The Catholikes supplication vnto the Kings Maiestie, for toleration of Catholike religion in England: with short notes or animaduersions in the margine. : Whereunto is annexed parallel-wise, a supplicatorie counterpoyse of the Protestants, vnto the same most excellent Maiestie. : Together with the reasons of both sides, for and against toleration of diuers religions..

THE CATHOLIKES SVPPLICATION VNTO THE KINGS MAIESTIE ; FOR TOLERATION OF Catholike Religion in England :

WITH SHORT NOTES OR Animaduersions in the margine .

Whereunto is annexed Parallel-wise , a Supplicatorie Counterpoyse of the Protestants , vnto the same most excellent Maiestie .

Together with the reasons of both sides , for and against toleration of diuers Religions .

BY WISDOME PEACE BY PEACE PLENTY printer's or publisher's device

AT LONDON Imprinted by Felix Kyngston , for Edmund Weauer , and are to be solde at his shop , at the great North doore of Paules Church . 1603.

THE CATHOLIKES SVPPLICATION . Most puissant Prince , and orient Monarch ,

1_SVch are the rare perfections and admirable gifts of wisedome , prudence , valour and iustice , wherewith the bountifull hand of Gods diuine Maiestie hath endued your Maiestie , as in the depth of your prouident iudgement , we doubt not but you foresee what concerneth both the spirituall and temporall gouernment of all your kingdomes and dominions .

2 Notwithstanding your Graces most afflicted subiects and deuoted seruants , the Catholikes of England , partly to preuent sinister informations , which happily may possesse your sacred eares , before our answere be heard ; partly almost as men 1 1 Impudent fellowes ! A manifest vntruth , as all the world knoweth . ouerwhelmed with persecutions for our consciences , we are enforced to haue speedie recourse in hope of present redresse from your Highnesse , and to present these humble lines vnto your royall person to pleade for vs some commiseration and fauour .

3. What allegeance or dutie 2 2 What dutie ? Fidelitie and loyaltie : which the Papists ( by vertue of their Religion ) can affoord no potentate but the Pope . can any 3 3 These men hold that no temporall Prince ought to desire or expect any thing at their hands which may preiudice the Pope . temporall Prince desire or expect at his vassals hands , which wee are not addressed to 4 4 True , conditionally if they thinke it be not preiudiciall to the Pope . performe ? How many Noble-men and worthie Gentlemen , most zealous in the Catholike Religion , haue endured , some losse of lands and liuings , some exile , others imprisonment , some the effusion of bloud and life for the aduauncement of your blessed Mothers 5 5 The Papists iudged Queene Elizabeth hereticall and iustly deposed by the Bull of Pius V. and therefore thought themselues free from their allegeance vnto her ; and so traiterously gaue away her right vnto another . Otherwise how could any pretend RIGHT vnto the scepter of Albion , Queene Elizabeth being yet liuing ? and there is great difference betweene RIGHT and TITLE . right vnto the scepter of Albion ? Nay , whose finger did euer ake , but Catholikes , for your 6 6 What loyall hearts Papists beare the Kings Maiestie , appeareth by their sundrie conspiracies against his sacred person from time to time : especially by that in the yeere 1591 , recorded in publike print . Maiesties present title and dominion ?

4 How many 7 7 If any so fled it was not for their good behauiour : and wise Princes doe well know how to esteem of such mens offers . fled to your Court offering themselues as hostages for their friends , to liue and die in your Graces quarrell , if euer Aduersarie had opposed himself against the 8 8 Who forged and furthered the Jnfantaes pretended title , but Papists ? yet now they acknowledge Gods right and their owne madnes . equitie of your cause ? If this they attempted with their 9 9 Good and loyall subiects forsooth , vnto their owne Prince in the meane while . Can trayterous hearts vnto Queene Elizabeth , be good subiects vnto King James ? Princes disgrace , to obtaine your Maiesties grace ; what will they doe ? nay , what will they not do , to liue without disgrace in your Graces fauour ?

5 The maine of this Realme , if we respect Religion ( setting pettie sects aside ) consisteth vpon 10 10 A manifest slaunder of our Christian Church and S●a●● . foure parts : Protestants , who haue dominiered all the former Queenes daies : Puritanes , who haue crept vp apace among them : Atheists or Polititians , who were bred vpon their brawles and contentions in 11 11 A flat vntruth : the dissension betweene them is onely concerning externall matters of discipline and ceremonies , which belong rather to the policie of the Church , then to faith and doctrine . matters of faith : And Catholikes , who as they are opposite to all , so are they detested of all , 12 12 An argument from the staffe to the corner . because Errour was euer an enemie to Truth .

6 Hardly al , or any of the first , two three can be 13 13 They would faine suppresse the Kings Maiestie also among other Protestants , if they could tell how . God preserue his grace from such subiects , Amen . suppressed : and therefore we beseech your Maiestie to yeeld vs as much fauour , as 14 14 Will you haue as much fauour as the Atheists haue ? Like lips , like lettuce . others of contrarie religion ( to that which shall be publikely professed in England ) shall obtaine at your hands . For if our fault be 15 15 No likenes at all . Protestants are loyall subiects ; so are not Papists . Atheists we haue none , at least none that professe themselues so to be : so would God we had no Papists . Puritane , is a name proper vnto the Anabaptists and Famelians , whom our state doth no way fauour . like , or lesse , or none at all ; in equitie , our punishment ought to be like , or lesse , or none at all .

