Popish Glorying in Antiquity Turned to their Shame, Chapter 8

Popish Glorying in Antiquity Turned to their Shame · Chapter 8

p. 147CHAP. VIII. 1. How the Romanists adduce the Testimonies of Fathers, agaynst vsus as true; whom not withstanding them selues else▪ where doe pronounce Cou…t…f…yt.

IT is reported of one Evagrius Po…ticus Hype…borita, that hee …et vponupon the Works of one Xistus Pythagoreus, an Heathen Philosopher, the counterfeyt name of one Xistus, a Martyr; and so cunninglie brought out of him, so manie Testimonies, agaynst the true Orthodox, in the Poynt of Man's naturall Abilitie, & Perfection; that Saynct Ierome restifieth of him,Hieron. Epist▪ ad T…siphontem. That they who knewe not, that it was the booke of an Heathen Philosopher, might hauehave beene easilie induced, p. 148vnderunder the borrowed Name, and fayre Show, of the booke of a Martyr, to drinke of the Golden Cup of that Whoore of Babylon: His practi…e beeing there-in, lyke that where-of Lucretius speaketh;

Ac veluti pueris absynthiatetra medentes

Cam dare conātur, prius oras pocula circū

Contingunt, dulci mellis flavo que colore.

That is:

Lyke those, for Cure, who giuegive to Babes

Fell Worme-wood to drinke out,

With yealow & sweet Honey first,

They stroake the Cuppe about.

Even so, how cunning our Adversaries are agaynst vsus, in the lyke practise, for oppugning the Trueth, adducing Testimonies of Antiquitie, vnderunder the borrowed Name of Holie and ancient Fathers, which the force of Trueth maketh them elsewhere, to acknowledge and confesse to bee counterfeyt; let the ensewing practise, and these proofs, testifie.

p. 149A

First, Arnobius is adduced by Bellarmine, agaynst vsus, in the matter of Free-will, 11Bell. l. 5. de grat. & l. arb. c. 26. §. 21.as a most ancient Father: but is disclaymed else-where by him, as a m…ere Counterfeyt, and Novice.22L. 4. de amis. gra. c. 9. §. hic vero.

Next, Abdias his Workes, are cited by Bellarmine, for Monasticall lyfe:33L. 2. de m…n. c. 27. and yet hee confesseth, that the Learned of their owne Church, holde the same for counterfeyt.44L. 2. de bon▪ oper. c. 24. §. s…d.

Agayne, Amphilochius his Vita S. Basilii, is cited by Bellarmine, to proue, That vnderunder the Spece of Bread onlie, the Eucharist of olde was had to the Sicke,55Lib. 4. … Euch. c. 24. and for proofe of Papall confirmation:66L. de confiz. c. 5. and yet elsewhere, without anie doubt, he pronounceth that booke, to bee a false Counterfeyt.77Bell. descrip. Eccl. ann. 380.

Lyke-wyse, Athanasius Sermon, De Sanctissima Deipara, is cited by Bellarmine, for Invocation of Sayncts,88Bell. l. 3. de Sanct. c. 16. but is declared by Baronius, to bee a miere Counterfeyt.99B…r…n. tom. …. ann. 4…. nū. 19.

So is the 82 Epistle of Saynct p. 150Ambrose, cited by Bellarmine, for the Vow of single life: 1010Bell. lib. 1. de Cler. c. 16.yet Possevin granteth, that it is none of Ambroses.1111Possevin▪ …pp…r. verb. Ambrosius.

In like manner, Anselmus is cited by Bellarmine, for Purgatorie, 1212Bell. l. 1. de purg. c. 6.for Reall presence, 1313Lib. 2. de Eu…. c. 36.for the Virgines immaculate conception, 1414L. 4. de amis. gra. c. 15.and for Free-will: 1515L. 5. de gra. & l. arb. c. 26.and yet Possevin showeth, that one Herveus Natalis, who lived onlie 250 yeares since, is the writer of those Commentaries, falselie attributed to Anselmus.1616Possev. appar. ver…o Herveus.

More-over, Anacletus Epistles are cited by Pighius and Stapleton, for the Supremacie, 1717Pigh. Hierar. l. 6. c. 6.and yet Cardinall Cusanus pronounceth them, but miere forgerie.1818Cusan. concord. cathol. l. 3. c. 34.

B.

Againe, Boniface second Epistle, is cited by Pighius, Harding, Stapleton, and Turrecremata, to proue, that the African Councell submitted thē selues to the Pope: 1919Tur. …l…mma de Eccl. l. 3. c. 49.Sir 50:3yet Bellarmine declareth, that this Epistle is but suspicious, and counterfeyt.2020Bell. l. 2. de pon…. c. 25.

C.

Likewise, Bellarmine citeth Cassianus, p. 151as a verie ancient Father, in the matter of Prayer, 11Bell. lib. 1. de bon. oper. c. 2.of Popish Satisfaction, 22Liv. 4. de po… n…t. cap. 9.of Iustification, 33Lib. 1. de Iustis. cap. 13.and set fasts 44L. 2. de bon. oper. cap. 2.against vsus: & yet he acknowledgeth, that Booke else-where, to bee but Apocryphall, and counterfeyt, 55Lib. 6. de grat. cap. 4. §. accedat.and condemned as such, in a Romane Councell, vnderunder Pope Gelasius.

