A briefe treatise in which, is made playne, that Catholikes liuing and dying in their profession, may be saued, by the iudgement of the most famous and learned Protestants that euer were. Agaynst a minister [N.E.] who in his epistle exhorteth an honourable person, to forsake her ancient Catholike Roman Religion, & to become one of his new-found-out Protestant congregation.

A BRIEFE TREATISE IN WHICH , Is made playne , that Catholikes liuing and dying in their Profession , may be saued , by the Iudgment of the most Famous and Learned Protestants that euer were . Agaynst a Minister [ N. E. ] who in his Epistle exhorteth an Honourable Person , to forsake her ancient Catholike Roman Religion , & to become one of his new-found-out Protestant Congregation .

Deut. 32. Vers. 31.

Et Inimici nostri sunt Iudices .

Our Enemies also are Iudges .

Permissu Superiorum . M. DC . XXIII .

THE PREFACE , Contayning certaine Considerations , as well for better understanding the drift of this Treatise , as for auoyding all cauills , and answearing such Obiections as might be made against this Grand Protestant Iury.

The Zuinglians are to be numbred ( say the Lutherans ) with th● Anabaptists Nestorians & Turkes . And againe . The Zuinglians call the Lutherans Eutichians , and ouerthrowers of many articles of faith . Iezler de Diuturnit . Bell. Euchar. pag. 78. Stancarus . All the Churches which those men call Reformed by the Ghospell and the Sonne of God , & hold the faith of Geneua & Zuricke , concerning Christ , are Arians : neyther can this he denyed , which I haue aboue demonstrated . So he . de Trinit. c. 8. Sturmius . By these hatefull dissentions & peruerse opinions , the foundations of our Religion are ouerthrowne , the chiefest articles are called in question , many heresies are brought into the Church of Christ , and the high way to Mahometisme & Atheisme is apparently prepared . Agayne . The Lutherans ( saith he ) do hold the Protestant Caluinian Churches of England , France , Flanders and Scotland for hereticall , & their Martyr● for martyrs of the diuell . De ration , Concord . ineund . l. ● . p. 2. & 24. FOR the better vnderstanding of what we are about to handle in this Treatise ; we must obserue first , that the maine drift , and scope therof , is to shew how it is farre better , and more secure to liue & dye a Catholike in the Romaine Church , then a Protestant in what Congregation soeuer : not only because one of them doth condemne the other for Schismatickes , and Heretikes as vncapable of saluation ; but also because Catholickes doe neuer affirme that Protestants liuing and dying Protestans may be saued : not for want of charity in Catholickes ( as some doe cauill ) seing they desire nothing more than the saluation of all , but for want of true faith in Protestants , without the which it is impossible to please God . whereas Protestants doe not deny , that comfort to any vertuons Romaine Catholike : so that for the saluation of ●or that brea●● ( saith D. Whyte among vs Protestants ) only toucheth some particular men in matters not con●erning f●yth ●n the way ▪ pag. 13● Rog●rs in his Preface to the booke of Articles . Willet Antilog pag. ●5 . 20. D Georg Abbot against Hill. p. 101. 102. D. Doue . In matters of religion we all agree . Persuas p. 3● . And if they do not agree in on faith ●ow ●● they be the true Church which is but o●e , & hath only one Lord , one Faith , one Baptisme ? Ephes. ● . Cantic. 6. 8. My doue is one , Symbolum Constant ▪ O●e holy , Catholy●●● , and Apostolicall Church . Cal. l 4 inst. c ▪ ● . ● . ● . See Suarez dis● . de Ecc Sect. 4 ● . ● . l. de fide , spe &c. Catholickes , we haue not only the beliefe of Catholickes themselues , but also the iudgement of most Famous and Learned Protestants , who teach the same , eyther expressely , or at least in such tearmes , as with the help of their owne brethren with whom they are sayd to agree , at least in all materiall points , may sufficiently be proued ; and in this sense are to be vnderstood the verdicts of all those which may seeme not to be so full , and sufficient as the other in this Grand Protestant Iury. As for example , Zanchius and other Protestants affirme that the Roman Church , as yet is the Church of God . Here in expresse words is not auerred , that those who liue , and die well in this Church may be saued , which neuerthelesse according to the common doctrine of Catholikes doth plainly inough imply the possibility of saluation to all those who are members of such a Church . For if they cannot be saued in the Church of God , which is but one , where els should they seeke for theyr saluation ? Or if they cannot but be damned in the Church of God , M. Cartright . I doubt not but diuers fathers of the Greeke Church who were great Patrones of Free-will , are saued . M. Sparke , discoursing of the honoring of Saints Reliques & prayer for the dead , saith , We are not so hasty to pronounce sentence of condemnation of any for such errors . Acontius , concerning the Reall presence ▪ Both those that deny it , and those that doe hold it , are in the way of Saluation . Concerning Transubstantiation D. Luther writeth thus : Bread & wyne are not in th● Sacrament of the Aultar , but the shewes or accidents of bread and wyne : for the bread is changed into the true and naturall body of Christ , & the wyne into the true and naturall bloud of Christ . Serm. de Euch. Concerninge receauing vnder one or both kinds , there is no commaundment , saith D. Luther . Concerning the Pope● Supremacy , about it ( saith D. Luther ) he is to be borne with all . Melancton teacheth , how his Monarchy is profitable . Concerning Satisfaction . It was an error in the holy Fathers ( saith D. Whitaker ) yet notwithstanding they were good men and holy Fathers . Did not Iohn H●●se that worthy Champion of Christ ( saith M. Francis Iohnson ) & other martyrs of foretymes , heare & say Masse euen to their dy●●g day &c. Did not also diuerse of them acknowledge , some the Popes calling an● Supremacy , some 7. Sacraments , some ●uricular Confession ? And Benedict Morgenstern . These things were pardonable in the Godly who held the Pope to be the Vicar of Christ , and head of the Church , the Papacy for the Church , Saintes for mediators , and the Masse for the Supper of the Lord . See the Protest . Apol. pag. 471. & 684. You may find aboue three score pointes of Catholicke Doctrine , taught by learned Protestants , through all the seauenth Section . how doth such an assembly deserue to be stiled the Church of God , and not rather the Synagogue of Sathan ? But if Zanchius or any other call , the Church of Rome the Church of God , although it haue some damnable errous , which hinder the professors therof from their saluation ; I hope by clearing those imagined errours from being any such barres , out of Zanchius his owne learned brethren , euery one may inferre , that Zanchius with the help of his brethren Protestants , affoardeth saluation to all Catholickes , liuing well , and dying in the Church of Rome . The helps which we haue out of learned Protestants be these : To wit that neyther the beliefe of free will , prayer to saints , the reall presence , transubstantiation , receauing vnder one or both kinds , worshipping of Images , the Popes supremacy , and the monarchy of the B. of Rome , satisfaction , merit of good workes , priuate Masse , seauen Sacraments , or any such taught by the Roman Church , doe hinder any from being capable of their saluation : not only because they were all belieued of the holy Fathers , who notwithstanding the belief of them haue been reputed alwayes Saints ; but because diuers famous learned Protestants , brethren to all these Iury ▪ men , teach the same expressely : whose names you may read in the margent , and what they say more largely in the Protestants Apology pag. 471 684. &c. Which being applyed to what want soeuer occurreth in the verdicts of any named in the Iury , will make it cleare , that no such can be any impediment wherefore the same verdict ought not to passe , as currant and good . And therfore when either Zanchius , Mornay , Serauia , or any other of these Iurers doe accuse the Church of Rome of Adultery , committing Idolatry , bringing vp children to the diuell , or of any such villanyes contrary to the true faith , for belieuing any of these points now rehearsed ; we must tell them in plaine words , that these be noe such letts as they imagine , but rather their owne false and forged crimes , meere vntruthes , and calumniations put vpon the Church of Rome to make her odious to the common people , or for some other base end : seing their owne brethren confesse against them , saying , that the beliefe of these cannot eyther hinder their sanctity , or debarre any Catholike from obtayning their chiefest good , and euerlasting saluation ; which if they had iudged to be Heresies , Idolatries , and such like abominations , it may be presumed they would neuer teach . Calu. l. 4. c. 1. n. 17.

