rch; wherein the principall Motives persuading
to Romanisme, and Questions touching the Nature and Authoritie of the
Church and Scriptures, are familiarly disputed ... directed to all that
seeks for Resolution; and especially to all his loving Countrymen of
Lancashire, by John White, Minister of God's Word at Eccles. Folio.
London, 1624."

This, however, is described as being "the fifth impression;" the Preface is
dated Oct. 29, 1608; so that we arrive at the conclusion that the usages
and rhymes, to which I now desire to invite the attention of your readers,
were current in the north-west districts of England more than two hundred
and fifty years since.

White is insisting upon "the prodigious ignorance" which he found among his
parishioners when he entered upon his ministrations, and he proceeds thus
to tell his own tale:

"I will only mention what I saw and learned, dwelling among them,
concerning the saying of their prayers; for what man is he whose heart
trembles not to see simple people so far seduced that they know not how
to pronounce or say their daily prayers; or so to pray that all that
hear them shall be filled with laughter? And while, superstitiously,
they refuse to pray in their own language with understanding, they
speak that which their leaders may blush to hear. These examples I have
observed from the common people."

THE CREED.

"Creezum zuum patrum onitentem creatorum ejus anicum, Dominum nostrum
qui sum sops, virgini Mariae, crixus fixus, Ponchi Pilati audubitiers,
morti {614} by sonday, father a fernes, scelerest un judicarum, finis a
mortibus. Creezum spirituum sanctum, ecli Catholi, remissurum,
peccaturum, communiorum obliviorum, bitam et turnam again."

THE LITTLE CREED.
"Little Creed, can I need,
Kneele before our Ladies knee;
Candle light, candles burne,
Our Ladie pray'd to her deare Sonne,
That we might all to heaven come.
Little Creed, Amen."

"This that followeth they call the 'White Pater-noster:'

"White Pater-noster, Saint Peter's brother,
What hast i' th' t'one hand? white booke leaves.
What hast i' th' t'other hand? heaven yate keyes.
Open heaven yates, and steike [shut] hell yates:
And let every crysome child creepe to its owne mother.
White Pater-noster, Amen."

"Another Prayer:

"I blesse