1. IF saint Paul ( most gratious soueraigne ) being accused of the whole Synagogue of the Iewes , by their Orator Tertullus , of diuers heynous crimes , both against Gods and the Princes laws , found notwithstanding such equitie in the Heathen President Festus , as hee answered his aduersaries , that is was not the custome of the Acts 25. Romans , to condemne any man before he haue his accusers present , and place to make his answer : and also such fauour at the Acts 26. Iewish King Agrippa , as he both licensed him to speak for himselfe , and afforded him fauorable audience : much more cause haue your Majesties Catholick subjects , being accused of Ministers by their hired spokesman Bel , to expect the like yea greater fauour and equitie at your Graces hands . For if Romans , though heathens , thought it injustice to condemn a particular man at the clamours of a whole Nation , before his accusers were present , and his defense were heard : and if Agrippa , albeit a Iew , and enemie to Christians , deemed it notwithstanding a Princes part , to giue audience to one accused of that religion , which he both hated and persecuted , how much more will a Christian Prince forbear to condemn the vniuersal cause of his Catholick subjects , for the slanders and outcries of Ministers , and one hired Proctor , before their Accusers be brought face to face , and they haue time and place granted to answer for themselues ? Wherein wee shall account our selues more happie then Saint Paul , because wee shall plead our cause , not before a Heathen or Iewish Prince , but before a Christian King , and such a one , as better knoweth the questions and customs of Christians , then King Agrippa did of the Iews .

2. Wherefore , seing of late one Th. Bel , ( a fugitiue once from the Protestant religion , as he is now from Catholick ) hath not onely accused , but also maliciously slandered the vniuersal Catholick cause , in a booke , which he hath dedicated to your Maiestie , and termed it the Downfal of Poperie , and withal challengeth , dareth , and adjureth ( in which case our Blessed Sauiour , though Math. 26. whith manifest danger of his life , made answer ) al Seminarie Priests , al English Iesuits , and ( as he speaketh ) Iesuited Papists , to answer him , I haue presumed vpon your gracious fauour to accept his challenge , and am readie to performe it hand to hand , if your Majestie grant licence , and in the mean time to dedicate to your Name , this my Confutation of his arguments , and slanders , wherein I speake not for my selfe , as did Saint Paul before King Agrippa , but for the religion of your own Progenitors , and Predecessors , for the faith of your forefathers , for the cause of all Catholicks , and for the good , ( I dare say ) of your own Majesties person and Kingdomes . For though Bel calumniate Christian Kings and Emperours , with opening a window to all Antichristian tyrannie , and Catholicks generally , with thinking Christ to be killed a thousand times a day , and such like , yet especially he slandereth the Popes , with vsurping power proper to God , and to depose Princes , and dispose of their Kingdoms at his pleasure , for to alienate your minde thereby , from the sea Apostolick : wherein he not only abuseth your patience with telling you palpable vntruths , but also greatly harmeth and endammageth your person and realm , by endeauouring by his fals slanders , to auert your minde from the Popes , who haue been the most ancient , most assured , and most beneficiall freinds , which the Kings and realms of great Britanie haue euer had . Which thing that I may make manifest vnto your Majestie , I humbly beseech you giue me leaue to set downe some particular examples , of the mutuall amitie , and kinde offices , which haue been betwixt the Popes and the Princes of this land . Wherein , if I bee somewhat longer , then men vse to be in Epistles , I hope the varietie and profit of the mattaer will make requitall .

