AS it is said of Caiphas , when hee tolde his companions the Pharisees and the rest , that it was expedient for them , that one man should die for the people , Hoc a seipso non dixit , sed prophetauit , &c. so in mine opinion it may well be said of the Pope , when he gaue to the Kings & Queenes of England this Title , to bee called Defenders of the faith : he spake not this of himselfe , but prophecied . For if any Christian King or Queene might euer bee truely so tearmed , ( as in deed it is a stile that containeth a great and the most royall part of all their kingly offices , ) surely of all the Princes that since that time haue raigned , it is verified most properly in her most excellent Maiestie : Whether you respect the Reformation of Religion , which her Highnesse hath made in this Church of England ( according to the noble examples of Moses , Iosua , Dauid , Salomon , Iosaphat , Ezechias , Iosias , &c. ) or whether you respect , not onely the reliefe , which strangers persecuted at home for the profession of the Gospell haue here receiued : or her Maiesties great and vnspeakeable charges , for the ayding and assisting of other Christian States , Princes , and countries : that for their profession of the same right Religion , are mightily afflicted , by certaine Gyantes of the earth , the souldiers and members of that Antichrist of Rome .

So as in these and many other respects ( which do concurre with them ) I neither doubt that her Maiesty ( whom the Lord protect with his mighty hande long to raigne ouer vs ) shall bee for euer renowned amongst the most famous Queenes , that euer liued in the worlde : or that the Church of England , so refourmed by her Highnesse , is presently at this day the most Apostolike and flourishinge Church , simply , that is in all Christendome . Howbeit let a Church be as richly planted as euer any was , before , or in the Apostles times : Let either Moses with his Aaron , or Dauid with all his Councellors , gouerne both the Church and Common-wealth , as godly as euer any was gouerned : yet such is , and euer hath been , the malice and cunning of Sathan : as that he wanteth not at any time , either will or meanes , to slaunder , to depraue , and to endanger the same . He hath his Core , Dathan , and Abiram , that if need bee , Numb . 16 dare presume to tell both Moses and Aaron , they take too much vpon them . Hee is able to set the children of one father , the seruants of one master , the subiects of one Prince , and the members of one Church ; at dissention , at deadly hatred amongst themselues . As occasion serueth , hee hath his Shemeis to curse King Dauid , 2 ▪ Sam. 16 also his murmurers , complayners , mockers , makers of sectes , such as despise gouernement , Iude 2. Pet. 2 which are presumptuous : men that stand in their lewde conceits : such as feare not to speak euill of those things they know not , and of them that are in dignity , that is , of Princes and great men , be they neuer so high in authority .

The experience which wee haue hereof at this day in the Church of England , is more then pregnant : partly through the diuelish and traiterous practises of the Seminary Priests and Iesuites : and partly by reason of the lewd and obstinate course , held by our pretended refourmers , the Consistorian Puritanes : both of them labouring with all their might , by rayling , libelling , and lying , to steale away the peoples harts from their gouernours , to bringe them to a dislike of the present state of our Church , and to drawe them into parts-taking : the one sort , for the embracing of such directions , as should come vnto them from Rome : the other for the establishing of that counterfeit and false Hierarchie , which they would obtrude vppon vs by the countenance and name of the Church at Geneua .

The which proceedings of both the sorts of disturbers , are so much the more dangerous , in that they deale so secretely , and haue combined themselues , together with their Proselites , into such a league and confederacy ; as get out what you can your felfe by meere chance ( as they say ) for the discouery of their actions , and attempts ; you shall bee sure that neither the one sort nor the other will detect any thing . Nay matters beeing detected in some sort to their handes , they will vtterly refuse to bee examined , as law prescribeth : or if they take any oathe , it is as good neuer a whit as neuer the better , they dally so exceedingly with it .

For vnder pretence of not accusing themselues , if they finde any thing to be come to light , which may any waies touch them , they will vtterly refuse for the most part to answere it , either vpon oath or without oath : saying , that neither by the Lawes of God , nor man , they are bound so to answere . Vnder colour whereof they exempt themselues from the ordinary course helde in iustice , for criminall causes , throughout all the world : which is , that before witnesses be produced against any supposed offender , the party accused shall first answere to the accusation , yea , or nay , &c. as wee vse in England , and that in matters of life and death ( but in these without an oathe ) hee must first pleade guilty or not guilty .

