English protestants plea, and petition, for English preists [sic] and papists to the present court of Parlament, and all persecutors of them: diuided into two parts. In the first is proued by the learned protestants of England, that these preists and Catholicks, haue hitherto been vniustly persecuted, though they haue often and publickly offered soe much, as any Christians in conscience might doe. In the second part, is proued by the same protestants, that the same preistly sacrificinge function, acknowledgeing and practize of the same supreame spirituall iurisdiction of the apostolick see of Rome, and other Catholick doctrines, in the same sence wee now defend them, and for which wee ar at this present persecuted, continued and were practized in this Iland without interruption in al ages, from S. Peter the Apostle, to these our tymes. Broughton, Richard. This text is an enriched version of the TCP digital transcription A17013 of text S114391 in the English Short Title Catalog (STC 3895.5). Textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. The text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with MorphAdorner. The annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). Textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. This text has not been fully proofread Approx. 188 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 64 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. EarlyPrint Project Evanston,IL, Notre Dame, IN, St. Louis, MO 2018 A17013 STC 3895.5 ESTC S114391 99849616 99849616 14775 2240878098

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 Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 2, no. A17013) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 14775) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1475-1640 ; 785:16) English protestants plea, and petition, for English preists [sic] and papists to the present court of Parlament, and all persecutors of them: diuided into two parts. In the first is proued by the learned protestants of England, that these preists and Catholicks, haue hitherto been vniustly persecuted, though they haue often and publickly offered soe much, as any Christians in conscience might doe. In the second part, is proued by the same protestants, that the same preistly sacrificinge function, acknowledgeing and practize of the same supreame spirituall iurisdiction of the apostolick see of Rome, and other Catholick doctrines, in the same sence wee now defend them, and for which wee ar at this present persecuted, continued and were practized in this Iland without interruption in al ages, from S. Peter the Apostle, to these our tymes. Broughton, Richard. 1-96, 81-110 p. C. Boscard], [Saint-Omer : With permission, Anno 1621. By Richard Broughton. Place of publication and printer's name from STC. First part only--STC. Sheets A and B and the inner forme of C are in 2 settings; e.g. title page line 5 ends: "persecu-" or "perse-"; both at Bodleian. This copy ends "perse-"--STC. Running title reads: Protestants plea and petition for priests and papists. Identified as STC 10415 on UMI microfilm. Reproduction of the original in the British Library. eng Catholics -- England -- Early works to 1800. Persecution -- England -- Early works to 1800. eebo English protestants plea, and petition, for English preists [sic] and papists, to the present court of Parlament, and all persecutors of them: diuided Broughton, Richard 1621 128 33527 130 0 0 0 0 0 38.77 D The rate of 38.77 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the D category of texts with between 35 and 100 defects per 10,000 words. 2008-01 Assigned for keying and markup 2008-01 Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2011-01 Sampled and proofread 2011-01 Text and markup reviewed and edited 2011-06 Batch review (QC) and XML conversion

ENGLISH PROTESTANTS PLEA , AND PETITION , FOR ENGLISH PREISTS AND PAPISTS , TO THE present Court of Parlament , and all persecutors of them : diuided into two parts .

IN THE FIRST IS PROVED by the learned protestants of England , that these Preists and Catholicks , haue hitherto been vniustly persecuted , though they haue often and publickly offered soe much , as any Christians in conscience might doe .

IN THE SECOND PART , IS PROVED by the same protestants , that the same preistly sacrificinge function , acknowledgeing and practize of the same supreame spirituall Iurisdiction of the Apostolick See of Rome , and other Catholick doctrines , in the same sence wee now defend them , and for which wee ar at this present persecuted , continued and were practized in this Iland without interruption in al ages , from S. Peter the Apostle , to these our tymes .

Odio habuerunt me gratis .

They haue hated me without cause .

With permission , Anno 1621.

THE PREFACE TO AL INDIFFERENT AND EQVALL READERS .

RIght honorable and the rest , my dearest and moste beloued contrymen , kinred , and frends : I haue by the greate prouidence , protection and mercy of God liued now amongst you , a preist in persecution , little lesse then halfe the life of an aged man : That which remayneth , is cheife my debt by nature to dye , and make accompt to my highest Kinge , and Iudge , as of late our moste reuerend Arch-preist within these few weekes hath done : whoe ( as I interprete his letters ) bequeathed as a legacie to mee vnworthie , this chardge : To write , and publish to the world this ensueing treatise , which I name . The protestants Plea , and petition to the parlament for preists , and papists : ( soe many protestants please to stile Catholicks . If this chardge had not beene committed vnto mee by my soe honored and reuerend frend , yett hauinge beene soe longe a partaker of the miseries which english catholicks haue in these tymes endured , and beeing well acquainted with the proceedings of bothe sides , and knowing by certaine experience , that besides their sufferings to their immortall honor , their published bookes by diuers our learned preists haue soe conuinced the vnderstandings of our greatest aduersaries in all cheife questioned things . That noe protestant Bishop or other writer hath now after diuers yeares made any answeare at all vnto them : and of many former moste humble petitions of our learned preists and catholicks , both to our protestant princes , and parlaments , to haue audience in disputation with their best learned protestant Bishops & doctors , whether to thy could conuince vs as guiltie and worthie to bee persecuted , as we haue beene , which hither they would neuer graunt , but haue soe longe and greuously without any triall or condemnation , executed and persecuted vs in soe straunge a maner : and the present protestant rather puritane parlament , stormeth now more against vs , then the wisest of vs can see reasons to warrant them : I therefore for the honor of God , and reputation of his holy church and Religion , the loue of my country , and to performe my frends request , doe puplish this remembred worke to bee diuided into two parts , and eyther of them to bee inuincibly proued by the learned protestants of this kingdome . In the first , because the holy scripture soe describeth the dutie of well lyuing men : Declina à malo , & fac bonum , declyne from euill and to good : I am to proue by these remembred protestants , that the catholicks of England doe moste religiously decline from your Religion , and all participating therein , and their offers considered , the protestant state doth moste vniustly persecute them . In the second , to iustifie , that fac bonum , wee doe well , and therein performe the holy commande of God , in professing the catholicke Religion , the same with the church of Rome , shall bee demonstratiuely proued by these protestants , and the best Antiquities and monuments they haue of our first true Apostolick Religion , in these kingdomes of our present most honored soueraigne kinge Iames , that not onely those cheifest questions , for which wee ar soe persecuted , as namely holy preisthood , now treason , the sacrifice of the masse so punished and the spirituall power , and iurisdiction of the see Apostolicke , here nowe soe penall and contemptible , but if need require , all other controuersies betweene vs of substance , haue euer from the tyme of S. Peter the Apostle , in euery age , and hundred yeares , vntill these dayes beene practised and continued here , without interruption , in such sence , maner , & meaneinge , as wee catholicks of this kingdome with the church of Rome now doe professe . And here I entreate noe Religious order to take my Title , plea and petition for preists and papists , as any excluding of their holy labours , and deserts , which I embrace and reuerence : for although I will maintaine for them , that monasticall life in England is soe auntient , as the dayes of S. Ioseph of Aramathia , whoe brought it hither , and dyed here , with his holy company in that profession : yett I finde wee had both preists , and Bishops here , in , and of this nation , longe before that tyme , and many Catholick Christians of the same Religion wee now professe , and soe continued vntill this tyme without the least discontinuance or totall interruption ; which I dare not to affirme of our Religious men , ceasing for an hundred yeares after S. Iosephs death : and in the beginninge of Queene Elizabeths tyme for twenty yeares allmost together , fayled here , when many holy preists were laboureing here in this holy worke : and after some Religious men of the societie had come hither , they went and left vs alone for diuers yeares . Therfore to speake consequently ( which I must performe ) I must giue this happie prerogatiue to our reuerend preists , whoe neuer fayled or fainted in this cause and contry . They were the first conuerted this kingdome , and did neuer cease . They first tooke this quarrell in hand in the tyme of Q. Elizabeth , and onely were they , that neuer gaue it ouer . They are principally they , whoe in the catalogues of our holy writers of this tyme , ar stiled with that honor . They ar the spirituall fathers , and in Christ Iesus haue begotten , both the present Religious and other catholicks of this kingdome . They , whoe with their holy doctrine , and effusion of their sacred blood , for this moste glorious cause , haue aboue all others ( eight or more to one ) beene the continuall preachers and propugners of this true faith with vs . They ( whoe both in the presence and absence of all religious ) haue often offered and humbly sought , publick defence thereof by disputation against the best learned and selected protestant Bishops and Doctors of this nation . Therefore leauinge these peculiar honors vnto the Reuerend preists of England , I will with such inequallitie as I haue before proposed , maintaine for all preists , Religious , and all catholicks , that our holy preisthood , sacrifice of Masse , spirituall Romane iurisdiction , and the like were vsed and continued ●ere without chaunge , or intermission , in the same ●enure wherein Catholicks now professe them , from S. Peter to these dayes , by our protestant warrants and Antiquities . And soe I rest

Your most loueinge and well wishing contry man .
TO THE RIGHT HONORABLE Court of parlament : especially such as therein bee persecutors of Catholicks : and to all other such persecutors . A Breuiate of the vndoubted truthe of catholick Religion persecuted in England . Right honorable , and the rest .

THe penalties , and persecutions , which in these daies of Protestants , haue been heaped vpon , and prosecuted against the sacred preists , and renowned Catholicks of England , haue beene soe heauy , and greate by his Maiesties regall sentence , in publice parlament , that they moued him , to these words of commiseration . My mynde was euer free from persecution , or thrallinge my subiects in matters of conscience : I was soe far from encreasing their burdens with Roboham , as I haue soe much , as either tyme , occasion , or lawe could permitt , lightned them ▪ Your Courte well knoweth , what the case of Roboham was ( wee neede say noe more , and what other heauie burdens haue been since then heaped vpon vs ; And by your present assemblie now againe to bee inuented and added . in his publick speach in his 1. parlam .

You cannot possibly bee ignorant what an eminent man in your house , and companie , hath written of the opinion of the christian world , of these proceedings : The suffrings ( Syr Edwyne Sandes speaketh vnto you , in his booke of the relation of the state of Religion ) and martyrdomes of English catholicks in these times , ar accompted to the height of Neroes , and Dioclesians persecutions , and the suffrings on their side , both in meritts of cause , in extremitie of torments , and in constancie and patience , to the renowned martyrs of that heroicall church age . What Nero , and Dioclesian were , amonge the greatest tyrants , and persecutors , your place , and lawe-makers may not pleade ignorance ; neyther what the honor and glory of that moste sacred preisthood , sacrifice and Religions , which soe vehemently , and beyonde example , you persecute . If all catholicks would bee silent , your owne protestant Bishops and Antiquaries haue published in Theaters , & histories to the present world , and future posterities , that the very same were planted and embraced here , in the Apostles tyme , and were neuer chaunged in any materiall thinge , vntill your pretended reformation . Protest . Bishops in the Theater of Brit. l. 6. Holinsh. ●ist . of Engl. in Claud. Cambden in Britan. Godwyn Conuers . Parker . antiq. Brit. Grymston booke of Esta●es in Engl. Scotland , Ireland .

Yf wee appeale to kings and parlaments , ● whereon you builde , ) all the auncient parlaments , lawes , & liues of the kings of Scotland , ●ry out vnto vs , that after 80. Christian kings ●here , king Iames is the first , and onely pro●estant kinge . The parlaments , lawes , liues of kings , and histories of England , and Ireland doe publish vnto vs , that of all his primogeni●ors kings of these nations , hee alone is protestant kinge of them . Hee claymeth nothing from king Henry 8. Edward 6. or Q Elizabeth ●ee enioyeth , ( and longe and happily God graunt him to enioy it ) this Empire by a bet●er and truer right , then they could giue him . Hector Boeth . Vereca & alij hist. Scot. all English & ●rish hist. with their parlam . &c.

Your histories and the laste wills and testaments of those kings , ar witnesses against them and your Religion , that they laboured moste ●niustly against the lawe of God , and nature ●o suppresse the vnquestionable right of our soueraigne , and his holy mother . ( Edw. Howes preface historial in king Henr. 8. last will of king Henr. 8. ) All those lawes , parlaments and antiquities ar warrant , that from our first conuertion to Christ , wee had noe other Bishops , preists , ministers , or church seruice , which you call communion , but Romane catholicke Bishops , preists ( whom you make Traytors ) and sacrifice of masse , for the liuinge and the dead , now soe persecuted by you , vntill the second parlament of kinge Edward 6. a childe , moste childishly began this innouation . ( Parlament 2. Edw. 6. cap. ● . & an. 5. c. 1. Confer . at hampt . court . ) And in Scotland your ministry and communion deuised there by that Traytor to God , and prince , is of a yonger standinge , in the yeares 1560. and 1571. ( Commun . booke &c. of the kirke of Scotland by Iohn knoxe 9. of march . an. 1560. and 1571. ) Your protestant Antiquaries mustar vnto vs about 1000. approued classicall writers , in this kingdome that be renowned in the christian world ; whoe were such preists , said masse , preached and proued that Religion they tell vs of many thousand Bishops by continuall succession from our first christianitie , of aboue 1000. canonized Saints , of diuers thousands of Religious men and woemen , liuing in continuall pouertie , chastitie , and obedience , since the tyme of Saint Ioseph of Arimathia , that buryed Christ , and brought monasticall life into this kingdome , wee had 700. Religious howses founded for them , which you haue defaced . Baleus l. de Scriptor . centur . 1.2.3.4 . Ioh. Leland . de script . Pitseus de vir . illustrib . aetate 2.3.4.5 . &c. Capgrau . & al. de Sanct. histor. Angl. passim . Theater of Brit. per tot . Stowe hist. Holinsh. histor. Eng. Scot. Irland . Camb. Britan.

Our Religion builded those churches which ●ou haue reserued , & many thowsands which ●ou haue defaced ; Wee enioyed aboue the ●hird part of England to our Religion 600. ●eares paste , and after wee had more kings , Queens , and princes Saints in this Island , and ●reland , by your owne historyes and kalenders , ●hen there euer were since in all the world of ●our Religion . ( Tom. 1.2.3.4 . Concil. ) Our Religion had for external warrant aboue 20. general ●ouncells . From the first of nyce in the time of Constantine , our Kinge , Emperour , and con●ryman , and Sardyce , where the popes suprea●acy , masse , and preisthood are confirmed , Concil. Nic. 1. can. 6.7 . Sardic . concil . Theater of Bri●an . in Brit. Stowe hist. Holinsh. ib. Camb. Brit. which our brittist bishops receued , vntill the ●aste of Trent in the tyme of Q. Elizabeth to which our catholicke Bishop Pates of worces●er , subscribed for England for vs , and against you , as your protestant Bishop telleth vs . ( Godwyn . Catalog . of Bish. in worcester in Rich. Pates ) wee had consequently all holy fathers , and Bishops present in them to warrant vs . wee had , and haue , as your protestants acknowledge , ( Casaubon . respons. ad Cardinal . Peron . pag. 69.70 . ) all Apostolicke seas for vs , against you . wee had and haue consequently , all those true , and vndeniable motiues of true Religion , which moued the christian world , to embrace the lawe of Christ , to assure and confirme v● in this truthe , wee see and knowe that this our holy faith accordinge to the foretelling of Christ , his prophets , and Apostles , is preached and planted in all the worlde , Europe , Africke , Asia , and America , neuer any Religion in the lawe of nature , of Moyses , Iewes , Turcks , Tartares , protestants , pagans , or other , is , or was at any tyme in any degree dilated , as it is . Grymston Booke of estates in k● of Spaine , Europe , Asia , Africk , America .

And for externall splendor at home , it was soe greate , when king Henry 8. began to enuie the glory of it , that he promised the parlament ( as your protestant histories assure vs , if it would graunt him power to visitt the Religious howses : Hee would create , ( your protestants words ) and mayntayne 40. Earles 60. Barons 3000. knights , and 40. thowsand souldiers with skilfull captaines and competent mayntenance for them all for euer , out of the auntient church reueneues , and the people should bee noe more charged with loanes , subsidies and fifteens . Of all these blessings , and benefites wee are spoyled , and by your Religion depriued ; And not onely wee , that now bee catholicks in England , but all faythfull soules allready departed out of this world , and those that ar not yet borne , if they shall bee of the posteritie of those holy founders , to bee prayed for , to the end of the world , by those Religious fowndations , and al pore hungry bodyes ●ere releiued with those donations , which ●otestant tymes haue conuerted to vanities , ●d that which is vnchristian , to persecute the ●eligion , which fownded these holy howses . ●nd with such vehemency and cruelty wee ar ●ersecuted , as you haue before acknowledged , our lawes , records , registers , & our miseries , ●alamities , and martyrdomes haue published ●o all the world . Edw. howes in his historial pre●reface in kinge Henry 8.

All this you doe vnto vs , vnder pretence ●hat wee will not forsake our holy Religion ●oe firmely , and vndoubtedly proued , by soe ●any vndeniable testimonies , in your owne ●udgments , that wee cannot bee deceaued , ex●ept God ( which is vnpossible ) can deceaue ●s . And in remayninge and persisting wherein , ●nd following and frequentinge that order , which it prescribeth , the sacrifice and Sacraments which it vseth , wee shall by your best ●earned protestants writing , with your publick ●riuiledge , bee sure to bee saued , when contra●ywise if wee should bee soe gracelesse , as for ●eare of torments , and afflictions , to harken vnto you in matters of Religion , the same your ●est learned protestant Bishops , and others as●ure vs agayne , wee shall come into a fallible , ●eceaueable , and actually erroneus Religion , ●nd consequently shall bee damned for euer . ●oue prot . Bish. persuas . Feild l. of the church pag. ●7 . 182 . Couel . def. of Hooker pag. 68.73.76 . Feild pag. 69. willet Antilog . pag. 144. Theater of grea● Brit. Saxons . Sam. Daniel . hist. &c. Feild pag. 20● Isaac Casaub . praef. respons. ad Gard. Peron . Do● persuas . Morton Apolog. part. 2. pag. 315. will● Antilog . praef. to the Read . vniuersities answeare 〈◊〉 the mill . pet. Confer . at Hampt . pag. 47. Protest . R● lat. of that conference printed by Ioh. windet in thr● seuerall copies 1.2.3 .

And if God and the truth of his holy caus● mayntayned in our bookes , against you , ha● not inforced and necessitated these your publicke writers , thus publickly to condemn● you , and forwarne vs from communicating● with you , in these affaires : yett the lamentable and desolate experience it selfe in your parlaments of king Henry 8. k. Edward 6. Q. Elizabeth &c. crieth out vnto the world , that all the parlaments and princes supreame heads of Religion by you , haue beene deceaued , and deceaued all , that followed them in these things . Kinge Henry 8. was the first , ( parlament of k. Henr. 8. after an . Reg. 22. ) and was herein contrary to all antiquitie , contrary to k. Edward his sonne ( parlam . Edw. 6.1.2.3 . ) daughter Elizabeth ( parlam . 1. Elizab. iniunctionis of Q. Eliz. an. 1. ) and kinge Iames. ( Articles of Relig. ann. 1562 ) and to himselfe by diuers parlaments , and his Religion dead with him , and condemned by you . Kinge Edward was contrary to his father , his sister , to you , and to himselfe in diuers publicke parlaments , and his publick iniunctions . Queen Elizabeth was in the same ●se of contradiction , to her father , brother , to ●u , and herselfe by publicke practice , parla●ent , proclamations , and iniunctions , in lesse ●me then three quarters of one yeare . And ●uchinge that peece of her first parlament , ●herein shee condemned the masse , there was ●ot one diuine , Bishop or other , that gaue con●ent or could giue it vnto her , but all against . ●nd their extrauagant proceedings therein , were such , as they bee related by your owne ●ntiquaries , Cambden , Howes , and others , ●hat Paganisme , Turcisme , Epicurisme , Iudais●ne , Atheisme , or any other heresie , might as easely haue beene settled here , as protestantisme was : which is not here to bee entreated . King ●ames our present soueraigne is generally ta●en to bee to too wise , and learned , to learne Religion of such Tutors . Cambden in Apparat. ●d Annal. & in Annal. in Elizabeth . Howes histo●iall preface in Q. Elizabeth and others .

