AN Easie and Compendious INTRODUCTION For Reading all sorts of HISTORIES: CONTRIVED, In a more facile way then heretofore hath been published, out of the Papers of MATHIAS PRIDEAUX Mr of Arts and sometime Fellow of Exeter College in OXFORD.  Cicero de Oratore. 
Nescire quid ante a quam natus sis acciderit, Id semper est esse Puerum.  
OXFORD, Printed for LEONARD LICHFIELD, Printer to the University, M.DC.XLVIII.   

D. D. TO THE RIGHT WORSHIPFUL Sr THOMAS REYNELL And the Virtuous Lady KATHERINE His Wife: FOR THE USE OF Their Towardly young Son's Mr THOMAS AND Mr HENRY REYNELL.   

TO THE READER.  
EXpect no more here (good Reader) than the Title promiseth, that is, an Introduction, not to rest on as satisfied, but to lead thee on to larger Volumes. The number of seven is here used, not out of affectation, but experience, as most easy for Memory, which is the prime scope of this Compendium, to touch at that which may seem most remarkable, and so to dispose it, that it may be best remembered. The whole consisteth of three Tracts, The first of History Ecclesiastical, Deduced from the Creation of the World to these our times. The Second that is Political, ascends no higher than Nimrod (for those Anti-Diluvian Dynasties mentioned by some, must be held only Imaginary) and is continued in the like line downward. Whence the History of Successions gins: with an Instance given in the Successive Governments of our own Country. Whereunto a short appendix is added, concerning the History of Professions, as also Natural, Various, and Vain stories, pointing only at the heads they may be drawn unto: and in General, what is to be thought of them, and so an end.  
Some are of the mind, that such an Induction may not only prove a Directory to a beginner, but a Remembrancer to those that have forgotten much they have read, and will take it well to be Prompted at the cheapest rate. 
Malmsbur. de Gestis Reg. Angl. l. 5.  In the like case it was the resolution of a Writer of our own, Mihi debetur collectionis gratia, tibi habeas electionis materiam, Of what I have collected you may take your choice, pass by some or leave all. My conclusion is that of the Poet, 
— si quid novisti rectius istis  
Candidus imperti, si non his utere mecum. 
Horat   
If you have found a righter way  
Impart it if you please,  
If not take this then for a stay,  
And use it at your ease.    

The Heads here especially Treated of Are,  
1. A Sum of ten Long-lived Antediluvian patriarchs.  
2. A Brief of the Historical part of the old Testament, as fare as the Apocrypha.  
3. A continuation of it by the line of the Maccabees, and their successors, to the Birth of our Saviour.  
4. The Life of our Saviour and his Apostles, with a touch of the seventy Disciples, and seven first Deacons.  
5. An Epitome of the Pope's Lives, from the first to this that now Possesseth the Chair.  
6. Political History deduced from Nimrod, by the Four Monarchies, to this present Emperor Ferdinand the third. And the History of Successions. With an instance in the History of Britain.  
7. Directions for Orderly Reading of the Histories of Professions, Natural History, Various Collections, and Vain Romances, to which all sorts of Imaginable Narrations may be reduced.   


CAP. I. Of the Antediluvian patriarchs, or long-lived Fathers, before the Flood.  
1. HISTORY is a Commemoration of things past, with the Circumstances of Time and Place, in distinct Distances, Intervals, or Dynastyes, by Lineal descents, for the readier help of memory, and application.  
2. This may either be 

1. ECCLESIASTICAL.  
2. POLITICAL.  
3. Of SUCCESSIONS in States, Countries, or Families.  
4. Of PROFESSIONS, as the lives of Famous men, in any Faculty.  
5. NATURAL, as that of Pliny, etc.  
6. VARIOUS, such as we have from Valerius Maximus, Plutarch, Aelian.  
7. VAIN, LEGENDARY, or FABULOUS, passed by the name of Romances.    
3. Ecclesiastical, insisteth especially upon Church-matters; and hath precedency before other, in regard of its Antiquity, Dignity, and directive Certainty.  
4. It falleth within the limits of these Intervals, From the 

1. Creation to the end of the Flood. 1657.  
2. Flood to the calling of Abraham. 367.  
3. Calling of Abraham to the departing of the Israelites out of Egypt. 430.  
4. Egyptian Exodus to the building of Solomon's Temple. 480.  
5. First Temple to the second, erected by Zorobabel. 497.  
6. Second Temple to the Nativity of our Saviour. 529.  
7. Nativity of our Saviour to this present time. 1647.    
5. 
vid. Grafton Chron. pag. 72. Alsted. Encyclop l. 33. Chronol. c. 3.  The first Interval or Distance, from the Creation to the end of the Flood, contains the Passages of 1657 years, easily collected out of the fift of Genesis, in which we have the ten long-lived Fathers in this Order.  
1. 
Anno Mundi 1.  ADAM, happy in his innocency, whiles he so continued in Paradise with his beloved Evah. But that was not long, for 'tis commonly held that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 he lodged not one night there, 
Gen. 3.  so sudden was the Serpents seducing, his Wife's consenting, his yielding, God's execution. 2. After his expulsion from Paradise he had small comfort of his issue: 
Gen. 4.  Cain slew his Brother Abel, and was doomed thereupon to be a Vagrant. 3. A lying book called Lepto genesis names Calmana and Delbora Adam's two elder Daughters, 
Comestor. Schedel.  that became Wives to Cain and Abel their Brethren. But this seems as likely as those Revelations of Adam, set forth by the Gnostics, and the Genealogies of his Sons and Daughters, (which are accounted 30. of either Sex by Comestor,) venred by the Manichees, but condemned by Gelasius. 
D. 15. C. Sancta Romana.  4. Less hurtful is that Dibre-Adam, contrived in a Box by Simon Sturtevant. Some conceit that Abel slew the very same Serpent the Devil had formerly possessed, 
M. S. He'll on the 3. first chap. of Gen.  to seduce his Mother; but not without a wound in the Heel, before he could bruise his Head. This is manifest, that good Abel failing without issue, there was set in his place his Brother. 
Gen. 4.25.   
2. SETH, whom the forenamed Gnostics make also a Writer, entitling him to seven Books, to which they added seven more of their own. 2. Josephus relates that his Sons erected two Pillars, the one of Brick, 
Antiquit. L. 1. C, 4.  the other of Stone, to preserve their Mathematical Speculations to Posterity; upon a Prophecy from Adam, that the world should be first Drowned, then Burned. 3. 
C. 2.  Anonymus upon Matthew, mentions another Prophetical writing of his, concerning the Star, that was the Cynosure to bring the Eastern Kings to Christ. But such Relations want warrant. His Successor in the holy line was his Son.  
3. ENOSH, in whose time men began to call upon the name of the Lord, or to call themselves by the name of the Lord, or as others render the place, 
Broughton. Tremelius.  The Name of the Lord began to be Profaned. 2. Hence some gather the beginning of Idolatry, which other defer till after the flood. A separation is apparent in this man's days, between the profane Caynites, and those Godly Setheans. And likely it is, that then began the Assemblies, perchance on the Seventh day, blessed and hallowed of God for public Worship. 
De Monach, C. 5. Gen. 5.10.  3. Bellarmine will needs fetch from hence the Original of Monkery, but this Enosh was married, got Sons and Daughters, and amongst them to succeed him.  
4. CAINAN, of whom we find nothing Registered, but how long he lived, and that he begat,  
5. MAHALALEEL, as he did,  
6. JARED, and he,  
7. ENOCH, whose Prophecies we have mentioned in the Epistle of S. Judas. 
Vers. 14.  Origen and the Author of the Testament of the twelve Patriarches, cite divers passages out of them. As, 1. of the number and names of Stars. 2. Of the wooing of Mortal Beauties, by the wanton descending Angels. 3. Of the Giants, from that brood. 4. Of the death of Christ by the Jews, and their ruin by it. 5. Of the Drowning and Burning of the World, and more to that purpose. 2. These were not only in the hands of Origen and Tertullian, but of S. Hierom, Augustin, Bede and others; notwithstanding S. Augustin brands them for counterfeit, and none warrant them. 3. This Enoch, the seventh from Adam, died not as other men, but after he had spent so many years upon earth, as there be days in a year, he was translated hence by God, 
A. M. 987. The most part of them, For herein they cannot agree.  with whom he had walked though he lived in the state of Marriage. 4. The Papists say, he is reserved alive in Paradise, (whence Adam was expelled) with his companion Elias, who shall both come in person to oppose Antichrist, and then be slain of him, then revive, and so at length be taken up into Heaven. This is to quit the Pope, 
Bellarm. de Pontif. Rom. L. 3. Aetat. 5.  from suspicion of being Antichrist, seeing Enoch and Elias, have not yet come in person, to testify against him. Gobeline Parson relates, that such a man was found by Alexander the Great in the East-Indies, lying in a Golden bed, in the Mountain of the Sun, who well might be thought to be this Henoch. but let them feed on their fancies. The shortness of this man's time upon earth, was recompensed by the age of his Son,  
8. METHUSALAH, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, the longest liver we read of. for Adam, and He, take up all the space between the Creation and the Flood. 2. His age was 969 years; of which he might spend 346 with Adam, to inform himself, and almost 100 with Sem, to teach Posterity. But his longest life had a period before the Flood, and a Successor his Son.  
9 LAMECH, different from that Lamech of Cain's race, who being a blind Archer, slew his Grandsire Caine. and the Boy that led him, for directing him to do it, if we believe Torniellus, who citys divers Fathers to justify this groundless Fancy. 2. Of this holy Lamech is registered, the notable Prophetical speech at the birth of his Son. 
Gen. 5.29.   
10. NOAH, who was to be a Comforter to the world by Rest, in the greatest extremities, as the name importeh, being derived either from Nacham, to Comfort, or Nuach, to Rest. the last of the ten Antediluvian patriarchs. Out of whose names a great Hebritian hath left this observation. Adam, Earthy; Cain, Possession; Abel, Vanity: showeth that all Earthy Possession is Vanity. Seth, may be set in Abel's place, yet not so fixed, but that reason will be, for naming of his Son Enosh, Sad. man, or Sorrowful. He begets Cainan, Lamentation, from him succeeds Mahalalcel, a praiser of God. This holds not among all, but Jared notes a descending. Enoch, that follows in the seventh place, signifies one dedicated to God among so many wicked. He of the shortest abode here upon earth of all his rank, leaves the longest liver Methusalah, whose name speaks thus much, He dying God sendeth, whom? Lamech, what to do? his name tells us, to strike, not to destroy all; but as Noah's name Comforteth, to preserve God's chosen in rest. This Noah by the Heathens was termed in scorn Prometheus, and feigned to be chained to Caucasus with a Vulture feeding on his entrails, in regard of his foretelling the world's destruction, and providing an Ark to escape it, near the mountain Caucasus, 120 years before it came. Likewise he is called Ogyges, for opening a gate for the preservation of Mankind. Saturn, as being the world's Seed, or Seminary. Hercules, the public Breeder. Deucalion, in whose time fell the great Inundation, described by Ovid. Janus Bifrons, that found Wine, and looked into both Worlds, both before and after the Flood. For to this Flood have reference, all the Heathenish great Inundations. To this purpose runs the verse in Eusebius, 
Sol & Osiris idem, Dionysius, Oriu, Apollo.  
All those in truth were but the same,  
And differ only in the name.   
Which may be gathered from Plutarch, who affirms that Deucalion sent a Dove to try whether the waters were dried. This Flood lasted a whole year, which confirms, that in the long-lived Fathers, their years were Solar, not Lunar, or Months, as some have imagined.  
2. COntemporary in this Interval, were the line of Cain, amongst whom we have 1. the first City Enoch. 2. polygamy brought in by Lamech, who being a blind Archer is said to have slain his great Grandsire Cain, 
Gen. 4.  and the Lad that led him for misdirecting him. 3. Jabal, the Father of Tentmaking, and Hearding Cattles. 4. Jubal, for instrumental Music 5. Tubal-Cain, the first forger of Brass & Iron. 
Hartman. Schedel.  6. And some say his Sister Naamah began Carding and Spinning to cover nakedness, rather than with Fig leaves, or with Beasts Skins. 7. Likely it is, that amongst the Poets, the Garden of Adonis, might have relation to this in Eden; Nectar and Ambrosium to the Tree of Life. Euridices wounding by a Serpent, to the Serpent poisoning our Mother Eve. Mercury, Apollo and Vulcan, to Jabal, Jubal and Tubalcain. Venus, to Naamah. Their 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, or God-making, to the translation of Enoch. Their God-wenching, 
Gen. 6.2.  to the dissolute do between the Sons of God, and the Daughters of Men. Which things they might have by hear-say, and work on at their pleasure, to be noted by the way, not insisted upon.  

Matters of Enquiry, and Discourse.  
3. WHETHER 

1. The World began in Spring, or Autumn?  
2. The Seat of Paradise may be punctually assigned?  
3. Abel slew the same Serpent, the Devil had abused to seduce his Mother?  
4. Enoch with Elias be reserved in Paradise, to come against Anti-christ and to be slain by him?  
5. The Book of his Prophecies extant among the Fathers, might pass for authentical?  
6. Cain were slain by Lamech, his Grandchild a blind Archer?  
7. Methusalah died before the Flood?      

CAP. II. The Interval of the Noachians.  
1. 
An. Mund. 1657.  THE second Distance takes its rise from the end of the Flood, to the calling of Abraham for the space of 367 years; gathered out of Gen, 11.26.  
2. In which succeed,  
1. SEM, the middle Son of Noah, 
Junius.  as some contend, but preferred before the elder Japhet, and the youngest Cham. 2. He is thought by the Jews, 
Gen. 14. Broughton.  to be Melchizedek that brought provision to Abraham and his company, at their return from their victory against the four Eastern Kings: which is strongly opposed by some latter writers. 
Cuneus Mouli●.  3. In the distribution of the world after the Flood, Asia fell to his share, and his Posterities; from whence 'tis likely that they spread themselves Eastward, and so rounded the earth, that way to people America; as on the West, they left Palestina, and those Coasts, to Cham's issue, the Canaanites, whose proper portion was Africa; as japhets was Europe, and the Isles. Sem's Successor was,  
2. ARPHAXAD, younger Brother (as it should seem) to Elam, and Ashur, from whom descended the Persians, and Assyrians. Abulensis out of Comestor and Methodius, mentions one jonithus or jonichus, begotten of Noah 100 years after the Flood, who informed the Easterlings in Astronomy. Prophesied of the four Monarchies, and put Nimrod his forward Scholar, first to take state upon him. His picture you have in Chronica Chronicorum, as also of Persla, Cathastua, and Funda, Sem, Ham, and japhets Wives. But these Monkish Figments, have less show of truth, than the foisting in here of Cainan by the Greeks, to be Arphaxads Son, whom all the Hebrews omit, and rank in the next place,  
3. SALAH, He is said to have built Salem, by Comestor, and by others, (upon the passage of his Father Arphaxad over the River Tigris, to seat himself with his Family in Chaldea) to have named his Son,  
4. HEBER; From this man, his posterity were entitled Hebrews. In his time fell out a double division, first of Tongues, then of Nations, according to their several tongues. He sticks to the Original Hebrew, and upon foresight of these divisions amongst others nameth his Son,  
5. 
Gen. 10.15.  PELEG, in whose time these Divisions fell out. He begets,  
6. REU, of whom we read nothing else, but that he begat,  
7. 
Luk. 3.  SARUG, whom St Luke termeth Saruch, following therein the Septuagint. His Successor was,  
8. 
C. 24.2. Judith 5.7.  NAHOR, tainted with Idolatrous Leaven, as appears by Josuah's confession, and Achiors' Declaration. Leaves behind him at Vr of the Chaldeans,  
9 TERAH. He had three Sons, Haran, Nahor, and Abram, but upon Harams' death in Vr of the Chaldeans, whether burnt by the Fire, which faithful Abram escaped (as the Jewsh tradition delivers it) or caused by some other means, he removes from Vr to Charran, in Mesopotamia with all his Family, (it should seem upon his Son Abraham's motion, 
Gen. 12.1. A.M. 2020.  who had his call from God) and dies there. His Family at his death stood thus disposed. Haran (that died before him) left behind him one Son named Lot, and two Daughters, Milcah and Iscah. Milcah was taken to Wife by her Uncle Nahor, who settled in that place. But Iscah (who should seem to be termed Sarai for her Beauty and Houswivery) was married to the great Father.  
10. ABRAM, of whose travels from Charran to Canaan, and from thence to Egypt and Gerar. 2. of his Victories against the four Eastern Kings. 3. his domestic troubles, by means of the dissension between his Wife Sarah, and her Maid Hagar, (4.) his Circumcision by God's appointment, (5.) his entertaining of Angels, (6.) receiving a Son from his Sarah past teeming, his readiness to Sacrifice him when God commanded, (7.) his second marriage and issue by Keturah, and other passages of note, 
From Gen. 12. to the eight v. cap. 25.  the Scripture sufficiently sets down, from whence other Authors have it. He is thought to be the first instructor of the Egyptians in good Learning, who before were ignorant. He ever relied on this sure ground; that there was one God the Creator of all things, and that all happiness came from his good pleasure, not from any strength or worth of our own. A Book called jetzira is Fathered upon him, but the imposture is manifest, and the piece thought to be R. Akibah's. The rest of his Children otherwise provided for; his Son Isaac is left to continue the holy Line, the foreman of the next Interval.  
2. COntemporary with this Period, are reckoned (1.) the building of the Tower of Babel, (2.) the introducing of divers Languages, (3.) the Peopling of the World by Noah's Posterity, (4.) the Foundation of the Assyrian Monarchy in Nimrod, Ninus and Semiramis, (5.) the Overthrow of the four Eastern Kings, by Abram and his 318 Household Servants, (6.) the Destruction from Heaven of Sodom and Gomorrah, 
Gen. 18. & 19  withother Cities of the Plain by Fire and Brimstone, (7.) the Incestuous Original of the Moabites and Ammonites, and Bastard-brood of the Ismaelites. Also the Poet's Ship, Argos, and Gigantomachia the Giant's War with their Gods, may have reference to Noah's Ark, and the Builders of Babel.  

Discourse hereupon may be,  
3. WHETHER 

1. The Flood drowned Paradise?  
2. The Ark could contain all sorts of Beasts, and Fowl, with sufficient provision for them for a year, besides Noah and his Family?  
3. Sem were Noah's Eldest Son; and the same with Melchizedec?  
4. His Posterity by an Eastern passage Peopled America?  
5. Hebrew were the only Tongue spoken before the Confusion at Babel?  
6. Abram were the first that had his name changed, the first Victorious Leader in the Wars, the first Professor of Liberal Sciences, the first Circumcised, and the first Purchaser of Land we read of?  
7. His Revelations mentioned by Epiphanius, and his Assumption cited by Origen, and the Book Jetzirah put upon him, be frivolous and fabulous?      

CAP. III. Of the Israelites.  
1. THE third Distance is from Abram; to the departing of Israel from Egypt; and containeth the space of 430. years, Gal. 3.17.  
2. In which succeed,  
1. ISAAC, 
A. M. 2120.  the promised seed given to Abraham and Sarah in their old Age. (2.) He was forced by Famine to forsake Canaan, and relieve himself with King Abimelech in Gerar, as his Father had formerly done; where God gave increase of Seed, 100 for one. (3.) 
Gen. 26. 1●.  By distrusting God's protection, he denied Rebecca to be his Wife, (as Abraham had formerly done Sarah.) But the plot was discovered by Abimelech, and he reproved for it, and sent away safely. (4.) Notorious is his strange deliverance from being Sacrificed by his Father, 
Gen. 22.  and the birth of his twins Esau and Jacob, of which  
2. JACOB, the younger got the Birth right from Esau by purchase for a trifle, and the Blessing by a stratagem. 
Gen. 17. & ●●  (2.) Thereupon to avoid his Brother's revenge, he fled into Mesopotamia to his Uncle Laban, and married both his Daughters, bleareyed Leah, and fair Rachel. (3.) Thence after ●a●d service, having gotten many Children and Goods, he returns unto Canaan; and is reconciled by God's mercy in the way to his Brother Esau; who came out with 400 men to do him a Mischief. (4.) After many Afflictions in Canaan by the deflowering his only Daughter Dinah, by the murdering thereupon of the Sichemites, by his rash Sons Simeon and Levi; by the untowardly matching of his Son Judah, his Rachel's death in Childbirth, and the like which the Scripture hath at large; Through envy of his Brethren, Joseph was sold into Egypt. 5. where after much sorrow, he was at length advanced to be chief Governor, and by that means preserved his Father; and Brethren, in a most dangerous time of Famine. 
Gen. 46.27.  6. Jacob and his Family of 70. persons, repair to joseph in Egypt, where he provided plenteously for them in Goshen. 7. jacob broken with age, (after he had bestowed upon his Sons a Prophetical Blessing) dies in Egypt, but was honourably translated thence by joseph, and his retinue, to be buried with his Fathers at Mackpelah, in Canaan.  

His third Son,  
3. LEVI Succeeds, for the Priestly Dignity. Of him besides, 
Gen. 46. 1. Chron. 6.  we have nothing singular; As also of his Son.  
4. COHATH, who descended with his Grandfather and Father into Egypt, where he begat,  
5. AMRAM, in whose time the persecution was hot, through the cruel Law of Pharaoh Amenophis, for slaying all the Male-childrens, 
Exod. 1.16.  as soon as they were borne. He married Jacobed, 
Exod. 2.1.  a Daughter of Levi, and had by her first a Daughter, whom he called Miriam, from the bitter Affliction which they suffered; then a Son, Aaron, who afterward was the first solemnly consecrated High-Preist of the Israelites. Then,  
6. MOSES, of whose miraculous preservation, and Education in Pharaoh Chenchres Court. 2. flying from thence, and sojourning with Jethro in Midian, and marrying Zipporah, jethros Daughter. 3. Returning thence by God's Especial Commission, and negotiating with Pharaoh, for the Deliverance of his Brethren, which at last was accomplished after Ten Plagues upon Egypt; and Pharaohs drowning. 4. Troubles in the Wilderness. 5. receiving the Law in Horeb. A.M. 2460 
Aprilis. 15.  6. settling Church Discipline. 7. Victories over Arad, Amaleck, Sehon, and Og, in his passage toward Canaan, Death in Mount Nebo, with all circumstances, the Scripture is most copious. By the Buy, we read of him in other Authors, that his foster Mother was the Princess Thermutis, Bitia o● Zerris Pharaohs daughter. 2. 
jacobus justus in the notes to his Map of the Holy Land.  That Balaam, job, and jethro were at that time Pharaohs Counsellors, who when the child trampled Pharaohs Crown under his feet, Balaam said it presaged destruction to the State. job, would have nothing determined against him, but jethro said it was but a childish trick, and therefore not to be regarded. Whence those 3. sped afterward accordingly, Balaam was slain, Job afflicted, and jethro made happy by Moses affinity. 4. The jews say, he begged done playday in the week, for his Countrymen; and that fell out by miracle to be the jewish Sabbaoth. 5. josephus shows how he overthrew the King of Aethiopia, and married his daughter Tharbis, 
Antiqui● l. 3. c. 9  that fell in love with him. 6. Lyra hath from a Rabbyn the combat he had with Og the Giant of Basan, but these things are Apocrypha. 7. The Pentateuch we have of his, which may claim the Title de Originibus, above all other writings, being the first extant of uncontrollable certainty, some say joseph, other that Moses was the same with Mercurius Trismegistus, of the Egyptians, he is termed 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in the fragment we have of Orpheus, 
In Hymno.  which agrees well with his name drawn out of the waters. Scalig.  
2. COntemporary with this period (besides the obscure Kings of the Assyrian Monarchy mentioned by Africanus, Eusebius, the forger Annius Viterbiensis, and others) fall in 1. the foundation of the Druids, repaired unto for determining of all controversies amongst the Celts. 2. The great floods of Ogyges. 
Aventine Picardus de Celtopaedia.  And (248 years after) that other in the time of Deucaleon, which almost drowned Greece. 3. Prometheus and Atlas his brother the ancient starre-gazers. 4. jannes' and jambres, with Balaam the great Magicians. 5. Cecrops of Athens, 
Plinius Nar. Hist. l. 7. c. 5. 6.  from whom we have Phaeton, that set the world on fire. 6. Bacchus and Apis or Serapis, the Idol of the Egyptians. 7. The story of job, whom some think to have been the same with jobab, 
Gen. 36.33.  of the line of Esau. vid. Torneel. Bellarm.   

Inquiries.  
3. Whether 

1. The sale of Esau's Birthright were legal, he having it not in possession?  
2. A blessing gotten by circumvention, and lying, be fit for imitation?  
3. jacobs' marrying of two sisters, and using their Maidens for Concubines, may be excused?  
4. There be any certainty in the art of Ouerocritiques or divination by Dreams?  
5. Pharaohs Magicians did true miracles?  
6. Moses Aethiopian expedition may pass for truth?  
7. Balaam had his Prophecies from God, or his Ass understood what he spoke?      

CAP. IU. Of Judges.  
1. THe 4th distance is extended, from the departing of the Israelites from Egypt, to the building of Solomon's Temple, for the space of 480 years. 1. Kings 6.1.  
2. In it are two Dynasties 

1. judges  
2. Kings.    
That of Judges followeth in this Line,  
1. JOSUA the Conqueror, who by the overthrow of one and thirty Kings, settled the Israelites in the promised Land, and divided it amongst them according to their Tribes, with Eleazar the high Priest Araons' successor. 2. He is thought to have written the last chapter of Deuteronomy, and his own acts, containing the space of fourteen years. Seven spent in the conquest, wherein divers of the Canaanites fled for fear and settled themselves in Africa, which is gathered by a Pillar mentioned by Procopius that expressed so much; as also by the Harmony of the punic dialect with the Hebrew, as appears by the fragment of Gibberish by Plautus in Paenulo, and divers words in S. Augustine: And the other seven in the division of the Land. 3. 
Iosh. 2●●  With Eleazarus the high Priest, he held the first Council in Sichem, for abolishing strange worship, and burying josephs' bones. 4. He settled the Tabernacle in Shiloh; where it rested 369. years, till Eli's time; dies honourably, being a type of Christ, whose name jesus he carried, to him succeeds  
2. OTHONIEL, who (after they of judah and the Simeonites had cut off Adonibezeks thumbs, 
Judges 1.  and great toes, as he had served 70. other Kings) led the Israelites against Cushan●rishathaim King of Mesopotamia, 
Ib. 3.  whom he overthrew, and settled peace amongst his Countrymen, till his dying day.  
His successor was  
3. EHUD, 
Ib.  that slew Eglon with his Lefthand dagger, by a stratagem, and so delivered his Country from the thraldom of the Moabites, who oppressed them by reason of their Idolatry.  
After him was  
4. SHAMGAR, the son of Anath, who slew of the Philistims 600 men with an Ox goad; and he also delivered Israel. but they relapsing again, quickly fell into the hands of jabin King of Canaan: notwithstanding upon their repentance were delivered by the Counsel and Valour of  
5. BARAK and Deborah. This jabin was a redoubted Prince, the rather by the successful exploits of his General Sisera, 
Ib. 4.  and the terribleness of his 900. Iron Chariots. 2. But all this avails not, when God ariseth to defend his own cause. The host is discomfited, Sisera slain, by jael a weak woman, to whose tent he fled for shelter. Israel sins again, and thereby draw the Midianites upon them.  
6. GIDEON then is raised, 
Ib. 6.  who miraculously discomfites them, with the slaughter of four of their Princes; and punishing of these faithless Israelites that refused to aid him. 2. He refused the government offered him for himself, and his posterity, stained his former acts by the Idolatry of the Ephod made by him, 
Ib. 8.  which became the destruction of his house, notwithstanding he had seventy Sons lawfully begotten. For  
7. ABIMELECH his Bastard, slew them all save one, upon one stone, 
Ib. 9  than took the government upon himself, was the destruction of the sichemites, that were his advancers, but at the Siege of Thebez, had his skull cracked by the hand of a woman, who threw a piece of millstone upon him, but to prevent the disgrace of being slain by a Woman, his Squire thrust him through by his own command.  
8. TOLA of Isachar takes the government, his residence was in Shamir in mount Ephraim; nothing is Chronicled of him, but that after 23. years managing the State, he left it to  
9 JAIR the Gileadite, 
Ib. 10.  he supported it the better by reason of his thirty sons, who were Lords of so many several Cities, bearing the names of Havoth-Iair in Gilead, 2. But when Idolatry crept in again amongst them, their enemies got quickly a hand over them; of these the Ammonites most pinched the Gileadites; who after acknowledgement of their faults, sent for  
10. 
Ib. 11.  JEPHTHAH their banished countryman to be their Leader. 2. He after some expostulations of unkindness, undertakes the charge, sends two noble Embassages to the Ammonites, to justify the right of his cause, & declare the wrong they did him. 3. Upon the refusal of his demands, he joins Battle with them: 4. Makes a rash vow that if he proved victorious, for sacrificing the first thing, that at his safe return to his own house, should meet him, this proved to be his only child and daughter. 5. He overcome, performs his vow, and afterward being quarrelled with by the Ephramites, cut off of them 42000. 
Ib. 12.  which were discerned by pronouncing Sibboleth for Shibboleth. His successor was  
11. Ibzan of Bethleem, much strengthened by his thirty sons, and thirty daughters, 
Ib.  who linked him in a large Affinity, Then  
12. ELON of Zabulon took the government who after ten years left it to  
13. AEDON, noted for his forty Sons and thirty Nephews, that rod on threescore and ten Ass colts. which argued him to be a man of great Estate and Honour, yet in strength much inferior to  
14. SAMPSON, Manoah's Son of Dan, by a wife that had been formerly barren. 2. In setting forth his strange birth foretold his parents by an Angel, his incredible strength, his love, with the success thereof, his wonderful plaguing the Philistims; his betraying, death, drawn upon himself, 
Ib. from chap. 23. to 17.  to be revenged of his enemies that had put out his eyes, and used him with all extremity and disgrace, the text of Scripture is copious; After him we read of no judge until  
15. ELI's time, but in the Interim have three notable stories, the first of the Danites, surprising the lose inhabitants of Laish: and the taking away Michae's Image, and Levite. which was the Original of the Idolatry that long after plagued Israel. 2. Of the odious abuse of the Levites. Cancubine, and his horrible rovenge, which was like to be the utter ruin of the Benjamites, that maintained the villainy. The 3. of the travels of Naomi and Ruth, with the happy issue at length, after so great distresses. 2. This Ely was the Highpriest, a good man, but had debauched Sons, to whom being too much indulgent, 
●. Sam. 2.  they were their own ruin, and their Father's Break-neck,  
To him succeeded his servant  
16. SAMUEL, obtained of God by his Mother Hannah after many years' barrenness. 2. He settled the Church and Commonwealth, much shattered by the looseness of Ely's time. Kept his yearly Assizes in Bethel, Gilgall, and Mispah, beside his more particular deciding causes at home in Ramah. 3. His Sons Joel and Abiah degenerate from their Father's Piety and Integrity, Thereupon the people require a King. Saul of Benjamin is anointed, and so the State is altered. 4. The Priests that concurred with these were 1. Aaron, 2. Eleazar, 3. Phineas; 4. Abisua, 5. Bocchi, 6. Ozis, 7. Ely. Samuel was only a Prophet of the Tribe of Levi. He is supposed to have written the books of Judges, Ruth, and a great part of the first of Samuel.  
2. WIth this distance concur 1. The civil Wars with the Benjamites, in which there fell on both sides 65100 in the field, with the utter destruction of Men, Women and Children, in all the Cities of the Benjamites, And of Jabesh-gilead except 400 Virgins. 2. The beginning of the Jubiles of the Jews, and Olympiads of the Greeks. 3. 
jub. 2500.  The six servitudes of the Israelites by reason of their Jdolatry and their deliverance, upon their repentance. 4. 
Olymp. 3174  The Charta Magna of Amphiction for preserving the Grecian Liberties. 5. 
V.C. 3198.  The drunken brawl between the Lapiths and Centauris, with the Expedition of the Argonauts to Cholcos' for the golden fleece under Jason. 6. The wars of Thebes and Troy set forth so largely by Poets. 7. Together with the acts of Hercules. Thesem, Cadmus, Bellerophon. Perseus. 
Troy sacked. 2767. Cadmus increaseth greek letter's 2520.  The rapes of Proserpina, Enropa, Helena. Dedalus flight from Crect, with his son Icarus, that by mounting too high was drowned. Where note that most of the Antiquities of the Heathen come not so high as Samson.  
3. Whether 

1. Divers of the Canaanites, fled from josua, and seated themselves in afric?  
2. Oaths bind, which are procured by circumvention as that to the Gibeonites?  
3. The whole frame of Heaven, stayed at the Standing of the Sun in josuahs' time?  
4. jephtha sacrificed his Daughter, by putting her to death?  
5. Sampsons' killing himself be imitable or excusable?  
6. Ely or his Sons, were more to be blamed, they for their dissoluteness, or he for suffering it?  
7. The Practice, or Prerogatives of Kings, are set down? 1. Sam. 8.    

The second Dynasty intercepts those Kings who had Israel entire under their government.  
In this manner,  
1. SAUL the Son of Kish, of an eminent house in Benjamin. 2. He sent to seek his father's Asses stumbled upon a Kingdom. 3. He was a goodly man, 
1. Sam. 10.23  higher than any of the People from the shoulders upward, Anointed by Samuel, and applauded by all the States in a Solemn Parliament at Mispah. 
Ib.  4. At his first entry he quitted himself nobly, in raising the siege at Jabesh Gilead, with the overthrow of the Ammonites. 
Ib.  But his encroaching upon the Priest's Office to Sacrifice, 
Ib. 13.  and sparing of Agag with the Amalakites, 
Ib. 15.  contrary to Gods express command; outed him of God's favour, and gave way for an evil Spirit to vex him. 5. 
1. Sam. 36.14  The valour of brave Prince Jonathan, and his faithful friendship to his Brother-law David, cover in a manner the Father's exorbitances. 6. Being left to himself in his latter time, nothing thrives with him. He grew jealous of his own Son Jonathan, persecutes his most loyal and deserving Son in Law and Subject David, most barbarously murdered Abimelech the Highpriest with 85. 
Ib. 22.18.  persons that did wear a Linen Ephod, and destroyed Nob, the Priest's City with all that belonged to it. Consults with a Witch at Endor, 
Ib. 28. Ib. 31.4.  and last of all Kills himself in Mount Gilboa, leaving his carcase to the Philistims, and his Kingdom to  
2. DAVID the Son of jesse, of the tribe of judah, a man after Gods own heart, designed before, and Anointed to that purpose. 2. He first grew famous by the overthrow of Goliahs', 
Ib. 17.  in single combat. and thereupon after the bringing in for a vantage, three hundred foreskins of the Philistims, he marrieth Michall, 
Ib. 18.19  saul's. daughter; who conveyed him with her brother jonathan, from her Father's fury. 3. His entrance into the Kingdom was strongly withstood by Ishbosheths hereditary title, and valiant Abner; but those cut off, all willingly fell to him without farther questioning. 4. After his once settling, his first care was for Religion, to bring the Ark of God from Kiriath-jearim, 
●. Sam. 6.  Obed Edom's house, to place it in Zion, a more public and consecrated place. And not therewith satisfied, he plots to build a Temple for it, But forbidden by Nathan, notwithstanding makes plentiful provision for his successor to perform it, 
Ib. 7.  with the less trouble and charge. He held the second Council for ordering Divine Service. 5. His thankful kindness to Mephibosheth, jonathans' lame son, 
Ib. 9 Ib. 16.  is an excellent pattern for men advanced to imitate, but cheating Zibahs that bearay their trust, should be nearer sifted, and more severely punished. 6. God gave him noted victories, against the Philistims, Moabites, Sobeans, Damascens, Edomites, Ammonites, and all other that opposed him. 7. But his taking of Vriahs' wife, and hard usage of the Husband, 
Ib. 11. Ib. 24.  with his numbering the People are evident tokens of humane infirmity. 8. Upon these fell the disasters of the deflowering his daughter Tamar, the murder of his son Ammon, the Rebellion of Absalon, and of Sheba the son of Bichri. 
Ib. 13.15.20.  and in his drooping old age the combination of joab, with his much tendered son Adoniah, to bury him as it were alive. 9 We have the Book of Psalms for the most part his, 
1. King. 1.  though perchance not written, yet made by him; the greatest help to devotion, left of the jewish Church. 10. His end was most pious and glorious, leaving the wisest Statesmen, the worthiest Warriors, and inestimable treasure of wealth, with his heavenly Council and Blessing to his son  
3. SOLOMON 1. His piety, wisdom, and execution of his Father's directions, at the first were admired of all, and set him in a pitch, beyond any of his ancestors. 2. That Temple which his Father intended he began, in the fourth of his Reign, and most gloriously finished it, and settled the Ark in it, in the Holiest of Holies, which had formerly been tossed about; from the Desert to Gilgal, from Gilgal to Shilo, from Shilo, to the Philistims, from thence, to Bethshemesh, from Bethshemesh; to Kiriathjearim, from thence to the house of O bed Edom, from thence to the City of David. So that his wisdom brought him in admiration both at home, and abroad with strangers, who repaired unto him, as to an Oracle. witness the Queen of Sheba, 
1. King. 4.29. Ib. 10.  that came in person from her own Country, to confer with him; And Hiram of Tyre, that joined with him to fetch gold from Ophir. His daily provision for his household, stables, 
2. King 4.22.  and other expenses would be thought incredible, in any other History, but Canonical. 3. But in the midst of prosperity, wealth, and ease, the multitude of strange women, wrought him to favour and further Idolatry, which he freed himself from (as it is thought) afterward, and left his Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Canticum, 
By De la Cerda, a jesuit.  a testimony thereof, and directions for all posterity. 4. Those other writings which are attributed to him, whether pious, as the book of Wisdom, and Ecclesiasticus; or of late, his 18 Psalm set forth in Greek and Latin: or Impious, and frivolous, as 1. Incantationes Solomonis. 2. 
Vid. Pinedam de Rebus gestis Solomonis.  Clavicula. 3. Amulus. 4. Contradictio. 5. Hydromantia to his son Rehoboam. 6. de Geniis. 7. Liber verborum Solomonis. 8. De umbris Idearum. 9 his Calendar. 10. Chimicks. 11. Epistles between him and Hyram of Tyre, and Vaphres King of Egypt. 12. the Ars memoriae that goes under his name, are rejected all as forged pieces. 5. His latter days, after so much magnificence, and pleasure, were pestered with insurrectious, of Hadad, Rezin, and Jeroboam, whom he lived not fully to quell, but left them to vex his Son that succeeded.  
2. COncurrent, with these times are made the obscure posterity of Aeneas in Italy, and our Brute here amongst us. 
Plutarch. Euseb. justin.  2. Codrus the last King of Athens, who purchased by his own death, the victory for his Country. 3. The birth of Homer. 4. The famous combat between Abners men, and joabs' wherein twelve of a side, 
2. Sam. 2.16.  slew each man his opposite upon the place. 5. The Giants of the Philistims cut off at times by David and his 37 Worthies. 
2. Sam. 23.  6. The height of Poetry, Music, and all kind of Philosophy eminent in David's Psalms, 
● King's, 4.32  and Solomon's 3000 Proverbs, and 1005 songs, with his books of Natural Philosophy, mentioned in Scripture. 7. His perfection in the Art of Navigation, in trading with the Tyrians to Ophir for Gold.  
Whether 

1. Music have any virtue to drive away Devils?  
2. The Dead may be raised by a Witch?  
3. Joab might justify Absoloms killing, having a command from his Sovereign to the contrary?  
4. A Warrior may not build God a House as well as another man?  
5. Solomon repent before his death and was forgiven?  
6. Ophir may be thought to be Pern in the West Indies?  
7. The Queeve of Sheba (named by some Makedah or Nicaules) had Meleck a Son by Solomon from whom descended Candace, whose Eunuch propagated Christianity amongst the Abyssines now under Prester john?      

CAP. V Kings of judah.  
1 THE fifth Distance is from the erecting of the First Temple, to the Second, the space of 497 years.  
2. 
Alst. Encyclop. p. 32. c. 17. § 5.  And comprehends two Dynasties, The 

1. Succession of the Kings of Judah unto the Captivity. 427 years.  
2. Continuance in the Captivity until their return, and Building the Second Temple. 70 years.    
In the Succession of the Kings of judah are reckoned,  
1. REHOBOHAM, who in the Parliament at Sechem, rejecting the advice of his Father's experienced Counsellors, 
1. Kings 12. 2. Chron. 10.  and following the devices of his own Green-headed companions, gave occasion to the Rent of ten Tribes from him, who sided with jeroboam the Son of Nebat, and could never afterward be united. (2.) When he sent his Treasurer Adoram to demand Tribute of the Rebels; 
Ib. v. 18.  they Stoned him, and put the King to shift for himself, and thereupon when he had provided an Army from judah, 
1. Kings 10. 2. Chr. 11.1.  and Benjamin to recover his Right of 180000 valiant men; he was forbidden to proceed by Shemaiah, the man of God, which he obeyed. (3.) Upon his falling off into Idolatry, and tolerating Sodomites; 
1. Reg. 14. 2. Chron. 12.  Shishak King of Egypt came and rifled the Temple with the King's Treasure. so that he was forced to supply Solomon's golden Shields, (which were then carried away) with the like of Brass. Thus he left the State much diminished, and impoverished to his Son.  
2. ABIAH, little better than his Father. (2.) Notwithstanding in a set Battle against jeroboam, who brought no less than 800000 into the field; with 400000 only of his side, he slew 500000 of the Enemies, and routed the rest, because he relied upon the God of his Fathers. 
2. Chron. ●3. v. 3. Ib. v. 17. Ib.  (3.) Upon this notable victory he recovered divers Towns from jeroboam, and kept him under, until his dying day. Iddo the Prophet wrote his life, which we have not. To him succeeded his son  
3. ASA, He reform Religion, by taking away the Sodomites, and demolishing the Groves, and Images of his Fathers erecting, wherein he granted not a dispensation to his mother Maacha's superstition. 
1. Kings 15. 2. Chron. 16.  Yet neglected the removal of the high places, which had stood since the Reign of his great Grandfather Solomon. 2. He had an Army as hand, of judah, and Benjamin, 
2. Chron. 14. Ib. v. 9  consisting of 580000 valiant men; wherewith he overthrew Zera the Aethiopian, that brought 1000000 against him. 3. In his Bicker with his neighbour Baasha of Israel, 
2. Chron. 16. 1. Kings 15. Ib.  he hired Benhadad of Damascus, with the consecrated treasure of the Temple, and supply of his own, to divert Baasha, from fortifying Raamah, which was done, but Hanani the Seer checks him for it, for which he was imprisoned instead of amends. 4. A disease toward his latter end takes him in his feet (it may be a sharp gout) which increasing upon him; he depends more upon Physicians, then seeking to God, so dies, and was magnificently buried, leaving his good Son  
4. JEHOSOPHAT his successor. He was exceeding circumspect, for the fortifying of his Territories, and had an Army in the field that waited on him (besides those he had in Garrison) under five able leaders, 
2. Chron. 17.  of 1160000 mighty men of valour. 2. In reforming Religion, he took away the High places, and groves out of judah, 
Ib. 17.  and sent abroad Preachers to instruct the People. 3. His joining with Idolatrous Ahab, was like to have cost him his life, in the Battle at Ramoth-Gilead, for which he was boldly reproved by Jehu the son of Hanani the Seer, 
1. Reg. 22. 2. Chron. 19  which he took well at his hand. And 4. thereupon took order for the better settling of affairs, both of Church and State. 5. A mixed company of Moab, 
Ib. 29.  Ammon, and Seir, that had combined against him, were miraculously defeated upon his fasting and prayer: by the mutual massacring of one another in Hazzazon-Tamar, as jahaziel the Levite foretold him, for which he had a solemn , in the valley of Berachah. 6. 
Ib.  All this could not keep his easy disposition from confederating with Ahaziah, Idolatrous Ahabs' son, but their Navies must needs join in a voyage to Tarshish; what the issue should prove it was foretold him by Eliezer the Prophet. The Navy was cast away. He soon dies and leaves the Crown to  
5. JEHORAM: a degenerate son from so Religious a Father: made fare the worse by his match with Athalia, Idolatrous Omri's daughter, and wicked Ahab's sister of Israel. 2. His entrance to the Kingdom was (according to the modern Turkish manner) with the slaughter of his brethren, 
Ib. 21.4.  and divers of the Nobles. 3. He had a victory against the Edomites, 
Ib.  but not to keep them in their wont subjection, but to rout them for the present, when Libnah, one of his own Cities revolted from him, because he had forsaken the God of his Fathers. 4. Wicked courses can never prosper long. Astinging letter left by Elias before his translation, came to his hands, to forewarn him, whereto he should trust. 5. The Philistims and ragged Arabians surprise jerusalem, and bereave him of all his Wives and Sons except the youngest. 6. A horrible disease at last seizeth upon him, 
Ib.  so that his bowels fell out, and he dies loathsomely, not desired, nor buried in the Sepulchers of his Fathers, leaving only to succeed him  
6. AHAZIAH his youngest son; a sprig of Athaliahs', 
Ib. 22.  altogether ruled by his wicked mother's suggestions. 2. He would needs assist his cousin Jehoram of Israel, at the siege of Ramoth Gilead, and afterward in a compliment visit him, when he returned to be cured of his wounds in that bickering received. 3. But that cost him his life, by the hand of furious Johu, raised up by God to be the ruin of Ahabs' house. Notwithstanding for his good Grandfather's sake Jehosophat, he had a Kingly burial. upon which his violent Mother  
7. ATHALIAH usurps the Kingdom. 1. Her first design was to destroy all the Seed Royal of the House of judah, 
Ib. v 10.  to free herself from competitors. But the pitiful Princess jehoshabeah, Ichoiadah the High-Priests wife, conveyed her young Nephew joash Ahaziah's son, from her cruelty, and brought him up in the Temple secretly. 2. Athaliah Revels it out, for a seven year, supposing all safe, promotes the Idolatry of the house of Omri. 3. 
2. Chron. 23.  But after by Iehoiadah's provident contriving, she had that she deserved, and the right Heir  
8. joash took place, when he was but seven years, old, 
Ib.  1. He did excellent well under the tutorage, and advice of his grave and Religious Uncle Ichoiadah, took order for the repairing of the Temple, and reforming of all things amiss, both in Church and State. 2. But the good old man once gone, 
Ib. c. 24.  Sychophants insinuated themselves to debosh the young King, that all kind of goodness was left off, and Idolatry again embraced. 4. Against which when Zachariah, Ichoiadahs' son shown himself (as it became him) free and resolute, he was Tyrannically stoned to death, 
V 12.  by the King's Commandment, in the Court of the house of the Lord, 
Ib. v. 2●.  without respect of Place, Cause, or Person. 5. This proved not well; for the King was thereupon overthrown shamefully, by a small company of the Syrians; plagued with diseases, and at last treacherously made away by his own Servants, leaving his Kingdom to his son  
9 AMAZIAH, who did worthily in executing those Traitors that slew his Father, 
Ib. c. 25.  yet sparing their harmless children. 2. He Mustered 300000 of his own, and hired 100000 of Israel, to go against Edom; but was forbidden by a Prophet, to take the Israelites with him. Thus he obeyed with the loss of his pay of a 100 talents. 3. These disbanded and disordered Israelites, rifled judah in their return. The King proceeds with his own, and is victorious over Edom. 
Ib.  4. He takes the Idols of the vanquished Edomites, and foolishly serves them, for which he is freely checked by a Prophet, which he took not well, nor obeyed. 5. Upon presumption on this success, and strength, he challengeth joash King of Israel, 
Ib. v. 18.  who minds him of his vanity, in a pretty Apology of the Cedar and Thistle. This diverts him not, but joining Battle with him, hath the worst; and is taken Prisoner, jerusalem is ransacked. 6. These disasters work no amendment or repentance in him, for in his Idolatry he is slain, by a conspiracy, that overtook him, flying at Lachish. 7. Is brought back to jerusalem and buried with his Fathers. his son  
10. 
Ib. c. 26. 2. Kings 14.  VZZIAH or Azariah is settled in his throne by all the People. 2. He proved a very valiant man, and victorious against the Philistims, 
V 3.  and Arabians. 3. Had by the least 300700 Soldiers, in a readiness well apppointed at all assays, 
V 14.  fortified Jerusalem with Mathematical Engines, and other places with all munition requisite. 4 Was a great sheep-master, 
Ib.  a planter of Vines, and a lover of Husbandry. 5. But prosperity and pride at last spoilt all. In a profane humour he invades the Priest's Office, to burn Incense against God's Commandment, than was strucken with a Leprosy, and hasted out of the Temple, being afraid of a greater judgement. 
2. Chron. 26.  whereupon he was shut up in a several house, being not fit to converse with others, any longer for managing the State, And so  
11. JOTHAM his son took the government upon him. 1. 
2. Chron. 27. 2. Kings 15.  He was a great builder, and victorious against the Ammonites. 2. Abstained from encroaching upon the Priesthood, as his Father had done, is commended for his good endeavours in reformation. 3. Howbeit the high places were not taken down, whereby the people continued in their Idolatry. His Son  
12. AHAZ that succeeded him, much degenerated from him. 1. He brought in, 
Ib. 28. 2. Kings 16.  the Idolatry of the Kings of Israel, and after the abominations of the Heathen, Sacrificed his children by fire in the valley of Hinnon. All high places, and hills, and green trees were witnesses of his Abominations; so that the text says This is that King Ahaz, 
Ib. v. 22.  that carried the brand of infamy with him to his grave. 2. But before he came thither; the Syrians smote him, 
Ib.  and carried away a great multitude of his Subjects to Damascus, where he went to meet Tiglath Peleser of Assyria, and sent home a model of an Heathenish Altar, 
2. King's ●●.  which Vriah the Highpriest set up in the Temple, and sacrificed upon, at such time as God's Altar, and the Lavar, were moved from their places, and the Brazen Sea, took off the stately Oxen of Brass, and set on a pavement of stone. Besides the King's entry was turned from the the house of the Lord, to gratify the King of Assyria. 3. Afterward Pekah of Israel, broke him; whose Champion Zichri of Ephraim, 
2. Chron. 2●.  slew Prince Maassiah his Son, with other chief men about him. At which time Israel carried away 200000 Captives, that by Oded the Prophet's means, were in pity returned again without hurt, 
Ib.  or ransom. 4. All this wrought not the King to goodness, but he sends for the Assyrian to help him against the Edomites and Philistims, and fees him, with the confecrated treasures of God's house. But this did him no good. 5. For after so unworthy a race expired, 
Ib.  he sleeps with his Fathers, but is not thought fit to be brought into the King's Sepulchers.  
13. HEZECHIAH his son succeeds him, who proved the better man (out of doubt) through the good instructions of his mother Abiah, the daughter of Zachariah, 
2. Chron. 28 v. 5.  who had understanding in the visions of God, and was so faithful an adviser to his great Grandsire Vzziah. 2. His first care was to rectify Religion, which had so much suffered by his Father: wherefore he breaks down the brazen Serpent, and calls it Nehushtan, when it was burnt. 
2. Kings 18.4  Then invites all Israel to the celebrating of the Passeover, but they laughed him to scorn for it. not without a perpetual captivity shortly falling upon them, 
2. Chr. 30.10  who proved ungrateful in the acknowledgement of their deliverance from Egypt's bondage. 3. 
2. Kings 17.  Senacharib the great Assyrian (whose father Salmannazzer had not long before captivated the ten Tribes) beleaguered Jerusalem, but with the miraculous losie of an 185000 of his bravest Leaders and Soldiers. 
Ib. c. 20.  4. He falls sick, and through Prayer purchased fifteen years' prorogation of his life, which was confirmed to him by a sign, of the shadows retrogradation in Ahaz dial. 5. Whereupon Merodach Baladan of Babylon, 
Ib.  congratulates him with an Ambassage and Presents. Whom he acquaints with the great treasures of the Kingdom, for which Isaiah the Prophet reproves him, and foretells they shall be transferred to Babel. As he lived so he dies honourably, is interred accordingly, leaves his Kingdom to his son  
14. MANASSES, who cancels his Father's goodness: and erected again the Idolatry of his Grand father Ahaz. Expiates his Children in the fire of Benhinnon, 
2. Chron. 33. 2. Kings 21.  useth all kinds of Witchcraft, and working by familiar spirits, sets up a carved Image in God's Temple, causing Judah to do worse than the heathen. 
Ib.  2. For this he is carried away captive to Babylon, then expresseth his sincere repentance by hearty prayer, not in the words perhaps, but in the sense, of that Apocryphal prayer, which goes under his name. 3. Returns again to his Kingdom, Reforms effectually, dies religiously and leaves  
15. 
Ib.  AMON his son to succeed. 1. This man being of sufficient age, could not be warned by his Father's example, but restores Idolatry at the highest, and humbled not himself but persists in his folly. 2. Till his servants conspired, and slew him in his own house, which the people took so indignly, that the Traitors had quickly what they deserved. And  
16. 
2. Kings 22. 2. Chron. 34.  JOSIAH his son was made King in his steed, of whom too much good cannot be spoken. He began betimes to reform Religion, and repair the Temple, brings the book of the Law again to light, which was formerly lost; celebrates a solemn Passeover beyond all the Kings that were before him. 2. In an unadvised expedition against Necho of Egypt, he got his death's wound, by an arrow in the valley of Megiddo, returns, and dies at jerusalem, and 3. 
Ib. 35. 2. Chr. 35.25.  was buried with the great Lamentation of the Prophet jeremiah, and all his Subjects, who settled his son  
17. JEHOAHAZ in his place, but long he could not hold it. 
Ib. 36.  For after three months' Pharaoh Necho comes upon him, broken by his Father's Disasters, and carries him Captive into Egypt. Sets Eliachim his brother in his place, whom he calleth  
18. JEHOIAKIM: This man (fare degenerating from his Father's virtues) is within a dozen years carried prisoner to Babylon, by Nabuchadnezzar, 
2. Chr. 3●.  with all the Riches of the Temple. His son Jechoniah, or Choniah, or  
19 JEHOIACHIN is left in his place, which he received young, managed ill, and kept not long. For within a year, Nabuchadnezzar was also upon him, 
Ib.  and carried him away to Babylon prisoner, with his Mother, and all his Princes, and Officers, even to the very Smiths, and Artisans, where ('tis thought) he died upon the way, and had no better burial than an Ass, as Jeremiah had foretold. 
Jer. 22.19.  His Uncle Mataniah is put King in his place, and called  
20. ZEDEKIAH. He Rebels against his advancer Nabuchadnezzar, contrary to the advice of Jeremiah the prophet, and his Oath of Allegiance he had taken; Jerusalem (after two year's siege) ransacked, the King laid hold on, 
2. Chr. 36.13.  the Temple, City, and all Defaced. 2. He was brought to Nabuchadnezzar at Riblah, had his sons slain before him, that he might not only feel, but see his Woe. Afterward his Eyes were put out, and he carried Captive to Babylon, where he ended his Woeful days. 3. 
Ib.  One Gedaliah was left behind to govern the scattered people, who were too many, and worthless to be carried so fare; but he was traitorously slain by the Treason of Ishmael, the son of Nethaniah, and his Confederates. They hurried the people with Jeremiah the Prophet into Egypt. 4. Evilmerodach, Nebuchadnezar's son and successor, dealt kindly with Jehojachim, in Babylon, but releaseth not the Captivity.  
2. COntemporary with these, were (as it appeareth out of the second of Kings, and Chronicles) 1. The Kings of Israel. 1. Politic jeroboam, who got little by Treason and Idolatry; for 2. Debauched Nadab his son, was rooted out with all his House; by 3. Boisterous Baasha. His son, 4. Drunken Elah, with all that Family were on the sudden made away by 5. Rash Zimri. He reigned but seven days, before 6. Stout Omri forced him to burn himself, with the Palace in Tirzah; Omri stood longer, bought Samaria, settled himself there in his Idolatrous courses, and left 7. Uxorious Ahab his son to succeed him. He with his Zidonian virago jezabel, 
●. Kings 21.  proves worse than his Ancestors. Extorts Naboths Vineyard from him, where afterward dogs licked his blood. Yet left his son 8. Mopish Ahaziah his successor, 
2. King. 1.  who dies by a fall, of which Beelzebub of Ekron could not cure him, And leaves the Kingdom to his stirring brother 9 jehoram; This man was taken off by 10. Furious Jehu, who makes also an end of the Masculine jezabel, with all the breed of that Line. He did well in executing the Baalites, but the touch of jeroboams politic Idolatry, tainted all his other good parts. His son 11. vexed Jehoahaz follows, who (notwithstanding God's favour in easing him) could not be staved of from jeroboams Policy. 12. joash his son follows in the same road. Rifled jerusalem, when he had overthrown Amaziah. Leaves the 13. Valiant jeroboam his successor, who somewhat refreshed the State, and so leaves it to the 14. Unfortunate Zachariah; he was traitorously slain by 15. Shallum, who made an end of Iehu's race, but held the Throne but a month, before 16. Menahem took him off. He left the Kingdom to 17. Pekaiah his son. But 18. Pekah, the son of Remaliah, soon outed him, and held it. He was traitorously slain by 19 Hoshea the son of Elah, & he with the ten Tribes carried captives by Shalmaneser of Assyria. 
2. Kings 17.   
2. Also Prophets; 1. That Man of God who came from judah, 
1. Kings 13.  and startled jerobeam in his Calvish sacrificing at Bethel, by the renting of the Altar, and withering of the hand stretched out to apprehend him. 2. Elijah, and Elisha, eminent for Miracles. 3. Besides those Greater, and lesser Prophets, whose Writings we have.  
3. With whom fell in 1. the Division of the Assyrian Monarchy, (through Sardanapalus effeminate Luxury) between Phul-Bellock and Arbaces. 2. The Founding of Rome by Romulus, with the success of the six Kings following. 3. Lycurgus and his Laws for the Lacedæmonians. 4. Midas of Phrigia with Ass' cares. 5. The seven Wisemen of Greece. 6. Pharao-Necho's vain attempt, to join Nilus, with the Red-Sea. 7. The building of Carthage by Dido, above 200 years after Aeneas death. Which discredits Virgil's Poem, of the hot Affection between them.  

Jnquiries.  
3. WHETHER 

1. Zachariah, Jehojadahs' son, were the same our Saviour speaks of in the Gospel, Mat. 23.35.  
2. Vzziahs' Mathemeticall Instruments, were of the same kind with those of Archimedes in Plutarch?  
3. The shadow went back only in Ahaz dial, not the Sun in the Heavens?  
4. The captivity of the Ten Tribes, peopled Tartary and the West-Indies?  
5. jehojachim had any marks of Enchantment upon him?  
6. Elisha Prophesied the better, by hearing of a Musical instrument?  
7. He gave a Toleration to Naaman, to be present at Idolatrous Worship?       

SECT. II. The time of the Captivity of Babylon.  
1. THe Captivity of the ten Tribes by Salmanasar, and of Judah by Nabuchadnezzar, hath put a period to the first Dynasty in the succession of Kings. The second Dynasty here runs along in the continuance of the Captivity for the space of 70 years, wherein it is sufficient to note these eminent men.  
1. DANIEL, of the Blood Royal, who was carried away but young with King joakim. 2. His sober Diet, and education in the learning of those times, fitted him for greater employments. 3. The expounding of Nebuchadnezars two dreams, when all the Chaldean Wizards were at a non plus; gave the first rise, to his succeeding advancement, and credit. To Balthazar he interpreted the condemnatory hand-writing against him. Under Darius for his Religion, he was cast into the Lion's don; but there was miraculously freed, to the ruin of his accusers. 4. His Prophecy (which we have) is partly in the Chalday, partly in the Hebrew tongue; and contains the History from the third year of joakim, to the end of the Captivity: in which he was a spectator, or actor. As also a foretelling from thence, the troubles that should befall the Church, under the Grecians and Romans; The coming of the Messiah after 70 Prophetical weeks. The Passages from thence in general to the end of the World. 5. The deliverance of Susanna, is put upon him, and the abbreviating of Nebuchadnezars transformation from seven years to so many weeks by his prayers. 6. He is said to have refused to be coheir with Baltasar in that Monarchy, when it was offered him by Nabuchadnezzar. 7. He lived 138 years (by Pererius calculation) which A Lapide his fellow jesuit finds fault with; who hath afforded us his picture in his Chaldean trowzes, out of the Emperor Basilius Porphygenitus book, now in the Vatican. where he is also reported with his three fellows, Sydrach, Mesach, and Abednego, to have suffered Martyrdom, which other Historians have not observed.  
2. ZEROBABEL who with josua the high Priest, and others brought the People again from Babylon, by the grant of Cyrus after the 70 years' Captivity. 2. He set up first the Altar, sacrificed upon it, and laid the foundations of the second Temple, whereat the old men wept, to see how fare it came short of the former. 3. The work is hindered by Cyrus' successors, Haggai and Zachary the Prophets, incite the bvilders to go onward. The Persian gives way, and the work is finished, dedicated, and the Passcover solemnised.  
3. EZRA the Priest a ready Scribe in the Law, comes with a new supply, having commission from Artaxerxes. 2. He order all matters concerning God's worship in a Council, by the encouragement of Shecaniah, separates the Israelites, that had taken outlandish wives, digests the Canon of the Scripture as we now have it; adding the divisions to it, whereas before, it was one entire mass. Gins the Masoriticall notes for the truer reading, and distincter pronunciation of the tongue; which had much suffered in the 70 years' Captivity. 3. There joined with him in this great work (as the jews would have it) 1. Danicl. 2. Ananias. 3. Azarias. 4. Misael. 5. josua. 6. Zorobabel. 7. Haggeas. 8. Zacharias. 9 Malachias. 10 Nehemias'. 11. Mardochaeus, that makes out a whole dozen. The third and fourth of Esdras are cashiered for none of his.  
4. NEHEMIAH the Tirshasha or Governor comes after him, and builds up the walls by Artaxerxes commission, maugre the pestilent opposition of Sanballet, Tobiah, and Geshem with their confederates. 2. He order all things prudently, and with vigilant resolution. Restrains Usurers, keeps hospitality, causeth the Law to be read, and expounded to the People, takes a Catalogue of those, that returned from the Captivity, and made a Covenant to serve the Lord. 3. Reforms the violation of the Sabbaoth, and taking strange wives, is thought to be the Register of his own Acts. About which time,  
5. MORDECAI the Benjamite captivated with jechoniah, proved a worthy upholder of his Nation under Ahashuerosh, in Shushan. 2. By his provident Council, Esther his orphan Kinswoman, came to be Queen in Vasti's place, who was divorced for her sullenness. 3. He discovered a treason against the King, and afterward by God's providence, contrived the matter so happily, that Hamon, the jews deadly enemy, who had plotted their utter ruin, was hanged on a tree, the fame gallows, he had erected for Mordecais execution. 4. The King takes a liking to him, and makes him the chief man under him. 5. In which place he behaved himself most religiously and prudently, and is thought also to have written the book of Esther. His Acts are registered in the Chronicles of Media, and Persia.  

3. COncurrent with these times are, 1. The stories of Tobit and Judeth. 2. The fragments annexed to Daniel, of Susanna, Bel and the Dragon. 3. The Hiding of the holy Fire in a pit by the Priests, 
2. Macc. 1, & 2.  and of the Ark, with the Altar of Incense, in a Cave, by Jeremy in Mount Horeb. 4. The Prophecy of Baruch, with the Epistle of Jeremy. 5. ezechiel's, Haggies, and Zacharies predications, and predictions, to their captive Countrymen. 6. The translation of the Assyrian Monarchy to the Medes, and Persians. 7 The growing up of the Greeks' and Romans.  

INQVIRIES.  
Whether 

1. The Representation of Nebuchadnezars Image extend no farther than the coming of the Messiah?  
2. Those additions to Daniel, of Susanna, Bell, and the Dragon, may pass for History?  
3. The Books of Tobit, and judeth, be only sacred Poems?  
4. Ezra left the old Hebrew letters, to the Samaritans, and brought in those we now have, from the Chaldeans?  
5. He ordered the books of the old Testament as now we have them?  
6. With the grand Synagogue he added the Hebrew points, and began the Masorah?  
7. Xerxes were hester's husband?      

CAP. VI Chieftains.  
1. 
Confer. Alsted. Encyclop. l. 33. c. 3. Graston Chron.  THe sixth Distance from the second Temple to the birth of Christ, containing the space of 529 years, hath three Dynaesties 

1. Chieftains from the house of David.  
2. Asmonaei or Maccabes.  
3. Kings.    
These Chieftains we have from Saint Luke in this Order.  
1. RHESA MESULLAM, of whom nothing is recorded but that he left  
2. JOANNA BEN RHESA, to succeed him, in whose time Ezra came to jerusalem, with 1500 men. His successor was  
3. JUDAS HIRCANUS, when john the High Priest, being provoked by his brother josua, slew him in the Temple. whereupon Bagoses Artaxerxes a powerful Eunuch in revenge of his friend josua, enters the Temple and pollutes it.  
4. JOSEPH follows him, The schism between jaddus the High Priest, and Manasses his brother falls out about this time. wherein the Antitemple of Mount Garesim, was built by rich Sanballat, Manasses Father in Law, to put down the Temple at jerusalem. Him  
5. SEMEI-ABNER succeeded, who saw the fraudulent surprisal of the City of jerusalem, with the Temple, by Ptolomaeus Lagi, and captivating of his Countrymen, in another Egyptian servitude. After him  
6 MATHIAS ELI found small comfort in all those afflictions, Nor  
7. M●ATH ASERMAH alias Asar Masat that succeeded him, nor  
8. NAG, alias Artaxad Nagid, that followed him. About which times, seem to have grown those horrible projects against the Jews in Egypt, and their strange deliverance, related in the third of Maccabees: But  
9 ESLA alias Haggi Eli, received more kindness in Ptolomeus Philadelphus' days, who procured that translation we have of the Septuagint in Greek, and set free 120000 jews from slavery, at his own cost.  
10. NAHUM MASHETH, was sharer in the same happiness; whose successor was  
11. AMOS SYRACH, 'Tis said the fossae or Cut, between Nilus, and the Red sea, which Pharaoh Necho, and Darius had attempted in vain; was then finished by Ptolomeus Philadelphus, after Amos  
12. MATHATHIAS SILOAH, is only named, his son  
13. JOSEPH JUNIOR, alias Arses, is in great esteem with Ptolomeus Euergetes, as also were joseph and Hirc anus (of the Priest's stock) great Courteors then in Egypt; about which time Ecclesiasticus was written by jesus the son of Syrach. In this line of David  
14. JANNES' HIRCANUS primus is accounted the last. He defeateth the Arabians in some Battles, and so wearied with the extremity of the times, is gathered to his Ancestors.  
COntemporary with these were, 1. High-Priests, eminent to be taken notice of above the rest. 1. joshua assistant to Zorobabel. 2. joachim, who is said to have written the book of judith, and jaddus that met in his Priestly vestments Alexander the great, coming with an intent to plunder jerusalem, but he so pacified him, that he offered Sacrifices to God according to the High Priests direction; was much taken with the Prophecy of Daniel, then showed unto him, concerning the Greek Goat, that should break the Persian Ram. Dan. 8. whereupon he granted to the Jews, whatsoever they demanded of him. joseph. Antiq. l. 11. c. 8.  
2. Externall accidents. 1. The Battles of, 1. Marathron, 2. Thermopylae. 3. Salamina, and 4. Platea, wherein the Greeks' had notable victories over the Persians, and thereupon instituted . 5. Coriolanus and Alcibindes, flying off, and vexing their Countries. 6. The Warre● between the Persian brethren Artaxerxes, and Cyrus, and the honourable retreat of Xenophon with his 10000 Greeks, with all the business that happened from Cyrus, and his Persian successors; those of Alexander the Great and his successors unto Antiochus Epiphanes.  

INQVIRIES.  
3. Whether 

1. The forenamed Chieftains of the line of David, had any authority of Magistrates amongst their Countrymen?  
2. 
joseph. Antiq. l. 11. c. 7.  The kill of josuah in the Temple, by john his brother, the High Priest, polluted the Temple and made john irregular?  
3. 
Ib. Ib. l. 13. c. 6.  The Temple in mount Garesim erected by Sanballet, for Manasses his Son in Law, or that of Onias in Egypt, were any way tolerable?  
4. Simeon the Highpriest, were author of the Book called the third of Maceabes, which in order should be the first?  
5. The Greek translation we have under the name of the Septuagint, be undoubtedly theirs?  
6. There were ever a ditch or Cutt perfected to make the Mediterranean, and the Red Sea meet?  
7. jesus the son of Sirach that wrote Ecclesiasticus, were one of the seaventy Interpreters?       

SECT. II. Maccabees.  
1. THe second Dynasty, 
Incidit interregnum judaicum per Annos 62. Alst.  is of the Asmonei, or Maccabees, extraordinarily raised up by God, to defend true Religion.  
In this are reckoned.  
1. MATHATHIAS of Modin, who 1. killed an Apostate jew, by the Altar, together with the King's commissioner. 2. Afterwards destroyed the Heathenish Altars: and circumcised the jewish Children by force. 3. Giveth directions to his sons to be resolute in their profession, and defence of their Country; and so dies honourably, leaving to succeed him in the quarrel, his son  
2. JUDAS MACCABEUS, so termed of four Letters which he carried in his Standard, M. C. B. I. which intimate by the jews Rashitiboth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 who is like among the Gods unto thee Ichovah? Exod. 15.11. though others think otherwise. He 1. overthrew Apollonius with his great host coming against him out of Samaria, and took his Sword from him, which he after used. And 2. 
1. Mac. 4.57.  Seron a Prince of the Army of Syria. 3. Then Gorgias, and Lysias with their Armies, purifieth the Temple polluted by Antiochus, and (in memory thereof) appointed the Feast of the Dedication, honoured by our Saviour's presence joh. 10.22. 4. Overcame the Idumeans, Ammonites, and others, 
1. Mac. 6.46.  with their great Leader Timotheus. 5. Encounters Eupators huge Host, where valiant Eleazar slew the Elephant, that crushed him with his fall; makes a league with the Romans. 6. Defeats and kills Nicanor (Demetrius General) with all his host. 
Ib. 9.18.  7. At length venturing with 800 men, upon Bacchides that had 20000 foot, and 2000 horse, after a most resolute routing of the right wing, he was enclosed by the left wing, and so slain.  
3. JONATHAN his brother succeeeds him. Who 1. having revenged the death of his brother john, 
Ib. ●. 37.  at the great marriage of Ambri: with a few breaks through Bacchides great Army, endangereth the General himself in his passage, slays a 1000 men, swims over Jordan with his company and so quits himself. 2. By the hand of God stopping the mouth of Alcimus. with a deadly palsy, he is delivered from that treacherous Highpriest, who had mastered the Hasideans, and was pulling down the Monuments of the Prophets. 3. Discomfited Bacchides before Beth Basim, and forced him to a Peace. 4. Sticks to Alexander, the son of Epiphanes, who named him Highpriest, and defeats Apollonius the General of Demetrius, and an host of strangers, when his own men had left him. 5. Reneweth the league with the Romans and Spartans. 6. Is betrayed and slain by the Usurper Tryphon, leaving his brother  
4. SIMON, who was chosen in his place. 1. He was deceived by Tryphon of an 100 talents, which he sent with Jonathans' two sons, to redeem their Father, but lost all. 
1. Mac. c. 13, & 14.  2. He won Gaza, and the Castle of jerusalem, continues the League with the Romans, and Lacedæmonians. 3. Overthrows by his sons, Cendebeus, Antiochus Captain. 4. So governs that he is styled the High, and chief Priest, Governor and Prince of the jews. 5. 
Ib. c. 6.  Is betrayed by his Son in Law Ptolomey, and slain with his two Sons Mathathias, and judas, at a Banquet in Hiericho, but  
5. JOHANNES HIRCANUS, the third brother escaped, to succeed the Father, and revenge the parricide. 1. He besieged treacherous Ptolemy in the Castle of Dagon, but left the Siege, at the woeful sight of the tortures of his mother, who notwithstanding, animated him to persist in his purpose. 2. 
joseph. Antiy. l. 13 c. 14. & 15.  He bravely defended Jerusalem against the siege of Antiochus Sedites, of whom he purchaseth his peace with a great sum of Money, supplied, with an advantage, out of the Sepulchre of David. 3. 
Ib. c. 16.  He recovereth many places in Syria, and demolisheth the Temple, on Mount Garisim, which had stood 200 years: causeth the Idumeans, to be circumcised, that resolved to stay among the jews, reneweth the League with the Romans. 4. Utterly razeth Samaria. falls off from the Pharisees to the Sadduces. 5. Being in a manner, Prince, Priest, and Prophet, after 31. years' rule, dies, leaving his government to his Sons.  

