The great bragge and challenge of M. Champion a Jesuite co[m]monlye called Edmunde Campion, latelye arriued in Englande, contayninge nyne articles here seuerallye laide downe, directed by him to the lordes of the Counsail, / co[n]futed & aunswered by Meredith Hanmer ...

THE GREAT bragge and challenge of M. Champion a Iesuite , commonlye called Edmunde Campion , latelye arriued in Englande , contayninge nyne articles here seuerallye laide downe , directed by him to the Lordes of the Counsail , confuted & aunswered by Meredith Hanmer , M. of Art , and Student in Diuinitie .

INPRINTED , at London in Fletstreate nere vnto Sayncte Dunstons Church by Thomas Marsh. 1581.

TO THE RIGHT HONORABL SIR THOMAS Bromley Knight lorde Chaunceler of Englande ▪ William L. Burleigh , and Lord Treasorer , Rob , e rt ▪ Earle of Leicester , Edward , Earle of Lyncolne with the rest of her Maiestyes most honourable Counsayle , continuaunce of healthe , encrease of honoure , and all Heauenlye wisedome .

WHereas ( Right Honorable ) there came lately into my hands an insolent bragge or challenge contayning nyne poyntes , or articles , and subscribed by M. Champion a Iesuite and ( as he calleth himselfe ) a Priest of the Catholike faith , latelye arriued here in Englande , and the same directed vnto-your Honours by waye of humble sute and petition : I thought it my duety vnder your Lordships fauoure , and correction , to peruse the same , to scanne his drift , and to answeare his bragges and challenge , as farre forth as it concernes my degree , and the common weale of the Clergie of England . His petition is to your honours for fauoure , his quarell is to the Clergie for Religion , and his drift ( as farforth , as yet , it may bee perceiued ) is to seduce her Maiestyes louing and faythfull Subiectes , with showe of Catholike Priesthood and profession . Vnto your honours he directed the Challenge to be receiued : and vnto your honours with all humility I send it answered submitting my selfe and the whole to your wisedomes ▪ & fauorable interpretations . It is no new deuise , but an old practice of Satan , thus to send forth his wicked spirites , to sow tares among the wheat , who wayting all opportunity , not daring in the clere light and broad day to work his feats , doth it by stelth , and in the night season , when men sleepe in the security of Sinne ▪ wherfore the Kinge ruleth , the Priest prayeth , the husbandman ploweth , euery one in his calling , is to serue the Lord , and that in watchfulnes . My selfe as the simplest , togeather with my bretherne of the Clergie we ( I say ) ioyntlye are greatlye bound to render vnto God harty thankes , and praises , for the vertuous , peaceable , and prosperous raigne of our soueraygne Lady the Quenes ▪ maiesty , in whose blessednes we are blessed , in whose peace we enioy quietnes , and of whose vertue and piety we are partakers . Her temperall swerd aduaunceth the swerd of the Spirite , which is the worde of God , and the messengers therof are shielded vnder her shadow and countenaunce . As Daniell sayed of his Lorde and Mayster the Kinge , so say wee dayly and hourely of our Lady and Mistres the Queene : O noble Queene liue for euer . Secondlye wee blesse God for your honours , and instantly craue the continuance of your health , with the encrease of all heauenly knowledge in your calling to countenaunce vnder her Maiesty the preaching of Gods worde , to commaund the buildinge of his church , and to roote out those that goe aboute to destroy the vineyarde of the Lord . And presently touching the challenge of this bragging Champion , in the name of my fellow laborers , and brethren of the Clergie : I refer the determination therof vnto your Lordships ▪ so that if you graunt it either priuately or publiquely , he shall bee disputed withall . His bragge is but bumbast , their religion is in showe not in substance , they haue wordes and not truth . I will not presume to craue licence for him , but hartely wish with the Apostle , that they were cut of which molest vs , and the quiet state of the Church of England . Thirdly in brotherly loue I am to desire of her Maiesties louing subiects , not lightly to credite such insolent brags : not vnaduisedly to receiue such wandrers from Rome : but in the feare of God to beholde , what is and hath bene sayd for the truth , and to cleaue fast vnto the word of God . And so I ceasse further to trouble your Lordships , but with remembraunce of my humble duty I pray vnto the lord long to blesse & preserue your Honors .

From London the second of Ianuarie . 1580. Your L. most humble at commaundement Meredith Hanmer .

TO M. CHAMPION THE Challenger , Meredith Hanmer the Answerer sendeth greetinge .

YOur scroles of lesse credite ( in myne opinion ) than sybilles leaues lately flowen abrode , fell vppon an hollowe Reede and sounded the contentes and secrecy thereof : Antichrist Rom. Midas . Rex Midas habet aures Asininas . We know you well ynough , and your profession better . We see by your methode how yee handle your matter : we gather by your Pilgrimage your profite in studye . Stultus populus quaerit Romam . I woulde wish yee dealte playnlye , Fond people fleete to Rome cast of the Popes pelte , discouer the sonne of Semiramis who was a naturall I would heare not a Romanist , but an Englishman speake . Your person in brotherly loue I am to embrace , but the dregges of idolatrye you dranke at Rome , I vtterlye deteste . Leaue of that whiche your owne friendes wil mislyke in you , put on modestye , come not to confute , but to be confirmed , and when ye haue sayd all , confesse : Nihil est iam dictum quod non sit dictum prius . Proceede not in wilfulnes , Nothing now sayd that hath not bene alreadye spoken . it is hard to kicke agaynst the pricke , the trueth is great and it preuayleth if yee will struggle in the limetwigge of follye , you wil be the further from flying : if ye swim agaynst the streame , yee shal but labor in vayne ▪ if yee play the Champion and thus challenge all the Protestantes , yt passeth your strength , yee must nedes fall ▪ you know : ne Hercules contra duos ▪ and yet Champion agaynst all ? No not Hercules agaynst two . if it would please ye to construe these few liues togeather with myne answeare , in the better parte , I shall haue the better cause to like of you , if otherwyse , well I may take thoughte , but it shal greue me not a Iote : if yee haue licence to dispute ye shal be disputed withall : if yee write , yee shal be answeared : If ye recant ye shal be ioyfully receiued .

VALE .

M. Hanmer the aunswerer vnto the Christian Reader .

THe meanes that Satan vseth to deceaue Gods people are infinite ( good christian Reader ) his illusions are stronge , his chaine hath manye linkes and runneth to greate length . hee transformeth himselfe to an Angell of Light , and al to delude the simple christians . His power is ouer the children of vnbeliefe , his kingdome wide and his subiectes many . An Aegyptian Sorcerer drew after him ( as Luke writeth ) foure thousande Iewes ( as Iosephus saith ) thirty thousand : Act. 21. Ioseph . bel . Iud. lib. 2. cap. 12. Euseb. ecel . hist. lib. 4. cap. 6 . Barchochebas calling himselfe a stare , had ( as Eusebius writeth ) fiftye thousand followers : There are heathens and infidels , that cannot be numbred : The number of Turkes and Saracens is in finite : the Arrians deceaued thousandes and the Church of Rome at this day with the golden cup of idolatry and abhomination , maketh drunk the inhabitants of the earth ▪ And whereas these Romanistes of a long time hauinge receaued honor , reuerence , & good opinion , because of their holy orders , now beyng bewrayed , and stripped of this pharisaicall shewe and counterfaite weede , least theire kingdome should fall , they haue found out a newe order , and society , commonly called of Iesuits , Euseb. Ecel . hist. lib. 5. cap. 13. lib. 7. cap. 30. as the last refuge and onely shift to vphold their ruinous walles . Montanus with his prophetisses sent disciples to sowe his heresye throughout Asia and Phrygia . Manes chose twelue Apostles , and sent them throughout Persia ▪ with the Easterne partes of the worlde ▪ Sleidan lib. 10 The Family of Loue haue their prophets and disciples . The Anabaptistes out of Munster the head citye of Westphalia , sente abroade ( as Sleidan reporteth ) in the euening 28. Apostles . And the Pope hath lately about 40. yeares past confirmed the sect of Iesuits , & sends then abroad in the euening of the world with the Anabaptists , & in the night season , with the enemy of God and man , to sow tares among the wheat . And to further the credite of this new found order they father the same vpon Iesus , and cal themselues Iesuites , hauing their originall of one Ignatius a maymed Souldioure , as is declared at large in the answeare . August . de haeres . Epiphan. haeres. 61. There were heretikes called Angelici , who worshipped Angels : others called Apostolici arrogating in greate pride , that title vnto themselues : others Humiliati , croaching fryiers , that pretended humility : others called Iesuati , and they the veriest varlets of all : others of the familye of Loue , and as they affirme deifyed in God . The Carpocratian heretikes sayd , they were like vnto Iesu , Irenaeus· lib. 1 cap. 24. and excelled the Apostles . The Massilian heretikes called also Euchitae beyng corrected for their lewdnes called them selues Martyrianos , yet ( saith Epiphanius ) for al their holines , Theodoret. eccle. hist. lib. 4. cap. 11. they worshipped the deuil & wer called Sataniani . If ye called any of them Christ , a Patriarch , a Prophet , or an Angel , they said they were so . But as touching this late order of Iesuits , August . de haeres . this society passeth all other sectes in Hypocrisie & outward shew of holines . In weede monkish frierish , priestly and Pharisaicall : in discipline austere , much like the Heretikes Flagellefiers , Epiphan. haeres , 80. or Circumcellions , or Baals priestes , whipping and launcing themselues : in wordes humble , lowlye , dowking , and ready to kisse your fote , but in hart prowde , arrogant , bragging and bosting as this Iesuit doth , & challenging the combat with countries and kingdomes . I will at this present no more but warne thee : Beware of false Prophets : Math. 7 Math. 10. we are commaunded to be wise as Serpentes , and simple as Doues . Peruse the whole , and trie the spirites : geue the praise vnto God , let the paynes be myne , and the profite thyne owne .

Farewell .

M. Champion , a Iesuite lately arriued here in England hath laide downe as followeth : by way of chall●ng .

RIght Honorable wheras I haue come out of Germany and Boh●●me land , being sent by my superiors and aduentured my selfe , into this realme , my deare countrey for the glory of God & benefit of soules : I thought it good litle inough , in this busie , watchfull and suspicious worke , I should eyther sooner or later be intercepted and stopped of my course . Wherfore prouiding for all doubte , and incertenties which may soone come o● me when God shall happely deliuer my body into durence : I suppose it needefull to put this writing in a redinesse , desiring your L. to geeue it the reading and to knowe my cause . Thus doing I trust I shall ease you of your labour ▪ for that whych otherwise you must haue sought by practise of Wit. I doe nowe lay into your handes my playne confession . And to th entent this whole matter may be conceaued in order & so the better vnderstoode and remembred , I make heereof nyne poyncts , or articles , directly , truely and resolutely opening my full enterprice and purpose .