And as they deale for themselues , so doo they for their confederates , their fauourers , relieuers , abetters , and receiuers : affirming it to be against the rules of charity , to bring their Christian brethren and frends into any daunger , for doing of those things , which both the sorts of these seducers haue drawne them into , and doo themselues iudge to be religious and iust .

From these points all the Iudges of the land , and diuers Diuines that haue dealte with them , as yet cannot bringe them : both the sorts are so setled in this seditious doctrine of Rhemes , Annotat. Rhemish ▪ vppon the 23. of the Actes of the Apostles . which is as followeth , vz. If thou be put to an oath , to accuse Catholikes , for seruing God as they ought to doo , or to vtter any innocent man , to Gods enemies and his , thou oughtest first to refuse such vnlawfull oathes : but if thou haue not constancie , and courage so to doo , yet know thou that such oathes binde not at all in conscience and law of God , but may and must be broken vnder paine of damnation .

Now in these confederacies , what course should be taken for the preuenting of such daungers , as may thereby ensue , I referre it to be throughly considered by those that haue the gouernement both of the Church and Common-weale committed vnto them . But before they can be preuented they must be vnderstood . Concerning the Seminary Priests and Iesuites : their very comming into the land doth declare their traiterous intentions . What alleageance and loue soeuer they pretend ( vppon their apprehension ) to her Maiesty and their countrey , it is very well knowne , they doo it but for the time , rebus sic stantibus , & that their comming hether , is to no other purpose , but to make away for the Pope and the Spaniardes ; the sworne and mortall enemies , both to this state , and to all other that doo professe the right refourmed religion of Christ .

But for the other sort of practitioners , their proceedings and designements , are not so well , as yet discouered . Their pretences doo carry a greater shew of good meanings : & many ( that are indeede truely zealous , little suspecting what hookes doo lie hidde vnder such faire baites ) are dayly carried ( as we see ) headlong with them . In respect whereof , you are to be aduertised , that as it is an easie matter by looking to the said Popish and Spanish practises , to knowe in generality , their Seminaries dealinges here amongst vs , be they in particularity neuer so secrete : so are there certaine men in other countries , of the same humors with our pretended refourmers , whose courses and proceedings , as wel for the matters they desire , as for the manner of attaining of them , they propound to themselues , as the fittest patternes for them to followe : and namely the Ministers of Geneua , but more especially some of the Ministers of Scotland : as may hereby appeare .

As we haue beene an example , to the Churches of France and Scotland ( sayth M. Cartwright ) to followe vs ; so the Lorde would haue vs also to profite , and be prouoked by their example . An other also in this sort . A Letter of P. A. Nobiles quidam praecipui huius regni mecum egerunt , vt author essem regi meo de tollendis omninò Episcopatibus , vt exemplum posteà posset manare in vicinam Angliam . Certaine of the chiefe Noble men of England ( who I thinke nowe are gone , ) dealt with mee ( by the instigation no doubt of some of our Ministers , Anno , 1583. ) to persuade the King of Scotland my maister , to ouerthrowe all the Bishoprickes in his countrey , that his proceedinges therein might bee an example for England adioyning .

Vpon a certaine repaire of terme thousand in armes to the King of Scots at Sterling , Anno , 1585. whereupon the Bishoprickes were indeed suppressed , Knewstubbe Knewstubbe . a Consistorian Minister of Suffolke , did write thus to Fielde : I would bee glad to heare somewhat of the estate of Scotland : it doth more trouble me then our owne : For I am conceiuing some hope vpon the change of their former proceeding .

It also appeareth that there is great and ordinary intelligence , betwixt their and our especiall presbyterie ministers , for the better , and more ready compassing of such deuises and platformes , as are sought for , by our said ministers so busily amongst vs . The best of our Ministerie ( sayth Iames Gibson a minister of Scotland to a brother in England ) are most carefull of your estate , Gibson to Ed. Cop. and had sent for that effect , a Preacher of our Church this last summer ( 1590. ) of purpose , to conferre with the best affected Ministers of your Church , to laye downe a plot , how our Church might best trauell for your reliefe . And again : The Lord knows what care we haue of your Church both in our publike and priuate praiers , &c. For as feeling members of one bodie , we reckon the affliction of your Church to be our owne .

One Dauison in like manner ( an other minister of that countrey ) taketh vpon him to iustifie the proceedings of our malecontent ministers here : Dauison against R. B. ( as it shall herafter more plainely appeare ) and for the better incouraging of them in their peeuishnes , Pag. 29. hee telleth them , that the iust defence of their holie cause of Discipline must not be left , which hath no lesse warrant to bee continued perpetuallie within the Church , vnder this precept ; Feede my sheepe : then hath the preaching of the word and ministration of the Sacraments . Pag. 29. Hee doth also publish it , so as the world might take notice of it : that the good brethren of England , Pag. 20. are of the same minde with them of Scotland : & that both their causes , are most neerelie linked together .