In which Councell in like manner, was the Canons of the Apostles, declared to bee such also;66Grat. dist. 15 cap. sancta. and yet as the true Canons of the Apostles, are they cited by Bellarmine, for proofe of Easters observation, 77B…ll. lib. de Sanct. cap. 12.and Papall Confirmation.88Lib. 2. de Confir. cap. 8.

Likewise, Bellarmine citeth that Sermon, De ablutione p…dum, as S. Cyprian's, against vsus, to proue the indeleble Character of holie Orders: 99Bell. lib. 1▪ de Sa…. …rd. c. 10.and yet else-where he pronounceth the same, Apocryphall.1010Lib. 1. de p…n…t. c. 10.

So are Pope Clement's Epistles cited by Bellarmine, for the Supremacie, 1111Lib. 2. de pon…. cap. 1….reservation of the Sacrament, 1212Lib. 4. de Euch. cap. 5.and Popish Confirmation: 1313Lib. …. de confir. cap. 3.and yet else-where hee showeth, that it p. 152is vncertaine who writ them:1414Lib. 2. de p…nt. c. 7. and some hee prooveth clearlie, to bee mierlie counterfeyt.1515Lib. 3. de bon. oper. c. 11.

Of the same Stampe he acknowledgeth Calixtus Epistle, the first of Clement's, the third of Anacletus, the first of Anicetus, the first of Victors, the first of Zepherius, the second of Calixtus, the first of Lucius, and of Marcellus, the third of Eusebius, and the first of Melchiades, and Marcus, which notwithstanding are all adduced, by him and others, ordinarilie to prooue the Pope's Supremacie.1616Lib. 2. de pont. c. 14. §. ad ha….

VnderUnder the same Coloures also marcheth Cornelius Epistle, cited by Bellarmine, for prayer to the Dead:1717Lib. 1. de Sanct. c. 19. which Baronius declareth assuredlie to bee but falselie fathered.1818Baron. …. to…. 2. an. 221.

Also, that Booke, De Cardinalibus operibus Christi, is cited by Bellarmine, as Cyprian's, for Transsubstantiation, 1919Bell. l. 3 de Euch. c. 20.and by sundrie others, for other points of Poperie: and yet hee else-where clearly disclaimeth the same, as a craftie counterfeyt.2020Lib. 2. de confir. c. 6.

p. 153In like manner, is that Epistle written to S. Augustine, of S. Ierome's Miracles, cited as S. Cyrils, (as I shewed before by Suarez) and by Eckius, for Purgatorie, 11Eck. …om. 2. d…m. …. advent.and by others, for the Reall presence, and worshipping of Saincts: which Possevin notwithstanding, and that which is before discovered, declareth to bee a grosse Forgerie.22Poss. appar. 1. Aurelius Augustinus.

D

Agayne, Bellarmine citeth Dionysius Areopagita, for Invocation of Sayncts, 33Bell. l. 1. de sanct. c. 19.Purgatorie, 44Lib. 1. de purg. c. 6.and Monasticall lyfe, 55Lib. 2. de mon. c. 5. Rhem. in Act. 17.34.Acts 17:34&c. And this is that famous S. Dennice (say the Rhemists) who prooveth playnlie almost all things that the Church now vseth in the ministration of the holie Sacrament, and affirmeth, that hee learned them of the Apostles: giving also testimonie for the Catholicke Fayth, in most thinges nowe contraverted, so playnlie, that our Adversaries hauehave no Shift, but to deny this Dennice to hauehave bene the Author of them. And yet, what p. 154sayeth their owne Bellarmine of this booke? It is vncertayne at all, (sayeth he) if that booke be Saynct Dennices, whose name is pretended.66Bell▪ lib. 2. de. confirm. cap. 7. §. …am.

Lyke-wyse, Damasus Pontificall is cited by Bellarmine, to proue, that Election of Bishops, onelie belongeth to the Pope, 77Lib. 1. de Cler. cap. 8.for Chrisme in Baptisme,88Lib. 1. de bapt. cap. 27. for Images,99Lib. 2. de Imag. cap. 9 and Ceremonies of the Masse: 1010Lib. 2. de Miss. cap. 14.and yet hee sayeth else-where, that it is notorlie known, that Damasus was never the wryter of that booke, but Anastasius onelie, the master of the Pope's Librarie.1111Bell. de Scrip. Eccl. ann. 367.

Damascen in lyke manner, his booke, De iis qui in fide migrarunt, is cited by Bellarmine, for the proofe of Purgatorie, 1212Bell. lib. 1 de purg. c. 6and yet else-where hee disclaymeth the same, to bee Damascen's at all, and sayeth, that most easilie the same may bee proven.1313Lib. 2. de purg. c. 8. §. prima.

E

Agayne, Eusebius his third Epistle is cited by Bellarmine, for the Supremacie, 1414Lib. 2. de pont. c. 14.and yet he professeth, that p. 155it is no-wyse certayne, who is the wryter there-of.1515L. …. de confir. c. 7.

