The Introduction.

AS the Holy Prophets of old made it their business to shew the vanity and folly of the Apostate Church of the Jews, and wherein they had gone away from God, to the fool­ish inventions of idolatrous and superstitious men: So our late zealous Reformers laboured to discover the madness and folly of them which did abide still in the Communion of the Popish Religion, by shewing wherein the people were cheated by the superstitious pretences, feigned mira­cles, and useless reliques with which the seducing Priests, Fryers, Monks, and Antichristian Popes of Rome had deceived the poor sons and daughters of men: And herein the faithful Servants of God, in the days of Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth, have laboured, and have discovered the fana­ticism of the Church of Rome in many instances, and shewn what horrid Fanaticks the Popes and their followers have been: And because the Pa­pists are to my own knowledg still such Fanaticks, and will not be re­claimed, I have thought it my duty, for the Honour of God, and the pre­venting the good Christian people of this Generation from being any long­er deceived by them, to revive and recover out of oblivion the old obser­vations and collections of the Servants of Christ, which time hath buried in forgetfulness; which, together with my own Observations, I have tran­scribed and caused to be published, that so the madness and folly in which they persist, may be known to all men: that so as St. Paul saith of the Fana­ticks of his time, they may proceed no further, read 2 Tim. 3.8, 9. And I think it but reason, if the disease be still the same, the means of curing should be continued: and of this I am sure, that they do still cheat the people with their pretended Miracles, and Reliques of pretended Saints; and amongst the rest, with the Fanatical pretences of Pardons and Indul­gences, by going to such a Saints Shrine or Sepulcher, and of being healed [Page 2]of diseases by the touch of a Relique of a pretended Saint.

And because you shall see that I do not impose new fictions of my own brain, but do follow the wise example of them, who to undeceive the peo­ple, and recover them out of the Fanaticism of the Church of Rome, did discover her [...]ollies and frauds to all men: I have not only followed their methods, but transcribed their very Collections, which I doubt not but will be as useful in the present recovery of the English Christians, as in the the days past.

And as the Prophets of old used no other means to reduce men, but bringing them back to the Law and Testimony, shewing them the folly and madness of their forefathers, and of them that would, or did mislead the people in the days in which they prophesied; so ought the Servants of God in this day, and I doubt not but the same method will have the same good effect.

AT Rome in times past (as St. Sylvester the Pope writeth in his Chro­nicle) there were One thousand five hundred and five Churches, whereof the greater part at this present is destroyed: But among those that remain, there are Seven principal Churches, which (as they say)Query, Who endued these Churches? I am sure not Christ, for he bestows spiri­tual Gifts on persons, not Places. are endued with greater and more singular priviledges than the rest are; yea, and that for the grace, holiness and dignity which is found in them, passing all other ChurchesAll are but Stone and Timber, and dead matter, and not capa­ble of any ho­liness one more than o­ther.. In those Seven principal Churches there are many, yea almost innumerable Indulgences, Pardons, Priviledges, &c. and Reliques also, as they fain. And first I will rehearse the names of all such Reliques as be at Rome, not only in those Seven Principal Churches, but in the residue also; and afterwards rehearse the Indulgences, Pardons, Priviledges, &c. that appertain unto the same. And because no man shall think that I invent these things of my own head, I here truly and faithfully confess, that whatsoever in this Treatise is written of Rome, is translated out of a Book Printed in Latin at Rome, by Mr. Stephen Plank of Patavia, in the year of our Lord 1489, the 7th. of November, the sixth year of Pope Innocent the Eighth. And whatsoever is added, is declared out of what Books they were taken, and the judgment of all these things left to the in­different Reader. But first of all we will go in hand with such Reliques as be in the Churches at Rome; and begin with the Seven Principal Churches, whereof the Church of Lateran is the first.

Of the Church of Lateran, and of the Reliques contained in the same.

THE Church of Lateran was dedicated of St. Sylvester the Pope, in honour of St. Saviour, St. John Baptist, and St. John the Evangelist.

In the Relique-House of this Church there is the Altar of St. John Baptist which he had in the Wilderness.

It is a likely matter they should have the Altar of St. John Baptist, who had no Altar there, nor had he use for one.A blessed company. Why did they not tell us what he offered upon that Altar? And besides this, the Altar of which they boast, is in eight or nine several places.

Also in a certain Chappel at the end of the said Church,Ark. there is the Ark of the Lord which Moses made at the Commandment of God in the Desert, after the Children of Israel were delivered out of Egypt.

They that will believe this story, must needs be ignorant, and willing to believe lyes; seeing the Prophet Esdras, 2 book ch. 10. v. 22, saith it was spoiled by the Babylonians, which any man will believe sooner than the Pope. But to put it out of doubt that they do wickedly, read Jer. 3.16.

There is also the Table whereupon our Lord Jesus Christ did eat his sup­per with his Disciples when he ordained the Sacrament of his Body and Blood.The Table.

I have seen a great part of this Table, so called, in Spain and Flanders, and it is of excellent virtue, if we may believe the holy Fathers of the So­ciety of Jesus.

Item, The Rod of Moses and Aaron, which being cast on the ground,Rod. be­came a Serpent; wherewith also many and notable Miracles were wrought by the power of God.

It is strange to hear that they should have that stick or rod of Moses which was 2000 years before Christ in the wilderness, of which the Scrip­ture makes no mention after Moses smote the Rock with it, Numb. 20.11. and one of the Jesuits forgetting that it was said to be at Rome, preached this Doctrine, that Moses broke it when he smote upon the Rock.

All these things aforesaid did Vespastanus and Titus bring unto Rome from Jerusalem, Padre Antonio de Laudayada on the Feast of St. Alban, June 21. 1677. with four Pillars of Brass, which are set up and stand about the high Altar of the said Church.

If we have but folly enough to believe all before said, we may believe this into the bargain; but believe it for all this, because that Vespasianus and Titus were admirers of those Pillars for the sanctity that was in them, and certainly did intend them to be for Reliques, and may be as precious as the Virgin Mary's Chamber-pot, which the Fryars of the Order of Augu­stine at Burgos are said to have, and keep it as a very precious Relique; but if they have the Chamber-pot, I wonder who had her Close-stool.

Upon the said high Altar there stand the heads of the holy Apostles Pe­ter and Paul; and whensoever those are shewed to the people,Peter's head.Paul's head. there are so many Indulgences and Pardons granted, as there are when the Napkin of the Lord is shewed at St. Peters Church.

Quaery; Who granted these Pardons? Not Christ, I am sure, at either or both the shows; but here the Church of Rome shews her self to be like her Father the Devil, that was a lyar from the beginning.

The Fryars of Augustine's Order in Bilbao, say they have a great piece of St. Peter's skull; and the Franciscans of St. Pauls.

In this Church also is the head of St. Pancras, out of which head,Pancras head. when this Church was set on fire by a sort of Hereticks, issued and followed out great plenty of blood by the space of three days and three nights. This Head, with divers other Reliques, is shewed on Easter-day after dinner.

That this is a bloody lye, a weak eye may perceive. It's a wonder they did not save some of that blood to shew amongst the rest of the Re­liques.

Under the high Altar of the aforesaid Church,Oratory. is that Oratory of St. John the Evangelist, where he prayed when he went in and out, and was prison­er at Rome. This is said also to be at Genoua now, and also at Rome, and several pieces at St. Diego in Spain.

Item, In a certain Tabernacle which is upon the Altar of Mary Magdalen, these Reliques are hid that follow.

1.Diadem. THE Imperial Diadem wherewith St. Sylvester the Pope was crowned by Constantine the Emperor.

Whether or no that ever Sylvester the Pope wore an Imperial Diadem, I will not in this Book contend; but the Diadem the Popes after him chal­leng'd, hath been a vexation to many good Princes.

2. The head of St. Zachary the Priest, Father to St. John Baptist.

Zachary dyed in Palestina, 2000 miles from Rome; and how should his head be shown at Rome so many hundred years after? for it was some hun­dreds of years after Zachary's death, before the Church of Rome was so fil­thy as to invent such lyes.

3. Divers Reliques of St. Mary Magdalen. Which are called as he that shews them pleaseth.

4.Shoulder-plate. The shoulder-plate of St. Lawrence Martyr.

It is a wonder if they which roasted him, did not burn his bones; and the wonder is greater, because that his Ashes and Urn were presented to the Cathedral Church at Sevill in Spain.

5.A Tooth. One of the teeth of St. Peter the Apostle.

6.Cup. The cup wherein St. John drank the poyson, and yet it did not hurt him.

How could that be known so many hundred years after, seeing that no less than four Churches in Rome pretend to have this cup, to the certain knowledg of the Publisher?

7.Chain. The chain wherewith St. John the Evangelist was bound when he was led from Ephesus to Rome.

How is it possible that the chain should be perceived or known to be the same, if it lasted so long, 600 years? yea, all the people being dead, and neither Pagan-Rome nor Christian Rome had got the art of shewing those tricks, till Rome grew Antichristian.

8.Petticoat. The Petticoat of St. John the Evangelist, (rather of Pope Joan) which was laid upon the three dead men, and they straightway rose up from death to life.

That St. John should wear Petticoats is strange; but that this Petticoat should last 800 years, is more strange: but that any body should be such Fa­naticks as to believe this, is to be admired!

9.Ashes. Coat. Part of St. John Baptists Ashes, and his Coat made of hair, which he did wear in the Wilderness.

There could be no Ashes of his, for he was not burnt, but his body bu­ried by his Disciples, Mat. 14.12. And that he had a Coat is uncertain; but that his Coat should be shown six or seven hundred years after, is incredi­ble: and it's a wonder they had not the confidence to show the Taylor that made it.

10.Milk. Part of our Ladies Milk, Hair, and Garments.

Good Reader observe this Tale well, and compute the time when the Vir­gin Mary gave Milk, and the time when the World were such fools to be­lieve, and you will find it about 800 year; and that a Womans Milk should last till this year 1679, is incredible.

Item, Shirt. The Shirt which the Virgin Mary made with her own hands for Christ; which Shirt is of such virtue, that Devils themselves are driven [Page 5]out (by whole Legions) of persons possessed, if you will believe this abominable Harlot and Impostor of Rome: But I pray then how are Jesuits in the East-Indies possessors of this Shirt, if it be at Rome?

Item, Towel. The Towel or Linnen-Cloth wherewith Christ wiped his Apostles feet.

This is another lye; for the Publisher hath seen as many pieces of this Towel as will fill an ordinary bag; and half a yard at least was shewed him at St. Barlines Abby in St. Omers, and yet Rome challengeth the whole Towel.

Item, The Reed wherewith Christ was stricken.Reed.

And the hand that struck him. I hope the one is as true as the other, and may prove as good a Relique. It seems that the Reed, as the Papists say, is of such efficacy and force, that several persons have been delivered from great pains of body that have kissed the same. The Spanish Jesuits at Ma­drid, having also the said Reed, say so, therefore it must needs be true.

Item. Garment. The Garment of Purple which was dyed with the drops of blood from Christ.

This is an unworthy and filthy lye; for there are so many pieces of this Garment said to be in Spain, Portugal, Flanders, France and Germany, There is scarce a Con­venticle in all these places but challenge a good piece of this Garment. as is able to make Ten such Garments as Christ wore when mocked by the Jews.

Item, The Vail of the blessed Virgin Mary, Vail. which she put about the privy-Members of Christ when he hanged on the Cross.

This Veil is seen in a dozen places, and works wonderful things in Spain; for in one day it begot such a devotion in the people of Vallidolyd, that the Franciscan-Fryars got above a Thousand pieces of Eight, besides Gold, for the sight thereof.

Item, The Napkin which was laid upon Christs face.Napkin.

The Jesuits at St. Omers, have a good piece in the English Seminary; And how then can it be all at Rome? And in the Reliquary of St. Ignatius-Colledg, I have seen half a yard of Linnen which the Jesuits have, and call it a piece of that Napkin that was laid upon Christs face; and surely we may believe them.

Item, That part of our Lord Jesus which was cut away when he was cir­cumcised.Skin.

That a little bit of skin cut off a Babes Yard when Eight days old, should last and look like such 1500 or 1600 years, none but the Father of lyes, and his Children, can be the countenancers of it. And it is very unlikely it should be at Rome, when as the Monks of the Order of St. Jerome, near Vallidolyd in Spain, pretend to have it also.

Item, That Water and Blood which flowed out of Christs side when he hanged on the Cross.

Note that one drop of this was never saved.A Tun would not hould all, if this blood and water were in one place, it is of such an en­creasing qua­lity. And how can it be shewn 1600 year after? If it were, Who saved it? and who required it to be kept? and to whom was the keeping of it committed? and why do the Fathers of the English Colledge at Vallidolyd challenge a Glass full of it, containing at least half a Pint?

Item, A large piece of Christs Cross, with many other Reliques which are there shewed on Easter-day after Dinner.

That we are delivered from such intollerable cheats, is a great mercy; but [Page 6]to think the people well in their wits that believe such Lyes, were to cre­ate another wonder. But to conclude, the pretenders to these things are doubtless the greatest deceivers in the world; which will appear if we con­sider the circumstance of time: And certainly we may expect to find the whole Cross in time, if the Papists will but stand to their tackling in this case, as they would seem to do in other cases that refer to Reliques.

The Reliques that are in other Churches at Rome.

IN the Church of St. Chrysogone are these Reliques:Arm of St. James. Shoulderplate of St. Andrew. An Arm of St. James. The Shoulder plate of St. Andrew the Apostle. And the Head of the aforesaid St. Chysogone.

Abundance of Saints without Heads: I doubt the Priests cut them off to make merchandize! More wonders yet; St. James put to death in Pale­stine by Heroes Sword, and yet his Arm at Rome!

In the Church of St. Cecily these Reliques are contained:Maximianus. The body of St. Cecily.

Item, The bodies of Tyburtius, of Valerianus, of Lucius the Pope, the first of that name; of Maximianus, which all lye buried under the high-Altar. There are many other Reliques in the said Church.

In this Church we cannot find any Reliques worth the noting;If the Reader doth not ap­prehend the meaning of this passage, let him in­form himself at the Rainbow Coffee-house in Fleetstreet. and if the Reader will not believe them to be in this Church, let him go to Rome to disprove the Pope: But now I think on't, it is further thither than it is to St. Albans, and therefore he had better believe it and stay at home.

In the Church of Bartholomew, Body of Bar­tholomew. there is the body of St. Bartholomew the Apostle, in a certain Tabernacle which is set upon the high Altar. There is also the body of St. Pauline, of St. Albert, of St. Marcell, and of St. Su­perante. Besides, there are many other Reliques, which with those afore­said, are shewed on St. Bartholomew-day, and on Palm-Sunday.

In what proportions these bodies appear, I know not; but if in their full proportions, they have very roomly Altars; and that these bodies are not rotten ere now, would be a wonder, nay a great one: But that the world hath been taught to believe,A Power that our Lord Christ did not give to his A­postles. Rib of St. Matthew. Hand of St. Nicholas. that Mr. Popes Holyness hath an infallible way of saving bodies from putrefaction, and hath been so kind to the General of the Jesuits, as that in the year 1668, to give this power to him, and to the Generals of some other Orders.

In the Church of St. Nicholas, there is a Rib of St. Matthew the Apostle and Evangelist. There is also an Hand of St. Nicholas, and an arm of St. Alexius.

Truly it is to be believed,What matter is it since we get money by it? Our Ladies Milk I believe this poor Church was endowed when our Ladies Wardrobe was plundered: but Clouts rather than nothing. that Thieves and Robbers have had better quarter with Papists, for if they do not be-lye themselves, the bodies of the Saints have had little or no rest in their graves.

In the Church of St. George are these Reliques; part of our Ladies milk: certain pieces also of her Garments. There is also the banner, spear, and head of St. George.

That there was such a St. George, is as great a question as that of our La­dies Milk is a Lye; but if they have any part of St. George, how came it to pass they did not get part of his horse, and of the Dragon he killed? they would have made excellent Reliques.

In the Church of St. Anastasins is the pillar whereupon the blessed Apo­stle St. Paul was beheaded.The Pillar on which St. Paul was beheaded. But alas! there is no Sword to be found that did it: and this is most misera­ble ill for­tune.

And of this Pillar there are so many pieces in the world, insomuch that if there were a collection made of them, they would make ten pillars. But I pray, have they not the arm of the man, and the sword that cut off his head? it would do well if they were produced.

In the Church of the blessed Virgin Mary, is the Altar which is called Scala Coeli: Upon this Altar all they that sing Mass, or cause Masses to be sung for the souls that are in Purgatory, through the Merits of the same blessed Virgin,Scala Coeli. the said souls are delivered out of hand from the bit­ter pains of Purgatory, and brought unto the everlasting joys of Heaven. Moreove whatsoever is devoutly asked in that place, it is without all doubt granted. In the same Church are hidden also the bones of ten thou­sand Martyrs, all which are most precious Reliques.

It's ten thousand to one if this be not all found false; and that it may appear so, do but call to mind what St. Peter said, Acts 4.12. with 1 Tim. 2.5. which shows the Virgins Mediatorship, and her Altars vertue, to be a cheat to bring grist to the Pope's Mill.

And it's to be noted, that he that invented Purgatory, contrived the way out of it, that he might bring money into his own pocket.

In the Church of St. Gregory there are, besides divers other, these two principal Reliques:

• 1. The arm of St. Gregory the Pope.
• 2. The thigh of St. Panthaleon.

Note how these Cannibals pull the Saints in pieces that they may not eat their bones, but by showing their bones may eat up the people.

In the Church which is called Sancta Maria [...], is the Image of our La­dy,Luke the Pain­ter. Good imploy­ment for an Angel to turn Image carrier which St. Luke painted at Troas a City, [...]. This Image an Angel brought into the aforesaid Church. The [...] this Image is so great, that when all the Church was burnt, yet this Image had no harmA very con­siderable Mi­racle. Pieces of Fragments. I suppose they encrease as well as the rest; but I pray tell me the virtues of these reliques..

Cursed be the Image and the Image-maker, saith the Scripture; and there­fore if any Angel, it must be one of the fallen Angels, who also taught the priests to put such a Lye upon St. Luke.

Moreover in the aforenamed Church there are kept as Reliques, certain pieces of the fragments which remained of the five barley Loaves and two fishes, when Christ in the Wilderness fed so miraculously five thousand peo­ple. There are divers others Reliques which were brought out of the church­yard of St. Calixt.

But whether fragments of the bread or of the fishes, or both, we will not [Page 12]contend; and he that is minded to fish for lyes let him cast his nets into the Roman Ocean, which Sea is certainly stored with such fish. As for the bread of life I am sure they have none; and as for their nameless Reliques I suppose we may give as much credit to them as to the fragments, and we may look upon them with as much veneration, but any thing good Mr. Pope! to fill our Treasures, and maintain our pride and tyranny.

In the Church of the holy Apostles are these Reliques following: The Bodies of Philip and Jacob. Bodies of St. Philip and Jacob. St. Thomas his Cloak. The Body of Sabinus the Martyr. The Cloak of St. Thomas the Apostle. The Foot of St. Philip. The Arm of St. James. A Rib of St. Lawrence. The Shoulder-plate and the Arm of St. Blase.

We have but their bare word for all this; and they which we have ta­ken in so many lyes already, how shall we give them credit in this?Arm of Saint Matthew.

In the Church of St. Marcellus is the Arm of St. Matthew the Apostle and Evangelist.

In the Church of St. Sylvester is the Head of St. John Baptist, Head of St. John Baptist. Hands and Feet of S. Law­rence. the Hands and Feet of St. Lawrence, and a piece of St. Francis Cowle, and many other Reliques which are shewed on the Feasts of St. John the Baptist, and of St. Sylvester.

This looks as like a cheat as all the rest; for can any wise man think that Herod preserved it? and in four days it would stink as bad as any dead flesh: therefore this untruth accuseth it self; and as for the Cowle of St. Francis, he being a notorious thief, is as miraculous as the Cross of the Thief which they say is preserved.

In the Church of St. Lawrence are these Reliques following:The Blood, the Fat, the Clout, the Gridiron. Two Fla­gons full of the Fat and Blood of St. Lawrence. Also a Vessel full of the roasted flesh of blessed Lawrence. The Clout wherewith the Angel did wipe the Body of St. Lawrence. Item, the Cridiron whereupon St. Lawrence was roasted.