3. Not long after the sea Apostolick S. PETER P. was setled in Rome , Saint Peter , the first Pope about the sixtie third year of Lippoman 29. Iunij tomo 5. CHRIST , came ( saith ᵃ Simeon Metaphrastes , a Grecian writer about 800. years ago ) into Britanie , where hauing stayed long time , and conuerted many nations vnto Christ , he saw an Angel , who tould him , that the time of his departure was at hand , and therefore he shold return to Rome , where being crucified , he should receaue the reward of iustice . When therefore he had glorified God , and giuen thanks , and stayed some daies with the Britans , setled Churches , and ordered Bishops , Priests , and Deacons , in the twelft year of the Emperour Nero , hee returned to Metaphrast . liued . Ann. 859. Baron . ibidem . Rome . Thus much Metaphrastes : all which he professeth to haue taken out of ancient monuments , and to haue been publickly related . And withall addeth ; that Euseb. Pamphili ( the ancientest Ecclesiastical Historiographer ) reporteth , that Peter was twelue years in the East , and twenty three years in Rome , and in Britanie , and in the cities of the West . So that , not onely Metaphrastes , but also Eusebius testifieth , that Saint Peter came into Britannie . Neither hindreth it , that this testimonie of Eusebius is not found in any of his books now extant . For ( as S. Hierom. sayeth ) he wrote innumerable volumes , which now are perished , in some whereof might be this testimonie . For it is no way likelie , that Metaphrastes should feigne it ; both because he is accounted a saint , and honoured of the Grecians as such , and cited in the Councel of Florence , as a man of great authoritie ; as also , because there was no cause to moue him to feigne it ; and lastly because hee might bee justly laughed at for feiging a thing wherein hee might bee easily disprooued . And that saint Peter came into Britanie , not only English Catholicks , as Harpesfield lib. 1. histor. cap. 2. Grecians , Italians , French , Spaniards , Germans , Polonians , Scots , English , say Saint Peter was in Britanie . Broughton lib. 1. cap. 24 , and others doe affirme , but also strangers , as Iulianus Petri in Aduersariis , §. 495. Baronius Anno 46. and his Epitomizers , Spondanus , Bzouius , Bisiola , Bernardus Iunius in Chronico Morali anno 46. Biuarrus in Chronico Dextri Anno 46. Ciaconus in vita Sancti Petri , Guillimannus in suis Habpurgicis lib. 2. cap. 1. Eiseingrenius Centuria 7. par. 7. dis. 8. Chesneus in hist. Angl. l. 3. Posseuinus in apparatu tom. 3. Lesleus in Paraenesi ad Scotos : And also learned Protestants confesse the same . For thus Cambden Protestants confesso it . in his Britanie p. 52. Of the credit of Simeon Metaphrastes , Cambden . and the Greeks Meneologie , our Ecclesiasticall writers report , that Peter came hither , and spread the light of the Gospel . And in his Remains pag. 4. The true Christian religion was planted here by Ioseph of Arimathia , Simon Zelotes , Aristobulus , yea by saint Peter and saint Paul , as may bee proued by Dorotheus , Theodoretus , Sophronius . Spede lib. 6. cap. 9. Speed . Some ad , that S. Peter the Apostle preached the word of life in this Iland , as to others Gentils hee did , for whom God had chosen him , that from his mouth they might heare the Gospel , and beleeue , and that he here founded Churches , and ordained Priests , and Deacons , which is reported by Simeon Metaphrastes , out the Greeke Antiquities . The like hath Vsher in his Antiquities Vsher. of Britanie c. 1. and 16. And also Baker in his historie of Baker . England pag. 3. Who addeth , that this and more is reported by Authors of good credit . And I ad that no graue Author denieth it ; nor can any sufficient reason be brought , why it should not be beleued . So that , mere inctedulitie or obstinacie can bee opposed against it , which may be opposed against anie historical writing whatsoeuer ; and so all historical belieef ouerthrowne . For who beleue in histories , what they will , and what they will not , beleue not , doe not beleue histories , but themselues .