Eucherius Commentaries also, on Genesis, and the Kinges, are cited by Bellarmine, for Free-will, 1616L. 5. de gra. & l. arb. c. 22.and the Masse: 1717L. 1. de missa. c. 6but he declareth elsewhere, that those cannot bee Eucherius bookes, seeing hee oft tymes citeth Gregorie, who lived not an hundreth yeares after.1818Bell. de scrip. Eccl. ann. 440.

In lyke manner, Eusebius Epistle of the death of Saynct Ierome, is cited by Peresius, for Transsubstantiation, 1919Peres. de trad. part. 2. f. 1…8 b.and by Durandus, for the adoration of the Host: 2020Dur. de r… tib. Eccl. l. 2. c. 40.Sir 50:2and yet this Epistle not onlie (sayth Bellarmine) doeth it manifest the Noveltie there-of, but also both Ignorance and Deceit.11Bell. de scrip. Eccl. an. 390.1. Hi…ronymus.

F.

Againe, Fabianus Epistle is cited by Bellarmine, to proue Traditions,22Bell. l. 1. de verb. c. 16. and by the Rhemists, to proue Transsubstantiation; 33Rhem in act. 8.10.17.but that this Booke is counted counterfeyt, and Apocryphal, Bellarmine else-where clearlie granteth vntounto vsus.44Bell. l. 2. de confir. c. 8. §. secun…o pre…. ex concil

p. 156G.

Gregorie Nyssen, his 8 books, De Philosophia, are cited like-wise by Bellarmine, for Free-wil,55Bell. l. 4. de gra. & l. ar…. c. 14. & yet else-where hee confesseth, that they looke no wayes like such a man's bookes.66Bell. de script. Eccl. an 380.

So are Pope Gregorie's Epistles frequentlie adduced, to proue, that Sacraments conferre Grace, Ex opere operato, 77L. 2. de sacram. c. 7.for Popish Confirmation; 88L. 2. de confirm. c. 3.and that Concupiscence, after Baptisme, is no Sinne: 99L. 5. de amiss gra. c. 8.and yet he confesseth else-where, that they are corrupt and vitiate. 1010L. 2. de confi…. 12.And Possevin declareth also his booke on the Canticlos, to bee a miere counterfeyt, which Bellarmine citeth for the fore-saide Confirmation.1111Possiv. appar. …. Greg. Mag.

H.

Againe, Hegesippus booke is cited by Bellarmine, to prooue Peter's beeing, 1212Bell. l. 1. de co…fir. c. 3. & 8.and dying at Rome: 1313L…. 2. de pont. c. 3.and yet Baronius testifieth, that this booke is a plaine counterfeyt.1414Bar. ann. tom. 2. a…. 167. num. 15.

So are Hermes works, called Pastoralis, cited by Coccius, for the Angel Custos, and for Purgatorie: 1515Cor. …om. 2. l. 7. art. 5.but p. 157Possevin declareth, that by the most Learned it is discovered, and declared a Counterfeyt.1616Possev. appar. 1. pastor.

I

In like manner, Iustin Martyr, his Questions are cited by Bellarmine, for Vnction in Baptisme, 1717Bell. lib. de bapt. c. 25.for Papall Confirmation, 1818Lib. de co… fir. c. 5.and Transsubstantiation; 1919Lib. 3. de Euch. c. 2.but else-where hee declareth them, no wayes to be Iustine Martyr's, but a more recent counterfeyts.2020Lib. 1. de sanct. c. 4. §. tertius.

So also is Sainct Iames Lyturgie alleadged by …ellarmine, for the Masse, 11L. 1. de miss▪ c. 18.whereas the word foreign vsed there-in, which began after Origen's dayes, (as witnesseth Senensis) 22Senen bibl. l. 4.1. Origenes.as also the commemoration of Confessors therein, which was farre later in Sylvester's dayes, as testifieth Pope Innocent the third, 33In…. …. de mis… r. mis… l. 3. c. 10.showeth clearlie, that it is a counterfeyt.

L

Agayne, Lucius Epistle is cited by Bellarmine, to proue the Pope's Supremacie, 44Bell. l. 2. de … c. 14.and his Infallibilitie:55Lib. 3. de … 5. p. 158and yet hee affirmeth clearlie, that there is such a doubt, who is the wryter, that hee dare not assuredlie pronounce, that Lucius was the Author.66L. 2. de pont. c. 14.

Lyke-wyse, he citeth Lactantius Verses, De Passione, for Adoration of the Crosse, 77L. 2. de Imag. c. 28.and yet else-where hee confesseth, that the Author of those Verses, and of the other, on the Resurrection, is not surelie knowne.88L. de script. Eccles.

In lyke manner, Linus workes are cited, by Coccius, for Apparition of Soules, & establishing of Purgatorie: 99Coc. tom. 1. l. 5. de s…nct. art. 9.and yet Bellarmine declareth, that both Prochorus, (which some cite) and Linus works, are but false, and counterfeyt.1010Bell. l. 2. de pont. c. 9. §. sed.

