The copie of a letter sent from Paris to the reverend fathers of the Society of Iesus, who liue in England Containing an answere to the calumniations of the Anti-Coton against the same Society in generall, and Fa. Coton in particular.

CONCERNING THE Doctrine of the Society impugned by the Anti-Coton . §. I.

IT were in vaine to relate largely vnto you , what is declared in this booke concerning your doctrine ; and therefore it shall be sufficient to touch briefly some thinges of more note . Wherefore I find 3. points called in question by Anti-Coton , and answered or declared by this Father . First concerning the killing of Princes vnder the title of Tyrants . Secondly about the secresy of Confession . And thirdly of Equiuocation . In all which he protesteth in general , that the Society holdeth no other doctrine , then the whole vniuersall and Catholike Church maintayneth , and offereth to subscribe to that , which the Vniuersity of Paris , and all other Catholike Vniuersityes shall decree and declare , to be true and sound doctrine . But to descend to particularityes , and rehearse vnto you in a word , what he answereth to the obiections of Anti-Coton : De Principe cap. 15. pag. 29. first he sheweth , that Fa. Ribadencyra in no sort approueth the action of Iames Clement who slew King Henry the 3. of France : but only referreth the permission therof to the iust iudgment of God . Secondly he declareth , that Clarus Bonarscius speaketh onely of such Tyrants , Amphitheat . lib. 1. c. 12. pag. 31. as are intruders and vsurpers , and no lawfull Princes . Thirdly he proueth manifestly , that Card. Bellarmine is egregiously calumniated by the Anti-Coton , since that he affirmeth , that he neuer read nor heard , Apolog. cap. 13. pag. 32. that Particides and Assassinats had hope of euerlasting life promised them , if they endeauour to kill Kinges . Fourthly he discouereth the false inference , Instruct . Sacerd. l. 1. c. 13. which Anti-Coton maketh out of Card. Tolet ; and conuinceth , that the contrary followeth out of his doctrine . For since that he teacheth , that an excommunicate person looseth not his iurisdiction , pag. 36. & 37. but onely the exercise therof ( as his wordes shew , being truly alledged , which they were not by Anti-Coton ) it followeth manifestly , that such an one hath the same authority and iurisdiction , which he had before , and therfore cannot be slayne for want of it . Fifthly he affirmeth , that it is very foolish to inferre , that subiects may kill their Princes , though they were absolued from their allegiance , more then any other , to whome they neuer did sweare any allegiance or fidelity at all .

The sixt Author obiected by Anti-Coton , Mariana . is Mariana himself ; whome my Author doth not wholy excuse : but yet sheweth , pag. 38. that he deserueth not so much blame , as the Protestants & Hugonots would make men belieue ; for he submitteth his opinion , not only to the Censure of the Church , but of any other . He remitteth not the matter to iudgment of any particuler subiect or other man , to declare who is a Tyrant , but requireth necessarily a publike voyce , and a common iudgment . And wheras many others haue written much more dangerously , then Mariana , yet the Protestants doe not so much as name them ; which plainly sheweth , that their hatred is not so much against the doctrine it selfe , as against the man ; and this in respect of his Order ; which indeed is one of the chiefest aduersaries which heresy hath .

In aphorism . v. Clericus pag. 52. In the seuenth place commeth Emanuel S● , who only denieth , that the rebellion of a clergy man against a King is ( properly ) to be called treason , though it be a greater sin ( as my author affirmeth ) who also noteth , that because the words of this learned Author were obscure by reason of their breuity , they were corrected in the last edition . Lib. 1. de Clericis cap. 18. Eightly Card. Bellarmine is brought in againe , but wholy against his meaning , since that ( as my author declareth ) he teacheth , that cleargy men are exempt by Gods law only in Ecclesiasticall affaires : Pag. 53. and that they are bound to obey the temporall Princes directiue lawes , and are exempted from the coactiue , by the Princes themselues , & by the Popes : though not in all cases . I omit his carping at the word ( profane ) which the Cardinall vseth once , Pag. 185. insteed of ( lay ) because the emphasis and force of his speach & argument did so require : as likewise , that he affirmeth , that Kingdomes are only humane Institutions , and of the law of nations ; by which he onely signifieth , that they are not immediatly instituted and ordayned by God .

Pag. 78. The last obiection , which the Anti-Coton bringeth against your doctrine in this first point , is taken out of your rules , or rather out of the Epistle of Blessed Father Ignatius , which commonly goeth printed with them ; in which he willeth you to take the commandment of your Superior , as it were the voyce of Christ . To which my Author answereth , that if he had read that which followeth in the same place , he should haue found that S. Paul gaue the same counsaile to all secular seruants , in these wordes : Seruants be obedient to your Lords , according to the flesh , with feare and trembling , in the simplicity of your hart , as to Christ : not seruing to the eye , as it were pleasing men , but as the seruants of Christ , doing the will of God from the hart , with a good will seruing , as to our Lord , and not to men . And for the other clause , which is alledged out of the same Epistle , where your B. Father exhorteth you , to obey your Superiors without any search or inquiry ; my Author reciteth one place out of the same Epistle , and another out of your Constitutions , where there is an expresse exception made , that you must not obey your Superiors in any thing , that is sinne ; though S. Paul thought it not necessary , to explicate that circumstance , which is allway necessarily to be vnderstood and supposed .

And thus it is plaine , that Princes are in no danger by this meanes ; except any will moue that question , which Anti-Coton was not ashamed to aske : whether the Iesuits were bound to obey their Superiors , Pag. 175. if they should commaund them to lay violent handes vpon the King ? To which my Author answereth , that this is an vnciuill demaund , and morally impossible , and therefore vnworthy to be proposed by any honest man to such as are religious : and yet he addeth , that though the Superior should commaund this a thousand times , he were not to be obeyed , but to be accused and denounced to the Magistrate . Thus you see , how friuolous the obiections of Anti-Coton are in this point . Instruct . Sacerd. p , 87. & seq. l. 5. c. 6. n. 16. & 17. But my Author not content to haue answered them all thus particulerly , alledgeth diuers places out of the authors of the Society to shew the contrary : as Card. Tolet , who teacheth that no man by his owne authority may kill any other , and much losse a King , To. 3. disp. 5. q. 8. punct. 3. Salm. to . 13. in illa verba Omnis aenima &c. Leon. Less . l. 2. de iust . & iure cap. 9 &c. Inst. moral . part. 2. lib. 12. c. 5. De iust . commut . tract. 3. disp. 6. n. ● . how wicked soeuer he be , yea though his gouernment were altogether tyrannicall . And the same is affirmed and proued by F. Gregory of Valentia , Salmeron , and Leonardus Lessius : and finally F. AZor goeth further , teaching , that no tyrant , though he be an vsurper , can be slayn in this manner : which he doth not only proue by the authority of the Councell of Constance , and by reason ; but also alledgeth F. Lewes Molina another of your Society for the same , and answereth to the contrary arguments . And finally this my author bringeth a prohibition of your most Reuerend F. Generall , for any of the Society , vnder great penaltyes , to teach , that it is lawfull , cuicumque personae , quocumque praetextu Tyrannidis , Reges aut Principes occidere ; for any to kill Kinges or Princes , vnder any pretence of Tyranny . And this shall suffice for this first doctrine .

Concerning the second , there is not much to be sayd , for there neither is , not can be any thing obiected against your Fathers about the secret of Confession , which is not common to all other Catholike Doctors . For which cause my Author willeth Anti-Coton to informe himselfe of the opinion of the Sorbon , which he alledgeth ; and if he findeth it to be different from that of Bellarmine , and that any Doctor eyther of the Sorbon , pag. 34. or of any other Vniuersity haue written otherwise , he may boldly condemne him , with all the Iesuits . Wherfore I will passe ouer this poynt , with only reciting the answer of Rauaillac the Assassinat to the Commissaries , when they told him , that he was so much the more miserable , if he had taken that wicked act in hand without the counsaile or knowledge of any : to which he replyed ; pag. 153. that the cause why he declared not this his pernicious intention to any Priest , was , because he was certainly perswaded , that if he had manifested his purpose conceiued against the King , it had byn the Priests duety to haue seased vpon his person , and to haue deliuered him into the Magistrats hands , because they are bound to reueale such secrets , as concerne the publike good . And this was the occasion that he would neuer open it to any , fearing least he should haue byn as soone put to death for the will , as for the fact it selfe . Out of which my Authour inferreth , that they prouide very euill for the safety of their Princes , who make the common people belieue , that their Confessors must reueale their confessions , if they conteine any thing belonging to treason ; for by this means they take away one of the greatest hinderances of such impious designes . And if we ioyne to this , the earnest endeauour of those , who wil needs perswade the people , that the Iesuits and many other Catholike doctors doe hold it lawfull , for euery priuate man to kill his Prince , if he esteeme him to be a tyrant ; it is not easy to conceiue what more forcible perswasions can be vsed by any to encourage Assassinats to vndertake such execrable attempts . And thus much shall suffice for this second point .

The third of Equiuocation is discussed more largely by my Authour : but yet very pithily , & as briefly as the matter would permit : and therfore I shal not omit much of his whole discourse . Wherfore first he answereth an obiection made against F. Andreas Eudemon-Ioannes Cydonius , Pag. 56. & seq. whome the Anti-Coton foolishly calleth by another name , and affirmeth , that he hath very lately written a booke , wherin he maintayneth stifly , that it is lawfull to deceyue the Iudges in iudgment by Equiuocation : which ( saith my Authour ) is most false . For contrariwise he teacheth , that it is neuer lawfull to Equiuocate in iudgment , but that all must answere according to his intention that asketh iuridically : and consequently , that it is neuer lawfull to lye , because a lye is naturally opposite to truth , and to God who is the life , and the way , and the truth it selfe . And for this cause he declareth the manner , how a man may answere without offending God , when he is not bound to answere him that exceedeth his authority , and asketh against reason . Of which they take no great care , who belieue in themselues , and endeauour to perswade others , that lying , slandering , and all other sinnes are remitted , before they be committed , and that the Kingdome of heauen can no more be denied vs , then to Iesus Christ himselfe : and that for our sinnes ( sayth Iohn Caluin lib. 4. Inst. cap. 17. §. 2. ) we can be no more condemned then he .

But to discouer better the deprauation of this passage of Eudemon-Ioannes , we must compare this mans translation accompanied with his lying commentary , with the text it selfe . Eudemon Ioannes writeth thus : Cùm quis nullis iustis indicijs in ius vocatur , quia nemo tenetur seipsum magistratui prodere , idque lex naturae satis docet &c. this Calumniator translateth : when any is drawne into question vnder an vniust iudgment , because no man is bound to denounce himselfe to the Magistrate &c. which is a manifest corruption and deprauation , and cannot be excused from malice , if it be not by the latin of Accursius , to which he appealeth in another place : for who euer heard , that nullis iustis indicijs , doth signifie , vnder an vniust iudgment , insteed of saying , without any probable coniectures ? which the Doctors otherwise call a semi-plene probation , or halfe entyre . And from this fine antecedent proceedeth the note and obseruation , which he draweth out afterward , saying : Heere note , that he stiles the iudgment of the Kings of England exercised against English Iesuits , an vniust iurisdiction , as if they were not bound to appeare before them : for this is familiar with him , to insert and weaue one lye within another .

After this he answereth another obiection taken out of that famous and learned Canonist Martinus Azpilcueta commonly called Nauar , because he was of that Countrey : which Anti-Coton mistaking , calleth him very foolishly Martinus Nauarrus Aspilcueta a Spaniard , placing his Countrey betwixt his Christen-name , & his Syr-name : and besides addeth , that he came out of the same schoole , wheras he was a graduate , before the Society began . But the chiefest folly ioyned with malice appeareth in this ; that Anti-Coton chargeth this pious Casuist to haue sayd , that it is lawfull for a man to dissemble , that he is a Catholike ; Q. 13. in c. Humanae aures 22. q. 5. p. 203. impress . Venet. 1601. which he most expresly denieth in these words : Ex hoc proximo corollario inferri , peccare mortaliter eum qui dissimulat se ore Catholicum , licèt corde confiteatur se esse talem ; that , he sinneth mortally , who dissembleth him selfe a Catholike in word , though in hart he confesseth him selfe to be one .

I omit the rest , and come to the three propositions in which my Author comprehendeth all that Diuinity teacheth concerning this point . 1. As often as any eyther Regular or Secular is demanded iuridically , he is bound in conscience to answere sincerely without ambiguity , and according to the sense of him who demandeth . 2. The vse of such ambiguityes or equiuocations , before any whosoeuer , without necessity , or euident vtility , is alway a sinne , as a thing repugnant to humane society . To which Card. Tolet addeth , that if any sweare of his owne accord , without constraynt , he must vse words in the common signification , and to do otherwise , is a mortall sinne . 3. When one is asked by them , who haue no authority to doe it , he is not bound to answere according to their intention , when some inconuenience would follow , or some notable good should be hindered . The lawyers also teach that no man is bound to denounce himselfe ; and that there is no heed to be taken to him , who will cast away himself , as being against the law of nature , which is the first of all lawes . The answere , which S. Athanasius made to them , who pursued him , causing his boate to returne to the Cittie , is memorable in this matter : and that of Saint Francis , which Nauar mentioneth , is not to be contemned , whatsoeuer they say , who make no great accompt of the doctrine of Equiuocations , because they haue no great scruple to lye .

In confirmation of this doctrine thus explicated , Eudemon-Ioannes alledgeth not only Syluester and Nauar , Lib. cont. mendac . c. 10. lib. ●2 . cont. Faust . Manich. c. 34. & seq. & lib. 1. in Gen. c. 26. 2. Poster . q. 69. a. 1. c. 2. Hom. 14. in Marc. & 78. in Matt. canon . 26. in eumd . & lib. 9. de Trinit. 3. part . q. 10. art. 2. Marc. 13. as this Deceiuer would make men belieue , but S. Augustine in 3. places ; in the last wherof he bringeth in proof of a iust Equiuocation , the example of Abraham , who called Sara his sister , although she were his wife , which he would not haue to be knowne : and the same is confirmed by S. Thomas . He bringeth also S. Chrysostome , S. Hilary and S. Thomas , who expound in this sense the words of our Lord , when he sayd to his Apostles , that no man knew the day of iudgement , no not the Angels in heauen , nor the Sonne , but the Father . He alledgeth also S. Gregory , who obserueth that this doctrine was taught by God himselfe , when Samuel excused himself from performing the commandement , which was giuen him to goe and annoynt Dauid King of Israël : How shall I goe , for Saul will hear of it , and will kill me ? And our Lord sayd : A calf of the heard shalt thou take in thy hand , and shalt say : I am come to immolate vnto our Lord : where we see , as S. Gregory obserueth , that God appoynted him to couer , and hide his designe with words and actions different from the intention , with which Saul would demaund him .