1. COncurrent are here. 1. jewish Priests. 1. Nason that bought the place. 2. Menelaus, that out bid him, but had little comfort of his bargain. 3. Alcimus the betrayer of his Country: the last of the race of Aaron. 4. Then Jonathan. 5. Simeon. 6. johannes Hircanus, of Mathathias stock enjoy it.  
2. Onias, building a Mock-Temple, at Heliopolis in Egypt, 
2. Macc. 7.  for the jews of those parts. 2. Heliodorus whipping by an Angel, for offering to trake the Temple's Treasure. 3. The horrible persecution of Epiphanes, specified in old Eleazarus, in the Mother and her Seven Sons. 4. In the death of Razis, who to escape Nicanors hands, strangely slew himself. 5. The rising of the Sects of Pharisees saducees and  
3. 
2. Macc. 14.41.  The quarrels with various success between the Seleucidae, and the Lagidae, until the end of the brethren Antiochus, Grypns, and Cycicenus.  

INQVIRIES.  
3. Whether 

1. The second book of Maccabees be the same Authors with the former, and may be reconciled with it?  
2. Mattathias might lawfully slay an offendor, being no Magistrate?  
3. Forced circumcision, practised by Mattathias, and John Hircanus, may be approved?  
4. Hircanus' taking 3000 Talents out of David's sepulchre for secular uses, were not a kind of Sacrilege?  
5. He might not more providently have altered the property of the Temple on Mount Garesin, then have utterly razed it?  
6. The Pharisees, Saducees, and Essenes' were unknown to ancient times, before the Jews commerce with the Grecians?  
7. Rasis resolute killing of himself, may be rather pitied, then defended?       

SECT. III. Kings.  
1. THe Asmonei thus fare contented themselves with the title of Governors or High-Priests, now they aspire to be Kings, In which descent follows.  
1. ARISTOBULUS the eldest son of johannes Hircanus. 1. He associates to him in the government his brother Antigonus, but quickly (by his wifes Salome's persuasion) makes him away. 2. He imprisoneth his three younger brethren, and starved his own Mother, upon suspcition she affected the Kingdom. 3. For which his conscience torturing him, after a years Reign he dies miserably.  
2. ALEXANDER IANNaeus, his brother, (released by Salome out of prison) succeeds him, for which kindness he marries the widow. 2. With much ado he getteth Ptoleenais, receives two overthrows by Lathurus, who was banished Egypt, by his Mother Cleopatra. 3. The Pharisees are hard against him, of whom he dispatched at once 50000. 4. Notwithstanding (finding by experience how they led the vulgar) he exhorteth his Wife to close in with them, and to be ruled altogether by them. This counsel  
3. ALEXANDRA alias Salome his wife wisely follows, and so gets the government. 2. The Pharisees do what they list: and tyrannize over the contrary faction; The Queen grows to be of 73 years of age, and much broken, after nine years' Reign dies. his eldest Son  
4. HIRCANUS (whom she before had made Highpriest) succeeded by right. This (he being but a soft man) hardly maintained by the help of Antipater the Idumean, and Aretas King of Arabia, who drove Aristobulus his brother, (that withstood him) out of Jerusalem. 2. The matter came to be disputed (who should be King) between the brethren Hircanus, and Aristobulus, before Pompey the Great. He takes with Hircanus, makes a breach on the Temple, lays open the Holiest of Holies. 3. And having done what he list, hasteneth to Rome, carrying with him Aristobulus prisoner, with his two Sons and two Daughters, but his son Alexander escaped by the way. Antigonus was led on, and there kept for a while. 4. Hircanus' held up by Antipater, and the Pompeian faction, at length falls into the hands of Antigonus (his brother Aristobulus son) who cuts off his ears, and sends him Prisoner with Pacorus and Barzaphanes the Parthians, where he was well used by their King Phraates, and returned back again to his Country. There at the age of 80 years, he was put to death by Herod, who with his Father and Brethren, formerly had stood so for him. Competitour with this Hircanus was his Brother  
5. ARISTOBULUS the second, he was the more Active man, and by composition had the Kingdom left to him by his brother Hircanus: but that Antipater with his sons (backed by Pompey) revived Hircanus' title. 2. He being freed from his imprisonment at Rome by Julius Caesar, to return into his Country, was poisoned by the way, by some of Pompey's Faction. His son Alexander having stirred in jewry as much as he could, to make way for him. 3. This Alexander had to wife Alexandra, his uncle Hircanus' daughter, which bore him the two paragons of that time, for beauty, Aristobulus and Mariam. At length, himself at Pompey's direction is beheaded at Antioch by Scipio. In whose right and revenge, his Brother  
6. ANTIGONUS' shows himself; Backed by the Tyrians, Parthians, and other friends. Invades Galily, takes Jerusalem, held it for a while, but at length is taken by Socius the Roman leader, after six months' Siege. Thence was he sent to Antony who dispatched him at Antioch. In all this  
7. HEROD, had the chiefest stroke, who then had none to withstand his usurpation. He was the son of Antipater the Idumean, a Rich, Wife, and expert man, a great friend to Hircanus, and upholder of him against his brother Aristobulus. 2. In all which excellent parts this second son of his Herod, came nothing behind him. 3. For executing Ezechias the Thief with his associates, he is questioned before the Sanedrim, where downright Sanreas tells him his own, but he was grown too stiffnecked for such a curb. 4. Upon the death of Caesar, (touching with amorous Cleopatra of Egypt by the buy) he gets to Rome: There by Antony's means (whom he had well bribed, and still observed) he is proclaimed King of judea. 5. Returns and by great industry, valour and Policy, settles himself in it, makes away with all the Blood-royal that might question his title. Amongst which the sweet Aristobulus in sport, is ducked to death by his fellow Swimmers, And the beautiful Mariam his sister, (through Herod's dearest wife) is executed; (as also her Mother Alexandra afterwards) for pretended Treason. 6. This barbarous cruelty is extended farther to his own Children, so that Augustus said, he had rather be Herod's swine than his Son. 7. He was magnificent in buildings, expressed in Samaria (called by him Sebastia) Caesarea: his own palace at jerusalem; but especially in the third Temple by him erected. 8. He escapeth many conspiracies, but at length, after the merciless butchery of the Infants of Bethlem, and other villainous massacres, the hand of God seizeth upon him, so that he dies of a most horrible, and loathsome disease. In his time 3959. from the Creation our Saviour Christ jesus was borne. The beginner of the last period.  

COncurrent with these times, were the 1. High-Priests. 1. Alexander janneus. 2. Hircanus, first put in by his Mother Alexandra. 3. Aristobulus his brother. 4. Ananelus a base fellow, foisted in by Herode, and outed again by him, to make way for 5. Aristobulus, Mariamne's brother, who was treacherously drowned. 6. Jesus sone of Phebes, who is deprived, to give place to. 7. Simon Boethus, whose fair daughter, Herod took to wife, after he had executed Mariam. Him succeeded 8. Mathias, who was deposed for a sedition. And 9 Joazar placed in his room, but deposed afterward by Cyrenius, to make way for. 10. Ananus. 11. Ishmael, Eleazar, Simon, and Joseph alias Caiaphas, execute the office by turns, with Annas, all our Saviour's time upon earth.  
2. Wars between Cleopatra, and her son Lathurus of Egypt. 2. Those of the Romans, with Mithridates and Tigranes, the Eastern Potentates. 3. Crassus' defeat after he had rob the Temple of jerusalem by the Parthians, at Charras. 4. The rifling of jerusalem, and the Temple, by Pompey. The civil Wars, between him, and julius Caesar, Augustus, and Antonye.  
3. Proscriptions of Cicero, and other eminent men of Rome, till Augustus, got all into his hands, shut up the Temple of janus, in token of a general Peace; and taxed all the subdued Provinces.  

INQVIRIES.  
Whether 

1. Aristobulus did wisely as the times stood to assume the Title of King, which his predecessors had so long forborn?  
2. The office of Highpriest and King amongst the jews were compatible?  
3. The Biting off of Hircanus' Ears by villainy, might make him irregular for the High-Priests office?  
4. jacobs' Prophecy of the departing of the Sceptre from judah, were fulfilled by Herod's usurpation?  
5. Herod were an Indumean of a base stock as josephus represents him?  
6. Mariam his fair wife, might be justly charged of conspiracy against him?  
7. The Temple he built, were more magnificent, then that he plucked down?      

CAP. VII. The Life of our Saviour.  
1. THE seaventh and last Distance is, from the Birth of Christ, to this present year 1647.  
2. This (for order sake) may be referred to a triple Hierarchy. 

1. Evangelicall.  
2. Apostolical.  
3. Ecclesiastical.    
3. The Evangelicall, Historically only toucheth upon the Say and Do of our Saviour, Registered by the four Evangelists, from his Birth until the descending of the Holy Ghost.  
4. According to these heads, or the like, of His 

1. Private Life.  
2. Preparation for exeqution of his Mediatorship.  
3. Sermons.  
4. Miracles.  
5. Conferences.  
6. Sufferings.  
7. Triumphs.    
5. 
Private Life. Math. 3.  His Private life before his Baptism, for the space of about thirty years, holdeth forth unto us. 1. The Prophesied preparation of john Baptist to be his forerunner; of the Blessed Virgin Mary to be his Mother; of joseph, 
Mar. 1. Luk. 3. Luk. 2.  to be the faithful Guardian of his Infancy, and Pupilage. 2. His Nativity at Bethlem Ephratah, in a Stable, welcomed in, and Preached by a choir of Angels, That sent the Shepherds to see it, who found it as 'twas told them from heaven. In which mean place, 
Math. 2.  (it may be well thought) he was the eight day Circumcised. 3. His visiting by the wise Easterlings, who schooled by Herod, to bring information where they found him, followed the directions of a better Master, and returned home another way. 4. 
Luk. 2.  His Mother's Purification, with Simeons and hannah's open Testimonies of him in the Temple, as it were under Herod's Nose, whiles he expected to hear from the Wise men, or was taken up (perhaps) by more Courtly employments. 5. His Flight into Egypt, by an Angel's direction, whereupon followed the Massacre of the Bethlem Infants, of two years old, 
Math. 9  and under, wherein (some affirm) that 14000, or thereabout, were Butchered. 6. His return, and settling with his Parents in Nazareth. 7. 
Luke 2.  His going with them to jerusalem at the Passeover, where by his Conference, and Questioning with the Doctors, he astonished all the hearers at his understanding, and answers, whence returning with his Parents to Nazareth, he subjected himself unto them, and exercised as some think the Trade of a Carpenter. (Baronius thinks he made yokes, alluding thereto, in that he professeth, My yoke is easy. Mat. 11.30.) Until  
6. His Preparation for the work of his Mediatorship. 
Preparations.  In which these particulars are most remarkable. 1. His public Baptising by john in the River Jordan. 2. The Testimony of his Father from Heaven, This is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased, reiterated with that addition to the three Apostles, in the Mount, Hear him, and confirmed more publicly in a voice from Heaven. 
Io. 12.28. Mar. 1. Math. 3. Luk. 3. joh. 1.  I have glorified it, and will glorify it again. 3. The descending of the Holy Ghost, in a bodily shape like a Dove, and abiding upon him; who thereupon led him into the Wilderness. 4. His fasting there forty days, and forty nights. 5. His tempting by the Devil, 
Luk. 10.18. Io. 14.30.  whom he vanquished, and beheld afterward falling from Heaven, as lightning, and returning at last as a Prince of this World, could find nothing in him to except against. 6. His returning into Galilee, and gathering Disciples, where we have the distinct callings of Andrew, 
Mat. 9  and Peter, james, and john, and afterwards of Matthew from the receipt of Custom, to be his followers. 7. His sorting of them, Twelve he ordained by name, 
Mar. 3.14.  that they should be with him, to be sent forth to Preach, and seventy others, he appointed, to go two and two before him, 
Luk. 10.5.  to such places as he himself would come.  
7. 
Sermons. Math. c. 5, 6, ●.  Of his Sermons upon these preparations (to omit other) we have in Saint Matthew. 1. His catechetical Cap. 5, 6, 7, declaring the qualifications of those that aim at blessedness, 
Ib. c. 10.  and the means that lead unto it. 2. His Concio ad Clerum c. 10. or Sermon to the Clergy, instructing them, what to do, 
Ib. c. 11.  how to teach, and what to expect. 3. Concio pro Clero, his Sermon in the behalf of the Clergy, wherein he justifyeth john Baptist, and his Doctrine, taxeth perverse, and censorious hearers, and inviteth the meek and lowly in heart, 
Ib. v. 30. Ib. 13.  to come unto him, and undergo his yoke. 4. His popular Sermon, to the promiscuous Multitude c. 13. concerning the divers effects of the Word Preached, the preciousness of it being embraced, and the strict account that is to be given of it. 
Ib. c. 18.  5. His Irenicon, or Sermon for composing differences, wherein the authority of the Church is asserted, and a heavy doom denounced against such as slight it, and will not be drawn by God's forgiving us to forgive their Brethren. 
Ib. c. 23.  6. His Elenchicall or Sermon of Reproof against the Hypocritical Scribes and Pharises c. 23. Whose true Doctrine notwithstanding he will not have rejected, through hatred or prejudice to their Persons, but their Arrogancy to be avoided, 
Ib. c. 24.25.  and their pretences of Religion, for their own wicked ends, to be detested. 7. His Prophetical of the destruction of jerusalem, the end of the World, and the Day of judgement, with the manner of it.  
8. 
Miracles.  His Miracles follow to back his Sermons. Of which some have pitched upon 34. others have reckoned 57 
Simon de Cassia. Salmeron. A Lapide. Io. 2. Math. 15. Math. 7.  all may be disposed according to the places in which they were performed. As 1. In Galilee. The turning of water into Wine, dispossessing the Woman of Canaan's daughter. The curing of one Deaf, that had an impediment in his speech, by putting his fingers into his ears, and touching his tongue with his spittle. 2. In Capernaum, The curing of a Noble man's son, 
Io. 4. Mar. 2. Math. 9  at a great distance, Of the Paralitique that was brought in a bed, and let down through the roof of the house before him, Of the raising of jairus daughter, etc. 3. Beyond jordane, the dispossession of a Legion of Devils, 
Mar. 5.  and sending them into the heard of Swine. 4. On the Sea, in commanding the wind and waters, walking on the waters, assembling the Fishes at his pleasure to be taken, whereof one brought money in his mouth to pay tribute. 5. 
Math. 57 Io. 6. Math. 14. & 15. Luk. 7.  In the Wilderness by feeding 5000 with five Barley loaves, and two fishes, and 4000 at another time, in the like miraculous manner. 6. In judea, The raising of the Widow's son of Naim, and of Lazarus, when he stunk in his grave, are Wonders never elsewhere heard of. 7. And lastly in jerusalem, 
Jo. 11. Io. 5. Io. 9  The quiting of the impotent man at Bethesda, of his eight and thirty years languishing: The opening of the eyes of him that was borne blind, with like, which to these places may be referred.  
9 These were intermixed with his Conferences, 
Conferences.  distinguishable by the parties conferred with, So we have his discourse with 1. Nicodemus of Regeneration, and Salvation, by his lifting up, from the biting of the old Serpent, 
Jo. 2.  as the Israelites were cured by Moses Serpent in the Wilderness. 2. With the Woman of Samaria at jacobs' well: 
Ib. 4.  concerning the coming of Messiah, and Gods spiritual Worship. 3. With the Pharisees, of Traditions, Sabbath, 
math. 15.  and the Author of his Doctrine, and Miracles. 4. 
Ib. c. 22, Luke 10.  With the Sadduces, concerning the Resurrection. 5. With the Lawyers about the First and Greatest Commandment, and who may be termed our Neighbour. 6. With the People, 
Jo. 6.  touching the Bread of Life, and spiritual Manna, and their senselessness, in not acknowledging the Messiah. 7. With his Disciples and followers, 
Math. 20. Mar. 10.  affecting supremacy, and being disheartened at his low condition, and foretelling them of greater sufferings that should fall upon him.  
10. 
Sufferings. Math. 26. Mar. 14. Luk. 22. v. 52.  These sufferings he endured. 1. In Gethsemane, when he was in his greatest Agony, exceeding sorrowful, very Heavy to the death, prayed, and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood. 2. In his apprehending, by the Chief Priests, Captains of the Temple, judas, and the rascal multitude. 
Luk. 23.  3. In the Ecclesiastic Consistories of Annas, and Caiphas. 4. In Herod's Court by Swagger and Mockings, and returning him to Pilate in a robe of Scorn. 5. Under pilate's hands, where he was tumultuously voted to be crucified, against the judges acquitting of him, and a seditious Murderer accepted before him. 
Io. 19  6. In his Crowning with thorns, spitting upon, scourging, and burdened with his own cross, by the executioners, after his condemnation. 7. In his torments on the Cross, by mockings, revyling, relieving only with Gall and Vinegar piercing his side after he was dead. When the Heavens put on their blacks, the earth staggered, the Rocks rend, the graves opened, the Temples veil was torn from the top to the bottom, at such transcendent Impieties, for continual remembrance of which we have the Sacrament, Instituted solemnly by himself at his last Supper.  
11. 
Triumphs. coloss. 2.15.  And upon this Consummatum est, or Finishing, succeeded his Triumphs. 1. Over Principalities and Powers of darkness, by spoiling them and showing them openly. 2. Over the Grave and Death by his Resurrection. 3. Over all oppositions and Impediments, 
Act 1.  by his forty days conversing with his Apostles, in ten infallible apparitions, instructing them in those things that pertain to the Kingdom of God. 
Io. 20. Math. 28.  4. In giving them full Commission to teach, and list all Nations by Baptism, In the name of the most Sacred Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, and to remit and retain sins, by virtue of the Holy Ghost, which he breathed upon them. 5. In trampling the World under foot, by his Glorious Ascension. 6. Ruling in the midst of his, 
Psal. 110.  and his Church's enemies. by the rod of his strength, as he sits at the right hand of the Father. 7. And last of all by sending of the Holy Ghost, to furnish his Apostles and their Successors, for the propagating of the Gospel, to the utter dissolving of all the depths of Saetan, and his incessant Machinations. The ridiculous parallel of Apollonius Tyaneus with our Saviour, by Hierocles, and the malicious exceptions of R. Nizachon, against his do and Miracles, are fully answered, by Eusebius, and Munster, in Math. Hebraice.  
12. About this fullness of Time, 
Gal. 4.  in our Saviour's being upon earth, appeared. 1. The great Wits for Poetry, Virgil, Ovid, Horace, etc. for Oratory Cicero, for History Sallust, Livy, Trogus, Pompeius, Strabo the Geographer. 2. Triumphant Warriors, Pompey, Julius Caesar, Augustus. 3. Notorious Impostors, Simon Magus who proclaimed himself to appear, as God the Father to the Samaritans, 
Ireneus l. 2.  God the Son to the Jews, and God the Holy Ghost to the Gentiles. Theudas a Magician, that miss a multitude, to pass over jordan, which he bore them in hand, should divide itself, but himself and those with him, were all slain or scattered. 
Act. 5.36  Judas. of Galilee, who would not endure to pay Tribute, or acknowledge any Lord: which some make the reason that our Saviour and his Apostles, were so punctual against this madness, lest they should be thought such Galileans, 
Euseb. E. H. l. 4. c. 6. Dion Cassius in Hadriano.  as favoured Rebellion. such a one was Barcochebas, afterward a fatal Comet, who with his new light was the destruction of 50000 of his followers. 4. Silencing of Oracles, as that of Delphos, where Augustus Caesar urging the Devil for an answer, was told that an Hebrew child, had stopped his mouth, and sent him with a Mittimus to Hell, and therefore, he might spare labour or cost, 
Peucer. de Oraculis.  to consult with him any more. The like was the Lamentation for the death of the great God Pan in Plutarch. 5. The discovery of the Abomination of the Idol Priests in Rome, upon the abusing of the noble Matron Paulina, by Decius Mundus, whom he could not bring to his Lure by money, but had his will of, under the mask of Anubis to which Dogs head she was devoted, 
joseph. Ant. l. 18. c. 4.  which was the destruction both of those bawdy Priests and Temple. 6. The expelling of Players from Rome for the like villainies. And 7. the fall of Sejanus, Tiberius' great favourite, with the disgraceful and horrible executions of his Son and Daughter.  

Inquiries.  
Whether 

1. Protoevangelium jacobi, and the Book of our Saviour's Infancy be altogether fabulous?  
2. 
Euseb. Eccles. Hist. l. 2. c. 2.  The Epistle of Lentulus, describing our Saviour's feature of body, or that of Pilate to Tiberius concerning his miraculous Acts, may pass for currant?  
3. 
Suidas in verb Jesus.  The story of Jesus registering amongst the Priests, under the title of the Son of God, and Mary the Virgin in Suidas, be of any credit?  
4. 
Eccles. Hist. l. 1. c. 14.  Agbarus' letter to him, and his answer to Agbarus, in Eusebius, may be taken for truth?  
5. 
Antiq. l. 18. c. 4. Euseb. Ecclesiast. Hist. l. 1. c. 12. Ib. c. 7.  josephus' Testimony concerning the Divine carriage of our Saviour, and pious conversation of john Baptist, may be suspected for an Addition of the Christians?  
6. The Eternal Gospel invented by Cyrillus a Monk, to uphold the Papal tyranny, heresies, and Idolatry, tended to the extinguishing of Christianity?  
7. 
See forth by Ludovicus de Dieu in the Persiam tongue and Latin, with Animadversions.  The mixed Gospel of truth and trash, tendered to Acbar the great Mogul, by Xaverius the jesuite to inform him in Christianity, be not Impudent and abominable?       

SECT. II. Hierarch. Apostolical.  
1. THE Evangelicall Hierarchy, was seconded by the Apostolical, That contains the Acts of the Apostles, and their fellow-labourers, for the first Planting and settling of the Christian Church, composed of Jews and Gentiles.  
2. These Acts were performed by them either 

At their being together at jerusalem, immediately upon the Holy Ghost's descension.  
After their scattering by reason of the persecution, and their mission or designment to their several places.    
3. Being yet together, 

1. 
Act. 1●  They solemnly chose Mathias into the place of judas the Traitor.  
2. 
Ib. 2.  They are inspired by the visible descent of the Holy Ghost, whereupon Peter made that first Sermon, whereby he gained to the Church about 3000.  
3. Peter and John cure a Cripple, 
Ib. v. 14.  at the Temples Beautiful gate, whereby at a second Sermon, the number is made 5000.  
4. They are thereupon imprisoned, 
Ib. 4.  and after convented before Annas and Caiaphas, john and ALexander, but pass unpunished by reason of the People. A public  is made for it, and contribution, that no want might be amongst the Poor beginners, which might make them shrink from their profession.  
5. Ananias and Saphira, 
Ib. 5.  are miraculoussy strucken dead, for their lying dissimulation.  
6. The Apostles continue to do Miracles, whereupon they are imprisoned, but are delivered by an Angel, had before a Council, but escape with an ordinary beating and threatening, by the wise advice of Gamaliell.  
7. 
Ib. 6.  A murmuring ariseth of the Grecians, against the Hebrews, for neglect of their Widows: seven Deacons are chosen to pacify it, amongst whom Steven proves eminent, 
Ib. 7.  for his zeal and abilities, which cost him a stoning, but gained him the Primacy of Martyrdom.    
4. After their separation, or scattering; are especially remarkable, the Lives and do of the 

1. 12. Apostles.  
2. 70. Disciples.  
3. 7. Deacone.    
These Apostles were,  
1 SIMON PETER termed also Cephas, 
Act. c. 3. Ib.  who was sent by the rest of the Apostles with john, from jerusalem, to Samaria; to second Philip, who had there Preached Christ. 2. There he discovered, and confounded Simon Magus, and thence returns to Jerusalem. 3. Their going again abroad, to visit and confirm the Churches, he arrives at Lidda, 
Ib. 9  where he cures Aeneas of the Palsy, and at joppa, raiseth Tabytha from the dead, and afterwards stayed many days with Simon a Tanner. 
Ib. 10.  4. In that Tanner's house, he had the vision of the sheet, of clean, and unclean creatures, clapped together. 5. From thence was directed by the spirit to go to Cornelius, whom he Baptizeth with his Family, and Friends; and so returns the second time to Jerusalem. 6. Then being questioned for his going to the Gentiles, gives a satisfying answer, 
Ib. 11.  and is taken afterward, and imprisoned by Herod Agrippa, but is freed by an Angel. 7. 
Ib. 12. Act. 15.  After that we find no more of him, till he gave his suffrage, in the Council at jerusalem. 8. From thence going unto Antioch, is reproved by Saint Paul to his face, for dissimulation. 9 
Gal. 2.11.  Afterward what course he took the Scripture mentioneth not. only we have two Epistles of his, the first (as 'tis thought) from Babylon, the second mentioning Saint Paul's Epistles, and the abuse of them, by divers. 10. 
2. Pet. 3.16.  His being at Rome cannot be proved, or that he left any more writings behind him, besides those two Epistles which make rather against Popery then any way countenance it. His life written by Xaverius in the Persian Language, and translated by Ludovicus de Dieu; is fraught with impudent fables, as his soliciting the blessed Virgin, to intercede to Christ for pardon, of his thrice denying of him, and our Saviour's making him and his successors his Vicars here on earth, and the like) as appeareth in the Animadversions upon it. St Mark is reported to be with him at Rome where he wrote his Gospel, (some say) in Latin, the Original yet remaining in Venice, afterward translated into Greek by himself, but this is only jesuitical Tradition, who make Mark the Evangelist, S. Peter's convert, differing from john Mark, that accompanied S. Paul, which the Scripture mentioneth.  
2. ANDREW, was first a Disciple of John Baptist, 
Jo. 40.  than (upon his testimony) a follower of our Saviour's; to whom he brought his brother Peter. 2. He is said to be the Apostle of the Scythians, Sogdians, and Dacians, to be Crucified by Aegeas, King of Edessa, and buried at Patras in Achaia.  
3. JAMES of Zebedee was the first of the Apostles, 
Act. 12.  that suffered Martyrdom, under Herod in Jerusalem, and there buried. his bones were said to be translated afterwards to Compostella in Spain, where Pilgrims make superstitious journeys to visit them.  
4. JOHN his Brother, was the Disciple whom jesus loved; and joined in Commission with Peter, to confirm the convicted Samaritans, by Philip. 2. 'Tis said that he was put into a vessel of boiling Oil at Rome, in Domitian's time, which did him no hurt. 3. It is certain, he was banished into Patmos, where he wrote his Revelation; and after his return to Ephesus, his three Epistles, and Gospel; which was published by Gaius his Host, and Deacon. 4. Some think he slumbereth yet under the earth at Ephesus; where he made his own Grave, and in a manner interred himself; out of which he Preached. More probable is that of his recovering of a public Thief, who after was made Bishop.  
5. 
Euseb. Eccles. Hist. l. 3. c. 20.  PHILIP of Bethsaida, Preached (as 'tis thought) the Gospel in Phrygia, and lieth buried at Hieropolis.  
6. BARTHOLOMEW, is said to have gone as fare as India, and to have Preached, where some say he was cudgeled to death, some, Crucified, some, that he was flain a live: some, that he was Beheaded: But Peter de Natalibus affirms that all these tortures were inflicted on him, successively. 
Visars in Ps. 22.  Father Ambrose Chircher, (a great traveller of late in the Eastern parts) tells us of a Tradition they have in China, that one Olo Puen was brought thither from judaea in the Clouds, and Preached Christianity amongst them, whereof he left 27. Tomes behind him, more ('tis to be thought) then can be shown of S. bartholomew's.  
7. THOMAS is reckoned the Apostle of the Parthians, Medes, and Persians, where he was slain with a dart and lies buried.  
8. MATHEW wrote the first Gospel, (some think in Hebrew) It is not known who translated it. 2. He is said to have been entertained, 
Act. 8.  by the Eunuch of Queen Candace in Aethiopia; where he Preached the Gospel, converted the People, and was Married.  
9 JAMES of Alpheus otherwise called Oblias, or justus, succeeded james of Zebedee in the Bishopric of jerusalem. 2. Concludes the Council there as Precedent, notwithstanding the presence of Peter. 3. Leaves a Catholic Epistle for the animating of Faith by Works. 4. Was Martyred at jerusalem, after he was thrown down from a Pinnacle of the Temple, by a fullers club.  
10. LEBBEUS alias Thaddeus, 
Math. 10. Act. 1. Act. 15.22.  or judas surnamed Barsabas, the Brother of james, from him we have an Epistle to the same purpose with the 2d of S. Peter. 2. He was made commissioner with Silas, to carry the Counsels of jerusalems' decrees to them of Antioch. He is said to have gone to King Agbarus, of Edessa, and to have cured, and converted him, and his, according to the Letter of our Saviour, 
Euseb. Eccles● Hist.  returning an answer to a Letter of Agbarus first sent unto him. And there he lies buried.  
11. SIMON the Canaanite, or Zelotes, is said to have done somewhat in Africa, to be crucified in Brettannia, (saith Dorotheus) Volaterane calls it Betani, Peter de Natalibus, Bethania, which is most like, that (if he were Bishop as some say of jerusalem) he might there suffer.  
12. MATHIAS came to be an Apostle by election, into the place of judas Iscariot, who is reported to have slain his Father, married his Mother, and betrayed his Master. 2. His Diocese fell out to be Aethiopia, about the Haven Hissus, and the river Phasis amongst Men-eaters where he died. All which Relations may be noted for Monkish evaporations. To which these Twelve may be added.  
6. St PAUL, first Saul, a persecutor, 
Act. 9  then taken off in a miraculous manner by Christ's call from heaven (2.) whereupon he lies three days at Damascus in an ecstasy, at what time ('tis thought) he was rapt into the third Heaven, and made 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 taught by Christ himself; then restored to his sight, and Baptised by Ananias. (3.) From thence he goes into Arabia, 
Act. 9 2 Cor. 11. Gall. 1 18.  and having spent there three years in Preaching, returns to Damascus, but hardly thence escapes, in a Basket: and comes to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to see Peter, or confer with him in Jerusale●, after james of Zebedees' Martyrdom, and a little before the imprisoning of S. Peter. (4.) But having notice in a vision that it would be bootless, and dangerous for him to stay there longer, he betakes himself to Tarsus his own Country, the Metropolitan City in Cilicia, but stayed not long there, before Barnabas came to fetch him away to Antioch, the chief City of Syria, to help him in his charge, which the Church of Jerusalem had there designed him, for confirming of those Gentiles which some of the dispersion of the Jews had formerly instructed. (5.) This they performed with that Alacrity and success, 
Act. 11.  that from Antioch, we had first the name of Christians. Thither when Agabus had repaired to them, and Prophesied of a Dearth at hand; they were sent with a Collection, by the Church of Antioch, to help the poor Brethren in jerusalem. Thence returning they brought john Mark with them. (6.) Not long after, both of them by express command of the holy Ghost, (after Prayers and Imposition of hands) are dispatched (taking Mark with them) to that biennial Circuit, wherein Sergius Paulus Proconsul of Paphus was converted, Elymas Bar-Iesu confounded, many Cities and Countries blessed by the light of the Gospel, Paul at Listra stoned, where a little before he had been (with Barnabas) deified. Notwithstanding under God's protection (having gotten Titus with them instead of Mark, (which went to Jerusalem) they returned again to Antioch. (7.) There a quarrel then being set a foot, by some 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 false Brethren, 
Gal. 2.4. Act. 15.  concerning the Abrogation of jewish Ceremonies, he passed to the Council of jerusalem, where the business was decided; And then returns to Antioch, where he made bold to reprove Peter. (8.) Then makes a journey with Silas into Asia to confirm the Churches, a little before there by him planted. (9) That being done he comes from Troas over into Europe, visits Macedon, Thessalonica, Corinth, Athens, Achaia. (10.) At length returns to jerusalem, 
Act. 25, 26 27, 28.  is there Apprehended. Thence sent to Caesaria, answers before Felix, Festus, and Agrippa, appeals to Caesar, is sent thence to Rome, escapes in the journey Shipwreck, and the Viper in Malta. (11.) Gets from thence opportunity to make an excursion to Plant, and confirm Churches: Returns again to Rome. and is Martyred, (as 'tis thought) under Nero. (12.) Companions he had of his Travels and Preaching: Barnabas, Luke the Physician of Antioch, from whom we have this excellent Gospel, and the Acts of the Apostles, dedicated to Theophilus, who converted to Christianity converted his house to be a Church. Mark the Evangelist, Silas, Timotheus, Titus, Aquila, and Priscilla: And in his European journey, Sopater, Aristarchus, Secundus, Gaius, Tychicus, and Trophimus. (13.) We have fourteen Epistles of his; some written to whole Churches, some to particular Men: some before his Bonds, some in them: in this order. Before his Imprisonment; two, to the Thessalonians, one to Titus, one to the Galathians, two to the Corinthians, one to Timothy, one to the Romans. In his Imprisonment, one to the Philippians, one to the Colossians, one to Philemon, one to the Ephesians, one to the Hebrews, and last of all, a second Epistle to Timothy. (14.) That Epistle of his to the Laodiceans, is merely Imaginary, and those between him and Seneca forged. The subscriptions for Timothy and Titus being Bishops of Ephesus and Cr●te, are carped at only by Wranglers.  
7. For the seaventy Disciples, we have their Commission from our Saviour, Luke 10. but not their names, Peter de Natalilibus tells us of two old Catalogues of their names, which he found in Rome, under the Name of D●r●theus Bishop of Tyre, the one in Greek, the other in Latin: But just exceptions lie against both. 1. They disagree one from the other. 2. Instead of 70, the Greek hath 72. 3. In both Caesar (perchance Nero) is made a Disciple, and Bishop of Dyrachium, as Philip and Alexander the Great, are made by some, our Saviour's Ancestors. 4. James, and Cephas (the same with Peter) are degraded from Apostles to be Disciples. 5. 
Tarrick Schikardi. etc.  Lazarus is the last of the rank, Bishop of Marsilia, but whether the Beggar, or the Gontleman of Bethania, it appears not. 
Ecclesiast. Hist. l. 1. c. 13.  6. Eus●●ius plainly says that the Catalogue of the 70 Disciples is not where to be found. Petrus de Natalibus, Volateran, and Democharis, who would take upon them to persect the Catalogue of Dorotheus, descent from him, and agree not amongst themselves, 
See Eusebius in English.  as it appears in Meredith Hanmers Collation in his Preface to Dorotheus.  
8. More certainty is of the seven Deacons, Act. 6. who were Ordained by prayer and laying on of Hands, to make especial provision for the poor.  
These are named to be,  
1. STEPHEN, whose disputations with the Libertines, we have, 2. Cyrenians, 3. Alexandrians, and 4. Cilicians. 2. His Apologetique Sermon before the High Priest, and people. 3. His patiented and comfortable undergoing the first Mar●yredome, Act. 6.7. with him 'tis said that  
2. NICANOR suffered, besides other 2000 Christians (saith the Greek Dorotheus) but two only are found in the Lattaine.  
PARMENAS' perchance might be one of them; who is said to have died in the presence of the Apostles.  
4. TIMON, hath not so much mentioned of him, but is left out of the Catalogues.  
5. PROCHORUS hath more put upon him than belongs unto him; that Foolish-Booke of the life of S. John. Biblioth. Pat. Hirat. Tom. 1.  
6. 
Revel. 2.6.  NICHOLAS is censured for prostituting his handsome Wife, to quit himself from suspicion of jealousy, and thence to have given ground to the Sect of the Nicholaitans.  
7. PHILIP called also the Evangelist frighted (with the rest) by Stephen's cruel usage, falls upon Samaria, and there converts them to the Faith; which Peter afterwards seconded 2. Converts, and Baptiseth the Eunuch of Aethiopia. 3. Was rapt thence by the Spirit (as Elias was wont to be) and found afterward at Azotus. 4. Thence went Preaching to Caesarea, where ●e spent (as it should seem) the remainder of his Life, 
Act. 21.  having four Virgin Prophetesses to his Daughters; where he entertained S. Paul in his passage towards jerusalem.  

COncurrent with these, are 1. Prodigies, forerunning the destruction of Jerusalem. 1. Charets, and Armies seen in the Air. 2. A Comet like a flaming sword, perpendicular over the City. 3. At the Passeover sacrifice an Ox brought forth a Lamb. 4. The Brass gates of the Temple flew open of their own accord. 5. And a voice was heard, to say Migremus hìnc. 6. The Horrible Factions, famine and Sacking of the City by Titus, and the infinite slaughter, of more than a Million of men. Of the often taking of jerusalem. vid. Isaacson pag. 31.  
2. Ill times in Rome by reason of the wickedness, folly, and Pride of their Emperors, Caligula, Claudius, Nero, etc.  

INQVIRIES.  
Whether 

1. The twelve Apostles in an Assembly at jerusalem, before their dispersing, contrived that Symbol which we call the Apostles Creed?  
2. It be likely that if our Saviour had designed Saint Peter and his successors to be Heads of the Catholic Church, as his Vicars; that himself when he breathed upon all the Apostles alike. or S. Peter in his Epistles, or Saint Paul to the Romans, would have given no notice of it?  
3. 
Act. 11.  Antioch having the first Title of Christians, should not be accounted the Mother Church, rather than Rome?  
4. It may be Historically convinced that S. Peter was either at Rome, or Corinth?  
5. Saint Mathews Gospel were first written in Hebrew, and Saint Marks in Latin?  
6. The Epistle to the Hebrews be S. Paul● and Originally written in Greek?  
7. Nicholas the Deacon, were the beginner of the Nicholaitans which our Saviour professeth to hate. Revel. 2.6.       

SECT. III. Good Bishops.  
1. THE Apostolical Hierarchy, being thus briefly represented. The Ecclesiastical takes its turn.  
2. This we deduce by the descent of Popes. as being in the Western Church, not more certain or sincere than others, but notorious.  
3. Of these Popes are noted in Peter Crab, Severinus, Binius and others, 1. Their Lives. 2. Decretal Epistles. 3. Several Decrees. 4. Counsels any way held in their times. To which may be added 5ly Bulls occasionally sent forth by them.  
4. Here it shall be sufficient, to touch their Lives and peculiar writings, that are known to be theirs, or are usually put upon them, in their distinct Classes or ranks.  
5. These ranks may be 7. of 

1. Good Bishops 32.  
2. Tolerable Arch-Bishops or Patriarches 33.  
3. Usurping Nimrods' 38.  
4. Luxurious Sodomites 40.  
5. Egyptian Magicians 40.  
6. Devouring abaddon's 41.  
7. Incurable Babylonians 19    
6. The good Bishops succeed in this order, An. D. 68 for about the space of the first 300 years after the Hierarchy of the Apostles.  
1. LINUS, a Tuscan, mentioned by S. Paul in the end of his second Epistle to Timothy, Clement (they say) was deputed by Peter to his Chair, but he in modesty puts it off, to Linus (saith Ciaconius) and that not without God's especial disposing, that an ill example might not thence be taken, for any Pope afterward to shuse his own successor. 2. He needed not have decreed that Women should not come into the Temple without a covering, 
1. Cor. 11.  S. Paul had taken order for that long before; and few Temples for the Christians could be showed in Nero's time, under whose first persecution it was likely this good man suffered. 
Biblioth Pat. Tom. 1. H●erat. Collon.  The two books put upon him of S. Peter's, and Paul's sufferings, are disallowed by Bellarmine, and the most of that side, who agree not also upon his successor  
2. A.D. 70 ANACLETUS, an Athenian, into whose place some foist Cletus a Roman, and turn off this Anacletus, to follow Clemens, 
Ciacon. Plat.  some make them to be all one, and thus take up the matter, that the same whom the Roman Christians call Cletus, the Greeks call Anacletus, no certainty is here to be had. 2. In his time fell out the second persecution under Domitian, who caused S. John to be cast into a vessel of boiling oil, out of which delivered untouched, he is banished into the Isle of Pathmos. This Anacletus with his Primacy could not help, neither  
3. A.D. 92 CLEMENT the Roman, who should have been first after S. Peter, if his vote would have carried it, but now follows in the third place. Of him they forge that he divided Rome into Parish Churches, but got not thereby a poor Vicarage hovel to shelter himself, from the Banishment of the Emperor Hadrian. 2. S. Paul acknowledgeth him (as most let it pass) for his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 fellow Labourer Phil. 4.3. doubtless he busied himself in better employments, than the setting forth of Masses, Vestures, and such other Ceremonies. 
●olon. 1569.  3. Lambertus Gruterus, hath cobbled together such Works as are fathered upon him, by the name of Clementines. which are ten Books of his Recognitions, with an Epitome of them; containing the Pilgrimages, and Acts of S. Peter; eight more of the Constitutions of the Apostles, besides 90. Canons, ascribed also to them, and five decretal Epistles of the same stamp. 4. Since which time his Epistle to the Corinthians (so much talked of by the Ancients) hath come to light, and is newly set forth in Greek and Latin, with very Learned observations, of Mr Patrick Young, Oxon. 1633. 5. Notwithstanding the worth of this man, he was condemned to hue Marble in the Quarries about the Euxine Sea, and at length with an Anchor about his neck therein drowned.  
4. EVARISTUS, A.D. 110 a Bethlemite (as Ciaconius would have it) for all this, was not terrified, from taking the place, whom we may think to have spent his time better, then in such beggarly constitutions, which are commonly put upon him, he is said to have been beheaded: And no better sped  
5. ALEXANDER, a Roman under Aurelian, A.D. 118 though he be said to have brought in the Confecton, and use of Holy Water, for the purging of men's souls, and the driving away of Devils, upon which we have a merry Lecture of father Busdrakes.  
6. SIXTUS then comes by our account in the sixth place, A.D. 130 whom the Greeks' term Xystus, though he were a Roman. 2. He sent (they say) one Peregrine a Priest, to be Bishop amongst the Gauls, who desired it. 3. Aquila and Priscilla banished from Rome, by Claudius' Acts 18. are said to have continued to this man's time: And that Aquila to have translated the Old Testament, next after the 72, which will scarce hold. This man dying also a Martyr left the chair to  
7. TELESPHORUS, the son of an Ana●horite, A.D. 139 ('tis hoped begotten in Matrimony) who instituted Lent from a former tradition of the Apostles, but unwritten.  
8. HYGINUS, the Athenian, a Philosopher's son, A.D. 150 his successor, brought in Gossips to Baptism, and set justine Martyr, to make his Apologies for the Christians, whiles he made Cardinals, (as Ciaconius bears us in hand) and leaves  
9 A.D. 154 PIUS of Aquilea to settle the keeping of Easter upon the Lord's day, which Hermas his brother, (that is said to be the Author of the Book entitled Pastor) had received from an Angel, that he should persuade all men to do.  
10. ANICETUS the Syrian that took his place brought in the shaving of Priests Crowns. In his time Polycarpus met Martion in Rome and told him to his face, that he was the first begotten of the Devil.  
11. An. D. 175 SOTER a Campanian that follows, is reported to have been a very honest man, and to have ordained that Marriages should be Celebrated in public, and solemnly with the consent of Parents.  
12. An. D. 182 EL●UTHERIUS that Succeeded, was a Grecian. To him were sent by our King Lucius, Helvanus and Meduanus, to request him to supply him, with some faithful Pastors, for the further instruction of his Subjects in Christianity. Fugacius, and Damianus, were the men that this Pope dispatched to him with his own Letters, in which he telleth the King that as Christ's Vicar, he might settle matters for Religion within his own Dominions. 2. To this Pope also Iraeneus is said to be sent from the Churches of France, to be resolved in some doubts, which Heretics (then blustering every where) had cast in amongst them. But  
13. An. D. 195 VICTOR, a hit African his Successor, took more state upon him (by reason the storms of Persecution in his time, were well blown over) and Excommunicated the Eastern Bishops, for not keeping Easter upon the same day with him. 2. This was resisted by Polycrates of Ephesus, and Iraeneus of Lions, and all the Eastern Bishops, in a full Council of Palestine, who stood for the Tradition of S. john, and Philip the Apostles; as they of the West did, on that they had, from S. Peter and S. Paul. This brabble was after agreed at the first Council of Nice, where the West Church had the hand, and those that would not celebrate Easter on Sunday, were termed Quartadecimani: Victor being thus Victorious leaves the Chair, to  
14. An. D. 203 ZEPHERINUS a Roman. This man turned wooden Chaelices' into Glasses because (as some fond imagined) the precious Blood of Christ, should not soak into them, as it might into the wood, went  in imitation of our Saviour, and Gelded himself for the kingdom of God. 2. He Moderated in a Disputation between Proclus, the chief of the Cataphrygians, and Caius that defended the right, Anathematising Tertullian, and all others that stood out against him.  
15. CALIXTUS of Ravenna that took his place, An. D. 221 might not be so bold, by reason of the heavy Persecution under Severus, 2. yet he appointed (some say) the four Fasts, continued amongst us to this day, but apprehended at length, suffered cruel Martyrdom, and made way, to  
16. VRBANUS a Roman, An. D. 227 of whom the Pontifical says that he turned the holy Vessels into Silver, which might seem a matter of great difficulty in those Savage times under the Beast Heliogabalus. 2. Origines had the hard hap with this, 
Binius Ciacon  man's consent to be Excommunicated by Demetrius of Alexandria, but himself escaped not Martyrdom, nor  
17. PONTIANUS his Countryman, and Successor, An. D. 233 who tasted of the same Cup, in the Isle of Sardinia, where he was banished, leaving his place to,  
18. ANTERUS a Grecian, An. D. 238 that took care to have the Acts and Monuments of Martyrs to be Registered, by approved Notaries; Hunselfe being added to their number by the Tyranny of the great Cyclops, Maximinus.  
19 FABIAN a Roman takes the place, An. D. 238 by an unexpected Election, caused by the standing of a Pigeon on his head. 2. He is said to have Baptised the two Philips, that were Emperors, and to have addmitted Origene to his Purgation; He suffered under Decius, 
Ciacon.  in the seaventh Persecution.  
20. CORNELIUS a Roman takes his place, An. D. 254 but not without opposition of Novatianus a Priest of Rome, who accused Cornelius of Heresy, for receiving those that had fallen into Idolatry upon their repentance, which the Novatians would not endure. 2. This side of Novation continued long, in choosing Successively a Pope of their own, until in Celestinus time, they were broken off. 3. Between this Cornelius and S. Cyprian passed many friendly Epistles, in which Cyprian styleth him familiarly his Brother. At last through the Tyranny of Decius  
Incidit in rigidos Praesul Cornelius enses, Saith Mantuan.  
Cornelius was none of those  
Who Kings and Emperors depose.  
21. A.D. 256 LUCIUS a Roman in that heat of persecution, ventured upon the place, from which be was Banished, but returns soon again. Cyprian in a loving Epistle gratulates his return. The same Commerce held between Cyprian and his successor  
22. A.D. 258 STEPHANUS, also a Roman, as it appears in their mutual Epistles, notwithstanding a difference grew between them, 
Cor. Cyprian. Ep. ad Cornei. Lucium & Stephan.  concerning the rebaptising, of the Baptised by Heretics; which Cyprian would not endure, but Stephanus thought fit: in the carriage of which business, Stephen bearing himself somewhat too high, is shrewdly taxed by Firmilian. 
Apud Cypr. Ep. 75.  He was Martyred by Valerian, and left his Sea to,  
23. A.D. 261 SIXTUS the second, an Athenian, whom S. Laus rinse to his power stiffly backed, till he was roasted on a Gridiron for his resolution. 2. From the grievousness of that times persecution, one Paul fled from Alexandria, and became the first Hermit, whose life we have in S. Hierome, with his Scholar's Hilarions. 3. A book of 430 sentences, in the third volume of Bibliotheca Patrum, is ascribed by some to this man, but it falls out to be the work of Sixtus the Pythagorean. His Countryman  
24. A.D. 261 DIONYSIUS succeeds him, in whose time Cyprian suffered Martyrdom, and Paulus Samosatenus, vexed the Church with his Pride and Heresy; which was to his power withstood by this Pope. 2. Who is also said to have converted Triphonia, the Empress of Decius, and Cyrilla her daughter with 46000 more to Christianity.  
25. A.D. 273 FOELIX the Roman that followed him, met with no happier times: in which notwithstanding, some are so forward to say, that he built Churches, and appointed Sacrifices for the Martyr's Altars. A Martyr he proved himself and so was his follower.  
26. EUTICHIANUS the Tuscan, A.D. 273 who is reported to have buried 342 Martyrs with his own hands. 2. He is said to have first blessed Grapes, and Beans, and such like commodities, upon the Altar, and to have buried the Martyrs in purple vestments.  
27. GAIUS of Dalmatia might have better done it, A.D. 283 in regard he was the Emperor Dioclesian's kinsman: but for that he sped never the better, neither Gabinius his brother, whose daughter Sufanna, should have married Galerius the Emperor by the Appointment of Dioclesian, but she utterly refused it, though it cost her her life.  
28. A.D. 296 MARCELLINUS the Roman that followed this Gaius, was not so resolute as this Virgin, but through fear, offered Frankincense to Mars, some say to Isis, and Vesta, according to that of Mantuan 
— victus formidine Christum  
Prodidit, & plena Mart is libavit acerra.  
Daunted with fear, his Christ he did betray,  
And sacrificed to Mars as most men say.  For which he was questioned by the Council of Suessane, as the Traditors were at Cyrrha in Numidia, for delivering the Bible's to be burnt; but of this he soon repent, reproved the Tyrant to his face, and died a Martyr. His Countryman near of his name,  
29. MARCELLUS follows, A.D. 304 and stood out constantly against Maximinianus the Tyrant; for which he was doomed to keep Beasts in a stable, made of the house of Lucina a Widow; who in pity had entertained him, thence he desisted not, to instruct those by writing, whom he could not by Preaching, until he ended his days in that loathsome place, whom a Grecian  
30. EUSEBIUS succeeded, A.D. 310 in the time of Maxentius, as fierce as any of the rest. This Eusebius, Theodoret acknowledgeth not to be Pope, neither Marcellus, but Optatus, Augustine, Eusebius, and others do. 2. Some say the Cross of Christ was found in his time at Jerusalem, by one Judas a jew, who thereupon became a Christian, but this bereaves Queen Helen Constantine's. Mother of that honour. 3. After much sorrow, and hardness endured by him, he left his place to  
31. A.D. 312 MILTIADES an African, otherwise called Melchiades. In this man's time, Canstantine the great, is said to have had that great victory against Maxentius, who was drowned in Tybur, by the fall of the Bridge Milvius. To this Pope Constantine gave the house of Plantius Lateranus, 
Ciacon.  proscribed by Nero, which hath continued to this day, by the name of the Lateran Palace, and made him judge of the notable African controversy, between Cecilianus the Bishop of Carthage, and Maiorinus the Donatist, concerning the giving up the Bible's to be burnt. 
Baleve.  But others say, he died a Martyr, as all his predecessors did, from the time of S. Peter. For his successor,  
32. An. D. 315 SYLVESTER a Roman, was fetched out from the Mountain of Soracte (where he had hid himself from persecution) to be Pope. 2. This man is said to have Baptised Constantine the Emperor, (though Eusebius relate that it was done by Eusebius of Nicomedia) who thereupon was cured of a Leprosy; and erected S. Peter's Church in Rome, himself digging the foundation, and carrying away twelve baskets full of Earth in honour of the twelve Apostles, upon his Imperial shoulders. And afterward at the instance of this good Pope, built many other Churches, consecrated to the honour of Saints and Martyrs, made a decree for celebrating the Lords Day in steed of the jewish Sabbaoth. 
Cod. l. Imp. Tit. de Feriis.  3. His donation with the rest of his profuse liberality, summed up by Ciasonius, is incredible. he appointed Sylvester to wear a Crown of Gold, but he contented himself with a Phrygian Mitre. Now a Triple Diadem, is thought scarce stately enough for his successors. 4. To his time is referred the first famous general Council of Nice, against Arius: he died peaceably in a good age. And shut up the first order of good Bishops.  

2. WIthin the compass of this Interval, we meet with especial Writers. 1. Ignatius, accurately set forth of late, by the most learned Primate of Armagh. 2. Justine Martyr. 3. Clemens Alexandrinus. 4. Ireneus. 5. Origen. 6. Tertullian. 7. Lactantius, with Arnobius, Cyprian and others, who encountered the damned Heresies of the 1. Basilidians. 2. Valentinians. 3. Marcionites. 4. Montanists. 5. Encratites. 6. Gnostics. 7. Novatians. The Synods of Ancyra for purging the Church from such dross. Of Sinvuessa, against Pope Marcellinus, that had through fear sacrificed to Idols: divers for the settling of Easter to be kept uniformally, and the repressing of Novatians. The most eminent was that of Nice, against Arius and his faction wherein 318. Bishops condemned his Blasphemy against the Deity of our Saviour, and laid the ground of that Creed that bears the name of that famous Council. These troubles were ushered in by the ten noted persecutions by the Heathen Emperors, which yielded throughout all the Roman Empire an innumerable company of Martyrs, too many to be Canonised for any Calendar.  

INQVIRIES.  
3. Whether 

1. That succession may conduce to the Pope's Supremacy, which faultreth and faileth in the first foundation?  
2. The Decretal Epistles fathered on the first Popes, may be suspected to be the false ware of Isodorus Mercator.  
3. It be likely that those Religious Popes, in such extreme persecutions, had liberty or list, to think on making Cardinals or Gossips, and introduce a rabble of beggarly Ceremonies?  
4. Damasus and Anastathius, and such other Registers of the Pope's Lives, be not supposititious Writers, or shamelessly falsified?  
5. Those works fathered on Clemens Romanus, set forth by Lambert Gruter, be not for the most part of a latter stamp?  
6. The Mystery of Iniquity, began not to work in Pope Victor, when he excommunicated the Churches of the East, for dissenting about the time of keeping Easter?  
7. The madness of the Gnostics, Valentinians, Arians, Novaeeinns, and the like, be not revived and set on foot again by our Modern fanatics?       

SECT. IU. Tolerable Arch-Bishops.  
1. THe good Bishops, having thus sealed their profession with their blood, in the front of Christ's Army. The second file comes on,  
Of 

1. Tolerable Arch. bishops.  
2. patriarchs.    
The Arch Bishops are 19 for the time of almost two hundred years, in the ensuing order.  
1. MARCUS a Roman, A.D. 336 who for the small time he held the place, brought in the singing of the Nicene Creed, and the giving of the Pall to the Bishop of Hostia; which afterward when other Bishops procured in like manner, they sweetly paid for. This Pall was to be of Wool, not of silk, 
Luke 15.  or any other stuff, to signify the skin of that lost sheep, which our Saviour (by his example) taught to be fetched home, upon the good shepherd's shoulders from the wilderness. His Countryman  
2. JULIUS had a longer time to do more, A.D. 336 In which Athanasius came to Rome, and was friendly entertained by him; where to give satisfaction of his doctrine, concerning the Trinity, he made that Creed which we have in our Litturgy, approved then by Julius, and his Clergy, 
Ciacon.  and put amongst their Records; from whence it was after taken out, and published, to be generally received of the Church. 2. By his care also, it was ordained, that Protonotaries should be apppointed to Register the passages in the Church. But Platina complains that in his time, they were become so illiterate, that some of them could scarce write their own names in Lattaine, being foisted into that place from the occupations, of Bawds, and Parasites.  
3. An. D. 352 LIBERIUS a Roman that succeeds him, was not so constant. but either through fear, or ambition, subscribed to Arianism, and Athanasius condemnation. 2. Foelix was clapped into his place, who proved a stouter man, but Liberius recollecteth himself again, and recovers his seat, in which he dies a Confessor, and leaves it to this  
4. A.D. 358 FOELIX 2d his fellow Citizen, who condescended to communicate with the Arians, though he were none himself; but afterward in a tumult, was made away by them. He made the second Schism with Liberius, & therefore by some is left out of the Catalogue of Popes.  
5. An. D. 367 DAMASUS a Spaniard hardly got his place, being mainly opposed also by Vrcicinus, who was elected by the adverse faction; After many bicker, and much blood shed, Damasus carried it. 2. He was a great friend to St Hierome, who (as Ciaconius stiffly maintains) was made Cardinal by him. first, by the title of St Anastasius, and then of St Laurence. It appears by his procurement, Hierome much reform the vulgar Lattaine Edition. 3. He ordered those should be accursed, that put their money to Use, would pay no Tithes; and appointed Gloria Patri etc. to close up every Psalm. 4. Some make him the author of the Pontifical containing the Pope's Lives, this is certain, that the Luxury of the Clergy was at a great height in his time; which gave occasion to the jest of an Heathen Consul, Make me Pope, and I will strait turn Christian.  
6. An. D. 385 SIRICIUS a Roman that followed did less good. He excluded those that were twice Married, and admitted Monks into Holy Orders. 2. The conceit he entertained of the merit of Virginity, made him fierce in prosecuting jovinian. 3. In his time, (but not by his means but by the good Emperor Theodosian's,) the Temple of Serapis in Egypt, was demolished and the Idol broken.  
7. An. D. 398 ANASTASIUS of his own Tribe held on the same course. 2. He was careful to repress the errors of Origene; the first that brought up the standing up at the reading of the Gospel. The do of  
8. An. D. 402 INNOCENTIUS the Alban are not of much greater note, notwithstanding he was a great stickler against the Pelagians. 2. In his time Alaricus plundered Rome, but Innocentius was then at Ravenna, 3. some hand he seemed to have, in the great conference then held in Carthage, between the Orthodox, and Donatists; set down by Papirius Massonius in Binius. The Grecian.  
9 ZOSIMUS did somewhat also that way, An. D. 417 brought in Tapers into the Church, 2. forbidden Cleark● to haunt Alehouses, or Taverns, gave way to  
10. BONIFACIUS a Roman, An. D. 419 the Son of Jocundus a Friest. He was chosen in a Hubbub, being shrewdly opposed by Eulalius the Deacon, which made the fifth Schism, saith Onephrius. Beda in Collecta in fine, citys a Book of his Miracles, but none of them are now found Registered.  
11. An. D. 423 COELESTINUS a Campanian takes the turn after him. He is much to be commended, for sending Germanus and Lupus hither into England, Palladius into Scotland, and Patrick into Ireland, for the rooting out of the Pelagian Heresy.  
12. SIXTUS 3d, a Roman that follows, An. D. 432 was not so well employed; he was accused by one Bassus, for getting a Nun with Child; but the matter was decided by a Synod, to Bassus his disgrace. 2. Much he was for building; and hereby got the title of the Enricher of the Church. 3. At the Empress Eudoxias instance, he made a Holiday, for St Peter Chair: But all this could not keep out Gensericus from Plundering Rome. An. D. 440 But  
13. LEO the Tuscan, prevailed better, not only with the same Genserick, but also with Atylas, whom he dissuaded from the sacking of Rome, which then lay at his mercy, This is attributed to the miraculous assistance of S. Peter, and S. Paul, who terrified the Huns while Leo speak unto him. 2. In his time, the horrible Earthquakes were assuaged, that ruin'd many Cities, at the singing of a new Trisagium, which a Boy rapt up into the Air, learned of Angels, being this Sancte Deus, Sancte fortis, Sancte & immortalis. Upon the overthrow of Aquileia by Atylas, the Venetians settled themselves in the Gulf, which now they have made so famous. 3. Some Miracles are attributed to this man. His works are set forth in one Volume by the Cannon's regular of S. Martin in Lovayne, being 20, Homilies, and 110 Epistles, to be found in Bibl. Pat. part. 5. p. 789.  
14. A.D. 461 HILARIUS, (or Hilarus according to Onuphrius) of Sardinia, could not prevail so much with Odoacer, and his Heruli, as Leo had done with Atylas and his Huns, but that Rome was sacked by their incursion. 2. Two things were notable in this man's time, the rectifying of the Cyclus Paschatis, or Golden Number, by Victorinus of Aquitany; and the bringing in of the Litany, (which is yet retained amongst us) by Mamertus Claudius of Vienna, for the averting of God's heavy Judgements, and imploring his mercy. Whence we have the Rogation Week, about the Ascension. 3. Hilarus is said also to have decreed, that no Minister should Marry any other Woman but a Maid, by which it appeareth that Ministers, might then Marry. But  
15. A.D. 467 SIMPLICIUS the Tiburtine busied himself in no such simple matters. He built Palaces, took upon him the Jurisdiction of the Church of Ravenna; decreed that none of the Clergy should hold a Benefice of any Lay man: upon his adorning St Andrew's Church in Rome amongst other, he hath these invitatory verses.  
Plebs devota veni, perque haec commercia disce,  
Terreno censu, regna supernapeti.  
Come hear and learn you rout devour,  
To purchase Heaven, out of doubt.  
16. A.D. 483 FAELIX the 3d, the son of a Roman Priest, was not so stirring at home, notwthstanding he opposed the Enoticon, or proposal of Union, by the Greek Emperonr Zeno, to the great consusion of both Eusterne and Western Churche●.  
17. A.D. 492 GELASIUS (an African Bishop's son) did more good, in ordering the Canon of Scripture, and branding counterfeit Books, which passed before for Authentical. 2. Bellarmine and Baronius be of the opinion, that the Tract under his name De duabus Christi naturis contra Eutychetem, 
Biblioth. Pat. Colon. 1618. Tom. 5.  belongeth to Gelasins Cycizenus, not to a Pope, who would never have justified Eusebius, whom he had otherwise censured for an Arian, nor speak against Transubstantiation. 3. A large Catalogue of Cardinals made by him, is Registered by Ciaconius, and the Dedication of S. Michael's Church, the Pope's Patron, and the French Kings. Fare short of this man, came,  
18. ANASTASIUS the second, a Roman, A.D. 497 that had his place; he notwithstanding presumed to Excommunicate Anastasius the Greek Emperor, (as Platina reports) for favouring the Heretic Acatius, whose Heresy afterward himself favoured, and communicated with Photinus, till at length with Arius he purged out his bowels into a Privy.  
19 SYMMACHUS the Sardinian then is chosen, A.D. 499 but not without great opposition of one Laurence, which continued some years after. This Onuphrius makes the fourth, but Ciaconius the fifth Schism. 2. No extraordinary matters were done by him, but that he took order with the stubborn soul of one Paschatius, to be well chastised in Purgatory after his death, as Gregory toucheth in his Morals, Lib. 4. c. 40.  

COntemporary with these were 1. The eminent Fathers of the Lattaine Church, Ambrose, Hierome, Augustine, and Gregory the great. and those of no less esteem in the Greek, Athanasius, Basil, Nazianzene, with chrysostom, which opposed themselves against the 2. Heresies of the Arians, under whom the whole World groaned. That denied our Saviour's Godhead, & Manicheans that rejected his word, together with the Pelagians who withstood his Grace, and Donatists who rend in pieces his Church. In which conflict they were backed, as before with the famous Council of Nice to quell Arius: so successively, with the General Council of Constantinople, against Macedonius denying the Deity of the Holy Ghost: and that of Ephesus which condemned Nestorius for his Blasphemy against our Saviour, and his blessed Mother, upon which followed the Council of Chalcedon against Euty●hes, confounding our Saviour's Natures, to be handled with the rest distinctly in the History of Counsels. 3. As also, of the Eruptions of the Goths, Vandals, Huns, and Herul, which heaped on massaeres of Martyrs.  

INQVIRIES.  
3. Whether 

1. The giving of the Pall were first brought in by Pope Marcus, and belong only to Arch Bishops?  
2. Athanasius Creed depend on the records of Rome, from whence it was set forth long after the framing of it in the time of Pope Julius?  
3. S. Hierome were ever Cardinal, or wore such a Hat, as the Painters bestow upon him?  
4. Zozimus, Boniface, and Celestine, forged a Canon of the Council of Nice, to justify their unjust claim of Appeals to the Sea of Rome?  
5. S. Augustine with the rest of the African Bishops assembled in the Council of Carthage, that withstood them in it, died excommunicated by them for it?  
6. The Rogation week and the Litany, had its original from Claudius Mamercus, of Vienna?  
7. Pope Anastasius might legally excommunicate Anastasius the Greek Emperor?       

SECT. V Patriarches.  
Much ado hath been to pass those nineteen forementioned Popes, for Tolerable Arch-Bishops, more will be required to justify the fourteen following for good Patriarches, of which,  
1. HORMISDA of Campania, An. D. 514 first had the title from justine the Emperor. He was so pert upon it, as to Excommunicate Anastasius the Emperor, because he stood upon, that it was the Emperor's part to command, and not to veil bonnet to Bishops.  
2. JOHN the first, a Tuscan, that succeeds, A.D. 523 was a man of more excellent parts, and piety. As Theodoricus King of Italy had been the death of learned Boethius, and prudent Symmachus, so after he had sent this john, to Justine the Eastern Emperor, to intercede for the Arians, (which he did not according to his instructions, but wrote to the Bishops of Italy to stand out for the truth) upon his return he was sent to Ravenna, and there died of Famine, in a stinking and noisome Prison. Some strange things are related of this man, as that when he had once backed a Gentlewoman's horse of Corinth, the Nag (before gentle) would never permit any after to ride him. That he restored to a blind man his sight in the gate of Constantinople, and that after his death he was seen by an Hermit, with Symmachus hi● Companion, to throw the soul of the Tyrant Theodoricke the Arian into Lapari to be tormented. This man's hard hap deters not  
3. FOELIX the fourth, a Samnite, to venture on his place, An. D. 526 but his zeal was not so forward, to endanger much himself, He Excommunicated the Patriarch of Constantinople, fare enough from him, and at home divided the Charcell from the Church, commanded extreme unction to be ministered to men a dying. Benedict the father of Monkery, Priscian the Grammarian, and little Device the maker of the Cycle for Easter, and said to be of this man's time, as  
4. A.D. 530 BONIFACE the second of Rome was his successor, but with much ado, being strongly opposed by Dioscours, who died shortly in the quarrel, and so this sixth Schism was appeased. 2. He end eavoured to establish a decree, that every Pope should choose his successor, but it was so withstood by the Clergy, that he was feign to disannul it himself, And  
5. A.D. 531 JOHN the second his Countryman, came not in by his choosing. 2. This man was surnamed Mercury for his eloquence; had an Embassage sent unto him, with jousts from justinian the Emperor, for condemning the Patriarch of Constantinople Anthemius the Arian. An Epistle of his concerning the Fathers and Son's equality, is much commended. His successor and Countryman  
6. A.D. 534 AGAPHETUS a Cardinal's son, was sent by Theodotus the Gothish King, to pacify justinian the Emperor, who was highly offended, for the death of the Noble and Learned Queen Amalasunta; upon his coming Anthemius the Eutychian Patriarch was removed, and Menna set in his place. There is a Confession of Faith directed by this Agapetus to Justinian: And a tract of his again to the Emperor, containing good Precepts of Government. He died at Constantinople, but was thence conveyed to Rome to be buried, where  
7. A.D. 536 SYLVERIUS a Campanian had his Chair, Pope Hormisdah's son, who was somewhat more than a Cardinal. This man was used hardly by Theodora the Empress, and Antonia, Belisarita wife, because he would not consent to the putting out of Menna; and restoring of Anthemius the Eutichean, the Empress' favourite. For this refusal, he was deposed himself, upon pretences that he dealt under hand with the Gathes, who then besieged the City. And  
8. A.D. 537 VIGILIUS his underminer, was set in his place, and made the seaventh Schism. But he had little comfort of his unjust advancement, for being charged with breach of promise by the violent Theodora, he was fetched to Constantinople, and there with a halter about his neck, drawn about the streets, and thence banished. In return from which he died, which made way for  
9 PELAGIUS a Roman to take his place; A.D. 550 in whose time Tottylas besieged Rome, and won it. Notwithstanding this disaster, this Pope was tampering to claim a Supremacy, not from Canons of Counsels, or Apostolical Ordinance, but from Christ himself. It is said that by his Intercession, he somewhat mitigated Tottylas, But  
10. JOHN the 3d his fellow Citizen, A.D. 559 had better quarter from Narsete the Eunuch, who turned out the Goths, and established john in his Chair. There is a decree of his in Gratian didst. 99 c. Nullus, that cuts off any of the Clergy from the Title of Chief Priest, or universal Bishop.  
11. BENEDICT a Roman also, that succeeded, An. D. 574 fell in the time when the Lombard's foraged all Italy, the grief whereof brought him quickly to his end, That  
12. PELAGIUS the 2d might take his place, An. D. 579 who being a Roman, in the Besieging of the City by the Lombard's, was made Pope, without Tiberius the Emperor's consent, which Election he sent Gregory to Constantinople for to excuse. The same  
13. GREGORY a Roman Succeeded next, An. D. 590 He was termed Magnus, both for the Extraordinary matters performed by him, as also for his Learning, though he took the Popedom upon him unwillingly, and first called himself Servus serverum Dei. 2. He sent Augustine into England, who spread Christianity amongst the Eastern Saxons, (The most part of them before being Pagans,) whereas the Britons had at that time of his coming, seven Bishops and an Archbishop. 3. He translated the Arch-Bishops Seat from London to Canterbury. 4. Earnestly withstood the claim of universal Bishop, against john of Constantinople. Plays the Politician with Mauritius his Preferrer, and graced too much the Traitor Phocas that slew him. 5. He is said to have stayed a Plague, by carrying in Procession the Image of the Blessed Virgin, and causing the punishing Angel to put up his Sword. Also to have delivered Traianes' soul out of Hell by his prayers, & to have brought in Candles for Candle. mass, and added four days to Lent. Besides to have Canceled his decree against Priests Marriages, upon the finding of 6000 Infant's Sculls in a Fish pond. 6. He is censured by some, to be the last of the good, but first, of the bad Popes, To be signified by the Angel, flying between Heaven and Earth. For one that made many Superstitious orders, which yet take place; but the good he appointed, was never well observed. For of the Priests he complains, the World is full of them, and yet in the Lord's Harvest there are few Labourers. We take upon us the Office, but discharge it who list, and I think no dishonour to God can be showed so great, as that which it tolerateth in Priests, for they are come now to that pass, that they they Jerre at him that lives humbly, and Continently, and takes better courses than themselves, with which fall in those Verses of Mantuan, 

Sordida Gregorij leges observat Egestas,  
Quae tewes scrutatur aquas & flumina summa:  
Grande & pinque pecus fundo versatur in Imo.  
At sacri proceres qui lina capacia Petri,  
Altius immergunt, laqueant genus omne natantum.   

