Triplici nodo, triplex cuneus. Or An apologie for the Oath of allegiance against the two breues of Pope Paulus Quintus, and the late letter of Cardinal Bellarmine to G. Blackvvel the Arch-priest. Authoritate regiâ. James I, King of England, 1566-1625. This text is an enriched version of the TCP digital transcription A04285 of text S121305 in the English Short Title Catalog (STC 14400). Textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. The text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with MorphAdorner. The annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). Textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. This text has not been fully proofread Approx. 121 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 49 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. EarlyPrint Project Evanston,IL, Notre Dame, IN, St. Louis, MO 2018 A04285 STC 14400 ESTC S121305 99856489 99856489 22043 2240919501

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 Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 2, no. A04285) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 22043) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1475-1640 ; 740:5) Triplici nodo, triplex cuneus. Or An apologie for the Oath of allegiance against the two breues of Pope Paulus Quintus, and the late letter of Cardinal Bellarmine to G. Blackvvel the Arch-priest. Authoritate regiâ. James I, King of England, 1566-1625. Paul V, Pope, 1552-1621. Bellarmino, Roberto Francesco Romolo, Saint, 1542-1621. [4], 112 p. By Robert Barker, printer to the Kings most excellent Maiestie, Imprinted at London : Anno 1607. By James I. Royal arms on title page verso. Includes translations of the breves and of the letter. The first leaf is blank except for signature-mark "A" in a mortised ornament. Running title reads: An apologie for the oath of allegiance. Reproduction of the original in the British Library. eng Paul -- V, -- Pope, 1552-1621 -- Controversial literature -- Early works to 1800. Bellarmino, Roberto Francesco Romolo, -- Saint, 1542-1621 -- Controversial literature -- Early works to 1800. Oath of allegiance, 1606 -- Early works to 1800. Church and state -- England -- Early works to 1800. Catholics -- England -- Early works to 1800. eebo Triplici nodo, triplex cuneus. Or An apologie for the Oath of allegiance, against the two breues of Pope Paulus Quintus, and the late letter of Cardin James I, King of England, 1607 98 20821 32 0 0 0 0 18 2608.9 F The rate of 2608.9 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the F category of texts with 100 or more defects per 10,000 words. 2010-09 Assigned for keying and markup 2010-09 Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2010-10 Sampled and proofread 2010-10 Text and markup reviewed and edited 2011-06 Batch review (QC) and XML conversion

Triplici nodo , triplex cuneus .

OR AN APOLOGIE FOR THE OATH of Allegiance , Against the two Breues of Pope PAVLVS QVINTVS , and the late Letter of Cardinal BELLARMINE to G. BLACKWEL the Arch-priest .

Tunc omnes populi clamauerunt & dixerunt , Magna est Veritas , & praeualet . ESDR. 3.

Authoritate Regiâ .

Imprinted at London by Robert Barker , Printer to the Kings most Excellent Maiestie .

ANNO 1607.

AN APOLOGIE FOR THE OATH of Allegiance .

WHat a monstrous , rare , nay neuer heard of treacherous attempt , was plotted within these few yeeres here in England , for the destruction of his Maiestie , the Queene , their Posteritie , the whole house of Parliament , and a great number of good Subiects of all sorts , and degrees , is so famous already through the whole World by the infamy thereof , as it is needlesse to be repeated or published any more , the horror of the sinne it selfe doth so lowdly proclaime it . For if those a a Gen. 4 10. crying sinnes , ( whereof mention is made in the Scripture ) haue that Epithet giuen them for their publique infamie , and for procuring as it were with a lowd cry from Heauen , a iust vengeance , and recompence ; and yet those sinnes are both old and too common , neither the world nor any one Countrey being euer at any time cleane voyd of them : If those Sinnes , I say , are said in the Scripture to cry so lowd ; What must then this Sinne doe , plotted without cause , infinite in crueltie , and singular from all examples ? What proceeded hereupon , is likewise notorious to the whole world , His Maiesties Iustice onely taking holde vpon the Offenders , and that in as Honourable and publique a forme of triall , as euer was vsed in this Kingdome .

2. For although the onely reason they gaue for plotting so heinous an attempt , was the zeale they caried to the Romish Religion ; yet were neuer any other of that profession the worse vsed for that cause , as by his Maiesties gratious Proclamation immediatly after the discouery of the said Fact doeth plainely appeare ; Onely at the next sitting downe againe of the Parliament , were there Lawes made , setting downe some such orders as was thought fit for preuenting the like mischiefe in time to come . Amongst which , a forme of Oath was framed to be taken by all his Maiesties Subiects , whereby they should make cleare profession of their Resolution , faithfully to persist in his Maiesties obedience according to their naturall Allegiance ; To the end that hereby his Maiestie might make a separation , not onely betweene all his good Subiects in generall , and vnfaithfull Traitors , that intended to with draw themselues from his Maiesties Obedience ; But specially to make a separation betweene so many of his Maiesties Subiects , who although they were otherwise Popishly affected , yet retained in their hearts the print of their naturall duetie to their Soueraigne ; and those who being caried away with the like Fanaticall zeale that the Powder Traitors were , could not conteine themselues within the bounds of their naturall Allegiance , but thought diuersitie of Religion a safe pretext for all kinde of Treasons , and rebellions against their Soueraigne . Which godly and wise intent God did blesse with successe accordingly : For very many of his Maiesties Subiects that were Popishly affected , aswell Priests , as Layicks , did freely take the same Oath : whereby they both gaue his Maiestie occasion to thinke the better of their fidelitie , and likewise freed themselues of that heauy slander , That although they were fellow professors of one Religion with the powder Traitors , yet were they not ioyned with them in Treasonable courses against their Soueraigne ; whereby all quietly minded Papists were put out of despaire , and his Maiestie gaue good proofe that he intended no persecution against them for conscience cause , but onely desired to be secured of them for Ciuill obedience , which for Conscience cause they were bound to performe .

3. But the deuil could not haue deuised a more malitious tricke for interrupting this so calme and clement a course , then fell out by the sending hither , and publishing a Breue of the Popes , countermaunding all them of his profession to take this Oath ; Thereby sowing new seedes of iealousie betweene his Maiestie and his Popish Subiects , by stirring them vp to disobey that lawfull commandement of their Soueraigne , which was ordeined to be taken of them as a pledge of their fidelitie ; And so by their refusall of so iust a charge , to giue his Maiestie so great and iust a ground for punishment of them , without touching any matter of Conscience , throwing them needlesly into one of these desperate straights , Either with the losse of their liues and goods , to renounce their Allegiance to their natural Soueraigne ; Or else to procure the condemnation of their soules , by renouncing the Catholicke faith , as he alleadgeth .

4. And on the other part , although disparitie of Religion can permit no intelligence , nor intercourse of Messengers betweene his Maiestie and the Pope ; yet there being no denounced warre betweene them , he hath by this Action broken the rules of common ciuilitie , and Iustice betweene Christian Princes , in thus condemning him vnheard , both by accounting him a Persecutor , which cannot be but implyed by exhorting the Papists to endure Martyrdome ; As likewise by so straightly commanding all those of his profession in England , to refuse the taking of this Oath , Thereby refusing to professe their naturall obedience to their Soueraigne . For if he thinke himselfe his Maiesties Iudge , wherefore hath he condemned him vnheard ? And , if he haue nothing to doe with the King and his gouernment , ( as indeed he hath not ) why doeth he mittere falcem in alienam messem ? to meddle betweene his Maiestie and his Subiects , especially in matters that meerely and onely concerne Ciuil obedience ? And yet could Pius Quintus in his greatest furie , and auowed quarrel against the late Queene , doe no more iniury vnto her , then he hath in this case offered vnto his Maiestie , without so much as a pretended or an alleadged cause . For what difference there is , betweene the commanding Subiects to rebell , and loosing them from their oath of Allegiance as Pius Quintus did , and the commanding of Subiects not to obey in making profession of their Oath of their duetifull Allegiance , as this Pope hath now done ; No man can easily discerne .

5. But to draw neere vnto his Breue . Wherein certainly he hath taken more pains then he needed , by setting downe in the said Breue the whole body of the Oath at length , whereas the onely naming of the Title thereof might as well haue serued for any answere he hath made thereunto , making Vna litura , that is , the flat and generall condemnation of the whole Oath , to ferue for all his refutation . Wherein he hath as well in this respect as in the former , dealt both vndiscreetly with his Maiestie , and iniuriously with his owne Catholicks . With his Maiestie , in not refuting particularly what special words he quarrelled in that Oath ; which if he had done , it might haue bene that his Maiestie for the fatherly care he hath , not to put any of his Subiects to a needlesse extremitie , might haue bene contented in some sort to haue reformed or interpreted those wordes : With his owne Catholikes , Either if his Maiestie had so done , they had bene thereby fully eased in that businesse ; Or at least , if his Maiestie would not haue condescended to haue altered any thing in the said Oath , yet would thereby some appearance or shadow of excuse haue bene left vnto them for refusing the same , not as seeming thereby to swarue from their Obedience and Allegiance vnto his Maiestie , but onely being stayed from taking the same vpon the scrupulous tendernesse of their Consciences , in regard of those particular words which the Pope had noted and condemned therein .

And now let vs heare the wordes of his Thunder .

POPE PAVLVS the fifth , to the English Catholikes .

WElbeloued sonnes , Salutation The Pope his first Breue . and Apostolicall Benediction . The tribulations and calamities , which ye haue continually susteined for the keeping of the Catholike Faith , haue alwayes afflicted vs with great griefe of minde : But for as much as we vnderstand , that at this time all things are more grieuous , our affliction hereby is wonderfully increased . For we haue heard how you are compelled by most grieuous punishments set before you , to goe to the Churches of Heretikes , to frequent their Assemblies , to be present at their Sermons . Truely wee doe vndoubtedly beleeue , that they which with so great constancie and fortitude , haue hither to indured almost infinite and most cruel persecutions , that they may walke without spot in the Law of the Lord , will neuer suffer themselues to bee defiled with the communion of those that haue forsaken the diuine Law . Yet notwithstanding , being compelled by the zeale of our Pastorall Office , and by our Fatherly care which we doe continually take for the saluation of your soules , we are inforced to admonish , and desire you , that by no meanes you come vnto the Churches of the Heretikes , or heare their Sermons , or communicate with them in their Rites , lest you incurre the wrath of God . For these things may yee not doe without indamaging the worship of God , and your owne saluation . As likewise you cannot without most euident and grieuous wronging of Gods Honour , binde your selues by the Oath , which in like maner we haue heard with very great griefe of our heart is administred vnto you , of the tenor vnder written . viz.

I A. B. doe truely and sincerely acknowledge , The Oath . professe , testifie , and declare in my conscience before God and the world , That our Soueraigne Lord King IAMES , is lawfull King of this Realme , and of all other his Maiesties Dominions and Countreys ; And that the Pope neither of himselfe , nor by any authoritie of the Church or Sea of Rome , or by any other meanes with any other , hath any power or authoritie to depose the King , or to dispose any of his Maiesties Kingdomes , or Dominions , or to authorize any forraigne Prince , to inuade or annoy him , or his Countreys , or to discharge any of his Subiects of their Allegiance , and obedience to his Maiestie , or to giue Licence or leaue to any of them to beare Armes , raise tumults , or to offer any violence , or hurt to his Maiesties Royall person , State or Gouernement , or to any of his Maiesties Subiects within his Maiesties Dominions . Also I doe sweare from my heart , that notwithstanding any declaration or sentence of Excommunication , or depriuation made or granted , or to be made or granted , by the Pope or his successors , or by any Authoritie deriued , or pretended to be deriued from him , or his Sea , against the said King , his Heires , or Successors , or any Absolution of the said subiects from their Obedience , I wil beare faith and true Allegiance to his Maiestie , his Heires and Successors , and him and them will defend to the vttermost of my power , against all Conspiracies and Attempts whatsoeuer , which shal be made against his or their Persons , their Crowne and dignitie , by reason or colour of any such Sentence , or declaration , or otherwise , and will doe my best endeuour to disclose and make knowen vnto his Maiestie , his Heires and Successors , all Treasons and traiterous Conspiracies , which I shall know or heare of , to be against him or any of them . And I doe further sweare , That I doe from my heart abhorre , detest and abiure , as impious and Hereticall , this damnable doctrine and Position , That Princes which be Excommunicated or depriued by the Pope , may be deposed , or murthered by their Subiects , or any other whatsoeuer . And I doe beleeue , and in conscience am resolued , that neither the Pope , nor any person whatsoeuer , hath power to absolue me of this Oath , or any part thereof , which I acknowledge by good and full Authoritie to be lawfully ministred vnto me , and doe renounce all pardons and dispensations to the contrary . And all these things I doe plainely and sincerely acknowledge and sweare , according to these expresse wordes by me spoken , and according to the plaine and common sense and vnderstanding of the same words , without any Aequiuocation , or mentall euasion , or secret reseruation whatsoeuer . And I doe make this Recognition and acknowledgement heartily , willingly and truely , vpon the true Faith of a Christian . So helpe me GOD .

