CHAP. I. The occasion that moued IAMES the first , King of great Britaine to write his booke , with the iudgement on COEFFETEAV his booke .

IT happeneth often , that the Lightning falling vpon a man without hurting the flesh , breaketh the bones , because they onely in the body do make resistance to it ; and herein the lightning , which GOD sends from aboue imitates the nature of him that sendeth it , who bruseth the proude , and such as withstand him ; but taketh mercy on the humble , which bow vnder his iudgments , and tremble at his word . But the fulminations of the Bishop of Rome , are of a contrary nature , for they hurt none but such as feare them , nor breake none but such as bow vnder them ; but he that sets them light , is neyther endamaged by them , nor breaketh his sleep for them , but they fall like the Thunder-bolt into the Sea ; nay they rather drawe from God a blessing vpon the heads of those , that are thus threatned , according to that of Dauid : Psal. 109.28 . Though they curse , yet wilt thou blesse .

The happy raigne of the late Queene ELIZABETH will furnish vs , with a faire example thereof , who notwithstanding the excommuniations of Pope Pius the fift , by whom England was interdicted , she long time enioyed a Peace without any disturbance or interruption ; and a prosperity almost beyond example . And finally , when it pleased God to take her to peace , and to gather her to his rest : many supposed , that the end of her life , would be a beginning of troubles , and confusions in England ; and thereupon the opinions and feares were diuers , according to the diuersitie of mens desires . For the English that were of the Romane Church attentiue and heedy to all occasions , had conceiued hope of some great chaunge , whether it were that they were led into their hope vpon false grounds , or that after the death of a soueraine Prince better things are euer expected from the successor ; or whether that such as are discontented are euer desirous of a change ; so it was that in this Crisis of humours , the spirits of the English waued and floated betwixt hope and feare , till by the happy arriuall of IAMES the first , the lawfull Successor ; all things were appeased and cleared ; euen as by the rising of the Sunne mists and fogges are dispersed and scattered .

He in the sweetnesse and fairenesse of his owne nature , enclined to giue content vnto all his subiects with free liberty of conscience : But this his in clination was ouer-ruled by necessity , when his wisedome entred into consideration , that the matter now in question was not onely Religion , but the peace of his estate , and the security of his crowne , for that it was a thing dangerous to permit publike Assemblies of such persons , as had taken Oath to others then himselfe ; who hold that the Pope may pull downe Kings from their Thrones , and dispense with subiects for the oath of their alleageance . Moreouer he called to his remembrance the kings his predecessors , whom the Popes had reduced to extream seruitude , so farre as to make England parte of the Popes Demaines ; and in Fee to the Church of Rome ; and further to make it pay impost , and to cause the King to goe beneath his Legats , and to giue vp the Crowne into their handes . These are considerations that one cannot square or apply to those of the Reformed Religion , which liue vnder a Soueraigne of a contrary profession ; for they take oath to no other , but to their Soueraigne Prince . They cast their eyes vpon no Forrainer , they maintaine that it belongs not to the subiect out of the Religion of the Prince , to frame occasions of disobedience , making piety the match and kindler of rebellion . We are ready to expose our liues for the defence of our King against whomsoeuer , though he be of our owne Religion ; and whosoeuer should doe otherwise should not defend Religion , but giue way to his owne ambitions , and should draw a great scandall vpon the truth of the Gospell .

Notwithstanding his Maiestie hath vsed his subiects of the Romane Church in such sorte , that excepting the liberty of publique exercise , he desired to haue them in like and equall condition with others , being vnwilling to haue them disturbed for matter of conscience , knowing well , that Religion is not by force but by perswasion to take impression ; and that in this case men will rather follow then be drawne , and that persecutions begin when Arguments are at an end .

Notwithstanding this gentle proceeding , those of the Church of Rome now fallen from great hopes , which they had imagined , turned their despaire into choller and indignation ; and thereupon plotted an enterprise , that should haue enfoulded the King , the Queene , their children , his Maiesties Councell and the Parliament , in one and the same destruction ; the plot was to make a Mine vnder the house of Parliament , and so to send the King and his royal family , with the chiefe of his Countrey to heauen by a new found way .