That St. Lawrence was roasted is true; but first, Saints did not use to be very fat. 2ly, His fat dropt into the fire, so did his flesh. 3. How could they separate his fat from his blood as it dropt through the Gridiron? and that the Tormentors should give the Christians his flesh, is as uncredible as that they have vessels full of it; and that the Angel stood in need of a clout to wipe his body, is as likely as that they have the Clout or Gridiron.

In the Church of St. Julian there is a certain kind of holy water, whose virtue and power is so great that it easily healeth all them that be diseased of the Ague. It cureth also all other infirmities and diseases, so that they which will be made whole, take that holy water fasting, and say three Pater Nosters, and as many Ave Maries in the honour of Almighty God, and of the glorious Virgin [...], and also of St. Julian and St. Albert, or else cause one Mass to [...] in the honour of the aforenamed Saint Albert.

I wonder so many Papists die of the Pox, and that the old Priest was so long in a Doctors hands that kept an Apothecaries shop in St. Giles Parish, if there be such healing vertue in their holy water? But one thing I note, that the Virgin and the Saints have honour, but Christ is forgotten; and how the Popes themselves have not been cured of those foul diseases by which they have perished, if they have had such excellent and infallible Remedies!

In the Church of St. Vitus there is a Marble stone set about with Iron,Stone on which a 1000 poor Saints was slain. upon which were slain more than a thousand bodies of holy Martyrs. In [Page 13]this Church there is so great virtue and grace through the merits of those holy Martyrs Vitus, Modestus, and Crescentia, that if so be any man be bitten with a mad Dog, or of any other beast, and take a piece of bread, and dip it in the Oyl of St. Vitus, and so eat it, he shall straightway be made whole.

All their healing is ascribed to the Virgin, or to Saints, not to Christ. And if they were not all bit with some Beast or another, they would not set Saints of their own coining above the Son of God, Jesus, whom God hath made to all a means of spiritual health and eternal salvation. But of this Oyl of St. Vitus I find not one word but at Rome; and its virtues are not there mentioned.

In the Church of St. Braxed there is a Chappel which is called Libera nos a penis inferni, and Ortus Paradisi, in the which is a Pillar whereunto our Lord Jesus Christ was bound in his passion.

But our comfort is, That we are not bound to believe it.

In the midst of this Church there is a round stone inclosed with Iron; under this stone is the blood of many holy Martyrs which blessed St. Brax­ed gathered up with a certain Sponge, and put it in a pit, laying that round stone upon it.

They that tell these lyes, will be in a pit one day, in which there is no water to cool their tongues, Luke 16.24.

In this Church also there is an Altar upon the which Pope Pascalis said five Masses for a certain soul departed. Which Masses being once finished, he saw the blessed Virgin Mary take that soul out of Purgatory, and carry it into the bosom of Almighty God, as ye may see it plainly painted upon the wall of the said Church. When Pope Pascalis had seen this miracle, he granted by his Apostolique Authority, That whosoever did either sing mass, or cause mass to be sung on that Altar, he should deliver for every time so doing, one foul out of the bitter pains of Purgatory

That this looks, as the rest do, like a piece of Forgery from top to the bottom; for the Virgin never came near any other place but where Gods blessed presence is, since she left this World; her spirit went to God that gave it, and thence it did never stir.

In the Church of St. Potentiana, is the Altar upon which St. Peter did sing his first mass. Also a Pit, in which lieth hid the blood of three thousand martyrs.

It is as scandalous to fasten saying mass upon St. Peter, as upon St. Paul, who knew that your Massing-trick never came into the heart of Christ or any of his sincere followers, if St. Paul himself say true, Acts 20. ver. 20, comp. with ver. 27. and if the Popes Massing had been Gods counsel, it would have been Paul's Doctrine.

In another Church of St. Laurence there are these Reliques:A piece of the Gridiron on which they roasted him. One Arm of St. Laurence. Certain of his bones. A piece of St. Laurence's Gridiron upon which he was roasted. One Arm of St. Lau­rence. Also in a glass of Crystal there are certain coals which all men may clearly and plainly see, wherewith blessed Laurence was roasted. There are also certain of his bones.

What coals are kept in glasses, I know not; but of this I am sure, that the inventors of these things are firebrands of hell, and such for which coals hotter than coals of Juniper, is prepared. But let her alone till that day come, as long as the good Angels appear upon the sight of these Re­liques.

In the Church of St. Peter ad Vincula, there be the bonds of Iron where­with St. Peter was bound at Hierusalem, under King Herod. There are also the chains wherewith he was bound at Rome under Nero the Emperor. These chains be of so great virtue, that great and wonderful miracles are daily wrought by them, as they say.

In this Church there is so great virtue and grace,Away to Rome ye Pa­pists, and get your Pardon from the Pope, for you must never look to have it from God. that whosoever de­voutly comes unto it, although never so sinful, he shall depart and go his way, delivered and free from all his sins.

Many other Reliques there are in the foresaid Church, as you may see in a certain Table that hangeth on the Wall.

There I perceive a notable trick, that to draw the people where there is not many feigned Reliques, there is high pretences of Pardon and healing, and all to catch money; and I do believe that more money hath been drawn to the Popes Coffers, than tongue can express; and sure I am, to this day poor England is much exhausted by these devillish cheats of the Romish Synagogue.

In the Church of St. Mary, More of Lukes Painting! I suppose this scarlet whore hath gotten more money by Luke's Painting, than ever he did himself. called Ara Coeli, is the Sepulcher of St. Helen the mother of Constantine. Also an Image of our Lady which St. Luke painted even after such form and fashion as she was in when she stood by the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ weeping and lamenting. This Image is full of virtue, and worketh daily many miracles.

To detect this Lye, we need no more but to remember, Luke was not then converted, nor on the place where Christ dyed, and was a Physician; yet if the Whore tells truth he did paint; and some Monks that live in the English Monastry of Benedictines, who love painting, have preached this Doctrine that Luke was bound Apprentice to a Painter.Father How­ard, Father Hitchcock when in Eng­land in August last. Ladies Hair. But they talked like English Monks, and their credit is not very good with us at this time.

In the Church of our Lady called Sancta Maria super Minervam, are these Reliques: The hair of our Lady, and certain pieces of her Gar­ments. Item, Divers parts of the three Patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and also of Daniel the Prophet.

This looks like plain Forgery, and tricking, to deceive the poor people; for all the parts of the Patriarchs were turned to ashes long before, and so was Daniel, who dyed in Babylon in all likelihood. But because all Chur­ches must have some Reliques, this is content with a little hair, and a few tatters of old clothes.

In the Church of St. Eustache are these Reliques:More of the Cross. More of Christs blood. A piece of the Crown. Parcels of Christs Ap­parel. Part of the holy cross, a good quantity of Christs bloods, a piece of the crown of thorns, parcels of Christs apparel, the rib of St. Andrew, certain of the coals wherewith St. Laurence was roasted.

I perceive a carnal Church rejoyce in carnal things, as blood, old clouts and bones of men, or any thing to keep the heart off from good, and below Christ in its meditation; but the first Christians gloried in no such reliques of blood and bones, and coals and clouts; there was then no such cheats.

In the Church of St. Martinellus is part of that garment and coat which our Lady did knit and make with her own hands, and gave it to her Son Jesus Christ, which coat did grow even as he grew.

That there was knitting in those times, I know not; but I doubt they that invented this story, are ignorant of Christ and his mother, and his coat also; and if the pretenders were put to prove, they would prove no­thing but that themselves are a company of cheats.

In the Church of St. Barbara, are these Reliques:Ladies Kirtle. Bartholomew's Cloak. The head and the vail of St. Barbara. Our Ladies Kirtle. St. Bartholomews Cloak. The Deacons apparel of St. Laurence. The Hair of Mary Magdalen: and divers other Reliques of St. Margaret, Felix Lotitius, Christopher, Sebastian, Alexius, Martha, &c.

I confess it were worth the while for a Taylor to go to that Church, as they do here in England, to see what fashion the Lady's Kirtles, and Bartho­lomew's Cloak are of, and if they like the fashion of our Lady's Kirtle, and his Cloak, to let us have the fashion that they used, for sure they were a vertuous people; but for the rest of the Trumpery, I would not go over the Gutter to see them.

In the Church of St. Laurence there is a great Bottle of glass, of the which on St. Damasus day men use to drink in the honour and worship of the aforenamed St. Damasus. The virtue of this Bottle is so great, that as many as drink of it, believe faithfully they shall be delivered from all Agues, and other grievous infirmities.

They would do well to bring us some of those Bottles hither, for I be­lieve they are full quarts, and our folk cheat us with pint and a half. But now I remember, it will hinder the trade of our learned Doctors, and nim­ble Apothecaries; and I know when Popery comes in, their Trade will go out, by reason of the many Miracles that will be done.

In the Church of St. Blase de Panneta, is a large piece of the holy Cross.A large piece of the Cross. More Cross still! There are also certain pieces of the Garments of our Lady of St. Andrew, St. Blase, St. Doria, Creisant, &c.

This was some poor Church that could get nought but a good log of the Cross, and a few shreds of our Lady's old Petticoat,I am very sorry this Church could not get one small piece of Mary Mag­dalens Noli me tangere; it would have been an ex­cellent orna­ment to her. and some rags of the other Saints which had no virtue that we hear of. I fear therefore, that this Church was as one born out of due time; therefore being the least of all the Churches, was content with the rags: But the mischief on't is, the poor Rag merchants have been abominably put to it, to lose so good a quan­tity of Rags; but St. Blase Church hath them, and so much good may do her with them: I suppose that some little two-penny miracles have been wrought with them

In the Church of St. Mary Transpontin there are this day the two Pillars whereunto the holy Apostle Peter and Paul were bound, and so afterward whipped and scourged; the which Pillar all men according to their devo­tion may daily come unto and touch.

Did God ever appoint, or did it ever come into his heart to appoint such Devotion? He may well say, Who required these things at your hands, to go in devotion to Wooden Pillars?

In the Church of St. James is the stone of that Altar upon which Christ was offered in the Temple, when Simeon took him in his arms,The Stone on which Christ was offered. embraced him, and said, Now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace according to thy word, &c.

Titus Vespasian had burnt the Temple many hundred years before;Note. and how could the Priests when they began to shew such tricks, find such stone or stones? and Rome being 2000 miles off, how got they the stone? and if they had it, what good can be expected from it, but to set fools a ga­zing?

In the Church of St. Katharine is part of the Oyl which flowed out of the Sepulcher of the aforenamed St. Katharine. There is also of the Milk,Catharine Milk and Blood. [Page 16]which instead of Blood, flowed out of her holy body when she was be­headed.

How credible this is, I will leave the Reader to judg; but must boldly say, that the tricks the Priests of Rome have to get money, are both many and strange.

In the Church of the Holy Ghost is the Arm of St. Andrew, Andrews Arm. Kates Finger. the Finger of St. Katharine, and many other Reliques.

I perceive the Holy Ghost is in no great credit with them; for his church is but poorly endowed, that is, only furnished with an Arm and a Finger. As for the many Reliques oft-times named, I perceive they are of no great value.

A Register of such Reliques as I have found in reading Chronicles and Histories.

POPE Leo the third bearing rule, there were given to Carolus Magnus, King of France, for the good service he did to Mother holy Church, these Reliques following:A Crown of Thorns. A Nail. A large piece of the Cross The Napkin he wiped his face with The Lady's Smock. The Swadling Clouts. Simeons Arm. First of all, the crown of thorns wherewith Christ was crowned. 2. One of the Nails wherewith Christ was fastned to the cross. 3. A large piece of the Tree whereon Christ was hanged when he suffered his Passion. 4. Christs Napkin wherewith he used commonly to wipe his face. 5. The Smock of our blessed Lady, which she had on when she brought forth Christ. 6. The Swadling-clouts wherein Christ was wrapped when he lay in the Manger. 7. Old Simeons Arm wherewith he embraced Christ in the Temple of Solomon, when he broke out into these words, Nunc dimittis, &c.

One may see by this Paragraph, the fountain of all the Popish cheats, is the Pope himself; and that he endoweth persons and places with what of those Reliques he pleaseth; and if he say, This is the Ladies Smock, it is believed to be so; and truly, it may by some be thought rational, because that Mr. Pope is a very honest Gentleman, and never told a lye in plain downright English in all his life.

The Head of St. John Baptist is affirmed of some to be in a certain Mo­nastry which King Pipinus built in France. Head of St. John Baptist. Some say it is at Constantinople; some hold that it is apud Castrum Nogenti; some maintain that it is at Rome in the church of Sylvester; but I believe it is consumed to dust according to Gods Ordinance upon all flesh.

This his head St. John himself did reveal to tvvo Monks vvhich came to Jerusalem on Pilgrimage.

That St. John Baptist had more heads than one;Note. for in the church of St. Sylvester, as before, you find his head. But it seemeth by this Paragraph, they cannot agree where it is; by which you may see the folly of these men and their followers, who are so fond of devised fables, that they will believe contradictions.

Yet by the way we are to consider, that the Pope can turn what he plea­seth into John Baptists Head; and can say to his Reliques, Encrease and multiply.

Pope Ʋrban the second bearing rule, St. Andrew appeared to a Husband­man,The Spear that pierced Christ. which at that present was one of the Army which went to conquer the Holy Land, and to win Christs Sepulcher out of the Infidels hands, and said unto him, Come, I will shew thee where the spear is that pierced Christs heart when he hanged on the cross; for it lay hid in the ground,The Tale of the Spear. His apparel was not hurt, because he had none on; but his body was so scor­ched that it cost him his life. being buri­ed at St. Peter's Church at Antioch. This Soldier, at the commandment of St. Andrew, went unto the place appointed, and digged out the Spear, which was so virtuous, noble, and precious a Relique, and of so great power, that a certain man called Bartholomew, caused a great fire to be made of thir­teen foot in length; and he having the Spear in his hand, went through the fire, and was not hurt, neither in himself, nor in his apparel.

Moreover, through the virtue of this Spear,I wonder they would stay so long from vi­ctuals till almost starv­ed, when they had such a miraculous Spear about them. I would wish the Saracens to have a care of this Spearl when the Army of the Chri­stians were so pined away with hunger, that they were almost compelled one to eat another, this Famine ceased, and plenty of all things was mini­stred unto them; yea, through the virtue of this Spear, they over­came their Enemies, and had most glorious victories. By the virtue also of this Spear, a certain man called Boemundus, flew in one battel an hun­dred thousand Saracens; and besides many other notable spoils, he got Fif­teen thousand Camels, wherewith the Christians were greatly comforted af­ter so great labours taken for the recovery of the Holy Land, and of Christs Sepulcher.

It would pierce any Christians heart to hear such invented lyes imposed on the pretenders to Christianity: But what is it that the Father of lyes, and Mother of abominations cannot invent? I will be bold to say, that in the Kingdom of Spain this Spear is to be seen in forty places; nay, they have pretended to have obtained great Victories against the Moors: nay, they have attributed much of their expelling the Moors out of the King­dom of Spain, to these Spears; and every one of them is the very Spear that pierced the side of our Lord Christ when upon the cross.

Balduinus, Emperor of Constantinople, gave unto Lewis King of France, The Crown of Thorns. More great pieces of the Cross! The Spunge that the vine­gar was given in. for most precious Reliques, and things of incomparable virtue, the Crown of thorns that Christ did wear upon his head, and a great part of the cross whereon Christ dyed, with the Spunge wherewith they gave Christ vine­gar and gall to drink, and the iron of the spear wherewith Christ was thrust to the heart on the cross.

O the Frauds of Rome! we had the spear given before by Ʋrban, and the great Wonders it did without its head; What would it have done if the head had been on it? We have before found a piece of the crown, and the whole crown, and behold it's here again! sure they that can make a Wafer Christ, can make Christ many crowns.

Pope Gregory the first, being Bishop of Rome, Christs coat which had no seam, was found (as they say), and brought unto Jerusalem, and laid up by the cross of Christ as a most precious and healthful Relique.

Thus they ascribed the power of healing to the old coat which they pretend to have found, which they would not have done if they had not lost the right faith of Christ.

St. Sibel, the Daughter of Fuleo King of Jerusalem, and Wife to Theo­doricus, by whom she had many goodly children, afterward by the consent of her Husband, returned unto Jerusalem, and became a Religious wo­man, where she found (as they write) a good quantity of Christs blood, which Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea got out of the wounds of [Page 18]Christ when they washed his body, and she sent it to her Husband. Which blood (as they say) is at this day kept at Bruges, and is shewed every year to the people on the third day of the Month of May.

These men are gone from the virtue of Christs blood to the matter;Note. and that Christs blood can be saved 1600 years, is incredible! but that the people should make a piece of Pageantry of it, set it out to shew for money on such a day in the year, is prophaness.

Pope Eusebius the first,The Cross again! being Bishop of Rome, the cross whereupon Christ died, was found at Jerusalem by Helena, Mother to Constantine the Empe­ror, and kept for a noble and precious Relique.

Of this Cross there have been cut out for Reliques so many pieces since that time, that if they were gathered together, they would come to a greater quantity than five of the greatest Oaks in Italy.

And to encrease the honour of this cross, the aforesaid Pope Eusebius ordained the Feast of the Invention of the cross, and commanded it to be kept holy for ever after.

The use of the cross is an invention of foolish men.Note. This is not the cross St. Paul gloried in, as the Papists do.

The aforesaid Helena found at Jerusalem the three Nails wherewith Christ was fastened to the cross, and brought them with her to Constanti­nople with great reverence and honour, and gave them unto her Son Con­stantine, who took one of them, and put it upon his bridle, which he used always when he went to the Wars, and at no other time, that by virtue thereof he might have good success against his Enemies. This Nail is at this day kept at Mediolanum, and had there in great reverence.

The second Nail he put upon his Helmet, which he used in the time of Wars, that by virtue thereof he might the sooner get the victory over his Adversaries.

The third Nail he threvv into the Sea, called Mare Adriaticum, to re­press, mitigate, appease, and assvvage the cruel storms and nerce compests of that cruel and raging Sea.

Thus you see the three Nails disposed of;Note. and these lying Priests do feign to have them as Monuments in other churches in Rome, as you heard before.

The said Helena brought vvith her also a good part of the holy cross from Jerusalem to Constantinople, Here is now a good part of the Cross a­gain. vvhich she caused to be sumptuously garnished, and gallantly trimmed, vvith a case of silver and precrous stones.

And this part of the cross thus decked and adorned, she brought after­vvard to Rome vvith great reverence, vvorship, and honour, and placed it in that church vvhich is novv called The church of St. Cross.

Thus these men that have forgot to reverence Christ,Note. do adore and adorn the cross.

Pope Gregory the first reigning,Here is the Coat again. Christs coat that vvas vvithout seam, vvhich the blessed Virgin Mary made vvith her ovvn hands for him, vvas found not far from Jerusalem, in a Tovvn called Saphat, of these three Bishops, Gregory of Antioch, Thomas of Jerusalem, and John of Conslan­tinople.

This coat vvas laid up in a fair Marble chest, and vvas found very fair, vvithout breach, and uncorrupt.

The three aforesaid Bishops taking this coat of Christ out of the chest, [Page 19]brought it unto Jerusalem, and laid it up very devoutly in a chest of Ivory, and with great honour as a most precious Relique. This is that coat for which the Soldiers did cast lots when Christ hanged on the cross.

And yet these lyars pretend to have it as a Relique in other places. Lyars had need have good memories. It's a like matter the Roman Soldiers should part with a coat, that wanted cloathes, as most Soldiers do.

Egelvotus Archbishop of Canterbury, found at Papia in Italy, one of St. Austins arms, and gave for it an hundred Talents of silver, and one of gold, and brought it with him into England with great reverence, and placed it as a most precious Relique in the City of Venturia.

You may see that they will be at great charge to maintain their supersti­tion:Note. But how can they say this was his Arm? one mans Arm may be like another.

The Dish which was set before Christ with the Paschal Lamb that night wherein he instituted the Sacrament of his body and blood, was afterward found by the Genoueses at Caesarea, and brought home into their own City with great joy, and is now there kept as a most precious Relique.

As the fool thinks, so the bell clinks. How came Christs dish at Caesarea? Note. And how, 1500 years after, could they know that from another dish?