2. Againe , we must obserue with M. Caluin , that there hath been no tyme since the creation of the world , wherin the Lord hath not had his Church , and that there shal be also no tyme to the very end of the world wherin he shall not haue it . But now as for the Church of Rome it is certaine that it did continue the true visible church from christ vntil the tyme of Constantine , as M. Caluin hereafter auoucheth : and that from Constantine vntill the tyme of Luther it neuer was interrupted is M. Napier vpon the Reuelations . page 145. 16● . 163. 19● . 237. witnes M. Napier , who saith , that from the yeare 316. God withdrew his visible Church from the open assemblies , to the harts of particular godly men , during the space of 1260. yeares . The Pope and his Cleargy hauing possessed the outward visible Church of Christians euen 1260. years , the true Church abyding so long latent & inuisible : out of which we inferre that all whosoeuer haue been saued since Christs Church was erected , and sufficiently di●●lged , haue beene saued in the Roman Church : and whosoeuer haue dyed as members cut off from her , or out of her , could neuer attaine to the hopefull promises Calu. l 4. c. ● . ● . 4. D. Whitaker . Out of the Church there is no other sea●● , but the seate of error & pestilence , and euerlasting destruction . of their chiefest good ; but miscarrying of their saluation could not auoide to be damned . For what M. Caluin deliuereth speaking of the visible Church is most true , to wit : That out of her lappe no remission of sinnes is to be hoped , nor any saluation at all . But Milius . If Luther ●ad bad orthodoxall forerunner● ▪ there had byn no need of a Lutheran reformation . ●o Exp●cat . Confess . Aug. art. 17. Luther saith , we dare boast that Christ was first published by vs . Epist. ad Arge●● . M. Iewell , Luther & Zwinglius were appointed of God to kindle againe the light which you had q●●nched . Defens . Apol. part. 1 c. 7. diuis. 3. pag. 56. Pareus . In Const●ntines time the Church begun to waxe fick to death , notwithstanding the Catholike Church remained . But where ? In the desert , a●●● the world ▪ withdrawne from the eyes of ●en . lib. 4. de gratia & lib. arb. that there was neuer any other visible Church of God , which hath continued since Christs tyme , but the Church of Rome , with her adherents , the Protestants themselues confesse . For although some fondly imagine , that they had a Church ; yet neither Luther nor Caluin , nor any other could euer point any such out , which was apparent or visible to the eye of men . For who can truly name any one Lutheran before Martin Luther , or any one Caluinist before Iohn Caluin ? Verily none : and much lesse a continuall , and neuer-interrupted succession of Lutherans , or Caluinists since Christs tyme , who were not as inuisible to the world , and as vnknowne as euer were those who are as yet vnborne . A most foolish thing then it is , yea and most ridiculous to auow that indeed there were such a company of zealous Protestants , as some are not ashamed to say , and that for aboue a thousand yeares they were all latent and inuisible : which not only is impious , and contrary to the Maiesty of the glorious Who will not say that it was a s●●a●g● Church that had neyther beginning , nor ending , no def●nder , no reprouer , no mouth to vtter , or ea●● to heare it , nor pen to write , nor place to rest in . So M. Iewell in a like matter . Art. 2. diuis . 8. S. Austin , What is this thou sayest ? The Church to haue perished in all Nations , when as to this end the Ghospell is preached , that it may be in all Nations ? Therefore euen to the end of the world the Church i● in all Nations , and this is the shortnes of her dayes . In Psal. 101. Th●se Markes ( sayth D. Willet ) cannot be absent from the Church : and it is no longer a true Church than it hath these mark●s . For the only absence of them doth make a nullity of the Church . In his Synops. pag. 69. & 71. which not to haue bene among Protestants , for aboue a ●000 . yeares wil witnes M. Nappier : but in some fashion to haue byn alwayes in the Church of Rome is granted by M. B●ny in his Verdict : which fashion to haue bene the right and true fashion , is euinced from thence , that otherwise the Ch●●ch had perished , contrary to Christs prediction saying , The gates of Hell shall not preuayle against it . M. Caluin lib. 4. inst. c. 1. ● . 4. Cal ● . 4. inst. c. ● 〈◊〉 If God did intend that the Couenant should remayne inuiolable , & left Baptisme a testimony therof for Catholike children , as heere M. Caluin doth insinuate ; how doth no● the Couen●t to this day remayne among them in the Church of Rome ? Agayne , if the fayth of Catholick parents be sufficient to place their children in the Couen●t & state of saluation ; how much more may it be thought to establish the parents themselues in that Couenant in whom reside● that faith , which is so beneficial to their children ? Moreouer , if the foundation of the Church halfe cast down doth remaine among Catholicks , a● M. Caluin teacheth , which is the true faith & doctrine of Christ 1. cor. 3. v. ●1 . who dare deny that they are in the Couenant , or that they may not be saued , albeit they build there vpon wood , hay , & stubble , at least by fyre , seing this is the expresse doctrine of the Apostle ? Kingdome of Christ foretould by the Prophets ; but lykewise quite opposite to that which they giue out of the essentiall notes , and markes of their church , which is the pure preaching of the Word , and the true administration of the Sacraments : which to make inuisible were rather to be thought the dreames of mad men , and bedlams , them the solid and sound doctrine of such great Rabbins and Doctors , who for their supposed vertue & learning would rather be accounted wise Sages by the common people , yea & to be stiled Reformers forsooth , and that of the true church of God ▪ from whence we may conclude , that if there be no entry into lyfe , vnlesse ( as M. Caluin saith ) the visibl● Chur●h like a Mother conceaue vs in her wombe , vnles she bring vs forth , vnles she feede vs with her breasts , finally vnles she keepe vs vnder custody , and gouernment vntill such tyme as be●ng vncloathed of mortall flesh , we shal be like vnto Angels ; and noe other visible church can be assigned since christs tyme but the church of Rome , as we haue seen : we must needes inferre , that as all whosoeuer haue been saued hitherto , for all that tyme , were members of the Romaine church ; euen so all those who desire to arriue to the happy hauen of Heauen hereafter , must liue well , & dy● in that church ; otherwise they are neuer like to be partakers of that vnspeakable ioy , which is the saluation of their owne soules , and to liue with God for euer .

3. Herehence for better understanding of M. Caluin his verdict , saying , When God hath left his Cou●nant in France Ita●y , Germany , Spayne , England , since these Pro●inces haue byn oppressed with the tyrany of Antichrist ( whom he sayth is the Pope sitting in the Church of God ) yet that this Couenant might remayne inuio●able ▪ first he there preserued baptisme the testimony of his Couenant ; we gather that the Verdict which is set downe for him , to wit , that the Couenant of God hath remayned with them inuiolable , to be most true ; for seing according to that of M. Caluin , all those who were hitherto saued , could not attayne their saluation but in the visible Church , which was and is only the Church of Rome , as we haue seene out of M. Nappier ; it followeth , that in her the Couenant of God could not but be kept inuiolable . Againe , if the Couenant of God was to be kept inuiolable in any company , especially in that which is the Church of Christ , the Sanctuary and Temple of God ; Serauia also wil help M. Caluins Verdict who saith , That the Couenant of God to this day doth remaine in the latyn Church . In defens ▪ l. de gratia Minist. pag. 31. As concerning the baptizing of the ch●dren o● Catholiks & how they are conteyned within the Couenat . Se the Protest . Apol. Tract 1. Sect. 6. p. 172. 173. & 174. M. Caluin . It is therfore called Catholicke or Vniuersall , because we cannot find two or three Churches , but that Christ must b● torne in sunder which cannot be done . l. 4. c. 1. n. 2. But betwixt the yeare of Christ 300. & 316. the Antichristian & Papisticall raigne beg●n , raigning vniuersally , & without any debatable ●ontradiction for 1260. yeares ( last past before Luther ) So M Napp●er vpon the Reuel propos . 37. pag. 68. And no other can be assigned to haue had this vniuersality , & therfore she is the only true Church of Christ . but M. Caluin enobleth the church of Rome with all these titles , & therfore we may well conclude in his iudgment , that the couenant of God was kept inuiolable in the Church of Rome .

Moreouer , if Antichrist who is the Pope according to Caluin , doth sit in the Church of God , or which is all one , in the Church of Rome , of the which the Pope is head , & the church of God be but One , as himself auoucheth ; it cannot but follow that eyther the Couenant is kept inuiolable in the church of Rome , or no where : but to say it was kept no where , cannot be but most absurd , and therfore the other must of necessity be most true , to wit , the Verdict set down out M. Caluin , that the couenant remayneth with them , that is , with the catholikes , and that inuiolable . Neyther can any auoyd this by obiecting , that Caluin doth not so much say that the Church , as the ruines therof , and it half throwne downe , are seene vnder the Pope : for so the church of christ saith Bellarmine had fallen , and the truth had lyed , saying , The gates of Hell shall not preuayle against it . And againe , neither the Luthera●s , nor the Caluinists could be members of the true church : for the whole is fallen , and the ruins of the church half thrown down , is among the Papists vnder Antichrist : if they say , they haue a new building ; in that it is new , it is not christs : and who seeth not that it is better to be in the church of christ half pulled downe , then in none ; seeing that ther is kept the couenant inuiolable , or els no were . To this we add , that the Apostle sayth not , that Antichrist shall sit in the ruines , or rubbish of the church ; but absolutly he shall sit in the Temple of God : if then the Temple of God be the true church as other Protestants say , and that in it he shall sit , that is , he shall raigne and gouerne as the head in the true church ; how then can the assemblies of Lutherans or caluinists be the true church ? seing Antichrist shall not sit and dominiere in this ? or how can the couenant be inuiolably kept in any other then in the church of Rome , which is only the true church ? We conclude therfore , that out of caluins Doctrine with the help of his brethren , his Verdict is most certayne , to wit , that the couenant of God hath remayned with the catholikes inuiolable , yea and in her only , and no where els , as is proued .