M

Agayne, Marcus Epistle is cited by Bellarmine, for the Pope's Supremacie, 1111B…ll. l. 2. de pont. c. 14and Infallibilitie: 1212I…b. 3. de pont. …. 5.and yet hee granteth else-where, That it is most sure, that the same is counterfeyt.1313Bel. de scrip. Eccl. a…. 340. & 1145.

So doeth hee cite Marcellus, and p. 159Melchiades Epistles, for the same Supremacie: 1414Lib. …. de pon…. c. 14.but granteth else-where, that hee dare not say assuredlie, that they are theirs.1515Ibidem.

O

In lyke manner, Bellarmine adduceth Origen's Homilies on the Gospels, for popish Reall presence: 1616Lib. 2. d… Euch. …. 8.but anone hee disclayme…h them else-where, and sayeth, they a…e none of Origen….1717Bell. de scrip. Ec…l.

So are his Homilies, on the Psalms, cited by Bellarmine, for the same former poynt, and Auricular Confession: 1818L. 3. de pe… …. 7.and yet hee freelie confesseth else-where, that it is in doubt, who is the Wryter.1919L. de s…ri…t. Eccles.

P

Agayne, Primasius Commentaries on the Hebrewes, are cited by Bellarmine, for popish Carnall presence, 2020Lib. 2. de Euch. c. 31.& Sacrifice of the Masle: 11L. 1. de missa. c. 6.and yet Salmeron showeth, that Primasius never wrote them, but Haymo, a late bishop in Germanie.22Sal. tom. 1…. disp. 10. in Ep. Paul….

V

In lyke manner, Vrbanus Epistle is p. 160cited by Bellarmine to proue Confirmation: 33Bell. l. 2. de confir. c. 7.and yet hee professeth, that it is no-wyse sure, if he be the Author of this Epistle, or if it be a Counterfeyt.44Ibidem. §. ad haec.

The Rhemists also, howe no lesse impudent they are, than others, in obtruding to the Readers of the Rhemish Testaments, false Counterfeyts, for famous Fathers: and so seducing simple Soules, make them, in the golden Cuppe of pretended Antiquitie, to drinke onlie the giddie Wyne of superstitious Idolatrie, let these few Examples, in place of manie, testifie.

Rhem. in Act. 17.34.Acts 17:34First, they obtrude the booke of Dionysius Arcopagita, as making in all the poyntes of Poperie, almost alto-gether for them: which hee learned (say they) from the verie Apostles. And yet,Bell. l 2. de confir. c. 7. §. j…m. besides Bellarmine's confession, of the vncertayntie of the Author, it is clearlie proven, even by their owne side, and the booke it selfe, that it is but a ranke Counterfeyt, as may bee seene in p. 161our seaventh Chapter.

Lyke-wyse,Rhem. on A…. ….10.17. for Popish Confirmation, they produce Pope Fabianus Epistle, which Bellarmine telleth them clearlie,Bell. l. 2. de confir. c. 8. §. s… cundo. is accounted by sundrie, to bee counterfeyt.

Agayne, they bring in Ambrose 82 Epistle,Rhem. on 1. Cor. 15.32. Possevin. appar. …. Ambrosius.1 Cor 15:32 for the merit of Fasting, which their owne Possevin declareth heere-by, to bee a miere Counterfeyt; Because there is made mention in that Epistle, of Venice, which was not founded long after Saynct Ambrose death.

In lyke manner, Saynct Ierome on the Epistles, Rhem. on R…m. 3.20.is cited by the R…emists, for Iustification by Workes: and yet Bellarmine telleth them,Bell. l…b. 4. de verbo c. 5. §. Hu. That this booke is a shamelesse Counterfeyt; and hath for its Author, rather the Hereticke Pelagius, than such an holie Father.

So are Chrysostome's Homilies, vponupon Marke ▪ Rhem in Math. 3.1.Matt 3:1cited by the R…emists, to prooue the Antiquitie of their Monkish Orders: and yet Bellarmine testifieth,Bell. de scrip. Ecel. an. 396. ☞ Note▪ That they are none of p. 162Chrysostome's, but some simple Monke's.

Augustine lyke-wyse, De Ecclesiae dogmatibus, … 1. Cer. 11.28. B…ll. lib. 1. de bapt. cap 6. §. Nota. M. de Castro. her. 10. tit. baptis.is cited by the Rhemists, for Auricular Confession: and yet both Bellarmine, and Alphonsus de Castro, denyeth it to bee Augustines, but a craftie Counterfeyt's.

So is Augustine, De fide ad Petrum, cited by the Rhemists, Rhem. …n 1. …or. 7.9.to proue, that they are damned, who marrie after the Vow of Continencie: and yet Bellarmine declareth,Bell. de scrip. Eccl. an. 420. that it nowayes appeareth vntounto anie, to bee a booke of Augustines.

And agayn, Augustines Questions on the Olde and New Testament, are cited by the Rhemists, Rhem. on Math. 17.27.Matt 17:27for Papall Supremacie: and yet this booke is neyther Augustines, (sayeth Bellarmine) nor yet anie Catholicke Author's.Bell. de gra. prim: homi…s. c. ….

