The copie of a letter vvritten by M. Doctor Allen: concerning the yeelding vp of the citie of Dauentrie vnto his Catholike Maiestie, by Sir VVilliam Stanley knight. VVherin is shevved both hovve lavvful, honorable and necessarie that action vvas; and also that al others, especiallie those of the English nation that detayne anie tovvnes, or other places, in the lovve countries from the King Catholike are bound, vpon paine of damnation, to do the like. Before vvhich is also prefixed a gentlemans letter, that gaue occasion, of this discourse.

THE ANSWERE OF M. DOCTOR ALLEN TO THE FORMER LETTER .

HONORABLE good Sir , Your letters came with good speede , and in season , hauing at this present readie meanes to returne answere , and yet time ynough to waighe wel the matter of question you moue vnto me . Into the more particular consideration wherof , I wil enter the rather at your request : though otherwise by the dutie of my priesthoode , and profession , I compt my selfe bound to serue my christian countriemen , in al such things , as may any way perteine to their saluation . For you must not thinck , that I am so restrayned to studentes matters , though that be my special trade , and charge , that I haue no care of so manie worthie men of your vocation , whom with hart , prayers , and penne , I doe most willinglie serue knowing that state of life to be necessarie for the common wealth , godlie , honorable , and especiallie appointed by God , for defense of Iustice , and Religion . Manie souldiars great , Sainctes and Martyrs . Out of which order the Church of Christ celebrateth sun drie , for high Sainctes : and whole legions haue benne , for their constancie in faith , martyred at once . Manie in the holie Scriptures , for singular deuotion towardes Christs person , and special promptnes to receiue the faith , by the Apostles preaching , by name commended . And remembring in S. Lukes narration , Act. 10. of the holie Capitaine Cornelius , and of one of his souldiars , whom the Euangelist nameth : militem met uentem Dominum , à souldiar fearing God , it easely brought me to conceiue , that sundrie of your bande , in whose behalfe you propose the doubt , haue the feare of God , before their eyes : which is à peerlesse prayse , in such as folowe art militare : and that the whole companie is not farre from the kingdome of God , that haue such regarde , of their conscience , and good name .

To come then to your purpose , though I haue alreadie , by my letters to Sir William , geuen myn opinion , I wil yeat for better clearing the cause , set here downe , my minde more largely , and distinctly .

Rendering vp of townes , Wrongfully holden , to be necessaire . Therfore first I say , that the rendering vp of such townes , and places of the lowe countries as be in anie English mennes custodie , is not onlie lawful , but necessarie to be done , vnder paine of mortal sinne , and damnation . The cause is , for that euerie thing wrongfully obtayned , and vniustly detayned from the true owneres , whether they be , by fraude , or violence come by , according to al diuine , and humane lawes , and by the very rule of nature , ought to be restored to them , to whom they duly pertayne . Restitution of thinges wrongfully detayned , necessarie in al Warres , iust or vniust . Which thing as it is euident in al other negotiation of mannes life , wherin no man may lawfully detayne other mens goodes : so the olde holie fathers , and al the latter schoole Doctors agreably to the Scriptures , and the ciuil and canon lawes , determine restitution to be specially necessarie , of al thinges wrongfully obtayned in warres : whether the warres be lawful , or vnlawful . For warres being nothing els but an act of vindicatiue iustice , must , as much as is possible , be in al pointes , voide of iniurie , and iniustice .

Against which when anie thing is committed , either by the Prince that causeth the warre , or the souldiars that are executioners of his wil , and sentence , both the one and the other , are bound to make recompence , and restitution according to the measure and maner , of the iniuries done . And this I say , euen in lawful warres , or such as to the common people may be , vpon their Princes credit , so deemed . Where , though they may offend the enimie in life , goodes , libertie , and otherwise as farre and in such sorte , as the lawe of armes permitteth , and prescribeth : yeat what so euer is done against militare discipline , and iustice , is sinne , & punishable by Gods lawes .

But where the warre is wholy , In Warres plainly vniust , recompence and restitution is to be made of al damage : and of al things vniustly detayned . and plainlie vnlawful , denounced , and waged without iust cause , yea euidently against right and reason , and so knowne to be to men of vnderstanding , and to the soldiars them selues : in that case the Prince that published the warre doth principally , and most damnably offend : then euerie one that serueth in those warres , doth sinne mortally : and al and euerie one bound to satisfaction , and restitution , for what soeuer anoyance is done , by the said vnlawful armes , to the Prince , and people , to whom the iniurie is done . Neither doth the Souereignes authoritie , and commandement excuse the souldiars , or subiectes , who can not in conscience , nor may not , be executors by their seruice , of the Princes knowne iniquitie . Owing euer obedience to God more then to any man : though where the iniustice of the warres were not so assuredly knowne to the subiectes , they might vpon their Princes warrant , and commandement serue in the same .

The English warres proued to be vniust both by land and by sea . But nowe that the warres of the lowe countries , on the English part be most vniust , not only such as be in conscience Catholike ( for other causes which afterward I wil rehearse ) doe most certainly see : but euen those also which are not wel instructed in Religion , endued only with good nature , reason , and ciuil honestie , must heedes confesse . Wherby it wil be plaine , that neither the one sorte of conscience , nor the other of moral iustice , can lawfully serue in the said warres . Lib. Etym. 28. c. 1. Causa 23. Quest. ● . The warre is iust , saith Cicero in his bookes de . De Republica : as Isiodorus citeth it , which is denounced for recompence , or reuenge of iniuries , and anoyance , or for defence against enimies .