4. Lastly we must obserue about the Verdict of Pl●ssey Mornay , which as I find in him speaking of the church of Rome , is this . We deny her not the name of Church , no more Mornay de Eccl. c. 2. As M. Caluin did proue the Church of Rome to haue fallen from the true faith of Christ , with three grosse lyes . saying that the Popes haue taught three grieuous errors , to wit . That there is no God , no Christ , no Resurrection : Euen so Plessey Mornay following his Father Caluin , tells vs , that the Church of Rome is an Adultresse , hereticall and bringer vp of children for the diuell . Se Caluin . l. 4. inst. c. 7. n. 27. then the name of a man to a man , so long as he is aliue though he be neuer so sick yea we are content to call ●er Spouse , in as much as she makes a part of the visible Church , so as they will suffervs withal to call her an adultresse . But we say she is the most heretical Church of all those that e●er were : a spouse that prouoked God to diuorce her a mother that bringeth vp children for the Diue●● . That which Plessey Mornay here saith in the commendation of the church of Rome we willingly admit , and haue set it downe for his Verdict : perswading our selues that he could say no lesse truth , which is more forcible then either rack , or torment comp●lling him therunto . For otherwise no man willingly lyeth to his owne shame ; nor freely confesseth that which ouerthroweth his owne cause . But what he vttereth against the Church of Rome , for being accursed and anathematized by her , for so many errors and heresies , both in Luther & Zuinglius , and other old rotten hereticall Se F. Persons Relation of the Triall , with his defence therof against Plessy , and O. E by N. D. Semel mendax semper praes●mitur mendax . Glossa . Admitten●ū in l. Si cui crimen §. 1. ff. de Accusation . Alciat . & Menoch . Rake-hells of former times , we cannot so easily belieue ; but rather think than no better then notorious vntruthes , and meere slaunders , as proceeding from him who had a great talent in this black Art of lying ; which publickely was made knowne to his eternall shame by cardinall Perone , before the most Christian King and Court Luther . Whosoeuer is once taken in a lye , know most certainly that he is not of God but ought to be suspected in all thinges . In Assert . Teuton . art. 25. But Plessy Mornay was conuinced before the King of France in 9. one day , and the exception that the Cardinall tooke agaynst him did concerne 4000. as is to be seene in the relation aboue cyted . The Diuell hath his Prophets ( saith Ter●ullian ) whose badg & mark is falsity & lying , so that it must of necessity fall , whatsoeuer is built vpon such ● ground . de praescr . c. 40. of France ; and therfore we purposely haue forborne to disgrace the Iury with any such foule and fi●thy stuffe , as he setteth downe in the latter part of his sentence , seing it is folly ( sayth his learned Brother Vorstius ) to bring in the guilty as witnesses in their owne cause , or rather to bring in one that hath byn condemned , not once , but so often , to rage , rayle , and lye , not only against his true and lawfull Iudge , but also against many other Catholickes , Peeres , Princes , Kings and Emperours , who all according to Plessey , should haue byn bred and borne bastards by an Adultresse , and brought vp children Idolatours by an hereticall harlot for the Diuell . But ( o my Plessey ) I pray thee how could she be an Adultresse , against whom Hell ▪ gates were foretold neuer to preuayle ? or how could that Church be Hereticall , which neuer was condemned eyther by any lawfull generall , or prouinciall Councell ? or by any other iust commanding power ? or how could she bring vp children to the Diuell , or be an Idolatresse , who hath brought vp all to God , that euer were brought to him since the first erecting of the Church of Christ , as we haue shewed before . These then are your malicious imputations , and not those glorious tytles becomming Christs vnspotted Spouse , and her , who hath byn accompted alwayes the sacred Sanctuary , and the holy Temple of the liuing God . And therfore detesting your impieties , we must rather giue eare and harken to that holy Byshop and glorious Martyr S. Cyprian , who speaking of the Church wryteth S. Cyprian de vnitate Eccl. thus . One Mother ( sayth he ) there is by the fecundity of her issu● copious and fertile : by her increase we are borne , with her milk we are nourished , we are animated with her spirit . The Spouse of Christ cannot play the aduoutresse , she is imaculate and vndefiled , she knoweth one house , she keepeth with chast bashfulnes the sanctity of one bedd . This Church preserueth vs in God , this aduanceth to the Kingdome the children she hath brought forth : whosoeuer deuided from the Church , cleaueth to the aduoutresse , is separated from the promises of the Church . To whom we add S. Augustine , the greatest of all the Fathers and worthyest Deuine the Church of God euer had since the Apostles , if we may belieue D. Field ; who is styled lykewise the mouth of antiquity by other Protestants , giuing vs this wholsome Counsell against all s●ch slaunderers of the church of Rome . For writing against the S. Aug. tom. 7. de vnitate Eccles. c. 11. lyke lies of the Donatists , I know ( sayth he ) what is written in the holy and Canonicall Scriptures concerning the Church of Rome ; & the fayth therof , I know not what you say of her Apostacy , or falling from her faith . Truly as we doe read in bookes , the which you also doe honour and reuerence , of the Roman Church , and fayth therof : So also read you out of Bookes vnto vs , the which we also doe honour and reuerence , how she forsooke and lost her fayth . Doth it please you , that we should belieue euery slaunderous reproach of men vpon what occasion soeuer it was vttered and obiected against the Roman Church , the which the Holy Ghost hath both deliuered , and commended vnto vs by his holy Scriptures ? This indeed is pleasing to you ; but whom it should more iustly please , you see well inough : but you being ouercome by obstinacy will not yield to the truth .

We therfore being about to looke as well into the true doctrine and verity , as into the holines and purity of this Church , from whence doth proceed the security of liuing and dying well in her lappe ; we are to vse the testimonies especially of Famous Protestants , to the end the banners of her glorie may be carryed about , and displayed by the penns , and mouthes of our Aduersaries ; that all whosoeuer are not maliciously bent , may therby extoll and magnify the infinit goodnes of Gods prouidence , who hath made , as we may say , euen the enemies of his Church , and children , although otherwise partiall witnesses , with open mouth to cry out and blaze abroad in effect , That this is the seed , and familie of Iesus Christ , whom our Lord hath blessed : yea and hath made the S. Cyprian . l. 1. ep. 3. holy Ghost to inspire the ancient Fathers to warrant vs , that this is the Church to S. Hierom. l. 3. Apol. contra Ruffin . which misbeliefe can haue no accesse ; which receaueth no forgery ; and though an Angell S Cyril . apud D. Thom. in catena . teach otherwise , then hath byn once preached , guarded with S. Pauls authoritie , it cannot be changed ; which remayneth vnspotted from S. Gregor. Nazianz in carm. de vita sua . all seducing and hereticall circumuention ; which hath the true fayth , euen from the tymes of our for●●athers ; & alwaies remayneth as is fit for a citty , that ruleth the whole world , to haue euer more a sound fayth to God . Out of all which we may conclude , that this is that blessed Company of holy ones , that houshold of sanctity , that spouse of christ , & church of the liuing God , which is the Pillar and ground of truth , whose communion we may boldly imbrace , whose directions we may safely follow , & rest securely in her iudgments , as in that sacred society , the which for this 1600. yeares hath yielded vp all those blessed Soules of the Apostles , Martyrs , Confessors , Virgins , and of all the rest to God , which now do raigne most gloriously with Iesus Christ the King of glory in Heauen . This being so set downe , let vs proceed to the lury .

Faultes to be corrected .

In the title of the Preface , all cauills , read , some cauills .

Pag. 8. lin. vlt. Subbs . read Stulbs .

Pag. 14. lin. 2. humble . more humble .

Pag. 18. lin. 23. name of a man , as , read name of a man to a man , as &c.

Pag. 25. in the margent , adde , Luth. declarat . quorumdam artic. cited by Coccius tom. 1. lib. 7. Thesauri pag. 855.

A GRANDE IVRY Of most famous and learned Protestants , assuring all Catholiques of their Saluation , if they liue and dye well , in the Catholique Roman Fayth and Church . The Names of the Iury Men. D Luther . M Caluin . D. Whitaker . D. C●●ell . D. Morton . M. Hooker . Zanchius . Sclusselburg . Polanus . Iunius . Boyswell . Bunny . Plessis Mornay . Serauia . D. White . D. Willet . Sir Edwin Sands . M. Stubbs . M. Holynshed . D. Godwin . M. Cambden . Crentremius . Theater of great Brit. M. Fox .