4. Neither was this loue of S. Peter to our countrie extinguished 2. Petri 1. by his death , but as himselfe promised to some , he had it in minde also after his departure , and miraculously assisted it in great necessities . So that truly wrote b b Malmesbury lib. 1. Pontificum p. 209. S. Sergius first Pope , one thousand years ago , to our English Kings , that S. Peter was mindfull of them . And Pope c c Eugubin de Donat. Constan . Alexander II. to King William the Conquerour , and Pope d d S. Peter Protector of Enhland . Alexander III. to King Henry the second , that England was vnder saint Peters protection , euer since Christs name was glorified there . And Pope e e Bede lib. 2. cap. 10. Huntington lib. 3. p. 317. Boniface I. writing to King Edwin , calleth S. Peter , his Protector . For when our countrie ( about the year of Christ 611. ) began to reuolt from the faith of Christ , and some Bishops had forsaken the land , and S. Laurence Archbishop of Canterburie was minded to follow them , Saint Peter appearing S. Peter committed Englishmen to S. Laurence . to him , and scourging him with sharp stripes , a great while in the close night , chalenged with Apostolical authoritie , and asked him , why hee would forsake the flocke which he himselfe had committed to him , and to what shepheard running now away , he would leaue the sheep of IESVS-CHRIST , beset in the midst of so many woulues . By thes stripes of saint Peter , and with these exhortations , Laurence , being stirred vp and encouraged , came boldly to the king early in the morning , and loosing his garment shewed him how sore hee was beaten , and how pitifully his flesh was torn . The King , as soone as he heard that for his own saluation the Bishop had suffered such greuous beatings , yea and that of the Apostle of CHRIST , he feared much , and afterward abandoning all worship of Idols , he embraced the Faith of CHRIST , and being baptized , endeauoured to keepe and maintaine the estate of the Church in al points to the vttermost of his power . Thus S. Bede lib. 2. c. 6. who liued in the same age , in which this happened ; and the same testifieth the king himself , in his g g Reiner . in Apost. charter yet extant . Also Alcuin in Epist. 97. and our best Historiographers , as William Malmesburie lib. 1. Regum Angliae cap. 1. Henrie of Huntington lib. 3. pag. 326. Marianus in Chronic. ann. 617. Florentius Anno 616 , Westmonasteriensis anno 616. And the Protestants confess it . same is confessed by Protestants , as by Bishop Godwin , in the life of S. Laurence , Holinshed lib. 5. histor cap. 24. Isacson ann. 616. Weuer in his monuments pag. 245. who also ibid. pag. 246. rehearseth the Epitaphe vpon the tombe of saint Laurence , in which the same is affirmed , and lastly , the Magdeburgensian Centuriatours Centuria 7. cap. 10.

5. Not long before this , when S. Peter consecrated Westminster Church . Sebareth , King of the East-Saxons , had built a Church in honor of S. Peter , in the place where now Westmonasterie stādeth , saint Peter came from Heaven , and himselfe dedicated the Church , and confirmed his dedication by a miracle , which long after continued . Authors of this , are two ancient and holy kings Edgar , Witnesse , two English Kings , and graue Authors . and S. Edward the Confessor , in their Charters made to that Monasterie , as may be seen in Bishop Vsher in his booke de Primordiis Eccl. Britannicae cap. 16. pag. 741 , 742 , and in weuer in his Monuments pag. 450. Whereof I will rehearse the words of S. Edwards Charter , taken ( as weuer saieth ) outof the records of the Toure . The Church of S. Peter in Westminster , was anciently builded vnder Mellit , first Bishop of London , fellow and of the same time with Saint Austin first Archbishop of Canterburie , and by blessed Peter himself , with seruice of Angels , dedicated with the imprinting of the holie Cross , and vnction of the holie Trinitie . And king Edgar , as Bishop Vsher relateth , in his Charter auoucheth , that in the year 604 , it was dedicated , not of anie other , but of S. Peter himself Prince of the Apostles , to his own honor . The same certifie saint Ealred , a most graue Author , ( saieth Spelman ) in the life of saint Edward , the Author of saint Dunstans life , William of Malmesburie lib. 1. Regum , and lib. 2. Pontificum , Capgraue in life of S. Edward , Otterburn , Walsingam an. 1378 , pag. 213. and 214. Baronius an. 610. And are not two ancient and holie kings , and so many graue authors worthie to bee beleued ? S. Peter restored the royal English blood , to the crown . Likewise , when the Danes had oppressed England , vsurped the crowne , and driuen all the royal English blood out of England , Saint Peter appeared in a vision , to Brithwold , a holy Bishop of Wilton , or ( as some say ) of Winchester , anointed saint Edward king of England , and foretold the yeares of his reigne , and the end of the furie of the Danes , adding these most confortable words : The Our best Authors testifie it . kingdome of England , is the kingdome of God . Authors of this , are the aforesaid Malmesburie lib. 2. Regum cap. 13. and lib. 2. Pontif. pag. 249. Ealred in life of saint Edward . Westmonasteriensis anno 1056 , Capgraue in life of S. Edward , Polidor . lib. 8 , Harpesfeld saec. 11. cap. 19. Baronius an. 1043. And it is confessed Protestants confesse it . by Protestants , as by Bishop Parker in vita Stigandi , by Bishop Godwin in vita Brithwoldi , by Cambden in his Remains pag. 5 , Holinshed lib. 7. cap. 15 , by Isaakson anno 909. and others .