The aunswere .

IT should appeare by your preamble and entrance that your person were not lightly to bee regarded , neyther your message to be reiected , neither your trauell to be vnconsidered : seeing that meane personages may not be acquainted with your arriuall , neyther saluted in your style . You begynne with Right honorable , as one sent in Embassage from some great state , not vouchsafing the presence of the meaner sort , afore you haue accomplished your entent with the superiors , and yet withdraw your selfe , that neyther the one nor thother shall vew your person , but from hand to hand , & in , receyue in scrowles and torne papers , your drift and enterprise . By your Preface I gather fiue thinges . First to whom you direct these your scattered deuises , to the ryghte honorable , her Maiesties most noble Counsailers , the Pieres , and state of the Realme . Weygh wyth your selfe afore yee presume further they are no Babes . Secondly I perceaue whence ye come , you traueled Germany , passed through Bohoemia , rested at Rome , tooke counsell of your Prouost , obeyed your Superior , tooke your voyage northwarde , and arriued in Englande . In fewe words , out of England yee went , & into England yee are come agayne : you are welcome home . Thirdly , I gather your dryft & purpose is , as ye say , to set forth Gods glory , to winne erring & wandring soules : if you meane playnly , none better welcome . For the haruest is great and the labourers fewe . Fourthly , mee thinkes yee bewraye your selfe , Math. 9. where you confesse this your enterprise to appertayne to a busy body , the trauel to require vigilance and the worke to be suspicious , mistrusting what will befall to your person , the perill and daunger which hereby yee may incurre Fiftly , not forgettinge the slye conueyaunce of Rhetorical insinuations ▪ you would subtlely creepe into the fauour of your Readers , by protesting an open sh●w of plaine , sincere , & vnfained ●e●●ing , by promising to contriue into order & method for ease & memories sake the principal poincts of your drift , & purpose . This is the sinne of your preface the which I thought good thus to repeate , that yee may perceaue we finde you , and that the reader bee not ouer hastely carried away with your fayre shewe and gloriouse florish . Substance as yet I finde not , longer to stay my penne . But in the poincts following , deliuered by your selfe in their seuerall numbers , I purpose wyth Gods helpe , mildly and brotherly to confer with you , both being of one countrey , fellow studentes sometime in the famous Uniuersity of Oxenford , professor● ( as you woulde beare vs in hand ) of one fayth , thoughe varyinge in forme and manner : Fellow Laborers ( as you would make vs beleeue ) in the Uineyard of Christe Iesus , planting vertue , plucking vp vice , graffing the penitent , croppinge of , the fruictlesse and withering branches , drying wyth comfort the dropping eyes of the sorowful and watering with the dew of Gods word the dry consciences of the ignoraunt . Whatsoeuer I lay downe , take before hand my meaning , that nothing be spoken neither construed of you in the worse sense , as derogating from your study , blemishing of your person , nor diminishinge of your credit : but all in the Zeale of Gods cause in the defence of my Prynces proceedings , in the quarell of my Countrey , and in the loue of my deare brethren , and that wyth as much modesty as lyeth in mee . Let the spirites be tryed . Helia● being commaunded to wayte the Lords comyng on the Mounte , 3. Reg. 19. as the story sayth : The Lord went ouer & a great mighty winde ▪ shauing the Mountaynes and renting the Rockes , but the Lord was not in the Wynd : after the Wynd came there an Earthquake , but the Lorde was not in the Earthquake : and after the Earthquake there came a Fyre , but the Lord was not in the Fyre : and after the fire there came a still , soft , or mylde hissing , and there was the Lord . My minde I doubt not but you perceaue , and now to the poyncts in order as you haue placed them .

The Iesuite .

I Confesse that I am ( albeit vnworthy ) a Priest of the Catholicke church , and through the greate mercy of God vowed now this eyght yeres , into the Society of Iesus , and thereby haue taken vpon mee a speciall kynde of warrefare vnder the Banner of obedience , and eke resigned all my interest , and possibility of wealth , honour and pleasure wyth other worldly Felicities .

The aunswere .

IN these words yee geue vs to vnderstande , your ●yr●e , your Order , your state , and condicion . You begin wyth Confiteor , yeelding a shewe of modesty , by confessinge your vnworthines . The 〈◊〉 inferre a vehement suspicion , & lest that your reader should long stand in suspence , you display your banner and vncouer your nakednes . Wee finde you a Priest : no ●orce . Of the Catholike church : not amisse if it be true . A Iesuite , as you write Of the Society of Iesus .

You bewray your selfe , when as vnder the faire name of Iesus you haue together with your complices lately found out a fond order neuer heard of , the space of fifteene hundred and odde yeares after Christ . Here I am to warne my Brethren and Countrey men , that they take heede they be not deceiued by meanes of you , and such as you are , entitling your selfe a Priest of the Catholick faith , and for the further aduauncement of your credite , to father your felowship vpon Iesus . Wee know that Waspes haue Honye Combes as well as Bees : wicked men haue companies like to the Church of God : your brethren of the societye or Family of Loue haue a Glorious title ▪ but we find them a detestable sect of Hereticks , of like antiquity with your order they are not straight way the people of God , which are called the people of God , Rom. 9. neyther be they all Israelites as many as are come of Israel , the Father . The Arrians were Heretickes , yet bragged , Socrat. that they alone were Catholickes calling the true professors , Ambrosians , Athanasians , Iohannits , as you do nowe call the professours of the Gospel , Lutherans , Zuinglians , Caluinists &c. Nestorius the Heretick ( sayith Theodoret ) cloked his falsehoode with the coloure of truth . Theodoret. Ebion beyng in opinion a Samaritane , yet sayth Epiphanius , Epiphan haeres . 30. would hee be called a Christian. The Turkes comming by lineall discent of Agar the bondwoman , yet sayth Sozomenus , Sozom. eccl. hist. lib. 6. cap. 38. will they be called Saracens of Sara , Abrahams true & lawful wyfe . The Spirit in the Reuelation reporteth of some , how they call themselues Iewes , yet testifyeth he , they are the Synagoge of Satan . The Pharisies told Christ , Apocalyp . 2. Iohn . 8. they had Abraham to theyr father : yet affyrmeth Christ , they were of their father the Deuill . Looke vnto your selfe , that ye be not in a wrong boxe , for assure your selfe , vnlesse we fynd your doctrine Catholike , wee will not allowe of your title . You bleare the eies of the simple with mouthing the Church , the Catholicke Church , our holy mother the Church : Not vnlike the vayne guyse of Hipocriticall professors in the time of Ieremie , Ierem. 7 who had in their mouthes , The Temple of the Lord The Temple of the Lord , but in their harts th● idole groue of the deuill . you are therein to be aduysed with them : trust not in false lying words , saying : 〈◊〉 is the temple of the Lorde &c. they shall not auayle you . Here you tel vs of your order , a fayre shew without , but a foule shame when the secrecy therof is opened . It is a new order , new maysters ▪ newe men , new lawes , new leaders , the deuil is an old knaue , and now he hath put on a new coate : we are forewarned that if an Angell from Heauen should bryng vnto vs any other Gospell , any other Christ or christian order , Galat. 1 than we haue already receyued , we should shun him Beware of false Prophets ( saith Christ ) for many wil come in my name , saying : I am Christ ( or as you say of the society of Iesus ) & deceiue many if any say vnto you , Math 7. Math. 24. Marc. 13. Luc. 21 here is Christ ( in this order or that order ) beleue them not . If they saye vnto you : behold , he is in the desert ( in this Cell or that Cell , in this rocke or that rocke , in this vale , or that vale ) goe not after them . or if they say , behold , hee is in the secrete closet or inner chamber , ( in City , Towre , Temple , Chappel , I le , Aulter , Shryne &c. ) beleue them not . And now with your pacience , I will blaze the armes of your order , the antiquitye of your house , the originall of your lyne , & progresse of your society , whom your selues call Iesuits , the Printer shal play the crier , & publish the same ( if ye please in our natiue soyle & sweete country of England ) to the knowledge of the posterity , & yet for more indifferency let an other speak for vs both . Ther was ( saith Martinus Chēnizius ) a certain Souldier by name Ignatius Layola ( as Pantaleon wryteth ) Cantaber , a spaniard of Biskay who being at the siege , Martin . Chemnizius exam. concil . Trident in praefat. of Pompeiopolis was shot throughe both shankes with a Gunne , and returning into his countrey made away with that litle which he had , and determined with himself thenceforth to lead a straict and austere kynd of lyfe : Pantal . Chronograph , and consideringe with himself that Learning and knowledge auayled much to further his enterprise & purpose , hee got him to Paris , where he studied ( as it is reported ) the space of ten yeares , and linked vnto him , in that space , ten associats or companions of his new-founde order and deuysed trade of life . At the tenth yeares end with his tenne companions he returned into Spayne in the yere of our Lord 1536. The yeare followinge , to wit : 1537. they came to Rome , crauing the Popes Bul a faculty to goe a pilgrimage to Ierusalem there to visite ( as they signifyed ) the holy places . They toke their voiage to Venice , and then as storyes record , the Turkes warred with the Venetians , and trauaylinge was so daungerous , that they were disappoynted of theyr iourney . Immediatlye they alter theyr mindes and determine to geue them selues to preaching . Whereuppon the Popes Legate , oyled after the Romish manner , and shore Priestes seuen of them , and gaue them licence freely and in all places to preach , to heare confession , and to minister the Sacramentes . In the yere 1540. through the help of Cardinal Contarenus they made sute vnto Pope Paulus 3. that , that order of theirs might by his autority be confirmed . Paulus 3. graunted theyr request ratifyed theyr order , with this prouiso , that the number of theyr society exceeded not 60. This Pope afterward beyng geuen to vnderstande how avayleable this order was for the vpholdinge of his kingdome , and the repayring of the ruinous walles of his pontificall autority , esteemed of this society as excelling all others , so that in the yeare 1543. he decreed , that the society of Iesu , should not be tied to any one place of abode , neyther limitted to any certayn number of brethren . So farre , Mart. Chēnizius . To be short , they preuayled so much that they got them a place at Rome , where ( as this Pilgreme confesseth ) their Prouost is alwaies resident , & sendeth abrod his Pupills , as I may iustly say to deceaue the people of God . Lastly , after the Ignatius , & Cardinal Moronius , had consulted together , meanes was found that in the yeare 1553. there was a Colledge builded at Rome for the trayning vp of youth to goe abrode to seduce the Inhabitaunts of the earth . Now sir will it please you to behold your Coate . The first of your gentry was Ignatius Layola the creeple , hee standing vnder Pompeiopolis towre geues the Pellet out of his tayle : the supporters be two Cardinalls : your Crest is a shauen crowne : your prerogatiues & royalties ( if you may be beleeued ) are great : your lyberties reach far , yee may go whither ye wil you being such a man , as ye say : Of the Sosciety of Iesus , why hide yee your selfe in ? Why come ye not forth ? why repayre you not to the temple & sit among the Doctors ? but as touching your order , I see the fulfilled which long agoe hath bene foretold to happen in the latter dayes , concerning Teachers and Hearers . Men haue itching eares , 2. Timoth. 3. endeuoring to procure themselues teachers after their fond humors . Men are high minded , self willed , 2. Timoth. 4. louers of them selues , being wedde to their owne wayes and deuises , leauing the law of God , Math. 15. and following after the traditions of men . What mooued you to forsake your natiue Soile , and the famous Uniuersities of England , florishinge with all kinde of good litterature ? the scriptures are in this land lernedly expounded : the fathers alleaged : the councells examined : the hystories deuine , & prophane , morall , and naturall , throughly pervsed : the lawes Ciuill , Canon , Statute , and temperal diligently scanned : iustice is put in vre : and that which confirmeth the right vsage of all the premises , God hath blessed this Land with peace these many yeres . Blessed be his name therfore . I hope ye are come home to taste with vs , Psalme . 33. howe sweete the Lord is . But this long time you haue neglected al the aforesaid , & whereas there are many orders and sects vnder Abadon King of Locustes as Monckes , Apocalyp . 9. Anachoretes , Eremits , Fryers , Carmelits , the order of Basill , Augustine , Benedict , Dominike , Frauncis , Ord● Cluntacēsium , Grandimontensium , Volaterran . Anthropolog . lib. 21. Carthusiensium , Cisterciensium , Clarevallensium , Praemonstratensium , Camaldulensium , vallis vmbrosae , humiliaetorum , Guilielmitarum , seruorum beatae Mariae , Sanctae Brigittae , Coelestinorum , Canonicorum regularium , montis ●liueti , Militum sancti Iohannis Baptistae , Templarorium , Sanctae Mariae Teutonicorum , sancti Iacobi , de Calatraue , militum Iesu Christi , Militum Alcant●rae , de redemptione captiuorum , montēsiae , sancti Sepulchri , and infinite other Locusts , hauing their originall , successe , & confirmation , by southsaying , coniuring , dreames , visions , fantasies , lies , illusions and fayned Miracles : you for nouelties sake haue found out a newe rule , and the lousiest order of all . They had some colour , either they fathered their inuention vppon the virgine Mary , or vpon some sainct . You addict your selfe to a maymed souldier , and bringe forth vnto vs an haulting religion . It shoulde appeare you repose therein holines . Deceaue no longer your self , goe not aboute to delude Gods People , and her Maiesties louing and obedient Subiects It is neyther the place , nor the habite , that maketh a man the holier . Gregory sayth : Gregor. in Ezech. lib. 1. Homil. 9. Si desit spiritus non adiuuat locus &c. If the spirit be wanting the place helpeth not . Lot was holy in Sodome , yet sinned he in the Mount . And that the places gard not the myndes , let our great graundfather Adam testify for he fell in Paradise ▪ For if the place could haue succored , Satan had not fallen from Heauen . The same words in maner hath Ambrose . Ierome also writeth : Non sanctorum filij sunt , Dist. 40. cap. Non est . qui tenent loca sanctorum . They are not the sonnes of Saincts which enioy the rowme of Saincts . Chrysostome telleth vs : Chrysost. in Math. homil. 43. Non locus sanctificat hominem , sed homo sanctificat locum , the place maketh not the man holy , but the man maketh the place holy . Againe . Gregory sayth : Non loca vel ordines , creatori nostro nos proximos faciunt . Dist. 40. cap. Non loca . It is not the places nor the orders that makes vs neerer or more acceptable vnto God our Creator . It was Symmachus , that poisoned the streames which you dranck of , where he sayth of the Pope : Si desint bona acquisita per meritum , Ibidem cap. Non no● ▪ sufficiunt quae a loci praedecessore praestantur . If there want good things gotten by his owne Merittes , the good thinges which hee hath gotten of his Predecessor are sufficient . Here the treasor house of the church , and the merite Cell of orders , Munkry , fratry , and societies is established . In the iudgement of this Pope , as it also gathered by the glose , Gloss. ad cap. Non nos . Peter hath graunted his Successours ( vt essent haeredes bonitatis suae ) that they should be heires of his vertue and worthynes . Agayne : Gloss. ad cap. sic nos . dist. 19. Papa Sanctitatem recipit à Cathedra , the Pope receaueth holines of his Chayre . Pontifical . in benedic : ad vest . sacerdo● . In hallowinge the Priestes vestiments ye say : that thy Priestes wearing this holy vesture , may deserue to be shielded and defended from all assaults , and temptations of the wicked spirites .