WE suppose as graunted out of the Rom. 1. Act. 18. 30. Apostles , that the Church of Rome was once the true Church of God and so to haue continu●d for diuers hundred yeares , as the Protestants themselues confesse . For M. Iewell would haue vs belieue : That as well Saint Augustine , as also other godly Fathers Iewell in his Reply to M. Harding pag. 246. rightly yielded reuerence to the Sea of Rome &c. for the purity of religion which was preserued there a long time without spot . Seeing it was a thing notorious ( sayth M. Caluin ) and without doubt , that after the Apostles age Caluin in his Instit. in french lib. 4. sect. 3. Protestant . Apol. pag. 210. vntill these times ( to wit of Saint Augustine ) no change was made in doctrine , neither at Rome nor at any other Cittyes , which was 440. yeares after Christ But D. Morton confirming M. Iewells chalenge auerreth , that protestants in oppugning D. Mort. Appeale lib. 4. c. 30. pag. 573. ●74 . doctrines which they cal new , and not Catholike , are so far off from suffering the limitation of the first 440. yeares , that they giue the scope of the first 600. years ; within the compasse of which Saint Gregory liued , who sent Sain● Augustine the Monke into England : and therefore he acknowledgeth that , the Pagan and Heathenish people by the light of the Ghospell through the Ministery of Augustin , the Legate of Saint Gregory were brought into the fold of Christ . And heerehence sayth B. Morton our authours called it a gratious Morton lib. 1. pag. 60. conuersion . But now this being supposed that the Church of Rome was the true Church for so many ages togeather , in the which saluation was to be had : It remayneth that we demonstrate and shew , how not only then but also euer after that time euen vnto this day , that Church hath been the only Arke and sanctuary , in the which whosoeuer haue liued and dyed well , could not miscary nor misse of their saluation , and that therefore there is no reason why any being a member of that Church should leaue it and be take himselfe to any other assembly or Congregation , seeing there is but one true Church , and that in her saluation can be obteyned , and in all others nothing but damnation is to be expected Which we will endeauour to proue out of the testimonies of most Bale likewise sayth . That Augustin was sent from Gregory to season the English with the Popish faith & that King Ethelbert dyed one & twenty yeares after h● had receaued Popery . Cent. 1. fol. 3. M. Napiere . The Pope with his Clergy neuer suffered for the space of a thousand yeares after Siluester the first , any to be seene vouchable or visible of the true Church . pag. 239. Holynshed in the History of England . graue and learned Protestants . Supposing out of Venerable Bede , that Saint Augustine was sent by S. Gregory to this our Nation , to conuert it aboue 1000. yeares since , from Paganisme to Christ . For these be his words . Saint Augustine coming into England , deliuered his errand to King Ethelbert saying , he came from Rome , and brought a ioyfull message , which whosoeuer would obey should haue eternal ioyes , & a perpetuall Kingdome with the true and liuing God . Which is confirmed out of your owne Protestant English Historiographers , and therfore we will begin with their verdicts , and make them as the Formen of this sufficient , full , and complete Protestant Iury , of whome we will choose Holynshed to be the first .

Holynshed therfore speaking of Saint Augustine writeth thus . Augustine ( sayth he ) and his company arriued at Canterbury , where he made his aboad by the Kings permission , exercised the life of the Apostles , in fasting , cloathing , and prayers , and preaching the word of God to as many as they could , despsing all wordly pleasures , as not appertayning to them , receauing only of them whome they taught , things seeming necessary to the sustenance of their life , all liuing in all points according to the doctrine which they set forth . Item . At last , King Ethelbert was perswaded by the good example of Saint Augustine and his company , and by miracles shewed , to be baptized .

And M. Fox speaking of Saint Augustine , writeth thus . At length when the King had Fox lib ● . pag. 116. of his Acts. &c. wel considered the honest conuersation of their life , and moued with their miracles wrought through Gods hands by them , he heard them I doubt not but God affoarded many miracles to the first in●ā●y of our Church . So D ▪ Godwin in the life of S. Dauid . more gladly , and lastly by their holsome exhortations & example of good life , he was by them conuerted , and christened in the yeare 596.

Saint Augustine ( sayth Cambden ) commonly called the Apostle of the English , sent hither by Gregory the great , hauing destroied the Monsters of Hethenish impiety with most happy successe , planting Christ in their minds , conuerted them Cambden in his Britan. pag. 125. to the Christian faith . Agayne : Straight vpon the preaching of the name of Christ the English did consecrate themselues vnto Christ , in so feruent a manner , that the diligence is incredible , they vsed in the propagation of the name of Christ , in the performance of the duties therof , in the diuulging of Christian religion , in building of Churches , in enriching and adorning of the same ; that no Prouince of Christendome could haue numbred more Monasteryes then England could in Catholike times : & euen Fox . pag. 137. That none of all these Kings Queenes , Princes , and Prelats were Protestants is proued in the prudentiall Ballance , and the Protestants themselues confesse no lesse . For M. Nappiere saith : That for these thousand two hundred and threescore years the Pope & his Clergy hath possessed the outward and visible Church of Christians , reigning without any debatable contradiction : Gods truth ( to wit the Protestant Church ) most certainly abiding so long latent , and inuisible . vpon the Reuel . pag. 145. some Kings haue preferred religious and monasticall liues before Kingdoms . So many haue been the holy men that England hath brought forth , and which for their most firme profession of Christian religion , most solid constancy and sincere deuotion therin , haue been put into the Kalender of Saints , that in this point it hath not been inferiour to any Christian Prouince whatsoeuer : yea , as Britany was tearmed by Porphyrius a prophane Philosopher , Fer●x Tyrannorum prouincia : A prouince fertill of Tyrants ; so likewise England may be stiled , Insula Sancto rum feracissima : An Iland fruitfull of Saints . So far Cambden .

To whome ●e may add another famous Protestant author , who tels vs for the tyme past that more Kings and Queenes in England only haue becom'd Monks , and Nunnes , and now by Protestants honoured for Saints in heauen , then euer were Protestant Kings and Queenes in all the world , though neuer so vnworthy the name of Saints or Sanctity : which are all to be seene in the Theater of Britany .

Iohn Fox also relateth how that eight Kings of England left their Kingdomes and became Monks , whose names are these : King Kinegil●●s , King Cead wall , King Inas , King Ethelred , King Sigebert , King Coenred , King Offa , King Edbert . Of whome he sayth , that it is most like they did it for holines sake , thinking in this kind of life to serue and please God better : but in this , sayth Fox , they were deceaued . To these we may ioyne 19. Kings & Queenes daughters , whom also M. Fox confesseth to haue left their Royall estates , and became Nunnes . And he relateth out of an auncient Chronicle that in the primitiue Church of England , Kings , Princes Dukes , Earles , Barons & rulers of the Churches Fox lib. 2. pag. 114. incensed with a desire of heauen , labouring and striuing among themselues to enter into Monasteries , into voluntary exile & solitary life , forsooke all and followed the Lord. And as conconcerning the piety and deuotion of other Catholiks after , the Centurists write thus saying : Although in this age ( to wit the seauenth ) the worship of God was darkened with mans traditions and superstitions ; yet the study to serue God and to liue godly and iustly , was not wanting to the miserable common people &c. they were so attentiue to their prayers , as they bestowed almost the whole day therin . They did exhibite to the Magistrate due obedience , they were most studious of amity , concord and society , so as they could easily remit iniuries : all of them were carefull to spend their time in honest vacation and labour : to the poore & strangers they were Centurists . cent. 7. c. 7. col. 181. S●ubbs in his motiue pag. 43. most courteous and liberall ; and in their iudgements and contracts most true .

M. Subbs in his Motiue to good works , sayth . Certainely , to speake the truth , there is many times found conscionabler and plainer dealing among most of the Papists , then amongst many protestants . And if we looke narrowly into the ages past , we shall find more godliues , deuotion and zeale , though blind , more loue one to another , more fidelity & faythfulnes euery way in them , then is now to be found in vs . And agayne he further sayth . Is it not a shame vnto vs Stubbs in his motiue pag. 72. To name one amongst many Robert Winchelsey the 49. Archb of Canterbury : Besids the dayly fragments ( saith Godwin ) of his house , he gaue euery Friday and Sunday to euery begger a loafe of Bread , & there were euery such Almes dayes , foure or fiue thousand people . Besides this euery great festiuall day , he sent a 150. pence to such poore people as could not fetch his Almes . that our forefathers liuing in the times of superstition &c. should so far notwithstanding out passe vs in good works , as that we may not once be compared to them in any small measure ? Hence , for good works , who seeth not that herin they were far beyond vs , & we far behind them . For example , what memorable famous buildings , and what monuments haue they left to the world behind them ? What Churches , Chappels , and other houses of prayer did they erect , to the end the Religion and seruice of God might be continued ? Yea what Monasteries , Abbyes , Priories , and other religious houses &c. what number of goodly bridges did they make . How many Almes-houses , Hospitalls , and Spittles , did they found &c. What high wayes , what pauements and causies ? in summe what famous Colledges , Hals , & Vniuersities , what schooles ? In so much as the former Statute of Mort-main ( now needles ) was yet then thought needfull to be made in restraint of such liberall deuotion .