Hatred is an ingenious Mistris of inuention , for neyther ancient nor moderne Histories can parallel this with any example : The Prince of the world reserued to our times , which are the very sinke of former ages , something more exquisitely cruell and horrible , then euer before hath beene mentioned . In the meane time , through all their houses , there was a certaine forme of prayer prescribed by the Priests and Iesuites , for the happy successe of this enterprise ; to whom the complices did mutually binde themselues by oath , sworne vpon the holy Sacrament , both for secrecie and perseuerance in the designe . The Mine was already finished , and the Gun-powder laid ready , and nothing wanting but the execution ; when God , who ( as he is himselfe a King ) so consequently he is the protector of Kings , whom he hath established ; miraculously discouered this treason ; the conspiratours being taken , suffered according vnto law , and amongst others two Iesuites Garnet and Ouldcorne ; who are now inserted into a catalogue of * * It is a table printed at Rome , Anno 1608. apud Paulum Mauperinum & Matheum Gruterum , dedicated to R. Farnesius Prince of Parma ; in which are the pictures of such Iesuits as haue beene killed and executed sinc● the yeare 1549. Martyrs , imprinted at Rome , which is the Spring-head and Forge of all such enterprises .

Lesse cause would haue sufficed an impatient King to haue exterminated all their complices , and to haue let loose the raines of his iust anger , but hee with a rare example of clemency , suffered punishment to passe no further , then to the principall delinquents , inuenting and framing to himselfe Causes and Reasons how he might pardon : he considered that Superstition might alter , and stirre vp the mildest spirits , and was desirous by pardoning the wicked , to make them become good ; and though he could not find cause in them why to pardon , he found it in himselfe ; for though they no way deserued mercy , yet he shewed himself worthy of his greatnesse , in doing good to those of so euill demerite .

He considered that God , whom hee represents ; sendeth raine vpon the Bryers and Thistles , as well as on fruit Trees , and makes the Sunne to rise alike to the good and to the euill ; or else it may be that his clemency was accompanied and assisted with a neglect of his enemies ; esteeming many of them not worthy of his wrath .

But for the better preuenting of such conspiracies in future times , the Parliament , together with the King , framed a forme of Oath , to be administred to all his Maiesties subiects , which is to this effect : That they acknowledge IAMES the first , King of great Britaine for their lawfull King , and that the Pope cannot by any right whatsoeuer depose him from his Kingdomes , nor discharge his subiects of their obedience to him , nor giue them licence to beare Armes against him : Also that notwithstanding any Declaration or Sentence of Excommunication made or granted , or to be made or granted against the said King & his Successors , they wil beare faith and true alleageance to him , his heyrs & Successors , & him and then wil defend to the vttermost of their power against all attempts & conspiracies whatsoeuer : And that they wil reueale al treasons and trayterous Conspiracies , which they shall know or heare of , against him or any of them . And that they do abhor , detest , and abiure this damnable position , that Princes which be excommunicated by the Pope , may be deposed or murdered by their subiects : And that they beleeue , and in conscience are resclued , that the Pope hath no power to absolue them of this Oath , or any part thereof . And renounce all pardons and dispensations to the contrary . And that without any Equiuocation , mentall Euasion , or secret Reseruation whatsoeuer , they doe sincerely acknowledge and sweare all these things , and doe make this acknowledgement heartely , willingly , and truely . So helpe them God .

This Oath being offered to those of the Romish Church , diuers of them tooke it without difficulty ; and amongst the rest Blackwell the Arch-Priest , who then was , and still remaines in England .