To these might be added diuers examples which my author produceth of Iacob , Dauid , Raphael , Gen. 27.24 . 1. Reg. 21.13 . Tob. 5.15 . Luc. 2.46 . Mat. 24.36 . Io. 2.19 . Luc. 24.28 . and our Sauiour himselfe not once but often . But I will not weary you with needlesse repetitions of such thinges , as you know already . Wherefore I will conclude this whole paragraph , only noting what is answered to Anti-Coton , who chargeth Eudemon-Ioannes and Syluester , that by iudgment , which is not true , but vsurped vpon those who are not subiects , they meane the iudgement of ciuill Magistrates vpon Clergy men , and principally vpon Iesuites , who are not subiect so much as to Bishops . To this my Author answereth ; that these wordes conteyne a double collusion . For both Iesuits are subiect to Bishops in the same manner , that all other Religious men are ; and Clergy-men whether they be regular or secular , are subiect to all directiue lawes , & to the coactiue also in certaine enormous cases , which are called ( priuiledged ) of which sort are all treasons , and consequently they are subiect also to the Magistrates , who haue the administration and execution of them . And to this effect my Author answering to the eight demand of Anti-Coton , Pag. 176. which was : Whether a Iesuite being accused of treason , and kept prisoner therupon , may lawfully vse Equiuocation in his answere ? sayth , that hitherto no Iesuite hath byn truly accused of any such crime , nor by Gods assistance shall euer be hereafter . But if such a case should happen , neyther he , nor any other could lawfully vse Equiuocation , answering those , who should demand them iuridically .

THE SOLVTIONS TO the personall obiections against the Fathers of the Society . §. II.

MY meaning is in this Paragraph , briefly to collect all obiections against the Society , whether they be generall or particuler , only excepting those against F. Coton , which are so many as that they may better be produced seuerally by themselues . Only I thinke it needlesse to say any thing concerning English affaires , so well knowne to you , & wherin it seemeth the writer of this hath not had so full information as might haue beene wished ; and I would not also willingly insert any thing , which might offend his Maiestie or the State , especially because I know , that this is your desire also : and no doubt you haue seene F. Eudemon-Ioannes his booke , which conteineth much more , then I can relate out of this . Wherefore omitting this I will relate the rest , in the same order that I find them recited , because my leasure will not permit me to put them into any other method . I will also chiefly insist vpon those , as were fathered by Anti-Coton vpon particuler authors , for the other being affirmed without proof , need no other answere but a bare deniall ; especially since we see , that this silence could not proceed from want of will , or from respect to any , since that in these other calumniations the greatest personages in France are named .

First then my Author affirmeth , Pag. 39. that the heretikes of France giue out , that Mariana induced Rauaillac to giue that vnfortunate , and execrable blow , and that he knew the booke all by hart . To which he replyeth , and will reply an hundreth and an hundreth tymes , vnder payn of loosing both honour and life that Rauaillac did neuer see , read , nor hear the name of Mariana , if it were not , when he was demaunded whether he had read him or not , & he answered , no : and that he knew not who he was , witnesse the Reuerend Fa. M. Coeffeteau : Coeffeteau witnesse also the verball processe it selfe ; yea my author addeth , that though Rauaillac had read this book , yet it is most false , that Mariana teacheth the murther , which this vnfortunate parricide committed : yea in some sort it might haue bin wished , that Rauaillac had read Mariana ; if he could haue vnderstood him : for Mariana teacheth manifestly and expressely ( as F. Gretzerus sheweth ) that a lawfull Prince cannot be slain by any particuler man , by his priuate authority , saying nothing in that poynt otherwise then the Councell of Constance , and the Decrees of Sorbon . But his error was afterward , when he determined the publike iudgment to the approbation of the learned , although in this also he hath limited his opinion to the case of necessity , and to the comon voyce , and vnder this condition , that the said publik iudgment cannot be had by other means . In which fearing notwithstanding , and perceyuing in some sort , that he was gone too farre , he submitteth himselfe not only to the censure of the Church , but also to the iudgment of any other .

Moreouer there can be no other reason giuen , why no soueraigne Prince hath taken exception against him hitherto , but because he speaketh onely of Tyrants , in the number of which they esteeme not themselues to be . And the Inquisition of Spaine , which otherwise is very rigorous , & the Pope himselfe , who as a temporall Prince should be as much interessed as others , haue not hitherto thought , that he deserued any further censure . Finally my Author noteth , how falsly and maliciously Anti-Coton slandereth Mariana , making him to meane by the iudiciall sentence , the deposition made by the Pope ; and by the approbation of learned men , the counsaile of the Iesuits : of whome Mariana maketh no mention ; and neyther the Pope , nor the Iesuites are once named throughout those two Chapters , which treat of this matter .

The next obiection of Anti-Coton is not worth the reciting , for your Reuerend F. Generall and the Visitour also , who gaue leaue that the booke of F. Mariana should be printed , cannot be blamed at all , since that F. Generall committed the matter to the Visitours and Prouincials , as he vseth in such occasions : and he had no reason to vse any particuler diligence concerning this booke , before he had notice therof : which as he testifieth by his letter to the Prouinciall Congregation of France , was only after the booke was printed and published , at which time he gaue order presently for the correcting and suppressing therof . And this seemeth one chiefe cause , why it was neuer reprinted by any Catholike , and had bene long since extinguished , had not some Protestants beene more diligent and busy , then they needed . The Visitour also was not to examine the booke in particuler , but to commit it to three learned men , who partly by the authority and learning of F. Mariana , and partly by the limitations and moderations which he vseth , might be induced to giue their consent ; but to these three , my authour opposeth 30. or 40. who allowed the 13. or 14. books of the Society , wherein the contrary doctrine is taught .

The next calumniation against your Fathers is , Pag. 42. that they reigne in Rome . To which my Author answereth , that this lying slaunder is iniurious to the Cardinals , and his Holynesse himselfe , whome together with the Iesuits he would make odious to all Ecclesiasticall persons . And besides euery man knoweth , that the Mr. of the sacred Palace , to whome the censure of books belongeth , is of S. Dominicks Order . To this we may ioyne another , which followeth a little after ; that your Fathers in France are in publik hatred or disgrace ; Pag. 44. which my Author affirmeth to be false , if by publike hatred he vnderstand not the charitable affection , which the Hugonots beare them , who ( if they were hated by others so much ) should not need to take so great paines , to inuent and publish slanderous libels against them , without intermission , velut agmine facto . But the truth is that both King and Queene do honour them with particuler affection , togeather with all the Princes and Great men of the Court , as also the rest of the Nobility , and three parts of the whole Sate , besides 30. thousand Schollers whose parents cannot be fewer .

But let vs heare more . There are aliue at this day ( saith Anti-Coton ) in Paris aboue 2. Pag. 48. thousand witnesses , who will testify , that Iames Clement ordinarily frequented the Iesuits , and that some of them accompanied him euen to the towne ditch , when he went out of Paris to giue the blow : But my Author answereth the improbability & absurdity of this calumniation ; because there was no sense , that the Iesuits should shew themselues in that manner , as well for their owne safety , as not to bring the other into question . Secondly the Court of Parliament may seeme to haue byn very negligent , if among 2. thousand witnesses , they could not get one to discouer the complices . Thirdly this calumniator himselfe may iustly be called in question , why he did not bring forth these witnesses sooner . That which followeth of Pope Sixtus 5. his speach , and concerning Guignard , is affirmed without proofe , and some things of most importance are plaine falsifications , and grounded only vpon flying and vulgar reports , as would appeare , if the processe it selfe might be seene . Of which sort that also seemeth to be of his being placed among the martyrs of the Society , since that ( as my Author testifieth ) he is not so much as in those catalogues which were printed at Rome .

Wherefore these and such other fraudulent & malicious inuentions are sufficiently confuted by that , which is certayn ; that the Fathers of the Society forsake father and mother , leauing their riches , and hopes of preferment , go to the Indies and new found land ; are vsed and loued by the greatest Princes of the world , honoured in Italy , France , Spayne , Polonia , Germany , Aethiopia , Iaponia , China ; where they haue very many Colledges , and are exceedingly desired in all places , being esteemed one of the chiefest vpholders of the faith , sent by Gods prouidence in the same time that Luther and Caluin apostated ; and therefore no meruaile , though they be so hated by Hereticks , and persecuted by all Schismatikes . I shal not need to tell the Reader , how falsly the booke intituled De iusta abdicatione Henrici 3. is insinuated to be written by a Iesuit ; since that it is manifest , that they had nothing to do with it , no more then with that other of Franciscus Verona Constantinus , who wrote the Apology for Iohn Chastell .

Anti-Coton writeth pag. 28. that F. Fronton du Duc , had affirmed to Monsieur Cazaubon , that , Pag. 72. it were better that all Kinges should be slayn , then that one Confession should be reuealed . All which notwithstanding is conuinced of falsity by a letter written by Monsieur Cazaubon himselfe to the same Father in these wordes : Quod scribis de Anti-Cotono , ego verò palàm dixi apud multos , auctorem libri , quisquis ille sit , parùm sibi , cùm illa scriberet , cauisse , quòd me non adierit : si fecisset , numquam dixisset ea te mihi dixisse , quae profecto non dixisti . Concerning that , which you write of Anti-Coton , I haue openly sayd before many , that the Author of that booke , whosoeuer he be , prouided not well for himselfe , when he wrote so , in not repayring to me : which if he had done , he would neuer haue sayd , that you sayd those thinges to me , which certeynly you sayd not .

Pag. 106. I will not omit that friuolous obiection , that before the Society was in the world , no man had euer heard , that the liues of Kings were assaulted vnder the shadow of Religion ; which my Author deseruedly calleth an outragious and iniurious lye , ioyned with a manifest contradiction ; for if he speake absolutly of violent death , can he be ignorant , that the Caesars , Neroes , Domitians dyed such ? Hath he neuer read the history of that Countrey , in which they be recited ( an horrible , detestable , and lamentable thing ) by dozens ? Did not the Satyricall Poet write long since , as the meanest schollers know , Ad generum Cereris sine caede & sanguine pauci Descendunt Reges , & sicca morte Tyranni ?

And if he vnderstandeth it of the pretext of religion , and conscience , is not this a cloke , that is now worne out , hauing bin vsed so much ? Is not this the pretext , vnder which all factious and rebellious spirits haue euer couered their reuolutions , rebellions and murthers ? Is not this also to contradict himselfe , hauing in the beginning of his Libell told vs , that Lewes Duke of Orleans brother to King Charles the 6. was slayn by Iohn Duke of Burgundy , and this murther defended by Iohn Petit vnder the colour of conscience ?

But let him vnderstand it as he will ( saith my Author ) we returne it vpon him , & say truly , that before Caluin preached at Geneua and others of his sect at Rochell , Nimes , and Mont-auban , no man had heard tell eyther of the conspiracy of Amboyse for the treason of Meaux ; nor the surprising of Orleans , Bourges , Lyons and of so many other Cittyes : nor of the battels of Moncontour , Iarnac , & S. Denis , or of so many Lance-knights & Reystres called into France against France ; & this against the State , vnder the shadow of religion , & by those , who cal themselues the Reformers of the world . Wheras the Society is no more cause of that , which is obiected , then the other Religious Orders , which came into France a little before , or in the same time , or a little after it . We may likewise say , that before the Apostles began to follow our Sauiour , ther was no speach of the treason of Iudas , & yet it followeth not from hence , that S. Peter & S. Iohn are to be blamed . Must the concurrence of times communicate all the sinnes which are committed , to al that are then aliue ? If this reason were of force , we should by the same , attribute to the Fathers the perfection of al mechanical arts , & warlike exployts , of Policy , Philosophy & Diuinity &c. which haue flourished since the Society began . As therfore this would be a great presumption in them to attribute these things vnto themselues so likewise it is an intolerable malice in others to impute vnto them those infamous attempts . I wil not go forward ( as my Author doth ) to confute this fellowes fooleries , who compareth France to the temple of Adonis , the Iesuites to Lyons and Tygers , and Spaine to a desert or wildernesse , out of which they should come .

Wherfore omitting this , and comming to his particular obiections , my Author sheweth at large out of Fa. Richeome , how vnprobable it is , that any of the Society were of Chastels Councel , since than no force of torment could euer bring that yong man to confesse any such matter , which no doubt God would haue brought to light , how obstinate soeuer the offender had bin , if they had bin faulty . Anti-Coton also falsifieth the Registers of the Court , making them to affirme , that Chastell had studied Diuinity vnder F. Gueret ; wheras that Father at that time had not heard one yeare of Diuinity himselfe . He affirmeth likewise out of the same , that Chastell had confessed his being in a chamber of meditations , painted round about with diuels ; wheras there was neuer any such chamber at all , as they can testify who visited the Colledge , and among an hundreth thousand Schollers which the Society hath had in France , no one can be produced , that euer did see any such Chamber . And what can be more desired to shew the innocency of the Society , then that F. Gueret himselfe , who was thought most guilty , was sent back being cleared by the Court , after both ordinarie and extraordinarie examinations ?

As for their expulsion , which notwithstanding ensued heerupon , and the Pyramis which was erected to their disgrace , my Author sayth , that he will not say with some , that it proceeded from the sway of the time : nor with others , Pyramidem Rex stare vetat , ne quaerito causam , Indicta causa pulsus & ordo fuit :

But he will only say , that he had rather yeeld to the iudgment of the Court , then censure it : and that there cannot too much rigour be vsed , to make the crime of treason detestable . And he addeth , that the King himselfe had a different iudgment from this Calumniator , when treating of their Institute , and discoursing of the vtility therof , he sayd in presence of the Lord Condestable , and many others , who may remember it : that if the Iesuits had known him sooner , they would haue loued him sooner , and if he had knowne than sooner , he would haue reestablished than sooner . And another time , that if he were to be a Religious-man and liue a contemplatiue life , he would be a Carthusian : and if he were to liue religiously in the world , and imploy himselfe in action , he would be a Iesuite . This was at Bourgfontaine , in the presence of Monsieur du Perron Lord de la Guette , and after of his priuy Counsell , a personage whome his Maiesty honoured with a singular goodwill , togeather with a great estimation of his iudgment and wisdome .