Lastly there is almost nothing more ordinary in all the Consistorian discourses and libels of our owne countreymen , whether they bee printed here or in Scotland , then to presse vs with the examples of Geneua and Scotland , and to inueigle the people of England , with ( I knowe not what ) great commendation of the proceedings and platformes of some of the ministers in both those places .

Which points considered , & being required by those that might command me , that whereas certaine writings , and letters were come to my handes , concerning some courses taken by our saide more friendly disturbers , then the Iesuites are , but yet very great disturbers ; I should make the same in some sorte knowne : I thought it my best way , for the discharging of my duety therein , first to lay downe before you , the examples , patternes , & proceedings of those Ministers and Churches , which those our factious crew , propound to themselues to follow : & secondly ( that I may not bee enforced to passe by them , as * * Refor . no enemie . B. 2 one saith , D. B. was in his sermon at Paules crosse ) to make it most apparant vnto you , how artificially and effectually , they haue already by imitation expressed them . Whereby you shall perceiue , that although by reason of their said combination and secretnesse vsed , many things lie hid from those in authority , which they haue done already , in the setting forward of their pretended discipline : yet there will fall out so much to bee disclosed , as laying it to their patternes , you may easily discerne ( notwithstanding all their goodly pretences ) what to iudge of their proceedings , and whereat in truth they doo ayme .

IT seemeth , that when the Gospell began first to be preached by Farellus , Viretus , and others at Geneua , they coulde haue beene well content with the gouernement of the Bishop there , if hee would willingly haue reiected the Pope , and ioyned with them for the reformation of Religion . This appeareth by M. Caluins wordes to Cardinall Sadolete . Talem nobis Hierarchiam si exhibeant , in qua sic emineant Episcopi , vt Christo subesse recusent , vt ab illo tanquam vnico capite pendeant , & ad ipsum referantur : in qua , sic inter se fraternam societatem colant , vt non alio modo , quàm eius veritate , sint colligati : tum vero nullo non anathemate dignos fatear , si qui erunt qui non eam reuerenter summaque obedientia obseruent . If they doo bring vnto vs such an Hierarchie or priestlie gouernement , wherein the Bishops shall so rule , as that they refuse not to submit themselues to Christ , that they also depend vpon him , as their onely heade , and can be content to rèferre themselues to him : in which priestlie gouernment they doo so keepe brother lie societie amongst themselues that they bee knit together by no other knot , then by the trueth : then surelie if there shall be anie , that shall not submit themselues to that Hierarchie or priestlie gouernement , reuerentlie and with the greatest obedience that may be , I confesse there is no kinde of Anathema , or curse , or casting to the diuell , whereof they are not worthie .

Thus farre then , it must needes be thought , that the Bishoppe was offered by suche as soughte to refourme that Church : which offer he refusing ( as I gesse ) to accept of , they dealt ( as it appeareth by the issue ) with the inferiour magistrates and people , Cal. to Sadolet . to make such a reformation themselues , as they required of them . Whereupon the Bishop beeing Lord of the City , and hauing aswell in his handes , the Soueraigne ciuill Iurisdiction ouer it , or ( as M. Caluin speaketh ) Ius gladij & alias ciuilis iurisdictionis partes , &c. as the Ecclesiasticall ; they saide , He was a thiefe and an vsurper ; and so of themselues , with such assistance as was procured , did thrust him from both those authorities . Euen like ( in my opinion ) as if a Christian Prince , being possessed within his dominions of the supreame Iurisdiction , as well in Ecclesiasticall as in ciuill causes , might vpon the like occasion be serued in the same maner : or , to preuent all exception , as if some Prince of some perticular state or City in Germanie , Ioach. Camerarius . Phil. Mela. Georg. Maior de vita eius . taking vpon him , together with his principality , the calling of a Preacher , Bishop , Superintendent or Ruler of many perticular Churches , ( as George the Prince Anhault did ) should in such a case ( as the Bishoppe of Geneua was ) be depriued of both .