Which things since they are thus ; it must euidently appeare vnto you by the words themselues , That such an Oath cannot be taken without hurting of the Catholique Faith , and the Saluation of your Soules , seeing it conteines many things , which are flat contrary to Faith and Saluation . Wherefore wee doe admonish you , that you doe vtterly abstaine from taking this and the like Oathes : which thing we doe the more earnestly require of you because we haue experience of the Constancie of your Faith , which is tried like Gold in the fire of perpetuall Tribulation . We doe well knowe , that you will cheerefully vnder-goe all kinde of cruell Torments whatsoeuer , yea , and constantly endure death it selfe , rather then you wil any thing offend the Maiestie of God . And this our Confidence is confirmed by those things , which are dayly reported vnto vs , of the singular vertue , valour and fortitude , which in these last times , doeth no lesse shine in your Martyrs , then it did in the first beginnings of the Church . Stand therefore , your Loynes being girt about with Veritie , and hauing on the Brest-plate of Righteousnesse , taking the Shielde of Faith , be ye strong in the Lord , and in the power of his might ; And let nothing hinder you . He which will crowne you , and doeth in Heauen beholde your Conflicts , will finish the good worke , which he hath begun in you . You knowe how he hath promised his Disciples , that hee will neuer leaue them Orphanes : for hee is faithfull which hath promised . Hold fast therefore his correction , that is , being rooted and grounded in Charitie , Whatsoeuer ye doe , whatsoeuer ye indeuour , doe it with one accord , in simplicity of Heart , in meekenesse of Spirit , without murmuring or doubting . For by this doe all men knowe , that we are the Disciples of Christ , if we haue Loue one to another . Which Charitie , as it is very greatly to be desired of all faithfull Christians : So certainely is it altogether necessarie for you , most blessed Sonnes . For by this your Charitie , the Power of the Deuill is weakened , who doeth so much assaile you , since that Power of his is especially vpheld by the Contentions , and Disagreement of our Sonnes . We exhort you therefore by the Bowels of our Lord Iesus Christ , by whose Loue we are taken out of the Iawes of eternall Death ; That aboue all things , you would haue mutuall Charitie among you . Surely Pope Clement the eight of happy memorie , hath giuen you most profitable Precepts of practising brotherly Charitie one to another , in his Letters , in forme of a Breue , to our welbeloued Sonne M. George Arch priest of the Kingdome of England , dated the 5. day of the moneth of October , 1602. Put them therefore diligently in practise , and bee not hindered by any difficultie or doubtfulnesse . We require you , that ye doe exactly obserue the words of those Letters , and that yee take and vnderstand them simply as they sound , and as they lie , all Power to interpret them otherwise , being taken away . In the meane while , we will neuer cease to pray to the Father of Mercies , that hee would with pitie beholde your afflictions , and your paines , And that hee would keepe and defend you with his continuall Protection : whome wee doe gently greete with our Apostolicall Benediction . Dated at Rome at S. Marke , vnder the Signet of the Fisherman , the tenth of the Calends of October , 1606. the second yeere of our Pope-dome .

THE ANSWERE TO the first Breue .

FIrst the Pope expresseth herein his Sorrow for that Persecution , which the Catholiques sustaine for the faiths sake . Wherein , besides the maine vntrueth , whereby the King our Master is so iniuriously vsed , I must euer auowe and maintaine , as the trueth is , according to mine owne knowledge , that Her Maiestie neuer punished any Papist for Religion , but that their owne punishment was euer extorted out of her hands against her will , by their owne misbehauiour , which both the time and circumstances of her Actions will manifestly make proofe of . For before Pius Quintus his Excommunication giuing her ouer for a Pray , and setting her Subiects at libertie to rebell , It is wel knowen shee neuer medled with the blood or hard punishment of any Catholique , nor made any rigorous Lawes against them . And since that Time , who list to compare with an indifferent eye , the manifold intended Inuasions against her whole Kingdome , The forraine Practises , The internall publike Rebellions , The priuate Plots and Machinations , poysonings , murthers , and all sorts of deuises , Et quid non ? dayly set abroach ; and all these Wares continually fostered and fomented from Rome ; Together with the continuall corrupting of her Subiects , as well by temporall Bribes , as by faire and specious promises of eternall felicitie ; And nothing but booke vpon booke publikely set foorth by all her Fugitiues , for approbation of so Holy designes : Who list , I say , with an indifferent eye , to looke on the one part , vpon those infinite and intollerable Temptations , And on the other part vpon the iust , yet moderate punishment of a part of these hainous Offenders ; shall easily see that gracious Prince as free from persecution , as they shall free these hellish Instruments from the Honor of Martyrdome .

5. But now hauing sacrificed ( if I may so say ) to the Manes of my defunct Soueraigne , as well for the discharge of my particular duetie , as for loue of Veritie ; I must next performe my duetie to his Maiestie present , in testifying likewise the truth of his Actions in this matter . Wherein I must for the loue of Veritie confesse , That whatsoeuer was her iust and mercifull Gouernement ouer the Papists in her Time , his Maiesties Gouernement ouer them since hath so farre exceeded hers , in Mercie and Clemencie , as not onely the Papists themselues grewe to that height of Pride , in confidence of his mildenesse , as they did directly expect , and assuredly promise to themselues libertie of Conscience & Equalitie with vs in all things ; But euen we , I must truely confesse , his Maiesties best and faithfullest Subiects , were cast in great feare and amazement of his Maiesties Course and proceedings , Euer prognosticating and iustly suspecting that sowre fruite to come of it , which shewed it selfe clearely in the powder-Treason . How many did his Maiestie honour with Knighthood , His Maiesties Benefits and Fauours bestowed vpon the Catholiques . of knowen and open Recusants ? How indifferently did his Maiestie giue audience , and accesse to both sides , bestowing equally all Fauours and Honors on both Professions ? How free and continuall accesse , had all Rankes and Degrees of Papists in his Court and Companie ? And aboue all , how frankely and freely did his Maiestie free Recusants of their ordinarie payments ? Besides , it is euident what straite order was giuen out of his Maiesties owne mouth to his Iudges , to spare the Execution of all Priests , ( notwithstanding their Conuiction , ) Ioyning thereunto a Gracious Proclamation , whereby all Priests , that were at libertie , and not taken , might goe out of the Countrey by such a day : his Maiesties Generall Pardon hauing bene extended to all conuicted Priests in prison , whereupon they were set at libertie as good Subiects , And all Priestes that were taken after , sent ouer and set at Libertie there . But time and paper wil raile me to make enumeration of all the Benefits and Gracious fauours that his Maiestie hath bestowed in generall and particular vpon Papists : In recounting wherof , euery scrape of my penne would serue but for a blot of the Popes ingratitude and Iniustice , in meating him with so hard a measure for the same . So as I thinke I haue sufficiently , or at least with good reason wiped the a a Magno cum animi moerore . &c. Teares from the Popes eyes , for complaining vpon such persecution , who if he had bin but politikely wise , although hee had had no respect to Iustice and Veritie , would haue in this Complaint of his , made a difference betweene the times of the late Queene , and his Maiestie nowe present ; And in his commending of our Soueraignes Moderation , in regard of former times , might haue had hope to haue moued his Maiestie to haue continued in the same clement course . For it is a true saying , That alledged kindnesse vpon noble mindes doeth euer worke much . And for the maine vntrueth of his Maiesties persecution , it can neuer be proued , that any were , or are put to death in his Maiesties time for cause of Conscience , except that now this discharge giuen by the Pope to all Catholiques to take their Oath of Allegiance to his Maiestie be the cause of the due punishment of many : which if it fall out to be , let the blood light vpon the Popes head , who is the onely cause thereof .

As for the next poynt conteined in his Breue concerning his discharge of all Papists to come to our Church , or frequent our Rites and Ceremonies , I am not to meddle The intendement of this Discourse . at this time with that matter , because my Errand now onely is to publish to the World the Iniurie and Iniustice done vnto his Maiestie in discharging his owne Subiects to make profession of their Obedience to him . Now as to the poynt wherein the Oath is quarrelled , it is set downe in fewe , but very weightie words ; To wit , that it ought to be cleare vnto all Catholiques , That this Oath cannot be taken with safetie of the Catholike Faith , and of their Soules health , since it conteineth many things that are plainely and directly contrary to their faith & saluation . To this , the old saying fathered vpon the Philosopher may very fitly be applied , Multa dicit , sed pauca probat : Nay indeed , Nihil omnino probat . For how the profession of the naturall Allegiance of Subiects to their Prince , can be directly opposite to the faith and saluation of soules , is so farre beyond my simple reading in Diuinitie , as I must thinke it a strange and new Assertion , to proceede out of the mouth of that pretended generall Pastor of all Christian soules . I reade in deede , and not in one , or two , or three places of Scripture , that Subiects are bound to obey their Princes for conscience sake , whether they were good or wicked Princes . So said the people to a a Iosh. 1. 17. Ioshua , As we obeyed Moyses in all things , so wil we obey thee . So the b b Iere. 27. 12. Prophet commanded the people to obey the King of Babel , saying , Put your neckes vnder the yoke of the King of Babel , and serue him and his people , that yee may liue . So were the children of Israel vnto c c Exod. 5. 1. Pharaoh , desiring him to let them goe . So to d d Ezra . 1. 3. Cyrus , obtaining leaue of him to returne to build the Temple . And in a word , the e e Rom. 13. 5. Apostle willed all men to be subiect for Conscience sake . Agreeably to the Scriptures did the Fathers teach . f f August in Psal. 124. Augustine speaking of Iulian , saith , Iulian was an vnbeleeuing Emperour , was hee not an Apostata , an Oppressour , and an Idolater ? Christian Souldiers serued that vnbeleeuing Emperour : when they came to the cause of CHRIST , they would acknowledge no Lord , but him that is in Heauen . When he would haue them to worship Idoles and to sacrifice , they preferred GOD before him : But when he said , Goe foorth to fight , Inuade such a nation , they presently obeyed . They distinguished their Eternal Lord from their temporall , and yet were they subiect euen vnto their temporall lord for his sake that was their eternall Lord and Master . g g Tertul. ad Scap. Tertullian saith , A Christian is enemy to no man , much lesse to the Prince , whom he knoweth to be appointed of God , & so of necessity must loue , reuerence & honour him , and wish him safe with the whole Romane Empire , so long as the world shall last : for so long shall it endure . Wee honour therefore the Emperour in such sort , as is lawfull for vs , and expedient for him , as a man , the next vnto God , and obtaining from God whatsoeuer he hath , and onely inferiour vnto God . This the Emperour himselfe would : for so is be greater then all , while he is inferiour onely to the true God . h h Iust Martyr Apol. 2. ad Ant. Imperat. Iustine Martyr ; We onely adore God , and in all other things cheerefully performe seruice to you , professing that you are Emperours and Princes of men . i i Amb. in orat . con. Auxentium de basilicis traden . habetur . lib. 5. Epist. Amb. Ambrose ; I may lament , weepe , and sigh : My teares are my weapons against their Armes , Souldiers , and the Gothes also , such are the weapons of a Priest : Otherwise neither ought I , neither can I resist . k k Optat. contra Parme. lib. 3. Optatus ; Ouer the Emperour , there is none but only God , that made the Emperour . And l l Greg. Mag. Epist. lib. 2. indict . 11. Epist. 61. Gregory writing to Mauritius about a certaine Law , that a Souldier should not be receiued into a Monasterie , Nondum expleta militia ; The Almightie God , saith he , holdes him guiltie , that is not vpright to the most excellent Emperours in all things that hee doeth or speaketh . And then calling himselfe the vnworthy seruant of his Godlines , goeth on in the whole Epistle to shewe the Iniustice of that Lawe , as he pretendeth : And in the end concludes his Epistle with these wordes ; I being subiect to your command haue caused the same lawe to bee sent through diuers parts of your Dominions : and because the lawe it selfe doeth not agree to the Law of the Almightie God , I haue signified the same by my Letters to your most excellent Lordship : so that on both parts I haue payed what I ought , because I haue yeelded Obedience to the Emperour , and haue not holden my peace , in what I thought for God . Now how great a contrarietie there is betwixt this ancient Popes action in obeying an Emperour by the publication of his Decree , which in his owne Conscience he thought vnlawfull , and this present Popes prohibition to a Kings Subiects from Obedience vnto him in things most lawfull and meere Temporall ; I remit it to the Readers indifferency . And answerably to the Fathers spake the Councels in their decrees . As the Councell of Concil. Arelatense sub Carolo Can. 26. Arles , submitting the whole Councell to the Emperour in these words : These things wee haue decreed to bee presented to the Emperour , beseeching his Clemencie , that if we haue done lesse then we ought , it may be supplied by his wisedome : if any thing otherwise then reason require , it may bee corrected by his iudgement : if any thing bee well set downe of vs , it may be perfected by his aide and assistance .