Kinge Henry the 8. desired at his death , as ●rotestant histories sufficiently insinuate , and ●iuers then liueing in his Court haue testified , ●o bee reconciled to the church of Rome , and ●n one of his laste Acts the inscription of his Tombe , doth playnely omitt , and relinquish ●or euer his pretended supreamacie . And in his ●ast will and testament ( Howes supr. in k. Henr. 8. ●towe an . vlt. Henr. 8. in his laste will & testament ) ●rdeyned preists , & masses , ( soe odious now , and cheifest cause pretended of our perfection ▪ to continue in England to the end of the world , willinge and chardgeinge ( the words of his will ) prince Edward his sonne , all his executors , all his heires and successors that should bee kings of this Realme , as they will answeare before almightie God , at the dreadfull day of iudgment , that they , & euerie of them doe see it performed . ( Exempl . an . 1. Edw. 6. die 14. Februar . ) Kinge Edward 6. was but a child , but both hee and his protectors by which hee was ruled , should haue beene ruled by this will , yet as protestants vle to doe , presently breaking it , for their worldly ends , and breingeing in the protestant Religion . ( Foxe to . 2. Acts and monum . in k. Henr. 8. and an . 1. Edw. 6. )

The cheife Actor , and Author of those proceedings , the Duke of Northumberland Lord protector , when hee came to dy , renownced protestant Religion for heresie , and as your protestant histories tell vs , ( Stowe histor. an. 1. of Queen Mary : and others . ) was reconciled vnto , and dyed in the vnitie and faith of the Romane church . For Queene Elizabeth , shee , as some noble men , and diuers ladyes of honor can informe you , and some haue soe testified , died noe good protestant , neither could endure the sight of her protestant Bishops , at that time : & protested in her life to the lady Saint-Iohn , widowe to the Lord Oliuer Saint-Iohn of Ble●soe , Deus testis , soe shee confidently related , and said see could shew that Queenes letters to that purpose , that she would haue liued a Catholike , but for her ouer-ruling Protestant Counsaile : naminge some of them , no happie members of this kingdome ; which your Prote●tant historians giue way vnto , that she did very often , before such men by politick deuises with●rew her from it ; frequent the Sacraments of Confession , & of the blessed bodie of Christ , Masse , ●nd the rites of Catholike Religion ( Edw. Howes historicall preface in Queene Elizabeth . ) and pro●ested in publicke Parlament , neuer to vexe or ●rouble the Romane Catholikes concerning any difference in Religion . Like was the case of William Cecile Lord Burleigh hir great Counsailor , both ●or his Religion , in that time ; and at his death , charged his sonne Robert Earle of Salisbury , ne●er to persecute any of that Religion . Thus hee acknowledged to a worthy and noble witnesse ; who , as God is witnesse , so hath testified .

We doe not , we will not contest , with our present , most honoured , wise , and learned Soueraigne ; neither enter into his priuate iudgement : But if any the best learned protestant Archbishops , or Bishops you haue , will iustifie all those publicke speaches , writings , and bookes which goe vnder the name of our King , to proceede from him ; if it will please him to giue way vnto ●t , they shall haue maintained against them , that ●y those published writings , it is damnable for ●hem to persecute vs , and we in conscience cannot , if to gaine a thousand worlds , be of your protestant Religion . And we humbly hope this nothing derogateth to his prudent Maiestie ; for we openly and willingly write , that concerning all your best learned Bishops , and others that haue written ; as namely Whitguist , and Bancroft , of Canterburie , Bilson , and Andrewes of Winchester , Doue , Barlowe , Godwyne , Field , Bridges , Hooker , Couell , and all the best students amongst you , were in iudgement far from persecution of Catholikes , and as far from assurance , that they themselues were in true Religion . It is no vaine boasting now to write it ; because in all controuersiall poynts , we haue many yeares since invincibly prooued it by your best learned Protestant Bishops , and Doctors , ( Protestants Recantation in matters of Religion . l. 1. & l 2 Protestants Demonstrat . for Catholikes Recusancy &c. both in generall ; that neither Scriptures , Traditions , Counsels , Apostolike Churches , Fathers , or any authoritie in diuine matters is for you , but all against you , that you haue not , neither hereafter by your Religion can possibly find any Rule or direction to bring you into trueth : That there is not , nor can be any true and competent Iudge or Consistorie with you to decide these contentions , and bring you into the right way . That there is neither true Bishop , Priest , or Cleargie man in your Congregation : That in all particular questions betweene vs , you are in error .

All these things so inuincibly prooued by your selues , that now after diuers yeares our bookes receaue no answere at all : And your best ●earned are so far from taking this charge in ●and , that but for disgrace of these times with ●ou , they would in their liues and health ●ot liue in your wauering religion , but be recon●iled to the Romane Church , as many of them ●ately at their deaths haue bene . And now in ●his your Parlament time , to moue you and London , to know the trueth , the late Pro●estant Bishop thereof , Doctor King , in his life ●or external cariage , a great persecutor of Priests ●nd Catholikes , a little before his death did plainely denounce your Religion to be damnable , renounced ( as wee had prooued before of all such ) that he was any Bishop or Cleargie man ; was penitent for his protesting heresie , & humblie at the feete of a Priest , whom he had formerly persecuted , confessed his sinnes , receaued Sacramentall absolution at his handes , and was reconciled to the Catholike Romane Church , of which he had in his life bene so vehement a persecutor . Zealously and openly protesting , there was no saluation to be had , out of that holy Catholike Romane Church . Therefore wee neede not to dispute these matters anew .

But because by the present tempests you raise against vs in this your Parlament , we are assured that your storming persecutions are not ceased , if your wils and anger can maintaine their blustrings , therefore we cannot but still defend our innocencie , and humbly admonish you , that by these courses you offer and doe , & we receaue and suffer wrong . And because you see and know , you are neither able to instruct vs , or your selues , persisting in persecution , you fall into that lamentable estate , preached vnto you out of Pulpit by your now Archbishop of Yorke ( D. Matthewes Serm. before the Parlament ) and in publike Parlament denounced by his Maiestie : Persecution without instruction , is but tyrannie ( K. Iames speach in Parlament . ) That you cannot , or vncharitably will not ( both leade to that damnable estate ) we are now euidently to demonstrate to you , and make knowne to the world for our owne excuse ; which we can doe by no better or more certaine meanes in this case , then publish and make knowne to our dearest countrey , that from the first beginning of these your persecutions broached and borne in the first Parlament of Queene Elizabeth , wee haue in all humble and best meanes we could , requested , and sought for instruction , from your best learned Bishops , Doctors , and instructors , among you , if we be in error , by many and sundry petitions to our protestant Princes , Parlaments , and others , that were in chiefe place and command , to procure it , if there had bene any in your Religion that could performe it . If you had that could , and would not , your estate is more then dangerous , if you haue none , can instruct vs , which you make apparant , if you still persist in persecution . You heare our King and your Archbishop call vnto you : Correction without instruction , is but tyrannie .

Therfore in this first part of this Protestant plea , and petition of your best learned Protestants in both parts to be vndeniably proued , & iustified by them ; wee propose some of those most humble suites and petitions we haue by the best warrant spirituall we had in England , our most Reuerend Archpriest , his learned Priests , and chiefest renowned Catholikes , presented , to procure , and obtaine this instruction , in conference and disputation , with your best learned Protestant Bishops and Doctors , and with such vnequall conditions on our behalfe , that except the Catholikes of England had bin assured , they were in trueth , and their disputant Priests could not be instructed by any the best learned in your Religion , they could not in conscience haue made so large and disaduantageous offers vnto you , as their seuerall petitions and suits will witnesse : Except you will thinke ( to flatter your selues ) that these renowned Priests and catholikes , did doubt of their Religion ( which their martirdomes and sufferings for it , do inuincibly reproue ) and appeale to you for instruction , which you denying and yet so persecuting them , can neuer free your selues from that dolefull condition remembred by our gratious King and your Archbishop ; you will further receaue in this first part such iuste and most reasonable and vnanswereable reasons by the Religions , and proceedings of all your supreame heads in spirituall busines vntill his maiesties time ( wherein silence will be vsed ) King Henry 8. King Edward the 6. and Queene Elizabeth ; that as they are set downe by your best protestant writers , we cannot yeelde to you in matters of Religion ; neither you in conscience either persecute vs in these things , or your selues secured in that profession .

Howe Catholike Religion was vniustlye suppressed by Queene Elizabeth , not one Spirituall person hauing voyce in Parlamente consenting : no disputation or ordinarie defence thereof permitted to the Catholike Bishoppes and Cleargie : and their duetifull loyaltie notwithstanding their pietie honoured by their protestant enemies .

IN THE first yeare and Parlamente of Queene Elizabeth , when our aunciente holy Catholike Religion was so vnholily , and irreligiously suppressed , and the new Protestant maner and fashion , by her authoritie receaued , as partly before remembred , from our Protestant Histories , and will by them more amplie be declared hereafter : All the Catholike Bishops of England then liuing , so farre opposed against it , that as a Protestant Antiquarie relateth , obseruing the willfull and indirect proceedings of her , and some few of her secret Councellours , and aduisers in that so importunat businesse , far aboue the compasse , calling , and correction of a yong woman , and laye men , diuers of them vrged to proceede to excommunicate that Queene at that time . ( Cambd. Annal in Elizab. p 37. But others which preuailed , aduised to reserue it to the Pope of Rome : And they all ioyntly contradicted that innouation , and then and there offered as all protestant historians agree ( Stowe and Howes hist. an . 1. Eliz. Holinsh. hist. of Engl. Ibid. Theater of Brit an . 1. Elizab. Cambd. in Annal. supr. ) publickly to defend and maintaine by disputation , against all aduersaries whatsoeuer , their holy profession and religion , and to that purpose assigned and appointed these disputants : The then Bishop of Winchester , the Bishop of Lichfielde , the Bishop of Chester , the Bishop of Carlile , who had crowned her , the Bishop of Lincolne , Doctor Cole , Doctor Harpesfield , Doctor Langdal , and Doctor Chadsey .

But that protestant Q. & her fauorites knowing the weaknes of their cause to be such , and how their chiefest champions had bene not long before in publike schooles at Oxford , in the time of Queene Marie so shamefully conuinced , by some of these Catholikes , that they were hissed by the learned Auditors , durst not ioyne with them in tryal ( Foxe in Q. Mary , Cram . &c. But the Parlament begining on or about the 23. of Ianuary , they had so prepared their way before , that almost in the beginning of that Parlament , they obtained their purpose , for the receauing their new Religion , and effected that in the very first Acte or law of that Parlament ( Statut. an . 1. Eliz. cap. 2. ) and would neuer harken to any motion , or petition for disputation , vntill the laste day of March ( Stowe , Howes , Holinsh. & supr. ) almost two moneths after they had thus vtterly excluded the Popes authoritie , and the cathotholike religion , vsed and practised here in this kingdome , euer since the time of Pope Elutherius , and King Lucius , as the catholikes offered in Parlament to maintaine , fourteene hundred yeares togeather , without interruption ( Feckh . orat . 1. Elizab. ) and publicke Masse and seruice of ●he church to haue bene here so long , celebrated in the latine tongue . And would not then condiscend to any disputation at all , except the catholikes would accept , ( to write in Protestants words ; That Baconus in Theologicis parum versatus , pontificus in festissimus , & ordinis v●ndex , tanquam iudex praesideret : Bacon ( a lay man ) vnskilful in diuinitie most infestuous enemy to Papists , and persecutor of their order , should be iudge ( Camden Annal. pag. 27. )

And if we may beleeue the present protestant Archbishop , the director of M. Francis Mason in their booke of consecration , among so many essentiall matters controuersed betweene the Protestants and vs , they would not dispute any one at all , but onelie three , concerning some ceremonies . ( Fr. Mason in praef. of their booke of consecrat . and pag. 103. ) 1. about common prayer in the Latine or vulgar tongue . 2. Of the power of Churches to change ceremonies . The third and last ; whether communion was to be ministred in both kindes : and the triall of these three ceremonies to be made by a fourth most strange ceremonie , in disputation , onely to be put in writing , within two daies warning at the most , vnum & alterum diem de quaestionibus praemoniti ; as your Antiquarie writeth , and deliuered to their said offensiue enemy , Sir Francis Bacon ( Cambden annal. pag. 27. ) A thing so ridiculous and vnequal in the iudgement of all learned and wise men , that if it had bene offered before Catholike religion was there condemned , it could not in conscience , either by those learned Bishops and Doctors , or the most learned that euer were in the Church of Christ ; nor by the holy Apostles themselues if they had then and there bene , be accepted .

Yet Queene Elizabeth and her aduisers in this , notwithstanding that she had in open Parlament before , as before is testified by our Protestant writers ( Howes historicall preface in Q. Elizabeth . ) openly pronounced that shee would neuer vexe or trouble the Romane Catholikes , concerning any difference in Religion : in that very parlament , where she spake these wordes , and made that promise , proceeded to cruell penalties , against those Romane Catholikes ; all our holie Bishops were depriued , imprisoned , or exiled : ( Stow histor. an . 1. Eliz. Holinsh. ibid. Cambden Annal. an . 1. Elizab. Theatre of Brit. an . 1. Eliz. &c. ) So were all other Ecclesiasticall persons that would not doe , as pleased her . Great forfaitures and punishments were imposed vpon all , that should heare Masse , or not be present at the new deuised seruice , ( Parl. an . 1. Eliz. cap. 1.2 . ) praemunire losse of landes goods , and perpetual imprisonment , and losse of life also , with note of Treason to them , that should denie that supreame spirituall power to be in her , which many Protestants and learned both then and at this time said , and say , she was incapable of . All which notwithstanding that most worthy cleargie in exile , and prisons at home , so caried themselues in all ciuill dutie to that Queene , that they are in that respect recommended and honored by their greatest Protestant aduersaries and persecutors ; and for learning and pietie dignified and exalted more by theirs and our enemies , then euer any Protestant Bishops or Ministers , which inuaded their holy places since that time . ( Protest . def. of English Iustice . Godwine Catal , in those Bish. Camden in Annal. ) But of this strange innouation of Religion by Q. Elizabeth , I shall write more largely from these Protestants hereafter .

The vertue , learning , and dutiful loyaltie of the Seminarie or secular ( as some name them ) Priestes which came after into England , the vniust persecution of them , and catholikes here , and their most christian and religious offers and behauiour .

AFter Q. Elizabeth had by profane deuises & inuentions of some few irreligeous councellors , suppressed the auntient catholike religion of this nation , by such sinister proceedings , as are before insinuated , & to the wonder of the christian world , orbe christiano mirante , as this Protestant chiefest antiquarie truely noteth ( Cambden Ann. p. 39. ) for the vnconscionable maner , & effecting herof : though she had in open Parlament , as befor protested , neuer to vexe or trouble the Roman Catholikes , concerning any difference in Religion ( How 's historical praeface in Q. Elizabeth ) yet being assured , as the truth was , by her pauculi intimi , her very few secret friends ( Cambd. supr. ) that except she became a persecutor , against her faith & promise so publikely , and lately giuen , & so ioyne craft and violence together , the weaknes of her cause was such , and the learning and conuersation of life , of those her Protestant ministers , whom she must imploy in this busines , so vnequall , and inferiour to the Catholike Bishops , and Cleargie of England , that no hope of such succede as they sought could bee , except these holie and worthie men were depriued , imprisoned , banished , or vtterly one way or other , put to silence , in such maner , that after their deathes , our most sacred order of Priesthood , which had continued in this nation here , in honor and glorie , from S. Peter the Prince of the Apostles , as we haue made demonstrance in other places , might vtterly and for euer be abolished and extinguished , as these fewe secrete friends of those designements open Antipriests , or Antichristians ( for the Religion of Christ , cannot be without the Priests of Christs ) plotted and hoped to effect . Your principall protetestant Antiquarie , thus relateth that cruel Tragedie . ( Camden in Annalib . pag. 36. )

Parlamento dimisso , ex eiusdem authoritate , Episcopis pontificijs & alijs ecclesiasticae professionis iuramentum suprematus proponitur . Quotquot iurare abnuerunt , beneficijs , dignitatibus exuuntur , 80. rectores ecclesiarum . 50. prebendarij , 15. praesides Collegiorum , Archidiaconi . 12. totidem decani . 6. Abbates & Abbatissae , & episcopi 14. Omnes qui tunc sederunt , praeter vnum Antonium Landauensem , sedis suae calamitatem .

The Parlament being ended , by the authoritie therof , the oath of the Queenes supreamacie was proposed to the popish Bishops , and all Ecclesiasticall persons , as many as refused to sweare , were depriued of their benefices , dignities , and Bishoprickes . 80. Rulers of Churches , 50. Prebendaries . 15. Masters of Colledges , 12. Archdeacons . 12. Deanes . 6. Abbots , and Abbases , and 14. Bishops ; all that then remained except one Anthony Bishop of Landaffe , the calamitie of his See . These Bishops inferiour in vertue and learning to none in Europe , as your Protestants acknowledge ( Mason lib. 3. consecrat . c. 1. pag. 100. Cambd. in Annal. sup. Stowe histor. an . 1. Eliz. Holinsh. hist. of Engl. 16. ) thus deposed and imprisoned , and there to languish to death , they thought none could suruyue to consecrate anie more priestes for England : and all rulers of our Colledges in our ( then renowned ) Vniuersities thus expelled , that would not forsweare themselues in such a sacrilidgeous manner , they thought themselues assured , we could haue no succession of Catholike students here to enter into that holy priestly order .

But , non est consilium contra Dominum , there is no counsayle against our Lord . The prophane craft and wylinesse of a few wicked men , ioyned with a womans spiritual supreamacie , was too weake to oppose and battaile against the heauenly wisdome and will of God . For a very small number , and those of the meanest then , of our glorious Cleargie , transporting themselues to Catholike nations , and by such poore meanes as they could procure , liueing in collegiall discipline and order at Doway in Flaunders , where our common happie and spirituall Nurse and Mother is , haue so wounderfull and far beyond the reach of your protestant polycies and strategems , to the honour of God , and his holy cause , against you , multiplied and encreased , that the number and glory of our renowned publikely stiled writers , which in this time haue come from thence , giueth not place to anye age , since our firste conuersion to Christe ( Pits . de virg. illustrib . Brit. aetate 16.17 . ) our holye Martirs violently put to death by your Edictes , and proceedings ( Stowe histor. in Henric. 8. Elizabeth . & Iacob . Catalog . martyr . sub Henric. 8. Elizab. & Iacob . 1.5 . ) exceede the number , & are not exceeded in glorie by any , that histories amonge vs remember , or whose memories by iniquitie of times are not remaining , except the nouenius persecution , duringe but nine yeares ( Gyldas de excid . ) ours ninetimes as longe ) vnder Dioclesian the tyrant . The Religious men of our Nation , all the spirituall Children of that Mother , are nowe possessours of manye Religious Colledges , and Monasteries , vnder Catholike princes , and some of them in England , with so many of ours , are enrolled in the Catologue of glorious martyrs , and a great number here stil working in this holy labour with vs . And if to enter into scholes with your best learned , wee needed their assistance , wee doubt not , but diuers of them are both wel able , and also readie to assist vs .

