OPPOSITIONS OF THE WORD OF GOD, TOGETHER WITH THE DOCTRINE OF THE ROMAN CHURCH. Moreover, what points are held by the same Church, which she hideth from those whom she meaneth to draw to her faction. Written by PETER MOULEINE, Minister of the word of God in Paris, and translated by A. S. LONDON Printed by WILLIAM STANSBY for Richard Moor, and are to be sold at his shop in Saint Dunstanes Churchyard in Fleetstreet, 1610. To the Reader. GEntle Reader, both the Argument of this short Treatise (the better part of which consisteth in Oppositions, which the more plainly they be set down, the more clearly they appear) and the purpose of the Author (who made it for the unlearned) hath made me to abstain from the flowers of Rhetoric in the translation thereof, wholly applying myself to express the Author's meaning, as knowing that there is nothing here but for the simple, who ought rather to be instructed then delighted in matters of Religion. Pardon the translator hereof, that he nameth not himself, since that he had rather purchase profit to others, than vainglory to himself. The name of the Author is a sufficient patronage for the book, who is so acute, and subtle in controversies of Religion, that he never disputeth, but withal he refuteth. Many books have been written of this Subject, but none as yet so fitted to the capacity of the vulgar, neither comprehended in so few leaves. Here are no nice distinctions to distract the ignorant, but only those Papistical errors are here showed, which are repugnant to the written verity. Let intention accompany thee in reading, discretion in judging, gratulation in profiting: and if thou be'st profited, then shall I count myself to have well translated. Farewell. Thine or not thine, A. S. OPPOSITIONS OF THE WORD OF GOD, TOGEther with the Doctrine of the Roman Church. I cannot rank myself with the Roman Church, because she teacheth things disagreeing with the word of God, contained in the holy Scriptures. I. GOD forbiddeth to add any thing to Deutro. 4. 2. his word: ¶ The Roman Church in way of contradiction doth add many things thereunto: as invocation of Saints, adoration of Images, the Communion under one Species or kind, a prohibition to eat flesh upon certain days; prayer in a tongue not understood of the people, the satisfaction of Saints for the sins of others, the single life of Priests, confirmation, Auricular confession, the deliverance of souls out of the fire of Purgatory by the indulgences of the Pope, the jubilee at the end of every five & twenty years for the remission of all sins, pardons for a hundred thousand years and more, the Lymbus for Infants: the institution of Mass Priests, who vaunt that they sacrifice jesus Christ, pilgrimages to visit relics, the divers charges given to Saints, as to one to cure the toothache, to another to be patron of the Shoemakers, to another to govern Spain, or France. Particular Masses, said in a corner of the Church, at the request of some particular man who payeth for them, Masses without Communion, and without assistants: Masses for the corn, herds of cattle, etc. The holy beads which are distributed to procure a hundred years pardon of sin. The Agnus Dei which the Pope sanctifieth, giving them virtue and power against the devil, and against sin, the custom to baptize bells, ships, etc. And a thousand such follies, of the which there is not so much as one word extant in the word of God. II. God forbiddeth to diminish his word, or take any thing Deutro. 4. 2. from it. ¶ On the contrary side, the Church of Rome hath taken away the second commandment of God, out of the Canons of the Mass, in the which is contained an express prohibition to make any resemblance of any thing, which is in heaven above, and in the earth beneath, in way of worship. With the like impudency have they took from the Bible Gen. 3. 15. these words: that the seed of the woman (namely jesus Christ) should bruise the head of the serpent: saying, that it should be read thus, that the woman shall bruise the head of the serpent: giving that honour to the virgin Mary, which is due to our Saviour jesus Christ. III. Saint Paul saith, that the holy Scriptures are able to make 2. Timoth. 3. 15. us wise unto salvation: ¶ On the contrary side, the Church of Rome teacheth that the word of God is insufficient to declare the truth: that it was not instituted to be the rule of our See the 3. verity of Charron, & Bellarmine de verbo non Scripto, and the Bishop of Eureux in his book of traditions. Rom. 11. 21. and 22. faith: that it is but a piece, or part of that rule. And that it is not the principal, and sovereign judge in doubts and controversies of Religion: but that this prerogative of right belongeth to the Church of Rome. FOUR The Apostle S. Paul in his Epistle to the Romans, threateneth the Church of Rome, that she should be cut off, if she persevered not, or if she grew high minded. ¶ On the contrary part, the Church of Rome at this present day vaunteth, that she cannot err: and that her head, to wit the Pope, cannot become an heretic. V God doth exhort us to read the holy Scriptures, not that Revel. 