7 The Gates , Arches , and Pyramides of France proclaimed the present King Pater patriae & pacis restitutor , because that kingdome being well nigh torne in pieces with ciuill warres , and made a pray to forraine foes , was by his prouident wisedome and valour acquited in it self , and hostile strangers expelled ; the which he principally effected 16 16 Non causa pro causa . Read the Counterpoyse . by condescending to tolerate them of an aduerse religion , to that was openly professed .

8 Questionlesse , dread Soueraigne , the kingdome of England , by cruell 17 17 An impudent lye . persecution of Catholikes , hath been almost odious to all Christian Nations : Trade and traffique is 18 18 And all by reason of Catholikes treason , rebellion , and other disloyall practises & stratagems . decayed , warres and bloud hath seldome ceased , Subsidies and taxes neuer so many , discontented mindes innumerable ; all which your Maiesties princely 19 19 If the Papists haue practised treason and rebellion in time of their restraint ; what will they not dare to attempt , hauing further libertie ? conniuencie to your humble Suppliants , the afflicted Catholikes , will easily redresse , especially at your Highnesse ingresse . * * 3. Reg. 12.7 . Si loquaris ad eos verba lenia , erunt tibi serui cunctis diebus , said the sage Counsellors of Salomon to 20 20 The Kings Maiestie is not such an infant in gouernment , but he knoweth , No subiect can faithfully serue two masters , the Pope and his liege King . Rehoboam . For enlargement after affliction resembleth a pleasant gale after a vehement tempest : and a benefit in distresse doubleth the value thereof .

9 How gratefull will it bee to all 21 21 Syrenicall fond suggestions , as if his Highnes cared what account the Turke or Pope should make of him . Catholike Princes abroad , and honourable to your Maiestie , to vnderstand how Queene 22 22 Causelesse complaints , as his Maiestie well knoweth . Elizabeths seueritie is chaunged into your royall clemencie : and that the lenitie of a man reedified that which the misinformed anger of a woman destroyed : That the Lion rampant is passant , whereas the passant had been rampant ? How acceptable shall all your subiects be to all Catholike countries , who are now almost abhorred 23 23 Of none but of the wicked . of all , when they shall perceiue your Highnes prepareth not pikes and prisons for the professours of their faith , but permitteth them Temples and Altars for the vse of their Religion ? Then shall wee see with our eyes and touch with our fingers that happie benediction of Esay in this land , * * Esay 2.4 . that 24 24 A plaine non sequitur ; for you speake by contraries . swords are changed into ploughs , and launces in to sithes . And all Nations admiring vs will say , Hi sunt semen cui benedixit Dominus .

10 We request no more fauour at your Graces hands , then that wee may securely 25 25 Yea , but the Magistrate is keeper of the whole Decalogue ; whereby Idolatrie is flatly forbidden . professe that Catholike Religion , which all your happie Predecessours professed , from 26 26 Poperie was not hatched in Donaldus his daies . Donaldus the first conuerted , vnto your Maiesties peerelesse Mother last martyred .

11 A Religion 27 27 Woe be to them that call darknes light , Esay 5.20 . This whole section is a plain begging of the Question . venerable for antiquitie , maiesticall for 28 28 So is Turcisme and Paganisme . amplitude , constant for continuance , irreprehensible for doctrine , inducing to all kinde of 29 29 You would say Treason and Rebellion against lawfull Princes . vertue and pietie , disswading from all sinne and wickednes . A Religion beloued by all primitiue Pastours , established by all Oecumenicall Councels , vpheld by all ancient Doctors , maintained by the first and most Christian Emperours , recorded almost alone in all Ecclesiasticall Histories , sealed with the bloud of millions of Martyrs , adorned with the vertues of so many Confessors , beautified with the puritie of thousands of Virgines , so 30 30 A fit commendation for Papistrie , to be nothing but meere sensualitie . Malum ouum mali corui . conformable to naturall sense and reason , and finally so agreeable to the sacred text of Gods word and Gospell . The free vse of this Religion wee request , if not in publike Churches , at least in priuate houses ; if not with approbation , yet with toleration , without molestation .

12 Assure your Grace that howsoeuer some 31 31 Mutato nomine , de te , ô Papista , Fabula narratur . Protestants or Puritanes , incited by morall honestie of life , or innated instinct of nature , or for feare of some temporal punishment , pretend obedience vnto your Highnes lawes ; yet certainly the onely Catholikes for conscience sake obserue them . For they defending that Princes precepts and statutes oblige no subiect vnder the 32 32 A grosse calumniation : as if we defended that the wicked for disobedience should feele no penaltie , but only should be disquieted with the guilt of sinne : and not rather that penaltie is an infallible consequence of the guilt , if both be not taken away by Christ . penaltie of sinne , will little care in conscience to transgresse them which principally are tormented with the guilt of sinne . But Catholikes confessing merite in 33 33 True , in obeying the Popes decrees and commandements , but not Princes precepts , except it stand with the Popes good liking . obeying , and demerite in transgressing , cannot but in soule be grieuously 3r 3r Yea , but all these tortures will soone be alaied , euen by one breath of a Babylonian Bull. tortured , at the least preuarication thereof .

13 Wherefore most mercifull Soueraigne , wee your long afflicted subiects , in all dutifull submission , 35 35 Timeas Danaos , vel dona ferentes . As if the Pope by one word were not able to dispence with all this : and to cause any Papist to doe any thing euen at a becke vnder paine of the greater curse and eternall damnation of bodie and soule , in case of refusall . O Lord open the eyes of these men . protest before the Maiestie of God and all his holie Angels , as loyall obedience and as immaculate allegeance vnto your Grace , as euer did faithful subiects in England or Scotland vnto your Highnes progenitours ; and intend as sincerelie with our goods and liues to serue you , as euer did the loyallest Israelites King Dauid , or the trustie legions the Romane Emperours .

