Among the many instances that might be recited of the abuses here alluded to, it will suffice to produce that of a Man who wore a hood, and was girt with a cord (a _Cordelier_ or _Franciscan_) who lived about the year 1566. This Man’s name was Cornelius Adriasem; he was a native of Dort, and belonged to a Convent in Bruges, and was a most violent preacher against the Heretics, called _Gueux_. He had found means to persuade a certain number of Women, both married and unmarried, to promise him implicit obedience, by certain oaths he made them take for that purpose, and under the specious pretence of greater piety. These Women he did not indeed lash with harsh and knotted cords, but he used gently to rub their bare thighs and posteriors, with willow or birch rods[93]. In order to shew how common the above practices were become, as well as to entertain the Reader, I shall conclude this Chapter with the following story, which is to be found in _Scot’s_ Book, entitled, _Mensa Philosophica_. A Woman, says Scot, who was gone to make her confession, had been secretly followed by her husband, who was jealous of her; and he had hid himself in some place in the Church, whence he might spy her; but as soon as he saw her led behind the altar by the Priest, in order to be flagellated, he made his appearance, objected that she was too tender to bear a flagellation, and offered to receive it in her stead. This proposal the Wife greatly applauded; and the Man had no sooner placed himself upon his knees, than she exclaimed, ‘Now, my Father, lay on lustily, for I am a great Sinner[94].’ [Illustration: (end of chapter mark)] FOOTNOTES: [90] _Es vir sacrilegus si res sacras violasti, Si percussisti personam religiosam, Vel quem de Clero; nisi percussio sancta, Doctor discipulum, Confessor probra fatentem._ [91] Cap. XV. _Episcopus, Presbyter & Diaconus, peccantes fideles diverberare non debeant._ [92] _Card. Pulli_ sententiarum _L. vii. Cap. 3. p. 220. Est ergo satisfactio quædam, aspera tamen, sed Deo tanto gratior quanto humilior, cum quilibet sacerdotis prostratus ad pedes, se cædendum virgis exhibet nudum._