Pestilent is that opinion of Thomas of Aquine , who saith that the wearing of Frauncis or Dominickes cowle , hath power to remoue sinne , as wel as the sacrament of baptisme . Alphons . aduer. Haeres . lib. 7. cap. 7. Alphonsus de Castro a Minorit reporteth , that in his hearing , a certayne Thomist preached : Whosoeuer forsaketh the iudgment of Thomas of Aquine , must bee taken as suspected of Heresie . Heere is a dilemma . Eyther put no holinesse therein and so followe no choyce of order : or else put holinesse therein , & therefore according vnto the premises you are iustly to be condemned . This supersticious Opinion of your fantasticall orders , Sleidan . lib. 12. hath be witched not onely meane Personages , but also great Prynces . For Franciscus Marques of Mantua , the second of that name , Albertus Pius Prynce of Zeugitana lying at Paris , and Christophorus Longolius that great Clerke buried at Padua , charged their executors , to bury them in Sainct Francis Weede . They hoped ( sayth the Story ) to obtayne Remission of sinne , if they were buried in a graye Fryers Coate . It appeareth vnto the World howe shamefull and vile was the romish Religion in those dayes . For men were ledde into that palpable ignoraunce and blindnes that to bee buried in Muncke , or Fryers Weede was thought inough to bring a man to eternall Lyfe . These your deuised dreames doe nought else , but leade to the Deuill , & damne as many as drinck of your Cuppe .

Chrysostome exclaimeth against you , & your Pharisaicall sects . O the wickednes hereof , Crysost . in Math. Homil. 43. ( saith he ) they will shewe more holines in theire apparell , then in the body of Christ &c. that hee , which despayreth in Gods mercy , should put his trust in the garment of a man . The auncient councell of Gangra hath decreed : Concil. Gangrens . cap. 12. Si quis virorum putauerit , sancto pròposito , id est , continentiae conuenire , vt pallio vtatur tanquam ex eo iustitiam habiturus &c. Anathema sit . If any man thinke it agreable to his holy purpose , to wit , of continent life , to weare a cloake , as though therby he were to haue righteousnes &c. let him be accursed . And loke what is here spoken of the cloke , maye bee vnderstoode of other habits and garments . Many learned and Godly men , from tyme to tyme , haue lamented the miserable state of the Church , seyng the infinite number that in shew professe religion , the diuersity of orders , their varing in seruice , their addictyng vnto Saynctes , seruinge as it is written , rather the Creature then then the Creator . Rom. 1. In this respect the complaynt is made : My people ( sayth the Lord ) haue done two euilles . They haue forsaken me the well of the water of life , and digged them pittes , Ierome . 2. yea vile and broken pittes that hold no water . Kingdomes haue bene bepestred with these swarmes of locusts , eating the fatte of the earthe , and makinge as it were heauen of this world , Anno. 1279. there was a councell summoned at Lyons where the pope being present , order was taken for the suppressing of Friers and religious men , that thenceforth there should but onely foure orders be receiued About the yeare 1392. Henry Crumpe an Irishman wrote a greate volume : contra religiosos mendicantes . Richard Fitz Rafe . Archbyshop of Armach . wrote xvi . Bookes , De Religios . domib . capit . Ne nimia . contra fratres mendicantes . Innocentius . 3. decreed : Lest that the ouermuch diuersity of orders in religion , bring great confusion into the church of God , we straitly forbid , that none henceforth do inuent a newe order : but whosoeuer vill vowe or professe , let him take one of the orders allowed .

I will not presentlye stande longer in recitinge eyther graue fathers , or learned men , who from time to tyme , misliked not onely with the varying orders of Munkery & Fratrye , but also with the vayne and vnconstant heads of the deuysers and founders therof . Your Cannon law layeth down , what opinion we should conceaue of you & such as you are in so doing : quisquis contemptis hijs cum quibus viuit , Dist. 41. cap. clericus . Lautiora sibi , vel austeriora prae caeteris indumenta , vel alimenta quaerit , aut intemperans sui , aut superstitiosus est . Whosoeuer dispisinge his ordinary trade of liuing procureth vnto himselfe beyonde others a more delicate or a more austere kinde of rayment , or diet , he is eyther intemperate or superstitious . Now I come to tender your state and condition where ye say that : yee haue resigned your interest and possibillity of wealth , honor and pleasure , with other worldly felicityes . Haue you solde your annuitye ? but ye made not the buyer priuye vnto your desperate enterpryse . Haue ye done away your possibility ? why did ye so ? ye might haue bene a byshop : you would make vs peraduenture beleue : you care not for preferment , no more then Theatinus the Iesuit , who had vowed as wel as you , but plaied the egregious hypocrite , Ioh. Balaeus Anglic. script . Centur. 8. he pleaded pouerty , but practised the fillyng of the poke . quam sectam ( saith Caelius ) postea deseruit , cum quod venabatur accepisset . which order he afterward forsoke , who he had gotten that which he gaped for . Hee founde meanes to be Cardinall , and afterward Pope . When he should goe to Rome to be stalled in his Pontificalibus his bretherne the begginge Iesuites asked him whither hee wente , his answeare was , as Christ sometymes answeared his disciples : Ioh. 1● . whither I go , thither cannot ye come : meaninge that hee went to be Pope , that he would playe the Iesuite no more , & that they should goe a ●●ging aboute the Countrey such is the holines of your societye in renouncinge the possibilitye of worldly preferment .

The Iesuite .

AT the voyce of our generall Prouost which is to me a warrant from Heauen , and an oracle from Christ , I toke my voyage from Prage to Rome where our sayde Father Generall is alwaye resident , and from Rome to England , as I mighte and would haue gone ioyouslye into anye parte of Christendome or heathens hadde I bene thervnto assigned .

The Aunsweare .