These things , being come to the knowledge of the Bishop of Rome , Paul the fift , that raignes at this present , he dispatches presently for England , a breue , or as they terme it , letters Apostolique bearing date the two & twentieth of September 1606. by which he declares . That this Oath cannot be taken with good conscience , exhorting them rather to vndergoe all cruell torments whatsoeuer , yea Death it selfe , rather then to offend the Maiestie of God by such an Oath ; and to imitate the constancy and fortitude of the other English Martyrs , willing them to haue their loynes girt about with verity , and to haue the Brest-plate of righteousnes and to take the shield of faith : That God that hath begunne this good worke , might finish it in them , who wil not leaue them Orphants , &c. And finally willeth them exactly to put in practise , that which is commaunded in the Letters of Clement the eight his Predecessor , written to Mr. George Black well the Arch-priest of England : by which Letters all Princes of any Religion contrary to their owne , are excluded from the kingdome of England .

These Letters being come into England , were not receiued by those of the Romish Church , with such respect as the Pope expected ; for many iudged them ridiculous , as exhorting them to suffer Martyrdome for ill doing , since none can be a Martyr , but for hauing done well : As also for that they declare , that this Oath is contrary to the Catholique faith , without telling why or wherefore ; as likewise for that the exhortations of holy Scripture to shun vice , and to perseuere in the profession of the Gospell , and to resist the Diuell , are in this Papall breue drawne to a contrary sense , to kindle sedition , and to incite subiects to disobedience . And aboue all , for that these Letters , ingaging the subiects to reuolt , doe necessarily plucke vpon them persecution and the iust anger of their natural Prince , who being vnwilling to require any caution of them in any thing contrary to their beliefe , demaundeth no more of them but fidelity and ciuill obedience .

For these considerations some part of the Priests and Friers of England said , that these Letters of the Pope were shufled in by their Aduersaries , and forged by the Heretiques ( for so they of their goodnes are pleased to tearme vs ) to kindle the anger of the King against them , which was already prouoked by the plot of the Powder-mine , which onely fell out to ruine the vndertakers . By reason whereof , the same Pope being aduertised , that through these doubts , whether they were true or fained , the Authority of his Letters were infringed ; hee writ others more expresly , bearing date the three and twentieth of August , 1607. In which he seemeth to wonder that they any way suspect the truth of the Apostolique letters , Non solum motu proprio & exce●●a nostra scientia , verum etiam post longam & grauem deliberationem . that vnder that pretence they might exempt themselues from his commaunds ; and therefore declareth vnto them that those letters were written not onely vpon his proper motion , and of his certaine knowledge , but also after long and weighty deliberation , and therfore again inioyneth them fully to obserue them , for such is his will and pleasure .

To these letters ( giuing the Alarums to rebellion ) for their greater confirmation , were added the letters of Cardinall Bellarmine to George Blackewell the Arch-Priest . In which after he had put him in minde of their auncient acquaintance , hee greatly blameth him for taking the Oath , the which vnder colour of modifications hath no other aime or drift , but to transferre the authority of the Pope , the head of the Church , to a Successor of HENRY the eight , & by the examples of his Predecessors he exhorreth him constantly to defend the primacy of the Pope , whom he calleth the head of the faith .

But he sheweth neyther what wordes or clauses in this Oath are contrary to the faith of the Romish Church , nor wherefore this Arch-Priest should rather chuse to die , then to obliege himselfe by Oath , to be loyall to his King in things meerly ciuill , and which no way meddle with the Primacy of the Pope : and yet this is the onely thing , whereof question is made , and whereof proose is expected . These letters , both of the Pope and Cardinall , being fallen into the handes of his Maiestie might wel haue kindled the anger of a very patient Prince and haue armed and stirred him vp against those with whom these Papall letters were of more power , then eyther their faith to their King , or their obedience to God . For what Prince can permit in his Kingdome subiects that acknowledge him not , or that to retaine their fidelity to the Pope , thinke themselues bound to disloyalty towards their King .

And yet notwithstanding his Maiestie herein contained himselfe , and would not ; that his mercy shold be surpassed , by their wickednes , so far that he hath rather chuse to take in hand the pen , then the sword , and hath studied to instruct those , whom he might iustly haue destroyed , desiring more to conuince them by reason , then to ouercome them by force Maluit sanguinem suffundere , quam effundere .