14 And thus expecting your Maiestie customarie fauour and gracious bountie , wee rest your deuoted Suppliants to him whose hands doe mannage the hearts of Kings , and with reciprocate mercie will requite the mercifull .

Your sacred Maiesties most deuoted Seruants , The Catholikes of England .

THE PROTESTANTS COVNTERPOYSE . Most puissant Prince and mightie Monarch ,

1_SVch are the rare perfections and admirable gifts of wisedome , prudence , valour , iustice , religion and godlinesse , wherwith the bountiful hand of Gods diuine Maiestie hath endued your Maiestie , as in the depth of your prouident iudgement , we doubt not but you foresee what concerneth both the spirituall and temporall gouernment of al your kingdoms and dominions .

2 Notwithstanding your Graces most faithfull subiects and deuoted seruants , the Protestants of England , partlie to preuent sinister suggestions against the peace of our Church and Common-wealth , which happily might importune your sacred Maiestie : partly almost ( not long sithence ) as men in danger to be exposed as a pray vnto the enemie , to be ouerwhelmed with persecutions for our consciences , we are inforced to haue speedie recourse for present redresse from your Highnesse , and to present these humble lines vnto your royall person , to pleade for vs your Maiesties gratious fauour and princely patronage .

3 What allegeance or dutie can any King or earthly Prince desire or expect at his vassals hands , which we either doe not presently yeeld , or are not addressed to performe ? How many Noble-men and worthie Gentlemen , most zealous in the true Christian Religion , haue euer specially respected your Maiesties sacred person ? How many haue most carefully & religiously , for conscience sake , in our late soueraigne Queene Elizabeth , of blessed memorie , her happie daies , for the satisfying of their owne dutie , and the establishing of the ignorant and doubtfull mindes of their friends and fauourites , priuately without contention , breach of law , or disloyaltie to their Prince , conferred together and explicated your Highnes iust and lawfull title , for the aduancement of your successiue right vnto the Scepter of Albion ? Nay , who euer trauersed , but a a For all Papists intended to set vp some one of their sect and faction : especially the Infanta of Spaine . Protestants , for your Maiesties present title & dominion ?

4 If this they did in the life of our late Soueraigne , not to flatter and dissemble with your Grace , but for iustice and equitie , for truth and conscience cause : what will they doe ? nay , what will they not doe , to liue in grace , without molestation or disgrace in your Graces fauour ? Now therefore the hereditarie right of the Scepter , being lawfully deuolued vnto your Maiestie , who is he amongst vs , that will not flie vnto your Court offering himself as b b See the Edict of the Peeres of England Martij 24. 1603. hostage for his friends , to lose lands and liuings , to the effusion of his dearest blood , to liue and die in your Graces quarrell , if euer aduersarie shall once dare to oppose himselfe against the equitie of your cause ?

5 The maine of this Realme , if we respect Religion , consisteth vpon two parts : Papists , who in the latter yeares of our late Queenes time , c c See the Queenes edict , Nouemb. 5. 1602. Anno Reg. Regin. Eliz. 44. by generall neglect in executing of good lawes and the slumber of iustice , haue crept vp apace amongst vs : And Protestants , who as they are opposit to the Papists ; so are they detested of them : because Errour was euer an enemie to Truth .

6 These two cannot possibly stand together : * * 2. Cor. 6.14 . & 15. For what fellowship hath righteousnes with vnrighteousnes ? And what communion hath light with darknes ? what concord hath Christ with Belial ? or what part hath the beleeuer with the Infidell ; the Christian Protestant , with the Popish Idolatour ? And therefore we beseech your Maiestie to affoord vs as much fauour , as other Princes of contrarie religion ( to that which is publikely professed in England ) doe yeeld vnto their Subiects . Other Princes tolerate no Protestants to liue and serue their God in spirit and Truth , amongst their Popish Subiects : And we hope your Maiestie will tolerate no Papists to liue and to blaspheme our God with Idolatrie and false worship among your Christian Subiects : For if our case be like , or better then theirs is ; in equitie , our vsage ought to be like , or better then theirs is .

7 The Gates , arches , and pyramides of Fraunce proclaimed the present King Pater patriae & pacis restitutor , because that kingdome being welnigh torne in peeces with ciuill warres , and made a pray to forraine foes , was by his prouident wisedome and valor , acquited in it selfe , and hostile strangers expelled ; the which he principally effected , by d d Vide Ant. Arnaldi actionem contr. Iesuit . Et , Orationem ingenuam & veram ad Regem Galliae de Restitut . Iesuitarum . Lugdun . an. 1602. adiudging the Iesuites , the firebrands of sedition and rebellion , to perpetuall exile out of his kingdome . So shall your Highnes be truely called Pater patriae & fidei defensor , if you vindicate your owne sacred Person from the treacherous attempts of hollow hearted Subiects , your Realmes from the inuasions and assaults of forraine foes , and the Maiestie of the euerliuing God , from being blasphemed and profaned by vile Idolatours : all which you shall wisely and valorously effect , by adiudging seditious Iesuites , treacherous Priests , and all their Schollers the stirrers vp of commotions and broyles , to perpetuall banishment out of your kingdoms and dominions .