1. The Quene of England , as al the wourld knoweth , can make no iust claime to Holland , Zeland , or any other of those partes , which by armes , she hath seazed on : al those prouinces being confessed , to be his Catholike Maiesties auncient , and vndoubtful inhaeritance : therfore that way , she can haue no pretence , to inuade those countries . 2. The defence of the kings rebelles , against their most iust Lord , and Soueraigne , is no lawful , nor honorable quarel of warres : neither haue the said Traytoures , and rebelles any authoritie , to yeeld vp their Soueraignes townes , and portes into his enimies handes , or them selues to the English protection , or subiection . 3. Rebelles against their lawful powers , be not properly the confoederates or Socij , of anie Prince , or common-wealth , that for their defence armes may be taken .

4. The kinges Maiestie hath done to the Quene , or her realme , no such iniuries , for redresse , or reuenge wherof , she should by hostilitie , enter into his Domnions , and surprise his townes , and castles , and bring his people into her subiection . Neither these causes , nor any other pretenses being sufficient to make her warre lawful , but al plaine proofes , of most vniust quarel , it must needes be euident to eche reasonable man , of what sense in Religion so euer he be , folowing only moral vertue , and the lawe of nature , and nations that as wel this warre by land in the lowe countries , as that other by seas , be nothing elles but à publike robberie , and pyracie . In both which not only the Prince , or her principal ministers , my lord of Lecester , and Sir Francis Drake , but al other that serue , in either of the said armies , or any such like , offend God damnably , and are bound to restore , to the King Catholike , and his people , al that euer they haue , or shal by this vniust violence , extorte from them .

It is not the pretence of the Quenes counsel , or realmes publike allowing , or permitting these things , that can excuse them before God , or man , either in conscience , or honour . For iniustice done by publike pretended authoritie , is more shameful , then that , which is done by priuate offenders . S. Augustin affirming , that whole Kingdomes , when they agree vpon open iniquitie , are nothing els , but à great larondge , that is , a brotherhoode of theeues , concurring and conspiring in common robberie , Li. 4. Ciuit. Ca. 4. Quid sunt regna ( saith he ) remota iustitia , nisi magna latrocinia ?

I remember , two of the best learned Diuines in Louaine , being demaunded , of the lawfulnes , The iudgement of the Diuines of Louaine concerning the like warres . of the Duke of Alinsones late like actions , in those countries , & of the obligation of that oth , which he caused the people to make , against their Lord & Maister , to him , answered : and put forth their answere in print , that warre to be wholy vnlawful , & al othes , & promisses made to him , to be of them selues vnjust & not to bind any man either in honour , or conscience .

And yeat that Prince , might perchance seme to haue some better pretence , vpon I can not tel what old interest , that Fraunce chalengeth in Flaunders , & other those Prouinces , which once were vnited , and ioyned with Fraunce : and of some hope he had , and gaue to many , to reduce those countries to libertie , at least of Catholike conscience againe . But this English action , hath no apparance of iustice , or aequitie in the worlde . And therfore to any gentleman , or souldiar , that standeth vpon his honour ( as that state of men , of al others , haue most reason to doe ) it must needes be à great disgrace , to serue in such publike robberies , either by sea , or land . Which I say to al noble Capitaines , or souldiars , of what Religion soeuer they be , who may easely perceiue , by conference of our old English honorable denounced warres with these of our dayes . None other hauing benne waged by our countrie , these thirtie yeares almost , then in the cloke of amitie , to surprise the townes , & countries of their freindes , & confederates : and for the defence , or encouragement of detestable rebelles , against their lawful annointed Kinges .

They helpe the Scotish rebelles . As soone as the Scottes rebelled , against their Quene , the English ioyned their forces , to the vtter ruine , and destruction of both her , and her Dominion . They rebel against their Kinges in Fraunce : our English helpes , & armes were straight readie , to succour them , The French rebelles . and to seaze vpon the strong places , of that land , in their owen , or the rebelles behalfe . They rise in the lowe countries , and in other partes of the wourlde , The Flemish rebelles . against the iustest powre that can be : and immediatly ( as though our countrie were ordayned , to be the buckler of al rebellion , and iniustice , and an enimie of lawful Dominion , & Superioritie ) the Quene thincketh it honorable or needful , to protect the said rebelles , & to assayle with the wicked traitours , and seditious persons , the oldest , faithfullest , and greatest confoederate , that euer our realme had .