The aforesaid Genoueses have also the ashes of John the Baptist, which they brought with them from Mirea unto their own City, and keep them as most precious and blessed Reliques, as by whose virtue they have got­ten most triumphant victories, and most victorious triumphs.

John the Baptist was not burnt, but buried by his Disciples, Mat. 14.12.Note. which was a 1000 years before the Genoneses were a people.

The Head of St. George is kept of the Venetians even at this day as a most precious Relique.

This is a Fiction like the story of his killing the Dragon.

The Head of St. Ʋrsula was translated from Cales unto Bergomo in Italy, Note. where it is now kept in the Monastry of the Austin-Friers, as a most holy Relique, and had in great reverence of the people.

Her Body, with the Bodies of the other 11000 Virgins which suffered with her, lye buried in Colon a City of Germany.

You may see every place will pretend some holy Relique to invite peo­ple to gaze.Note.

The Body of St. Mark the Evangelist, was brought by a certain Mer­chant from Alexandria unto Venice, where it know kept and had in great reverence; the Venetians taking St. Mark for their chief Patron.

When men turn Papists, they go from God to creatures, and instead of Gods protection, put themselves under the Patronage of dead creatures,Note. instead of the living God.

Thomas Paleologus, graciously escaping out of the hands of the Turkish Emperor, brought with him out of Achaia, the head of St. Andrew the A­postle unto Rome, and with great humility gave it unto Pope Pius, who garnishing it most sumptuously, placed it with great honour and high rever­ence in the Church of St. Peter at Rome, as we have heretofore heard.

How the Heads and Members of their Saints are halled about to make a show of!Note.

The Black Friers gave to King Henery the third for a most precious Relique, a white Marble-stone wherein was the print of a mans foot, making the King believe that it was that stone whereupon Christ stood, when he leav­ing [Page 20]this world, ascended into the Kingdom of his Father; and that it was the print, length, and breadth of Christs foot; left here in the earth for a worthy remembrance of his wonderful ascension.

The Gray Friers gave to the aforesaid King the blood of Christ.

The White Monks presented unto him our Ladies Milk, with most hum­ble supplications unto his Grace that he would be good and gracious, fa­vourable and liberal to his poor Beads-men and daily Orators.

The great quantities of Christs Blood,Note. and our Ladies Milk, show the cheat, as well as the length of time that they pretend to have kept it.

But I confess, they that can turn Wine into the Blood of Christ, may find great store.

The Bones of Samuel the Prophet were translated from Rome unto Con­stantinople, and there placed as Reliques of great virtue.

To confute this Lye,Note. take notice, Samuel was turned to his dust hun­dreds of years before the Papists began to show these tricks; and there­fore this is feigned any man may see.

There hath been an old and long contention between the French men and Italians concerning the Bodies of St. Benet the Monk, and of St. Sco­lastica his Sister. The French men say plainly, that without all fail they have those bodies, and that they were translated from Mount Cassine unto the Mo­nastry Floriacens, and there they are kept and honoured as most precious Reliques. The Italians stoutly deny this matter, [...] that their bodies remain still in Mount Cassine; so that whosoever [...] worship them, they must come thither, and there make their oblation.

When these Fops agree,Note. I shall begin to enquire into this matter, but ne­ver shall believe it.

The Body of St. Dionise is so holy and precious, that, as it is reported, Clodoveus King of France became mad and utterly out of his wits, because he unreverently discovered the foresaid body, broke off one of his arms, and privily carried it away with him.

And sure no man that is in his wits will believe this story.Note.

When the Body of Boniface Archbishop of Mentz was brought unto Fuldes Monastry to be buried, all the Bells in the Countrey rung in most goodly and comely order, yea, and that without any help of mans hand, only by the power of God, to testifie what a noble and precious Relique was brought unto them.

O the blasphemy of these people,Note. that will intitle the Holy and Wise God to be a countenance of [...] Follies and Fanaticisms!

At Aquisgranum there was so great a company of Reliques brought thi­ther by Charles King of France that there was a very solemn Pilgrimage ap­pointed unto them, which endured the space of seven years.

Among all these Reliques the Crown of thorns was,Here is the Crown of thorns again! which was put on Christs head; this they say had so great virtue in it, that the King holding it in his hand, it flourished and gave out leaves.

The aforesaid King brought it from Constantinople unto Paris, and there placed it among the other Reliques.

I cannot but pity these people,Note. where the King joins with the Clergy to se­duce or mislead them; for woful exp [...]ce shows, that people for the most part will follow the Religion and Manners of their Kings. All the Idolatry that the Jews were guilty of, they were led into it by their Kings and Priests: what they believe and do, people think it is right.

Aaron King of the Persians, sent to Charles King of France the bodies of St. Cyprian and Spiratus, with the head of St. Panthaleon, for most preci­ous Reliques.

What the Pagan Prince sent,Note. might have been refused by the pretender to Christianity, if he had not been as great a fool as the other. It's not the name, but the power of Christianity, or Spirit of it, that makes men wise.

The head of St. Gregory the Pope, and the arm of St. Leo, were transla­ted by Pope John unto the Church Sinonse, and there placed as holy Re­liques.

Reliques they might be, but not holy, if the Limbs of Popes.Note.

The body of St. Martin was so holy a Relique, that after it was transla­ted (as they write) it cleansed the Leper of his Leprosie, it healed a man diseased of the Palsie, and restored a blind man to his sight, and made all the Trees in the Countrey to bring forth such leaves, as far passed the course of nature.

If it had ever such a power, when did it leave or lose it?Note. it's a wonder it do not so still; but it may be a Lye, for all it flourished so with leaves. The Popish Miracles are but tricks of art, and tales to please fools.

St. Bruno Bishop of Colen, brought with him from Rome St. Peters staff, and placed it at the City of Colen in Germany, as in holy and precious Re­lique.

If the Papists did own St. Peter's golden doctrine,Note. they would not much admire his wooden stick: but any thing will serve wooden Christians!

Rainoldus Archbishop of Colen, translated the bodies of the three Kings that came to worship Christ, from Maediolanum unto Colen. These bodies were before taken away by Helen, Constantine's Mother, out of India, and brought unto Constantinople. Afterward they were translated by Bishop Eustorgius from thence unto Mediolanum, and so from that place unto Co­len, where they now remain as most worthy Reliques, and work great Mi­racles, as they say.

Is it not a shame that Christians should be so bewitched,Note. as to think that the dead bodies of three Pagan Kings, which doubtless were hundreds of years before turned to dust, should be set up as Reliques of Saints! And could Helen fetch them from the remote parts of India, where she never was? But I see every place must have some foppery or other to invite fools, and to inrich Priests.

The holy and religious Monk St. Bernard, after that he was canonized and made a Saint by Pope Alexander, did so abound in working Miracles in the place where his body lay, by reason thereof great confluence of peo­ple resorted to the Abby, that the Abbot of the place forbad him to work any more miracles. And blessed St. Bernard meekly and reverently obeyed Father Abbots commandment, and so for ever he took his ease, and wrought no more miracles.

This obedience was shewed, St. Bernard being dead.

A man would stand amazed at the confidence these people have in telling of lyes, yea, contradictions; but if true and consistent,Note. then doubtless the Abbot was an ill-natur'd fellow, that he would hinder the good that cost him nothing. And had St. Bernard been set at work by the liberal God, he would not have been subject to a covetous Abbot, that had so much of his meat and drink devoured by poor people. But this sounds like the rest.

In a certain Monastery of St. Gabriel is a great stone that fell down from Heaven, having in it the sign of the holy Cross, and a very lively Image of Christ, and written upon it with Golden Letters these words, Jesus Na­zarenus Rex Judeorum. This great stone, as they say, is a great precious Relique, and worketh great Miracles in the great Monastry of great Saint Gabriel.

We may see what takes people off from holy Scripture,Note. from God, from Christ; they have laden all people, and filled all places with such lyes, cheats, and hocus-pocus tricks, that they have no room left in their hearts for truth.

Hugo the Monk at the desire of Monk William, Abbot of Hirsangia, sent unto him the hair of St. Peter, which was received with great reverence, and placed in the aforesaid Abby as a true precious Relique, not without great honour daily done unto it.

They honour any thing but Christ and God.Note.

Norbertus came unto Toline to seek Saints Reliques; and after that he and his Company had given themselves to fasting and prayer certain days, one of the number of the nine thousand Virgins appeared unto him, and shew­ed him her name and the place where she lay. The next day after, the afore­said Norbertus with his Company took her up with great reverence and so­lemnity, and placed her very devoutly, with many other Reliques, in the Monastry Premonstratense.

Thus people when they have forsaken the living God,Note. seek dead stinking Carcases to adore and worship; and sure if Lazarus stank in four days, this Woman could not be sweet after many years; but to make it a Miracle they must pretend a Vision.

In Norfolk there was a certain Monastry called Bromholm-Abbey, in the which was an holy Cross brought thither by a certain Priest. This Cross was so precious a Relique and of so great virtue, that it raised up unto life thirty-nine dead persons, restored to their sight nineteen blind men, and wrought many other notable Miracles.

The people in Norfolk use to be more ingenuous than to be so cheated;Note. but when Priests have once made men blind, they may lead them whither they list, out of one error into another.

In Winfarthing, a little Village in Norfolk, there was a certain Sword called the Sword of Winfarthing. This Sword was counted so precious a Relique, and of so great virtue, that there was a solemn Pilgrimage used un­to it, with large gifts and offerings, with Vow-makings, Crouchings and Kissings. This Sword was visited and sought far and near for many and sundry purposes, but specially for things that were lost, and for Horses stollen or run astray. It helped also greatly to shorten a married mans life, if the Wife weary of her Husband would set a Candle before that Sword every Sunday, for the space of one whole year, no Sunday excepted, for then all was in vain, whatsoever was done before.

I have many times heard when I was a child, of divers ancient men and women, That this Sword was the Sword of a certain Thief which took Sanctuary in that Church-yard, and afterward through the negligence of the Watchmen escaped and left his Sword behind him, which being found and laid up in a certain old Chest, was afterward through the subtilty of the Parson and the Clerk of the same Parish, made a precious Relique full of virtue, able to do much, but especially to enrich the Box, and to make fat the Parsons pouch.

I shall leave the Reader to weigh this Story,Note. and by putting both ends together, he may see there is no end of the Romish cheats, and the peo­ples folly.

In Thetford, a Town in Norfolk, there was a Parish-Church, which is now destroyed, called St. Audrice: In this Church, among other Reliques was the Smock of St. Audrice, which was there kept as a great jewel, and precious Relique. The virtue of this Smock was mighty and manifold, but especially in putting away the Tooth-ach, and the swelling of the Throat; so that the Patient were first of all shriven, and heard Mass, and did such Oblations as the Priest of the Church enjoyned.

All was governed by the Priest, and the Priest by his covetousness,Note. of which there is no end.

In the Monastry of St. Edmundsbury, besides many other almost innu­merable Reliques; there was one, a modest, singular, and precious Relique, called St. Edmunds Girdle: The virtue of this Relique was, That if any woman being with Child, came devoutly on Pilgrimage to sweet St. Ed­mund, and were girded about with that holy Relique by some Monk, and so kneeling down before St. Edmund's shrine, said certain Pater Nosters, certain Ave Maries, and a Creed in the Worship of God, and of our Lady, and sweet St. Edmund, and paid the accustomed offering, she should not perish of that Child, but have good and lucky deliverance.

This was an easie medicine, but like all the rest, chargeable:Note. They wrought all their Miracles for money, by which it appears they were none of Christs Disciples, who as they received freely, gave freely, but Anti­christs merchandize was always of more cost than value.

In the same Monastry there was also another holy Relique, which was called the pardon bowl; whosoever drunk of this Bowl in the Worship of God, and St. Edmund, he had 500 days of pardon, toties quoties.

How some for cure, some for pardon,Note. all were made to bring Grist to the Popes Mill.

The Coat of St. John the Evangelist was so holy a Relique, and of so great virtue, that by touching thereof, such as were diseased, were cured; the sick were made whole, the blind were restored to their sight, the Lepers were cleansed, and Devils were cast out of men.

These are such incredible Stories, that they need nothing to confute them,Note. but the serious reading and weighing them.

In Geneva was a certain Relique, called St. Peters Brain, and was esteemed for a precious treasure among all the people of the Countrey, and had in great worship. But after that it pleased God to reveal the truth of his ho­ly Word to the Inhabitants of the City, and the crafty juggling of the Papists began to be espied, and search made, it was found to be not St. Pe­ters Brain, but a Marble-stone.

When people came to exercise their own brains,Note. they soon found the cheat, and so may men now.

At Pise, at Ravenna, at Clugny, at Angers, at St. Saeviours in Spain, Note. These Pots are found in di­vers places, and none but they that are drunk with the Popes Wine, will believe it. &c. are the Cruses or Water-pots which they call Hidries, wherein the Wa­ter was that Jesus Christ changed into Wine at the marriage of Cana in Galilee, and are taken for great Reliques.

And as in the aforesaid places they have the Cruses, or Water-pots; so they of Orleans affirm and say, That they have among them at this present, part of the Wine which Christ miraculously turned from Water unto [Page 24]Wine at the aforesaid marriage, and kept it among them devoutly as an holy and worthy Relique. This custom also have they among them: Once a year, so many as will religiously and devoutly come on Pilgri­mage unto the aforesaid Relique, and offer something for the relief of our Mother-holy-Church, they shall not only see it, but also taste of it, by licking the end of a Spoon, which is dipped into it. And they make the simple people believe, that it is part of the same Wine which Christ at the marriage of Cana in Galilee turned from Water into Wine. They add moreover, that the tasting of the Wine is not only profitable to ex­pel all sorrows and cares, and to make them the more merry and joyful all the year after, but also very medicinable against divers and sundry dis­eases. And the virtue thereof is so great and marvellous, that although never so many taste of it, yet the quantity thereof abideth always one, and diminisheth nothing at all. Is not this a marvellous Relique!

This is a thing which requireth great store of Ignorance to make it go down;Note. and I hope the people of England will never be so drunk with the Wine of the Cup that the Whore of Rome fills out, as to believe any of the Wine Christ made by a Miracle, is to be licked in Spain from the end of a Spoon.

The Knife wherewith the Paschal Lamb was cut up at the Supper which Christ made with his Disciples the night before he was crucified, is, as they say, at Trier, and there kept for a precious Jewel, with no small de­votion and reverence.

At how small rates these Papists deceive the people!Note. here is a Knife for­sooth had in great reverence, because the Lord used it at the Paschal Sup­per; but that the Good-man of the house where they eat, did not call for his Knives and other things, but that his Dish and Knife was carried away by the Disciples, is to make them thieves like Popish Priests in Spain: this is like the rest of their lyes, and I hope will cut them to the heart.

Part also of the Bread which was at that Supper, is to be seen at St. Sae­viour's in Spain.

This is Bread of Sixteen hundred years old,Note. if they say true; but they are such old lyers that there is no wise man will believe them.

The Platter also wherein the Paschal Lamb was put,The Platter. is found to be in divers places, as at Rome, at Geves, at Earles, &c.

This Platter it seemeth is in many places,Note. so that a wise man will judg it is not at all, except they can multiply Platter as they can do bodies of Christ, which they say may be in many places at the same time; much alike.

The Cup wherein Christ gave the Sacrament of his blood to his Apo­stles to drink, is shewed at our Lady of the Isle near to Lyons, and also at Allegeios in a certain Covent of Austin-Friers, and in both places kept as a most precious Relique. How this may be (good Reader) make no inqui­sition, except thou wilt repay unto them that lately have brought in the Doctrine of the Ubiquity of Christs body. But if they can perswade thee that one and the same Cup, being a dead thing, may be in divers places at once, then maist thou the sooner be brought to believe the strange Doctrine of the Ubiquity of Christs body.

That what is said to the former Paragraph serves to undeceive the Reader in both.Note.

The Towel, Napkin or Cloth, wherewith Christ wiped his Apostles feet after that he had washed them, is not only at Rome in the Lateran [Page 25]Church, but also at Aix, and at St. Cornelius, with the sign of Judas foot.

The Traytor Judas betrayed Christ but once;Note. these Popish Priests make a Trade daily to betray Christ in his Person and Members into all the con­tempt imaginable, by their frauds and falshoods.

The very same bough that Jesus held in his hand when he entred into Jerusalem on Palm sunday, is (as they say) at St. Saviours in Spain, and is taken for a great Relique.

It is doubtful whether Christ had a bough or not,Note. for the holy Text is silent. But that this is a falshood, is out of all doubt.

The common opinion is, That Christ was fastned to the Cross only with three Nails, which Nails, how they were bestowed, we have heretofore heard. Notwithstanding it is found that there is one of those Nails at Rome in St. Helens Church, another in the Church of the holy Cross, another at Milan, another at Carpentras, another at Venice, in Germany two, at Co­lein one at the three Maries, another at Triers, one in France at the holy Chappel of Paris, another at the Carmes, one also at St. Denis in France, one at Bruges, one at Tenail, one at Draquigne, &c. And every one of these places perswade themselves to have one of those three Nails where­with Christ was fastned to the Cross, and count it for a precious Relique. But how this may be true, let the indifferent Reader judg. But who knoweth not that the Kingdom of the Papists is crowned, confirmed, and maintained with lyes and tyrannies?

The Spear-head wherewith Christ was thrust to the heart, is not only at Rome, but also (as they report) at the holy Chappel of Paris, at the Abbey of Tenail, at St. Euge, at Selne, &c. And in all these places it is counted to be a precious Relique: Also the very same Spear wherewith Christ was pierced unto the heart.

That divers Thorns of Christs thorny Crown be at Rome, we have like­wise before heard: But besides those there are other, yea and those not few, at Venice one, at Bruges five, at Besanson in St. Johns Church three, at St. Saviours in Spain I cannot tell how many; at St. James in Galicia two, at Alby three, at Tholouse, at Mascove, at Charoure in Poictiers, at Clere, at St. Floure, at St. Maximine in Province, in the Abbey of Salle, in the Parish-Church of St. Martin at Noyon; in every one of these places there is at the least one, and in many other places.

The Purple Robe wherewith Pilate cloathed Christ in derision, for as much as he called himself a King, is at Rome, as we have heard. But as touching the Garment that was Woven from top to toe, without seam, whereon lots were cast, it is found to be in divers places, one at Argentine, near Paris, another at Trier, &c. And the Turk mocking the folly of the Christians, saith plainly, That he hath this Garment in his hands.

Reader, consider well the five former Paragraphs,Note. and thou wilt see the Trade of cheating by the Priests, and how well content the people are to have it so, like them in the Prophet Jeremiah's time, Jer. 5.31. and thou wilt see cause to thank God thou art delivered from the Error of the wicked Church of Rome.

The Soldiers that crucified Christ plaid, as they say, at Dice for the afore­said Coat of Christ, which Dice were three in number, and yet remain as precious Reliques: One of them, they say, is at Trier, and the other two at St. Saviours in Spain.

That they cast Lots, the holy Text saith; but that they plaid at Dice, is one of their Fables: but what if it shall appear there was no Dice in those days, will not they appear great lyars? But if perchance there was amongst the Pagan Soldiers, must the Devils bones (as people call Dice) now be­come holy Reliques? O horrid Impiety!

The Cloth which was put upon Christs head when he was laid in the Se­pulchre, is kept as an holy Relique at the Augustines of Carcossone.

It's strange this old Clout is not washed to rags in 1600 years,Note. or else it's but a foul one by this time: but where was this small piece of Cloth kept before the Whore of Rome began to show her tricks, which she thought not of, or was ashamed to do, till within these six or seven hundred years?

Christs Winding-sheet wherein he was wrapped, and laid in his grave, is found perfect and whole, (as they say) in divers places, as at Nice, at Aix, at Traicte, at Besancon, at Eadoe in Limosin, &c. And in all these pla­ces it is kept as a most precious Relique. But how one sheet can be in so many places at once, must be learned of those Masters who teach the Ubi­quity of Christs natural body.

If it were possible by their art of Transubstantiation to make Christs person in many places,Note. yet this old sheet sure is not a fit subject of that Art.

The Asses tail whereon Christ rode on Palm-sunday, Note. is to be seen at Genes, and is there held for an holy Relique.