8 Questionlesse , dread Soueraigne , the kingdoms of England and Ireland , by vnnaturall , disloyall and traiterous practises of cruell Romish Catholikes , e e Who rebelled at any time sithence the beginning of Queene Elizabeths raigne but Papists ? Who were rebels , compartners , abbettors and fauorites , but Papists ? and consequently who were the cause of so many subsidies and taxes , but the same men ? haue been almost wasted , and made a spectacle to all Christian Nations . Trade and traffike is much decayed , warres and blood hath seldome ceased , subsidies and taxes neuer so many , discontented mindes innumerable ; all which your Maiesties princely regard of the humble sute of your deuoted Suppliants , the faithfull Protestants , will easily redresse , especially at your Highnes f f See 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , lib. 2. pag. 29. ingresse . * * 1. King . 18.21 . Si Iehouah sit Deus ipse , sequere eum ; sin autem istorum Baal , sequere eum , was the wise counsaile of holy Eliah vnto the people of Israel . But to admit of two contrarie Religions , were to halt betweene two opinions .

9 How gratefull wil it be to all Christian Princes abroade , and honorable to your Maiestie , to vnderstand how Queene Elizabeths sinceritie is continued by your royall constancie , and that the courage of a man reedified that which the not - informed Iustice of a woman winked at ? That the Lyon rampant trampleth vnder foote the enemies of God and his truth , of their Prince and Countrie ; whereas the passant had been nothing lesse then rampant ? How acceptable shall all your subiects be to all Christian countries , who lately feared the apostasie of your kingdomes , when they shall perceiue your highnesse still maintaineth true Religion , and g g See 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Lib. 1. pag. 19. permitteth not Idolatrous Papists to perturbe & molest the sincere professors of the true faith , or to prophane the worship of God , by profession and vse of their superstition . Then shall we see with our eyes , and touch with our fingers that happie benediction of Esay in this land , that * * Esay . 2.4 . swords are changed into ploughes , and launces into sithes : And all Nations admiring vs will say , Hisunt semen , cui benedixit dominus .

10 We request no more fauour at your Graces hands , then that you would compell all your Subiects to seeke the Lord and his face continually ; that you would h h See 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Lib. 1. pag. 19. prohibit Idolatrie , represse blasphemie , abolish false worship , and cause all , within your dominions , to embrace that onely true religion which your happie predecessors King Edward the sixt , & Queene Elizabeth of blessed and famous memorie , constantly maintained ; yea which also your sacred Maiestie hath euer hitherto with singular i i See 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Lib. 1. pag. 5. 20. & 21. constancie , and doth now zealously and sincerely professe .

11 A Religion venerable for antiquitie , maiesticall for comely order , admirable for power and vertue , certaine for truth , irreprehensible for Doctrine , inducing to all kind of vertue and pietie , disswading from all sinne and wickednes . A religion approued by God himselfe , allowed by his wisedome , and confirmed by his holy spirit , rooted in the elect , beloued of all primitiue pastours , established by the best Oecumenicall councels , vpheld by all ancient Doctours , maintained by the first and most christian Emperours , recorded in the holy Scriptures , sealed with the blood of millions of Martyrs , and constantly professed by all holy confessors , that neuer was doubted of but by her enemies , neuer saw change but of Heretikes , being the onely Religion that is taught in Gods sacred word and Gospell . Popish Idolatrie it is that we craue to be repressed , if not by a new decree , at leastwise by strict execution of such good lawes that in such cases are alreadie enacted .

12 Assure your Grace that howsoeuer some Papists incited by morall honestie of life , or innated instinct of nature , or for feare of some temporall punishment , pretend obedience vnto your highnes lawes ; yet certainely the onely Protestants for conscience sake obserue them . For they defending these daungerous and damnable k k Vide Orat. ad Reg. Galliae de Restit . Iesuit . & Eman. Sa. in aphorism . Confessariorum . & Bellarm. lib. de Exempt . Clericorum . propositions , 1. That the Pope hath power to excommunicate Kings , 2. That he hath power to absolue subiects from their faith and alleageance , 3. That the Pope may depose Princes from their Scepter and Crowne , and giue the same vnto another , 4. That any priuate man may be made executioner to murther or to poyson the excommunicated King , 5. That faith must not be kept with Heretikes , 6. That whosoeuer is not within the communion of the Romish Church is an Heretike , and consequently that your highnes is such a one , 7. That no Cleargie-man can commit treason against any temporall King , because he is not the Kings subiect , but the Popes ; and such like : care not in conscience , at the Popes becke , nay thinke it high merit , if he so commaund , not onely to transgresse your lawes , but also to lay violent hands and to murder your sacred person , which God forbid . But Protestants , hauing learned to * * Matth. 22.21 giue vnto Caesar the things of Caesar , and to God the things of God ; and to obey the * * Rom. 13.1 . higher powers , which are the ordinance of God , cannot but in soule be grieuously tortured for the least preuarication of the Magistrates iust , necessarie , or conuenient lawes .

13 Wherefore most gracious Soueraigne , wee your euer-faithfull subiects , in all dutifull submission , vow and protest before the Maiestie of God and all his holy Angels , as loyall obedience and as immaculate allegeance vnto your Grace , as euer did faithfull subiects in England or Scotland vnto your Highnes progenitors and predecessors ; and intend as sincerely with our goods and liues to serue you , as euer did the loyallest Israelites King Dauid , or the trustie legions the Romane Emperours .

14 And thus , not doubting of your Maiesties constant profession of true Religion , and godly care for the rooting out of all Idolatrie , we rest your deuoted suppliants to him whose hands doe mannage the hearts of Kings , and with reciprocate Honor , will honor them that honor him .

Your sacred Maiesties most faithfull Seruants , The Protestants of England .

A BRIEFE CONSIDERATION OF THE CATHOLIKES REASONS FOR TOLERATION OF THEIR Religion in England , intimated in their Supplication to his Highnes .