When therfore our English warres , that in other ages , were renoumed for iustice , fortitude , and foelicitie , are become to be infamous , & infortunate through the wourlde , as made for the patronage of rebellious , and seditious persons , & maintenance only of iniustice , and iniquitie : Who can not of very moral reason , and honestie perceiue , his good name , and honour to be stayned , by cooperation in such infamous actions ? & his soule to be in daunger of aeternal perdition , by following , and executing , other mennes most vnlawful , and barbarous desigmentes , to the disturbance of the quiet , and weal , of al christian nations . rownd about vs ? or thincketh it not à most glorious resolution , to reuolt to that side , with which al true honour , and iustice , & al conditions of lawful warres doe stand ? Of such I speake of our countrie men , in whom is yeat lieft some remorse of conscience , or respect of iustice , necessarie for humane societie : though by this euel times , & error of education , at home they be not wel instructed yeat in christian Religion , & vertue . For of others ( as I feare some such be , in the Atheisme , Atheistes of England vncapable of admonition . that our countrie is fallen into ) that haue put of al sense of ciuil iustice , honour , & honestie , togeather with the feare of God , and his iudgements in the next life , I can say nothing . In this sorte some such may be , not only among priuate poore souldiars , but of the counselers of our countries , that without respect , of either christian discipline , or olde heathen obseruation in this case , which was euer most sacred , thinke Regna esse occupantium , kingdomes to be rightly theirs that can catch them : and al their owne , they can either by Machiuilian shiftes , or violent armes obtayne : that regard not the ould honour , rule , and discipline of Chiualrie : that feare not the compt they haue to make , for the bloud of innocents , for sackages , spoyle , rapine , destructions , depopulations , and subuersion of whole kingdomes : that thinke it cause of warre good ynough to hinder their neighbours greatnes , and to disturbe other mennes quietnes , to procure their owne peace , and safetie . If either , ( I say ) our countrie , once of notable name , in martial iustice , or any of our souldiars , be come to this extremitie , to deale with such , either by humane , or Diuine lawes , were , * * To be madde with reason . Cum ratione insanire . As the Poete said .

And these haue only to make their prayer , in the morning dayly , as we haue heard , of a certaine holy theefe , in the bordes : Good Lord send me , to hurte many this day , and none to hurte me .

But nowe to come to those , This that foloweth specially to be noted of Catholike● , that in the campe be Catholikes , as I perceiue by you , Sir , and otherwise , that verie manie be in their hartes fully resolued , our forefathers faith to be only true , and that innumerable , at home in our countries , do dayly more and more perceiue , that these newe Sectes were but to make broyle , and garboyle in the wourlde , that in the vniuersal shuffle of things , poore lost companions might haue their partes , yea & other mennes partes too . To such therfore as be , by Gods special gift , Catholikly bent , it shal be an easier matter , to make cleare this point . For as they be more capable of reason , & more obseruant of ciuil iustice , and moral vertue : so they haue their consciences better informed , by the rules of Christian Religion , for gouernment of their actions , in al partes of life . Such may easely perceiue not only for the causes aforesaid , this warre , on th english side , to be vniust , and that the seruice in the same , is sinful , dishonorable , & obnoxious to restitution : but principally , for that it is waged , for defence of Haeresie , and Haeretikes , and for the euersion of the Catholike faith : that is to say , directly against God , and his holy Church .

The holy Prophet of God , that reprehended King Iosaphat , for geuing succourse ( of amitie only , & not of euel meaning in Religion ) to the wicked King Achab , sayng : Impio praebes auxilium , 2. Taralip . 19. Aug. lib. 2. contra Epist. Parmem . & ijs qui oderunt Dominum amicitia iungeris , idcirco iram Dei merebàris . Thou geuest ayde to the wicked & art confoederate with such as hate our Lord , therfore thou deseruedst Gods ire : What would he haue saide , or what may we deeme of our Princes confoederacies , only & alwayes , with Christ his enimies ? as with the Ghewes , Ghewes , Hugonots , & Caluinistes , in Flaunders , Fraunce , & Scotland , with most ample succourses continually yeelded to euerie of them , for destruction of christian Religion ? In wich not only vnlawful , but sacrilegious warres , al men of conscience must consider , that al Coronells , Capitaines , & souldiars , that in this case serue the Prince , and Haeretikes , are partakers of their iniquitie , cooperators with them in al their sinne , executors of the Haeretical Princes sentence , against their owne Catholike , and innocent bretheren : fautors , and defenders of Haeretikes : and so by the censure of holy Church , The ease of Catholikes that serue Haeretikes . incurre Excommunication : à most pitiful , and dangerous state , for à christian man to liue or dye in .

They must marke , what an infinite miserie it is , for à noble , and couragious hart ( as lightly those men of best seruice be ) that with their swoorde , and armes , the wicked only should be protected , & the innocent destroyed , Churches despoyled , Gods Priestes & seruantes murthered , the blessed Sacramentes profaned , yea euen the dread soueraigne holies , of Christs owne bodie & bloud . What death should not à true Catholike knight suffer , rather then for to see , such horrible wickednes committed ? Or to be in such base seruitude of Haeresie , & her dishonorable defenders , as with their owne handes , to be ministers of such sacrilegious impietie , and wich is yeat more pittiful , that one Catholike man should be brought , to destroy an other , that in fine euerie one may be the instrument , of his owne destruction ? In their ciuil gouuernment at home , they cause the Catholike iudge , to geue sentence of death , against the Priestes , whose innocencie they knowe , The policie , and practise of Haeretikes to make one Catholike , destroy another . & whose Religion in hart , they beleue to be true . They make one Catholike neighbour , to accuse an other , and one noble man to condemne an other . In their warres , they serue themselues of Catholikes : & by English Catholikes , they destroy Catholikes abrode : that forreine Catholikes being ouerthrowen , they may more easely , ouerthrowe their owne at home . Alas for my deare bretheren : alas for our desolate countrie : which no noble hart can nowe serue , either in Politike , or Martial matters , but vpon such detestable conditions , of assured damnation , and in fine to their owne vtter ruine also in this life .