But why should I speake of Charles the Great , To whom not one Councell , but sixe seuerall Councels , Franckford , Arles , Towers , Shallons , Mentz , & Rhemes did wholy submit themselues ? And not rather speake of all the generall Councels , that of Nice , Constantinople , Ephesus , Calcedon , and the foure other commonly so reputed , which did submit themselues to the Emperors wisdome , and Piety in all things ? Insomuch as that of Ephesus repeated it foure seuerall times , That they were summoned by the Emperours Oracle , becke , charge and command , and betooke themselues to his godlinesse , a a Vide epistolam generalis Con : ●d August . beseeching him , that the decrees made against Nestorius and his followers , might by his power haue their full force and validitie , as appeareth manifestly in the Epistle of the generall Councell of Ephesus written ad Augustos . I also reade that Christ said , his a a Iohn 18. 36 kingdom was not of this world , bidding , Giue to b b Mat. 22. 21 Caesar what was Caesars , and to God what was Gods . And I euer held it for an infallible Maxime in Diuinity , That temporall Obedience to a Temporall Magistrate did nothing repugne to matters of Faith or saluation of soules . But that euer temporall Obedience was against Faith and saluation of soules , as in this Breue is alleaged , was neuer before heard nor read of in the Christian Church ; and therefore I would haue wished the Pope , before hee had set downe this Commaundement to all Papists here , That since in him is the Power , by the infallibility of his spirit , to make new Articles of Faith when euer it shall please him ; That he had first set it down for an article of faith , before he had commanded all Catholikes to beleeue and obey it . I will then conclude the Answere to this point in a Dilemma .

Either it is lawfull to obey the Soueraigne Question . in Temporall things , or not .

If it be lawfull , ( as I neuer heard nor read it doubted of ) Then why is he so vniust , and so cruell towards his owne Catholikes , as to Commaund them to disobey their Soueraignes lawfull Commandement ?

If it be vnlawfull , Why hath he neither expressed or any other , that either would professe , or any wayes tollerate the professors of our Religion ; contrary to his manifold vowes and protestations , simul & eodem tempore , and as it were deliuered vno & eodem spiritu , to diuers of his Maiesties ministers abroad , professing such kindnesse , and shewing such forwardnesse to aduance him to this Crowne . Nay , the most part of Catholikes here , finding this Breue when it came to their hands , to be so farre against Diuinitie , Policy , or naturall sense , were firmely perswaded , that it was but a counterfeit Libel deuised in hatred The Catholikes opinion of the Breue . of the Pope ; Or at the farthest , a thing hastily done vpon wrong Information , as was before said . Of which opinion were not onely the simpler sort of Papists , but euen some amongst them of best account , both for learning and experience ; wherof the Archpriest himselfe was one . But for soluing of this obiection , the Pope himselfe hath taken new paines , by sending forth a second Breue , only for giuing faith and confirmation to the former : That whereas before , his sinne might haue bene thought to haue proceeded from rashnesse and mis-information , he will now wilfully and willingly double the same : whereof the Copie followeth .

TO OVR BELOued sonnes the English Catholikes , Paulus P. P. V tus .

BEloued Sonnes , Salutation and The second Breue . Apostolicall Benediction . It is reported vnto vs , that there are found certayne men amongst you , who when as wee haue sufficiently declared by our Letters , dated the last yeere on the tenth of the Calends of October in the forme of a Breue , that ye cannot with safe Conscience take the Oath , which was then required of you ; And when as wee haue further straightly required you , that by no meanes yee should take it ; yet there are some , I say , among you , which dare now affirme , That such Letters

THE ANSWERE TO the second Breue .

NOw for this Breue , I may iustly reflect his owne phrase vpon him , in tearming it to be the craft of the Deuil . For if the deuill had studied a thousand yeeres for to find out a mischiefe for our Catholikes , here hee hath found it in this , That now when many Catholikes haue taken their Oath , and some Priests also ; yea , the Arch-priest himselfe , without compunction or sticking , they shall not now onely bee bound to refuse the profession of their naturall Allegiance to their Soueraigne , which might yet haue bin some way coloured vpon diuers scruples conceiued vpon the words of the Oath ; but they must now renounce and forsweare their profession of obedience already sworne , and so must , as it were at the third Instance , forsweare A double Oath of every Subject . their two former Oaths , first closely sworne by their birth in their naturall Allegiance ; and next , clearely confirmed by this Oath , which doeth nothing but expresse the same ; So as no man can now hold the faith , or procure the Saluation of his soule in England , that must not abiure and renounce his borne and sworne Allegiance to his naturall Soueraigne .

And yet it is not sufficient to ratifie the last yeeres Breue by a new one come forth this yeere ; But ( that not onely euery yeere , but euery moneth may produce a new Monster ) The great and famous writer of the Controuersies , The late Vn-Iesuited Cardinall Bellarmine must adde his talent to this good worke , by blowing the Bellowes of Sedition , and sharpening the Spurre to Rebellion , by sending such a Letter of his to the Arch-priest here , as it is a wonder how Passion , and an Ambitious desire of mainteining that Monarchy , should charme the wits of so famously learned a man .

The Copie whereof here followeth .

TO THE MOST Reuerend Master GEORGE BLACKWEL Arch-priest of the English : Robert of the holy Church of Rome Cardinall BELLARMIN , sendeth greeting .

MOst reuerend Sir , and Brother in Christ , It is almost fourtie yeeres since we did see one the other : But yet I haue neuer beene vnmindfull of our ancient acquaintance , neither haue I ceased , seeing I could doe you no other good , to commend your labouring most painefully in the Lordes vineyard , in my prayers to God . And I doubt not , but that I haue liued all this while in your memorie , and haue had some place in your prayers at the Lords Altar . So therefore euen vnto this time wee haue abidden , as S. Iohn speaketh , in the mutuall loue one of the other , not by worde or letter , but by labour and trueth . But a late message which was brought vnto vs within a few dayes , of your bonds and imprisonment , hath inforced mee to breake off this silence ; which message , although it seemed heauie in regard of the losse of your pastorall function which you haue exercised in that Church , yet withall it seemed ioyous , because you drew neere vnto the glory of Martyrdome , then the which thing there is no gift of God more happie ; That you , who haue fed your Flocke so many yeeres with the worde and doctrine , should now feed it more gloriously by the example of your patience . But another heauy tidings did not a litle disquiet and almost take away this ioy , which immediatly followed , of the aduersaries assault , and peraduenture of the slip and fall of your Constancie , in refusing an vnlawfull Oath . Neither truely ( most deare brother ) could that oath therefore be lawfull , because it was offered in sort tempered and modified : for you knowe that those kinde of modifications are nothing els , but sleights and subtilties of Satan , that the Catholique faith touching the Primacie of the Sea Apostolike , might either secretly or openly be shot at , for the which faith so many worthy Martyrs euen in that very England it selfe , haue resi sted vnto blood . For most certaine it is , that in whatsoeuer words the Oath is conceiued by the aduersaries of the faith in that Kingdome , it tends to this end , that the Authoritie of the head of the Church in England , may bee transferred from the successour of S. Peter , to the Successour of K. Henry the eight . For that which is pretended of the danger of the Kings life , if the high Priest should haue the same power in England , which he hath in all other Christian Kingdomes , it is altogether idle , as all that haue any vnderstanding , may easily perceiue . For it was neuer heard of from the Churches infancie vntill this day , that euer any Pope did command , that any Prince , though an Heretike , though an Ethnike , though a Persecuter , should be murdered , or did approue of the fact , when it was done by any other . And why , I pray you , doeth onely the King of England feare that , which none of all other the Princes in Christendome either doeth feare , or euer did feare ?

But , as I sayd , these vaine pretexts are but the Trappes and Stratagemes of Sathan : Of which kind , I could produce not a few out of ancient Stories , if I went about to write a booke , and not an Epistle . One only for example sake , I will call to your memory . S. Gregorius Nazianzenus in his first Oration against Iulian the Emperour , reporteth , That he , the more easily to beguile the simple Christians , did insert the Images of the false gods into the pictures of the Emperor , which the Romanes did vse to bow downe vnto with a ciuill kind of reuerence ; so that no man could doe reuerence to the Emperours picture , but withall he must adore the Images of the false gods : Whereupon it came to passe , that many were deceiued . And if there were any that found out the Emperours craft , and refused to worship his picture , those were most grieuously punished , as men that had contemned the Emperour in his Image . Some such like thing , me thinkes , I see in the Oath that is offered to you , which is so craftily composed , that no man can detest Treason against the King , and make profession of his Ciuill subiection , but he must be constrayned perfidiously to denie the Primacie of the Apostolike Sea . But the seruants of Christ , and especially the chiefe Priests of the Lord ought to be so farre from taking an vnlawfull Oath , where they may indamage their Faith , that they ought to beware that ry the Great hath written , in his 42. Epistle of his 11. booke . Let not the Reuerence due to the Apostolique Sea , bee troubled by any mans presumption : for then the state of the members doeth remaine entire , when the head of the faith is not bruised by any iniurie . Therefore , by S. Gregories testimonie , when they are busie about disturbing or diminishing , or taking away of the Primacie of the Apostolique Sea , then are they busie about cutting off the very head of the faith , and dissoluing of the state of the whole body , and of all the members . Which selfe same thing S. Leo doeth confirme in his third Sermon of his Assumption to the Pope-dome , when he saith , Our Lord had a speciall care of Peter , and prayed properly for Peters faith , as though the state of others were more stable , when their Princes minde was not to be ouercome . Whereupon himselfe in his Epistle to the Bishop of Vienna , doth not doubt to affirme , That he is not partaker of the Diuine Mysterie , that dare depart from the soliditie of Peter : who also saith , That hee who thinketh the Primacie to bee denied to that Sea , hee can in no sort lessen the Authoritie of it , but by being puft vp with the spirit of pride , doeth cast himselfe headlong into hell . These and many other of this kinde , I am very sure are most familiar to you : who besides many other bookes , haue diligently read ouer the visible Monarchie of your owne Saunders , a most diligent writer , and one who hath worthily deserued of the Church of England . Neither can you be ignorant , that most holy and learned men , Iohn Bishop of Rochester , and Thomas More within our memorie , for this one most weightie head of doctrine , ledde the way to Martyrdome to many others , to the exceeding glory of the English Nation . But I would put you in remembrance that you should take heart , and considering the weightinesse of the cause , not to trust too much to your owne iudgement , neither be wise aboue that is meete to bee wise : And if peraduenture your fall haue proceeded not vpon want of consideration , but through humane infirmitie , and for feare of punishment , and imprisonment ; yet doe not preferre a temporall libertie to the libertie of the glory of the Sonnes of God , neither for escaping a light and momentanie tribulation , loose an eternall waight world to wonder with me , at the committing of so grosse an Errour by so learned a man , as that hee should haue pained himselfe to haue set downe so elaborate a Letter , for the refutation of a quite mistaken Question . For it appeareth , that our English Fugitiues , of whose inward societie with him he so greatly vaunteth , haue so fast hammered in his head the Oath of Supremacie , which hath euer bene so great a Scarre vnto them , as hee thinking by his Letter to haue refuted the last Oath , hath in place thereof onely payd the Oath of Supremacie , which was most in his head ; As a man that being earnestly caried in his thoughts vpon another matter then hee is presently in doing , will often name the matter , or person hee is thinking of , in place of the other thing hee hath at that time in hand .