What would not hee doe for his faithfull subiects , that lets himselfe downe so low to his enemies ? that laies aside the quality of a Iudge , to become an Aduocate : but he whom God hath lifted vp to a Soueraigne greatnesse , neuer exalteth himselfe higher then by humility .

This King then to refute these Papal Letters , and to iustifie what he had done , made a booke , entituled , An Apologie for the Oath of Alleageance , but not setting his name thereunto , for it was nothing to him vnder what title the truth appeared ; so that his enemies might come to the knowledge of their fault . This was no combat of the ability of wit , but a meere manifestation of his innocency : But the stile of a King is hardly disguised , for Kings being in more eleuated places , receiue nearer at hand the inspirations from heauen . Their conceptions are as much aboue the vulgar , as their conditions , this onely thought , that they are GODS Lieutenants , and that they exercise his iudgements , quickens their spirits with an extraordinary life and vigour : besides if it so happen that their youth hath beene dressed and ordered by study , and their iudgments polished by experience , as it hath happened to the King of great BRITAINE , why should any body wonder , if their their spirits flye a pitch aboue ordinary ?

This Royall Apologie hauing then bin knowne ( as a Lyon by his clawes ) stirred vp certaine English-men , and Italians to write against it , who ( as this King elegantly saide ) haue cast lots vpon his booke , for that they could not part it , for the reasons thereof are vnseparably weaued together , but they not being able to bite his worke , barke at his person with an incredible impudence , so far some of them , as to equall themselues with so great a Prince ; and to compare him to Iulian the Apostate . Such are the flowers of their diuellish Rhethorique ; wherewith their writings are adorned , on whom the Apostle S. Peter in his second Epistle , Cap. 2.10 , 11 , 12 giueth this iudgement , calling them brute beasts , led with sensuality ; that despise gouernment , which are presumptuous , and stand in their owne conceit , and feare not to speake euil of them which are in dignity ; whereas the Angels which are greater both in power and might , gaue not rayling iudgement against them before the Lord . Then if it be ill done to speake ill of a Pagan Prince , such as in those times all Monarches were ; how much more of a Christian King ; and if Angels forbore ill speaking of Princes , how much more would it beseeme men , and most of all their owne subiects ?

But no more then the Moone is turned out of her course by the barking of Dogges , that looke vp to her ; no more was the tranquility of his Maiesties spirit , by these outragious iniuries disturbed , nor his resolution diuerted from doing good to those which bore him hatred . It is a poore and meane thing to tread vpon wormes . There is no glory in ouercomming such people , of whom he is sufficiently reuenged , by the griefe , and displeasure which they sustain in seeing that God hath blessed him , and highly exalted him . He would therefore haue contemned their sleighting of him , & would haue abstained from refuting their calumnies by a second writing , had it not beene in regard , not of them but of his people , and of his neighbours , and aboue all of the glory of God ; for God hauing honoured him with the true knowledge of him , his Maiestie would not permit that the enemies , as well of the Gospel , as of his Crowne , should find in his person any subiect or colour to defame the true religion : He is then by an admirable example constituted the aduocate of Gods cause , & by a second booke , made in forme of a Preface to his former , hath fully and throughly iustified himselfe . In which booke he discouereth the flights and backe-turnings of his enemies , representing the vniustnes of their proceedings . He likewise maketh confession of his Religion conformable to the holy Scriptures , and with a happy boldnes figures , and depaints the Bishoppe of Rome and his Sea with liuely colours , borrowed from the Apocalips , and the Apostle S. Paul .