I. REASON .

The Catholikes are readie to performe any allegeance or dutie that the King can desire or expect at their hands . Out of the 3. Section of the Supplication .

Ergo , It may please his Maiestie to graunt them a toleration of their Religion .

ANSWERE .

I. To the Antecedent .

1 The Antecedent must be vnderstoode conditionally , vid. If the King will graunt a toleration , then the Papists say they will be dutifull ; else they will not : but will runne on the old bias againe for practise and treacherie against his Royall Person and the State , as they were wont in Queene Elizabeths time . But if they will not bee dutifull Subiects for conscience sake , as they are bound to be : Our dread Soueraigne ( in my opinion ) shall haue small good of their mercenarie seruice .

2 Popish Religion in the Articles thereof , is treason against the lawfull authoritie and state of our King . See the Counterpoyse , Sect. 12. Therefore whatsoeuer the Papists , either protest or pretend , it skilles not , they can be no loyall Subiects , so long as the Pope may discharge them from allegeance to their Prince . See note . 35.

3 By vertue of Popish Religion , the Ecclesiasticall state challengeth immunitie and exemption from his Highnes power , iudiciall courts , and in case of ordinarie contributions ; they withdraw their allegeance from the King , vnto the obedience of a forraine Potentate , denying him an absolute power in his owne Dominions .

II. To the Consequence .

1 Howsoeuer his Maiestie , in policie , might wish all Papists within his Dominions , to be dutifull and obedient Subiects : yet cannot his Highnes allow and accept of the course leading thereunto , vnlesse he finde it warranted by the law of God ; such as toleration of Popish Idolatrie can neuer be .

2 The practises of the Papists being vncertaine , it fits not the deepe reach of a Prince , to remedie vncertaine and lesser accidents , by opening free passage to more assured and greater perils .

II. REASON .

Out of the third and fourth section . The Catholikes haue been very forward in maintaining and defending the Kings iust and lawfull title to the Scepter of Albion .

Ergo , His Maiestie might doe well to gratifie them with a toleration .

ANSWERE .

I. To the Antecedent .

1 If the Papists were so firme ( as now they say ) for the Kings lawfull title : they would not haue been so forward for the Infantaes pretended title , as they haue .

2 Graunt they were so forward for his Maiesties title : yet it is very credible that they were but mercenarie Iudases , for Quid vultis mihi dare , & ego tradam &c. They would doe somewhat vpon hope of toleration , els iust nothing for conscience and equitie .

3 This which they pretend should seeme to be in Queene Elizabeths daies , which ( if it were so ) on their part , was great disloyaltie to their Prince . And it may well be thought that traiterous hearts to Queene Elizabeth , can be none of the faithfullest Subiects to King Iames.

II. To the Consequence .

1 Suppose it lawfull in Queene Elizabeths daies for Catholikes to flie from their countrie , and to be factiously forward for the Kings lawfull title ; they did but their dutie . Yet is it not lawfull for his Maiestie to permit the free exercise of Idolatrie , which were plaine impietie .

2 If this also were lawfull in it selfe , yet were it no policie to graunt the Papists a toleration , considering their intention and aime for alteration , their number , dependencie , confederacie forraine and domestike , and other correspondent abilities , strong and to be suspected .

III. REASON .

Puritanes and Atheists , being of contrary Religion to the Protestants , are tolerated in England . Out of the 6. Section .

Ergo , His Maiestie may , with like reason , tolerate the free exercise of the Catholike Religion .

ANSWERE .

I. To the Antecedent .

1 Such as doe scandalouslie or schismaticallie withdraw themselues from our publike congregations , and refuse to serue the Lord together with vs , are not permitted but punished by our lawes .

2 Puritanes ( as they terme them ) are not contrarie to the Protestants in Religion . See before note 11.

3 As for Atheisme , it is not publikely professed in England , and therefore there can be no permission thereof . See note 15.

II. To the Consequence .

1 Vpon supposed toleration of the factious and schismaticall Puritane , there is no reason for toleration of the Papist ; for diuers causes , videl.

I. The Puritane holdes no opinion directly opposit either to the Maiestie of God , or his Highnes Soueraigntie : But the Papist doth . II. If the Puritaine did offend any of these wayes , yet should not the Papist be admitted : for so the number of bad subiects should be encreased .

2 The Papist is more daungerous then the Puritaine or Atheist , by reason of his opinion of learning , of his disloyall carriage , of his number and dependencie at home and abroade .

IIII. REASON .

The French King hath graunted a toleration of both Religions , Out of the 7. Section . which is the cause of quietnes in his kingdome .

Ergo , The King of England may doe so likewise .

ANSWERE .

I. To the Antecedent .

1 The cause of quietnes in Fraunce was not toleration , but the banishment of the Iesuites . See the Counterpoyse Sect. 7.

2 The contrarie religion in Fraunce is tolerated of necessitie and disabilitie of the Catholikes part to expugne and ruine the other , as it was in the time of Charles the ninth , and Henrie the third .

3 Such as the French King doth tolerate , doe in opinion derogate nothing from his Soueraigntie , nor in action attempt any thing against his person : But it is and euer was otherwise with Papists in England .

II. To the Consequence .

1 Men liue by the rule of Reason and law , not by examples .

2 The French King holdeth correspondence in religion with the Pope ; therefore in a question of the worship and seruice of the Lord , he cannot be a fit president to a Christian Prince professing the Gospell .

3 Though the French King permitteth the free exercise of the Gospell , a doctrine lawfull in it selfe and holie , which derogateth nothing from Princes soueraigntie : yet may not the King of England permit Papistrie , the doctrine being Antichristian and vnlawfull in it selfe , ioyned also with dishonor and perill .