For , as the Oath of Supremacy was deuised for putting a difference betweene Papists , and them of our profession : So was this Oath , which hee would seeme to impugne , The difference betweene the Oath of Supremacie , and this of Allegiance . ordained for making a difference betweene the Ciuilly obedient Papists , and the peruerse Disciples of the Powder-Treason . Yet doth all his Letter runne vpon an Inuectiue against the compulsion of Catholikes to denie the authoritie of Saint Peters successors , and in place thereof to acknowledge the successors of King Henry the eight . For , in King Henry the eights time was the Oath of Supremacie first made : By him were Thomas Moore and Roffensis put to death , partly for refusing of it . From his time till now haue all our Princes professing this Religion , successiuely in effect mainteined the same : And in that Oath only is conteined the Kings absolute power to bee Iudge ouer all persons aswell Ciuill as Ecclesiasticall , excluding all forreigne Powers and Potentates to be Iudges within his Dominions ; Whereas this last made Oath containeth no such matter , onely medling with the Ciuill Obedience of Subiects to their Soueraigne , in meere Temporall causes .

And that it may the better appeare , that whereas by name hee seemeth to condemne the last Oath ; yet indeede his whole letter runneth vpon nothing , but vpon the some other authority of the Church and Sea of Rome , yet by other meanes with others helpe he may depose our King .

That the Pope may dispose of his Maiesties Kingdomes and Dominions .

That the Pope may giue authoritie to some Forrein Prince to inuade his Maiesties Dominions .

That the Pope may discharge his Subiects of their Allegiance and Obedience to his Maiestie .

That the Pope may giue Licence to one or more of his Maiesties Subiects to beare Armes against his Maiestie .

That the Pope may giue leaue to the King his Subiects to offer violence to his Maiesties sacred person , or to his Gouernement , or to some of his Subiects .

That if the Pope shall by Sentence Excommunicate or depose our King , his Subiects are not to beare Faith and Allegiance to his Maiestie .

If the Pope shall by Sentence Excommunicate or depose his Maiesty , his Subiects are not bound to defend with all their power his Maiesties Person and Crowne .

If the Pope shall giue out any Sentence of Excommunication , or Depriuation against the King , the Subiects by reason of that Sentence , are not bound to reueile all Conspiracies & Treasons against the King , which shal come to their hearing and knowledge .

That it is not Hereticall and detestable to holde , that Princes being Excommunicated by the Pope , may be either deposed , or killed by their Subiects , or any other .

That the Pope hath power to absolue his Maiesties Subiects from this oath , or from some part thereof .

That this oath is not administred to his Maiesties Subiects , by a full and lawfull Authoritie .

That this oath is to be taken with Equiuocation , mentall euasion , or secret reseruation , and not with the heart and good will , sincerely in the true faith of a Christian man .

These are the true and naturall branches of the body of this Oath . The affirmatiue of all which Negatiues doe neither concerne in any case the Popes Supremacie in spirituall causes , nor yet were euer concluded , and defined by any complete generall Councell to Touching the pretended councell of Later : See Plat. In vita innocen. 3. belong to the Popes Authoritie : and their owne schoole Doctours are at irreconcilable oddes and iarres about them .

And that the world may yet farther see , his Maiesties and whole States setting downe of this oath , did not proceed from any new inuention of theirs , but as it is warranted by the word of God : so doth it take the example The oath of Allegiance confirmed by the authoritie of Councels . from an oath of Allegiance decreed a thousand yeeres agone , which a famous Councel then , together with diuers other Councels , were so farre from condemning , ( as the Pope now hath done this oath ) as I haue thought good to set down their owne words here in that purpose , wherby it may appeare that his Maiestie craueth nothing now of his Subiects in this Oath , which was not expresly and carefully commanded then by the Councels to be obeyed without exception of persons . Nay not in the very particular poynt of Equiuocation , which his Maiestie in this oath is so carefull to haue eschewed : but you shall here see the said Councels in their The ancient Councels prouided for Equiuocation . decrees , as careful to prouide for the eschewing of the same , so as almost euery poynt of that Action , and this of ours , shall be found to haue relation and agreeance one with the other , saue onely in this , that those olde Councels were carefull and strait in commaunding The difference between the ancient Councels and the Popes counselling of the Catholikes . the taking of the same : wheras by the contrary , hee that now vaunteth himselfe to be head of all Councels , is as carefull and strait in the prohibition of all men from the taking of this Oath of Allegiance .

The wordes of the Councell bee these . Heare our Sentence .

Whosoeuer of vs , or of all the people thorowout Concil. Toletan. 4. can. 74. all Spaine , shall violate the Oath of his fidelitie , which he hath giuen for the preseruation of his Countrey , or of the Kings Person , or shall go about by any Conspiracy or endeuour to touch the life of the King , or shall vsurpe by any power or Tyrannicall presumption the Soueraigntie of the Kingdome , let him be accursed in the sight of God the Father , and of his Angels , and be holden an Alien from the Catholike Church , which he hath profaned by his periury ; together with all Fidelitie in their mouthes ; when they holde an impious perfidiousnesse in their mindes . And f f Concil. Tolc . 4. Cap. 75. againe , They sweare to their Kings , that thereupon they may preuaricate in the fidelitie which they haue promised . Neither doe they feare the volume of Gods Iudgement , in the which the curse of God is threatned vpon them , which doe sweare in the Name of God deceitfully . To the like effect spake they in the Councell of a a Concil. Aquisgran . sub Ludou . Pio & Greg. 4. can. 12. anno 836. Aquisgran , That whosoeuer , from the highest to the lowest of the Cleargie , shall make defection from the Orthodoxe Emperour Lodowicke , or shall violate the Oath of Fidelitie made vnto him , or shall adhere to his Enemies ; let him bee depriued of all Honour and Dignitie .

And now to come to a particular answere of his Letter . First as concerning the sweet memorie hee hath of his old acquaintance with the Arch-priest ; it may indeed be pleasing for him to recount : But sure I am , his acquaintance with him , and the rest of his societie our Fugitiues , ( whereof he also vanteth himselfe in his preface to the reader , in his booke of Controuersies ) hath prooued sowre to vs and our State . For some of such Priests and Iesuites as were the greatest Traitours and Fomenters of the greatest Conspiracies against her late Maiestie , gaue vp Father Robert b b Campion & Hart. See the conference in the Tower . Bellarmine for one of their greatest authorities and oracles . And therfore , I doe not enuie the great honour hee can winne by his vaunt of his inward familiaritie with an other Princes Traitours , and Fugitiues : whom vnto , if he teach no better maners , then hitherto he hath done , I thinke his Fellowship are little beholding vnto him .

And for desiring him to remember him in his prayers at the altar of the Lord : If the Arch priests prayers proue no more profitable to his soule , then Bellarmines counsell is like to proue profitable both to the soule and body of Blackwell ( if he would followe it ; ) the authour of this letter might very well be without his prayers .

Now the first messenger that I can finde , which brought ioyfull newes of the Arch-priest to Bellarmine , was he that brought the newes of the Arch-priestes taking , and first appearance of Martyrdome . A great signe surely of the Cardinals mortification , that he was so reioyced to heare of the apprehension , imprisonment , and appearance of putting to death , of so old and deare a friend of his . But yet apparantly he should first haue bene sure , that he was onely to be punished for cause of Religion , before hee had so triumphed vpon the expectation of his Martyrdome . For first , by what rule of Charitie was The Cardinals charitie . it lawfull for him to iudge the King our Soueraigne a Persecutour , before proofe had bene made of it , by the saide Arch-priestes condemnation and death ? What could hee know , That the said Arch-priest was not taken vpon suspition of his guiltinesse in the Powder-treason ? What certaine information had he then receiued vpon the particulars , whereupon he was to be accused ? And last of all , by what inspiration could he foretell whereupon hee was to be accused ? For at that time there was yet nothing laide to his charge . And if Charitie should not be suspitious , what warrant had hee absolutely to condemne our Soueraigne of vsing persecution and tyrannie , which could not but bee implied vpon his Maiestie , if Blackwell was to be a Martyr ? But surely it may iustly bee said of Bellarmine in this case , that our Sauiour CHRIST saith of all worldly and carnall men , who thinke it enough to loue their a a Matth. 5. 43. friends , and hate their enemies ; the limits of the Cardinals charitie extending no farther , then to them of his owne profession . For what euer he added in superfluous charitie to Blackwell in reioycing in the speculation of his future Martyrdome , hee detracted as much vniustly and vncharitably from his Maiestie our Soueraigne , in accounting of him thereby as of a bloody persecutour . And whereas this ioy of his was interrupted by the next messenger , that brought the newes of the said Arch-priest his failing in his Constancie by taking of this Oath ; hee needed neuer to haue bene troubled , either with his former ioy , or his second sorrowe , both being alike falsly grounded . For as it was neuer his Maiesties intention to lay any thing vnto the said Arch-priests charge , as he hath neuer done to any , for cause of Conscience ; So was Blackwels constancie neuer brangled by taking of this Oath ; It being a thing , which hee euer thought lawfull before his apprehension , and whereunto hee perswaded all Catholikes to giue obedience ; like as after his apprehension , he neuer made doubt , nor stop in it , but at the first offering it vnto him , did freely take it , as a thing most lawfull ; Neither meanes of threatning , or flatterie , being euer vsed vnto him , as himselfe can yet beare witnesse .

And as for the temperature and modification of this Oath , Except that a reasonable and lawfull matter is there set downe in reasonable and temperate wordes agreeing thereunto ; I know not what he can meane , by quarrelling it for that fault . For no temperatnesse nor modifications in words therein , can iustly be called the deuils craft , when the thing it selfe is so plaine , and so plainely interpreted to all them that take it , as the only troublesome thing in it all , be the words vsed in the ende thereof , for eschewing Equiuocation and mentall reseruation ; which newe Catholique doctrine may farre iustlier be called the deuils craft , then any plaine and temperate words , in so plaine and cleare a matter . But what shall wee say of these strange Agrestes , whome of with the Satyre we may iustly complaine , that they blowe both hote and cold out of one mouth ? For Luther and all our bolde and free speaking writers , are mightily railed vpon by them , as hot brained fellowes , and speakers by the deuils instinct : And now if we speake moderately and temperately of them , it must be termed the deuils craft . And therefore wee may iustly complaine with CHRIST , that when wee a a Matt. 11. 17. mourne , they will not lament , and when we pipe , they wil not dance . But neither Iohn Baptist his seueritie , nor CHRIST his meekenesse and lenitie can please them , who builde but to their owne Monarchie , vpon the ground of their owne traditions , and not to CHRIST , vpon the ground of his Word and infallible Trueth .