Much more might be sayd to this purpose , there being as many proofes of this great Princes good opinion of the Society , as there haue bin Panegyrikes and Apologyes heard made by him for this Order ; yet my author contenteth himsefe with a piece of a letter written by his Maiestie to the Mayor & Magistrats of Rochell in these wordes : Chers & bienaimeZ , ayant experimenté en plusieurs villes de nostre Royaume la probité , suffisance & modestie des Peres Iesuits , lesquels en leurs moeurs , doctrine & commune conuersation , font veoir , qu'ils n'ont rien deuant les yeux que l'honneur de Dieu : Nous auons trouué bon d'enuoyer en nostre ville de la Rochelle pour y prescher , le Pere Seguiran , Predicateur de leur Compagnie , reuestu de toutes les qualiteZ , qui peuuent rendre vn homme digne de cette charge . En date du 17. de Septembre 1606. signé HENRY , & plus bas , Ruzé .

Deare and welbeloued , hauing experienced in many Cittyes of our Kingdome the vertue , sufficiency and modesty of the Fathers of the Society , who in their behauiour , learning and common conuersation doe declare that they haue nothing before their eyes but the honor of God : We haue thought good to send to our Citty of Rochell to preach , F. Seguiran a Preacher of their Society , endued with all the qualityes , which may make a man worthy of this charge or office &c. Dated the 17. of Septembre 1606. signed HENRY , and vnderneath , Ruzé .

Now ( saith my Author ) who is so blind , that seeth not , or so wicked that graunteth not , that this onely iudgment ought to be of more force , then all the calumniations of the world ? For this was written after he had heard a thousand times , in a manner , all the euill of the Society which is sayd at this day , & after he had exactly and carefully made triall of them .

For conclusion of this point , I must not omit to tell you , that the decree against Chastel was not absolutly censured at Rome , Pag. 42. as Anti-Coton obiecteth : for the late king was certified by letters from thence , that they censured nothing belonging to the fact , which they detested as much as any in France ; but that which they censured , was a clause of the Decree defining and determining , what was heresie , which appertayneth not to the Parliament of Paris , but to the Church of God , and the chiefe Pastor thereof .

Thus much for Chastell : after whom Anti-Coton returneth to one Barriere , who intended to haue murthered the late King before he was admitted to the Crowne by Paris and other Cittyes . And it seemeth , Pag. 116. that he imparted this his designe among others to F. Varade Rector of the Colledge of the Society at Paris : which Citty being at that time in warre with his Maiesty , the Father could not by any meanes giue aduise : & yet my Author doth not altogether excuse him in this as his Maiestie himself seemed to do , causing him to be warned , that he should depart from Paris , when he was to come thither , and neuer calling him in question for it afterward . This is the most , that can be probably belieued against this Father . For the rest , which Anti-Coton affirmeth , of his perswading and adiuring Barriere by the Sacraments of Confession & Communion , conteyneth many absurdities , contradictions and falsifications , as my Author sheweth : and it is certayne , that the R. Father Seraphin Banqui , who went to his Maiestie expressely to discouer this plot , auouched , that Barriere himselfe had told him , that a Father of the Society at Lions affirmed , that he could not enterprise the killing of the King without damning himselfe . And his Maiestie himself often testifyed , that he had first word of that attempt from one of the Fathers .

That which followeth of the Iesuits running from chamber to chamber crying : Pag. 119. Surgefrater , agitur de religione ; Rise brother , our Religion is in daunger ; is euidently conuinced to be false by the circumstance of the time , since it is sayd to haue byn betwixt 8. and 9. of the clock at night , when the Iesuits vse not to be in bed . And besydes , if it had bin true , what could Anti-Coton or any other calumniator haue made of it ? But he wanteth matter , which maketh him goe to the grammer schollers , and accuse them for making compositions against the King , before he was admitted , in time of the league , which may very well be true in part ; but it is false , that after the reduction of Paris to the Kings obedience , there was any such matter , and much lesse , that any was forbidden to pray for him : but many are yet liuing , who can testify , that there was earnest prayer made for his prosperity , and in particuler the R. Father Clement du Puy , their Prouinciall in the Prouince of France ordayned , that the Pensioners of the colledg of Clermont , who were about 200. should euery day in the morning say the prayer , Quaesumus omnipotens Deus , vt famulus tuus Henricus Rex noster &c.

Pag. 121. All the obiections , which are made against Alexander Hayus a scottish Father , appeare sufficiently to be fictions , by his deliuery out of prison ; as likewise that which he addeth of the Fathers sending children into farre countreys , since that he whom he nameth , dealt with no Iesuit , ( for the party charged as the seducer , was not of the Society at that time . ) That which followeth were of more importance , if it were true ; and therfore no meruayle though it be so euidently conuinced of falshood . Anti-Coton bringeth the Duke of Sully for a witnesse , that this Noble man himselfe perswading the late King not to recall the Iesuits , was answered by him , Giue me then security for my life ; which my author , not without cause , calleth a slaunder died in crimson . For the sayd Duke hath testified , both before the Queene herselfe , and the Lord Chancellor , and the Lord Villeroy , and many others , and in particuler to F. Coton , that he remembreth nothing of that , which the Anti-Coton maketh him say to the King , or the King to him .

After some other obiections concerning England , Pag. 123. which I am resolued to omit , at length he commeth to the Reuerend Father Baldwin now in the Tower , and is not afraid to affirme , that he had some intelligence with Francis Rauaillac , who ( sayth he ) had byn in Flanders somewhat before his cursed enterprise . Wheras my Author sheweth , that Rauaillac was particulerly asked , whether he had byn at Bruxels ; to which he answered : that he was neuer out of the Kingdome , and that he knew not where Bruxels was .

From England he goeth to Polonia , affirming , pag. 124. that the Iesuits haue perswaded that King to vse such violence , that he hath byn in danger to loose his Kingdome : which my Author calleth a manifest falshod , for Polonia was neuer in the memory of man so prosperous ; nor euer King more beloued , and respected , or more peaceable in his Estates ; yea he hath entred into Moscouia , where at this present he obteyneth very great victories . And as for Sweden , euery man knoweth , that his vncle Charles withholdeth it against all right & iustice , not in respect of the Iesuits , about whome there was neuer any question ; but by reason of the Dukes heresie and ambition : shewing by his proceeding ( which is most certaine ) that out of the Catholicke Church there is no true fayth at all .

Ibidem . That which followeth of Transiluania is a meere fiction ; neyther can he produce any such letter , as he feigneth of the Baron of Zerotin ; neyther were the Fathers euer suspected of any conspiracy against that Prince ; yea F. Alfonsus Carillo was his Confessarius , vntill he sent home the Lady Catherine of Austria , and did put his cosen Balthazar Battorius to death . And at this present al ( besides the heretikes ) do much desire that the Fathers of the Society may returne to Coluswar , otherwise called Claudiopolis , & to Fayrwar otherwise called Alba-Iulia . By all which this slander is made manifest , but by nothing more , than by that , which is added , of putting one of the Fathers to death ; for neuer any heard of any such , besides F. Martin Laterna Confessarius to King Steuen Battorius , who being sent by his Maiesty into Transiluania , was taken vpon the sea , and put to death by the Pyrates of Duke Charles , who styleth himself King of Sweden . Because this calumniator could find no colour to charge the Society with any thing against the house of Austria , he taketh a new course , and will needes giue the reason therof to be , because their Generall is a Spaniard , to whome they vow blind obedience . Pag. 78. 81. & 125. But my Author sheweth , that it is false , that the Generals of the Society are always Spaniards , as appeareth by the last , who was of Liege ; and although this who is now , be a Neapolitan ; yet he is of the noble house of Aquauiua , sonne to the Duke of Atri , Vncle to the Cardinall Aquauiua now liuing ; which family hath alway byn esteemed to fauour the French . It is also vntrue , that in the Society the first vowes are made to F. General , but immediatly to the Superiours of that place , which in France are Frenchmen , who cannot be thought lesse faythfull to their King , then the Spaniardes to theirs : and how their vow of obedience is to be vnderstood , hath bin already declared .

There remayneth yet Venice , Pag. 126. concerning which Anti-Coton chargeth the Iesuits to haue byn the beginners of the last troubles betwixt that Common-wealth & the Pope : wheras it is manifest out of the bookes of Friar Paul & the rest of that crew , that the cause of those difficulties were , for that his Holynes would not permit the reall libertyes , and personal immunities of the Church to be infringed and violated : for which cause he had imposed a locall & personall interdict vpon that State . Neither did the Fathers of the Society proceed any further , then the Capuchins and Theatins , who tooke it not to belong to them , to censure the Popes proceedinges , but rather to obey his Decrees , vntill the Common-wealth had made their remonstrations , and supplications to his Holynesse . And wheras this calumniator addeth , that the Iesuits wrought against the Common-wealth at Rome ; my Author sheweth , that the late King of France ( in all mens iudgments ) a most iudicious Prince , commanded the proofes of this , and other obiections to be examined ; but nothing could be gotten , but silence , as that renowned Prelate the Cardinall of Ioycuse , to whome this whole affaire was committed by his Maiesty , can witnesse .

Finally the Society can be no more blamed for hauing legacies and lands in that State , then in any other , or then all other Religious Orders : Yea , if we speake of their house in Venice it selfe , it was not capable of any rent , or land whatsoeuer . And here my Author hath iust cause to wish all men to informe themselues throughly of the truth before they giue eare to the calumniations and fals reports which the enemies of the Society are wont to raise . This ( sayth he ) was the lesson , which our great Henry gaue to all those , whome he saw ill affected vnto them , saying often . That it was sufficient to know the Iesuites , for to loue , esteeme , and defend them . In so much , as all the Princes and great Lords of France can testifie , that they haue often heard him speake of the Society with such great affection , and such honorable commendation , as could be giuen to any Religious Order .

Hauing thus wandred vp and downe forraine Countreys , Pag. 128. this Libeller returneth home to France , and for conclusion of his second Chapter heapeth vp ten lyes in one narration , concerning the erection of a Colledge of the Society in Orleans . First , that they sent one of their Fathers to preach in that Citty the time of Lent ; wheras it is manifest , that this prouision of Preachers belongeth to the Bishops themselues ; & besides he mistaketh Lent for Aduent . Secondly he affirmeth , that the Cittizens were not well content , nor satisfied with the Fathers preaching ; wheras it is certayne , that his Auditory was very great , and his sermons much applauded ; in so much , that he could hardly excuse himselfe from preaching the next Lent also , although there was another very eloquent , and learned man appointed . Thirdly ( saith Anti-Coton ) in steed of studying , this Fa. busied his braines in searching out and intertayning such , as had yet in their hartes any remainder of the old leuen of the league . This is a most malicious lye , and such an one , as only the Hugonots will belieue , whom the late King called the leaguers of his time . And the truth is , that the Father was alwaies ordinarily eyther in the Church , or els in his chamber , as those of the Lord Bishops of Orleans house , where he had his lodging , will testify . Fourthly ( sayth this calumniator ) this Iesuite gaue out , that it was the Kinges will , that they should be established in that Citty ; wheras the King had dispatched his Letters Patents to this purpose aboue foure moneths before , and had sent them to the Lord Bishop , and Mounsieur Decures . Fiftly he saith , that the Iesuites talke was of driuing out the Monkes of S. Sampson , that they might get their Church . But my Author answereth , that this treatie was in the behalfe of the Reuerent Fathers of S. Francis of Paula his Order , commonly called Minims or Bon-homs , & that all was done with due and lawfull circumstances , and with consent of the parties : and if afterwardes some desired , that it might be imployed for a Colledg of the Society , it was with the same conditions . Sixtly , like vnto this is that which followeth of displacing Monsieur the Mareshall of Chastres Gouernour of that Citty &c. for there was no such matter . Seuenthly , he addeth , that the Fathers vsed much importunity with the King to this effect : wheras it was his Maiesties owne motion to prefer Orleans before Chartres , because he thought that a Colledge would be more profitable in that Citty , in respect of certaine families , which were reported to haue changed their Religion not long before . Eightly , the next lye is , that his Maiestie graunted this Colledge vnder condition , that the Cittizens should be brought to giue their consent : whereas in deed , there is no such word in the Patents , which are absolute , with commendation of the Society , and testimony of the good , which their Colledges cause in all partes . Ninthly he bringeth in one Touruile an Aduocate , prouing that in France a man could not loue the King and the Iesuites both : but this is altogether false , and it would proue , that neither the Cittyes , and Parlaments , which haue receaued , and do willingly retaine the Society , should loue their King ; yea that the late King loued not himself , since that he shewed them such extraordinary kindnes & fauours , founding them Colledges in diuers places at his owne charges , and resoluing to place them in all the principall Citties of his Kingdome . Finally he concludeth , that all the Cittizens concurred iointly in the same opinion , concluding , that the Society should not be admitted : wheras indeed they were neyther all of one opinion , nor gaue an absolute deniall ; but only excused themselues for want of meanes , offering to receaue them willingly , if his Maiestie would prouide for them . Neyther is it probable , that they would answer otherwise , vnlesse we should measure them by the Hugonots , who possessed that Citty in former times . And thus we see , that my Author had reason to affirme , that Anti-Coton must needes be verie shameles , since that he calumniateth so impudently ; and ill habituated , since he doth it so often : and finally of little talent , since he doth it so folishly .

In his third Chapter Anti-Coton goeth about to shew , Pag. 145. that the Fathers of the Society were guilty of the murther of the late King of France , which is so incredible a calumniation , and so easily conuinced by many testimonies , and circumstances , that it is a wonder how any could be so impudent , as to auouch so manifest an vntruth : but yet let vs examine , at least so much as may carry any colour of truth , of which sorte , that which he affirmeth of Fa. Comelet is not ; and the words of Fa. Hardy are wrested to a wrong sense , for he only affirmed , that Princes were subiect to death and other casualties , as well as meaner men .