BY your words I gather first your obedience to your generall Prouost . Secondlye your affiance and opinion of him and his auctority , beynge as ye say : a warrant to you from heauen , and an oracle from Christ . Thirdly your pilgrimage from Prage to Rome , from Rome to England . Touching your obedience & tyinge your selfe to that order & trade of life ( beyng an Englishman ) to a forrain and a straunger ( whom yee call your Prouost ) enemy to god , as we fynde by examininge your religion , and as it were a sworne aduersarye to our soueraygne Lady , the Queens maiestye the Crowne & Dignity ( in that he sendeth such pilgrims as rebellious skoutes into her Dominions ) what scripture haue ye for your warant ? ye are commaunded to geue vnto Caesar that which is due vnto Caesar , Math 22. Rom. 13 . & vnto God , that which is Gods : tribute to whom tribute belongeth custome to whom custome belongeth : feare to whom feare belongeth , & honor to whom honor belongeth . ● ▪ Pet. 2 Rom. 13. Agayne : Feare God , honor the King . Agayne : Let euery Soule be subiect vnto the higher Powers . Paul meaneth not here your subiection eyther to Pope or Prouost , & so forget your dutye to your Prince . Wil yee bee tried by Peter ? be ye subiect ( sayth hee ) vnto all manner ordinaunce of men , ● Pet. 2. for the Lordes sake , whether it be vnto the King as vnto the chief head , either vnto rulers as vnto them that are sente by him . Herevpon Chrysostome , that the Apostle sheweth , quod ista imperentur omnibus , & Sacerdotibus , & Monachis , Chysost in . 13. Rom. homil. 23. non solum secularibus . That these ordinaunces haue a●tority ouer all , both Priestes , and Moncks , not onely ouer seculer , and lay persons . Agayne sayth he , be subiect , ( etiam si Apostolus sit , si Euangelista , si Propheta , Ibidem . siue quisquis tandem fueris ) yea if thou bee an Apostle , if thou bee an Euangelist , if thou be a Prophet , yee whosoeuer thou be . and agayne , least you should thinke this any preiudice to Christian order , hee sayth : Neque enim pietatem , subuertit ista subiectio ▪ neither doth this obedience ( to your Prince ) ouerthrowe piety or religion . He asketh the question : seeing then thou mayst haue a Prince that commendeth thy well doing , and furthereth thyne affayres , why becomest thou not obedient ? lastlye hee preuenteth an obiection , which is moste commonlye ryse in the mouthes of Romishe Rebelles , sayinge : I will in no wise heare thee saye , that oftentimes the Prynce abuseth his autority , but beholde thou the goodlines or decency of this ordinaunce , and thou shalt see the great wisedome of him that ordayned it from the beginning . The Apostle layeth before vs the perill of disobedience saying : They verely which resist , Rom. 13. purchace vnto themselues damnation . Notwithstanding all the premises and the strayct iniunctions of the holy Ghost , you haue left your natiue soyle , neglected your obedience vnto the truth of Gods worde , and forgotten your loyalty and subiection vnto her Royall maiesty , and her godly proceedinges . Do yee not knowe that power , ordinance , Rom. 13. and gouernment is of God ? the Prynce sitteth in Gods chayre , the prynce beareth not the sword in vayn . As God is a Ielous God , so he wil not haue the honor , Exod. 20. Malach. 1. loue , feare , and seruice due vnto him , done to any other . Haue you forgotten that euer yee read of the Ielousy of Prynces ouer their Subiects ? What ? is the pope a friend to England ? is your Prouost a fauorer of her maiesty ? were your companions her louers ? What are you your selfe , with your patience be it demaunded ? had yee licence to passe ouer ? now yee are comebacke , what obedience do you shew ? Let it not grieue you that I thus examine your estate . Yee are as you say a Iesuite , your Prouost and Controller is at Rome . You are as it may bee gathered become his seruant and sworn subiect . 1. Corinth . 7. Sainct Paule geueth good counsaile if ye would follow it . Yee are bought with price make not your selues slaues vnto men . Ambros. in 1. Corinth . 7. Saynct Ambrose expoundeth the same : serui hominum hij sunt , qui humanisse subijciunt superstitionibus . They are the slaues of men , that make themselues subiect to mens superstitions . This holy father geueth yet a further light vnto the Apostles wordes , saying : The Apostle nowe remembreth that which he rebuked in the beginning of his Epistle , because they would say : I holde of Paule , an other : I holde of Apollo , and you hold of your Prouost , hee of the Pope , & the Pope of the deuill . Alphonsus de Castro one of your own crew , calleth the like obedience : Alphons . aduers. haeres . Lib. 1. cap. 7. Miserimam seruitutem , a most wretched slauery , where some addict them selues to Thomas , some to Scotus , some to Occam , so that thereof they are called Thomists , Scotists , Occamists , & you with the Turkes , refusing Agar , & chusing Sara , take skorne to be called Ignatians , of Ignatius your lame leader , call your selues Iesuites , and swere fealty to your Romish Prouost . The iudgement of Alphonsus in this poinct is grounded vppon the Apostle where he sayth : Ibidem . Paule hath commaunded vs ( saith he ) to submit our vnderstanding , but vnto the obedience of Chryst , 2. Corinth . 10. not vnto the obedience of men .

Secondly , as touching the opynion you haue in your generall , your warrant ( as yee say ) from heuen , and Oracle from Christ : Deceaue not your selfe in trustinge to a rotten staffe . Caus. 11. quaest. 3. si quis hominem . Harken what Ierome sayth : Si quis hominem qui sanctus non est , sanctum esse crediderit , & dei cum iunxerit societati , christum violat cuius membra sumus . If any man belieue that man to be holy , that is not holy , and will ioyne hym to Gods company , hee doth villany to Christ whose members wee are . He is no Iuppiter Hammon , Dodonaeus , Heliopolitanus , Nicephorius of Mesopotamia , hee is no Oracle of Apollo in Delphis , Branchida , Larissa , Lycia , the Ile Delos , nor Daphne that deceaued thousands : he sits not to geue answeres in the temple of Serapis in Canopus , neyther in the temple of Pasiphae , neither in the temple of Aesculapius among the Pergamits Narbaca of the Hyrcans , Aridalus of the Traezenians , Apis in Aegypt . All these Oracles are silent & now onely doth yours geue answeres ? If the reader looke that philosophy should yeelde him the cause of their silence , I referre him to Plutarch who discourseth thereof in his booke : Plutarch . de Oraculis quae obmutuerunt , and agayne in hys booke : Cur Pythia versibus non respondeat amplius .

But leauing him to his philosophicall conclusions , chrystian Relligion directeth vs , and fully resolueth that the power of Gods woorde preuayled so much , that ( as a great light expellinge Mist and darknes ) the mouthes of all wicked spirites were stopped , heathen Oracles ceased , & in steede thereof , Satan now sendeth forth Romishe spirites , vnder colour of Religion , to carry away in ignoraunce as many as will credit their lyinge Oracles . Your Prouost is no seer of Israell , he is no Samuel vnder the Ephod , hee is no Moses on the Mount , hee is no Aaron with Vrim and Thummim , hee is no Arke with the Tables of God , the rod of Aaron , neyther wyth the golden Pot of Manna , that you shoulde put such confidence in him . We perceaue welinough what hee is , one sitting in the synagoge of Satan , and offring sacrifice in the temple of Antichrist at Rome . Moreouer you signifie vnto vs that hee is not onely your Oracle , but also your warrant from heauen . This you barely affirme without warrant of Gods word . This dealing inferreth a vehement suspicion , it hath bene Satans practise of olde , for the further aduauncement of his purpose . Mercurius gaue the Aegyptians lawes , receaued ( as he sayth ) of the God Mena : Zamolxis to that Getae , and Thracians from the Goddesse Vesta : Lycurgus to the Lacedaemonians from Appollo Delphieus : Solon to the Athenians , Zaleucus to the Locretians , Philolaus to the Thebans , Minos to the Cretians from Iuppiter : Lactant. Diuinar . Instit. Lib. 1. cap. 15. Numa Pompilius had conference with the Goddesse Aegeria : the Lady Pallas directed the Troians : and as Lactantius writeth , Cabyrius the Macedonians , Vrana the Carthaginians , Faunus the Latines , Saucus the Sabinians , Iuno the Samnites , Venus the Paphites , and all as they would make vs belieue proceeded from some God or Goddesse . The Turke also ( as he saith ) receaued his Alcoran from heauen . In like sort hath your Prouost his autority from heauen . The Pope deceaued him , he deceaued you , and nowe you goe about to deceaue others . The gift of prophecying in the iudgment of the learned is done away : extraordinary callyng is either very rare or not at all : working of miracles is ceased and in the iudgment of Chrysostome : If there be any such , Chrysost. in Math. homil. 49. it is rather founde amonge the false christians . Wherfore if either your Prouost , or you , haue eny warrant from heauen , for the establishing of any such order , bring it forth out of Gods word , or else yee are not to bee belieued . Chrysostome telleth vs flatly : Ibidem . Antea enim multis modis ostendebatur quae esset Ecclesia christi & quae Gentilitas : nunc autem nullo modo cognoscitur , volentibus cognoscere quae sit vera ecclesia christi nisi ●antummodo per scripturas . In times past it was shewed by many wayes which was the church of Christe , and what paganisme , but now it is known no maner of way , of them that will vnderstande which is the true church of Christe , but only by the scriptures . Your brethren of the romish church haue fathered their orders vpon visions , dreames , myracles , and apparitions , and thereby deluded thousandes . Nauclerus writeth of Pope Hildebrand called Gregory the seuenth , Naucler ▪ how that lying at the poinct of death : Protestatus est coram omnibus , vt cauerent ab hominibus siue viris siue mulieribus , sub specie religionis , loquentibus visiones sui capitis , quia per tales ipse seductus . He made a solempne protestation before all that were present that they should take heede of people , were they men , or were they women , that gaue forth the dreames & visions of their owne brayne , for by such he him selfe had bene deceaued . Old father Gerson Chaunceler sometimes of Paris tryeth out agaynst the abuse of that corrupte tyme which receiued , Iohn Gerson . sectes and orders by dreames & visions without warrant of gods word . Frier Alphonsus is in a pelting chafe with such as geue credit to mens workes , Alphons . aduers. Haeres . Lib. 1. cap. 7. as if they were Oracles from aboue , and geue them that honor which is due vnto the sacred scriptures . Non enim iurauimus ( sayeth hee ) in verba hominis , sed in verba dei . We haue not vowed the truth of mans word , but of gods word . Thirdly in this vayne hope and confidence you repose in your fained order , you trauel from countrey to countrey ( which is greatly to be lamented ) as ye report your selfe from Prage to Rome , from Rome to England . I am affraid lest the story of the wicked spyrit in the Gospell , bee fulfilled in you where it is said : Math. 12. Luke . 11. When the vncleane spyrit is gone out of a man , hee walketh through d●y places , seeking rest and findeth none . Then saith hee : I will turne agayne into my house from whence I went out , and when he commeth , he findeth it empty , swepte , and garnished . Then goeth he his way and taketh vnto him seuen other spirits worse then himself , & when they are entred in , they dwell there , & the end of that man is worse then the beginning . Ye haue wandred farre and nigh and passed through dry places , Chrysost. in . 1● Math. hom. 30. as Chrysostome expoundeth : homines aridos qui nondum pluuiam euangelicae doctrinae susceperunt in se : dry men who as yet haue not receiued into their breasts the deaw of gods worde in the gospell . You haue visited that Romish babylon , Apocalyps . 17 that great citie which beareth rule ouer the kings of the earth You haue beheld her seuen hils described in the reuelation : I doubt not but you shaked hands with Antichrist and swore vnto hym obedyence ( saluo vestro ordine , as the maner is ) vpon the sole of his foote . What neede I repeat vnto you the abhominations which you haue seene , reporte them your selfe , tell the truth and shame the deuil . Iohannes Sarisburiensis sayth : In ecclesia Romana sedent Scribae et Pharisae : Ioh. Sa●isbu . in Polycrat . The scribes and pharises sit in the church of Rome . It is a very dry soyle , Lyra in . 2. Thess. 2. for Nicolaus Lyra aboue two hundred and fifty yeres agoe sayd of that Seea : Ab ecclesia Romana , iam diu est , quod recessit gratia . It is longe sithence the grace of god is departed from the churche of Rome . Cornelius bishop of Bitonto lamented that the clergie of Rome was fallen from christ to Antichriste . Cornel. episc. Bitonto in Concil. Trident . Franciscus Petrarcha calleth Rome : the whore of Babylon , the mother of all Idolatry and Fornication , and sayth further : Francis . Petrarch . Cant. 92. that all shame and reuerence is quite departed from thence . That it is become a schole of error and a temple of heresy . Iohannes Episcopus Chemensis one of your own saith : Ioh. Chemens . Lib. intitul . Onus Eccles. Cap. 19 . Ecce Roma nunc est vorago et mammon inferni , vbi diabolus totius auaritiae capitaneus residet .