Poor Curates only keep Pope Gregory's laws,  
And fish in Rills, or River's su● face sweep;  
But fatter Jacks and Carp escape their paws  
M●dding themselves in Coverts of the deep.  
Now our Peers sink St Peter larger Net,  
And in the bottom what they find, they get.    
7. His works are set forth in one Volume in divers Editions. Containing upon Job. 35 Books, expositions upon the 7 Penitential Psalms, upon the Canticles, 22 Homilies upon Ezechiel, 40 upon divers Gospels. Of a Pastoral charge, upon the first of Kings. Answer to 12 Questions proposed by Augustine of Canterbury, twelve books of Epistles, and four books of Dialogues to Queen Theodolinda, to confirm her, and terrify her Husband with the Horrors of another World. All which works of his,  
14. SABINIANUS a Tuscan, A.D. 604 his successor would have had burnt, if he might have had his will: But Petrus Diaconus affiemed upon his oath, that he often saw a Dove whispering at his ear when he wrote, which Dove is commonly painted with him. This Quarrel grew between Gregory and Sabinian; for that Gregory freely bestowed Corn amongst the Poor, which Sabinian made them pay for, whereupon Clamours arose against him, and he to justify himself, said that Gregory wasted improvidently the Revenues of the Church, to get himself applause, and persisted in such calumniations to wrong the dead, until Gregory (believe it who will) appeared unto him, and knocked him on the head, whereof he died, and so put a period to the Tolerable Arch-Bishops and patriarchs.  

2. IN these times may be notice taken of 1. Hillary B. of Poiteer, a great stickler in twelve Books against the Arians: Prosper and Fulgentius, S. Augustine's followers: Orosius the Historian: Priscian the notable Grammarian: Dionysius Exiguus the settler of the Calendar. 2. The beginning of Regular Monks by Benedict an Italian Abbot, with his sister Scholastica. 3. The damnable vexations of Athanasius in the Council of Tyre, and otherwise, with the impostures of Idolaters, 
Socr. l. 5. c. 16.  discovered in the demolishing of the Images of Cithra and Serapis, and the stirs upon it in Alexandria, of all which it is sufficient to have given a touch by the way.  

INQVIRIES.  
3. Whether 

1. The Pope may justly challenge a Supremacy over all Bishops, which so earnestly was opposed in John of Constantinople?  
2. 
Math. 16. Io. 21.  It were not a gross oversight, to have neglected the urging of Thou art Peter,] and feed my sheep] If in these Texts, it had been conceived that the Supremacy was granted by our Saviour to S. Peter, and the Popes his Successors?  
3. The Clergyes withstanding Boniface the second's endeavour to name his Successor, were not prejudicial to the Pope's Infallibility?  
4. Gregory the great, were the author of the foute books of Dialogues, ascribed to him?  
5. He Gott, Trajanus soul out of Hell, by his Intercession?  
6. Sabinian brought in the first use of Bells into Churches?  
7. He were knocked in the head by Gregory's Ghost, for abusing and defaming him when he had gotten his place?       

SECT. VI Usurping Nimrods'.  
WE have seen the best of the Tolerable Arch-Bishops, and Patriarches, 38 Usurping Nimrods', become their Successors, for about 250. years, in this order.  
1. BONIFACE the third, a Roman. A.D. 606 This man obtained of Phocas an adulterous Assassin, (who had most brutishly slain his Master the Emperor Mauritius) that Popish supremacy, which to this day, is so much stood upon. 2. 
Platina.  Then came the name of Pope, to be appropriated to the Roman, which formerly was usual to other Bishops; and Volumus, & Jubemus, We Will and Command, 
Rom. 13.  not I beseech you Brethren, to be the stile of a Priest. This brought in the Quaere, that Platina scarce replieth unto, Quantum reddat Episcopatus? non quot oves pascuae, in co sunt? What is the Bishopric worth, not what opportunity is in it, to get souls. 3. Many strange Prodigies, ushered in this supreme head of the Church. A Comet of a stupendious magnitude, 
P. Dlaconus L. 18.  Sea-monsters, showing themselves to the terror of many, and Mahomet's publishing of his Alcharon, to make work on both sides, for the faithful to defend themselves. Here then is began the Kingdom of the Beast. Revel. 13. But this usurper continued not a year, before he was forced by death to part with all his pomp to  
2. BONIFACE the fourth, an other Italian, A.D. 607 who set as good a face upon the matter, as his predecessor. He changed the Pantheon of mother Cybele, and the heathenish Pagods to be a Fane for the blessed Virgin and Martyrs, and thereupon instituted Allhallan-day. 2. Turned his Father's house into a Monastery, and endowed it with revenues ', to farten some Monks he might make use of. But amidst his many endeavours, he leaveth his seat and business to his Successor.  
3. An. D. 615 DEUS-DEDIT or Theodorus another Roman. This man ordered that Gossips should not marry. 2. Some say he was Cardinal of S john's, 
Aera Christiana, or year of the Lord.  and S. Paul's being so styled by Gregory the first, who first brought in the account from the Birth of Christ. He is reported to have cured a Leeper with a kiss, yet in his time such a Leprosy reigned, so disfiguring men, that they could not be known. And then, Impious Cosross of Persia, having gotten (as he thought) the Cross of Christ, placed himself in the midst, 
Ciacon.  that on the Right-hand, and a Cock on the left, in contempt of the Trinity, which he paid for afterwards.  
4. An. D. 618 BONIFACE the fifth comes in this man's room, of the fame Country. 
Asyla.  He did little worth the noting, but only privileged Murderers, and Thiefs, that took sanctuary, should not be thence plucked out, to suffer by the hand of Justice. His Countryman  
5. An. D. 626 HONORIUS the first succeeds him. This Pope was censured by the third Council of Constentinople, to be a Monothelite. but Onuphrius, Ciaconius, Bellarmine, and Baronius with divers others of that side, labour to quit him. 2. He clothed S. Peter's Church with jupiter Capitolinue coat, and instituted the feast of Exaltation of the Cross, leaving  
6. A.D. 639 SEVERINUS a Roman to do less; from whom Isacius the Exarch of Italy, took away the Lateran treasury to pay his Soldiers, for which Severinus severity dared not to Anathematise him, for Popes as yet were the Exarchs' creatures, so was  
7. An. D. 641 JOHN the fourth, a Dalmatian, who with the remainder of the Treasury of the Church, redeemed some exiles of his Countrymen, 2. He busied himself more than need about the celebration of Easter, and the translating of Martyrs bones. Yet wrote into England against the Pelagian Heresy. 3. Under this Pope's nose, Rhotharis of Lombardy placed two Bishops in one Sea, the one a Catholic and the other an Arrian.  
8. THEODORUS a Grecian that follows him, A.D. 642 was the Bishop of Jerusalem's son. He makes bold to deprive Pyrrhus' Patriarch of Constantinople, for the Heresy of the Acephalies, who differed not much from the Monotholites.  
9 An. D. 649 MARTIN the first an Italian that comes after him bestirs himself in decking of Churches, and appointing of Holidays, and commanding Priests to shave their Polls, and to keep themselves single. 2. For being too forward in deposing Paul the Patriarch of Constantinople, he was fetched to Constantinople by Constantius the Emperor, 
De Rom. l. 4. c. 12.  and banished into Pontus, where he died. Bellarmine strains himself to justify this Pope against some imputations of the Magdeburgenses. but  
10. EUGENIUS I. the Roman that succeeds him, A.D. 654 was less active, and sped better. Yet he would have Bishops to have prisons for their Priests, who were so bold with the Pope himself, that when his Holiness had received heretical Letters, from the Patriarch of Constantinople, they threatened that they would interdict him, from saying Mass before he had burnt them.  
11. An. D. 665 VITALIANUS his Countryman follows in a more troublesome time. Wherein Constans the Greek Emperor came to Rome, and after some compliments of kindness, rifles it, especially of the gay Pictures, and rich Statue's. 2. Maurus Archbishop of Ravenna is excommunicated by this Pope, but retorts the same kindness upon him again. 3. Theodorus a Greek, and one Hadrian an African, are sent hither into England by him, to bring in the Lattaine service, being the year 666. just the number of the Beast; of which the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, (by Baleus Reckoning) give a shrewd account. Monkery was much in request in this man's days. Which having a period, way is given to  
12. A DEO DATUS or Theodatus his Countryman, An. D. 669 who formerly was a Monk, and in the Popedom did little, besides the repairing of Erasmus Monastery in Mount Caelius, of which he and been. 2. 
Ciacon.  He decreed that Maurus Arch bishop of Ravenna, should not have Christian burial, in regard he denied to stoop to the Sea of Rome, as Reparatus his successor did. 3. Earthquakes, Comets, and Tempests much amazed men in this man's time. Amidst which  
13. A.D. 676 DONUS the first, a Roman succeeds him, he so lays about him, 
diacon.  that Theodorus Arch bishop of Ravenna submits his Church unto him, upon a pett taken against his Clergy, for not affording him due attendance. (Which Church before for standing out against Rome, was nicknamed by the Romans Allo, 
Plat.  or Autocephelus.) 2. He made a Paradise of S. Peter's Church Porch. 3. In this man's days, King Dagoberts' soul of France, being at the brim of Lippari, to be thrown in by the Devil, was manfully rescued by S. Denis. S. Martin, and S. Maurice, whom in his life time he had honoured. And Idelfonsus the Spaniard for defending the blessed Virgin's immaculatenesse, against some Heretics of those times, was rewarded by that Patroness with a new Coat for his labour. A Monk of Sicily.  
14. A.D. 678 AGATHO the first took his Chair, and 1. Commands that the Pope's sanctions, should be as firmly kept, as the Apostles. 2. He dispatcheth one John Abbot of S. Martin's into England, 
Gras. didst. 19 Bed. lib. 4. c. 18. Platina.  to have our Church Service in tune; and other Romish injunctions. 3. Two john's, John Bishop of Portua, and John the Deacon of Rome, are sent to the sixth Council of Constantinople against the Monothelites, where John of Portua said Mass in Latin, which took very well amongst the giddy Greeks', he dies of the Plague, and leaves in his place  
15. A.D. 683 LEO the second, a Sicilian, a man skilful in Greek, as well as Lataine, and an excellent Musician. 2. He ratified the sixth Synod to confirm the Mass, and restrain the Western Priests Marriages, brought in the kissing of the Pax. 3. By the Emperor justinian's means, he subjected the Sea of Revenna to the Roman Chair, and put out the eyes of Foelix the Archbishop that stood against it. All this was done in ten Months. Then●  
16. An. D. 684 BENEDICT the second a Roman, seconds him, a Pope also but of Ten Months sitting, in which he got to be first styled the Vicar of Christ; and of Constantine the fifth, that the Pope should be freely elected by the Clergy, without consent of the exarchs, or Emperors. This was more than was performed by his Successor An. D. 685  
17. JOHN the fifth a Syrian, of whom we only have, that he was consecrated by the three Bishops of Asia, Portua, and Valaterne, which Ceremony was continued to after ages. 2. He is said to have written a book of the Archbishops Pall.  
18. CONON the first, a Thracian, comes next, An. D. 687 chosen in a great distraction; the Citizens, being for one Peter an Archbishop, and the Soldiers for Theodorus a Priest. 2. He sickened presently upon his Election, perchance (as Ball saith) through some unwholesome draught. 3. It is agreed upon, that one Paschalis, an , gave a great sum of Money to john Platina, Exarch of Ravenna, (one of the six Princes of Italy) to be Pope after him, but the plot took not, and so all was lost. 4. St kilian the Scotte, with some others were sent by this man, to convert some places of Germany, where they were Martyred. He was not Pope a Year, but after Eleven Months, left the place to  
19 SERGIUS the first, a Syrian, who got it, A.D. 688 notwithstanding the great opposition of Paschalis and Theodorus, competitors before with Conon, who possessing (with their several partisans) the palace of Lateran, by the choice of this Sergius they were driven out. 2. For refusing to receive the Canons of Trullo; he was sent for to Constantinople by the Emperor justinian, but the Italians rescued him, and forced Zacharias Protospatarius (who had commission to bring him) to protect himself, by creeping under the Pope's Bed. So small a matter was it then held, upon pretext of Religion to oppose Authority. 3. This Pope, was shrewdly suspected for Adultery, and was taxed of our Archbishop Anselme for it.  
20. JOHN the sixth a Grecian was put in his place, A. D, 702 and soon outed again, (as Premonstratensis saith) and Sergius reinvested. But others go on here with an orderly succession, making this john famous for feeding the Poor in a great famine, and ransoming Captives, with the Church Treasure. Some say he died a Martyr, but none tells why, or by whom. His Countryman of the same name,  
21. A.D. 705 JOHN the Seaventh follows, Noted for nothing but for building some Churches, and erecting, and varnishing Images. His Son (as Ciaconius seems to make him)  
22. A.D. 708 SISINNIUS succeeds him, but with great opposition of one Dioscorus. 2. This man by reason of the gout, both in his hands and feet, could not do much: yet left provision for repairing the City Walls, 
Baleus. Nauclerus.  and Temples. 'Tis thought by some, that Dioscorus set him packing within three weeks by a Potion.  
23. A.D. 708 CONSTANTINE the first a Syrian also succeeds him. This stirring man was the first that permitted Justinian the second to kiss his Feet. 2. He peremptorily resisted Philippicus Bardanes, with john the Patriarch of Constantinople, for their defacing of Images, and thereupon would not snffer the Emperor's Picture in his Coin. 3. 'Tis thought Anthemius was incited to Rebel by his means, and put out Philippicus eyes with a burning Basin, (which Platina describes.) 4. By a sleight he subjected the Church of Ticene, (that before belonged to Milan,) to his Sea. 5. In this man's time Kindred and Offa, two of our petty Saxon Kings, were persuaded to forsake their callings, and become Monks.  
24. A.D. 716 GREGORY the second a Roman seconds him, and outvyed him in the defence of Images. 2. Excommunicates Leo Isaurus the Greek Emperor, for standing against them, and banisheth German Patriarch, of Constantinople, and Damascene, who pleaded for them. 3. From this man, our Countryman Boniface went, that converted the Germans, and at length suffered amongst them. 4. He forced Luitprandus King of Italy to confirm some Donations of his Predecessor Arithpert, and most of the States of Italy, and Spain, to Revolt from their Emperor, and bind themselves by Oath to his obedience. And so the Emperors of the East, for their standing against Images, lost their interest in the West, by this holy Fathers contriving, Of his Writings see Baron. Tom. 9 ad Annum 13.  
25. GREGORY the third, a Syrian, A.D. 731 in this bloody quarrel of Images, (if it may be so said) thirds his Predecessor, 2. Excommunicates again the Emperor Leo Isaurus, drives the Greeks out of Italy by the Lombard's, and overtops the Lombard's afterward by the French, under the Conduct of Charles Martell, who had a great hand at that time against the Saracens. 3. He forbids men to eat Horseflesh, and wrote to Boniface of Germany, that his Priests should have shaved Crowns, and pray, and sacrifice for the dead, in their Masses. But  
26. ZACHARY the first a Grecian, A.D. 742 not Excommunicates only, but de facto deposeth Childerick King of France, (God knows by what right) and with the same high hand turns off Lachis, or Rachis King of Lombardy, 
Plat. Ciacon.  and Carloman of France, from there Thrones, to be Monks. The Papists say it was their own seeking; but their Prelates should have instructed them better. 2. This Zachary is said to have translated Gregory's Dialogues into Greek. 3. Virgilius a Bishop is condemned by this man, 
See Ramus in Praef. Mathemat.  for holding there be Antipodes. One Stephen is reported to have been Elected in his Room, but dying presently Vnconsecrated by reason whereof,  
27. STEPHEN the second a Roman near at hand, A.D. 752 steps into his Place. He wrought so with Pippin of France, that he came into Italy and outed Aistulphus of Lombardy, which he bestowed upon the Pope, for freeing him of his Oath to his Sovereign Childerick, and shaving Childerick again to make sure work, and thrusting him into a Monastery. 3. Upon this success, he was the first that was carried upon men's shoulders, him succeeded his Brother,  
28. PAUL the first a Roman, A.D. 757 but not without some opposition of one Theophylact. He Excommunicates Constantine Copronimus the Greek Emperor, upon the old quarrel of Images. 2. An Image of Christ pricked in hatred by the Jews, yielded blood, out of its side that cured all Diseases, (except stupid credulity) and thereby converted many of them, 3. he honoured much St Petrovell, who was St Peter's Daughter.  
29. A.D. 767 STEPHEN the third a Sicilian, with much ado gets his place. For Constantine (Brother to King Desiderius of Lombardy was in for a whole year) but was outed again, 
Baleus Plat.  because he was but a Layman, and one Philip, that was chosen, lost it for want of means to defend it. 2. he brought in the worship and censing of Images, and subjected Milan to his Sea which fell to  
30. An. D. 772 HADRIAN the first a Roman, a great patron of Images, for which he wrote a Book. 2. Notwithstanding he could captivate the poor Orphans of Bertha, the Widow of Caroloman, who were the right Heirs of France, 3. for this he went not unrewarded by Charles the Great, who confirmed his Father's gifts to the Roman Sea, by adding the Dukedoms of Spoleto and Benevent unto it. And when all is reckoned, this is that which they call Constantine's donation.  
31. An. D. 795 LEO the third a Roman succeeds, who as his Predecessor Hadrian by closing in with Charles the Great, had ruined Desiderius of Lombary, and extinguished that State, which had stood in Italy 200 years. Also this man at his first entrance, (to curry favour with the same victorious King) prostitutes his Keys, and Roman Liberties at his feet, which the Romans took so ill, that having gotten the Sycophant abroad, they plucked him from his Horse, and whipped him like a Rogue. Victorellus upon Ciacon strongly maintains, that in that hurry his eyes were plucked out, and tongue cut off, but soon after restored by miracles. 2. Charles with the soon hath word of this abuse; comes to Rome for righting of it, the Pope clears himself from all imputations laid against him, by his own Oath; the People cry that the Apostolical Sea is to be Judged by none. Thus the Pope is freed, Charles for his pains, pronounced Emperor, because they of the East, were too fare out of the way, to serve the Pope's turn. The new made Emperor takes Oath to defend and protect the Roman Church, and obey it. 3. Certain Miracles, voiced to be wrought by the blood of a Rood at Mantua, are confirmed by this Pope.  
32. STEPHEN the fourth a Roman gets his place, A.D. 816 but not by the Emperor's Election, as it was promised to Charles, by his Predecessors, Adrian and Leo, but by choice of their own Clergy. 2. This in Person he goes to excuse to Lewis the Emperor in France, and with some Compliments in crowning the Emperor and his Wife, by the titles of Augustus, and Augusta, salves all the business, 3. Returns to Rome, and makes a decree, that it shall be in the Clergies Power to choose the Pope, but not to consecrate him, but in presence of the Emperor's Ambassador. So prettily could these men juggle to delude their best Friends, and work their own ends. In the same manner, without the Emperor's suffrage, his Countryman  
33. PASCHALIS the first was chosen, A.D. 817 who excused the matter so cunningly, to Lewis the Emperor, that he not only obtained a relaxation of his Right in choosing of Popes, but a larger donation to the Church of Rome, of territories, and revenues then formerly by his predecessors had been granted. 2. He was shrewdly suspected for making away in a tumult, some great men, that withstood his projects in the Emperor's behalf, but his own Oath was sufficient to clear him, whereof he might be absolved at pleasure. With more ado another Roman,  
34. EUGENIUS the second got the Chair, An. D. 824 by reason of the opposition of Zinzimus, he is much commended for his bounty to the Poor. 2. In this man's time, Michael the Eastern Emperor, sent to Lewis the Western, to know what he thought concerning Images. Lewis refers the matter to Eugenius, what his decision was, none mention. Some say there was a Conference about it, at or about Paris, 
Baron. Ciacon. Stella.  and that Eugenius was slain by the Romans: others acknowledge no such matter, but that he died peaceably, leaving  
35. An. D. 827 VALENTINE the first, his fellow Citizen his successor, A man of too good hopes to keep the place long.  
Hune tantum terris ostendunt fata, nec ultra  
Esse sinunt.—  
This man was shown, but must not stay,  
The Fates do snatch him strait away.  
As Ciaconius says of him. After forty days therefore he left his keys to  
36. An. D. 828 GREGORY the fourth his fellow Citizen, who would not accept of them, without the Emperor's approbation. 2. Between whom and his Rebellious sons he went into France, to make Peace, but could not effect it. 3. Intolerable was the luxury of the Clergy in those days, against which a Synod was held at Aquisgrave, and Platina mentioning it, adds utinam nostris temporibus Ludovice viveres. would God o Lewes thou hadst lived in our times.  
37. An. D. 244 SERGIUS the second another Roman comes next. 1. He was formerly called Os porci Hogs-snout, but that was when he was Baptised, the Popedom proved a greater matter unto him for to change his name. 2. By his example other Popes have done the like, in changing their Christian names, 3. His Election was confirmed, by the Emperor Lotharius, whose son Lewis he afterwards Crowned at Rome.  
38. An. D. 847 LEO the fourth a Romish Monk, shuts up this third vanke of Popes. 1. He is commended for a great builder that compassed the Vatican with a Wall, re-edified the Castle of S. Angelo, and did many such other matters. 2. The Saracens were scared from Italy, by his Crossing, Blessing, Cursing, and Animating his Soldiers, 3. He was questioned for plotting to transfer the Empire, from France to the Greeks again, but from that he cleared himself by his Oath. 4. By his Prayers 'tis said, he drove away a Basilisk from S. Lucy's Chapel, dispensed with Ethelwolfe to leave his Monastery and reign in England, for which courtesy the Monkish King, gratified his Holiness with yearly Peter pence. And these were the chief employments of these jolly Prelaetes, when once they grew to be puffed up with Supremacies and Donations.  

2. IN this Distance are met with. 1. The Pope's excommunicating, and Deposing, of their fellow Bishops, and Patriarches, Dethroning, and Monkifying Kings, Constituting and deluding Emperors, and maintaining Idols against them. 2. Here about the year 666 (the number of the apocalyptical Beast) Phocas the Parricide, that slew his Master Mauritius, Boniface the purchaser of Supremacy, of that villainy by Simony, And Mahomet the Grand Impostor, broke forth together, whom the Saracens soon followed, to the devastation, and hazarding of all Christendom. 3. Which the Learned of those times, Isodorus Hispacensis, Venerable Bede, Haimo, Strabus, Rabanus, to which may be added, Damascene, whom (some writ turned afterward Mahometan) and Paulus Warenfredus the first Postillator, might Lament rather, then withstand.  

INQVIRIES.  
3. Whether 

1. Maurus Archbishop of Ravenna served the Pope in his kind, to Excommunicate him, for Excommunicating him first?  
2. It smeled not of Antichristian Pride in Pope Constantine, to permit the Emperor Justinian to kiss his feet?  
3. The Eastern Emperors were in the right, in withstanding the having of Images in the Church?  
4. It be lawful for Kings to forsake their Callings, to become Monks?  
5. Pope's may dispense with the Oath of Allegiance to Princes?  
6. They may Depose Kings, and translate Empires?  
7. It be lawful to eat Horseflesh, notwithstanding the Pope's Inhibition?       

SECT. VII. The Fourth rank of Luxurious Sodomites.  
AMbition having attained the top of desire, melteth quickly into Luxury. No marvel then if after Usurping Nimrods', Luxurious Sodomites come to take their turns, for the space well near of two hundred years in this order.  
1. JOHN the eight, otherwise termed Pope JOHANE, An. D. 855 a Lass of Mentz in Germany, that ran away with an English Monk of Fulda in Man's apparel, and studied with him at Athens, till there he died. 2. Thence this Virago came to Rome, and so learnedly trussed her points, that after Leo's death, she was advanced to Saint Peter's Chair. 3. Where for two years and a half, she celebrated Mass, gave Orders, freed the Emperor Lewis from his Oath to Aldegisus, Crowns Charles the Bald, 
Thomas Harding.  takes up the Controversy between the two Hinomares, established the learned Photius in the Patriarchship of Constantinople, wrote a learned Letter to the Prince of Moravia, wanted nothing requisite to an excellent Pope, but the right Gender. 4. The defect of which discovered itself, in her going to the Lateran, between Colossuses, and S. Clement's, where without a Midwife, she was delivered of somewhat, and her life together, for which her successors have since, baulked that unlucky way, and provided a hollow seat of Porphyry, to prevent such after-claps. 5. This story of Dame Johane, Onuphrius, Bellarmine, Baronius, 
Vid. Io. Wolfium in Memorabilib.  and their followers would decry by all means possible, but we have fifty (at least) of their own suffrages against them.  
2. BENEDICT the third, a Roman, An. D. 857 was chosen in her room, but not without putting in security into the Deacons hand, that he was of the masculine Gender: he was withstood (saith Ciaconius) by one Anastasius, but to no purpose. 2. He made show of great humility, and therefore would be buried not in, but without the Threshold of Saint Peter's Church.  
3. A.D. 858 NICHOLAS the first, named the Great, (a Roman) kept a greater stir, deprives john of Ravenna, for not stooping unto him. 2. Swaggers with Michael the Emperor of Constantinople, about Photius the Patriarch, and writes him an Epistle, which is much stood upon. 3. Until this man's time Anastasius the Librariaen wrote the lives of the Popes, but after until Clement the second, one William another Librarian, who passeth under the name of Damasus. 4. Onuphrius, Platina, and Ciaconius complain much of the negligent registering, and confusion of their Pope's Lives, notwithstanding their succession is made such a convincing argument. 5. He was stiff against Priest's Marriage, but taken down, by a resolute Epistle of Huldrick a German Bishop.  
4. An. D. 868 HADRIAN the second a Roman also comes next. The Emperor's Ambassador excepted against his Election, without their Master's consent, but were deluded by an answer, that a worthy man was chosen; and so must put up their pipes. 2. He kept a great stir to bring the Bulgarians under his virge, which was first yielded unto, but it held not to purpose. 3. By his violence he outed the Learned Photius of Constantinople, and got Ignatius again into his room, by the eight Synod of Constantinople. 4. The Emperor Lotharius, came to Rome to receive Absolution of him, which is much stood upon; as also the platform he gave of Laws, for the Kingdom of Arragon. After this m●n is named by Onuphrius, Ciacon, Bellarmine and others, John the 8th (counting Pope Johane for no body) but Platina their senior, reckoneth  
5. A.D. 873 JOHN the ninth a Roman also. He Crowned three Emperors, Charles the bald, Charles the gross, and Lewis the Sutterer, for holding too much with whom he was Imprisoned by the Romans, but escaping, got into France, where he did somewhat in a Council at Trecas. 2. After returning to Rome, he beat the Saracens out of Italy, and Sicily, and wrote (as some think) four Books of the Life of Gregory the Great,  
6. MARTIN the second, a French man takes his place, A.D. 883 whom Ciacon, and others (against Platina) call Marinus the first, so well they agree in their names, and reckon, 2. Platina saith he got the Popedom by ill means. Bale adds that his Father Palumbus was a Conjurer, Fasciculus temporum cries our, Heu heu Domine Deus, etc. and bitterly laments the iniquities of those times.  
7. a, D. 884 HADRIAN the third a Roman that followed made them worse. He decrees the Emperor should have nothing to do in the Pope's Election. 2. The Romans conceived great hopes of him for his resolution; but Death abridged it. And  
8. STEPHEN the fifth a Roman takes his place. A.D. 885 Onuphrius, Ciacon, and Bellarmine, call him Stephen the sixth, misliking Platina's reckoning. 2. No Act of his is left worth the noting, but that he abrogated the purging of Adultery, and Witchcraft; by going over burning Coulters, and casting the suspected into the Water.  
9 A.D. 891 FORMOSUS Bishop of Portua than recovers the Chair, but not without great opposition of Sergius the Deacon. 2. This man was held guilty of his predecessor John's imprisonment, thereupon fled and forsook Rome, and turned Layicke, but Pope Martino absolves him for money, & sets him right again: so that by the same Bursae gratia, he got to be Pope. 3. Wherein he did nothing of note, besides the varnishing of Saint Peter's Church.  
10. BONIFACE the sixth, a Tuscan, A.D. 895 must needs do less in the three weeks he had the place.  
11. STEPHEN the sixth, a Roman, A.D. 896 in the one year he possessed the seat, bestirred himself more, for he took up the carcase of Formosus his predecessor, (to whom he had been beholding) devested him of his pontificals, and clothed him in a Lay habit, cut off the two consecrating fingers of his right hand, and threw him into Tiber. But his decrees were voided, and do censured by  
12. A.D. 897 ROMANUS the first his successor, which was all that he did, and was also all the work that his successor, and Countryman  
13. A.D. 897 THEODORUS the second performed, in his Twenty days keeping the Chair, which Platina cries out upon. Bellarmine leaves out these two for wranglers, and claps in next to Stephen,  
14. A.D. 901 JOHN the tenth, also a Roman, who was fiercer for Formosus, than the former two; but was withstood of the people, whereupon he got to Ravenna, and there canceled Stephen's Acts, and established those of Formosus, nothing better was  
15. A.D. 905 BENEDICT the fourth, a Roman that followed, Platina here also cries out, that Riches had made the Church Wanton, and Vice had no restraint.  
16. A.D. 907 LEO the fifth his Countryman found it too true, for before he was scarce warm in his place, he was outed by  
17. A.D. 907 CHRISTOPHER the first, also a Roman, though Platina say, he was so base that his Country was not known. This Lucifer rather then Christopher (saith Ciaconius) thrust his predecessor into a Monastery where he died of discontent. But  
18. An. D. 908 SERGIUS the third, also a Roman. (Marozias (a famous strumpet) sweetheart) paid him in his own coin, for within seven Months, she stied him up likewise in a Monastery, and a little after, into a stricter Prison, where he miserably ended his days. 2. Then this man's holiness turns his spleen again, against dead Formosus: once more he must be had up, and then be beheaded, and the three fingers left on his right hand be chopped off, and so be cast into Tiber, and all the Priests made by him new ordered. 3. Platina saith, that it was reported, that some Fishermen finding his carcase, interred it in Saint Peter's Church, at which time the Images of the Saints there, did it reverence. King Images, that would as well worship, as be worshipped! After this  
19 ANASTASIUS the third, a Roman, A.D. 911 is commended for that in his short time, he did neither good nor harm. As neither did  
20. LANDO his Countryman, A.D. 913 who changed not his name. Peter Praemonstratensis saith he was Father to  
21. JOHN the Eleaventh his successoer; An. D. 914 but Platina tells us, that he was Pope Sergin's bastard, either way he had a title that he might pretend to the Popedom. 2. He carried a military spirit, and was Victorious against the Saracens, but this could not free him from domestic plots. 3. For by Madam Marozias means he was taken, 
Luitprand. l 2. c. 13. Ciacon.  and stifled with a pillow, from which soft death Saint Peter, and Saint Paul (who were said to have fought for him against the Saracens) did not free him. 4. john Marozias Heir apparent by Pope Sergius, for the time is foisted in, but could not then keep the place, being outed by  
22. LEO the sixth, a Roman, A.D. 928 who in his seven months' Reign, did nothing notable, such another was his Countryman.  
23. STEPHEN the seaventh, that appeared only, A.D. 928 and after two years' space, left the place to him that gaped for it again:  
24. JOHN the 12. the famous Cock of the game, A.D. 930 of the breed of Pope Sergius, and Marozia, who had, given a pill to Leo and Stephen, that stood in his way. 2. This gallant with his mother Marozia roled all the roast. But Marozia could not so rest, but after the death of her Husband Guido she must needs take in Hugo King of Italy (her Husbands own brother for her Husband, a Burgundian without dispensation) to her bed. 3. A quarrel upon this arose, betwixt her new Husband, and her son Albericus, for not neatly holding of the basin to his Uncle Father in Law, when he washed his hands. This grew to that height, that King Hugh was feign to forsake Queen Marozia, and Rome, and leave the good people as he found them. john with his mother, flaunts it a while. But at length gives way to his Countryman  
25. An. D. 935 LEO the seaventh, who was altogether for his ease, and did nothing worth Commendations. 2. In his time (saith Luitprandus) Bozon Bishop of Placentia, Theobald of Milan, and another great Prelate, were all the bastards of King Hugh before mentioned, 
Baleus.  by his three Queans Bezola, Rosa, and Stephana, which he termed Venus, juno, and Semile. Was not this a hopeful breed of Bishops, to do good in the Church in these dissolute times? Notwithstanding  
26. An. D. 939 STEPHEN the eight a German ventures upon the Papacy, but to his little comfort, for the faction (as 'tis thought) of Albricus Madam Marozia's son, so abused him, that he dared not to show his face abroad, by reason of the wounds they had deformed him with. This took him off from doing any thing of note. And as little was performed by the Roman that succeeded him,  
27. An. D. 942 MARTIN the third, whom Bellarmine and Ciaconius call Marin the second, but we follow Platina their ancient. Yet somewhat he did in repairing Churches, and feeding the poor. 2. About this time an ill favoured Chaplain of Madam Guilla's, marquis Berengarius wife, was descried by the barking of a dog, resorting to his Lady's bed, and thereupon was taken, and dismembered of the excessive weapons he carried with him. Luitpraudus Lib. 5. c. 15. such was the fruit of forced chastity. This nettled Berengarius to be rough with the Monks, and Clergy, which caused  
28. An. D. 946 AGAPETUS the second, a Roman, to call in Otho of Germany to overtop him, and by that means, an overture was made to the German Dynastye. But  
29. A.D. 955 JOHN the thirteenth (Albericus son) was more stirring. By the threatening and Bribery of his Father, and Marozia his mother, he recovered the place that he formerly had, but could not keep it. 2. Baleus out of Luitpraudus sets him forth in his colours, that he was given to all deboshtnesse, Perjury and Sacrilege; that for inclining to Otho the great, he dismembered divers of his Cardivalls, by plucking out their eyes, cutting off their hands, and gelding them, that he made Deacons in his Stable amongst his horses. that for money, he made boys Bishops, deflowered Raynora a Widow his Father's Concubine, and Anna another, with her niece, put out the eyes of his Ghostly father Benedict, broke windows in the night, set houses on fire, drank a health to the Devil, would say Mass, and not communicate. 3. for which and other intolerable pranks, he was deposed by Otho in a Council, and Leo the eight put into his place. But his Wenches and Friends (when Otho had turned his back) soon got him in again. 4. From this gallane our Saint Dunstane purchased with a round sum of Money, an Inhibition against Priests Marriages, which caused here at that time no small stir. 5. At length taken in the Act with a resolute man's wife, this Pope met with a gash, that within eight days set him packing to another world. His friends thrust into his place  
30. BENEDICT the fifth a Citizen of Rome. A.D. 964 But Otho the Emperor returning, disannulled the Election, and took Benedict with him into Germany, where he died in banishment, settling  
31. LEO the eight his fellow Citizen in his place. A.D. 965 To gratify which kindness, 2. he crownes Otho Emperor, remitts unto him the right of Choosing Popes; for which was ratified unto the Papacy, Constuntines, or rather Pipins, and Charles the Great's Donations. 3. Ciaconi●● therefore calls him an Antipope. It should seem he was too honest, to be well liked of, or to govern long.  
32. JOHN the 14 Bishop of Narvia, A.D. 965 (some say the Son of john the twelfth) steps into his room. 2. Against whom the Romans make head, and Imprison him. 
Bal.  Otho the Emperor frees him, and delivers Peter the Ringleader of them, Governor of the City, into his hands, whom he most ignominiously put to Death. 3. In his time Bells began to be Baptised, and to have names given them. Harder was the hap of his Countryman and Successor.  
33. A.D. 972 BENEDICT the sixth. For Cynthius' a potent Citizen of Rome Imprisoned him, in the Castle of St Angelo, for some pranks he had played, where he was soon made away, lest he should complain, and bring in Caesar upon them, as others had done. 2. It should seem (saith Platina) he deserved to be so used, for that they that did it, were not called to a reckoning for it. This made  
34. A.D. 972 DONUS the second that followed (a Roman also) the waryer of him. 2. The Polonians desired to have their King Crowned, 
●aleus. Plat. Ciac. Chronol.  but sped not, because (as it is like) they came empty handed. 3. Writers much complain of the obscurity of these times. Vide Soeculum infoelix (saith Bellarmine) Take notice of an unhappy age, in which were not to be found any famous Writers, or Counsels. The Pope's little cared for the Common good; but yet he adds it fell out well by God's Providence, that there sprang up then no new Heresies. Neither could there well, because little Religion was then on foot, besides Superstition, and Heresies. In these times by indirect means crept in  
35 BONIFACE the seaventh, A.D. 974 surnamed France, but the Citizens made head against him; & he stole away the Church Implements, and Treasure, and fled to Constantinople. John the 15th is put into his place, but he returns, and buys him out, recovers the place again, but soon dies of an Apoplexy-Baronius saith, he was rather a Thief, a Murderer, and a Traitor to his Country, than a Pope. His usage shown him to be such to  
36. A.D. 984 JOHN the fifteenth a Lombard, who being made Pope upon Boniface's flying to Constantinople, at his return was Imprisoned by him, and there made away, some say by Famine, and stench of the place; others that Ferrareus (Boniface's Father) did the deed. Next after comes  
37. A.D. 975 BENEDICT the seaventh according to Bale and Bellarmine, but is put before by Platina, and Ciaconius. 2. He Crowned Otho, with his Wife Theophania, in the Church of Laterane, and turned out Gilbert the Conjurer from the Archbishopric of Rheims.  
38. An. D. 985 JOHN the sixteenth a Remane (the son of Leo a Priest) begotten in Matrimony, then follows, a man altogether for the enriching of his kindred, 
Plat:  whereby the Clergy hated him; but that was after, taken up for a Custom. To him succeeds another Roman,  
39 JOHN the seaventeenth, An. D. 995 commended for a great Scholar, he found such opposition, of Crescentius the Roman Consul, that he was feign to quit Rome, and shelter himself in in Hetruria. 2. But Crescentius fearing he would bring in Otho the Emperor upon him, went and so submitted himself, that John returned, and all was well. Next a Kinsman of the Emperors, one Bruno a German takes the plate, by the name of  
40. GREGORY the fifth. Against this man, A.D. 996 Crescentius the Consul also makes head, drives him from Rome, and places John a Grecian in his Seat. But Gregory returns, and by the Emperor's Forces, subdues his Enemies, and puts them to death ignominioussy. 2. After wards appoints the seven Electors, for choosing the German Emperors, which constitution was then ratifyed, by the then Emperor Otho. 3. Bale with Platina, reckoneth this Antipope John amongst the number of Popes, by the name of john the 18, but Ciaconius and Bellarmine, with greater reason omit him, and such were the policies and pollutions, under the Regiment of the great Whore and her Minions.  

2. IN this dissolute and sharking period, little good could be expected, notwithstanding in it may be notice taken of 1. Translating the Empire from the French (by Pope Agapetus plotting) to Otho Magnus the German where it yet continues. 2. The controversy between Photius and Ignatius for the Patriarchship of Constantinople. 3. Theophylact Luitprandus, and Erigina Scotus may pass here for Scholars. 4. The miserable death of Hatto Archbishop of Mentz by Mice which a Tower, built in the River Rhine, could not guard him from, nor any other forces he had about him: see the story and picture in Munster's Geography.  

INQVIRIES.  
3. Whether 

1. The story of Pope Johan may pass for a true History?  
2. Maroziahs and her Daughters Pope-making, discovered not the skirts of the Whore of Babylon?  
3. Bastards, Bribers, and Atheists, may be acknowledged for Christ's Vicars, or Saint Peter's successors?  
4. Priest's marriages, be not more tolerable, then Pope's insatiable Beastliness?  
5. Boniface the seaventh, robbing the Church treasury, and purchasing with it afterwards the Popedom which he had forfeited, include not in it Sacrilege, and Simony?  
6. The quarrelling concerning Formosus and his do, represent not the snarling of dogs about a carcase?  
7. It were not 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in the Popes, to take upon them the deciding of the business of Photius in the Patriarchship of Constantinople?       

SECT. VIII. The fifth Rank of Egyptian Magicians.  
THE body of the two Witnesses were to lie in the streets of the great City: which spiritually is called Sodom, and Egypt. Of the Luxurious Sodomites we have taken a view, 
Rev. 11.  Glutted Luxury soon degenerates into devilish Sorcery. These Egyptian Magicians for the next 240 years, take place in this order.  
1. SYLVESTER the second, a French man, a, D. 999 brought up in the Abbey of Floriack where Necromancy at that time, was held an eminent piece of learning. 2. To perfect his skill that way, he gets to a Saracen in Seville, and cousin's him of his chief Conjuring Book, by being inward with the Magician's daughter. 3. Then he contracts with the Devil, to be his wholly, upon condition he would conduct him back to France, and fit him with promotions. 4. Upon his return into France, he became admirable for his deep learning, and (amongst others of great State) had these Chieftains his Scholars in the Black-art, Theophilact. Laurence, Malfitane, Brazutus, and john Gratian. 5. By help of these, and of his other Arts, he became first Bishop of Rheims, than Archbishop of Ravenna, and thence to be Pope, in which seat he concealed (but ever practised) his devilish mystery, having in secret, a Brazen head in stead of a Delphique Oracle. 6. Consulting with this on a time, how long he should live, answer was given, until he said Mass in Jerusalem. This made him confident of a long continuance, but he was cozened by the Devil's Aequivocation, who seized upon him saying Mass in the Church of S. Cross, in one of Lent stations, which was otherwise called Jerusalem. that he little thought on. 7. He is said to have then repent, and in token thereof, to have requested, that his hands, tongue, and secret members might be cut off, where with he had offended God, and so to be put into a Cart, which was done, and the beasts of their ownaccord, drew him to Laterane Church, where he lieth buried. By the rattling of his bones in the sepulchre, prognosticating the death of his Successors. 8. But all this, Onuphrius, Ciaconius, Bellarmine, and other modern Papists reject, 
Benno. Martinus Poonus. Platina, Stessa. Fasciculus temper. Mesteus. Vicelius.  as a fable. For which they can blame none but their own ancestors. Ciaconius gives a Catalogue of his writings. A book of Geometry. MS. in Cardinal Farnesies Library. of Arithmetic, of the Sphere, the Composition of the Astrolabe, with a volume of Epistles, which few should seem have met with. He was held a Magician (say his Advocates) because he was a notable Mathematician, which was rare in those obscure times. After a little more than four years  
2. A. 1003 JOHN called Siccus (saith Blondus) whom those that leave out Pope johane, and john the Greek, (Gregory the fifth his competitor:) reckon but the 17. Those that take in both, say he was the 19 We keeping in Dame joan, and not counting that john, may best take him for the 18th 2. Benno makes him to be given to Magic, as his predecessor was, He took off the choice of Popes from the People, upon this plausible ground, Docendus est populus non sequendus, the people are to be taught not followed. 3. He appointed the feast of All-soules upon Odoloh's dreams, and Gregory's Dialogues. It is thought he was poisoned, that one as good as himself,  
3. An. 1003 JOHN the 19 (called Fasanus) might take his turn. For from Sylvesters the seconds time, to Hildebrand, or Gregory the seaventh inclusively, amongst Pope's (saith Benno) you shall find them all Necromancers. 2. Little was acted in this Pope's days, besides raising (as they pretended) of souls to make people believe Purgatory, and the need of their suffrages.  
4. A. 1009 SERGIUS the fourth a Roman that succeeded, passeth by with the title of a harmless and merry man. 2. Ciacon puts upon him, that this man was called Bucca Porci, and changed his name, and that he also instituted the seven Electors of Gormany, which is not likely, He seemed to be of the same institution with  
5. BENEDICT the eight a Tuscan, his successor, A. 1012 who was seen after his death, upon a Black horse, and confessed, he was greatly tormented, and desired (the Bishop that thus saw him) to procure Odilo of Cluniacke to pray for him, and to tell  
6. JOHN the 20th his brother, An. 1024 that he should take a treasure, which he discovered where it was hidden, and distribute to the Poor for his Soul. 2. He crowned the Emperor Conrade, and was always protected by him. This john (with Benedict before him) was the Bishop of Portuas' son, ('tis hoped well begotten.) Their Nephew  
7. A.D. 1034 BENEDICT the ninth keeps the Chair to the Family, he was formerly named Theophylact, fellow pupil with Laurence, and john Gratian the Consurers, whom he made Cardinals. 2. They were wont to wander the Woods, invocate Devils, and to bewitch Women to run after them. Laurence (one of the crew) could tell the standers by, that a sparrow brought news to his fellows of a booty ready for them, by the overthrow of a Cart. 3. Peter of Hungary, was suborned by this Pope to put by Henry the third, from his succession to his Father in the Empire: to which purpose a Crown was sent him with this Inscription 
Petra dedit Romam Petro, Tibi Papa Coronam.  
The Rock gave Peter Rome,  
The Pope to thee this Crown doth doom.  But Peter was quickly quelled by Henry's valour, and Benedict therewith terrified, sold the Popedom, to john Gratian his Companion for 1500l. 4. After his death, an Eremite is said to have seen him, by a Mill, having the body of a Bear, and Head and Tail of an Ass: But between john Gratians bargain, and the Popedom, steps in  
8. A. 1044 SYLVESTER the third a Roman, and Bishop of Sabine, Laurence the Conjurer's son. This was done while Benedict was living, who quickly recovers his seat again, outs Sylvester, and gives the Polonians one Cashimire, a Monk for their King. In regard whereof, divers omit this Pope, from him, John Gratian an Italian, by the name of  
9 A. 1045 GREGORY the sixth, receives the Keys, so that three Popes were extant here at one time, (which Ciacon calls the 20th schism. Bellarmine makes it but the 14th) Benedict in the Lateran, Sylvester in S. Peter's, and Gregory, in S. Mary's. 2. But the Emperor coming to keep the Peace amongst them, put to flight Benedict, sent Sylvester home to his Bishopric, and banished Gregory into Germany, with his scholar Hildebrand, then placeth in the Chair  
10. A. 1047 CLEMENT the second Bishop of Bamberge. By the authority of a Synod, he caused the Romans to renounce (by oath) the right they claimed, in choosing Popes. 2. But this nettled them so deeply, that as soon as the Emperor was gone, they set his Pope going with poison, Bracutus was the Competitor, but  
11. A. 1048 DAMASUS the second, a Bavarian put him off, that he might possess the place, which he kept but three weeks and two days, and then Brazutus did as much for him. Whereupon the Emperor sent Bruno a German Bishop to supply the place. He possesseth it by the name of  
12. A. 1049 LEO the ninth. As this man was going to Rome from Germany in his Pontificalibus, Hildebrand falls into his Company, and persuades the simple man, to put off his Robes, wave the Emperor, and have a new Election from the Roman Clergy. 2. This he did and then made Hildebrand Cardinal, who managed all then at his pleasure. At Vercellis he held a Council against Beringarius, but soon after he had a pass from Brazutus, leaving his seat to his Countryman  
13. An. 1055 VICTOR the second, who was received by the Romans, rather for fear of the Emperor, than any liking to the man. 2. Cardinal Hildebrand is dispatched into Germany, to design young Henry heir apparent, to the Empire, upon whose return, Victor was soon vanquished, by one of Brazutus' pills, and so was the Lorayner  
14. An. 1057 STEPHEN the ninth, who was thrust in without Caesar's consent, he brought milan to veil bonnet, and crouch to Rome, held a Council at Florence against married Priests, and chose that took Benefices of Laymen. 2. To reform some such matters, Hildebrand was Legat a Latere, into Burgundy and other places. But Brazutus near home, sent him the way of his Fathers. One Mincius a Campanian then steps in, by the name of  
15. BENFDICT the 10th, An. 1057 But because this was done without Hildebrands privity, and in his absence, a Council was held at Sutrinum, in which Benedict was deposed, and Gerardus Bishop of Florence, Hildebrands Companion, placed by the title of  
16. NICHOLAS the second. Benedict thus deprived, An. 1059 dyes in banishment, and by divers is not reckoned among the Popes. 2. Nicholas bestirs himself, to bring the election of the Popes to the Cardinals, and to bring Beringarius to a recantation of his opinion against Transubstantiation. 3. In the mean while, Hildebrand extorts from the Pope, to be  of Rome, and then Brazutus comes with his Cup, and sets Nicholas also packing. A man would have thought that then Hildebrand should have sped, but  
17. ALEXANDER the second, An. 1061 a Milanese happens to be chosen. Cadolus (Bishop of Parma) is set up against him, and twice coming to Rome with an Army, is twice repulsed. 2. The Emperor complains, that Alexander was elected without his leave. Hildebrand stoutly maintains that the Emperor hath no right in the election of Popes. Alexander inclining to yield the Emperor his due, is sound boxed by Hildebrand, then imprisoned, and at length poisoned. Now comes Hildebrand the Hetrurian under the name of  
18. GREGORY the seaventh, An. 1075 without any election of Emperor or Clergy, but only by his own intrusion. 2. He had poisoned some six or seven Popes by Brazutus before he could get the Popedom himself. 2. In it he had a trick to shake out sparks of fire, out of his sleeves, by another such, he had brought it about, that the voice of the people was, Peter the Apostle hath made choice of Hildebrand to be Pope. 3. He mainly set himself against the Emperor, and had plotted, that when he went to Prayers at S. Mary's in Aventine hill, a villain was set with a stone, to roll down from the roof to brain the Emperor, but it fell out to the fall and quashing of the Executioner. 4. He threw the Sacrament into the fire, because it answered not his demands (as the Heathen Gods did) concerning his success against the Emperor, whom he Excommunicated, and sent a Crown unto Rodelphus Duke of suevia, with this verse upon it, 
Petra dedit Petro, Petrus Diadema Rodulpho.  
That Crown the Rock did give to Peter,  
Peter on Ralph bestows in meeter.  To cause him to Rebel against his Master, wherein he had the foil, and died miserably, (as Herman Count of Lucelburg, that was next set up against the Emperor also did) by the hand of a Woman, tumbling down a stone upon him, as he was besiedging a certain Castle in Germany. 5. At last he got the Emperor to such an advantage, that he was feign to come to his Castle at Canusium, 
Plat:  with his Empress, and Son, barefooted in the cold of Winter, and there to wait three days fasting, until he might have audience, which at length was obtained, by the mediation of Madam Matilda (the Pope's minion) or (as they called her) S. Peter daughter, that left her Husband, to live with this holy Father, the Abbot of Clunie, Earl of Savoy and others. 6. When he pronounced the sentence of Excommunication against the Emperor, 
Ben.  the new seat whereon he sat, unexpectedly rend in pieces. He condemned Berengarius opinion against the Corporal presence, together with Priests Marriages, Sainted Liberius the Arian, exercised what cruelty pleased, especially against a Widow's Son, whose Foot he cut off. 7. But at last vengeance over took him; for in a Synod at Brixia he was Deposed, and died miserably in exile. The Papists notwithstanding commend this man. One Clement was set up against him, in his life time, But  
19 VICTOR the third an Italian succeeds him, A. 1086 thrust in by Matilda; and therefore defended all Gregory's do. 2. T● is was not long, for his Sub-Deacon poisoned him in the Chalice, Christ's Blood in that case, 
Platina.  being no preservaetive. A Monk of Cluney,  
20. VRBANE the second, an Hetrurian takes the place, A. 1088 a true Diciple of Hildebrands, and Crony of Matildahs'. 2. He opposes the Emperor, and Excommunicates him, and Cloment the third whom he had chosen Pope. So that instead of Vrbanus, he was called Turbanus, because he set all Christendom in a Combustion, quarrelling which Popes side to take. 3. But Vrbane out stripped Clement, by holding divers Synods, and upon the information of Peter the Eremite, sending 300000, signed with the Cross to recover the Holy-land, under the Conduct of Godfrey of Boulogne. 4. Notwithstanding john a Roman Citizen, at last made him hid his head, in the house of Peter Leo, where he yielded up his trou● jesome spirit, though St Benedict formerly as it was voiced, had cured him of the Stone by Miracle.  
21. A. 1099 PASCHALIS the second another of Hildebrands brood seconds him. This man would not (forsooth in modesty) take the place before the hired shout of the multitude, Petrus Raynerum virum optimum elegit, Peter hath chosen Rayner●us an excellent man, had heartened him to it. 2. Then he shows himself in excommunicating the Emperor Henry the fourth, and setting his only son Henry the fifth, against him, to persecute him to the death. And being dead caused him to lie unburied five years together. 3. Neither agrecd he better with Henry the fifth. He denied the right of Investiture of Bishops, and other Imperial priviledgor, whereupon he was laid in hold by the Emperor; frees himself by a solemn Oath, not to withstand any more the Imperial right, but as soon as the Emperor had turned his back, and left Italy, his holiness could dispense for Perjury, and Excommunicate the son, as devoutly as he had done the Father. 4. He gave entertainment to Anselme, our Rebellious Archbishop of Canterbury, and upheld him against his Sovereign, Henry the first, but that understanding King, kept them well enough at his staff's end. 5. Priests Marriages were reinterdicted, by this Scholar of Hildebrand. He made a great company of Carnal Cardinals, had Albert, and Theodorick (with others, noted by Ciacon) set up Anti-popes' against him, But  
22. A.D. 1118 GELASIUS the second a Campanian had the luck to carry the place, but not without great opposition of Cincius Fregepanius who set upon the Conclave, banged the Cardinals, unhorsed the new Pope, until the people rescued him, and made Fregepane submit. 2. Then the Emperor Henry came upon him, and set up one Maurice Burdine by the name of Gregory the eight against him, so that he was constrained to fly into France, where he shortly died of a Pleurisy, having first Excommunicated the Emperor freed the Templars from the subjection to the Patriarch of jerusalem. Burdine the Emperor's man could not hold the place. But,  
23. A.D. 1119 CALIXTUS the second a Burgundian got it, 2. He continues the Excommunication against the Emperor in a Council of Germany, makes the Emperor yield unto him, and so absolves him, but abuses his Pope Gregory, whom he had made; by setting of him upon a Camel with his face towards the tail, and then thrusting him shaved into a Monastery. 3. He appointed the four Fasts, decreed it Adultery for a Bishop to forsake his Sea, was much against Priests Marriages, whereupon our Simon of Durham made the verses. 
O bone calixte nunc omnis clerus odit te,  
Quondam Presbyteri pot●rant uxoribus uti,  
Hoc destruxisti postquam tu Papa fuisti;  
Ergo tuum merito, nomen habent odio.  
The Clergy the now good Calixtus hate,  
The heretofore each one might have his Mate,  
But since thou gotten hast the Papal throne,  
They must keep Punks, or learn to Ligones alone.   
24. HONORUS the second an Italian comes next, A.D. 1124 but with great opposition of two others, that were set up against him. 2. From this man, John Cremensis was sent hither into England, to dash Priests Marriages. But in his greatest heat of urging his Commission, he was found a Bed with a Whore. 3. Platina tells us, that one Arnulphus, (Bale adds, an Englishman) was Martyred in Rome, for Preaching against the Clergies pomp and luxury. His Countryman,  
25. INNOCENT the second enters upon the place, A.D. 1130 he was opposed by an Antipope ealed Anacletus backed by Roger King of Sicily, who forced this Pope to fly into Germany, and France to be righted. 2. The Emperor Lotharius with an Army, settled him in his seat. 3. But Roger King of Sicily hath another bout with him, Imprisoneth him, and his Cardinals, till he had gotten of him, to be pronounced King of both Scicilies', which was done; and than Sicily, was reckoned St Peter's Patrimony. So easy it was then for Popes to bestow Kingdoms, in which neither by Divine, nor humane Law, could they claim any interest. His successor a Tuscan.  
26. A.D. 1143 CaeLESTINUS the second put in by Conradus the Emperor, sat so short a time, that nothing is noted of him, not much longer remained.  
17. LUCIUS' the second a Bononian, A.D. 1144 for when he went about to abrogate the Office of Patricians, and with Soldiers, beset the Capitol, he was so pelted with stones, by the Citizens, that he soon resigned his life, and place to.  
28. EUGENIUS the third, a Pisan, St Barnard's Scholar, A.D. 1145 to whom he wrote his Books of Consideration. 2. But Eugenius more considered the enlarging of his place, and power, and therefore would not permit the Romans, to choose their own Senators, nor their Patricians to bear any sway. 3. This grew to such a quarrel that the Pope, was feign to leave Rome, and fly into France, whence after some time and matters accommodated, he returned and died at Tiber.  
29. A. 1153 ANASTASIUS the fourth took his place, a Roman, but did nothing in it worth the noting, only he gave a great Chalice to the Church of Laterane; whilst William our Archbishop of York, was poisoned in the Chalice.  
30. A. 1154 ADRIAN the fourth an Englishman succeeds, before called Nicholas Brack-speare. 2. This man would not suffer the Consuls in Rome to have any power, and condemned Arnold of Brixia for an Heretic in holding with them. 3. He quarrelled with Frederick the Emperor, for not holding Ostler like his stirrup, and afterwards Excommunicates him, for claiming his rights, and writing his name before the Popes, for which the Emperor defends himself by a Letter. 4. Great stirs there were also between him, and William of Sicily concerning Apulia, wherein William had the better, and at length got to be styled King of both Sciciles. 5. When with his Cardinals, he had conspired to ruin the Emperor, and had sent a Counterfeit to stab him, and an Arabian to poison him, he was choked with a fly, that got into his Throat, which verified, that he was wont to repeat often. There is no kind of life upon earth more wretched, then to be a Pope. Yet this lessened not.  
31. A. 1159 ALEXANDER the third an Hetrurian, but that he opposed his Sovereign in a more treacherous manner. 2. He was chosen indeed in a strong Faction● of Victor, Paschalis, Calixtim, Innocentius, all claiming the place. 3. The Emperor comes to Papia for to appease the stirs, sends for Alexander, who instead of obeying, Excommunicates the Emperor, and his Oposites, and by the French Kings favour, and his own Purse, settles himself in Rome. 4. The Emperor comes with an Army to correct his insolency, but Hartman Bishop of Brixia, by effectual persuasions, turns him from the Pope, against the Saracens. 5. There being Victorious, and returning, he was surprised by the Pope's Treason, who had sent his exact Counterfeit to the Sultan, that he might not miss in laying wait for the man. 6. Being apprehended therefore with his Chaplain, as they went to Bathe themselves in a River of Armenia, & brought before the Sultan; the Picture discovered him. The Sultan uses him nobly, appoints his Ransom, then guards him home as fare as Brixia. 7. The Princes of the Empire unite, to revenge the prodigious Treason, the Pope betakes himself to Venice, where Duke Sebastian protects him. Otho the Emperor's Son, is sent with an Army to hem him in; and not to fight until his Father's coming. This charge he neglecting, is overthrown, and taken Prisoner. 8. The good Father, to preserve his Son, is forced to submit, in St Marks Church in Venice. He prostrates himself before the Pope, who setting his foot on his Neck, with that of the Psalmist in his mouth: Super Aspidem & Basiliscum, Thou shalt walk upon the Serpent, and Adder, and the Emperor replying, non tibi, sed Petro; the Beast goes on, & mihi, & Petro to me, as well as to Poter. 9 This end, after much trouble, had that remar kable business. The Pope gratified the Venetians, (as he had reason) made his conditions with the Emperor at his pleasure, and so returns to Rome. 10. Henry the second our King, was much vexed by this Pope, for the death of Thomas Becket of Canterbury, whom the Pope made St Thomas, for withstanding his King & Sovereign. And upon the King's submission to the lash, granted to Him, and his Heirs, the Title of the Kings of England. Hinc autem observatum est (saith Flatina) ut omnes Anglici à Romano Pontifice. Regni jura recognoscant. Hence it is observed, that all Kings of England, must acknowledge the Pope for their Landlord. In this proud Pope's time, the poor Waldenses stood up for the truth, and increased amongst all persecutions. To this Pope, Nicholas Maniacutius wrote mad verses, extant in Onuphrius, where he concludes: 
Scimus Alexandrum per soecula commemorandum.  
As long's there is a Goose or Gander,  
We must remember Alexander.  He kept the place 21 years, and more.  
32. LUCIUS' the third his Countryman sooner quirted it. An. 1181 1. At his Election by the Cardinals, the Romans were so much exasperated, that they abused all his Partisans, setting them upon Asses, with their faces backwards, and disgraceing them, with the like Contumelies, for offering to abolish their Consuls. 2. The Pope gets to Verona, and condemns their do, exhorts the Christians to resist Sultan Saladine in the East, but to no purpose, somewhat he did for Luca, where he was borne, gives over to  
33. VRBANE the third a Millenois. A.D. 1185 He animates the Christians against Victorious Saladine, and would have Excommunicated the Emperor, 
Crantzius.  because he honoured not his Holiness, in all his projects (whence some termed him Turbanus) but he was prevented by death. As also was  
34. A.D. 1187 GREGORY the eight an Apulian his Successor, who was very earnest the same way, to set the Christians upon the Saracens, that the Popes might rule all in their absence. 2. Endeavouring to agree the Pisans, and Genuans, he was poisoned (as 'tis thought) amongst them.  
35. A.D. 1188 CLEMENT the third a Roman that Succeeded him, prevailed more in setting forth the expedition against the Saracens. 2. For upon his instigation, Frederick the Emperor, Philip of France, and our Richard Cordelion (with other Worthies) undertook the business, but performed little. 3. Upon the death of William of Sicily, this Pope puts in to make that Country Tributary to Rome, but the Scicilians found an Heir, Tancred Williams base Son to hold it. 4. He Excommunicated the Danes, for maintaining the Marriage of their Clergy; but composed the dissension about superiority, between the Citizens of Rome, and the Clergy, by granting the Senators, and Patricians their right. Which controversy had continued, from Innocent the second, to this Clement the third, fifty years together.  
36. A.D. 1191 CELESTINE the third a Roman that succeeds, being an old man, yet is for this holy War as his Predecessors had been, for having a sting at Tancred of Sicily he gets Constance King Rogers lawful Daughter, out of a Nunnery, and Marries her to the Emperor, Henry the sixth, with condition, that he should out Tancred, and admit the Pope a sharer, in the conquered Kingdom. 2. When Henry came with his Empress Constance, to be Crowned by him in Rome, he did it not with his hands, but feet; setting it on and spurning it off again, with this saying, per me Reges regnant, I have power to make and unmake Emperors. 3. He sets all Princes almost together by the Ears, that Rome might gain, by making them friends. Whereupon Vspergensis cries out, rejoice o Mother Rome, because all rivers of Treasures flow into thy Ocean etc. Hellish was this Celestine, but  
37. INNOCENT the third a Campanian that follows, A.D. 1198 more contraried his name. 2. He held the great Council of Laterane, under pretence of recovering Jerusalem, but it was for deposing the Emperor; for withholding (as it was pretended) some Church-rights. At which time, Anricular Confession was established, and the Cup taken from the Laity in the Communion. 3. It was this Popet resolution against Philip the Emperor, (only because he was chosen without his liking) Either I will Uncrown him, or he shall Vn-throne me. Whereupon he raised, the Otho's against him, who at length slew him. And yet this Champion could not so please the Pope, but upon claim of the Imperial rights, he must needs be Excommunicated. 4. He bore a heavy hand over our King john, deposed him, interdicts the Kingdom for six years together; upon his restoring by his Legate Pandulph, tynes it at the yearly rent of 1000 Marks, to be held of the Pope in Fee-farm. 5. He was terrible against Priests Marriages, whereupon we have these Verses by an Oxford man. 
Prisciani regula penitus cassatur,  
Sacerdos per Hic & Haec olim declinatur,  
Nune per Hic solum articulatur,  
Cùm per nostrum Praesulem Haec amoveatur.  
Old Priscian's rule hence forth must hold no more,  
'Twas Hic & Haec Sacerdos heretofore.  
But now poor Hic must lie alone perforce,  
For his dear Haec our Prelate doth diverce.  And an 100 were burnt in one day in Alsatia, for holding the free use of meats, and Matrimony. Almericus Bones were burnt after his death, because living, he had spoken against Images in Churches. This man must have all differences between Princes, devolved to his Decision. After him  
38. A. 1216 HONORIUS the third a Roman, continues to be a Stickler for the holy Land. 2. He Crowns Frederick (the Nun, Constanc's Son) against Otho the 4th, and notwithstanding for claiming his rights, afterwards Excommunicates him. 3. Confirms the Orders of Dominick, and Francis, and sets them against the Waldenses; grounded upon certain Dreams, which Innocent his Predecessor had, fore-boading these men's service in that behalf. 4. He caused 400 Scots to be hanged, and their Children Gelded, for burning their Bishop (who had Excommunicated them) in his own Kitchen, and exacted by Otho his Legate, of every Cathedral amongst us Two prebend's, to help to pay scores of Mother Laterane, which gave occasion to this Rhyme. 
O Pater Honori, multorum nate dolori  
Est tibi decors, vivere? vade mori.  
O Father Honori, borne for a sad story,  
To live is it glory? Death is to good for ye.  So he died and left a worse in his place.  
39 A. 1227 GREGORY the ninth a Campanian. This man thrice Excommunicated Frederick the Emperor, whom he had sent to recover the Holy Land, that he (at the more case) might get Apulia, and Lombardy from him in his absence. 2. With much ado, and at a dear rate, the Emperor gets his absolution, but his Holiness raiseth new stirs against him, that so exasperate him, that Satynicall verses (as it were of defiance) passed between them. Many of the Clergy suffered in the broils; amongst which the Pope's brother was hanged for his Treasons. 3. Dominick, Francis, and Anthony of Milan are Canonised, a deadly feud fell, between the Papaline Guelphs, and Imperial Gibelines, which in a manner, to this day continues. 4. To affront the opinion that the Pope was Antichrist, (strongly urged by the Waldenses, and the Emperor's Preachers, out of the Revelation of S. john) cyril a Grecian, the third precedent of the White Friars, or Carmelites, obtrudes certain tables of silver, written (as he said) by Gods own finger, and delivered him to publish. which show an other gats progress of the Church than the Apocalypse foretell; and are illustrated, by the Comments of Abbot joachim, Gulielmus Cisterciencis and john de Rupescissâ. 5. Raymund of Pinnasort, a Spaniard of Bercinona, composeth the book of decretals, 
Plat. Ciacon.  whi● this Pope alloweth. In these courses especially against the Emperor, old  
40. CELESTINE the fourth a Lombard, An. 1241 would have persisted, but that almost at his first entrance, he took a potion, that marred his stomach, and sent him to his predecessors? One Robert Sommerton, or Sommerlet an English man, because he was upon election to be Pope, by the like means was set going the same way. 21. weeks the place lies void, till the Emperor (at the request of Baldwine the Eastern Emperor, and Raymund of Tholose) freed the Cardinals he had in Prison, to go to an Election. 
Revel. 13.  This pack of Sorcerers by some is termed the Kingdom of the Dragon.  

2. IN the compass of this Period are found, 1. Besides a knot of Conjurers, and Poisoners. 2. A Crew of Devilish Rebels, abusing Religion to varnish their damnable designs. 3. A rabble of Orders of Munks, that disorder all things. 4. Wrangling Sophistry set on foot, by Lanfranch, Lombard, Albertus Magnus, with otheir Sects and Factions. 5. Canonists, glozing and descanting upon their Master Gratian the Collector of the Decrees. 6. Comestor with lying Legendaries. 7 Hildegardis, Katherine of Seen, and some other such Shee-Prophetesses; notwithstanding, Anselme, and Bernard, and the Hugoes de Sancto Victore, and the Sancte-Claro, are of better account. The vexations of the poor Waldenses, and barbarous usage of Learned Beringarius, were wonderful, and of long Continuance, as their Histories set out at large do manifest.  

INQVIRIES.  
3. Whether 

1. Necromancy may be a tolerable way to Ecclesiastical preferment?  
2. Pope Sylvesters Brazen head, were the same with our Roger Bacons, or of any other temper?  
3. john Gratian the Conjurer, had the Popedom at an easy rate, for 600 of Benedict the 9th?  
4. The Sub-Deacon that poisoned Pope Victor the third in the Chalice, and Hildebrand that threw the consecrated host in to the fire, believed Transubstantiation?  
5. Hildebrand alias Gregory the 7. poisoned six or seven Popes, before he could get the place for himself?  
6. Saladine with the Saracens, did less hurt to Christianity in the East, than the Popes with their Complices in the West?  
7. The Waldenses in the main, held the same opinions with the Protestants of latter times?       