What Asses are the poor people that have given up their sense and rea­son to their lying Priests, and are made to believe an Asses tail to be a holy Relique! and why must his tail be cut off? could they not as well have kept the Asse, as have been such Asses themselves as to think a man in his wits will believe such a fiction?

There is also in a certain Monastry kept for a Relique, a morsel of that broil'd fish which Christ presented, and gave to St. Peter when he appeared unto him on the Sea-shore after his Resurrection.

How incredible things do these men fain!Note. but what good-luck have they, that they can keep fish so long after it's broiled? It's a wonder the Mice had not eat it in 1600 years time! it's strange the Jews had not eat it in the time of the Siege of Jerusalem, when old shooes were good meat, if Jo­sephus spoke true!

At Reines in Campania there is a Stone behind the high Altar, wherein (as they say) is the form of Christs Hips: This is taken for a great Relique al­so, and full devoutly kissed of many devout people. And they say this was done at such time as our Lord became a Mason to build their Church­porch.

This is such a weak and senseless Fiction,Note. that I can note in it nothing, but that the Inventors were notorious fools.

Our Ladies Smock, besides divers other places, is to be found (as they say) at Aix. And this is the order when it is shewed. One holdeth it out upon the end of a pole, as it were a long white Surplice of a Priest. This Smock is so long and large, that if Mary had been a Giant, yet could she scarcely have worn such a monstrous Smock. And for to make a bet­ter shew thereof, one doth carry straightway after a Hose of St. Joseph her Husband, yea and that so little, and so slender a Hose, that it may seem little enough fora Dwarf to wear, and such a one as they say Tom Thumb was.

The stories of Thomas Thumb and Don Quixot sure would be Canonical with the people which believe such things as these,Note. if the Popes Holiness would declare them so.

Of our Ladies Kerchers, two yet remain and are preserved as most pre­cious Reliques: one at Trier in St. Maximins Abby; another at Lilio in Italy.

That a woman of so great vertue, and worthy of so much honour,Note. should be so disgraced as to have her Smock and other parts of her old Napery thus exposed when Sixteen hundred years old, is certainly a great shame.

The Girdle of our Lady is at Prat, and kept as a holy Relique.

One of our Ladies Slippers is at St. Jaqueries, and one of her Shooes at St. Floures, and are taken for great and solemn Reliques.

That she might wear a Girdle, is credible; but that she wore Shooes,Note. I doubt, because there was none but Sandals worn in that Country; but I am glad she was so well furnished to have Shooes and Slippers both; but how ridiculous such stories are I leave you Reader to judg.

Two of our Ladies Wedding-ring is also kept as a precious Relique and Hea­venly Jewel at Peruse.

Divers of our Ladies Gowns are to be found in divers places, as at Rome in St. John of Lateran. In St. Barbara's Church. In St. Maries upon Mi­nerve. In St. Blases Church. At St. Saviours in Spain. At the least they say they have certain pieces of her Gowns, and keep them devoutly as holy Reliques.

The Slippers of St. Joseph our Ladies Husband are in St. Simons Abby of Trier, and are had in great reverence and honour. Of his Hose we have heretofore heard.

Reader,Note. consider what vain people these are which always keep minds exercised about such toys and old rags as these: as for a Wedding-ring she never had any, nor was it the custom in those days to have Wedding­rings.

At Carcassone the Papists boast to have certain Reliques of St. Michael the Archangel, and likewise at St. Julians of Toures. They do shew at great St. Michaels (which is so well haunted of Pilgrims) his Sword which is like a Childs Dagger, and his Buckler likewise which is as it were the boss of a Horse-bit.

That Angels should have Swords and Shields, is so vain,Note. that all the wit the Pope and Clergy of Rome have, can never defend themselves from the imputation of being most horrid Impostors in asserting; but that the Sword should be like a Childs Dagger, and the Shield or Buckler like the boss of a horse-bit, none but knaves will say, and none but fools will be­lieve it.

Although we [...] before that the head of St. John Baptist is in divers places, yet they [...] Amiens boast to have the visage of St. John. And in the Mask which they shew, there is the sign of the cut of a knise over­thwart the eye, which they say Herodias gave him. But they of St. John of Angel deny it, and shew the like part. As concerning the rest of the Head from the crown to the forehead, it was at Rhodes, and is now at Malta, as it [Page 28]is thought; at the least they have made men believe that the Turk did render it them. The hinder part is at St. John of Nemoures. The Brain is at Noyon. Besides all this, they of St. John of Morein do not want some certain part of the Head. His Jawes are seen at Besanson at St. John the great. There is another part at St. John of Latians at Paris, and at St. Floura in Auvergne. They keep his Hair at St. Saviours in Spain, the Brow and some of the Hair. There is also a little thereof at Noyon, which is shewn very authentickly. There is also some part (I know not of what place) at St. Lukes. As for St. John Baptists Arm, they of Sene boast to have it, which is repugnant to all ancient Histories. Now as touching that finger wherewith St. John did point and shew our Lord Jesus Christ, saying, Ecce Agnus ille Dei, &c. Behold that Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world, it is found to be in many and divers places. There is one at Besanson in the Church of St. John the great, another at Lions, another at Bruges, another at Florence, another at St. John of Adventures near to Mascone.

One of St. John's Shoos is at the Charter-house of Pa is. His Jacket is at Rome in the Church of St. John of Lateran; where also, as they say, is the Altar whereon he prayed in the desert: As if in those days they used to make Altars for every purpose, and in every place! It is a marvel that they make not the people believe also that he sung Mass!

In Avignon is the Sword wherewith he was beheaded. At Aix is the Lin­uen Cloth that was spread under him when he was beheaded.

At Poicters they have the Jaw-bone and beard of St. Peter.

At Trier there are divers bones both of St. Peter and St. Paul.

At Argenton in Bury, one of St. Paul's Shoulders.

At St. Saviours in Spain one of St. Peter's Slippers: They of Poicters also brag that they have St. Peter's Slippers, but those are wonderful trim and brave, made of Satin, and broidered with Gold, as though he had been like to our Popish Bishops when they are dressed and decked like Puppets in their Pontificalibus. When it is well known that Peter lived a very poor man, as it evidently appeareth by these words which he spake to a certain man that was lame from his mothers womb, Silver and gold (saith he) have I none, such as I have I give thee; in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. And are not these the words of St. James, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world? Saith not St. Paul of himself and of his fellow Apostles in this wise, Even unto this time we hunger and thirst, and are na­ked, and are buffeted with fists, and have no certain dwelling place, and labour, working with our own hands?

This Paragraph shews that their Reliques are of their own invention by the gayness of them,Note. which agrees not at all with the poor estate of the holy men they talk of.

St. Peter's Pontifical Chair with his Cope wherein he said Mass (as the Papists fain) are at Rome, and kept as precious Reliques.

About the Altar whereon he said Mass, there is great contention; they of Rome affirm that they have it, and they of Pise likewise say they have it. But how the lying Papists strive among themselves for [...]ye, who knoweth not? seeing that neither that monster the Mass, nor ye [...] [...]tars were receiv­ed into the Church of Christ many years after the death of St. Peter.

By this they pretend to justifie their own foolish Gayeties,Note. and therein be-lye the Primitive modesty and plainness of the Christian Religion.

The Sword also wherewith St. Peter cut off Malchus his ear, is reserved [Page 29]and reverenced of the Papists in divers and sundry places.

The having one Sword in so many places,Note. is a reasonable ground to con­clude they have it no where.

Saint Peter's Crosier is shewed at St. Stephens of Grees at Paris: But they of Collen plainly affirm that they have it: So likewise say they of Trier. But it is truly to be thought that none of them all have it; for in St. Peter's time there were no such baubles as the Popish Bishops use now-a-days, neither Miter nor Crosier, Cope nor Vestment, Altar nor Altar-cloth.

Saint Bartholomew's skin is at Pisa, and there kept for an holy and precious Relique, notwithstanding in the Kingdom of Naples they plainly affirm that they have the whole Body of St. Bartholomew with skin and all. And in St. Bartholomew's Church at Rome they stoutly maintain that he is there both body and skin, and in no other place.

Poor St. Bartholomew is at Pisa, and at Rome too; what place next? an Arm with the Walloon Jesuits at St. Omers, and five Ribs at Leige in Germany, and a Leg at Burgos, and an Head at Villa Garsia.

Saint Mathias hath one Body at Padua, Note, here is a blessed in crease of St. Mathias. another at Rome in the Church of St. Mary the greater, and a third Body at Trier. Besides this, he hath a Head and an Arm at Rome, and another Body at Salamanca in Spain, and another at the Cathedral at St. Omers, and another where Mr. Pope pleaseth: Nay he hath any thing but Truth and true Religion; but these have left Rome long since.

At Ortone the Body of Saint Thomas the Apostle is kept and taken for an holy Relique, notwithstanding they of Trier say they have cer­tain of his Bones, and at Rome they boast to have his Arm and Head.

The Chalice out of which St. John the Evangelist drank the Poyson, being condemned by Domitian the Roman Emperour, is found in two places, and taken for a great Relique: One is at Rome in the Church of St. John of Lateran, and the other at Bullen.

At our Lady of the Isle near Lions are kept for precious Reliques the twelve Combs of the twelve Apostles.

St. Anne Mother of the Virgin Mary, hath one of her Bodies at Apte in Provence, the other at our Lady of the Isle, at Lyons. Besides this, she hath one Head at Trier, the other at Turen, another at Turinge a Town named after her name. I omit the pieces of her Body which are in more than a hundred places, as an arm in St. Paul's Church at Rome, &c.

When they are agreed amongst themselves,Note. it will be time enough to believe them, of the story of the twelve Combs and Cups, Bodies and bones, they talk of in these four last Paragraphs.

Lazarus the Brother of Martha and Mary Magdalen, hath three Bodies, one at Marseilles, the other at Authum, the third at Avalon. Every one of these places boast that they have the true Body of Lazarus. But how this may be, no man may demand, except he will be taken for a Lutheran.

Mary Magdalen is known to have two Bodies,Mary Mag­dalen's Noli me tangere, hath great Veneration in the Romish Church. one at Veselnere Auserre; the other, which is of greater renown, at St. Maximius in Provence.

Besides, she hath divers parts of her Body in divers places, as her head, with her Noli me tangere, her bones, her hair, &c.

With what face can these people look men in the face,Note. and boast of unity of the Church of Rome, when they cannot agree about a few bones and old invented Reliques, about which they prove themselves lyars, and under the curse of believing lyes? But as for the Noli me tan­gere of Mary Magdalen, I suppose the Priests have a great devotion, and the people kiss it with as much.

St. Longus the Knight who pierced the side of our Lord Jesus on the Cross with a Spear, hath two Bodies in two sundry places, the one is at Mantone, the other at our Lady of the Isle, near Lyons.

Truly I should be as well contented if he had had two and twenty.

The Bodies of the three Kings which came to worship the new-born Saviour of the World, whom the Papists have baptised with these names, Balthasar, Melchior, and Gaspar, are constantly affirmed of many to be at Colen; but they of Millain say plainly that they have these Bodies of the three Kings; so that whosoever will worship them, they must come unto Millain and offer there unto them, or else all their labour is lost. About this matter there hath been great contention in times past, insomuch that it was brought before the Apostolique See to be deter­mined.

And could not the Pope by his art perswade the fools they are in both places?Note. and if I am not misinformed, they are in the great Church in Portugal also. And they pretend to have the Bodies of one of those three Kings at Palencia, and another at Toledo in the Kingdom of Spain.

St. Denis, whom some take to be one of the Apostles Disciples, and the first Preacher of the Gospel in France, hath two Bodies in two sun­dry [Page 31]places: one is at St. Denis in France, the other at Regensburg in Germany. About this matter also there hath been no small ado who have the true body of St. Denis, insomuch that the Apostolique See was fain to give judgment therein. And yet both of them persist in their fancy.

And well they may persist, for it is but a fancy,Note. like all the trinck­ets we have heard of in this whole Inventory of their Merchan­dize.

The Body of St. Stephen is reported to be whole in his Church at Rome. Notwithstanding his Head is affirmed to be in Arles; and his Bones are in more than 200 places.

Thus do these fools prove themselves Knaves and Lyers;Note. and would not England be blest to entertain such a sort of Religion and Religious men?

The Stones also wherewith St. Stephen is reported to be stoned to death, are kept as Reliques at Florence; again in Arles at the Augustines, and at Vigan in Languedock. There is also at Poictiers one of the a­foresaid Stones, which, as they say, if it be aptly applied to a certain part of a Woman that is big with Child, is very profitable unto the safe deliverance of the Child, to the hasty expedition of the Birth, and easing of pain.

Would it not be well to find out who gathered these stones toge­ther,Note. and kept them till the Church of Rome began to show such tricks, and invent this Trade, cheating her followers.

St. Sebastian hath four whole bodies, in four sundry places, where­of one is at Rome in St. Laurences Church, the other at Soison, the third at Pilligne, near Nantes, the fourth near Narbon, in the place where he was born; besides this, he hath two heads, the one at St. Peters at Rome, the other at the Jacobins of Tholouse. But all these are but empty skulls, if it be true what is reported; for the Gray-friers of Angers affirm, that whosoever have St. Sebastians head, they have all his brains, which they keep for holy and precious Reliques. Item, the Jacobins of Angiers have an Arm of his, and they of St. Servine of Tholouse have another. Another also of his Arms (if one man may have so many Arms) is at Avergne, and another at Mombrison in the forest, besides the small little pieces that are in many other Churches.

This Story, if well observed, doth so fully confute it self,Note. that one half blind may perceive it. And what is the reason that they at Lisbon, who do one day every year go down to the Water-side to look for him, do not rather go to these places to meet him?

The Arrows also wherewith St. Sebastian was shot, are preserved and kept for Reliques; whereof one is at Lambest in Provence, an­other at Poictiers at the Augustines, and the rest are here and there.

Mr. David Rivers, when he kept a Cooks Shop in Nortonfall­gate, at the Sign of the Plow, there lodged two French-men at his house, which were (as they said) Pilgrims, and had been at Jeru­salem.

Among several other discourses, said Mr. Rivers, you could not chuse but be exposed to great want, in so long a Journey.

No, said one of the Pilgrims (the other standing by) we did sel­dom want long, for by one means or other we were soon sup­plied.

But we were once in a very great strait, night coming on, and we having neither food, nor money, but only a few odd things that might yield some small matter; So we entred into an house, required Lodging; which being granted, we demanded of the Wo­man, if she had any thing to eat? No indeed, replyed the Woman, I have nothing in the house but Bread, that is fit for this day (it being then a Fish-day); but had it happened on another day, I could have furnished you with a good Rib of Bacon: bring us that, said we, we are holy Men, and can make it Fish. It being brought, we prayed over it; and then pronounced it was no more Flesh, but Fish. And after it was boyled, and we well supped thereon, we soon found an invention for to make profit of the Bone, to sur­mount the price of our Meat and Lodging. So to work went we with our Knives; and after two hours we had scraped it so exactly, that it appeared to have lain long in the ground.

We gave the Woman the Bone, with great charge to lay it up very safe, which she did: In the morning we demanded the Bone, and gave her the things which we had brought with us, to lay up until we went a little way, and we would soon return. So walking about three or four Miles, we came to an Abbey, and having found the Abbot, we told him our business; how that we were Pilgrims, and had been to visit the holy Land; and in our Pilgrimage, in the Se­pulchre of our blessed St. Anthony we had found a wonderful Re­lique of his, even one of his Ribs. And having special love and re­spect to that Abbey, more than to any other, were willing to bestow it upon the same.

The which was received with great joy and thankfulness, and we honourably treated. And he forthwith summoned all the people in the adjacent parts, to the Abbey; where being met, and the aforesaid Bone being set on the Table, in a Silver Charger, the Ab­bot [Page 33]said, Here lyeth the Bone of our blessed St. Anthony; therefore let no Adulterer, Thief, Drunkard, or other profane person, pre­sume to come within six foot of the Table, to offer their offering; and the very woman that sold them the Bacon, did offer among the rest.

St. Anthony, whom the Papists feign to be a cholerick and an­gry Saint, burning whomsoever he is angry with, is found to have two bodies; one at Arles, the other at Venice among the Antheni­ans. There is a Knee of him also at the Augustines of Albi. There are also at Burge, at Mascon, at Dion, at Chalouse, at Ourour, at Be­sancon, &c. divers Reliques of divers Members of St. Anthony, to say nothing of that Baggage which Pardoners carry about them from Countrey to Countrey to deceive the people withal, which is no small quantity.

Here I cannot omit to affix a Story which I received from an ho­nest man,Note. whom I dare credit, and is alive to attest the Truth of it as he heard it.

St. Patronel, otherwise called Parnel, the Daughter of St. Peter, hath also two bodies, one at Rome in her Fathers Church, and another at Mans in the Jacobin Covent. This latter body is had in great Reve­rence, and is sought far and near of all such as are diseased of Agues. Besides these two bodies, there are found in other places many Re­liques of hers, which are full Religiously kept, and taken for things of great virtue.

Are not the words of the Apostle, 2 Thess. 2.9, 10, 11. verses, Note. fulfilled in these Merchants of Rome? And are not their followers given up to believe lyes, with whom such cheats are in credit?

St. Susan likewise hath two bodies, one at Rome, and another at Cha­losse; and both are affirmed to be her true body.

Aarons Rod, whereof we spoke before,Arons Rod gain the thi [...] time. is found to be not only at Rome in the Lateran Church, with the Ark of the Covenant, but also at the holy Chappel of Paris. And they of St. Saviours in Spain affirm, That they also have a certain piece of the Rod. Moreover, they of Burdeaux say, That the Rod which is shewn there in St. Se­verines Church, is the very self-same Rod that Moses and Aaron had in Egypt, and was turned into a Serpent.

Sure these men are taught by the old Serpent that deceived Eve, Note. and are in love with all forbidden fruit.

Mr. Moor writeth, that while Rhodes was in the hands of the Christians, which is now in the possession of the Turk, there was in that City a great and precious Relique, which was one of the Thorns [Page 34]in Christs Crown. This Thorn, saith he, upon Good-friday every year for these two hundred years, hath been seen in the service-time to bud and bring forth flowers.

Though we have had a good burden of these Thorns already,Note. yet none like this which brought forth flowers, which when the Turk says it, we may think it worth the while to go see it. But though he be a misbeliever, he is not such a lyar as these Popish Priests, and therefore till he say it, we may suspend our Journey.

Erasmus in his Colloquies saith, That when he was at Canterbury he saw in the Church dedicated to Thomas Becket, a certain Altar dedicate to our Lady, where the said Thomas said his last Good­night to her when he should depart hence. In that Altar, saith he, is the point of the Sword that stirred about the brains of this blessed Martyr, and there lye his Brains shed upon the earth, whereby ye may well know that he was never dead.

Not far from thence, saith he, we saw the Brain-pan of that holy Martyr, which was thrust quite through, all the other was cover­ed with silver, except the upper part, which was bare to be kiss­ed, &c.

There hang also the shirt of hair and his girdle, with his hairy breeches wherewith the noble Champion chastened his body.

From thence we returned into the Quire, on the North-side where­of were the Reliques.

A wondrous thing it was to see what a sort of bones were brought forth, Skulls, Jaws, Teeth, Hands, Fingers, whole Arms, &c.

There was also brought forth an Arm which had yet the red flesh upon it.

Also a Napkin full of sweat, and bloody, wherewith St. Thomas wiped both his nose and face.

From thence (saith he) we were led to greater things. For be­hind the high Altar we ascended as it were into another new Church; there was shewed us in a Chappel the face of that blessed man gilded over, and garnished with many precious stones.

At last we were brought back again into the Vestry, where was taken out a Coffer covered with black leather, which being set down upon the Table and opened, every body kneeled down and wor­shipped. In this Coffer were certain rags of linnen Cloth, many ha­ving yet remaining in them the token of the filth of the holy mans [Page 35]nose. With these, as they, say St. Thomas did wipe away the sweat of his face and neck, the filth of his nose, or other filthiness wherewith mans body doth abound.

At Herbert-Down there was an old shooe of Thomas Becket bound about with an Iron-hoop, wherein was a glass like a precious stone. This shooe the poor Brothers of the same House were wont to offer to be kissed by such as came that way, as a most holy and precious Relique.