Behold Rome is now the gulfe and Mammon of the infernall lake , Where the Deuell head and general or chieftaine of all auarice is resident . Agayn : Sedes bestiae , id est ecclesiae peruersae , est in curiae Romana . The seate of the beast that is of the wicked church , is in the court of Rome . O miserable Rome ( saith a bishop of your owne ) Which in the time of our elders hast brought forth the lightes of worthy fathers , In concil . Rhemes . but in our daies hast brought forth monstruous darknes , shamefull and slaunderous to the time to come . Petrus Bembus sayth : Petr. Bembus . Romae est sentina pessimorum hominum & totius orbis . Rome is a sinke of most pestilent varlets , and of the whole World . Luther confesseth : I would not for a great summe of Money , but that I had seene Rome , otherwise I shoulde haue stood in great feare , Henric. Petr. Rebenstock . in Colloq. & Medit. &c ▪ Luth. least that I had misreported ought of them . But what I saw that speake I , and testify , and cry out with Mantuan .

Viuere qui sancte cupitis discedite Romae , Baptist. Mantuan . Omnia cum liceant , non licet esse bonum . Fly Rome all yee that meane a life in holinesse to leade Though all yee may , yet bard is this : the godly way to treade .

Agayne .

Sanctus ager scurris venerabilis ara Cynaedis Seruit : honorandae diuûm Ganymedibus Aedes .

The substaunce of these later verses is such that with modesty they may not bee englished . The shame I referre to the fauorers of the cause , and the clokers of the filth . What say you to these reportes ? The Wel of your religion is there , the Pillers of your fayth are at Rome , and your selfe made a Pilgrimage thither . Wee are to take heede of poysoned Rayment , and rotten Shepe , least they infect the flocke , and you also warely to tender your state least that accordinge to the Storye of the Euangelist : Math. 12. the ende be worse ( with you ) then the beginninge . The practise of such aduersaries and patrons of the Romishe sect is very pernicious . Chrysostome wryteth : Crysost in Math. Homil. 30. Christianus si malus euaserit peior fit quam si fuisset gentilis . A Christian if hee reuolt , proueth worse then if hee were a Gentile , or Heathen . Therefore I am to warne my Brethren that they take heede of you . Now I will heare you further .

The Iesuite .

MY charge is free to preach the Gospell , to minister the Sacraments , to instruct the simple , to reforme sinners , to confute errors , and in briefe to trie all armoure spirituall agaynst foule vice and proude ignoraunce , wherewith many of my deare Countreymen are abused .

The aunswere .