In like manner that which he bringeth against Fa. Gontier is only proued by the testimony of a dead man , or els by such a witnesse , as openly giueth him the lye , I meane Monsieur de la Grange Secretary to the Prince of Condie , and the matter is cleere in it selfe : for he maketh Fa. Rector at Perigeus , where those wordes should be spoken , Fa. Saphore , which is altogeather false . Monsieur de Guron , whom he standereth to haue dealt with the Preachers in Paris , that they should preach seditious doctrine , is a very vertuous and deuout gentleman , and will maintayne against him and al the world , that this is a meere slaunder : yea the Duke of Sully auoucheth , that it is most false , that euer the Curates of Paris came with any complaint to him , either in this , or any other matter . And if Monsieur de Guron had giuen any such seditious discourses , they would haue byn published , aswell as others of lesse importance .

But aboue all , the falsitie of this calumniation appeareth , in that he maketh the late King not only to dissemble the matter , but also to reward the chiefe malefactor by making ( as he saith ) F. Gontier his Preacher , & giuing him a pension : both which are also most false . For this Father was no more the Kings Preacher afterward , then he had byn before . And as for the pension , not only he , but Fa. Coton himselfe neuer had any , it being against the institute of the Society , that any of them should take any thing in recompence of the exercise of their function , & much lesse , that any of them in particuler should haue any rent , reuenue , or pension . True it is , that the late King esteemed highly the rare qualities , and excellent talents of F. Gontier , and especially his great zeale , courage , and constancie in Gods cause : and all that euer the Lord Mareshall Dernano sayd of him , was ; that he could haue desired , that the remonstrances made before his Maiesty at S. Geruas , had beene in camera charitatis , as his words were , witnesse the Queene Regent her selfe , who was present and heard them .

Pag. 147. Thus much for Fa. Gontier : after whom Anti-Coton commeth to Fa. Aubigny , and is not ashamed to auouch that Rauaillac iustified vnto this Father , that he had told him in confession of his intention to giue a great stroke , shewing him the knife , hauing an Heart engrauen vpon it ; wheras the Registers of the Court it selfe do witnesse , that Rauaillac being demanded about F. de Aubigny , answered , that he came to him one day after Masse in the month of Ianuary , he being in the Church , & that he declared vnto him certaine visions : and he deposed , that the said Father answered him , that he should make no account of them , fearing least his head were crazed ; willing him to say his beades , and that if he had any thing to say to the King , he should go to some Noble man to procure audience . Vpon which the said Father and he being confronted the eighteenth of May , he charged him not with any other thing , only adding , that the Father had bidden him to haue care of his braine , and to eate some good broathes , that he might be able to sleepe . And the day before , the Iudges hauing enquired of him , whether he had not demanded of F. de Aubigny , if he ought not to confesse such visions , as exceeded the common course , and namely about killing Kings : the sayd offender answered , noe . Being demanded , whether he had no other speach with him , and if he neuer saw him but that time : he likewise answered , noe . Being demanded againe , when the Father was present , why he went rather to him then to any other : he answered ; Because he had vnderstood , that this Father was a friend to the brother of a certaine Religious Woman .

Besides at other times being vrged by the Iudges to declare those , who had any way assisted him in this crime , or to whome he had imparted his purpose : his answere was , that since his being in prison many had prouoked him to make this acknowledgment , and in particuler the Lord Archbishop of Aix : but he was neuer mooued by any , neither did euer any speake with him of any such matter . And the 27. of May his sentence being pronounced , and he exhorted to preuent the torment by confessing the complices , he tooke it vpon his soule , that neither man , nor woman , or any other besides himselfe knew of it . And being laid vpon the torment , he beseeched God with a loud voice to haue pitty of his soule , and to pardon his offence ; but yet not otherwise , then if he had not concealed any thing . Which he often repeated afterward vnder the oath , which he had made vnto God and the Court. And before he was deliuered to the Doctors , he likewise sayd , that he was not so miserable to retaine any thing : if he had not declared it already : knowing well , that he could not obtaine that mercy of God which he expected , if he should conceale any thing , and that he would not haue indured the torment inflicted vpon him , if he had knowne any thing more . And being in the hands of M. Gamache and M. Filsacke Doctors of the Sorbon , he gaue them leaue to reueale his Confession , and to print it also ; that it might be made knowne to all , which the said Doctors declared to be : That none but he had giuen the blow , that he had not byn intreated , sollicited , nor induced by any , neither had he imparted the matter to any . He acknowledged that he had committed a great fault , for which he hoped mercy at Gods handes , it being greater then his sinne , but that he would not expect any , if he had concealed any thing . And finally , immediatly before his execution , he confirmed with an oath , that he had discouered all , and that not any in the world had induced him , nor he spoken , or imparted the matter to others . And he alwayes persisted saying the same in the middest of his torments : yea after he had byn drawn halfe an houre with horses , he notwithstanding perseuered in this deniall .

That which Anti-Coton saith of the Preachers , Pag. 150. who might seeme to haue moued him , is a meere fiction : for he neuer made mention of them , but when he affirmed , that if he were so much forsaken by God , as to dy without declaring his complices , he would not thinke to be saued , nor that there was any paradise for him : because saith he , Abyssus abyssum inuocat , as he had learned of the Preachers , and therfore this would be to double his offence . Besides if he had blamed the Preachers , as Anti-Coton affirmeth ; he could not meane those of Paris , since that it appeareth by his confession , that he departed from Angoulesme the last tyme but one of his being there , 13. daies before Christmas , and returned againe before Lent : since that , he confessed and communicated at Angoulesme the first sonday in Lent , and did not set forward from thence to Paris , vntill Easter day ; and came not to Paris vntill a weeke after : by which it appeareth , that he was not in Paris in the time either of Aduent , or Lent . And finally this accusation belongeth no more to the Iesuites , then to all other Preachers , and may be applied by a Calumniator to any of them in particuler .

It were but a folly to stand vpon that reporte , Pag. 158. which he affirmeth to haue byn of the Kinges death at Prage and Bruxells a weeke or fortnight before it happned . For to omit the like examples , which my Author produceth , who seeth not , that such rumours vse to runne vpon diuers occasions ? though indeed the letters which Anti-Coton alledgeth from Prage to this effect , are feigned , as the sonne of him to whom they were said to be written , testifieth . The Prouost of Petiuiers affirmed by this Calumniator to haue byn in faction a Iesuit , Pag. 160. doth not any way belong to them ; and was as deuout , as Anti-Coton himselfe seemeth to be , not hauing byn at Confession for the space of eight yeares .

Pag. 161. The smiling countenance , which this slaunderer attributeth to the Fathers , were indeed true teares , as those , to whom they imparted their griefes , can testifie : and when they were presented by Monsieur de la Varanne , who was commanded by the Queene her selfe to bring them , F. Coton who spake in all their names , was interrupted with his owne and the other Fathers sighes and teares .

It is also false , which some giue out , that a principall personage , and officer should will them when they went to Fleche ( to carry the Kings hart ) not to forget the tooth which Chastell had strook out some yeares before . For the Fathers did not so much as see , or speake with that personage , and he was to wise to let any such words escape him . No lesse foolish , and false is the next obiection concerning the Fathers being absent from the Kings Funerall , as appeareth by the certification which followeth : I the vnderwritten do certifie those , to whome it appertaineth , that the Fathers of the Society residing in Paris , came togeather to S. Germain of Auxerois , which was the place appointed for the orders of Religion to meet in , the day of the Funerall of the late King , the great Henry the fourth , and presented themselues to me , that they might haue a place among the rest of those , who assisted in the Funerals : which was denied them , least it might cause confusion , since they were not inserted in my roll , because it is not their custome to assist in such actions any more then the Carthusians & Celestines . Which when the sayd Fathers had vnderstood , they went to the Louure , and into the Hall , where the body with his partraiture lay , and there they sprinkled holy water vpon it , and prayed for the soule of his Maiestie . Dated in Paris the 29. of September , 1610. Guiot Rhodes Great Maister of the Cerimonies of France .

There remaineth yet the obiection of Monsieur the Mareshall of Chastres , Pag. 164. Generall of the forces sent from France to Cleues , whom Anti-Coton affirmeth to haue beene diswaded from that iourney by the Iesuits . But this Nobleman hath discharged them fully and plainly from this calumniation in the presence of the Queene Regent , the Earle of Soissons , and of all the Court ; and besides hath giuen the Fathers a testimony to the contrary vnder his owne hand . Thus this Calumniator endeth his third Chapter , and in the fourth I find nothing to this purpose .

In the fifth he inueigheth chiefly against F. Coton in particuler , Pag. 243. only at the later end he hath an obiection or two concerning the riches & want of learning of the Society in France . To which my Author answereth briefly , that excepting the Colledge of Fleche which was founded & endowed by the late King , there is not any house in all France , in which euery one may haue allotted twentie pounds for his expences by the yeare , accompting not only their meate , drinke , & apparell , but also their Libraries , Infirmaries , Sacristies , Viaticums , intertayning of strangers and other publike charges . In proofe whereof , and for preuention of this slaunder , Fa. Coton hath giuen a note of all the goods , which the Society hath in France , to the Lo. Chauncellour , the Lo. of Sully and the Secretaries of Estate , graunting & yeilding all that is not specified in that Roll , to any that can find it out . And whereas Anti-Coton speaketh of aboue an hundred thousand Crownes in rent , procured by the Society in the space of seauen or eight yeares since their Reuocation : My Author in his owne and the rest of the Fathers names , maketh a free gift and donation to him of all , that shal be found to belong to the Society in France , surmounting the summe of fifty thousand , vpon this condition , that he will supply so much , as wanteth to make vp that summe . And as for the Nouiship in the Suburbs of S. Germain , within the precincts wherof Anti-Coton saith a prety Towne might stand : the truth is , that the whole house , courts , and gardens are not aboue 30. fadome square .

Pag. 247. Finally he concludeth his whole rayling discourse with telling vs , that the Fathers of the Society are ignorant persons , and will ouerthrow learning , and is not ashamed to charge the Lord Cardinall Peron , as Authour of this slaunder . But it were a folly to say any thing in the disproof therof , the whole world being witnesse to the contrary , which would farre sooner approue that encomium of the Lo. Abbot of Tiron , who as Monsieur Yueteaux the Kings master reporteth , was wont to say , that Imperium litterarum est penes Iesuitas . The empire of learning is among the Iesuits . And the concourse of schollers to their Schooles doth testify the same , which this foolish fellow would perswade men to proceede from not taking any thing , eyther for washing or for candles : as though the flower of the nobility would be moued with such toyes : and this could be a motiue for so many Parents , as in time of the Fathers absence from France , sent their children to their Schooles in other Countries .

For conclusion of this Paragraph it will not be amisse to note , how falsly Anti-Coton in his Epistle Dedicatory to the Queene Regent , auoucheth these his calumniations of the Society , to be the testimony of her Maiesties highest Courts of Iustice , the consent of the greatest part of her Cleargy , & among them , euen of the Sacred Faculty of Diuinity , and in a word the common vniuersall outcry of all her people . For it appeareth by that , which hath bene said , that this is so farre from being true , that no one honest , or ciuill man can be produced for the proofe of any one of these slaunders . And besides my Author noteth , that the Registers , & proceedinges of the Court conuince the contrary . Pag. 21. To which he addeth the funerall orations of Monsieur d'Angeres , Monsieur de Ries , and Monsieur d' Ayre : the attestations of Monsieur de Paris : Pag. 309. the deputation which the Cleargy hath lately made in the person of my Lo. Archbishop of Ambrun for the assistance of the reestablishment of the Colledge of Clermont : the assembly of the Doctors of the Sorbone the 23. of August , and those of the two Faculties of Phisick , and the Cannon Law in the moneth of September following , the yeare 1610. in which they agreed that the Fathers of the Society should teach with them in Paris , being incorporated to the Vniuersity . Pag. 306. All which we might finally confirme with the Letters Patents of this King ; for the establishing of all that , which his Father granted in fauour of the Society .

THE SOLVTIONS OF the obiections against Fa. Coton in particuler . §. III.

HITHERTO we haue seene what Anti-Coton was able to say against the Society in generall : now we come to F. Coton in particuler , against whom this malicious mate sheweth exceeding great spite and malice ; but with no more truth nor probability , then we haue found hitherto . Pag. 134. And first he chargeth him with certain interrogations made to a certain possessed person , which he affirmeth that the Father himselfe had written in a ticket , and through ouersight had giuen them to Monsieur Gillot a Counselour , in a booke which he had lent him : But my Author conuinceth this calumniation to be false by many reasons . For first the exorcismes of this maid were publicke , and before many at S. Victor , at S. Genouefa , and at S. Nicolas du Chardonet , & therfore there would not want witnes of these interrogations , if there had beene any such . Secondly it is denied , that euer Monsieur Gillot lent any booke to F. Coton , neither doth the Father remember , that euer he saw him , and much lesse is it likely that he had any familiarity with him , especially hauing often heard , that he had alway shewed himselfe an earnest enemy to the Society , though without all cause . Thirdly when this fable was tould the late King by a Noble man of the pretended reformed Religion , the said Father offered to giue another writing of his owne hand , that it might be confronted with that ticket , which notwithstanding would not be accepted . And Monsieur du Perron one of the Kings priuie Counsell hauing considered the ticket attentiuely , maintayned that it was not Fa. Cotons hand , from whom he had seene & receyued many letters . Fourthly these false witnesses are at variance among themselues , for some of them make these interrogations mount to the number of 30. 40. 50. 60. and more , as may be seene in diuers printed copies ; others make them to be fewer , and Anti-Coton himselfe hath not only not specified more then 5. but also by calling the paper wherin they were written , a ticket , sheweth that they could not be many more , and therefore no meruaile , though the late King vsed to iest at the matter , saying : that it would proue like the library of Madame de Mont pensier .