Neuer was Table drawne with a more exact hand , or in liuelyer colours . Such is the Torrent of his eloquence , such is the weight of his reasons , such is the linking together of his discourse , such the variety of his learning , and such his Maiesty in all thinges , as hee may best iudge of it , who shall compare them with that puft-vp weakenesse of the Popes letters , and with the writing of his Aduersaries . Oh happy eloquence , which being armed with power , is become the hand-maide of Gods word ; the sourse and spring whereof , falling from high , are like to the waters of Silo , which water the City of our God . Hee doth truely exalt his Scepter , which layeth it downe at the foote of the Crosse , and that placeth his height and greatnesse beneath the reproch of the Sonne of God , he sanctifieth his house , making his Cabinet a Temple for Diuinity , and a retrayt for holy Meditations . Then as in ancient times , the earth was more fruitfull , when it was laboured by Kings , as though she had taken pride to beare a crowned Plough , and to be tilled with a Triumphall Coulter . So it is to be hoped that Religion and Piety will abundantly encrease , since Kings are become labourers in the Haruest .

This latter booke then being come to succour and helpe the first , did diuersly stirre mens spirits , some with ioy , some with feare , some with hate , but all generally with admiration . The booke being little , it was giuen out we should haue it answered within three dayes , and sure their good will was not wanting , but they found it a harder matter then so , and that they were faine to take more time . For it was eight moneths after it was published , before the first Answeres came forth ; and what kinde of Answeres they were , God he knoweth .

One Coeffeteau was the first that like an Infant perdu of the Romish army , aduanced himselfe . This Seraphicall Doctor , of the order of the Iacobins , or preaching Fryers , one of the most remarkeable amongst the Sorbonists , is of late through his companions negligence become the defender of the cause . And he now after eight moneths being in labour , hath brought forth a booke , which is not like to liue , because of the vntimely birth ; and indeede it had beene already extinct and dead , had not the greatnesse of him against whom he writes kept it aliue ; wherein he shewed a point of skill to addresse himselfe against a person so illustrious , that he might receiue some lustre from his reflection . But those that desire to make themselues knowne by the greatnesse of their Aduersaries , are alwaies such as haue little in themselues , why the world should take note of them . This Doctor in his booke , handleth the King of great Britaine , as a Nurce doth her nurce-childe , who after shee hath dandled it , beates it , mingling curstnesse and flattery : For in humble termes hee wrongeth him , and giueth him respectfull lyes , flatters him with iniuries , accuseth him to speake vpon trust , and that he busieth himselfe with quirkes and subtleties , and sayes that he makes S. Paul an Interpreter of the Apocalips .

This is the forme of his writing : as for the matter and substance of his booke , I finde , that he hath ill measured his owne strength , and that with the weakenesse and meanenesse of his skill , he hath made the strength of his Maiesties reasons more manifest . Gyants are not to be ouerthrown with a breath , neyther is a Lion to be fought against with a Festue . Other kind of forces are necessary to make resistance to so exquisite a doctrine , that is euer abundantly sustained by the truth . And indeede he clearely confesseth his weakenesse in this , that hee neuer cyteth the Text of the Kings booke , but only reporteth the sense thereof disguised and weakened , that he may giue himselfe greater scope and liberty , forming to himself Chimera's , which he impugneth with other Chimera's of his owne , as will sufficiently appeare , by the examination of his booke , to which we now will enter . God herein enlighten vs , since that which wee say is for his truth , which is the light of our soules .

CHAP. II. Certaine Remonstrances of COEFFETEAV his iudgement , touching the Treasons and attempts vppon the life of the King of England .

ARISTOTLE in the second booke of his Rhetoriques , Chap. 21. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . saith , that the Countrey people vse to haue their speeches very full of sentences , but folly is more sufferable then vnseasonable wisedome : Coeffeteau beginneth his booke much after such fashion ; making to the King of great Britaine many sententious Remonstrances , interlaced and mingled with threats and commendations . But whilst he representeth to Kings their duties , he goeth beyond his owne , for S. Ierome forbids Monkes to be teachers , saying in his booke against Vigilantius : Monachus non docentissed plangen tis habet officium , wishing Monks rather to bewaile and be sorrowfull for their owne faults , then to reprehend those of other men . But chiefly his Remonstrances are ill employed to a King , that is better read in the Bible then he is in his Missall ; and that hath carefully put in practise the commaundement of God in the seuenteenth of Deuteronomy ; where hee commaunds Kings to read the booke of the law all the dayes of their liues . verse 19. The exhortation that Luther often vsed by his Letters to Pope Leo the tenth , to renounce the papacy , and to liue of his owne , and to come and doe as he did , had more grace with it , then this of Coeffeteau ; for it is more probable of the two , Sleidan . li. 2. that the Pope was the likelier to haue followed Luthers counsell .