At St. John's in Canterbury, Becket's Comb was kept, kissed and wor­shipped as an holy and honourable Relique.

And have not we cause to love and praise God that we are deli­vered from such frauds?Note. Would it not be a dreadful judgment upon this Nation that it should again be given up to such blindness, and have such Villains to lead us, as these Popish Priests are? the Lord Al­mighty deliver Prince and People from them, and make their folly ma­nifest to all men.

At St. Stephens, a mile from Canterbury, was the Boot of St. Stephen kept for a precious Relique.

The Reliques that follow are taken out of an old written Book yet remaining in the Cathedral Church of Canterbury. This Book is called, Memorale multorum Henrici Prioris. And it may appear by the account to be 262 years since it was writ­ten, and left for a perpetual remembrance of such things as at that time appertained unto the Monastery commonly called, Christ's Church, being then a place of Monks, now, through the benesit and liberality of the most noble King Henry the Eighth, a most worthy Cathedral Church, and Place of Godly and Learned Prebendaries, &c.

First the Body of Thomas Becket, Bishop of the said Church, which was first buried in the Undercrast, and afterward translated into the upper part of the Church on the East side, and there lay in a Coffin of pure Gold, as a most holy and precious Relique.

The Head of St. Blase: The Head of St. Fursey: The Head of St. Au­strobert; these were framed of Cases made of Silver, and gilt enamell'd.

Item, two Arms of old St. Simeon wherewith he embraced Christ in the Temple, as we read in the Gospel of St. Luke, when he said, Nune dimittis servum tuum domine, &c. We have heard before that one of his Arms was given to Carolus Magnus, King of France, for the good service he did to Mother Holy Church: Whether that Arm were one of these two Arms that were at Canterbury, or whether the third Arm was begotten since that time or not, I know not; for, in the Art of Multiplying, the Papists for lucres sake are very wise and expert.

Item, the Arms of St. Blase, St. Bartholomew, St. George St. [...], St. Richard, Bishop of Chichester, of St. Roman, Gregory the Pope, St. Hugh, Bishop of Lincoln, St. Mildrith the Virgin, and of St. Edburg: All these, as Holy Reliques, were covered over with Cases of Silver, and gilt ena­mell'd.

Item, a Piece of Christ's Cross:More of the Cross still. A Fragment of the Cradle wherein Christ was rocked: A Parcel of the Maunger wherein Christ was laid after he was born: A Piece of the Sepulchre wherein Christ was buried: A Remnant of Moses's Rod which was turned into a Serpent: Christ's usual Napkin wherewith he wiped his Face.

To say no more of the Cross,Note. which hath afforded a good Cart-load all­ready, let us observe their Foolery about his Cradle, and Maunger, and Sepulchre, which was of Stone, all which it seemeth lay dormant till An­tichrist did awake to deceive the Nations, which was not till 800 years, and is it not [...] they should tell us who kept all the so bits of [...], before we believe the reallity there of.

In a great Cross of Gold given by Stephen Arch-bishop of Canterbury, with a Ruby on the top, and two Emeralds on the sides, were these Re­liques contained.

In the midst of the Cross there was a piece of the Cross that Christ dyed on;More of the Cross yet. a Bone of St. Benigne, a Tooth of St. Blese, a Bone of St. Julian, a piece of St. Paul's Staff, certain Reliques of St. Quintin, St. Mark, and Marcellian; Item, a Bone of the man of God; also a Bone of St. Stephen the Pope.

How were those poor people pulled in pleces by these Popish Villains,Note. if what they say were true; but the things are so gross, yea so impossible, that we will rather put them down for Lyars, than suppose the people were thus born Limb from Limb by the Primitive Professors of the Christian Re­ligion.

In the Cross of St. Andrea, being of silver, and gilt, set with divers goodly and precious Stones, were these two Reliques: First, a piece of St. Andrent's Cross: Secondly one of his Bones.

In a Cross of Silver, and gilt, set with divers goodly and precions stones, was this one Relique, viz. a piece of the Holy Cross.

In the Cross of S. Peter, which was of Silver and gilt, was this one Re­lique, that is to say, a piece of the Cross that St. Peter dyed on.

In a Cross of Silver, gilt on the one side and not on the other, were con­tained these Reliques following.

First, a piece of the Holy Cross; a good gobbet of Christ's Sepulchre; certain Bones of St. James; of St. Osuha; of St. Andrem, of St. Paneras; of St. Brigide; and of St. Faith.

In a little Cross of Silver, and gilt, without any precious stones, hav­ing the Image of a Lamb on the back-side, was this one Relique, viz. a piece of Christ's Cross.

What Fictions are here about the Cross, and what abundance do we meet with,Note. is worth noteing.

In a Glass of Chrystal was this one Relique contained,The Thorns of Christ's Crown sure were many. Aron's Rod again. viz. one of the Thorns of Christ's Crown.

Item, In a great Aumbry or Cupboard were these Reliques found; Aaron's Rod; a piece of the Coffin that our Lady was buried in; the super­altare of St. Elphege; Item, a Chalice of St. Elphege, made of Crystal, gilt and enar [...]led, with a paten of Mother Pearl.

The people have no other ground to believe these things to be such,Note. but that the false Priest tells them so.

In a certain great Chest of Crystal, set in silver, and gilt and garnished with many goodly precious stones, were these two Reliques; first our Ladies Hair; secondly a piece of hee Vail.

It's impossible that a little Hair,Note. and a piece of her Vail, should laft, and not be rotten, or lost, in those 1000 years that passed before the Papists began to make such show.

In a Coffer of Copper, and gilt, was the Blood of St. Edmund, King and [Page 38]Martyr, a piece of his Shirt, a remnant of his Breeches, and a fragment of his Cushion.

The ground of their Faith in these things is the bare word of their Priests;Note. why may not these bits be old Clouts gathered off a Dunghill, and the Blood might be the Blood of a sheep as well as of St. Edmund, but they are bound to believe what the Priests say, right or wrong.

In a Chest of silver, and gilt, with a round Crystal, and a Vine graven thereon, were these Reliques contained; the bones of St. Laurence, and a piece of his Gridiron whereon he was broyled.

In another Chest of silver, and gilt, and adorned with precious stones, was the Hair and the Girdle of St. Laurence.

In some places they have St. Laurence's whole body, here is but a piece, and a piece of his Gridiron: I have seen a whole one, in several places: The Hair of St. Laurence was rosted; but that may be, for, if the Whore lies not, there was an Angel that held his Head whilest he was roasting, and so did preserve his Hair.

In a Chest of silver, and gilt, set with precious stones and a long Crystal, were contained a Tooth and a Bone of St. Bennet the Monk.

St. Bennet's Tooth an excellent Relique, and a Bone which is as good as the other; I pray how many Devils have these rotten Reliques cast out?

In a Coffin of silver, and gilt, garnished with divers, precious stones, were a Tooth and a Finger of St. Stephen; also divers of his Bones; Item, certain of the stones where with he was stoned unto death: also part of his Blood.

I have seen as many of St. Stephen's Teeth as would fill a Pe [...]k,St. Stephen I believe was never trou­bled with the Tooth­ach, for he saved all his Teeth for Reliques. and as great a quantity of his blood; I suppose song Angel saved that: These are admirable Reliques, but the Vertue of the stones I cannot as yet learn.

In a Chest of Copper, gilt, without precious stones, with a long round Crystal were these Reliques contained; part of St. John Baptist's head, and one of his bones; Item, a bone of St. Blase, a bone of St. Pantaleon, and a bo [...] of St. Menna the Martyr.

We found a whole head in one Church, and now poor St. John Baptist hath but a piece of one here; but it is all one, Neighbour Pope, thy ipse dixit will rather pass than be proved, unless one of thy graving Angels will bring this Church to us.

In a Coffer of silver, and gilt, having a great round Crystal at the foot thereof, were contained certain of the bones of those Innocents whom He­rod slew.

Really the Pope hath a great advantage of us Hereticles, there is not many of us that can say any thing against this Relique, but a little proof for the confirmation of our Faith would have done no hurt.

In a little Chest of silver, and gilt, set with precious stones, having in it a little long Crystal, were part of the bones of St. Nicholas.

St. Nicholas's bones are very efficacious to cure the Itch; therefore if any be troubled there with let them repair to Rome, and it shall cost them nothing but their Charges.

In a Chest of Silver and gilt, having in it a long Crystal; were contained divers parts of our Ladies Cloaths.

Certainly the Virgin Mary had the best Wordrobe of any in her time, [Page 40]for in Spain, France, and Flanders I have seen as many of her Cloaths as a good handsom Cart would contain.

In divers other Chests of silver, whereof some were gilt and enamell'd, and some ungilt; some set with Precious Stones, some without Precious stones, these Reliques following were contained.

Part of Thom is Becket's Flesh resolved: a piece of the Flesh of St. Nicholas: a Finger and a Tooth of St. Alban. Part of the Hair of St. Edmund the Confessor, and part of his Garments, and one of his Teeth. A Tooth of S. Mildred the Virgin. Also of the Rib of St. John Baptist. The Shirt of Thomas Becket, and his Sandals. Part of the Blood of St. Edmund the Mar­tyr, with his Hose, Shirt, and Pillow. A Bone of St. Mildred. A Bone of St. Edburg. The Powl of Thomas Becket: The Dust of his Body. The Arm of St. Jerome. The Bones of St. Corduba one of the eleven thousand Virgins. A bone of St. Martin, with a piece of his Cloak or Mantle. The Oyl of Saint Demetris. Part of the Flesh and Skin of Thomas Becket.

St. Thomas Beckets Flesh certainly is a precious Relique; and will appear so, if we consider the Qualifications of the man; and besides I have seen as many pieces of his Skull as an ordinary man can carry: and I have seen no less than four or five Arms of St. Jerome: but the Papists may make as many Arms as they please.

In an Ivory Chest were these Reliques contained.

The Cheek-bones of Cosmas and Damian with nine Teeth. The Bones of St. Peter the Apostle. St. Peter's Beard, and part of his Cross. Cer­tain pieces of our Ladies Garments. Part of St. John Baptist's Hairy Coat. Of the Dust of St. Furseus Head. Certain Bones of St. Hipolytus the Martyr. The Blood of St. Paul the Apostle: Certain Reliques of S. Stephen: Part of Christs Crib: Part of our Ladies Bed: Certain Bones of St. [...]ore of the [...]ross. Agnes, of St. Julian, of St. Praxed, of St. Wandregesile, and a large piece of the holy Cross.

These costly Chests in which these pretended Reliques were kept, as these Lyars say,Note. might amaze the ignorant beholders; but to see their pretended Saints thus pulled in pieces to be shown, sheweth planny the Ty­ranny of these Merchants of Rome; and that St. Peter's Beard was pulled off to be shewn, if it were true, was Inhumane: but where were all these Trinkets kept the 800 years before they thus set them out to view?

In a little round Chest of Ivory was contained the stone upon which St. Stephen stood when he was stoned unto death: Also a Bone of Saint James the Apostle.

How does it appear Saint Stephen stood upon one stone? or upon any stone at all?Note. And there are so many of these stones, that a sober Domini­can wished that Relique were taken out of the way, it appearing so ridi­culous.

In a great Coffer of Ivory, with a round head, and barred about with Copper and gilt, were these Reliques. Thomas Becket's Mitre made of white silk, with the Tunicle wherein he was buried: Another Mitre of his made of white Sattin, which he used to wear on single Feasts: Also his Gloves which he used in Divine Service, with three goodly Ouches up­on them: Also his Sandals embroidered most costly, with Roses and o­ther Flowers of Gold: Item, his Breeches of Hair: Part of his Bed and of his Girdle: The Dust of his Body: His Cap, and other Vestures: His [Page 41]Coul: The Lace or band wherewith his hairy Breeches were tyed to­gether: Part of his Flesh and Blood resolved: His Girdle, his Hair, his Pillow, his Coat, his light Cap of silk which he wore under his Mitre: His Stamine, his Hood: A Tunicle of white silk to wear over an Albe: A Cloth dyed in his blood: In fine, a Whip wherewith he used to scourge himself when he felt Carnis insurrectionem, that by this means he might obtain Vitam aeternam.

Hem! hem! hem! very witty:Note. All these Reliques are pretended to be his, to countenance the use of such Formalities,Every Co­vent would do well to get this Whip and these Vest­ments. and to bring Whipping in the more credit. But this St. Thomas Becket's Whip and Vestments I know are excellent Reliques, for they have cured Watton College of an extraordinary Distemper, viz. Poverty, for if Father Wil­liams did speak the truth, an old Lady gave the College 20000 l. Ster­ling, or else for ought I know, said the Father Williams, we might have starved.

In the first standing Table made of Wood, with two doors, covered over with silver, and gilt, and adorned with divers precious Stones, were these Reliques following contained.

A Tooth of St. Laurence the Martyr, with divers of his bones.Beckets low­zy Breeches were sweet Reliques. A blessed Crop of Reliques. Also a Rag of the hairy Breeches of Thomas Becket. Certain bones of Saint Urban, Pope and Martyr; of St. Sebastian, Martyr: of St. Nicholas Bi­shop: of St. Eugenius, Pope: Of S. Clement, Pope and Martyr: Of S. Felix, Pope: of St. George, Martyr: of St. Bennet, and also of the Innocents whom Herod slew.

How they came a thousand years after by the bones of the Babes that Herod slew, makes them that understand themselves wonder.Note.

In the second Table was a bone of St. George, a bone of St. Stephen the Pope, a bone of St. Salvius, and a bone of St. Mildrid.

What the Vertues of these bones are, these Popish Doctors are able to give an account to the people; but the most sober men of their party look on them as abominable Cheats.

In the third Table was a piece of Christ's Cross, a piece of his Nap­kin,More of the Cross. and a piece of that Table whereon he made his Supper with his Twelve Apostles, when he ordained the Sacrament of his Bodywand Blood.

Item, A bone of St. Philip the Apostle; a bone of S. James the Apostle, and a bone of S. Thomas the Apostle.

Item, A bone of S. Stephen the Martyr, a bone of Mary Madalen, the Hair of S. Cecily, a bone of S. Margaret, and the blood of Thomas Becket.

More blood of thiscket. blood Saint still, good God! when shall we have an end of it? Certainly the blood of Traytors hath greater veneration amongst Papists, than the blood of Jesus Christ.

In a long Crystal, with a Foot of silver, and gilt, and a round Co­ver set with four precious Stones, were these Reliques contained.

The Oyl of S. Katherine the Virgin, part of the body of S. Osith, Vir­gin: Also a good lump of the stone whereon Christ stood when he ascended into the Kingdom of his Father.

These Papists are excellent Chymists, they have extracted more Oyl out of poor S. Katherine (who before she suffered was almost starved) than out of any Saint I can read of; I have seen at least a Quart my self in Spain and Flanders.

In the first Chest of Ivory were the Napkin of our Lady, the Arm of S. Pauline the Bishop, a bone of S. Ciriack, and of S. Modevine the Virgin.

Certainly our Lady was an excellent House-wise, and provided good store of Napkins, or else how would this poor Whore of Rome have had Napkins enough (called our Ladies Napkins) to have bestowed on Churches.

In the second Chest of Ivory were part of Christs Sepulchre, part of our Ladies Coffin, with part of her Hair. Also a bone of S. Stephen the first Martyr, a bone of S. George, the Dust of S. Ignatius, Martyr: A piece of the Cross that the good Thief, called Dismas, did hang on: A Rib of blessed S. Edburg, Virgin: Also certain bones of S. Theodore the Martyr.

Item, A bone of one of the Innocents, with divers bones of S. VVil­gan, Confessor.

Here is a jolly Crop of Reliques: Certainly if our learned Jesuites in England could but get a lusty Fardel of them, they would store a bonny company of shops with them.

In the third Chest of Ivory were contained these Reliques following, certain of the bones of S. Damian, Martyr: a bone of S. Nereus, Mar­tyr: certain bones of S. Innocentius, Martyr; of S. Sebastian, Martyr; of S. Theodorus, Martyr; of S. Demetrius, Martyr; of S. Grisand, and S. Dariss.

Item, A bone of the head of blessed S. Amphibalus, Martyr: also cer­tain Reliques of the man of God, which were found with the body of S. Sebastian, Martyr.

Again, The bones of S. Pentaleon, Martyr; of S. Julian, Bishop and Confessor: A Tooth of S. Francis, also part of his Hair: Also the bones of S. Fortunate, Bishop and Confessor. A piece of the Sepulchre of S. Lazarus.

Item, The bones of S. Aguss, Virgin. Also the Reliques of S. Chri­stina, Virgin.

Item, The Spunge of S. Praxed, Virgin, which was dipped in the blood of many Martyrs.

Item, A Penny that was bored through with the Spear of S. Cyriack, Martyr.

Item, A Penny that was bored through with the Spear of S. Maurice, Martyr. Moreover the bones of S. Eustathius, Martyr; of S. Vitale, Martyr; of S. Cyriack, Martyr; of S. Agapit, Martyr; of S. Roniface, Martyr; of S. Algar, Martyr; of S. Sylvester, Pope and Confessor; [Page 43]of S. John Chrysostom, of S. Nicander, of S. Secundius, Virgin; and finally, a piece of the Sepulchre of S. Seba. Note.

How these people are fooled and cheated with a multitude of idle things, under the notion of holy Reliques! But that a Penny should be a Relique, because it had a hole bored in with the spear of a pretended Saint, is such a Foppery, as none but men and women bewitched by their jugling lying Priests would set any value upon.

In the fourth Chest of Ivory were contained these Reliques follow­ing.

The Bones of the holy Martyrs which were put to Martyrdom with blessed St. Priscus.

Item, certain bones of St. Ireneus Bishop of Lyons, and Martyr, and of his Fellows. Also bones of St. Flavian Martyr, of Potentian Martyr, of St. Darius Martyr.

Item, the Oyl of St. Mary of Gardmey, which flowed out of the Breafts and Paps of the Image of the blessed Virgin Mary.

Item, certain bones of St. Nictarius, of St. Liberius, of St. Serenus, of St. Marian, of St. Julit, of St. Cyrick, of the 11000. Virgins, and part of the Head and Hair of St. Trocia Virgin.

As one may stand amazed at the great multitude of their Bones,Note. and Hair, and Clouts that are mentioned in the eight last Paragraphs; so may they wonder at the horrid lye in this last, that when they have made the Image of a Woman of Clouts, or Wood, or Stone; Oyl should flow out of it.

In the fifth Chest of Ivory these Reliques were contained.

A piece of the Table whereon Christ did eat his Supper with his Dis­ciples when he ordained the Sacrament of his Body and Blood. Et de quadragena Christi. Some of the Flesh and Blood and many other Re­liques of Tho. Becket.

Item, a Tooth of worshipful Odo, Abbot of Battell.

They take great care to set up Tom. of Becket, Note. who was a great Chea­ter, and horrible Traytor, and yet one of the Popes Saints.

In the Sixth Chest of Ivory were these Reliques contained.

The Bones of St. Peter the Apostle, of St. Paul the Apostle, of St. Cle­ment Pope and Martyr, of St. Urbian Pope and Martyr, of St. Facun­dine Martyr, of St. Cyprian Martyr, of St. Maurus Bishop and Confessor, of St. Macharius Confessor, of St. Justin Virgin and Martyr, of St. Barna­by the Apostle, of St. Chremes Martyr, of St. Tiburtius Martyr, of St. Cor­nelius Pope and Martyr, of St. Adrian Martyr, of St. Maurus Abbot and Confessor. Also of the dry Blood and Vestures of St. Eufemia Virgin and Martyr.

We find the Bodies of St. Peter and St. Paul in the Churches in Rome, Note. [Page 44]and that their bones should be in this Chest, looks like the rest of their Frauds, and proveth them Forgers of Lyes in the sight of all rational men.

In a Cupboard of Ivory with a Crucifix upon it were these Reliques contained.

The bones of Cosino and Damiane; the bones of St. Austin Bishop and Confessor, and a great Doctor; a bone of St. Leo Pope and Confessor; the dust of St. Disciple; the bones of St. Machutus, Vulfrannus and Mar­tinianus. The bones of St. Anastatius, Martyr; of St. Agnes, Virgin and Martyr; of St. Amalburg Virgin; of St. Keinburg Virgin; the hair of St. Barbara Virgin.