We may, cōcerning such counterfeyt Stuffe, there-fore, safelie cō clude, where-of at all occasion these Merchands of Babell by Voyce and Writ are such deceitful Venters: evē p. 163as Bellarmine sayeth of Linus forged Historie,Bell. lib. 2. de pont. c. 9. Historia Lini verè conficta est, & si conficta, non est ullius authoritatis: that is, The Historie of Linus, is truelie a forged Counterfeyt; and if it bee forged, it is not of anie authoritie at all. Even so may wee say of all such Pedler Trash, (a view of some where-of, wee hauehave layde open to judicious Eyes) that this one Censure may passe on all the Packe, to sende them packing for ever out of open sight; seeing the most part of that which they adduce of humane Testimonie, and obtrude agaynst the Trueth, vnderunder colour and pretext of Venerable Antiquitie, proveth playnly but craftie Counterfeyting, and obscure Forgerie: there-fore, by their owne Verdict, wee pronounce their Doome, That they are vnworthie of Credit and Authoritie. Neyther marvell wee,Revel. 9.Rev 9 that those Locusts, who are sayde to hauehave counterfeyt Crownes on their heads, had lyke-wyse of olde such counterfeyting p. 164Conceits in their heads; and lyke Babels worke-men, that they hauehave beene so busie, in the Night tyme of Darknesse, to prepare so much Stuffe, for those Merchands of Babell nowe: who for reparing the Ruines of their rottering Kingdome, and the imparing and impeding the Grouth of the Gospell of Light, are no lesse busie in venting, than they were at anie tyme in inventing the same: their Master busilie bestirring him-selfe in his servantes, because his Kingdome is neare an ende. VponUpon both which sorts of his Suppostes, there can no juster Sentence passe in this purpose, than their owne Fellow Parsons pronounceth in such case,Parson. de trip. convers. Angl. pars 1. c. 4. p. 86. Nebulones esse perditissimos, non solum qui opera spuria claris ascribunt aut…oribus, verum eos etiam qui pro veris & genuinis obtrudunt: that is, That they are most damnable Villanes, not onlie (sayth hee) who ascrybe counterfeyt workes, vntounto famous Authors; but lyke-wyse they who obtrude them p. 165vntounto anie, for true and vpright Wrytinges.

The second part of the VIII. CHAPTER. How the Romanists answere vsus, when wee adduce the Testimonies of those same Fathers agaynst them, which they obtrude vntounto vsus as true.

1. Disclayming some, as counterfeyt.

2. Alleadging of others, That perhaps only they are so.

THE Rhemists call this an olde Tricke of Hereticks,Rhem. in Act. 17.34.Acts 17:34 when they were preassed with the Testimonies of ancient Fathers, to deny that those were the Authors: but some others, of a later age,Rose-w…d dissert. de fide hereticis servanda c. 17. p. 191. and Rose-weed, the Iesuit, sayth, That this was a common Shift of Hereticks, when they were straited with anie cleare Testimonie of Antiquitie, to cry out, That p. 166the booke was counterfeit, or corrupt,Hard. respons. ad provoc. …uc… l: art. 1. Evasionem (saith Harding) omnium miserrimam, & à ratione & conjuetudine doctissim…rum alienissimam: that is, A most miserable sort of escaping, (saith hee) and most contrarious both to Reason and Custome of the most Learned. And yet notwithstanding how guiltie these Iesuiticall Impostors are of this Practise, which they vpbrayde to others, and how vnmindfull they are of that saying, Omni vitio debet carere, qui in alterum paratus est dicere, let these few Examples that doe ensue testifie.

First, Bellarmine, (as also the Rhemists) to prooue the Pope's Supremacie,B…ll. li…. 1. de p…nt. c. 10. §. terti…s. Rhem. on 1. Tim. ….15. Bell. lib. 1. de Euch. c. 13. §. Deni que as also Popish Reall presence, bring their Testimonies out of S. Ambrose his Commentaries on Paul's Epistles: and yet when wee object a place out of the same, to proue, that the Sacramentall Bread is the representatiue Bodie of CHRIST onlie, Bellarmine plainlie then disclaimeth those Commentaries, p. 167and saith,L. 2. de Euch. c. 14. §. Diluimus. they are not S. Ambroses.

Againe, L. 1. de v…bo c. 14. sub fi…em. L. 2. de missa c. 12. §. Ad locum.Bellarmine adduceth Augustine, Ad Orosium, against vsus, as the true Father, to prooue Ecclesiasticus, to bee Canonicall Scripture: but declareth him counterfeyt, when wee oppose him to him, agaynst the Order of the Masse.

Arnobius also is brought foorth, as a most ancient Father,L. …. de gra. & l. arb. …. 26. L. 4 de amis gra. c. 9. against vsus, in the matter of Free-will: but disclaimed else-where, when hee maketh against him, as … and a miere counterfeit.