Of al men in the world , A souldiar 〈…〉 had most need to be careful of his consciece . the souldiar should most specially attend to his conscience : and stand vpon good & sure groundes , for the iustice of the quarel , he hath in hand , being howerly more subiect to death , and daunger then any other kinde of men : and being assured , that if he dye , in any knowen euil cause , and namely in this fight against God , and defence of Haeretikes , he is doubtles to be damned for euer . As contrariewise , to dye in lawful warres , for defence of iustice , is euerful of hope . And for defence of true Religion , Souldiars dying in defence of true Religion are martyrs . & Gods honour , in most cases plaine martyrdome . Let no christian conscience therefore , excuse , or flatter it selfe , in this case , vpon the Princes commandement or the Superiors authoritie , or vpon the daunger of disobeyng the Quenes lawes : no mortal creature hauing lawful power to commaund , nor any subiect bound , or permitted to obey , in matter directly against God . In which case , à man must say to his Prince , with S. Augustin : Tu minaris carcerem , S. Aug. ser. 6. de verbis Domini . Deus Gehennam . Thou threatnest prison , God threatneth Hel. And as it is vndecent , for any Christian for feare of man , to offend God : so it is most disagreable to the manly courage , and constancie of a christian Catholike souldiar , for feare of death , or daunger what soeuer to enter in to so damnable , & dishonorable a seruice , or to fight , or die in à cause contrarie to his owne conscience . An other inconuenience in seruing of Haeretikes . Besides al this to serue in an haeretical cause , and vnder haeretical capitaines , catholikes are inforced , to heare continual blasphemies of al Sainctes , & Sacraments , & to be present at the wicked Sermons , & profane seruice , of the Haeretikes . Which is no lesse damnable , then it was in olde time , for such as serued the heathen Emperoures , to commit Idolatrie , by Sacrificing to Idoles . For refusing of which abomination , and in particular for disobeying the Emperoure Maximinus his commandement therin , the famous Coronel S. Mauritius , S. Maurice with his legion of sould●ars martyred . Eusebi lib. 8. cap. 3. & 4. with the legion of Thebs , sustayned most glorious martyrdome . As diuers others did vnder Iulian the Apostata , and the like . And many noble souldiars , for that they could not exercise their Christian vsages , partly were driuen to abandon their profession , in displeasure of their Princes , and partly were licensed to depart : as may appeare by à Decree , Can. 12. in the holy councel of Nice . Where it is forbidden to christian souldiars so licenced , to returne to those profane warres againe . For that is the meaning , when the Fathers vpon great spiritual paine commanded , that none should resumere cingulum militare , that is , put on the girdle militare againe , that for such à cause , had leift it once .

And surely if there were nothing els but this , that the Catholike souldiar being howrely in peril of death , can haue no Sacrament , nor Sacramental for his sinnes , nor any comfort of conscience , nor succour for his soule in the world , it must nedes be the most miserable condition that can be thought of . Nowe to be reliued of this deadlie calamitie , & distresse of conscience , after à man is once by errour , or misfortune entred into the same , there is no way , but to forsake that vniust , and irreligious cause , and to retire to that part , where à man may serue with iustice , honour , great rewarde in this life , and sure hope of saluation . And no doubt , but most happie be those Gentlemen , that haue this occasion , & commoditie offered them by God , to make amendes for their former errour , as wel by seruing of the Church , wich before they impugned , as by rendering vp the places , which they ( though not of malice , yeat ) by other mens vniust appointement , did from the true Lordes , and owners detayne .

Yea I say more to you ( Gentlemen ) seing you desire to knowe my meaning fully , in this point ,

Another cause wh●● the warres of the Quene be not lawful .

Bulla P●j quinti. an . 1569.

that as al actes of iustice within the realme , done by the Quenes authoritie , euer since she was , by publike sentence of the Church , and Sea Apostolike , declared an Haeretike , and an enimie of Gods Church , and for the same , by name excommunicated , & deposed from al regal dignitie : as ( I say ) euer sithence * * an. 157● . the publication therof , al is voide , by the lawe of God , and man : so likewise no warre can be lawfully denounced , or waged by her , though otherwise in it selfe , it were most iust . An excommunicate person cannot lawfully denounce warres . Because that is the first condition , that is required in iust warre , that it be by one denounced , that hath lawful , and supreme powre to doe the same : as no excommunicate person hath : especially if he be withal deposed , from his Regal dignitie , by Christ his owne vicare , which is the supreme powre in earth . And al subiectes are not only absolued ,

Subiect . 1 ought not to on●y an Excommunicate Prince .

Causa 15. quest. 6.