Item, three fingers and two teeth with other bones of St. Alban, the first Martyr of England; the bones of St. Cyriack Levite and Martyr, with three of his teeth. Also the bones of St. Gervasius and Prothasius, Martyrs; the bones of St. Wandregesile Abbot and Confessor; of St. Samson Bishop, with one of his teeth; of St. Albine Confessor; of St. Remigius and Ger­manns Bishops; of St. Margaret Virgin; of St. Oportune Virgin; of St. Batilde Queen; the hair of St. Alburg Virgin; the Vestures of St. Alde­gund Virgin.

Item, The dust of St. Pancras Martyr; the bones of St. Adrian Mar­tyr; of St. Christo, Martyr; the dust of St. Crispian and Crispine, Mar­tyrs; the bones of St. Pantaleon Martyr; of St. Sixtus Pope; of St. Apelli­ner Martyr; of St. Stephen Pope.

Item, The dust of St. Medard Confessor, also a rib of St. Apolliner Mar­tyr, with one of his teeth.

Item, The bones of St. Firmine Martyr and Bishop; and of St. Quin­tin Martyr; a piece of Christs Sepulchre; a lump of the Pillar where­unto our Lord was bound when he was scourged of the wicked Jews; a piece of the stone whereupon the Angel stood when the Women came to anoint the Body of Christ. Also a good big lump of the stone where­upon Christ stood when he ascended into heaven.

Item, More of Moses Rod. Sure there was abun­dance of O­live bran­ches, we find of them so many in this story. A piece of Moses rod that was turned into a Serpent. Also a parcel of that stone whereupon the Lord stood in Galilee; also the Palm and Olive branch which Christ bare in his hand on Palm-Sunday, as he was riding towards Jerusalem.

Item, Part of the Table whereat Christ sate at his supper when he washed his Disciples feet; a piece of the Garment which our Lady made for our Lord; a piece of the prison out of the which the Lord delivered blessed Peter the Apostle; a piece of the cloth which was laid upon Christs sepulchre; part of the hair and garments of St. Anne our Ladies Mother; also of the garments of St. Helias, of the two sisters Mary and Martha; and also of St. Sophy the Virgin; again, part of the wooll which our Lady did spin.

Item, The dust of St. Benet the Virgin: the bones of St. Chrystopher Martyr; of St. Lambert, with his dust and part of his garments; a piece of the beard and Vestures of St. Cuthbert Bishop and Confessor; the bones of St. Gregory the Pope, with one of his teeth; the bones of S. Wingunalock Abbot and Confessor; of St. Sebastian Martyr; of St. [Page 45] Quintin Martyr; In fine, a piece of the Manger wherein Christ lay.

That all these Reliques should be shown were more than a days work to produce, and thus they busied the minds of the poor people, to fetch in money to them that made the show; but that some of the Wool that the Virgin Mary spun should be kept to Tom. of Becket's time, which was nine hundred or a thousand years, none but Cheaters would pretend, and none but deluded souls believe: how happy was England when all these Frauds were detected, and how is the rest of the world abused by Papal Pettifoggers.

In the first Coffer made of Copper, are contained these Reliques:

The bones of St. Vulstane Bishop and Confessor; and of St. Prisca Vir­gin.

Item, The hair of St. Anselme Archbishop of Canterbury.

Certainly, Anselme's hair must needs have much virtue in it, because our blessed Lady used to comb it once or twice in a week; and because that he was very devout to her Ladyship, she did assume the Popes power, and gave Indulgences her self to this hair; witness a Sermon Father Con­niers the Jesuit preacht.

In the second Copper Coffer were these Reliques contained.

The Reliques of St. James the Apostle: the bones of St. Thomas the Apostle: the bones of St. Thaddeus the Apostle: and also of St. Matthew the Apostle and Evangelist.

Item, The Staffe of St. Paul the Apostle: the bones of St. Luke the E­vangelist. In fine, the bones of St. Philip the Apostle.

It's a wonder they had not some of Saint Paul's Needles and Thread he made his Tents with, as well as his Staff:Note. but that the good Servants of Christ should have their Bodies torn in preces, to have their bones thus shown, is a sign of great inhumanity.

In the third Copper Coffer were these Reliques contained.

A piece of the holy Cross: certain Reliques of St. Andrew: More of the Cross yet. the blood of St. Gervase: Reliques also of St. Grisant and Darias: of Joseph of A­rimathea, of the Prophets Elizeas and Abdias: of St. Pancras: St. James: St. Faith: St. Brigide: St. Maurice and his Companions; and of St. Bertine.

Item, Certain bones of St. John Baptist; the Reliques of the Saints John and Paul: A bone of S. Eustathius, Martyr.

Saint John Baptist was buried by his Disciples, Matth. 14.12.Note. and then how came they by his bones that was buried a thousand years before?

In the fourth Copper Coffer were these Reliques.

Part of the Dust of Saint John Baptist's Body which was burnt: Two little pieces of the Holy Cross:More pie­ces of the Cross. A certain bone of Saint James, the Brother of Saint John the Evangelist: Part of that stone whereup­on the Lord did eat after that he called his Disciples out of the Ships.

Item, A piece of that Oak upon which Abraham did climb to see the Lord: A portion of our Ladies Coffin: A large piece of that stone whereupon Christ stood when he was transfigured: A piece of our Lords Sepulchre: A piece of that Earth whereof God formed Adam: Certain Reliques of the elven thousand Virgins which lye at Collen: Also a bone of Saint Faith.

Saint John Baptist was not burnt but buried,Note. as above; so that the fraud in this, as in all other cases, is plain. But that they may have of the Earth of which Adam was made is no wonder, but a cheat in them that would make it seem a wonder, for it was of the common dust.

In a white great Box. made of Wood, were these Reliques contained.

Part of Christ's Sepulchre: Part of that place where he prayed un­to his Father: A piece of that Table whereat Christ our Lord supped: A piece of that Earth where Christ's Cross was put down when he was Crucified: A piece of Christ's Cradle: A piece of our Ladies Bed: Part of the Seat whereon the Mother of our Lord sate in the day of her Purification.

Item, A bone of S. Jerome, Priest and Confessor, with part of his Stole and of his other Garments: Also bones of the Innocents: Bones of S. Bartholomew the Apostle, of S. Blase, Bishop and Martyr; of S. Clement, Pope and Martyr; of S. Vincent, Martyr; of S. George, Mar­tyr; of S. Maurice, Martyr; and of his Fellows. A piece of the Leg of S. Damian, Martyr: The hones of S. Ignatius, Martyr; of S. Gre­gory the Pope, and of S. Bennet the Abbot together. The Dust of S. John Baptist, and part of his Hairy Coat, and of his other Garments. The Hair of S. Elizabeth, the Wife of Zachary the Priest, and Mother of S. John Baptist. A piece of the Gridiron whereon S. Laurence was roasted.

Item, More of the Cross yet. A great piece of the Holy Cross: Part of S. Peter the Apostle's Beard, and also of his Table: The bones of S. Hipolytus, Martyr; of S. Roman, Martyr; of S. Martyn, with a piece of his Cloak. The bones of S. Silvester, Bishop and Confessor: The Beard of S. Anthony: A bone of S. Paul the first Hermite: Part of S. Julian's Head, with a piece of his Coat.

These things are so ridiculous,Note. that none that is honest will pretend to have them, and none that is wise will regard them.

In a great Horn of Ivory, hanging under the Beam beyond the High Altar, were these Reliques following contained.

The bones of S. Blase, of S. Stephen the first Martyr, of S. Bartholo­mew, of S. Patrick, of S. Martyn, of S. Thomas the Apostle, of Saint Andrew the Apostle, of S. Giles, of S. Serene, of S. Done, of S. Edburg, of S. Nicholas, of S. Katherine, of S. Agnes, of S. Justus.

Item, The Hairs of S. Agasse, and of S. Cecile: A piece of the Rock whereupon the Cross of our Lord stood: A piece of the Rock of Gol­gotha: And a piece of our Lady's Sepulchre.

A little before the Cross stood in Earth, and now it was upon a Rock;Note. but how can they have the bones of. S. Stephen? when the holy Text tells us, Acts the 8. and ver. 2. that devout men carried Stephen and buried him, which was 900 years before poplings began their Pagean­try, and doubtless turned to dust.

In a great Cross made of Wood at the Altar of S. Cross, &c. covered over with Silver, and gilt, and set with divers precious stones, with a Cross in the midst, were these Reliques following.

• First, A Cross of Silver, and gilt, garnished with precious stones, ha­ving in the midst of it a piece of the Holy Cross,
  More of the Cross yet.
  with certain Reliques of Thomas Becket.
• Secondly, A Finger of S. Andrew the Apostle.
• Thirdly, A Bone of S. Stephen.
• Fourthly, A piece of S. Vulstan's Flesh.

To pull the Saints thus in pieces, to show so many pieces of their flesh, is to be more like Cannibals than Christians,Note. and would make a tender-hearted Christian weep to think of such horrid Cruelties.

In the first Coffin, over the Beam, were these Reliques.

The Arm of S. Vulfade, Martyr: The Arm of S. Russinian, Martyr; and another great bone of his back.

Item, A bone of the Head of S. Chad, Bishop and Confessor, with part of his Clothes.

They tore the very back bones of them they call Saints in pieces,Note. to make a show of to get money.

In the second Coffin were contained,

A piece of Christs Cross, of his Crib and Sepulchre.More of the Cross yet.

Item, The bones of S. Calix, Pope and Martyr: The bones of Saint [Page 48] James the Apostle, who is called the Brother of the Lord: The bones of S. Catharine, Virgin and Martyr.

Lord,Note. how many poor people did they pull Limb from Limb to get money by?

In the third Coffin were contained,

The Banner of Christ: A piece of Christ's Sepulchre: Certain Re­liques of our Latly: The bones of S. Peter the Apostle, with the bones of S. Martyn, Bishop and Confessor.

In how many places have they pretended to have the bones of Saint Peter. But that they should have a piece of Christ's Sepulchre, which S. Matthew tells us was hewn out of a Rock, c. 27. v. 60. is very unlike, but as Solomon saith, the simple, meaning ignorant and foolish people, believe every word, Prov. 14.15. and such are they which go after Po­pish Priests.

Of the famed, or rather, infamous Indulgences, Pardons, and Priviledges of Rome.

FRom the beginning of the world unto the time that Rome was firstmade, were 3212 years. And from thence to the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ, were 750 years. And in this City of Rome there are 400 Churches, in which Mass is daily done: but there be seven of the same priviledged above all other with great holiness and pardon, as is hereafter shewed.And somthing else, or Rome is fearfully bely­ed, even by her own Votaries; and therefore not too much Holiness good Father Pope. The first is St. Peters Church, scituate on the foot of an Hill, so that men ascend thereunto by a stair of 29 steps. And as oft as a man goeth up and down that stair, he is released of the 7th part of penance enjoined. This was gran­ted by Pope Alexander.

Item, as ye come before the Church a Well springeth, and above the door is an Image of our Lord, between whose Feet is one of the pence that God was sold for: and as oft as ye look upon that peny,The peny re­lique that God was sold for. ye have 1400 years of pardon.

Certainly, men that are in their wits would scarce give two pence for so much pardon as the sight of this peny would or could produce; but I see they prefer a peny before the blood of Christ.

Item, in the same Church, on the right side, is a Pillar that was sometime of Solomons Temple,Our Lords lean­ing Pillar and excellent cure for mad peo­ple; but Bed­lam hath been more effectual at which Pillar our Lord was wont to rest him when he preached to the people: At which Pillar, if there be any mad, or trou­bled with spirits, they be delivered and made whole. And in that Church be 11 Altars, and at every Altar is 48 years of pardon and as many Lents or Kerries: And seven of the Altars are priviledged with great grace and pardon.

At the first Altar is the visage of our Lord: who looketh upon that, hath 700 years of pardon: Also the Spear that Christ was pierced with, brought from Constautinople, sent from the great Turk to Pope Innocent the Eighth.

When I have nothing else to do I will visit these Altars, yet I think a man may do as well to stay at home.

The second Altar is of St. Andrew, there ye have 500 years of pardon.

The third Altar is of St. Gregory, there ye have 400 year of pardon.

The 4th Altar is of our Lady, there is 700 years of pardon.

The 5th Altar is of St. Leo, there he received the absolution in his Mass from Heaven: and there is 700 years of pardon.

The 6th Altar is of All-Souls: and there is 500 years of pardon, and every high Feast a Soul out of Purgatory.

The 7th Altar is of Simon and Jude: there is 600 years of pardon.

And before the door stand two iron Crosses; who kisseth those Crosses hath 500 years of pardon.

Had not Christ proposed in his Gospel the way and method that God used in pardoning the sins of mankind, the Pope would have deserved well at mens hands, yet these pardons require so tedious a Journey, that it would ruine a poor Papist to perform it: therefore my advice is, That he stay at home, and make but use of Gods means for obtaining pardon, and I assure him he may have it an easier rate; for God offers it without mony, or with­out price, Isa. 55.1, 2.

Item, upon our Lady-day in Lent, hangeth afore the Quire a Cloth that our Lady made her self, and it hangeth still till our Lady-day Assumption. And as many times as a man beholdeth that Cloth, he hath 400 years of pardon.

Our Lady was admirably well imployed, and so very many good works have been done by her, that the Papists need do none themselves.

Also as many times as a man goeth through the Crouds at St. Peters Church, he hath 400 years of pardon.

Here the Pope of his great liberality, (we thank his Holiness for it,) crouds a great deal of pardon upon his Votaries.

And as oft as a man followeth the Sacrament to the sick bodies, he hath 1400 years of pardon.

I do not wonder now why Rogues and Whores were so Zealous to follow the Sacrament, for here is a Jolly crop of pardon bestowed on them by good Mr. Pope.

Also Pope Sylvester granted to all them that daily go to the Church of St. Peter, the third part of all his sins released, and all his Vows and Promises released, and all his sins forgotten, released and forgiven, except laying vio­lent hand upon Father or Mother. And above this is granted 2800 years of pardon, and the merits of as many Lents or Karins. (What a Karin is, ye shall find in the end of this book.)

And in the Feast of St. Peter 1000 years of pardon, and as many Karins, and the third part of penance enjoyned, released. And from the Ascension­day of our Lord, unto the Assumption of our Lady, ye have 1400 years of pardon, and as many Karins, and forgiveness of the third part of all sins.

Who would converse with such Vermin, or stand bound to take their words; for here is at the first dash a bonny release from all vows and promi­ses. Certainly men are not safe in such Conversation as may be ruin'd for such a proinise-makers going to see a Church. Nay, it is the Opinion of the Je­suits, if a man hath but a Friend at Rome that will do it for him, it is all one: therefore there can be no credit given either to their Promises or Vows.

And upon the one side of St. Peters Church lieth a Church-yard,But they must part with the mony that they have begged in their Journey. and that is called Gods field, where none but poor pilgrims are buried, and it is the Land that was bought with the 30 pence for which our Lord was sold. As oft as a man goeth upon that ground, he hath 15 years of pardon.

This, if the Pope lieth not, would be an excellent motive to draw Pil­grims and other persons to Rome; but lazie Protestants had rather stay at home.

In the old Latin Book we read concerning the Church of St. Peter, that there are granted every day in the year to so many as devoutly come unto it, 48 years of pardon, and as many Lents, with the forgiveness of the third part of all sins.

Well, it is but the forgiveness of the third part of your sins; but the Pope hath an excellent Church, where all your sins shall be pardoned: go thither, and let this alone till you are assured of your bargain, for before you get home it will cost you dear.

Note also, That whensoever the Feast of St. Peter comes, or the Feast of the aforesaid Altars, or the Feast of the Nativity of our Lord, or of Easter, or the Feast of All-Saints, or any other double Feast, than all the aforesaid Indulgences and Pardons are doubled. Also in the Feast of the Annuncia­tion of blessed Mary the Virgin, there are 1000 years of pardon. Again, [Page 51]from the above-named Feast unto the Kalends of August, Come, here's your man Sir, no less than 12000 years of pardon toge­ther, with a 3d part better and better yet, give me this Church for my mony. there are 12000 years of pardon, and as many Lents, and the forgiveness of the third part of all the sins.

Poor St. Peter, how hath this abominable Harlot dress'd thee up, I am sure thou didst teach the world other Doctrine; but this Pardon-monger hath not told us the price: I believe, if we go round the Church, we shall find the reckoning dear before we come out.

Item, whosoever ascendeth or goeth up the stairs of St. Peter devoutly, to him are granted for every step seven years of pardon by Pope Alexander.

St. Peters steps being well trod, and the example of his Master our Lord Christ, will produce a better than Pope Alexander could ever give: but as for the Stone steps in St. Peters Church what pardon they procure, let Pope Alexander inform you; but unless he gives better evidence than his own words, we will give him leave to lie, and our selves the liberty of not giving credit to what he saith.

In the Church of St. Paul without the walls, ye have 47000 years of pardon.

Here is more pardon than many an honest man can tell what to do with­all, or at least, more than he will have occasion for.

Item, in the day of St. Pauls. Conversion, ye have a 100 years of pardon.

Item, on Childermas day 4000 years of pardon.

Item, in Ʋtas of St. Martin, when the Church was hallowed, 14000 years of pardon, and as many Karins, and the third part of all sins released.

Moreover, he that visiteth the Church of St. Paul two Sundays, doth as much as though he went on pilgrimage to St. James, and come again.

In this Church also on the right hand of the Quire, is a devout Image of the Cross, which spake to St. Bridget, because she used to pray before it.

In the Church of St. Laurence without the walls, lie the bodies of Saint Laurence, and of St. Stephen: and at the high Altar ye have 18000 years of pardon, and as many Karins. And whoso visiteth the other Altars, hath at each Altar 7000 years of pardon, and as many Karins. Also Pope Pelagius granted there at four Feasts of the year, at each Feast 700 years of pardon, and as many Karins. And he that goeth thither every Wednesday in the year, delivereth a Soul out of Purgatory, and is himself quit of all his sins. Like­wise the holy Father Pope Calixt the third hath granted to all men and wo­men that devoutly visit the aforesaid Church, full remission of all their sins. Also if any man enter into the aforesaid Church by the door that is on the South-side, and so goeth from one Cross to another, devoutly praying, he shall have clean remission of all his sins toties quoties.

In the Church of St. Crosse, there is a Chamber or Chappel which Pope Sylvester named Jerusalem, in which Chappel is that Bond wherewith Christ was led to his Crucifying. Also two Sawcers, the one full of Jesus's blood, and the other is full of our Ladies milk. Also the Spunge wherein was min­gled Vinegar and Gall. Item, one of the Nails wherewith Jesus was nailed to the Cross. Item, a part of the block upon which St. John's head was smit­ten off. Item, two Arms, the one of St. Peter, the other of St. Paul. Item, there standeth a Chair in which Pope Anicetus was martyr'd: And to all them that sit in the Church, they gave an hundred thousand years of pardon, and as many Karins; and every Sunday a Soul out of Purgatory, and the third part of all sins released.

Item, in the same Church is a great part of one of the Crosses that one of the Thieves was put on that was crucified with Christ.

I believe this Cross grows in Spain, for there is a Jolly company of them; for I have seen at least 40 or 50 of the Thieves Crosses, and all to be the Crosses of the good or bad Thief, besides pritty gobbets of this Cross in their little Pigeon-houses, or Hovels where Mass is said.

Item, In the same Church is the title of Christ, which Pilate wrote in La­tin, Hebrew and Greek, which title was found in the time of Pope Inno­cent, the Eighth of that name, in the 7th year of his Reign: To which title the same Pope hath granted great pardon to be received of all them that ei­ther look upon the title devoutly, or with reverence either hear it read, or else read it themselves.

This Pope was very happy in this Find-all, I suppose it was one of his Image-graving Angels that contributed this Worthy Relique to this Church.

And it is to be noted, that into that Chappel which is called Jerusalem, women do not enter, but only one in the year, that is to say, on the Dedi­cation day of that Chappel, which is on the even of St. Bennett the Abbot, in the month of March. At which time there is full remission of all sins, none excepted.