But wee haue euer bene so far from either needing or requiring it , of them , that when you gaue vs the greatest hopes of disputation , wee neuer sent for any of our owne re-●enowned professors lyuing in forraine nations : But as true Priests of England are the successors of Saint Peter the glorious Apostle , and his holie Disciples in this Nation , by a continued and neuer yett interrupted Hierarchicall succession to this daye , as we will iustifie against your best antiquaries , and diuines ; and firste after our Bishops by you depriued , imprisoned , and persecuted , vndertooke this quarrell of God in hande against you , and gayned many soules to Christ ; and for no crueltie or persecutions you raysed , or exagerated against them , coulde at any time be forced to forsake that holie combate , they had vndertaken : But as true Pastors they aduentured , and gaue their liues for the sheepe of our highest shepheard and redeemer : so to the hazard of the honour of Catholike Religion , if Protestants could haue put them to foyle , in all these miseries and afflictions , destitute of bookes , conference and harbour , oftentimes to hide their heades , they were euer readie to offer , and entreate for tryall , with vnequall conditions ; and so vnequall and preiudiciall to the disputante Priestes , and Catholickes of Englande , that except they had beene so confidente in their cause , that they could not be ouercome , and the Protestant Bishops and Doctors compleately furnished and prouided of all thinges requisite to such a conflicte , if their quarrell were iust , had not bene desperatly diffident in these matters ; neither might the Catholikes in conscience haue made those suits and offers , or these protestants without damnable shame haue refused them : as the petitions themselues will be euerlasting witnesse to the world .

And when the protestant state of England had in aboue twenty of the first yeares of Q. Elizabeth , afflicted vs with many miseries , and had put many of our renowned and best learned priests , M. Sherwine , Foord , and others , to whom they durst not graunt priuate disputation ( in the Tower itselfe though neuer so secret ) vniustly to cruell death : and had vsed M. Campion , the glorie of that Societie in England , in such measure , neuer allowing him to defende his owne written booke , though neuer so priuatly , vntill by tortures and rackes they had al-most depriued him of his life ; and after with many of our learned and holy priests , did depriue him thereof ; had banished M. Heywood , and M. Parsons had forsaken England , the three prime English Iesuits of that time ; And no other religious man either of that , or any other order , but onely priests being here ; and of them aboue thirtie in prison in the Tower , Marshalsea , Kings-bench and other places : About which time , the 27. yeare of her raigne , Queene Elizabeth was so vnmindfull of her promise made in her first parlament before remembred , that by degrees shee clambred vp , to the heighest pitch of persecution , against her Catholike subiects , that she imposed twenty poundes for euery moneth absence , from that her new seruice ( Parl. of Q. Eliz. tit . Recusancy ) at which to haue bene present , had bene damnable sinne and heresie , from our first conuersion to Christ , vntil the yeare of K. Edward the sixt a child , both by the lawes of the whole Catholike Church , and of this kingdome .

And not content with this , proceeded to that contempt of the Priestly dignity of our most blessed Sauiour and Redeemer , his holy Apostles , and all holy Bishops , and Priests since their time ; that she intended to make it treason ; and al that willingly receaued such men ( as Christ our Sauiour commandeth all men to do ) vnder a great woe and penaltie of losse of libertie , lands , goods , and life also , which she after enacted for a law in that Parlament . Whereupon , and for preuention of so vnchristian proceedings , the chiefest catholikes of this nation , with the consent and direction of their learned secular Priests , then onely here remaining ( and no religious men being at that time , or diuers yeares after in England ) humbly prefered to that Queene , in her Parlament time , when shee decreed that bloody edict , this most christian , and more then equall petition , following word by word .

TO THE QVEENES MOST Excellent Maiestie , the humble petition of her Catholike subiectes of England , in the 27. yeare of her raigne , wherein their innocencie is iustified , and their Religion offered to be maintained for holy , against all Protestants .

MOST mighty , and most excellent , our dread Soueraigne Ladie , and Queene : the necessitie of our lamentable Case hath emboldned , yea necessarily enforced vs , your Maiesties Catholike and approoued Loyal subiects , to present our manifold griefes and miseries , to the merciful viewe , of your Maiestie . We could still haue bene contented ( as hitherto we haue bene ) with silence to haue made vertue of exceeding great necessities : But now most gratious Soueraigne , the Law of God and nature doth Councell vs , to appeale vnto your most excellent Heighnes , our head-spring , and fountaine of mercy , for the lightning of some heauy yoakes , which by common reporte we haue iust cause to feare , are intended shortly to be layed vpon our weakned and wearied neckes .

To speake to so potent and prudent a Prince , as it may be reported boldnesse ; so not to speake in a poore and distressed subiect , may be deemed guiltines . Wee doe therefore , most deare soueraigne , with all humilitie and no lesse sorrow , cry out and complaine , that our afflicted harts haue conceaued an vnspeakgriefe : For what wound can be more mortall to the bodie , as treasonable accusations to innocent mindes ? We your Catholike subiects , which hitherto haue bene , and euer will be as well carefull to please your Maiestie , as not to displease almightie God , what lamentable state was euer like to ours , that we poore wretches in discharging our conscience towarde God , are reported of , and that before your sacred Maiestie , to be euill affected towardes your Royall person , and princely dignities , and that vpon the ●yle action and intend of euery lewde person , wee must be condemned all for traytors ? as it appeareth in bookes daily printed against vs , wherein we are most odiously tearmed blood-suckers , and by vncharitable exclamations , it is published , that your Maiestie is to feare so many deaths , as there be Papists in the land . Would God our harts might be layde open to the perfect view of your Maiestie , and all the world ; no doubt our thoughts should appeare correspondent to the expectation of so mercifull a Queene , in all louing , true , and faithful subiection , and would giue dewe deserte of mercie for reward .

For most deare Soueraigne , where our greatest accusation ryseth vpon our recusancy , or absence from the Church , which hath deuoyded vs of all your wonted graces , and special fauours , wee take almighty God to witnesse , that this our refusing and absenting our selues is not grounded in vs vpon any contempt of your Maiesties Lawes , or any other willfull or trayterous intent , but altogether vpon meere conscience , and feare to offende God . This God knoweth the searcher of all hearts , and to the ende , that our sincerity and dutifull meaning may appeare the better ; we doe protest before the face of the eternall God , and Lord of vs all , and doe craue his dreadfull indignation in this worlde , and sentence of endlesse dampnation to bee our portion in another worlde , if wee doe practise , speake , or write any thinge in this poynte , more or lesse in respecte of anie worldlie pollicie , but onelie as the duety of euerie good Christian Catholike bindeth him . In which opinion , if happelie wee bee deceaued , yet if wee should doe contrarie to that we thinke in conscience to be right , we may iustly be accompted men voyde of all grace and honesty , pretending in shew , and thinking otherwise in heart , false dissemblers , hatefull to God and man , and in truth the most dangerous and worst subiects that may be in a common wealth , as aptest to any wicked or desperat attempt .

No lesse is verified in the late moste excecrable example of that monster Parry , whose detestable endeauours , doe giue euidente testimonye , that the cruell vypar , euer temporising and makinge ship-wracke , of all faith and Religion , hathe thereby at length , loste both taste and habite of the grace and feare of God . Let such diabolicall dissimulation , and trayterous thirste after hallowed blood , sinke according to Gods iudgement to their deserued doome of deepe damnation ; we for ●ur parts vtterly deny , that either Pope , or Cardinall ●ath power or authoritie to commande , or licence ●nie man to consent to mortall sinne , or to com●it , or intende any other acte , contra ius diui●um ; much lesse can this disloyall wicked and vnnaturall purpose , by any meanes be made lawefull ; to witte , that a naturall subiecte maye seeke the effusion , of the sacred bloode of his annoynted Soueraigne : whosoeuer hee bee therefore spirituall , or Temporall , that maintaineth so apparant sacriledge , wee therein renounce him , and his conclusion as false , deuilish , and abhominable .

But nowe to returne , to our purposed matter , wee doe promise , that wee will hereafter be reddie and willing to resorte vnto Churches , and other places , where publicke exercise of prayer is vsed , if the learned nowe assembled in conuocations , hall bee able by sufficiente groundes of Diuinitie , to prooue to the learned of the catholike Church , that wee ( being in Religion Catholike ) may without committing mortall sinne , frequent those Churches , where the contrary religion is professed , and exercised . If conscience onely had not pressed vs in this point , those of our Religion would neuer haue suffered therefore so many disgraces , & impouerishments .

And if that the mercifull eyes , of your clement Princely nature , could but see the continual terrours , the streight imprisonment , the reproach full arraynement , making no difference , in place nor time , betweene murderers , felons , & rogues , and betweene gentlemen of all degrees , descended of honorable and worshipful parentage . Their arraignements being onely and directly for matters of conscience , as also the famine , and miserable ende of diuers imprisoned , the pittiful whippings , the penaltie of twentie pounde a moneth , by reason wherof many good and worshipful housholders , their wiues and children are brought to extreame pouertie : Many stand out-lawed , and a number of poore soules remaine prisoners for that cause : beside many other strange distressed Catholikes , whose miseries heretofore not throughly knowen to your Maiestie , haue bene and are disgested with mildnesse , and tempered with dutifulnesse : hoping that now at length our approoued patience , will mooue your most tender heart , to haue some pitie and compassion of vs .

Moreouer ( moste gratious dreade soueraigne Ladie and Queene ) it may please your most excellent Maiestie , to graunt vs the grace and fauour to heare the vnfolding of our greater , and more dangerous calamitie hanging ouer our beades . For as much as nothing is more often and deepely to be called to our mindes then the frailtie of men , and howe apt and prone we are to all sinne and wickednesse : for the staye and remedie whereof our Lord and Sauiour Iesus Christ , hath instituted and left behinde him , moste holy and blessed sacraments , for the comfort of mankinde , and hath commanded the vse of them to be continued and preached in the Catholike Church , as the conduits of his grace , without the which the benefits of his deare passion cannot ordinarily descende or be applyed vnto vs , as by which we are receaued , confirmed , remitted , fedde , gouerned , multiplyed and absolutely prepared to life euerlasting .

These benefites are to be valued at no lesse price to vs , then they were to our forefathers , who religiously esteemed the want of them more dangerous , and discomfortable then death it selfe . The ordinary ministers whereof are , and alwaies haue bene catholike Bishops , and Priests , lawfully called and anoynted , to that charge and spirituall authoritie , whom by diuine ordinance we are bound to heare , receaue and obeye , with dew honour , and reuerence , and to seeke vnto them as to the dispensers of the mysteries of God , for counsel and helpe howe to liue and die in the loue and fauour of him , who hath power to cast both the body and soule of his enemies , into perpetuall tormente of hell fyer .

In consideration of all which necessary poynts , and for the humble and true purgation of our selues , we doe protest before the liuing God , that all and euery Priest , or Priests , who haue at any time conuersed with vs , haue recognised your Maiestie their vndoubted and lawfull Queene : Tam de iure , quam de facto . They speake reuerently of you : They deuely pray for you ; they zealously exhort your subiects to obey you ; they religiously instruct vs , to suffer patiently what authoritie shall impose on vs ; yet they precisely admonish vs , that it is an heresy condemned by generall Councels , for any subiect to lifte vp his hand against his annoynted . This is their doctrine , this they speake , this they exhorte ; and if wee knowe , or shall knowe , in anie of them one poynt of treason , or treacherous deuise , or any vndecent speach , or any thought iniurious to your Royall person : wee doe binde our selues by oathe irreuocable , to bee the first apprehenders and accusers of such .

If nowe ( most Gratious Ladie ) these Priestes , who haue not at any time bene detected , accused or charged , with anie acte , or deuise of treason , shall offerre to continue within this your Realme , and for so doing , shall be adiudged traitours , be it for their comming hither , or continuance here , or for practising , or administring of the blessed Sacramentes onelye : then consequently , wee your faithfull and louing subiectes are like to bee capitallie touched with the same , treason : and wee knowe by no possible meanes , how to cleare and keepe our selues from it . For when the Prophets , and annoynted Priests of God , mooued by zeale to gayne soules , doe repayre hether , to distribute Spirituall comfortes , according to euerie mans neede ; and comming to our gates to craue naturall sustenance for their hungrie and persecuted bodies , promising vs also ghostlye foode , and medecine for our vncleane soules : What shall wee nowe doe ? we doe verily beleeue them to be Priestes of Gods Church , wee doe certainelie knowe , that they doe daylie praye for your Maiestie . Their predecessoures in that calling haue ministred Baptisme , and Confirmation vnto your Maiestie , annoynted you Queene , and ordinarily and rightlye placed you in your Royall seate , as all your Maiesties ancestours haue bene .

O poore wormes ! what shall become of vs ! what desolatione are wee brought vnto ! O God of Heauens , Earth and Men witnesse with vs , and pleade our cause . O moste lamentable condition , if wee receaue them , by whome we know no euill at all , it shall bee deemed Treason in vs : if wee doe shutte our doores and denie temporall reliefe to our Catholique Pastours , in respecte of their function , then are wee all , alreadie iudged most damnable Traytours to Almightie God , and his holie members , and are moste guiltie of that curse , threatned to light vpon such as refuse to comfort and harbour the Apostles and disciples of Christ , saying whosoeuer shal not receaue you , not heare your wordes , truely it shall be easier for them of the lande of Sodome and Gomorra in the daye of iudgemente , &c. againste which irreprooueable sentence , wee maye in noe wyse wrastle .

Beholde ( most gratious and Liege Soueraigne ) into what streight we are plunged ; be fauourable we beseech your heighnesse , to the liues and soules of men , it is the force of your Royall word , and the protection of your large prerogatiue , that can onely disperse these torments , and direct vs , to the calme and safe hauen of indempnity of conscience . The mindes of men , ( most heigh and royall soueraigne , are vttered in their willes , and their willes with affections are commonly expressed in their wordes and deedes . Let our deedes throughly be examined , and there shall be found harboured , neither in our willes euill affects : neither in our mindes disloyal thoughts . Wherefore with most deepe sighes , prostrate before the throne , and at the feete of your Heighnes royall Maiestie , we with all humilitie , doe submit these our lamentable griefes : And albeit , that many wayes we haue bene afflicted , yet this affliction following ( if it be not by the accustomed natural benignitie of your Maiestie suspended , or taken away ) will light vpon vs to our extreame ruine , and certaine calamitie , that either we ( being Catholikes ) must liue , as bodies without soules : or else loose the temporal vse both of body and soule .

O most mighty Queene , let your excellent and heauenly vertues now take their chiefe effects , let your rare and incomparable wisdome enter into the consideration of these poynts , and let that Orient pearle and gratious worke of nature , which in your royall person hath so many wealthful yeares shined amongst vs , and administred most bright and comfortable beames of grace to all men : Let this vnspeakable and singular good nature of yours , deare Ladie and Queene , delight to worke another thing like it selfe , or at least dislike to suffer a thing contrary to it selfe . Knit the bodie and the soule togeather ; Let not vs your catholike , natiue , english , and obedient subiects stand in more perill , for the frequenting the blessed Sacraments , and exercising the catholike religion , and that most secretly , then do the Catholikes subict to the Turke publickly : then do the peruerse and basphemous Iewes , haunting their Synagogues , vnder sundry Christian Kings openly : and then doe the Protestants enioying their publike assemblies vnder diuers catholike Kings and Princes quietly . Let it not be treason , for the sicke man in the body , euen at the last gaspe to seeke ghostly councell for the saluation of his soule of a catholike Priest : so shall both soule and body , spiritual and temporal , according to our most bounden dutie serue you truely : and praye for your long and most prosperous raigne effectually . Then shall this your gratious tolleration sound out your most famous memory so tryumphantly to all nations , that the same shal be preserued of record from age to age , and consecrated to endles glorie and rerenowne .

Accept most mercifull Prince our faithfulnes , regard our dutiful hearte : despise not our sincere affection . Let our rehearsed miseries be relieued with your renowned mercies ; accompt those subiects to be vndoubtedly faithful in whose accusations and liues , hath appeared a chiefe and speciall care not to offend God . It nowe behoueth vs moste humbly to craue your maiesties gratious pardon : for that we haue not obserued the vsuall breuitie of supplications , being destitute of friendes to speake in our behalfe ; wee are driuen to set downe somewhat largly by writing that which might by speach with les tediousnes bene vttered . Finally we make our humble petitions , that your excellency wil giue vs such credite and affiance to our words & othes , that we may from henceforth be deemed cleere & voy●e of al suspition , both in thought , word & deed : to refraine publick places of prayers , only for feare to fal into damnable sin , & not in any hope or regard of any worldly preferment or policy . Secondly to haue that pittiful consideration , & remorse of our calamities , as may be thought most expedient to the comfort of vs afflicted , and most agreeing with your M. most gratious pleasure & good likeing . Thirdly & chiefly , not to suffer any law to be made , whereby Catholike Priests of this realme shall be banished , & their receiuers highly punished . Grant , O merciful Q. that we may do the works of mercy & charity to Gods Priests , so long as they pray for your M. & vse themselues dutifully : we are the more encouraged thus boldly to entreat with your M. because in former years it hath bin deliuered in pulpets , & published by books late printed , & otherwise diuulged , that your clemency neither hath , nor will punish any of your catholike subiects for their conscience , in matters of religion only . For our parts what successe soeuer shal grow vnto vs by reason of this our humble supplication , we do aduisedly & firmely vow to God , that your M. shal finde such subects , as God requireth , and your M. desireth . That is most louing , most loyal , and most dutiful . Our Lord God preserue your M. to our inestimable ioye , and your endlesse felicitie . Amen .

The Parlaments vniust proceeding against Priestes and Catholiks , and persecution without all cause by their owne iudgements .

HItherto the petition of the Catholikes of England penned by the reuerend Priests in that time , and by their assent presented to Queene Elizabeth , and to her handes deliuered by M. Shelly , in the 27. yeare of her raigne , as she walked in her Parke at Greenewich , and at the time of the Parlament then holden , by which Parlament , all English men made Priests since the feast of the natiuitie of S. Iohn Baptist , in the first yeare of her raigne , were made Traytors , and the receiuers of them fellons . The same M. Shelly for his presuming to deliuer it vnto that Queene , not acquainting her priuie Councell there-with before , and for no other cause , as hee often protested , was by Sir Francis Walsingham then chiefe Secretarie , committed close prisoner to the Marshallsey , where he dyed ; which was the summe of the answere made vnto this most humble and religious petition , which notwithstanding , that Queene and her Parlament then proceeded in making that cruell Lawe , as commonly the Protestants since haue presumed : Although M. Robert Apreece of Washingly in Huntingtonshire lately deceased , and in his life , a worthy Confessor , did often affirme before diuers & credible witnesses , approuing it againe not three weekes before his death in the presence of many , being thereof of purpose demanded , that the Earle of Kent which then was , and present in that Parlament , did constantly affirme that Queene Elizabeth did not confirme that statue , but said I' a visera , which disabled it to be a lawe .