1. 3. 2 Pet. 1. 19 Acts. 17. 11. excepted which is most obscure in them, as the Revelation, and the Prophets. ¶ On the contrary side, in the Church of Rome the people are not permitted to read the holy Scriptures, lest they become heretics; neither do they suffer the word to be read in a tongue understood of the people. VI The Apostle S. Paul would have us pray and speak in the 1. Corinth. 14. Church, in a tongue understood of the assistants; and saith, that he had rather pronounce in the Church five words with understanding, than ten thousand in a tongue not understood. ¶ On the contrary part, in the Church of Rome the divine service is said in an unknown tongue, and the people are accustomed to pray to God without knowing what they say: from whence it cometh to pass, that oftentimes they say a Pater noster, before the Image of S. Nicholas, or S. Roch, and say an ave Maria, as if it were a prayer. VII. The same Apostle holdeth it a thing impossible for a man Rom. 10. 14. to call upon him, in whom he believes not, saying, how will they call upon him in whom they have not believed? and all the prayers of the holy Scripture are addressed to God: ¶ On the contrary side, in the Church of Rome they invoke them, in whom they believe not, and address their prayers to the creature. VIII. The holy Scripture teacheth us, that God alone knoweth 1. Kings. 8. 39 and searcheth the hearts of men. ¶ On the contrary side, the Church of Rome telleth us, that the Saints know our hearts, and thoughts. IX. The holy Scripture presenteth jesus Christ, as him who 1. Timoth. 2. 5. Acts 4. 12. hath given himself a ransom for us: and moreover saith that salvation belongeth to him alone. ¶ On the contrary side in the Roman Church it is taught, that the Saints and Quorum precibus, meritisque In the Canon of the mass. Monks have done and suffered more than they ought, and beyond their duty, for the payment and absolution of the punishment due to their sins, and that this overplus serveth for the payment and acquitting of other men's sins: wherefore in the Mass and prayers of the Church of Rome, they pray not only to God, through the intercession of Saints, but also ground their demands upon their merits. X. Saint Paul saith, that every one carrieth his own burden. Galat. 6. 5. ¶ On the contrary side in the Church of Rome they teach, that by fasting, afflicting ourselves, and giving to the Church, we may bear the pain due to the sins of our friends, as also that we may shorten their torment in Purgatory. XI. The holy scripture terms jesus Christ our only advocate and mediator, who sitting at the right hand of God maketh 1. john 2. 1. 1 Timoth. 2. 5. Rom. 8. 33. Rom. 5. 10. intercession for us, and who loveth us with a Sovereign love, even to thrust himself into the jaws of death to save his enemies. ¶ On the contrary side, the Roman Church setteth him forth like a severe judge, full of wrath and This is to be seen in the virgin Maries Psalter. indignation against us, till the Virgin Mary standing before him, appease his anger, and turn his indignation from us. XII. God in his law forbiddeth all men to represent him by any Deut. 4 15. and 16. resemblance or picture whatsoever. ¶ On the contrary side the Church of Rome painteth forth the Trinity most grossly. XIII. God forbiddeth in his law to bow before the likeness or similitude of things, that are in heaven above or in the earth Exod. 20. 4 & 5. beneath it. ¶ On the contrary side, in the Church of Rome they kneel before the Images of Saints, do reverence to them, carry them in procession, cloth them, put them on clean caps every holiday, light candles by them: and to show some holiness to be in the Image, they will have of one and the self same Saint many Images, one of the which shall be visited, and honoured, another abandoned and forsaken. XIIII. The Apostle S. Paul saith, that whatsoever is done without faith, is sin. ¶ On the contrary side in the Church of Rom. 14. 23. Rome they teach, that those, who are Infidels, and without faith, do nevertheless good works, and merit by them, which they call merits of congruity. XV. The holy Scripture speaking of man, not regenerate, and Gen. 6. 5. Ephes. 2. 1. as he is in his own nature, saith, that all the thoughts of man are at all times evil, and that he is dead in sin, and that we cannot so much as will what is good. ¶ On the contrary side in the Church of Rome they teach, that man not regenerate, hath free-will, and hath the power to choose what is good. XVI. Saint Paul calleth the concupiscence which remaineth in Rom. 7. 