And that which is added , that Fa. Coton went to these exorcismes moued with curiositie , is as false ; for he was oftener then once commaunded by the Queene , who dealt with the Lo. Bishop of Paris to that end ; and yet the Fa. yeelded not , before he had represented some difficulties , which he found in the matter . By which it appeareth , that he was not drawen by any curiosity , and much lesse by any familiaritie he had with spirits , as this impudent Fellow is not ashamed to suspect ; and vpon these foolish suspicions to make very odious illations against him , which redound no lesse to the iniurie of the late King , as my Author sheweth . But that there was no such curiosity , familiaritie , nor interrogations , might be proued by the Pastors & Religious men of the places , where these exorcismes were made . To whom we may adde Monsieur Forget a Doctor of Sorbon , and many Princes and Lordes of the Court , to omit the rest . And finally the Lord Bishop of Paris knoweth , that Monsieur de Laual was Catholike , before Fa. Cotons going to these exorcismes ; and therfore it is incredible , that the Fa. would demaund what should be the issue of his conuersion , which notwithstanding Anti-Coton setteth downe in the first place .

Pag. 140. The next obiection concerning the Spaniard , who should come addressed to Fa. Coton , with intention to kill the King ; is such an impudent , and incredible slaunder , that it deserueth no answere , since that it is against all reason and sense , that Fa. Coton , or any other of his coate should consent to the death of him , who had been so great a fauourer and promotor of their whole Order . And besides Monsieur de Lomenye Secretary of Estate , and in particuler of the Kingdome of Nauar & of Bearne , hath testified in the presence of the Lord Bishops of Mascon , and Sisteron , that al the letters of Monsieur de la Forze Lieutenant for the King in Bearne passed through his hands , & that he neuer saw any such matter in them , out of which notwithstanding , this calumniation is only auouched .

Thirdly Anti-Coton obiecteth , that F. Coton had written the late Kinges Confession into Spaine , Pag. 142. and for that cause was in disgrace the space of 6. weekes : And that the yong King , who now is , hearing therof , saied to the Father , that he would tell him nothing , because he would write it into Spaine , as he had donne his Fathers Confession . But first noe man euer perceaued , that Fa. Coton was in disgrace with the late King for the space of 6. houres , neyther were it any way probable , that his Maiestie would haue contynued to confesse vnto him , vntill his dying day , if he had either knowen , or suspected any such matter . True it is , that F. Coton himselfe requested the King oftentimes to make choice of another Confessarius , & in particuler of the Lo. Archbishop of Ambrun , by reason of his great vertue , and singular pietie , vsing the help of his brother also to that end : but his Maiesty answered him twice , that he would neuer take any other . And surely it is strange to see , how this Calumniator is not ashamed to accuse Fa. Coton now of reuealing the Kinges Confession , no more then he was before to charge Fa. Fronton with a speach which might seeme too strict and rigorous in this point . As for that of the yong King , the Queene herselfe hath taken the paines to make inquiry , being astonished to heare so strange a report . And she hath found the truth to be , that his Maiestie neuer heard of any such matter , & much lesse vsed any such words to Fa. Coton , who retayneth the same place now , which he had before in his Fathers time .

Fourthly this Calumniator addeth , Pag. 150. that Fa. Coton hauing obtayned leaue to speake with Rauaillac in prison , bid him take heed , least he did accuse the innocent , fearing least he would accuse the Iesuits . But first Fa. Coton went not to the prison of his owne accord , but by the Queenes commandement , as all the Court knoweth . Secondly he vsed no such wordes to Rauaillac , but that vnfortunate wretch complayning , that they would make him accuse either the Iesuits , or the Princes to whom he had neuer imparted his designe ; the Fa. replied in these wordes : Thou deceauest thy selfe , none would haue thee to accuse the innocent , but euery one desireth that thou shouldest say the truth . And as thou shouldest be in the way of damnation , by accusing the innocent : so likewise thou shalt be in the same case , vnlesse thou reuealest the culpable . Thou must tell the truth , if thou desirest to see his face who hath said ; I am the way , the truth , & the life . And of this are witnesses all , that were present at that time , who can also testifie ( which this Calumniator was loath to speake of ) that the miserable Parricide was moued by Fa. Cotons speaches to acknowledge his fault , which he had not done till then ; and to shed aboundant teares , desiring to haue a Confessarius , by which occasion the Fa. said vnto him : If thou hadst imparted thy tentation to a good Confessarius , he would haue vsed the same reasons and perswasions to thee which thou hast heard of me : he would haue made thee to haue knowne thy sinne , and haue perswaded thee to haue giuen it ouer . To which the poore wretch answered : To whome would you haue had me gone to Confession ? he would haue accused me , and caused my death . Thou deceauest thy selfe ( said the Father ) a prudent Confessarius would haue diuerted thee from this heynous cryme , he would haue put the life of the King in securitie , and thine also .

Now we come to the last Chapter of Anti-Coton : for I think not any thing which he saith in his fourth Chapter concerning Fa. Cotons booke , worth the noting , vnlesse I should tell you of that lye and slander , wherin he auoucheth , that the King commanded F. Coton to write against F. Mariana ; Pag. 43. which my Author denieth , and disproueth at large in the beginning of his booke : wherfore omitting this , let vs come to that obiection concerning his liuing in the Court , Pag. 223. which he sayth is a scandall to the whole Church , being a thing contrary , not only to the Institution of all Monkes , but particulerly to the Rules of the Iesuits . And Cardinall Tolet houlds it for a generall truth , that a Religious person , who liueth in the Court is excommunicate , albeit he hath leaue of his Superiour .

To which my Author answereth , that in the third Article of the Societies establishment in France , approued by the late King , his Counsell , and Court of Parlament ; it is ordeined , that those of the Society shall haue ordinarily one of their Order about the King , and he must be a Frenchman , with sufficient authority to serue his Maiesty as a Preacher , and to informe him of their proceedings , as occasion shall be offered . Wherefore if F. Coton should depart from the Court , another of the same Society must necessarily come in his place . Secondly my Author saith , that the Fathers of the Society are no monkes ; yea their Institute and functions are altogeather different from those , which a solitary life requireth ; and to this end , he alleageth the second and third Rule of the Summary of your Constitutions : The end of this Society is to attend with Gods grace , not only to their owne saluation and perfection , but also with the same grace to imploy themselues with all their forces , to the saluation and perfection of their neighbours . And a little after : It is proper to our vocation to passe into diuers countries , and to liue in any place of the world , where Gods greater seruice , and the help of soules is hoped for . According to which ( sayth my Author ) we haue seene , and by Gods help shall see , what great fruit the Societie hath produced in the conuersion of Infidels , in the reduction of hereticks , and the instruction of Catholicks . And this is that ( saith he ) which Monsieur the Prince answered very wisely not long since to one , who would haue disgusted him with the Iesuits . These people ( said he ) carry the faith thither , where it is not , & maintayne it , where it is ; for which cause I will allwaies loue them .

After this my Author sheweth at large , how many that were Monkes , haue left their Cloistres for the good of soules . As for example S. Basil , and S. Gregory , S. Augustine and S. Hierome , S. Remigius & S. Martin , S. Augustine of England and his fower Companions sent thither by S. Gregory the Great ; S. Lambert and S. Kilian , S. Wilfrid , S. Willebrord , and S. Switbert ; so that though Fa. Coton were a Monk , yet he might well be excused by these examples , noe lesse then those foure of the same Society , which accompany the King of Poland , one of them being his Confessarius , and another his Preacher ; as also the Confessarius to the Queene of Spaine , to the Duke of Bauaria , to the Dutchesses of Mantua , & Lorayn ; & finally to the Archduke Matthias , now King of Hungary . Neyther do there want examples of other Religious orders in the same kind ; for the Confessarius of the Queene Regent is of S. Augustines order : the King of Spaine and the Archduke of Flanders vse to confesse to Religious men of S. Dominicks , & the Infanta to one of S. Francis , to omit the rest .

As for the Authority of Cardinall Tolet , Instr . Sacerd. l. 1. c. 40. which he obiecteth against F. Cotons being in the Court , my Author answereth , that in the place by him alledged , there is noe such matter . But yet I haue been a little more curious to see , if I could find , vpon what ground Anti-Coton could gather any such doctrine out of that learned Cardinall ; and I haue found , that it is a manifest falsification . For in the Chapter immediatly going before , Monks & Chanon Regulars , Cap. 39. not hauing administration , which presume to goe to the Courts of Princes , for the harme of their Monasteries or Prelats , are sayd to incurre excommunication . But for declaration thereof , Tolet presently noteth out of the Glosse vpon that text of Canon law , Clement , Nem agro de stat. Monach , § Quia verò . where this excommunication is expressed , that two things are required for those Monks & Chanon Regulars to incurre this censure . First , that they enter into the Court. Secondly , that they enter with this minde , whether they haue their Prelats leaue or not . Now then this Calumniator should haue shewed , that F. Coton had any such intention , from which he is so free , that the only naming of that condition would haue cleared him of all such suspicions ; which Anti-Coton seemed to forsee , & therefore falsified the Cardinals authoritie .

The other personall imputations against F. Coton are either most impudent lyes , without all shew of truth , or els meere suspicions , grounded vpon such coniectures as any indifferent man would rather interprete to the Fathers commendation . Pag. 229. 240. 241. Such are the obiections , which are taken out of his letter to a very deuout and religious woman , and his Booke of deuotion dedicated to the Queene her selfe . And it is sufficient for confutation of all these slaunders , that there cannot be any one produced , or named in the whole Court who will testify any the least misdemeanour of him : for if there were any such , it is not likely , that he , who hath not spared the king himself , would passe them ouer in silence , or leauing the Court would run to Auignion & Languedoc to find matter . Which notwithstanding he doth with so euill successe , that the whole Cittyes haue ioyned and giuen their testimony against him : and not only they , but euen the Abbot of Boys whome he presumed to father his calumniation vpon , hath openly disclaimed and disproued him . For thus he writeth in a testification , which he sent to F. Coton himselfe : Pag. 231. I the vnderwritten do testify , that I was in Auignion all the time , that the Reuerend Fa. Coton of the Society of Iesus remained there , and I neuer heard any say , that he committed any thing contrary to the dignity , & quality of his profession ; which I affirme of that in particuler , wherof the Anti-Coton accuseth him . And because I am made the Author of so manifest a slaunder , I say freely , that I know no such matter , and that I haue alwaies knowne the sayd Reuerend F. Coton to be a venerable , and good Religious man . In testimony wherof , I haue written and subscribed this my present deposition at Paris in my study , this Vigill of S. Denys Martyr 1610.

The Abbot of Boys Oliuier .

And haue sealed it with my seale .

After this , follow in my Author 4. Pag. 232. & seq. other attestations of the Vicar Generall , the Clergy , and the Consuls of Auignion , and also of the Bishop of Orange , all which do testifie , that they knew Fa. Cotō all the time of his being in that Cytty , and that there was neuer any such matter , as the Anti-Coton chargeth him withall ; but contrariwise , that they all receiued great contentment , edification and benefit by his learned Sermons , and other pious and holy endeauours . All which attestations were afterward examined , and approued by the Kings Notaries in Paris .

To the like effect is the Attestation of aboue 30. Pag. 312. of the most principall persons in Languedoc , and especially in the Citty of Nimes ; all which do testifie , that both the publicke , Pag. 317. and priuate actions of Fa. Coton did all way tend to the honour & glory of God , and the edification and comfort of others : and that he alwaies behaued himselfe very piously , religiously , and charitably , aswell in his Sermons , Exhortations and Catechismes , as also in visiting the sicke , assisting the afflicted , and comforting the poore : in so much , that by his meanes , instruction , learning , and good life ( after Gods grace ) the faith , deuotion , charity , and other vertues of the Catholick , Apostolick , and Roman Religion haue beene increased , and augmented in the same Citty ; in which the continuance of ciuill warres had caused some diminution , and decrease . And that they neuer heard , nor vnderstood any suspition of any euil , scandalous , or culpable behauiour in the person , or actions of the said Reuerend Fa. Coton : Yea they add , that by his publick Sermons , and priuate counsailes and admonitions , he maintained , confirmed , and conserued that Citty in peace , amity , and fraternall society ; and stirred vp a holy emulation to do good one to another , without partiality , or distinction ; and by good examples , & mutuall courtesies to bury the memory of ciuill wars , and the exacerbations , and offences , which the iniury of former times might haue caused .

Much more might be said in iustification , and commendation of Fa. Coton , by declaring his vertuous education from his very childhood , Pag. 222. of which there be many eye witnesses in Paris it selfe . At the age of eighteene yeares he entred into the Society , where my Author protesteth hefore God and his Angels , that he hath byn accompted alway , and without exception , one of the best Religious men of his Order . But I will conclude with the praise , which the late King was wont to giue him , often affirming , that Fa. Coton was the most humble , Pag. 241. and modest spirit , that euer he knew : which commendation Monsieur du Perron Lord of Guette , and a priuy Counselour will witnesse , that he heard of his Maiesty the last Easter before his death . And the truth is , that if he were otherwise , he could neuer haue continued in the Court with such estimation , and good will of the Princes , and principall personages . For as Monsieur de la Forze told him one day before the King , Pag. 221. he had need to take heed , how he did walke , for if he should chance to stumble , there would not want those , that would take him vp .

A BRIEFE NOTE Of the doctrine , and proceedings of Anti-Coton and other Hugonots . §. IIII.

BY occasion of the obiections and calumniations , which Anti-Coton hath heaped togeather against the Society , my Author hath been inforced to touch something in the same kind against him and his fellow - Hugonots : but yet with such modestie , and moderation , that he hath not intermedled with any their personall crimes , but only with such errours , as are committed in this booke which he answereth , or belong to those poynts of doctrine , which are imputed , and obiected against the Society , that is , concerning Equiuocation , and the killing of Kinges . For the third of the secrecy of Confession appertayneth not to them , who are professed enemies to that holy Sacrament . And if some in England be content sometimes to take any such mattter vpon them , yet they doe it not with any obligation , or obseruation of secrecie , as the world knoweth .