He testified further , God is called to witnes of this true relation , that a gentleman named M. Hambdon , at that time gentleman vsher of Bromeley , then L. Chancellour , and present when the Queene came to allowe or disallow the lawes , then entreated , and assuredly iustified to the same M. Apreece , and diuers other gentlemen assembled togeather at a supper that very daye , that this Bill was not passed by the Queenes consent , but she said as the Earle before affirmed ; and that giueth more strength for this to be so . The same M. Apreece confirmed vpon his owne knowledge , that this statute was not put in the written copie or Catalogue of the lawes that passed in that Parlament , & was diuulged , and so continued a fourtnight together in common acceptance , without contradiction .

But howsoeuer the trueth of this is , most true , and too true it was and is , that by onely pretence of such a lawe , many holy and worthy Priestes haue bene most cruelly put to death , and most grieuous afflictions raysed and prosecuted against the Catholikes of England by that onely warrant . Yet this Queene sometime before her death , or at least some of her priuie Councell gaue some hope of a mittigation , thinking perhaps that after her death , his maiestie that nowe is , being vndoubtedly by his true and most lawfull right to succeede , could no be so well pleased to finde the Catholikes of England , which had endured so much for their constant defence of the most vnquestionable tytle of him and his holy mother , to be so grieuously afflicted by the Protestants estate of this kingdome which had not bene so friendly and fauourably vnto it . Therefore some hopes were giuen to the Archpriest of England then , that his Priestes should at the laste haue disputation with their Bishops and Doctors ; and this was so credibly related and denounced vnto him , that two seuerall times he sommoned & appoynted foure of his learned Priests to vndergoe that combate . His assigned disputants were these : D. Weston . D. Smyth . D. Tho. Wright , and M. Richard Broughton . Three of these also hee appoynted to despute , D. Smith , M. Wright and M. Broughton at the Parlament in K. Iames his time , when the new oath was enacted , and for the fourth assigned Doctor Bishop .

And to confirme further this relenting disposition in that Queene , and the wisest of her counsell , besides that which is written before , those Priestes whom hee that writeth for the new oath vnder the name of M. Roger Widdrington doeth vntruely challenge for his opinion , as both their late Apologie to the contrary , the martirdome of some of them for onely refusing it ( as namely M. Robert Drury ) and the confession and acknowledgment of that author himselfe vpon certaine knowledge doe testifie , they still iustifie that the councell of Q. Elizabeth promised quietnes and tolleration , vpon Priests acknowledgement of temporal obedience vnto her , which none denyed : and this was the motiue as these Priestes haue often protested ( for I am none of them ) that they were willing to yeeld so much as their spiritual bond and dutie to the See Apostolik which they except , would permit to Queene Elizabeth then their Soueraigne .

Neither can wee without great aspersion of dishonour , and all hope of all kinde of penitencie in that princesse be of other minde . For hauing publickly so protested in parlament , neuer to vexe or trouble anye Romane Catholike for matter of Religion , her case ( euen by protestants iudgement , not to persecute for Religion ) should be too desperate by their owne proceedings , especially if we a little reflect vpon that , which all the christian world can witnesse both for priests and Catholikes , and our protestant histories themselus thus deliuer vnto vs in these wordes : Elizabeth succeeded her sister , & began her raigne with so generall applause , as her sister did , by reason the Cleargie , the Nobilitie , and most of the commons were Romane Catholikes , who neuerthelesse , although they knew her full determination , was to alter their setled course in Religion , yet they all with one consent being set in the Parlament house , when the certaine newes was brought them of Queene Maries death , they acknowledged her immediate right , and presently declared the same by diuers Proclamations , and forth-with prepared themselues to performe their homage and fealtie , which shee gratiously accepted . ( Howes Historical preface in Queene Elizabeth . Stowes Historie . anno 1. Elizabeth . Cambden in apparal . Annal. )

Thus these Protestant historians , and these renowned Bishops , Priests and Catholiks were so far from raysing the least resistance against her , when as we see they might easily haue kept her from being Queene , if they would haue proceeded as Protestants vse to do , that those holy Bishops , as your greatest Protestant antiquarie writeth ( Cambden annal. pag. 27. ) though they both thought Queene Elizabeth at that time to deserue the censure of Excommunication , and that they had power and authoritie to inflict it on her , yet they refrayned to doe it , leaste by that meanes the people and subiects of England would take armes against her , and so depose her , being by them excommunicated . And thus tender of this Queenes safety and quiet ( though after excommunicate , and for her birth by our Protestant historians and statutes themselues not in the best estate , were all Priests of England , after that not onely at that time of the statute against them , they were all most free and innocent , as is iustified in the petition before , & confirmed by our Protestant historians , which cannot charge any one Priest of those dayes with temporall disobedience ; but euer after continued in the same dutie and loyaltie , not any one accused of the contrarie , except they wil instance in M. Ballard , for the businesse of the Queene of Scotland , and her sonne his Maiestie that now raigneth , and long and happely may he raigne amongst vs , which we thinke for their dutie they owe to our Soueraigne and King Iames , Protestants should not be hastie to vrge : and if they should , and that matter were as the Protestants then pretended , yet but one Priest in 44. yeares , seruing for their purpose , they may now acknowledge how vnequal and vniust a thing it was , to condemne so venerable & heigh a function , generally for so an heynous offence , when they finde none guiltie by their owne proceedings .

And this innocencie of Priestes was that , which in those latter dayes of Q. Elizabeth so inforced that Queene and her councel , so cunningly as they could with their politike reputation , not to be altogether contrary to themselues , and not ingeniously acknowledge the wrongs and iniuries they had offered and done to that sacred vocation , to stay the fury , and mittigate the rage of their former persecution , by occasion whereof , and Priestes prooued thus innocent , diuers religious men , which spareingly before ( as those of the Societie ) or not at all ( as the Monkes of the order of S. Benedict , had visited England ) resorted hither in some numbers in those latter dayes of that Queene . And thus much of the honor and loyaltie of Priests , and vndeniable trueth of the Religion they taught in her time .

Howe the Priestes and Catholikes of England , neuer deserued the least persecution or affliction , vnder our Soueraigne King Iames , but rather fauour , honour , and reuerence .

NOW let vs come to the time of our dread leige and Soueraigne King Iames : as the world well knoweth , the affection and dutifull loue of the Priests and Catholikes of England toward his Maiesties right and most vndoubted true title to this kingdome , in the dayes of Queene Elizabeth , yet euer performing due obedience vnto her , was not inferiour to the best Protestants of this nation : so it pleased his Maiestie without any exception of Priest or Papist , generally to speake in publike Parlament of this whole Iland . I am the husband , and all the whole I le is my lawful wife : I am the head , and it is my bodie : I am the Sheepheard , and it is my flocke ( King Iames parl. 1. sess. 1. ) He therefore accounteth vs poore members of this his wife , his bodie , & flocke , for being but one husband , head and shepheard , he hath but one wise , body and flocke by that relation . And at his entrance hither , by his regall testimonie , wee that be priestes and Catholikes applauded and embraced it with as great ioy and alacritie , as those that were Protestants , and of his Religion , as they pretende : his Maiestie tearmeth it ( sess. 1. supr. parl. 1. ) a ioy full and general applause , and vnexpected readines of our deserts , memorable resolution , most wonderfull coniunction , and harmonie of our hearts , in declaring and embraceing our vndoubted King and gouernour at his first entrie into this kingdome , the people of all sortes rid and ran , other flew to meete him ; their eyes flaming nothing but sparkles of affection , their mouthes and tongues vttering nothing but sounds of ioye , their hearts , feete , and all the rest of their members in their gestures , discouering a passionate longing , and earnestnes to meete and embrace , their new Soueraigne .

Thus it pleased him to embrace vs in generall , as his most louing and dutifull subiects : and in particular thus he pittied our former afflictions , and intended to mitigate and relieue them : my minde ( saith he ) was euer free from persecution or thralling my subiectes in matters of conscience . ( King Iames in Parlament ) therefore of himselfe he did not thinke vs worthie to be persecuted or inthralled , but rather lightned of those miseries , as his next wordes a warrant : I was so far from encreasing their burdens with Roboam , as I haue so much , as either time occasion , or lawe could permit , lightned them . And in his censure against Conradus Vorstius the Dutch heretike , recounting the differences betweene protestants and vs , hee findeth not one for which we may be persecuted , but the contrary .

At his comming in , he set the Catholikes and Priestes at libertie , gaue free pardons vnto all of them , both priests and others , that would sue them foorth , and paye foure or fiue Nobles at the moste for them to the Lorde Chancellour : In those pardons , hee remitted both the guilt and danger from priesthood , and much more then any of vs had transgressed in , he stiled vs as our dignities , discentes , or callings were , gentlemen , priestes , or of what degree , dignitie , or preeminence soeuer he were , his belooued subiects : which wordes and state are incompatible wtth the name of Treason : in those pardons hee pardoned whatsoeuer could be in any rigour interpreted to be within the daunger of that Lawe , both our comming into England , and abyding and remayninge heere : so that by pardon being dead , they cannot possiblie be reuiued , because the graunt is irreuocable . Our comming in , was but one indiuiall acte and offence in Lawe , and so remitted , cannot be offence : our continuance , and remayning so long as we doe not reiterate it againe , by going foorth , and comming in the second time , is also but one particular , singular , and indiuidual action , without discontinuance , one ens fluens , as all such not interrupted be : an hower , a daye , a weeke , a moneth , a yeare , a life , an age , and the like . This all philosophie , & common reason ( whereon our common law is , and must be founded ) teacheth vs . Thus diuers protestant , & good lawyers haue answered : thus his Maiestie esteemed , when hearing of a priest named M. Freeman , put to death for his priesthood , by the Iudges of Warwicke , soone after his Maiesties comming hither , with signe of sorrow answered : Alas poore man , had he not foure nobles to buye his pardon : by which he concluded , that a priest being pardoned for his priesthood , could not after for being a priest be put to death , or tearmed a traytour , or indanger his friends and receauers , but was a free and lawfull true subiect , from that imputation . His Maiestie also allowed the times of Constantine for times of true Religion , and the Roman Church then , and after , to be the true , & our mother Church , and not to be departed from .

Then wee may not so vnder-value the learning and iudgement of our learned and Soueraigne in diuinitie , and histories , but he well knoweth ( which no learned man is ignorant of ) that in the time of Constantine , the Church of Rome had the same holy sacrifice of Masse , and the same holy sacrifycing priesthood , which now it hath , which I will hereafter demonstrate by the best learned protestant antiquaries of this nation , as also that the Church of Rome at the reuolt of King Henry the 8. was the same in all essential things , which it was in that prefixed time of Constantine ; And to be liberal to my needy protestant contrymen in this case , I say , that the Church of Rome , & the Religion of the Priests of England , their priesthood , and sacrifice of the Masse , is the same which were in Rome , and in this Iland also in S. Peters time , & in euery age without interruption since then , vnto these dayes of Protestants . And if we may beleeue Isaac Casaubon , the stipendarie champion for the Protestants of England , who saith , ab ore regis accepi , and haec est Religio Regis Angliae , &c. ( Isaac Casaubon contra Cardinal Peron . Pag. 50.51.52 . ) I haue it from the Kings mouth , this is the Religion of the King , this is the Religion of the Church of England : The fathers of the Primatiue church did acknowledge one sacrifice in christian Religion , that succeeded in the place of the sacrifice of Moses . The sacrifice offered by Priests , is Christs bodie and the same obiect , and thing , which the Romane Church beleeueth .

These and such things troubled the heads of some great Protestant persecutors in England , ( their consciences being guiltie of some-what not good ) that they coulde not enduer the least clemency of his Maiestie towards his loyall and truest catholike subiects , but olde stratagems and tragedies of Queene Elizabeths time , must needes be renewed and playde againe , to bring not only the Catholikes of England , but their holy religion ( if possiblie it could be done ) into obloquie , especiallie with his gratious Maiestie : and thereupon an execrable and most damnable treacherie by gunpowder was to be inuented , for a few wicked & desperatly minded men to doe , whom many protestants tearmed papists ; although the true Priests and Catholikes of England knew them not to bee such , nor can any protestant truely say , that any one of them was such a one , as their lawes and proceedings against vs , name Papists , Popish recusants , or the like . What he was , papist or protestant , rich or poore , noble or vnnoble , of Courte or countrey , that was inuentor of this horrible deuise , I will not discusse , but referre all indifferently minded men , and of iudgement able to discerne the probable trueth in such a cause , to the historie and circumstances thereof , as they are set downe by the Protestant historian , M. Ed. Hows ( histor. of Engl. in King Iames. )

But to graunt to our Protestant persecutors , for arguments sake ( that which I may not ) and they will as hardly proue , that this wicked interprise was first inuented by Catesby , and some of his consorts , and that diuers of them were papists , and had acquaintance with the chiefe Iesuite then in England , who at least in confession knew of this conspiracie , & did not reueale it : that there were foure of this companie arraigned for the conspiracie , three gentlemen ( though two of these , Fauxe and Keyes were but seruing men ) as the fourth , Thomas Bates styled yeoman . that one Knight and three Esquires concealed it , of which the Knight was so ignorant , that as the Protestant relator of this matter saith , at his death he spake these wordes ( Howes supr. in Sir Edward Digby ) If he had knowne it first to haue bene so fowle a treason , he would not haue concealed it , to haue gayned a world : Which he could not haue truely said , if he had knowne it in particular , & in it selfe a most horrible damnable thing ; and the rest as this author writeth , dyed penitent ; and besought all Catholikes , neuer to attempt such a bloodie acte , being a course which God did neuer fauour nor prosper . Those that were vp in tumult with Catesby , were ( as the Protestants relateth ( Howes supr. ) neuer full fourscore strong , besides many of their houshold seruants ( no doubt papists if their maisters were so ) forsooke them how erlie : yet they diuulged many detestable vntruths against the king & state , omitting no scandal which they thought might serue their traiterous purpose , & that they were assembled and prepared to some special seruice , for the aduancement of the catholike cause , hoping thereby to haue drawne into their rebellion , those of that religion , & other wilful malecontents :

And to make euident , it was rather a madde desperat attempt of one priuate kindred , or acquaintance , then of any religion . Thus it is creedibly recounted by them that knew their discents ( for I was a stranger to them all ) Catesby and Tresham were sisters children ; the two Graunts brethren , and the elder intermarryed with Winters sister , calling his eldest sonne Winter Graunt : the Winters Grandmother , was sister to the Grandmother of Catesby & Treshame , and so they were kinsmen . Yorke , and the Winters sisters children , by the Englebies : the two Wrytes long time dependers of Catesby , and their sister married to Percy : Catesby , Tresham , T. Winter , two Wrights and Graunt were in Essex rebellion . All these were yong except Percy , who gaue the Pistoll to his Maister the olde Earle of Northumberland in the Tower : And if any of these were Catholikes , or so dyed , they were knowne Protestants not long before , and neuer frequenters of Catholike Sacramentes with any Priest as I could euer learne : & as all the Protestant courts will witnesse , not one of them a conuicted or knowne Catholike or recusant . And of all these remembred of that conspiracie or acquainted with it , the L. Mounteagle , now L. Morley , who disclosed it , was most noted to be a Catholike , as his Ladie and Children were .

Therefore seeing ( as the Protestants haue testified ) no Catholikes could by any deuise , be drawne into this matter , not one among so many hundreth , or thousands of knowne Catholikes priuie vnto it , but detesting it when it was knowne , the Archpriest by writing condemning it presently when he vnderstood it , all his Priests abhorring it , & euery one of them with the Archpriests warrant , and the consent of the chiefest Catholikes in England , and all they in their petitions hereafter condemning it for a most horrible offence ( Archpriest letter of prohibit . Author of moderat answ. epist. dedicat . to the king . Catholiks petitions to the parlament and chiefe Secretary ) And not one either Prieste or knowne Catholike , with all those strickt and diligent searches and examinations then made by the protestant state about it , was either prooued , or probablie suspected to be guiltie of it : but so farre freede , that the Lords of the Councel , requested that a Priest should be appoynted to perswade and assure Fauxe ( a chiefe agent in it ) that he was bound in conscience to vtter what he could of that conspiracie , and M. Tho. Write a learned Priest did hereupon come to the councell , and offer his best seruice herein , and had a warrant to that purpose subsigned with 12. priuie Councellors hands , which he shewed vnto me , and I am witnesse of his hauing such a warrant . But as he said , Fauxe had confessed all they could wish before he could come vnto him , so that no man of conscience can , or will thinke , but generally al the Priestes and Catholikes of England did rather deserue fauour , honour , and enfranchisement , from all afflictions , for their moste religious , and holy seruing of God , and as loyal obedient and dutiful trueth , alleageance and fidelitie to our protestant King and countrey , then the least disfauour for this practise .

For if the Priestes and Catholikes so manie thousands in England would haue entertayned it , no man can be so malicious , and simple to thinke , but there would haue bene a greater assemblie then fourescore , to take such an action in hand ; and the councell could not be so winking eyed , but they would haue found foorth some one or other culpable , which they could neuer doe , though some of them most powreable in it , tentered and racked forth their enuie and hatred against vs , to the vttermost limites they could extend . To confirme this our innocencie , the kings Maiestie in his second proclamation against that wickednesse , calleth all the confederates , men of lewde insolent disposition , and for the most part of desperate estate ( Proclamat . 2. against Percy , &c. an . 1605. ) and in his third Proclamation , when they were all discouered and knowne , thus he proclaimeth and publisheth : ( Procl . 3. an . eod. 1605. ) It appeareth now in part who were the complices in this detestable Treason , published by our former proclamations , in their assembling together , to mooue our people to rebellion , although perhaps many of them did neuer vnderstande the secrete of his ( Percies ) abhominable purpose . Where wee plainely see , that the King and his counsell then knew the complices , and partakers of that villanie , yet they neuer taxed any Priest , or knowne catholike therewith .

And it further proueth , that they which ioyned therein knew not the practise in particular , neither durst the workers of it disclose it to them , least for the vilenes of it , they would haue reiected or reuealed it , as al true Catholiks would haue done . And his Maiestie in publicke parlament , doth free Catholikes as much as Protestants in this inuention , when hee plainelie saith ( as trueth is ) if it had taken effect , Protestants and Papists should haue all gone awaye , and perished together ( Kings speath parl. an . 1605. ) And to demonstrate from his maiesties publike acte , that Priestes and catholikes were as innocent as Protestants , and as the Kings Maiestie himselfe , of this , and all such vilenesse , hee declareth by Proclamation ( Proclamat . die 7. Nouembr . an . 1605 ) We are by good experience so well perswaded , of the loyaltie of diuers subiectes ( of the Romane religion ) that they doe as much abhorre this detestable conspiracie , as our selfe , and will be readie to doe their best endeauours , though with expence of their blood , to suppresse al attempters against our safetie , and the quiet of our estate , & to discouer whomsoeuer they shall suspect to be of rebellious or trayterous disposition . Thus his maiestie by good experience hath publickly pronounced .