7. In the Counsel of Trent. Sess. 5. the faithful, sin. ¶ On the contrary part the Church of Rome teacheth, that it is not sin. XVII. The holy Scripture saith, that there is no man without sin, and that we all fail, and fall in many things: and jesus 1. Kin. 8. 46. jam. 2 Job 7. 20. Psal. 51. 6. & 7. Rom. 7. In the summary of the law. Christ commandeth his Apostles, and us all, to repeat this often, Forgive us our trespasses: job, David, S. Paul acknowledge themselves to be sinners. ¶ On the contrary side in the Church of Rome they teach, that man can fulfil the law, and by consequence, be without sin: nay, which is more, they teach that man can do more, than God commandeth in his law to be done: although he command us to serve him with all our hearts, with all our souls, & with all our might. XVIII The Apostle Saint Paul saith, that all our sins are forgiven Col. 2. 13. 1. joh. 1. 7. us freely, or as we commonly say, gratis, and that the blood of jesus Christ doth cleanse us from all our sins. ¶ On the contrary side, in the Church of Rome they teach that our sins are not forgiven us freely: but that we must pay satisfaction for them, and endure pain for them, both in this life, and in Purgatory: and that besides the blood of jesus Christ, we must have another cleansing and purification of ours in the fire of Purgatory, from whence there is no delivery before the last penny be paid. XIX. The spirit of God saith, happy are those which die in the Revel. 14. 13. Esay. 57 2. Lord, and that they rest from their labours: in like manner those which walk in God's ways, when they die enter into peace: and repose themselves in their beds: Item, that it is ordained that every man shall die once, and after that shall judgement come, without making mention of any fire, Heb. 9 27. Luke. 23. 43. Luke. 2. 29. 2. Tim. 4. 8. through which we must pass before we come to judgement: and the Scripture witnesseth to us of the good thief, that the same day which he died, his soul entered into Paradise: and of Simeon, that he is entered into peace: and of Saint Paul that having finished his course, he received a Crown of glory. ¶ On the contrary side, in the Church of Rome they teach, that the souls of the faithful are carried into a fire, there to be tormented for a long time together, as appeareth by the pardons for an hundred thousand, and two hundred thousand years. For this reason also are Masses said, for such as have been beneficial to the Church four or five hundred years ago. XX. The holy Scripture calleth eternal life a gift, and an inheritance. Rom. 6 23. Luke. 12. 32. Ephes. 2. 8. ¶ On the contrary side, in the Church of Rome they teach, that we purchase life everlasting by our merits, notwithstanding that jesus Christ hath taught us, that when we have done all that we can do, we are unprofitable servants. Luke. 17. 10. XXI. The remission of sins is set forth in the Gospel, as a gift promised to those who believe in jesus Christ. ¶ On the contrary Acts. 10. 43. part, the Pope remitteth sins of all sorts, be they never so lewd, and enormous, not as one who inviteth, and summoneth sinners to apprehend the grace, which is purchased for us by jesus Christ: but he giveth the remission of sins in the form of Arrests, and Letters Patents, sealed with lead under the Ring of the fisher, as if a King did speak, and not an Herald of the grace of God. XXII. Remission of sins is published in the Gospel, and declared Acts. 10. 34. 35. to all men of all nations whatsoever. ¶ On the contrary side in the Church of Rome: the remission of sins is tied to one certain day, to one certain place, to one certain year, and to one certain Convent, whether the people are bound to go to seek pardons for their sins: in like manner the full pardon of all sins is published at Rome, in the year of jubilee, which is renewed very often: to wit, at the end of every By the inhabitants of Rome five and twenty years: from whence it followeth, that the remission of sins is easily to be obtained, but hard to be obtained by them who dwell far off, especially if they be sick, feeble, or are destitute of horses: as also that God is more merciful in the year of jubilee, then in any other years, & that the prayers made in the Churches of the Gray-Friers, where the jubilee is kept, are better than those which are made at the jacobins convents: counting it a great unhappiness to die a little before the jubilee: whereas he that dieth incontinently after the jubilee goeth directly into Paradise. XXIII. jesus Christ sayeth that happy are the poor, for theirs is Luke. 6. 