4 The French King alloweth toleration to such who acknowledge him for their lawfull Soueraigne , who neuer plotted against his Crowne and life , nor can be induced vpon any suggestion so to doe : whereas his Maiestie of England is solicited to yeeld it to such who hold that he is an Heretike , that hee may be diuested , by the Popes Bull , of his imperiall Crowne and regalities ; who haue disposed of their allegeance to a forraine Prince ; who neuer cease from proiects and practises for alteration ; who in fittest oportunitie , vpon mandate from the Pope , are readie to take armes for the subuersion of his Scepter and state , of his royall person , and of the Gospell .

V. REASON .

Vpon graunt of toleration England will not be odious to all Christian Nations for cruell persecution of Catholikes , Out of the 8. Section . as now they are .

Ergo , Toleration should in good reason be allowed and maintained .

ANSWERE .

I. To the Antecedent .

1 England is not odious to all Christian Nations , neither did it euer ( within the supposed time ) persecute Catholikes , but punish Traytors .

Toleration being admitted , yet will not such as hate England cease to hate her still , because of the disgrace that must relie vpon Poperie ; his Maiestie , the State and almosy all the subiects professing the Gospell .

II. To the Consequence .

1 To graunt toleration that England might not be slaundered for proceedings against Papists , and hated by those of that faction , were for curing of the headach , to knock out the braines .

If we consider the parties that hate vs , the insufficient ground they haue for their hating vs , the little measure of preiudice or dammage that commeth thereof : and on the other side the ineuitable dishonour , the daunger and mischiefe of toleration ; we shall see that the former is not worthie any regard , when there is question of the latter .

3 The surcease of Catholike-hate being altogether vncertaine and accidentarie , it cannot be in policie a sufficient ground for imbracing of dangerous toleration .

VI REASON .

Toleration will stay hostile attempts of Catholikes against the Realme ; and so Traffique will be free , Out of the 8. Section . Subsidies and Taxes shall not be so many , &c.

Ergo , Toleration is to be imbraced .

ANSWERE .

I. To the Antecedent .

1 It is not the cause of Religion ( though it hath been some part of their pretence ) that embarked enemies against this land : But violent humours of ambition to a Monarchy , of malice and reuenge vpon supposed indignities ; the securing of their owne greatnes by impayring their Neighbours , &c. therefore toleration cannot redresse hostilitie .

2 Suppose Religion the cause , yet it is not toleration , but alteration that they aime at , and therfore their hostile practises and machinations are vnlikely to cease for toleration .

3 Hostile attempts may cease without toleration ; as by disabilitie on the aduerse part , necessitie , compulsion , &c.

II. To the Consequence .

1 Euill must not be done that good may come thereof : Toleration of Idolatrie cannot be denied to be euill .

2 Of two euils the lesser is to be chosen . Hostile attempts may endaunger the bodie : Toleration damneth the soule .

VII . REASON .

Toleration will be gratefull to all Catholike Princes abroad . Out of the 9. Section .

Ergo , It ought to be granted .

ANSWERE .

I. To the Antecedent .

1 Alteration would be more gratefull vnto Catholike Princes , then toleration : should alteration therefore be graunted ?

II. To the Consequence .

1 Should his royal Maiestie graunt an impietie , and hazard his royal estate and person , yea his subiects and the Gospel , to gratifie Catholike Princes ?

2 Whether it be right in the sight of God , to obey you rather then God , iudgeye , Act. 4.19 .

3 If I should please men , I were not the seruant of Christ , saith the Apostle , Galat. 1.10 . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉

VII . REASON .

Out of the 9. Section . All English subiects would be acceptable to all Catholike countries , who are now almost abhorred of all , if toleration were graunted .

Ergo , Toleration is not to be denied .

ANSWERE .

I. To the Antecedent .

1 It is false that Englishmen are abhorred of all Catholike countries , otherwise then for their religion , as all other Protestants be .

2 Suppose a toleration ; yet dissension in religion extinguisheth acceptation in affection : therefore it is not probable that English subiects being Protestants in religion , should be esteemed and accepted among such as are of a contrarie faction .

3 Nullus est fidus eorum affectus quorum est diuersa fides : saith Hierome .

4 Not toleration , but plaine alteration would ( peraduenture ) make English subiects acceptable .

II. To the consequence .

1 No sinne must be committed against God for gaining of particular aduantage .

2 It is a grosse error in pollicie , in hope of idle and accidentarie reputation , to make choice of certaine mischiefe .

IX . REASON .

Out of the 9. Section . Vpon toleration of Catholike Religion , we shall enioy assured peace ; Swordes shall bee changed into ploughes and launces into sithes .

Ergo , Toleration is to be admitted .

ANSWERE .

I. To the Antecedent .

1 Religion is not the cause of disturbance of peace and hostile attempts against this kingdome : as hath been said alreadie .

2 If it were the cause : yet the Gospell , which is the thing they would extirpate , should remaine still for all toleration ; so that warres are not likely to cease .

3 Toleration would hatch simultation , iarres , discord , dissension , and at last deadly warre , rather then peace .

4 If Papists still attempted treasons in time of their restraint in Queene Elizabeths dayes : is it not probable , that hauing more libertie , they would be more treacherous ? especially the Popes malice against the Gospell being still the same , and their obedience to him not renounced ?

II. To the Consequence .

1 Vpon supposition of peace ensuing vpon toleration , which is not likely : yet cursed be that peace , when it cannot be procured , but by sinning against God .