SECT. IX. The sixth Rank of Devouring abaddon's.  
FRom Egyptian Magicians, we fall upon Devouring abaddon's, who strengthened their side by multitudes of Monkish janissaries; that wasted (for about 250. years following) all that lay before them, the leader of these was  
1. INNOCENT the fourth of Genua, A. 1243 he denounced the fourth Excommunication against the Emperor Frederick, who had been his greatest friend, held a Council at Lions, and deposed him, set Henry of Thuring in his place, and after him William of Holland, and a great company of Crusiados (that the Pope had marked for his own beasts) but the Emperor crossed their Crowns as he met with them, and Nobly defended himself, until he was poisoned at length by the Pope's means, and finally smothered by his bastard Manfred. 2. This Pope was the only Patron of the four orders of begging Locusts, Dominicans, Franciscans, Carmelites, and Augustine's, who hatched under him those addle eggs of Summaries, Sophisms, Repertories, Reductories, Quodlibets, Exorcisms, Breviaries, rituals and the like, 3. He offered to sell the Kingdom of Sicily to Henry the third at a reasonable rate, being none of his own, and quarrelled with our Robert Grostead Bishop of Lincoln who withstood him stoutly, and contemned his Excommunication. 4. And after his death (is said) to have minded the Pope by a thump on his side, with his Crosyers' staff, and this Item, Veni miser in judicium Dei, come wretch to God's judgement, and so eased the world of this Tyrant: He left behind him Apparatum ad decretales, an Apology against Peter de Vineis, with other tracts mentioned by Ciacon, and his successor a Campanian,  
2. ALEXANDER the fourth. A.D. 1254 This man is all for Apulia, Excommunicated Munfred, diverted the money gathered to recover the Holy Land, to work his own ends at home, peeled England so fare, that Fulke Bishop of London, exclaimed against him, one Leonard told his Legate that Churches were under the Pope's tuition not fruition, to defend, not to expend; and a Clerk he sent to be Prebend of Paul's, against the King's Chaplain, was slain in a tumult. 2. He made for money, Richard Earl of Cornwall (Henry the thirds brother) King of Germany, whereupon a rhyme was made, 
Nummus ait pro me, nubet Cornubia Romae,  
My purse tells me a quick dispatch,  
'Twixt Rome and Cornwall for a match.  Condemns the books of William de Sancto Amore, leaves,  
3. A. 1261 VRBANE the fourth his successor, being formerly a Patriarch of jerusalem. He continued his sting against Manfred of Sicily, and wrought Charles the King of France (his Brother) to be his death. 2. Withstood the Romans as much as he could, who had set up a new Magistrate amongst them, called Bandenses, having power of life and death. 3. Upon solicitation by Eva an Anchoress, but (as Onuphrius will have it) by a drop of blood, distilling from the host in a Priest's hand, he instituted the feast of Corpus Christi day. 4. Albertus Magnus, and Aquinas are referred to this man's time.  
4. An. 1265 CLEMENT the fourth, a French man is next; who had before a Wife and three children. 2. He brings in the French to get Naples, sent Octobonus into England, to take the value of all Church Revenues. But (he summoned by Death to a reckoning) in a great Hubbub of the Cardinals,  
5. A. 1271 GREGORY the tenth, a Lombard was thrust into his place: whereupon came the verses, 
Papatus munus tulit Archi diaconus unus,  
Quem Patrem Patrum, fecit discordia fratrum.  
An , the Papal Incomes gathers,  
Whom brethren's discord, Father made of Fathers.  2. He held a Council at Lions, at which was present Mychael Paleologus the Greek Emperor, and acknowledged the Lateran tenant, of the proceeding of the Holy Ghost, from the Father, and the Son, which twelve times before, they had withstood. 3. Bonaveuture was by him made Cardinal, and Peter de Turantesia Cardinal of Hostia, Radulphus of Auspurge Crowned Emperor, but would not go to Rome to have it. Quia vestigia (as he said) ipsum terrebant, because the Fox saw no safe return. Peter de Tarautasia succeeds him by the title of  
6. INNOCENT the fifth, a Burgundian, An. 1276 the first Pope of the begging Friars, being the same Peter Tartaret that wrote upon the Sentences and other works. 2. He endeavoured to set Peace amongst all, but died before he could effect any thing.  
7. HADRIAN the fifth a Genua follows, A. 1276 named before Octobonus, the same that kept so great a stir here in England, in the Reign of Henry the third. 2. 
Platina. Vide Pitgah Evang. p. 182  He dies before he was consecrated, some say by the fall of a new house. But others say this was the end of  
8. JOHN the 21. a Portugal Physician. A.D. 1277 Platina passes him for a vain man, and thereupon infers Nescio quo pacto compertum est, ut viri quidam admodum literati, ad res agendas parum idonei videantur. 
We see for action Learning avails not when,  
The greatest Clerks proves not the wisest men.  2. He was a Writer notwithstanding, and favourer of Scholars, which was the least care of  
9 NICHOLAS the third a Roman. An. 1277 He enclosed a Warren of Hares for his holiness' recreation. 2. Was ravennous for his kindred, raised the quarrel between Peter of Arragon, and Charles of France, for Sicily, whence grew the Massacre of the French, called Sicilian vespers, wherein all sorts of French upon the Toll of a Bell, were cruelly Butchered.  
10. A.D. 1281 MARTIN the fourth, a Frenchman that succeeded, thereupon Excommunicated Peter of Arragon, but he contemned it, and strengthened himself by Paleologus. 2. He kept the Concubine of his predecessor Nicholas, and removed all Pictures of Bears from his palace, lest the beholding of them should cause his sweet heart to bring forth a Bear. His Excommunication of Peter of Arragon, is continued by  
11. A.D. 1285 HONORIUS the fourth a Roman, who did little else, but confirm the Augustine Friars, and cause the white Carmelites, to be called our Lady's Brethren, so much was not performed by  
12. A.D. 1288 NICHOLAS the fourth, a Franciscan Italian, who died (some say) of grief, to see both Church and State in such remediless Combustions. After two years scolding of the Cardinals,  
13. A.D. 1294 CELESTINE the fifth an Italian (formerly an Anchorite) was chosen, He resolving to be strict in reforming the Church, was gild by one that feigned himself to be an Angel, and spoke through a Trunk in a wall, Celestine, Celestine, give over thy Chair, for it is above thy ability. 2. The French King persuaded him to hold it, but he decreed, that a Pope might quit his place, as he did, to turn Hermit again. But that preserved not his life from the jealousy of  
14. A.D. 1294 BONIFACE the eight, a Campanian that thus cheated him: for he caused him to be imprisoned, and made away. 2. Of this Boniface it is said that he entered like a Fox, reigned like a Lion, and died like a Dog. 3. He threw ashes into the Archbishop Porchets eyes on Ash-wednesday, because he was a Gibelline; brought in the jewish Jubely, carried two swords before him, and shown himself as well in Imperial Robes as in Papal habiliments, to express that he had power of both swords, in that Church, out of which there is no salvation. 4. For his Excommunicating Philip the Fair of France, and his cruelty against others, he drew upon himself an infamous death, by the hands of those, he had formerly banished. 5. John Cassiodores Epistle in Bale, shows how lamentably England suffered by him. A much better Pope was little  
15. BENEDICT a Lombard, a Shepherds' son, A.D. 1303 who would not acknowledge his poor mother when she came to him Lady like, but caused her to put on her Shepherdess apparel. He absolved the King of France, Excommunicated the murderers of his predecessor Boniface, desired to compose all brawls, but was poisoned at length in a fig.  
16. CLEMENT the fifth a French man that succeeds, An. 1305 transferred the Court to Avignion, where it continued 70. years, governing Rome the while, by deputy Cardinals. 2. At the pomp of his Coronation much hurt was done, by the fall of a Wall, and the Pope lost a Carbuncle out of his mitre, valued at 6000. florence. 3. He rooted out the Templars, favoured the Knights of Rhodes, Excommunicated the Florentines, Lucian's, and Venetians, whose Ambassador Francis Dandalus, sent to pacify him, he chained under his table to feed with the dogs. 4. From the Council held by him in Vienna, we have the Clementines of the Canon Law. Henry of Lutzenburg the Emperor, a little after was poisoned in the host by one Bernard a Monk, whom presently he forgave, and wished him to shift away to save his life. The Pope dies of the flux, after two years. His Countryman  
17. JOHN the 22. succeeds him. A. 1316 He Sainted Thomas of Aquine, and Thomas of Hereford, flayed a Bishop and afterwards burned him, because he had offended him. 2. Challenged a Supremacy over the Greek Church, but they wished the Devil to be with him, as God was with them: would by no means Crown the Emperor Lewis of Bavaria, who contemned it, and was otherwise Crowned King of the Romans: Whereupon he deprives him but not without stout opposition. Occam Marsilius, and jandunus taking the Emperor's part. 3. He held the souls to die with the body, but was condemned for it, by the Parisians, the Council of Constance, Durandus, Thomas Wallis an English man and others. He lived longest of any Pope, and died richest.  
18. A. 1334 BENEDICT the 12. also a French man succeeds him, opposes at first Lewis the Emperor, but afterward falling out with the French King, takes the Emperor's part, who notably had defended his Royalty, in an assembly of the Peers of Germany. 2. He reform some Orders, or rather disorders of the Monks, bought Francis Petraches beautiful sister, with a great sum of Money, of her brother Gerard, to make some use of her. Had these Rhymes made on: him when he was gone, 
Hic situs est Nero, laicis mors, vipera olero,  
Devius à vero, cuppa repleta mero.  
Laics bane, Clerk's viper, here lies Nero's trunk,  
Fardel of Lies, a Butt of Wine stark drunk.   
19 A. 1342 CLEMENT the sixth his Country man proves more violent than his predecessor. 2. To diminish the Emperor's authority, he creates Viscount Vicars to rule the Empire, which caused the Emperor to institute such other Vicars to govern the Church. 3. This and other things so nettled his Clemency, that upon no Terms he would be reconciled with the Emperor, except he put himself and all his into his Holiness disposition. 4. For quietness sake, and to prevent the shedding of Christian blood, the Emperor doth it; The Princes of the Empire, exclaim against the Pope's tyrannical conditions. The Archbishop of Mentz is deposed, for but speaking on the Emperor's behalf. The other Electors bribed: set up his son Charles, to be King of the Romans, he to settle himself, mortgaged special portions of the Imperial Revenues, never again recovered, whereby the weakened Empire, was exposed to the Turks invasion. 6. In England also this Pope made so bold, as to bestow Bishoprics and Benefices at his pleasure. But our Edward the third, would admit of no such intrusion. 7. 'tis thought by his means, the hated Emperor was poisoned, and his Holiness breathed his last, 
Bale.  by an Impostume, after he had tyrannised so long, and cozoned the World by his year of Inbilee and blasphemous Indulgences. His Countryman  
20. An. 1352 INNOCENT the sixth a Lawyer, by pinching and diminishing his House-keeping, cast about to keep up money. 2. It was well that he commanded Priests to be resident, and to give good Example unto their Charge by their temperare lives. 3. Richard Arch bishop of Armaught, urged before this Pope Nine Articles against the begging Friars, that were never answered. 4. And John de Rupe Scissa, foretold such shrewd things of Anti-christ, that proved afterward too true. For which he was burnt at Avignion. 5. Whilst the Lance, and Nails that tormented our Saviour, were graced withan Holiday and this Elegy. 

Ave ferrum triumphale,  
Intrans pectus tu vitale,  
Coeli pandis ostia,  
Hail Iron triumphal,  
Piercing a breast vital,  
That opens Heaven's gate,   

Faecundata in cruore,  
Faelix hasta, nos amore,  
Per te fixos saucia.  
Blessed spear steeped in blood  
With love make all us wood  
The Heretics to hate.   An Englishmans Son (though borne in France.)  
21 urban the fifth comes next, a great stickler, A.D. 1362 to uphold Popish privileges, and set forth the State, and Authority of the Papacy. 2. John Huncash an Englishman was his Champion, for Wars. Bridget of Sweveland, was entertained, 
Platina.  and had the order of St Bridget conformed by him. 3. About the same time; 
Vide Crisp. Sabellinus volater. Baleum.  an order of the jesuits with the Scopetines appeared, which differs from our modern Pragmatists, as Lydius notes. 4. Determining to return again into Italy, he was poisoned (as it is thought) at Marsils,  
GREGORY the cleaventh that succeeded, A.D. 1370 was Nephew to Pope Clement the sixth, made Cardinal by him, before he was 17 years old, and then sent to School to Baldus the greet Lawyer of Peruse. 2. By the persuasion of whom, and St Katherine, St Dominicks Sister, of Scene, most of the Cities of Italy revolted from him. 3. Upon which occasion, as also by the admonition of Bridget, returned from Jerusalem, and the reproof of a bold Bishop, (who told him he could not blame him for Nonresidency, that had left Rome to reside in Avignion.) He left Avignion, and with 12 Galleys returned again to Rome, Anno 1376, after the Court had been at Avignion 70 years together. 4. Upon his return, he Excommunicated the Florentines, and regained by the sword, what before was lost, repaired Rome's Dilapidations, by the absence of former Incumbents. 5. A sect of Bedlam. Dancers, of men and women Enthusiasts to see in those days, which the world thought not well Christened, by these bawdy Priests. 6. At this Pope's death the Palace of Avignion was fired by chance, that unclean Birds might no more roost in that Cage. for  
23. An. 1378 VRBANE the sixth a poor Neopolitan that succeeded expressed himself against returning into France. Whereupon a company of French Cardinals, chose Clement the seaventh against him, beginning a Schism that lasted almost 40 years. 2. At this man's first Election, he was much graced by jane Queen of Naples, and Otto of Brunswick her Husband, but the rude beast soon forgot it, and afterward was the cause of both their deaths, to make good that saying, 
Asperius nihil est humili cum surgit in altum,  
Cord stat inflato, pauper honore dato.  
None looks to be accounted,  
More than a Beggar mounted,  
He struts with heart full blown.  
when honour's on him thrown.   
3. He was much in the beginning for Charles King of Naples, with an eye to the Princifying of his Roguish Nephew Francis Batillus; But this friendship was soon turned to spite. And Batillus after his Uncle's death, was stripped of all that he had heaped together, according to the saying, 
Cum moritur praesul cognatio tota fit exul.  
When once the Prelate fails,  
His Kin may pair their nails.   
4. The brutish Tyranny of this Pope, against some of his Cardinals, (whom he suspected to be underhand for Clement) is described by Theodoricus à Niem, who was his Secretary, and present at their usage. Berthold Swarts a Chemic, then invented Gunpowder. 5. He held a jubilee to gather money, made 54. Cardinals, to back him against his opposite.  
24. CLEMENT the seaventh, A. 1380 a French man of a Noble house, with whom sided the French and Spanish, as our English , Italians and others, did with Vrbane. 2. This quarrel grew so high, that Rome itself was miserably plundered by Clement, and his adherents. 3. One Pope's Bulls roared against the others, Christendom was divided, johannes de Ligniaco writes in defence of Clement, and a Council at Paris made good his title. The Abbot of St Vedast apologizeth for urban. Platina omits Clement, as an Intruder, and after Vrbane puts  
25. BONIFACE the ninth another Naples man, A. 1389 made Cardinal before by urban. 2. He was scarce thirty years old, when he was made Pope, so ignorant, that he could neither sing nor say, nor understand the supplications put up to him, or matters discussed before him. 3. Yet was he the notablest Huckster for selling Church livings, that ever came in that Sea. Any dolt might be then preferred for money, and be sooner traded with, than a more deserving man. 3. His Mother and two Brethren in the Court, help to make his markets for him. He married his Sister to the Duke of Adria, who quickly slew her, and forfeited his own life for it. 4. In this man's time Chrysolaras brought from the East the Greek Letters, which had been neglected in the West for 500 years, in propagation of which learning Guarinus, Victorinus; Philelphus, Leonard Aretine, with others, joined with him.  
26. A.D. 1400 BENEDICT the 13. a Spaniard (called Peter de Luna) is not numbered by the Romanists, amongst their Popes, because he succeeded Clement the seaventh in the schism. 2. At his Election he took an Oath, to give over the place, if the Cardinals should think it meet; but being put to it, he easily dispensed with that Oath, complies with the King of France, to hold him in, whiles  
27. A.D. 1404 INNOCENT the seaventh an Italian, Elected in Boniface the 9th place, Poped it in Italy, but falling out with the Citizens of Rome, by reason that his Nephew Lewis hath treacherously butchered some of them, he was feign to fly from Rome, to Viterbium, with great difficulty. 2. But matters composed he returned at last again, made divers Cardinals, demanded the moiety of Ecclesiastical Revenues, but was stoutly denied, both in France and England. In this man's place, was chosen by the Cardinals,  
28. A. 1406 GREGORY the 12th a Venetian, but on this condition, that for the Peace of the Church, he should be bound to resign. 2. Many delusions passed betwixt Peter Moon, and him, which the Cardinals perceiving, called a Council at Pisa, and outed them both, and put into the place,  
29. An. 1409 ALEXANDER the fifth, a Cretan. 2. He deposed Ladislaus King of Naples, and Apulia: by a Bull confirmed St Francis five wounds, to be accounted an Article of Faith. The Cardinal of St Eustace that poisoned him, took his place, rather than was chosen, by the name of  
30. A. 1410 JOHN the 23. a Neopolitan, At a Council summoned by him at Rome, to Crown the Emperor Sigismond. A great Owl twice so affronted him, that he could not go onward, but Madge owlet lost her life for her undacity. 2. By his consent, a Council was then assembled at Constance 1414. in which this Pope for divers intolerable villainies was deposed, as was Peter de Luna, and Gregory the 12. who upheld the schism stubbornly till that time. Whereupon these verses begin his Epitaph.  
Baltasar imprimis vocitabar, & inde Johannes.  
Deposicus, rursus Baltasar ipse vocor.  
First Baltasar, and then Pope john I was,  
But now deposed, for Baltasar must pass.  
31. A. 1417 MARTIN the fifth a Roman, was by the Council put into his place, which decreed a Council to be above the Pope, and condemned john Wickliff and burned John hus, and Hierome of Prague his followers. 2. He knew very well to Compliment, which gained him more respect than the harshness of others. Hired our Thomas Waldensis to write against Wickliff and left to succeed him  
32. EUGENIUS the fourth a Venetian, An. 1431 who fell out with the Romans upon his first entrance, and was feign to fly thence, to Pisa disguised. 3. He was cited to appear, to come at the Council of Basill, but was terrified by the Censure of john at Constance. To prevent that therefore, he refuseth utterly to appear. But summons the Council of Florence, to divert it. 3. They of Basil depose him, and choose in his place Amadeus Duke of Savoy, that had turned Eremite calling him  
33. FoeLIX the fifth, a better disposed man, A. 1439 then many of his predecessors. He accounted the Poor his Hounds, with which he hunted for the glory of Heaven, which the Cardinal Aquilegia (of the same time) little thought upon, when he maintained hounds and horses instead of the poor, for the Peace of the Church. After ten years, he un- Poped himself, and contented himself with a cardinalship, left his place to  
34. NICHOLAS the fifth of Genua. A.D. 1447 In the jubilee this man celebrated, there were 136. slain in the crowd in the streets of Rome. 2. Constantinople was then taken by the Turk, to the great loss and shame of all Christendom. 3. He built the Vatican, he was a favourer of Learning. An old decrepit Spaniard,  
35. CALIXTUS the third gets the place, An. 1455 and sends out (amongst divers others) John Capistranus, and Robert Licius, Minorites notable hypocrites, by their devices, and Mountebankismes, to incense the Christians against the Turks. He should seem to be a man of no great reach, of whom a Cardinal said at his Election.  
Quam fatuè, fatui, fatuum, creavere Calixtum. 
Pantanus de Magnif. c. 12.   
How foolishly were those Electors mixed,  
That have been fooled to choose the fool Calixt.  
36. PIUS the second an Hetrurian succeeds him, A. 1458 called before Aencas Silvius, he was a great man in the Council of Basill, against Pope Eugenius, but after he came to be Pope, all was forgotten. 3. His saying was, that marriage was better for the Clergy then single life, and turned out divers Cloystered Nuns, to take their Liberty 3. Great discord grew in Germany for his turning out of the Arch bishop of Collayne, his Works are bound together in one volume, which show him to have been a fare better Scholar than his Successor,  
37. A.D. 1464 PAUL the second, a Venetian, for he was altogether for getting jewels, to adorn his Diadem, could not endure the name of an University, made scarlet to be peculiar to his Cardinals, repined (for his contemned daughter's sake) that the Clergy might not Marry. If worse might be,  
38. A.D. 1471 SIXTUS the fourth a Ligurian, his successor was, who provided for his Concubine Tyresia shoes covered with pearl, builded stews at Rome, which brought incomes to his Holiness yearly 2000 ducats, granted to the Cardinal of St Lucia the use of unnatural lusts, for three months in the year, june, july, and August, cursed Laurentius de Medicis, for justly executing his Nephew Raphaell; hath this pass (with divers others as tart) put upon him, 
Non potuit savum vis ulla extinguere Sixtum,  
Audito tantum Nomine pacis obit.  
No humane force could raging Sixtus sway,  
Yet at the name of Peace he dropped away.  This man was wont to call all University Scholar's heretics: plagued and racked poor Platina, who in him ends his History, Onuphrius continues it and goes on with  
39 A.D. 1484 INNOCENT the eight, a Genua, a dull ignorant block, that would take a Cup too much in the midst of the greatest affairs. 2. He was all for his base Children, gave a great dowry to his daughter Theodorina: Mantuan lived in his time, and with this pass he is dispatched. 
Octo Nocens pueros genuit, totidemque puellas,  
Hunc merito poteris, dicere Roma patrem.  
Eight Lads and twice four girls Nocens got,  
And might not Rome him Father term? Why not?  The height of Villainy came after him Roderique Borgia, called  
40. ALEXANDER the sixth a Spaniard, A.D. 1492 who plagued them that chose him, heaped all upon his Bastards, took money of Bajazet the Turk, to make away his brother Gemes, that had committed himself to the Pope's protection, carnally used his own Daughter Lucretia, the Wife to three Princes. upon whom these verses are extant. 
Hic jacet in tumulo Lucretia nomine, sedre  
Thais, Alexandri, filia, sponsa, nurus.  
Ergone te semper rapiet Lucretia Sextus?  
Heu fatum dici nominis hic! Pater est.  
Sextus Tarqvinius, Sextus Nero, Sextus & iste,  
Semper sub Sextis, perdita Roma fuit.  
Lucrece by name here lies, but Thais in life,  
Pope Alexander's child, spouse, and Son's Wife.  
And must a Sextus Lucrece always Ravish,  
Cursed name! but here's his Father that's most Knavish.  
Tarqvinius, Nero, this a Sextus too?  
Sextus was ever borne Rome to undo.  He gave himself to the Devil, who at length fetched him, being poisoned with the same Cup, he had provided for his invited Cardinals.  
41. PIUS the third an Hetrurian, with much ado, A.D. 1503 and great opposition of Valentine Borgia was chosen; whose purpose was to hunt the French men out of Italy, but died in the interim with an ulcer in his leg.  

2. COntemporary of chiefest note are here. The Famous 1. Schoolmen, Albertus M. Halensis, Aquinas, and Scotus, the Patrons of the Dominicans, and Minorites. Occam and Durand, that make bold some times to descent from them. 2. Notorious Lawyers, Accursius, Bartholus, Baldus, Parnormitan. 2. Writers of Account, Lyra, Gerson, Mirandula, Regiomontanus, Agricola. 3. Made known by the Art of Printing, which (with the invention of Gunpowder) was found out in this Period. 4. In which also the Pope's removing from Rome to Avignion: the Sicilian Vespers: the taking of Constantinople by the Turk are exceeding remarkable. Together with the deposing of Popes in the Counsels of Pisa, Constance, and Basill, which they are loath to hear of. 5. In the mean while Wicklevists, Hussites, and their followers go to wrack, until God raised up the valiant John Ziska to yield them some comfort.  

INQVIRIES.  
3. Whether 

1. The Schoolmen with their Niceties, of the Canonists by their Extravagancies, more corrupted the Simplicity of the Gospel?  
2. The malicious throwing of Ashes by Boniface the eight into Archbishop Porchets eyes, were a way to cure his blindness?  
3. Rome could be counted the Mother Church, as long as the Popes kept their residence in Avignion?  
4. The chayning of Francis Dandalus under the Pope's table, with the dogs, were a fit entertainment for an Ambassador of State?  
5. It savoured of Divinity or Humanity, in Paul the second, and Sixtus the fourth, to pronounce all University men, to be Heretics?  
6. The Inventions of Printing and Gunpowder, have done more harm then good?  
7. Alexander the sixth, had a patent from the Devil, to bestow the West Indies upon the King of Spain?       

SECT. X. The seaventh Rank of Incurable Babylonians.  
AFter Devouring abaddon's, to fill up the mystery, and measure of Iniquity, succeeded for the space, to this time, almost of an 150 years Incurable Babylonians, Curavimus Babylona & non est sanata, for the rest of the men that were not killed by those Plagues, repent not of their 1. 
Rev. 21.9.  Murders, 2. Sorceries. 3. Fornications. 4. Thefts, as it appeareth in the particulars of,  
1. A.D. 1503 JULIUS the second a Genua, Sixtim the fourth his Nephew, (perchance his Son) he was more addicted to War, then Writing, or teaching his flock. 2. Whereupon he is said to have thrown Peter's Keys into Tiber, with words to this purpose. 
Hic gladius Pauli nunc nos defendat ab host,  
Quandoquidem clavis, nil juvat ista Petri.  
This sword of Paul's. must us defend from foes,  
Sith Peter's keys, serve not to bear off blows.  3. He breaking his Oath, in not celebrating a Council, (as he had sworn to do) moved some Cardinals to assemble at Pisa and Depose Him, but he easily avoided that, by a Counter-Councell, at Lateran. 4. Lewis of France was Excommunicated by him, but he reckoned little of it, and coined Money with his inscription, Perdam Babilonem. I will destroy Babylon. 5. He dispensed with our Henry the eight, to M●rry his Brother Arthur's Wife. Abused two ingenuous Youths, sent by Queen Anne of France, to be bred in Italy, of which one wrote, 
Venit in Italiam spectabilis indole rara,  
Germanus, redijt de puero mulier.  
To Rome a Germane came of fair aspect,  
But he returned a woman in effect.  And the Pope himself is passed with this Tetrastick. 

Genua cui Patrem, genetricem Graecia, Partum  
Pontus & unda dedit, num bonus esse potest?  
Fallaces' Ligures, mendax est Graecia, Ponto  
Nulla fides, in te haec, singula JULIET tenes.   

He that from Greece and Genua had his blood,  
And on the Waves his Birth, can he prove good.  
The Genua, cheat, the Greeks, men liars call,  
The Sea perfidious, Julius hath these all.   He sainted one Mother Frances, a Roman Matron, for preserving her chastity by melted Lard, etc. At Mantua was then Preached by Ptolemy Lucensis a Cistertian, that our Saviour was not conceived in the Virgin's Womb, but in a place near her heart, of three drops of blood; Of these times Maximilian the Emperor was wont to say, Deus aterne nisi vigilares, quam male esset mundo, quem regimus nos; ego, miser venator, & ebriosus ille, & Sceleratus Julius. O eternal God if thou should not watch over us, how ill would it go with the world which we govern? I a miserable Hunter, and that drunkard, and wicked Julius. After this martial Pastor, came jovial  
2. LEO the tenth, the Duke of Florenc's Son, An. 1512 made Cardinal at thirteen years old; and Pope at 38. 2. He favoured Scholars because they should claw him, as Erasmus and others did; not that he set more by Learning, than the profession of Christianity, which he told Cardinal Bembus, he esteemed to be but a profitable fable. 3. In the making 30 Cardinals, to strengthen his own designs; a tempest arose that shaken the Statue of Christ, out of his Mother's arms, and Peter's Keys out of his hands. (As in his predecessors days, Alexander the sixth, the like tempest had beat down the Angel, from the top of St Angelo, and the Owl that appeared to the Council of Laterane, pretended no good. 4. At the Council of Laterane, held by this Leo, (to void that of Pisa) he was termed by Sycophants, the Lion of the tribe of judah, to whom all power was given, both in Heaven, and in Earth, whom all Kings must adore. Ps. 72. But as Mancimellus, Machiavelli, Guiccardine, Mantuan, Sanavarola, had partly discovered, the Popish Impostures before in Alexander the sixth, so Philippus Decius, Stapulensis, Budeus, Mirandula, Erasmus, make way for Luther's reformation in these times, which began on this occasion. 5. Leo's luxury wanted money, of his own store, to bestow on his Sister Magdalon for a Dowry. This must be raised by Indulgences sent into Germany. The Friar's quarrel who should have the honour, and profit of the sale. The Dominicans carry it from the Augustine's. Luther stomaches at it, and writes against the Huckster Tercelius. The Pope is interessed in the business, Luther stands out, is backed by Princes, and learned men, who were weary of the Pope's tyranny. 6. The French urge the pragmatical sanction, and the Council of Constance for their liberty; who having an overthrow in Italy, so overjoyed his Holiness, that immediately thereupon he died: of which Sannazarius, 

Sacra sub extrema si forte requiritis hora,  
Cur Leo non poterat sumere? vendiderat.   

Why Leo died unhousled then 'twas told him,  
He could not have such rites, for he had sold them.   His successor was,  
3. A.D. 1521 HADRIAN the fixth, a Low-Country man, He makes a great show in his first entrance, to urge a Reformation, for which purpose he instructs his Legate Cheregate, to the Princes of Germany. They are much animated by this overture, and furnish the Legate, with an hundred grievances of their Nation, 
Centum Gravamina. vid. Fascical. Rerum Expetendarum.  which they desire might be redressed. 2. But greater matters diverted his Holiness. Than Lutherans began to spread, the Turks to approach. These and the like Corrosives, (and perchance a dram to help it onward) so broke him, that in the second year of his Papality, he left this Inscription on his Tomb, Hadrianus Sextus hìc situs est, qui nihil sibi infaelicius in hac vita, quàm quod imperaret, duxit. Here lies Hadrian the fixed, who held it his greatest unhappiness that in this life he had been Pope. He wrote upon the fourth of the sentences, and a Large Epistle to the Duke of Saxony. A fare worse man came after him,  
4. CLEMENT the seaventh a Florentine, An. 1524 and Nephew (or son) to Leo the tenth, he matcheth his Niece Catherine, with the House of France, whereby she came afterwards to be the Famous Queen Mother. 2. For falling off from the Emperor to France, Rome came to be sacked by the Duke of Bourbon, and the Pope himself (with his Cardinals) to be taken Prisoners. 4. For crossing our King Henry the eight, and deluding him in the Divorce from his brother's wife Queen Katherine, he lost his Supremacy here in England, and for his lewd life otherwise, made his See infamous. 

Roma vale, vidi, satis est vidisse, revertar,  
Cum levo, aut Meretrix, Scurra, Cinaedus ero.   

Vile Rome adieu, I did thee view, but hence no more will see,  
Till Pimp, or Punk, or jade or Spade, I do resolve to be.   4. Palengenius that lived in his time, sets out the corruptions of these days in his Capricorn; some say he died of the lousy disease, others by the poisonous smell of a Torch. This Pope might pass for a Clement, and merciful man indeed, in regard of his successor a Roman,  
5. PAUL the third, A. 1534 who prostituted his sister Julia Farnesia to Alexander the sixth, that he might be made Cardinal, committed incest with his own daughter Constantia, and poisoned her husband Bosius Sforfia, to enjoy her the more freely: so (in a jealous humour) he used his own sister, upon suspicion she played false with him, but for pressing on his Niece Laura Farnesia in the like matter; Nicholas Quercen her husband (taking him in the Act) gave him a mark that he carried with him to his grave. 2. Being Legate at Ancona, (under Pope julius the second) he cozened a Lady, under pretence of marriage to yield to his Lust, who upon discovery of the delusion, fell almost distracted: yet brought him that Peter Aloysius, afterward Duke of Placen●ia, where he was slain for his horrible villainies, especially that, upon Cosmus Cherea not to be named. 3. To this Incest (and maintaining 45000. Courtesans) his Necromancy comes as a Compliment. He conferred with Gauricus Servita, and other of the damned Crew, who were always at his Elbow. 4. F●om this Pope's piety, we had the Council of Trent, and Order of the Jesuits, and King Henry the eight Excommunicated, and our England given Primo occupaturo, some will say a worse there could not be. But let them consider his successor, and Countryman, and Legate in the Council of Trent,  
6. A.D. 1550 JULIUS the third. Who as soon as he was chosen (not without great stirs) gave his Cardinal's hat to a Sodomitical boy (whom he had abused) called Innocentius: to the repining Cardinals who asked a reason of it, What reason had you (says he) to choose me Pope? Fortune favours whom she pleaseth. 2. john Casa Archbishop of Benevent, & Deane of the Apostolical Chamber, in this man's time, Printed a Book at Venice in defence of Sodomy: By whom Francis Spira was seduced to revolt, and died desperately. 3. This Pope was the man, that would have his Pork (forbidden by his Physician) All despetto de dio, in despite of God: and maintained that he had more cause, to be angry for the keeping back of his cold Peacock Pie, than God had to cast Adam out of Paradise for eating of an Apple. 4. From the same man we had, the Reconciliation, and blessing of the Mother Church, so submissively taken, from the hands of Cardinal Poole in Queen Mary's days, that cost the lives of so many Innocents', by various Executions. 5. Whereupon one Walterius describes the Sea of Rome under him in this Tetrastichon. 

Roma quid est? quod te docuit praeposterus ordo.  
Quid docuit? jungas versa elementa seys,  
Roma Amor est, Amor est? qualis? praeposterus. unde haec?  
Roma Mares. noli dicere plura scio.   

What's Rome? even that preposterousness doth show,  
What's that? speled backward, than thou soon mayst know,  
Backward 'tis Amor love, what love? nay hold,  
It is a male love, odious to be told.   And Beza plays upon three evacuating Basins which this Pope was wont to have at hand in his beastly surquedry, 

I nunc Pontifices Germania dira negato,  
Omnia Clausa suo jura tenere sinu.   

And now will cursed Germany deny,  
The Pope hath 
* Alluding to the word that signifies Laws and Broth.  jura that he thus let fly.   No sure this Pope let it fly at both ends, and his life went after. Another of the Tridentine Legates,  
7 MARCELLUS the second an Hetruscan, A.D. 1555 was quickly foisted into the place. The rather, because he was sickly, and in likelihood could not keep it long. 2. He had been School Master to Peter Aloysius esteemed the Lutherane worse than Turks, & perswadeed Charles the fifth, and Ferdinand, rather to turn their forces against them, than the mahometans. 3. Paulus Vergerius must not stay in the Council of Trent, but why forsooth? He believed not the Legend of St George, and S. Christopher, whom Paul the third before had left out of the Breviary. The Bishop of Claudia Fossa james Nanclant, must be likewise discharged, for holding the Scripture to be above Traditions, and William of Venice, for saying the Council was above the Pope. But the short time he Poped it, abridged his farther proceed, which being but 23. days, a Neopolitan  
8. PAUL the fourth continueth the Line, A.D. 1555 who wrote a book for reforming the Church, to Paul the third, when he was Cardinal, wherein he taxed most of the same abuses, that Luther did; but the case was altered, when he came to have power in his own hand. 2. He was a great Patron of the Jesuits, and Inquisition, which had made away (by Vergerius reckoning in his time) 150000. persons under pretext of Religion. England had her share by Queen Mary's Clergy. It was this Pope's Legate, Cardinal Caraffa, that gave this blessing to the devout Parisians. Quandoquidem Populus decipivult, decipiatur, In as much as this people will be deceived, let them be deceived. He was so hated for his cruelty, that immediately upon his death, the people burned the Prison or rather slaughter-house of the Inquisition, beheaded the Pope's Statue, and threw it into Tiber, and razed all the Arms of the Caraffa's they could fall upon. One of the house of the Medici's, by the Spanish faction, is after four months, thrust into his place,  
9 A.D. 1560 PIUS the fourth, who abrogates the Acts of his predecessors, and persecutes his kindred, makes Charles Borromeus Cardinal, who after proved a Saint. 2. The Nationall Council the King of France held at poitiers, he handsomely defeats, by setting on foot again the Council of Trent. 3. Thither he citys the Protestant Germans, and French Hugonotes, with Calvin among the rest, by the Bishop of Cumane; But their answer was, that the Pope had no Authority to call Counsels, much less to carry things at his pleasure. A free Council they were willing for, where God's Word might take place, and not be overswayed with politic Projects. 4. Queen ELIZABETH took order that none of his Legates should set footing here in England, which hath sped the better for it ever since. 5. She was designed to be Excommunicated for it, but that was hindered by some by respects: much moving there was for Reformation by the Legates of France and Germany, at least for the Communion in both kinds, hopes thereof were given, but the Council was broken off, and nothing performed. 6. Venery, and Luxury (as 'twas thought by this Pope's best friends) shortened his days. More pious his successor was esteemed●  
10. An. 1566 PIUS the fifth a Lombard, especially for Kerbing the Whores about Rome, whom he commanded to be married or whipped, and if they died in that Course to be buried in a Dunghill. 2. He shown himself resolute also against the Turk, and was of confederacy with the Spaniard, and other Christian States, in the Victory at Lepanto. 3. But otherwise amongst Christian Princes, that were not wholly at his beck, played the Turk himself. Had a hand in the Death of Prince Charles of Spain; in the making away of our King James his Father, in most of the Treasons against Queen Elizabeth, whom he solemnly Excommunicated by a Bull, which one Felton set up, upon the Bishop of London's Gate, for which he was Executed. This Bull our Bishop Jewel so baited, that his Piety dared not to reply. His instruction was to Caesar by his Legate Commendinus, Nec fidem, aut Sacramentum infideli esse servandum. Neither Faith, nor Oaths, is to be kept with Infidels, an excellent position to convert Infidels, and credit Christian Religion. The Bononian  
11. GREGORY the 13th follows, A. 1572 by whose procurement, (after the Queen of Navarre had been poisoned by a pair of Gloves,) was that Butcherly Massacre in Paris, which was celebrated at Rome with public Triumphs. 2. He interposeth for the disposing of the Kingdom of Portugal, void by the Death of Sebastian in afric, But Philip of Spain laying hold of it, he congratulates the conquerors. 3. He altars the Calendar, but could not effect with Caesar, and divers other Princes, his new stile (which anticipates 10 days in the old account) should be followed, which is done notwithstanding amongst some States, for politic respects. 4. The Archbishop of Cullayne, Gilbert Truchchesius, is outed of his Archbishopric by his Excommunication, because he Married, and the doting Governor of Malia, sang a Nunc dimittis to him, adding postquam oculi mei viderunt salutare tuum, For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, which his Holiness took in very good part, as belonging to him. Next comes blustering in from Marca Ancona,  
12. SIXTUS the fifth, An. 1583 who first falls upon Henry the third of France, for killing the Guises, and not plaguing the Protestants, as he would have him to have done, than he Excommunicates him, and when he was Butchered by a desperate Monk James Clement with a poisoned knife; his Holiness praiseth the fact, in a set Panegyrics amidst his Cardinals; comparing it with the works of Creation, and Incarnation. 2. He blesieth the Banner of Spain against England, in the famous expedition of 88; but to no great purpose. Afterwards commends Queen Elizabeth for a very excellent Governess. 3. Quarrels with Spain for Naples, and carried such a heavy hand over the jesuits, that he wiped them of a great mass of money, so that they forged, that the Devil carried him away in the habit of a Coachman, two years before he should have done it by Compact. But the Pope had bestowed those two years of his own age to make a Youth, (otherwise under age) ripe for the Gallows. Whereupon Bellarmine being questioned what he thought of this Pope's ending, sagely gave his censure, Quantum sapio, quantum cap●o quantum intelligo, Dominus noster Papa descendit ad infernum, and yet to this Pope he dedicates his Controversies. Less ado there was with the Gennoway that ascended the Chair.  
13. A.D. 1590. VREANE the seaventh who kept it but a fortnight, and then left it to,  
14. An. 1590. GREGORY the 14th of Milan, one of the Tridentine Grandees as his predecessors were, but there he held a shrewd position, that Bishops by God's Law, are tied to refidency. 2 He held also a jubilee, and exhausted the Treasury of the Church, in the Wars of France, which Sixtus before had sealed by an Oath to be employed for the recovery of the Holy land. 3. He Curses Henry of Navarre, as a relapsed Heretic, but the Parliament of France laughed at his Bulls, and adjudged them to the fire by the hand of the Hangman. 4. The King wished the Prelates to cram the Papacy with no more Annals from France, but to create a Patriarch of their own. 5. The Pope sends hi● Nephew Francis, General to the French Wars, but could nor resist the Fever and Stone at home, which ended him, before he could end one year in his Papacy, a Bononian  
15. INNOCENT the ninth could not hold in so long. An. 1591. Yet for the two months he was in, he expressed an hatred against the King of Navarre, and a good liking of the Jesuits. 2. It may be observed here, (to show the frailty of humane Condition, and poor assurance of great places) that one year, four months, and three days made an End of four Popes. The Florentine,  
16. CLEMENT the eight kept the place longer, A. 1592. to do more mischief. He gins with Henry of Navarre, and presses him so close, that at the last he made him to turn Papist before he could be quiett in his Kingdom. 2. Neither then was, for first a woman, than Botrerius his own Cupbearer, through the instigation of the jesuits, afterward John chastel (a student of theirs attempted his death. Which Ravilliac their Villain at last effected,) and all for sooth because he had entered upon the Kingdom, being absolved only by the Bishop of Biberico, and not by the Pope's Clemency. 3. To get a plaster therefore for this Sore, Perron the Apostata must be sent Ambassador to Rome, where 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Pope gives absolution, reciting the 11 Psalm, and at every verse gently striking with his rod, the prostrated suppliants, which he should have lashed more roundly. 4. As he did indeed Caesar Estensis, whom he Excommunicated, and got from him, the Dukedom of Ferrara, and added it to St Peter Patrimony, which was more than the poor Fisherman's own Father could ever get him. 5. He dispensed with Cardinal Albert of Austria, to marry Isabel, Infanta of Spain, but afforded not the title of King to the great Duke of Moseovia, desiring it of him, because he inclined too much to the Greek Church 6. The Alexandrians (some say) submitted unto him. He dispensed with Henry of France, to put away Queen Margaret, and marry with Maria de Medici's, laboured what he could, that King james should not succeed Queen Elizabeth here in England, was much troubled with the Gout, (but eased as he saith) when Archduke Maximilian kissed his gouty Golls. Hi● Countryman,  
16. LEO the eleventh that took his place, A.D. 1635 came in with this Motto over his Arch-triumphall Pageant. Diguus est Leo, in virtute Agni accipere librum, & solvere septem signacula ejus. But four times seven days had not past, before a burning Fever, (or somewhat else) put the Lord Cardinals upon a new Election of  
17. A.D. 1605 PAUL the fifth an Italian, Bellarmine and Baronius were named with him, but the place needed not so much learning, whatsoever learning this Pope had, such Inscriptions were afforded him and well taken. PaV Lo QV Into VICe Deo. Christianae Reipublicae Monarchae invictissimo, & Pontificiae omnipotentiae conservatori acerrimo, 
Morneus in praef. Myster. Iniquit.  out of which inscriptions in the three first words, we have the number of the Beast 666. 2. Of no less importance are those other Attributes, Gens & Regnum quod non servierit illi, in gladio, & in fame, & in peste, visitabo super gentem illam, ait Dominus, jer. 27. And, Dedit dominus potestatem, ut omnes populi ipsi serviaut, potestas ejus potestas aeterna, & regnum ejus, quod non corrumpetur, & crunt Reges Nutritij tui, etc. Vultu in terram demisso, pulverem tuorum pedum lingent, Isa. 49.3. For not stooping therefore to his power, and titles, a powder- plote was set on foot by Garnett the jesuite, and others his Complices here in England, to blow up the King and the whole State. 4. The state of Venice was interdicted notwithstanding this Pope's usurpatious, whereupon the Jesuits (that sided with him) were banished, divers of other Orders stuck close to the state against the Pope, and his learned Cardinals, Bellarmine and Baronius; where Baroniu's exhortation to his Holiness, Surge and Manduca arise and eat the Venetians, would not well go down, till Cardinal Joyous of France, was feign to patch up the matter, without the least disparagement to the Venetians. 5. The Oath of Allegiance which our King james, (most justly required of his Subjects) was forbidden by Breves from this Pope; but that learned King with His own Pen, so justified his own right, that his Holiness declined the encounter. 6. Suarez, Bellarmine, Becan, and others that interposed against the Supremacy of Kings, within their own Territories, were censured by the Sorbon of Paris, and other Papists. At length in France, Cardinal Peron Cowed them, to allow in some sort, of the Council of Trent. 7. In the breach between Cesar and the County Palatine, a great tax was laid upon all the Clergy of Italy, towards the upholding of the Catholic cause, and a new Order of Knighthood erected at Vienna, under the patronage of the Blessed Virgin, St Michael, and St Francis, to root out all Heretics. Saxon joins with Cesar against the Protestants, contrary to the determination of his Divines of Jene, and Wittenberg. 8. The great Controversies between the jesuits, and Dominicans, concerning the immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin, is smothered, rather than decided, a Jubilee held to bring in money, and so Mort Ws est VICeDeVs.  
18. GREGORY the 15th of Bononia succeeds him, An. 1621. elected by way of Adoration. 1. He instigates the French against the Protestants, Saints Ignatius Loiola, with Teresa, Isodorus, Gonzaga, and Koska of the same Society, quarrels with the Venetians for entertaining Greeks, when they warred not with Infidels, to whom the Venetians replied, that they held all Infidels, that opposed their Commonwealth. 2. The Illuminati in this man's time, keep a great quarter in Spain, which some hold a kind of Protestant Roundheads, and multiplied to that height that the Inquisitors were feign to wink at them. After two years' blustering with much ado among the Cardinals.  
19 VRBANE the eight, A. 1623. a Florentine (that now holds it) was chosen in his place: 24. Cardinals grew sick, in this hot business, whereof ten lost their lives, with divers others. 2. He first casts about to advance his kindred, among whom Cardinal Barbarino is now the man. 3. The jars between the French and Spanish for the Valtoline could not be composed by him: the French were first blamed for favouring the protestant's cause in Germany, and entering into League with them, But now the Spaniard is disliked, and upon the King of Sweeds victorious proceed, the Spanish Legas was told by his Holiness, that the tyranny of his Master, gave just cause of rejoicing at the Heretics prosperous success. 4. The Jesuits found no friend in him, for he hath quite cashiered the she jesuitesses, which under hand grew to an Order very advantageous to that society. Garassius one of their Company, wrote a sum of Divinity, which their General had approved, but the Sorbon utterly condemned: And upon a Pett taken for being stopped from a Bishopric (which the King of Spain through Count Olivares procuring) had bestowed upon a Jesuit, That jesuit writes directly against the Pope's power, and Contends, that he can do no more out of his Diocese, than another Bishop, and that his Bulla Coenae, thundered (for formality against his Master every year) is but a Babble. 5. The Archbishop of Spalata playing jack of both sides, and passing from hence to Rome, met with worse entertainment there, than he found here. Father Paul was wounded for standing for his Venetians, and one Barns an Englishman led Captive to Rome, for expressing himself too much against the jesuits in the behalf of Kings. This Pope seems to be a more polite Scholar, than many of his predecessors by the books he hath written, and not so Barbarous as many of them have been. The Lord open the eyes of all those that sit in darkness, whom the God of this world hath blinded, that they may see the truth and embrace it. AMEN.  

2. INto this Period fall so many varieties of high concernment, that they can hardly be glanced at. 1. The erecting of new Universities, Wittenberg, Frankfurt, Marpurg. etc. Especially in Germany. 2. Famous writers of the Reformation, Luther, and Melanctho● in Saxony; Zuinglius and Oecolampadius in Helvetia; Calvin, and Beza in France; Peter Martyr, and Zanchius from Italy; with others in other places of no less eminency, which with admired Learning, and Industry, have maintained God's truth against the Tridentine Engineers of the Romanists, and the voluminous jesuits their Emissaries: As also against the domestic undermine of Socinus, Armi●ians, and their partisans. 3. The wasting combustians, between the Imperialists and Sweadish, France and Spain, Polonians and the Turk, each requiring a particular History.  

INQVIRIES.  
3. Whether 

1. Luther's Reformation were not at first undertaken out of Emulation rather than conscience?  
2. The Difference between Lutherans and Calvinists stands in such terms of opposition as may admit of no Reconcilement?  
3. The conventing of the Council of Trent, were not rather for politic ends, then Reforming of any thing amiss in Religion's  
4. The voluminous Disputes and Comments of the jesuits be not more for ostentation in Divinity, than Edification?  
5. The Madness of the Auabaptists, and their Enthysiasts be not as dangerous to States, as the projects of the jesuits?  
6. The Dissensions of Christian Princes, be as advantageous to the Pope, as to the Turk?  
7. Socinianism, and slighting of all Antiquity, be not an Introduction to Paganism, and Atheism?    
So much for Ecclesiasticalll History in General.     

OF POLITICAL HISTORY IN GENERAL, Deduced From NIMROD ACCORDING TO THE four Monarchies, by a continued Line of Succession to these times.  
With a touch in every Period of some Principal Concurrent Matters to be Taken notice of.  
TOGETHER WITH Inquiries for Discourse.  
Foelix quem faciunt aliena pericula Cautum.  
Foelix quem faciunt aliorum praemia promptum.  
OXFORD, Printed by LEONARD LICHFIELD Printer to the Vniersity, 1648.   

FIRST MONARCHY. CAP. I. Of Political History.  
PERIOD. I.  
1. TO Ecclosiasticall History thus briefly comprehended, Politieall in the same method succeeds, that toucheth especially on Civi● matters, in Kingdoms, States, or Commonweals.  
2. And is carried along in these Periods, From 

1. NIMROD, to Cyrus.  
2. CYRUS to Alexander the Great.  
3. ALEXANDER, to julius Caesar.  
4. CaeSAR, to Constantine the great.  
5. CONSTNTINE, to Charles the Great.  
6. CHARLES to Ralph of Auspurg.  
7. RADULPHUS Auspurgensis, to Ferdinand the third, of these times.    
3. The first Period, sets up the Assyrian Monarchy for the space of 1903. years. In this line of succession we find in Moses.  
1. NIMROD characterized to be a mighty one in the earth. So mighty a Hunter before the Lord, that it grew to be a Proverb, 
Gen. 10.8.9. Aben Ezra.  as great a hunter as Nimrod. 2. This some take, as spoken to his praise, that he destroyed Wild Beasts, to make room for better inhabitants, which he builded Cities to defend, and keep together; and ordered by strict Laws, to civilize their rudeness: but others carry it by suffrages to his disgrace; that he dealt with Men as with Beasts, by altering Paternal Government (continued from the Creation to these times) into forcing Tyranny. 3. In this humour associating to himself joktan of the house of Shem, and Suphena of Japhets' family (if some may be credited) He undertook the building of a City and Tower, 
Methodius Chron. Chronicor. S. W. Raleigh. Gen. 11.4.  whose top might reach up unto Heaven, but that plot was dashed by the confusion of Languages from heaven, and the place had the name of Babel that signifies confusion. 4. His departing thence into Assyria, and building Nineveth there, with three Cities more, as he had done four before in Babel (all named in the Scripture) stands upon a nicety of transsating the 11. verse of the 10. chap. of Genesis, which Junius would have run thus, Out of that Land he went into Assyria, But we read without straining the original, Out of that Land went forth Ashur of Shems' race, who builded Ninineh, and gave the Name to Assyria, He (perchance) had been with Nimrod at Babel, and observing his courses, would get himself also a name by building, which might thrive better in another place, than his did. 5. This eminent Giant (as S. Augustine terms him) is said to have reigned 114. 
DeCivit. Dei l. 16. c. 3.  and then leaves his Dominions to his Son  
2. A.M. 1719 BELUS: Him divers make to be the same with Nimrod but on uncertain grounds. 2. He should seem to be of a more contenting disposition then his Father, some think he employed himself most in draining the Fens about Babylon, 
raleigh.  and carrying off the Water, to make the Country the more useful. 3. His pleasing government deified him with his Subjects; and made him the sire of many petty gods, as Bel, Baal, Baalber●th, Baalzephon, and the like. The Chaldeans prefixed Bel, or Bal, as an ensign of honour to their names as Baladan, Balihasar, the carthaginians added it to theirs, as to Asdrubal, Hannibal. 4. This Babylonian Belus was long before that Phenicun of Tyre, 
Virgil Aenead. 1.  whose great Bowl Dido filled with Wine for the entertainment of Aeneas: Him followeth of a more stirring spirit, his son,  
3. NINUS, It is observed by one, A.M. 1774 that the Ancients used to term the Founders of Kingdoms Saturn's, the Setlers, 
Xenophon in Aequivocis  Jupiter's,. and the Inlargers Hercules. Whence we having Saturnus Nimrod, and jupiter Belus, must needs take this third to be Hercules Ninus. 2. This man enlargeth Nineveh, founded before by Asshur, and imparts unto it his own Name, 
jonas 3.3.  continuing to be an exceeding great City in Ionas time, of three day's journey about. 3. The incredible number of almost two Millions in his Army, which he brought against Zoroastres the Magician of Bactria, 
Diod. Sculus,  (who met him with few less, and was overthrown by him,) discredits the whole narration. 4. That is more probable, the setting up of his Father Belus statue to be worshipped, he gave the first hint to Idolatry in Image worship, which Image of his (some say) continued until daniel's time, when it was destroyed by Darius Medus or Cyrus, upon the discovery of the Imposture of Bell's Priests, shown in that Apocryphal fragment of Bell, and the Dragon. 5. His death is said to be procured by a trick of his Wife,  
4. SEMIRAMIS, A.M. 1826 who obtaining of him to have all the power of Royalty put into her hands, for the space of 5 days or some such matter, to try how she could King it; In that space she made him away, 
Pezelius.  and then under the habit a while of her careless Son Ninias first governs, and afterwards by herself. 2. 
Ph●tarc●●.  Her original is made to be from Ascalon of Palestina, where Derceta a beautiful Reeluse, gotten with Child by some Triton or Dagon, exposed her, to take her fortune amongst the Reeds of the Lake, where she was fed by Birds, and thence had her name, which in that Country speech signifieth a Bird. 3. Grown up, she was Married to one Menon, who accompanied Ninus in his expedition against Zoroaster. There being noted for her Wit, Resolution, 
Diodor. sicul. Valeria Maximue.  and Beauty; was taken by Nintu to be his Queen, whom she fitted as is mentioned. 4. All agree that she enlarged the City of Babylon to admiration, which once being like to be surprised, upon hearing of it, she rescued with her hair half hanging about her Ears, not staying to dress it wholly, and therefore is so Pictured. 5. For her Lusts she is branded to be insatiable, killing those she had accompanied with, and at length soliciting her own Son, was slain by him. 6. Others allow her a more honourable death, that marching against the Indians with an Army of three Millions, 
Raleigh.  of foot, besides fifty thousand Horse and an hundred thousand Chariots, she was overthrown by Staurobates upon the banks of Indus, 
C. 25. v. last. a fancy irae columbae. See a Lapide, and Tirin. Stephanus.  and so turned into Venus' Bird, a Dove. Whence it came that the Babylonians carried a Dove in their Banners alluded unto, by Jeremy clear in the vulgar Latin, which the original will bear, though our Translation with others, have it otherwise. Upon his Mother's death,  
5. A.M. 2868 NINIAS or Zameis creeps out from amongst his Wenches. 
Diod. sicul. l. 2 Pezelius  Athenaus. passes him with this Character, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  
To eat and drink he proved flush,  
For better things, cared not a rush.  
6. Of little better mettle were those that followed him, though Arius be said to have done somewhat, 
Berosus. Africanus. Eusebius.  against the Bractians and Caspians, others about 20 are named only until we come to,  
7. A.M. 3059 SARDANAPALUS. Here a stand is made (as it were) to view a Monster, a man womanuified, having a terrible name. 
Pezelius.  For Sar notes a Prince, Dan a Judge, Niphal an overthrower, or Conqueror, no otherwise appliable to him, but that his Luxurious carriage overthrew both Sovereignty, and Indgment. 
H●rt. Schedel.  2. He is voted by one to be the first inventor of Cushions. His retiredness from his Nobles to spin and dally with his Courtesans, drew upon him, 
Herodot. justin.  his stomachful Leaders, Arbaces, and Beloch, who after some Bicker, drove him to sacrifice himself with his Wealth and Wenches, to Vulcan in a Wood pile. 3. His Ethics were, 
Ede, Bibe & lude post Mortem Nulla voluptat.  
Eat drink and play whiles thou arthere,  
For Death invites to no good cheer.  His Epitaph 
Haec habui qui edi, quaeque exsaturata libide  
Hausit, at illa jacent multa & praeclara relicta,  
That which I eat, and took I did enjoy,  
All that I left behind proves but a toy.  What Epitath (says Aristotle) could fit an Ox better? It were good therefore for great ones so to live, that they meet not in the end, with the Death of a Dog, the Burial of an Ass, and the Epitath of an Ox. 4. Arbaces and Beloch having thus dispatched their Master, share his Dominions between them. 5. Arbaces settles himself Eastward amongst the Medes and Persians. But the Royal Seat (though then of less Command) is continued by,  
8. BELOCH, Beleser, or Belosis, the same with Pull, A.M. 3072 or Phul of the Hebrews. 1. 
Diodor. sicul. 2. Kings 15. 1. Chron. 5. Iose●. Antiq. l. 9 c. 11. 2. Kings 15, 16.  This is said to be that King of Niniveh, that humbled himself and all his, so notoriously at the preaching of jonah. 2. He afterwards invaded Israel in the time of the Tyrant Menahem, (that ripped the Infants of Tiphsah out of their Mother's Bellies, because their Fathers opened not the Gates unto him) but was contented to take a vast contribution which was levied on the people, and so returned home again. This contented not his successor.  
9 TIGLATH Pilesar, A.M. 3186 but he returneth in the days of Pekah the son of Remaliah, (who had rooted out bloody Menahems' brood) and carried away Captives most of the Inhabitants on the East side of jordan. 
2. Chron. 5.  Who had grown to a high pitch, as long as they served the Lord by their Victories over the Hagarites, but afterwards turning Idolaters, were so transported into the East, that they never returned. 2. 
2. Kings 16.  With this Tiglath-Pilesar, Ahaz of judah also complemented, and hired him with the sacred treasure of the Temple, 
Ib. v. 21.  to protect him against Rezin of Syria, and Pekah of Isracl, goes to meet him at Damascus, and fancying there an Altar, must needs have the like to be made for God's house, which Vriah the high Priest, did according tooth Patterne sent him, yet all this would not stave off.  
10. A.M. 3219 SHALMANESER that follows. But as his predecessor had captivated Galil●e, 
●. Kings 17.  and those beyond jordan: so this man sets on Samaria, and after three year's Siege ruinates it, with their King Hoshea who had not kept touch with him. 
v. 6.  The Inhabitants he transplanteth to Halah, and Habor by the River Gozan, 
Tob. 1.2. josep. Antiq. l. 9 c. 13.14.  the Cities of the Medes. 2. Tobit was led away in this Captivity to Niniveh. In assisting wicked Ahaz, he sacked Damascus, sharply assaulted Tyre, but failing to take it, Plundered the Country about it. 3. His cruelty is taxed in the taking of Betharbel, 
Hoseah, 10.14.  where the Mothers were dashed in pieces upon their Children. This uncontroled success of his, animated his successor,  
11. A.M. 3230 SENNACHERIE to set upon judah, and jerusalem, 1. 
2. Kings 18.  From whence being diverted a while by a great sum of Money, paid him by good King Ezechiah; he promiseth to withdraw his Forces, but performs nothing. 2. Rabshakeh and others are sent to summon jerusalem. In the mean while, 
josep. Antiq. Herodot.  he besets Pelusium in Egypt, but thence is put off by the huge Army of Taracha King of Aethi●pia, some talk of an Army of Mice that shaped his Soldier's Bowstrings, making them unfit for service. 3. Believe that who list, but this is Canonical, that returning and Beleaguering jerusalem, 
2. Kings 19  by Ezechias prayers, and Isaiahs' concurrence, 185000 of his formidable Host in one night were slain by an Ange●, which startled him into an abrupt return into his Country, where he ended his days (as some say) in this manner. Demanding on a time of some about him, 
Biblia. Castali. ni●● Tabu. c. 1.  what might be the reason, that the unresistable God of heaven, so favoured the jewish Nation, as he had found by sad experience? Answer was given, that Abraham fromwhomthey descended, sacrificed unto him his only son, which purchased this protection to his progeny. If that will win him (saith he) I will spare him two of my sons, to procure him to be on my side: which Sharezar and Adramelech his son's hearing of, they prevented their own deaths, by his, 
2. King's c. 19  as he was worshipping in the house of Nisroch his god, and flying thereupon into Armenia, left their brother  
12. ESARHADDON to Reign in his steed. A.M. 3235 This man disheartened by the hard hap of his Father, and broken by the Rebellious opposition of his bloody Brethren; was set upon by  
14. MERODACH BALADAN, Governor of Babylon, A.M. 3326 who being a stirring man, had shaken off the yoke of the Medes in Artices' time, and denied all subjection to Sennacherib of Assyria. 2. 
2. Kings. 20, Isai. 39  Some such matter may be gathered by his Complementing with Hezekiah, in sending him Letters, and a present, to congratulate the recovery from his sickness: In which there was some Aim, to make him his friend, for his strengthening, to cut off Sennacheribs issue, and to transfer the Monarchy from Niniveh to Babylon, which he performed. 2 He is guessed to be the same with Nabonassar of Ptolemy, from whom the famous Epocha is taken that divers follow, but concerning him and his successors in this Babylonian line there is such confusion, and variety, 
De 4. Summis Imperiis. jerem. 50. Raleigh.  that judicious Sleidan waves it all, to stick to the certainty of Scripture, where Merodach is put either for the Idol or state of the destinated to be destroyed, and  
15. NABUCHODONOSOR the Great for his successor. A.M. 3355 This man brought the first Monarchy to its highest pitch. 1. 
Raleigh Hist l. 3. Ezech. 26.2.  By his victories over the jews and all the bordering Nations. 2. Tyre rejoiced at the tuine of jerusalem: but her turn came speedily after; her situation in the Sea, and the strength of her Navy could not save her. This was the great secvice sooken of by the Prophet, 
Ezechiel. 29.18. Herod●tus. Dioder. Siculus.  wherein every head was made bald and every shoulder made bare, in filling up that strait of the Sea which separated it from the Continent before it could be taken. 3. For this the Conquest of Egypt was allotted him by God for wages, which he victoriously achieved, 
Isay 19 Ezech. 29. cap. 3.  as it was fore-prophesyed. 4. Then Nineveh, for Rebellion was ruinated by him, as Nahum foretold it should. 5. Puffed up with this success, He sets up a monstrous Statue of his own fancying, to be under pain of burning adored. 6. Was not Schooled sufficiently by the miraculous deliverance of Sydrach, Mesach, and Abednego, and the divine Informations of Daniel, to acknowledge the true God's supremacy, until at length in the midst of his vaunting humours, he was strooken stark mad, and doomed for seven years to converse with Wild-beasts: but then was, 7. restored, acknowledged God's Infiniteness, and man's Impotency, 
Theodoret. Lyra. Carthusian.  repent, and according to S. Augustine's charitable censure (whom some others follow) was saved, leaving his large Dominions to  
16. A.M. 3387 EVILMERODACH his son, who had managed the Kingdom (as some think) in the time of his Father's Madness. 
Raleigh.  2. Afterward having it in his own right, he dealt kindly with Jehojachin his Captive, 
2. Kings 25.27.  whom he advanced from Prison to feed at his own table, perchance the rather, because his father Nabuchodonoser had not kept the conditions agreed upon, when he surrendered himself unto him and jerusalem. 3. Nitocris (some say his sister, some his wife) was a notable stirring virago in those dases, that passed Semiramis. 4. But all this could not hold up Babylon, which was destinated to fall. 
Raleigh.  5. The Medes and Persians prove victorious against him, thereupon Egypt takes occasion to Rebel, where he lost all that his father had gotten. 6. He was slain in a Battle, wherein his multitude of deboshe Soldier were defeated, by the well armed sturdy Medes, and leaves his vast dishartered Empire to his degenerate Son  
17. A.M. 3393 BALTASAR, a slave to his Lust, and a fit object for a Conqueror to work upon, which was well known to his enemies, and drew them the sooner upon him. 2. Divers presages there were of thi● man's mischievous disposition, tending to ruin. For in his father's time, he slew a young Noble man, that should have married his sister, only for that he saw him gore two wild beasts with his javelin, that he himself had miss to do: And an other Lord he gelded, because a Lady said in his commendation, that that woman should be happy, who should have him for her Husband. 
Cap. 27.7.  3. In this man was fulfilled the Prophecy of jeremy, All Nations shall serve Nabuchadnezzar and his Son, and his Son's son, until the very time of his land come: and then many Nations and great Kings shaell serve themselves of him. 4. The unparallelled upshot of which, 
C. 5  is described by Daniel in the midst of his surquedry, and prostituting of the consecrated vessels to his Wives and Concubines, which had been taken out of the Temple of jerusalem by his Grandfather, and till that time laid up untouched, with addition of the magnifying of his Idol Gods, and slighting the God of Israel: A hand writing for his execution from Heaven, 
Dan. 5.30.  was signed on a wall over against him, which as soon as it was denounced, was dispatched, For in that night (saith the Text) was Belshazzar King of the Chaldeans slain, (the neglected Besiegers dividing Euphrates, and surprising the City and Court) and Darius the Median took the Kingdom, 
Xenophon Cyroped. l. 7.  together with Cyrus the Perfian, as it is gathered by conferring of Dan. 5.31. with 2. Chron. 36.20.  

2. COncurrents in this Period to be taken notice of, may be, 1. The Originals of Monarchical Government, amongst all the dispersed Nations. 2. The building of Cities and Fortresses, for their Honour, Safety, and civilising their subjects. 3. The Seminaries for learning and spreaders of it, whence we meet with, Cockmah Misraim, 
Sixtus Senensis.  the wisdom of the Priests of Egypt, derived from Abraham, Joseph, and the Trismegistis, wherein Moses was perfectly instructed. The Magic of Balaam, 
Acts 7. Mat. 2. Numb. 24, 17. Sixtus Senems.  which took with the Eastern nations, and directed the Magis to Christ by the star foretold by him. Cockmah Chasdim, the wisdom of the Chaldeans, which Daniel was versed in, and surmounted, Besides Kiriah Sepher of the Canaanites, Najoth and Ramah, and Jericho, Schools (and as it were Universities) of Students and Prophets amongst the jews. 4. The calamities and deliverances of the Church, 
Pezelius in Mellificio. Alsted in Histori●is.  in her oppressions, captivites, and wonderful preservations. 5. The clashing of Nations for supremacy, in the Assyrian, Egyptian, Theban, Trojane wars. 6. The depopulations, ruins, or translations of States, and People, (too vast to be piled up in a Compendium.) 7. Yet the concurrence of the line of Arbaces, sharer with Beloch, (in the mentioned division of Sardanapalus Empire) must not be omitted: 
Apud Photium in Biblioth. justin. Herodot.  Ctesias Gnidius here gives us the names of nine successors, some of which others touch upon, but justine passing them as nominal, insisteth only on Astyages, whose daughter Mandana, married to a mean Persian Gentleman Cambyses, brought forth Cyrus, whom Astyages, plotted in vain to make away: but drew him on rather to out him of his Kingdom, and with Darius Medus his Vokle, to extinguish the first, and set up the second Monarchy.  

INQVIRIES.  
3. Whether 

1. Any certainty may be had of story (besides that of Scripture:) concerning the Assyrian Monarchy?  
2. 
jer. 29.22.  Bel destroyed by Daniel were Belus statue, the first Idol, and Zedekiah, and Ahas the two Elders that assaulted Susanna?  
3. Semiramis were slain in the Indian War, or at home by her son Ninias?  
4. 
Hos. 5.13. & 10.6. Isajah 20.  jareb and Sargon mentioned in Scripture, were distinct Kings of Assyria?  
5. Nabuchadnezzar were really transformed into a Beast?  
6. Upon his recovery, he acknowledged the true God, repent, and was saved?  
7. The Handwriting against Baltasar, were in strange Characters, or a known Alphahet?       