20 the kingdom of God. ¶ On the contrary side in the Church of Rome it may be said, Blessed are the rich: for they have where with all to pay for Masses after their death, the which Masses are of power & virtue, to take away & nullify the pain of Purgatory: they say more particular Masses for the poor, the order of begging Friars never go to visit a dying man, except he be a man of wealth: they say no Masses for nothing: in brief with the Church of Rome, every thing is sold, burial, the ringing of Bells, Confessions, Prayers, Remission of sins; besides this, boxes set in order to invite the people to contribute to the Church, although she have the third part of the revenues of the kingdom: and the Pope bestows Which they call in the Roman Church Annates. bishoprics upon this condition that he shall have the first years rend. XXIIII. The Apostle Saint Paul teaches us, that we are justified by Gal. 2: 16. faith only, and not by the works of the Law. ¶ On the contrary side the Church of Rome teacheth, that a man is justified by his works: not only by that justification towards men, (which S. james maketh mention of) but also toward God. XXV. Saint Peter says, that whosoever believes in jesus Christ Acts 11. 10. 43. Acts 13 39 shall have remission of sins: and Saint Paul, that whosoever believes in jesus Christ, shall be justified. ¶ On the contrary side, in the Church of Rome they teach, that every man that believeth is not justified, neither hath always remission of his sins, since that as they say, to believe and to have faith, is only to hold for truth all what God hath said; all which the devils and many of the wicked believe. XXVI. God would have us to approach before him with boldness Ephes. 2. 12. Hebrews 3. 6. john 3. 16. 17. & 18. and confidence, through the faith which we have in jesus Christ: and that we retain to the end the assurance, and glory of our hope: and jesus Christ doth assure us, that whosoever believeth in him shall not perish, but have life everlasting. ¶ On the contrary side, the Church of Rome calleth this confidence and assurance, a presumption: teaching the people that they should doubt of their salvation. From whence ensueth, that he who is in his deathbed, and believeth in jesus Christ, aught to doubt of the truth of the promise of God, who says, that whosoever believeth in jesus Christ, shall have life everlasting. XXVII. Saint Paul having said, that all our sins are forgiven us Colos. 2. 13. freely: addeth in another place, that where remission of Heb. 10. 18. & Chap. 9 25. sin is, there is no more sacrifice for sin, and that jesus Christ doth not offer himself often for us. ¶ On the contrary side, in the Church of Rome they offer every day sacrifice propitiatory for the redemption of our souls, and they pretend to sacrifice jesus Christ himself, although the Scripture teacheth us, that jesus Christ hath a true human body, as we have, the which is placed at the right hand of God, and is contained in heaven, from whence he shall descend at the day of judgement. XXVIII. jesus Christ forbiddeth his Apostles to reign one over Luke 22. 25. and 26. 2. Corinth. 12. 11. Galath. 1. 1. another: and S. Paul says, that he was in nothing inferior to the most excellent Apostles: as also that he had not his charge from any man, but from jesus Christ. ¶ On the contrary side in the Church of Rome, they make S. Peter the head and the Prince of the Apostles, having authority and command over them, as if they were all subject unto him: in like manner the Pope willeth all other Bishops to take their charge of him. XXIX. S. Paul would have a Bishop to be the husband of one 1. Timoth. 3. 2. and 4. wife, and that he keep his children in all obedience toward him. ¶ On the contrary side, in the Church of Rome Ecclesiastical persons are forbidden to marry: a doctrine which the In the 4. Chap. of the same Epistle. same Apostle calleth the doctrine of devils. XXX. The word of God would have us, when we are invited by 1. Corinth. 10. 25. & 27. Infidels, to eat whatsoever is put before us, without making a conscience so to do. ¶ On the contrary side, those of the Roman Church being invited by us, would make it a conscience to eat of all that we set before them we (I say) whom they name Heretics, and rank with Infidels. XXXI. S. Paul would have all men to be subject to the higher powers, Rom. 13. 1. & 4. 14. and to Princes, who carry the sword to do justice. ¶ On the contrary side, those in the Church of Rome, who have retired themselves into a Convent, are not only free from the power and command of their Princes: but also of their fathers and mothers. XXXII. Our Saviour jesus Christ distributing the cup in his last Mat. 26. 27. 1. Cor. 11. 28. supper, said, Drink of this all, and S. Paul willeth, that every one having proved and searched himself, drink of this Cup. ¶ On the contrary side, in the Church of Rome the Priest alone drinketh, and the rest of the people feedeth upon one Species or Kind only. XXXIII. Our Saviour jesus Christ distributing the bread, said, take, 1. Cor. 11. 