In the Church of St. Mary Major there standeth on the high Altar, the head of St. Jerom, and there ye have 14000 years of pardon, and as many Karins. And on the other Altar on the right hand, there is the Cradle that Jesus lay in, part of our Ladies milk, and a great part of the holy Cross, and many bodies of many holy Saints. And there ye have 19000 years of par­don, and as many Karins. And Pope Nicholas the 4th, and St. Gregory, each of them granted thereto 10000 years of pardon, and as many Karins. And from the ascension of our Lord unto Christmas, ye have there daily 14000 years of pardon, and as many Karins, and the 3d. part of all sins released.

Well, for my part I do believe a man may go to all the Cathedrals in England, yea, and Parish-Churches, and not find so much pardon as the Pope is pleased to confer on those that go to St. Mary Major.

Item, That on the even of the Ascension of our Lord, in which the Feast of the translation of St. Jeroms body is celebrated, whose body resteth there; Pope Pius the second hath granted to so many as devoutly visit in that Church the Altar of St. Jerom, clean remission of all their sins toties quoties.

Item, On all the Feasts of blessed Mary the Virgin, there are 1000 years. Also on the Feast of the Assumption of Mary the Virgin, to the Feast of her Nativity, there are 12000 years of pardon, besides the daily Indulgences aforenamed.

In the Church of St. Schastian without the Town, is a place that Pope Calixt named Talundas, where an Angel appeared and spake to St. Gregory the Pope. In that place is forgiveness of all sins, and of all penance. At the high Altar is granted 2800 years of pardon, and as many Karins. And he that cometh to the first Altar that standeth in the Church, hath 2400 years of pardon. And there is a Cellar or Vault wherein lyeth buried 49 Popes that died all martyrs. Whoso cometh first into that place, delivereth eight Souls out of Purgatory, of such as he most desireth, and as much pardon thereto, as all the world cannot number nor reckon: and every Sunday deliver a Soul out of Purgatory. And in that Cellar standeth a Well or Fountain, where the bodies of St. Peter and St. Paul lay hid fot the space of 250 years, so that no man wist where they were become: And whoso putteth his head into that [Page 53]Pit, Well, or Fountain, is clean of all sins. Pope Gregory, Pope Sylvester, Pope Nicholas, Pope Pelagius and Honorius, each of them granted to the same place, 1000 years of Pardon, and as many Karins. And also there lie the bodies of divers holy persons, which were too long to write of. And so the grace that is at St. Sebastians, is so surely grounded, that it cannot be ta­ken away.

Here is all in all; what need we have any more than all our sins past, present, and to come, forgiven us; ay, and Souls out of Purgatory too? here is not only a bit for our selves, but our Friend may come in for a snack, we heartily thank his Holiness.

Item, In this Church of St. Mary Major, before the Quire, is the Image of our Lady, which St. Luke did paint: which Image St. Gregory did bear from St. Mary Major to St. Peters the Apostle, and so coming before the Castle of St. Angell, he saw an Angel in the top of the Castle, having in his hands a mighty flame of fire, and with him a great multitude of Angels, which sung afore that image, Regina caeli laetare, &c. And St. Gregory answered, Ora pro nobis Deum. Allelujah.

I am not yet satisfied about St. Lukes Painting; for he did not come to the Faith till she was aged, as will appear, if we consider the account the Scripture gives of him, though small; and this Image that he is said to paint, represents the Virgin Mary not to be above 12 years of age, and then I am confident, that St. Luke never knew her: but his Holiness hath said it, therefore it shall pass, rather than I will foul my fingers to disprove it.

In the Lateran Church, Pope Sylvester gave thereto as many years of par­don as it rained drops of water on the day that he hallowed the same Church. And at that time it rained so sore, that no man had seen a greater rain be­fore that day. and when he had granted this pardon, he thought in himself whether he had so much power or not; And a voice came from Heaven and said, Pope Sylvester, Thou hast power enough to give that pardon: And God hath granted also thus much thereto, that if a man had made a vow to Jerusalem, and could not do his pilgrimage, if he go from St. Peters Church to the La­teran Church, he shall be discharged, and have Absolution of that promise.

And any time that a man cometh to the Lateran Church, he is quit of all sins and of all penance, so that he be penitent for his sins. O blessed is the mo­ther that beareth the Child that heareth Mass on Saturdaies at St. John of La­teran, for he shall deliver all them that he desireth out of Purgatory, to the number of 77 Souls.

Item, Upon the Tower of the Church standeth a double Cross made of the Sword wherewith St. John was beheaded: And every time that a man be­holdeth that Cross, he hath 13000 years of pardon, and as many Karins of all penance, and innumerable pardon more than he needeth for himself. Moreover, there is the grave where St. John laid himself in when he said mass, and then came there a great light over the grave, and when that light was gone, nothing was found there but heavenly bread. Out of the grave cometh every good Friday in the night, holy Cream and Oyle. And he that putteth his head in that grave, hath 100000 years of pardon, and as many Karins. Item, Behind the high Altar standeth a Chair wherein God himself fate, whoso sitteth therein, hath the third part of all his sins released. And he that visiteth all the other Altars, hath at each Altar 4400 years of pardon, and as many Karins. And on one side of the Church is a sacrifice at St. John Bap­tist's Altar. There is the Table that our Lord did eat at upon Maunday-Thursday; also the Tables of Stone, with the ten Commandments that our [Page 54]Lord gave to Moses upon Mount Sinai; and many other Reliques that be­longed to our Lord of Heaven. There is also of the five Barley Loaves, and two Fishes, wherewith Christ fed the people in the Wilderness. Also certain of our Ladies Kerchiefes. Item, the heavenly Bread that was found in Saint Johns grave: In that offering you have release of all sins and penance. Item, in the same Church on the high Altar, be the heads of St. Peter, and of Za­chary the Prophet, Father of St. John Baptist, with divers other Reliques.

Item, In the same Church-yard standeth a Chappel that is called Sancta Sanctorum, there is the face of our Lord. There may ye have 14000 years of pardon, and as many Karins. When the Emperor Constantinus was Christ­ned, he spake to Pope Sylvester, saying, In that I have given my house to the Worship of God, grant you meekly his Grace to all that willingly come to this Town. To whom Pope Sylvester answered, Our Lord Jesus Christ, that by his great mercy hath purged you of your great Lazary, purge all their penance. He that will not believe this, may go to Rome, unto the Lateran Church, and there before the Quire door may he see graven in a Marble-stone, all that is written here. From St. Johns day unto Shrovetide all this pardon is doubled; and from shrovetide unto Easter the pardon is threefold doubled: and bles­sed is he that may deserve to have this pardon.

But this we must note by the way, that the Chappel abovesaid is of so great Grace and Holiness, that no woman may come therein. Item, above the Chappel on the left side, are steps which sometimes were at Jerusalem. Whoso goeth up the steps on his knees, delivereth one Soul out of Purgatory.

Pope Sylvester and Pope Gregory, who both consecrated and hallowed that Church, have given and granted to all them that devoutly visit the Lateran Church; such and so great, yea, and so many Indulgences and Pardons, as no man is able to number them, but God alone, as blessed St. Boniface testi­fieth, saying, If men did know the Indulgences and Pardons of the Lateran Church, they were so many and so great, that they should have no need to go to Jeru­salem to visit Christs Sepulchre, nor yet unto St. James. That same Pope saith again, If any man cometh unto our See of Lateran for devotion sake, or for pray­er, or on pilgrimage, he is absolved and delivered from all his sins. And further saith, If any man come unto the aforesaid See on the day of St. Saviour, he is out of hand dispatched of all his sins.

In the Feast of St. Saviour, whose Image appeared visibly to all the people of Rome when Pope Sylvester hallowed the aforesaid Church, where the Peo­ple of Rome were gathered together, there is remission of all sins. This Image of St. Saviour which at that time appeared visibly to all the people of the City, remaineth yet at Rome in a certain wall, and it may duly be seen, and is of so great virtue and power that it could not be burnt, although the Church in times past have been twice burnt. Item, in the Chappel of St. John Baptist, into which women may not enter under pain of Excommunication, is full remission of all sins. Item, in the Chappel of St. Laurence, into which also women may not enter under the like pain, (which Chappel is called San­cta Sanctorum) there is also clean remission of all sins. And in the same Chap­pel is an Image of Christ when he was 12 years old, and it is very nobly and cunningly made and set forth. And about the same there are certain Stairs, upon which our Lord Jesus Christ fell, even unto the shedding of his blood, and the sign, token or mark, now evidently appeareth where the blood fell; which Stairs stood before Pilates house in Jerusalem. And whoso goeth up these Stairs, he shall have for every Stair nine years of pardon, and as many Lents, and forgiveness of the third part of all his sins.

Item, in the Church of St. Eustace ye may have release and pardon of all sin. And he that is shriven, and repenteth of his sin, hath a 1000 years of pardon, and as many Karins.

Here followeth the knowledge of what a Karin is.

A Karin is to go Wolward and barefoot seven year, and to fast with bread and water that Friday, seven year. Item, In seven years not to sleep one night where he sleepeth another. Item, In 7 years not to come under no cover'd place, except it be to hear Mass in the Church-door or Porch. Item, In 7 years not to eat or drink out of any Vessel, but in the same that he made his avow in.

He that fulfilleth all these points seven years successively, doth and winneth a Karin or Lenton.

Thus may a man have at Rome great pardon and Soul-health. Blessed be those people, and in good time are they born, that receive these Graces and well keep them. Of which pardon and grace, our Lord Jesus grant to every good Christian man.

Here followeth the Indulgences granted to other lower Churches in Rome.

IN Rome there is a Church of St. Peter ad vincula, which Pope Pelagius did Consecrate and Hallow. To this Church the aforesaid Pope Pelagius gran­ted to remission of all sins the first day of August, by the prayer of the Son of Theodorus the Emperor, who brought the Chain from Jerusalem, wherewith Peter the Apostle was bound.

In the Church of St. Vitus, Modestus, Crescentia, Marcellus, and others, to the number of 5000 martyrs, whose bodies were slain in the same place in the time of Antoninus the Emperor, is granted 100 years of pardon, and as many Karins, and forgiveness of the 4th part of all sins. In this Church also is a Vault, wherein lyeth the body of Sylvester the Pope, to which is granted 800 years of pardon, and as many Karins, and remission of the third part of all sins.

The old Latin Book saith, that the Indulgences and Pardons that belong to this aforesaid Church, are 7000 years, and as many Lents. And that in that Church there is such grace through the merits of the holy Martyrs Vitus and Modestus, &c. that whosoever is hurt of any mad dog, &c. or of any other noisom beast, and dippeth his bread in the Oyle of St. Vitus, and eateth it, he is presently made whole.

In the Church of all the Apostles, is every day a year of pardon; and every Feast of one of the Apostles, 300 years of pardon.

In the Church entituled, Quatuor Coronatorum, is 40 years of pardon.

In the Church of St. Julian, is a 100 years of pardon. In this Church is a certain kind of holy water, very medicinable, and easily cureth all kind of Diseases, but especially Agues, be they never so fervent, sharp, and hot: Pro­vided always, that they which are diseased, and come to take this blessed and holy water, be fasting, and say three Pater Nosters, and as many Ave Maries, in the Worship of Almighty God, and of the glorious Virgin Mary, and of the sweet Saints Julian and Albert: Or else, either say Mass, or cause it to be said, in the honour of the aforenamed St. Albert.

In the Church of St. Foelix is 1000 years of pardon.

In the Church of St. Visy is 100 years of pardon.

In the Church of St. Peter and St. Marcellin is 1000 years of pardon. More­over, [Page 56]Pope Alexander, who consecrated and hallowed this Church, granted unto it from the day of the Consecration unto the Ʋtas every year, 3 years of pardon, and as many Lents. And after that, he removed the said pardon from that time, unto the Monday after the second Sunday of Lent, and added the pardon of one year, and forty days.

In the Church of Marcell is 1000 years of pardon.

In the Church of St. Cire and Joannes, is the remission of the fourth part of all sins.

In the Church of St. John and St. Paul is 1000 years of pardon.

In the Church of St. Eustace, where his own and his Wifes body lieth, with their two Sons, is 1000 years of pardon.

In the Church of St. Bartholomew, where his body lieth, and the body of St. Pauline, is 1000 years of pardon.

In the Church of St. Gregory is 300 years of pardon; and in the same Church whosoever be buried, he shall never be damned. This Church, which before was dedicated (saith the old Latin book,) to St. Andrew the Apostle, St. Gregory did hallow, and endowed the same with great and singular priviledges. And after he had finished the Consecration of the said Temple, he kneeled down, and most humbly prostrated himself before the Majesty of God, and prayed on this manner, saying, O Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God, which saidst to thine Apostles, and by thine Apostles, to all faithful Christians, What­soever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he shall give it you: I desire of the Omnipotency and Almightiness of thy Majesty, that whosoever for ever after shall choose his burial in this Church, or Church-yard, so that he hold the Christian faith, may never be adjudged to the pains of Everlasting damnation, but be exalted to the joys of Everlasting life. When he had thus prayed, the Angel of the Lord appeared unto him, saying, O Gregory, thy prayer is heard.

In the Church of St. Augustin is 1000 years of pardon.

In this Church is the chiefest Image of our Lord that ever St. Luke painted; which Image he always carried with him whithersoever he went. And it was found in the Grave of St. Luke, about his head. And this Image is called, Sancta Maria Virgo Virginum, & mater omnium; that is, Saint Mary Virgin of Virgins, and Mother of all. This Image, throughout all the City of Rome did excel; and was very famous in working of Miracles in the time of Pope Inno­cent the 8th, in the year of our Lord Jesus Christ, 1485.

In the Church of St. Jerom is 1000 years of pardon.

In the Church of St. Alexius, where his body lieth, is 2000 years of pardon. In this Church, saith the old Latin Book, are every day in the year 100 years of pardon, and as many Lents. In this Church also is a worthy Image of our Lady, which sometime was in a Church of the aforesaid Lady, at a certain City called Edesia, where blessed Alevius being a Pilgrim, was, and greatly desired to come and pray before it, and he could not be suffered. In consideration whereof, the most blessed Image miraculously spake twice to the Keeper of the Church, and said, Let Alexius the man of God come in, who sitteth without at the door; and is worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven.

In the Church of Salvator is 1100 years of pardon, and 40 days.

In the Chappel of 3 Wells, where St. Paul was beheaded, is 1000 years of pardon, and as many Karins, and the third part of all sins released.

In the Church of St. Salvator, in the way to St. Pauls, is an hundred years of pardon.

In the Church of St. Sylvester is 1000 years of pardon; and there is the head of St. John Baptist.

In the Church of St. Jacob is 1000 years of pardon, and the third part of all sins released: and there's the head of St. James the Apostle.

In the Church of St. Nicholas is 100 years of pardon.

In the Church of St. Nicholas is 100 year of pardon, and as many Lents.

In the Hospital of St. Spirit is 700 years of pardon, and the seventh part of all sins released. Pope Sixtus the fourth granted to all and singular persons that enter into the said Hospital of St. Spirit, and become a Brother or Sister of the same Fraternity, that they may choose where they will a meet Confessor, or Ghostly Father, to absolve them from all their sins, yea, and also once in their life-time, and again at the hour of death, to Absolve them from the Cases re­served to the Apostolick See; as it is most fully contained in a certain Bull made upon the same matter. In this Hospital is the Arm of St. Andrew, and the Finger of St. Katherin.

In the Church of St. Michaelis is 1000 years of pardon.

In the Church of St. Matthew is 200 years of pardon: and there is his Arm, and the Arm of St. Christopher. The old Latin book saith, that there is in this Church 1000 years of pardon, and as many Lents, and the forgiveness of the seventh part of all sins, given, granted, and confirmed by Pope Honorius, Pope Alexander, and Pope Innocentius.

In the Church of St. Celore is 100 years of pardon: and there is the finger of St. Nicholas the Bishop, and the foot of Mary Magdalen.

In the Church of St. Simplician and Faustinus is 5000 years of pardon.

In the Church of St. Anastasius in the way to St. Pauls, is 1000 years of par­don. In this Church is the Pillar whereupon blessed St. Paul the Apostle was beheaded.

In the Church of St. Thomas is 1000 years of pardon.

In the Church of St. John Portlatin is one Soul delivered out of Purgatory; with many Indulgences and Pardons.

In the Church of St. Christopher is 100 years of pardon.

In the Church of St. Apollinaris is 100 years of pardon.

In the Church of St. Bennet is 100 years of pardon.

In the Church of St. Andrew is a 1000 years of pardon: And in this Church there are very many Reliques which were found in the ground, and lay hid there in a Bason and Glass more than 200 years, as it appeareth by the writing that was found with the Reliques.

In the Church of Cosine and Damiane is 1000 years of pardon: Whosoever visiteth this Church, hath 1000 years of pardon granted by Pope Gregory the first, toties quoties.

In the Church of St. Simon and Jude is 1000 years of pardon.

In the Chappel that is called Domine quo vadis, be the steps of the Feet of our Lord Jesus Christ, and there is 1000 years of pardon. In this place, when the Angel of God delivered Peter from the hand of Nero, our Saviour Christ met with him, to whom Peter said, Lord whither goest thou? and he answer'd, I go to Rome to be crucified again.

In the Church of St. John is 1000 years of pardon.

In the Church of St. James the Apostle is 2000 years of pardon.

And Pope Innocent the Eighth hath granted full remission of all sins to all and singular persons that devoutly visit the aforesaid Church, in the Feast of the aforenamed Apostle, with this Proviso, That they hear Mattens, Masses, and Even-song, in the aforesaid Church.

In the Church of St. Bernard is 300 years of pardon.

In the Church of St. Luke is 1000 years of pardon.

In the Church of St. Mark is 1000 years of pardon. This Church Pope Paul the second endowed with many priviledges, and very great Indulgences, inso­much, that all and singular persons that visit the same Church in the Octaves of the most holy body of our Lord Jesus Christ, or at the Feast of the Epiphany of Christ, or else give somewhat to the beautifying and enriching of the said Church, shall have manifold indulgence and pardon, with full remission of all their sins.

In the Church of St. Panthaleon is 48 years of pardon.

In the Church of St. Pancras is 100 years of pardon.

Of certain Churches in Rome dedicated to our Lady.

IN the Church of our Lady called Rotunda, is every Friday in the year, and in the Feast of All-hollows, clean and perfect remission of all sins. This Church was edified by one called Agrippa, in the Worship of Sibilla, Venus, and Neptunus, and of all other Gods and Goddesses, and was called Pantheon: But afterward at the desire of the Pope Boniface, it was granted by the Emperor to be made a Temple of the Christians, so that the asoresaid Pope, with a great multitude of the Romans, did dedicate the same the first of the Kalends of No­vember, in the Worship of our Lady, and of all Saints. He hath also made there an Altar, and said Mass there himself, and ministred the Sacrament to the people, and on the morrow after, he said Mass in the same place for all Souls past. He granted also great Indulgence and Pardon to all that devoutly visit this Church, and meekly, kneeling upon their knees, say a Pater Noster, and an Ave, in the Worship of our Lady, and all Saints.

In the Church of our Lady Trans Tiberim, where a Well of Oyle plentifully flowed by the space of one whole day, and one whole night, when Christ was born of the Virgin Mary, is 700 years of pardon in the Feast of the Nativity of our Lady, granted by Pope Calixt; and in Lent 400 years of pardon, gran­ted by Pope Gregory the third.

Item, In the same Church are the steps of Odraphin, printed in Stone, which was found upon the Castle of St. Angel.

In the same Church also is one of the five Images of our Lady, which St. Luke did paint.

In the Church of our Lady, called Ara Coeli, is 3000 years of pardon, and as many Lents. This Church was sometime the Palace of Octavianus the Em­peror, who saw in his Vision, a fair Virgin in Heaven, standing upon an Altar, holding a goodly Child in her Arms: At which sight he marvailed greatly, and afterward heard a Voice from Heaven, saying, Haec ara Coeli filij Dei est. And he fell to the ground, and worshipped Christ, and believed in his coming. This Vision he had in his Chamber, where now the Church of St. Mary, called Ara Coeli, is.

Under this Church is a Prison where St. Peter was imprisoned, where is now a fair Chappel, in which is a Pit, wherein St. Peter did baptize many Martyrs. And St. Peter was led out of that Prison by the Angel; and there is great and mighty pardon.