And though I am no Iesuit , yet religion , iustice & charitie draw my pen to write thus much , for the supposed guiltines of M. Garnet , superior of Iesuits here at that time , we haue but the protestants affirmation , and him denying it , and we haue from the same protestants , that which rather iustifyeth his denial , then their affirmation : for they published his examination before the Councell , wherein they set downe his opinion ( H. Garnets examination before the Councel . anno 1605. ) That the Pope could not depose the king , and they adde his reason thus ; because the King was neuer subiect to the Pope ; which reason I doe not examine , but thus iustifie , that if in his opinion , the pope could not depose the king ; and the king was neuer subiect to the pope , then the pope could not licence any man , supposed a Catholike , so to proceed ; for himselfe could not by this his opinion so doe , much lesse any papist by his allowance : and if the king was neuer subiect to the pope , he could neuer be subiect to any papist , the popes and his owne subiect . And whereas the protestants condemne some other Iesuits for this matter , and among them Father Baldwyne , yet hauing him prisoner diuers years , vnder their strictest examination , they at last dismissed him as innocent and guiltlesse therein , & that with honour . And how-so-euer the case stood with the accused Iesuites , we are euidently taught by these greatest authorities , that both priests and catholikes were vpon this pretence most vniustly persecuted ; although besides all these reasons , wee by publicke consent both of Archpriest , best learned cleargie and Catholikes , presented and offered to maintaine our cause & innocencie in these humble petitions : and first to his maiestie in this maner .

TO THE MOST EXCEL-CELLENT and mightie Prince , our gratious and dread Soueraigne , IAMES by the grace of God , King of great Britaine , France and Ireland , in the yeare 1605. iustifying the Innocencie of Catholikes , and trueth of their holie Religion , against all best learned protestant aduersaries . Most gratious Soueraigne .

THe late intended conspiracie against the life of your royall maiestie ( the life , vnion , rule , and direction to these vnited kingdomes ) was so heynous an impietie , that nothing which is holy , can make it legittimate , no pretence of Religion can be alleaged to excuse it , God and heauen condemne it , men and earth detest it , innocents bewaile it , the nocent and vnhappie delinquents themselues in repentance haue lamented it , and your dutiful , religious and learned Catholikes , Priests and others , which haue endured most for their profession , holde it in greatest horror , and will sweare , protest , promise and performe to your Maiestie , whatsoeuer loyaltie , obedience and dutie , is due from a subiect to his temporall prince , by the word of God , lawe of nature , or hath bene vsed by the subiects of this kingdome , to any your christian progenitors from the first to the last : acknowledge and render to your honorable counsel , and all magistrates in ciuill causes , so much honor , reuerence and submission , and to all other protestant subiects , like amitie and neighbourly affection , as if they were of the same Religion , which we professe .

Yet , this is the miserable and distressed state , of many thousands your most loyall and louing subiectes ( dread liege ) for their faithful dutie to God , and a Religion taught in this kingdome , and embraced by all your progenitors , and our ancestors , so many hundred yeares ; that euery aduersary may preach , & print against vs , and make their challenge , as though either for ignorance we could not , or for distrust of our cause , wee were vnwilling to make them answere , or come to triall : when quite contrarie , we haue often , earnestly , and by all meanes we could , desired to haue it granted , with equal conditions , against the most selected , and best learned doctors of that Religion .

And at this present , when your chiefest Protestant Clergie , Bishops and others is assembled , wee most humblie intreate , this so reasonable a placet , that although they will not ( as we feare ) euer consent to an indifferent choyce , opposition , and defence in questions : yet at the least , to auoyde the wonder of the world , they will be content , that we may haue publike audience of those articles , opinions and practise , for which we are so much condemned and persecuted . If we shall not be able to defend or proue any position generally maintained in our doctrine , to be conformeable to those rules in diuinitie , which your Maiestie and the protestant lawes of England ( we can profer no more ) haue confirmed for holie , the canonicall scriptures , the first generall councels , the dayes of Constantine , and the primatiue Church , let the penalties be imposed and executed against vs . If we performe it , or this petition may not be admitted , we trust , that both our office to God , and dutie to our Prince , is discharged in this poynt .

Your royall person , and that honorable Consistory now assembled , are holden in your doctrine , to be supreame sentencer , euen in spiritual busines in this kingdome ; we therefore hope , you wil not in a Courte from whence no appeale is allowed , and in matters of such consequence , proceede to iudgement , or determine of execution , before the arraigned is summoned to answere , hath receaued or refused trial , is , or can be prooued guiltie . If we be condemned , and our cause be iust , and religion true ; it is God , & not man , against whom you proceede in sentence . If our profession be erroneous , and yet for consent with so manie nations , and so long continuance , it is lesse vnpunished : you onely pardon the frailtie and ignorance of earthly men , and fight not with the heauenly . Denie not that to vs ( your euer true and obedient subiects ) in a religion so auntient , which your collegued princes , the King of Spaine , and the Archduke , do offer to the so many yeares disobedient Netherlandes , vpon their temporall submittance , in so late an embraced doctrine : that which the Arrian Emperours of the Easte , permitted to the Catholikes ( Bishops , priestes , Churches ) tolleration : what the barbarian Vandals often offered , and sometimes truely performed in Africke : What the Turkish Emperour in Greece , and Protestant Princes in Germanie , and other places , conformable to the examples of Protestant rulers , not vnanswerable to your owne princely pietie , pittie , and promise , no degust to any equally minded Protestant or Puritane at home , a iub●ly to vs distressed , a warrant of securitie to your Maiestie in all opinions , from all terrours and dangers . From which of what kinde soeuer , we most humblie beseech the infinite mercie of Almightie God to preserue your Heighnes , and send you , your Queene and posteritie , all happienesse and felicitie , both in heauen and earth , Amen .

Another petition of the Catholiks of England to his Maiestie , at the same time .

REmember most worthie Prince , not onely howe grieuous , but how general the penalties against your catholikes be enacted ; and yet new threatnings be made , that new & more strange ( as nec inter gentes ) shall be ordeyned : The bodies , honors , reputations and ritches of the husbands , to be punished for their wiues religion and soules , to which they are neither husbands nor superiours ; children to be taken from their parents , & parents to be depriued of their education , which Catholike princes doe not , and in conscience cannot offer to Iewes themselues , though ( in some opinions ) the slaues of Christians . Children , seruants , kinsmen and neighbours to be made hired espials , to betray their parents , maisters , kindred , in things as vnlawful , which the whole catholik world honoreth for holie . Commendable arts , functions of physicke , and which haue no connexion with religion , to be put to silence in catholikes . The seuere penaltie ( twentie pounde a moneth ) for not monethly professing the protestant faith in churches ( when in all diuinitie the precept of profession of true and vndoubted faith , in se & ex se , bindeth but seldome ) is to be encreased . And others of such condition , too many here to be mentioned , and too grieuous and vnnatural : we hope , in your princely opinion , to be concluded by a kings consent vnder fauour , for all , wee instance in one most heauie , and generall in those of our deceased Queene . All Priestes , though neuer so dutiful or obedient , be censured for traytours , equally with the greatest offendor , in the sinne of treason , when many guiltlesse soules of that sacred order , would not for thousands of worldes once consent to any such , or far inferiour offence . A thing most strange , and beyond all example , that men in respect onely of their calling and function , and that function so reuerenced by all our forefathers , should without further cause be condemned , as guiltie of so detestable a crime .

We defende holy Priesthood to be a Sacrament , which being ordained by God , cannot be changed by man , Pope , Prelate , or humane power , but remaining in all things , substance and doctrine , the same , which in those daies when it was so honorably esteemed of all your Christian progenitors , and when our mother church kept her first integritie by your heighnesse iudgement , as we are reddie to make defence . It is the honour of our King in heauen ( most mightie Soueraigne ) for which we continue in combate : that religion which the whole catholike world in all generall councels , popes , doctors , and learned men , haue euer professed ; wherein this nation ( as our Protestants acknowledge ) was conuerted , all our Christian ancestry embraced , and which all princes in the schoole of Christ ( of whom your Maiestie is descended ) mayntained in themselues & in their subiects . That which is so general , cannot be surrendred by a smal number , of one kingdome : It is not in the power of man , to resigne the honour of God : if it will please your Maiestie to vouchsafe vs licence to request , and grace to obtaine , that your owne princely sentence & censure may stande , that wee ought not to departe further from the Romane Church , our mother Church ( by your iudgement ) than shee is departed from her selfe , when she was in her best , and florishing state : And that the time of Constantine was incorrupted in religion , wee humbly againe offer tryal before your heignesse , with equall conditions of schooles , against the most selected and chosen protestant Bishops and doctors of your dominions , to prooue or defend any , or euery substantial article , which wee now professe , to be agreeable vnto ( and not , dissenting ) the knowne publike Catholike doctrine of that mother Church , in those your mentioned incorrupted dayes of Christianitie .

And seeing the disfauour and penalties against laye Catholikes , are grounded vpon their recusancie , to be present at your protestant seruice : wee humblie beseech , it may be called to memorie , howe they haue protested in seuerall supplications , one to your Maiestie , before the ende of the laste parlament : and the other to Queene Elizabeth , in the twentie seuenth yeare of her raigne , to be builded onely vpon feare of offending God . To which their so long and manifolde disgraces , losses , imprisonments , and sufferings , are sufficient witnesse : And for further triall thereof , haue offered to repayre to your Protestant Churches , and seruice , without further exception , if the learned of your Religion can , and doe prooue to the learned of their profession , that it may be performed without offence to God , which is so much in the opinion of all diuines , as any Christian subiects can offer in this case .

Th●s if your Protestant Cleargie doe refuse , or doe not satisfie so Christian a request , we hope your Maiestie beeing wise , learned , iuditious , and gratious , will perceaue , that the seueritie of the lawes against them , for that cause , is not to be put in practise . These things in most humble manner , wee commende to your heighest and mercifull consideration : And so desiring of the Almightie , to graunt all happinesse and prosperitie to your Maiestie , and posteritie : wee conclude in all dutifull subiection , with that auntient Father ( Tertullian in Apollget . ) Wee will faithfully serue you in your Pallace , we will accompanie other your subiects in the market , wee will ioyne with them in the fielde , against your nemies , onely to you we leaue the Churches .

These two petitions were printed and presented to his Maiestie in the Parlament , when the new oath was enacted , and the foure remembred Priests appointed by the Arch-priest then to performe that challenge or petition ; likewise at the same time was presented to the Parlament , by the handes of Sir Francis Hastings , and Sir Richard Knightly , two Puritanes of that Parlament , from the chiefe Catholikes of England , with the allowance of the Archpriest , and his cleargie ; this petition following to the same purpose .

The humble petition of the chiefe Catholike Recusants of England , presented to the heigh Court of Parlament , in the yeare 1605. by the handes of Sir Francis Hastings , and Sir Richard Knightly , then of that house of Parlament : to both which it was deliuered , by the said Catholikes .

THe proceedings of that heigh Court of Parlament , in the daies of our late Queene Elzabeth , against the Catholike subiects of this kingdome , were for seueritie far beyond example ; which they hoped for manie most iust , reasonable true causes , & were to receaue their ende , when shee should cease to liue , and by death , determine her personall quarrells and contentions against the Religion , and Apostolike power of the Sea of Rome . Especially by the ioyful and happie entrance & Coronation of our most honoured King Iames , most free from those tearmes wherewith she was intangled , at temporall peace , amitie , and vnitie with that holy Sea , with the sacred Empyre , all Christian Kings and Princes , by vndoubted royal discent , the most lawful , legitimate , and rightful King of all these his vnited kingdomes . Wee that be Catholiques in England , and had euer bene so true and faithfull to the onely vnited true title of him and his blessed Mother , and neuer entred into any dissotiation against it , assuredly hoped , hee would not singularlie drawe his sword of persecution against vs , his most dutiful , faithful , and obedient subiects , in whom he could finde nothing to reuenge or punish : for he publickly protested in that Court of Parlament : his mind was euer free from persecution or enthralling his subiects in matters of conscience , and the burthens of Catholikes were rather to be lightned , then with Roboam to be encreased ( king Iames speach in parlament . 1. sess. 1. )

But seeing all this notwithstanding , your Parlament now assembled ( contrary to our hopes , and otherwise our deseruings , as wee hope haue bene ) doth rather presage an intended increase , then either ceasing , or mittigation of these our miseries , and extreame afflictions : we feare least silence in vs might be taken as an interpretatiue yeelding or consente , that we are not altogether vnworthely afflicted , with so strange calamities : for the world cannot otherwise in wisdome censure , that such punishment by so heigh a iudgement should be imposed vpon men ( subiects , friends , and kinsmen , so generally ) except guiltie of some most heinous , or execrable fact or offence against God , our King and countrey . Wherefore you must giue vs leaue in this perplexed case , to contest against you in the humblest & best maner we may , and leaue it a memoriall to potesteritie , that if you persist or proceede in persecution , we protest before God , and in our consciences , we shal be vniustly persecuted . If you will continue or encrease persecution , you must pretend some motiue to doe it , and if you desire to cloath or shaddow it , with any cloake or colour of iustice , it must be founded vpon some probable conuiction , if our generall deseruing such punishments to be so generally prosecuted against vs , which must needs be some vniuersal disobedience , or disloyaltie in vs all , either temporall to our terrestrial king and contrey on earth , or spirituall to God and the heauenly kingdome ; we know no thirde to whom your Religion would wish vs to performe obedience .

For our discharge to the first , we haue serued now vnder your vigilant , and surueying eyes , diuers apprentiships in continuall persecution ; yet from the first beginning thereof , vnto this day , you haue not found by all those narrow searches , and scrutinies you haue made , that we ( whom you thus persecute vnder the name of Religion ) haue bene thus founde disloyal to our temporal prince , neither is that pretended in any of your laws against vs . And in this late vngratious and hellish conspiracie , if they had bene such as your lawes and proceedings stile Papists and Recusants , yet his Maiestie by his publike proclamation ( King Iames Proclamation in Septemb. an. 1605 ) giueth that testimony of the loyaltie , and loue of his Catholike subiects vnto him , that you which persecute vs doe not , & by his regal wordes cannot accuse vs therein . And the number of these certainely knowen conuicted Catholques , which you persecute for religion , and both by his maiesties declaration , and all protestant most diligent searches and examinations , thus innocent , and which detest all disloialtie , are 500. to one of those which you prooue guiltie , by your publike Courts and recordes . Neither can you finde by anie such proceedings against Catholiques , that these malefactours were of the number of those which you haue so punished and persecuted for our religion . The Archpriest of England , and the reuerend priests of his companie ( who best knew who be Catholiques by their frequenting holie Sacraments ) haue by publike writings vtterlie renounced them , and condemned their lewed enterprise , for most wicked impietie .

Therefore in conscience and iustice you cannot vpon this pretence , rayse a generall persecution against vs : for in so doing , you should vniustlie persecute thousands of those that be as innocent , as your selues can be , or his Maiestie himselfe by his owne testimony of vs ( King Iam procl . supr. an. 1605. ) Wee are by good experience so well perswaded of their loyalties , that they doe as much abhorre this detestable conspiracie as our selfe , and will be reddie to doe their beste endeuours , though with expence of their blood to suppresse all attempts against our safetie , and the quiet of our state , & to discouer whom soeuer they shall suspect to be of rebellious or trayterous disposition . This is his Maiesties sentence by good experience of vs his catholique subiects , your petitioners . Therefore we are confident , we rather deserue fafauour then affliction at your Court. And yet if contrary to the lawes of this Kingdome , you would say , that the lands , goods , and liues of delinquents ( which we doe not thinke you intende , or we will wish you to spare in these offendours ) doe not satisfie in such cases , you must notwithstanding ( to conteine your proceedings within the shaddowe of iustice ) not impose the offence and punishment of the guiltie , vpon those that be so innocent : The highest law and rule enacteth : anima quae peccauerit , ipsa morietur : and as a great Counsellour and secretarie of estate hath now published in print for your direction ( solum necis artifices arte perire sua ( Rob. Earle of Salisb. in his booke an. 1605. ) Therefore wee stand so cleare in your owne knowledges and consciences from all temporal disobedience , that in rigour of iustice , it taketh from you all cause , and pretence , why these or any afflictions at all , should be imposed vpon vs , in those respects .

Then you must directlie make your quarrel to persecute for religion , or recusancie , a dependancie thereof : If Religion bee obiected , wee answere as wee haue euer done , and desire no further fauour for our Religion ( in your owne knowledge here so antient ) then yow obteyned of vs for your owne so new , that the examples of Queene Marie her time , ( which many of your profession accompt notwithstanding tyrannicall ) may be followed . Let a competent number of our learned priests , be called to any of your vniuersities , or other publick place , where the best learned of your religion shal giue them meeting : let such questions and propositions as concerne the especiall points in controuersie be proposed , sufficient time of consideration allowed , and other such equal conditions granted , as were to your chiefest Bishops and doctors , in the mentioned time . And if our catholique disputation shal not be able to iustifie and maintaine our religion and cause to be holy , you may at your pleasure proceede against vs , if we persist therein . You haue long time , and with grieuous punishments persecuted vs , yet you would neuer vouchsafe vs so meane a trial and iustice in this kinde : Execution ( as you know ) before conuiction is preposterous and cruel iniustice , & both by your Bishops and maiesties censure in publick , Correction without instruction is but tyranny . ( D. Matthew now protest . Archb. of Yorke , Serm. before the K. and parl. K. Iames speach in parlament .

If our Recusancie , or refusall to be present at your new church-seruice , is alledged a pretence against vs , being a practicall acte and profession of religion , it dependeth vpon the former question , concerning religion : for neither catholiques nor protestants do teach , that men so far differing therein as we and you , can in conscience communicate together in such things . And no enemie or persecutor of vs can imagine , or inuent any allegation for this our refusall , but either obstinacie in our willes , or ignorance in our vnderstandings : non datur medium : we cannot conceaue what you can otherwise deuise . Our imprisonments , losses , disgraces , and seuerest punishments in so manie yeares , being the whole life of a man , from time of discretion ) the knowne bridles of obstinate people ) will condemne all men of too much will , and little iudgement , that could charge vs with this former . That which wee haue offered in religion , freeth vs in the second , and condemneth our accusers .

And to manifest nowe , ( as often wee haue done before ) that we are neither carryed away by wilfulnesse or ignorance in this debate , wee haue at sundry times by most earnest suites & petitions desired and offered and still doe , that if your best learned Protestant Bishops and diuines can , and shall proue vnto the learned of our side , that we may repayre vnto your churches , and there be present at your seruice , without most grieuous offence to God , we wil willingly performe it . Wherefore vee hope that you who in your owne profession would bee esteemed zealous and religious , wil iudge this our offer to be such , that no Christians can offer more : And consequently further reflect and consider how dishonorable , shameful , and sinfull it would be to your Consistorie , & whole Religion , to impose and multiplie penalties vpon vs ( these offers considered ) for not doing those things , which by your owne knowledge , your best learned in diuinitie , on whose wordes and warrant you hazard your soules , cannot , nor will not , take vpon them , to maintaine , as lawfull for vs to doe .