24. eat. ¶ On the contrary side, in the Church of Rome the Priest in the Mass eateth alone, yet notwithstanding in way of mockage, he says, take, eat; and prayeth for all those who have eaten and participated at the Altar, albeit himself eateth quot quot ex hac altaris participatione Sump serimus. Mat. 26. 29. and drinketh alone. XXXIIII. Our Saviour jesus Christ calleth that which he gave to his Apostles, the fruit of the vine. ¶ On the contrary side, in the Church of Rome they teach, that it is not the fruit of the vine, but blood. XXXV. S. Paul says, that he broke bread in the Lord's Supper, 1. Cor. 10. 16. In the 10. chap. & 11. with these words, the bread which we break: and himself five times together saith, that we eat bread. ¶ On the contrary side, in the Church of Rome they teach that it is not bread, but jesus Christ, as great, and as tall as he was upon the Cross: and moreover in breaking him with their teeth, they break him not; but remaineth whole in every part & piece of the host, or Sacrament. 1. Cor. 10. 20. They call the Supper the washing of the Poors feet. XXXVI. S. Paul calleth the Sacrament, which Christ ministered to his Apostles, the Supper of the Lord: but in the Church of Rome at this day there is a number of Masses different in ceremonies, different in the end, and purpose for which they S Geneviefue the Patroness of Paris. are made: which are high or low, dry, or current: there have you a Mass for S. Geneviefue, S. Michael and others. XXXVII. Beside these doctrines and many more, contrary directly to the word of God, and besides those which are not contained in the holy Scriptures, but invented by men under the name of Traditions; there remaineth as yet a marvelous abuse committed in the ceremonies of the Roman Church: of the which some are superfluous, and ridiculous: other some contrary and repugnant to the honour of God, and his word: all in general, excessive in number, & yet held more necessary than doctrine itself. The superfluous and ridiculous ceremonies amongst others, are those which the Priest observes in the Mass, in the which he maketh a thousand turnings, feigneth to sleep, mutters out his words softly, makes his tail to be lifted up, causeth a bell to be sounded, etc. Item the salt, and spittle in baptism, the blow, and the band which the Bishop giveth in the confirmation. In like manner those which the Pope observeth in the Procession, causing God to be carried upon a Hackney, with a Lantern before him to give him light, together with many such like absurdities. The ceremonies contrary to the word of God, are no fewer in number; as when the Priest turneth his back to the people, lifteth up the Host behind, muttereth out the words of Consecration for fear to be understood, speaketh in an unknown tongue, etc. For jesus Christ hath done the quite contrary unto this: as also the adoration of the Host is clean contrary to that which the Apostles did, who sat at the Table not adoring it, acknowledging as it were, that it was not God, which they received, and eated, and that they offered not any sacrifice propitiatory: of this kind are so many feasts, which fight with the law of God, the which saith, Six days shall thou labour, etc. But the wont is, that these ceremonies Exod 20. and human intentions are placed above the word of God, and his Commandments: for he that hath blasphemed the name of God, shall not be so abominable unto them, as he that eateth flesh on good Friday, which nevertheless is the day on the which Christ ordinarily did eat the Paschal Lamb, and holy days with them are celebrated and reverenced with more solemnity than Sunday: and at Rome it is a less matter to be a despiser of God, and be given to unnatural vices, then to detract from the Pope's holiness: For this latter point a man is burned quick, and the people are instructed to talk of Procession, Chapelots', or Beads, Images, Relics, jubilees, ornaments of Altars, &c: but of the mysteries of our redemption, of the saving grace in jesus Christ, and the whole doctrine of the holy Scriptures they are wholly ignorant, and are to them as clasped books. XXXVIII. To conclude, I abhor the pride of the Pope, and do not see that he doth any thing that S. Peter did, of whom he styles himself successor: neither that S. Peter did any thing which the Pope now doth: For S. Peter preached the Gospel with patience, zeal, and poverty. ¶ On the contrary side, the Lib. de ceremonijs Sacris. cap. de receptione regis et cap. de fest. Papal. Pope preacheth not at all, but giveth and taketh away Kingdoms, causes himself to be carried upon the shoulders of men, makes Kings hold his bridle, Emperors kiss his Pantable: nay, he maketh his household servants, and Cardinals go before Kings, he never saluteth any man; nor doth ever reverence to any man: he pulleth souls out of Purgatory, absolveth and dispenseth with Oaths, promises made unto God: he weareth a triple diadem; and giveth pardons for Lib. 1. de cerem. Sac. can. Satis in distinct. 