The means which was vsed , for such their abandoning of their Bishop , was this . When they perceiued that the Bishop sought , by force to encounter their proceedinges , and that ( as Sleydan noteth ) hee had excited the Duke of Sauoy , to that ende , to assist him : they ioyned themselues into a more neere amity with Berne . So as the Duke and the Bishop comming together to besiege the City ; they were both repulsed , Bernatibus illis auxilium ferentibus , The force of Berne assisting the Geneuians . Since which time ( as I suppose ) it hath been a principle , with some of the chief Ministers of Geneua , Whittingham in his Preface to Goodmans booke . Knox. ( but contrary to the iudgement of all other reformed Churches , for ought I know , which haue not addicted themselues to followe Geneua ) that if Kinges and Princes refused to refourme Religion , the inferior magistrates or people , by direction of the ministerie , might lawfullie , & ought ( if need required ) euen by force & armes , to reform it themselues .

ACcording to the refourming rule , mentioned in the ende of the former Chapter , ( to omit some other examples ) certaine Ministers in Scotlande with their adherents ( being meere subiects ) haue taken vpon them of later yeares , Knox in his hist. of the church of Scotland , pag 213 by a violent and forcible course to reforme Religion .

In which course M. Knox a man trayned vp at Geneua , in the time of Mary Queene of England , and very well instructed for such a worke , did shew himselfe to bee a most especiall instrument , as it appeareth by a very strange letter , written by him from Diepe , Anno a a Knox pag. 213. ibid. 1557. Wherein hee sheweth , that his opinion and motion of that matter , was not grounded , onely vpon his owne conceit , but vpon the graue counsailes , and iudgement of the most godly and learned , that then liued in Europe . ( He meaneth the Geneuians , Caluin , and the rest there . ) Vpon this Letter and some other , to and from the sayd Knox , An b b Knox p. 217 oath of confederacie was taken amongst his followers , in Scotland ; and a testification was made of their intents by a kind of subscription .

Immediately after , they prescribed also c c Knox p. 218 Orders for Reformation , to be obserued through all that whole Realme , Anno , 1558. and writ a d d Knox p. 234 memorable letter to the Religious houses , in the name of the people , that they should either remoue thence by such a day , or else they woulde then eiecte them by force .

Shortly after ( a Parliament being there holden by the Queene Regent ) they e e Knox p. 256 protested to the same , that except they had their desires , &c. they would proceed in their course : that neither they nor any that ioined with them , should incurre therefore any danger in life , or landes , or other politicall paines : and that if any violence happened in pursuite of those matters , they should thanke themselues . Afterward , ( the Queene Regent , seeing all the disorder , that was then , proceeded from such of the ministers ) shee f f Knox p. 258. summoned them to haue appeared at Striueling : which they refusing to doo , were therevpon by the Queenes commaundement ( as it is there tearmed ) put to the g g Knox. pa. 2● Horne : and all men ( vnder paine of rebellion ) were inhibited to assist them . But all this notwithstanding , their friends did sticke vnto them . And presently after , vppon a Sermon to that purpose , preached by M. Knox , in Saint h h Hollindshed pag 366. Knox 262 Iohnstowne , for the ouerthrowing of Religious houses : they fell the same day to their worke : and within two dayes had quite destroyed and i i Knox. p. 263 rased in that towne , the houses of the Blacke Fryars , of the Grey Fryars , and Charterhouse Moonkes , downe to the ground . And so they k k Thynne pag. 366. Buchanan . proceeded , breaking downe images and altars , in Fife , Angus , Meruis , and other parts adioyning .

This course beeing knowne , and therevpon the sayde Queene threatning to destroy Saint Iohnstowne , they l l Knox p. 265 writt vnto her , affirming that except shee stayed from that crueltie , they should be compelled to take the sword of iust defence , and protested , that , without the Reformation , which they desired , they would neuer be subiect to anie mortall man . Then they m m Knox p. 268 writte to all their brethren , to repaire vnto them : likewise to the Nobilitie , vppon paine of n n Knox p. 272 Excommunication , to ioyne with them : saying , that it was their duety to bridle the furie and rage of wicked men , were it of Princes , or Emperours , Knox pag. 269.

Vpon these letters , diuers o o Knox p. 274 repaired to Saint Iohnstowne , from sundry places : in so much as when Lyon Herault in his coat armor , commaunded all men , vnder paine of Treason , to returne to their houses , by publike sound of Trumpet , in Glasco ; neuer a man obeyed that charge , but went forward to their associat● . They p p Knox p. 27● writte in like manner to the Bishops and Clergie , that except they desisted from dealing against them , they would with all force and power , execute iust vengeance and punishment vpon them : and that they would begin that same warre , which God commanded Israell , to execute , against the Cananites .