SECOND MONARCHY of the Persians.  
PERIOD II.  
1. THE second Period includeth the Persian Monarchy, continued for about 200. years, and hath in it these Kings.  
1. CYRUS, A.M. 2423 named about 200 years before he was borne, (as Josias was 300. to destroy the Idolatry of Bethel before it was performed) He was Grandchild to Astyages, the great King of Media, by his daughter Mandana, whom he married to Cambyses a mean gentleman of Persia, to frustrate a deposing, 
Herod●tus justin.  which he had dreamt should grow upon him, out of his daughter's Loins: but men's purposes rather stoop to, then stop Gods purposes. 2. Of his strange preservation from his Grandfather's cruelty, Education among Rustiques, Acting the King amongst his playfellows, in chastizing a Noble man's son, that resisted his authority, His bringing thereupon before his Grandfather, and his undaunted behaviour, with the discovery who he was, and the barbarous revenge taken upon Harpagus for not making him away, as he was commanded, we have in Herodotus and justin at Large. 3. His first expedition was a 'gainst his Grandfather Astyages, whom having overcome, he granted him his life, and being unwilling to return again to rule among the Medes, he placed him in a Government among the Hircaneans. 4. From thence he Marches against Croesus of Eydia, whom he vanquished, saves from the fire, and takes to be his chief Counfellor, who proved faithful unto him. 5. Then he falls upon the Greeks' of jonia, and by Harpagus subdues them. 6. Afterward he sets on Babylon with his uncle Darius Medus, (whose daughter he had married) and takes it with the death of Baltasar, after which exploit, his Uncle (as it should seem) quickly died, so the whole Monarchy came unto him. 7. His last expedition was against the Scythians, where after his defeature of the young Prince Spargapises by a stratagem, his Mother Tamoris in a second conflict overthrew him, and cutting off his head, threw it into a vessel full of blood, with this bitter taunt satia te sanguine, now glut thyself with blood, which in all thy life thou hast thirsted after. In this most Histories agree, yet Xenophon leaves him a peaceable departure in his bed, 
Institut. Cyr. l. 8.  with an excellent farewell to those that were about him. Asia (saith he) never saw the like Governor. A worse ('tis plain) his Son  
2. A.M. 3423 CAMBYSES came after him. He 1. overthrew the Egyptians, 
Herodotus l. 3.  with their King Psammenitus, the son of Amasis, whose patience and prudence in misery, melted the fierce vanquisher into mercy. 2. Then intending to fall upon the carthaginians, could not get the Phoenicians his Seamen to undertake the business, in regard of a league between them and the carthaginians. 3. Whereupon he sends part of his Army against those borderers on the Mediterranean Sea, called Hammones, from the Oracle of jupiter Hammon, amongst them, but they were all overwhelmed with the sands and never seen after. Notwithstanding all this, he would needs have a bout with the Aethiopians, to whom he dispatched Ambassadors, to know in what estate they stood, which being slighted by their King, he furiously marcheth against them, so fare, that he hardly escaped an overthrowing in the Libyan Dosarts, with his whole Army. This forced him to a shameful retreat. 5. It is a passage worth the noting of, his deriding and wounding Apis the God-calfe of the Egyptians, and the flaying of Sisamnis a corrupt Judge, and hanging his skin over the Tribunal, to be a warning to his son Othanes (whom he put into his place) to do better. 6. But the kill of his own Brother Smerdis, with his sister (his own wife) for pitying him; as also, the shooting of an arrow through the heart of Prexaspe's son, and seeking to do the like by Croesus, who admonished him of his furiousness, are transcendent marks of Cyclopicall Tyranny. 7. His end was by a wound in the thigh of his own sword, falling out of the Scabbard, as he was taking horse to go against the Magis, who had Rebelled against him. Their pretence was that Smerdis the King's brother was not slain (as he commanded) and thereupon they set up a Pseudo-Smerdis of their own to reign, which was soon discovered by his cropped ears, made away by the Nobles. And one of the seven in the Action.  
3. A. M. 3431 DARIUS Histaspis got the Sceptre by the timely Neighing of his Horse at the Sun rising. 1. 
Herodot. justin.  He marries Atossa Cyrus' daughter for the strengthening of his title. 2. Recovers Rebellious Babylon by a stratagem of Zopyrus, one of his Nobles, who cutting off his own Lips and Nose, and pitifully disfiguring himself, got in with the Babylonians to be their leader against the Tyrant; whom he pretended had so martyred him, which done, he found the opportunity to subject it again to his Master. From this he Marcheth against the Scythians, but had but a cold bout of it, they jeering him with the presents of a Bird, a Frog, a Mouse, and five Arrows, which by hieroglyphical interpretation meant nothing else but, That if the Persians got them not quickly gone from them, as Birds in the Air, or ducked as Frogs into a marsh, or erept not into Mouse holes, they should have their Arrows in their sides to set them packing, which was soon done with shame. 4. Better was the success he had a while against the Greeks, that upon his defeat by the Scythians rebelled against him. 5. But when he came with 600000 to make a full conquest of it, 
Herodot. l. 6. justin. l. 〈◊〉  he was shamefully overthrown by Miltiades the Athenian, bringing against him but 10000, in the Field of Marathron, registered (as Plutarch saith) by almost 300 Historians. In this fight Themistocles the Athenian gave proofs of his Valour, and one Cynegeris a Soldier was so fierce, 
Sustin. l. 2.  that when both his hands were cut off he set his teeth to stay a Ship of the flying Persians. 6. This ignominious loss, when he cast about to repair the Robellion of the Egyptians, and 7. The quarrel between his Sons, who should sncceed him quite ended him, Artabasanes the eldest, claims it as Heir, but in regard he was borne, (his Father being but a Subject) the Younger,  
4. A.M. 3466 XERXES carries it being Cyrus' Grandchild by Atossa. His 1. Expedition was against the Rebellious Egyptians, wherein proving successful, he returns and makes that great Feast mentioned in the book of Hester, who becomes his Queen in place of Vasthi: 2. Then is wholly for the revenging of his Father's quarrel upon Greece, 
Herodoru●. justin.  against which (he is said by some) to have led five Millions of men, by others a Million and seven hundred thousand, all which notwithstanding were entertained, by one Pythius at Sardis, who presented the King besides, with 2000 Talents in Silver, 
raleigh.  and in Gold four Millions. 3. Thence passeth forth by making Mount Athos an Island, and Hellespont to give way unto him by a Bridge of Boates. 4. But at Thermopilae, he lost near 20000 of his Army, by the opposition of Leonidas, and 300 Lacedæmonians, upon which followed a defeat of his Navy at Artemisium in the straits of Eubaea. 5. This was seconded by an other overthrow by Themistocles, at Salaminis, increased by the Land-Victory, which Pausanias had against his General Mardonius at Plateae, and Leutychidas the Athenian, with Xantippus the Lacedaemonian Admiral, got the same day near Myca●e a Promontory in Asia by Sea. 6. Which laid together so terrified this Burdener of the Sea and Land, that he was persuaded to return towards his Country, over Hellespont in a Cockboat. 7. Where after his Sacrilegious assaulting of the Temple of Delphos, Barbarous dealing with his Brother, and his chaste Wife, prostituting himself to all base villainies, he was Treacherously slain in his Bed at last by Artabanus his Uncle, leaving his Son he had by Hester. A.M. 3487  
5 ARTAXERXES to succeed him, some make this Long-hand to be hester's Husband, 
Raleigh.  but Cronology will hardly bear it. 1. His entrance was good in doing sustice on his Treacherous Uncle, for the death of his Father and Brother. 2. His Courtesy likewise is much commended to the brave Themistocles, that was forced by his ungrateful Citizens to cast himself upon such an Enemy. 3. He could not choose but be more favourable to the Jews then others had been, for his Mother's sake, 
Ezra. 4.9. Stephan. in Artaxer.  yet such strong oppesition was made by the faction against them, that the building of the Temple (that was in a good forwardness) was by this man's Decree prohibited. 4. To him succeeded,  
6. DARIUS Nothus, some say so termed, A.M. 3527 for that he was Longimanu's Son by a Concubine, more received is that, that he was his Son in Law by Marrying of his Daughter Parysitades. 2. Two Brethren he had, Xerxes and Sogdianus that reigned before him, but their behaviour was so unworthy, and their reign so short (ending within compass of a year) that there is no reckoning made of them. 2. Against Nothus (at his first settling) Amyrteus the Egyptian rebelled, and delivered his Country from the Persian servitude. 3. Amerges likewise a Subject of his own, of the blood Royal, Lieutenant of Caria joined with the Athenians against him, but these were soon broken. 4. One policy he had beyond his Ancestors, that seeing his multitudes of Soldiers had been so often routed; to use the Purse, rather than the Pike. 5. By this project he closed with the stout Lacedæmonians, and recovered most of the losses of his Predecessors in Asia. 6. 
Ezra. 6.  He is credited in Scripture for setting forward the building of the Temple, which by his Father had been interrupted. 7. By his Wife Parysitades he had two Sons of which the Elder,  
7. ARTAXERXES Mnemon succeeds him. 1. A.M. 3546 This his Younger Brother Cyrus' stomaches at, and being backed by the Queen Mother, and freed from his Father's displeasure, was sent to his charge in Lydia. 2. But that contents him not, his high thoughts undervalved his elder Brothers softer temper, and nothing but Monarchy must content him. 3. Having hired therefore a Company of resolute Greeks, to enhearten his own Forces, he Marches hastily towards his Brother that had fare the greater preparations. They meet, the vantage is the Invaders, which puts him upon a needless Gallantry, wherein he lost his Victory, and life. 4. The notable Retreat afterward of the Grecians (maugre all the huge Forces of the Persian) is notably set down by Zenophon, 
Lib 7. de expedit. Cyr●●ust●n l. 10.  which was their Leader. 5. This Mnemon is said to have had 115 Sons by Concubines, Plutarch affirmeth 160. Only three in Matrimony, of which Darius was Exequted for Rebellion, with 50 more of his Brethren, whom he had drawn into the Conspiracy. This breaks the Father's heart, his youngest son.  
8. A.M. 3589 OCHUS takes his place. 1. In his entrance he (as the Turks continue it) made away his Brethren, that he might Tyrannize securely without Competitors. 2. Forty thousand Sydonians, that as peaceable Supplicants sued to him for his favour, were barbarously Butchered by his command. 3. Notwithstanding he recovered Egypt (that had fallen off from the Persian in his Grandfather's time) by his Generals, Mentor and Bagoas, whom he seemed to value, whiles they served his turn. But his Tyranny proving unsufferable, Bageas sets him packing with a Potion. And murdering the rest of his Brethren, places,  
9 A.M. 3612 ARSES otherwise Arsames in his Throne. It was not long before this young King had resented; and detested Bagoas villainies, which he perceiving, and fearing due punishment, prevented by sending also this man the way of his Fathers. This extinguishing (as it were) of all the blood Royal, put the Nobles to a stand who should succeed. But Bagoas had fitted them with a friend of his, who was received by the Title of,  
10. A.M. 3615 DARIUS Codomannus. Cousin German he was to Arses, 
Diod. siculus.  and of high esteem in the Court, by reason of a Duel he undertook against a Challenger of the Persian Army, and performed it to the honour of his Country. 2. Bagoas notwithstanding soon distastes him, and prepares to dispatch him with the Potion of his Predecessors. Of this the King having notice, Forces Bagaos that brought him the draught, to drink it up himself, whereby he was presently freed from such a dangerous Cupbearer. 3. Hence wallowing in all Luxury and riot securely. Alexander the Macedonian comes upon him & gives him three fatal overthrows, 1. at Granvick, where his Forces (having all advantages of their Enemies) shamefully fled. 2. At Issus; where Darius (with the loss of his Brother, Captivating of his Mother, Wife, and all the train of Court Ladies, besides the utter defeat of his huge Army, casting his Crown away from him, hardly escaped. 3. To venture the stock upon it, he recrewted at Arbela, and there having a final overthrow, was betrayed in his flight by Nabarzanes and Bessus, two of his own Commanders, and so, miserably murdered. Nabarzanes was afterward by intercession, spared by Alexander; But Bessus prosequted and taken, was delivered to Tortures, to receive the extremest vengeance of Treason, which in the highest measure he had deserved. And so we have the Period of the second Monarchy of the Persians.  

2. COncurrent with this Period, may be notice taken of 1. The state of the Church (perchance upon the Prophecy of Isaiah shown unto Cyrus by Daniel.) A relaxation of the Babylonian Captivity, was from him obtained, 
Ezra. 19  for those of the Jews that would return to Jerusalem, and build the House of God, with restitution of the sacred Vessels carried away by Nebuchadnezar, which Building although it were hindered by spiteful opposition, under Cambyses, 
Ezra. ●.  Histaspis, Xerxes, Artaxerxes, and put at a stand; yet Darius Nothus at length gave way to the Finishing of it, which was performed by Zorobabel. Ezra then comes with a new supply to settle God's Worship in Doctrine, and Discipline, and Nebemiah, (notwithstanding all Projects, Threats, and Difficulties) raiseth up the walls of the City. 2. The progress of Learning from the Chaldeans, is here continued in the Colleges of the Magis, which spread itself far to the Indians Eastward, & Westward to the Greeks'. 3. Whence sprang up (as it were) the Fathers of Faculties. for not to mention the seven Wise men of Greece, (all within this compass) Hypocrates, Herodotus, Papirius, Euclid, Democritus Abderita, so eminent for Physic, History, Law, Mathematics, and anatomising the bowels of nature, are all in this standing. 4. In which besides the mentioned persian Invasions and overthrows, the Peloponesian, Messenian, and Theban Wars are notorious, amongst the Greeks, and the Carthaginian, between them and the Romans. 5. Whence we have the Catalogue of the famous leaders, Miltiades, Cymon, Themistocles. Leonidas, Agesilaus, Epaminondas, Alcibiades of the Greeks', Coriolanus, the Scipios, and divers others of the Latins, with Asdrubal and Hannibal amongst the Carthaginians. 6. Peculiar notice may be taken of 1. Queen Artemisia of Caria, that gave Xerxes the best Council, and help that he had against the Greeks', and quitted herself with most honour, from their eager prosecution of her. 2. Thrasybulus delivering his Citizens or Athens, from the thirty Tyrants. 3. And that excellent bringing off of about ten thousand Greeks' by Xenophon from all the forces of Artaxerxes Mnemon, as he hath himself most excellently in seven books described. 7. Lastly the Accomplishment of the Prophecies, concerning the ruin of Babylon, 
Isaiah. 45. Dan. 5.  Cyrus named for the restoring the Jews to their Country. The breaking off the two Horns of the Persian Ram, by the great horn of the He Goat of Greece may here be especially thought upon, too ample in a summary to be farther enlarged.  

INQVIRIES.  
3. Whether 

1. Xenophons' Cyropedia, be a better pattern of a good Prince, than a Relation of that which was performed?  
2. Cyrus were more enriched by the good counsel of Croesus, then benefited by all his wealth he had from him?  
3. Cambyses were that Nabuchodonosor, whose General Holophernes, Judith slew, as Beda and the jews would have it? 
Vid. Anno● Iuni● in Iud●●tia 〈◊〉   
4. He destroyed the Egyptian Idols, rather in scorn of all Religion, than hatred of Idolatry?  
5. Zopyrus stratagem for recovering Babylon to Darius Hystaspis, by cutting off his own nose and lips be fit for imitation? 
Herod. l. 3●   
6. It be credible that Pythius a Subject of Sardis, should feast Xerxes' Army of a million and half of men, and present the King besides with above four millions of coin? 
Herod●t. l. 〈◊〉   
7. Prudence rather, and good Leaders, then personal valour, wanted in Darius Codomannus to withstand Alexander that so soon overthrew him?       

THIRD MONARCHY of the Greeks'. PERIOD III.  
1. THE Third Interval or Period, is from Alexander the Great, to Julius Caesar, and includes the Third Monarchy of the Greeks for the space of 280 years. In this therefore we have  
1. A.M. 3620 ALEXANDER the Great, son of Philip King of Macedon, who being brought up under the famous Theban Epaminondas, laid by his Policy, and Prowess, the foundation of his son's Greatness; for the finishing of the Photensian or sacred war, in maintenance of Religion and Justice (as it was pretended) won him no small repute, and his old Soldiers, were the setters up and upholders of young Alexander. 1. He having a design on Persia, thought it wisdom so to settle Gracia, that domestic distractions recalled him not from foreign proceed. In performing which, as stubborn Thebes tasted off his Indignation by ruin, so the race of Pindarus therein preserved, and the Lady Timoclea pardoned, expressed his generous respects to Virtue and Learning. 2. Passing thence into Asia with an Army of about 30000 Foot and 5000 Horse, the greater forces of Darius (having besides all advantages of the river Granvick) could not stop him, but he breaks through & routs them, and so forageth Phrygia, & all those coasts at his pleasure. 
justia. Curtius. Diodor. Arion.  Where the cutting of Gordius knot a sunder with his sword, (otherwise untiable) was a sufficient fulfilling (as he thought) of the Prophecy depending on it, and his reckoning of Achilles' happy (when he viewed his Tomb) that had a Homer to register his Actions; expressed an heroical emulation loath to be outvyed by any. 3. In Syria his advancing of Abdolominus from a poor Gardener to be King in Sidon, his taking of Tyre (after seven months' siege) with incredible charge and resolution: 
Ioseph●●  His Reverend and admired carriage toward jaddus the Highpriest of the jews, not sparing only but gracing with immunities jerusalem, and the Temple; farther set forth his High spirit, and Noble disposition. 4. This fame attended by perpetual success, surrendered him Egypt, as soon as he set foot in it. From whence his journey through the Lybian Sands on pilgrimage to jupiter Hammon (whose son he would needs be thought to be) might for his honour, and profit have been well spared. 5. But his victories at Issus, and Arbela over Darius, are the more graced, by his Heroic carriage to the captive Ladies of Persia, and the vengeance taken upon Bessus that betrayed his Master. 6. After which India tasted of his Greatness and Goodness, expressed in conquering Porus, and others which there withstood him: All which could not excuse his hard usage of old Parmenio, and his son Philotas, exequted for Traitors upon slight grounds: His killing of his Foster brother Clitus, in the height of Distemper, and Burning the fair City Persepolis, at the motion of a strumpet. 7. Not long after which he met with (as 'tis thought) his death in Babylon by poison, Antipater's sons were suspected for it, some say Aristotle and Calisthenes were accessary, but upon no proofs. His Ring he left to Perdiccas, but his Dominions 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to the worthiest. this set up competitors, every one in his selfe-esteeme claiming a share: but after some sharp bicker between them, who should have most, According to daniel's Prophecy, 
Cap. 8. ●.  of a bout a dozen that are named, only four stood up that quelled the rest, and continued. Of which we take for deducing the line in this shattered Monarchy, next to Alexander,  
2. 
A.M. 3629. tust. l. 84.  ANTIGONUS', taken for the son of Philip by a ConCubine. 2. He settling himself in the lesser Asia, first assumed the title of a King, whom in emulation the rest followed. 3. His greatest conflicts were with the valiant Eumenes, who held him hardly to it, until he was shamefully betrayed by the stubborn Agyraspides, termed Silver-shields, proud of their services under Alexander: but Teutamus their leader paid dear for it. 4. Perdiceas that with his complices struggled against him, lost himself in Egypt. 5. After divers other changes of victories, and defeats near Ephesus at Ipsus, he met with the fatal blow that ended him, from Seleucus, 
Ibid.  Lysimachus, and Ptolomy's united forces. At which time also was routed his haughty son  
3. A.M. 3651 DEMETRIUS Poliorcetes, so called for his skill and success in subduing Cities. 2. He was a great help to his Father in most of his achievements. 3. Coming himself to reign he passed Euphrates in the East, and subdued Babylon; 
Perel. part. 1. p. 437●  Athons'. also in the West, was so hardly put to it by him, that a quarrel arose between a Father and his Son, who should have a dead mouse, that by chance in the famine, fell from a roof betwixt them. 4. He supposed that he had very politicly married his daughter Stratonice to Celeucus of Babylon, but it proved otherwise; for this Son in Law of his, soon after, sides with Ptolemy of Egypt, and outs him of his Kingdom. 5. More we shall find of him afterward, in the line of Macedon. In the mean while,  
4. CELEUCUS Nicanor would not leave him without an heir, but annexeth all his Asian Dominions to his, whose line we follow here as the most illustrious. 2. From this man we have the Aera or Account used in the Books of Maccabees. 
Appl●● in Gy●iaci●.  3. Besides his continual wars to enlarge his Territories, he was a great builder, and erected nine Cities calling them all by his name Selenciah. 4. He was contented to bestow his fair wife Stratocias', upon his son  
5. A.M. 3668 ANTIOCHUS' Soter, who so desperately doted on her, that without that salve his wound was incurable. 2. It was not for any great good he did, the name of Saviour was afforded him, but because he did not much hurt. Notwithstanding he is said to have carried a hard hand over the Jews. 3. Not much better proved his son by his Mother, wife Stratonica.  
6. ANTIOCHUS', howsoever termed Theos, and made as it were a god by the Milesians for freeing them from the tyranny of Timarchus. 2. Great quarrels fell between him and Ptolemy Philadelphus of Egypt, which were partly skinned over, by his putting away his wife Laodice (by whom he had two sons Seleucus Callinicus, and Antiochus Hierax) and marrying Berenice the daughter of Ptolemy. But this held not, 
Dan. 1●. 6.  (as it was foretold by Daniel) For upon Theo's death, enraged Laodice falls on disconsolate Berenice, and caused her to be put to death, with her young son she had by Theos, which was basely performed against the solemn oath of.  
7. SELEUCUS Callinicus, A.M. 3704 who made into his succession such a bloody entrance. This Berenice's Hair, is continued an Asterisme in the celestial Globes. 2. Ptolemy Euergetes of Egypt sets upon him, to revenge the murder of his sister Berenice, takes part of Syria from him; Callinicus (by the help of his brother Hierax) recovers it again, makes peace with Ptolemy without his brother's consent. 3. Hierax thereupon exasperated, wars on him, and expels him out of Syria. 4. Upon these dissensions. Eumenes in Bythinia, Arsaces in Parthia, and the Gaulls plundering every where, make more work. 5. Hierax is slain by Ptolemy's Soldiers Gallinicus dies by the fall from a horse. He left two sons behind him Seleucus and Antiochus, of which  
8. SELEUCUS reigned next after him, A.M. 3724 by the name of Ceraunus which signifies Lightning. 2. But as Lightning, soon flasheth, pierceth, and fadeth: so this spark passing ●ver the Mountain Taurus, was by his own Soldiers extinguished, leaving his Dominions to his brother  
9 ANTIOCHUS' afterward called Magnus, A.M. 3726 perchance for undertaking much, and performing little. 2. He set upon on Philopater of Egypt, but was feign to make his Peace with him: opposed the Romans, who had taken upon them the Wardship of young Ptolemy Epiphanes of Egypt, by whom being often Beaten, he was forced to retire himself beyond Taurus, and leave the Territories on this side of it to the Conquerors. 3. To him Haenniball fled, being defeated in the second Punic Wars, but could not be protected by him, and therefore made himself away to prevent his delivering to the Romans. 4. His end was by an enraged multitude, in defence of their God Belus, whose Temples & Treasures in Syria, he went about to rifle. 5. Of his three sons surviving him, Seleucus Philopater, Antiochus Epiphanes, and Demetrius,  
10. A.M. 3763 SELEUCUS Philopater the fourth of that name succeeds him. 2. He is foretold by Daniel to be a raiser of Taxes, 
Dan. 11.22. ●. Macch. 3. v. 38.  having heard of the Treasure in the Temple of jerusalem, he sends Heliodorus his Treasurer to seize upon it for his use, but Heliodorus met with such a Lashing from Heaven, that he told his Master at his return, If he had any Enemy or Traitor, he should send him thither upon the like employment. 3. whiles his two Brothers Epiphanes and Demetrius, were Hostages at Rome, this man addicts themselves securely to all Licentiousness, but Epiphanes breaking from thence, and taking his opportunity, was quickly found to ease him of his Government, This  
11. A.M. 3775 ANTIOCHUS' Epiphanus took upon him. 1. Of his entrance 'tis said as of Boniface the eight, that he entered as a Fox, reigned as a Lion, and died like a Dog. 2. He took upon him at the first only to be a Guardian to Demetrius his Brother's Son; but once settled, quickly dispatched him, and takes all to himself. 3. Sets upon Egypt, but staved off by the Romans from that enterprise. 4. Returns furiously upon the jews, whose Temple and Religion he would needs extinguish. 5. Old Eleazarus, and a Widow with her seven Sons are Martyred by him. 6. jupiter Olympiu's Image, must be erected upon God's Altar, and Incense and Sacrifices offered unto it. 7. This made the seven Asmonei or Maccabees, successfully to stand up against him, for the vindication of God's honour, to the defeating of divers of his Generals, and Forces. 8. Polybius terms him Epimanes, a mad man, and Christian Divines a Type of Anti-christ, a vile man (saith Daniel) that had not one commendable quality to speak for him. Having at last spit his Venom & wasted himself, he would needs into Persia to rifle the Treasures of the Temple of Nannea, to whom he pretended to be a Suitor in Marriage, and to take that wealth for a Dowry; but the Priests there so Polted him, that the Match was broken, and the Dowry left behind, whence returning with disgrace, God's vengeance ended him on the way, leaving Inheritor of his Infamy, and Kingdoms his Son,  
12. ANTIOCHUS' Eupater, A.M. 3786 who made Peace with the Jews, in regard he perceived that it was in vain to oppress them. 2. But within two years his Uncle Demetrius, the third son of Antiochus Magnus gets lose from Rome, (where he had been a pledge with his Brother Epiphanes,) kills him, and succeeds under the title of,  
13. DEMETRIUS' Soter a preserver, A.M. 3788 but neither preserved he others, neither long preserved himself. 2. Upon a complaint of Treacherous Alcimus, 
1. Macch. 7. 2. Macch. 14.  he sent his General Nicanor to subdue Judas Maccabeus; but he with 3000 men, defeated the Host of Syria, and slew their General. For which a Feast was set a part, to be celebrated. By an other General of his Bacchides, Judas (deserted by his own men) nobly sold his Life. 3. 
1. Macch. 10.  But Soter had small time to Triumph in it, for in a set Battle he was overthrown and slain by,  
14. ALEXANDER his Nephew, A.M. 3799 who pretended he was the Son of Epiphanes. He is termed otherwise, Alexander Bala, or Veles. 2. Philometor of Egypt gives him his Daughter, but afterwards taking his advantage, deprives him of his Wife, and Kingdom. 3. The poor man flies into Arabia, where he was slain, and his head presented to Philometor. Soter that was before this man's intrusion, had two sons, the younger Antiochus Sedetes, and the elder,  
15. DEMETRIUS' Nicanor who succeeded, A.M. 3804 but little content he had in it, for Sedetes joining with Tryphou (a great Commander in those days) with the concurrence of the Valiant Asmonean Jonathan, 
●oseph. Anti. 13. c. 9  quickly outed him. 2. Tryphan had a plot to King himself, but businesses were not ripe, he goes therefore into Arabia, and thence procures from one Malchu's tutorage, young Antiochus the son of Bala, or Veles forementioned, to have a plausibletitle, this Child,  
16. A.M. 3807 ANTIOCHUS' Entheus therefore is invested for a state, 
●oseph. Ib.  but after a defeat given to Nicanor by Arsaces of Parthia, who took him Prisoner, and the Coast (at it were cleared,) young Antiochus must sleep with Fathers, and Triumphing,  
17. A.M. 3808 TRYPHON the Apamean ascends the Throne without pretence of Title. 2. He overcometh Nicanor. 3. Treacherously, inveigheth Jonathan, and put him to Death. 4. Simon jonathans' Brother (chosen the Jews General) Beseigeth this Trifler (as joseph terms him) in Dora from whence escaping to Apamea, 
Antiq. l. 13. c. 12.  he was there taken and slain by,  
18. A.M. 3811 ANTIOCHUS' Sedetes termed Soter, and Pius son of the former Soter, and Brother to Nicanor. 2. He dealt not well with Simon the Father, and Hircanus his Son. 3. Who purchased a Peace of him for money. 4. Invading Arsaces, he was slain by him. 5. By means whereof, his Brother Nicanor returns out of Captivity, and reigns three years. Upon his death,  
19 A.M. 3824 ALEXANDER Sebenna is foisted in by Physcon of Egypt, 
joseph. Antiq. ●. 13. c. 17.  but is quickly outed again by  
20. ANTIOCHUS' Gryphus who slew him in battle, this Gryphus was son of Nicanor, A.M. 3826 and had a younger Brother Cyzicenus, that perpetually Warred upon him with variable success. 2. This ennity of the Fathers was continued by,  
21. CYZIZENUS, Seleucus, Philippus, and Demetrius, the Sons of Gryphus, and Antiochus, the Son of Cyzizenus their Uncle; until (that wasted by such irreconcilable dissensions.) They were surprised by Tygranes of Parthia; who put a Period to the Line of the Seleucidae, but himself was soon after subdued by the Romans, and Syria made a Province.  

2. Cnotemporary with this Period must be paralleled, the Line of the Ptolemy's or Lagidae of Egypt, taking their rise from. 1. Ptolomeus Lagus a By-blow of Philip's of Macedon, the third sharer in Great Alexander's Dominions. 
joseph. Antiq. l. 12. c. ●.  He surprised jerusalem by a Stratagem, taking the vantage of the strict celebration of their Sabbath; and carried multitudes of them Captives into Egypt, which 2. Philadelphus' his son redeemed with his own Treasury, and set at Liberty, who was famous besides for his exquisite Library, and procuring the Translation of the Septuagint. Fare short of him came. 3. Evergetes his son, commended notwithstanding, for revenging of his Sister's Beronices death, upon the bloody Callinicus of Syria. But devilish proved his son nicknamed. 4. Philopater for Butchering his own Parents, from whose tyranny the jews in Egypt were miraculously delivered, by Gods frustrating his projects, and turning his Elephants prepared for to destroy the jews, to the destruction of their Leaders. See the Book of Symion the high Priest, commonly called the 3. of Maccabees. 5. Epiphanes was too young to be so Villainous, upheld by the Romans his Guardians, against Philip of Macedon, and the great Antiochus. 6. Philometor comes next in the Line, so called from the deadly hate his Mother bore him. 7. Phiscons great Panche wallows in next, that sent his son to be eaten of his own Mother, as bad or worse proved. 8. Lathurus that vexed the jews, and forced his Prisoners to feed on dead Carcases, whereupon outed by his Brother. 9 Alexander, Alexander kept the place, until his Mother Cleopatra plotted to kill him, which he prevented by Matricide; Deposes himself & gives way for Lathurus his return to Reign again. 10. Then Auletes the Fiddler comes on, but by Pompey's persuasion, was banished by the Romans, to give way to 11. Dyonisius his son, that proved Pompey's executioner, when he fled to Egypt from his overthrow in Thessalia. Only 12. Cleopatra his Sister remained to succeed, Minion first to Julius Caesar, then to Mark-Anthony, whose overthrow at Actum broke her heart. Antony made himself away by poison, she by Asps, applied to her Breasts. And the date of the Lagedae exspired, Egypt falls also to be a Roman Province.  
3. The next parallel is the line of Macedon. In which the 1. Arideus, Alexander's half brother, did nothing but by direction of stirring Perdiccas, to whose tutorage he was committed, but both of them quickly cut off. 2. Cassander, Antipater's son did more than he should, in barbarously making away Olympias Alexander's mother, 
●ustin. l. 14.  Cleopatra his sister, with his two Wives Roxane and Barsena, and their Children Alexander and Hercules: the cry of whose blood found revenge in his. 3. Antipater that succeeded, and Alexander his brother, who were the ruin one of another, and the whole bloody family. This was especially performed by 4. Demetrius Poliorcetes who outed from Syria, by overthrowing the wrangling brethren, settles himself here. But 5. Pyrrhus of Epire soon got the Kingdom from him, and as quickly left it to 6. Lysimachus of Thrace, that stout commander of Alexander's, who strangled the Lion he was exposed unto, without weapon, to be torn in pieces. But this valour defended him not against the undermining and forces of the Egyptian, 7. Ceraunus who outs him, grows in with his Wife, cheats them, and abuses them all. But before a whole year past 8. Meleager another of Alexander's leaders dispatches him, he Reigns but two Months, before 9 Antipater the second had gotten the Sceptre from him, and about 45 days after, left it to 10. Sosthenes, who freed the Kingdom from the plundering Galls, but could not free himself from 11. Antigonus Gonatus Poliorcetes son, who recovered the Kingdom after five intervenient intruders. To him succeeds 12. Antigonus the second, his Son. He leaves Antigonus the third, termed Doson, for promising much and performing nothing, but his government ended, with the nonage of 13. Philip, Gonates' son, to whom Doson was only Protector. Philip hath great overthrows by the Romans, who captivated at length his son. 14. Porseus by Paulus Aemilius, And so Macedon also fell to be a Roman Province.  
4. With these fall in the beginnings and growth of the Romans Greatness under their Kings, Consuls, Tribunes, and Dictator's upon occasion 2. Whence we have their Victories in Europe, in the Italian, Sicilian, Spanish, Macedonian, Germane, Illyrian, and wars with Pyrrhus in their own Territories. In Asia the Syrian, Parthian, and strong opposition of Methridates and his adherents. In Africa, the three famous Punic Wars, until Carthage was razed by them. And the stubborn resistance of Jugurtha, at large recorded in particular Histories, as Insurrections amongst themselves of their discontented slaves, of Catiline and Sertorius, the bloody ruptures between Marius and Scylla, Pompey and Caesar, Tantae molis erat, so weighty a matter i● was to lay the foundation and erect the Trophies of the Fourth Monarchy of the Romans.  
5. As for matters of the Church, and progress of Learning, in this Period between Alexander and Caesar, We find the Temple of Jerusalem surprised by Crassus and Pompey, with their disastrous ends upon it, and the jews brought under the yoke of Herod the Idumean. But humane Learning never attained that splendour, as than it did amongst the Grecian Philosophers, especially severed by their distinct Schools, of Academics, Peripatetics, Stoics, Cynics, Epicures, Pythagoreans, and sceptics, too numerous to be rehearsed.  

INQVIRIES.  
3. Whether 

1. Alexander's expedition against the Persian, were rather of ambitious venturing, then of just cause given?  
2. 
●●v. Hist. l. 9 c. 17.  If he had turned his Forces Westward, he had met with his match in Papyrius Cursor amongst the Romans?  
3. His entitling himself Jupiter Hamon's son, distasted him more with his own, then advantaged him with strangers?  
4. His proceeding against his old valiant General Parmenio, and his brave son Philotas, had sufficient ground to exequte them for Traitors?  
5. Antiochus Epiphanes may pass for a fit type of Antichrist?  
6. The first Library of note, were that of Ptolomeus Philadelphus in Egypt?  
7. The change of Kings of divers families, in the Macedonian line, were the chief cause of subduing them by the Roman Conquest?       

FOURTH MONARCHY of the Romans.  
PERIOD FOUR  
1. THe Fourth Period, from julius Caesar to Constantine the Great, gins the Fourth Monarchy of the Romans, and takes up the space of about 355 years, under forty Pagan Emperors, whereof the first was,  
1. JULIUS CaeSAR. A.M. 3902 His exploits are famous in the 1. Gallish, 2. German, 3. British, 4. Civil wars against Pompey, and his adherents. 5. Alexandrian, for settling Cleopatra, with whom he was too intimate. 6. African, against Cato, who slew himself at Utica. And 7. Spanish Wars against Sextus Pompeius. In all which he is reckoned by some to have been victorious in fifty set Battles. 2. Having gotten the perpetual Dictatorship, 
Plutarch.  He reform the Calendar, as now we retain it in the julian years account, and left the Month julius for continuance of his name. 3. To this valour he wanted not Learning or Language, for the Registering his own Acts, a touch whereof is extant in his seven Books de Bello Gallico, and three other de Bello Civili. 4. Cicero cries him up also for a most pertinent and accomplished Orator. 5. In Martial affairs Plutarch so parallels him with Alexander, that he carries the Bucklers from him, though from spots (which are usually noted in Heroical dispositions) Alexander may be observed more Free. 6. This honour he gained to leave the name of Caesar to all his successors, whereof his Parallel came short. His quick dispatch is noted in Veni, Vidi, Vici, I came, saw, overcame, the great forces that Pharnaces Mithridates son of Pontus had levied against him. 7. His Motto was SEMEL QVAM SEMPER. 
Ibid.  Better it is once to die, then to live always languishing. It fell out with him accordingly. For sitting in the Senate-house, he was brutishly murdered with 23. wounds, the most part given by them whose lives he had preserved, which (it should seem) he intimated to Brutus in his last words 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉; What? and thou my son? His successor was his sister Julias, natural, and his adopted son,  
2. A.M. 3907 AUGUSTUS Caesar, borne in Cicero's Consulship, who exhorts his brother Quintus in his Government, to imitate the prudence of Octavius, who was Augustu's father. 2. Before he could secure himself, Anthony, and Lepidus were wisely to be dealt with. A Triumvirate was patched up between them, for signing of which Lucius Caesar, Augustus own Uncle, old Cicero his faithful Advocate, and Paulus the brother of the High Priest Lepidus, must be proscribed to be executed; so little reckoning is made of other obligations, where the condition runs for Sovereignty. But this knot was quickly dissolved, the three sons growing into one. Lepidus dies, Anthony overthrown at Mutina, and Actium made himself away. 3. Augustus' having vanquished all his opposites at home, and Enemies abroad, with incredible success and Celerity (except in that one shameful defeat of Q. Varus against Arminius) shuts up the Temple of janus, in token of an universal peace. 
Vid. Alsted. Hist. c. 21.  4. Then was the Prince of Peace our Saviour borne the 42. of this Emperor's Reign, and in the year of the world (as amongst 28 differences, we pitch upon with Luther and Lucidus) 3960. some think this variety of account (especially between the Greeks and Latins) happened, by reason it was usual amongst the Ancients by these figures 1.2.3.6, mystically to insinuate the Sacred Trinity, in 1.2.3. and unity in 6. which mixed with the years of the World (by those who knew not what it meant) brought the account so much out of square, that by subduction of that additament may be thus rectified. Eusebius counts from the Creation to the Nativity 5199 years, from which subduct 1236 (the forementioned mystical sum) and the remainder will be 3963. but three years exceeding Luther's reckoning, which we follow. 5. But those matters were least thought on by those, whom God's providence made chief actors in it. 
Psal. 49.  Man in honour may be compared to Beasts that Perish. Augustus thus advanced in the eye of the world finds his discontents at home, in his Children. His daughter julia, by his wife Scribonia, and her issue, had not the best report. It is doubted whether Ovid were too familiar with her, somewhat there was more than his books the Art Amandi, that caused him to be banished. He was wont to wish that he had never been Married, or been a Father, 
Sueton.  and to term his daughter the Impostumes of the World. 6. 
Vomicas & Carcinomat●.  Yet this rigid Father could take Livia Drusilla, from her Husband Taberius Nero, when she was great with child with Drusus, and she humoured him so pleasingly all his life, (though he had no issue by her) that his last words were, O Livia, remember our marriage, and Adieu: so she did, 
Toci●m.  and 'tis thought, had a finger in setting him going. 7. He affected Maecenas for his secrecy, Agrippa for his patience, and Virgil for his rare gift in sublime Poetry, was wont to say that he received Rome of Brick, but had left it Marble. His Motto was FESTINA LENTE. 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Eucipid. in Phaenissis.  SAT CITOSI SAT BEEN: 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, which hinders not a speedy execution of that which is deliberately resolved upon. His successor was  
3. An. Ch. 14 TIBERIUS the Son in Law only of Augustus, which his wife Livia brought him, begotten of her former husband Tiberius Nero, and his brother Drusus in her belly to boot. 2. In his first employments he proved victorious against the Germans and others, with his brother Drusus, which caused Augustus to adopt him, and marry his daughter julia to him, from whom he was quickly divorced by her Father's consent. 3. He made himself shy in undertaking the charge of the Empire, but entering like a Fox (as it is said of Boniface the eight) reigned like a Lion, and died like a Dog. 4. In the 15, some say the 18th year of his Tyranny our Saviour suffered, whom he would have deified, but the Senate withstood it. 5. Sejanus his great Favourite was worryed by him, and his daughter deflowered by the Hangman, to make her liable to accompany her father. 6. His latter time was most unnaturally spent in prodigious cruelty, and bestiality, 
Sueton.  so that he was rightly Characterised by Theodorus Gadareus his Tutor, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, Dirt kned with blood, and by others, instead of Claudius Tiberius Nero, Caldius Biberius Mero. 7. Lastly as he and his Mother Livia, had a hand in making away Marcus Agrippa the right Heir to Augustus: so ('tis thought) his successor took a course to hasten his passage to his Ancestors. Then after he had contrary to his Motto, (which was MELIUS EST TONDERE, QVAM DEGLUBERE) a long time not only fleeced, but devoured the sheep, a worse (if worse might be) follows him.  
4. An. Ch. 37 CAIUS Caligula. It must be remembered, that Livia brought with her to Augustus' two sons by her former Husband, Tiberius, and Drusus; Tiberius reigned next after him, Drusus died in the German Wars, leaving two sons behind him, Germanicus, and Claudius. This Caligula was the son of Germanicus by Agrippina, Daughter of Julia, and Grandchild to Augustus, who after many rare Atchivements died in Germany. 2. In the beginning of his Government he vented his spite to the jews, for denying him religious worship, sets up his Statue in the Temple of jerusalem by the title of jupiter Caius, 
Enseb. Eccles. Hist. l. 2. c. 6. joseph. Antiq. l. 18.  gave favourable Audience to Appion declaiming against them, but would not hear Philo, in their defence. 3. His Lust was Monstrous in erecting Stews in his Palace, Deflowering his own Sisters, sparing neither Matrons, nor Maids that he had a mind unto. 4. His cruelties Devilish exercised (as it were) in hatred of maenkind, and fretted that no heavier calamities fell upon the world in his days. 5. His courting of the Moon to be his Paramour, bringing Cockleshells to Rome from Germany, as spoils of the Conquered Ocean; Inviting his Horse Jncitatus, and entertaining him with a Golden Manger full of Provender, and vessels of the best Wine to drink, 
Sueton.  promising to make him Consul, with the like freaks of frenzy, need not to be insisted upon. 6. His Tragical Motto was ODERUNT DUM METWNT, he passed not for the hatred so he might be a Bugbear to all men. To which purpose, he must be jupiter Hercules, & what not? Yet any Crack of Thunder drove him to shelter himself under his Bed. 7. A good end for such a Monster could not be expected, which befell him from Cassius Charea, and Cornelius Sabinus, his officers near about him, His Wife Caesonia and Daughter were slain together with him, into his place was hoisted his Uncle,  
4. CLAUDIUS' in a strange manner, An. Ch. 41 for certain Soldiers in a hurry, going to Plunder the Palace, one perceiving the feet of a man hidden in a hole, plucks him out by the heels. This proves to be Claudius, who falling on his knees, and desiring his life might be spared, the Soldiers lift him up on their shoulders and proclaim him Emperor. This took so with the multitude, that the Senate, for their own safety were feign to give way unto it. 2. At his first entrance, he shown more discretion than was expected from him. He would not be honoured with Sacrifices. Banished the jews out of Rome for their tumults, provided for the Poor in a great Famine, 
Act. 18. ●. Act. 11.28.  foretold by Agabus. 3. Neither were his Achievements abroad of less consequence, in Germany and Africa by his Commanders. In our Britain he was in Person, and so settled affairs, that he returned with the title of Britannicus. A Phoenix in his time was seen and seldom before, or since. 4. 
Sextus Aure●. Victor.  His Mother was wont to term him a Monster begun not perfected by nature, so that it past for a Proverbial disgrace stultior Claudio, a verier fool than Claudius. But he lost himself not so much by doing as suffering indignities. His Wife Messalina was not satisfied to outvie all Strumpets in the Stews but needs she must Marry publicly a young Gallant C. Sylius in her Husband's absence: but this impudence cost her her life. 5. Pallas, Narcissus, and other ministers about him, took the vantage of his easy disposition egregiously to cheat him, and deride him. Of this crew Faelix was preferred to be Governor in judea, 
Act. 23.  whom St Paul's Sermon of Temperance, and judgement to come in the presence of his Minion Drusilla, made to tremble. 6. In his time Simon Magus played his pranks in Rome, & got to be honoured as a God, but that St Peter encountered him there to his neck-breaking, we find not. It would do well that this Emperor's Law against freed men ingrateful to their Patrons, (should be retracted to their former slavery,) were severely exequted in these Rebellious times. 7. Sparks of a generous mind, (howsoever damped by a crazy body) appear in his Motto, GENERIS VIRTUS NOBILITAS. It is virtue, not Scutcheons, or Images of Ancestors makes men Noble. 8. His Wife Agrippina (worse, if it might be then his former Messalina) poisoned him at length in a Mushroom (of which Seneca makes good sport, 
In Apocolocyntosi de Morte Cloudii.  and of his deifying) to assure the succession of her son,  
6. An. Ch. 54 NERO which she had by her former Husband Domitius Aenobardus, who was wont to say that from him, and Agrippina, nothing could proceed but for public mischief. 1. The first five years of his Government were such, that Traiane was wont to say, none ever had attained to the perfection of them. 2. But afterward he broke out into all Villainies of Lusts, with Catamites and Strumpets of all sorts, wherein he spared not his own Mother, and slew her afterward, with the most unnatural abusing of her dead Corpse; Of Butchery in making away his Wife Octavia, and kicking to death (being great with Child) his beloved Poppaed, not sparing Seneca, and Burrhus his faithful Counsellors, sending Lucan the Poet to accompany them. 3. He set Rome on fire, and for excuse thereof, laid it upon the Christians. 4. Was Author of the first grand Persequntion, wherein St Peter (as it is said) and St Paul were Martyred at Rome, with others innumetable, and Jacobus Justus at Jerusalem. Whereupon Tertullian inferred that the Gospel must needs be a precious thing, because Nero hated it. 5. The Company he most affected, were Witches, Bawds, Sycophants, Fiddlers, Coachmen, Stageplayers, gelded Ganimeds', of whom he would have turned Sporus into a woman and Married. Whereupon one wished that his Father had had no other Wife, whence past these Pasquil's upon him. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Nero, Orestes, Al●maeon, registered for Kill-mothers'. 6. Although he used for a Motto QVAEVISTERRA ARTEM ALIT, All Countries yield a being to aman of Parts and Arts, in reference to his own skill, which he chiefly stood upon, yet that was more genuine unto him, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, not only whem I am dead, but while I live, let Heaven and Earth be turned into a Chaos. 7. Continuing to be so intolerable, his Soldiers fell off from, and the Senate adjudged him to be whipped to death like a Rogue, which exeqution he prevented by killing himself, having no friend, or foe left that would do so much for him. His successor was old,  
7. GALBA a sour Soldier, and strict in Discipline, An. Ch. 67 so that when he came to the Army, the buzz went amongst the vulgar. Disce Militare miles, Galba est non Getulicus. Stand to your tackling, Galba comes amongst you, not remiss Getulicus. 2. As the Army advanced him for hope of promised gain, so for nonpayment, they quickly Rebelled against him. 3. His Motto could not stop their mouths, LEGENDUS EST MILES NON EMENDUS. A Soldier must be chosen, not bought. Whereupon they basely slew him, and set up in his place,  
8. OTHO a Complementing Courteour, An. Ch. 68 well beloved of the most of his Soldiers, but unhappy in his advancement. 2. He was overthrown in three Skirmishes rather than Battles, despairs of his condition. 3. His Motto VNUS PRO MULTIS, he would rather die himself, then draw on the death of a multitude. This he wrought by his own hands. whereupon Aus●nius passes him with this Epitaph, 

Fine tamen laudandus erat qui morte decora,  
Hoc solum fecit ●obile, quòd perijt.   

Whatsoever his life was, sure his death was fair,  
Noble in this for being his own slayer.   His Competitor that forced him to it,  
9 A. C. 68 VITELLIUS had less credit and comfort in his place, a debauched wretch, and bloody beast, whose word was BONUS EST ODOR HOSTIS, MELIOR CIVIS OCCISI. The smell of a dead enemy is good, but better of a dead Citizen. 2. But such divillish dispositions are most commonly paid in their own Coin. 3. He was quickly forsaken of his Partisans, dragged through the street, pelted with mire and filth, hacked and tormented with Weapons, and so per scalas Gemonias, by the groaning stairs thrown into Tybur, as he had barbarously used the Brother of  
10. A.C. 69 VESPAEIAN that succeeded him, who was of a meaner house than those that went before, but by his Virtue, Valour, and moderation overtopped them. 2. He was designed to quell the jews that rebelled, wherein he prospering with the best approbation, Upon the Soldiers setting up elsewhere other Emperors after the death of Nero, his followers took upon them to do the like, and Galba, Otho, and Vitellius in a trice cut off, their Choice stood by the applause of all. 3. At his entrance he repaired the City's ruins, shown himself averse from Flatterers, base lusts and revel, by which his Predecessors became infamous. 
●ueton.  4. It is said that he miraculously cured a blind man, and one that was lame, but this might be but a device to gain popular reputation. 5. His easiness to pass by injuries appeared, in the bestowing nobly of Vittelliu's his Competitors Daughter, and giving a large Portion with her. 6. He much relied on Predictions. josephus' the Historian foretold him he should be Emperor, and then should free him from Imprisonment. 7. His covetousness is taxed by most, which his Motto importeth, LUCRI BONUS ODOUR EX RE QVALIBET. But this is capable of a good meaning, which his practice verified. 
Of gain contenting is the smell,  
If gotten, and disposed well.  His end was manly in this parting resolution, Oportet Imperatorem stantem mori, an Emperor should die standing as he did, leaving his place to his son,  
11. TITUS, before his coming to reign, A. C. 79 he gave shrewd suspicion of Luxury (in entertaining of Beronice, and her train, from whom afterward he was unwillingly severed;) Of crueliy, in murdering Aulus Caecinna through a jealous humour, when he friendly invited him to supper; of Avarice, in extorting from others, that belonged not to him; so that divers misdoubted he would prove another Nero. But his sweet and prudent Government quickly wiped off all those aspersions. In so much that he was termed Delitiae humani generis, the delight of mankind. 2. It was a principle he held, that the courtesy of a Prince, should dismiss no Suitor with a sad Countenance. And sitting on a time in company, O my friends (saith he) I have lost a day, in regard he had spent it without doing some good. 3. His Conquest of jerusalem made him famous, not only for the difficulty of the thing, as for his moderate carriage in it, bearing with the desperate stubbornness of the Besieged, and shedding Tears at the burning of the Temple, when he could not help it. 4. The imprecation of the Jews at our Saviour's voting to Death, His blood be upon us and our children. There took place in full measure, and in the same, met to their M●ssias. For so many of them were then Crucified, 
De Bell● jud. l. 6. c. 32.  that by relation of their own josephus, there remained no more space to set Crosses in, nor any more Crosses to crucify bodies upon. Thus was accomplished the Abomination of Desolation spoken of by Daniel, and repeated by our Saviour, being 490 weeks of years, as the more passable opinion is, from the second year of Darius Nothus, who gave way to the re-edifying & finishing of the second Temple. 5. Upon this success a suspicion grew, that he affected the Deposing of his Father, but his hasting to him, and continued observance of him, soon cleared him from any such intention. 6. His brother Domitian, could not be so excused for plotting against him, whom notwithstanding convicted he freely pardoned 7. His Symbol was PRINCEPS BONVS ORBIS AMOR. All the world falls in love with a good Prince. He seemed the better through the wickedness of his Brother,  
12. DOMITIAN that followed him. 1. Never towardly from his childhood. 2. Being Emperor he would retire himself frequently to stab flies, whence one ask who was with his Majesty, 
Belzebub. Muscicapitaveus.  it was aptly applied, truly not a Fly. 3. He set on foot the second grand persecution against the Christians, wherein St john was banished into Pathmos, and wrote his Revelation; Arrogated to himself Divine Honours, and would be styled Dominus & Deus noster, our Lord and God, to which afterward the Canonists entitled the Pope. 4. The Months December and October are designed to bear his name, as july and August, do of Julius Caesar, and Augustus, but this change of the Calendar took not. 5. When men were weary of him, a Chough is said to have spoke Greek from the Tarpeian rock 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, All shall be well. 6. Which could not be until the Tyrant was slain outright, by his own servants, which the Devil might inform Apollonius Tyaneus of, when he cried out at Ephesus the same time, To him Stephen, strike him, kill him. 7. His word was FALLAX BONUM REGNUM, A Kingdom is a deceitful good. He found it too true, and a better successor than himself Cocceius  
13. An. Ch. 96 NERVA a Father, rather than a Prince of the Commonwealth, he set things right, that his predecessor had disordered, revoked St John out of Banishment, provided for poor, forbade incestuous marriages. 2. His Motto sums up his excellencies, 
Seneca in Thyeste.  MENS BONA REGNUM POSSIDET, my mind to me a Kingdom is. 3. The shortness of his good government, was continued by his adopted son and successor Vlpius  
14. An. Ch. 98 TRA●ANUS, a Spaniard, the first stranger that reigned among the Italians, his justice, moderation, and valour, got him the title of Pater Patriae father of his Country. 2. Notwithstanding the third persecution against the Christians was raised by him. This was so me what mitigated afterward by the Testimony of Plinius Secundus, concerning their harmless conversation. 3. Plutarch was his Instructor, and Lucian that scorner of all Religion, lived in his time, who thought it a disparagement to their great wits, to stoop so low as Christianity. Notwithstanding Oracles ceased (especially at that time) amongst the Heathen, And frequent miracles were amongst Christians. 4. The jews (not lessoned by the late ruin of Jerusalem) raise insurrections against him, in which 200000 of them perished. 5. His word was QVALIS REX TALIS GREX, Subjects prove good by a good King's example. His cousin Aelius  
15. ADRIANUS takes his place, An. C. 113 much commended for his personal endowments, of Memory, Wit, and other abilities. 2. By the Apologies of Aristides and Quadratus, the fourth persecution begun in his time was much stayed a 'gainst the Christians, who at length had so gained his good opinion, that he would have builded a Church for them without Images, if some about him had not told him, that it would be dishonourable to all the rest of the Gods. 3. The jews possessed with a fatal frenzy, are up in Arms again, under an Impostor Barchocab, a son of the star, that should rise in jacob, but he proved but Barchosbah, a son of a lying cheater, this drew upon them their grubbing up, root and Branch, the Plough upon the City, the erecting of another out of its ruins, by the name of Aelia from the Emperor, with the statue of a sow set over the Gate in detestation of Judaisme. 4. After many Journeys, and settling affairs abroad, and here in Britain, by building a wall of 80 miles, to sever the Romans from the Natives, he returns to right matters at home. 5. His word was NON MIHI SED POPULO, consonant to that of the twelve Tables, Salus Populi suprema lex esto, the People's good must be the chief scope of the Ruler, to be promoted by him as a Protector, and Guardian, not as a Servant, or Officer, to be accountable to his Subjects (if he do not his duty) but to God only who is his only Superior. He dies Poetically desperate, with this farewell to the world. 
Animula vagula blandula,  
Hospes comesque corporis,  
Quae nunc abibis in loca?  
Pallidula rigida, nudula,  
Nec utsoles, dabis jocos.  having adopted to succeed him A.C. 138  
16. ANTONINUS Pius, who erected a Temple for clemency: he better affected the Christians, after he had read the Apologies of justine Martyr, and others. 2. He had learned men in great esteem, as Galen, (who was his Physician) but detested Jdlelers, as the bane of the Commonwealth. 3. His Motto shows his gentle disposition. SATIUS EST SERVARE VNUM CIVEM, QVAM MULTOS HOSTES PERDERE. one Citizen is preserved with greater credit, than a thousand enemies destroyed. A.C. 161 His son  
17. ANTONINUS Philosophus follows, who associates to him his brother Lucius Verus, of a contrary disposition. The Philosopher furnished with all virtues, his brother with vices, but Verus continues not long, so that the whole government returned to him. 
Euseb. Eccles. Hist. l. 5. c. 5.  2. He raised in a blind zeal, the fifth persecution against the Christians wherein Polycarpus and justine Martyr suffered. But his distressed Army in Germany, being miraculously preserved, by the prayers of the Christians, calmed him into a more favourable conceit of them. The Legion that obtained this help from heaven, was thereupon termed 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, for not only procuring rain to the thirsty Soldier, but Thunder and Lightning to rout the Enemy. His word was REGNI CLEMENTIA CUSTOS, Clemency is a Kingdom's best preserver His son.  
18. A.C. 180 COMMODUS thought not so. A degenerate wresch and shame to his family. 2. He kept 300 Courtesans, and so many Boys: would needs be accounted Hercules the son of Jupiter, and so encounter Wild Beasts with his club and Lion's skin, had an ambition to have some months bear his name, as julius Caesar and Augustus had; but met at length with a draught of Poison from his Sweetheart Martia & a strangling upon that, to dispatch him quickly. 3. This forted not with his Emblem PEDETENTIM though it ran with all his Subjects desires, who in a manner thrust into his place Helvius  
19 PERTINAX an experienced soldier, An. C. 193 and a worthy man, too good to keep it long. 2. But endeavouring resolutely to right things amiss, he was basely without provocation murdered by the Praetorian bands. 3. His motto is said to be MILITEMUS, Let us March on. His march was soon cut off by  
20. DIDIUS julianus, An. C. 193 who bought the Empire for money, and had his Symbol, IN PRETIO PRETIUM, Money gets any thing, but he had small incoms by his purchase. Niger in Syria, and Albinus in Britain lay claim to it, and he being slain in his Palace by those he traded with,  
21. SEPTIMIUS Severus fucceeds, An. C. 193 commended for a great Soldier, and otherwise a worthy man. 2. He set on foot the sixth Persecution, it being the Devil's policy to employ especially men noted for moral honesty and abilities, to massacre God's Saints, that the world might believe, that those could not choose but be most abominable, whom such wise & pious men were so earnest to extinguish. 3. After some Victories in the East, and building a wall here between England and Scotland, he died at York, his word was LABOREMUS, Let's be doing, which was ill applied by his son that succeeded.  
22. BASSIANUS Caracalla, An. C. 211 so called from a new fashioned cassock that he wore, reaching down to his ankles. 2. He professed that in all his life, he never learned to do good. He slew his brother Geta in his stepmother Julias arms, whom afterward he took to wife, and slew Papinian●u the famous Lawyer, because solicited by him to defend his fratricide, his answer was, that it was a crime sooner committed then defended. 3. In a frantic humour he would be accounted Alexander the Great, and Achilles, conforming the posture of his body to their statues. His Motto was, OMNIS IN FERRO SALUS, All safety lies in the sword: but the sword could not protect him, for going to untruss a point, in his expedition against the Parthians, he was slain by one Marshal a Centurion, by the setting on of Opilius.  
23. An. C. 217 Macrinus an unworthy wight, who took the government upon him, which Audentius an able man waved, when it was offered unto him. 2. He made a dishonourable peace with the Parthians, associates his son Diadumenus to be Coemperour with him. 3. His word is said to be, FERENDUM ET SPERANDUM: Bear he might, but no good he could hope, from such detestable beginnings. His Son with himself were s●aine together by their own Soldiers, to make way for Antoninus  
24. An. C. 218 HELIOGABALUS a monster, the bastard of Caracalla by Simiamira a strumpet, whom he is said incestuously to have used. 2. He erected a Temple to the Sun, whose Priest he was, and would constrain the Christians to worship in it; Married a Vestal, and defended the fact to the Senate, that he might do it being a Priest. 3. His setting up a Senate of Women, was a new fetch of Policy, and their Ordinances were correspondent, as what attire each Woman should use, 
Pezel●us ex Aurel. Herod. an. Capitolin.  how they should take place, when salute etc. set down by Authors. His word was SWS SIBI QVISQVE HERAES OPTIMUS, Every man should be his own Heir, no matter for posterity. Those soldiers that chose him exequted him in a Privy, and sent him to cleanse himself in Tybur. His cousin Alexianus succeeded him by the name of  
25, An. C. 222 ALEXANDER Severus: He was somewhat harsh to the Christians in the beginning, but afterward favoured them so fare, that he had the picture of Abraham, and Christ in private, and would have built a Temple for Christians, if Ulpian the Lawyer (whose advice he much used) and some others, had not diverted him from it. 2. His Mother Mammea sent for Origen, and was instructed by him in grounds of Christianity. 3. He was a strict exactor of Discipline, an utter enemy to Idleness, buying and selling of offices, cheat in matter of trust: whereupon he adjudged one to be stifled with smoke, that had vented smoke in stead of substance. His Motto was that of our Saviour's, QVOD TIBI HOC ALTERI, Do as thou wilt be done unto. Yet all these excellencies, could not shield him from his barbarous Soldiers, who slew him together with his good Mother, near Mentz in Germany. Of whom the Cyclopean ringleader was  
26. MAXIMINUS Thrax, in a hurry made his successor. An. C. 235 A man of a vast stature, two foot and a half higher, than any in the Army, devouring forty pound of flesh daily, with about six gallons of wine to digest it. 2. Advanced by Severus, he furthered the conspiracy against him, and persecuted the Christian's more spitefully, because he favoured them. 3. As this seaventh persecution was the shortest, so it was most violent, not of the common sort so much, as of their especial Leaders, who were either cut off from them, 
Chrys. in Heb. 13. v. 17.  or hireling intruded for them, or their flock set up against them. 4. His boisterous tyranny so exasperated his Soldiers, that they set up one Quercianus against him, but he quickly made away, the Gordianis with the like success appear in afric, of whom the younger was slain by Capellanus, Maximinu's friend, and the elder, strangled himself. 5. For the Senate's favouring those Competitors, he hastened with his Army to Rome, to be revenged of them, but was slain in besieging Aquileia, where the women cut off their hair to make bowstrings, to shoot against him. 6. At which siege his Soldier's mutiny, slay him and his son, professing that of an ill breed, not a Whalpe must be left. 7. His word was, QVO MAJOR HOC LABORIOSIOR, Greatest pains taking, should attend the greatest abilities, but not to do mischief, but good. As this man's competitors Balbinus and Puppianus were like to have done, but they were cut off before they were settled, and therefore not reckoned in the line of Emperors.  
27. A.C. 239 GORDIANUS succeeds, a young Nephew of Gordianus the elder, He had good success against Sapor of Persia. 2. The Symbol ascribed unto him is PRINCEPS MISER QVEM LATET VERITAS, Unhappy is that Prince from whom truth is concealed. This was this young man's cause, who was basely made away by  
28. A.C. 244 PHILIPPUS Arabs his General. 1. It is said that he was Baptised with his Mother, and Family, but Scaliger denies it, he was never observed to laugh, was a deep dissembler, according to his Motto, MALITIA REGNO JDONEA, 
Pomponiva Latus.  wickedness fits to Govern. He found the fruit of it, being with his son slain by the Soldiers, to make way for  
29. A.C. 251 DECIUS approved by the Senate and Soldiers, a man beyond exception both for Valour and conversation. 2. But whether it were for hatred to Philip, that seemed to favour Christianity, or to get a mass of money which Philip had left in Pope Fabians hands, or some other secret aim: He became the author of the 8th terrible Persecution, wherein Orignae faultered, 
Niceph. l. 5. c. 27.  Apollonia had her teeth beaten out, and the seven that slept 129 years in a Cave, from that time to Theodosius, with divers other are Registered. 3. In his time Paul an Egyptian betaking himself into the Wilderness to avoid persecution, became the first Hermit. 4. His word was, APEX MAGISTRATUS AUTHORITAS, and his sons, Fugitivo nulla Corona, authority he had sufficient but that freed him not from the Treason of  
30. A.C. 252 TREBONIANUS Gallus, who basely betrayed him to the Goths, by whom he and his son young Decius, perished. 2. But the same Lot quickly befell Gallus with his son Volusian, from Aemilianus. 3. Good Symbols are attributed to these, as to Gallus, NEMO AMICUS IDEM ET ADULATOR, No Flatterer can be a true friend; to Volucian PUBLICA FAMA NON EST VANA, That all report, is likely to have some truth in it; To Aemilian, NON GENS SED MENS, NON GENUS SED GENIUS. Not Race or Place, but Grace truly sets forth a man. These had only the title of Emperors, but soon fell before  
31. VALERIAN, A.C. 255 A man received at first with great applause; but afterward perverted, (as 'tis said) by an Egyptian Magician. He raised the 9th persecution against the Christians. 2. In this (besides infinite others by unusual torments) Cyprian the famous African-Father suffered, and Laurence that resolute Champion was Roasted on a Gridyron. 3. But the cry of blood is prevalent, soon after, (it is thought by Treason of some about him) he fell into the hands of Sapor King of Persia, who used him for a footstool as oft as he took Horse, to the utmost vilifying of Majesty, & regret of divers Princes that were intercessors for him. His word was NON ACERBA SED BLANDA, not bitter but flattering words do all the mischief. He associated unto him in the Government his son  
33. GALIENUS, An. C. 260 an unnatural Lump of flesh that never stirred to relieve his Father, but was all for his paunch, and plays. 2. Thirty Competitors were then on foot, 
Pezelius in Sleidan.  under the title of Emperors, who confounded one another. 3. His Motto was PROPE AD SUMMUM, PROPE AD EXITUM, near the top, near the end. In which the Goths grew upon him, the Christians eased from their perseqution, and he slain by  
34. CLAUDIUS', who settled all right in two years, A.C. 267 by two notable overthrows of the Goths of 300000 by land, and their Navy by sea. 2. when these Goths had gotten an infinite number of books, ready for the Fire; Nay, burn them not (saith one) but leave them to take off the bookish Greeks from Martial affairs, that we may the sooner overcome them. 3. He is said to have the moderation of Augustus, the virtue of Trajane, and the Piety of Antoninus. 4. His speech was REX, VIVA LEX, a King is a living Law, which was made good in him. 5. Upon his death by sickness, his Brother Quintilius, stirred to have succeeded, but finding himself too Weak to oppose, made himself away by opening of a Vein, and left it to  
35. AURELIANUS, famous for many Victories, A.C. 369 especially those over Tetricus his opposite, and the brave Queen Zenobia of Palmerina, whom he brought in Tyiumph to Rome in golden chains. 2. Incensed against Tyana, he vowed he would not leave a Dog in it but having taken it, upon a frighting by the Ghost of Apollonius Tyaneus the Magician dead long before, he commanded his Soldiers to kill all the Dogs, but spare the Citizens. 3. QVO MAIOR EO PLACABILIOR was his Motto, the greater the gentler, which he forgot in his latter time. Porphyzius' that furly Antichristian Praedicabilist grumbled against Christians in his time. Against whom the Emperor being about to figne a Perseqution, was terrified by a Thunderbolt which stopped it, when his cruelty grew intolerable, he was betrayed by his Secretary and so slain.  
36. An. C. 277 TACITUS succeeds him, a worthy man, concerning whose Choice, there was much complementing between the Army and Senate, but the Senate carried it. 2. His word was SIBI BONVS ALIJS MALUS, he that is too much for himself, fails to be good to others. 3. He kept not the place a year, but died of a Fever. His Brother Florianus put in to succeed, but finding his weakness, quits the pursuit by opening a vein, and leaves it to  
37. An. C. 277 PROBUS a valiant man, no way dissenting from his name. 2. He subdued the Germans in the West, & Persians in the East, with divers other of the Romans enemies. 3. His Motto was PRO STIPE LABOUR, no fight, no pay, Freequarter was not then in use, the unruly Soldiers that chose him, made him away to have a worse in his place.  
38. An. C. 283 CARUS, slain by a Thunderbolt. His son Carinus for his lewdness, was as soon dispatched, but his other son Numerianus of better temper, was basely made away by his Father in Law Arrius Aper. 2. Carus saying was BONUS DUX BONUS COMES, A good Leader makes a good follower. Numerianus was wont to repeat. Esto quod audis, be thou as good as thou art reported to be, and Carinus comes in with his Cedendum multitudini, most voices must carry it. 3. Aper thought to have carried the Empire by the murder of Numerianus, but he was slain by  
39 DBOCLESIAN, An. C. 284 who was told he should be Emperor after he had slain a Wild Boar, which he took to be this Aper. 2. Being puffed up by divers victories against the Persians and others, he would needs be adored as a God, and whereas the meaner sort used formerly to kiss the Emperor's knee, the better his hand, 
Euseb Eccles. Hist. l 8. c. 2. Socrat. Hist. l. 1. c. 2.  all must kiss this man's foot. 3. He raised the tenth, and extremest Persecution, wherein Churches were overthrown, Bibles burned, whole Cities razed, Women hanged upon trees naked with their heads downward: the bones of Princes and Nobles digged out of their Sepulchers and cast into the sea: a whole Legion of Soldiers with their Commander Maurice cut off, for refusing to sacrifice to Jdolls, by which unheard of Tyranny, he presumed to perform that which he openly professed, that he would root out the profession of Christianity. 4. 
Isai. 32.  But God hath a hook for such Wild Beasts noses. In his government he makes Maximianus, Augustus with him, to whom five Caesar's more are assumed, who agreed not well amongst themselves. 5. Growing old, and weary in seeing that his mischievous plots took not wished effect, he persuaded his partner Maximianus to depose with him all government, and to live as private men, which was done according to his Motto, NIL DIFFICILIVS EST QVAM BENE IMPERARE, Nothing is more difficult then to rule well. 6. When the government fell amongst the Caesars, they justled one the other, some for, some against the Christians. 7. He that favoured most the Christians sped best, who was  
40. CONSTANTIUS Chlorus, An. C. 304 A man of a gentle and free disposition, being a Christian, wherefore in a trial, he proposed to his Soldiers, who would sacrifice to Jdolls, or stand to the grounds of Christianity: he discarded the Jdolaters, and retained the Christians, whose fidelity he might depend upon. 2. After divers victories against his opposites, he died peaceably here at York. His saying was VIRTUS QVAE PATITUR VINCIT, Jnsuffering virtue overcomes. His associates sped much worse, as it will appear in the Empire of his son, who gins the next Period.  

2. IN this Period (besides the Birth, and Life, and Sufferings of our Saviour, with his Resurrection, and Ascension, the descending of the Holy Ghost, and spreading of the Gospel by the Apostles before touched upon) 1. The storming of the Christian Church, at her first appearance under the ten notorious Persecutions, is especially remarkable; Wherein not Rebellious opposition, or deluding projects, or hypocritical tergiversations, but prayers, and tears, and resolute profession, and martyrdom, proved at length victorious. 2. Here comes in the ruin of Jerusalem, foretold with tears by our Saviour, of which one saith Liege & Luge. S ● Paul gives a hint to the Romans, 
Rom. 11.21.  If God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee. Their City and Temple were ransacked by Titus, but put under the Plough, and the whole nation scattered (as at this day) by Adrian, for their obdurate perverseness. 3. Here appears the greatest opposition that Philosophers, Orators, Politicians, and Magicians could make against the Gospel, but ever in the end were worsted. Celsus, Porphyry, Hierocles, with his Apollonius Tyaneus, and the like Mountebanks, how palpably were they convinced, and made ridiculous, by justine Martyr, Tertullian, Origen, Eusebius, etc. in their Apologies remaining at this day? 4. Neither was Satan permitted as formerly to hold up his party by his Oracles, Enthysiasts, and other delusions, which were silenced and discovered to be cheats, and as Dagon broken before the Ark, to the wonder of their wisest votaries. 5. Notice may be taken of the reiterated breaches in this Monarchy, under the brutish Lusts, and Tyrannising of divers of their Emperors, which those of better temper were not able to repair. 6. Insolency of Soldiers, who made and unmade whom they pleased, and often so many at one time, that one devoured an other. 7. And lastly, by the eruptions of the Goths and Persians, who took the hint to overthrow that, which they found so tottering, may persuade domestic unity, to prevent foreign enmity.  

INQVIRIES.  
3. Whether 

1. Tiberius or Near were the more insufferable Tyrant?  
2. Caligula or Caracalla were the veriest Monsters?  
3. Massilina or Agrippina proved the worst wife to Claudius?  
4. Domitian or Commodus more degenerated from their Ancestors?  
5. Antoninus Pius or Philosophus were the greater Scholars?  
6. Trajan or Adrian were the better Governors?  
7. Decius or Dioclesian were the heavier persecutors?       