This Doctor hauing thus employed the seuen first pages of his book in these exhortations , which haue no other fault , but that they are ill applyed , comes to those motiues , which estrange and keepe the King of England from the Romane Religion ; supposing the conspiracies that haue beene against his person , to be the causes of it , thereupon protesteth ; Fol. 5. pag. 1. that the Romane Church no way approueth such attempts , but condemnes them as parricides , and wisheth to Princes secure gouernement , victorious armes , obedient people , and faithfull Councell : And after addeth , That for these considerations the head of the Church ( which is the Pope ) cannot disaproue the courses that your Maiestie holaeth ; to secure your authority and person , against the miserable enterprizes , so that they bee not repugnant to that Religion which he is bound to desend .

To this I say , Coeffeteau hath beene very ill enformed , for the conspiracies against the King of Englands life , haue not with-held or kept him from Popery ; since euen from his Infancy he hath made open profession of the true Religion , and before this conspiracy had published the confession of his faith conformable to that which we professe .

And whereas he condemnes such attempts , as are made vpon the liues of Kings , we greatly commend him for it ; and thereby suppose that he no way approued the enterprize of Iames Clement , who was domesticke with him and his companion : From thence I likewise gather , that when the Iesuite Mariana in the sixt Chapter of his booke De Regno , prayseth the Act of Iames Clement , saying that he was perswaded , and enduced thereunto by Diuines , with whom hee had conferr'd : I gather that Coeffeteau was none of those Diuines , and that when this Parricide Saint , and Coeffeteau went a begging together , hee made him not acquainted with his secret . And further it is no small vertue in this Doctor , that he feareth not in so iust a cause to condemne many Iesuites , who were complices or instigators of this last conspiracy , and haue been executed for it . Nay more , it sheweth a magnanimity in Coeffeteau , that hee dares so couragiously oppose himselfe to the Pope and Bellarmine , who ( by their letters before mentioned ) incite the English to rebellion , which could neuer take effect so long as the Kings life should be in safety . By the same meanes he likewise condemneth the Authors of the Legend of S. Iames Clement , which wee haue seene with our eyes , but not without much wonder and admiration . The successe of things haue grudged him this honor ; and men haue beene nothing fauourable and propitious to this Saint , otherwise doubtlesse hee had before this beene put into paradice . It is likewise a cause of iust ioy vnto vs , to see that a Doctor of the Sorbons dare approue the sentence of the Court of Parliament against Iohn Chastell , though the Pope of late hath newly censured it ; By which it dooth also follow that he doth not thinke it well done , that Garnet and Ouldcorne Iesuites , and parties in the gunpowder treason , are at Rome inserted in a roll of Martyres . Whosoeuer prayseth and approueth an acte already done , will questionlesse counsel and aduise the doing of it ; for that which is wicked in the vndertaking , cannot be good in the execution : But the Pope in his breue before mentioned , calleth the punishment of Treason and rebellion by the name of Martyrdom , which is a dangerous speech , & able to make Kings tremble , when the people shall be taught by Murders and Treasons to seeke the Crowne of Martyrdome , An abhominable and detestable doctrine : can there be any so colde and frozen zeale , that will not hereby be warmed , and moued to a iust anger , that this so sacred name of Martyr , so much reuerenced in the Church , should in such sort be prostituted , that whereas the holy Scripture calleth them Martyrs , which suffer for the testimony of the Gospell ; now a dayes those which haue their handes stayned and soyled with the blood of Kings should be honoured with that Title ? It is not the suffering but the cause that maketh a Martyr ; otherwise the diuell might likewise haue his Martyrs , but such paines are crymes , and are not onely vnworthy of praise , but are likewise vnworthy of pardon , and such pains and torments , as are againe to be punished with future torments . Is it then fit that the holy squadron of Martyrs , where S. Stephen marcheth first , and S. Iames neare vnto him , and after them the rest of the Apostles ; followed by so many of the