In like manner, Augustine's Questions, on the Olde and New Testament, are produced against vsus, as Augustine's owne worke;L. 1. de missa c. 15. sect. …. And. both to proue the Masse, to bee a Sacrifice properlie, in one place; as also, to be propitiatorie, in another: but are rejected by the same Bellarmine, L. …. de missa. c. 2. sect. Ex Latin….as counterfeit and hereticall, when wee prooue out of the same, That Sacraments conferre not Grace,Bell. lib. 2. de Sacr. c. 10. sect. Resp. Ex opere operato.

p. 168Bell. lib. 1. de …n. c …. §. quā t…m. L. 3. de justif. c. 7. §. 5. Basil.Lyke-wyse, Bellarmine citeth S. Basill's Questions, to proue Monasticall lyfe, and a man's incertayntie of his owne Salvation: but when wee vrge agaynst them those same Questions, agaynst their Distinction of Sinne, into Veniall and Mortall, he disclaymeth that book to bee Saynct Basill's,L. 1. de amis. g…a. …. 13. §. Resp. but one Eustatbius Sebassenus, a condemned hereticke.

…. de Euc…. ann….More-over, Bellarmine adduceth Saynct Cyprian's Sermon, Le …oena … poyntes of Poperie,L. 2. de missa. c. 2. §. ex lati…. as Transsubstantiation, the Sacrifice of the Masse, and Purgatorie, &c. And yet, when the same is objected agaynst their Mutilation of the Sacrament,L. 1. de purg. …. 6. §. Haec expos. by taking away the C…p from the People, he disclaymeth that Sermon to be Cyprian's,L. 4. de Euch. c. 26. sect. Resp. but some vncertayne Author's.

L 2. de …on. c. 2. sect. Chrysost. L. 1. de amis. gra. c. 10. sect. …. Ioh.Agayne, Bellarmine produceth Chrysostome, on Matthew, to proue manie Popish poyntes, as Monasticall lyfe, Veniall sinnes, Free-will, p. 169Transsubstantiation, Adoration of the Host,L. 5. de gra. & l. ar…. c. 7. and agaynst the Magistrates lawfull power, in matters of Re…ig…on. But when wee proue out of that same Commentarie on Matthew, L. 2. de Euch. c. 22. L. 3. de Laicu, c. 17. L. 4. de verbo c 11. sect. sexto. Lib. 1. de matrim. c. 9. se…t. secu…du….the perfection of Scripture, & that the people should reade the same, & opposeth him in the matter of Matrimonie; then he disclaymeth that worke to be Sainct Chrysostome's, but some Hereticke's, as hee pleaseth to style him.

In lyke manner,L. 5. de gr…. & l. arb. c. 25. Bellarmine bringeth out Clement's Recognitions, for Free-will;Hard. cons…. apol. par… 1. f. 34. & Harding bringeth him for Traditions: and yet, when they are alleadged agaynst the Pope's Succession to Peter, proving, that Peter died not at Rome: Bell. lib. 2. de pont. c. 2. sect. adde huc.then hee disclaymeth them, as Apocryphall, and counterfeyt.

Damasus lyke-wyse,L. 4. de po…. c. 4. sect. Damasus. L. 2. de sanct. c. 9. sect. Damasus. an ancient Pope, his Pontificall is cited by Bellarmine, to proue the tyme of Peter's sitting at Rome, and for the setting vp of Images in Churches: but is rejected, as a Counterfeyt of vncertayne p. 170authoritie; when out of the same wee proue,Bell. lib. 2. de pont. c. 5. sect. Ne que multum. that Linus, whome they make Pope after Peter & Clement, died before Peter him-selfe: & so improveth the Line of their Papall Succession, as false and absurd.

Agayne, Damasus Epistles are vrged agaynst vsus,L. 2. de pont. c. 14. sect. Secundus. L. 2. de confirm. c. 3. sect. Septimus. L. 2. de pont. c. 24. Initio. to proue Papall Supremacie, and Popish Confirmation: But are disclaymed, as none of his, when they are opposed agaynst Appeales to Rome.

Lyke-wyse, Damascen is cited by Bellarmine, L. 1. de sanct. c. 13. sect. de…a que .agaynst vsus, to proue the Adoration of Saynctes: but is disclaymed as a Counterfeyt, when the absurd Tale of their Popes,L. 2. de purg. c. 8. sect prima. and other Saynctes, their Freeing of Soules (which were damned) out of Hell, is objected to them.

L. 4. de Euch. c. …6. sect. Cyprian.Epiphanius also, his Epistle to Iohn of Ierusalem, is cited by Bellarmine, in the matter of the Sacrament: but when the same Epistle is opposed agaynst their Images, hee disclaimeth those words thereof,L. 2, de Imag. … 9, sect. ad qui…um. to bee but forged, and counterfeyt.

p. 171In lyke manner, Eusebius Emissenus Homilies are cited by Bellarmine, L. 2, de san…t. c. 3. sect. Eusebius. L. 4, de Euch. c. 13, sect. deinde. L. 2, de Euch. c. 30, initio.for Adoration of Reliques, & that Consecration is by these wordes, Hoc est Corpus meum: and yet are elsewhere freelie acknowledged, to be none of his.

Ignatius also, a Greeke Father, is oft tymes cited by Bellarmine, …. 2, de Euch. c. 2, initio.for sundrie poynts of Poperie, as Transsubstantiation, and others: but when he is adduced clearlie agaynst their Mutilation of the Sacrament,L. 4, de Euch. c. 26, sect. resp. Bellarmine aunswereth, That Ignatius Greeke Wrytinges, are not much to bee trusted to.