NOw ye publish your commission , is your calling ordinarye or extraordinary ? extreame ordinary . who made you a Preacher ? youre Prouost of Rome . Are yea preacher of the Gospell ? I pray ye of what Gospel ? there haue bene many heretikes that reiected the true gospel ( that is ) of Iesus Christ , and deliuered into the world the Gospels of Peter , Thomas , Mathias , Andrewe , and yet would they be counted preachers of the Gospell . Euseb. eccle. hist. lib. 3 cap. 22· lib. 6. cap. 37. Epiphan. lib. 1. Tom 3. haeres . 38.39.40 . Helcesaitae had amonge them ( as they sayd ) a Gospell fallen from Heauen . Sethiani had their Iobelaea , the reuelation of Seth , and Abraham . Archontici had their Symphoniam . Cayni , the heretikes of Cayn the murtherer , worshipped Iudas the traitor as you do the Pope , and alleaged hys Gospell , The Ebionits had a gospell secundum Ebraeos , Euseb. eccle. hist. lib. 3. cap. 24. and yours is secundum Romanos . Let as many as feare God , and syncerely embrace the gospell of Iesus Christ , vnder the globe , mantel , or cope of heauen beare witnes , and iudge betwene you and vs . you preach the popes supremacy , canons of Councels , decrees of fathers , constitutions of men , rites and ceremonies , pardons and indulgences , inuocation of Sainctes , merits by workes , pilgrimage , purgatorie , masses , diriges , trentalles , images , pictures , reliques , alters , shrines , liues of fayned saincts , false miracles , visions , dreames , fantasies & such other trashes without warrant of gods word , as it appeareth vnto the world in your sermons , and Romish postilles . and in fine ye are iustly to bee charged , as companions of the Pharises ▪ that ye set light by the gospell of Iesus Christ , that ye forsake the law and follow after the traditions of men . Unto the Pharises farre worse then the heathen Iebusits , a fitter name for you then Iesuits , Math. 15. it is said : In vaine do they serue mee , while they teach such doctrines as are nothing but the commaundements of men . What sacraments do ye minister ? the church of God receiueth two : numero paueissima , August . ad Ianuar. epist. 118. of the smallest number ( as Augustine wryteth ) which are : baptismus trinitatis nomine consecratus & communicatio corporis & sanguinis ipsius . Baptisme , hallowed in the name of the Holy Trinity , and the communicating of his blessed bodie and bloud , fygured in the old testament by the circumcision and the pascal lambe . But you of your own braine , haue added thereunto fyue more , such is your dealing . Are ye an instructer of the simple ? and yet at the first iumpe , ye take the lords of the counsel in hand you would haue to your audience not onely their honours , but the doctors , maisters , and chosen men of both vniuersities . Are ye come to reforme sinners ? Why turne ye not your face to the fountayne of your religion , where the water is troubled , muddye , & noysome , I meane the synagoge of Rome , full of deformities ? As for this realme of England ( the Lord of hostes be praysed therefore ) gods word is here planted , we haue a gracious princes ( whose life God blesse and longe continue ) our supreme head next & immediatly vnder god : her maiesty hath counsailers that be noble , wise , vertuous , & learned : we haue florishing vniuersities & scholes of learning of great fame : we haue good magistrates , and good gouernment , and godly lawes established : Antichrist of Rome is abandoned : idolatry and superstition rooted out : the dregs & filth of heresies detested and abhorred : euery one in his calling with al endeuer seruing god , obeying his Prince and embracing brotherly loue , and now are ye come to be a reformer ? I vehementlye suspect your dealing . We haue a president of the late hypocriticall practise of your brother Theatinus the Iesuite . He pretended reformation in the church of Rome , as you do here in England , and wrote vnto Paulus the third a booke ( as Vergerius saith ) de emendanda Ecclesia . Although ( saieth he ) he reformed it nothinge at all . Peter Paulus verger . citat ▪ a balaeo . Anglic , script . Centur. 8. Luther profecied of the reformation , then wished & pretended by the Pope and his Cardinals . ( I meane at the late Councel of Trent ) by the picture which was set before his booke as an argument of their doings . For ( saith Sleidan ) the bishop was placed in an high seate and certaine Cardinals standing about him , Sleidan lib. 12. which with Foxes tayles tied to staues like besomes swept al things vpside downe . This Theatinus aforesaied hauing gotten vnto himself therby some credit , crept on so fast , that he attained vnto the papacie , and being Pope looke what he had preached against before , that he practised himselfe . This was the first of your worthies , and the famousest of your order , such examples we haue of your pretended reformation . Are ye a confuter of errors ? They are infinite in the church of Rome . What a number of Popes haue bene heretikes , schismatikes , blasphemers of God , & polluters of peters chaire ? are ye come to England to confute errors ? Why turne ye not to them that disobey their prince , thrusting in forreyne power , gaping after the Pope and the flesh-pots of Aegypt ? Why turne ye not to your countrimen here , that will not repayre to the church , to here Gods word and deuyne seruice , that wil not be pertakers of the blessed communion , that mislike with her maiestyes procedinges , that secretly conspyre , that practise treason , coniuringe , calculating , southsaying , sorcery , and witchcraft , with other abhominable dealinges ? reforme first your selfe , then confute these errors , and you shal do God good seruice , and great commodity to your natiue countrey . Are ye a trier of all armor spirituall , and a deliuerer of your Countriemen ? a proper Champion ▪ your skil therein , & the proufe therof wil appeare in your practise . but I am nowe to deale with you an other way . Me thinks the liberty of your society , and the ranging abroade of your brethren semeth contrary to good order , & the course of your owne cannon law . August . de haeres . ad Quod ▪ uult . Affrica in the time of S. Augustine hath bene bepestred with two sortes of heretikes , Donatists , and wandring Circumcellions , passing from Affrike to Rome & from Rome to Affrik , as you do from England to Rome , & from Rome to England . There was a grieuous complaint made vnto the councell of Calcedon agaynst religious men that passed from citye to city , as you do : Causa 16. quest . 1. quidam . et perturbationes paci ecclesiasticae inferebant , & diuersorum domos corrumpebant , and disturbed the quiet estate or peace of the Church , & corrupted the houses of diuers men . when complaynt was made vnto Pope Pelagius , of Probinus , Milianus , Ibidem cap. probinum . & Probinianus , who leauing their cloister , loitred about , he charged Iohn the gouernor of that region to banish them the soyle , & you may thinke yee speade wel , if so ye can escape . The councel of Calcedon , Dist. 71. cap. extraneo and the councel of Antioch haue decreed , and S. Agustine likewyse requesteth his colleags the bishops about him , to receiue no priest without testimoniall and commendatorye letters . Cap. hortamu● Cap nullum . & dist. seq. dist. 98. per tot . Also touching Transmarinos : that is such as passe ouer sea , it is decreede : that they be not receiued without the testimonies of fiue bishops at least , and that vnder their handes and seales , the reason therof is , therby to shunne the Maniches , and such as were rebaptized with other Heretikes , which thrust themselues into the church ( as you do now ) vnder the name of Catholicke priestes ▪ now sir where is your pasport , and the testimoniall of your soundnes in religion ? Causa 2. quest . 1. legum , your law saith no priest is to be receiued without his letters of orders ▪ Dist 23. ecclesiastica . Cansa 12. quest . 1. dno . shew them if ye haue any ▪ your law maketh mention of your stole to bee worne on both shoulders , in token of aduersity and prosperity , and shauen crowne in token of the kingdome which is hoped in Christ . Let vs see the character of your order , that consequently we may bee the better acquainted with your person . The order of the Church is that none do preach vnlesse he be orderly called , licensed , and sufficiently autorized therunto . This custome beganne of olde , because of Arius the heretike , who beynge but an inferior priest , presumed to reprehend the manner of Alexander Byshop of Alexandria , his expounding of scriptures and to Preache errors himselfe , beyng not therunto licenced . If ye be a preacher , bryng forth your licence , and consider with your selfe whether your prouost of Rome can licence preachers in England . The liberties of your priesthode ( by your owne confession ) stretch not only to preach , but also to minister the sacraments I hope yee wil iustify the whole by your owne law . hee that is shorne Priest by your owne decrees , first must haue a title , to wit , he must be entitled to some proper place , cure , or liuinge without ranginge Circumcellion wyse abroade . I will not here stand to distinguishe of titles . The councel of Calcedon hath decreede . Neminem absolute iubemus ordinari presbyterum , neque diaconum , Dist. 69 , neminem . neque quemlibet in ecclesiastica ordinatione constitutum , nisi manifeste in ecclesia ▪ siue ciuitatis , siue possessionis aut in martyrio , aut in monasterio , hic qui ordinatur , mereatur ordinationis publicae vocabulum ▪ eos autem qui absolute ordinantur , decreuit Sancta Synodus , vacuam habere manus impositionem & nullum tale factum valere ad iniuria ipsius qui eum ordinauit ▪ we commaund that none bee made priest absolutelye ( as your order is ) neither deacon , neither anye other within Ecclesiasticall orders , vnlesse that manifestly in the Church eyther of citye , or of patrimonye , or in the martyrie , or in the mōasterie , he which is ordred by publickly intitled ▪ as touchig them that are absolutely ordred , the Holy Synod hath decreed , that their laing on of handes bee voyde , and that no suche acte henceforth should be of force to the reproch of him that ordred such a one ▪ Agayne , the councyll summoned at Placentia , by pope Vrba hath contrary to your order established , as Gratian the Rapsodist hath alleaged , saying : sanctorum canonūstatutis , consona sanctione decernimus vt sine titulo facta ordinatio irrita habeatur , 〈…〉 cap. sanctorum . & in qua ecclesia quilibet intitulatus est , in ea perpetuo perseueret . According vnto the rules of holy canons with like consent we deeree , that the ordering of priestes without title be voyd , Causa . 21. quest . 1. Clericus . and that euery one continually be resident in the church where he is intitled . Againe : Vnusquisque secundum Apostolicam vocem in quo vocatus est , in hoc debet manere & in vna locari ecclesia . Euery one according vnto the saying of the Apostle , must abide wherein he is called , and be placed in one Church , The reason of this title , is that euery priest should haue somwhat to sticke vnto , if it pleased god to visit him with infirmity or blindnes , that he became not a burthen vnto the church : the which in my simple opinion you should deepely consider . For if God layd blindnes vpon you who should leade you out of the land . Secondly the ecclesiasticall law forbiddeth one bishop to intermedle with an others diocesse , one pastor may not busy himself with an others flocke , one vicar or curat may not examine an others charge , and are ye come from your prouost in Rome to play the priest and the preacher here in England without orderly admission ? Causa . 16. quest . 1. cap. adij cimus . your law sayth : nulli sacerdotum licet alterius parochianum ligare vel soluere . It is not lawfull for any priest to bynd or loose ( that is to excommunicate or absolue ) an others parishioner . The auncient ecclesiasticall histories doe record the greate whurliburly at Constantinople betweene Chrysostome and Epiphanius , and all about the breach of the breach of the canons of the Church in this behalfe not obserued ; when as Epiphanius bishop of X in Cyprus , encroched vpon the iurisdiction of Chrysostome archbishop of Constantinople . Epiphanius in the name of Chrysostome is thus charged : Multa contra canones agis Epiphani : Socrat. eccle. hist. lib. 6. cap. 11.13 . primum quod ministros ecclesiae ordinas in ecclesijs quae sunt in mea diocesi : deinde quod antequam erat tibi a me potestas permissa , tua ipsius autoritate sacra mysteria celebrasti : contra cum eras a me inuitatus renuisti , ac rursus iam tibi , ipse facis potestatem . Thou doest many things o Epiphanius contrary to the canons of the church : first in that thou madest Ministers in the Churches which are within my diocesse : secondly in that before I had licensed thee , of thine owne autority , thou hast celebrated the holy misteries : of the other side , when I offred thee curtesy thou didest refuse it , and now again of thine owne head , thou geuest autority to thy selfe . The conclusion directed vnto him , I referre presently to you to consider of : Vide igitur ne situmultus ob eam causam in populo oboriatur , periculum inde in tuum ipsius caput redundet . Take heede therefore , least therof rise any tumult amonge the people , and the perill or daunger there hence light vpon thine owne pate . Take withall the behauiour of Epiphanius , for saith the story : quae cum Epiphanius audiuisset , perculsus metu decedit ab ecclesia . Whych thynges when Epiphanius had heard , he was stricken wyth feare , and departed oute of the church . I would wish here that ye learned wit of Epiphanius .

The Iesuite .

I Neuer had minde and I am straitly forbidden by our sayd Father that sent mee to deale in any respecte with matters of state or pollicy of this realme as thinges appertayning not to my vocation , and from which I doe gladly restrayne and sequester my thoughtes .

The aunswere .

IF you bee wise holde you there . But yet I feare mee they are but wordes full of falsehoode and deceit , where one thinge is sayde in word , and the contrary founde in practise and in deede . In religion I take you for a Romanist , a fauorer of the Pope , & a furthrer of his practises . Hee hath set the mother against her own sonne , Sigebert . Abbas vspergens· Antonin . Platina . Sabellicus . the sonne to take armour against his owne Father , the Subiect agaynste the Prynce , and the Princes together at mortall warres . Hee hath deposed Kyngs & Emperours , hee translated Empires , he treades vpon Prynces Neckes , hee takes Scepters and Crownes from Kyngs heads , and trampleth them vnder foote , he taketh from others that which is their right , & geueth away that which is none of his own : the late enterprise in Ireland is a witnes of part thereof . Either renounce the Pope & these his wicked dealings , or confesse your selfe a dissembler . But you will say yee come as a priuate man , to conferre in matters of religion , to preach , to teach , and to dispute , you wish the Prynce woulde geue yee the eare , you craue the Counsaile to be attentiue , the maisters , Doctors and chosen men of both Uniuersities , you cull for your auditors What woulde yee entreat of , without impayring of the state ? what discourse will yee vse without preiudice to the gouernment ? what Religion , would yee establishe without derogation to the Lawes of the Realme & pollicie of the Land ? If yee perswade her Maiesties louing Subiects to a mislikinge of the Religion receaued , you cause Schisme , Tumult , conspiracy , and Rebellion : if yee pleade the Popes supremacie , it is the Pryce of your heade : if yee deface the truthe of the Gospell preached here in England , you wil be founde a blasphemer of God , and an enemy of his worde . Nowe I woulde heare what message yee can bringe wythout intermedling with matters of state and pollicie . If yee haue found beyond the Seas a platforme for gouernment which you thinke expedient to bee established in this Realme in matters Ciuill and Temperall , yee may attend vpon the Parliament , and exhibite it to the body of the Realme . But you tell mee yee are a Priest , then it appertaynes not to your profession to intermedle with such affaires . And to conclude , though yee promyse neuer so fayre , not to deale in matters of state and pollicy , belieue yee who list . Your profession is not to be credited , the practises of Rome are knowen , too too well .

The Iesuite .

I Aske to the glory of God with al humility & vnder your correction three sorts of indifferent audience . The first before your honors wherin I would discourse of Religion so farre as is the common wealth of your Nobilities ▪ The second , whereof I make more accompt , before the Doctors , Maisters , and chosen men of both Vniuersities , wherein I vndertake to vowe the fayth of our Catholike church , by proofes inuincible , scriptures , councells , fathers , hystories , naturall & morall reasons . The thirde by the force of the lawe spirituall , and temperall . Wherein I will iustifie the same fayth by the common wisedome of the lawes standing in force , and practised .

The aunswere .

NOwe you craue patience , yee pleade humility , and pretend the glory of God . You craue audience and them indifferent . Wyll no meaner please you then the Lordes of the counsayle , no baser then Doctors , and Maisters , & chosen men ? I perceaue Aquila non capit Muscas . Fly lower or else your humility wil be taken for hypocrisy . You say yee will vndertake to vowe the fayth ( as you write ) of our Catholike church ▪ your words seeme to inferre a certaine singularity . Haue yee a Catholike church of your own ? you are deceaued if yee take Rome for the Catholyke church ▪ In the iudgement of all the learned and godly , the Catholike church is dispersed ouer the Face of the Earth , not tyed , neyther vnited , to any proper place , or person . The Councell of Nice comitted of olde the charge of the Catholike church , to three principall Patriarkes , Rome , Alexandria , Antioch , and afterwards came in Constantinople . Nilus de primat . Rom. Pontific . Nilus sayth : For as much as certaine countreyes are limited to the Church of Rome , certeine to the Bishop of Alexandria , and certeine to the Bishop of Constantinople , they are now no more vnder him , then hee vnder them .