& discharged of their seruice , oth , homage , & obedience : but specially forbidde to serue , or obey any such canonically condemned person . Nos ( sayth Gregorie the seuenth ) Sanctorum Praedecessorum nostrorum Statuta tenentes , eos qui excommunicatis , fidelitate aut Sacramento , constricti sunt , Apostolica authoritate à sacramento absoluimus , & ne eis fidelitatem obseruent , omnibus modis prohibemus . that is : wee according to our Praedecessors Decrees , do assoyle , and discharge al them , that by obligation of oth , or fidelitie , are bound to persones excommunicate : and that they doe not obey such , we do expresly forbid . And for their discharge especially , that serue in such warres , there is an expresse Canon of Vrbanus the second : Vbi supra . Iuratos milites Hugoni Comiti , ne ipsi , quandiu excommunicatus est , seruiant , prohibeto : qui si sacramentum pratenderint , moneantur , oportere Deo magis seruire quam hominibus . Fidelitatem enim quam Christiano principi iurarunt , Deo eiusque Sanctis aduersanti , & eorum praecepta calcanti , nulla cohibentur authoritate , persoluere Which is thus in oure toung : Geue order , that the sworne souldiars of Countie Hughe , serue him not so long as he stadeth excommunicate : And if they praetend their former oth , made vnto him , admonish them , that God is to be serued , before men . For , that oth , which they made to him then , when he was à Christian Prince , is not nowe to be kept towardes him , being an enimie to God , & his Sainctes , & à breaker , & contemner , of their commaundementes These fewe , as I might doe much more , I alleadge , that you may see , the sense of the Catholike Church , which to you , that be the children of the same , wil be à ful warrant , for al your actions , & à guide for al Gentlemen , & persons , of rightly informed consciences , howe to behaue them selues , when not only the warres are for Religion , but when any excommunicate , or canonically condemned Prince , is one partie . Whom no man by lawe can serue , nor geue ayde vnto , but he falleth into Excommunication . And therfore when S. Augustin writeth , that sometimes it falleth out , Lib. 12. con . Faust . cap. 74. & 75. that à iust man , may serue à wicked , & sacrilegious King in the warres , for obedience to his superiour , so that nothing be commaunded him plainly against Gods praeceptes : especial exception is made , Causa . 23. quest. 1. in Kinges excommunicated . Who differ in this case , in respect of seruice , & obedience of their subiectes , and are in à woorse Praedicament , then any either heathen , or vniust Prince , or Potentate who so euer : yea then Iuliane the Apostata him selfe : whom to serue in iust warres , & causes , Christian souldiars were not by the Church , then prohibited : Causa . 11. quest. 3. ca. Iulianus . but only were as wel by the lawe of God , as the Church forbidden to serue him , in any warre or woorke , against Christ , and Christians , or when he went about to destroy the true Religion . But where , for defection from the faith , or other enormities not tolerable , the sentence of Excommunication , & Deposition is also adioyned , there can neither be lawful warres , nor any dutie of seruice in the same allowable . Howe heynous a crime it is for ae Prince to fal from the Church of God . So great à crime it is in à Prince , that is exalted by God , to administer iustice , to defend Christs Church , & the faithful people therof , and taketh à solemne corporal oth , at his coronation , by his woorde & might , to obserue , & maintayne , the lawes & priuilegies of holy Church , & al praerogatiues , graunted by his praedecessours , to the same , and to honour the Bisshoppes , & Clergie of his realme : afterward neglecting his oth , promise , and vocation , to bend al his powre , to destroy Gods Religion , Church , & Priestes , & become an enimie to al humane societie . This then being the miserable condition of such Princes , as be cutt of by the Churches Censures , from the felowshippe of the faithful : you may see what à dishonorable thing it is , for men of honour , or honestie , to striue by armes , for the vpholding of them , whom God by his iust iudgementes , & the Churches sentence doth pul downe . And therwith perceiue , that those that breake with God , can not claime any bonde of oth , or fidelitie of them , that were their subiectes . And least of al , of christian Knightes , & Gentlemen of armes : The dutie of a christian Knight . the principal institution , and profession , of al such noble orders being , for defence of the true Catholike , & Apostolike faith , and to be sworne aduersaries , and persecutors of Gods enimies : the Crosse and Cognissaunce they weare protesting the same . Liberius Epist. 1. ad Athanasium . As contrariewise , no Haeretike can be à lawful souldiar , but by the imperial and canon lawes , is to be degarded , of militare dignitie , & armes , and to be spoyled of his militare girdle , Haeresie maketh à man infamous , and vncapable of al degree , and dignitie . as they then spake . For Haeresie maketh à man , by al christian lawes , infamous , and voideth him of al degrees , and titles of honour , among which militare order is , & of olde time was so great , that euery man of armes , was capable of the Imperial souereigntie . Therfore as in yeelding vp , the places vniustly possessed , you did an act of restitution , & iustice : so ( Gentlemen ) in forsaking the warres of the other side , for so many respectes , as I haue saide , dishonorable , vnlawful , & damnable , you haue done doubtlesse agreably to your christian knighthood , & an act much renowmed in al these partes , of the best & wisest , of al degrees .