But if so many suites , supplications , reasons , and examples will not call you to a contrary minde , but you haue set vp your resolution , without any answere or defence by vs , to be our accusers , iudges , and executioners , and singularly without any example at all , in the world , either of Christians , or others , to persist in vehemencie of persecution against our religion : let vs finde you so far to harken vnto vs , that to retaine the name of lawe-makers , you will retaine some proportion & anologie ( as all so named must doe ) with the most auntient lawe of God , of nature , nations , and this kingdome , not to punish twice one and the same offence . If by strong hand you will haue that to be offence , which we assure our selues is so far from that name and nature , that the contrary is great and heigh offence to God ; Non consurgat , duplex tribulatio , and afflixi te , non iterum affligam : and againe . Deus non punit bis in idipsum . And as a double punishments is not to be inflicted for one offence , so by these lawes , pro mensura delicti erit & plagarum modus ; which our auntient lawes in our great charter of England followe : Nullus liber homo amercietur , sed secundum modum delicti ipsius , saluo tenemento suo ( Magna Charta cap. 14. ) Peruse if it please you , but the heades of the punishments prouided against vs , for sundry respects , ( questionable whether any offence or no ) and shal perceaue that your laws do not impose you or prosecute such seuere penalties by many degrees vpon sins , that certainly and by al iudgements are confessed and acknovledged to be sinnes , yea , and great sinnes against the lawe of God , nature , all nations , & this Kingdome .

By this we hope you vnderstand , that if you wil haue example , either in heauen , or earth to follow , your persecutions must die , or must diminish , for we haue yeelded ful satisfaction to all your pretended reasons to persecute vs . That which remaineth , wee desire you to consider what a resemblance there is , or should be betweene yours & the heauenvly court , from whence the irreuocable law is proceeded , & with great terror published : Woe to them that make vniust lawes , and writing , haue written iniustice , that in iudgement they might oppresse the poore , and do violence to the cause of the humble of my people , that widdowes might be their prey , and the spoyle of fatherles . So beseeching the almightie , that in these and other causes , in that heigh Court now in hand , you may in such sort proceed , as may be to his honor and glory , the securitie & good of his maiestie , his of-spring & posterity , and this common wealth , we leaue you to Gods holy protection .

Your wel-wishing Countrymen , kinsmen , alliance , & friends , the Catholike Recusants of this realme of England .

An other also of the like tenure , which here ensueth , was then with the same assent subscribed with 23. handes of the chiefest Catholike gentlemen of England , and presented to the chiefe Secretarie of estate , potent in those times in court and councell , and as the Catholikes then feared , not equally effected towards them , though neuer so innocent and wel-deseruing , who was one of them who with other of the councell declared to diuers of these gentlemen ( as they confidently reported vpon their reputation ) that the Kings pleasure was they should paye no more the penaltie of twentie pounds a month for their recusancie ; and after when hee had perswaded his maiestie to the contrarie , denyed his former assertion , of the releace thereof , although the gentlemen most sincere and iuste , still insisted and maintayned that this messadge was so deliuered vnto them : which also the then Earle of Northampton , L. Henry Howard , did freely confesse & acknowledge to be most true . And the same Catholiks were more then iealous , that this practise of conspiracie was no great secret to that Secretary , long before diuers of them that were actors in it , and by him named Catholikes , were acquainted with it . We may not enter into iudgement , where men are not defamed of such inuentions , to entrappe those they doe not affect : for the rest , let M. Howes his historie of that matter make relation who it was , a great protestant that had more , or not much inferiour knowe ledge of it by his relation , then some that wer-put to death for concealing it . But howsoeuer , the petition followeth in these tearmes .

TO THE RIGHT HONORABLE , ROBERT , Earle of Salisburie , chiefe Secretarie of estate to his Maiestie : the petition of the Catholicks of England .

IF the corrupted and obscured vnderstanding of men not knowing God , could among other cloudes and mystes of ignorance , be so far blinde in that wherein the lawe & light of nature it selfe doth giue sufficient instruction to all people and nations , that Princes and rulers in authoritie are to be honoured and obeyed : yet the heauenly and supernatural illumination doth clearly deliuer all Christians ( especially Catholikes ) from such darkenesse and want of dutie , giuing knowledge that euerie soule must be subiect to superiour powers ; that God is he , per quem reges regnant : and , he that resisteth power , resisteth the ordinance of God .

Wherefore wee your Lordshippes humble suppliants , the Lay Catholiques of this Kingdome , so long probationers for religious causes , haue euer in our hearts , wordes and workes abandoned all contrarie proceedings , as a Babilonian building and insurrection against the might and commande of heauen : damnable and rebellious vnto all regall and princely power , peace , and vnitie on earth . Therefore being admonished by the wisest King , that there is as well , tempus loquendi , as tacendi : and occasions of these times being such as inforce vs to speake , least by silence wee might be censured by some no equall minded-men vnto vs , to be suspected criminal in that , wherein as al matters of that nature we doe , and euer did , by long-knowne experience , stande most innocent : wee therefore protest , concerning the late conspiracie , that wee doe condemne it for a most impious , vnnatural , barbarous , and execrable offence , against the lawe of nature , the sacred word of God , and the canons and practise of the holy Catholike Church , wherein wee doe liue : to which , no pretence of holinesse , no petence of Religion , no pretence of priuate or publicke authoritie , can giue warrant to make it lawful . And wee take God to witnesse that wee were neither consenting , conspiring or priuie to that , or any such w●ked designement , but the very remembrance that any such enterprise should be intended or deuised by any man ( especially bearing the name of a Catholik . ) is the continuall sorrow of our hearts , and among al tribulations , the obiect of our greatest griefe .

And for this present , and all future times we offer , professe , and promise , as great , ample , true , and faithful obedience , loyaltie , & dutie to his Maiestie , as though he were a Prince of our owne religion : as much as any our auncestours in this Kingdome did yeelde to any his heighnes progenitors , Kings and Princes thereof , or as is required of Catholike subiects in other countries to their Protestant rulers , or as any Protestant subiects obserue or performe to their Protestant or Catholike Soueraignes , in ciuill obedience : That neither wee can offer , nor his Maiestie or estate require more of vs , all worlds and generations of men , Catholikes , Protestants , Christians , Pagans , & whatsoeuer in this and all other Kingdomes , past , present , and to come , wil witnesse for vs . And for our sinceritie , dutifull and obedient meaning herein , wee appeale to all our persecutors , their most strict , politicke , and cunning inquiries and examinations of our behauiour , and carriage from time to time , by which wee stand as clearely vnspotted , as irreprehensible , as irreprooueable , as dutiful in all ciuil respects and duties , as any Protestant in this Nation .

Therefore , Right honorable , if some fewe vnhappie men of our religion haue made transgression of their alleageance , we hope it shal be no motiue to change your graue and vnresolued minde from thinking it vndue to impose a burthen vpon innocents , for the fact of the guiltie , according to your owne excellent speeche heeretofore vsed , and now at this present : Solum necis artifices arte perire sua . And your Lordships most christian desire , of one vniformitie in true religion in this kingdome , bringeth no smale hope vnto vs , that now at last , our so-long and many times in humble maner requested petitions concerning our not comming to your churches , may by your honourable mediation to his Maiestie , be brought to tryall , by the learned of both parties , whether without committing sinne , it may be done by vs , which wee take to be the onely meanes to bring this kingdome to your so-much desired vniformitie in religion .

For if your Protestant now assembled , or best learned doctors , can and doe prooue it lawfull to our learned diuines , we absolutely offer to performe it , without delay or further exception . And may it please your Lordship to call to minde , the ordinarie knowne practise of Catholikes and Protestants in France , Heluetie , Germanie and other countries , where they communicate in ciuill societies , and not in churches , and spirituall communications : which pleadeth that our refusull is not singular , but hauing ground and patronage , both from Catholiques and Protestants in this point . Our confidence now is , that his Maiestie , your honour , and the state , will not take this our humble and necessarie petition in euill parte , considering that catholique Emperours , Kings of France and other Princes , haue granted the like to their Protestant subiects , and this in those countries where no other Religion , than the Catholique Romane Religion hath bene publicklie exercised at any time , since their first conuersion from Paganisme .

All these petitions being presented according to their titles at that time , though the two first to his Maiestie were printed , and the booke after his maner answered by D. Norton a Protestant Bishoppe , yet he neuer tooke notise of either of those petitions , or any one sentence of them : and the Parlament was as silent , for that presented vnto it . Onely this Secretaty was so much distasted with the gentlemen that subsigned it , that hee tolde M. Anthony Skinner , who presented it vnto him , that if they were present , he would set them all by the heeles , a punishment for rogues , & not for men of their worth and reputation . There was no other answere made to these petitions , but onely this , the oath was enacted , and after prosecuted with such violence as the world can witnesse , such accompt and regarde hath bene made of our miserie by these Protestants .

Whether any reformation may be found in the pretended reformers of religion for Catholikes to follow . And first of King Henry the 8. with whome neither Catholikes nor Protestants now ioyne in Religion .

NOW , seeing if we be in errour , we cannot possible by all meanes we can work , procure that the learned protestant bishops , and doctors , who haue controlled all the christian world in their secret assemblies , will vndertake to instruct a few Priests of England , but suffer in their proceedings many thousandes of Catholikes by this meanes to be tyrannized ouer both in bodies and soules : let vs returne to the first founders of this religion in England . The father King Henry the 8. his yong sonne and daughter , and see if wee can finde any motiue in their proceedings to mooue vs from our error , if we be in error . And first to begin with the first , the father in this new Religion , and spirituall power , all Protestant antiquaries , Foxe , Parker , Stowe , Holinshed , Cambden , Howes , and the rest entreating of this matter assure vs , both that King Henrie the 8. and his fit instrument Cranmer , for a cleargie man , were the principall and first actors in this Tragedie ( Foxe tom. 2. in Henr. 8 , and Cranmar . Parker antiq. Brit. in Cranm. Stow hist. in Henr. 8. Holinsh. ibi . Theater of great Brit●in eod. Howes historial praef. Cambd. praef. hist. Eliz. &c. ) and the occasion King Henry tooke to make his reuolt from the Church of Rome , because the pope would not consent for his putting away his wife Queene Katherine , that holie Ladie of Spayne . For before that time , king Henry was so obedient a childe to the Sea , and Religion of Rome , that by the pen of the blessed Bishop Fisher ( whom hee after put to death , for denyal of his assumpted Supreamacy ) in his owne name he defended them against the scurrilous bookes of Martin Luther : and was for that stiled by the Pope , Defensor fidei , defendor of the faith ( Henr. 8. l. cont. Luther ) which his Maiestie King Iames still vseth by vertue of that donation .

One of late among the rest , with greatest warrant , speaking of this his first reuoult , hath these wordes ( Howes historicall praeface to his Hist. in Henry 8. ) This was done after the king was deuorced from Catherine of Spaine , his first wife , with whom he had liued aboue twenty yeares , and by her had fiue children . The cleargie nor parlament notwithstanding the Kings importunitie would neuer yeelde to the diuorce , by reason they could not finde any iust cause . The King made Cranmar Archbishop of Canterbury , who was very apt , and ready to performe the Kings will , and he denounced the sentence of diuorce . Then the King , contrary to the good liking of all men , marryed Anne Bulleyne , by whom he had the Ladie Elizabeth . And then by acte of Parlament , made it treason against all men , that should say the marriage was not lawful . And presently after her birth , he pickt a quarrell against Queene Anne , and then repealed the former acte , & made a new acte of Parlament , whereby it was enacted , that it should be heigh treason , for any to iustifie his former marriage to be lawfull , and the next day after her behedding , he marryed her hand-maid , Iane Seymor , and then declared the Ladie Elizabeth to be illegitimate . Thus word by word this Protestant historian : Then by this , & such like proceedings , as first bringing the cleargie into danger of Premunire , threats , importunities , and such practises , as these Protestants tel vs ( Parker , Stow , Hollinshed , Theater , vt supr. ) procuring the title of Supremacie to himselfe in matters ecclesiasticall .

This Protestant antiquarie thus proceedeth in this Kings proceedings : The king obtained the Ecclesiasticall supremacie into his particular possession , and therewithal had power giuen him by parlament , to suruey & reforme the abuses of al Religious houses & parsons . But the King because he would go the next way to worke , ouerthrew them , and razed them . Whereat many the Peeres and common people murmured , because they expected , that the abuses should haue bene onely reformed , and the rest haue still remained . The general plausible proiect , which caused the Parlaments consent vnto the reformation , or alteration of the Monasteries , was that the Kings exchequer should for euer be enriched , the Kingdome and nobilitie strengthened and encreased , and the common subiectes acquitted and freed from all former seruices and taxes : to witte , that the Abbots , Monkes , Friers , and Nunnes being suppressed , that then in their places should be created fourty Earles . threescore Barons , and three thousand Knights , and fourtie thousand souldiers , with skilfull captaines , and competent maintenance for them for euer , out of the antient church-reuenewes , so as in so doing , the King and his successors should neuer want of treasure of their owne , nor haue cause to be beholding to the common subiect , neither should the people be any more charged with loanes , subsidies and fifteenes , since which time there haue bene more statute laws , subsidies , and fifteenes , then in fiue hundred yeares before , and not long after that , the King had subsidies granted , and borrowed great sommes of money , and dyed in debt , and the forenamed religious houses were vtterly ruinate , whereat the cleargy , peeres , and common people , were all sore grieued , but could not helpe it . He also supprest the knights of the Rhodes , and many faire hospitals . This was done after the king was diuorced from Catherine of Spaine his first wife . He began his raigne prodigally , reigned rigorously , liued proudly , and dyed distemperatly . Through feare and terrour he obtained an acte of Parlament , to dispose of the right of succession in the Crowne , and then by his last will and testament contrary to the law of God and nature , conueyes it from the lawful heyres of his eldest Sister , marryed to the king of Scotland , vnto the heires of Charles Brandon and others , thereby to haue defeated preuented , and suppressed the vnquestionable , and immediate right from God , of our gratious Soueraigne king Iames. At his death he was much perplexed , and spake many things to great purpose , but being inconstant in his life , none durst trust him at his death . Thus your Protestant historian hath described this first protestant supreame head of the church in England .

They that desire more knowledge of him , may resort to his owne statutes , the Protestant Theater of Britanie , Sir Walter Raleigh his preface to his historie of the world : and a booke of the tyrants of the world , published by the Protestants of Basile , where they may find him a supreame head among them ( statut. Henr. 8. ab an . Regni 21. Theater of Brit. in Henr. 8. Walter Ral. histor. of the world . praef. lib. of Tyran . Basil . ) And his ghostly father Cranmer his chiefe instrument in those moste execrable sinnes , for a Cleargie man was not inferiour vnto him . Hee was as your first protestantly ordained Archbishoppe Parker in his life , with others witnesseth , both the mooued and moouing instrument of this king , in this , and many other his wicked designements . Hee was of all the Religions of King Henry the 8. & Edward the 6. He diuers times swore to the Pope , and was forsworne : Hee swore to King Henry the 8. and was forsworne , when he swore otherwise to king Edward his sonne , and was publickly prooued a periured man : he was a chiefe executor of king Henrie the 8. his will , and within 24. houres of his death , a chiefe breaker thereof . He was a continued felon vnto him in his life , married against his lawes , making it felony in such men : hee was for chastitie , to my reading the first , last , and onely trigamus , a Bishoppe , husband of three wiues in the world . He counterfeited the hands and seales of 50. conuocation men , and among the rest of the blessed martyr , Bishop Fisher . He gaue chiefe consent , and swore , that Edwarde the 6. a childe of nine yeares old , was supreame head of the Church , had al iurisdiction spiritual in himselfe ( Parker antiq. Britan. in Cranmer . Foxe tom . 2. in Cranmer . Stow histor. in Har. 8. Holinsh. Hist. of Engl. ibid. Theater of great Britanie in K. Henr. Godwyne Catalogue of Bishops in Canterburie in Tho. Cranmer . Stow , Holinsh , Theater , Foxe , and others in Q. Marie . and Edw. the 6. Harpesfield , in the life of B. Fisher ) and all that Cranmar had he receaued from him , yea your Protestants witnesse , by the Protestant Confessions themselues of Heluetia , Bohemia , Belgia , Augusta , Wittenberge , and Swe , that boyes could not take or giue such power . ( Th. Rogers pag. 140. artic. 23. Confess . Heluet . Bohem. Belg. August . Wittenb . &c. )

If any thing now controuersied , defended & sworne vnto , can make a man an heretike , Crāmar professing and swearing vnto them all , was an hereticke and traytor to God : If conspiracie , open hostilitie , and rebellion to his true and lawfull prince , Queene Marie , doth make a man a traytor to his Soueraigne : If to be hissed in the publicke schooles of Oxford , in publike disputation , after all these changes doth conuince a man , vndertaking so many matters , to be a man vnworthie and ignorant : If to recant heresie , & fall to it againe , putteth a man in case of relapse of heresie , all these thinges be written of this Archbishop , Archactor , Architector , Arch-hereticke , Arch-traytor , Arch-periured & prophane wretch of your Religion , by your owne writers here cited , and were publickly to the eternal infamie of that vnhappie and gracelesse man , and his followers therein , prooued against him . Therefore , although King Henry the eight did rather differ from the Church of Rome in matter of Iurisdiction spiritual ( by his claymed Supremacie ) as your protestants testifie , and his lawes are witnesses ( Stow histor. in . Henr. 8. Holinsh. and Theator ibid. statut of K. Henrie 8. &c. ) them any way in matter of doctrine , Catholiks cannot in conscience by your Protestants , ioyne either with him , or you therein , beeing the first ( as they haue assured vs ) that euer claymed it in this kingdome ; and procuring it in so vile & vnlawful maner , as your historians haue declared ; and practizing it to his wanton and ambitious ende , against his owne conscience . For al the foundations of our Religious houses being pro remedio animarum , to say Masse & pray for their posteritie for euer . For the honor of God , the most blessed Virgin , and other Saints , as all our antiquities giue warrant to write : he in all his life time continued in these doctrines , and at his death in his last will and testament , protested himselfe to continue in that opinion ( Bed . Henric. Hunt . Guliel . Malmesb. Roger. Houeden . Matth. West . Flor. Wigor . Camb. Stow. Holinsq . Theator , &c. ) And for the supremacie it selfe ( as hath bene prooued in the time of Queene Elizabeth , and your protestant historian , hath sufficiently insinuated ) he recanted it ( Booke intituled , Lesters common wealth ) your Protestants wordes of him these be : At his death he was much perplexed , & spake many things to great purpose , but being vnconstant in his life , none durst trust him at his death ( Howes super . hist. preface in Henry 8. ) which relation from a protestant writer , can carrie no other construction . And I take God to witnesse , I haue heard my father ( then liuing in Courte ) often make relation , that this king Henry the 8. at his death , was sorie for his taking that title of supremacie vppon him , was willing to relinquish it , and laboured to be reconciled to the Church of Rome , promising if he liued , so far as he could to make restitution . But being demanded of him presently to take order therein , he was preuented by death , and dyed with such burthen and horror of conscience , as chanceth in such cases : which this Protestant before aymeth at , when he saith , he was much perplexed , and spake many thinges to great purpose . Therefore the Catholikes of England , are rather confirmed by this king , then weakned by him , in profession of their holie faith .