96 can. nos justiciam de immunit. in 6. Extra de Maio rit. & obed. s. 33 can fundament. de electione in 6 can. 5. Papa dist. 40. causa 25, cue, 1. can. ideo, millions of years, he nameth himself in his Canons, decretals, and extravagants, God, Spouse of the Church; he calleth his ordinances Oracles, that is to say answers of God: he braggeth that all power both in heaven and earth, is given him, that all law, and right is in the closet of his own breast: also that he cannot err in faith: that he can send souls to hell by troops, without any person daring to control him: and having made laws for the Church, will not be subject to them himself. Moreover, because there is no salvation without the Catholic and universal Church, which is the assembly of the Elect, and faithful, the communion of Saints, and the body of jesus Christ himself being the head: and because there is no other means to be the body of jesus Christ, but to cleave fast to jesus Christ, and that the way to be united with jesus Christ, is faith: I do assure myself that believing in jesus Christ, I am of the Church, and shall have life everlasting: although the Pope doth excommunicate me; his thunderings and Canons are but charged with wind, against those who build themselves upon jesus Christ, & trust in his word. Certain points held in the Roman Church, which they would hide from those, whom they mean to draw to their faction, THE Roman Church holdeth and teacheth, that a man cannot only fulfil the Law, but also do more than the Law doth prescribe, and do better things and more perfect than GOD hath commanded, which they call works of Supererogation. Item, that a man may suffer more in this life than is necessary, and more than is due to satisfy God for the pain due unto his sins; which they call superabundant satisfactions. Item, that these superabundant satisfactions of Saints, Bellar. lib. 1. de indul. cap. 2. Monks, and Martyrs, may be transferred to others, as well dead, as living, & turned into satisfactions for their sins. Item, that the Pope doth heap up these works, and superabundant Extra. wag. Papa Clemens 6. can. unigenitus. satisfactions in the treasure of the Church, and mingling them with the superabundant merits of jesus Christ, doth distribute them by indulgences. That the indulgences of the Pope extend themselves, even to them that are dead, in such sort that the Pope doth draw souls out of Purgatory, by applying to them the merits and satisfactions of Saints. And these pardons extend themselves to a hundredth thousand, or two hundredth thousand years: at Rome in the Church of S. Bibiane, there are six hundred thousand years pardon on the day of all Saints, for those that will make some voluntary offer: there are found as yet greater Pardons than these in other Churches; as is to be seen in the book of By Marcel. Frank a. 1599 Romish indulgences, printed at Rome by the authority of Leo the tenth, etc. Item, in the Roman Church they teach that we must adore images, this is to be seen in the Council which they name the seventh, or the second of Nice: and in Cardinal Bellarmine, and others: also they picture GOD against the manifest prohibition made in the law of God in the second commandment, which therefore they have cut off from their Hours and breviaries against the express prohibition made in the fourth of Deuteronomy Ch. 4. Vers. 15. and 16. Quorum meritis precibusque concedas. Item, to this day by the consentment, and approbation of the faculty of Divinity in Paris, in the year 1602. they have reprinted the Psalter of the Virgin Marie, where she is called the first cause of Salvation of the world, the Inventress of grace, the Divine Majesty, she in whom we alone place our hope, she which doth appease the indignation of jesus Christ, when he is incensed against us, the Spouse of God, etc. In the Mass the Priest demandeth the favour of God, through merits of Saints: which is a language or manner of speech, which a Subject dare not use to his Prince. In the Breviaries oftentimes such prayers are read: for the merit of such a Saint or a Saintesse, give us life everlasting: and the Priest bowing himself before the Altar, demandeth that it would please God to be favourable unto him, for the merits of those Saints, whose relics are under the Altar. In the Church of Rome they teach that a man ought to Purchase the Kingdom of God by his own merits: nay which is more, they attribute to man merits ex condigno, that is, of themselves worthy, which may be a price worthy so excellent a purchase, as is life everlasting. Item, they there teach, that under the earth there