2 Maledicta sit omnis concordia , destituta sinceritate veritatis ; saith Irenaeus .

X. REASON .

Out of the 10. Section . All the Kings happie predecessors professed the Catholike Religion .

Ergo , His Maiestie ought ( at least ) to grant a toleration .

ANSWERE .

I. To the Antecedent .

1 The Antecedent is false : Poperie was hatched but of late times .

2 Henrie the eight , Edward the sixt , and Queene Elizabeth of happie memorie , ( to speake of no other ) were the Kings predecessors , yet they professed not the Popish Religion .

II. To the Consequence .

1 If his Maiesties predecessors had professed Poperie , yet that can be no warrant for his Highnes so to doe ; because we must not liue by examples , but by lawes and reason .

2 It is not antiquitie , nor custome that makes a thing lawfull in it selfe ; neither must we so much regard the ancient way , as the good way . See Matth. 15.2 . to the 12. Act. 7.51.52.1 . Pet. 1.18 .

3 Our Fathers must not be followed in euill . Be ye not as your fathers , Zach. 1.4 . Walke not in the ordinances of your fathers , neither obserue their manners , nor defile your selues with their Idols . Ezech. 20.18 . See also Psal. 78.8 . Psal. 95.9 . Amos. 2.4 .

XI . REASON .

Out of the 11. Section . The Catholike Religion is ancient , irreprehensible in doctrine , agreeable to Gods word , &c.

Ergo , Catholike Religion ought to be tolerated .

ANSWERE .

The Antecedent is an impudent begging of the question , and can neuer be proued : therefore the Consequence falleth of it selfe .

XII . REASON .

Out of the 12. Section . The Catholikes onely serue the King , and obserue his lawes for conscience .

Ergo , Catholikes ought to be tolerated .

ANSWERE .

Thi reason is of the same nature with the first reason and is there answered . See also the Counterpoyse Setion 12.

So much for the Catholikes reasons for toleration : Now w● will consider the Protestants reasons against it .

THE PROTESTANTS REASONS AGAINST TOLERATION OF POPERIE in England .

THe reasons against toleration of Papisticall religion in this land , are of two sorts : 1. Theologicall , drawne from the scriptures either expressely , or by necessarie consequence . 2. Politike , taken from consideration of the particular state of this kingdom , or from the religion and persons of the Papists .

I. REASON .

Whatsoeuer is offensiue vnto God , is not to be admitted .

Toleration of Papistrie is an offence vnto God .

Ergo , Toleration is not to be admitted .

Onely the assumption commeth in question , which I prooue by this Prosyllogisme .

Toleration of Idolatrie is offensiue vnto God .

Toleration of Papistrie is toleration of Idolarie .

Ergo , Toleration of Papistrie is offensiue vno God .

The proposition is manifest , because Id●latrie it selfe is offensiue vnto God ; and conseque●tly the exercise and permission of the same . A C●ristian Prince being the keeper of both tables of he Decalogue , should not suffer Idolators t● defile the worship of God within his dominions .

The assumption no Protestant can deny ; seeing popish worship of God is Idolatrous worship : wherefore it needeth no proofe . Neither haue I penned these reasons for Papists .

II. REASON .

Whatsoeuer the good Kings of Iudah and other godly Princes are commended for in the scriptures , that Christian Princes ought to imitate .

But the good Kings of Iudah were commended for expelling of contrarie worshippers , and repressing of Idolatrie .

Ergo , Christian Princes ought to expell contrarie worshippers , & to represse Idolatrie in like manner .

The proposition is manifest , for whatsoeuer is written , is written for our instruction .

The assumption is proued by induction : Asa brake downe the altars and images of straunge Gods , 2. Chron. 14.3 . Iehoshaphat remoued the high places and groues , 2. Chron. 17.6 . Iosiah put downe the Chemarims , that were Idolatrous Priests , 2. King . 23.5 . Iacob would not suffer Idolatrie to be committed in his house , but buried all the Images vnder an Oke , Genes. 35.5 . All which were commended for so doing .

III. REASON .

Whatsoeuer is discommended in other Kings , is to be eschewed of Christian Princes .

Toleration of contrarie worshippers and permission of Idolatrie is discommended in other Kings .

Ergo , Toleration is to be eschewed of Christian Princes .

The assumption is proued by the examples of such Kings as had not taken away the high places ; as Iehoash , 2. King . 12.3 . and Azariah , 2. King . 15.4 .

IIII. REASON .

Halting betweene two opinions is not lawfull .

Toleration of two contrarie religions , is halting betweene two opinions .

Ergo , Toleration of two contrarie religions is vnlawfull .

The proposition is cleare out of the words of Eliah , How long will ye halt betweene two opinions ? If the Lord be God , follow him : But if Baal be , goe after him , 1. King . 18.21 . And also out of Zephan. 1.5 . I wil stretch out mine hand vpon them that worship & sweare by the Lord , and sweare by Malcham .

The Assumption is manifest , for whosoeuer causeth another to sinne , is said to commit that sin himselfe ; so Dauid is said to murder Vriah .

V. REASON .

That which would be a meanes to obdurate and harden Papists in their superstition , is to be auoided .

Toleration of their religion , is a meanes to harden them , whereas otherwise there might be hope of them , &c.

Ergo , Toleration of Popish religion is to be auoided .

VI. REASON .

That which would be offensiue vnto all Christian Princes and people , is not to be admitted .

Toleration of Poperie in England , would be offensiue to all Christian Princes and people .

Ergo , Toleration is not to be admitted .

VII . REASON .

Whatsoeuer would be dishonorable vnto his excellent Maiestie , is not to be admitted .