6. Neither was the singular affection towards our countrie , peculiar to saint Peter , but ( as from a fountain ) descended to his successors . For when the sweet sound of the Gospel here preached by him , had in time increased , and come to the ears of Lucius , then king here , he sending to Rome for Preachers , P. ELEVTHERIVS Pope Eleutherius the fourteenth Pope after Saint Peter , about the year h h Gordō 188 186 , P Eleutherius Legats conuert Britanie . sent hither saint Fugatius and Damian , who instructed , and baptized the King , Queen , and most of the people , whereby our countrie became the first , which publickly professed the faith of CHRIST , as testifieth the learned Pamelius , in his notes vpon Tertullian against the Iewes , and the same saieth i i Leslcus , lib. 3. c. 27. Sabellicus Enneade 7. lib. 5 , and thsrefore iustly deserueth the title of Primogenita Ecclesiae . This testifie k k Damasus in Pontific . Harpesfield saec . 1. cap. 3. saint Bede lib. 1. cap. 4 , the Roman Martyrologe 26. Maij , and the Breuiarie on the same day , Marianus in Chronico , Huntington lib. 1. pag. 304 , Ethelwerd an ancient writer of the blood royal , lib. 1. Westmonasteriensis anno 188 , and it is confessed by Protestants , Protestants confesse it . as by Bale Centuria 1. cap. 22 , Cambden pag. 628 , Cooper anno 180 , Godwin in life of saint Austin , Stow anno 179 , Parker in Archiepiscopis P. VICT. I. P. Victor I. Legatt conuerted Scotland . pag. 4. The like charitable office performed Pope Victor I. vnto Scotland , sending thither his Legats at the request of king Donaldus , who baptized the King , Queen , and his nobilitie , as testifie Boeth lib. 6. hist. Scotiae fol. 86. Genebrardus in Chronico , Holinshed in the historie of Scotland pag. 72 , and others . And about the year 324. Pope Siluester , hauing P. SILVESTER anno 324. perfectly instructed our great Emperor Constantin , baptized him , and cured him of his leprosie , as the same Emperour in his edict , and manie l l Monolog . Graec. Cal. Iun. Acta Liberi vita Siluestri Huntington l. 1. pag. 306. Elerentius anno 506. others testifie . Likewise about the year of CHRIST 400 , Ninian , beeing taugth at Rome ( saieth S. Bede lib. 3. cap. 4. ) truly the faith , and mysteries of truth , was n n Capgraue in his life . S. Ninian Legat of the P. conuerted the Picts . thence sent to conuert the south Picts , who then inhabited the best part of Scotland . And about the year 429 , Pope Celestin consecrated Palladius , P. CELESTIN I. Bishop , and sent him into Scotland , where as yet was no Bishop ; nor forgetfull of Ireland , sent thither that great saint Patrik S. Patrik , Legat of P. Celestin , conuerted Ireland . who conuerted that Iland to the true Catholick Faith , and is therefore iustly termed euen of o o Cambden in Hibernia 760. Bale Centur. 1. cap. 44. S. Germrn Legat of Protestants , the Apostle of Ireland . And whereas , at the same time , the Britons began to be infected with the heresie of Pelagius , the same p p Celestin suppressed Pelagian . in Britan. p Prosper in Chro. Baro. anno 429. Pope sent saint German , and saint Lupus , to confute , and suppresse that heresie , which they performed , both with disputations and miracles . Thus continued the exceeding loue of the sea Apostolick vnto great Britanie , al the time , that the Britons possessed it al , or the greatest part thereof .