faithfull , who haue bin prodigall of their bloods , but careful and thriftie of the glory of God : Is it fit amongst them to finde Incendiaries and Parricides with fire and sword in hand ; not like vnto S. Paul and S. Lawrence , that is to say , not representing their punishments , but as testimonies of their crymes , not to signifie the death by which they died , but to declare the manner how they murdered ? Vnhappy age , that styleth villaines with title of vertue : and that by the corrupting of words and names , depraueth the things themselues , and so by a new kinde of Grammer introducteth a new kinde of Diuinity . But God be praised , that he hath not permitted the Pope by his skill and arte , to plant this perswasion generally in the hearts of the people , but that euen amongst our aduersaries themselues , there are very many that no way approue this seditious and bloody doctrine : Amongst which number I would willingly place the Doctor Coeffeteau , because of his protestations , were it not that he allayes them with such modifications and restrictions , as giues vs cause to doubt of them : And which testifie that those Kings , with whose liues and Crownes he would not haue medled , are onely such Kings as are obedient to the Bishop of Rome , for he saith , That the Church of Rome wisheth to Princes an assured Empire , victorious Armes , and an obedient people . Now it is most certaine that the Pope desireth not , that those Kings which condemne him should bee victorious , or that their people should remain in their obedience , since he deposeth them from their Thrones , and dispenseth to their subiects the Oath of their Alleageance . And a little while after he saith , that hee speaketh of such estates , wherein the Church ( meaning the Church of Rome ) subsisteth , which is as much to say , that where it cannot subsist , there hee approueth this rebellion and murther , which he more clearely sheweth after Fol. 6. pag. 1. where after these wordes : That the Pope cannot disapproue the courses that you hold to secure your Authority and person : he addeth , So that they be not offensiue to that Religion which he is bound to defend . So that hereof it followeth , that if the Romane Religion doe receiue any offence in England : Then the Pope doth no longer approue the courses , that the King holdeth for his conseruation . But he giueth after more certaine proofes of his intention , the which wee will remarke in their due places . Besides we doubt not , but a prudent person knoweth how to fashion himselfe to the times , and to reserue his bloody propositions for fitter occasions . And many times enterprizes are onely blamed because they are not succesfull , and vices are turned to vertue by happy euents . Multa sunt , quae non nisi peracta Laundantur . And the iudgements of those , whose malice is accompanied with doubt and feare , are framed according to the successe . But in respect of our friendship , I am rather enclined to thinke well of him , and to free him of this suspition .

I will therefore conclude this Chapter with an obseruation , which I thinke not fit to be omitted ; and it is , that in the time of S. Paul Nero was then Emperour , which Monster God eyther for the scorne of men , or for their punishment had placed in the Empire ; who by his example declared to what height , absolute and exquisite wickednesse , assisted with Soueraigne power could ascend ; who likewise was the first that stirred vp persecution amongst the Christians . Had the Christians euer greater cause to rebell ? Or serued they euer vnder a more vnworthy Master ? Now I would demaund of my Masters the Papists , if S. Paul should haue made a Myne vnder his house , or vnder colour of salutations should haue strucken him to the heart with a Poniard , or had beene taken in any of these enterprizes , and so put to death for them ; whether had he beene a Martyr , or whether had his death beene acceptable , or tended to the edification of the Church ? But because this is a question full of difficulties , it is fit we should leaue it vndecided , and that we expect some resolution from the Doctors , or some decision from his Holinesse .

After this Coeffeteau Fol. 6. speaketh by the way , of the Popes power ouer the temporality of Kings , and promiseth afterwards to speake more at large . Wee therefore to auoyde the repetition of things twice , will set aside that subiect till he commeth to the place where hee fully handleth it . And now let vs heare what he saith of the dignity of Cardinals , Fol. 8.