Wherefore let vs briefly see , what my Author declareth concerning their practise , & doctrine in the other two points . First then , he demandeth of the Hugonots , Pag. 67. whether they neuer made shew to agree with the Lutherans , to the end they might the more easily impugne Catholicks . Secondly , he telleth them , that they would seeme to accommodate themselues to the Protestants in England , notwithstanding they mislike so greatly their Church-gouernment ; their giuing of Orders , and Confirmation ; their celebrating the Feasts of Lord and Sauiour , of the Blessed Virgin his Mother , of the Apostles and first Martyrs ; their vsing the signe of the Crosse ; their saying the Canonicall houres ; the retayning Priestly ornaments , and the like . Thirdly , he sheweth , how Theodore Beza the yeare 1556. affirmed in his Confession of Faith ( to draw the Lutherans to his sect ) that the body of our Sauiour was verè & realiter , truly and really , in the Supper ; adding that the Churches of Switzerland , and of Geneua did belieue the same : and neuerthelesse when he did see himselfe contradicted , and refused by the Zuinglians , his answer was , that he spake not of the Lords supper , which is celebrated vpon earth , but of that , which shal be in heauen , Lib. 4. Instit c. 1. §. 2 In paruo Catechis . Lib. 4. Instit. c. 1. §. 4. Lib. 4. Instit. c 16. §. 24. & 25. &c. 1 §. 7. Lib. 3. Instit. c. 2. §. 16.17 . & 18. where our Sauiour will be present verè & realiter . Fourthly Caluin in one place acknowledgeth two Churches , the one visible and the other inuisible . And in another place , he admitteth only the inuisible which comprehendeth the elect . Fiftly , the same Caluin in one place denieth , that any man can be saued out of the visible Church : & in another affirmeth , that the children of the faithfull which dy without Baptisme may be saued , although they be out of the Church . Sixtly , he willeth Anti-Coton to make these two propositions of Caluin agree : Euery faithfull man is assured by the certainty of faith , that he is iust , and that his sinnes are forgiuen him ; and that he who hath not this certainety , is not a faithfull man . And this other : Ibidem . No man knoweth assuredly , whether he hath true faith , or no : and euery man may be deceiued in this . Lib. 3. Inst c. 13. §. 5. Seauenthly , the same Caluin affirmeth in one place ; That concerning Iustification , Faith is wholy passiue . In Antid. Concil. Trid. sess. 6. can . 9. & 11. Lib. de ve ra reform . Eccles. In Antid. Concil. In consens . de re Sacrament . In 1. Cor. cap. 11. And in another ; That faith iustifieth , and is the true cause of Iustification . Eightly , in one place he sayth ; That we are neuer reconciled to God , but that togeather we receaue inherent Iustice . And in another . I maintaine ( saith he ) that it is false , that iustice is either a quality , or habit , which remaineth in vs . Ninthly , the same Caluin in one place sayth : that it is necessary for our Lords Body to be as far separated from vs , as heauen is distant from the earth . And in another : I conclude ( saith he ) that the Body of Iesus Christ is giuen vnto vs really ( as they say ) in the supper . Where we must note ( saith my Author ) that he doth not only say , that we take the body , which he might interprete , by faith : but , that it is giuen vs , which cannot be vnderstood , but of the present reality , and reall presence .

Thus much for Caluin , in whom & in the rest , which haue hitherto been spoken of , there is so much the more difficulty , because all the examples produced are in matters of fayth , in which none but heretickes hould it lawfull to equiuocate . Now my Author commeth to Anti-Coton , & chargeth him with dissimulation , Pag. 69. because vnder the colour of impugning the Iesuits doctrine concerning Tyrants , the Secret of Confession , Equiuocation , Obedience due to the Pope , or in particuler by Religious men to Bishops , their Generals , & others Superiors , he impugneth the common beliefe of the Church . Likewise , he accuseth him of feigning at the least , when citing Siluester , Nauar , & Eudemon-Ioannes , like a Calumniator , to make his Reader belieue , that this was the doctrine of the Iesuits only , he hath concealed many other both ancient , & modern Authors , who teach the same , and are alledged by the three which he nameth . Thirdly he conuinceth him of double , & manifest malice , when in the citation of Siluester , Accusatio 5. quaest. 13. he omitteth as well in the latin in his margent , as in french in his text one of his principall reasons contayned in these wordes : Quia eo casu , cùm non sit eius subditus , non tenetur dicere veritatem ad eius intentionem : Because in that case , since he is not his subiect , he is not bound to say the truth according to his intention : which wordes followed immediatly after those , which the calumniator alledged . Fourthly , he asketh him , whether it be not to equiuocate , dissemble & deceaue , to call himself a Catholike , being an Hugonot ? Fifthly , he chargeth him which imputing the death of the late King to Fa. Mariana , wheras he knew himself in his conscience , that this was very false . Which may likewise be said of all his obiections , & calumniations against Fa. Coton , & the other Fathers of the Society . And finally , that of the supplication to the Queene Regent in the name of the vniuersity of Paris , can be no lesse , as appeareth by the decree , which I related in the beginning .

In the other poynt , concerning the murthering & killing of Princes , Pag. 192. my Author is much more large , reciting very particulerly , & amply the opinions of diuers Hugonots to that effect . But I wil only touch briefly some few assertions of theirs . Pag. 192. In appellat . ad Nobilit . populumque Scot. Impress . Geneu . Pag. 196. In Daniel . 6. v. 22. Wherefore first Iohn Knox openly & boldly affirmeth , that the Nobilitie , Iudges , & people of England ought not only to haue resisted , & impugned Queene Mary , but also to haue put her to death , togeather with her Priestes , & all those who assisted her , so soone as they began to suppresse the Ghospell of Christ : ( that is , the Hugonots Religion . ) And Caluin himselfe spareth not to say , that earthly Princes are depriued of their power , when they rise against God , yea that they are vnworthy to be accompted men , & that their subiects ought rather to spit in their faces , then to obey them ( all which he declareth manifestly to be meant of Catholick Princes . ) Peter Martyr supposeth , Pag. 201. In 1. Reg. c. 26. v. 12. Pag. 202. In libro cui titulus , Vindiciae x Tyrannos . Pag. 215. In System . discipl . politicae , li. 11. c. 28. that a man may be sure that he is impelled by Gods spirit to kil a Tyrant . Beza , or Stephanus Iunius Brutus giueth the people good leaue to ioyne with the Nobility , or the greater part of them , yea with any one of them , to put down a King whom they manifestly hould to be a Tyrant , euen as if God himselfe had inuited them to vndertake that warre . And with him agreeth Bartholomaeus Kermanus auouching , That the Subiects may betake themselues to one Noble man , when the rest conspire with a Tyrant ; yea he addeth , that if there be none of the Nobilitie , who hath care of his Countrey , the Subiects may choose themselues a Captaine , for the suppressing of Tyranny . Pag. 215. In politica cap. 14. Ioannes Arthusius saith in a manner asmuch , teaching that the people ought to resist a Tyrant so long , as he impugneth the Common-wealth by wordes , deeds , subtilty , or craft ; doing , speaking , or practising any thing contrary to his couenant : and this in such sort , that they may depriue and dispossesse such a Tyrant of his office , and administration : yea , if they cannot otherwise defend themselues against his violence , that they may kill him , and appoint another in his place .

Of the same opinion was Wickliffe in times past , as appeareth by the Councell of Constance which deserueth more credit , Pag. 189. then a thousand Anti-Cotons , who against all reason , would now after so many yeares make vs belieue , that all those worthy Prelats , and learned men did eyther slaunder , or mistake that wicked heretick . Neyther is the excuse which he bringeth for him any better , saying ; that he was not present in the Councell to defend himself : as though this had either byn necessary , or possible , Wickliff being dead in England 30. yeares before , and his books burnt for heresy .

Pag. 205. 206. I haue reserued Buchanan to the last place , both because his speaches are most plaine , and peremptory in this point ; and also for that Anti-Coton taketh vpon him to excuse him more , then any other . He therfore is not affraid to account Tyrants in the number of wolues and other hurtfull beastes , Lib. de iure regni apud Scotos . which whosoeuer mantayneth , hurteth himselfe and others : whosoeuer murdereth , doth a benefit not only to himselfe , but to all others in publick ; & if he might make a law , he would deale with them , as the Romans did with monsters , commaunding them to be carried into deserts , or to be drowned in the maine sea far from land ; yea he would appoint rewardes to be giuen to those , who should kill them , not only by all the people in generall , but by euery one in particuler , no lesse then to those , who kill wolues and beares , or take their whelps . And afterward he saith expresly : That it is lawfull for euery one of the people to kill a Tyrant , and that this is the opinion of almost all nations . I omit the rest and come to the defence , which Anti-Coton maketh for Buchanan .

First then he excuseth him , Pag. 190. because he was no Deuine : But my Author sheweth , that he endeauoreth to proue his opinion out of Scripture , which the Hugonots hold to be easy , and that euery one may vnderstand it . Besides , that there be few Ministers eyther in Scotland , or France , better learned then Buchanan , either in diuine or humane litterature , as may in part be gathered by his Paraphrase vpon the Psalmes , to which Beza ( who was no small foole among them ) could not come nigh . And finally the Lords of Scotland would neuer haue chosen this man to instruct their Prince , vnlesse they had been perswaded that he had byn able ( according to the principles of their Religion ) to haue taught the people their duty to the same Prince . The other excuse , which Anti-Coton maketh , that Buchanan prescribed no Rules in this matter , is not worth the mentioning ; since that it appeareth to be most false by that little , which I haue alledged out of his large discourses to the same effect .

This shall suffice for the Hugonots in generall : & if I would endeauour to recount all the heresies , errours , & others faults conteyned in the Anti-Coton , I should be to tedious . Wherfore it shal be sufficient to note some few particulers , which declare him to be neither a good Catholicke as he would seeme , Pag. 249. nor yet a good Subiect . As first , when he maketh a diuision betwixt Roman and French Catholicks , to sow sedition and schisme , as though no good subiect could be a good Catholick . Secondly he sheweth great ignorance , or rather some worse affection , when he cannot , or rather will not vnderstand , how God the Father loued , and approued the euent of his Sonne our Sauiours death caused by the Iewes malice , which was the Redemption of our soules . Lastly he calumniateth and slaundereth the Pope , and Councell of Constance , as we haue seene .

Concerning the late King he sheweth his little respect towards him , in affirming , that there was no vigour of spirit remayning in his time , and in making him to establish the Society in France for timidity and feare ; though it were against the good of his estate . And indeed all the malice , which this fellow sheweth against Fa. Coton in particular , & the Society in generall redoundeth to the disgrace of the King himselfe ; since that he conuersed with them so familiarly , loued them so intirely , esteemed them so highly , and in al occasions imployed them so willingly . Neyther doth Anti-Cotons affection seeme to be any better to the yong King , whome he is not afraid to slaunder publikly , making him say that which he neuer thought . And as for the Queene Regent , and the present Gouernment , he beareth them as little respect , controlling them , & prescribing lawes vnto them , disposing of persons at his pleasure , putting away some , and retaining others against her Maiesties mind : yea calling in doubt , whether her proceedings may stand with the safety of the present King her sonnes life , or without holding her Subiects in continuall allarmes , and defiance one of another . By this we may easily ghesse , how he proceedeth with inferior persons , reprehending the Decrees , Sentences and Iudgements of the soueraigne Courts , and in effect charging those of the Parliament of Paris with high Treason ; since that they haue freed the Iesuits , whom this Calumniator will needs make guiltie of the late Kings death .

I omit the falsification of that Courts Registers , as we haue seen . The Doctors of Sorbon haue their part also , being accused to teach doctrine different from that of the Catholicke Church , and to put vp such supplications to the Queene , as the Vniuersity it selfe hath publickly disclaymed . Finally this libell is so fraught with lyes , and slaunders , that many vpon sight thereof haue protested , that although they had no other proofes , either diuine , or humane to discouer the pretended reformed Religion of the Hugonots to be a pure and most impure heresy , they would iudge it to be so by the manner of this booke , and of the like : since that it is composed of nothing , but calumniations , slanders & deceipts , sparing neither Princes , Nobility , nor Counsaile , no not so much as the Ladies of the Court , or Maides of Honor , though neuer so vertuous , if they be opposite to them in Religion .

CERTAINE Obseruations , and Instructions , for the Catholicks in France , which may easily be applyed to those in England . §. V.

THERE remaineth now that I tell you , what aduises my Author giueth to his Catholicks in France , for the better auoiding and preuenting the danger of incurring and falling into the cunning sleights , and hidden snares of the Hugonots , which he reduceth to 16. heades , and dilateth amply vpon some of them . I will onely , as hitherto , set downe the substance , as being mindfull to whome I write .

Pag. 260. & seq. Wherefore , his first obseruation is , that as hertofore the Hugonots haue endeauoured to ouerthrow the state vnder the shadow of Religion : so now they seeke to take away Religion vnder the pretext of the state ; as the Iewes did in the time of our Sauiour , who neglected their spirituall profit , not to endaunger their temporall interest , and by that means finally lost both the one , and the other .

The second obseruation is , that the Hugonots knowing very well , that the doctrine of the Society is in all poyntes the same with that of the Church : haue deuised this plot to beguile Catholikes , by seeking to make the Societyes doctrine odious , and inueighing onely against them ; hoping by that meanes , when it shall appeare that the doctrine of the Church is the same , they may preuaile against that also .

The third obseruation is , that now in the time of the Kings minority , the Hugonots cause all the worst bookes , which haue bene set forth for these 30. yeares to be printed anew , without making any mention of any answere giuen to them by Catholikes ; allwaies mouing the same questions , without desire , that the truth should come to light .

The fourth obseruation is , that the Hugonots labour to perswade the people , that the Pope hath alway been an enemy to the Crowne of France : whereas indeed the French Kinges are preferred before others in the Court of Rome , being called the eldest sonnes of the Church , and their Embassadour taketh place before others . By the name of King absolutly , without addition , is meant the King of France . The Popes graunted for a time a priuiledg to these Kings to confirme their election : they haue giuen Indulgences to such , as pray for them : they haue exempted them from the excommunication of any Bishop of their Realme , & permitted them to receaue the B. Sacrament vnder both kinds the day of their consecration , and when they prepare themselues to dye , for their Viaticum .

The fifth obseruation is , that the Hugonots vse falsly to affirme that the Popes take to themselues power and authority to change & dispose of Kingdomes at their fancie & pleasure , which is most false .

The sixt , that the Hugonots would perswade the world , that some Catholikes are Roman , & some Royall , whereas all good Catholiks are both ; the one in respect of their Religion , & the other in regard of their affection to the State . And experience hath allwaies shewed , that those who are most respectiue to the Church , are likewise most assured to their Prince .