And the same that you haue done , al other of honour , conscience , and Religion , of our countrie , are bound to doe : as wel in this warre , as in al other , which either at home , or abrode , is waged for , or against Religion . 1. R●● . 16. & sequent . After King Saul was by God , and the Prophets sentence , as it were , excommunicated , and deposed , it was no fault for Dauid , or others , either of the Priestes , or people , to reuolt from him : nor for the worthie Capitaine Abner , to reuolt from Saules sonne , that claimed the Kingdome , by the pretended right of his father : nor for any other Capitaines , or souldiars of Saules side , nowe deposed , to render vp al they had in their gouernments , to King Dauid , and his posteriposteritie . It was no crime , but great commendation for Ioiada the high Priest , 4. Reg. 11. ● . Reg. 1● . & 4. Reg ● to reuolt from the vsurping Quene Athalia : nor for others to do the same , against wicked King Achab , and cursed Iesabel , nor to see , permit , and proue them , for their impietie condignly punished : wherunto the very Priestes , and Prophetes of God , did by counsel , and encouragement , cooperate . In which case , we may see , for our instruction , not only townes vniustly detayned , to be restored , to the true Lordes , but an impious Kings owne countries also , & cities lawfully by reuolt of the people , yeelded vp to other mennes handes . 2. Paralip. 21.4 . Reg. 8. As the Scriptures do recorde of the countries and cities of Edom , and Lobna : Which reuolted from King Ioram , and from the Dominion of Iuda , for euer , yeelding this cause therof : Dereliquer at enim Deum patrum suorum . For ( saith the holie storie ) he had forsaken the God of his fore-fathers . To forsake them , that forsake God , is most lawful , honorable , & necessaire . As contrariewise to serue and defend them , whom God by the sentence of his high Priest , & Tribunal in earth , hath pulled downe , & wil haue punished , is to fight against God , and to resist his ordinaunce .

Examples of our owne countries .

King Iohn forsaken .

And I pray you , Gentlemen , ( to geue you domestical examples , ) what disgrace , or shame was it , for al the chiefe Lordes of our countrie , to reuolt from King Iohn , in his dayes ? & absolutly to denie him ayde , & assistence , euen in his lawful warres , vntil he returned againe to the obedience of the Sea Apostolike , and were absolued from the Censures of the same , which he had iustly incurred ? Or for the English Nobilitie , & specially for the renowmed Stanley , one of this Sir William his house , Richard the third lawfully forsaken . and name , to reuolt from King Richard the Tyrant , and to yeeld him selfe , and his charge , to Henrie the seuenth ? what dishonour was it , for the Nobilitie of England , Iane the vsuper forsaken . in our memories , to forsake Iane the pretended Quene : & Northumberland , the father of him , whom nowe you haue forsaken , & to yeeld the Towre committed to their custodie , and them selues , to the lawful , and most Religious Quene Marie ? Notwithstanding what vniust bandes of oth , or promisse soeuer they had made , of feare & pusilanimitie , to the said vsurper , & Haeretical Quene before ? In al these , & the like , there is neither sinne , nor shame , nor scandal committed . For that to reuolt , is of it selfe , lawful or vnlawful , honorable or otherwise , according to the iustice , or iniustice of the cause , or difference of the person , from or to whom , the reuolt is made . Wherin , when the right from the wrong is euident , & in the Capitaines , or souldiars conscience , & in al godlie mens sight cleare , & vndoubted , there nedeth no more discussing of the matter .

To conclude breifly . In these warres , Howe Catholiques should enforme their con●●●rn●●s for the iustice of the warres . & al others , that may at any time fal for Religion , against Haeretikes , or other Infidels , euerie Catholike man , is bound in conscience , to enforme him selfe , for the iustice of the cause . The which when it is doubtful , or toucheth Religion ( as is said ) he ought to imploy his person , & forces , by direction of such , as are vertuous , and intelligent in such cases : but specially by the general Pastour of our soules , A necessari● and à sure rule . being Christes vicare in earth . Whose soueraigne authoritie , & wisdome , deriued from Christ him selfe , may best instruct , and warrant à christian souldiar , howe farre , when , and where , either at home , or abrode , in ciuil , or foraine warres , made against the enimies , or Rebelles of Gods Church , he may , and must breake with his temporal soueraigne , and obey God and his spiritual Superiour .

Againe ( Gentlemen ) by this your retiring your selues , from the seruice of Gods , Other commodities of retiring to the Kings seruice . and the churches enimies , you haue not only prouided wel , for your consciences , honour . & saluation : but also for the encrease of your knowledge , and experience in art militare , and of the exact order , & discipline to be obserued in the same , being nowe to serue , vnder so vertuous , valerous , fortunate , famous , The noble Duke of Parma . and victorious à General , as hath had fewe peers , in these latter ages . And in companie of so manie valiant , and expert Capitaines , and souldiars , of diuerse Nations , as no where in Europe , better can be founde . Which your selues ( my maisters ) may more easely consider , by comparing your late General , my Lord of Lecester , his vertues , & famous factes ( scilicet ) vnto the glorious exploytes , & victories , atchiued by the Duke of Parma his Highnesse . Or the disorder of the English irreligious , and licentious companies , to the religious discipline , of the Catholike campe . Betwen which , I doubt not , but you finde à meruelous difference , and shal do dayly , more and more , to your infinite contentment . Would to God , by your honorable example , A necessarie consideration . al others our deceiued countriemen , would begince to thinck earnestly , howe to discharge them selues of that dangerous , & infamous seruice of Haeretikes , and Rebelles , and render them selues , into this most iust , and godlie course , that you are happely entred into . Which they should the rather speedely resolue vpon , for that they can not be so ignorant , of the times lately past , or the present dayes , but they must nedes haue marked , howe God him selfe , fighteth for the iust causes , of his Catholike Maiestie , and generally for al Catholike Armies , against Haeretikes , God geueth the victorie euer to Catholikes . and Rebelles . Wise men haue noted , that though God for our sinnes hath suffered , and stil doth permit Haeretikes , to keepe great broiles , in al partes ( almost ) of the world , for à time : yeat he euer hath put them , in fine , to confusion : geuing the victorie , lightly in al battailes , and encounters , to the Catholikes . And that oftentimes very miraculously , defeating ( as in the warres of the Machabees , & els where in old time ) great numbers , with à very fewe , & for one Catholike , à thousand Haeretikes slaine : and many glorious victories obtained without any bloudshed .