And though in his life he persecuted and put to death many renowned Catholikes , for deniall of his supremacie , and sacramentary Protestants ( such as those in England now are ) for heretikes , yet he neuer recalled this second , as he did the first , neither made any new lawe , by which they were put to death , but left their triall to the auntient Canons of the Catholike Church ; yet put those Catholikes to death only by pretence of his new inacted Edict of his supremacie , neuer heard of in England before , as Protestant antiquaries haue tolde vs . Therefore this first supreame head of religion in England , in all things confirmeth the religion of Catholikes , and condemneth that of Protestants : and this the more if we adde from your Protestant historians , how fraudulently , or rather forcebly he obtained his first colourable tytle to that his spirituall supremacie , by which he kept such turbulent sturres in this kingdome . A Protestant historian and an Esquire by state , as he stileth himselfe , thus relateth it . William Martine Esq. in histor. of Henr. 8. pag. 388.389 .

Cardinal Wolsey being dead , the King by his Councel was informed , that all the cleargie of England was guiltie of premunire : because in al things they supported and maintained the authoritie , and power legatine of the Cardinal : wherefore to preuent mischiefe , before it fell vpon them , they gaue to the King for their redemption , and for their pardon , the somme of one hundreth thousand pounds , and by a publicke instrument in writing , subscribed , and sealed by the Bishops and fathers of the Church ; they acknowledged the King within his owne kingdomes and dominions , to be supreame head of the Church . Thus vniustly he procured that vnlawful prerogatiue , & more vniustly as before , made his wicked vse therof . I neede proceede no further in his proceedings , for they ar dead with him : the present protestant state , as his owne children before , by lawes and Parlaments condemne them ; all Protestants in the worlde reiect them , and hee himselfe before his death ( by the most manerly fashion he could ) refused his title of supremacie , in which he most differed from the church of Rome , as I haue brought Protestant witnesses before : therefore Catholiks are rather confirmed , then weakned in their religion , by the proceedings of this King .

That English catholikes cannot be perswaded vnto , but much disswaded from Protestant Religion , by the Protestant proceedings in the time of King Edward the 6.

NOW let vs come to the next temporall rule , that claymed supremacie in spiritual matters in England : King Edward the 6. he was but 9. yeares olde , when this charge was layed vpon him , yet he was elleuen yeares olde , when your religion was first borne in this nation , in the second or third yeare of his raigne , as all lawes and histories of that time giue recorde . ( Parl. 2. & 3. Edw. 6. Stow hist. in Edw. 6. Holinsh. Theater , and others ibid. ) So this childe begot it , and his sister Q Elizabeth nursed it . We knowe for shame you will not tye vs , to the censure of an infant king ; then you must appeale to those that instructed , and directed him in so great a businesse , These were temporall , and spirituall , and chiefly those that were of councell , and had sworne otherwise to King Henry the 8. during his life , liued in his Religion , and after his death continued the same vnder this yong king in his beginning and first Parlament ( Parl. 1. of Edw. 6. Stow. Holinsh. & in k. Edw. 6. ) were executors of the last will and testament of king Henry the eight , in which concerning matters of trust in religion , they truely executed nothing at all : but in the exheredation of his Maiesties holy Mother and himselfe , as much as they could they executed it ( Howe 's historial preface supr. Stow , Holinsh. Theater , & in Q. Marie & Edward . 6.

The chiefest of these for spiritual men was Cranmer their Archbishop , and the rest of the Bishops of that time that were not Catholikes , of which we finde but two , onely Hooper and Ferrar put to death for their Religion by Queene Marie : For Cranmer , Ridlie , and Latimer were condemned for treason ( Foxe tome . 2. Monumen . in Q. Marie . Godwyne Catalogue of Bishops of K. Edwards time . ) and what can we accompt of the religion of these two , changing their profession so often with king Henry and K. Edward ? and Ferrar ( to vse your Bishops wordes ) was thrust out of the Bishoppricke , in the beginning of Queene Marie , for being married , and ended his life in the fyer : more for being desperate how to liue , then for loue of Religion , so far as we can gather . ( Godwyn in S. Daudis 79. Robert Ferrar ) The other , Hooper ( Godwyn in Worcester . 75. Glocester . 2. Iohn Hooper ) a man of such conscience , as your Bishop writeth , that being made Bishop by the childe king anno 1550. Bishop of Glocester held also the Bishopricke of Worcester in commendam by licence of King Edward the sixt ; this is his commendation . The rest that fled not the Realme for treason ( which were not of your Protestant religion , but Puritanes in forraine countries ) were depriued in England for being married , which by no Religion Bishops might doe : such were Bush of Bristow , Harley of Hereford , Holgate of Yorke and others that became Catholikes ( Godwyn in Brist . Heref. Yorke , &c. ) Couerdale was set at libertie by Q. Marie , and of so small esteeme with you in the beginning of Q. Elizabeth her raigne , that no Bishopricke was allowed him .

Now let vs come to your chiefe temporall councellours then , these were by their owne creation , the Dukes of Sommerset and Northumberland , called Protectors to the young king ( Stow and Holinsh. and Theater . K. Edw. 6. and Q. Marie ) the first basely put to death in that time for felonie : the other for treason and open rebellion against Q. Marie : And after hee had bene thus with Cranmar , the chiefe instrument to ouerthrowe Catholike Religion , and set vp Protestancie in the time of that yong king : hee plainely recanted his new faith , and was reconciled to the Church of Rome . And yet among these vnworthie men , vnder that yong king there were but 6. Bishops , and 6. others that made the Church-bookes of their religion then : ( Statut. An. 3. Edw. 6. cap. 12. Foxe , Stowe , and others in Edw. 6. ) and for religion it selfe , they had no Canons , articles , or decrees of it in all the time of that king . Howes your historian thus writeth of it : Edward , at nine yeares of age succeeded his father , and then the Church was fleest againe , the Bishoprickes cut and pared , all Chantries supprest , the Bishoppricke of Durrham allienated . By all which , the Kings Exhequer was very litle enriched , neither was the common wealth eased , or benefited ; nor the auntient nobilitie any way dignified , onely some few preferred . The Earldome of Northumberland giuen to the Suttons , who obtayned the title of the Duke of Northumberland . In the first and second yeare of his raigne , the Masse was wholly supprest , and part of King Dauids Psalmes were turned into english verse , by Hopkins and Sterneholde , Groomes of the Kings chamber , and set them to seuerall tunes , consisting of galliards and measures . The Duke of Sommerset , vncle to the King by the mothers side , being the Kings Protector , did all things in the Kings name , and inclyned ouer-much to the subtile counsel of his secret enemie , the Duke of Northumberland , who was fully bent to defeat and suppresse the apparant heires of God and nature vnto the Crowne , and to preferre the heires of the Duke of Suffolke , according to the iniurious determination of k. Henrie the eight . For the better effecting whereof , they made a combination , which had as good suc-successe , as so bad a practise deserued . The Protector among other things that crossed his greatnesse in popularitie was , the spoyling of churches and chappels , the defacing of auncient tombes and monuments , & namely , twelue goodly tombes in Christ-church : his attempting was to pull downe all the Belles in parish Churches , and to leaue but one Bell in a steeple , whereat the commonalitie were reddie to rebell Hee raigned seuen yeares , mette with a tricke of treason . He meaneth that he was poysoned by his protestant Protector Cranmar , & other protestants of that most wicked combination .

They that desire to know more of that yong kings times , may resort to your Protestant histories of Foxe , Stowe , Holinshed , Speede ( Foxe tom. 2. in king Edw. Holinsh. and Theater ibid. Iniunctions an . 1. Ed. 6. ) and the childish Iniunctions in matters of Religion , set out in the name of that Nouice , and Nouecins supreame head of your church : where he may finde the chiefe care of the councell and executors , left by king Henry the eight , spiritual and temporal , to loade themselues with new and great titles , and honours of dignitie , grow riche , by the last ruines of the Church , and to be of no setled religion at all : For we doe not finde either in histories , or in confession of Protestants diligently collected by them , or in any priuate or publike monument , any forme , fashion , shape , articles , canons or decrees of Religion , either vnder king Henry the 8. k. Edward the 6. or Q. Elizabeth , vntill her fourth yeare , anno 1562. when the booke of the artickles of your religion was first contryued and published to the world . Booke of Articles of Religion , an. 1562.

Therefore wee may not ioyne with these men in Religion , as neither you doe , especiallie with king Henrie the eight , but rather maruaile why you and all that clayme title to religion from them , do not finde great motiues rather to bethinke what wrongs they did vnto vs , then persist in heaping new and more pressures , and persecutions vpon the Catholikes of your owne nation , and kindred . For you haue heard from your Protestants before , that they obtayned that their power against the Religeous houses of England , onely vpon this motiue to reforme abuses , if they could finde them : To create and maintaine for the perpetual defence and securitie of this Kingdome . 40. Earles , 60. Barons , 300. knights , and fourescore thousand souldiers , with skilful captaines , and competent maintenance for them all for euer , out of the auntient Church reuenewes : and yet to leaue for the maintenance of religious parsons , professing and liuing in the perfect way of christian Religion , chastitie , obedience , and pouertie , watchings , fastings , prayers , and austeritie of life , continued & maintained here from the comming of S. Ioseph of Aramathia into this Iland by our kings , euen the Pagan kings , Aruiragus , Marius , and Caillus , and other Christian Princes , and holy founders after , to these dayes ( antiq. Glaston . apud Lel. in assert . Arthur . Capgraue in S. Ioseph . & S. Patric . & protest . histor. ) which neither the Religion of King Henrie the 8. King Edward the 6. Queene Elizabeth , or King Iames , did or doth condemne .

Neither can any of them ( as these Protestantes haue before bene witnesses ) dissallow of their Masses and prayers for the dead , but acknowledged the contrarie opinion to be hereticall and damnable : yet both to the temporall and spirituall dammage of many thousands , from that time they still perseuer in that estate of iniustice , so obnoxious to restitution , and are so farre from performing King Henrie the eight his condition , to maintaine so many thousand souldiers & others , and ease their kingdome of taxes and contributions , that they are not now able to performe the first , nor to maintaine their dignities without the other . In all which , the Catholikes of England , are onely innocent , and yet they alone for their innocencie , are condemned , and persecuted .

THAT THE PROCEEDINGS OF Q. Elizabeth ar noe warrant for protestants to persecute Catholicks , nor noe true conuiction , but rather a confirmation of the Romane Catholicke Religion : by the writings of English protestants themselues .

ALl these protestant arguments conclude much more strongely against the proceedings of Queene Elizabeth in these matters : for if it was publickly addiuged for lawe in the time of kinge Henry the seuenth ( our lawes remayning the same ) That the parlament could not make the king beeing a lay man , to haue spirituall Iurisdiction . ( temporibus Henrici 7. ) How much more an vnpossible thinge is it , to entitle a woman , and such a woman to that dignitie by such donation ? for first euen by our protestants , it is the Pepuzian heresie to say a woman at all is capable of that spirituall vocation shee stooke vppon herselfe , and presumed to impart to others . ( Epiphan. & Aug. in haeres . Pepuzian . ) And thereupon your protestants assure vs : The Queens maiesties parson was neuer capable of any part of spiritual power : ( Ormerod . protest . Assert . an. 1604. pag. 218. ) Then much lesse of that supreame power . And if shee had been a man , yett in that case your protestant historians before haue told vs , made illegitimate by publicke parlament , the Kinge , Lords spirituall , and temporall with the rest , there must haue beene as greate a power to recall yt , which was not in that her first parlament , for the Lords spirituall , whoe onely haue power in such cases , did vtterly dissent to yeeld her any such priuiledge , soe that noe man , or company that had power of dispensations , in such things , dispensed with her , but contrary .

Againe , it is a maxime in the Lawes ( as you Lord Cooke writeth ( l. 4. fol , 23. ) nemo potest plus iuris in alium transferre qnàm ipse habet . None can giue more power to an other , then they haue to giue , and the contrarie is vnpossible : Therefore seeing no Parlament that euer was in England , when all the Bishops and Abbots , and chiefe spirituall men it euer had were assembled , had at any time , either for themselues , or to giue vnto any other , that supreame spirituall power , but as your Bishops haue told vs before , it was wholly in the Pope of Rome euer from our conuersion , and so could neuer be deriued to King Henry the eight , or Edward the six . ( Parker antiquit. Britan. in Cranmer . Polydor. Virg. in Henr. 8. l. vlt. histor. &c. ) it is much more stronge against Q. Elizabeth , both for her sexe , and the other incapabilitie , as Protestants assure vs . And for her or any to clayme it , by that Parlament wherein shee tooke it vpon her , is a thing more then to be wondred at : for all men of that Parlament , which had any spiritual iurisdiction ( as the Catholike Bishops ) did by all meanes resist and contradict it : and the words of the statute ( as your Protestants haue published it ) by which shee tooke vpon her to exercise it , and persecute Catholikes onely by pretence of this power there giuen vnto her , are these : Most humbly beseech your most excellent Maiestie your faithful and obedient subiects , the Lordes Spiritual , and Temporal , and the whole commons in this your present Parlament assembled . That the supreame power spirituall , should be in that Queene , when it is euident by all our Protestant histories , that not one Lord Spirituall , either desired it , or consented vnto it , but all repugned and gaine-said it ; and for that cause were committed to prison , or otherwise most grieuously afflicted . ( Stow histor. an . 1. Elizab. Holinsh. Theater . an . 1. Eliz. Cambd. annal. rerum Anglic. in 1. Elizab. &c. ) And yet there was not any man in that Parlament , that could giue vnto her , if she had bene capable ( as she was not ) the least spiritual iurisdiction ouer the least parish in England .

And if she had not insisted in her fathers steppes of flatterie , terrors , & dissimulation , promises of great matters without performance , & in some degrees ( by the cunning of some about her without conscience ) exceeded him , shee might haue founde as little applause , and consent in the Lords temporall and others ; For vsing all meanes she could , to further her strange proceedings , ( partly to be hereafter from her Protestant writers remembred ) yet shee found such and so manifest reasons opposed against her , that the scarres of those wounds then giuen to your religion , will neuer be recouered . A principall antiquarie among you writeth ( Cambden Annal. in Eliz. pag. 26. ) that the Lord Vicount Mountague , which a little before had bene Ambassadour at Rome , with Bishop Thursby of Ely , for the reconciling of England to the Church of Rome in Queene Maries time , publickly in parlament these opposed .

Hic ex Religionis ardore , & honoris ratione acriter instabat , magno Angliae dedecori esse , si ab Apostolica sede , cui nuper se submisse reconciliarat , mox deficeret . Hee out of loue of religion and care of honour , did earnestly vrge , how great a shame it would be to England , if it should so soone reuoult from the Sea Apostolike , to which it had lately submissiuelie reconciled it selfe : and would turne to greater danger if excommunicated , it by such defection be exposed , to the rage of neighboring enemies . Hee in the name of the nobilitie , and all degrees in England , in their name had done obedience to the Pope of Rome , and must needes performe it . Therefore he vrgently besought them , that they would not depart from the Romane Sea , to which they were indebted , both for first receauing the faith from thence , and from thence hauing it continually preserued .

This was sufficiently prooued at that time of the reconciliation of England to the Church of Rome , in open Parlament also by Cardinall Pole , as your first protestantly ordeyned Archbish. in these wordes affirmeth ( Parkerant . Brit. in Reginald . Polo ) Hanc in sulae nobilitatem , atque gloriam Dei prouidentiae , atque beneficientiae soli accepta ferendam , sed tamen viam ipsam atque rationem qua hac nobilitas atque gloria parta est , sede Romana nobis prima semperque monstratam , & patefactam fuisse . In Romana exinde fidei vnitate nos semper perseuerasse , fuisseque nostram antiquissimam Romanae ecclesiae subiectionem . The noblenes of this Iland , for being the first of all the Prouinces of the worlde , that receaued the Christian faith , and the glorie thereof , is to be acknowledged to haue proceeded from the prouidence and goodnesse of God , yet the way it selfe and meanes , by which this nobilitie & glory was wonne vnto it , was first & alwaies shewed and layde open vnto vs from the Sea of Rome : wee haue alwaies from that time perseuered in the vnity of the Romane faith , and our subiection to the Romane Church is most auntient .

And this reconciling of England then to the Romane Church , was so ioyful and honorable a thing to this nation , that to vse your Protestant Archbishops wordes ( Parker antiquit. Britan. in Polo ) In Synodo decretum est , vt dies ille quo pontifici Romano authoritas restituta fuerit , quotannis festus dies celebraretur , atque Anglicanae ecclesiae reconciliatio diceretur . It was decreede in a Synode , that the daye on which authoritie was restored to the Pope of Rome , should yeerely be kept holie daie , and called , the Reconciliation of the Church of England . Abbot Fecknham ( in Parlm . Elizab. ) in his oration to that Parlament of Q. Elizabeth hath thus : Damianus and Fugatianus as Ambassadours from the Sea Apostolike of Rome , did bring into this Realme 1400. yeares past , the very same religion , whereof wee are now in possession , and that in the latine tongue , as the auntient historiographer Dominus Gylduas witnesseth , in the prologue and beginning of his booke of the Britaine histories , which he would not haue dared to vtter , in that time and place , but that then he could produce that antiquitie to be his warrant : which with many others condemning the new religion of Protestants , are by them suppressed . All the Bishops ( of whom more hereafter ) and whom tearmeth your Protestant glorious & renowned men , obfirmate refragati sunt . Did stoutly giue their voyces against this innouation . They offered publicke defence by disputation of Catholike Religion , both for doctrine and iurisdiction . Cambden Annal. pag. 26. in appart . ad annal. pag. 36 Mason lib. 3. consecrat . pag. 206. cap. 5. Stow hist. an . 1. Eliz. Holinsh. ibid. Godwyn . Catol .

But the Protestants knowing how their chiefest champions , had bene before so conuinced by them , that they were hissed by the auditors , durst not come to triall . But the Parlament beginning on the 23. day of Ianuary , they presently proceeded to make Queene Elizabeth supreme head of the Church , and by that title to make a religion what pleased her , and her few fauorites , which by such indirect meanes , as is heere testified by these Protestants , they brought to passe in the beginning of that Parlament , and in the very first acte and statute thereof . ( Theater of great Brittaine . lib. 9. cap. 24. parag . 4. Godwyn Catal. in the Bish. depriu . an . 1. Elizab. Parlament . 1. an . 1. Eliz. cap. And would neuer hearken to any disputation whatsoeuer , vntill they had thus obteyned their purpose , and vntill the last day of March two moneths after , as all Protestant histories giue euidence .