FIFTH MONARCHY of Eastern Greeks'. PERIOD V.  
1. THe Fifth Period, is from Constantine the great, to Charles the great, and containeth the Dynasty of the Eastern Greeks' for the space of 455 years, in a line of thirty three Emperors, Wherein we have,  
1. An. C. 306 CONSTANTINE the Great, the son of Constantius Chlorus, not by his second Wife Theodosia, (which Dioclesian put upon him) but by the virtuous Helena, his first Wife, 
●●crat. l. 1.  a British Lady, who found the Cross of our Saviour in jernsalem, for which the Pope set up an Holiday. 2. He translated the Imperial seat from Rome to Byzantium, which he builded (as it were a new) and called after his own name Constantinople; built Churches, encouraged Scholars, and was so respective of the Clergy, that he professed, If he found any blemishes in Bishops, he would rather cover them with his own parple robe, than they should be divulged, to the disgrace of the calling. 3. The Famous Council of Nice was assembled by him, and graced by his presence: wherein receiving divers papers of dissenting Bishops, accusing each other, he burned them without farther ado, to persuade them to unity. 4. The hard dealing with his worthy son Crispus (whom he had by a Concubine) through the wrong suggestions of his lustful wife Fausta, is excused by none, and the truth afterwards appearing, the Empress deservedly suffered for it. 5. The Donation of the Church of Rome put upon him, is found to be a forgery. In his time Iberia and India received the Gospel, his Subjects were freed from taxes, and protected against the incursions of Foreign enemies. 6. In his latter time he was wrought by his sister Constantia, to favour the Arians, whom the Council of Nice had condemned. Eusebius Bishop of Nicomedia (the chiefest prop of that Heresy) is said to have Baptised him a little before his death, not Pope Sylvester the first, as the Romanists have feigned. 7. His Symbol was IMMEDICABILE WLNUS ENSE RESCINDENDUM EST, When there is no hope of curing, men must fall to cutting. Of his three sons, (amongst whom he divided his large Empire) the youngest,  
2. An. C. 337 CONSTANTIUS succeeded in the East, whose line we take as most eminent, and less interrupted touching on the other Brethren, as Contemporaries, Of which Constantine the eldest (not content with his share of France, Spain, and Britain) would needs encroach upon his brother Constance, who had Italy and Africa, but was quickly slain in the prosecution. 2. Constance thus having gotten all the West, proves a great upholder of Paulus Patriarch of Constantinople, and Athanasius of Alexandria, the most eminent sticklers against the Arians, whom Constantius of Constantinople stood for. But Magnentius (whose life he had formerly saved from the Soldier's fury) treacherously Rebelled against him, and slew him, but received the same measure from Constantius his brother, who remained then sole Emperor, all competitors being so happily extinguished. 3. He admitted his Aunt Constantia, (Lucinius relict) to live with him in the Court, Her an insinuating Arian Priest had perverted to be of his sect; she infects the Emperor, who becomes so eager in furthering it, 
Hierom.  that Jngemuit totus Mundus the whole world (saith a Father) groaned under the pressure of that Heresy. 4. Paul of Constantinople is banished, Athanasius tossed up and down the World to save his life, from his persecutors, one George usurps his Sea of Alexandria, who afterward for his cruelty being slain by the Pagans, was Sainted by his Partisans, & some would have him to be our Saint George a Horse back, which is not likely. 5. Manifest it is that this persecution of the Arians, was no less bloody, and barbarous, than the worst of the former ten, amongst the Pagans. 6. His Motto was PATIENS SIT PRINCIPIS AURIS, A Prince must have a patiented care, but to faithful Councillors, not fawning flatterers. 7. He associates to himself his Nephew Gallus, who growing (upon some performed service) too Insolent, was soon rid out of the way, and  
3. A.C. 361 JULIAN his brother takes his place, whom Constantius (by reason of his death intervenient) could not hinder from being his successor. 
Socrat. l. 3. c. 1.  His success against the Galls, and Germans cried him up amongst the Soldiers. 2. Constantius suspecting his proneness to Paganism, sent him to be carefully grounded in Christianity, to Nicomedia, where he caused himself to be shaved, and became a Lecturer in public: but he frequented by stealth, the company of Libanius the Sophist, and Maximus the Philosophical Magician, with Jamblicus the Pythagorean, who warped him wholly to their bent, which broke out afterward. 3. In the beginning of his Government, he recalls the Orthodox Bishops, banished by Constantius, for hatred to his predecessor, not for any respect to Religion, as also he endeavoured to reedify the Temple of Jerusalem, not in favour of the Jewish profession, but to spite the Christians, to whom he forbade the use of Heathen Writers, telling them in scorn, that their own more sublime Learning might suffice. And when they complained of injuries done them by Heathen, your God (saith he) hath taught you to swallow all such things with patience. 4. He learned Rhetoric of Ecebolius the weathercock for any Religion. In which he so much prided himself, that all night he would spend to contrive Orations, to vent the next day before the Senate for applause. 5. All his predecessors are Satirically taxed by him, especially Constantine the Great, in his scoffing Pageant, 
See his works set forth at Paris in Greek and Latin. 1630.  which he entitled Caesares. His Misopogon and other tracts, are of the same leaven, except those books which he wrote against Christianity, mentioned by Saint Hierome, and answered by cyril of Alexandria, wherein he is more openly vitulent. 6. His Motto was, PENNIS PROPRIIS PERIRE GRAVE, It is a heavy case, to be slain with a man's own weapons, as the great leader C. Marius is said to be slain, with the same sword he made when he was a Cutler. 7. Leading a well provided Army, with great confidence, against the Persian, he was betrayed by a fugitive into a straight, to fight with disadvantage, where having an arrow, or stab (not known from whence) fastened on him, he is said to have desperately ended his days, with these last words vicisti Galilee, Now thou Galilean (meaning our Saviour Christ) hast overcome me.  
4. A.C. 363 JOVINIAN, a man of comely stature, valiant, and a lover of Learning, Being put to his choice in julian's time, to sacrifice to Idols, or to be cashired, 
Socrat. l. 3. c. 19  he resolutely threw away his Soldier's belt, which the Emperor took not notice of, standing in need of his service. 2. When he was voted Emperor by the Army, he told them in express terms, he was a Christian, and would not be a Leader of Pagans, whereupon they replied, that they were all of his profession, which not wartanted them to take up Arms against julian, who went about to extinguish it. 3. Necessity (drawn on by his predecessors rashness) forced him to a dishonourable league with the Persian, which some too tartly censured. 
Socrat. ib. c. 21.  4. To the Bishops, several complaints presented to him, I tell you (saith he) I love not contentious persons, but such as stand for unity. he was much for liberty of Conscience, and had a high esteem of Athanasius, whom he recalled from banishment. 5. His Motto was SCOPUS VITAE CHRISTUS, that expressed his sincere affection to Christianity. 6. As he returned from the East, he was found dead in his chamber, some suspect by treason, others say that he was casually smothered with wet coals in a new plastered room. 7. Upon notice of his death, the Soldiers choose into his place,  
5. An. C. 364 VALENTINIAN (some say) the son of a Rope-maker, virtue exalteth the meanest, when villainy tumbleth down the noblest. This man was known to suffer for Christianity, which made for his advancement, being banished by julian, for boxing of a Pagan Priest, that besprinkled him with his holy Water. 2. His Symbol was PRINCEPS SERVATOR JUSTUS, A Prince by Justice must preserve his People. 3. Being himself Orthodox according to the Nicene Creed, he settles himself to govern in the West, and leaves to rule in the East, his brother  
6. An. C. 364 VALENS a furious Arian, and a bitter persecutor of those that dissented from him. 2. He was somewhat stopped by Procopiu's Rebellion against him, whom having subdued, he cruelly rend in sunder, between two trees, artificially forced to that purpose. 3. In stead of righting the wronged Orthodox, he caused to be murdered 80 supplicants, that were sent unto him. 4. His saying ALIENUS AB IRA, ALIENUS A JUSTITIA, He will be slack in justice, whom anger sometimes pricks not forward, discovereth, that his anger broke forth to the prejudice of justice. 5. In an expedition against the Goths, that broke in upon him, he was routed by them, and being wounded in his flight, was burnt in an obscure cottage. His brother Valentinian (that disliked his courses) dying in the west, his son  
7. An. C. 375 GRATIAN proved heir, both to him and his Uncle Valens. 1. His Education was by Ausonius whose Poems are extant, St Ambrose was known unto him, and much esteemed by him. 2. He associates unto him in the government Valentinian his brother, but too young to yield him much help, and the less by reason that justina (mother to Valentinian the second) was a great patroness of the Arians, and persecutrix of Saint Ambrose, that stood against ●hem. 3. The issue was, that Gratian being treacherously slain by Andragathius, and Valentinian, strangled in his bed by Arbogastus, Justina was left together with the Empire, in a woeful plight, which soon ended her. 4. Gratians Motto is said to be, NON QVAM DIV, SED QVAM BENE, It is not to be looked after how long, but how well we run our race. Valentinians was, AMICUS VETERRIMUS OPTIMUS, An old friend is the best. Such a one God raised to these two unfortunate Princes.  
8 An. C. 379 THEODOSIUS Magnus a Spaniard, who was assumed for his experienced valour, and virtue, to join with him and his brother Valentinian, to make head against their potent enemy. 2. Which he performed, not only by revenging their untimely deaths upon Andragathius, and Arbogastus, but also upon Maximus, and Eugenius, their Generals, whom he utterly defeated. 3. Remarkable are the Verses of Claudian, 
De 3. Consul●. Honorii.  concerning the miraculous support of God, fight for him, against those combined Rebels. 
O nimiùm dilecte Deo! cui fundit ab antris  
Aeolus armatas hyemes, cui militat aether,  
Et Conjurati veniunt ad Classica venti.  
O much beloved of God, from Heaven who sends,  
Armed Tempests for thine aid: sore whom the air  
Courageously doth fight, its Force thee lends  
Confederate winds, which at that call repair.  4. He carried the name of Christ in his Victorious Banners, being reproved by St Ambrose, 
Ruff. l. 2. c. 2●. Theod. l. 5. c. 17.  for the rash Massacring of the Citizens of Thessalonica, and denied entrance into the Church at milan, he was so fare from taking it as an affront, that he humbled himself by Penance, & Tears, 
Theodoret. lib. 5. Hist. Ib. c. 26.  till he received Ecclesiastical Absolution. To which may be added the taking in good part of the bold reproof of Amphylochius, Bishop of Iconium, for being more tender of his son's neglect, than he was of the honour of the son of God, which he suffered the Arians to diminish. 5. His saying was ERIPERE TELUM, NON DARE IRATO DECET. An angry man should be disarmed rather, then furnished with a Weapon. 6. His death was as his life, full of honour. 7. Of the two sons left behind him, Honorius the younger succeeded in the West, as  
9 A.C. 383 ARCADIUS had the East, whose line we follow. But as Sitllico appointed Guardian to his brother Honorius, proved false to him in the West: Ruffinus his Tutor in the East, took the same course to betray him to the Goths, which discovered in time, deservedly cut him off. 2. Freed from this hazard, Eudoxia his Wife, and Gaina his General, led him at their pleasure, whereby the famous chrysostom, (reproving freely their plots for Arianisme) was twice banished, and from the last never returned. 3. His Symbol was, SUMMA CADUNT SUBITO. The higher the ascent the more subject to ruin, and danger in the fall. After his death his son,  
10. A.C. 408 THEODOSIUS the second succeeds him. He was commended by his Father to the Tuition of Isdegird King of Persia, but Antonius at home, and his Sister Pulcheria, were his best instructers. 2. His sweet disposition and love to Learning, appeared in his readiness to pardon offences, and erecting a Library little short of Ptolomeus Philadelphus in Egypt. 3. By procurement of his Sister Puleheria, he took to Wife Eudocia the Daughter of one Leontius a Philosopher, for her rare parts of behaviour, Learning and Beauty, of whom he became afterwards causelessly Jealous, which put her upon a Pilgrimage to Jerusalem, where the Priests had got a Text, Domine in Eudocia tua, to put her to great expenses to Build for their conveniency. 
* 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Ps. 51.18.  4. Goths and Vandals under their Leaders Attyla and Gensevick much infested the Empire. For withstanding of whom, he associates unto him his Cousin, passed by the name of Valentinian the third. His General Aetius, gave the great overthrow to Attila, in the Fields of Catalaunia, whom his ungrateful Master requited with death for his service. Better sped Ardaburius, for his rooting out Iohn ●he Usurper, having his deliverance (as it is conceived) wrought by Miracle. 4. It may not be omitted, what course Pulcheria took with this Prince, to make him the more wary for signing Bills which were brought unto him, without reading them, or considering what they contained. Among a bundle brought unto him, she puts in one, wherein was contained, that he sold his Empress for a Slave. This passed under his hand amongst the rest, which when he saw he was sufficiently lessoned to consider what he granted. 6. A care was taken by him, to gather out of a heap of unordered Laws, such as were of special use for his Government, and so to be set down, that those which were to observe them, might know them. 7. His Motto was TEMPORI PARENDUM, we must fit us (as fare as it may be done with a good Conscience) to the time wherein we live, with Christian prudence. He died with a fall from his Horse, and left to succeed him  
11. An. C. 450 MARTIANUS an ancient man, and an experienced Soldier. Pulcheria (that had the chief hand in her Brother Theodosius days for most matters of Government) was content to take him for her Husband, to rule as she had done in a manner before. 2. He aimed at Peace above all things, being superannuated for action. 3. Wherefore his saying was PAX BELLO POTIOR. Give me peace, and let others quarrel. In which he dies, and  
12. An. C. 456 LEO THRAX takes his place, a worthy man, and so propense unto mercy, that his Emblem was, REGIS CLEMENTIA VIRTUS, No virtue sets forth a Prince more, than Clemency. 2. He had much ado with Asper, a potent Gothe, who forced him to design his son Ardabarius to be his successor, but it was done with such dislike of the Senate and People, that the Heads both of father and son paid for it. 3. He professed that he rather would have Philosophers than Soldiers in his pay, designs his Grand child to succeed him by the title of Leo the second, but he waved it by a rare example, and conferred it upon his Father  
13. An. C. 474 ZENO, whom he Crowns with his own hands, and dies soon after. This man was as mishapen in body, as untoward in manners. 2. Whereupon his Wife Berrina thrust in Basiliscus her brother into his Throne, who held it for a while with little content to the Subjects, which made him to be soon discarded, and Zeno returns to govern again. 3. Where continuing his habitual disordinarilesse, it brought him to a kind of Apoplexy. In a fit of which, he was buried alive, but recovering in his Sepulchre, and crying for help, his Wife Ariadne was so kind to deny it him. His word was MALO NODO MALUS CUNENS, an ill wedge to an ill block, must be fitted accordingly. No sooner was he so disparched, but  
14. An. C. 491 ANASTATIUS Dicorus had his place and wife together, so called for having the pupils of his eyes of divers colours, one black, the other grey. 2. He proved a great patron of the Eutychians, which procured great stirs in the Church, and hard measure to the right believers. In his time Byzantium was delivered, by the burning glasses of Proclus, which set the Beseigning Navy on fire, and Cabades of Persia escaped out of prison, by prostituting his fair Queen to the Goalor. 3. His word was MELLITUM VEN ENUM, BLANDA ORATIO. Smooth talk proves often sweet poison. He is said to have been warned in his sleep to do no hurt to Justine, and Justinian, whom he had designed to be made away for plotting against him. Himself was slain with a Thunderbolt, and  
15. An. C. 518 JUSTINUS succeeds him, who was first a Swineherd, than a Herdsman, than a Carpenter, from thence a Soldier and so Emperor. 2. He proved a great upholder of the Nicene Faith, though himself had no Learning at all. 3. It it worth the noting how so low a Swain, should come to that top of honour. Upon Anastasius death, Amantius a stirring, and a rich Courteour, put a great sum of money into his hand, to purchase the Empire for his friend Theocritianus, which plot, if it took, would easily make both them gainers by the bargain. But Justin wisely employed the money for himself, got the thing, and soon took order with the Hucksters to have a Quietus est from restitution of the money. 4. Much ado he had with Theodorick that perfidious Arian Gothe, who put to death the worthy Symmachus and learned Boethius. 5. The ruin of Antioch by an Earthquake, almost broke his heart. His word was QVOD PUDET HOC PIGEAT, That should grieve most which is shameful in itself, and done against Conscience. He took order that his Sister's son  
16. A.C. 527 JUSTINIAN should have his place. This man is styled the Father of the Civil Law, which by the judgement and industry of Trebonian and other Coadjutors, was digested in that form we now have it. 2. The stubborn Goths, and Vandals were never so shattered, as they were by his Valiant Leaders. Of which Belisarius may be paralleled with any of former times, he brought Vitiges, and Gillimer their King's Captives to his Master, and cleared him from the rest of all his Enemies. And yet Theodora the Empress in favour of the Euticheans, so persecuted him, that in his old age his eyes were put out, and at the Temple of St Sophy (built newly by the Emperor) forced to beg Date panem Belisario, quem virtus extulit, invidia depressit. Give a Crust to old, 
Procoplut.  blind Belisarius, whom virtue advanced, but envy hath brought to this misery. 3. All the rest of his actions, as the sending the holy Vessels, taken by Titus out of the jewish Temple, to jerusalem to be disposed of, by the Christian Bishops; The revenging of the death of Queen Amalasunta, upon the Barbarous contrivers of it; can no way wipe of his savage ingratitude to so worthy a man. 4. In his latter time (it should seem) he began to forget himself, and he that had prescribed Lawet to the world, was feign to submit at home to Gynaecocracy. His word was SUMMUM IUS, SUMMA INIURIA. The rigour of the Law may prove injurious to conscience. He forgot not to leave his Daughters (some say his Sister's son)  
17. An. C. 565 JUSTINUS the second to succeed him, a man that had nothing commendable in him, a covetous wretch, a Pelagian, and altogether ruled by his wife Sophia. 2. She envying the prosperous success of the Valiant Narses, against the Goths, sent him word that she would have him come home from Italy and spin, but he returned such a message, that he would spin such a Thread, that neither she nor hers should be able to untwist. And so he did, thereupon by bringing in the Lombard's, which the Emperors (exarchs than first set up) were not able to expel. 3. His Motto was LIBERTAS RES INESTIMABILIS, Liberty is unvaluable. He associates to himself,  
18. A.C. 578 TIBERIUS who succeeds him by the name of Tiberius the second, but this was a Christian, and a worthy man, Tiberius Nero was neither. His religious care of the poor was rewarded (as it were) by miracle. For walking on a time and observing a cross in the Pavement under his feet, He commanded it should be removed to a place of more reverend esteem. Which being performed, such a mass of Treasure was discovered under it, that furnished afterward his liberality, and employments. 2. The proud Cosross of Persia, (who at first rejected his Ambassadors) at last was made stoop by a potent Army, which he durst not grapple with, the conceit whereof so broke his heart, that he willed his Successor not to oppose the Roman Empire. 3. By reason of his employment in the East, the Goths strengthened themselves in the West. Amongst which, Lemugildus a King in Spain proved so fierce an Arian, that he executed his own son Elmingildus, for being a Catholic. 4. His saying was STIPS PAUPERUM, THESAURUS DIVITUM, The truest Treasure of the Rich, is the Alms given to the Poor. 5. The best Epitaph for a Prince (in his opinion) was to leave a good Successor behind him. Whereupon growing old, and weak he chose  
19 A.C. 586 MAURITIUS to be his successor, to whom he gives Constantina his daughter, together with the Empire, in Marriage, and so dies in Peace. 2. The Abilities of this man, were found by the Persians, to their loss; and Caganus with his hardy Scythians, which he suppressed, and drove the Huns out of Pannonia. 3. His Symbol was, QVOD TIMIDUM, IDEM ET CRUDELE, None so cruel as a Coward, He found it so by his Tragical experience. For upon denial of redeeming some of his captive Soldiers from Caganus at an easy rate, whether it were out of covetousness (for which he was branded) or dislike, of their rashness, that had enthralled themselves, vantage was taken by  
20. PHOCAS, a barbarous saucy Centurion of his Army, A.C. 602 to affront, depose him, and make him most brutishly away, with his Empress, and all their Children, and kindred. 2. This is the right craggy Rock upon which the Popish Supremacy is built: so that Boniface the third, 
Act. 22.28.  might well use the text of Claudius Lycius to St Paul, with a great sum obtained I this freedom. 3. Some fear of vengeance discovered itself in his Motto, FORTUNAM CITIUS REPERIAS, QVAM RETINEAS, It is easier to get, then to hold an unlawful booty. When his baseness, lust, cruelty, and ignominious ruining of the Empire, had incensed all men against him: He, with all his, were served as he had used his master Mauritius, and in some measure more shamefully, his Privy parts were cut off, and his mangled body boiled in a great brazen Furnace, called the Ox by  
21. HERACLIUS that succeeded him, A.C. 610 Lieutenant of afric, He recovered to the Empire Syria, Egypt, and Jerusalem, together with the Cross of Christ, which the Pagans had gotten. This thence was carried to Constantinople, and afterward to Rome. 2. Cosross of Persia, that insolently encroached upon the Empires, was so routed by him, that upon his discomfiture, he was slain of his own son, who succeeding, a peace was strait concluded. 3. His Motto, A DEO VICTORIA. It is God that gives victories, forted well with his former Actions, but the sequel was not correspondent. 3. He turns Monothelite, Incestuously Marries with Martina his own brother's daughter, and makes a Law, that others might do the like. This drove on the Saracens, who for want of pay, revolted from him, & followed the Impostor Mahomet, who about that time set forth his nonsense poisoning Alcoran. 4. The Emperor struggles to make head against them, but God's hand was not with him: the Saracens give him a great overthrow, and another time (like the loss of Zanacherib) 52000 men of his Army, were found dead in one night, without any apparent executioners. 5. His incest was followed by a strange priapism, which together with a dropsy ended his days. His son  
22. An. C. 642 CONSTANTINE (by a former Wife) enjoyed his place for four Months, but then was poisoned by Martina his stepmother, to make way, for her son Heraclionas. 2. But the plot held not, Her tongue was cut out, and her son's nose cut off, both were banished by the Senate of Constantinople. 3. His word is said to be, INSANIA LAETA VOLUPT AS EXCESSIVE, Pleasure is but a kind of Madness. His son  
23. An. C. 642 CONSTANS was set in his place, a Monothclite, for withstanding which Heresy, he dealt barbarously with Martin Bishop of Rome, whose hands and tongue he cut off, and then banished him, shamefully plundered Rome, which he said he would make glorious. 2. The Saracens overthrew him, and prevailed mightily every where, with their new Koran dotages. 3. His word was PARENDUM NECESSITATI, Necessity must be obeyed. He was slain in Scicilia by his Soldiers, and  
24. An. C. 669 CONSTANTINE his son obtains his place: He was termed Pogonatus for his bringing home a beard with him from the Wars, whereas he went forth without it. He slew Mezentius his competitor, who was cause of his Father's death: overthrew the Saracens, and made them tributaries: made Peace with the Bulgarians, by leaving them Misia to inhabit. 2. He held the great Counceli in Trullo against the Monothelites, in which Pope Honorius was condemned for maintaining that Heresy. 3. His word was QVOD CITO FIT, CITO PERIT, Quickly come, quickly gone, Hast makes waist. About this time the Bishop of Rome assumed the title 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to be uncontroleable, which Luther takes notice to be about the year 666 the number of the Beast. 
Apoc. 13.  To Pogonatia succeeds his son  
25. An. C. 685 JUSTINIAN 2d. He broke the League with the Saracens and Bulgarians, to the dishonour of Christianity, and their great advantage, was led to all mischief by two Favourites, Stephanus and Theodorus, who paid for it at last in the Belly of a glowing Brazen Bull. 2. For his intolerable tyranny Leontius a Noble man about him, apprehends him, slits his nose, and banisheth him, and supplies his place. But Absimarus set up by the Soldiers and People, soon serves him in the same kind, and thrusts him into a Monastery. This holds not long, but Justinian is restored, by the kindness of Terbellis Prince of Bulgary, tramples Leontius, and Absimarus (brought to him) under his feet, and so caused them to be beheaded 3. His Motto was, MULTI NIMIUM, NEMO SATIS, Many have too much, none is content. His carriage (nothing mended by his sufferings) discontented all men, so that he was slain by one of his own Servants, set on by  
26. PHILIPPICUS Bardanes, An. C. 711 who by the Votes of the Army and People takes his place. This man shown himself to be a Monothelite, in that he was so fierce against the sixth Synod that condemned them, that the Images and Statuas of the Bishops must be demolished, that had a hand in it. 2. Here began the bloody controversy between the East and West Church, concerning Images: Constautine the Pope (whose feet Justinian the second had lately honoured with a kiss) in pity stood for those harmless things, that could not speak for themselves, Bardanes was valiant against them. The Pope takes upon him to Excommunicate him, and deprive him of his Sovereignty for Heresy, but upon what sure grounds it remains yet to be showed. 3. His Motto well fitted his condition, FORTUNA CITO REPOSCIT, QVAE DEDIT, That which fortune gave, she will again soon have. For he was deprived of sight and life by his own Secretary.  
27. ANASTATHIUS succeeds him, a man of good parts, An. C. 713 and was likely to have made good use of them. 2. His word was, SI NON DES, ACCIPIT VLTRO, If thou give not to some, they will make bold to take it, This fell to his lot, for before he was settled in his Throne  
28. THEODOSIUS 3d an obscure man, A.C. 715 was set up by the Soldiers to Rebel against him, and having the better of him, only shaved his crown, and thrust him into a Monastery. 2. He was for restoring Images in Churches, to strengthen himself by the Popish faction. His saying was, PATIENTIA REMEDIUM MALORUM: He was soon put to practice of it, for as he had dealt with his predecessor, so  
28. A.C. 716 LEO Isaurus used him, overcomes him, shaves him, and claps him into a Monastery, which kind of life (some say) he voluntarily embraced. 2. The quarrel against Images is with greater vigour by this man revived, whence the Monks term him Jconomachus, Theomachus, Cononsceleratus, and what hot? He holds a Council in the East, to justify the demolishing of them. Pope Gregory the second, in the West assembles a great company for their upholding: This was that Gregory who is thought (by some) to be the Author of those fabulous Dialogues, which he wrote to terrify Queen Theelindahs' husband into Christianity. 3. The Saracens for more than two years together, besiege Constantinople, but were forced to leave it, through famine and other disasters. 4. While the Emperor is taken up for defence of the East, against these subverters of Christianity, He is Excommunicated by the Pope in the West: who takes in the barbarous Lombard's to make good his party, and works the Subjects in the West, to fall off from the Eastern Empire, who never returned afterward to their due obedience. 5. His common saying was, OCCULTI INIMICI PESSIMI, A close Enemy, is fare worse than an open; yet nether prevailed so against him, nor the anger of the Saints, for burning or breaking their Images, but he reigned long, and died honourably, leaving his place to  
29. A.C. 741 CONSTANTINE the fifth his son. This man was Nicknamed Copronimus, because (say the Image-patrons) at his Baptising, he polluted the Fount: others term him Antichrist, the seed of the Serpent, an instrument of the Devil, an Enchanter, and all this, for persisting in his Father's zeal, for exterminating Idolatrous Images. 2. Artabastus the Governor of Armenia set up against him, was quickly quelled by him, and the Saracens and Bulgarians, tasted deeply of his undaunted Valour. 3. As in his Father's time, so in his, Counsels and anathemas must be thundered against him from the West, in the behalf of Images: this might have been left to the Saints righting themselves, whose Images were broken, as Joas told the men that would plead for Baal; but the Pope had a farther plot in it, to make his market, which was manifested shortly after. 5. His saying was QVID SINE PECTORE CORPUS? What is a body without a spirit? This in him was not daunted to the last, he dies and leaves his Dominions to  
30. LED the fourth his son. An. C. 775 of the same mind with his Father, and Grandfather against Images, which drew on all the reproaches the Monkish Historians could lay upon him. 2. In an expedition against Syria, he returned with loss, which disheartened him (perchance) to the shortening of his days. 3. He had to wife Irene a wily Athenian, who practised to shuffle and cut for her own advantage. His word was QVO FORTUNA, SI NON VTERIS? To what purpose is a fortune, that use is not made of. His Empress Irene, shown herself somewhat too forward in that behalf, for upon her Husband's death, she took upon her, the protection of her son,  
31. CONSTANTINE the sixth, that succeeded, An. C. 780 (being but a child) and the managing of the whole estate. In which she had such projects and wind, that here do were not well liked of by the wisest. 2. She was all for Images, not (as it should seem) out of Conscience, but to ingratiate herself to the West, which grew to appear the stronger side. For this purpose was assembled the second Conucell of Nice, that brings such proofs for Idolatry, that the Images themselves (if they were sensible) would blush to hear repeated. 3. Her Government so disliked her son, that grown to discretion he set her aside, & took it wholly unto himself: Which she stomaking, as the greatest indignity, circumvents him, puts out his eyes, and imprisons him, where with heart's grief he ended his days. 4. His word is said to be, MULIERI IMPERARE, RES DESPERATA, It is a desperate thing for a Woman to rule: which though it be not general, yet he found it so by woeful experience. 5. But the Mother had little content in her sole government after her son's death, although her Motto was, VIVE VT VIVAS, Live that thou mayst live: being quickly deposed and banished by Nicephorus in the East, when Charles in the West lays the ground for the Government of the Western Frankes that follow.  

2. COntemporary with this Period fall in to be noted, especially. 1. The divisions of the Empire, First between the sons of Constantine the great, Constantius, Constantine, and Constans, but the two latter passing away without Issue, the whole returned to Constantius, In whose successors, the second Division was between Arcadius and Honorius, the sons of Theodosius the great, Wherein, (with the line of Arcadius which is taken as most eminent) the successors of Honorius, are usually ranked, as contemporary in this descent. 1. Honorius much vexed by Alaricus the Gothe, drawn upon him by his perfidious leader Stilico. 2. Valentinian his Nephew, by Ataulphus, and his sister Placidia; who ill rewarded with death his noble leader Aetius, that gave the great overthrow to the Hun Atila. 3. Maximus an usurper, soon in, soon out. 4. Avitus. 5. Majoranus. 6. Severus, with 7. Anthemius, by mutual plots consuming one another. 8. Olibrius, and 9 Glycerius of no better note. 10. Julius Nepos, who depoieth Glycerius. 11. Orestes that outed Nepos. 12. Augustulus Orestes son, leaves all to Odoacer King of the Heruli, and so, as this Western line of Emperors, began in Augustus, it had its Period in Augustulus. With these fall in 3ly the eruptions of the Barbarians, to the renting and plundering of the Empire, 1. by Alaricus. 2. Genserick, 3. Atila, 4. Totilas, 5. Radigisus, 6. Ricimer, 7. Odoacer who sacked the City of Rome itself. And the Heruli brought in by Odoacer, the Goths under Theodoricus, and the Lombard's conducted by Alboinus, erected Kingdoms in Italy itself, which the exarchs of the Emperors were feign to comply with. 4. Against these, Belesarius, Narses, Aetius and others, appeared in the defence of the Church and State, not inferior to any famous Chieftains that had gone before them, or succeeded, though they were requited (as divers others have been) with most barbarous ingratitude. 5. In this Period also are conspicuous, three monsters (as three heads of Cerberus) thrust out about the same time, Phocas, the Arch traitor, that butchered his Sovereign and all his Family. 2. Boniface the third, that purchased by the basest Simony, the Antichristian Supremacy from that Archtraitor. 3. And Mahomet the Arch-impostor, apppointed by God to be a scourge to all Christendume, for the Ambition, Luxury, and Idolatry that then so reigned in it. 〈◊〉 Notice may be taken of the virulent persecution by the Arians, and fraudulent plots of Julian the Apostate for Paganism, and Popes for Images, proving fare more dangerous and devilish to right believers, than the violent persecution of the Heathen Emperors. 7ly To stand in the gap against all which, Fathers to confute, Counsels to convince, Princes to uphold and protect them, Martyrs to seal the truth with their blood, never appeared more, or more resolute, then within the compass of this Period, which may well be held the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or chief vigour of the Church.  

INQVIRIES.  
3. Whether 

1. Constantine the Great before his death became an Arrian?  
2. The Donation to the Church of Rome fathered upon him be forged?  
3. Christianity received any prejudice by julian's prohibiting the reading of Heathen Writers?  
4. St Ambrose austere carriage to his Sovereign Theodosius, in point of discipline, may be warrantably imitated?  
5. More Law were lost in justinian's digesting of it, as it is, then preserved?  
6. The Grecians were in the right, in withstanding the Popish patronising of Images in Churches?  
7. The Turkish Alcoran or Popish Legends be more fabulous, foolish, and pernicious?       

sixth MONARCHY of Western Frankes. PERIOD VI.  
THe sixth Period from Charles the Great to Rodulph of Auspurge, sets forth the Government of the Western Frankes, for the space of 472 years, and had in it 25 Emperors.  
1. CHARLES the Great Son of Pipine, An. C. 802 and Grandchild to Charles Martell of France, whose great service for Christendom against the Saracens, trod a path for this man to go further. 2. He settled the French distractions, quelled the Saxons often Rebellion, subdued the Danes, pacified Bobemia, overthrew the Saracens, and Huns, expelled the Lomberds with their King Desiderius, after their long tyrannising in Italy. 3. Proceeding afterwards to Rome, and composing the differences there between the Pope and People, to the seeming content of all parties. Pope Leo the third (seriously and solemnly, as though it had been in his gift.) bestows upon him the title of Emperor, with the applause of all, and his modest acceptation. 4. Notwithstanding to strengthen his interest, he transacts both with Ireno the Empress then of the East (between whom and himself, and their son and daughter was a treaty of Marriage, which took not,) and also with Nicephorus, Irenes' successor, which quitted him from usurping that, he had by composition. 5. His averseness from allowing the Popish upholding Images, appears in a Council he held at Frankford, and his writiag against the 2. Council of Nice. He Erected three Universities, 
Bononia. Papia. Paris.  of which Paris the chiefest, had its especial rules and ordering from Alcuinus our Oxford man, who was the Emperor's Tutor. 6. Whatsoever is pretended of Constantine's, it was Pipines', and Charles Donations that set Rome on float, and the rather, for the good service Pope Zachary did in the Deposing Childerick, the lawful King of France, which was the advancing of Pipine to be a King, and his son an Emperor. 7. His Motto was, CHRISTUS REGNAT, VINCIT TRIUMPHANT. Christ reigns, Conquers and Triumphs, expresses his Christian humility in all his greatness. After so many Battles and hazards, He dies peaceably in a good age, leaving his son  
2. A.C. 814 LUDOVICUS Pius to succeed him. This man is said to have confirmed all the Donations of his Father and Grandfather to Rome, with remitting unto them the choice of their Popes amongst themselves, 
Distinct. 63.  but that Canon, Ego Ludovicus, where the Grants are contained, is suspected to be forged. 2. 
Pezelius.  He renewed the League with the Greeks, repressed the Tumults amongst the Britons and Bulgarians, cut of his Cousin Bernard's head King of Italy, for affecting the Empire. 3. For adhering constantly to his second wife judith, which the Clergy pretended was too near of Kin to him by their Canons, the sons of his former wife Rebel against him, and imprison him, and his Clergy makes bold to Excommunicate him, but he was soon restored again upon better consideration, & all matters well composed. 4. He caused the Bible to be translated into the Saxon Tongue, without contradiction for aught we find of the Popes then being. 5. His saying was OMNIUM RERUM VICISSITUDO. Every thing takes its turn, and seldom comes a better. It proves here in his son,  
3. An. C. 841 LOTHARIUS who quarrelling at his first entrance, with his brother Lewes, and Charles, was twice overthrown by them. Charles getting from him for his share, France; and Lewes, Germany; leaving only to him Italy, with Gallia Narbonensis, and Austrasia which he termed by his own name Lotharingia, to uphold the title of the Emperor, which they sought not after. 2 In his time the Saracens Plundered Italy, which he could not help, and Pope johan had gotten St Peter's Chair, whose sex could not be so well discerned, saith Chalcondilas, because the Popes usually shave their Beards. 3. He is passed with this Symbol VBI MEL, JBI FEL. Gall commonly accompanies honey, which broke him so much that he qu●●ted his Empire, and betook himself to a Monastery, where he ended his days, leaving his charge to  
4. LUDOVICUS the second his son. 1. An. C. 856 He repressed the Saracens in Italy, subdued the Slavonians, and brought them to Christianity. Wanted not will, but power to do more good. 2. At the Election of Adrian the second, without notice given to his Ambassadors then being in Rome, he was slighted with this excuse, that no contempt was meant therein, but a prevention of an ill conceit, that a Pope could not be chosen, if such a presence were wanting. 3. His saying was PAR SIT FORTVNA LABORI, I ask but success according to my pains taking. He dies without Issue, and left the King of France his Uncle  
5. CHARLES the Bald to succeed him in the Empire. An. C. 876 He was first withstood by his elder Brother Lewes of Germany, but his death ended the quarrel. 2. He expels the Saracens out of Rome and reigned not so long to do any great matters. Bertram was set on work by him concerning the Corporal Presence, which then began to be grossly maintained in the Sacrament. 3. His saying was QVOD PASTORI HOC OVIBUS, The flock never thrives in the Pastor's miseries. He is thought to be poisoned by a jew his Physician in Italy, leaves his son  
6. LEWES the Stammerer, Crowned by Pope John in France, An. C. 878 but not acknowledged in Rome. 2. He meant well, but wanting health & time performed little. 3. His Motto was that of Galba's, MILES LEGENDUS NON EMENDUS, he died quickly & left his Cousin of the elder house his successor,  
7. A.C. 880 CHARLES the Fat. He had France, Germany, and Italy, together with the title of the Empire. 2. And notwithstanding his unwildinesse of body, did much against the Saracens, and drove them from Italy. The Normans and Belgians, put him to more trouble, to whom he was constrained to grant those Territories they ever since have kept. 3. Those sad times set on some to write, Threnos Germaniae, the Lamentations of Germany. according to his Motto OS GARRULUM INTRICATOMNIA, A prating tongue puzzells all business of consequence. He proving unfit for Action, some say was deposed, others, that he died with grief and want. All agree that  
8. A.C. 888 ARNULPHUS his Nephew followed him, he quelles the tumultuous Normans, and in managing other affairs of the Empire shown himself an able man. 2. But falling upon Rifling of Churches, God's vengeance overtook his Sacrilege, most say he died of the lousy disease, others, that he was poisoned by Guido's wife, whose Husband he had caused to be ignominiously hanged. 3. His word was FACILE VOCABIS CACODEMONEM, SED NON FACILE REPULERIS, It is easy to raise a Devil, but not so easy to be rid of him. His son  
9 A.C. 900 LEWIS the fourth is advanced to his place. 1. Never were the times, more dissolute and dangerous, then in this man's days. Beringarius and Lewis the son of Boson in Italy, the Hungarians, Germans, and Saracens on all sides come upon him. In Rome all things were carried by Maroziah the strumpet, and her breed, with whom the Lombard's were associated. 2. His word was MULTOKUM MANUS. PAUCORUM CONCILIUM, Few directors will guide many hands. 3. In him (some say) ended the line of Charles the Great. The Imperial dignity being conferred upon  
10. A.C. 912 CONRADUS Duke of Franconia. It was offered by the Nobles to Otho Duke of Saxony, but he excused himself through his age, and commended Courade unto them, which some make to be of the kindred of Great Charles● 2. He grew Jealous of Henry old Otho's son, and carried a hard hand over him, but at length commended him to his successor. 3. His word was, FORTUNA CUM BLANDITUR FALLIT, Fortune fails when she fawns. This  
11. HENRY the first that succeeds, A.C. 920 in the unquestioned German line, was termed Auceps the Faulkoner, because he used much that kind of recreation. 2. 
Chron. Chronicer.  He was so fare from sueing to the Pope to be Crowned, that he refused that compliment offered unto him. 3, Purchased (as one saith) the holy Lance wherewith our Saviour's side was pierced, 
Hedio.  with some of the nails to the bargain of Radulphu● King of Burgundy, giving him great gifts, and part of Suevia for it, which shows that he was religious in his way. 3. He overcame Arnold of Bavaria his competitor by persuasion, the Hungarians, Bohemians, and Dalmatians by force, 
Sleidan.  pacified all Germany, and divided it into Marquisates. 4. He founded Bishoprics, brought in the martial exercise of Tilting. 5. His word was TARDUS AD VINDICTAM, AD BENEFICENTIAM VELOX, It is a Princely mind to be readier to gratify then to take revenge. Upon his peaceable death.  
12. OTHO the first, his son, takes his place, An. C. 937 whose Symbol shown his generous disposition, AUT MORS AUT VITA DECORA, Better it is to die bravely, then to live ignominiously. 2. In France he freed King Lewis imprisoned by his Rebellious Subjects. In Bohemia he expelled Bolislaus for murdering his own Brother. From Italy he drove Beringarius King of the Lombard's. in Rome deposed that monster John the 12. & settled Leo the 8. in his Chair. 3. For marrying a second Wife, his son Laitholdus (which he had by Editha his first wife our King Edmund's daughter) rebelled against him, but being overcome, and submitting, out of a fatherly affection was received again into favour. 4 Howsoever he was contented (being in Rome) to be Crowned by the Pope, yet he left a decree that no Pope should be elected without the Emperor's consent. 5. After manifold Heroical exploits achieved by him in all parts of his Dominion, he attained the Epithet of Magnus with Constantine and Charles, died in the bed of Honour, and left  
13. An. C. 973 OTHO the second, his son, to inherit his royalties and virtues. 1. His opposite, the quarrelling Henry Duke of Bavaria was quickly quelled by him. 2. He was termed, the pale death of the Saracens, for the often overthrows, (especially in Apulia) given them. 3. The Greeks notwithstanding, under the conduct of Basilius their Emperor, and Constantine his son, had the hand over him (in a set Battle) in such sort, that he was feign to swim for his life, and escape in a Fisher's boat, whence falling amongst Pirates, he hardly freed himself. 4. His word was, PACEM CUM HOMINIBUS CUM VITIIS BELLUM, Let's quarrel with our faults, not with our friends. 5. His Wife was Theophania, the Eastern Emperor's daughter, by whom he had  
14. An. C. 984 OTHO the third, that succeeded him, in verifying the prophetic verse, Otho, post Otho, regnabit tertius Otho. 1. Being but ten years old at his Enthronising, his towardliness was such, that he attained the title of Otho the kind, and (as the phrase went then) Mirabilia Mundi, the Mira●le of the World. 2. Some put the Institution of the seven Electors upon him. A more difficult business he found to rectify the unruly Popes, whose damnable ambition, brawls, and Schisms, took off the best Emperors, from better employments abroad. 3. His word was, VNITA VIRTUS VALET, United valour performs. 'Tis thought he was poisoned in Rome by Crescentius widow, in a pair of gloves.  
15. A.C. 1002 HENRY the second, is chosen by the seven Electors to succeed him, he had the title of Henry the holy, and Lame, before, Duke of Bavaria, being of the blood of Otho the great, some say his son, others his Nephew. 2. Having subdued all the enemies of the Empire, he dealt so effectually with Stephen of Hungary, that the most of them were brought to embrace Christianity. 3. His word was NE QVID NIMIS, Lest overdoing, prove undoing. Kunegundis his Empress, is said to have lived (by mutual consent) untouched with him. This accompanied with other virtues, was made meritorious to Saint him. Some difference arose amongst the Electors concerning his successor, but  
16. CONRADUS the 2d, called Salicus as much as to say, A.C. 1024 as Aulicus a Courteour ended it. 
Alsted. Pezelius fetcheth the name from the river Sala in Franconia.  The great commotion in Italy, he appeased with singular valour & dexterity, where besieging Milan, he was deterred by a vision, (the Monks would have it of frowning St Ambrose) which caused him to leave the enterprise. 2. The deadly Feud betwixt the Guelphs and Gibellines, broke out a fresh in this man's days, in regard he was a Gibbelline as all the Franconians, whereas their neighbours of Suevia were entirely for the Guelphs. 3. His Motto was a notable rule, OMNIUM MORES TVOS IMPRIMIS OBSERVATO, Observe all men's carriages, but especially thine own. He was buried at Spire with his Empress, in the Cathedral of his own erecting, amongst the rest of his Lineage, as the inscription shows, 
Filius hic, Pater hic, Auus hic, Proavus jacet istic,  
Hic Proavi Conjux, hic Henrici senioris.  his son  
17. HENRY the third, surnamed Niger, Black Henry, A.C. 1039 was elected to succeed him. He married the daughter of Canutus the Dane, then Reigning here in England. Subdued the Hungarians and Bohemians, who were always mutining. But thence was called away to Italy, to keep the peace amongst the Popes, who were like to pull St Peter's chair in pieces between them. Three of them he deposed, Benedict the 9 Gregory the 6. & Sylvester the 3. And chose successively Clement the 2. Damasus the 2. Leo the 9 and Victor the 2. Taking an oath of the Citizens, that they should not any more choose a Pope without the Emperor's consent. In him decayed the glory of the Roman Empire. 3. His saying was, QVI LITEM AUFERT EXECRATIONEM IN BENEDICTIONEM MUTAT. He that stinteth strife, changeth a curse into a blessing. The remediless ruin of Church and State, hastened (as it should seem) his death. His son very young,  
18. A.C. 1056 HENRY the fourth, succeeds him, who growing up under the careful education of his Mother, proved a valiant, and wise, though an unfortunate Prince. 2. In 62. Battles which he waged in person (for the most part) he became victorious. 3. For standing for his right in Election of Popes, he was crossed, especially by Gregory the seaventh, known by the name of Hildebrand, and his complices: who twice Excommunicates him, then sets up Rodolph Duke of Saxony his sworn Subject, to rebel against and depose him, bestowing on him as freely a Crown and Empire, as ever the Devil offered all the Kingdoms of the World to our Saviour: 
Math. 4.  but this project failing, with the desperate and deplorable ruin of Rodulph. 4. Notwithstanding his unimperiall submission in an unparallelled manner, at the Castle of Canusium, and receiving there Absolution: His own sons Henry and Conrade, must afterward be set up against him. 5. Whereby at length wearied and broken, after ten years' Reign, he was deposed, and driven to that exigent, that he desired only a Clerkship, in a house at Spire of his own foundation, which was Barbarously (by the Bishop of that place) denied him. 6. Whereupon he broke out into that speech of Job. Miseremini mei amici quia manus dei tetegit me. 7. His usual speech was, MULTI MULTA SCIUNT SE AUTEM NEMO. Many know much, but few (as they should) know themselves. Grief killed him, and made way for his son,  
19 A.C. 1116 HENRY the fifth to succeed him. 1. He urged by Pope Paschall to renounce his right in choosing Popes and Bishops Investiures by Staff and Ring; utter refuses it. The Pope thereupon makes no more ado but Excommunicates him. 2. The Emperor rights himself, by casting the Pope into Prison, which brings him to covenant with the Emperor, that he would lay no farther clay me to those Imperial rights. 3. For confirmation of which agreement and privileges, the Pope takes the Consecrated Host, and deviding it into two parts, gives the one to the Emperor, and reserves the other to himself, with an Excoration in these words. 
Magdeburg. Hist. Cent. 12. c. 8.  Let him be divided from the Kingdom of Christ, who shall presume to violate this Covenant Bound up between you and me. 4. Yet this held not, no sooner had the Emperor turned his back, & the Pope had liberty of breathing, but this knot is easily loosed by him that tied it so solemnly, and Calixtus his Successor, so haunted the Emperor with furies, that he was forced to quirt all his rights in that behalf. His word was MORTEM OPTARE, MALUM, TIMERE, PEIUS. It is not good to wish for death, but worse to fear it. He Married Maud the Daughter of our King Henry the First, but died Childless. His successor was,  
20. A.C. 112 LOTHARIUS the second Duke of Saxony chosen by the Nobles. 1. He was much opposed in the beginning by Conrade, and Frederick his predecessors Sisters sons, but by mediation of St Bernard of great esteem in those days, a reconciliation was made between them. 2. For the settling of Pope Innocent the 2d, whom the Romans had violently unchayred, he marches to Rome, soon right's all that was amiss, is Crowned by the reestablished Pope, which (as a transcendent accident is pictured on a wall with these subscribed verses. 
Rex venit ante fores, jurans prius urbis honores,  
Post homo fit Papae jurans quo dante Coronam.  
The King came to the gate and swore,  
he would uphold the City,  
Crowned by the Pope became his flave,  
alas the more's the pity.  3. He reform the Civil Law by Vernerius directions, and commanded it to be read in Schools, and executed in places of Judicature, which the French took from him. 4. He drove Roger King of Sicily out of Apulia, and Campania which he had long foraged, is equalised with Charles the great. 5. His Emblem was most usual, AUDI ALTERAM PARTEM. A good Judge must have an ear as well for the Defendant as the Plaintiff. He also (as his predecessor) left no Issue, but by consent of the Electors.  
21 A.C. 1138 CONRADE the third of Suevia had his place. At first he was opposed by Henry the proud of Bavaria, and his Brother Guelpho, but that storm was quickly blown over. 2. From this Guelpho, some derive the Guelphs of the Pope's factions who Mortally hated the Gibellines that stood for the Emperors. 3. This hatred is said to have grown first, at the Siege of Winsperg in Germany by Henry of Gibelline the Emperor's son. They of Guelpho's held the place, but their crying a Guelpho a Guelpho, could not free them from the Gibellines Forces. 4. Wherein the condition of the surrender being, that the men should expect the sword, but the women (upon their Petition) should pass away, with as much as they could carry upon their backs: They abandoning all other necessaries, came forth Loaden only with their Husbands, which the royal Gibbelline applauding, dismissed them all with pardon. 5. He made three Voyages into the Holy Land without success, was treacherously dealt with by Emmanuel Emperor of Constantinople, who promising to supply him with Victuals (which he depended upon) basely sent him Meal, mingled with Lyme, whereby his Army was poisoned, and he disabled to perform that which he intended. His saying is registered to be, PAUCA CUM ALIIS TECUM MULTA, Say little to others, but more to thyself. Death surprised him before he was formally Crowned, his successor was  
22. A.C. 1152 FREDERICK, first named of his Red Beard Barbarossa, a Nephew of Conrades. He subdued the Rebellious Italians, sowed milan with Salt, made the Rebellious Count Palatine carry a Dog for Penance, exalted Bohemia to be a Kingdom, and Austria from a Marquisate to be a Dukedom. 2. With this man Pope Adrian, (he that was afterward Choked with a fly) was displeased because he held not his stirrup Hostler-like on the right side. But his successor Alexander quitted that injury, when he trod on his Emperor's neck, with his super Aspidem & Basiliscum, in Venice as hath been . 3. He was of such a ready memory, that whomsoever he had once known, though never so long absent, he could readily discern and call by his name, as though he had been always conversant with him. 4. Many means were used to make him away, especially by the Popes whom he withstood, and stopped Appeals from them. 5. In his time the Fathers of the Schoolmen, Canonists, and Legendarians were hatched by Lombard, Gracian, and Comestor. His saying was, QVI NESCIT DISSIMULARE, NESCIT IMPERARE. He that cannot dissemble, knows no how to rule. Amongst his many Heroic Acts, he was forced to swallow many indignities, by reason of the iniquity of the times. Being drowned in a River of Palestina, his son  
23. HENRY the 6th was declared Emperor, A.C. 1191 surnamed Asper for his rigidness. No Wife could be found fit for him but Constantia the Daughter of Rogerius King of Sicily, must by the Pope's dispensation, be taken out of a Nunnery, (where she was a votaress) and Married unto him, on condition that he must out Tancred King of Sicily, that the Pope might have the greatest benefit of that Kingdom, which was done accordingly. 2. Francis and Dominick the ringleaders of the Dominicans, & Minorites peep up in his days to be supporters of the Pope's Arms. Some tumults in Italy were suppressed by him, and some Forces (but to no purpose) sent into the Holy Land. 3. His saying was QVI NESCIT TACERE, NESCIT LOQVI. He that knoweth not how to be silent, is ignorant how to speak. His son Frederick being a Child when he died,  
24. A.C. 1120 PHILIP his brother by the Electors was put into his place. This was done to the dislike of Innocent the Pope, who thereupon Excommunicated him, but he quickly made his peace, and then Otho the Duke of Saxony was by an other faction set up against him, at first favoured by the Pope, but afterward also Excommunicated. 2. An agreement at length was made, Otho Marries Philip's Daughter, and is assured to succeed, and Richard the Pope's Nephew, takes to Wife the other Sister, and so his Holiness resteth contented. 3. This agreed with his Motto, SATIUS EST RECURRERE QVAM MALE CURRERE. The nail must driven that will go. Better it is to retire, then to run upon the Pikes. But humane plots often fail, Philip is treacherously slain by the Count Palatine, and Otho had little joy of his succession, for he was Excommunicated by the Pope, quickly overthrown, and never acknowledged to be Emperor.  
25. A.C. 1212 FREDERICK 2d the son of Henry the 6th, and Constantia the forementioned discloystered Nun is chosen by the Peers. 1. He was Crowned at Rome, bestowed on the Church the Dukedom of Fundanus, confirmed what Privileges they desired, makes a voyage into Palestina, frights the Enemies into an advantageous composition for the Christians, returns with honour. 2. Yet all this could not content Honorius, Gregoriy the 9th, Innocent the 3d, and Celestine, in those days the Roman Chayre-men, but needs he must be about five times Excommunicated, then proscribed or sequestered from all his Royalties and means, which must be ratified by a Bull, 
Apoc. 13.  commanded (in steed of a Sermon) to be read in every Church, and gins thus, Ascenditè Mari Bellica Bestias so well his Holiness can point out the accomplishment of Prophecies. 3. But this not daunting his Heroic magnanimity, Henry Landgrave of Thuring, William Earl of Holland, nay his own sons Henry Caesar, and Frederick of Austria, are wrought (to their own ruin) to Rebel against him, so operative were the Enchantments of the Whore of Babylon. Lastly to make sure work, in a Council of France at Lions by Innocent the 4th, he is Deposed. 4. Notwithstanding: the German Bishops forsake him not, but devoted the Pope's Legate Behavus to the Devil, for urging such treacherous Proscriptions, the ground of which were the Emperor's doing Justice, upon some of the Pope's Cronyes that had Rebelled against him, and for writing his Name in public Instruments before the Popes. 5. The deadly feud between the Gibellines and Guelphs, at that time was in the height. In which also fell the Sicilian Vespers, wherein the French for their Insolences had their Throats cut in Sicily, and the Inquifition, and Cardinal's Hats had their first Blockings. 6. His usual word was in the greatest threatening of his adversaries, MINARUM STREPITUS, ASINORUM CREPITUS, He that dies with threats, deserves the funeral of an Ass. Of this Emperor runs the distichon.  
Principe in hoc patuit Romanae injuria Papae,  
Et quantum sceleris Curia tota tegat.  
7. His last wife was Matilda our King john's daughter, he had married before jolam the King's daughter of jerusalem, by whom he was entitled to that Kingdom, some say he died a natural death, others, that he was strangled by his Bastard Manfred. His son Conrade, and our Richard Duke of Cornwall, with others were named to succeed him, but none enjoyed the place for the space of 22 years, until Radulphus the beginner of the next and last Period.  

2. WIth this Period concur. 1. The Emperors of the East. 1. Nicephorus who expelled Irene, and agreed with Charles the Great, that he should have the Empire of the West to him and his successors. 2. Michael Curopolites his Son in Law, who ratified the same composition. 3. Leo Armenius an intruder, who banished his predecessor, and was slain himself by 4. Michael Thraulus an unworthy Amorite. 5. Theophilus his son was better, but the Saracens broke his heart. 6. Michael his son comes in with his mother Theodora protectrix, but he mewed her quickly in a Monastery, and was slain himself by. 7. Basilius Macedo, a man of a better temper, he left his son to succeed. 8. Loe more addicted to Astrology then careful in his calling. 9 His brother Alexander follows, that killed himself with gurmundizing. 10. Then Constantine Leo's son, who is said to have converted some Turks to Christianity. 11. Romanus his son, on the contrary, caused his Mother and Sisters to turn strumpets, and himself was poisoned. 12. Nicephorus Phocas that usurped the place, pretended to do somewhat against the Saracens, but oppressed only the Subjects with taxes. 13. John Zimisces out off all his race, did somewhat against the Bulgarians, and was poisoned. 14. Basilius, and 15. Constantine being brethren, pass on without performing any thing worth the notice. 16. Romanus Argyropilus did somewhat in the beginning, but was quickly choked in a bath by the means of Zoe his adulterous Wife, and 17. Michael Paphlago a drivelling slave, after him by the same Zoe is thrust in. 18. Michael Galaphates a base dissembler, who soon outed his patroness, but proved so intolerable himself, that she was recalled from banishment and made Empress: she marries. 19 Constantine Monomachus a slug, they drop away together. And 20. Theodora Porphyrogenita Zoes' sister takes the reins in her hand. This holds not, but 21. Michael Strato an old man, is thrust in by the Courteours, and soon outed by 22. Isaacus Comnenus, who proved somewhat better, yet could not give content. but 23. Constantine Ducas must have his place. This he soon left to his wife Eudochia and her Children, who married that she might the better hold it. 24. Romanus Diogenes, victorious against the Turks, but ungratefully deprived of his sight, and banished, by those whom he had preserved. 25. Nicephorus Botoniatos succeeds, by thrusting the right heir into a Monastery. 26. Alexius Comnenus does as much for him, and treacherously used the Lattaines in their passage by him to recover the Holy Land. 27. Much better was his son Calo Johannes, who prevailed against the Turks, and died by the prick of a Dart himself had envenomed. 28. Emanuel his son was he that mixed chalk with the flower he sent the French, for provision for the Army, and put out the eyes of Dandalus the Venice Ambassador, contrary to the Law of Nations. 29 Alexius his young son, was villainously made away by his Tutor. 30. Andronicus, who had soon his deserved punishment. by 31. Jaacius Angelus, who royally entertained Frederick Barbarossa passing to Palestina, but was most barbarously deprived of his sight, and imprisoned by his own brother, whom he had redeemed from Turkish slavery. 32. Alexius Comnenus the fratricide, he was soon outed by his Nephew. 33. Alexius the third, who restored his blind father Isaacius, he soon dying, left the place to him, which Myrtillus or Murziphlus, a base fellow treacherously extorted from him. He was cut off by the French and Venetians, that settled the first Lattaine in the Greeking Empire. 34. Baldwin Earl of Flanders. He left for his successor 35. Henry his Brother. 36. Peter Altisidorensis follows him, betrayed and slain by Lascaris. 37. Robert his son succeeds, and leaves the place to his son Balwin the second: In him ended in Constantinople the Government of the Lattines, who had held it about 60. years, under five Emperors, although Theodorus Lascarus, john Ducas, John Theodore, styled themselves Emperors of Greece the same time in Adrinople, until 38. Michael Paleologus recovered Constantinople again, about the year 1270. which falls in with the time of Rodulphus Haspurgensis. 2ly In the compass of this Period, sprang up the seven bloody controversies, that set all Christendom in combustians. Concerning 1. The Pope's Supremacy over, Bishops, Counsels, Princes. 2. Their Elections without and against the Emperor's consent. 3. The Investiture of Bishops by Staff and Ring. 4. Priest's Marriages. 5. Images. 6. Transubstantiation. 7. And Indulgences. 3ly In the same compass Postillators, Schoolmen, and Canonists, In Warenfride, Lombard, and Gratian, had their first beginnings and countenancing. 4ly The divers expeditions for recovering the Holy Land. 5ly The persecutions of the poor Waldenses. 6ly The multiplying of Monasteries and Orders of Friars. And 7ly decay of Polite Learning, may be within this circle evidently taken notice of, as matters of no small concernment.  

INQVIRIES.  
3. Whether 

1. The agreement of Charles M. with the Greek Emperors, imply not, that he held Pope Leo's pronouncing him Emperor of the West, and Crowning him, to be no sure title?  
2. That Crowning the facto were a sufficient ground for the succeeding Popes to claim the same privilege de Jure, as essential to the being of an Emperor?  
3. 
In vite Careli.  Those stories and wonders of Oliver and Roland, and the four sons of Ammon, related by Archbishop Turpin, and others, are for the most part fabulous?  
4. The Western Emperors had more trouble to keep correspondence with the encroaching Popes, then to quit themselves from the invasions of other Enemies?  
5. Christianity were more abused and corrupted, by the Schoolman's affected niceties, then by the gross figments of the Legendaries?  
6. The recovering of the Holy Land were of more importance, than the maintenance of unity amongst Christian Princes, to stop the Infidels from coming any farther?  
7. Pious and prudent Preachers, might not have prevailed more for the Enemy's conversion, than the Swordmen performed for their subversion?       

SEAVENTH PERIOD of Austrians.  
PERIOD VII.  
THE Seaventh and jast Period yet current, hath continued for the space of 360. years and more, From Radolph of Ausperg, to Ferdinand the second, and numbers in it 18. Emperors.  
1. A.C. 1273 RADULPHUS AUSPURGENSIS chosen with much ado by the seven Electors, after 22 years' vacancy of the Empire. 2. He overthrew Ottacar King of Bohemia, and pacified the tumults in Germany, was free to the Church of Rome, by bestowing on it the power of the exarchs, and Romandiola, to stop (as some say) Cerberus chaps with such bits, lest they should worry him, as they had his predecessors. Notwithstanding he had no mind to travel to Rome for his Coronation. Quia me vestigia terrent (faith he) as the fox observed concerning repairing to the Lion's den, many paths lead thither, but few tracts appear of returners. 3. He had many children and matched six of his daughters to so many Princes, the seaventh remaining a virgin. His usual Motto was, MELIUS EST BENE IMPERARE, QVAM IMPERIUM AMPLIARE, Better it is to govern well that a man hath, then to enlarge his Dominions, many Cities in Italy purchased their freedom of him before his death, he endeavoured to settle the Empire upon his son Albert, but it was carried against him, especially by the Elector of Mentz. and  
2. A.C. 1291 ADOLPH Earl of Nassau had the place, a man of too mean a fortune, to uphold the Majesty of it. Our Edward of England, sent him a round snmme of money, to uphold his rights, but he was forced to use it to supply his want. 2. His saying was, ANIMUS EST QVI DIVITES FACIT, It is the mind not the Purse, which makes man rich, but he found by experience, they would do well together. 3. In a quarrel between him and Albert of Austria, who had the better purse, he was forsaken of his friends, and slain by his Enemies, of whom  
3. A.C. 1298 ALBERT the chief succeeds him. This man was the Son and Heir of Radulphus the first, surnamed Austriacus, in regard of his wife Elizabeth, he got Tyrol and Carinthia to be annexed to it. 2. Victorious he is said to be, in twelve several Battles, the most of which might be rather termed Skirmishes. Of 21. children which he fathered, eleven came to age, and were honourably disposed of. 3. In this man's time, seven things happened very remarkable. 1. The removing of the Papal seat from Rome to Avignion in France. 2. The subversion of the Knight's Templass. 3. The settling of the Knights of St johns in Rhodes. 4. The Scaligers in Verona, and the 5. Estei in Ferrara. 6. The firstis jubilee at Rome in the West. And 7. the beginnings of the Ottomans in the East. 5ly His Motto is said to be, QVOD OPTIMUM, ILLUD ET JUCUNDISSIMUM, That which is best, should most take us as in itself most pleasant. He was treacheroufly slain by his Nephew and his complices, in which place his sons afterward built a Monastery. His successor was  
4. A.C. 1308 HENRY the seaventh of Lutze●burg, a pious, prudent, and valorous Prince. 2. Having composed matters in Germany, he hasteneth to do the like in Italy, where all discipline was out of frame. Was Crowned in Rome in the Pope's absence, by three Cardinals, omitted no opportunity to give all content: notwithstanding he was tumultuously droven out of Rome, by the faction of the Vrcini, and through hatred of the Florentines poisoned in the Eucharist by one Bernard an hired Monk. 3. That passeth for his Motto, which he uttered upon the first feeling of the operation of the Poison, CAL●X VITAE, CALIX MORTIS, The Cup of life is made my death. Which made way for the succession of  
5. LEWIS of Bavaria, an able and resolute man, A.C. 1314 Against whom by the Pope's faction, and some Electors was set up. Frederick of Austria Albert's son, and Lewis was twice excommunicated, which he little regarded, and was told by our Occam, who stood up in his defence, with this resolute saying, Defendas me o Imperator gladio, & ego defendam te verbo, protect me with the sword, and I will justify that thou dost by the word. 2. In this siding on all sides, Lewis having the better of Frederick, they come to an agreement, both keep the title of Emperors, but Lewis hath the Power and right. In his time the Countess of Holland is said to have had as many Children at a Birth, as there be days in a year. He deposed Pope john the 22. and put Nicholas the fifth into his place. Lyra then flourished, whose Comment upon the whole Scripture, is Worthily esteemed at this day. 3, His Motto was, SOLA BONA QVAE HONESTA, Those things are only good which may stand with honesty, others attribute to him this, HVIUSMODI COMPARANDAE SUNT OPES QVAE CUM NAUFRAGIO SIMUL ENATENT, Englished by our Queen Mary, which we have in a Breviary of hers, under her own hand, to a certain Lady, when she was Princess, to be seen in the Archives of our Oxford Library, Get you such goods which may in a Shipwreck be carried away with you. Some say he died of an Apoplexy, others, that he was poisoned by the Austrian faction of his competor, at a Banquet in a Burgraves house in Norimberg. This is agreed upon, that  
6. A.C. 1346 CHARLES the fourth the King's son of Bohemia succeeded him. Against him were set up our Edward the 3d of England; Frederick of Misnia, and Gunter of Swartzburg, but Edward waved the dignity with such trouble, Frederick was satisfied with money, and Gunter poisoned. 1. In his journey into Italy to be Crowned, all was fish with him that came to net, so that for his capacity he was termed the Stepfather of the Church, and this put upon him, that he would sell the Empire, if he might find a Chapman to gain by the bargain. 3. But with these enormities he had joined many excellencies. As himself was Learned, so he much favoured Scholars, Founded the University of Prague, set forth that Golden Bull called Lex Carolina, wherein he requires that Emperors should be good Linguists to confer themselves with Ambassadors, and prescribes what solemnity should be used in electing, and authorising Emperors according to the Eminency of their place. 4. In this time flourished Wicliffe, and Richard Armacanus for Divinity, Bartholus and Baldus for Law renowned ever since. A Rattcatcher led forth with Taber and Pipe, most of the Children of the Town of Hamel in Germany, who followed him into the side of a Mountain opening, and were never more after heard of. The number also that died of the Plague in those days is incredible. 5. His Motto was, OPTIMUM EST ALIENA FRVI INSANIA. It is a wise way to make use of other men's Madness, which his son  
7. A.C. 1378 WENCESLANUS for whom he purchased the Empire, had scarce the wit to do. 1. He granted divers Privileges to the Noringbergers for a Load of Wine, executed Barthold Swartz for inventing Gunpowder. 2. Bajaz●●● the furious Turk, this time was like to have overrun Europe, but was recalled, and overthrown by the unresistable Tamberlane, and carried about within a Golden Cage, to be trod upon as a footstool when he mounted on Horseback. 3. The Motto put upon him was, MOROSOPHI MORIONES PESSIMI. None are more pernicious Fools, than those that are between Hawk & Buzzard, sots in serious matters, but wise enough to do mischief. He was Deposed for his untowardliness, and  
8. A.C. 1400 RUPERT Dake of Bavaria is Elected into his place. He was also Count Palatine, and from him came the four Palatine Families, Heidelberg, Neuberg, Simmeren, and Swibrooke. 2. He endeavoured to reform much, but could perform little. In his time two Popes were Deposed by the Council of Pisa. 3. His merciful Motto was, MISERIA RES DIGNA MISERICORDIA. Misery is to be pitied from what fountain soever it floweth. To him succeeds.  
9 SIGISMOND the brother of Wenceslaus, A.C. 1411 son of Charles the fourth. He took great pains and travels to settle Peace amongst Christian Princes, yet new troubles still grew on him. 2. The Council of Constance then held, Deposed three Ropes, and chose Martin the first, which without the leave of the Electing Cardinals stood for good. So the Council of Basill afterwards deposed Eugenius the fourth, and put into his place Amadeus, Duke of Savoy, but he soon resigned it again: hence notwithstanding it may be concluded, That the Papists in those days, held not the Pope, to be above a Council. 3. Upon the perfidious and shameful Martyring of john hus, and Hierome of Prague, the Bohemians united themselves under John Zi●ca to vindicate their rights and liberty of conscience. 4. This Zizea (though at the beginning having but one, and afterwards never an eye, was Victorious in 11 Battles. At his Death he desired his Skin might make a Drum, the sound of which would put a panic fear upon the persecuters of God's Truth, and in truth a panic fear Routed once the Emperor's Army, 
Pezel.  when the Hussites or Taborites were in a poor case to resist them. 5. This Emperor's Motto was, CEDUNT MUNERA FATIS, Rewards always attend not deserts, but fortune. He is reported nine times to have assailed the Turk, but never with success, he dies Childless, and  
10. A.C. 1438 ALBERT of Anstria the second his son in Law succeeds him, who held not the place so long as to do any matter of consequence. 2. He carried a heavy hand over the Jews, withstood the Hussites, subdued Silesia, but could not preserve the Christians from that ruinous blow given by the Turks to the Hungarians in the fields of Varna. 3. His Motto was, AMICUS OPTIMA VITAE POSSESSIO. Aright friend is this life's best inheritance. 'tis thought he died of a surfeit upon Pumpions. His successor was,  
11. A.C. 1440 FREDERICK the third, Arch Duke of Austria, his kinsman: a man accomplished with all parts fit for so high a calling. 2. Some place in his time, the overthrow of the Hungarians in Varna, but a greater blow than that, was the taking of Constantinople by Mahomet. A.C. 1553. to the shame and confusion of all Christendom. 3. Printing was then invented by john Guttenberg at Mentz, thence increased at Strausberge, and so communicated to Rome. 4. Upon the Turks possessing Constantinople, the Greeks' flying for shelter into the West, brought the riches of their tongue with them, which before was not so much respected. 5. His Motto was, RERUM IRRECUPERABILIUM FAELIX OBLIVIO. It is happiness to forget that which may not be recovered. After his long Reign, his son  
12. A.C. 1493 MAXIMILIAN the first ascends the Throne. So great a Scholar, that he elegantly spoke Latin, and other tongues: and in imitation of julius Caesar, wrote his own Acts. 2. Great stirs he had with the Venetians, whom he brought at length to submit. Having an interest in the Low Countries, by his marriage with Mary of Burgundy, he was coarsely used amongst them, by a company of rude Mechaniques, detained in Prison, which he endured with patience, and freed himself from, after nine months with admirable prudence. 3. His Motto was, TENE MENSURAM, ET RESPICE FINEM, keep thyself within compass, and have an eye always to the end of thy life and actions. Scaligers testimony of him was, If I should say that this Prince excelled all his predecessors, I should say less than the truth. His Grandchild, son of Philip, Arck-Duke of Austria  
13. A.C. 1520 CHARLES the fifth follows, This man was the glory of the house of Austria. At his Baptising the Abbots offered a Bible with this inscription, Scrutamini Scripturas. Joh. 5. which was Luther's rule, whereby he set on foot the Reformation. and the Protestants in Spira, whereby they withstood the Tyranny, Idolatry, and Heretical Doctrine of the Pope and his Clergy. Adding a hundred grievances, which they petitioned might be reform, according to this rule. But the deaf Adders stopped their Ears. 2. He liked to read three books especially, Polybius History, Machiavel● Prince, and Castalions Courteour. 3. In fifteen wars which he waged (for the most part) he was successful. The lust of which was by Cortes and Pizarre, in the newly discovered parts of America, where in 28 Battles, he became Master of so many Kingdoms. 4. near home, he took Rome by the Duke of Bourbon. Captivated the French King Francis in the Battle of Pavia. Frighted Solyman the Turk from Vienna. Settled Mulai Hassen in his Kingdom in afric. Defeats Barbarossa the Sea Bugbear, and takes Tunis. 5. By the Pope's continual instigations, he carried a hard hand against the Protestants, whose patience and perseverance, with other intervenient crosses, at length abated his edge. 6. So wearied with the world's incessant troubles, he divests himself of all Imperial authority, and betakes him to the repose of a Monastery. 7. His Motto was PLUS VLTRA, opposite to that of Hercules, For in the world a pious contemplation must not be bounded, but seek farther for a safer Haven: Spain and the Low Countries he left to his son Philip, but the Empire, by the consent of the Electors, to  
14. FERDINAND the first, his brother, A.C. 1558 a complete and a judicious Prince. Under him in the Treaty of Passaw, was granted liberty of Conscience, to the professors of the Augustane confession, which much startled the Fathers of the Trent Council, As the grant also did to the Bohemians, for receiving the supper in both kinds. 2. He subdued john Sepusius of Transilvania, entrenching upon the Crown of Hungary, and strongly kept back the Turk from farther encroaching upon his dominions. 3. His Motto was, FIAT JUST ITIA ET PEREAT MUNDUS, Let right be done and come what may of it. His son  
15. MAXIMILIAN the second, A.C. 1564 without any opposition, became his successor, Who was constant to the Tenent, that men's consciences are not to be forced in matters of Religion. 2. In his time began the Wars in the Low Countries, chief through the Spanish Tyranny, executedby the Duke of Alva, on the grieved people, and otherwise on the Earls of Horn and Egmond which yet endureth: The five Civil Wars in France, the barbarous Massacre of the Protestants began at Paris, The famous defeat of the Turks, in the Sea-fight at Lepanto. His pious Motto was, DOMINUS PROVIDEBIT, The Lord will provide for such as depend upon him: under whose protection he breathing out his last, his son  
16. A.C. 1576 RODOLPHUS the second succeeds him, a Prince much addicted to Chemistry. 2. He granted liberty of Religion to the Protestants, obtained divers victories against the Turk, with whom afterward he made a Peace, but according to the Turkish manner, it was kept no otherwise than it might advantage them. 3. But a closer advantage was taken upon him by his own brother Mathias; who extorted from him Hungary and Austria, with some other of his Dominions, to bury him as it were alive, and take his place before he had fairly left it. 4. Archduke Leopold shown himself somewhat in the Emperor's behalf, but to no purpose. 5. His Symbol was, OMNIA EX VOLUNTATE DEI, All must be as God will have it. And God would have his brother  
17. A.C. 1612 MATHIAS to succeed, with whom Gabriel Battery playing false, and tyrannising over the Pregeny of the Saxons, in Transilvania, was slain of his own Soldiers before Verradine. 2. The Protestants standing for their privileges in Bohemia, were withstood by some of the Emperor's Council, of whom they threw Slabata● and Fabritius Smesantius, with a Secretary out of a window at Prague. 3. Bethlem Gabor is chosen Prince of Transilvania by the States. The jesuits expelled Bohemia, Cleselius the Cardinal is violently taken from the Court, Bucquoy and Tampier, are sent to pacify the Bohemians: Over whom the Emperor assigns his Cousin to be King. 4. The Moravians banish the jesuits: confine the Cardinal Dithrighst●in, and Zerotine. The Earl of Thurne ènters Moravia, and Bethlem Gaber Hungary, to force those places from the Emperor. 5. Whose Motto was, 
CONCORDIA LUMINE MAYOR,  
Concord is more than light,  
To set things right.  Which prevented by death, he could not do, but leaves to be performed by his kinsman,  
18. FERDINAND the second, A.C. 1619 made not long before King of Bohemia: The Bohemians except against his election, and choose Frederick Count Palatine of Rhine King of Bohemia, He accepts of it, enters with the Lady Elizabeth his wife, and is Crowned in Prague. 2. Bucquoy the Emperor's General enters Bohemia, Bethlem Gabor stirs on the other side in Hungary, to make a diversion, The Protestants assemble at Nurinburg, and the Papists at Wortzburg, to make their parties good. The Emperor sets out an Edict against the King of Bohemia, and sends him monitory letters to desist, to which he replies and stands to justify his right. 3. Spinola is brought to invade the Palatinate, and takes divers Towns in it: Sir Horatio Vere with the English would have encountered him, but the marquis of Anspacke General of the Protestant Army stopps it. 4. A.C. 1620 The King of Bohemia with his Queen, forsaken of the States of that Kingdom, are forced to save themselves by flight. He is proscribed and put out of his Electorship, which is conferred upon the Duke of Bavaria. Tampier and Bucquoy the Emperor's eaders are both slain. 5. Duke Christian of Brunswick, and Count Mansfield, stir for the King of Bohemia. Heidelberg is taken by Tilly, the Emperor's General, and Frankendale delivered to the Spaniard. The King of Bohemia settles himself with his Queen and Children at the Hague. Tilly drives Maurice Landgrave of Hassia out of his Country. The King of Denmark makes head against him, but to his great loss. Mansfield having left his forces with the Duke of Saxonweymer, dies near Venice, who with the Husbandmen men of Austria, A.C. 1626. & otherwise makes head against the Imperialists, but with no success. 6 Gustavus Adolphus King of Swedia, like a Tempest falls on Germany: Frees the oppressed Princes of Pomerania and Brandeburg: restores the Dukes of Meckelburg, Takes Wrutzburg, Mentz, and all that lies in his way: Overthrows Tilly in two great Battles, at Leippseike, and Leick: Overruns a great part of Bavaria. In a third Battle at Lutzen, puts Walsteene Duke of Freedland to the worst, slew the valiant Pappenheim, with divers other of note of the Imperialists, But was there slain himself, whether by the Enemy, or Treason of his own it is controverted by many: with whom we also end. 7. This Emperor's Motto is said to be, LEGITIME CERT ANTIBUS, It is the better for them that do so, and undertake no War but upon just grounds.  