For Luther , & Zwinglius his time , I referre you , to the recordes of Germanie , and Swizerland , which set downe the ouerthrowes of Haeretikes in the filde . The fightes in Fraunce , where the Catholikes , euer haue had also the victorie , be in al our memories meruelous . But of al others those of Flauders are most memorable . Where , Diuers vnbloudie victories , geuen to the King Catholike , in these warres . besides the conflictes at Grunning , Mock , Mounts , Rosandal , Zeriksea , Northorne , Amerone , Antwarpe , Luart , Gemblowe , & the like , in euery of which ( the Lord God of Hosts mercifully fighting for his owne cause , & the Catholike Kinges right ) verie few Catholikes , without any losse of men , in manner , slewe and defeated manie thousandes , of wel appointed souldiars : God hath destroyed al the Haeretikes partakers miraculously . the same most iust God of reuenge , hath notoriously put to rebuke and confusion , al such forrein Princes , and people , as came to ayde his enimies . And sometimes , by his iust iudgement , hath brought them to ruine , euen by those same Haeretikes , & Rebelles , that called for them , and for whose protection , they came into that countrie . As we haue seen both in the case of the Almaine , & French succourses . And the like lucke seemeth to approch vnto our English forces : except our Lord ( which I hartely pray for ) cal them from that vniust , and infamous seruice of Haeretikes . Who hauing the perpetual curse of Christ , & his holie Church , lying heauely vpon them , can no more escape speedie destruction , then others , who vnluckely haue folowed that side , haue done before them . Which I speake of charitie , loue , & compassion of my deare countriemen : being assured , that if they perish in bodie ( as it is to be feared , they shal do in that seruice ) they shal lose their soules also euerlastingly : & shal aeternally curse those , A necessarie admonit●on to ou● countriemen . that ledde them out of their countrie , to so certayne perdition . Let not the memorie , of the old English notorious battailles , and victories , which in old time were comparable to what prouinces , or peoples were most famous : nor the esteeme , either true , or partial , of their present streingth , & courage in England , make them obstinate , in so dangerous and doubtful state of thinges . Let them not flatter them selues , nor be abused by others : it goeth not wholy , nor principally , nor oftentimes at al , by the streingth , or might of mannes arme , if they were as they pretend : but God striketh the stroke , and geueth the victorie , according to his Diuine disposition , to the worthie , & to such , as serue him , put their trust in him , & confesse with the Prophet : Psalm 43. That . Nec in gladio suo possederunt terram : & brachium eorum non saluauit eos : sed dexteratua , & brachium tuum . Neither in their owne sworde haue they possessed the land : & their owne arme hath not saued them : but thy right hand , ( ô God ) & thy arme .

1. Reg. 25. When our Princes did Praeliari praelia Domini , Fight the sightes of our Lord ( As holie writte saith of Dauid , By what meanes our Princes became of old so victorious . being in armes against King Saul then depriued ) and their subiectes , & souldiars serued , & feared God , reuerenced his Priestes , had their confessours with them in campe , dayly heard Masse deuoutly , adored the Blessed Sacrament , called on Christ , & his holie Angels , and Sainctes , and the special Patrones of their persons , or countrie , for their defence , liued in martial discipline , order , & obedience , Luc. ● . religiously ( according to S. Iohn Baptistes rule , geuen to men of that condition ) abstayning from rape , and violence , towardes the innocent , combating only for their faith , or their countries right : them both amongst the Infidelles , & Heathen , & also among their Christian neighboures , their fightes were famous , thier conquestes glorious , and the English armes redoubted in al places .

But nowe hauing forsaken God , & God forsaken them : when they take no quarel in hand , but for the dishonorable defence of Rebelles , Pyrates , & Infidels : when their Princes are become , Socij furum , Isaia . 1. Ezech. 22. & quasi lupi rapientes praedam ▪ Companions of theeues , and rauenous woolues : and publike enimies of al true Kinges , and lawful Dominion : keeping fidelitie neither with Gòd , nor man : though they were as strong and valiant , as euer they were , & of prowder conceipt , of their owne courage , & cunning , then at this day , they pretend : yeat God wil confunde them , & such à feare wil be put into their hartes , that they shal flie , when no man persecuteth them , & à thousand shal runae away , before the face of one Catholike , that fighteth for Gods Church . These things ( my deare countriemen ) you haue either seene with your owne eyes , or by assured faithful testimonie of others , haue heard to haue fallen , in al these warres of Flaunders , & shal dayly proue it , by your owne experience , to be most true that no humane streingth , or desperation , can match God : & that it neuer fel wel with him , that opposeth him selfe to Christ , & his holie Church . To which Church , the Prophet playnly saith : Isaia . 60. Gens et regnum , quod tibi non seruierit , peribit . The Nation and Kingdome , that serueth not thee , shal perish .