And when they had by onely 6. voyces of laye-men , condemned our learned Bishops , and their holy religion : the religion of the vniuersall Church of God , they would not then allow them ( though condemned thus vniustly ) any disputation at all , except they would accept of that bable and mockerie of disputation , and all religion ; which I haue from these Protestants remembred before ( Cambden in Annal. lib. pag. 27. ) Therefore let vs passe it ouer in this place , and desire your instructing Protestants a little further to instruct and informe vs , how shee proceeded , and so strangely preuailed in this matter . Orbe Christiano mirante , to the wonder of all the Christian world , for the prophane proceedings then vsed , as your Protestants before haue testified ( Camben annal. supra . )

So soone as shee was proclaimed Queene , & long before her Coronation , by proclamation she silenced the Catholike Bishops and Cleargie not to preach , and by her Iniunctions , gaue warrant to her laye protestant commissioners , to giue licence to preach ( Proclamation of Q. Elizabeth . an . 1. Stowe histor. an . 1. Elizab. Iniunctions of Q. Elizabeth , an . ) Shee put in practise the oathe of Supremacie amongst many which refused that oath , was the Lord Chancellour , D. Heath , Archbishop of Yorke , from whom shee tooke the priuie seale , and remitted it to Sr. Nicholas Bacon ( Stowe histor. in Queene Elizabeth an . reg. 1. ) shee putt many from the cowncell , and tooke new cownsaylers : suis adiunxit , sayth your best Antiquary , ( Cambden Annal. in Elizabeth pag. 18.19 ) pro temporum ratione , Gulielmum Parrum , Marchionem Northamptoniae , Franciscum Russellum , comitem Bedfordiae , Thomam Parrum , Edwardum Rogers , Ambrosium Cauum , Franciscum Knolles , & Guilielmum Cecilium , pauloque post Nicholaum Bacon , singulos protestantium doctrinam amplexos , nulloque sub Maria loco : Quos vt reliquos , in eorum locum iam inde suffectos , ita temperauit & cohibuit , vt sibi essent deuotissimi , & ipsa semper sui iuris , nulli obnoxij . Shee ioyned to hyrs for the state of the tyme , William Parr , Marquesse of Northampton , Francis Russell , Earle of Bedford , Thomas Parr , Edward Rogers , Ambrose Caue , Francis Knolles , and William Cecile , and soone after Nicholas Bacon , all become protestants , in noe office vnder Q. Mary , which as the rest which shee putt in for those shee displaced , shee soe tempered , and kept them in awe , that they were moste seruiceable to her , shee allwayes to doe what pleased her , none to contradict her .

Shee concluded cum paruulis intimis ( Cambden supr. pag. 22.23 . ) with a few most inward with her , de nobilibus à regio consilio amouendis episcopis & ecclesiasticis de gradu deijciendis , Iudicibus qui pro tribunalibus sederunt , & hirenanchis per singulos comitatus , qui regnante Maria re & aestimatione magni erant , hos locos deturbandos , & legum seueritate coercendos , nullosque nisi protestantes ad rerum administrationem adhibendos , & in collegia vtriusque academiae coaptandos censuerunt , fimulque pontificios praesides ex academijs , scholarchas ex wintoniensi , Aetoniensi , caeterisque scholis submouendos . Q. Elizabeth presently after the death of Q. Mary taketh order , with very few of her inward frends how to restore protestant Religion . The plott by them was , that new commissions should bee directed to iudges , with prouision , they should not giue any office : new Iustices of peace , and sheriffes should bee made in all countries , the noble men should bee put from the councell , Bishops and ecclesiasticall men displaced , all iudges and iustices of peace that were in estimation in the tyme of Q. Mary , should bee remoued in all shires , and seuerely kept vnder , and none but protestants to bee admitted to gouernment in the comon wealth , and placed in the colledges of both vniuersities , and all popish presidents of howses , and scholemasters to bee renewed from Wincester Eton and other scholes .

And accordinge to this conclusion , this Elizabeth neyther beeing crowned Queene as yet , nor haueinge by any pretence power to meddle with the Title of Supreamacie , because to speake in your protestants words , ( Stowe histor. an . 1. Eliz ab . statut. in parlam . an . 1. Mariae ) Queene Mary restored all thinges according to the church of Rome , reduced all ecclesiasticall iurisdiction , vnto the papall obedience : yett to write in the same protestants pen and words : ( Stowe histor supr. an . 1. Eliz. ) The Queene tooke an exact suruey of all her cleargie and officers of estate , and putt in practise the oath of supreamacie , and amongst many which refused that oathe , was the Lord chauncellor D. Heath Archbishop of yorke : shee committed the custody of the greate Seale vnto S● . Nicholas Bacon , a man moste malicious against papists , whoe from that tyme was called Lord keeper . Cambden supr. annal. pag. 27.

Haueing thus displaced through the kingdome all catholicke magistrates , and dissolued the catholicke parlament , continueinge at the death of her Syster Queene Mary , and putt new protestant officers in their places , with all speed shee sommoned a parlament to begyn in Ianuary followeinge , within twoe moneths of her sisters death . ( Stowe supr. Holinsh. histor. an . 1. Elizab. Theater of Britan. 16. Cambd. Annal. ann. 1. Elizab. ) And haueing thus prouided for a fitt company in the lower howse of parlament , swearers to the supremacie , shee and her pauculi intimi , were as prouident to packe some in the vpper howse alsoe . Therefore a fewe dayes before the parlament , to speake as your protestant , ( Stowe an . 1. Elizab. Cambden annal. supr. ) the 13. of Ianuary , the Queene in the Tower created Sr. William Parr , ob laesam maiestatem sub Maria gradu deiectum , attainted of treason in Q. Maryes tyme , Lord marquesse of Northampton , Edward Seymor sonne to the late Duke of Sommersett , attainted , vicount Beuchamp , and Earle of Hertford : Tho. Howard second sonne of Tho. Duke of Norfolke , vicount Bindon ; Sr. Oliuer Saint Ihon , Baron of Bletsoe ; and Sr. Henry Carey , Lord Hounsdon . Qui singuli à pontificia Religione alieni , all which were alienated from the popes Religion , all which that Queene and her pauculi intimi , very fewe that consented vnto her , knew by that meanes would giue their voyces in parlament to what shee should desire , and not content with this , proceeded soe in these indirect courses , that as your protestants haue written : ( Cambden Annall . pag. 27. ) plures è protestantibus data opera , è comitatibus tum è ciuitatibus , & burgis fuisse electos , & Norfolciae ducem , Arundeliaeque Comitem , inter proceres potentissimos , in suam siue rem , siue spem , Ceciliumque sua solertia suffragia emendicasse . The papists complayned , that more protestants of sett purpose were chosen out of Countries , cyties , and burroughts , and the Duke of Norfolke and Earle of Arundell moste potent amonge the nobilitie , eyther for their owne good , or hope ( by the Queens promises of marriadge or such things ) and Cecyle by his cunninge had begged voyces . And to helpe and further soe bad a cause , the Queene herselfe ( your protestants words ) openly protested at that tyme in parlament , that shee would neuer vexe , or trouble the Romane Catholicks , concerning any difference in Religion .

Neyther did this Queene or hir pauculi intimi , Cecile and Bacon , take this straunge course in hand , for dislike of catholick Religion : for your Antiquary telleth vs of Q. Elizabeth herselfe : ad Romanae Religionis normam sacra audiret , & saepius confiteretur . Missam permisit post mortem Mariae & litanias . Q. Elizabeth heard masse after the Romane order , often went to confession , and after Q. Maryes death allowed masse and litanies , ( Cambden in Apparatu pag. 13. ) The like is as well knowne of those her intimi at that tyme . But they had other little laudable ends , by protestant proceedings now , thus expressed by your cheifest Antiquary : ( Cambden in Annal. Rer. Anglic . in Elizabeth pag. 21.22 . ) Nonnulli ex intimis Consiliarijs in aures assiduè insusurrarunt mollissimo ingenio virgini , dum timerent ne animus in dubio facillimè impelleretur , actum de ipsa & amicis esse , conclamatum de Anglia , si pontificiam authoritatem in dispensando , aut alia quacunque re agnosceret : duos pontifices matrem illegittimè Henrico 8. emptam pronuntiasse , & inde in eorum sententia iam lata Scotorum Reginam ius in Regnum Angliae sibi arrogare pontificem sententiam istam nunquam rescissurum . Some of her inward Counsaylors did dayly whisper into her eares , beeing a mayden of a moste tractable disposition , while they feared least her minde in doubt might most easely bee driuen forward ( to marry with king Philip of Spayne , and soe continue the catholicke Religion , that shee and her frendes were vndone , if shee should acknowledge the popes authority in dispenseinge or any other matter . For two popes had allready pronounced , that her mother was vnlawfully marryed to Henry 8. and soe in their sentence denownced the Queene of Scots did challendge right to the kingdome of England . And that the pope would neuer recall this sentence .

And agayne : Prospexit huiusmodi matrimonium ex dispensatione contrahendo , non posse non agnoscere seipsam iniustis nuptijs natam esse . Shee thus perceaued that this marriadge with king Philipp of Spayne her Systers husband , to bee by the popes dispensation , must needs acknowledge that shee was borne in vnlawfull wedlocke . And they knew alsoe that shee remayning a catholicke must seeke for the popes dispensation of this her birth , not onely made and declared illegitimate , by the pope , but by her father himselfe , and the whole parlament , and Title to the crowne giuen her onely by the will and testament of her father , parlament Henr. 8. of Illeg . Lady Elizab. ) against which in this case your protestant h●an thus exclaymeth : ( Howes histor. preface in Henry 8. ) through feare and terror Henry 8. obteyned an Act of parlament to dispose of the right of succession to the crowne , and then by his last will and testament ( K. Henry 8. in his last will and Testam . ) contrary to the law of God , and nature , conuayes it from the lawfull heires of his eldest sister , marryed vnto the kinge of Scotland , vnto the heires of Charles Brandon and others , ( his daughter Elizabeth and of these others ) thereby to haue defeated , preuented and supprest the vnquestionable , and immediate right from God , of our gratious soueraigne , kinge Iames , as if it had beene in the power of his will , or of the parlament , to disenherite , and preuent the diuine free guift , and grace of almightie God , by which the kings of this land doe hold their crownes .

Thus your protestant and priuiledged historians : by which is euident that this proceedinge by such exorbitant courses concerning Religion , was not for loue or likinge of their protestant Religion , further then yt gaue them licence and libertie to doe and liue as pleased their sensuall appetites , which the church and Religion of Rome would not allowe . And yett all these sinistre and prophane proceedings not withstandinge , to insist in your protestants words in chaungeing Religion in that her parlament . ( Howes historial . preface . in Q. Elizabeth . ) In this parlament notwithstandinge the presence of the Queene ( to countenance their bad cause ) with the apparant likelyhood of hir longe life , and hope of issue to succeede her , yett the maior part exceeded the minor but in sixe voyces , at which time ( to wringe out consents ) the Queene openly pronounced , that shee would neuer vexe , or trouble the Romane Catholicks , concerninge any difference in Religion . Which promise of hirs was as well performed , as that condition of her fathers before , of bestoweinge the church reuenewes , for as your protestants haue related , her persecutions which soe vnprincely and vnchristianely in her name and power of that straunge claymed supreamacie in a woman , and such a woman , equaled , or exceeded those of Nero , and Dioclesian , infensiue tyrants and enemyes of Christianitie . Syr Edwyn Sandes in Relation of the state of Religion .

And in that parlament yt selfe , where shee spake these words , and proceeded to cruell inflicted penalties , against those Romane Catholicks , as all our holy Bishops were depriued , imprisoned , or exiled , soe were all other ecclesiasticall parsons that would not doe as pleased her . ( Stowe histor. an . 1. Elizab. Holinshed Theater ibid. Cambd. in Annalib . Rerum Anglicarum in Elizab. Parlament . 1. Elizabeth . ) greate forfaictures and punishments imposed vppon all , that should heare masse , or not bee present at her new deuised seruice , premunire , losse of lands goods , and perpetuall imprisonment , and losse of life alsoe with note of Treason , to them that would not acknowledge that spirituall supreame power in her , of which shee was soe far vncapable in the iudgment of her owne protestants , that diuers of them wrote , and published to the world , that a woman could not bee a supreame gouernor in things temporall ; ( Knoxe , Godman and other protest . against the Regim . of women . ) and they were soe violent herein , both in England and Scotland , against those two blessed Queene Maryes : that Q. Mary of England was inforced to make a statute in parlament , to suppresse yt : the Abridgement thereof is thus . ( parlament 2. an . 1. Mar. 20. die April . 1554. cap. 2. ) The Regall and kingely power of this realme , and all the dignities , and prerogatiues of the same , shall bee as wel in a Queene , as in a kinge .

How the protestants in England vpon such good doctrine rebelled against that Q. Mary , all knowe ; And in Scotland they rather chosed to crowne our Soueraigne in his cradle , then the true Queene his mother should raigne , & haue any power spirituall , or temporall at all , in her owne hereditary kingdome , ( Holinsh. histor. of Scotland . Stowe hist. an . 1. Iacob . ) but by the violence of those Scottish protestants , to bee driuert from thence . And landeinge in this kingdome of England . ( Cambden in Annal. in the life of Q. Mary of Scotland . ) Where by these protestants before shee had such iust right of succession , as they haue declared , & left that most vndeniable Title , and interest , by which moste truely , lawfully and vndoubtedly , her sonne our soueraigne kinge Iames now enioyeth both this whole kingdome of Britanie , Ireland , and all the adiacent Ilands by hereditary right from her , shee fownde noe further fauour here of the English protestants , but to bee a perpetual prisoner in her life , and to her eternall glory , and english protestants soe longe endureinge shame , murthered and martyred at her death . Stowe Holinsh. Theater of Britanie in Q. Eliz. &c.

Moreouer in this soe termed parlament , besides the takeinge of this greate and supreame spirituall chardge and office vnto a woman ( neuer heard of in the world before ) and suppressinge of the holy sacrifice of the masse , euer since Saint Peters tyme ( as before is proued ) excepting three yeares of kinge Edward the 6. a child , and in place thereof admittinge a forme of communion and common prayer neuer vsed by any people catholicks or protestants , but in that shorte tyme alsoe of that yonge kinge in England , not any one Article of protestant Religion eyther against the 7. Sacraments of the church , inuocation of Saints , prayer for the dead , purgatorie , validitie of good workes , merit , iustification or whatsoeuer els now contradicted by these protestants , was then , or vntil the fourth yeare of Q. Elizabeth , concluded by any parlament protestant Authoritie in England , but left arbitrary for euery man to beleeue and practize as his fantasie serued , without any rule at all . Booke of Articles and Conuocation an . 1562.

And for the communion Booke yt selfe , it had not any approbation of any one parlament man , diuine or other , as your protestants assure vs , but the chardge of making or mareing that was onely committed sayth your prime protestant Antiquary with others , Cambden annal. pag. 23. Parkero , Billo , Maio , Copo , Grindallo whitheado & Pilkingtono Theologis , Thomaeque Smitho Equiti : To Parker , Bill , May , Cope , Grindall Whithead and Pilkington diuines , and Thomas Smyth a knight . The first and cheifest of these seuen beeing Mathew Parker , had beene of seuen Religions vnder kinge Henry 8. Edward 6. Q. Mary and Q. Elizabeth , chaunging in euery one of those chaunges , as before is proued , ( Godwyne Catalog . of Bish. in Canterbury Matth. Parkr . Foxe to . 2. in k. Henr. 8. Edw. 6. Q. Mar. &c. ) and al Q. Maries tyme professinge the catholicke Romane Religion in England , both before and after his depriuation of his liuings , in the second yeare of Q. Mary for being marryed .

For the rest of these protestant diuines , they were fugitiues for mariadge against the canons of the church , and conspiracy against Q. Mary , before which time they were in the same disease of chaungeing Religion with the former princes , and after their going forth of England , professed the religion , & discipline also of the puritane churches where they liued , namely to exemplyfie in the liturgie or common booke of prayer of the protestants of Franckfort , published an. 1554. in Q. Maryes tyme , denyinge both the supreamacy of temporall princes , and other matters of english protestant Religion : this is the subscription of the english protestants then in all their names . ( Liturgia seu ritus ministerij in Ecclesia peregrinorum Francofordiae an. 1544. per Petrum Brubachium in fine in subscript . ) Subscribunt Angli ob Euangelium profugi totius Ecclesiae suae nomine . Iohannes Mackbraeus &c. The protestants of England that were fled for the Ghospell , subscribe in the name of their whole church . Ihon Mackbree minister , Ihon Stanton , William Hamon , Ihon Bendall , William whithingham , and to assure vs that these men in particular before named , bee Authors or correctors of yt , & neyther did , nor in their owne iudgment could allowe yt , it is euident : first both because they were of this protestant Franckford congregation , secondly because : The first protestants of this kingdome ( your protestants words . Couel in examin . pag. 72. ) in a letter subscribed with eleuen of their hands , whereof Knoxe , Gilby , whithinghame and Godman were foure , moste of them hauing iudgement and learninge , vtterly condemned yt . ( Couel against Burges pag. 69.122.47.185 . ) Soe did Caluine at Geneua , Ridley your protestant Bishopp and supposed martyr in a letter to Grindal himselfe a cheife agent in it : all the Caluinists in the world abrode in their publick confessions , and at home haue likewise euer , and doe still condemne it , as alsoe all Lutherans that euer were , and all those writers or correctors of it themselus , and all the protestants in that first parlament in all probable iudgment , except fowre new cownsaylers of Q. Elizabeth , the Marquesse of Northampton , Earle of Bedford , Ihon Grey of Pyrge , and Cecile her pauculi intimi , to whome onely ( as sayth your historian . Cambden supr. in Annal. in Elizab. ) this matter was communicated vnto : re nemini communicata , nisi Marchioni Northamptoniae Comiti Bedfordiae , Iohanni Greio de Pyrgo , & Cecilio .

And this matter was sufficiently proued by some of your late Bishops in the Conference at Hampton Court , publickly betweene the protestant Bishops and puritans , before our kinge himsemselfe ; where Barlowe your Bishop in relating of that disputation , ( Barlowe Conference at Hampton Court pag. 14. 15. ) bringeth in Babington , a protestant Bishop of yours openly to acknowledge , that in the beginninge , your protestants religion , and communion booke thereof , was proposed and approued in that first parlament by ambiguous and indirect dealeinge of the composers of that communion booke , and citeth the Archbishop of yorke to that purpose . And if wee may beleeue your protestant Relations of that dispute printed with priuiledge , ( Their protestant Relations of that Confer . printed by Ihon windet cap. 1.2.3 . all annexed to Barlows Relation . ) wee ar told , that your protestant Archbishop of Canterbury , Bishop of London , & Bishop of Wynchester did here vpon their knees before his maiesty confesse as much of the errors of that booke , and their Religion : thus wee haue from them in three seuerall relations , and from the fourth by your Bishop Barlowe as before

Finallie thus wee pore catholicke preists and catholicks haue toyled ourselues in searching , seeking and preaching all protestants proceedings , parlaments , lawes writings , liues & dealeings of these pretended reformers , and the further wee wade , the deeper wee ar in error , if Catholick Religion could possibly bee error ; for as is euident before , wee can finde nothing in any of these protestant patterns and examples , but such as confirme vs in that faith wee professe with the catholicke christian world in all ages . To which God of his mercy conuert them that bee in error . And soe much for this first part of this protestant Plea and petition .

But seeing wee cannot finde any comforte by your owne writers and relators of these thinges to ioyne with you in your New Religion : wee will next proue vnto you by your owne doctors and Antiquaries , that holy Religion which wee embrace ( & for which you persecute vs ) to be the same which was first preached here by Saint Peter and his holy disciples , and soe consequently deliuered by Christ himselfe , and continued in this nation in all ages euen since then , vntill these tymes .

FINIS .
APPROBATIO .

Ego infrascriptus legi libellum Anglicanum cui Titulus praefigitur , Protestants plea and petition for Priests and Papists , & nihil in eo reperi fidei Catholicae vel bonis moribus aduersum , quin potius eundem vtilem futurum iudico , & dignum qui in lucem prodeat . Datum Duaci 19. Septemb. 1621.

MATTHAEVS KELLISONVS .