The seauenth , that the Hugonots giue out , that those who defend the Popes Authority , retaine still some old leauen of the league ; which are most dangerous speaches , contrary to former decrees , & sufficient to renew old soares : not vnlike to that other Calūniation , by which the same Hugonots vse to apply that which the auncient Fathers , & the Scripture it selfe hath spoken of Rome while it was Pagan , vnder the persecution of Nero & his successors , to the same Cittie as it is Christian , and to the Sea Apostolik , with intent to make the Pope & Cardinalls odious or contemptible .

The eight , the Hugonots to curry fauour with Prelates , the Doctors of Sorbon , the Curates & other Ecclesiasticall men , and to incite them against the Society , make a shew of praising them ; telling some , that the Society doth not loue them , nor yield them obedience ; and others , that the Fathers contemne them , speake ill of them , & will swallow vp the Vniuersity , if they be let alone . Wheras the Society is so farre from being separated from the Clergie and the Prelates of France , that they are beloued , and maintained by al , and specially by the fiue Cardinalls , & nyne Arch-Bishops which my Author nameth ; and allmost by all the Bishops without exception ; yelding vnto them all due obedience , submission , and fidelity . But these deuises of sowing discord is noe new matter in the Church of God , as my Author sheweth by many examples

The nynth , when any Catholike setteth forth a booke impugning heresy , the heretikes seeke presently to discredit the Author by al manner of inuentions . And to diuert the Reader , they spread abroad many little libels , sonets , anagrams , and such other toyes . Thirdly , when this will not serue , insteed of answering , & defending themselues ; they goe on in repeating their old obiections and arguments , as though nothing had been said vnto them ; adding only some new calumniations after the manner of all former heretikes .

The tenth , they carp at euery word and sillable , where they can espy the least aduantage in any Catholike Authors writing ; and of this we haue a notable example in a booke lately published by F. Coton himself ; in which commending the Kings of France , & shewing their rare priuiledges , he vseth these words : Our Kings in France ; where presently the Hugonots took hould of that particle in , & would make the simpler sort belieue , tha Fa. Coton had only affirmed , that their Kings had those priuiledges in France it self ; wheras it is euident , that those wordes ( in France ) haue not reference to the priuiledges , but to the Kings themselues . And besides my Author sheweth , that he could not speak properly in any other manner , because to say ( our Kings of France ) is noe very good French : & if he had only sayd ( our Kinges ) it had beene to generall , and might haue been wrested by a malicious Aduersarie to other Kings , aswell as to those of France .

The eleuenth ; the same carping humor , which they vse in misinterpreting and wresting to a contrary sense the writings of Catholickes , they practice no lesse in calumniating their actions . As for example ; wheras Fa. Coton was beloued by the late King : they say that he had bewitched him . He was his Confessarius : that is , in their interpretation , a flatterer . He was his Preacher : that is , he praised him . The King heard him willingly so many yeares : that is ( say they ) he kept others backe . He esteemed his spirit , wisdome and eloquence : that is ( in their opinion ) F. Coton spake ill of all , and murmured against others . The King would haue him with him at his meales , in his Coach , and when he went to walke : this they interprete , that the Father intruded himselfe euery where . The King did willingly see his writings , & read somtimes a Manuall of Praiers , which he dedicated to the Queene : this ( say they ) was to flatter God , and to bring him a sleepe with wordes that sauour of his quean . The King tooke pleasure in his discourses , & proposed to him diuers questions : out of which they inferre , that the Father was a man of incredible impudency . The King did willingly see him at al times , and in all places , as well after so many yeares , as in the beginning ; which they call , to be tyed to the Kings girdle , & to assiege his spirit . The King denied him nothing , that he demaunded : the cause wherof ( in their iudgment ) was , because he would take no denyall . The King was very beneficiall to the Society , aswell in respect of the affection , which he bare to the whole Order in generall , as in regard of Fa. Coton in particuler : which they would haue to be by reason of F. Cotons extorsion and importunity . The King founded them Colledges , and gaue them meanes to liue : for which cause they compare the Society to a Canker , which alway gaineth ground . The K. permitteth them to haue a Nouitiate in the Suburbs of S. Germain : by which they vnderstand an inclosure wherin a Citty may stand . The Society haue more Schollers then others haue : the cause therof ( say they ) is , for that they take nothing for washing and candles . Their Sermons are frequented with great concourse : because ( in their interpretation ) they seduce the people , and preach sedition . Many goe to them for the resolution of their doubts , or to confesse their sinnes : the reason of this ( say they ) is because they get whole inheritances into their hands . They are beloued of the Princes : which these men calumniate , saying , that Fa. Coton maketh himselfe their fellow . They are mantained by the Nobility , Parlament , & other Magistrats of France : for which cause the Hugonots say , that they haue their Schollers , and disciples in all places . They are sent by God to represse heresie : these men answere , that France was Catholicke before the Iesuits were in the world ( they say not , that France was not so infected with heresie before themselues . ) They are learned , and skilfull in all languages , and sciences : for this cause in the iudgment of some ( that is of the ignorant or malicious ) they will destroy learning . They are vertuous , and for all that the heretiks haue raised , inuented , and published against them , they could neuer prooue any thing hitherto : and therfore are inforced to say , that they dissemble , and to call them hypocrites . Finally they esteeme that which is white , blacke ; that which is sweet , sower ; and that which is good and commendable in the opinion of others , is naught and detestable in theirs .

The twelueth deceipt which the Hugonots vse is , to call those seditious which answere them , and to calumniate such , as maintaine the accused ; terrifying their friends , and reprehending them , as though they were the occasion of all the inconueniences , which come by seditious writings . And in this many Catholiks are much misled being vnacquainted with the humor of hereticks , who like to their Maister the Diuell , vse to fawn and yeeld to those who are at defiance with them , and resist them manfully : but assault those fiercely , whom they see moderate , or fearfull . Which was the cause , that the ancient Fathers S. Iustin , Tertullian S. Athanasius , S. Chrysostome , S. Hierome , S. Tho. of Aquin , & S. Bonauenture wrote so many learned and earnest Apologies in the defence of Christian Religion , and Religious orders . And surely it is very strange , that any should thinke much at the answers of the innocent party , hauing beene prouoked by so many false calumniations and bitter inuectiues . Of which we need go no further for an example , then to that , which passed in Paris , before F. Coton wrote his Declaratorie Epistle .

The thirteenth is , that so soone as any Minister hath set forth a booke fraught with lyes , deceipts , & slanders : it serueth for many other to write vpon the same subiect , with any little alteration or addition . And of this my Author produceth many examples both of former times , & at this present . For after the Anti-Coton , came out diuers other Pamphlets here in Paris to the same purpose , which my Author briefly examineth in 5. or 6. leaues . But I find nothing worth the mentioning , except I should tell you , that they raile bitterly against a certaine Gentleman called Monsieur de Courbouzen Montgomery a man of great valour , wisdome , & desert , who hath lately forsaken the Hugonots after long disputations with them , insomuch that none of them dare encounter with him any more . But he glorieth & esteemeth it a great honour to be thus abused , and hated by Gods enymies .

The fourteenth obseruation , which my Author maketh , is that the sinnes & transgressions of the Hugonots ought not to be so little esteemed among Catholikes ; so that when they eate flesh in Lent , laugh at the holy Sacrifice of Masse , raile at the Pope , break Images , or teare pictures , burne Reliques , taking the Reliquaries to themselues , and commit such other abuses incident to their deformed Religion , many make light of it , & in a manner think it lawfull for them to doe these thinges , because they are Hugonots ; wheras the truth is , that an Heretike sinneth more in comitting these things , then if he were a Catholike . Which appeareth plainly in the sin of Rebellion & Treason , where he who not only reuolteth against his King but maintayneth also that his Rebellion is iust , seking to draw others after him , & teaching that all those are in euill estate who will not ioyne with him in that wicked action , committeth a far greater offence , then another , who falleth into the same cryme , but acknowledgeth his fault , accuseth himself from tyme to tyme , seeketh not to perswade any , and finally doth nothing , but of meere frailtie .

The fifteenth deuise of the Hugonots is , to charge those who defend the Iesuits of being addicted to the Spaniard . For which cause my Author taketh vpon him to examine the ground of this deceiptfull obiection . Wherfore ( saith he ) if this proceedeth from being Iesuits ; the Societie began in France , in the Colledge of S. Barbara , which is in the Vniuersitie of Paris . Yf it be in respect of their being Religious men , euery man seeth , that there are many other besides them . Yf in respect of France , they in that Countrey are French-men , and there is no reason , why a French-man , should not loue his nation , as well as any Spaniard doth his , or as well , as the Portughese , German , Italian , English , those of Iaponia and Perù doe theirs . Yf in regard of the three Religious vowes , they are common to all Religious orders , euen to the Knights of Malta . Yf in respect of the fourth , which is peculiar to them ; that belongeth lesse to the Spaniards , than to the Antipodes : for it concerneth only their missions among Infidells , and the conuersion of other lost Soules . Yf this imputation be laid vpon their Rules ; they are commanded by one of them expressely to loue , and respect all Nations in our Lord , alway giuing the chief place euery man to his owne , as the rule of well-ordered charity doth require . If their functions be obiected , these are as profitable , & more necessary in France , then in Spayne : neyther can any of them be attributed rather to Spayne , then to any other Nation : besides that many other principall persons do preach , teach , and confesse , who notwithstanding are not accompted Spaniards . Yf the reason be , for that the Society hath one Generall : the Carthusians , and the Dominicans haue but one during his life in like manner . Yf because he is not a Frenchman , those of other Orders are no Frenchmen neyther . Yf because he is a Neapolitan , sonne to the Duke of Atri , and great Vncle to the Duke who now is : he is not therefore a Spaniard . Yea his most noble house hath been alwaies allied to those of France , witnesse the Countesse of Chasteau-Vilain his Neece . Yf they obiect , that heretofore the Society hath had Spanish Generalls : since the time of B. F. Ignatius , who was the first , and of Nauar ; there haue been but fower , two Spaniards , Fa. Laynes , and Fa. Borgia , who before had beene Duke of Gandia ; the third Fa. Euerard Mercurian who was borne in Liege ; & Fa. Claudius Aquauiua who now liueth , and is an Italian , as hath beene said . But supposing , that they had all beene Spaniardes , that they were so still , and should be soe hereafter : were this any greater cause for Frenchmen to complayne of the Society , then Spaniards , Italians , and other Nations haue to be grieued , that there be three Generalls of diuers Orders in one only Prouince of France .

But perhaps they will say , that the King of Spayne is a great benefactor of the Society : notwithstanding the truth is , that neither this King , nor his Father , nor any of his Predecessours , Kinges of Spayne did euer found one Colledge for the Society . And if any will suspect , that at least he alloweth some pensions ; the contrary is manifest . For since that the Society refuseth any recompense for their labours and functions ; it can much lesse admit any pension . And noe man aliue is able to proue , that euer any French Father receyued a penny from the King of Spayne . Finally , no man can deny , but that the late King Henry the fourth fauoured the Society exceedingly , bestowed great benefits vpon them , had great confidence in them , and obliged them in all respects to loue him : so that it is hard to say , whether of the two calumniations chiefly contayned , and inculcated in the Anti-Coton , be greater ; That the Society teacheth any doctrine different from that of the Catholicke Church : or , That they should haue any hand in the late Kings death .

Lastly , my Author sheweth , that there is noe cause , why Spaniards should be so odious to Frenchmen , since that they are good Christians and Catholicks , aswell as other Nations , and there is now no warre , but peace betwixt these two nations , sending their mutuall Embassadors one to another , calling one another brethren , their Subiects hauing free traffique among themselues . And if this hatred ariseth from any thing that is past , there want not the like occasions with others , who notwithstanding are not thus inueighed against , nor ought to be , although they differ also in Religion . Wherefore this can proceed from no other ground but from the malice of the Diuell himselfe , who is the Father of all diuision , and seeth very well , that the good and quiet of the Catholike Church dependeth in great part of the vnion betwixt these two puissant Nations .

A BRIEFE Relation of F. Cotons , and the Societies proceedings ; togeather with a Chalenge to the Hugonots , and a Supplication to the Queene Regent . §. VI.

FOr conclusion of this whole discourse , I haue reserued these three points , which my Author handleth vpon different occasions , and in diuers places . First then , concerning Fa. Coton , he saith that he is a Christian , a Catholike , a Priest , a Religious man , who goeth to Confession , and hath celebrated the holy Sacrifice of the Masse euery day for these eighteene yeares , he hath beene of the Society 27. yeares and more , in which he hath studied Rhetoricke , Philosophy , Diuinity , the languages , & Mathematiks : and since he hath also taught Humanity , Rhetorick , and moral Diuinity , and preached in many of the most principall Cittyes of the Realm : He hath often disputed both by word and writing with diuers Ministers , and other Hugonots . He hath assisted in the conuersion of many , especially in three Prouinces , and that in great number ; and since his being at the Court , he hath laboured in the reduction of the Earles de Lauall , de Castelnau , de Mainuille , de Vassan , de Chaumont , and many other : he was sent for thither by the late King , when he thought nothing lesse , being at that time in Auignion : his conuersation , his learning and his manner of life were so agreeable , and pleasing to his Maiesty , and his Counsell , that he did not onely retayne him at the Court , and in his retinue : but also made him his Preacher , and afterward his ordinary Confessarius . His sermons , discourses and proceedings were so farre from being tedious to the late King , that he desired to haue him alwaies in his sight and company , in so much that he made choice of him to heare the generall Confession of his whole life ; and did alwaies vpon euery occasion prayse , honour , & commend him , defending him against all his aduersaries . The whole Court will testifie , that nothing was euer obserued in his manners , or doctrine , which might offend or scandalize any .