Nowe in such euident , & imminent danger of destruction & death , as wel of bodie as soul , to al such as folowe these new English quarels , it were bootlesse to put you in mind , No aduauncement by English warres with the Haeretikes : but intolerable miseries . of the impossibilitie of aduauncement , by those warres , what so euer your successe be : your selues hauing dayly experience , of the intolerable distresles , both there & at home , & howe shamfully they which were the authors of such warres , & nowe are the chiefe leaders of the same , haue abused al sortes of our countriemen : enforcing manie à Gentleman , and substantial person , to serue of their owne charges , & to spoile them selues at home , in hope of their inriching abrode . Who nowe finding al things contrarie , to promise , & expectation , are so entangled , that they neither dare go● home , for feare of hanging , nor can wel endure these miseries abrode , for feare of dying shamfully , & miserably in forraine countries . Nothing being leift for their reliefe , indeed , in this perplexitie , but only to do that ( if they haue grace ) which you haue both wisely , godly , & honorably done : praeseruing your soules for life , & glorie euerlasting , & your persons , for the seruice of our Church , and countrie , in better times to come . In the meane while to occupie the fortitude and forces , Epist. 207. of your bodie , and minde ( which are Gods special gifts , as S. Augustin saith ) in the seruice of the Almightie : and of the greatast , & iustest Monarch in the world , vnder à General so peerles , who can , & wil , according to the worthines of your courage , condition , and qualities , advaunce you , & bestowe you in such places of seruice , where you may encrease in honour , and knowledge , and so be in time , when it shal please God to haue mercie of our desolare countrie , not only restorers of old militare vertue , and discipline in the same : but be notable helpers by the valerous arme of your Christian Knighthoode , to reduce our people , to the obedience of Christes Church : & deliuer our Catholike freindes , & brethren from the damnable , & vntolerable yoke of Haeresie , and her most impure leaders .

It is nowe some yeares agoe , sith à Gentlman , & Capitaine , of my name , wished , & ( to say the truth ) conferred earnestly with me about it , that as we had certaine Seminaries , and Colledges for praeseruation , or restitution of the Cleargie , when the time should come , to serue God , in our countrie : A Nourcerie 〈…〉 . so that there were some compainies of English souldiars also , to be trayned vp in Catholike , and old godly militare discipline , for the helpe of our said countrie , in that kind likewise . Which thing being honorably begune , by diuers Noblemen and Gentlemen before : so I trust , God hath brought to passe in you nowe , that it shal be finished , to the vniuersal comfort of vs al , and the great good , and hope of our Nation . For redressing the euils wherof , it is as lawful , godly , What merite it is to fight for the faith . & glorious for you to fight , as for vs Priestes to suffer , and to die . Either the one way , or thother , for defence of our fathers faith , is alwais in the sight of God , à most precious death , and martyrdome . And great comfort ( truly ) it is to me , and hope to our poore countries , that in this our desolation , our merciful Lord hath leift vs seed in both sortes : And that I may truly say to you , the wordes of S. Augustin , Epist. 207. to Countie Boniface : Alij pro vobis orando pugnant , contra inuisibiles inimicos : vos pro eis pugnatis , contra visibiles Barbaros . God ( saith he ) geueth his giftes diuersly : Others by praiers fight for you , against your inuisible enimies : and you sight for them , against visible Haeretikes , or ( as he speaketh ) against the Barbarous . The Priest and souldiar should concurre . So goodly à thing it is , for the Priest & souldiar to concurre , in the seruice of God , and their countrie , togeather .

But I forget my selfe , and am alreadie past the measure of à letter . Therfore I wil here make an end : & for the rest referre you to the good Priestes , to whom I haue geuen order in al things . And you shal finde them such , as for zeale , discretion , learning , and vertue , shal be agreable to your desire , and expectation . Whose holie laboures , and al your honorable endevours , I beseke Almightie God to blesse . Commending vnto you for à farewel , this goodlie sentence of the foresaid holie Doctor S. Augustin , worthie to be written in golden letters , Vbi supia . on euerie noble souldiars breast : Hoc primum cogita , quando armaris ad pu●nam , quia virtus tua etiam corporalis , donum Dei est : sic enim cogitabis , de dono Dei non facere contra Deum . that is : When soeuer thou art armed , & in readinesse for battayle , let this be thy first cogitation , that thy very corporal streingth it selfe , is the gift of God : wherby thou shalt stil be put in minde , neuer to vse the gift of God , against God him selfe , that gaue it thee . Fare you we● againe . And to commaund me in these matters , that pertaine to my profession , make no courtesie . For I am wholy yours , and al theirs , that serue the Catholike cause , & our countrie .

At Rome the 23. of April , 1587. Your freind and seruant in Christ : William Allen .