But what can bee meant by alleadging , That the craft of the deuill herein is onely vsed for subuersion of the Catholike Faith , and euersion of S. Peters Primacy , had need be commented anew by Bellarmine himself . For in all this Letter of his , neuer one word is vsed to prooue , that by any part of this Oath the primacie of Saint Peter is any way medled with , except Master Bellarmine his bare alledging ; which without prouing it by more cleare demonstration , can neuer satisfie the conscience of any reasonable man . For , for ought that I knowe , Heauen and Earth are no farther asunder , then the profession of a Temporall obedience to a Temporall King , is different from any thing belonging to the Catholike Faith , or Supremacie of Saint Peter . For , as for the Catholike No decision of any point of Religion in the Oath of Allegiance . Faith , can there bee one word found in all that Oath , tending or sounding to matter of Religion ? Doeth he that taketh it , promise there to beleeue , or not to beleeue any Article of Religion ? Or doeth hee so much as name a true or a false Church there ? And as for Saint Peters Primacy , I know no Apostles name that is therein named , but the name of our Soueraigne Iames , though it please him not to deigne to name him in all the Letter , albeit the contents thereof concerne him in the highest degree . Neither is there any mention at all made therein , either conceptis verbis , or by any other indirect meanes , either of the Hierarchy of the Church , of Saint Peters succession , of the Sea Apostolike , or of any such matter : But that the Author of our Letter doeth brauely make mention of Saint Peters succession , bringing it in comparison with the succession of Henry the eight . Of which vnapt and vnmannerly Similitude , I wonder he should not bee much ashamed . For , as our King Henries successour , whom by he meaneth , neuer did , nor will presume to create any Article of Faith , or to be Iudge thereof , but to submit his exemplary obedience vnto them , in as great humilitie , as the meanest of the land ; So if the Pope could bee as well able Farre more easie to proue his Maiesties succession from his Aucestors , then the Pope from S. Peter . to prooue his , either Personall , or Doctrinall succession from S. Peter , as hee is able to proue his lineall descent from the Kings of England and Scotland , there had neuer bene so long adoe , nor so much sturre kept about this Question in Christendome ; Neither had a a Bella● de Rom Po●t . lib. 4 cap 〈◊〉 B●llar de Rom Pontif. lib. 2 cap. 12. M. Bellarmine himselfe needed to haue bestowed so many sheetes of paper , De summo Pontifice in his great Bookes of Controuersies : And when all is done , to conclude with a morall certitude , and a pie credendum , bringing in the b b Bellar de Rom. Pontif. lib. 2. cap. 14. Popes , that are parties in this cause , to be his witnesses : And yet their Historicall Narration must be no Article of Faith . And sure we are , that his Maiestie our Soueraigne , doeth vertuously imitate the worthy Actions of his predecessors ; In whom their Vertues doe more brightly shine , then can be well proued the Popes in our age to be similes Petro , especially in cursing of Kings , and setting free their Subiects from their Allegiance vnto them .

But now we come to his strongest Argument ; which is , That he would alledge vpon our Soueraigne a Panick terrour , as if he were possessed with a needelesse feare . For , saith the Cardinall , from the beginning of the The Cardinals waightiest Argument . Church his first Infancie , euen to this day , where was it euer heard , that euer a Pope either commanded to be killed , or allowed the slaughter of any Prince whatsoeuer , whether he were an Heretike , an Ethnike , or Persecutor ? But first , wherefore doth he here wilfully , and of purpose omit the rest of the points mentioned in that Oath , for deposing , degrading , stirring vp of Armes , or Rebelling against them , which are as well mentioned in that Oath , as the killing of them ? As being all of one consequence against a King , no Subiect being so scrupulous , as that he will attempt the one , and leaue the other vnperformed if he can . And yet surely I cannot blame him for passing it ouer , since he could not otherwise haue eschewed the direct belying of himselfe in tearmes , which he now doeth but in substance and effect . For a a Bellar. de Rom. Pontif lib. 5. cap. 8. & lib. 3 cap. 16. as for the Popes deposing and degrading of Kings , hee maketh so braue vaunts and bragges of it in his former Bookes , as he could neuer with ciuill honestie haue denyed it here .

But to returne to the Popes allowing of killing of Kings , I know not with what face he can set so stout a denyall vpon it against his owne knowledge . How many Emperors did the Pope raise warre against in their owne bowels ? Who as they were ouercome in battayle , were subiect to haue bene killed therein ; which I hope the Pope could not but haue allowed , when hee was so farre inraged at b b Platina & Cusp●●nus in vita Henrici 4. Henry the fifth for giuing buriall to his fathers dead corps , after the Pope had stirred him vp to rebell against his father , and procured his ruine . But leauing these olde Histories to Bellarmines owne bookes , that doe most authentically cite them , as I haue already said , let vs turne our eyes vpon our owne time , and therein remember what a Panegyrik c c See the Oration of Sixtus Quintus made in the Consistory vpon the death of Henry the 3. oration was made by the Pope , in praise and approbation of the Frier and his fact , that murthered King Henry the third of France , who was so farre from either being Heretike , Ethnike , or Persecutor in their account , that the said Popes owne wordes in that Oration are , That a true Frier had killed a counterfeit Frier . And besides that vehement Oration , and congratulation for that fact , how neere it scaped , that the said Frier was not Canonized for that glorious Acte , is better knowen to Bellarmine and his followers , then to vs here .

But sure I am , if some Cardinals had not beene more wise and circumspect in that errand , then the Pope himselfe was , the Popes owne Calender of his Saints would haue sufficiently proued Bellarmine a lyar in this case . And to drawe yet neerer vnto our selues ; How many Practises and Attempts were made against the late Queene our Soueraignes life , which were directly inioyned to those Traytors by their Confessors , and plainly authorized by the Popes allowance ? For verification whereof , there needes no more proofe , then that neuer Pope either then or since , called any Church-man in question for medling in those Treasonable conspiracies ; Nay , the Cardinals owne S. Sanderus mentioned in his Letter , coulde well verifie this trueth , if he were aliue ; and who wil looke his books , wil find them filled with no other Doctrine then this . And what difference there is betweene the killing or allowing the slaughter of Kings , and the stirring vp and approbation of practises to kill them , I remit to Bellarmines owne iudgement . It may then very clearely appeare , how strangely this Authours passion hath made him forget himselfe , by implicating himselfe in so strong a Contradiction against his owne knowledge and conscience , against the the end that theeues might afterward take it from him .

l l Ecllar . de Pont. lib. 4. cap. 3. Peter did not loose that righteousnesse that was in his heart .

Contrary , m m Bellar. de Iust lib 2 cap 14. Peters sinne was deadly .

n n Bellar. de Rom. Pontif. lib. 3. cap. 14. Antichrist shall be a Magitian , and after the maner of other Magitians shall secretly worship the deuill .

o o Ibid ex senten . H●pol . & Cyrilli & cap. 12 eiusd●m libri . Contrary , He shal not admit of idolatrie : he shall hate idoles , and reedifie the Temple .

By the words of p p Bellar. lib. 1. de missa cap. 27. Consecration the true and solemne Oblation is made .

Contrary , The q q Bellar. de miss lib. 2 cap. 11. Oblation is not made by the wordes , but doeth consist in the offering of the thing it selfe .

r r Bellar de anim . Christ . lib. 4 cap 5 That the ende of the world cannot bee knowen .

s s Bellar. de Pont. lib. 3 cap. 17. Contrary , After the death of Antichrist , there shall bee but fiue and fortie dayes till the end of the world .

t t Bellar. de Pont. lib. 3 cap. 14. That the tenne Kings shal burne the scarlet whore , that is , Rome .

u u Bellar. ibidem . Contrary , Antichrist shal hate Rome , and fight against it , and burne it .

x x Bellar de Pont. lib. 2. cap. 31. The name of vniuersall Bishop may bee vnderstood two wayes ; One way , that he which is said to be vniuersall Bishop , may be thought to be the onely Bishop ; so that all other Bishops are but onely his Vicars .

Contrary , All ordinarie y y Bellar. de Pon. lib. 4. cap. 24. Iurisdiction of Bishops doth descend immediatly from the Pope . Which few places I haue onely selected amongst many the like , that the discreete and iudicious Reader may discerne Ex vngue Leonem . For when euer hee is pressed with a weighty Obiection , he neuer careth , nor remembreth how his Solution and Answere to that , may make him gainesay his owne Doctrine in some other places , so it serue him for a shift to put off the present storme withall .

But now to returne to our matter againe . Since Popes , saith hee , haue neuer at any time medled against Kings , Wherefore , I pray you , should onely the King of England bee afraid of that , whereof neuer Christian King is , or was afraid ? Was neuer Christian Emperour or King afraid of the Popes ? How then were these miserable Emperours tost and turmoiled , and in the end vtterly ruined by the Popes , for proofe whereof I haue already cited Bellarmines owne bookes ? Was not the a a Abbas Vspergen . Lam. Scafen . Anno 1077. Plat. in vit. Greg. 7. Emperour afraid , who waited barefooted in the frost & snow three dayes at the Popes gate , before he could get entrie ? Was not the b b Alfons . Ciacou . in vit. Alex. 3. Geneb . Chronol . Emperor also afraid , who was driuen to lie agroofe on his belly , and suffer another Pope to tread vpon his necke ? And was not another c c Ranulph . in Polychronicon . lib. 7. Emperour afraid , who was constrained in like maner to indure a third Pope to beate off from his head the Imperiall Crowne with his foote ? Was not d d Abbas Vsperg . Philip afraid , being made Emperour against Pope Innocentius the thirds good liking , when he brake out into these words , Either the Pope shall take the Crowne from Philip , or Philip shall take the Miter from the Pope ? Whereupon the Pope stirred vp Otho against him , who slew him , and presently went to Rome , and was crowned Emperour by the Pope , though afterward the Pope deposed him too . Was not the Emperour e e Petrus de vineis Epist. 2. lib. 2. & Cuspian in vit. Frederici . 2. Frederike asraid , when Innocentius the fourth excommunicated him , depriued him of his Crown , absolued Princes of their Oath of Fidelity to him , and in Apulia corrupted one to giue him poison ? Whereof the Emperour recouering , he hired one Manfredus to poison him ; whereof he died . What did f f Paulus Ionius Hist. lib. 2. Alexander the third write to the Soldan , That if hee would liue quietly , hee should by some sleight murther the Emperour ? And to that end sent him the Emperours picture . And not g g Cuspianus . Alexander the sixt take of the Turke Baiazetes two hundred thousand Crownes to kill his brother Gemen , or as some call him , Sisimus , whom hee helde Captiue at Rome ? Did hee not accept of the conditions to poison the man , and had his pay ? Was not our h h Honenden pag. 539. Henry the second afraid after the slaughter of S. Becket , That besides his going bare-footed in Pilgrimage , was whipped vp and downe the Chapter-house like a schoole-boy , and glad to escape so too ? Had not the King of France his father reason to be afraid , when the i i Gomecius de ●ebus gestis Fran. Ximenij Arch●e●is . Tolet. lib. 5. Pope gaue away his Kingdome of Nauarre to the King of Spaine , whereof hee yet possesseth the best halfe ? Had not the King his sonne reason to be afraid , when hee was forced to begge so submissiuely the relaxation of his Excommunication , as he was content likewise to suffer his Ambassadour to be whipped at Rome for penance ? And had not our late Soueraigne reason to looke to her selfe , when shee was Excommunicated by Pius Quintus , her Subiects loosed from their Fidelitie and Allegiance towards her , her Kingdome of Ireland giuen to the King of Spaine , and that famous fugitiue Diuine , honoured with the like degree of a red Hat as Bellarmine is , is not ashamed to publish in print an a a Card. Allens answere to Stan. Let. Anno 1587 Apologie for Stanlies Treason , maintaining , That by reason of her Excommunication and Heresie , it was not onely lawfull for any of her Subiects , but euen they were bound in Conscience to depriue her of any Strength , which lay in their power to doe ? And whether it were Armies , Townes , or Fortresses of hers which they had in their handes , they were obliged to put them in the King of Spaine her enemies hands , She no more being the right owner of any thing ? But albeit it bee true , That wise men are moued by the examples of others dangers to vse Prouidence and caution , according to the olde prouerbe , Tum tua res agitur , paries cùm proximus ardet : yet his Maiestie our Soueraigne was neerelier summoned to vse this caution , by the practise of it in his owne Person .