But to giue some tast in particular of those famous and godly men who liued in these times , we will beginne with Saint Dunstone Archbishop of Canterbury , who was most gracious to King Edward , and Ethelrede , as wittnesseth M. Godwin , vnder whome he ruled all thinges , at his pleasure , and for the most part admired for a most holy & vertuous man , and after canonized for a Saint .

Saint Elphege another Arch-bishop of the same sea , was ( sayth the same authour ) of great parentage , & of wonderfull abstinence , neuer eating or drinking nor sleeping more then necessity God win i● his life . compelled him , spending his tyme altogeather in piety , study , or other necessary busines , so that with preaching & example of holy life he conuerted many to Christ .

Duke William after his conquest made choyce of Lanfranke for his wisdome and faythfulnes to be Arch bishop of Canterbury , as one in all respects God win i● his life . most fit and worthy . He was the most perfect ( sayth Bale ) of his time in all kind of Logicke or Bale Centur. ●● . cap. ●● . subtility of Aristotle . He corrected & amended according to the right fayth , all the bookes of the old and new Testament which had been corrupted by fault of the writers , and also the writings of the holy Fathers . He was skillfull in science ( sayth Stow ) prudent in counsells , and gouernement , and for religion and life Stow. Chron. pag. ●79 . most holy . He was ( sayth Godwin ) bus● in exhorting Rufus to vertue and godlines . And as long as Lanfranke liued ( sayth Stow ) Rufus seemed to abhorre all kind of vice , in so much that he was counted the mirrour of Kings .

Saint Anselme likewise was a most worthy man of great learning , as his workes yet extant do declare , and for integrity of life and conuersation admirable : vndoubtedly he was a good & holy man , and as worthy the honour of a Saint as any I thinke ( sayth Godwin ) euer was canonized by the Pope since his time . None ( sayth Malmsbury ) liued more obseruant of Iustice , Malmeb . lib. 4. Regum . None at that tyme so soundly learned , None so wholely spirituall , the Father of the countrey & the mirrour of the world .

Saint Thomas ( sayth Houeden ) was of life S. Thomas of Canterbury . Houeden part . 2. Anal. irreprehensible , he receaued day by day 3. or 5. disciplines at the Priests hands : his inner garment was of rugged haire-cloath of goates haire wher with his whole b●dy was couered , from the elbow to the knees : he lay vpon the bare ground before his bed , & neuer ceased from pray●r vntill for very wearines he layd downe his head vpon a stone which he there placed insteed of a boulster . ( Also Fox sayth ) he was full Fox Acts. 206. God win in his life . of deuotion : and Godwin , that he was most canonically elected , and presently after his consecration became so graue , so austere , so deuout in all outward shew , as he seemed quite another man . King Henry the second , his voluntary pennance for giuing some cause , or occasion of his death , the same day was rewarded by a glorious Godwin in vit. Bald win . They lackt the doctrine & know ledge in Christs Ghospel , especially in the article of free iustification by faith and therefore ( sayth Fox ) they ran the wrong way . Acts. pag 133. And agayne speaking of our ancient Cristian Kings he vseth these words . How great the blindnes & ignorance of these men was , who wanting no zeale , wanted knowledg , seeking their saluation by their meritorious deeds : which I write ( saith he ) here to put vs in mynd how much we at this present are bound to God for the true sinceerity of his truth , hidden so long before to our forancestors , & opened now to vs This only lamenting , to see them haue such works and want our fayth , and we to haue a right fayth & want their workes . pag. 133. Victory agaynst his enemies . And what deuotion our Ancestors had to this Saint may be seene by the riches they gaue to his Shryne : of which Shrine Erasmus relateth , that the basest part was gold , it all shined glittering , and cast forth lightning by reason of the rare and mighty gemmes and pretious stones ; yea the whole Church in euery part abounded more then with royall riches . And euery one ( sayth Godwin ) thought himselfe happy , that could doe any thing to his honour .

But now ( as D. Barlow sayth ) although Kinges haue many occasions , which may allure them to sinne , especially hauing that priuiledge in scripture , whether ex gratia , or de facto , whether from exemption from God , or grace of men : that no man may say vnto them , Why doe you this ? Yet among our anncient Catholike Kings , haue been so many and so eminent in all kind of deuotion , holines , and sanctity as we need not bring in any other for our present purpose sauing only some of them set downe to haue been such . Yea euen by our owne learned Protestant authors . For ,

King Oswald ( sayth Stow ) with a small army ouercame the Brittans , and slew Ceadwall their King . He sent for Aidan a Scot to aduance the Christian Religion among his people , gaue him holy Iland for his sea ▪ he enlarged his Kingdom , reconciled the Deiri & Bernitians which deadly hated one another : he was slayne by the ●●gans fighting for his Country ; & at last ( saith Stow ) was canonized for a Saint● whose faith & deuotion was so great ( sayth Beda ) that he did Theater pag. 337. shine with miracles after his death . Of this King Oswalds hand , other Protestants write ( for being bountifull to the poore , ) That after his death it neuer consumed , but was shrined in siluer in S. Peters Church at Bedda , now Bambrough , with worthy honour , was worshipped for the miracles & eures that it did , as likwise the earth wheron his bloud was spilt .

King Canutus went on Pilgrimage to Theater of great Britany . pag. 391. 392. Rome , to visit the sepulcher of Saint Peter and Saint Paul , built many Churches and Abbeyes , greatly reuerenced Saint Bennet : he offered vp his crowne vpon the Martyrs Saint Edmunds Tombe . Most ▪ rich and Royall Iewells he gaue to the Church of Winchester , whereof one is recorded to be a Crosse worth as much as the whole reuenew of England amounted to in one yeare . He set his crowne on the head of the picture of our Sauiour on the Crosse at Winchester , neuer wearing it more . Cooper sayth , that for his vertuous life he was Cooper . A● . 1027. worthy to liue perpetually . He was of great magnificence , and vsed such Iustice and temperance that in his dayes there was no Prince of renowne , towards God humble and lowly .

Amongst al the Saxon Kings hitherto is found none to be preferred , or almost to be compared with Alfred , for the great and singular qualities in this King worthy of ●●gh renown , sayth Fox , whether we behould his valiant acts and manifold trauells for his Countrey , or his godly and excellent vertues ioyned with a publike & tender care of the weale publike , or whether we Bale cent . cap. 43. Cambd. pag. 444. Malmesb. lib ▪ 2. c. 4. Westm. An. 892. 871. respect his notable knowledge of good letters with a feruent desire to set forth the same throghout all his Realme . He fought ( sayth Bale ) 57. tymes with the Danes , & according to Camb●en repressed them at his pleasure . He wrote & promulgated most Christian lawes , & caused such peace , as he made bracelets of gold to be hung vp in the high way which none durst touch . He dayly hard Masse & sayd his houres & Matins , & in the night season vnknowne to all his seruants he frequented Churches to heare seruice . In repayring beautifying and enriching monasteries he laboured earnestly , among which he built See Fox . pag. 142. two of great renowne : he was crowned and anointed by Pope Leo , & was tearmed his adoptiue child , sayth M. Bale : to whome S. Cuthbert Fox . Acts. lib. 3. p. 154. appeared when he was in distresse , assuring him that he should ouercome the Danes , as he did indeed .

King Edgar ( sayth Fox ) was much giuen to all vertuous & princely acts worthy of much commendation and famous memory , excellent in Iustice , maintained the Godly , loued the modest , was deuout to God , and beloued of his subiects , whome he gouerned in much peace and quietnes . No yeare passed in the tyme of his Reygne in which he did not some singuler and necessary commodity for the common-wealth . Houed●n pag. 426. A great maintener of Religion and learning . He had in readines 3600. ships of warre ▪ and made 8. Kings to row him in a boate he sitting at Fox lib. 3. pag. 154. Prud. Ballance pag. ●31 . the sterne and guiding it . Moreouer he was a great patron of Monkish religion , builded ( as some say ) as many Monasteries as there be Sundayes in the yeare , or as Edne ▪ ●porteth 48. Saint Editha was this Kings daugher , who from her infancy was brought vp in a monastery , and would not refuse Cooper an. 975. Stow. p. 113. that life to enioy the crowne after her brother King Edwards death .