2. MAtters of Consequence may be noted with this Period. 1. The Contemporary Emperors of the East, 1. Andronicus Paleologus, son of Michael Paleologus (mentioned in the former Period) that recovered Constantinople, this man would not stoop to the Lattaines, Neither his Nephew. 2. Andronicus Paleologus junior. Him follows John Paleologus, under the protectorship of John Catachucenus, with whom Calo Johannes Catachnzenus son in Law, for some ten years partakes in the government. 4. Then two Calo Johannes 5th 6th 7ly Andronicus, with a 8th junior Manuel, follow in a confused and shuffling manner, A.C. 1454 until 9 Constantine the 11. In whose time Constantinople the famous seat of the Eastern Emperors, was made the Imperial City of the Turks, by Mahomet the Great, who thereupon was styled their first Emperor, so that as the Western Empire began in Augustus, and ended in Augustulus: so the Eastern had Constantine the Great that erected it, and Constantine the unhappy that lost his life together with it, and was buried in the Empites ruins. 2ly Within this Period may be also observed seven Expeditions for the recovery of the Holy Land, with infinite charge and loss, and no answerable success. 3. The discoveries of the West Indies by Columbus, and Americus Vespucius, and the conquest in them by Corte●z, and Pizarro. 4. The sailing about the whole world by Sir Francis Drake, Sir Thomas Candish, and Oliver Van-North: to whom Ferdinando Magellane had showed the way, but died before he came to his journey's end. 5. Within this compass besides, fell the famous inventions of Gunpowder and Printing. They of China boast, they had Printing long before, but their untowardly characters show the vanity of that vaunt, and what may be expected from them, that never attained to the perfection of an Alphabet. 6. Hereupon follows the Reformation of Religion, by Luther, Zuinglius, and other pious and Learned Doctors beyond the Sea, which was perfected here with us, by our domestic Bishops, Martyrs, and Professor●, to the admiration and envy of friends and opposers. So that our Constantine hath been reckoned the first Christian Emperor, our Lucius the first King Christened, and our Henry the eight the first that broke the neck of the Pope's usurped authority, which are blessings never to be recounted, without continual thanks to God, that hath so graced this Isle above so many famous Kingdoms round about us. Tamberlane, Zis●a, Huniades, Scanderbag, and Gustavus King of Sweden of this Period, may be justly paralleled with the most famous Leaders, that we read of amongst the Ancients.  

INQVIRIES.  
3. Whether 

1. jewish jubilies may be turned into Christian Marts, to make sale of Pardons, and to get money?  
2. To be Crowned or approved by the Pope, confer any Title or Power to the Roman Emperor?  
3. Wenceslaus the Emperor did well in putting to death Barthold Swartz, for inventing Gunpowder?  
4. The invention and practice of Printing, have done more hurt than good?  
5. Machavills Princeps, were a Book worthy of the esteem it had from Charles the fifth?  
6. anabaptistical Anarchy, be not more intolerable in Church or State then Popish Supremacy?  
7. Supremacy, ubiquity, and the new found Discipline, may not proceed from the apocalyptical frogs, that set most Churches and States at variance one with another?      
So much for the Political History in General.   

OF THE HISTORY OF SUCCESSIONS In States, Countries, Or Families. WITH A Particular Instance in the Succession of Governments, and Governors, in this our own Country, which may serve for a Directory of Contrivance for other States. According to the Method observed in the two former Tracts.  

Ne te quaesiveris extra,  
Domi Talpa, foris Lynceus.   

Abroad let not thy Fancy roam,  
Until thou know what's done at home.   
OXFORD, Printed by LEONARD LICHFIELD Printer to the University, 1648.   

The Dynasty of the BRITANES.  
1. TO Ecclesiastical, and Political History in General, succeeds in particular, The History of Successions, which may be in Kingdoms, States, or Families: the latter we leave to their peculiar Registers, Heralds, or Genealogists: and amongst the diversities in the first, pitch only upon a Brief of the Chronicles, of this Kingdom of England.  
2. In which may be observed, the several Dynasties or Governments Of 

1. BRITANES.  
2. SAXONS.  
3. DANES.  
4. NORMANS.  
5. PLANTAGENETS.  
6. tudor's.  
7. STUARTS.    
3. The Dynasty of the Britan's, is so interlarded with Fables, and perplexed through Confusion; that Authors herein consent not, where to begin, how to go onward, or when to end, that the parts of it may tolerably hang together. To touch on all therefore that is usually said, as well upon obscurer, or surer grounds, These Distances (for memory) may be taken notice of,  
4. From. 

1. SAMOTHES to Albion.  
2. ALBION to Brute.  
3. BRUTE to Dunwallo.  
4. DUNWALLO to Cassibilan.  
5. CASSIBILAN to Lucius.  
6. LUCIUS' to Vortigerne.  
7. VORTIGERNE to the Saxons.    
5. THE first Distance in the British Dinasty, from Samothes to Albion, (for distinctions sake) may pass under the title of Samotheans from the first Governor in it.  
1. SAMOTHES. This man is said to have been the same with Mesech the sixth son of japhet, 
Gen. 10.  but if Berosus (brought to light by Annius Viterbiensis) had not said so, 
Bale. Caius. Hollinshed.  those that take it upon his trust, would hardly have gathered it from any Records of credit. 2. He is passed for a great Scholar in Philosophy and Mathematics, neither was he negligent in Religion and Church-Discipline, 
Baleus de scriptor●b. Archilochus. Xenophon. josephus.  but wrote a book of ritual Canons, for the more orderly preservation of it, and that in Phaenician Letters, to whom the Greeks have been beholding for their Alphabet, which divers of our latter Antiquaries are loath to grant. 3. From him (they say) this Island was first called Samothea, in which flourished Samothei a Sect of excellent Philosophers. But when this is asserted by some out of Aristotle, and Sotion, mentioned by Diogenes Laertius; an exquisite Philologist of ours, 
M. Selden.  will convince them of their mistake. For Samothei may rather be deduced from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, Semidei Heroes, a kind of reverend Gods, then from this Samothes to whom his son,  
2. MAGUS is brought to succeed as the right Heir. The name should not be offensive to Christians, 
Math. 2.  by reason of the coming of the Magis to Christ. When● we may distinguish between natural Magic, and Diabolical, and wise Magis, and Witches. The word fetcheth his root from Persia, where the Magis were the King's chief Counsellors, 
justine, others.  and upon occasion once usurped the Throne. 2. From this Fairy King, some deduce the Pedigree of those Persians, but it is a large leap, and unknown, how they got over the Water. What manner of Professors they were amongst the Persians the Poet shows, 

Ille penes Persas Magus est qui sidera norit,  
Qui scit herbarum vires cultumque deorum,  
Persepoli facit ista Magos prudentia triplex.   

The Persians him Magus term  
that course of Sarres doth know,  
The power of Herbs, and worship due  
to God that man doth owe,  
By threefold knowledge, thus the name  
of Magus then did grow.   3. Some are of a mind, 
Sir Thomas Eliot. George Lilly.  that the names that end in Magus here amongst us, as Neomagus our Chester, Niomagus our Buckingham with other, had their appellation from this King of Samothea, whose virtues were continued in his son  
3. SARRON. For this man founded Schools and public places for Learning to Civillize his wild Subjects, with whom nothing else would work. 2. From hence grew that Sect of Philosophers, mentioned by the name of Saronides in Diodorus Siculus, without whose presence, no act of Religion was thought to be well performed. 3. A better Prince could hardly be wished for, yet he was much outstripped by his son  
4. DRUIS, who is set forth to be the Master of Pythagoras, for his immortality and transmigration of souls from one body into another. And the founder of the Druids, 
Lazius de Gent. migrat. l. 2. ex Marcellino.  from whom Timagines is said to have brought the Greek Letters first to Atheus. 2. Their chief seat was the I'll of Man or Anglisey, and most sacred and of highest esteem, were Oakes and Misselto. That which they taught must be committed to memory, not writing. They took upon them the determining of all causes Ecclesiastical and Civil. Excommunicated those that obeyed them not, were so expert in telling Fortunes, that the Saxons afterwards termed every Wysard a Dry. 
Caesar. Picardus in Celtopae did. M. Selden.  Their Opinions are collected by divers, some passeable, other frivolous and superstitious. 3. For their barbarous sacrificing of men, to divine thereby what was to come, and others abominations, they were scattered by the Romans in Gallia, in Tiberius, and Claudiu's times, and afterwards here extinguished by the Preaching of the Gospel, long before which time  
5. BARDUS possessed his Father Drui's place, To his Ancestors Philosophy, Magic Politics, Rites, and Ceremonies, this man added Poetry, and set all their Excel encies at a higher key. 2. From him we have the ancient Bardi, the Chroniclers of all Heroic Actions, and Commenders of their Performers to the Imitation of Posterity, 
Avent. Hist. Brior. l. 22.  whom an ancient Poet thus bespeaketh 

Vos quoque qui fortes animas belloque peremptas,  
Laudibus in longum vates deducitis aevum,  
Plurima securi fudistis Carmina Bardi.   

Then you brave Bards securely sung,  
the pray ses of dead Pears,  
In lofty strains for to prolong,  
their fame for many years.   3. Their esteem was such amongst the greatest Commanders, that if two Armies were even at the push of pike, and a Bard had stepped in between them, they would have held their hands, harkened to his advice, and not have offered to strike until he were out of danger. 4. Famous amongst those Bards (before the coming of our Saviour) were held Plenidius and Glaskirion, 
Leland. Price. LLoyd.  and of late years Davye die, David ap Williams and others. They say the Island Bardsey, had Insula Bardorum its name from them, and Aquila, Perdix, Patrick, Maddoch, and both the Merlyns the Wysards, were from this Institution. Successors to him are numbered by some to be  
6. LONGHO-BARDUS his son who gave the name to the Lingones in France, but  
7. CELTES that came after him, gained the repute to have France, and most of the Western parts to bear his name. In regard whereof John Picardus, called his five books of the Learning of those times Celtopaediae. But these are named only, and may be well left to those fancies that begat them.  

2. COntemporaries here are not to be expected, except Jonithus Noah's fourth son, & Nimrods' Tutor, Hercules of France which he had with his Galathe, 
Grafton.  the Daughter of Jupiter Celtes, and the Battle between him and the Giants, the sons of Titan in Italy, may be ranked with these Samotheans, all of a like being and credit.  

INQVIRES.  
3. Whether. 

1. Those Pieces of Berosus, and other Ancients set forth by Annius Viterbiensis, may be rejected as Fictions?  
2. This Island ever were known by the name of Somothea in any ancient approved Records?  
3. A Phaenician Alphabet were extant in Samothes time, more ancient than the Hebrew, from which the Greeks derived their●?  
4. The Magis of the Persians had their name and Learning, from our King Magus?  
5. The Sarronides in Diodorus Siculus, and the Druids in Caesar, had their Titles rather from hollow Trees of Oakes, then from the Kings before mentioned?  
6. Pythagoras had his Metempsychosis from the Druids, or they from him?  
7. Merlin's Prophecies may be well passed under the title of Old Wives Tales?       

Albionists. DISTANCE II.  
THE second Distance of change in this British Dynasty, is from Albion to Brute. In this appears in the forefront, the terrible Giant.  
1. ALBION, He is set forth to be the son of Neptune the Sea-god, 
Gen. 10.13.  the same with Naphtuhim in Moses, of the house of Cham. These Chamites had conspired and slain Osiris the father of Hercules Libicus, 
Ib.  called by Moses Lehabim. To revenge whose death Hercules (like a good son) bestirred himself, and having made short work with Tryphon and Busyris in Egypt, Anteus in Mauritania, and Geryon in Spain, Lestrigo in Italy must not escape him. Against whom hastening to execute his Club-law; In Gallia he was encountered by this our Albion, and his brother Bergion. 2. Albion had easily brought under the Samotheans of japhets line, who were given only to idle speculations, for to assist him. And Bergion had no less power amongst the Gauls. The Battles join, Hercule's part gives ground, store of Stones being at hand, by command (being no better furnished) they use them, and that with such success, that Albion and Bergion are both slain, & their Forces utterly defeated. Whereupon Poets took the hynt, that Jupiter threw down those stones from heaven to make his son Hercules victorious. 3. Notwithstanding this disaster, this Imp of Cham is said to have left the name of Albion to this Island, which others deduce From Albina one of Dioclesian's daughter's King of Syria; or of Danaus, who caused them to cut their Husband's throats, for which their punishment in Hell is to carry water in Sives, pretty Poetry, but peevish History: These Lasses are said to have companied with Hobgobling, or men as monstrous as them, and so to have peopled this Country, but Hollenshed (otherwise credulous enough) confutes this mainly by naming the 50 daughters of Danaus, whereof none was called Albina 4. Others therefore more judiciously, think it called Albion, either from the white Cliffs by the Lattins, or from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, happy (by reason of the plenty of all things in it) by the Greeks, which conjectures are fare more passeable. 5. Lastly this Giant of ours is made to be the same with Albion, mentioned by Pomponius Mela, and the Author of some Geometrical Demonstrations, touched by Bale and Gesner in his Bibliotheca. 6. A Rabble of Elves are named to be his Successors, as Galates, 2 Allobrox, 3 Ramuis, 4, Paris, 5 Lugdus, 6 Francus, 7 Pictus, etc. Invented by Idle Monks, to give a reason of the Originals of some people or Cities they undertook to write of. 7. Yet David Pencair a British writer, and Nennius are brought to give Evidence for Danaus' daughters floating hither, and naming the place, which is more unlikely, and dishonourable than the Legend of the Gigantical Mathematician Albion.  

2. COontempories here need not to be looked after, in as much as it is questioned, whether their have been such men as Albion & his successors or no, except we would fit him with the company of Poliphemus of Sicily, Finmacoel the great hunter of Scotland, 
Holingshed. Saxon Grammaticus.  of no less than seven Cubits height, Starkater the huge Ki-lcow of Sweden, and Fian-Machon of Ireland, who slew Glass King Logers Swinheard of that Country, of a hundred foot in length, as it was made appear to St Patrick and his twelve Disciples, that at their request, by the sign of the Cross made upon his Tomb, called him forth to show himself, and then baptised him after he had been dead, and in Holl, 'tis not known how long, and so remitted him again to rest in his Grave, according to the relation of john Capgrave in the life of St Patrick.  

INQVIRIES.  
4. Whether. 

1. Albion in Pomponius Mela, be the same Giant that subdued the Samotheans, and reigned thereupon in this Island?  
2. 
See Hollinsheds' description of Britain.  It be likely that any Giants were heretofore of vaster Stature, then extraordinarily have been since found in latter ages, or may be now in divers Countries?  
3. Albion had its name from the forementioned Giant, or from the Lady Albina, or some other occasion?  
4. The Geometrical Demonstrations mentioned by Gesner, be Richard's of Wallingfords, framed for the Clock of St Albon, without relation to the Giant Albion?  
5. It be not a bold wresting of the Text of Scripture to derive Hercules and Neptune, from Lehabim & Napthuhim Gen. 10.13?  
6. There be any likelihood in the Tale of the floating hither from Greece of the thirty two Daughters of Danaus, or Dioclesian?  
7. It be not detestable & scandalous to deduce the ancient Inhabitants of this Island from incarnate Hobgoblius?       

Trojanes. DISTANCE III.  
1. THe third Distance may be termed of the Trojanes, which ends at Dunwallo, and gins with,  
1. BRUTUS' ap Silvius, ap Ascanius, ap Aeneas, A.M. 2855 who having by chance slain his Father, by shooting at a Deer, leaves Italy, and betakes himself to Greece. 2. With the help of divers of his Countrymen Trojanes, there repairing unto him, he forceth King Pandrasus, to give him his Daughter Immogen to wife, and furnish him with a Navy to seek his fortune. 3. This Navy upon a two days sailing, brought him to an Island (that few Geographers have met with) named Leogitia or Lergetia. There he stumbled upon an Oracle (which in great devotion he consulted with) in this Poetical rapture.  

Diva potens nemorum, terror Sylvestribus apris,  
Cui licet aufractus ire per aethereos.  
Infernasque Domos; Terrestria jura resolve,  
Et dic quas terras nos habitare velis.  
Dic certam sedem, quâ te venerabor in avum,  
Quae tibi virgineis templa dicabo choris.   

Thou Goddess that dost rule  
The Woods, and Forests green,  
And chastest foaming bores,  
That flee thy awful sight;  
Thou that mayst pass aloft,  
In any skies so sheen,  
And walk in dismal cells,  
Through places void of light;  
Discover fates behest,  
Direct our cause aright,  
And show where we shall dwell,  
According to thy will,  
In seats of sure abode,  
Where Temples we may dight,  
For Virgins that shall sound,  
Thy praise with voices shrill.   
It is to be supposed he was told, that it was a she Oracle of Diana, with whom he compliments accordingly, and from whom, in his sleep, he receives this gentle answer, in the same strain he had courted her, 

Brute, sub occasum solis trans Gallica Rogna,  
Insula in Oceano est, undique clausa mari:  
Insula in Oceano est, habitata Gigantibus olim,  
Nunc deserta quidem, gentibus apta tuis;  
Hanc pete, namque tibi sedes erit illa perennis,  
Hìc fiet natis altera Troia tuis.  
Hìc de prole tua reges nascentur, & ipsis  
Totius terrae subditus orbis erit.   

Brute fare by West beyond the Gallish land is found,  
An Isle, which with the Ocean sea, enclosed is about:  
Where Giants whilom dwelled, but now is desert ground,  
Most meet, where thou mayst plant thy self, with all thy rout:  
Make thither ward with speed, for there thou shalt find out,  
An everlasting seat, and Troy shall rise anew,  
Unto thy race, of whom shall Kings triumphant sprout,  
That with their mighty power, shall all the World subdue.   4. More here is said then verified, and promised then performed: upon this he goes on, and meets with the valiant Coroneus, and other Trojans in his way, whom he associate to them he had. 5. They arrive in France, overcome Goffarius the Pictish King of Britain, who quarrelled with them to his cost. 6. From thence hoisting sails, he arrives at Totnesse in Devon. Coroneus in wrestling breaks the neck of Gogmagog the Giant, some say over Dover Rocks, others over the Clifs of Plymmouth whither, For which, and other services, he is made Duke of Cornwall, so called after his name. 7. Brute settles the government in the rest of Albion, and changeth its name into Brutaine and builds Troynovant now London: leaves to his second Son Camber, that portion then named from him Cambria, now Wales: to his youngest Albanack, the nor therne parts, termed from him ALbania: But Loegria now. England, designed was for the inheritance of his eldest son  
2. LOCRINE. A.M. 2879 This man upon notice of his brother Albanact's death, that was invaded and slain by Humber King of Huns, together with his brother Camber, sets upon the Invader, slays him, and throws his body into the river near the overthrow, which thence at this day, retains the name of Humber. 2. In this Battle was taken the fair Lady Elstrild, whom he kept for his Paramour, until his jealous wise Gwendolyn, Coreneus of Cornewalls daughter slew him in Battle, captivated the distressed Elstrild, with the young Sabrina her danghter, which she had by Locrine: both were thrown into the River, which of the daughter's name is termed Sabrina, or Severne. 3. Afterward for a while she took the government into her own hands, and managed it in the nonage of her son  
3. MADAN, whom she had by Locrine, A.M. 2914 before the breach between them. He seemed to be inheritor only of his Father's Lusts, and Mother's fierceness: and is noted to be monstrous in the one, and tyrannical in the other. 2. 
Ranulph. Cicestren.  His death is reported to be correspondent to his beastly life, being devoured by Wild beasts, amongst which he fell in hunting, leaving behind him his son  
4. MEMPRICIUS to succeed him. A.M. 2954 With him his brother Manlius challengeth an interest in the Kingdom, but under colour of a Treaty, he was soon dispatched out of the way. 2. Secured then from Competition and opposition, he plungeth himself into all kinds of unnatural Lust, which made him odious to his Subjects, and rendered him as a prey, to be entombed (as his father was) in the Paunches of wild beasts, to make way for a better successor, his son  
5. A.M. 2974 EBRANK, commended for a great builder, from whom we have the Cities of York, & Edinburgh in Scotland. 2. He is farther noted to have subdued some parts of France & Germany, by his 20 Sons, which he had by 21 Wives, whereof the forwardest was Assaracus that led on the rest. 3. His thirty daughters, sisters to those Sons, were sent into Italy, to Alba Silvius, to be married to Trojane Nobility, to whom the Sabines refused to join their Daughters. Thus having plotted the propagation of the breed of Troy, he leaves the prosecution, to his son  
6. A.M. 3034 BRUTE Greenshield, but he did less than the Green Knight is said to have done, in the tale of Valentine and Orson. Some say he attempted somewhat upon France, and built somewhat in Britain, all as much as nothing. His Son  
7. A.M. 3046 LEILL that followed, is remembered only in the name of Caerleill continued amongst us: where he built a Temple, and placed a Flamen; Acts of devotion neglected by his predecessors: In this Temple he was entombed.  
8. A.M. 3071 LUD Hurdibras his son that succeeded, is more commended, he appeased the stirs raised in his Father's time. 2. builded Canterbury, and Winchester, and Mount Palladoure (now Shaftbury) where Aquila, nor a bird (as Geoffrey of Monmouth tells us) but a Wizard so called, was held an Oraclist. 3. Some what he was also for Temples and Flamens. But his son  
9 A.M. 3100 BLADUD went beyond him, He was bred in Athens, and thence returned a great Mathematitian, and Magician, brought four Philosophers with him, which he placed in Stamford, Professors having made that place a kind of an University. 2. builded Bath, and by art produced those Hot Waters, which yet there continue, committing the conservation of them to Minerva. 3. But presuming to fly with artificial Wings and Spells, he fell from Apollo's Temple (now Paul's) in Troynovant, and so ended his days:  
10. LEAR his son took the Government, A.M. 3111 and built Leicester. Famous for his three daughters, Gonorilla, Ragan, and Cordeilla. The two eldest professed great love unto him, till they had gotten all that he had, and his Kingdom between them: then their Husbands Hunnius Duke of Cornwall, and Maglanus of Albany, took the advantage of the forlorn old man, to dethrone him. 3. He repairs to the misunderstood Cordeilla, who had married Aganippus a Prince of France, she dutifully receives him, and her Husband with the help of confederates, restores him to his former dignity, in which he dying leaves the place to his thankful daughter  
11. CORDEILLA, A.M. 3158 But she being invaded by her two Nephews Morgan, and Cunedag (sons to her mentioned sisters) and by them subdued and imprisoned, pitifully made herself away, and leaves to them the Kingdom,  
12. Morgan and Cunedag, A.M. 3162 who peaceably ruled for a while, in their several divisions. But Morgan of the elder sister, contending that the whole belonged unto him, ventured upon his Cousin's part, and so lost all with his life: leaving his name to the place in which he was vanquished, of Glanmorgan, continued ever since; and the whole Kingdom to Cunedag, who had it not long, before his death transferred it to his son  
13. RIVALLO, In whose time it reigned blood, A.M. 3197 for three days together, that bred flies: which a contagion follewed that consumed multitudes. This Perdix the Wizard of those days, might foretell, but not withstand. This calamity wrought not his son that succeeded,  
14. GURGUSTUS, to forsake his beastly surquedry, A.M. 3242 but left it to his brother  
15. SYSILLIUS his successor to augment it, A.M. 3279 rather than reform it, and his kinsman  
16. A.M. 3327 JAGO (for aught is said of him) runs onward in the same strain, and dies without Issue.  
17. A.M. 3352 KINNIMACUS or Kinmartu (some say) his brother is named only to bring in  
18. A.M. 3404 GORBODUG his son, and he to fill up a room, and then transfer it to his sons,  
19 A.M. 3467 FERREX and Porrex, They quarrelling with one the other (as the manner is in such cases) met in Battle: wherein whether Ferrex slew Porrex, or he his brother, it is uncertain: all agree, that the Mother with her own hands flew the snrviver in his bed, when he least thought of it, and so put a Brutish Period to the line of Brute, after it had continued about 700 years. Then upon much bickering for about 50 years' space, the Monarchy degenerated into a Pentarchy, wherein first Staterus became King of Albania. 2. Yevan of Northumberland. 3. Pinnor of Loegria. 4. Rudac of Wales, and Cloten of Cornwall, whose son Mulmucius Dunwallo, brought it back to a Monarchy as before, the leader in the next Distance or Ranke.  

2. With these fall in the times of David, and his successors, until the return from the Captivity of Babylon. 
Grafton.  2. The building of Rome, and divers other Cities here amongst us. 3. The originals of the names, of some Places and Rivers, which carry small credit with them.  

INQVIRIES.  
3. Whether 

1. The story of Brute and his Line, be as uncertain as that of Samothes and Albion?  
2. Britain had its name from Brit painted, and Tania a Region, and Cornwall from Kern a horn, which it resembleth, and Wallia to which it relateth, and not from Brutus and Coroneus?  
3. Greek Oracles ever used to give answers in Lattaine Hexameter and Fentameter?  
4. Coroneus worsting Gogmagog in wrestling, left a pattern to the Cornish to prove such skilful Wrestlers?  
5. Stamford were made an University by King Bladud?  
6. The hot Baths in the City of Bath, were ever so naturally, before King Bladud built there a Temple, and committed them to Minerva's trust?  
7. Aquila's and Perdix ' Prophecies, be mere forged delusions?       

British Monarches. DISTANCE IU.  
1. THe fourth Distance of British free Monarches ends at Cassibellane, and takes his rise from Mulmuci●●  
1. A.M. 3522 DUNWALLO, Duke Clotons' son of Cornwall, he subdued the other Rulers in the Pentarchy, and was the first Crowned King of Britain, whereas others before were but termed Rulers, Dukes, or Governors. 2. He constituted good Laws, translated out of British into Latin by Gildas Priscus, and afterward by King Alfred, into English, and mingled amongst his Statutes. Notable was the privilege he granted to Heathen Temples: that those that fled unto them, should be there protected, and thence pass untouched to shift for themselves. 3. Blackwell Hall, Malmsbury, and the vieth, are said to be built by him, and the four cross ways began, which were finished by his son Beline. 3. Most affirm that he brought in Weights and Measures, and ordained strict Laws for the punishment of theft: being a great favourer of Learning and Chivalry, dies honourably, and leaves his two sons to Reign after him jointly,  
2. A.M. 3562 BELINUS and Brennus, Brennus by north Humber, and Beline in the Southern parts remaining, with Cornwall. 2. Brennus not contented with his dividend, for strengthening of himself to get more, sails into Norway, there marries King Elsings daughter, but lost her in the carriage homeward, to Guiltdake her former sweetheart King of Denmark: This King by storm is driven with her, upon the coast of Northumberland, and entertained by Beline, Brennus follows, and requires of his Brother his Wife and Patrimony: both are denied him, they join Battle, Brennus with his Norway's is routed, flies into Gallia, marries Seginus daughter Duke of Allabrog, returns with his Father in Lawes' forces upon his brother Beline. Being upon an unnatural encounter, the Mother steps between, and fully accords them. 3. Brennus' returns, (some say, accompanied with his brother Beline, 'tis well he had his best furtherance) and conquereth a great part of Gallia, whence furnished with forces, he passes into Italy, and after a great overthrow given, surpriseth Rome. 
Livius.  The chief leaders in which finding their weakness, fortify themselves in the Capitol: to which the Galls having found a secret passage, and thinking to have taken them napping, were discovered by some geese, and so disappointed, whence afterward the Romans had a Goose feast, in the honour of juno. 4. In the mean while, the ancient Senaters sitting with great gravity in Chairs at their Doors, and thereby at first awing the pillaging Soldiers into reverence: upon a box given by Marcus Papirius, to one that played with his beard, he enraged thereby, cut his throat, and emboldened his fellows to do the like to the rest. 4. A composition is made for surrendering the Capitol, the money to be paid from the Romans is weighing, the Galls throw in their swords to the balance, to augment the sum agreed upon. A quarrel thence ariseth, in the heat of which Furius Camillus (recalled from Banishment and made Dictator by the Senate) comes with forces, expels the Galls out of Rome and Italy. 5. Thence falling upon Greece, they are said to have subdued Sosteme Duke of Macedon, where plundering all Temples they met with, and attempting to do the like at Delphos, Apollo (as it should seem in anger) so pelted them with hailstones, and with an Earthquake, and a fall of a piece of Parnassus, that he slew most of them, and so wounded our Brennus, that in despair he fell upon his own Sword. 6. All this while Beline at home spent his time, 
Graston. Leland. 1.  in settling Archflamines in London, York, and Carleon: Built Billings gate and the Tower of London. 7. and so died honourably, and was buried with great pomp, leaving his son  
3. A.M. 2588 GURGUINTUS to succeed him. Upon denial of the Tribute granted to his Father Beline by Guiltdake King of Denmark, he passed thither with an Army, and by Force recovered the continuance of the Payment of it. 2. In his return he met with Captain Partholine with a company of vagrant Spaniards that sought a place to dwell in, whom he fixed in Ireland. 3. This Partholines brother Cataber is said in earnest by some, to have Founded the University of Cambridge. 
Gaius.   
4. A.M. 3607 GUINTHOLINUS his son follows him the more famous for his learned and prudent Wife Martia, from whom the Saxons had their Laws Marthehelog translated unto them by King Alfred, 2. He is said to have built Warwick about the time that Alexander the Great was borne, leaves to succeed his son.  
5. A.M. 3640 SICILIUS guided by his mother in his nonage. In his time the Picts got footing in the Marches of England and Scotland, whom his son  
6. A.M. 3642 KIMARUS a dissolute and careless young Prince, never endeavoured to remove, he was treacherously slain in Hunting, and  
7. A.M. 3644 ELANIUS his son or brother that took his place in only named, whose Bastard  
8. A.M. 3652 MORINDUS had more mettle in him, and was much magnified for his comely personage and courage, but rashly encountering alone a Sea-monster that devoured all before him, after a furious conflict, he was also devoured by it, leaving five sons, of which  
9 A.M. 3660 GORBOMAN proved a good Prince. He repaired Temples, 
Grafton. ●ellinsh.  promoted Sacrifices according to the blind devotion of those days. Built Cambridge and Grantham, which others deny, and say it was Canta another Town enclosed with walls wherein some Philosophers were placed, destroyed afterwards by the Saxons. He dying without Issue,  
10. ARCHIGALLUS his brother takes the place, A.M. 3671 but Deposed by the Nobles for his oppression, until the third brother  
11. ELIDURUS, finding him discontented in a Wood, A.M. 3676 as he road on Hunting, lovingly restored him to his Royalties, and then upon his death Reigned after him, which was not long before  
12. A.M. 3693 VIGENIUS and Peridure the two youngest brethren bandied against him, and shared his means betwixt them. Vigenius dies, and Peridure for his cruelty was slain by his Nobles, so that Elidurus was freed out of Prison to Reign the third time, between whom and Helie, there passing about 180 years, Monometensis and others have made bold to name 33 Kings to take up that time. But herein there is no agreement in names, number, or whether they were before Dunwallo, or succeeded Elidurus, 
Graston. holinsh. Polltdor Virgil.  whereof Hollinshed hath a digression in the History of England, lib. 3. c. 8. The names therefore of these Fairy Kings may be well omitted, (of whom nothing is noted but the name) to pitch upon  
13. HELIE. From him some think, A.M. 3800 the I'll of Elie took his name, others say Noah, but from a multitude of Eales, into which the Married Priests with their Wives and Children were transformed, that refused to obey St Dunstanes Ordinace, that Priests should live single, but that derivation is more probable that is deduced from Helig, 
LLoyd.  which signifies in British a Willow, by reason of the plenty of Willows which there grew. 2. This Holy had three sons, Lud, Cassibilane; and Nennius; Nennius came not to reign, but  
14. LUD succeeded his Father, and reformed Laws, A.M. 3801 augmented Troynovant, and thereupon called it Ludstowne, now London. His brother Nennius was offended with it, conceiving thereby that the name of Troy should be forgotten, Ludgate more plainly bears his name without offence. 2. Some say Baynard's Castle, others that the Bishop, of London's Palace was built by him for his Court. 3. He left two sons behind him, Androgeus and Theomantius, who in their Nonnage fell under the protection of their Uncle Cassibellane the foreman in the next Distance.  

2. With those times concur, 1. The latter Kings of the Persian Monarchy, and former of the Greeks. 2. The beginning of the Scotish Monarchy by Fer●usius, crowned upon the fatallstone brought by Gathelus out of Spain that hath this Inscription.  
Ni fallat fatum, Scoti quocunque locatum,  
Invenient Lapidem, regnare tenentur Ibidem.  
Except old saws do feign,  
and Wissards wits be blind,  
The Scots in place shall reign,  
where they this stone shall find.  
3. Aspiring of the Romans to overtop all those that had gone before them.  

INQVIRIES.  
3. Whether 

1. Any of Mulmutius Dunwallo's, or Marcian's laws may be now distinctly shown.  
2. Brennus' that sacked Rome were a Britain, or a Gaul?  
3. Ireland's first Inhabitants were Spanish exiles, under the conduct of Captain Partheline?  
4. The University of Cambridge were Founded by Cantaber Captain Parthelin's Brother?  
5. Morindus encountering alone the Seamonster expressed not more vanity, than valour?  
6. The Transforming of Married Priests into Eales, be not as handsome a Metamorphosis as any in Ovid?  
7. It were not surly unadvisedness in a Senator of Rome, to hazard his own head, and of many others, for some incivility offered to the gravity of his Beard?       

Roman Tributaries. DISTANCE V.  
THE fifth Distance is extended to King Lucius, the first Christian that Reigned among the Britain's, and gins with,  
1. A.M. 3095 CASSIBILLANE in whose time the Britain's were first Conquered, and made Tributaries to the Romans. 2. He was brother to Lud, and had the Kingdom cast upon him, by reason of the nonage of Luds sons, Androgeus and Theomantius. 3. julius Caesar at that time employed in the subduing Gallia, being informed they had underhand supplies from Britain, takes vantage thereupon to invade the Isle, where partly by Storms at Sea, that wracked his Navy, partly by Valour of the Inhabitants, under this King's conduct.  
Territa quaesitis ostendit terga Britannis.  
He Britanes sought, but Force to quell did lack,  
And like a Coward showed his fearful back.  
As Pompey in the Poet object's to his disgrace. 4. 
Lucan.  Our writers say farther, that Nennius the King's brother meeting with Caesar hand to hand, got his sword from him, but with it a knock on the pate, 
Monomelens'.  that cost him his life within fifteen days after. 5. At length upon a quarrel between the King and his Nephew Aadrogeus, concerning one Evelin who had slain the King's kinsman, and was countenanced therein by the young Prince, matters came to that height, that Androgeus revolts, and calls back Caesar from France, and assisteth him to the overthrow of his Country. This rendered him so hateful, that Cassibellane dying without Issue, the younger son of Lud  
2. A.M. 3921 THEOMANTIUS was preferred to the place. He quietly paid the Tribute to the Romans, which his uncle had promised to Caesar: administered justice at home, and protected his Subjects from Foreigners, which made a fair way for his son  
3. A.M. 3944 KIMBELLINE to succeed him. In the 23. year of whose Reign our Saviour Christ was borne. 2. Some say that upon denial of the Roman Tribute, Augustus Caesar was thrice upon the way to invade Britain, but was by other businesses diverted. The contrary relation is more likely, that Kimbelline being bred in Rome, and graced much by Augustus, never gave afterward occasion of distaste. whose good example his son and successor  
4. An. Ch. 17 GUIDERIUS, had not the wisdom to follow. He therefore being valorous, and of a haughty spirit, held it a disparagement for a King, to be Tributary unto any. No Tribute therefore may be had from him. 2. Caligula the Roman Emperor storms at it, goes in Person against him, brings his company as fare as the Belgic shore, causes his Army thence to gather Coccle shells, and so ridiculously returns triumphantly to Rome with the spoils (as he accounted it) of the Ocean. 3. Claudius (as 'twas thought) a simpler man, took a better grounded course. for by his Leaders, Plautius and Vespasian, he brought the Britaines to more submissive terms, 
Grafton. holinsh.  and conquered Guiderius, our stories relate it in this manner, One Hamo (siding with the Romans) put on British formalities, by that means came near to the King, and slew him, to repair which loss  
5. An. Ch. 45 ARVIRAGUS the King's brother, shifteth himself into the King's Ornaments (to prevent discouragement of the Soldiers who knew not what was done) and so continues the fight, in which they were, and had the better: pursues Hamo to the Sea side, where he slew himself; whence the place took the name of Hamo's Haven, & now with a little change is called South-Hampton. 2. Arviragus holds up stoutly, after divers conflicts, keepeth his own and is at length reconciled to the Emperor, by marrying his daughter Genissa. 3. Hence swelling and esteeming it an indignity, to be perpetually jaded with taxes, withstands the payment, is invaded by Vespasian, who lands at Totnesse, the King encounters him, in a doubtful Battle near Exeter. The Queen interposes and makes them friends, for quietness sake, the Tribute is continued. 4. How redoubted this King seemed to be to the Romans, may be gathered from that piece of the Satirist, 

Regem aliquem capies aut de Temone Britanno 
Invenal ●at. 4.   
Excidet Arviragus.—   

It bodes great honour to thyself, some King thou shalt restrain,  
Or shake the fierce Arviragus out of his British wain.   Says the Parasite to the Emperor, making it no small triumph to unhorsed Arviragus: who by some is styled the Hector of Britain. 5. After such brave achievements he dies peaceably, and leaves his virtues and Kingdom to his son  
6. MARIUS. The Picts invading this Country, An. Ch. 73 had a notable overthrow by him, with their leader Roderick, at Stanes More in the North, so called from a stone erected in that place, as a memorial of that Victory. 2. Some call this man Westmer, to deduce from thence, with more probability the name of Westmoreland, others make him the same with Arviragus, whose heroic wife Voadicia, for an unsufferable abuse offered unto her, and her two daughters, gave notable overthrows to the Romans, until at length she was defeated by Pa●linus Suetonius, which she took so indignly, that she made herself away. In these heavy and desperate times  
7. An. C. 126 COILUS the son of Marius undertakes the government, which he might manage with less danger, in regard he was brought up amongst the Romans, and could humour them best for his own quiet. 2. He constantly paid the tribute unto them, which prevented the greatest quarrel. 3. Colchester is thought to bear his name, and commend him to posterity: but that was more really done by his son Lucius, the chief in the ne● Distance.  

2. WIthin compass of this Distance, especially notice may be taken of. 1. The eminent Invaders and oppressors of this Island, which are storied to be. 1. julius Caesar. 
Holinsh.  2. Vespasian under Claudius, who gave thirty overthrows to the Inhabitants. 3. Aulus Plautius a Roman Senator called out of France, and preferred before Narcissus the Emperor's minion, by the Soldiers crying out O Saturnalia. 4. Osterius Scapula. 5. Paulinus Su●tonius. 6. Julius Frontinus, & 7. Julius Agricola, Father in Law to Cornelius Tacitus, who with advantage sets forth his History. 2ly Those that worthily resisted them, deservedly should be remembered, who were 1. Cassibellane that confronted Caesar. 2. Nennius' his brother, who got his sword from him. 3. Guiderius, who manfully stood up for the liberty of his Country, until he was treacherously slain by Hamo. 4. Arviragus, the Hector of Britain, who struck a terror to the Romans. 5. Voadicia that resolute Queen, that made them smart for the abusing her, and her two daughters. 6. Caratack that incomparable Welsh man, that was so basely betrayed, by that strumpet Catismandua of North Wales, who had turned off her Husband, to marry with her ignoble Paramour: but Caratacks refolution and behaviour, so took the Emperor Claudius, and the Romans, that her betraying, and carrying to Rome with his Wife and Children, heightened him to a greater esteem. 7. Lastly, the two Noble Scots, Corbrid and Galgalus, supporters in these extremities, leave them in fame's Register never to be forgotten.  

INQVIRIES.  
3. Whether. 

1. In relating these former passages, the Romans or our own Records, are rather to be credited?  
2. Caesar conquered Britain by valour, rather than domestic dissensions and Treason?  
3. It be likely that Kimbaline were Knighte● by Augustus?  
4. Arviragus marriage with Genissa the Emperor Claudius' daughter, were not worthy mentioning in Roman Histories if it were true? 
Bale. Ponticus. Viramnus.   
5. There were ever such a virago as Brunduca, that terrified Rome more than Hannibal, and died in going to subdue it?  
6. She were not the same with Voadicia?  
7. South-Hampton had its name from Ham● slain thereby Arviragus?       

British Christians. DISTANCE VI.  
1. THe sixth Classi● or Distance amongst the Britain's, is bounded with Vortiger, and gins with  
1. An. C. 180 LUCIUS, the son of Coilus forementioned. This is the first King we read of that embraced Christianity. 2. He sent to Elutherius then Bishop of Rome, Elvanus and Medvinus learned men of his own, to receive farther instructions from him: an answer is returned him from thence by Faganus and Danianus in these words, You have received in the Kingdom of Britain by God● mercy, both the Law and faith of Christ; Ye have both the New and Old Testament, out of the same, through God's grace, by the advice of your Realm take a Law, and by the same through God's sufferance, rule you your Kingdom of Britain, for in that Kingdom you are God's Vicar. What could be more solid and punctual? but how the stile was altered afterward in that Sea, the World felt and lamented. 3. Upon this the King altered the three Pagan Arch-Flamins, and twenty eight Flamens, into so many Archbishoprics and Bishoprics. The Arch-Bishops were of London, York, and Gloster: the Bishops of other places: Idol Temples were destroyed: Westminster built in the Isle of Thorny, the place where it now stands, being then so called. 4. Privileges and means were granted for the honouring such sacred places. 5. The King dies without Issue: wherefore to continue the line of Government, we are forced to take in the Emperor  
2. An. C. 208 SEVERUS: for he comes hither in Person, to appease the tumults amongst the headless and heedless multitude, orders that the Country should have no more Kings of her own. 2. Built a Wall between England and Scotland, of 112 miles in length, to stop the sudden incursions of the Scots and Picts: at least repaired that wall, which Adrian had erected before. 3. He dies here in York, and left his son the Monster,  
3. BASSIANUS to succeed him, An. C. 213 of whose killing his brother Geta, and other villainies, mention is made before in his life. Of him  
4. An. C. 219 CARAUSIUS an obscure Britain purchaseth the Government of the shattered State, 
Eutropius.  wherein when he presumed to King it,  
5. An. C. 226 ALECTUS is sent from Rome by the Senate to out him, which he quickly did. And was as soon dealt with in the like kind, by  
6. ASCLEPIODOTUS Duke of Cornwall. An. C. 232 This man resolutely bestirs himself for the freedom of his Country: disgarrisons the Roman holds, besieges London, carries it, kills the Roman Governor thereof Livius, and throws him into a Rivellet thence called Wall-brook. But differences falling out between him and Coill Earl of Colchester, it grew to a set Battle, wherein Asclepiodotus was slain, and  
7. COILL takes his place. An. C. 2623 Constantius Clhorus is sent by the Roman Senate to subdue the tumultuous: but matters were so politicly contrived between them, that in steed of outing Coill, Clhorus takes his fair, and peerclesse Daughter Helena to wife, and with her, the Kingdom after her Father: He is highly commended, for his moral virtues, valour, moderation, and in those sad times, for favouring the Christians. After an excellent exhortation on his deathbed to those that were about him, he quietly breathed his last, and lies buried at York, leaving  
8. An. C. 310 CONSTANTINE the Heir and Augmenter of his worth, whom he had by the British Helen. As Lucius had the honour before to be Registered for the first Christian King, so this Great Constantine, is famous to all ages, for the first Christian Emperor: of whom more is said in his life amongst the Emperors. After him expired the Roman vassalage, which had endured 483 years by the intrusion of  
9 An. C. 329 OCTAVIUS Duke of Cornwall. Against him Constantine sends Traherne his Uncle by the Mother's side, but he was quickly encountered by Octavius (that had great means and friends) and overthrown near Winchester, but Traherne recruting his forces, at an other Battle in the North, had the better of Octavius, who thereupon fled into Norway. 2. Thence understanding that Traherne was slain, by an Earl that was his friend: he returns again to his Estate, and governs peaceably. 3. And for the strengthening of his Title, to make it good to posterity, he sends for from Rome  
10. An. C. 383 MAXIMIANUS, or Maximus, a kinsman of the Great Constantine's. For this man's harsh dealing with the christians, he is set forth by most writers as a Tyrant. 2. Quarrels fell out between him and Conan Meridoc Duke of Cornwall, and some conflicts, with various success, but they agreed at last, Maximianus bestowing Armorica, which he had conquered upon Conan, who called it Little Britain, and having made away the ancient Inhabitants, sent into Cornwall for Wives, to people it with British blood, 11000 Virgins were shipped thither by Diothen, than Duke, whereof Vrsnla his fair daughter was one, but they were barbarously slain in the passage, by Guanus' Captain of the Huns, and Melga King of Ficts, who afterward were forced into Ireland by Gracian, a Leader sent from our Maximinian. 3. Who puffed up with wealth and success, Rebelled against his Master Gratian the Emperor, whom he slew in France, and proclaimed himself Emperor, but quickly lost that dignity with his life, by Theodosius the great, 
In Orat. funeb. de exitu Theodofii.  near Aquilea, concerning whom St Ambrose hath this passage, Maximus occisus est, nunc in inferno docen● exemplo miserabili, quam durum sit, Arma suis Principibus irrogare. Maximus is slain, and now in Hell by his miserable example, teacheth what a hard matter it is for Subjects to take up Arms against their Princes.  
11. A.Ch. 391 GRACIAN than his General makes bold to supply the vacant place, he was a Britain by birth and education, yet so Tyrannised over his Countrymen, that in a short space he was slain amongst them. 2. Whereupon Guanus and Melga, finding them destitute of a Leader, come upon them out of Ireland. The Scots and Picts break in upon them from the North, and Civil dissensions plague them as much in the midst, so that nothing but Famine, Blood and desolation was before their eyes. 3. In this extremity they repair to Aetius the Roman Lieutenant in Gallia, with this pitiful complaint. The Barbarous people drive us to the Sea, and the Sea driveth us back unto them again. Hereof arise two kinds of death, for either we are slain, or drowned, and against such evils, have we no remedy, or help at all. Therefore in respect of your Clemency, secure your own we most instantly desire you. 4. But finding cold comfort, either for that the Roman regarded them not, or had his hands full otherwise, they dispatch Ambassadors to Aldroenus then King of little Britain, who consented to aid them, if they would accept his brother to be their King. 5. Necessity enforceth them to embrace the Condition, and so  
12. CONSTANTINE is made their King. A.Ch. 443 He Lands with Forces at Totnesse, slays Guanus the Hunnish King in the Field, and defeateth the rest of the oppressors, but soon after was treacherously slain himself by a perfidious Pict. 2. He left three sons surviving Constantius, Aurclius Ambrose, and Uter Pendragon. Constantius that for his blockishness was Cloistered in a Monastery, was thence taken to Reign after him, but was wholly guided as a Ward by Vortiger Duke of Cornwall, who caused him to be made away that he might enjoy the Place, and appears the foreman of the next, and last Classis or Distance in the British Dynasty.  

3. WIth this Distance falleth in, 1. The great Question concerning the first Planter of Christianity in Britain. Whether it were 1. St James the son of Zebedee, or 2, Simon Zelotes, or 3, St Peter, or 4, St Paul, or 5, Joseph of Aramathea, or 6, Aristobulus, or 7, Timothy, or all these, or any other at divers times, and on divers occasions, may be said to have put their hand to the work. 2, The damnable Heresy of Pelagius, first hence taking his rise with its progress, and chief abettors and opposers of it. 3. The woeful estate of the British Christians under the Roman servitude, and persecutions, wherein St Albon had the honour to be the first Martyr, and the shameful desertion of them and leaving them to the merciless Eruptions of the Hunnet and Picts. All which and much more you have most accurately, and judiciously discussed by the most Reverend Father in God Archbishop Usher Lord Primate of Ireland, in sifting (as one says of B. Bradwarden) to the Bran the British Church's Antiquitice.  

INQVIRES.  
3. Whether. 

1. It can positively be set down who brought Christianity first into this Island?  
2. Lucius was the first King read of, that ever embraced it?  
3. The passages betwixt him and Pope Elutherius, especially the answer of Elutherius terming him Gods Vicar in his own Kingdom, be forged?  
4. He disposed Archbishoprics or Bishoprics as 'tis related?  
5. Helena the mother of Constantine the great were King Coills daughter, or as others say a Wench of an Inn?  
6. The story of Ursula and the 11000 Virgins Massacred in their passage to little Britain, be of any credit?  
7. A Monkish Cell could render Constantius fit for a Kingly Throne?       

British struggling with Saxons etc. DISTANCE VII.  
1. THe Seaventh and last Classis or Distance, proposeth the Britain's entangled and struggling with the Saxons to hold their own, notwithstanding they had entertained them for their assistance. This reacheth as fare as the dynasty of the Saxons, and gins with  
1. VORTIGER or Vortigerne, An. C. 448 who had treacherously made away his predecessor Constantius, though to set a colour of his innocency, he caused the Actors to be executed, whom himself had set on work. Anrelius Ambrose, and Uter Pendragon, the younger brethren of Constantius, are conveyed away from his tyranny by their friends, into little Britain. 2. Whereupon being straightened extremely by the Picts and Scots, and fearing the return of these brethren to require their right to the Crown, he invites the Saxons to come and strengthen his party: some say they casually landed here, and were only entertained by him. Their Leaders were Hengistus and Horsus, two brethren descended (as they vaunted from Wooden and Fria, the Saxon deities. By the help of these and their followers, he repelleth his foreign, and appeaseth his domestic enemies. 3. Heugist thus growing in high esteem, obtains a favour of the King, but to grant him so much land as an Ox hid might compass. This petty suit was soon had, but the hid cut into small thongs, encircled so much ground, that a Fort thereon was builded, by the name of Thong Castle, where Hengist settled himself. 4. Then Ocea and Ebusa more of Hengists' breed, are sent for out of Germany, who bring his fair daughter Rowan with them: the King is invited to Thong Castle, Rowan set forth to the utmost, presents him with a Wassail, or Dutch health: he falls in love with her, puts away his lawful Christian Wife, to take this Pagan stranger. 5. The Nobility except against it, and to prevent the overgrowing of the Saxons to their destruction, they forsake him, and put his eldest son  
2. An. C. 464 VORTIMER into his place. He was victorious against the Saxons, in four main Battles, in the second of which, his brother Catigerne and Horsus the Saxon, hand to hand slew each other. 1. They in these, and divers other conflicts being thus defeated and broken, shelter themselves in the Isles of Wight, and Thenet, thence Petition for leave to return into their Country: which they did, leaving their Families and Possessions behind. But Queen Rowan finds the means to have Vortimer poisoned, by reason whereof Vortiger recovers the Kingdom, Hengist returns from Germany with fresh supplies: Vortiger with his British Nobleses makes head against him. 2. A Treaty is agreed upon, the place apppointed for it, is now known by the name of Stonehenge, where the British coming unarmed, according to agreement, At the word given by Hengist, Nempt your sexes, had their throats cut most treacherously, with the knives the Saxons brought covertly thither for that purpose. 3. Only Earl Edole of Gloucester (some say Chester) got a stake by good hap, wherewith he defended himself, and dispatched 17, some say 70 of the miscreants, and so escaped with his life to Salisbury. Hengist seizeth upon Vortiger, as his Prisoner, mue's him up with his Wife in a Castle in Wales. Where we leave him to speak of the right heir and successor  
3. An. C. 481 AURELIUS Ambrose, who made acquainted with the mentioned stirs, comes with his brother Uter out of Little Britain, and first falls upon Vortigers Castle, where he was immured, and burns it with the King and all in it. 2. Others report it was fired from Heaven, by reason of the Incest that Vortiger committed with his own daughter, Rowans brat, by whom he had a son named Faustus, who wept himself blind, for the Abominations of his Parents. 3. Aurelius warreth successively against the Saxon, takes Hengist (by Earl Edolls means, that escaped from the Treason at stonehenge) and beheads him. Erects a monument of huge stones, transported (some say by Merlin's enchantment) from Ireland, in memory of the slain Nobility by the Saxons, and named the adjacent Town Ambrose Bury, now Amesbury. Overthrows Pascentius the youngest son of Vortiger, that came with Guillamore King of Ireland, to claim the Kingdom of his Father: was poisoned at last, by a counterfeit Physician, that pretended to cure him being sick, and so leaves the Government to his brother  
4. UTER-PENDRAGON, An. C. 500 so called (it should seem) from his fierce countenance, and sparkling eyes: others say from a Dragon's head carried in his Banner. He made short work in cutting off Ebusa and Occa, Hengists' sons. 2. Fell enamoured with Igerne, Gorolois wife Duke of Cornwall, whom he flew in prosecution of his dishonourable affection, and afterward by Merlin's juggling, had his will of her, in Tintagill Castle in Cornwall, who bore unto him the renowned  
5. ARTHUR to succeed him: An. C. 517 For he is said to be poisoned, and buried at stonehenge, as his brother Ambrose was, and had none to take his place, but this stripling of fifteen years old, who expressed beyond his age, a manly courage. 2. Such incredible things are put upon him by Monkish Legendaries, that make his true Achievements questionable, 
Grafton out of Nennius.  twelve Battles are recorded wherein he defeated the Saxons. In the last at Baden hill, some say he slew 140 Saxons with his own hands, others bring the number to 800: it is sufficient to think he wanted not ability of body, or correspondent courage. 3. Cerdicus, Ella, Porth, (who gave the name to Portsmouth) and other adversaries put him hard to it: he is said also to have quarrelled with the Romans, and Marching thitherward, to have slain a Giant in Spain, which might have had some show of truth, if good Authors had related it. 4. Relics are shown of his Round Table at Winchester, and of the 24 seats thereof amongst the Welsh. Lancelot du Lake, Tristram, and Gawen, are named for his chiefest Knights, and these names at this day, are commonly given in Baptism amongst us. whereupon most conclude with jeffry of Monmoth, and Leland, that there was such a valiant man, against Newbrigensis and Pollidore that question it. but all except against the Monkish fictions, that are put upon him. 2. King Henry the second, upon bearing of a Welsh Bard, chanting his Acts and death, with his interring at Glassenbury, sent to search the place: where his corpse were found, with his fair Queen Guenevers, the British Helena's, as her name imports. In a Battle with his Cousin Mordred (who laid a claim to the Kingdom) at Commelford in Cornwall, he received his death's wound, but slew outright the Rebel. Duke Cador's son of Cornwall  
6. A.Ch. 543 CONSTANTINE the third, succeeds him, who after divers bicker with Mordred's sons that stood for their right, at length flew them both (having taken sanctuary) whereof Gyldas pitifully complaineth. But himself soon found the like measure, by a Nephew of Arthur's,  
7. A.Ch. 546 AUREZIUS Conanus, a man sufficiently valiant and liberal, but harkening too much to Sycophants, and embrewing his hands in the blood of his kindred, he became soon odious, and left his place to his son  
8. An. C. 548 VORTIPORUS. He valiantly withstood the intrusions of the Saxons, yet Gildas declaimes against him also as a Tyrant, and a dissolute libertine, which made way the easier for the Nephew of Aurelius Conanus.  
9 An. C. 552 MALGO a Duke of Britain: He was a most personable man, and therewithal a hardy King. Yet his Imperfections, were so notorious, that he could not escape Gilda's lash, who terms him a Tawny Butcher, a Bear, a contemner of Religion, and an oppressor of the Clergy, words unfit for a Clergy man to give, or a King to bear: some say that thereupon, out of remorse of Conscience, he betook himself to a Monastery, but quickly threw off his cowl again, and ended his life in such desperate courses. One worse than himself  
10. CARETICUS is put into his place. An. C. 586 This the Saxous soon espied, and finding the dislike between him and his Subjects, (which he delighted in rather then appeased) They aim at a Conquest of the whole Land, and get Gurmundus an Arch Pirate of Norway, others say a King of the Africans then being in Ireland to assist them in it. 2. He comes with all his Forces, The King flies to Chichester: the befiedgers by a stratagem of tying fire to Sparrows, ang so letting them fly into the Town amongst Thatched houses, and dry straw, quickly fired it, Careticus escapes into Wales, which was (with Cornwall) the chief hold left for the poor Britain's. Saxons then roam up and down at pleasure, and (as some say) called the whole Country Hengistland, which now we call England. 3. After 24 years of this straightening of the Britain's.  
11. An. C. 613 CADWAN Duke of North-wales becomes Governor of his Country. Austin the Monk, had before arrived amongst the Saxons, sent by Pope Gregory, and converted many of them to Christianity, but carrying himself too high, at a meeting with the British Bishops, at a place thereupon called Austin's Oak in Worcester shire, no agreement was made between them: not long after, a Massacre was executed upon the harmless Monks of Bangor, wherein 2000 were slain, (some say not without Augustine's instigation) by wild Ethelfrid, the Pagan King of Northumberland. 2. This barbarous cruelty, Gadwan leads his Forces to revenge, but the matter by mediation was so composed betwixt them, that they ever after continued friends, until his dying day, to whom succeeded his son  
12. CADWALLO, An. C. 635 He joining with Penda King of Mercia, killed Edwin King of Northumberland, with his son Osfride, in the Battle at Hethfeild, for which he it bitterly taxed by Beda: but Beda being a Saxon, is observed not to speak the best of the Britain's, and soothed by the Roman Faction of Augustine's breed, accounted the dissenting Britain's (though better Christians then themselves) little better than Pagans. 2. Others acquit Cadwallo for a Noble Prince, and a great defender of his Country, and scourge of their adversaries. His son  
13. An. C. 683 CADWALLADER proved not so successful. Notwithstanding at the beginning, he had the better of those Saxons that opposed. 1. In a great famine, that fell upon all his territories, he was forced with his Nobles to forsake his Country, and sojourn with his Cousin Alan, King of Little Britain. 2. In the interim, his Pined Subjects were oppressed by the Saxons. He about by his return to relieve them, is diverted by a Dream, some make it the appearance of an Angel, and so goes to Rome on Pilgrimage, there turns Monk, dies, and is there buried. Where interred was with him, the last of the British Monarches. Such an influence had Dreams, and fancied apparitions, and forged Saws, and the like delusions, upon suspicious dispositions.  

2. WIth this last Distance or Rank in the British Dynasty Contemporize. 1. The Source of Mahumatisme, by the Koran in the East. 2. The Propagation of Papal Pomp and Superstition in the West: betwixt which, it was no marvel if 3. Paganism also tyrannised, being conceited as signior to both, as here it did, by the barbarou Saxons, upon the Poor, Wasted, and forsaken Britain's.  

INQVIRES.  
3. Whether 

1. Vortiger with Rowan his Saxon wife, were consumed with wild fire from his besiegers, or with Lightning from Heaven?  
2. The Rocks of stonehenge, were brought thither out of Ireland by Merlin's Enchantments, or Vter-pendragons' forces?  
3. Igren the Duchess of Cornwall, could be so deluded without some connivance of her own, as to mistake Uter-pendragon in stead of her Husband?  
4. The story of Arthur be for the most part fabulous?  
5. That Patent be undoubtedly from him, that is alleged to justify the Antiquity of the University of Cambridge?  
6. Austin the Monk arriving for the Saxons conversion to Christianity, might not be suspected to have had a finger in the Massacre of the 2000 Monks of Bangor?  
7. Cadwallador may be excused, that forsook his distressed Country to become a Monk?       

Saxon Heptarchy. DINASTY. II.  
1. THE Dynasties of the Britaines having been exhibited, in the former seven Parcels. The second of the Saxons succeeds, and expires at the beginning of the Danish Government.  
2. It usually is divided into the Saxon, 

1. Heptarchy.  
2. Monarchy.    
3. The Heptarchy is intricated with divers bicker, and Changes, that puzzle the Memory, and may be so fare only touched upon, as they preface to the Monarchy, which brings us to our direct descending line again.  
4. In it are reckoned these seven petty Kingdoms. 

1. KENT  
2. SUSSEX.  
3. EAST-SAX.  
4. EAST-ANGLES.  
5. MERCIA.  
6. NORTHUMBERLAND.  
7. WESTSAX.   Of all which some particulars only may be picked out, which are most remarkable.  
In KENT with Hengist the first invador seventeen or eighteen are said to Reign, An. C. 458 amongst which Ethelbert was most eminent, for first receiving the Christian Faith, brought from Rome by Austin, and for converting Sebert King of the East-Angles to Christianity, and assisting him in building Paul's in London, and St Peter in Westminster, as he himself built the Cathedral of St Andrew's in Rochester.  
6. An. C. 488 SOUTHSAX from Ella to Adhumus, had about ten Kings (Authors agree not in the reckoning,) of which Adlewolf was the first Christened. It quickly fell into the hands of Ina of West-Sax.  
7. An. C. 527 EAST-SAX from Erchwin to Swithred had thirteen Kings, whereof Sigebert the third was the first Baptised by Mellitus Bishop of London.  
8. Amongst the fourteen Kings of the EAST-ANGLES, An. C. 575 from Vffa to Edmund, Kadwallus appeared the first Christian, but held not so long. Etheldreda King Inah's Daughter twice Married, kept her Virginity, and thence gained the Title of St Audrie. Edmund the last King for his profession was shot to death by the Danes, honoured from Rome with a Saintship, and at home (instead of a Tomb) with the Title of the Town of St Edmunds Bury.  
9 An. C. 527 Of the twenty Kings of MERCIA from Crida to Elfird, Christianity was first received by Penda that Founded Peterborough, as Ethelbald did the Monastery of Crowland, and Offa of St Alban.  
10. An. C. 617 NORTHUMBERLAND had in it two Provinces Diera, and Bertitia, which in their several Governments had about 24 Kings, from Ida to Ethelbert: five Danes thrust in amongst them, Reigned successwely for a while, till the Government returned to the Westsaxons in the time of Ethelstane, and his brother Edmund. Here Edwin was the first King Christened, 
Speed.  whose deliverance from the furious Ethelfride by faithful Redwall of the East-Angles, and the glorious Victory he had over him afterwards, his Marriage with Ethelburg the Kentish Princess (a great means of his conversion) his preservation from a desperate Villain, by the interposition of his servant Lilla, who undertook a fatal thrust of a poisoned weapon, to save his Master's life, and lastly his overthrow, and death by Penda, are matters of especial note; as also the Acts of Oswall that was Sainted, and left the name to Oswalstere in Shropshire. The humility of Oswin, 
Beds. Speed.  and the piety of Oswie, that miraculously overthrew the Tyrant Penda of Mercia are worth the reading.  
11. Amongst the 19 Kings of WESTSAXONS from Cerdicus, Kingills is registered to be the first Christian. Ive or Ina to have made good Laws, set forth in the Saxon and Latin Tongue by Mr William Lambard, and to have granted to Rome Peter-pences. Ethelburg King Bithrick's Wife that fled for attempting to poison her Husband, into France, where by reason of her exceeding beauty, she was put to the choice, to Marry either Charles or his Son, she pitching on the Son miss both, and was thrust into a Monastery. From the Tyranny of this Bithrick fled  
1. An. C. 800 EGBERT first to Offa of Mercia, and then into France, where he served in the Wars under Charles the great. There he became so accomplished a Soldier, that returning he vanquished the petty Kings left behind him, and turned the Heptarchy into a Monarchy. 2. He was Crowned at Winchester King of the whole Kingdom, which then of his Angles brought with him, and followers in all his Conquests. He caused to be called England. 3. The Danes then beginning to Invade are repelled. His Daughter Editha the Nun is Sainted, his Eldest son.  
2. An. C. 837 ETHELWOLFE succeeds him. He took for his first wife Osburga his Butler's daughter. Hath good success in divers Battles against the intruding Danes. 2. For placing the Lady Judith the King of France's Daughter, (whom he had taken for his second Wife) in a Chair by him at his right hand, he was threatened to be Deposed by Adelstane Bishop of Sherburne his own son by his former Wife, who in those days was a Prelate of great power, as was also Swithene Bishop of Winchester, by whom the King was much advised to his advantage. But this presumption was intolerable, and by Royal Prudence soon hushed. 3. He ordained that Tithes, and Church Lands should be free from all Taxes, and Regal services. Of the divers Children that he had by his first Wife, his Eldest son,  
3. An. C. 857 ETHELBALD succeeds. He blasted all his eminent parts of Valour and Policy, by taking judith his Stepmother to be his Wife, so that she must lie in Bed by his side, who might not fit in a Chair by his Father. 2. This prodigious Incest was soon punished from heaven by his untimely death. His Wife without Issue returning to the Emperor her Father, was intercepted by the way, and forced by Baldwin Forester of Ardenna, who at length appeasing her Father, was made by him Earl of Flanders, from whom & this judith, descended Maud the Wife of our William the Conqueror. 3. In this Vacaency, the next brother to Ethelbald,  
4. ETHELBERT takes his place. An. C. 860 Much ado he had to resist the Danes, who swarmed continually about him, he withstood them manfully, for the time and Forces which he had, but by his death a greater storm fell upon his Brother,  
5. ETHELRED that Reigned next. In his time Hunger, A.Ch. 866 and Hubba, men of excessive strength and feirenesse, entered this Land with great Forces, and harrowed wheresoever they set footing, especially (being Pagans) Leveled all Sucred places with the ground. 2. To avoid their fury, and preserve their own Chastity, the Nuns of Codingham (by a rare example) cut off their own Lips and Noses. St Edmund by these Barbarians gained the Crown of Martyrdom, and to make them the more , Streg and Halden two Danish Kings, furnish them with fresh supplies, whom the Earl of Berkshire ropelled near Englefield, and cut off one of the new-come Leaders. 3. This while Ethelred is not Idle, but every where so bestirs himself, that he proves Victorious against them in nine set Battles fought in one year, wherein with one of their Kings, nine Earls of the Danes were slain. In the end at Merton he received his death's wound, and left his torn Kingdom to the brave  
6. ALFRED or Alured his Brother. A.Ch. 871 Upon him three more Danish Kings (as though Hell had been broke lose) Guerthren, Eskittle, and Ammond are poured like haile-shott, with their innumerable followers. 2. To whom by Wilson, Exeter, and Abingdon, he gave great overthrows, and no less than seven times in one year Routed and Scattered them. 3. Notwithstanding by their obstinate reinforcing, he was once brought to that extremity, that he was forced to leave his Companies, and lurk in Somersetshire Marshes, where righting his bow and arrows by the fire, in a poor Cottage, he was sharply blamed by the housewife, for letting a Cake on the hearth burn for want of turning. 4. From thence under the habit of a Fiddler he ventures among the Enemies, and having noted their looseness, and many secret intentions, returns to his sad Companies, surpriseth the Enemy unprovided, takes Rufan their Danish Banner, which had a Raven of needlework in it, that had good fortune ever attendant, and so scatters their Forces, that they could not soon be reunited to endanger him. About which time the Devonshire men slew Halden the Danish King, with new supplies brought by his Brother, of whom the place near Exeter bears the Name. 5. As his Valour and Prudence, so his Studies and Piety were beyond compare. Of the natural days 24 hours, eight he allotted for Devotion and Contemplation, eight for refection and recreation, and the eight remaining for matters of the Commonwealth. 6. He Translated Gregory's Pastoral, Bedes History, and Boethius de consolation Philosophiae into the Saxon Tongue, and began to do the like with David's Psalms. 7. He restored the decayed University of Oxford, by fixing therein a College, (now bearing the name of University College) and annexed ample maintenance unto it. Honoured Scholastical Exercises, with his Kingly attention, and encouragement. And so passing to his Fathers with the greatest applause, left the Heir of his renown and virtue his son  
7. An. C. 901 EDWARD the Elder to follow him, no way inferior in Valour to his Father, and not much in Learning. 2. His many and dangerous conflicts which he had with the Danes of Northumberland, proved fare the more hazardous in regard of his Nephew Ethelwald's Rebellions, who joined with them, but to their own overthrows 3. By his singular humanity, he gained Leolyn the insolent and surly Prince of Wales, to meet him in the Severne breast-hie, and to embrace his Boat, and afterward to do him Homage. 4. His Sister Elfreda was a great help unto him, not only by her wise directions, but more than manly Valour which the Danes in divers bicker felt to their Cost. 5. After all these troublesome passages, he peaceably at length with honour died at Faringdon, leaving behind him by three Wives, fix Sons and nine Daughters, whereof Editha was Married to the Emperor Otho the great. Edburga having the Bible and royal Apparel set before her at her choice, she waving Royalty, laid hold on the Bible, and became a Votaress. Of his sons,  
8. ADELSTANE that succeeds him, An. C. 925 is said to be the first Anointed King of this I'll. He Married his Sister to Sithick the Danish King, that held Northumberland, on condition he should be Baptised, which was done, but to little purpose, for the ends intended, of furthering Peace or Religion, 2. with Constantine of Scotland he had great Conflicts, whom Anlafe of Ireland assisted, and taking upon him the habit of an Irish Harper, had plotted to have surprised Adelstane, which was prevented by the discovery of an honest Soldier, and revenged by the loss of five petty Kings, and five Dukes of his Enemies in prosecuting the project. 3. Passing into Scotland he offers his knife (for good luck's sake) to St John of Beverly, subdues the whole Kingdom, makes a miraculous dint in a stone at Dunbar, with one stroke of his Sword, of an Ell deeps, to testify his right to that Kingdom. 4. Welsh Princes, Howell, & Wolferth are suffered there to Reign under him, professing that he held it more honourable to make, then to be a King. 5. Near Winchester he was challenged by the insulting Danes, to provide a Champion to encounter one Colbrond a Danish Giant, which they held invincible, and none of his venturing to undertake it, he got a Pilgrim from among the Beggars, (as he was directed in his sleep) that entered the Lists, and slew him. 
Lidgate. Rous. Papulwick. Graston.  This proved to be Guy of Warwick, of whose Valour, and of his Wives Felice's faithfulness, tradition hath been very prodigal. 6. In what esteem this King was with Neighbour Princes, may be gathered by Presents sent unto him from Otho the Emperor, a Lanscip of Precious Stones, set to admiration. From the King of Norway a Ship with a guilt Stern and purple Sails. From the King of France Constantine's Sword, and Charles the great's Spear, the same that had wounded our Saviour, with a Nail of the same Implements. 7. Which Riches and Relics (according to the Devotion of those times) he bestowed on Consecrated Places, dies peaceably, and leaves his Brother  
9 An. C. 940 EDMUND to succeed him, he had a great hand against the Danes, whom he beat in the North, and bestowed Cumberland upon Malcolme of Scotland for his faithful assistance. 2. The good Laws he made are extant in Saxon and Latin, by the Industry of Mr William Lambard. Where the Curse that he lays upon nonpayment of Tithes should be more regarded. 3. In parting of a fray between two of his Servants, he is said to be wounded to death, others report, that it was done by a Villain that he lay hold on too unadvisedly, which Dunstane foresaw by the Devils dancing before him, and made Duke Elstane do the like, only by Crossing his eyes. In the Nonage of his son Edwy and Edwin; his Brother  
10. An. C. 946 EDRED or Eldred assumes the Government. 1. The Danes in Northumberland oppose him, being animated under hand by Wolstane Archbishop of York, and calling in Anlafe the Dane from Ireland, whom they made their King, and upon dislike of him, put one Hericus into his place, but matters at length were composed by the King's Lenity, and an Act of Oblivion obtained. 2. Dunstane Abbot of Glassenbury got such a hand over him, that he committed most of his Treasure into his hand, whereof there appeareth no account. 3. He made St Germans in Cornwall a Bishop's Sea, translated afterward to Kyrton by Canutus the Dane, and settled at last by Edward the Confessor in Exeter. His two sons left behind him, came not to the Crown but his Nephew  
11. An. C. 955 EDWY his brother Edmund's Eldest son had it by right. 1. This man favoured not the Monks which made them to write so scandalously of him: he thrust them out of Malmsbury and Glassenbury, placing married Priests in their room, and banished Dunstane into Flanders their great Champion. 2. This made the Devil to laugh (as the Monks fable it) whose calumniations so set the people against him. 3. That some say he was Deposed, which broke his heart: 
Graft.  he left behind him no Issue, and therefore the right descended to his brother  
12. EDGAR, a man of a higher spirit, An. C. 959 and warier carriage. 1. He recalled Dunstane from banishment, and was altogether ruled by him, and his complices: this restrained not his Incontinency, for by Wolfchild a Nun he begat St Edith. At Andevor plotting to lie with a Western Duke's daughter, he was fitted by the Mother, with a substituted waiting Creature, whom he retained afterwards for his Concubine. 2. More Tragical was that of the Duke of Devonshire's daughter, whose Husband he slew for beguiling him of her, whom he had trusted to Pander for him. For these pranket and other, he was enjoined by B. Dunstane, not to wear his Crown for seven years, which he penitently submitted unto, but held on his lascivious courses. 3. It was a successful device to free his Country from Wolves, by enjoining the Prince of North-Wales, to bring him yearly 300 skins of them for a Tribute, and another Ordinance he made for putting pins in cups, that none should quaff whole ones. 4. Upon the river Dee, he had seven petty Kings to row his Barge, to show his greatness. 5. After his death, great stir there was who should succeed him. Elfrida the Queen, and the Duke of Mercia interposed strongly for her son Ethelred, but Dunstane and the Monks carried it for  
13. EDWARD the son of his former wife, An. C. 975 Ethelfreda the White. In this man's time the greatest troubles were between the Matried Clergy and Monks. Duke Alfarus standing for the Married men, and Dunstane for the single. 2. At an Assembly in Winchester, the married Priests lost the day, by the decision of a Wooden Rood, which never spoke before nor after; and at another meeting the ruin of the House (with the preservation in it of St Dunstane and his party) ruind the poor Priest's cause, although manifest delusion appeared in both. 3. The end of this young King was lamentable, being stabbed (by his Stepmother's treachery) when he was drinking a cup of Wine on Horseback, when he in kindness came to visit her: through which wound, fainting and falling from his Horse, he was dragged to death by his foot entangled in the stirrup. This made a bloody way for the succession of his brother  
14. An. C. 978 ETHELRED or Egelred, who had little comfort in it: For the Danes grew upon him so fiercely, that he was forced to purchase his Peace from them, with great sums of Money, to the undoing of his poor Kingdom, who yet never rested contented, but multiplied the oppression of the Subject, enforcing them to drudge to maintain these Lurdan's idle. 2. To put a period to this insufferable Vassalage, a Bloody Massacre was executed upon them, by the King's secret Commission, A.C. 1012 on St Brices day, but such brutish courses never find a wished close. 3. The Danes rather exasperated to revenge, than any way thereby dismayed, return with Swain their King, and desolate all the Country. The perfidious Earl Edrick with other of the Clergy and Nobility underhand abet them: the King opposeth to his power, but with extreme difficulty. 4. After the death of Swain, (who, some say, was miraculously gored by St Edmund's Sword, for his Sacrilege in Thetford) Canutus his Son arrives with greater forces. The King dies after a linger sickness. 5. His second Wife was Emma, termed the flower of Normandy, Duke Richard's daughter, by whom he had divers children: but more by his first Wife Elgiva, of which  
15. EDMUND, surnamed Ironside, succeeded, in valour and performance, if not beyond, surely not inferior to any of his Predecessors. 2. He raised the Siege of London, worsted the valiant Canutus four times at least in plain field, and had in all likelihood rid England of him, if the Traitor Edrick, and others of the perfidious Clergy and Nobility, had not secretly assisted him. 2. In a Duel between him and Canutus in the I'll of Alney, he overmatched the stout Dane, and wounded him to be supplicant. By compact they divide the Kingdom between them. 3. But that Villainous Duke Edrick found the means to have this excellent Prince gored, as he sat on a Draught, for whose head presented to Canutus, he had his own exalted upon a Pole, above the rest of his Peers as it was promised him, An Advancement fit for betrayers of their King and Country.  