First , by the sending forth of these Buls , whereof I made mention already , for debarring him from Entrie vnto this Crowne , and Kingdome . And next after his Entrie and full possession thereof , by the horrible Powder-Treason , which should haue bereft both him and his , both of Crowne and Life . And howsoeuer the Pope will seeme to cleare himselfe of any allowance of the said Powder-Treason ; yet can it not be denied , that his principall Ministers here , and his chiefe Mancipia the Iesuites , were the plaine practisers thereof : For which the principall of them hath died confessing it , and others haue fled the Countrey for the Crime ; yea , some of them gone into Italy : And yet neither these that fled out of this Countrey for it , nor yet Baldwine , who though he then remained in the Low-countryes , was of counsell in it , were euer called to account for it by

And whereas for illustration of this strong Argument of his , hee hath brought in for a similitude the historie of a a Nazianzenus in ●uliar . inu●ct●ua prima . Iulian the Apostata his dealing with the Christians , when as he straited them , either to commit idolatrie , or to come within the compasse of treason : I would wish the Author to remember , that although a similitude may bee permitted claudicare vno pede ; yet this was a very ill chosen similitude , which is lame both of The disproportion of the Cardinals similitude . feete and handes , and euery member of the body . For I shall in few wordes proue , that it agreeth in no one point , saue one , with our purpose , which is , that Iulian was an Emperour , and our Soueraigne is a King . First , Iulian was an Apostata , one that had renounced the whole Christian faith , which he had once professed , and became an Ethnike againe , or rather an Atheist : Our Soueraigne is a Christian , who neuer changed that Religion , that he dranke in with his milke , nor euer was ashamed of his profession . Iulian dealt against Christians onely for the profession of Christs cause : His Maiestie in this case dealeth with his Subiects , only to make a distinction betweene true Subiects and false hearted Traitours . Iulians ende was the ouerthrow of the Christians : His Maiesties end is , to maintaine Christianitie in a peaceable gouernement . Iulians drift was to make them commit idolatrie : His Maiesties drift is , to make his Subiects to make open profession of their naturall Allegiance , and ciuill Obedience . Iulians meanes whereby he went about it , was by craft , and insnaring them before they were aware : His Maiesties course in this is plaine , cleare , and voide of all obscuritie , neuer refusing leaue to any that are required to take this Oath , to studie it at leisure , and giuing them all the interpretation of it they can craue . But the greatest dissimilitude of all is in this : That Iulian pressed them to commit idolatrie to idoles and images : But his Maiestie and all his Subiects of his profession are so farre from guilt in this point , as wee are counted Heretiques by you , because wee will not commit idolatrie . So as , in the maine point of all , is the greatest contrarietie : For , Iulian persecuted the Christians because they would not commit idolatrie ; and yee count his Maiestie a persecutour , because he will not admit idolatrie . So as to conclude this point , this old Poets sentence may well bee applied to Bellarmine , in vsing so vnapt a similitude , Perdere quos vult Iupiter , hos dementat .

And therefore his vncharitable conclusion doth not rightly follow , That it seemeth vnto him , that some such thing should be subtilly or fraudulently included in this Oath ; As if no man can detest Treason against the King , or professe Ciuil subiection , except he renounce the Primacie of the Apostolike Sea . But how he hath suckt this apprehension out at his fingers ends , I cannot imagine : for sure I am , as I haue oft said , he neuer goeth about to proue it : And to answere an improbable imagination , is to fight against a vanishing shadow . It cannot be denied in deede , that many seruants of CHRIST , as well Priests as others , haue endured constantly all sortes of Torments , and Death for the profession of CHRIST : And therefore to all such his examples , as he bringeth in for verifying the same , I neede not to giue him any other answere , saue onely to remember him , that he playeth the part of a Sophister in all these his Examples of the constancie of Martyrs , euer taking Controuer sum pro confesso , as if this our case were of the same nature .

But yet that the Reader may the better discouer , not only how vnaptly his Similitudes are applied , but likewise how dishonestly he vseth himselfe in all his citations ; I haue thought good to set downe the very places themselues cited by him , together with a short deduction of the true state of those particular Cases : whereby , how little these Examples can touch our Case ; nay by the contrary , how rightly their true sense may bee vsed , as our owne weapons to be throwen backe vpon him that alleadgeth them , shall easily appeare . And first , for a a 2. Macchabees cap. 6. vers. 18. Eleazar . If the Arch-priest his ground of refusing his Maiesties Oath , were as good as Eleazars was , to forbeare to eate the Swines An answere to the Cardinals example of Eleazar . flesh , it might not vnfitly be applied by the Cardinall to this purpose . For as Eleazar was a principall Scribe , so is he a principall Priest : As Eleazars example had a great force in it , to animate the yonger Scribes to keepe the Lawe , or in his colourable eating it , to haue taught them to dissemble ; So hath the Arch-priests , either to make the inferiour Priests to take the Oath , or to refuse it : but the ground fayling , the building cannot stand . For what example is there in all the Scripture , in which disobedience to the Oath of the King , or want of allegiance is allowed ? If the Cardinall would remember , that when the Church maketh a law ( suppose to forbid flesh on certaine daies ) he that refuseth to obey it , in curreth the iust censure of the Church : If a man then ought to dye rather then to breake the least of Gods Ceremoniall Laws , and to pine and starue his body , rather then to violate the Church his positiue law : Will hee not giue leaue to a man to redeeme his soule from sinne , and to keepe his body from punishment , by keeping the Kings politique lawe , and by giuing good example in his person , raise vp a good opinion in his Maiestie of like Allegiance in the inferiours of his order ? This application , as I take it , would haue better fitted this example .

But let mee remember the Cardinall of another a a 1. Sam. 14. 24. Oath inioyned by a King to his people , wherby he indangered his owne life , and hazarded the safety of the whole armie , when he made the people sweare in the morning , not to taste of any meate vntill night : which oath hee exacted so strictly , That his eldest sonne and heire apparant Ionathan for breaking of it , by taking a litle honie , though he heard not when the King gaue it , had well nigh died for it . And shall an oath giuen vpon so vrgent an occasion as this was , for the apparant safetie of the King and his posterity , forbidding his people to drinke so deepely in the bitter cup of Antichristian fornications , but that they may keepe so much hony in their hearts , as may argue them still espoused to their Soueraigne in the maine knot of true allegiance ; Shal this law , I say , by him bee condemned to hell for a stratageme of Sathan ? I say no more , but Gods lot in that oath of Sauls , and his verdict vpon this Oath of our Kings , seeme not to be cast out of one lap .

Now to his example of b b Theodoret lib. 4. cap. 19. Basill , which is ( as hee saith ) so fit for his purpose . First , I must obserue , that if the Cardinall would An answere to the Card. example of S. Basil . leaue a common and ordinarie tricke of his in all his citations , which is , to take what makes for him , and leaue out what makes against him ; and cite the authours sense , as well as his sentence ; wee should not be so much troubled with answering the Ancients which he alleadgeth . To instance it in this very place . If he had continued his allegation one line further , hee should haue found this place out of Theodoret , of more force to haue mooued Blackwell to take the Oath , then to haue disswaded him from it . For in the very next words it followeth , Imperatoris quidem amicitiam magni se pendere cum pietate ; quâ remotâ , perniciosum esse dicere . But that it may appeare , whether of vs haue greatest right to this place , I will in few wordes shew the authors drift .

The Emperour Valens being an Arrian , at the perswasion of his wife , when hee had depriued all the Churches of their Pastors , came to Caesarea , where Saint a a Theodoret lib. 4. cap. 19. Basill was then Bishop ; who , as the Story reporteth , was accounted the Light of the world . Before he came , he sent his a a Modestus , as Nazian. vpon the death of Basill , cals him in his Orat. Deputie to worke it , that Saint Basill should hold fellowship with Eudoxius , ( which b b Looke cap. 12. ciusdem libri . Eudoxius was Bishop of Constantinople , and the principall of the Arrian Faction ) or if he would not , that hee should put him to banishment . Now when the Emperours Deputie came to Caesarea , he sent for Basill , intreated him honourably , spake pleasingly vnto him , desired he would giue way to the time , neither that he would hazard the good of so many Churches tenui exquisitione Dogmatis , promised him the Emperours fauour , and himselfe to be Mediator for his good . But Saint Basill answered , These intising speeches were fit to be vsed to children , that vse to gape after such things : But for them that were throughly instructed in Gods word , they could neuer suffer any syllable thereof to be corrupted . Nay , if neede required , they would for the maintenance thereof , refuse no kinde of death . Indeede the loue of the Emperour ought to be greatly esteemed with Pietie ; But Pietie taken away , it was pernicious .

This is the trueth of the Story . Now compare the case of Basill with the Arch-priests . For otherwise so Orthodoxe a King ought not to be compared with so Arrian an Heretike . Basill was solicited to become an Arrian : The Arch-priest not once touched for any Article of Faith . Basill would haue obeyed the Emperour , but that the word of GOD forbade him : This man is willed to obey , because the word of GOD commandeth him . Basill highly esteemed the Emperours fauour , if it might haue stood with pietie : The Arch-priest is exhorted to reiect it , though it stand with true godlinesse in deede to embrace it . But that hee may The Card. assimilating of the Archpr. case to S. Peters , and Marcellinus , considered . lay load vpon the Arch-priest , it is not sufficient to exhort him to Courage and Constancie by Eleazars and Basils examples , but he must be vtterly cast downe with the comparing his fall to S. Peters and Marcellinus : which two mens cases were the most fearefull , considering their persons and places , that are to bee found , or read of either in all the Bookes of Diuine Scripture , or the volumes of Ecclesiasticall Stories ; the one denying the onely true God , the other our Lord and Sauiour IESVS CHRIST ; the one sacrificing to Idols with the profane Heathen , the other forswearing his Lord and Master , with the hard-hearted Iewes . Vnles the Cardinall would driue the Arch-priest to some horror of conscience , & pit of despaire , I know not what he can meane by this comparison . For sure I am , all that are not intoxicated with their cup , cannot but wonder to heare of an oath of Allegiance to a naturall Soueraigne , to be likened to an Apostats denying of God , & forswearing of his Sauiour .

But to let passe the Disdiapason of the Cases ( as his ill fauored coupling Saint Peter the head of their Church , with an Apostate Pope . ) I maruaile he would remember this example of a a Looke Platina in vita Marcellini . Marcellinus , since his brother Cardinall Baronius , and the late Edition of the Councels by b b Concil. Tom. 1. pag. 222. Looke Baronius Anno 302 ●●m. 96. Binnius seeme to call the credit of the whole Story into question , saying , That it might plainely be refuted , and that it is probably to be shewed , that the story is but obreptitious , but that hee would not swarue from the common receiued opinion .