Agayne, Martialis, as Christe's owne Disciple,L. 2, de mon. c. 27, sect. S. Mart. recog. l. 2, de mon. is produced by Bellarmine, for the Vow of Chastitie, and other poyntes: and yet, in his Recognitions, hee acknowledgeth both Abdias booke, and Martialis, to bee miere Counterfeyts, and of no Authoritie.

Lyke-wyse, Synopsis Dorothei, is cited by Bellarmine, to prooue Peter's sitting at Rome, L. 2, de pont. c. 4,as Bishop of that Citie: p. 172but when the same Synopsis is produced,Ibidem c. 2. prooving, That it was not Peter, but rather Barnabas, that founded that Church; hee d…sclaymeth that booke then, as full of Lies, and Forgerie.

L. 2. de Euch. c. 27.After the lyke manner, hee disclaymeth that booke of Pope Gelasius, agaynst Eutyches, as none of his, when he is cited clearly against Transsubstantiation; altho hee bee so styled (Romanus Episcopus) in their owne Bibliotheca Patrum, and that their Massonius lyke-wyse, in the lyues of the Popes, comming to Gelasius, maketh mention of this worke. And no lesse causelesse also, disclaymeth hee,L. 2. de Im…. c. 15. with a shamelesse fore-head, the foure bookes of Charles the Great, agaynst Images: as lyke-wyse,L. 1. de …er. c. 22. that Epistle of Vdalricus, to Pope Nicolas, agaynst forced Continencie: alleadging those former, to bee none of theirs; and that onelie, because they make agaynst him.

I omit the lyke answere of Gretzer, p. 173to Athanasius Synopsis, Gret. comment. in Iudith. prol. 4.agaynst Apocryphall Bookes.

Of Parsons, Pars. tripl. conv. Ang. par… 1. c. 8.to Elentherius Epistle, to Luci…s, agaynst the Pope's temporall Supremacie.

Of the same Parson's impudent lyke answere to Bertram's booke,Ibidem parte secunda, c. 10. agaynst Transsubstantiation.

Of Harding's disclayming also Hilarius Epistle,Hard adv. Iuel. …epli…. contra sacrific. Miss…. sect. 11. to his Daughter Afra, agaynst forced Continencie.

Of Baronius lyke rejecting of Pope Leo's Epistle,Baron. epit. ann. 683. which proveth, That Pope Honorius was an Hereticke.

And

Of Dureus disclayming that Testimonie of Saynct Bernard's,Dureus adv. VVhitak. l. …6. vvhichwhich is produced agaynst the vnlawfull keeping of impossible and vnlawfull Vowes.

p. 1742. How the Romanists, without anie farther Warrand, alleadge onlie of some Fathers, That perhaps they are counterfeyt.

FIrst, when the Treatise of Gregorie Nyssen, or his Epistle, is produced against Pilgrymages,Bell. lib. 3. de cult. sa…ct. c. 8. sect. Ad Mad… burg. Bellarmine answereth thus heere-to, Fortenon est Nysseni: that is, Perhaps that Epistle is not Gregorie Nyssen's.

Agayne, when Basill is cited agaynst their distinction of Sinne, into Mortall and Veniall, Bellarmine aunswereth,L. 1. de amiss. gra. …. 13. That probablie that worke is not Basill's.

Lyke-wyse, vvhen Pope Bonifacius seconde Epistle, is brought foorth, agaynst papall Supremacie, Bellarmine answereth,L. 2. de p…nt c. 25. sect. R…sp. Valde mihi suspecta est haec Epistola: that is, I suspect that Epistle greatlie.

In lyke manner, when OEcumenius is adduced,L. 3. de pont. c. 13. sect. Solus. to proue, that Antichrist shall not sit in the Temple of p. 155Ierusalem, Bellarmine answereth, Fortasse depravatus est textus illius: that is, Perhaps his Text, or Copie, is corrupt, and vitiate.

Also, when pope Honorius owne Epistles are exhibited, which proue him to hauehave beene an Hereticke, and are insert in the eight Generall Councell, where-in hee was condemned, Bellarmine answereth,Bell. lib. 4, de pont. c. 11. sect. ad primum. Fortasse illas Epistolas esse confictas, & insertas Concilia generali ab Hereticis: that is, Perhaps those Epistles were counterfeyted, and inserted in the Generall Councell, by Heretickes.

More-over, when Venerable Beda is adduced, testifying, that this same pope Honorius was an Hereticke, and solemnlie condemned in a Generall Councell as such, and therefore consequentlie hee prooveth Facto, by deed, agaynst their doctrine now, That the pope may erre;Ibidem, sect. ad. …. Bellarmine heere-vntounto aunswereth, Videtur aliquis sciolus addidisse nomen Honorii in lib…o Bedae: that is, It would seeme, that some Smatterer p. 176hath added the name of Honorius, in Beda's booke.