2. THis Distance runs a long with the Period of Charles the Great and his successors, from whose Military Discipline, our Egbert learned to Conquer, and bring dismembered Polyarchies and Heptarchies, into the best kind of Government, which hath been approved by all, to be Monarchy. 2. Notice may be here taken of the continued eruptions of the Northern Nations to infest the Southern, whom they excelled most commonly so much in boisterous strength, and number, as they came short of them in Learning, Civility, and Policy; wherein the providence of God appeared; that the Conquerors should be Conquered by those they had subdued, being of Pagans made Christians, and of boisterous Tyrants, submissive brethren, so that malum ab Aquilone, became bonum Aquiloni, by Divine disposition, which permiteth not evil, but to produce good out of it. 3. Learning so stifled by tumults of former ages, begins here to bud again, by Alcuinus, Beda, but especially by King alfred's liberality, encouragements, and good Example.  

INQVIRES.  
3. Whether 

1. The Saxon Heptarchy, were distinctly visible at any one time, or grew up more successively by degrees?  
2. Alfred were the first founder of the University of Oxford, or only a munificent Reviver?  
3. The Relations of the humorous carriage, and strange achievements of Guy of Warwick, be for the most part put upon him without ground?  
4. The Nuns of Codingham did well, by mangling their faces to preserve their chastity?  
5. The miracles ascribed to St Dunstane were rather deluding sleights, or Devilish Magic, then Acts of Piety?  
6. Edward basely stabbed by his Stepmother's treachery, may be justly held a Martyr?  
7. Ethelreds' Massacre of Danes, may pass for warrantable Policy?       

Of the Danes. DYNASTY III.  
THe third Dynasty that outed the Saxons, and possessed their Dominions, is that of the Danes: who partly invited by Beorn Bocador Viceroy of Northumberland, 
Speed.  to revenge the ravishing of his Lady by Osbright, and partly taking occasion from the murder of Lothbrook, alias Letherbreech, by Benick St Edmunds Faulkover, (for which no satisfaction could be obtained) never desisted to Invade the whole Realm, till they became sole Masters of it. In this Dynasty or Government, we have but three Danes, and two others in this succession.  
1. CANUTUS the Conqueror, A.C. 1018 a Valiant and prudent man. He was an enemy to Dissemblers, Traitors, and Flatterers: for the Nobility that to curry favour with him, assented to the Disinheriting of Ironsides Issue, were ever after slighted by him, and came to Dishonourable ends. The Traitor Ederick, vaunting his good service, in murdering his Sovereign, he caused to be executed, with the extremest, and disgraceful tortures; And a company of Flatterers, that extolled his Greatness and Power to be unmatchable, he caused to place him in a Chair, where the Sea Ebbs and Flows at South-Hampton, that by the disobedience of the Tide, that would not stop at his Command, but presumed to dash his Royal Garments, they might learn how Low man is at the Highest; & not to applaud his fortune, but fear his fall. 2. By the valour of Earl Goodwin, and English, he drove the Vandals out of Denmark, which fell to him by his brother Swains death, and got the neighbouring Norway, by subduing Olave the King, who had quarrelled with him, without any provocation. In like manner he vanquished Scotland, so that England, Denmark, Norway, (some add also part of Sweden) together with Scotland were wholly subject unto him. 3. His jealousies of Ironsides Children moved him to send his sons, Edward and Edmund to Swanus King of Denmark, to be dispatched, but he abhorring such Villainy, transferred them to the King of Hungary, where Edmund dying, Edward Married Agatha, the Emperor Henry the fourth's Daughter, by whom he had Edgar Etheling, the surviving Heir of the Crown of England, which he could never recover. 4. To strengthen his Title (what he might) he takes Emma to wife King Etheldreds' Widow, 
M. Lambard.  makes good Laws extant in the Saxon tongue and Latin, gave one hundred Talents of Silver, and one of Gold for St Augustince Arm, which he bestowed on Coventry, as a memorial of his Zeal, though not according to knowledge. 5. He had Issue by Emma his second Wife the fair Gunhilda, and Hardy-Canutus. Gunhilda was Married to the Emperor Henry the third, where falling into suspicion of Incontinency, she was vindicated by her English Page, overthrowing in her quarrel a great Giant. Hardicanutus was designed to succeed by his Father here in England, but was put by in his absence by his Brother  
2. A.C. 1038 HAROLD called Harefoot by reason of his swiftness, Earl Goodwin withstands his entrance, but by secret prevailing means, was soon made his friend. 2. A Letter is forged in Queen Emmas name, to bring over her sons Edward and Alfred, (which she had by Ethelred) to claim their Right to the Crown. Alfred comes and by Earl Goodwin is made away, with all those that came with him at Gilford. 3. Emma is banished, but courteously entertained by Baldwin Earl of Flanders, Harold thus secured (as he thought) from Competitors, lives loosely, dies speedily, and without Issue leaves the Kingdom to  
3. A.C. 1041 HARDICANUTUS, who made it his first work to disintombe his Predecessors Corpse, and threw it into Thamisis: but some Fishermen more courteous, recovered it, and buried it again in St Clements near Temple-bar. 2. His recalling his Mother Emma, and half Brother Edward, and entertaining them respectively, deserves commendations. As also the prosecuting Earl Goodwin, and the Bishop of Worcester, for Prince alfred's death, but the Earl quitted himself by his Oath, and a rich Present, and the Bishops questioning is said to be for the Murder of the King's Taxe-Collectors in Worcester, by the enraged Citizens, for which their City was afterwards consumed with fire. 3. His Epicurismo left an ill Custom to all posterity. Four times a day, his Table must be covered, to invite men to Intemperancy, Through which at a Marriage, he is thought to have Choked himself at Lambeth, most rejoicing to be rid of him, in memory whereof Hock-tide a Feast of scorning was a long time continued after. In this third Heir expired the Danish Line, and the Saxon revived again in  
4. EDWARD the son of Ethelred, & Emma, A.C. 1043 commonly called the Confessor. 1. To gain the more love of his Subjects at his first entrance, he remitted the Tax of Danegilts so grievous to the Commonds, collected the Laws of his predecessors into a body for the administrationof justice, which some say are the ground of our Common-Law, though the Pleading be altered since the Norman Conquest. 2. He was threatened by the Dane, 
See M. Lambards' Archnom.  and vexed by Griffith the Welsh Prince, who was quelled by Harold especially, who was employed against them. Between him and the potent Earl Goodwin, were such debates, that twice came to the hazard of dangerous Battles, if wise mediation of the Nobles had not prevented them, the death of which Earl is reported to be his Choking with a bit of Bread, upon an imprecation laid on himself, that that might be his last, if he had a hand in the death of the King's Brother Prince Alfred, though some say he died of the deadpalsie. 3. 
Grafton.  In this man's time Coventry purchased its Freedom from Earl Leofrie, by the Riding of his Countess Godina naked through it, but such order was taken by the Townsmen, that shutting up all Doors and Windows none beheld it. 4. His unnatural dealing with his good Mother Emma, and virtuous fair Wife Editha, Earl goodwin's Daughter, cannot be excused. For upon a poor surmise of Incontinency with Alwin Bishop of Winchester, his Mother in his presence was put to the Ordalium to pass Blindfolded between nine glowing Coulters, which she did untouched: and his spotless Queen Editha, denied Marriageright, (perchance for hatred to her Father,) and with one Waiting-maid to live disrespected in a Nunnery. 5. Such actions so opposite to God's word should Saint no man. The first curing the King's Evil, is referred to him, and thence to have continued to his Successors. More Laudable was his respect to Edgar Etheling, (Grandchild to to Ironside by his son Edward the Outlaw that died in banishment) whom he intended for his successor, and he had the best right to it, but he being young, and wanting means and friends to support him.  
5. A.C. 1066 HAROLD son of Earl Goodwin makes bold to take the place, a man of excellent parts, and approved valour, as the Welsh and others which he subdued in his Predecessors time, found to their cost. 2. He, droven by Tempest into Normandy, was affianced to young Adeliza Duke William's Daughter, with whom he Covenanted upon Oath to make him successor to Edward in the Kingdom of England. 2. But this contract he held as a nicety, or compliment, and constrained Oaths no way to bind, wherein he soothed himself, but God is not mocked, and usurpations thrive not long. 3. Three Enemies at one time assault him. Tosto his own Brother, Harold Harefager, or Fairelocks, of Norway, and William Duke of Normandy. The two former he manfully quelled, but fell under the hand of William in that famous Battle of Hastings in Sussex, the setter up of the next Dynasty.  

2. IN those times whiles Princes sought the ruins one of another, Popes grew up to dispose of them, and their Kingdoms, and those that protested against such deformities, and enormities could not be heard.  

INQVIRIES.  
3. Whether 

1. Canutus had the largest Dominious of any that ever Ruled in this Kingdom?  
2. St Augustine's Arm were worth so much as he gave for it?  
3. Edward the son of Etheldred, deserved the Title of Confessor?  
4. Our Common-Law have its grounds from his Collections?  
5. Ordalium by hit Coulters, be fit to purge suspicion of Incontinency?  
6. Stopping the rights of Marriages without consent for a time of both Parties, be not directly against God's word?  
7. Harold were bound to keep his Oath to William of Normandy for the Crown of England, in prejudice to Edgar Etheling the apparent right Heir?       

Of the Normans. DYNASTY IU.  
THe Fourth Dynasty is of the Normans, to the Plantagenets, and hath in it  
1. A.C. 1067 WILLIAM the Conqueror, the seaventh Duke of Normandy: the son of Robert, begotten on Arlot, a poor Skinner's daughter, whom he affected for her handsomeness, and comely dancing (which by chance he beheld) among her country companions. 2. After the overthrow of Harold with little less than the loss of 68000 men on both sides in Battle field, he quickly brought under the rest of the Kingdom. The Kentish men circumvent him by a stratagem, and thereby retained their ancient Customs and Liberties. 2. Edgar Etheling the right heir, formerly wronged by Harold, with the discontented Earls Edwin, and Morcar, make some resistance, but to no purpose. Edgar flies with his Mother and Sisters, into Scotland; where King Malcolme entertaining them nobly, takes Margaret his Sister to Wife, and by his constant and effectual standing for him, Edgar was reconciled unto the Conqueror, and had Royal allowance from him. 3. To those insurrections that here vexed him, his eldest son Robert added a more unnatural in Normandy, which he hastening to appease, was in Battle Unhorsed by his own son, whom upon submission he was content to pardon for the time. 4. The Church found no friend of him, whose Revenues he alienated, and burdened with unusual taxes, not sparing the poor means of University College in Oxford, which must be diverted from the Students. 5. Besides the imposing of the Norman Laws, he left the Doomsday Book in the Exchequer, containing a Survey in general of all England. For a groat to short in payment of some deuce required, he forced the Monks of Ely, to lay down a 1000 marks: notwithstanding for all this, the Pope bucks him, and allows his do and Title. 6. He depopulated about thirty miles in compass, 
Cambden i●. Hantshire.  and outed the Inhabitants to make a forest for Wild-beasts, which pleasured not himself so much, as it proved unlucky to his Posterity. The plainness of these times of Letting Lands is worth the comparing with the intricate prolixity of our times. Then it passed for good. 
From me and mine, to thee and thine,  
As good and as fair, as ever they mine were,  
To witness that this is sooth,  
I by't the white wax with my tooth.  But now we find it otherwise. 7. After all these transactions abroad, he is summoned by Death, as he was in Normandy, but had the place of his burial compounded for, before he was interred, and then the Grave proved too little for him that had proved so great a Conqueror in the World. His second son  
2. A.C. 1087 WILLIAM Rufus by Archbishop Lanfrankes working for him, gets the place. 1. He is strongly opposed by his elder brother Robert: whom he calmeth with promising fair words, without performance, and Robert joins in the famous expedition to the Holy Laud, with Godfrey of Bulloyne. 2. As his Father began, so he persisted to withstand Papal intrusions. He slighted the Pope's Binding & Losing: and held it bootless to invocate Saints. Kerbed Anselme Archbishop of Canterbury, and taxed the then swelling Clergy for their Pride, Luxury, Idleness, and Avarice. Herd a Disputation of the jews, (who bribed him to favour them) against the Christians, but they lost the day, and their money together. 3. A Groom of his chamber, on a time bringing him a pair of Breeches of three shillings price, was blamed of him, and commanded to furnish him with a pair fit for a King, that should cost a mark. He goes, and presenting him with a meaner pair, which he said cost so much, yea Bellamy (or by St Lucy's face saith the King) they are well bought: such was the frugality of those times, and difference from ours. 4. His liberality to Religious persons and places, shows that he was not void of Religion, though he could not endure Appeals to Rome, and his building the Tower in London, and Westminster Hall, of 270 foot in length, and 74 in breadth, are sufficient testimonies of his Magnificence. 5. His death was casual, by the glance of an arrow from a tree, 
Cambden in Hantshire ex G. Mapes.  shot by Sir Walter Tirrell at a Stag, in the New Forest, wherein four Abbeys, and thirty fix Parish Churches, had been demolished: with the removing of all the Inhabitants, to make room for Beasts or Dog's game as one calls it. 
Rex cervum insequitur, Regem vindicta, Tyrellus  
Non bene provisum transfixit acumine ferri.  
The King the Stag, vengeance the King doth chase,  
Tyrells hard hap concludes this Tragic case.  Also Richard his brother, and Robert his Nephew, came to their untimely ends in the same place: so dangerous it is to prove abaddon's, especially in consecrated things. A Collier's Cart that removes him thence, broke in the way, and left him in the dirt, whence he was after taken, and buried as a King in Winchester: dying without issue, his Sceptre descended to his brother  
3. A.C. 1100 HENRY the first, surnamed Beauclark for his Learning. He was wont to say that an unlearned King was a Crowned Ass. 1. Great stirs he had with his brother Robert, who returning from jerusalem, where he was made King to possess England but miss of it: and at length lost Normandy, together with his eyes, by his unnatural brother. 2. He Married Maud King Malcolmes daughter of Scotland, by her Mother Margaret lineally descended from Edmund Ironside, to strengthen his title to the Kingdom. 3. As his predecessors did, so he stoutly denies the Pope's encroachings, Curbs Anselme, that continued Rome's agent, establisheth the Laws of Edward the Confessor, 
Holinshed.  and adds other convenient of his own. 4. A.C. 1114 He is said to have held the first Parliament, which he ordained should consist of Three Estates, of which himself was the Head. 
Martin.  A great Bickering began in his time, between Canterbury and York, for priority, which continued a long time after, till Canterbury carried it. And Cardinal Cremensis the Pope's Legate, sent hither to interdict Priests Marriages, was taken in the Act with a common strumpet, which he excused, in saying he was no Priest himself, but a corrector of them. 5. The drowning of his son William, with divers other Nobles, was repaired in some sort, by the Marriage of Maud his Daughter, first with Henry the fifth Emperor of Germany, and he dying without Issue, next with Jeffery Plantagenet Earl of Anjoy, by whom she had Henry Fitz Empress Heir apparent to the Crown. But his Grandfather dying unexpectedly, by eating of Lampresse, and he not upon the place,  
4. STEPHEN of Blois steps in; A.C. 1135 son to Adeliza daughter to the Conqueror, and holds it. which was the cause of no small stirs, and bloodshed, especially it being against his Oath, which he had taken with the Nobles, for the Empress Mauds succession, and first broke it. The Bishops excused it, that it was for the good of the Church, but Perjury promotes not Piety. 2. Less he could not expect then continual oppositions from the Empress, and her son Henry, to recover their right, wherein after various success and wind on either side; At the Battle of Liucolne (notwithstanding his Herculean laying about him with his slaughtering Axe) the King himself was taken Prisoner, 
Math. Paris.  which in likelihood might have ended the business. 3. But the Empress upon this victory, carries herself so high, and disrespective, that she lost the hearts of her party, so that Stephen was freed, and she forced to shift for herself, from Oxford Castle in a great Snow, and other places. 4. Until her son Henry comes with better provision. The Armies confronting one the other, an agreement is made, especially by the earnest mediation of the Archbishop of Canterbury. Stephen is to hold the Kingdom for his life, and Henry is proclaimed his Heir apparent, which took the surer effect, in regard of the drowning of Prince Eustace, Stephen's son who might have been a block in the way, and a shrewd suspicion there was (intimated some say by the Empress herself) that Stephen had more interest in Henry, 
Holinsh.  than Jeffry Plantagenet. 5. What became afterward of the Empress may well (saith one) be made a Quere. But the King soon takes his leave of the World, wanting nothing to rank him with the Eminents of his predecessors, but only a good Title, which the Pope was feed to justify, but it could not stave off Henry, from bringing in the next Dynasty.  

2. With this Dynasty may be ranked. 1. The intolerable Insultations of the Popes now in the Zenith of their Exaltations, upon the superstitious and miss devotions of Christian Princes, which our Normans stooped not so much to, as others. 2. The needless wranglings of Archbishop Anselme, with Rufus and Henry the first, his Soveraigues, unbeseeming his Learning, which receives at this day scandal by it. 3. These quarrels between Canterbury and York, for priority, more befitting Women, and Duelists. then men of their Places and Profession. Notwithstanding St Bernard may be well noted for an eminent Preacher, though Abailardus Scholars say, it was all the Learning he had. Lombard and Gratian must be acknowledged for Witty and painful men, and Avicenna Averro, and other Arabians, and Schoolmen for great Philosophers.  

INQVIRIES.  
3. Whether 

1. The Laws of Edward the Confessor, were any way bettered by those of the Conqueror?  
2. The Kentish Gavelkind be not prejudicial to elder brothers?  
3. Harlot be a name of reproach, derived from the Conqueror's Mother?  
4. William Rufus in some sort might not be termed a Protestant?  
5. 
See Holiaesis in his life.  Parliaments had their first beginning from Henry the first?  
6. His Dealing with his brother Robert, were not unnaturally Tyrannical?  
7. King Stephen might not as Lawfully put by his Daughter, and Grandchild from the Crown, as he did his Elder brother Robert?       

Plantagenets Vndevided. DINASTY. V  
THE Normans thus expiring, give way to the fifth Dynasty of the Plantaginets.  
This represents itself, 

1. Before the division of the Houses of YORK and LANCASTER.  
2. After that division.    
3. Before the division there run on evenly in an unquestionable Line, eight Kings in this manner.  
1. A.C. 1155 HENRY the second called Fitz-Empresse, otherwise Shortmantle, who curbed the Clergy at his first entrance, by setting on foot again his Grandfather Henry the first's Law's. 2. He had great bickering with the Pope, and Thomas Becket, that Traitor Saint, made by him Archbishop of Canterbury, but made away by Pickthank Courtiers, who flew him (some relate as he was at Mass) for which the penitent King Footed three miles afterward upon his bloody bare feet; to visit this Idol shrine, & submitted himself further to be breeched by the Orbilian Monks, who bestowed eighty Lashes upon him. 3. His love to fair Rosamund whom he Mewed up in Woodstock Labyrinth, wrought him much sorrow, through the Jealousy of his Queen, who at length there Poisoned her, leaving her to be buried at Godstow near Oxford with this Epitaph. 
Hic jacet in Tumbo Rosa mundi, non Rosa munda,  
Non redolet, sed olet, quae redolere solet.  
Rose Of, not To the world here Rosamund lies,  
Sweet once she was, but now 'tis otherwise.   
Her Well, a fair spring by the Manor of Woodstock continues there her name at this day.  
The King had two Sons by her, William Longsword, and jeffery Archbishop of York. 4. He subdued Ireland by occasion of Dermott Ningals falling off from his Countrymen; appoints Judges of the Circuits in England. 5. Crowns his Son Henry Copartner with him in the Kingdom, who not using his Father well, and untimely dying, left Brethren too many to break the Old man's heart by their opposition, of which  
2. RICHARD the first, A.C. 1188 called Cuer de Lion succeeds him. 1. Born in Oxford; howsoever odious at last to his Father, yet dutiful to his Mother, whom he freed from 12. year's Imprisonment, when he came to the Crown. 2. Afterward goes to the Holy Land, Conquers Cyprus, and becomes King of jerusalem, which Title his Father requested, by the Patriarch Heraclius had refused. In his absence the emulation between William Longshampe Bishop of Elye left Viceroy, And john the King's Brother (who deservedly with others stormed at it) brought all things into a Combustion; so that in these storms broke out the famous Outlaws, Robin Hood and Little John, of whom read Grafton. As also on William with the Longbeard, a notable Imposter then deluded the credulous people. This man's Valour an old Pees of theirs expresses. 
This King Richard I understand,  
Yet he went out of England,  
Let make an Axe for the Nones  
Therewith to cleave the Saracens bones.  
The head in forth was wrought full we'll,  
Thereon beware twenty pound of steel.  
And when he came in Cyprus land,  
This ilkon Axe he took in hon.  3. His return cost him dear, by falling in to the hands of Leopold of Austria, and Henry the sixth Emperor, his exasperated Enemies. 4. His Wife Berengaria, the King of Navarres Daughter, was neglected by him at first, yet afterward received, never had Issue by him. 5. A French Priest one Fulco told him, that he had three Daughters, Pride, covetousness, and Lechery to be bestowed abroad of him, to prevent God's punishments. To whom he suddenly replied, that the Templars and Hospitallers should have his Pride, the Cistertian Monks his covetousness, and the rest of the Clergy his Lechery. 6. The Motto of DIEV ET MON DROIT is attributed to him, ascribing the Victory he had at guysor's against the French, not to himself but to God, and his might. He was death-wounded by a poisoned Arrow at the Siege of Chalons, by one Bertrand Guerdon in revenge of his Father and Brethren whom the King had slain, which Bertrand resolutely avowing before the King, the King pardoned him. 7. At his Mother's intercession, he was reconciled before to his Younger brother  
3. A.C. 1199 JOHN who succeeds him. He was termed by his Father Lackland. 1. The Faction of the Clergy cast the Crown upon him by Election, whereas Arthur Plantagenet the son of his Elder brother jeffery was the right Heir, and stickled for it, by the French Kings abetting, till he lost his life in the Quarrel. 2. The Clergy forsook him for opposing Pope Innocent the third in Stephen Langtons' preferment, to the See of Caterbury; & slighting the Monks and vexing them. 3. Their Combinations forced him (after the Interdicting of the Realm for six years three months. and sixteen days,) to render his Crown to Pandulphus the Popes Legate, and take it again in Fee-farm at the Rent of a Thousand Marks yearly; which exasperated his Nobles against him, howsoever it warped the Pope and Clergy to be for him. 4. His Bickering abroad with the French, and at home with his Barons, made his Reign very Tragical, which ended at Swansted Abbey by Simon the Monks Poison (as some say) and gave way to his son  
4. A.C. 1216 HENRY the third, who Crowned between nine or ten years Old, 1. Cleared this Realm of the French, (who had Invaded it by the Pope's interdiction) by William Martial Earl of Pembroke his Protector. 2. Hubert De Burgo Earl of Kent did him much good service, for which he had small recompense. 3. His immoderate and exasperating favours cast on Strangers, drew on the Baron's Wars, in which an Insanum Parliamentum held at Oxford, appointed twelve Peers in prejudice of his Regality. The Earls of Leicester and Gloucester are the greatest sticklers in it; who took Prisoners the King, with his brother Richard King of the Romans, and his son Prince Edward, in the Battle of Lewes in Sussex. 4. He confirms Magna Charta. The Earls fall at deadly fend between themselves, Prince Edward tells the King of it, and joining with Gloucester Rights himself, by the Ruin of Leicester in the Battle of Eversham in Worcestershire. 5. London is threatened to be Burnt by the King, for taking the Baron's part. 6. Glocesters' service failing of expected Favours, repines to no purpose, and undertakes to go to the Holy Land, but shrinking; that enterprise is performed by Prince Edward, and his Heroic Princess Elinor, who sucked out there the poison of an envenomed wound given him, with the hazard of her own life, whereby he recovered. He did there great service, until he was called back to succeed his Father, that died after fifty six year's Reign, by the Title of  
5. EDWARD the first, commonly called Longshanks, A.C. 1273 1. He brought the Welsh with their Valiant Prince Lewillin under the English Subjection. 2. Conquered Scotland, being at Variance, who should be King, brought thence the Marble Chair, in which the Scottish Kings were wont to be Crowned, spoken of before. 3. Hesleighted the Pope's Inhibition to forbear Scotland, and in the Parliament of Lincoln, under the subscription of the Peers, utterly renounced Pope Boniface his Supreme Authority. 4. He banished the Jews for their Exactions, and Censured the Judges and Officers for their Corruptions. 5. Upon his Deathbed charged his son to continue the Banishment of Pearce of Goveston, and to convey his Heart to be buried in the Holy Land. 6. Of his sixteen Children which he had by two Wives, Elianour of Spain, and Margaret of France.  
6. A.C. 1307 EDWARD the second surnamed Carnarvan (the first English hereditary Prince of Wales) succeeds him. 2. He against his Oath, calls Gaveston twice out of Banishment, permits him to convey beyond the Seas his jewels, with a Table and Trestles all of Beaten Gold. 3. In place of Gaveston beheaded by the Nobles, he takes the Spencers, Father and son to be his Favourites, worse (if it might be) than Gaveston. 4. At Estreveline, and twice afterwards, he received three notable overthrows by the Scots, to the loss of all his Interest there, and the Devastation of the Northern parts of his Kingdom. 5. Upon these preposterous events, john Poydrus (an Exeter man) would needs prove the King a Changeling, and said himself was Longshanks son; But his claim was quickly strangled with an Halter. 6. To right these wrongs, the Barons by a Parliament get the Spencers banished. The King recalls them, the Barons take Arms, receive a great overthrow, and two and twenty of them are Behoaded. The Spencers the more insult. 7. The Queen flies with the Prince into France, is deserted by her bribed Brother the French King, and commanded to return by the Pope, finds favour with Robert of Artois Earl of Henalt, and Sr john his brother, returns by their help into England, is assisted by the Barons, takes the King and the Spencers at Bristol. The Londoners behead Walter Stapleton Bishop of Exeter for withstanding the Queen's proceed: The Spencers are executed, the King is Deposed in Parliament, sent to Killingworth as Prisoner, and thence to Barkly Castle, where he was barbarously Spitted to Death, leaving his son  
7. A.C. 1327 EDWARD the third, (otherwise calied Edward of Windsor) to govern better. 1. He surprised Mortimer the Minion of his mother, and Executed him at Tyburn, who had by his pernicious plotting, caused King Edward the second to be made away by an amphibology. 
Edvardum occidere nolite timere bonum est,  
To shed King Edward's blood  
Refuse to fear I hold it good.  And the Scottish Ragman to be redelivered in the Nonage of this King, whereby the English laid claim to Scotland, together with their Black Cross, so that the People cried out 
Vae pueris terrae, saepissime sunt ubi guerrae.  
Woe to the Land where Rulers age.  
Is not mature to stop men's rage.  2. Notwithstanding the King repaired this afterward by the overthrow of the Scots at Hallidowne Hill, which wiped off their contumelious Rhyme made upon their Victory over the English in his Father's days, being this 
Long Beards heartless,  
Painted Hoods witless,  
Grey Coats graceless,  
Make England thriftless,  And also in taking their King David the valiant Bruces son Prisoner at Nevil's Cross, in his absence in France by the Queen, and placing in Edward Balliol to be King. 3. Against the French, by himself and this Valiant son Edward the Black Prince, He obtained eminent Victories at Cressay and Poycters; In the last of which their King John was taken and brought into England. 4. He Founded the Order of the Garter, first quartered his Arms with France. In his old age was much abused by a Strumpet Alice Pears. 5. After he had seen the death of his Victorious son Edward the Black Prince, he died peaceably at Sheen in Surry, leaving to succeed him his Grandchild, the Black Prince's son  
8. RICHARD the second. 1. A.C. 1378 He misled by his Favourite Michael De La Poole, and other Syeophants, incurs the hatred of his People. john Wall Priest, Watt Tylor, lack Sraw, and Jack Shepherd, raise a Rebellion against him, which happily was quieted by the Mayor of London's, William Walworth's mortal blow, given Watt Tylor. 2. Thirteen Commissioners were appointed to see matters reform, but it came to nothing. 3. An Invasion of French with twelve hundred Ships under Sail against England, by God's providence were utterly scattered. john of Gaunt his Uncle, Warreth successively in Spain, and himself in Scotland. 4. He continues his hatred against his Nobles, executes divers of them, Banisheth his Cousin Henry of Bullingbrook, for his freedom to have things reform; In his absence seizeth upon his whole estate. Bullingbrook returns when the King was in Ireland. The People flock to him. The King resigns his Crown to him, is committed to Pomfred Castle, there assaulted by eight Assassins, valiantly kills four of them and so is slain himself.  

2. WIthin compass of this Section are remarkable, 1. The strange Usurpation of Popes to make good, or disannul the Titles of Kings, and Demising of Kingdoms to Farm. 2. The bringing in of Auricular Confession, and Transubstantiation, not for informing, but infatuating Gods People. 3. The persecutions of the poor Waldenses, not for detestation of their Tenants (which they laboured not to examine,) but out of a jealousy, lest these men's plain dealing should discover their drifts, and mar their Ma●kets. 4. The protestations of Wicliff, and his followers, against the gross Superstition brought in by Monks and Friars, in Doctrine & Discipline, notably scourged by jeffery Chaucer the Learned and Famous Poet of those times, 5. Lastly upon remissness in Government, and neglect of execution of justice, the breaking out of such Outlaws, as were Robin Hood and Little John, with their Comrades, or starting up of such Impostors and Villains, as were, 1. William Longbeard under Richard the first, a sharp reprover of Vice and Disorders in the Common Wealth. Himself at last being found to be a Murderer, that had flayed a man, and a Whoremaster that had used his Concubine in a Church, and a Witch that worshipped at home a familiar in form of a Cat. 2. John Poydras a Tanner's son of Exeter, that stood upon it that Edward the second was a Changeling substituted in his Cradle for him, who was the right Heir to the Crown. 3. john Wall a Priest. 4. Wat Tyler, 5. Jack Straw. 6. Jach Shepherd, with 7. William Lister their Captain, would make all Leveli without distinction of King or Subject, Master or Servant.  

INQVIRIES.  
3. Whether 

1. Henry the second consented to the Murder of Thomas Becket Archbishop of Canterbury?  
2. The cause he suffered for, were pertinent to saint him?  
3. Expiatory Penance enjoined for that murder, were fit for a Priest to propose or a King to undergo?  
4. King john could forfeit his Kingdom to the Pope, or the Pope let it to Farm?  
5. He were poisoned by a Monk or died otherwise?  
6. Queen Isabella were not more to blame for prosecuting her Husband Edward the second, than the King was for sticking so close to Gaveston?  
7. King Richard the second were starved to death, or barbarously Butchered by St Piers of Exton?       

Lancastrians. DYNAST. V SECT. II.  
THus fare the Plantagenets have continued in an unquestionable right line; Now follows the division of the Houses of Lancester, and York, three of each succeeding in their order. Of Lancaster we have  
1. A.C. 1399 HENRY the fourth surnamed Bullinbrooke. 1. This man backed his usurpation of the Crown by Parliament, Wherein John the Religious, Learned, and resolute Bishop of Carlisle openly contradicted, but could not be heard: whereupon the Duke of Anmerle his Cousin, Then the Percyes joining with the Scots, and French, together with Owen Glendore and his Welsh, make a strong head against him. 3. But in the Battle of Shrewsbury, Henry Hotspurre is slain outright, Douglas the valiant Scot taken, but released without ransom; The Earl of Worcester beheaded, Owen Glendore pursued by the Prince into Wales, and famished there in the Woods. 4. The like success he had, in discovering and suppressing the Earl of Northumberlands Rebellion, with some Nobles, and the Scots his Complices. 5. Intending a voyage into the Holy Land, he is arrested by an Apoplexy, acknowledged to his son (who had seized upon his Crown upon supposal he was dead) the little right he had to its and so by his Death leaves it to his eldest son,  
2. A.C. 1412 HENRY the fifth of Monmoth. 1. At his first entrance, he cashiered all his dissolute companions that followed him when he was Prince: Reforms abuses in the Commonwealth, grows upon the Clergy, but was Politicly diverted by Henry Chichesly Archbishop of Canterbury, to employ his forces for the recovering of his Title to France. 2. Upon which he enters (having cut off Richard Earl of Cambridge, brother to the Duke of York, who by Treason would have prevented it) takes Harflew, gave the French with the odds of about six to one, an admirable overthrow at Agincourt, where more Prisoners were taken, than their surprisers, whose throats were cut upon an after Alarm by Robinet of Bonvill. 3. In a Sea-fight before Harflew the French had another extraordinary overthrow. 4. He subdues all Normandy, and takes Cane and Roan. 5. The Dolphin of France, being in disgrace by rifling his Mother's treasure, and murdering John the young Duke of Burgoyne; an agreement is made that Henry should marry Katherine the King's Daughter of France, and so succeed him in the Kingdom. 6. This was Proclaimed and Performed accordingly: He keeps his Court at Paris, as Regent, with incomparable Magnificence; Returns with his Queen into England, who is delivered of a Son at Windsor, upon which he is said to have spoken Prophetically, I Henry of Monmoth shall remain but a short time, and gain much, but Henry of Windsor shall Reign long and lose all. 7. In his return into France. to rescue his friend Philip Duke of Burgoyne, he sickneth and dies at Bloys, leaving his Son to succeed him, but of nine Months old.  
3. HENRY the sixth of Windsor. 1. A.C. 1422 His Protector was Humphrey Duke of Gloucester. Regent in France, john Duke of Bedford. Manager of many weighty businesses at home, Thomas Duke of Exeter, his three Uncles. 2. All went well in Erance (of which he was Crowned King in Paris) until the Siege of Orleans, where joane the Shepherdess of Lorraine, put in with her devices, which wrought much mischief, but at length she was taken and executed. 3. Mountecute the valiant Earl of Salisbury, and the Lord Talbot failing, all things in France went to wrack till all was lost. 4. Humphrey Duke of Glocesters' murder, the King's Marriage with Margaret (poor King Rayners daughter of Sicily) with the Rebellion of Bluebeard and jack Cade, weaken the affairs at home. 4. Richard Duke of York sets on foot his Title to the Crown; got it by Parliament, so fare forth as to be Heir apparent to Henry, who was taken Prisoner in the Battle at St Albone, but in prosecution of that business he lost his life, with his Sons, young Rutland. 5. Notwithstanding at length Edward, Richard's Son, the right Heir, overthrew the King in Towton field, and so recovered his Due.  

2. FAlling in with these times may be observed. 1. That as Popes had deposed Kings, now the Counsels of Constance and Basill deposed Popes, and set other in their places, without the suffrages of Cardinalis. 2. The perfidious dealing with john hus, and Hierome of Prague, which the Bohemians then complained of; and yet sticks to Rome as an indelible Character of Antichristian cruelty. 3. The success of usurpations, which as most commonly they are undertaken, with treacherous cruelty, so ever they are attended with Repine, Insurrections, Massacres, and ending always in shame and confusion.  

INQVIRIES.  
3. Whether 

1. Henry the fourth for Policy, Henry the fifth for Valour, Henry the sixth for Sanctity, exceeded most of their Predecessors?  
2. Those may be justly censured for Traitors that take up Arms against a manifest V surper?  
3. Henry the fourth, repent on his Deathbed, the wrong usurping of the Crown?  
4. Henry the fift's dissoluteness in his youth, experienced him the better to govern?  
5. King Henry the sixth, were a better Christian then King?  
6. His Queen's violentstirring, did not rather hurt then further his cause?  
7. joan of Orleans, were no other but as Magdalene, Bluebeard, and Jack Cade amongst us, a cheating Impostrix?       

The House of York. DYNAST. V SECT. III.  
THE three of the House of Lancaster having thus Acted more than their parts, three other of the House of York succeed upon a better Title, of whom the first was  
1. A.C. 1461 EDWARD the fourth. 1. He by main Valour overthrew Queen Margaret and her Partisans that opposed his Title. 2. But by sudden Marriage at home with the Lady Grace a Widow, when he had engaged himself by the Earl of Warwick to the Lady Bona of France; he exasperated Warwick against him, who with much bloodshed at length, Vn●rownes him, and restores Henry again yet living. 3. Edward by the Duke of Burgoyne recollects himself, and with the help of his Brethren Richard of Gloucester, and George of Clarence, (who formerly had taken part with Warwick) overthrows Warwick with his Complices, and kills him in Bornet Fields, Imprisoneth King Henry again in the Tower, where he is Murdered, most say by the Duke of Gloucester; as his son Prince Edward was afterward at Tewxbury, where the House of Lancaster had the last overthrow. In those catching times, a jest of one Burdet a Mercer in Cheapside, telling his son if he would ply his book, he should be heir to the Crown, (meaning his own house that had that Sign) cost him his life. 4. He sets on foot his Title to France, enters upon it with an Army, but comes to Composition, represses the Scottish incursions by Gloucester his Brother, and brings them to such Terms as he liked. 5. George Duke of Clarence his brother clapped into the Tower (some say) for Treason, others from a Dream the King had, that one whose name began with G●should ruin him and his posterity, was shortly after found drowned in a Butt of Malmsey. The King sickneth upon this, (and 'tis thought) hastened to his end by the same hand, and leaving the Crown to his son  
2. EDWARD the fifth, A.C. 1483 who of the age of thirteen coming from Ludlow to London to be Crowned, was Traitorously seized on by his perfidious Uncle, the Duke of Gloucester, the Duke of Buckingham, and the Lord Hastings. 2. Gloucester gets himself to be Protector, and under pretence of safe Custody, mews up the King with his younger Brother Richard in the Tower, procures himself to be Proclaimed King by the name of  
3. RICHARD the third. 1. A.C. 1483 He endeavouring to make a League with the French, was deservedly rejected for his Villainies. 2. By means of Sr james Terrill, Forrest, and Dighton, King Edward the fifth with his brother Richard, were Smothered in the Tower between two Featherbeds. 3. The Bishop of Elie Doctor Morton put the Duke of Buckingham upon the Plot of unkinging Richard, and setting the Crown on Henry of Richmond, then beyond the Seas: who to make good his Title, should Marry with the Princess Elizabeth King Edward's Eldest Daughter. 4. Buckingham looseth his life in the pursuit, Morton escapeth to animate Henry, in the prosecution. 5. Richard plotted by corruption to have Henry made away, but to no purpose. His Queen Anne dies suddenly, to make way for his plotted Incestuous Marriage, with Elizabeth his Niece. 6. Henry of Richmond Lands at Milford Haven, the Welshmen and others flock unto him. 7. Henry and Richard meet at Bosworth Field, where the Tyrant (after desperate Valour shown) is slain by Henry his Corrival. How odious his Tyranny was to all, appears somewhat by these Rhymes made against his Partakers. 
The Rat, the Cat, and Lovel the Dog,  
Rule all England under the Hog,  
And Lockey of Norfolk be not too bold  
For Dickon thy Master is bought and sold.  This put an end to the bloody contentions between York and Lancaster. In which were Fought here in England, ten set Battles, five in Henry the sixth days. The Battle first of St Alban's, 2. Black-heath, 3. Northampton, 4. Wakefield, 5. Tawton, and so many more in the Reign of King Edward the fourth, 1. Exham, 2. Banbury, 3. The Battle of Loosecoats. 4. Barnetfield, 5. Tewxbury, besides this concluding Beetle at Bosworth, which put a period to the Reign of the Plantagenets.  

2. COoncurrant with this Dynasty, were 1. the continued persecution of the Waldenses, and Hussites, which here in England had their share under the name of Lollards. 2. The Deposing by the Pope of George Pogeibracius King of Hungary, for Favouring them. 3. The base and blasphemous Rosary of the Dominican Friars, set on foot by Alanus de Rupe, who swore that the blessed Virgin was Married unto him, whom he makes a Midwife, and a Gossip, to one Lucia, calling her son Marianus, which being worthily inveighed against, by our Mr Fox in his Martyrology, out of an old Manuscript, yet hath of late been set forth again (with more trash of the same sink) expressed with artificial Pictures, and Dedicated to the Princes Isabel Clara Eugenia. 4. With these notwithstanding contemporize, the never to be forgotten, Scourgers of the Turks, John and Matthew Huniades, with the renowned Scanderbag, and nearer home. 5. the French maintainers of the Pragmatical sanction, and our Fortescue a great Assertor of our Laws with others.  

INQVIRES.  
2. Whether. 

1. Edward the fourth be more to be commended for his Vabour, then censured for his Lascivious Vanities?  
2. His Death were hastened by finister means?  
3. Burdet of Cheapside had not hard measure to be hanged for a lest, concerning his Sign of the Crown, which had no relation to the Crown of the Kingdom?  
4. Edward the fifth were Smothered in the Tower, or died of grief and sickness.  
5. Perkin Warbeck were a Counterfeit or really Richard Duke of York conveyed out of the Tower?  
6. It were likely that Richard the third had His is Arm withered by the Witchcrafts, of the Queen Mother, and Jane Shore?  
7. The horrid Crimes, and deformities he is charged with, were rather forged by Malevolents, then proved?       

The tudor's. DYNAST. VI  
THe fourteen Plantagenets thus expiring with Richard the third. Five tudor's take their turns in this manner.  
1. A.C. 1485 HENRY the seaventh, by marrying Elizabeth the eldest daughter of Edward the fourth, unites both the Houses of York and Lancaster. 2. He was much vexed by Lambert Simnell, and Ferkin Warbeck, two counterfeits, set up by Margaret Duchess of Burgoyne King Edward the fourth's sister, but wisely and valiantly he quitted himself of them. 3. The Cornish Rebels under Michael Joseph, and Thomas Flammoch made a great head against him, distressed Exeter and Tanton, but in the end, were overthrown at Black-heath in Kent. 4. His cruelty in executing the harmless Earl of Warwick cannot be excused. 5. The King and Queen of Castille driven into Waymouth by a storm, were entertained Nobly by Sir Thomas Trenchard, and afterwards by the King, with great Pomp. 6. His eldest son Arthur married Katherine, Ferdinando's daughter of Arragon, and dies not long after. 7. The King executes Penal Laws, to the great grievance of the Subjects, by Empson and Dudley, which at his death he reputes of. 8. He was buried in the stately Chapel he built at Westminster, where most of his successors lie. His Son  
2. A.C. 1509 HENRY the eight succeeds. 1. Marries his brother Arthur's wife Katherine, by a dispensation from the Pope. 2. He had Wars with the French and scott's, who received a shameful overthrow by the Earl of Surrie, in Flodden ●eild, with the death of their King, while our King was in France, where the Emperor Maximilian was in his pay, with this Motto ICH DEIN, I serve. 3. His favourites Cardinal Wolsey, and Thomas Cromwell, after much honour, were at length cut off by him. 4. Exceptions were taken against his Marriage, with his brother's Wife, and the Pope's dallying with him in the business, lost him his Supremacy, and Bishop Fisher, and Sir Thomas Moor for standing for it, lost their Heads. 5. The Rebellions against him of Captain Cobbler, and the Pilgrims under pretence of Religion, were quickly appeased. 5. He is blamed for his change of Wives. Was the first that wrote himself King of Ireland: set out a book against Martin Luther, and gained the title of Defender of the Faith. He grew in his latter time to be very harsh and bloody. Dying he left to succeed him his son,  
3. EDWARD the Sixth, A.C. 1548 by his wife the Lady jane Seymour, who lost her own life in his Birth, to preserve her Sons. 1. He being Crowned in the 11th year of his Age, had for Protector his Uncle Edward Seymour Duke of Somerset. 2. The Scots breaking their promise for the Marriage of the young Queen with King Edward, received a great overthrow at Muskleborough. 3. Three Rebellions against him, The first from Cornwall and Devonshire, by Humphrey Arundel, and some Popish Priests and seduced Gentlemen, whom he distressed at Exeter, The second in the North, by Ombler a yeoman, and Dale a Parish Clerk, for Religion, The third by Kett the Tanner of Norwich, with his Complices, for Enclosures; were successively extinguished by his worthy Chieftains. 4. He excellently purged the Church from Popish Superstition, and settled the true Service of God, and Preaching of his word. 5. The unlucky dissensions of his two Uncles, the Lord Protector and his brother Thomas Lord Admiral, arising from the siding of their Wives, who should take Place, was the Break-neck of both of of them: Thomas suffered for Treason, the Protector for Felony. Upon which the King's Death soon follows; leaving by his will the Lady Jane, (the Duke of Suffolk's daughter) to succeed him: but it prevailed not against the Title of his Sister,  
4. A.C. 1553 MARIE, who especially won her right by the Norfolk men. 1. Beheaded the Lady jane with her Husband Gilford Dudley, and Abettors. 2. Upon her resolution to Marry with Philip of Spain, Sir Thomas Wyatt dangerously Rebels, under pretence to oppose it, and enters London as fare as Ludgate, but was at last taken, and executed. 3. The Lady Elizabeth is accused, as accessary to Wiat's Insurrection, thereupon is committed to the Tower, afterwards removed to Woodstock, but at length enlarged by the unexpected favour of King Philip. 4. Who prosecutes the Quarrels between England and France, takes St Quintin's. The French recover themselves, and get Calais, which stuck in the heart of Q. Marry, and with some other disasters, cast her into a mortal Melancholy. 5. She was ridiculously reported to have been with Child, and some triumphing there was at home and abroad for her deliverance, But it was but a Popish invention. 6. Cardinal Poole was recalled and made Archbishop of Canterbury. Her brother's Reformation which abrogated the Pope's Supremacy, she restored, with the rest of that annexed Idolatry. 7. Gardiner of Winchester, and Bonner of London play the Butchers, upon the Professors of the Gospel. Archbishop Cranmer, with the Bishops of Worcester and London, Latimer and Ridley were burnt at Oxford, with others of all sorts & conditions otherwhere. 8. The Duchess of Suffolk miserably flying to save her life. To all which Troubles and Persecutions, the Queen's death after five years' Reign set a Period, and the most happy succession of her Sister.  
5. A.C. 1558 ELIZABETH, who often solicited to Marry never consented. 1. She banished all Popish Idolatry, and restored the Purity of Religion. 2. Pope Pius the fifth, deprived her by his Bull, fixed to the Bishop of London's Gate, by desperate Felton, but it proved but a Calf. 3. The Insurr●ctions thereupon, of the Earls of Northumberland, and Westmoreland ended with the Ruins of the Rebels, as also infinite plots against her Person and State had the same Issue. 
See B. Carletons' desc●ption of them in a Table.  4. Her protecting of the Low Countries, overthrow of the Invincible Armado of the Spaniards, in the Sea fight of 1588. Aiding Henry the fourth of France, to settle him in his Kingdom; Quelling the Irish Rebels, and such eminent Achievements, renowned her throughout all the World; insomuch as the Proud Turk by an honourable Embassage acknowledged her Excellency, and desired her friendship. 5. For her merciful returning home certain Italians, that were taken Prisoners in the 88 Jnvasion, she was termed St Elizabeth by some at Venice, whereof one told the Lord Carleton (afterward Viscount Dorchester) being there Ambassador, that although he were a Papist, yet he would never pray to any other Saint, but that Saint Elizabeth.  

2. WIthin the Compass of this Government, may be observed. 1. The Protestations of Christian Divines and Princes against Rome's Tyranny, Errors, Idolatry, Cheat, and Delusions, of which a necessary Reformation was begun, and prosecuted. 2. The Politic Plots and combustions in the Council of Trent to interrupt & frastrate it. 3. The censures, Treasons, and Massacres, inflicted upon them that any way stood for it. 4. In the mean while brave Huniades and Scanderbag purchase immortal Glory, in their Heroical exploits against the Turk, Columbus, & Americus Vesputius for discovering, Cortes and Pizarro, for Conquest of the West Indies. Our Sir Francis Drake, and Mr Thomas Candish for compassing the Globe of the world. 5. But the chiefest thing of all was the cutting of the Comb of the Pope's Supremacy, so that it may be said. As King Henry the seaventh Courted him, King Henry the eight Unhorsed him: King Edward the sixth Banished him, Queen Marry indeed recalled him, and with some hot Waters revived him, so the Heroic Queen Elizabeth set him packing again, And her Learned successor King James hath so stabbed and branded him with his Pen, that his Son our Sacred King CHARLES, is too well Catechised, and throughly grounded, for permitting him to have any settling here, or countenance hereafter. To these times are referred the famous Sea-fight of Lepanto, and 88 wherein Turk and Pope felt God's hand against them.  

INQVIRIES.  
3. Whether 

1. Henry the seavenths' surest claim to the Crown, were from his Queen Elizabeth the eldest daughter of Edward the fourth?  
2. The executing of Edward Plantagenet the young harmless Earl of Warwick, ill became a Statist, that professed Christiaenity?  
3. Henry the eight, proved a better Defender of the Faith, by rejecting the Pope's Supremacy, then retaining it?  
4. Edward the sixt's Reformation, be free from the most and greatest exceptions, that Novelists have made against it?  
5. The Martyring of Protestants in Queen Mary's days, were not rather through the blondinesse of some Praelates, than out of her own disposition?  
6. There were ground to suspect, that Queen Elizabeth ever conspired against her Sister?  
7. Her passing the Statute of improvement, hath not conduced more to the benefit of the Church and Universities, than the Beneficence of many of the chiefest Founders put together?       

The Stuarts. DYNAST. VII.  
THE tudor's breathing out their last Excellent in Elizabeth, STUARTS take their turn by an Unquestionable Title, as Lineally descended from Margaret the eldest Daughter of Henry the seventh, of these we have enjoyed  
1. JAMES the first of England, but sixth of Scotland, Rex Pacificus. 1. He attained the Crown without the least Contradiction, but greatest applause of all. 2. For his Constancy, and admirable Ability, in maintaing the Truth of the Gospel against Popery, Two Treasons were Plotted against Him, that of the Priests, Watson and Clarke, with others misled by them, and that Prodigious Project of the GUNPOWDER VILLAINY. Pope Clement the eight had formerly charged his Cronies here in England by a Bull, not to admit Him King, without a Toleration first obtained; But God be praised it lay not in his Holiness disposing. 3. His exquisite Learning, and exact judgement in Divinity, was eminently apparent; in the Conference at Hampton Court; in his Public Disputations in the Universities, and interposiing his Censure in the weightiest Matters; And last of all, in his excellent Works set forth to the view of the World in one Volume. 4. Now as these admirable Parts of his, were a Curb to the Schismatical humours at Home, so his Advice and Aid, availed especially in composing differences abroad amongst the Reformed Churches. To this end He sent certain Select and Worthy Divines to the Synod of Dort, and his Letters to others; whereby the world might witness, how truly he stuck to his Motto REX PACIFICUS. He caused the Bible to be Translated into English by Select Divines, and set forth more exactly then formerly it had been done. 5. And so this blessed Peacemaker, when He had Peaceably Reigned Twenty two Years and upward, in Peace departed in his Bed, leaving his Peaceable Reign and Virtues to his SON.  

2. CHARLES the first, whom God of his Infinite mercy preserve to Reign long over us, etc.  
2. MEmorable things in King Jame's time serioussy to be commendad to Posterity▪ are 1. The Translation of the Holy Scripture into English, more accurately than it had been formerly performed. 2. The Conference at Hampton Court for the examining and settling Church Discipline against nibbling Sectaries. 3. His sending Divines to the Council of Dort, and interposing for upholding Truth and Virtue against Innovators abroad. 4. His quelling the Pope's utmost forces drawn up by the jesuits, in point of Supremacy, so that since that defeat, we have little heard of it. 5. The setting forth of his Works concerning matters of Divinity and State, and sending them to be Libraried in both his Universities, the like cannot be showed of any Prince whatsoever. 5. His enlarging the Privileges of the Universities, by granting them Burges in Parliament, and Augmenting the Professors places in Divinity, Law, and Physic, with ample and magnificent Additions. 6. His miraculous discovery of the Popish Powderploet. And thereupon the contriving of the Oath of Allegiance, to discover truehearted Romanists from Traitors, and setting a day apart for solemnising the remembrance of so admirable a Deliverance. 7. Lastly in his time broke out that desolating German War, which he endeavoured to prevent, but God hath reserved to himself wholly to extinguish, for which and the like pacifications all true Christians are bound to PRAY.  

INQVIRIES.  
3. Whether. 

1. Parsons, Doleman against King Jame's Title to the Crown of England, were not as ridiculous, as perfidious?  
2. Learning ever more flourished in these Kingdoms, then in King james's and Queen Elizabeth's days?  
3. The like Library can be shown, to that Erected by the Famous Sr Thomas Bodley, in the University of OXFORD, throughout the World?  
4 The Beneficence of Sr Henry Savill for Mathematique Professors, or Mr William Cambden Clarentius for History, or Sr john Sedley, and Dr White for Philosophy, and of other for other Faculties, have not exceeded the Liberality of most former times?  
5. The Building in these times for private or public Uses, have not equalised or outvied the Magnificence of former Ages?  
6. Discoveries, Plantations, and Trades abroad, were ever more frequent or better Thrived?  
7. Any Nation have proved more ungratfull for such Multiplied Blessings then this of Ours, for which especially, we now justly Suffer?       

Concerning History of Professions, As also, Natural, Various, and Vain Narrations.  
1. FRom the Histories of Successions in States or Families, there will be an easy descent to the Histories of Professions, Designing the Famous men in all kind of Faculties.  
2. Wherein a brief may be taken of the Lives and Works of 

1. PHILOLOGISTS.  
2. HISTORIANS.  
3. MATHEMATICIANS.  
4. PHILOSOPHERS.  
5. PHYSICIANS.  
6. LAWYERS.  
7. DIVINES.    
3. These make up the Seven courses of the Encyclopaedia, so much aimed at by roving Wits, which catch at all, and take nothing, in regard they fix not upon one certain Study, and make not the rest subservient unto it.  
4. PHILOLOGY takes up in its walk. 1. Grammar. 2. Rhetoric. 3. Poetry. 4. Logic. 5. Anagnosticke, or the method of reading Authors profitably. 6. Critics, 
See Polanus de legendi● Authoribus cum fructu. Alsted Encyclop. Vossius de Historicis  corrective,. and directive. 7. Didactiques, or the Art of teaching others with facility, which we have learned by great industry.  
5. In HISTORY, the Lives of the Ancient and Modern Writers, may be looked after in that particular especially we desire to be informed of, which is observed by divers of our Chroniclers, more fully by Mr Isaacson, and Sir Richard Baker.  
6. For MATHEMATICS, the Lives of 1. Arithmeticians. 2. Geometricians. 3. Perspectivists. 4. Astronomers. 5. Geographers. 6. Architectonists, or Builders. 7. And Musicians, will yield matter to work upon. And so  
7. In PHILOSOPHY (as 'tis termed) those that have written 1. Metaphysics. 2. Pneumatology or the doctrine of Spirits. 3. Physics. 4. Ethics. 5. Oeconomiques. 6. Politics. 7. Thaumaturgicks, in working strange conclusions, are almost innumerable, and therefore require the more painful search. After which among  
8. The Physicians, 
See Zacutu● Lucitan.  He that gathereth the Histories of the 1. Latins. 2. Greeks'. 3. Arabians, and jews. 4. Paracelsians. 5. Galeno-chymicks. 6. Prophylacticks, and 7. Empirics, shall find more to do perchance then he expected. As also in the throng of  
9 LAWYERS that have written concerning 1. Lawgivers and Laws in general. 2. Then distinctly, of the Law of Nature. 3. Nations. 4. Of the Laws of the Hebrews. 
Melchior Adamus.  5. Of Civil. 6. Canon. And our 7. Municipal Laws, great judgement will be required, upon representation of so many in History, to pitch upon the best to follow.  
10. Lastly DIYINITY requires a larger scope: for the History of 1. Natural. 2. Chatecheticall. 3. exegetical in Commentators. 4. polemical, in all sorts of Controversies: 5. Syneideticall for cases of Conscience. 6. Prophetical concerning Preaching. And 7. Guberneticall, Divinity for settling of Church Government. either of which, are distinctly handled by Authors of great Learning, and Piety, that worthily deserve to be Registered by them who intent to receive directions from them. neither are the 1. Glossators. 2. Postillators, 3. Sententiaries, 4. Summists, 5. Cabalists, 6. Dictionarists, 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Heb. 5.14. jer. 15.19.  7. Or Conciliators wholly to be rejected, especially of those, who have exercised senses, to separate the precious from the vile, and (as one said) to gather Gold out of Enniu's dross. Amongst all which the History of the 1. Pelagians, 2. Donatists, 3. Anabaptists, 4. Waldenses, 5. Bannians, 6. That of the Tridentine Council, And 7. Thhose of divers Subjects set forth by Hospinian in seven volumes, are worthy of especial perusal.  
1. 
See the Catalogue of Sir Francis Bacon L. Verulam, and Viscount of S. Albon, proposing no less than 130 particulars in this kind. Gerard's and Perkinsous herbals etc. Gesner, Aldrovandus, Topsell, etc. Laurentius, Spegelius, Grooke, etc.  THe Fift sort of History (which by Pliny in termed NATURAL, describeth 1. The Heavens with the fixed Stars and Planets, the Eclipses, New stars, or any other changes that have happened in them. 2. The Elements, Fire, Aire, Water, Earth, with the strange alterations and contingencies in them. 3. The Meteor's, with their fearful Storms, Apparitions, and Prodigies, recorded in all Ages. 4. The Inanimate treasures in this inferior Globe, made up of Earth and Water, as Precious stones, Metals, Minerals, etc. 5. The Vegetant or Growing Creatures, as Herbs, Shrubbs, Trees. 6. The Sensible, that have motion annexed, as Beasts, Fowls, Fishes, 7. And last of all, the rare structure of Man's Body, peculiarly called Anatomy. All which are comprised in the Hexameron or sixth day's Work, under the Titles of Heaven and Earth, and Sea, and all that is therein. For contemplation of which (that should mount our souls to the Admiration and Celebration of the Omnipotent Creator, and preserver of them) one Day is set a side of seven, to be employed especially in the study of this Grand History.  
2. In a VARIOUS HISTORY no other Method is to be expected, but the noting of the time and place as things come to hand: In this kind may be taken, Aristotle's wonderful relations: Aelians various History: Valerius Maximus Memorials: Hackluits Navigations: Mr Purchases Pilgrims: Wolfius Memorials: Pancerollahs Nova reperta, and vetera amissa, John Latius of the West Indies, etc. Gallobelgicus News, and all the rest of the Mercuries and Journals that daily multiply in the same strain, last of all  
3. ROMANCE'S or the Bastard sort of Histories, may be noted not for any great uses in them, 
See S. Augutine confess. l. 1. c 23. ●ossivine Icsuit Biblioth. select l. 16. §. 4. c. 3.  but for manifold abuses by them, 1. In wasting precious time which might be better employed, 2. In stuffing the Fancy and Memory with ridiculous Chimerah's, and wandering Imaginations, to the excluding or stifling of more serious and profitable meditations, 3. For transporting and deluding the affections, with languishing Love, impossible attempts and victories, stupendious enchantments, wherewith the weak Reader is often so taken, that he makes himself (as it were) a Party in the business, and rejoiceth or is sorry, as matters are brought to succeed according to his Fancy, or otherwise.  
4. Such Brats of Invention, and Spawn of Idle hours, are well most found to be, either. 1. Rude, or 2. Endless, 3. or Depraved, 4. or Superstitious, or else, 5. Moral, 6. Political, or 7. Satirical.  
5. Rude, those may be reckoned, which neither favour of Ingenuity, Language, or Invention, as that of Huon of Bordeaux, Valentine and Orson, Arthur of Little Britain, Fortunatus, seven wise Masters, four sons of Am●n, Mervin Gerilion of England, Bellianis of Greece, and others not worth the naming.  
6. Endless may be accounted Amades de Gaul, Palmerin, and Primalion of Greece, the Mirror of Knighthood, with the like, which though they may have some taking incitements to Nobleness and Valour, yet continuing boundless, by Conjuring up new Spirits, they lead the Reader like an Ignis Fatuus into an endless maze, & leave him at length in a Quagmire.  
7. To the Tattle of depraved Romances belong such Pieces as we have of King Arthur, 
Camden. Mills. Heylin in his Geog.  and his Knights of the Round Table, Guy of Warwick Bevis of Southampton, to which may be added Father Turpins' Rolando or Orlando, Sr William Wallis of Scotland and the like. Who although they were truly Famous in their times, and deserved an Homer or Virgil to set them forth, yet falling into the hands of Illiterate, and sordid Monks, their Stories are so depraved, that the Persons are made ridiculous. And  
8. 
Metaphrastes Lippoman. Melchior. Canus.  What should we call the Legends of Abdias Babilonius, James de Voragine, and our john Capgrave; to omit infinite others, but superstitious Romances, of whose impudence, and doltish forgery, their own men complain, yet Dominus opus habet. Popery must have such props to uphold its policy, and hoodwink the vulgar, and therefore the like Wares are at this day set forth to sale by Ribadineira, Thenaft, Messengham Yangas, and our Miracle-mongers in English, where the stuff is the same, though the dress be neater, the cuts more artificial, and a new gloss set upon it. In a different way from these,  
9 The wandering Knights, Spencer's Fairy Queen, Sir Philip Sydnies' Arcadia with other pieces of the like strain may pass with singular Commendations for moral Romances, being nothing else but Poetical Ethics, that with apt contrivance, and winning Language, inform Morality. In which sense Heliodorus Aethiopicall History, and Achilles Statiu's his Clitophon and Licippe, were had in esteem among divers of the Ancients, And Horace tells us that Homer in his Iliads and Odysseys, under those stories of Achilles and Ulysses. 
— Quid sit pulchrum, quid turpe, quid utile, quid non,  
Plenius, & melius Chrysippo & Crantore dicit.  Informs us better for our complete behaviour, than Chrysippus or Crantor, or the exquisite Athenian Philosophers.  
10. To Romances that point at Policy. Xenophons' Cyropaedia, Sir Thomas Moores Utopia, Lord Verulam's Atlantis, Barkley's Argenis, and Euphormio. The Vocal Forest, Raynard the Fox, divers passages in Chaucer, and many other in the same kind may be referred. The vanity especially of the four first kinds is wittily scourged by the  
11. Satirical Romances of Don Quicshot, Lazarillo de Tormes, Gusman, Pantagruell, Don Diego's visit of the Inhabitants of the Moon, and the like.  
12. Concerning all which it were to be wished, that 1. The Ruder, Endless, Depraved, and Superstitious were utterly abolished, or restrained at least from Youth of both kinds, for preventing of Fantastical Impressions. 2. That the multiplying of new Follies (as that wild Romance of Romances) Pol Alexander as pernicious as the former, were strictly forbidden, and 3. That the Moral, Political, and Satirical, might be permitted only to those that can read them with judgement, and make use of them with discretion.  

2. TO this pile of Histories are reducible. 1. All Catalogues, as those of Gesner, Molanus, Draudius, those of Libraries and Marts continually increased. 2. All Journals, Navigations, and Discoveries. 3. All Jesuitical and other relations of strange things done in China or the like, which to continue the method (all along observed) may be shut up with these  

INQVIRIES.  
3. Whether. 

1. Upon a resolution to Study any Faculty, it would not do well, to have an Historical Catalogue of the Professors that have been Eminent in it?  
2. Sir john Mandevills Travels, with the strange adventures in them, or Binjamin Tudelitanus jewish journals of multitudes of his Countrymen found abroad, deserves the greater credit?  
3. Hartmanus Schedels', Men-monsters inhabiting divers Parts of the World, or Olaus magnus Witches and Giants in the Northern Regions, be the handsomer creatures?  
4. Giraldus Cambrensis relation of the black Rook under the North-Pole, or Ferdinando's de la Quir, of the Civil Inhabitants near to the South-Pole, be the truer History?  
5. Prince Meredith of Wales discovered not the West Indies, long before Columbus was borne?  
6. The Irish St Brendons Travels to the Land of Behest in the English Legend, or Owen's Travels through St Patrick's Purgatory, described by Messengham amongst his Irish Saints, be the likelier Narration?  
7. An Index, or rather Ignis Expurgatorius, be not more profitable, and proper for such delusions, then for castrating, and castigating such Authors as relate disliked Truths?      
LAUS SOLI DEO.