are four stages, of which Hell is the lowest, next to that Purgatory, next the Lymbus of little Children, which die without baptism, and who are deprived of everlasting salvation; and above all those is Lymbus of the fathers, dead before the coming of jesus Christ in the flesh. Item, they there teach, that jesus Christ did not deliver us by his death from all punishment, due to our sins committed after Baptism. Item, they there teach; that the true body of jesus Christ Concil. Trident. Can. 12. si quis dixerit, & Andradius in hunc locum. Bella. li. 1 de purge cap. 7 & Io. 2. de consecra. can. Ego Berengarius. is truly, and sensibly broken, and bruised in the Mass by the teeth of the faithfufull, and yet they teach, that if the Wafer were broken into a thousand pieces, that in every piece the body of jesus Christ is whole, with all his parts, and members, as great, and as tall as he was upon the tree of the Cross: also they teach, that that which the Priest breaketh is no longer bread, although S. Paul saith, The bread which we break, etc. They teach that the body is in the Cup, so that the Priest drinketh the body of jesus Christ; & although every one saith that he eateth God, and carrieth God, and that in the Mass he receiveth his Creator; notwithstanding there hath not been any one hitherto that hath dared to say, that he drinketh God, or that God is in the Cup. From the beginning of Massels, or mass-books, there are Hanc oblationem quam tibi efferimus in bonorem beatae virgins & omnium sanctorum. found Caveats, or rules of the Mass, in the which among many other Rules, it is commanded, that if a man having received the host, do chance to cast it up again, that then he must lick it up, and eat it once more as presupposing God to be in the thing which is vomited, but if it hap that a man hath not the heart and stomach so to do, he is then commanded to burn this vomited-stuffe, and to turn the ashes thereof into Relics: the same also is commanded concerning rats, and worms, who have knawen, and eaten the sacred host. In the Mass the Priest saith, that he offereth jesus Christ Hac munera accepta habera digneris, sicut accepta habere. dignatus es munera pueri tui Abel. Jube haec perferri per manus sancti Angeli tui. Corpus tuum Domine quod sumpsi adhaer eat visteribus meis. to God in a Sacrifice truly propitiatory, and satisfactory for the sins, as well of the living, as of the dead; yea, he offers him unto God in honour of the Saints, as the words are expressly set down in the mass, and prayeth to God, that it would please him to receive the sacrifice which he maketh, to wit, jesus Christ with as gracious and favourable an eye, as in times past he received that of Abel, that is to say, a Sacrifice of beasts. He prayeth that the Angel may carry his Sacrifice to the celestial Altar, than he eateth it, and having eaten it, he prayeth that the body which hath eaten, may remain cleaving to his entrails or bowels. And these Mesels or mass-books serve for all uses, even for corn and herds of cattle; in these mesels or mass-books are to be found masses of women great with child, masses of Virgins, whereof S. Paul contenteth himself to say, The Supper of the Lord. As concerning sins, the mass is not but for venial sins, and for the mortal sins which a man hath forgotten. Lib. Sacrar, cerem cap. de benedictione ensis. Can. 5. Papa dist. Also in the Church of Rome it is held, that the Pope cannot become an Heretic, and though he should send souls by troops and cartload into Hell, yet no man ought to repine at him for so doing: he nameth himself God, the spouse of the Church, his holiness, and his words Oracles, that is to say answers of God, and his Decrees, canonical writings: he giveth and taketh away Kingdoms, he dispenseth with oaths and vows made to God, he says that he cannot be made an Heretic. Can. fundamental elect in. 6. 〈◊〉. 19 in Canon. 〈◊〉 titulo. Sixtus Quartus lib. sa●●ar. cer. Tom. 〈◊〉 cap. excus. ●●●tijs 1518. His ordinances, as to forbid to eat flesh in Lent, are more straightly observed then the commandments of God, as the prohibition to swear, and whore: he boasteth that all power is given him both in heaven and earth: he taketh away the second commandment from the Law of God: he hindereth the people from reading the holy scriptures, the which some of his faction, call insufficient to declare the truth, it being but part of the rule: and that the other part is the word not written, which must be learned of him, and those to whom he hath given charge, and vocation to it: so that no man can reprove him, except he be authorized and approved Causa 25. qu●●; can. Ideo. by the Pope, and to bring his Tyranny to a head, he says, that the Pope giveth Laws to the Church, to the which nevertheless he is not subject, as being master of the Law. FINIS.