When he was healed & recouered of the blow , or stab , which was giuen him , it pleased his Maiesty to say vnto him : You had neuer a better blow , for the world hath discouered the loue which I beare you , and I haue seen what affection the world beareth you . And another time vpon another occasion he said : Fa. Coton speaketh well of all the world , he is neuer heard to speake ill of any . Moreouer Fa. Coton is knowen to haue refused Bishopricks , & Arch-Bishopricks , for which cause his Matie told him once , that if he were Pope , he would oblige him to accept of them . But the Father declared vnto him , how this was repugnant to the Institute of the Societie , and to the particular vowes , which he himself had made , and that nothing had done more harme to Religious Orders , then the desire to haue offices , or Benefices . Which answere pleased his Matie so much , that he reapeated it often , & before diuers . And this is that which confoundeth the detractors of the Societie , when they are demaunded Cui bono , should these Fathers be so wicked & vnnaturall ? For , if they doe it for pleasure , they might enioy it more freely , more lawfully , & in farre greater aboundance in the world , remayning in their commodious , & many times noble houses , which they leaue to enter into Religion . If it be for profit , there is not any Colledg in France , which is able to spend twentie poundes a man , as hath been said . And if any will endeauour to proue the contrary , he shall haue the ouerplus for his labour . If they doe it for honours : they renounce them all by a particular vow , by which they are bound vnder mortall sinne not to admit , or receaue any dignitie , but by force & constraint , being commaunded by him , who hath authoritie to doe it .

What therfore can remayn , why they should abandon father , mother , kinsfolks , countrey , goods , honours , dignities , hopes , yea & their life it self , which they expose not only among Infidels , & barbarous nations , but ( which I esteeme more painfull ) among heretiks , and bad Catholikes , with whom they must continually encounter & combat ? Which in respect of the Catholiks is very strange , since that they cannot deny , but that the Fathers teach the youth passing well both in manners & learning . 2. They preach the word of God with satisfaction , and contentment of all Nations in Europ . 3. They carry it to the Antipodes in Asia , Africa , America , to both East & West Indies . 4. They defend it against heretikes with continuall danger of their liues in England , Scotland , Constantinople , and in all other places , where their assistance may be a comfort to afflicted Catholikes . 5. They heare Confessions , administring that Sacrament exactly . 6. They visit the sick . 7. They help them that dye . 8. They goe to the Prisons . 9. They teach the Catechisme , or Christian doctrine . 10. They introduce the frequentation of Sacraments . 11. They neyther preach , confesse , teach , nor exhort , but by the consent of the Bishop in the diocesse where they reside . 12. When they are incorporated into any Vniuersitie , as they are at Tholose , Bordeaux , Reims , Caën , Bourges , Cahors , Poictiers , they obserue the lawes of the said Vniuersities , acknowledging the Rectors , & performing exactly whatsoeuer is ordayned . 13. They haue among them many men of rare qualities , and the greatest part very well borne . 14. They haue at this present 30000. schollers , and in time past haue had more than two hundred thousand in their Classes , whome they haue taught , & do teach to feare & serue God , and aboue all to keep themselues from mortall synne , by the meanes of often confessing , & frequent receauing , binding them all without exception to doe this euery moneth . 15. And among all this great number of schollers , there hath not one been fond to haue complained of any least word spoken vnto them , which might tend to any immodestie , but they will all testifie , that one of the cheifest cares which the Societie hath , is to preserue them in Angelicall puritie & integritie , so much as may be . 16. One of their Society through extreme frailty & exceeding great temptation , became a Minister among the Hugonots in France : of whom there hath been inquiry made , whether the liues of the Iesuits be wicked & impure , whether they haue intelligence , & correspondence with forraine Nations , whether they be hypocrites , and in a word , whether they be such , as the Anti-Coton hath since described them ? To all which he answered , No ; and that all is false . 17. Their life is not monasticall nor secret , they liue and conuerse with all men , they are seen euery day preaching , confessing , disputing , and discoursing . Now then who euer heard them sweare , braule , blaspheme , detract , speak wantonly induce to euill , or seduce any ? If this Calumniator hath reported any such thing , where are his proofes ? 18. Their books in all manner of sciences , & in al languages are to be seen in all places , and are esteemed by all such as haue not the reformed spirit of contradiction . 19. Kings & Princes vse them for the guiding of their soules . 20. The Popes haue approued their Institute , & the Councell of Trent hath confirmed it . What can be said to these proofes ? Are they coniectures , suspicions , or rash iudgments ? Is it necessary to beg the penne of Ministers , to make a demonstration ? Oh how far is this age from the conditions of true charitie , which are , 1. neither to think , 2. nor to iudg , 3. nor to speake , 4. nor to listen to euill of any ; 5. but to interrupt such talke ; 6. or if this cannot be , to excuse the action . 7. If not this , at least the intention : 8. or attribute it to passiion : 9. & if there be no other excuse , at least exaggerate the tentation : 10. and alwaies say , that if God did not help vs , we should doe worse .

By this which hath bene said , it appeareth what reason my Author hath to tell the Hugonots , that they should do more wisely to desist from these calumniations against the Societie , especially among Catholikes , to whom by this meanes they discouer the irreligion of their Religion , and make them see that their pretence is not to conserue the flocke of Christ , but to discredit their Doctors , impose silence to their Preachers , and depriue the youth of their good , & faithfull Instructors . They perceaue well inough , that the quarell is not only with Iesuits , though they be the capitall enemies of their deformation ; but their meaning is to set vpon all Religious Orders , & the whole Clergy , and hauing preuailed against some , they will vndertake the residue , as they did at Antwerp . But to assault them altogether were to painfull , hard , and impossible a matter . Wherfore they would deuide , & weaken them , and so cut of one after another ; as Themistocles discomfited the Army of Artaxerxes , conteining aboue a million of Souldiers , intercepting them troupe by troupe in the strait of Hellespont . Or as their brethren did in England , drawing to their party at the beginning the Bishops and secular Clergy , vnder pretence that Religious men belonged not to the Hierarchie of the Church ; and that Christianity was before them ; and that the splendour of these Regular Orders seemed to obscure the dignity of Cathedrall Churches , and diuert the people from their Parishes &c. And by these fraudulent deuises the Abbyes being thus put downe , and the Monks turned out , and some of them also put to death for denying the Kings Supremacy ; the aforesaid brethren informed the Nobility , that the great riches , which the Church enioyed , were giuen by their Ancestors ; and that there could no better course be taken in this great disorder of the Popedome , and in this licentious and voluptuous prodigality of the Bishops , then to reduce all thinges to their beginning , and to render these Ecclesiasticall goodes to the houses , out of which they first came . And in this manner Scotland was depriued of Religious men Priests , Curates , Chanons , Abbots , & Bishops : which also had been brought to passe in England , if the Puritans might haue preuailed : The spirit of their M. Caluin being impatient of all Superioritie , and Ecclesiasticall Hierarchie .

Moreouer my Author telleth the Hugonots , that by their persecutions they establish the Societie more & more : for they are esteemed so much the more profitable , as by them they are described vnprofitable ; & so much the more necessary , as they account them harmfull . And the like is of others , who are no hereticks ; for euery man obserueth , that those who persecute the Societie , are neither the deuoutest , nor the best Catholiks of the world ; which might easily appeare , if they be Churchmen , by inquiring whether they say their Breuiarie or not ; and if they be lay , by marking , whether they frequent the Sacraments , not to say any more .

To all which we may add , that the Hugonots haue been heard say in their most secret Conuenticles , that if they ouerthrow not the Iesuits , the Iesuits will ouerthrow them ; that is , their pretended Religion ; which is the cause , that they set vpon the Society more fiercely , then vpon some others , on whom notwithstanding they might probably take as great hold . For my Author saith , that he cannot belieue , that they are more zealous of the State , then of their Religion ; and therfore there must needs be some enigma , equiuocation , and mysticall vnderstanding in this great , fierce , and terrible persecution , which they haue resolued in their night-assemblees against the Society . But he biddeth them do their worst , which will be the best for them , since that they are men , who haue nothing either to loose , or gaine in this world , but only the seruice of God , and the saluation of soules .

Wherefore they , who will haue , and vse them in this sort , may ; and they who will not , may send them to China , and Mogor , where the haruest is plentifull . And if nothing els did hold them in Europe , but pleasure or profit , they would long since haue departed of their owne accord : for they are not so kindely dealt withall , that they haue any great cause to please themselues according to sense ; but their contentments , yea ( I may say ) their delights are crosses , tribulations , slaunders , persecutions , and especially , when they come from Anti-Cotons , and their associats , enemies of the Catholick faith . They are neuer more content , then in such discontentments ; neuer more strong , then when they are thus weakened : neuer more vnited to God , then when they are cast of , and separated from this kind of people . All their affliction consisteth in the offence committed by their enemies against God ; in the harme , which Catholicks receaue ; & in the losse of the Hugonots soules : Soules , for which they would expose their bodyes , & liues a thousand times .

Notwithstanding they make no great accompt , nor haue any great apprehension of the Hugonots attempts : they know , what they can do , of what weight and value they are : it is all but threats and menaces , which they vse most , when they tremble for feare . Caluins spirit is insolent in prosperity , deicted in aduersity ; and of it aboue all the spirits in the world , we may truly say : that he threatneth who is much afraid . They know also , that it is proper to God , to defend and maintaine that , which the Diuell impugneth , as they haue experienced by their returne into France . For in exchange of 9. or 10. yeares of absence from that part of the Countrey which belonged to the Parliament of Paris , they haue since , not only been reestablished there , but also established in the whole Kingdome , with more augmentation and increase , then their continuall stay could haue produced in an hundred yeares . So true it is , that God recompenseth with vsury , whatsoeuer is done or suffered for his sake .

Wherfore they haue reason not only to hope , but also to be certainely perswaded , that vnlesse God should retire himselfe from France for their sinnes , Pag. 302. the Society shal hereafter be imployed and esteemed in this Kingdome more then it hath byn hitherto : and that in regard of this storme , after which ( as is to be hoped ) will shortly succeed a quiet calme ; especially vnder the gouernement of so wise a Queene , whome God hath chosen like another Debora , during the minority of this Great and Little King her Sonne , and their Maister , vnder the shadow of her Royall protection , the Religious men of this Society so much enuyed by the wicked , and persecuted by those who know it not , will alwaies breath the same aire of deuotion towards God , and of inuiolable fidelity towards their Maiesties : requiring one only grace for all the humble seruices , which they desire to yeild them ; and it is , that when they shal be accused in common , or in particuler , either in manners , or doctrine ; it will please them to ordaine , that most exact inquisition be made , to chastice them , if they be culpable ; or to punish the accusers , if they be found innocent .

And because the Author , or Authors of the Anti-Coton are obliged both voluntarily by their own word , and necessarily by the qualitie of the cryme of calumniation to tell , and declare their names & qualities ; they beseech her Maiestie , that it will please her to commaund , that if within 8. daies they doe not manifest themselues , all the rigors and penalties , which Gods and mans law prescribeth and inioyneth against Calumniators , may be vsed against them : and that she would appoint to this end , that extraordinary search , and inquiry may be made . And in case , that they freely name and discouer themselues , my Author in the name of all the Fathers , and particulerly of Fa. Coton , prostrateth himselfe at her Maiesties feet , beseeching her by all the extension of graces , and power which God hath giuen her , to accord , that Iustice may be done aswell of Fa. Coton , as of all the rest , if the Calūniators shall verify , & make good that which they haue said ; and of them reciprocally , if for want of proof , they shall be found conuinced of imposture , or slaunder . And he telleth her Maiestie , that this is a matter of no small importance , and therefore she will be pleased , not to attribute this their humble request to importunity . For it belongeth to the seruice of God , who hath interest in their functions , if they be such , as they are described . The good of her Maiesties people doth also require the same : for they ought not allway to liue in this hesitation , but must be cleared from the sinister impressions , which they may haue conceaued by reading these infamous lybells .

The reputation likewise of the late King , her Maiestyes deare spouse , the great Henry , their Lord and good Maister , is engaged herein ; which is stained with the calumniations , that are imposed vpon him , whome his Maiestie did not onely choose , loue , and fauour ; but honour also with the office of his Preacher , and ordinary Confessarius . Likewise her Maiesty her selfe hath part herein , since that she imployeth Fa. Coton in the same charges and offices about her sonne , which he exercised for his Father . The honour of the Lords of the Counsell is touched also , since that they ought to represent vnto her Maiesty the euills and daungers , which ensue by the Societyes stay in France , if they be such , as they are accused to be .

Finally it importeth Fa. Coton much , who certainly hath not deserued to be handled in this sort , Innocencie is the sister of truth : truth is syrnamed the daughter of God , and God himselfe is called the God of truth , by whose loue my Author beseecheth her Maiesty , that she will cause the truth to appeare , that it may deliuer them : & they will beseech him so much the more , that he will be pleased to increase his graces in her Maiesty , to make her Regency peaceable , the wils of her Subiects vnited , and the Scepter of the King her Sonne happy , and of long continuance .

The Conclusion .

THVS I haue run ouer the whole answere to the Anti-Coton . And though I haue omitted many things of good importance , yet I feare , least in some I may seem to haue been too tedious , especially writing to you ( my Reuerend & dearest Fathers ) to whom I may iustly suppose , that neither these Calumniations of your Societie , nor the solutions or answers can be strang or new . But I hope you will pardon my prolixitie , & accept of my good will : and hereafter in like occasions , I shall learne to be more warie . For which cause I will omit all other relations , though this Cittie of Paris be no lesse fertile in this kind , then London it selfe . For I suppose you know long ere this , how the Treatise of Cardinal Bellarmine , De potestate Summi Pontificis in temporalibus , aduersus Gulielmum Barclaium , was prohibited by this Parlament of Paris the 26. day of Nouember last past , & that this Decree of theirs was recalled foure daies after by the King himself in his Counsell , assisted by the Queene Regent his Mother , the Prince of Conde , & Earle of Soissons , Princes of the bloud , the Duke of Maienne , the Lord Chancellor , the duke of Espernon , of Lauardin , & Boisdaulphin Mareshall of France , Admiral , & great Maister of the horse in France , giuing large Commission for the Execution of this his Decree & reuocation to al Baylifs , Sherifes , Prouosts , & Iudges , their Leiutenants , and other his Maiesties Iustices & Officers to whom it might appertayne , as appeareth by the Decree it self , & the Commission dated in Paris the last day of Nouember , in the yeare 1610. and of his Maiesties Raigne the first .

By the King in his Counsell .

Signed Delomenie .

And with this I will humbly take my leaue , wishing you all happinesse , and desiring somtime to be partaker of your holy Sacrifices and Praiers . And so I euer rest

Your Fatherhoods most assuredly to commaund . F. G. From Paris this 20. of February 1611.