7. But towards our English Nation , after it had conquered that part of great Britanie , which now is called England , it appeared far greater . For whereas , not only the q q Bede lib. 2. cap. 2. Britons refused , but also al neighbour nations r r S. Gregorie ●ib . 5. Epis 58. 59. neglected , to preach the Chtistian faith to our English ancestours , who euer before had been Pagans , and bondslaues ( saieth saint Bede ) of Idols , only Rome lib. 2. cap. 1. put forth her helping hand to draw them out of darknes P. GREGORIEI . anno 599. and slauerie of Idols . For no sooner , that blessed and holie Father , S. Gregorie , ( as Bishop s s In life of saint Austin p. 3. God win calleth him ) vnderstood , that the t t Bede lib. 2. cap. 1. Ioan. Diacon . in vita Creg . Angles , or English ( whom for their beutie hee termed Angels ) were Pagans , but forth with he went to the Pope of that time , and beseeched him to send Preachers into England , offering himself to be one . And obtaining licence thereof came on his voyage three dayes iournay towards England ; but was recalled at the great importunitie of the Romans , who were vnwilling to want so worthie a man . But neuertheles he forgot not his holie entreprise . For as soone ( saieth saint Bede lib. 2. cap. 1. ) as he was Bishop ouer the whole world , he made our nation the Church of CHRIST , which had been euer vntill that time , the bondslaue of Idols . And in the year 596. sent hither S. Austin , with almost fortie Monks more to preach ; who being entertained by king Ethelbert , in short time conuerted both him , and his whole countrie . And that they preached the true faith of CHRIST , appeared by the miracles which they wrought in testimonie thereof , which were so manie , and so great , as it seemed ( saieth saint Gregorie ) that they imitated the vertues of the Apostoles by the miracles which they wrought ; and they are so certain and vndoubted , as they are not only testified by the sayed S. x x l. 9 epist. 56. 58. Gregorie , S. y y lib. 1. c. 32. lib. 2. c. 1. 2. Bede , and other ancient Authors , but confessed euen by the most earnest z z Fox in Acts p. 105. Godwin in life of saint Austin . Stow in Chro. p. 65. Holinshed lib. 5. cap. 19. 21. 20. Spelman in Concil. p 93. Cambden p. 104. Prostants . Again , in the year 601 , he sent more Preachers , and with them , al things necessarie for the ornament and seruice of the Church , as holie vessells , ( saieth saint Bede lib. 1. cap. 29. ) altar clothes apparel for Priests and Clerks , Reliks of holie Apostles and Martyrs , and many books : S. Gregor. sent. a Pall for Mass . and a Pall to S. Austin to vse only , ( saieth S. Gregorie ) at Mass , appointed him to be ouer al the Bishops and Priests of Britanie , and gaue him licence to institute two Archbishopricks , and 24 , Bishopricks . Besiids , he sent rich presents of diuers kindes to the King and Queen , and also sent order into France to buy a a Greg. lib. 5. epist. 10. such English youthes , as were there slaues , and to send them vp to Rome , there to be brought vp in wertue and learning ; wherein he gaue the example of the English Seminarie , which not long aftet our English kings founded in Rome . Such was the exceeding loue of this blessed Pope towards our nation , whom we may wel , and must ( saieth Saint Bede lib. 2. cap. 15. ) call our Apostle , and may lawfully pronounce of him , that saying of the Apostle : Although he were not an Apostle to others , yet he was to vs , for the signe of his Apostleship , we are in our Lord .