And Subiects from their obedience to their naturall King , nor bee so cruell to their owne Mancipia , as returning them with these wares , put either a State in iealousie of them , or them in hazard of their owne liues . Now to our Apostle ( since the Cardinall will haue him so called ) I perswade my selfe I should doe a good seruice to the Church in this my labour , if I could but reape this one fruite of it , to moue the Cardinall to deale faithfully with the Fathers , and neuer to alleadge their opinions against their owne purpose . For , this letter of Gregorius was written to Iohn Bishop of a a Greg. lib. 11. cap. 42. Palermo in Sicily , to whom hee granted vsum pallij to be worne in such times , and in such order , as the Priests in the I le of Sicily , and his Predecessours were wont to vse : and withall giueth him a Caueat , that the reuerence to the Apostolique Sea be not disturbed by the presumption of any ▪ For then the State of the members doeth remaine sound , when the head of the faith is not broken by any iniury , and the authoritie of the Canons remaine safe and sound .

Now let vs examine the wordes . The Epistle was written to a Bishop , especially to graunt him the vse of the Pall ; a ceremonie and matter indifferent . As it appeareth , the Bishop of Rome tooke it well at his hands , that hee would not presume to take it vpon him without leaue from the Apostolike Sea , and giuing him that admonition which followeth in the wordes alleadged out of him : which doctrine wee are so farre from impugning , that we altogether approue and allow of the same , That whatsoeuer Ceremonie for order is thought meete by the Christian Magistrate , and the Church , the same ought inuiolably to be kept : And where the Head and gouernours in matters of that nature are not obeyed , the members of that Church must needes runne to Hellish confusion . But that Gregory by that terme , Caput fidei , held himselfe the head of our Faith , and the head of all Religion , cannot stand with the course of his doctrine and writings . For first , when an a a Iohan. Constan . Greg. lib. 4. Epist. 32. other would haue had this stile to be called Vniuersalis Episcopus , he said , Whosoeuer would giue himselfe that Title , was the Fore-runner of Antichrist : Which notwithstanding was a Stile farre inferiour to that of Caput fidei . And when it was offered to himselfe , the words of Saint Gregory be these , refusing that Title , a a Greg. lib. 4. Epist. 32. & 36. That none of my Predecessors Bishops of Rome , euer consented to vse this vngodly name of Vniuersall Bishop . None of the Bishops of Rome euer tooke upon vs this name of Singularitie . Wee the Bishops of Rome will not receiue this Honour being offered vnto vs . And now , I pray you , would he that refused to be called Vniuersall Bishop , be stiled Caput fidei , vnlesse it were in that sense , as I haue expressed ? Which sense if you will not admit , giue me leaue to say that once of one , which himselfe saith often of many of the Fathers , b b Bellar. de Rom. Pontif lib. 2. cap. ●0 . & lib. 2 de Christo cap. 2. Minùs cautè locutus est . To redeeme therefore our Apostle out of his hands , and to let him remaine ours , and not his in this case ; It is very true that he saith , in that sense hee spake it . When yee goe about to disturbe , diminish , or take away the Authority or Supremacy of the Church , which resteth on the head of the King within his Maiesties Dominions , ye cut off the head and chiefe Gouernour thereof , and disturbe the State and members of the whole Body . And for a Conclusion of this point , I pray him to thinke , that wee are so well perswaded of the good mind of our Apostle Saint Gregory to vs , that wee desire no other thing to be suggested to the Pope and his Cardinals , then our Apostle Saint Gregory desired the Deputy of the Emperour a a Greg. lib. 7. Epist. 1. Sabinian to suggest vnto the Emperour and the State in his time . His words be these : One thing there is of which I would desire you would suggest it to your noble Lord and Master , That if I his seruant would haue had my hand in staying of the Lombards , at this day the Nation of the Lombards had neither had Kings , nor Dukes , nor Earles , and had bene diuided asunder in vtter confusion : but because I feare God , I dread to haue my hand in the blood of any man .

And thus hauing answered to S. Gregory , An answere to the authoritie out of Leo. I come to another Pope , his Apostle , S. Leo. And that hee may see I haue not in the former Citations quareled him like a Sophister for contention sake , but for finding out of the Truth ; I do graunt , that the Authorities out of b b Leo primus in di●●s●ump . suae ●d Pontificat . 〈◊〉 mone 3. Leo epist. 89 ad ●pisc . V. en . Idem ibid. cap. 2. Leo are rightly alleadged all three , the words truely set downe , together with his true intent and purpose . But withall , let me tell him , and I appeale vnto his owne conscience whether I speake not truely , that what Tully sayd to c c Cicero in Hort. Hortensius , when he did immoderatly praise Eloquence , that he would haue lift her vp to heauen , that himselfe might haue gone vp with her ; So his Saint Leo lift vp Saint Peter with praises to the Skie , that he being his d d For so he calleth himselfe in sermo . 1. in die ●ssum . heire , might haue gone vp with him . For his Saint Leo was a great Orator , who by the power of his Eloquence redeemed Rome from fire , when both e e Exbreniario Romano . Attilas and Gensericus would haue burnt it .

Some fruits of this Rhetorick he bestowed vpon Saint Peter , saying , The Lord f f Epist. 89. did take Peter into the fellowship of the indiuisible vnitie : which words being coupled to the sentence alleadged by the Cardinall ( That hee hath no part in the diuine Mystery that dare depart from the solidity of Peter ) should haue giuen him , I thinke , such a Sare , as he should neuer haue dared to haue taken any aduantage by the words immediatly preceding , for the benefit of the church of Rome , and the head thereof , since those which immediatly follow , are so much derogatory to the diuine Maiestie . And againe , My g g Epist. 52. writings bee strengthned by the merit , and Authority of my Lord most blessed Saint Peter . We h h Epist. 89. beseech you to keepe the things decreed by vs thorough the inspiration of God , and the Apostle most blessed Saint Peter . If i i In ser. 2. in die an●●●er . as●um . suae . any thing be well done , or decreed of vs ; If any thing be obtained of Gods mercy by dayly prayers , it is to be ascribed to Saint Peters works , and merits , whose power doth liue , and Authority excell in his owne Sea . He k k Ser. 3. in die ann● . assump su● was so plentifully watered of the fountaine of all Graces , that whereas hee receiued many things alone , yet nothing passeth ouer to any man but by him . And in a word , he was so desirous to extoll Saint Peter , That a message from him was an c c Epist. 24. Embassage from S. Peter : Any thing done in his presence , was in Saint Peters d d Epist. 4. presence . Neither did he vse all this Rhetorick without purpose : for at that time the Patriarke of Constantinople contended with him for Primacy . And in the Councell of e e Concil. Calc●d Act. 16. c. ● . 28 Calcedon , the Bishops sixe hundred and more gaue equall Authority to the Patriark of that Sea , and would not admit any priuiledge to the Sea of Rome aboue him , but went against him . And yet hee that gaue so much to Peter , tooke nothing from Caesar , but gaue him both his Titles and due , giuing the power of calling a Councell to the Emperour , as it may appeare by these one or two places following of many . If it may please your f f Epi. 9. Theodo sio . Godlines , to vouchsafe at our Supplication to condescend , that you will command a Councell to be holden within Italy . And writing vnto the Bishop of Constantinople : Because the most Clement g g Epist. 16. Flauiano . Emperour , carefull of the peace of the Church , will haue a Councell to be holden ; Albeit it euidently appeare , the matter to be handled doth in no case stand in neede of a generall Councell . Albeit h h Epist. 17. Theodosio . my occasions will not permit me to be present vpon the day of the Councell , which your Godlinesse hath appointed . So as by this it may well appeare , that he that gaue so much to Peter , gaue also to Caesar his due and prerogatiue . But yet he playeth not faire play in this , that euen in all these his wrong applied Arguments , and Examples , he produceth no other witnesses , but the parties themselues , bringing euer the Popes Sentences for approbation of their owne Authority .

Now indeede for one word of his in the middest of his Examples , I cannot but greatly commend him , that is , that Martyrs ought to indure all sorts of tortures , and death , before they suffer one syllable to be corrupted of the Law of God . Which lesson , if he and all the rest of his owne profession would applie to themselues , then would not the Sacrament be administred sub vnâ specie , directly contrary to Christs Institution , the practise of the Apostles , and of the whole Primatiue Church for many hundred yeres : then would not the priuate Masses bee in place of the Lords Supper : then would not the words of the a a Bellar. de sacra . Eucharist . lib. 4. cap. 14. Canon of the Masse be opposed to the wordes of Saint Paul , and Saint Luke , as our Aduersary himselfe confesseth , and cannot reconcile them : nor then would not so many hundreths other Traditions of men be set vp in their Church , not only as equall , but euen preferred to the word of God . But sure in this point I feare I haue mistaken him : for I thinke he doth not meane by his Diuina dogmata , the word of the God of heauen , but onely the Canons and Lawes of his Dominus Deus Papa : otherwise all his Primacy of the Apostolike Sea would not bee so much sticken vpon , hauing so slender ground in the word of God .

And for the great feare he hath , that the suddainty of the Apprehension , the bitternesse of the Persecution , the weakenesse of his Age , and other such infirmities might haue bene the cause of the Arch-priests fal ; in this , I haue already sufficiently answered him , hauing declared , as the trueth is , and as the said Blackwell himselfe will yet testifie , That hee tooke this Oath freely of himselfe without any inducement thereunto , either Precibus or Minis .

But amongst all his citations , he must not Some of Sanders his worthy sayings remembred . forget holy Sanderus , and his Visibilis Monarchia , whose person and actions I did already a little touch . And surely , who will with vnpartiall eyes reade his Bookes , they may well thinke , that he hath deserued well of his English Roman-Church : But they can neuer thinke , but that he deserued very ill of his English Soueraigne and State . Witnesse his owne bookes : whereout I haue made choice to set downe heere these fewe Sentences following , as flowers pickt out of so worthy a Garland . a a Sand. de visib . monar. lib. 6. cap. 4. ELIZABETH Queene of England doeth exercise the Priestly acte of teaching and preaching the Gospell in England , with no lesse authority then CHRIST himselfe , or MOSES euer did . The Supremacie of a b b Sand de cla . Dauid . lib. 6. cap. 1. woman in Church matters , is from no other , then from the Deuill . And of all Kings in generall , thus hee speaketh , The c c Sand. de visib . Monar . lib. 2. cap. 4. King that will not inthrall himselfe to the Popes authority , he ought not to be tollerated , but his Subiects ought to giue all diligence , that another may be chosen in his place assoone as may be . A King that is an d d Ibidem . Heretike , ought to be remoued from the Kingdome that he holdeth amongst Christians , and the Bishops ought to endeuour to set vp another , assoone as possibly they can . We doe constantly e e Ibidem . affirme , that all Christian Kings are so farre vnder Bishops and Priests in all matters appertaining to Faith and Religion , that if they shall continue in a fault against Christian Religion after one or two admonitions , obstinately , for that cause they may , and ought to bee deposed by the Bishops from all the Authority they hold amongst Christians . f f Ibidem . Bishops are set ouer Imperiall Kingdomes , if those Kingdomes do submit themselues to the Faith of CHRIST . We doe constantly g g Sand. de clau . Dauid . lib. 5. cap. 2. affirme , That all Secular power , whether Regall , or any other , is of Men. The h h Ibidem . Anoynting which is powred vpon the head of the King by the Priest , doeth declare that he is inferiour to the Priest . It is altogether against the will of i i Sand. de clau Dauid lib. 5. cap. 4. CHRIST , that Christian Kings should haue Supremacy in the Church .