Athanasius sayth : Athanas. Roma est Metropolis Romanae Ditionis . Rome is the Mother church ( not of the whole worlde , but ) of the Prouince of Rome . I will not speake of England , Ireland , Scotland , Fraunce , Denmark , Polonia , Suecia , Bohoemia , the noble states & Cōmōweales of Germany , Heluetia , Prussia , Russia , Lituania , Pomerania , Austria , Rhetia , Vallis Tellina , &c where the Gospell florisheth : but is your church the mother church & hath your Pope gouernment & iurisdiction ouer the Churches in Asia , and Affricke ? Dauid Cytraeus in Apocalyps . Ioh. ▪ Manlius Collectan . Henric. Petr. Rebenstock . in Colloq. et medit. Lu●h . It is well knowen that there is Chrystianitie in Asia , Affricke , Armenia , Aethiopia , Cyprus , Constantinople , Bassa , Buola , wyth other places where the Pope dareth not once peepe , for all hys Pontificalitye at Rome .

And in respect of all christian assemblies and faithfull members wheresoeuer , the church is called Catholick , that is vniuersal , so that your church and all churches are to be knowen & tried , not by your erring councels , Irenaeus . lib. 3. cap. 11. canons , constitutions , decrees , and glosses , but by the worde of God which is the touchstone of truth . Therfore Irenaeus saith : columna & firmamentum ecclesiae est euangelium & spiritus vitae . The piller and buttresse of the church is the gospel and the spirite of life . Augustine saith vnto the Donatists : Sunt certe libri dominici , August . de vnitate eccle. cap. 3. quorum autoritati vtrique consentimus , vtrique credimus , vtrique seruimus : ibi quaer●mus ecclesiam , ibi discutiamus causam nostram . There are verely bookes of our lord , vnto the autority whereof eche part agreeth , ech part belieueth and ech parte regardeth , there let vs seeke for the church and thereby let vs examine and try our matters . This I thought good here to note lest the reader should bee caried away with the bare name of Your catholike Church . But as touching your florishe in repeating the names of scriptures , Councells , fathers , histories , naturall & morall reasons , lawes spirituall and temporall whome you call proufs inuincible , it maketh a fayre showe to bleare the eyes of the simple , contayning in it no substaunce at al So haue Piggius , Eckius ▪ Staphilus , Hosius , Harding , Saunders , Dorman and Raskall bragged of heretofore , and beinge examyned were found contrary . Haue ye red more than all your predecessors and Companyons haue ? or haue ye found new scriptures , new councelles , new fathers , new hystories , new reasons , new lawes , at the erection of your new order ? of your company they were that to face and boulster out a bad matter found out new petyte doctors , Abdias , Amphilochius , Clemens , Hyppolitus , ●eontius & such others . It should appeare you haue some good lyking in your selfe , you haue forgotten the counterbuffs whych quayled the hautie myndes of your complices , your bookes are answered , your fathers , councells , and historyes are examined , the truth apertly hath bene layed before you . There passeth not a scrole from your fistes but is fully perused and retourned vnto you . Leaue of bragging in wordes , shewe forth substaunce in deede , and know ye for certainty there shall neyther autority nor reason escape neyther passe our handes vnsatisfyed .

The Iesuite .

I Would be loth to speake any thing that might sound of any insolent bragge or challenge , specially being now as a deade man vnder this world and willing to caste my head vnder euery mans feete and to kysse the ground they tread vpon . Yet haue I such courage in aduauncing the maiesty of Iesus my kinge , and such affiaunce in his gracious fauour , and such assurance in my cause , and my euidence so impugnable ( that because I know perfectly ) none of the protestantes , nor all the protestantes lyuing , nor any sect of our aduersaries , how so euer they fray men downe in theyr pulpits , and ouerrule them in their kyngedome of Gramarrians and vnlearned eares , can maintayne their doctrine in disputation . I am to sue most humbly and instantly for the combat with them , and euery of them .

The Aunswere .

YEt agayne I see there is much a doe with you . Yee are a lofte in bragging , and bosting , then sodenly downe yee fall into a vayne of hypocrisy . Agayne yee skippe and mount into the Skyes , displaying your Banner of defiaunce to all the Protestants liuing , and like a iolly Champion yee challeng the Combat . I maruell that one , being ( as you say yee are ) a dead man , willing to cast his head vnder euery mans foote , and to kisse the ground they trade vpon , can play such pageants . Nowe yee shewe your selfe a disciple of Ignatius the maymed souldier , as it were one begging , comming from the warres : or rather mee thinkes you play Skoggan , with the King : or yee expresse ( as Sozomenus writeth ) the Story of the Beggers which went about to deceaue Epiphanius . Sozomen . eccl. Hist. lib. 7. Cap. 26. The one being well , begged , the other lay downe and fayned himselfe dead , when the Bishop had done his deuotion & passed by , the counterfeit dead man was stirred , and hee was found dead in deede . Deale not with your countrey men in iest , I feare mee in fayth , you will be found dead in earnest . Of Ecebolius the Sophist of Constantinople it is written , that in the time of Constantius he was hot in religion , in the time of Iulian , colde : agayne in the dayes of Iouinian , earnest . And in these his changes he would prostrate him selfe at the church Porche , saying : me quasi salem insipidum pedibus conculcate : Socrat. ecel . Hist. lib. 3. Cap. 11. treade vppon mee , or trample mee vnderfoote as vnsauory Salt . The Pope who is accepted amonge your professors as prince of Prelats , head of the Church , gods liuetenaunt on earth , christs vicar generall , wryteth him selfe : the seruaunt of seruaunts . Your docter Bonner sayd sometimes of him ( and as I hope your eyes wil be opened to see the same ) Notwithstanding the pope be a very rauening wolfe in sheepes clothing , In prefac . ad lib. Stephan . Gard. de vera . obed. yet he calleth him selfe the seruaunte of seruaunts . In him is the saying of Irenaeus , Irenaeus lib. 5 founde true : Antichristus cum sit seruus , tamen adorari vult vt deus . Antichrist being but a seruant , yet wil be worshiped as god . The aungel enfourmeth Vguentinus the monke , in a vision of the Romish priestes , Vguentini Monach. lib. vision . saing , In quibusdam videtur ceruicis inflexio , sed non deponitur in eis cordis erectio . In certene religious personnes , Douking or bowing of the necke is seene , but in them the lifting vp of the heart is not laid downe . Now sir do ye see your self ? Behold ye are againe in the clowds with your courage , affiance , assuraunce , perfect knowledge , euidence impugnable against al protestantes lyuing , such an other Champion was Golias the great bastard of the Philistins . 1. Reg. 17. As ioly a Champion as ye are , take heede ye ouermatch not your selfe . There happely may meete you a simple curate who with the flinge of Dauids confidence & the stone of gods word , may pearce your Lyons pelt , Ruffin . eccl. hist. lib. 1. ca. 3 . and ouerturne you with al the Bombast of your Romysh religion . Ruffinus reporteth of the lyke brag made at the councel of Nice by a subtil philosopher who set himselfe against all the bishops there , where a seely poore Christian , the symplest of all the number toke him in hand , so that in the end , this Bragger ( sayth the story ) ita obstupefactus virtute dictorum , mutus ad omnia , hoc solum potuit respondere , ita sibi videri , nec aliud verum esse , quam quod dixerat , was so astonied with the force of those thinges that were spoken , he had not a word , this onely could he answeare , that it semed so vnto him , and that there was no other trueth then the christian had spoken . And now to consider of youre challenge , I saye vnto you , if there were no wyser then my selfe , you should be disputed withall , as longe as yee were able to turne your tounge in your mouth . yf ye conforme your selfe ( otherwyse I am not to bolden you ) and become a ciuil subiecte , and a student in any of the Uniuersityes within her maiesties Dominions , as ye know the maner , the Scholes are open , set vp your questions , appoint the day , let euery thing be don in order , & yee shal be disputed withall . Or if vnto the wise and discrete this way seeme not best , take your penne , call your fyue senses and wittes togeather , alleage what ye can , ye shal be aunswered . And whereas ye charge vs that : we fraye men in our pulpittes , ouerrule them in our Kingdome of Grammarians and vnlearned eares , we are no bugges , the Pope with his pupilles is hee that frayeth men with the terrour of the Lions pelt much like Xerxes king of Persia , who hauing brought ouer his huge army into Graecia , sent his letters of defiance vnto the great mount Athos in Macedonia , commaundinge him to stande still , not to stirre a foote , not to worke any displeasure , ether to him or his army vpon payne of his high indignation . For the Pope , wyth as good discretion sendeth out hys preceptes , and princely summons , to commaund Aungels , Archaungels , all the powers of heauen , to goe , to fetch , to carry at hys will . Antoninus Archbishop of Florence setteth forth the bugge where he wryteth : Anton. summae Part. 3. tit . 22. cap. 5 ante . §. Potestas papae maior est omni alia creata , post potestatem christi , aliquo modo extendens se ad coelestia , terrestria & infernalia , vt de ●o possit illud verificari , dictum de christo in psalmis : omnia subiecisti sub pedibus eius . The popes power is greater than any other power , that god euer made after christ , after a sort stretching it self to things in heauen , earth , and hell , so that of him the words may bee verifyed whych the prophet Dauid spake of christ , in the psalmes : thou haste made all thinges subiecte vnder his feete . Here is the bugge that fraieth and amazeth the harts of the simple by cursing with bell , booke , and candle . The histories record that when Gregory the .7 . had cursed the emperour Henry .3 . the Princes of Almayne fearing the popes thunderbolt wente about to chose an other emperour and again when he came to be reconcylde to the Pope , not one of his nobility durst accompany him . Moreouer when Calixtus .2 . required Henry .5 . to surrender vnto the Pope and his successors the inuestyng of bishops , the princes of Germany trembling at the Popes banning and cursyng perswade him to yelde .

I will not presently trouble the reader wyth the words and forme of the Diuells pater noster , and the Popes blacke sanctus . But now God bee praysed the Asse may ●et vp and downe in the Lyons skinne with more ease and lesse terror , for hee is stript of his counterfaite weede and now appeareth as hee is . It pleaseth you lastly to terme our sway the kingdome of Grammarrians & our auditorie vnlearned eares . As for the teachers ioyne when yee will , you shall finde such as shal aunswere all the wandring Iesuites of your order , not onely in humanity which yee call Gammar , but in any the lyberall sciences or noble faculties , with good skill and knowledge in the learned languages florishing at this day in the famous Uniuersities of Oxenford and Cambridge . Our auditors whom your predecessors in that your Romishe profession and companions haue heretofore termed Pigges , & swyne and now yee call vnlearned eares ( be it spoken to the glory of God , and the comfort of their fellowe Brethren in Christe ) are so instructed in Gods worde , and so trayned vp in Religion , that many of them being but laye men ate able not onely to confirme their owne doctrine , and fayth with sufficient proofes and allegations out of holy Scripture , but also to confute your errors and superstition & blanke in their language the greatest bragger of your Society .

The Iesuite .