Cooper and Stow write , how Saint Edward Martyr was in all kind of honest vertues comparable to his Father Edgar , began his soueraignity Fox Acts. pag. 159. Cooper . An. 977. Cambd. Brittan . pag. 70● . with much modesty and mildnes , and worthily fauoured of all : Was a vertuous and noble Prince ( sayth Fox ) much pitifull and bountifull to the poore : for him ( sayth Cooper ) after his death God shewed many miracles . Of King Edward the first Cambden writeth thus . He was a Prince far excelling , in whose most valiant mind God chose a most worthy lodging , that he might match the height of Royall Maiesty not only with fortitude and wisedome , but with beauty also and comlines of body , whome Fortune in the prime flower of his age trayned vp in many warres and most difficult times of the Commonwealth , whilst that she disposed him for the British Empire : which when he was established in , he so gouerned , hauing ouercome the Welch-men and triumphed ouer the Scots , that by good right he is esteemed another ornament of Brittany .

King Stephen ( sayth Stow ) was a noble man , and passing hardy , of passing comely fauour & personage , in all Princely vertues he excelled , as in martiall policy , affability , gentlenes , and bountifull liberality towards all . He was very noble in birth ( sayth Godwin ) but much more in vertue , and all good manners : many miracles ( wr●teth he ) are said to be wrought at his Tombe . And this may suffice to vnderstand in some manner the holines and sanctity of our auncient Catholike Kings . But to proceed concerning other famous Calikes , D. Couell writeth thus of Alexander Hales ▪ S. D. Couell in defence of Hooker pag. 241. Bonauenture , and Saint Thomas , all three great defenders of the Roman Church . A●d first of Alexander Hales he sayth , who made his Summe that excellent worke , by commaundement of Pope Innocentius the fourth ; that he was called the fountaine of life , because of that liuely knowledg● that flowed from him ; he was mayster of Bona●ent ●re , a scholler not inferiour to himselfe , of whom he was went to say , that in Bonauenture he thought Adam sinned not , meaning of that illumination , which was in him ( and doubtlesse there was much in him ) as though he had not been darkened by the fall of Adam : and therefore the Church called him the Seraphicall doctour . To these Aquinas was not inferior ; who came so neere vnto Saint Augustine ; whome in his book agaynst Burges he esteemeth the chiefest doctor that euer was , or euer shall be excepting the Apostles &c. that some thought he had all his works by hart , & by a common prouerbe it was spoken , that the soule of Saint Augustine dwelt in Aquinas , in whome aboue all the rest , foure contraryeties were said to excell , aboundance , breuity , facility & security , in respect wherof he gayned the tytle to be called Angelicall .

Then if these men were the Popes Agents , and yet so renowned and glorious , and their doctrine so secure and excellent , why may not we securely follow them in the same stepps of Agency in such busines . Now all this being so , it is no wonder if our aduersaries are forced to set out , magnify , and extoll the Luth. in ep. cont Anabaptist Tom. 2. Germ. fol 267. Where also he savth , that vnder the Papacy there are many godly men & great Saints . Church of Rome , and truely in that manner as they are not affrayde to deliuer their mindes in such tearmes , as Catholikes themselues could scarce desire or wish any better . For herehence we confesse sayth D Luther ) that there is vnder the Papacy most of Christian good , yea , rather all Christian good , and that from thence it came to vs : Verily we confesse , that there is in the Papacy true Scripture , true Baptisme , the true Sacrament of the Altar , the true keyes to remission of sinns , the true office of preaching , true Catechisme ; and I say further , that there is in the Papacy true Christianity , yea rather the true kernell of Christianity .

M. Caluin agaynst Sadolet . We do not deny those to be the Churches of Christ , in which Caluin against Sadolet pag. 128. you gouerne . And in the 2. to the Thessalonians he confesseth that , the papacy is the Temple , yea and the Sanctuary of God : and else where , that the Caluin l. 4. instit . c. 2. n. 11. couenant of God hath remayned with them inuiolable .

Iunius . All diuine thinges are in the Popes Church , and hitherto it is the Church of God . Iunius . de Eccles. c 17. col. 1020.

Zanchius . The Roman Church is yet the Church of God .

Plessey Mornay . The Roman Church is the Mornay . lib. de Eccle. c. 2. & 10. spouse of Christ , as yet not diuerted from him , she is a mother that bringeth forth children to God : the name of the Church is no more to be denyed to her , then the name of a man , as long as he liueth . Polan . part . 1. Thes de Eccles.

Polanus . The Roman Church at this day , is yet the Church of Christ .

Serauia . The Church of Rome it yet the Church : and see what I will say more : she is Serauia in defens . lib. de gratia Minist. pag. 3. our mother , in the which , and by which God hath regenerated . And agayne The Couenant of God to this day doth remayne in the Latine Church .

Boyswell . I acknowledge the Church of Boys . in confut. Spon . pag. 6 ▪ 2. 283. 822. Rome as yet to be in the Couenant of God ; yea , she is the Church , the spouse , and the Temple of God ; the Church of Iesus Christ redeemed by him .

D. Hooker . We acknowledge willingly D. Hooker . l. 3. de Politia Eccles. p. 128. them , to wit the Papists , to be of the family of Iesus Christ .

D. Cou●ll . I affirme the members of the Cou●ll . in Apol. pag. 68. Church of Rome to be members of the true Church of Christ , and that those who liue and dye in that Church , may be saued .

And D. Whitaker doth confesse , That amongst D. Whitaker contro . 4. 9. 5 ▪ c. 3. p. 682. the Papists is a ministery , and a certaine preaching of the Word , which without doubt to some is sufficient to saluation . D. White in defence c. 7. p. 356. cap. 41. p. 408.

I neuer deemed ( sayth D. White ) that to be the visible Church of God , in the which our Auncestors held the true fayth , and were saued . And agayne . We confesse , that the Church of Rome in all ages , hath been the visible Church of God . Schluss tom 8. in catal . Haeret. pag. 434.

Sclusselburg . Luther saith that all Christian good is in the Popedome ; & that from thence it came to vs , we do not deny . Rhegius in consider . censurae pag. 93.

And Iohannes Rhegius . Although it be true that the ministery of the Popes was corrupt with many traditions and inuentions of men , neuerthelesse it had those thinges , which were necessary to saluation , to wit , the Canonicall bookes , the Creed of the Apostles .

Leonardus Crentremius . The Bishop of Crentrem . in 1. Cor. 3. Rome doth retaine this same ground of Catholike fayth 1. Corinth. 3. the which both I doe acknowledge with the Catholike and Apostolicall Church , although in certaine circumstances there be some diuersity of opinions . Zanch. in prefat. lib. de natura Dei .

Zanchius . The Church of Rome in despite of Sathan , did retayne the principal grounds of fayth .

Boyswell . We acknowledge that the Church Boyswell in Confutatione Sondei p. 79. of Rome is pure in the principall articles of Christian Religion .

Hooker . They hould constantly , to wit Papists , Hooker lib. 5. de polit. pag. 128. the chiefe parts of the Christian faith .

D. White , We agree with the Church of Rome , in substantiall articles of fayth . D. White in defence c. 38. 8. 273.

D. Field . The Roman and Latine Church continued the true Church of God euen till our tyme . And agayne : we doubt not but the Church D. Field of the Church pag. 282. in which the Bishop of Rome exalted himselfe ( he addeth with more then Lucifer-life pride ) was notwithstanding the true Church of God ; that it held a sauing profession of the truth in Christ , and by force thereof conuerted many Countreyes from errour to the way of truth . D. Willet . Antil . pag. 144.

D Willet It is not denyed by any Protestant but many renowned Kings and Queens ( which might not pleade ignorance of the Roman Faith ) are Saints in heauen . And speaking of his Maiesties D. Willet Antil . of English Protest . to the King . mother , he attributeth such holynes and truth to her Religion and her , that it preuayled with God not only for herself but her sonne our Soueraygne also . His wordes be these . The child of such prayers & teares cannot possibly fall away . Bren. in Apol. pro confess . Wittemb p. 297.

Brentius . We doubt not , but that many haue obteyned true saluation in popery . And speaking of S. Bernard , whom D. Whitaker confesseth to haue been a member of the Roman Church , he writeth Whitak . ad oratio . 7. Campian . p. 30. Caluin . Gregory & Bernard were holy men . 4. instit . c. 7. n. 22. Lubbertus . we thinke truly that Bernard was a Saint . l. 6. de Eccles. c. 7. thus . I iudge Bernard to haue been a man endewed with great piety and deuotion , and to liue now happily with Christ .

Bishop Barlow in his third sermon , The learneder writers do acknowledge the Church of Rome to be the Church of God .

D. Some agaynst Penry in diuers places auou●beth , that Papists are not altogeather aliens from Gods couenant . That in the iudgement of all learned men , and al reformed Churches there is in Popery a Church , a ministery , a true Christ . If you thinke that all the Popish sect , which dyed in the Popish Church are damned , you think absurdly , and dissent from the iudgement of the learned Protestants .

