup from the Laity, in receiving the Lords Supper; it is heresy to speak against it, non obstante, that is, though Christ did institute it so: Again, the Pope may not be judged, for he is called, Our Lord God the Pope Look Decrees 96. They say, God, and the Pope have all one Consistory: therefore the Pope may do what he will, verse 37. It is said, He shall not care for the God of his Fathers: No more doth the Pope; for he hath invented, and erected a new breaden god, which his fathers never knew. Nor, for the desires of women, for he hath prohibited lawful marriage; and permitteth adultery, and Sodometry. Nor, care for any God, for he shall magnify himself above all: So doth the Pope: Ergo, Antichrist.  
2 Argument: 2 Thessal. 2. 4. Paul's description in every point is verified in the Pope: He shall exalt himself above God: and every thing, etc. So the Pope hath challenged the full authority of Christ (as before) and exalteth himself above Emperors, and Kings, which are called Gods upon earth: yea, the Pope hath calculated the difference between him and them, saying, the Pope is 47. degrees above the Emperor; as the Sun is 47. degrees bigger than the Moon. Innocent the third in his Decretals. Moreover, He shall sit in the Temple, that is, in the Church, and hath the Keys (as he boasteth) of heaven, and hell, verse 9 Anti-christ shall come with lying signs. So doth the Pope, etc. verse 11. God shall send strong illusions: Never so strong as in Popery; as the father persecuteth the son: & è contra: Husbands their Wives, Masters their Servants; & è contra; verse 3. Anti-christ is called the man of Sin, and a wicked man. Where shall we find more wickedness then in the Popes? Some Conjurers, Silvester the second; some in league with the Devil, Alexander the sixth; whoremongers, incestuous, Sodomites, blasphemers: Ergo, Anti-christs. See before, the Conclusion of the Pope's lives. fol. 78.  
3. Argument: Reuel. 8. 10. He is a Star fallen from Heaven. So the Pope is departed from the ancient faith of Rome, to superstition, and idolatry, he hath the keys of the bottomless pit. Who but the Pope giveth the Crosskeys? who (saith he) may carry down to hell with him Chariots loaden with souls? cap. Si Papa. Distinct. 42. vers. 3. Locusts arising out of the bottomless pit: that is, innumerable swarms of begging Friars, jesuites: Ergo, Antichrist.  
4. Argument: Reuel. 17. 5. The seat of Antichrist is described, in her forehead a name written, a Mystery, Great Babylon, that is, Rome, the Commander (at that time) of all the world. And after the Emperor's declining, the Pope, which commandeth Emperors and Kings, verse 3. The seven heads are seven mountains, so is Rome built upon seven mountains, etc. Ergo, the Pope Antichrist.  
5. Argument: 1 john 2. 22. Who is a liar, the same is Antichrist, that denyeth the Father and the Son. Who but the Pope that exalteth himself against all that is called God: dispensing against the law of Nature: against the precepts of the old and new Testament. Vide Willet. fol. 282.  
6. Argument: 2 Thess. 2. 24. An Adversary, etc. The Pope is an adversary in doctrine, living and teaching clean contrary to the Doctrine of Christ, and living clean contrary to Christ, and his Apostles. See before, for life, and doctrine.  
7. Argument: Revelat. 17. 1. Anti-christ is called the Great Whoore. So, Anno Christi 853. There was a right whore elected Pope, called john the eight; but it fell out to be joane, big with child. See the Story before. fol. 16. She sat two years and six months; though some left her out of the Catalogue for shame, as Marian▪ Scotus writeth.  
8. Argument: Reuel. 13. 11. This place plainly describeth Anti-christ: which succeeded the Roman Emperor, as vile, verse 12. and as powerful.   

See the Fathers.  
BErnard saith, The beast in the Apocalypse, unto whom is given a mouth, to speak blasphemies, occupieth Peter's Chair. Epist. 125.  
joachim Abbas saith, Anti-christ was lately borne at Rome: upon the Revel. lib. 10. part. 5.  
The Bishops in the Counsel of Rainspurge saith thus: Hildebrand the Pope, under the colour of Religion, laid the foundation of Anti-christ.  
Gregory the first, and the best of all the Bishops of Rome, that followed, saith: I do confidently affirm, that whosoever doth call himself Universal Bishop, or desire so to be called, is the forerunner of Anti-christ in his pride. Anno Christi 591.  
Bernard upon the words of Christ, Matth. 10. 42. The Lords of the Nations reign, etc. but it shall not be so among you: saith to Pope Eugenius; It is plain that here dominion is forbidden the Apostles. Go to then, dare, & ye will, to take upon you ruling an Apostleship: or in your Apostleship rule, or dominion. If you will have both alike, you shall lose both: Otherwise you must not think yourself exempt from the number of them, of whom the Lord complaineth thus. They have reigned, but not of me; they have been, but I have not known them. De consideratione ad Eugenium. lib. 2.  
Chrysostome upon 2 Thess. 3. 4. 6. Hom. 4. As long as the Empire shall be had in awe, no man shall straightly submit himself to Anti-christ: but after the Empire shall be dissolved, Anti-christ shall invade the state of the Empire: it standing void, he shall labour to pull unto himself the Empire both of man, and God. Who seethe not at this day the Empire dissolved, and the Pope even Anti-christ to domineer over Emperors & Kings?  
Hilary ad Auxentium. Hierome ad Algasiam, question. 11. and Oecumenius upon 2 Thessal. 2. will not admit that Anti-christ should sit at jerusalem, but in the Church of God.  
For the most part, all Princes and Bishops in Germany, and Italy, have published and called Gregory the seaventh, and john the two and twentieth Anti-christ. Auentinus. Anal. lib. 5. & 7.  
See the sentence of Pope Adrian the fourth, fol. 17. against the Popes. See Clement the seaventh, fol. 27. where the Popes call one another Anti-christ. Let them be judged from their own mouths.    

Thus having (through God's mercy) brought this business to an end, further than I ever intended it. And seeing it pleased not God to give it that effect, whereunto I laboured, in the particular, yet it may please him so to bless and prosper it, as it shall not return in vain unto him; which hath seen my desire, my labour, and study (in mine old age) for them that are not yet called. Unto whom I most humbly commend my Labour, and them to be blessed of him. Exhorting all the true Successors of Peter, I mean the Pastors of Congregations: to have a care of their lives and Doctrine, that so labouring together faithfully, to gather into one, the Sheep that are scattered abroad, into the fold of JESUS CHRIST, when the great Shepherd shall appear, we may give up an account with joy, and not with grief, saying; These are those (LORD) which thou hast given me. To whom be ascribed of us, all glory, praise, power, and thanksgiving, for ever and ever:  
Amen.   
FINIS.