in Why England Should Sponsor the Colonies, the fourth point ends with the words “to abate the pride of Spain and the supporter of the great Anti-christ of Rome” explain this statement by putting it in the context of 16th century cultural changes occurring in western europei’m
In the context of 16th-century cultural changes occurring in Western Europe, the statement "to abate the pride of Spain and the supporter of the great Anti-christ of Rome" can be understood as a reflection of the prevailing religious tensions and conflicts during that time.
During the 16th century, Western Europe was undergoing the Protestant Reformation, a religious movement led by reformers such as Martin Luther and John Calvin who challenged the authority and practices of the Roman Catholic Church. This movement led to a significant divide between Protestantism and Catholicism, with each side seeking to assert its superiority and gain political influence.
England, which had broken away from the Catholic Church under Henry VIII's reign, became a Protestant nation. The statement suggests that by sponsoring the colonies, England intended to diminish the power and influence of Catholic Spain, which was one of the major European powers at the time.
Additionally, the mention of the "great Anti-christ of Rome" refers to the criticisms and accusations made by Protestant reformers against the Pope and the Roman Catholic Church. Protestants often believed that the Pope represented the Antichrist or the embodiment of evil, and they sought to distance themselves from Catholic teachings and practices.
By sponsoring the colonies, England could be seen as supporting the spread of Protestantism and opposing the authority of the Catholic Church. This reflects the cultural and religious changes occurring in 16th-century Western Europe, as different nations and religious factions vied for power and influence in the midst of the Protestant Reformation.