8. Neither was this great good , so happily begun , and planted in our nation by saint Gregorie and his Legats , neglected by the Popes his successors , but rather diligently watered and furthered by them , as appeareth by the letters and messages of diuers of them sent vnto our Princes , and Bishops to that purpose ; as of Pope Boniface in the year 618. of Pope Honorius P. HONORIVS I. anno 635. in 633 , of Pope Agatho 679 , Pope Zacharie 746 , Pope Adrian 789 , an others . But most of all it was increased by Pope b b Bede l. 3. cap. 7. Godwin in vita Birini . Parker in Antiquit. cap. 10. Cooper an. 636. Ball centur. 13. cap. 4. P. VITALIAN anno 668. Honorius his sending hither in the year 635 , that Apostolical man S. Birin who conuerted the West-Saxons ; and by Pope c c Bede l. 4. cap. 1. Godwin in vita Theodori . Parker in vita Theod. Vitalian , who in 668 , sent hither those holie and great learned men Saints Theodore and Adrian , by whose teaching , Englishmen , in short time , became the best learned of that age , and were the beginners of the d d Gordon anno 791 Genebrard . ●ib 3. saec 8. S. Antonin . ●ib. 14. c. 4. Palmerius anno 791. Spondanus anno 1334. Bossius l. 21. ●ap . 6. P. LEO III ●nno 808. Amoinus ●ib. 4. c. 94. Regino in Chron. Baronius anno 808. Vniuersitie of Paris , and consequently the chiefest fountain of learning which since hath been in the West . After this , Eardulf , king of the North beiond Humber , being driuen out of his kingdome and countrie , Pope Leo III. in the year 808. sent Cardinal Adulf his Legat into England , who by the help of Charles the gteat his Embassadours , restored him peacebly , P. LEO IV an. 847. or Gregor. 4. anno 817. into his kingdome . Not long after , Pope Leo IV. e e Malmesb . ● 2. Pontif. ● . 242. Baronius anno 847. dispensed with King Ethelwoulph , for to marrie , which he ( being a subdeacon ) could not otherwise doe lawfully . And at the same Kings request , crowned his sonne f f Asserius in vita Alfredi Ethelwerd lib. 3. cap. 3. Malmesbur . l. 2. Reg. c. 2. Stow p. 99. Alfred king , adopting him for his sonne ; who afterwards , for his most worthie acts , both in war , and peace , was surnamed the great , and for al things , became the rarest Prince , P. MARTIN I. anno 883. Florentius anno 884. Westmon . anno 883. Godwin in vita Plegmundi p. 17. that England , ( and perhaps Christendome ) euer had . Likewise , Pope Martin , at the sute of the same King Alfred , released the tribute , which the English Seminarie then in Rome paied , and sent to the King manie gifts , amongst which , was a good peece of the holie cross .

9. In the year 990 , when Richard Marquis of Normandie , had purposed to inuade England , and make war vpon king Ethelred , Pope g g Ihon xv . anno 990. g Malmesb . lib. 2. Reg. cap. 10. p. 64. Baronius anno 990. Ihon XV. sent his Nunce , and letters to take vp the matter , who happily brought them to aggreement . And about the year 1059. P. NICOLAS II. anno 1059 Pope Nicolas II. granted to king Edward the Confessor , and to his successors the h h Surius in vita sancti Edwardi Bale Cent. 2. cap. 52. Capgraue in vita sācti Edwardi . P. VRBAN II. anno 1094. aduousion and protection of the Churches in England . And in the year 1094. Pope Vrban II. in a councel at Bari , appointed , that S. Anselm Archbishop of Canterburie , and his successors , should sit in Councels beside the Archdeacon of Rome , who sitteth before the Pope , adding this most honorable speech : let Malmesbur . lib. 2. Pontif. p. 223. Godwin in vita Anselm , latine . vs include in our compass this man , as Pope of an other world : whereas before it was vnkown ( saieth Malmesburie ) what place belonged to our Archbishop . And the same place did Pope Paschal P. PASCHAL II. anno 1102. Malmeshur . lib. 1. Pont. p. 224. II. confirme in a Councel at Rome , about the year 1102. And besides this , diuers others dignities , and priuiledges haue been granted to the sea of Canterburie , by the Popes , as to be Primats of al Britanie , Legat● born , and the like .