Lyke-wyse, vvhen in the matter of their superstitious Fast on set Dayes, a Canon of the Apostles, and Ignatius Epistle also, are produced agaynst fasting on Saturday, Bellarmine answereth,Bell. l. 2. de bon. oper. c. 18. sect. Posset. Potest fieri ut tam in Canone Apostolico, quam in Epistolam Ignati…, solum probiberetur jejunium diei Dominicae, sed postea à Graecis poste…ioribus insertum fuerit nomen Sabbathi: that is, It may bee, that as well in the Canon of the Apostles, as in the Epistle of Ignatius, onelie Fasting on the Lord's Day was forbidden: but after that, the Grecians, who were later, inserted the word, Sabbath.

In lyke manner, when Damasus, the Author of the Pontificall, and their owne Gratian lyke-wise, declareth,Grat. dist. 19. c. Anastasius. That Pope Anastasius the second, was of one communion with the Hereticke Photinus, Bellarmine answereth,Bell. lib. 4. de pont. c. 10. sect. Illud. Illud de Photino forte est mendaciam: that is, That Relation p. 177concerning Photinus, Perhaps, it is a Lie.

Agayne, when wee produce Socrates Testimonie, agaynst the antiquitie of their superstitious fourt…e dayes Lent, Bell. l. 2. de bonoper. c. 15. §. s…d probabi….Bellarmine answereth, Probabile est codicem Socratis esse corruptum ▪ that is, It is lykelie, or may bee, that Socrates booke bee corrupted.

More-over,Concil. Rom. c. 10.Rom 10 when a whole Convent of Fathers, in a Romane Councell, vnderunder pope Sylvester, are brought foorth, agaynst the receiving of young Nunnes, forbidding them to bee vailed, before 72 years of age: Yet Bellarmine, Bell. lib. 2. de mon c. 35. §. de primo.without anie farther assurance in the contrarie, answereth onlie, Fortasse multo minorem numerum debe…e poni pro 72: that is, Perhaps a farre lesse number of Yeares ought to bee put there, than 72.

And when a Canon, of the Councel of Laterane, is adduced, for the lawfulnesse of the Marriage of the Clergie, not reprehended there p. 178in the East Church,Bell. l. 1. de cler. c. 21. …. ad secu…dum. Bellarmine aunswereth, Canonem illum forte non esse ullius authoritatis: that is, That perhaps that Canon is of no authoritie.

So that, what solide answeres these are, to elide that which so clearlie maketh agaynst them; and howe they would bee hissed at, on our part, let anie vnpartiall Man judge: And yet these are they, who shamelesselie clayme all Antiquitie so clearlie to make for them.

As the Lyon, there-fore, may bee knowne by his Paw, and Hercules hudge stature, by his Foote onlie; So by these few Examples preceeding, and from the practise but of one **To wit, Bellarmine.especiallie proceeding, wee may see, what is the lyke Trade, and Custome of the rest.

This is the Direction of that Popish Crue at Duay, Index. exp. …. Bertramus.saying of Ancients that make agaynst them, Excogitato commento persaepe negemus: that is, By devising out a Shift, let vsus even often times disclaime them. p. 179Which their Cardinal Baronius calleth,Baron. annal. tom. 1. an. 32. num. 18. Honeslum Confugiū, or an honest vvay of escaping: (an vnhonest, he should hauehave saide.) And their Sanders calleth,Sand. l. 2. de ader. Disp. 5. c. 3. Verissimum & praesentaneum Remedium, A most true, & present Helpe. And if they cannot, vvithout grosse Impudencie, disclaime Auncientes, wee see, they come next to the last Bore of their conjecturall Alleadgeances, of Perhaps, and I suspect, or It is probable, and would seeme, or may bee, that they are so, (as they would hauehave them.) And this is their Non ultra, & hic baerent. Therefore, justlie wee see, that wee may turne over vponupon them, that vvhichwhich Hart saieth to Raynolds, Hart. cont. Rayn. c. 8. Divis. 3.Viam tenetis facilem & expeditam, modo strenue per gatis, respuite omnes authores qui contra vos faciunt, & supposititios esse dicite, it a nempe par est patronos impudentes, pudendam causam pudendis viis defendere: that is, Yee hauehave gotten (saieth he) an easie, and cleare way, so that yee cowragiouslie goe forwardes there-in, reject all Authors p. 180that make against you, and call them counterfeit: for so it is fit, that shamelesse Patrons, by shamefull vvayes, should defende a shamefull Cause. Their practise herein, being like that of the Manicheant, (as Augustine showeth) concerning Apostolicall Writs▪ Inde probo (saide Faustus the Manichean) hoc illius esse,…. illud non esse, quia hoc pro me sonat, illud contrame: that is, Hence I proue this, to bee Apostolicall Writ, and that, not to bee, because this maketh for me, and that maketh against mee. Even as Bellarmine hath no better Warrand,…. to reject Paschasius Testimonie, cited against their Mutilation of the Sacrament, as none of his, but corrupt and vitiate; Because (saieth hee) vvhere it is saide, Bibite, it should hauehave beene saide, Edite. Which is as much to say, That Paschasius, is not Paschasius, except hee speake in the Romane Dialect, and frame his Daunce, to the Pope's Spring.