M. Bunny . The Church of Rome hath Bunny in his Treatise tending to pacification Sect. 14. pag. 89. euer continued after a sort in profession of the fayth since the time that by the Apostles it was deliuered to them &c. and hath in some manner also preserued , and hitherto maintayned both the Word and Sacraments that Christ himselfe did leaue vnto vs , which surely ( sayth he ) is a very speciall blessing , and an euident worke of the Holy Ghost .

S. Edwin Sands writeth thus of the Roman Church . There are among them vndoubtedly , in Sir Edwin sads in his Relation . num. 48. great multitude , men , vertuous , learned , fraught with the loue of God , and the truth aboue all things , men of memorable integrity of hart & affections . In their Sermons much matter both of fayth and piety is eloquently deliuered by men of wonderfull zeale and spirit . The outward state and glory of their seruice , doth engender , quicken , increase , and nourish the inward reuerence , respect , and deuotion , which is due vnto soueraygne maiesty and power . Their deeds of charity are exceeding . No seuerity of life comparable to some of their religious . If Protestants were , or could be at vnion with them , they shall find excellent order of gouernement , singular helpes for increase of godlines and deuotion , for the conquering of sinne , for the profiting of vertue .

Yet in the chiefe of whome they send out Ibid. ● . 25. to preach , in the diligence and paynes which they take in their sermons , in the ornaments of eloquence and grace of action , in their shew of piety and reuerence towardes God , zeale towards the truth , of loue towardes his people , which euen with teares they can often testify , they match their aduersaries in the best , and in the rest far exceed them . But heerein the Iesuits carry the bell from all others , hauing attayned the commendatiom , and working the effect of perfect Orators , of whome in Lent one in each Citty of Italy doth preach euery Day , without intermission , if their strength do serue them , so as six dayes in the weeke they preach on the Ghospell of the dayes , and on the Saturday in honour and praise of our Lady . So euery yeare changing their preacher , there is the delight of variety , and in the daily continuing of the same the admiration of industry . Some such like course it is to be thought the Iesuites hold also in other Countreys , their proiects being certaine & exactly pursued . But wonderfull is the reputation which redounds thereby to their Order , and exceding the aduantage which giueth to their fide . For bookes of prayer & piety all countreys are full of them at this day in their owne language &c. In defending their doctrine they dare enter into combat with the best of their repugnants and will not doubt either to entangle them so , in the snares of their owne quirks , or at least wise so put of his blowes with the word of their distinctions , that an ordinary Orator shall neuer perceaue them to be vanquished ; and a fauorable Auditor shall report them vanquishers : whereupon now they cry mainely in all places for triall by disputations .

Moreouer such is their diligence and dexterity in instructing , that euen the Protestants themselues ( in some places ) send their sons to their schooles , vpon desire to haue them proue excellent in those artes they teach . This Order hath also their solemne Cathechizing in their Church on Sundaies , and Holidayes , for all youth that will come , or can be drawne vnto it . But this point of their schooles in instructing youth is thought of such moment , by men of wisedome and iudment , being taught so by very experience and triall thereof , that the planting of a good Colledge of Iesuits in any place , is esteemed the only sure way , to replant that Religion and in time to eate out the contrary . So far the Protestant Relator .

But to proceed from the common multitude of lay people and Ecclesiasticall persons , to the Popes themselues , this same anthour hath found much vertue , deuotion , and piety in those , which haue been in these tymes : and of the last Pope Clement the 8 he Relat. of Religion n. 42. 43. writeth thus . He did often weepe vpon piety & godly compassion at his Masses , & processions . His eyes were still watering , sometimes streaming with teares , in so much that for weeping he seemed another Heraclitus He was a good Pope , a good man , a good Prelate , a good Prince . And as for the Lutheranes in Germany Relation . n 45. they like the Religion of Catholiks so well , that both the Clergy and Layty , openly protest they will rather returne to the Roman Church , then ioyne with the Sacramentary and predestinary pestilence . The Puritans in this Nation , in their late Offer of Conference , preferre the Roman Church far before their Countrey Protestants . Of the Protestants there will be as little question . And in particular M. Iacob writeth thus . The Bishops M. Iacob . p. 73. of England when they deale with the Puritans must ioyne plainely with the Catholiks in their answers if they will maintayne themselues . So that we see in the iudgement of all , both Catholikes , Lutherans , Caluinists , Protestants , & Puritans , that to remayne in the Catholike Church , and to liue and dye in it , is the securest way to attayne to our chiefest good , and at last to receaue the promised reward of our endles happynes , ioy , and euerlasting saluation : the which is confirmed by no lesse a man then D. Luther himselfe , with whome we will end . That the Roman Church of God ( sayth he ) before al others is to be honored , there is no doubt . S. Peter , S. Paul , forty six Roman Bishops & so many hundred thousand Martyrs haue shed their bloud , & haue ouercome Hell & death , that it may euen be felt what a singular respect God hath to that Church . And if now , alas , the matter so goeth at Rome , as it were expedient it went better : yet neither is there , or can be so great cause , that a separation or departure be made . Heerehence those Protestants Offer of confer . pag. 16. which offered Conference , speaking of themselues say . That if the ministers ( to wit the Puritanes ) be in errour , they protest to all the world , that the Pope and the Church of Rome ( and in them God & Christ Iesus himselfe ) haue had great wrong and indignity offered vnto them : in that they are reiected , and that all the Protestant Churches are Schismaticall , in forsaking vnity and communion with them . And a little before , speaking of some position among them , offered then to be disputed , they write in plaine tearmes , how diuers of the positions are such , that if the Offer of confer . pag. 11. ministers should not constantly hould & mainraine the same against all men , they cannot see how possibly , by the Rules of diuinity the separation of our Churches from the Church of Rome , and from the Pope , the supreme head therof , can be iustified .

But now if in the Church of Rome there be true Christianity and Sanctity , yea and the very kernell of Christianity : if she be the Temple and Sanctuary of God , in the which remaynet his Couenant inuiolable and all diuine things . If she be the spouse of Christ , the family of Iesus Christ , and the mother Church conteyning all things necessary to saluation . If she be the Church in which our Ancestours liued and were saued : if she continued alwayes adorned with all kind of Christian good : Enobled with most learned , iust & godly persons ; fraught with all kind of good workes , of Miracles , piety & deuotion ; & if she hath bred more Kings and Queenes Saints then were euer of of those tytles Protestants in all the Christian world : and if now to conclude ●●re neyther is , nor can be any sufficient cause wy●●● should separate themselues from that Church . If all ▪ his be true , as Protestants themselues haue now in this Grand-Iury acknowledged and confessed : I do not doubt , but euery one may see & perceaue , that whosoeuer liueth a true member of that Church , and striueth to goe forward in all kind of vertue , may not only be saued , but ariue also to that degree of holines & perfection , as to become a blessed soule on earth , and there aboue to be crowned a thrice happy & most glorious Saint in heauen . Out of which we may inferre , that whosoeuer are members of this Church , in the which only sanctity and saluation is to be had , as our Aduersaries themselues confesse , ●ught to auoyde most carefully all such wicked and diabolicall suggestions , as the enemy of man , by what Minister soeuer , may put into their heads , to ioyne themselues to any other congregation : especially seing according to M. Caluin , out of her lappe ( to wit Caluin . l. 4. instit . c. 2. n. 4. the visible Church ) no remission of sins or saluation at all is to be hoped : for the Lord doth mak so great account of the communion of his Church Caluin . n. 10. For Germany D ▪ Field sayth , that Luther & the rest of his Religion , were baptized , receaued their Christianity , ordination and power of ministery in that Church ( to wit of Rome ) as the true v●sible and appa●ā● Church of Christ . D. Field pag. 71. D. Couell in defence of Hooker p 7● . For France . Caluin l. 4 instit . §. 2. l. 4. We ( saith he ) haue departed from their Romish Church . For England the Apologer pag 188. con●esseth no lesse saying : we haue indeed gone from the Pope , we haue sh●ken of the yoake of the Bishop of Rome . as he shal be held a trayterous turne-coate , saith M. Caluin , and a forsaker of his Religion , whosoeuer disobediently alienates himself from that Christian Society . Whence it followeth that a departing from the Church is a denying of God & Christ , & therfore so much the more must we beware of such kind of separation or breach of fayth . Seing , neyther can there be a more heynous crime imagined , then with sacrilegious disloialty , to violate that wedlocke which the only begotten Sonne of God hath contracted with vs . So far ▪ M. Caluin .