10. Moreouer , in the year 1098. the Scots obtained of P. VRBAN II. anno 1098. Genebrard . in Chron. Pope Vrbain II. for their Prince , that hee might haue the name , title , and anointment of a King , as the i i Baronius anno 1000. Bale Cent. 2. part. 145. Hungarians and Polonians had obtained for their Princes , about the year 1000. wherupon King Edgar was then first anointed King of Scotland . And about the year 1107 , Pope Paschal II. k k Malmesb . lib. 5. Reg. p. 163. Gordn anno 1101. Boeth lib. 2. fol. 261. writing to king Henrie I. amongst other things , promiseth so to fauour him and his sonne , as what ( sayeth he ) hurteth you or him , may seem to hurt the Church of Rome . And in the year 1152. when king P. EVGENIVS III. anno 1152. Stow anno 1152. Godwin in vita Theobald . P. ADRIAN IV. anno 1160. Par. an. 1155 Bale Cent. 2. Giraldus Cambrens . in Hibern . lib. 2. cap. 6. Io. Sarisbur . lib. 4. c. 42. Stow anno 1160. Cambden in Hibern . p. 762. Parker in vita S. Tho. P. ALEXANDER 3. anno 1171. Houeden lib. 2. p. 528. P. LVCIVS III. anno 1183. Houeden lib. 2. p. 628. Stephn , hauing vsurped the crown of England , endeavoured to cause the Bishop to crown his sonne Eustace , thereby to exclude for euer the lawfull heyr , Henrie II. Pope Eugenius III. sent commandment to the Clergie , not to medle in that matter ; whereby it was hindred . In the year 1106 , Pope Adrian IV. gaue vnto King Henrie II , the dominion and gouernment of Ireland , and sent vnto him the Bull of his grant , with a ring of gold in token of the inuestiture . Which grant , at the request of the said king , Pope Alexander III. confirmed to him and his heirs . And as for Pope Lucius III , his good will appeareth by the great praise , which he giueth to the said king Henries ancestours , whom he affirmeth to haue far exceded the rest of christiā Princes , in warlik power , and noblenes of minde . Which affection continued also in his successor Pope Vrban III. of whom P VRBIN III. anno 1185. Houeden lib. 2. p. 631. Stow anno 1185. the said king Henrie the second obtained manie things , whereof one was , that hee might crown which of his sonnes he would , King of Ireland ; which he confirmed by a Bul , and in token of his good wil and grant , sent him a crown . And lastly when not only the King of France , but also his own sonnes , and nobles , had conspired against the said king Henrie II , and had inuaded his dominions withfar greater power , then he P. CLEMENT III. anno 1189. Houeden lib. 2. p. 652. Westmon . anno 1189. was able to resist , Pope Clement III , in the year 1189 , sent a Cardinal to procure peace , who excommunicated the hinderers of peace , and threatned to interdict the kingdom of France , vnles the king made peace with England .

11. Likewise in the year 1193 , when king Richard I. was taken prisoner , as he came from the holie land , by the Duke of Austria , P. CELESTIN III. anno 1193. Westmon . anno 1193. Houeden p 773. Polid. l. 14. Paris anno 1195. Stow anno 1195. Pope Celestin III , at the said kings request , excomunicated the Duke , and enioyned him to release the couenants , which hee had compelled the king to make , and to send home the pledges : Who not obeying the Pope , he soone dyed miserably , and was left vnburied vntil his sonne had sent home the pledges , and sworn to stand to the iudgment of the Church . And in the year P. INNOCENT III anno 1207. Paris anno 1207. Stow anno 1207. 1207 , Pope Innocent III. sent to king Ihon an eloquent Epistle , and diuers pretious jewels : And in the year 1215 , when the Barons had extorted from the said king , certain l l Paris ann. 1216. Polidor . l. 15. Stow anno 1215. Godwin in vita Steph. Lang. Bale Cent. 3. p. 260. charters , and liberties , the same Pope , at the kings request , disannulled those charters , and excommunicated the Barons , who had rebelled against him . And when the said Barons had called in Lewis the Prince of France , King Ihon put al his hope in the Popes Legat. Paris anno p. 377. chosen him their king , and yeelded the chiefest cities and holds into his hands , so that England was in manifest danger to be lost , the said Pope sent his Legat to assist king Iohn , and to forbid the French vpon paine of excommunication , to enter into England , which he stoutly performed , and was a great means of saueing England . In the year P. INNOCENT IV anno 1258. Paris anno 1254. Stouv anno 1254. 1258 , Pope Innocent IV. bestowed the royal title of the kingdomes of Naples and Sicilie , vpon Edmund sonne to king Henrie III , and by a Cardinal , sent to him the inuestiture P. ALEXANDER IV. anno 1257. Westmon . anno 1254. Bale Cent. 4 p 290. Paris anno 1254. thereof . And in the year 1257 , Pope Alexander IV. sent messengers to Richard Duke of Cornwal , brother to the said king Henrie , for to goe into Germanie to receaue it , which he did , and was crowned at Aquisgran . And in the year 1292 , when the Barons had wrested from the said King Henrie 3 , certain liberties , Pope Vrban IV , at the said kings request , P. VRBAN IV. anno 1292. Stow anno 1262. Bale Cēt. 4. p 293. 326. Paris p. 1322 sent a Legat to accurse those Barons , who had rebelled in defense of those liberties .