Toleration of poperie , would be very dishonorable vnto his Highnes . For he hath euer hitherunto constantly professed the Gospell ; and now enioyeth a kingdome wherein the Gospell is established ; besides that the glorie of a King proceedeth from intertaining such constitutions and decrees in religion , as God himselfe hath enacted and deliuered .

Ergo , Toleration is not to be admitted .

VIII . REASON .

Whatsoeuer is not for his Maiesties saftie , nor for the safetie of his kingdome , that is not to be admitted .

Toleration of Papists is not for his Maiesties safetie , nor for the safetie of his kingdome ; because it is impossible for Papists to be loyall subiects to any Protestant Prince , as hath been often declared before .

Ergo , Fie vpon toleration of disloyall Papists .

IX . REASON .

Whatsoeuer would breede confusion and disquietnes in the land , that is to be auoyded .

Toleration of Papistrie would breede confusion and vprores in the land . For it would tend to the antiquating and repealing of diuers profitable lawes alreadie enacted against Popish practises ; and harten the Papists to perpetrate any villanie , &c.

Ergo , Toleration of Poperie is to be auoyded .

X. REASON .

That which in Papists will double their allegeance and deuotion to the Pope , is not to be tolerated .

Toleration of Poperie will double the Papistes allegeance and deuotion vnto the Pope . For immunitie and freedome of profession will draw on more followers , and obdurate them in their blindnes .

Ergo , Out vpon toleration of Poperie .

XI . REASON .

Whatsoeuer will treble the Papists detestation of our religion , and raise their desires of a full and entire reestablishment , that is to be abandoned .

Toleration of Poperie will treble the Papists detestation of our religion , and raise vp their desires of a full and entire reestablishment , as is manifest .

Ergo , Toleration of Poperie is to be abandoned .

XII . REASON .

If the Pope in none of his territories , nor where hee hath absolute iurisdiction , doth graunt any liberty to Protestants , but tolerateth rather Iewes and Turkes ; and persecuteth Protestants with fire and sword : neither is it any reason that his Popish Caterpillers should receiue any such toleration in any Protestants dominions . For what measure they meate vnto others , the same should others meate vnto them .

But the Antecedent is true : otherwise they would repeale their Edicts and decrees against Protestants ; cancell and frustrate the power of the bloodie Inquisition ; spare all search after their Persons ; surcease their confiscations and all criminall processe against them .

Ergo , The Consequent is true also , videl. That there is no reason to graunt the Papists any toleration of their religion .

XIII . REASON .

If the Papists themselues doe holde that King to be a starke Atheist and to haue no sense of religion , which admitteth contrarie worshippers and mixture of religions : then do they intolerable iniurie vnto our King in soliciting his Highnes to permit such freedome and mixture of religions .

But the Antecedent is true ; Westonus de Triplici Hominis officio , lib. 3. cap. 14. pag. 186. as may be proued out of their owne writings ; Religio promiscua principem ostendit Atheum . And againe , Qui magistratus liberum suis facit promiscuum vsum & coalitionem religionum , existimatur inde velle religionem omnem eneruare paulatim ac sensim , neque animo ac ingenuè vllam colere , aut magnopere curare . Siquidem cordi si modo Principi esset Religio , nequaquam impunè permitteret vagare ritus adscititios , prophanos , aut cultum diuinae religioni prorsus contrarium . Weston . Ibid. p. 187.

Ergo , The Consequence is true also . Wherefore toleration of Poperie , is not to be admitted .

XIIII . REASON .

If the Papists themselues know in their owne consciences and acknowledge in their writings , that amongst contrarie worshippers , it is impossible for the King to liue in safetie ; then are they wicked traitours against his royall Maiestie , for importuning his grace to admit a toleration which they know to be so daungerous vnto his person .

But the Antecedent is true . For so they write . Inter omnes minus tutus videtur Princeps , Westonus ibid. lib. 3. cap. 14. pag. 191. nec sanè bone protectus , qui arbitrarias hasce religiones in republica permittit . Nam aut in alteram partem propendet , velin medio , & quasi aequilibrio suspensus consistit . Si aliquò inclinet , aduersaria factio eum pro hoste habebit cum Dei ipsius tum sacrorum & suarum rerum . Si neutro vergat , ab omnibus pro Atheo habebitur . Et sane orthodoxi cognoscentes haeresim adeo esse Deo exosam , ac hominib . pestiferam , videntesque Principem haereticis colludentem , ac illis indulgentem , haereticum ducent animo aut Atheum . Quod si fecerint , quid sacri aut tuti supererit in diademate , imo quid politici ? &c.

Ergo , The Consequent is true also . videl. That the Papists are wicked traitours to his Maiestie , for supplicating for Toleration .

XV. REASON .

If all Christian Princes be bound in conscience to persecute , afflict and torment the great Whore of Babylon : then ought they not to graunt her a seate within their dominions .

But the Antecedent is true . Reuel. 28.6 . For it is Gods expresse commaundement ; Reward her euen as she hath rewarded you ; and giue her double according to her workes : in that cup that she hath filled to you , fill her the double . In as much as she hath glorified her selfe , and liued in pleasure , so much giue you to her torment and sorrow .

Ergo , No Christian Prince ought to tolerate poperie , or to suffer the Romish beast to roost within his territories . But is bound in conscience , by vertue of the Lords expresse charge , giuen specially vnto Kings and Princes who haue renounced Antichrist , to plague and torment all Papists , to giue them double payment , to antiquate and abolish all Romish and Popish abomination .

Reuelat. 7.12 .

Amen . Praise , and glorie , and wisedome , and thankes , and honor , and power , and might , be vnto our God for euer more . Amen .

FINIS .