Pardon vs therfore ( good M. Parson , ) if we willingly and constantly remayne where we are , without being any thing moued with your trifles & toyes , confuted elsewhere , to change our fayth & profession which we haue been taught alwayes in the true Catholike Church . And if you haue any care of the chiefest good of your soules saluation , make hast to repayre to vs with your miserable seduced flocke , or otherwise reflect seriously vpon this terrible sentence of S. Fulgentius , who sayth . Belieue assuredly and doubt nothing , that euery Heretike or Schismaticke , christened in the name of the Father , and of the Sonne , & of the Holy Ghost , if he not within the number of those which are of the Catholike Church , what Almes soeuer he hath made , albeit he shall shed his bloud for the name Christ , can by no meanes be saued . For neyther Baptisme , nor large and charitable Almes , nor death it selfe , suffered for Christs sake , will auayle S. Fulgent . lib. de fide ad Petrum . that man who doth not hold the vnity of the Catholike Church , as long as his Hereticall or Schismaticall wickednes , which leadeth to perdition , shall continue in him .

A Note of fifty Kings & Queenes of Great Britany , accounted Saints , & their Memories celebrated for such , by our Catholike Forefathers ; and this by the testimony of Protestants themselues . S. Lucius King of Britany & Martyr . He liued about Nauclerus gen. 6. Petr. de Natal . l. 1. c. ●4 . the yeare of Chris● 192. Stow & Holinshed in Chron. Cambden . in Brit. S. Clintācus King of Brecknocke in Wales & Martyr . Capgrau . in catal . Capgrau ▪ in catal . About anno 300. Cambd. in Brit. S. Wistan King in Wales and Martyr . About anno 400. Cambd. in Brit. S. Ethelbert King of Kent Confessour . About anno 615. Stow Holinsh. & omnes . Bed . l. 1. hist. S. Edwin King of Northumberland & Martyr . Anno Bed . l. 2. Hist. 634. Stow. Cambd. S. Oswald King of Northumberland & Martyr . Anno Bed . 3. hist. Bed . l. 3. c. 24. hist. Bed . l. 3. hist. c. 18. Bed . l. 4. c. 11. Bed . l. 5. c. 7. Bed . l. 5. Ingulp & alij . Abb. Floriac . 645. Stow. Cambd. Holinsh. & omnes in Chron. S. Oswine King of Deiri , vnder the Northumbers , Martyr . Anno 651. Stow. Cambd. Holinsh. S. Sigebert King of the East-Angles & Martyr . Anno 652. Stow. Holinshed &c. S. Sebb●s King of the East-saxons Confessour . Anno 675. Stow. Holinsh. &c. S. Ceadwall King of the West-saxons Confessour , Anno 689. Stow. Holinsh. &c. S. Ethelred King of the Mercians Confessour . Anno Mar. Scot. Wion . 710. Stow. Holinsh. Cooper . S. Alfred King of Northumberland Confessour , Anno Pol. Virg. Math. West . Malmesb. 720. Stow. Holinsh. Cooper . S. Inas King of the West-saxons Cōnfessour Anno 727. Stow. Cambden . Holinshed . ● . Ceolnulph King of Northumberland Confessour . Bed . l. ● . c. 9. Westmon . Sur. tom . 1. Wion . Epit. Bed . Pol. Virg. Westmon . Pol. Virgil. Io. Capgrau . Molan . Vincent . in spec. Mart. Rom. & alij . Malmesb. l. 1. de Reg. Ba●on . tom. 10. Annal. Malmesb. Westm. Abbo . Flor. Petr. in Catal. Mar. Scot. Abb. Flor. in Histor. Io. les●aeus hist. Scot. ●ol . Virg. l. 6. Sur. in vita . Mart. Rom. Sur. & alij . Hect. l. 12. hist. Scot. Leslaeus & alij . Pol virg. Harpesfield in hist. Registr. Ecc. Windesor . Anno 737. Stow. Cooper & alij recent . S. Richard King of Kent Confessour . Anno 750. Camb. Brit. S. Egbert King of Northumberland Confessour , Anno 768. Stow. Cambd. S. Ethelbert King of the east Angles Martyr , Anno 793. Cambd. in his Brit. Hereford . S. Fremund King of the Mercians Martyr , Anno 796. Stow. Cambd. S. Kenelmus King of the Mercians Martyr , Anno 821. Cambd. Stow. Holinsh. S. Ethelwold King of the Northumbers & Martyr Anno 790. Cambd. Stow. Holinsh. S. Ethelnulph King of the West-saxons Confessour , Anno 857. Stow. Holinsh. S. Edmund King of Northumberland Martyr , 870. Cambd. Brit. in Suffolke . Stow , & omnes . S. Ethelred King of the West-saxons Martyr . Anno 872. Stow. Holinsh. S. Alfred King of the West-saxons Confessour , An. 899. Cambd. Stow , & omnes . S. Duffus King of Scotland & Martyr . Anno 972. Cambd. Brit. in Murray . S. Edgar Monarke of England Confessour , Anno 975. Stow. Holinsh. & omnes . S. Edward King of the West-saxons Martyr , Anno 978. Stow. Cambd. & omnes . S. Edward the Confessour K. of England , Anno 1069. Cambd. Stow , Holinsh. S. Malcolme King of Sco●land Confessor , Anno 1092. Cambd ▪ Stow & omnes . B. Henry the sixt of England , at whose body in Winde●ore , very many miracles byn haue wrought . Anno 1479. Stow. Holinsh. Cambd. in Surrey .

Queenes . Niceph. Socr. Mart. Rom. In vita S. Edwini Reg. Matth. Westmon . Pol. Vir. Vincent . in spec. Wion . l. 4 ligni vitae . Beda . l. 4. Tritem . de vit. Illustr. Mart. Rom. Bed . l. 4. Westmon . anno . 640. Bed . l. 4. c. 26. Wion . l. 4. ligni vitae . Bed . l. 4. c. 23. Wion . & alij . Tit. de vir . illust. Pol. Virg. Capgr . Pol. Virg. Hereb . de fastis . Sanct. Ethelwerdus in Chron. Matth. West . an. 904. & an ▪ 901. & 92● . Wion in ligvi●ae . S. Helen Empresse borne at Colchester . She liued about Anno 320. Cambd. in Britan. in Essex Stow. & omnes . S. Ethelburge Queene of Northumberland . Anno 647. Cambd. Stow. &c. S. Ermenburge Queene of the Mercians . Anno 654. Stow. Cambd. & alij . S. Chinneburge Queene of the West-saxons . Anno 670. Cambd. Chron. Brit. S. Ermenild Queene of the Mercians . Anno. 678. Stow. Cambd. S. Audry Queene of Northumberland . Anno 680. Cambd. Brit. in Cambridgshire . S. Sexburge Queene of Kent . Anno 686. Stow. Cambd. in Brit. & alij . S. Eanflede Queene of Northumberland . Anno 690. Cambd. Brit. Stow. in Cronic . S. Hereswide Queene of Eastangles . Anno 690. Cambd. Brit. Holinshed & alij . S. Edilburge Queene of West-saxons . Anno 840. Stow. Holinsh. & alij . S. Osith ▪ Queene of the Eastangles . Anno 870. Cambd. in Brit. in Essex . & alij omnes . S. Eue Queene of the Mercians . Anno 878. Cambd. in Brit. in Glocest. S. Ethelwide Queene of the West-saxons Anno 904. Stow. Cambd. Holinsh. S. Eadgith Queene of Northumberland . Anno 926. Camb. Brit. Howes . S. Algiue Queene , Mother to King Edgar . Anno 964. Matth. west . anno 943. 955. 974. Pol. Vir. Ranulph . Cicestr . hist. Angl. Hist. Scot. excus Frankford l. 7. West . & Paris . an. 1067. Abb. Flor. in eius vita . Mar. Rom Surius & omnes . Matth. West . & Paris . Sur. in act. S. Margar. Concert . Eccl. Angl. Didac . de Yepes Ep. Taraconens . Histor. de schis . Anglic. Camb. Brit. Stow. Holinsh. S. Wilfride Queene , Wife to King Edgar . Anno 987. Camb. Brit. Stow. Holinshed . S. Agatha Queene , wife to K. Edward the Out-law . Anno 1072. Camb. Brit. Stow. & alj . S. Margaret Queene of Scotland . Anno. 1092. Cambd. in Scotland . Stow. & omnes . S. Maude Queene of England . An. 1118. Camb. Stow. Holinshed . B. Mary Stewart Queene of Scotland . Anno 1587. Camb. in Britan. & in his Elizabetha fusiùs . D. Willet in his Antilog . of the Engl. Protest . to the King , where he wonderfully extolls her for Holines , and truth of Religion .

Besides these , there are numbred aboue 500. Men & Women , of the Kings , Children , and Bloud Royall of our Iland , that haue in ancient Catholike tymes dedicated themselues to God , in holy Religion : & this by the testimony of our owne Protestant writers .

FINIS .