ANd because it hath pleased God to enritch the Queene my soueraygne Lady with noble gifts of nature and princely education : I doe verely trust , that ( if her highnes would voutchsafe in her Royall person to heare and geue good attention to such a conference as in the second part of my Articles I haue mencioned and requested , or to a fewe Sermons wythin her or your hearing I am to vtter ) such manyfest and fayre light by good methode and playne dealing as may be cast vpon these controuersies , that possible her zeale of truth and loue of her people shall encline her noble grace to disfauore from proceeding hurtfull to the Realme and procure towardes vs oppressed more equity .

The aunswere .

THe summe of this your seuenth diuision is contained in a wish , wher you not onely desire the presence of the nobility & Lords of the counsaile , but also her Royall Maiesty to geue attention vnto your preaching & moreouer yee hope that by cunning methode , and playne dealing ( as yee say ) beyng cast ( as it were a mist ) vpon these controuersies , yea & ye doubt not but ye shal be able to do som good , &c. Princes sitting in thrones of great maiesty , haue not to harken vnto each pilgrims sute , their affaires beyng great & causes waighty , neither is it expedient that euery sorte of priuate persons should haue accesse vnto theire presence , neyther that their sacred eares , should bee abused with the hearyng of such ●rasse as commonly such pedlers ( as you are ) , doe bryng in their packes & fardels from Rome . The Lordes , her maiesties most honorable counsel , the nobles , pieces , and state of the realme , beyng men of greate wisedome , learnyng , zeale , and Godly religion , busilye occupyed in theyr seuerall callynges , prudently gouerning vnder her highnes , and ministringe vnto her maiesty ( by direction of the spirite of wisedome receyued from aboue ) holsome aduyse and counsaile , are not to be troubled with hearing of any such message , as yee bringe from the prouost of your order , vnlesse you wil minister occasion vnto them to examine you of your loyalty , and subiection vnto her royal maiesty , and Godlye procedinges . Lastly discretion & wisedome in mine opinion are to direct you not to attempt in open audience ( in the hearynge of the lay and common sort of people ) the publishinge of anye deuyse , discourse or doctryne that is not agreable with the word of God , that is not alreadye established , that is repugnant vnto her Maiestyes proceedinges . The maner of old and the vse receiued in the Church hath bene , that none vnlicensed , vnexamined , vntryed , and vnknowen , shoulde be permitted to preache , neyther in open assemblies to set any doctrine abroch , that is not receaued . Any hereticke , be hee an Arrian , Macedonian , Eunomian , Nestorian , Pelagian , Libertine , Anabaptist , or of the Family of Loue , may be a suter as ye are , but whether you , are any of the aforesayde is to be permitted to discourse in open audience , I referre it to the wyse to consider of . I know not what fauor in the premisses ye shall obtayne , as for myne owne part , I submit herein my censure to the learned , wyse , and pollityke magistrates , and superiors . Loke to whom yee haue made your suite and petition , they are in this poynt further to resolue you . What diuinitye is may sone be layde downe , for there is here no greate occasyon ministred of discourse or answeare .

The Iesuite .

MOreouer I doubte not but you her highnes counsaile beyng of such wisedome and discretion in cases most important , when you shall haue hearde these questions of religion opened faythfully , which many tymes of our aduersaryes are hudled vp and confounded , will see vpon what substantiall ground our catholick fayth is builded , and how feble that syde is which by sway of the time preuayleth agaynst vs , and so at the last for your owne soules and for many thousandes that depende vpon your gouernement , will discountenance error when it is bewrayed and harken to those which wold willingly spende the best bloud in theyr bodyes for your saluation . Many innocent hands are lyft to heauen for you daily and hourely by the English students whose posterity shall neuer dye . Which beyonde the seas gathering vertue and sufficyent knowledge for their purpose are determined neuer to giue you ouer , but either to winne you heauen or to die vppon your pikes . As touching our society be it knowen vnto you that we haue a league all the Iesuits in the worlde whose succession and multitude must ouerreach the practise of England , chearefully to carry the crosse which god shall lay vppon vs and neuer to dispayre your recouerye whiles we haue a man left to enioy your tyburne , or to be racked wyth your torments or to bee consumed with your prisons . The expence is reckoned the enterpryse is begun it is of god it cannot be withstoode , so the fayth was planted so it must be restored .

The Aunswere .

YOu are still in hope of good successe . No doubt their honors will yeld credit vnto that whych is faythfully deliuered accordyng vnto Gods worde but where ye charge vs with hudling vp and confounding of questions in diuinity and matters in controuersie I returne the same vnto you and the shame to light vpon their pates that deserue it . Your complices of the Romish religion haue defended your holyewater by the example of Elizaeus and by the words of the prophet Ezechiel ▪ 4. Reg. 4. Esay . 40. Exod. 25. 3. Reg. 6. Num. 21. In compendio ▪ Theolog. your pardons by the prophet Esay : your images by the Cherubins and brasen serpent your seuen sacraments by the seuen seales , seuen trumpets , seuen starres , seuen golden candelstickes , seuen eyes : your seruice in an vnknowen language without translating of the scriptures into the vulgare tongue by that which Peter reporteth that there are some things harde to be vnderstood in Paule : 2. Pet. 3. de vot . & voti . redempt. cap. magnae . your vowed pilgrimage by that where it is commaunded , that none puttyng hys hand to the plough must looke backward : de celeb . missa . cap. cum marthae Anacletus epist. 1. your eleuation in the sacrament by the story of Lazarus , where it is sayd that Christ lyfted vp his eyes : your superiority of the church of Rome by the words of our sauiour vnto Peter , thou arte Peter & vpon this rocke ( our sauiour meaning hys faith , no say you , vppon the Sea of Rome ) I will builde my Church : your right of both swordes by the answer of Peter in the garden , Paralip· vspergens . de maiorit . & obed. cap. solitae . behold here are two swordes : your popes primacy aboue the emperour , by comparing the Pope to the sunne and the emperour to the moone . such is the practise of your side , such is your confusion in matters of diuinity , and such is your hudlyng vp of Scriptures . you proceede on further and hope to crepe into fauor by declaring that many handes are lift vp for the State of England , by the Englyshe Studentes beyonde the Seas . This is right Frierish , Limit or like , God saue my good maister & my good dame , the scrip be like is empty , and are yee nowe come to fill it ? their flying declareth their disposition , their absence sheweth their loue , and their practises open vnto vs what prayers they make . You tell vs of your league and that you are determined neuer to geue vs ouer . No more as I think then the Iewes which vowed neyther to eate nor to drincke before they had killed Paule . Act. 23. But that God which deliuered Paul out of the handes of the Iewes hath and vndoubtedly will defend England from all Romish conspiracies . And me thinks by your words you are at a desperate poinct , yee wey neyther crosse , nor racke , nor torment , nor prison , nor pikes , nor tyburne , nor Stories tippet . Nowe I see in you the liuely paterne of the Circumcellion Haeretickes , of whom Sayncte Augustine writeth that they were a sauadge and a rude sorte of people , August . de Haeres . ad Quod vult . of notorius rashnes , not only in practising horible acts against others , but also in not sparing themselues from extreme cruelty . For they were wont to destroye themselues by sundry sorts of death , as by drowning , burning , and breaking of their Neckes . Also they seduced as many others of both sects as they could , to fall into this fury , sometimes threatning them death vnlesse they prouoked others to dispatch them . My counsayle is that you fauour your selfe , without running vpon the pykes . Beholde the fall of your Mates in Ireland and such as the Pope had blessed in a bad howre and directed thither to his great shame and their vtter destruction , as it is manifestly knowen . Haue ye not heard of theyr great bragges , theyr reioycing , and bonfyres they made at Biskay vpon the returne of the newes of their safe arriual in Ireland ? they triumphed before the conquest . The godly in the psalmes sow in teares but reape in ioy . they go on theyr way weeping and beare forth good feede , Psal. 125. they come agayne wyth ioy and bring their sheaues with them . what is become of their mirth , they began wyth the laughing game , and past by the weping crosse , and so tasted of the whip . Beware Trophonius denne . you know the prouerbe , he was a headchopper . Erasmus wryteth of patriks pit , Eras. Chil. 1. Centur. 7. in Trophon . Antro . commonly called Sainct Patriks purgatory in Ireland . Qui descenderunt ( aiunt ) sibi ridendi libidinem in omni vita ademptam . They which goe downe , say , that theyr laughing for euer is taken away from them . Luke . 16. You were best warne your brethren that they come not into the like place of torment Beware of rebellion in Ireland . It is ill saying masse in Patriks pit . You say the expence is rekoned and the enterpryce is begon . It is wisedome not onely to behold the beginnyng but to respect the endyng , experience of the fal of Romish practises heretofore may make you faint in your purposes . you pronounce sentences , Ye say , it is of God it can not be withstode . I fear me your doings are from the pope and his practises from the deuill , therefore will they come to naught .

Coel. Rhod. ex philostr . The head of Orpheus hath geuen forth for an Oracle , that Troy can not be wonne without the arrowes of Hercules . Anton. Gueuar . in vita . Commod . The image of the goddesse Pallas being fallen from heauen vpon the walles of this Troy and now discouered is the cause accordyng vnto the old prophecy of the chaunge & wrecke daily befalling to the prosperity of Rome . Ye conclude so the faith was planted so it must be restored . The fayth was not here planted by runnyng vpon the pykes , neyther was it the Pope that fyrst preferred christian religion into thys Land , and now the word of God being purely taught here and receyued , Rome is not to restore hyther the ragges of your Idolatry now of a longe tyme rooted out .

The Iesuite .

IF these my offers be refused and my endeuoure can take no place and I hauing come thousandes of myles to do you good shall be rewarded with rigor : I haue no more to say but recommend your cause to almighty god the searcher of all harts who send vs of his grace and set vs all at concord before the day of payment to the end at the last we may be friends in Heauen where all iniuries shal be forgotten .

Q. M. Champion .

The aunswere .

YOu doe well to consider of the worst as well as yee conforted your self with the best . Euen now you would runne vpon the Pikes , there was no staying of you , you sayd : it cannot be withstoode , it must bee restored . Are yee quailed since , doe yee beginne to reken your myles ? and are you nowe affraide of rigor ? as you confesse your selfe , haue you no more to say ? then yeelde your selfe , become a good subiect , and pray vnto God that your Eyes may be opened , that yee may see the cleare light of his word , that yee may see and tast how sweete the Lord is , Psalme . 33. that you may knowe howe to esteeme of Sion , and to preferre her liberty before the captiuity of Babylon . O howe good and ioyfull a thing it is brethren to dwell together in vnity . Psalme . 13● . Let vs ioyntly embrace this vnity , that we may be receaued into one folde , whereof Christ Iesus is the head . God graunt it .

FINIS .

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