And whereas for the Crowne , and conclusion of all his examples , he reckoneth his The Card. paire of Martyrs weighed . two English Martyrs , Moore and Roffensis , who died for that one most weightie head of Doctrine , as he alleadgeth , refusing the Oath of Supremacie ; I must tell him , that he hath not bene well informed in some materiall points , which doe very neerely concerne his two said Martyrs . For it is cleare , and apparantly to be proued by diuers Records , That they were both of them committed to the Tower about a yeere before either of them was called in question vpon their liues for the Popes Supremacy ; And that partly for their backwardnesse in the point of the establishment of the Kings Succession , whereunto the whole Realme had subscribed , and partly for that one of them , to wit , Fisher , had had his hand in the matter of the holy a a Called Anna Burton , See the Act of Parliament . maid of Kent , he being for his concealement of that false Prophets abuse , found guilty of Misprision of Treason . And as these were the principall causes of their Imprisonment , ( the King resting secure of his Supremacy as the Realme stood then affected , but especially troubled for setling the Crowne vpon the Issue of his second Marriage ) So was it easily to be conceiued , that being thereupon discontented , their humors were thereby made apt to drawe them by degrees to further opposition against the King and his Authority , as indeed it fell out . For in the time of their being in prison , the Kings lawfull Authoritie in cases Ecclesiasticall being published and promulged , as well by a generall Decree of the Clergie in their Synode , as by an Acte of Parliament made thereupon ; they behaued themselues so peeuishly therein ; as the old coales of the Kings anger being thereby raked vp of new , they were againe brought in question , as well for this one most weightie head of Doctrine of the Pope his Supremacie , as for the matter of the Kings marriage and Succession , as by the confession of one of themselues , euen Thomas Moore , is euident . For being condemned , hee vsed these words at the Barre before the Lords , Non ignoro cur me morti adiudicaueritis , videlicet ob id , quod nunquam voluerim assentire in Hist. aliquot Martyrum nostri seculi , Anno 1550. negotio Matrimonij Regis . That is , I am not ignorant why you haue adiudged me to death : to wit , for that I would neuer consent in the businesse of the new marriage of the King . By which his owne confession it is plaine , that this great Martyr himselfe tooke the cause of his owne death , to be onely for his being refractary to the King in this said matter of Marriage and Succession ; which is but a very fleshly cause of Martyrdom , as I conceiue .

And as for Roffensis his fellow Martyr , ( who could haue bene content to haue taken the oath of the Kings Supremacy , with a certaine modification , which Moore refused ) as his imprisonment was neither only , nor principally for the cause of Supremacy ; so dyed he but a halting and a singular Martyr , or witnes for that most waightie head of doctrine , the whole Church of England going at that time in one current and streame as it were against him in that Argument , diuers of them being of farre greater reputation for learning and sound iudgement then euer he was . So as in this point we may well arme our selues with the Cardinals owne reason , where he giueth amongst other notes of the true Church , Vniuersality for one , we hauing the generall and Catholike conclusion of the whole Church of England on our side in this case , as appeareth by their booke set out by the whole Conuocation of England , called , The Institution of a Christian man ; the same matter being likewise very learnedly handled by diuers particular learned men of our Church , as by Steuen Gardiner in his booke De vera Obedientia , with a Preface of Bishop Boners adioyned to it , De summo & absoluto Regis imperio , published by Master Bekinsaw , De vera differentia Regiae Potestatis & Ecclesiae , Bishop Tonstals Sermon , Bishop Longlands Sermon , the letter of Tonstall to Cardinall Poole , and diuers other both in English and Latine . And if the bitternesse of Fishers discontentment had not bin fed with his daily ambitious expectation of the Cardinals hat , which came so neere as Calis before he lost his head to fill it with , I haue great reason to doubt , if hee would haue constantly perseuered in induring his Martyrdome for that one most waightie head of doctrine .

And surely these two Captaines and ringleaders to Martyrdome were but ill followed by the rest of their countrymen : for I can neuer reade of any after them , being of any great account , and that not many , that euer sealed that waightie head of doctrine with their blood in England . So as the true causes of their first falling in trouble ( whereof I haue already made mention ) being rightly considered vpon the one part ; and vpon the other the scant number of witnesses , that with their blood sealed ; ( a point so greatly accounted of by our Cardinall ) there can but small glory redound thereby to our English Nation , these only two , Enoch , and Elias , seruing for witnesses against our Antichristian doctrine .

And I am sure the Supremacy of Kings The supremacie of Kings sufficiently warranted by the Scriptures . may and will euer be better maintained by the word of God ( which must euer be the true rule to discerne all waightie heads of doctrine by ) to be the true and proper office of Christian Kings in their owne Dominions , then he will be euer able to maintaine his annihilating Kings , and their Authorities , together with his base and vnreuerend speeches of them , wherewith both his former great Volumes , and his late Bookes against Venice are filled . In the old Testament , Kings were directly a a 2. Chron. 19. 4. Gouernours ouer the Church within their Dominions , b b 2. Sam. 5. 6. purged their corruptions , reformed their abuses , brought the c c 1. Chron. 13. 12. Arke to her resting place : the King e e 2. Sam. 6. 16 dauncing before it , f f 1. Chro. 28. 6. built the Temple , g g 2. Chron. 6. dedicated the same , assisting in their owne persons to the sanctification thereof , h h 2. King . 22 1 made the booke of the Lawe new-found , to be read to the people ; i i Nehe. 9. 38 Dauid . Salomon . 2. Kings 8. 4. renued the couenant betweene God , and his people ; brused the brasen Serpent in peeces , which was set vp by the expresse commandement of God , and was a figure of Christ ; destroyed k k 1. Kings 15. 12. 2 kings 13. 4. all Idols , and false gods ; made l l 2. Chron. 7. 8. a publike reformation , by a Commission of Priests and Secular men mixed for that purpose ; deposed m m 1. Kings ● . 27. the High Priest , and set vp another in his place : and generally , ordered euery thing belonging to the Church-gouernment , their Titles and Prerogatiues giuen them by God , agreeing to these their actions . They are called the n n 2. Sam. 7 4 Sonnes of the Most High , nay Gods o o Psal. 82. 6 & Exod. 23. 8 themselues ; The p p 1. Chron. 14. 8. Lords anoynted ; Sitting q q 2. Sam. 3. 1● 2. Chron. 6. 15 in Gods Throne ; His ʳ seruants : The Angels s s 2 Sam. 14 ●0 . of God : According to his t t 1. Sam. 13. 4 hearts desire ; The light u u 2. Sam. 21 7 of Israel ; The x x Isa. 49. 23 nursing fathers of the Church , with innumerable such stiles of honour , wherewith the old Testament is filled , whereof our Aduersary can pretend no ignorance . And as to the New Testament , Euery soule is commanded to be subiect vnto them , euen for y y Rom. 13 5 conscience sake : All men z z 1. Tim. 2. 2 must be prayed for ; but especially Kings , and those that are in Authority ; that vnder them we may leade a godly , peaceable , and an honest life .

The a a Rom. 13. 4 Magistrate is the minister of God to doe vengeance on him that doth euill , and reward him that doth well . Ye must obey all higher Powers , but b b 1. Pet. 2. 13 especially Princes , and those that are Supereminent . Giue euery man his due , feare c c Rom. 13. 7 to whome feare belongeth , and loue to whome loue belongeth . Giue d d Matth. 22 ●1. vnto Caesar what is Caesars , and to God what is Gods . e e Ioh. 18. 36 Regnum meum non est huius mundi . f f Luk. 12. 14 Quis me constituit Iudicem super vos ? g g Luke 22. 25. Reges gentium dominantur eorum ; vos autem non sic . If these Sentences , Titles , and Prerogatiues , and innumerable other in the old and new Testament , do not warrant Christian Kings within their owne Dominions , to gouerne their Church , as well as the rest of their people , in being Custodes vtriusque tabulae , not by making new Articles of faith , which is the Popes office , as I said before , but by commanding obedience to be giuen to the word of God , by reforming the Religion according to his prescribed will , by assisting the Spirituall power with the Temporall Sword , by reforming of corruptions , by procuring due obedience to the Church , by iudging , and cutting off all friuolous Questions and Schismes , as Constantine did ; And finally , by making Decorum to be obserued in euery thing , and establishing orders to be obserued in all indifferent things for that purpose , which is the only intent of our Oath of Supremacy : If this Office of a King , I say , doe not agree with the power giuen him by Gods word , let any indifferent man voyd of passion iudge . But how these honorable Offices , Stiles , and Prerogatiues giuen by God to Kings in the old and new Testament , as I haue now cited , can agree with the braue Stiles and Titles that Bellarmine giueth them , I can hardly conceiue . 1 1 De laicis ca. 7. That Kings are rather slaues then Lords . 2 2 De Pont. lib. 1. cap. 7. That they are not only Subiects to Popes , to Bishops , to Priests , but euen to Deacons . 3 3 Ibidem . That an Emperor must content himselfe to drinke , not onely after a Bishop , but after a Bishops Chaplen . 4 4 Ibidem , & de cler. cap 26. That Kings haue not their Authoritie , nor Office from God , nor his Lawe , but onely from the Lawe of Nations . 5 5 De Pont. lib. 3 cap. 16. That Popes haue degraded many Emperors , but neuer Emperour degraded a Pope ; nay , euen Bishops , that are but the Popes vassals , may depose Kings , and abrogate their Lawes . 6 6 De laicis cap. 18. That Church-men are as farre aboue Kings , as the Soule aboue the Body . 7 7 De Pont. lib. 5. cap 8. That Kings may bee deposed by their people for diuerse respects . 8 8 De Pout . lib. 2. cap. 26. But Popes cannot be deposed : for no flesh hath power to iudge of them . 9 9 De Pont. lib. ● . cap. 15. That obedience due to the Pope , is for Conscience sake . 10 10 De clericis cap. ●8 . But the obedience due to Kings , is onely for certaine respects of Order & Policie . 11 11 I●idem . That these very Church men that are borne and inhabite in Soueraigne Princes Countreyes , are notwithstanding not their Subiects , and cannot be iudged by them , although they may iudge them ; 12 12 Ibidem . And , that the obedience that Church men giue to Princes , euen in the meanest , and meere Temporall things , is not by way of necessary subiection , but onely out of discretion for obseruation of good Order .

These contrarieties betweene the Booke of God , and Bellarmines bookes , haue I here set in opposition to other , Vt ex contrarijs iuxta se positis , veritas magis elucescere possit . And thus farre I dare boldly affirme , That whosoeuer will indifferently weigh these inreconcileable Contradictions here set down , will easily confesse , that GOD is no more contrary to Belial , Light to Darkenesse , and Heauen to Hell , then Bellarmines estimation of Kings is to Gods .

Now as to the conclusion of his Letter , which is onely filled with strong and pithy Exhortations , to perswade and confirme Blackwell to the patient and constant induring of Martyrdome , I haue nothing to answere , saue by way of regrate ; That so many good sentences drawen out of the Scripture , so well and so handsomely packed vp together , should be so ill and vntruely applied . But an euill Cause is neuer the better for so good a Cloake ; And an ill matter neuer amended by good wordes : And therefore I may iustly turne ouer that craft of the Deuill vpon himselfe , in vsing so Holy-like an exhortation to so euill a purpose . Onely I could haue wished him , that he had a litle better obserued his Decorum herein , in not letting slippe two or three prophane wordes amongst so many godly mortified Scripture sentences . For in all the Scripture , especially in the New Testament , I neuer read of Pontifex Maximus . And the Pope must be content in that stile to succeede to Numa Pompilius , and not to Saint Peter , who neuer heard nor dreamed of such an office .

And for his Caput fidei , which I remembred before , the Apostles , I am sure , neuer gaue that stile to any but to CHRIST . So as these stiles , whereof some were neuer found in Scripture , and some were neuer applied but to CHRIST in that sense , as hee applieth it , had bene better to haue bene left out of so holy and mortified a Letter .

To conclude then this present Discourse , I heartily wish all indifferent readers of the Breues and Letter , not to iudge by the speciousnesse of the wordes , but by the weight of the matter ; Not looking to that which is strongly alledged , but iudiciously to consider what is iustly proued ; And for all our Soueraignes good Subiects , that their hearts may remaine established in the Trueth ; That these forraine inticements may not seduce them from their naturall duety ; And that all , aswell Strangers as Naturall Subiectes , to whose eyes this Discourse shall come , may wisely and vnpartially iudge of the Veritie , as it is nakedly here set downe , for clearing these mistes and cloudes of Calumnies , which were iniustly heaped vpon our Soueraigne : For which ende onely I heartily pray the courteous Reader to be perswaded , that this discourse was published .