In this Church also is one of the Images of our Lady, which St. Luke painted. This Image was made after the same form and manner that our Lady stood at the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, mourning, weeping and lamenting. This Image is of great virtue, and worketh daily many miracles, as ye may see in a certain Table that hangeth by the aforesaid Image.

In the Church of St. Mary the New is 1000 years of pardon; and in Lent 200 years.

In this Church also is an Image of our Lady which St. Luke painted in Troas of Greece. This Image an Angel brought from the Frangapanes unto Rome, in­to the said Church; which Church being burnt in the time of Pope Honorius the third, this Image stood, and was nothing hurt.

St. Luke had two strings to his bow, Physick and Painting; Gods word speaks the former, but as for the latter, we have none but Mr. Pope's word for it: and let the Papists believe him if they will, Protestants are so saucy as not to believe him.

In the Church of St. Mary Transpontin, in which are the two Pillars unto which the blessed Apostles, St. Peter and St. Paul were bound when they were scourged, is 300 year of pardon.

In the Church called Sancta Maria de Campo, is 40 years of pardon.

In the Church of St Mary in Porticum, is 200 years of pardon.

In this Church is a certain precious stone called a Saphir, wherein (as they write) is graven by the hands of the holy Angels, the Image of Christ, and of our Lady, and was delivered miraculously from Heaven, to a certain Noble-man, called Galla. And to this Stone also is granted great Pardon.

I never knew the Angels to be Gravers before; and it seems they kept their Graving-shop in Heaven: but are not their Tools with which they Graved these Images, to be seen also. Certainly they would be excellent Reliques, and would give a little credit to this incredible story.

In the Church of our Lady De aqua Salina is 1000 years of pardon, and in the day of the Consecration of the same, is remission of all sins.

In the Church of our Lady De Apostolis is 200 years of pardon.

In the Church of St. Mary, called, Schola Graeca, is 100 years of pardon.

In the Church of our Lady, called Scala Coeli, is also great pardon.

This is one of the first Temples that was built in the world unto the honour of the blessed Virgin Mary. It is called Scala Coeli, This Church is of great height where St. Ber­nard saw this sight. because in it blessed St. Ber­nard deserved to see a Ladder which reached up to the very Heavens. In this Church whosoever says Mass, or cause it to be said for the the Souls that are in Purgatory, the aforesaid Souls are delivered out of hand,But the misery is, no Masses can be gotten without mony. through the virtue of the Mass, and the Merits of the blessed Virgin: Moreover, whatsoever thing is devoutly asked in that place, it is straightway, without all doubt, obtained. And there is great abundance of pardon, a poena & culpa toties quoties.

In the Church of St. Mary, called Imperatrix, is great Indulgence, and mani­fold pardon, even to the number of 6000 years. In this Church is an Image of the blessed Virgin, which spake to St. Coelestine the Pope, saying, Why dost not thou pray unto me more often; seeing that when thou goest by my Image, thou clost always salute and reverence it. St. Coelestine hearing this voice, fell down upon his knees and prayed, and desired before that Image forgiveness. And more, this holy Father hath granted to them that kneel before this Image, and say with a good intent, three Pater Nosters, and as many Ave Maries, 15 years of pardon, toties quoties.

In the Church of our Lady, called, Libera nos a poenis inferni, i.e. Deliver us from the pains of Hell, is great plenty of pardon. St. Sylvester, Bishop of Rome, who delivered Constantine the Emperor from his Leprosie, and afterward bap­tized him, Consecrated and hallowed this place, which being the Chappel of the blessed Virgin, is called, Libera nos a poenis inferni. He hath also granted to all and singular persons that devoutly come unto that place, and give somewhat to the maintenance thereof, 11000 years of pardon, toties quoties.

In the Church of our Lady De Consolatione, is an Image of the blessed Vir­gin which hath wrought many Miracles; and there is in the same Church full remission of all sins on the second Sunday of the month of June, from the first Even-song unto the last, granted by Pope Sixtus the fourth.

In the Church of our Lady, entituled, Maria inviolata, is the Oratory in which blessed Luke painted four Images of the glorious Virgin. One of these Images he made after such sort, as he himself knew and saw the blessed Virgin; and therefore he painted, and set her forth with a Ring on her finger: which Image remaineth at this present day in the aforesaid Oratory. And forasmuch as the blessed Virgin doth work many miracles in the said Image, therefore is there great resort of People unto the said Image, which receive there great help and comfort, great indulgence and pardon, and are replenished with ma­ny Graces, and singular Benefits.

In the Church of our Lady De populo, is great Indulgence and Pardon: For Pope Pascalis hath given and granted to all that devoutly visit this Church at the Feast of the Dedication of the same, and bring somewhat for the mainte­nance of the said Church, from the Friday after the third Sunday of Lent unto the Octaves of Easter, for every day 1000 years of pardon, and as many Lents. Pope Sixtus the fourth also hath endowed this Church with marvailous, and many great Indulgences, insomuch, that all and singular persons that of a good mind come and visit this Church at the Feasts of the Nativity, Purification, Annunciation, Visitation and Assumption of Mary the Virgin, or at any one of them, shall have for every time full remission of all their sins.

Here follow certain other Churches, with their Indulgences and Pardons.

IN the Church of St. Agnes is every day 48 years of pardon; and in the Feast of the same Saint, 200 years of pardon.

In the Church of St. Susan is 300 years of pardon.

In the Church of St. Tabine, the Wife of St. Alexius, is 2000 years of par­don, and as many Karins.

In the Church of St. Praxed is remission of the fourth part of all sins: and in the same Church is the Pillar that Christ was bound unto when he was scourged. The old Latin book saith, that in the aforesaid Church there is daily 12000 years of pardon, and as many Lents, and the forgiveness of the third part of all sins.

In this Church also is an Altar, upon which Pope Pascalis sung 5 Masses for a certain Soul departed: which 5 Masses being once ended, he saw with his corporal eyes, the blessed Virgin Mary to fetch the Soul out of Purgatory, and to carry it into the bosom of Almighty God, as ye may see it painted upon the wall of the aforesaid Church: In consideration whereof, the aforesaid Pope Pascalis by his Apostolick Authority, hath given and granted to so many, as either say Mass themselves, or cause Mass to be said in the aforenamed Church, power to deliver one Soul out of Purgatory, toties quoties.

In the Church of St. Clement is 40 years of Pardon, and as many Lents, yea, and forgiveness of all sins at the Feast aforesaid. And in Lent all these Indulgences and Pardons are doubled; granted of special grace by Pope Gelasius, to so many as devoutly visit the aforesaid Church, or give ought thereunto. Also Pope Alexander the Third by his Apostolique authority hath granted this privilege, That so many as with good devotion come to pray in the aforesaid Church, shall have the third part of all their sins for­given.

In the Church of blessed St. Peter the Apostle, ad carceres, is granted of divers Popes to them that of a good mind visit this Church, or help any thing at all unto the maintenance of the same, Every day the forgiveness of the third part of all their sins, and 200 years of Pardon. And it hath plea­sed the most holy Fathers of their special grace that this Indulgence and Pardon shall be doubled on every Feast day.

In the Church of St. Bibian is great Indulgence and Pardon. For Pope Honorius the Third hath granted to so many as devoutly visit this Church,A great Par­don on my word. 3 years of Pardon, and as many Lents toties quoties.

Again, at the Feast of all Saints there is Six hundred thousand years of pardon. In this place also St. Bibian planted a certain Herb, which being dried and made into Pouder, is very profitable to deliver men from the Falling-Sickness.

This Saint was inclined to be a Physician; Was not he a Painter as well as St. Luke? Well, this Herb certainly is a very precious Relique.

In the Church of St. Eusebius is granted to all them that Devoutly come unto it,Who would let such a Church fall, but Heretiques. and put their helping hand to the maintenance thereof 7454 years of Pardon, and as many Lents.

The Misery is, this Pardon is Chargeable, but the Ware is good, and there­fore let us not grudge to be bountiful

In the Church of St. Vitus is 7000 years of Pardon, and as many Lents.Let him Eat a good Breakfast after it, he may chance to fill his belly. There is also in the same Church such and so great grace through the me­rits of the Holy Martyrs Vitus, Modestus, and Crescentia,; that if so be any man be bitten with a Mad-dog, or any other Beast, and take a piece of [Page 62]Bread and dip it in the Oyl of St. Vitus, and so eat it, he shall strait-ways be made whole.

Excellent Cures by this Chymical Oyl of St. Vitus. I suppose a good Plaster will not do amiss; for the stone doth well to be added to the Gospel. Which Proverb was occasioned by a certain Man's meeting with a fierce Dog, upon whose sight he fell a repeating the Gospel of St. John, Cap. 1.1. but the Dog making up to him, he took up a Stone, and casting it at the surly Cur, made him retreat; I see, saith the poor Man, the Stone doeth well with the Gospel.

In the Church of St. Potentian is granted by Pope Simplicius to all and singular Persons, that devoutly visit the said Church, one year of Pardon, and one Lent, and the forgivness of the third part of their sins. But Pope Celestine, Pope Boniface, Pope Clement, Pope Gregory, Pope Urban, and Pope Alexander, of their Godly zeal have doubled the aforesaid Pardon.

Who would not turn Papist at this rate? but why a third part of his Sins, but some other Church must have a little privilege? By all which, I see the Pope is an excellent Carver, if he please he shall be Carver to the King of Spain's Foot-Boy's Cobler's Apprentice; for certainly he is a deser­ving Gentleman.

It is to be noted, that in this Church there is a Chappel behind the High Altar, in which Chappel St. Peter (as they say) sung his first Mass: There is also great Pardon.

I never understood that St. Peter sung Mass before, but a man may see that Popery is the Fountain of knowledg, and being that St. Peter did grace this Chappel,This is Charge­able, but any thing to go to Heaven. it will follow that there must be a great Pardon belong to this Chappel, but the Priests had rather have great stipend, or else there will be but small store of Musick.

And for a small Conclusion we shall Note, that all Indulgence of Rome is in Lent doubled. Again in the way of his Pilgrimage unto Rome, he is truly assoiled of all deadly sins and of all other, whatsoever they be: So that his Soul is not only by this means free from the pains both of Hell and Purgatory, but it is also straightway by the Ministry of the Holy Angels, carryed up into the glorious Palace of the Heavenly King. O blessed is that man or woman, that is partaker of these Indulgencies and Pardons, for he may be sure to make a blessed end, let his Life be never so Sinful.

This would be excellent Doctrine to preach to the Turks; as for Hereticks, they deserve not one tittle of this kindness, but it suits wonderful well with the rest of the Pope's doctrine.

Here follow the Indulgencies and Pardons, which certain Popes have granted to all such as devoutly say certain Prayers, which hereafter shall be named.

TO all them that be in the state of grace, that daily say devoutly this Pray­er before our blessed Lady of Pity, she will shew them her blessed visage,Be sure you get into this state of Grace, or else the fat is in the fire. and warn them of the day and of the hour of death, and in their last end the Angels of God shall yield their Souls to Heaven, and they shall obtain 500 years and so many Lents of Pardon, granted by our Holy Father Pope Bo­nifacius. Obsecro te Domina Sancta Maria, &c.

Who saith devoutly this short Prayer daily, shall not depart out of this World without penance and ministration of the Holy Sacrament: the which was shewed by an Angel to St. Bernard. Ave Maria, Ancilla Sanctae Trinitatis, &c.

Our Holy Father Pope Sixtus, hath granted to all them that devoutly say this Prayer before the Image of our Lady and her Son 11000 years of Pardon. Ave Sanctissima Maria, &c.

Our holy Father Pope Sixtus, hath granted at the instance of the most High and Excellent Princess Elizabeth, late Queen of England, and Wife to our Soveraign Lord King Henry the Seventh, (God have mercy on her sweet Soul and all Christian Souls) to all them that every day in the morning af­ter 3 tollings of the Ave Bell, say three times the whole salutation of our Lady, Ave Maria gratia plena, that is to say, at six of the Clock in the Morn­ing 3 Ave Maries: At 12 at Noon 3 Ave Maries: and at six of the Clock at Evening: for every time so doing, is granted of the Spiritual Treasure of the holy Church 300 dayes of Pardon, toties quoties. And also our Holy Fathers the Archbishop of Canterbury, and the Archbishop of York with other 9 Bishops of this Realm, have granted 3 times in the day 40 days of pardon, to all them that be in the state of Grace able to receive pardon, the which begun the 26th day of March, Anno 1492, in the seventh year of the Reign of King Henry the Seventh. And the sum of the Indulgence and pardon, for every Ave Maria gratia plena, is 740 dayes, toties quoties. Suscipe verbum Virgo Maria, &c.

This Prayer was shewed to St. Bernard by the Messenger of God, saying, That as Gold is most precious of all other Metal, so exceedeth this Prayer all other Prayers. And whoso devoutly says it, shall have a singular re­ward of our Blessed Lady, and of her sweet Son Jesus. Ave Maria, ancilla Trinitatis humillima.

Our Holy Father Pope Bonifacius hath granted to all them that devoutly say this lamentable Contemplation of our Lady standing under the Cross, weeping and having compassion on her sweet Son Jesus, 7 years of Par­don and 40 Lents. Also Pope John the 22d. hath granted 300 days of Par­don. Stabat mater dolorosa.

These be the 15 O's which the Holy Virgin St. Bridget was wont to say daily before the Holy Rood in St. Paul's Church at Rome. Who so saith them an whole year, shall deliver 15 Souls out of Purgatory of his next Kindred, and convert 15 Sinners unto good life; and other 15 Righteous men of his Kindred shall persevere in good life. And whatsoever he desireth of God he shall have it, if it be to the Salvation of his Soul.

To all them that before the Image of Christ scourged, devoutly say 5 Pa­ter Nosters, and 5 Ave Maries, and a Creed, piteously beholding the Arms of Christ's Passion, are granted 32755 years of Pardon. And Pope Sixtus of his great clemency and fatherly goodness, hath doubled this aforesaid Pardon. Adoro te Domine, Jesu Christe.

This Epistle of our Saviour, sent our Holy Father Pope Leo unto the Em­peror Carolus Magnus, of which we find written, That whosoever beareth this Blessing upon him and saith it once a day, he shall obtain 40 years of Pardon, and 80 Lents; and he shall not perish with sudden death. Crux Christi sit mecum.

This Prayer made St. Augustin, affirming, That whosoever saith it daily kneeling, shall not die in Sin, but after this life he shall obtain everlasting Joy and Bliss. Respice ad me, &c.

Our Holy Father Pope Bonifacius the Sixth hath granted to all them that devoutly say this Prayer following, between the elevation of our Lord and the third Agnus Dei, 10000 years of Pardon. Domine Jesu Christe, qui hanc sacratissimam carnem, &c.

Our Holy Father Pope John the 22d. hath granted to all them that de­voutly say this Prayer after the elevation of our Lord Jesu Christ 3000 days of Pardon for deadly Sins. Anima Christi sanctifica me, &c.

The same Pope hath granted 100 days of Pardon to all them that say this Prayer at the Elevation of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ave caro Christicara, &c.

Our Holy Father Innocentius Pope of Rome, hath granted 7 years of Par­don to all them that say this Prayer devoutly at the Elevation of our Lord in the Mass. Salve lux Mundi, &c.

Our Holy Father Pope Sixtus the Fourth, hath granted to all them that be in the state of Grace, saying this Prayer following immediately after the Elevation of the Body of our Lord, clean Remission of all their Sins perpe­tually enduring. And also Pope John the 22d. at the request of the Queen of England, hath granted unto all them that devoutly say this Prayer be­fore the Image of our Lord Crucified; as many days of Pardon as there were wounds in the Body of our Lord in the time of his bitter Passion, which were 5465. Precor te, amantissime Domine Jesu Christe, &c.

This Prayer was shewed to St. Augustin, by revelation of the Holy Ghost: and whoso devoutly saith this Prayer, or hears it read, or beareth it about him, he shall not perish in Fire, nor Water, nor Battel, nor Judgment. [Page 65]And he shall dye no sudden death, and no venom shall poison him that day. And whatsoever he asketh of God, he shall obtain it; if it be to the salva­tion of his Soul. And whensoever his Soul shall depart from his Body, it shall not enter into Hell. Deus propitius esto mili peceatori, &c.

Our Holy Father Innocentiue the Third, hath granted to all them that say this Prayer following, devoutly, Remission of all their Sins confessed and contrite. Domine Jesu Christe Fili Dei vivi, &c.

This Prayer following made the worshipful St. Bede of the seven last words which our Lord Jesus Christ spake hanging on the Cross. Whoso says this Prayer devoutly kneeling, neither the Devil, nor wicked men shall hurt him. And he shall not dye without Confession. Domine Jesu Christe, qui septem verba, &c.

These 5 Petitions and Prayers made St. Gregory, and hath granted to all them that devoutly say these 5 Prayers, with 5 Pater Nosters, and 5 Ave Maries, and 5 Credo's, 500 years of Pardon. Ave manus dexter a Christi, &c.

This Prayer shall ye say in the worship of all the Blessed Members of Christ devoutly. And ye shall have 300 days of pardon for every Salve. And there be 13 Salves. Salve tremendum, &c.

This Prayer is made by our Holy Father Pope John the 22d. and he hath granted to all them that devoutly say this Prayer, beholding the glorious Visage or Vernacle of our Lord, ten thousand days of pardon. And they that cannot say this Prayer, let them say 5 Pater Nesters, 5 Aves, and 5 Creeds; and they shall have the like Pardon. Salve Sancta faeies, &c.

Another Oracle to the blessed Vernacle or Visage of our Lord Jesu Christ: Whoso saith it devoutly, shall have 300 years of pardon granted by our Holy Father Pope Innocentius. Ave facies praeclara, &c.

Whoso devoutly beholdeth these Arms of our Lord Jesus Christ, shall obtain 6000 years of pardon granted by our Holy Father St. Peter, the first Bishop of Rome, and by 30 other Popes of the Church of Rome's Successors after him. And our Holy Father Pope John the 22d. hath granted to all them that be very contrite and truly confessed, saying this devout Prayer in the Commemoration of the bitter Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ, 3000 years of pardon for deadly Sins, and other 3000 for venial Sins; and say first a Pater Noster and one Ave Maria. Diripuisti Domine, vincula mea.

Our Holy Father Pope Innocentius the Second, hath granted to all them that say this Prayer devoutly in the worship of the Wound that our Lord had in his blessed Side, when he was dead, hanging on the Cross, 4000 days of pardon. Ave vulnus lateris nostri, &c.

This most devout Prayer, said the Holy Father St. Bernardin the Grey Friar, daily kneeling, in the worship of that most Holy Name Jesus. And it is well to believe, that through the Invocation of that most excellent Name of Jesus, St. Bernardin obtained a singular reward of perpetual Con­solation [Page 66]of our Lord Jesus Christ. And this Prayer is written in a Table that hangeth at Rome, in St. Peter's Church, near to the high Altar, where our Holy Father the Pope is wont to say Mass. And whoso devoutly with a contrite heart daily says this Orison, if he be that day in the state of Eter­nal pain, it shall be changed into the Temporal pain of Purgatory. And if he hath deserved the pain of Purgatory, then it shall be forgotten and for­given through the infinite Mercy of God. Obone Jesu, &c.

Pope Alexander hath granted to all them that say this Prayer devoutly, in the worship of St. Anne, and our Lady and her Son Jesus, 10000 years of pardon for deadly Sins, and 20 years for venial Sins, toties quoties. Ave Maria, &c.

Bocatius saith, That the hairs of that Angel of the Seraphical Order, which came down from Heaven (as the Papists feign) unto filly simple St. Francis the Grey-Friar, in the likeness of a young man, and printed in his Hands, Feet and Heart, the signs and tokens of the five wounds of Christ; are kept in a certain Monastery of Franciscan. Friars in Italy, as most Heavenly and Holy Reliques.

In the same Monaftery also are divers Reliques of the aforesaid Francis, namely his Night Coul, and his Breeches. These are highly reverenced, and had in great price.

It seemeth the very Coelestial Bodies must be abused by these Forgers of Lies:Note. here they pretend Angels to have Hairs, which is false, for Hair is an Excrement, and Coelestial Bodies have no Excrements; but it seem­eth they spare none: The Angels must have their Hair pull'd off to accom­modate their Covetousness; But that this Angel should put the five wounds of Christ upon silly Fanatick St. Francis, none but stark Fanaticks will believe.