12. In the year 1272 , at the petition of king Edward I. Pope Gregorie X. excommunicated P. GREGORIE X anno 1272. Westmon . anno 1272. Polidor . l. 17 Walsingā Ypodig . anno 1273. Guy of Montfort , for killing the kings cousin germain in his return from the holie land , condemned him of wilful and priuie murder , of sacriledg and treason ; declared him to be infamous and incapable of anie office in the commonwealth , disinherited his posteritie to the fourth generation , and excommunicated al those , who entertained him , and interdicted their dominions . And in the same Kings time , was m m Camden in Cantabrig p 435. Cambridge , of a schole , made on vniuersitie by the Pope . And vnder Edward II. Pope Clement V. apointed , that in Oxford should be read two Lectures Clement tit . de Magistris cap. 1. of the Hebrew , Arabick , and Chaldaick tongues , and authorized it for one of the foure famousest Vniuersities in Christendome . Also in the year 1316. Pope Ihon XXII . at the P. IHON XXII . anno 1316. Polidor l 17 Stow anno 1316. Walsingam . anno 1312. 1317. said king Edward II. his request , sent two Legats to make peace betwixt England and Scotland , and to reconcile Thomas Earle of Lancaster to the king ; who excommunicated the Scots , because they would not aggree to peace , And in the same year , at the same kings petition , the Pope confirmed al the ancient priuiledges of the Vniuersitie of Cambridg , which of long time they had enjoyned , by the benefit ( saieth n n Anno 1317. Stow ) of the Popes predecessors .

13. Moreouer in the year 1489 , Pope Innocent VIII . P. INNOCENT VIII . anno 1489. Godwin in Episc. Bathon . n. 42. sent a Nunce to appease the the dissension betwixt the king of Scotland and his people , but before his arriual , the king was slain . And about the year 1504. when there arose a contention betwixt king Henrie VII . and Ferdinand king of Spain , about precedence of their Embassadours P. IVLIVS II. anno 1504. Spondanus anno 1433. Volateran . Comin ventura . Stow 1505 Bacon . in Henrie 7. with the Pope , Pope Iulius II. hauing heard both Embassadours , gaue sentence in favour of the king of England . And in the year 1505. sent to the king , a sword and cap of maintenance , as to a defender of the Church . But as no king of England deserued better of the sea Apostolick , then King Henrie VIII . did for long time , so none receaued more honor from thence then he . For he receaued not only from Staw anno 1514. Pope Iulius II , in the year 1514. a sword and cap of maintenance , for defending him against the king of France , but also of P. LEO X. anno 1521. Stow in Chron. Onuphrius in Chron. Pope Leo X , in the yeat 1521 , the most honorable title of DEFENDFR OF THE FAITH , for his writing against Luther . Which title , as it is more honorable then the title of most Christian , or Catholick , giuen by Popes to the kings of France and Spain , so was it euer most highly estemed by king Henrie , and o o Stow anno 1547. engrauen on his tombe , where is left out the title of his supremacie .

14. And though Queen Elizabeth had vtterly cast of the Popes freindship , yet he forsoke not her . For Pope Pius P. PIVS IV. anno 1560. IV. supposing , that she had reuolted from that sea , rather for fear that her title to the crown might be called in question , because one Pope before had declared her birth to be vnlawful , then for dislike of the religion , which in her fathers and sisters days , she had professed , sent à Nunce to promise her al fauour touching her title to the crown , and p p 1562. soone after , an other to request her to send her Deuines to the Councel of Trente , with promise of al securitie and libertie . Neither P. CLEMENT VIII . anno 603. may I leaue your Maiestie out of the number of the Princes of this land , who haue tasted the loue of the sea Apostolick , because out of your own grateful minde , you haue q q Procla●at . anno ●egni . 1. publickly professed your self beholden vnto Pope Clement VIII , for his temporal cariage and diuers kind offices towards you . Besids , he hath ( as is reported ) censured al such , as shal molest your grace , and hath often times professed , that he would willingly giue his life for the eternal good of your countrie , which is the greatest loue , that one can bear , ( as our Sauiour testifieth ) to his freind . Oh how great enemies are they vnto England , who seek by fals slanders , to make such freinds odious vnto vs .

14. By this which hath been said , ( omitting much more for breuitie ) your Maiestie cleerly seeth , how greatly , and how continually , the sea Apostolick hath euer fauoured the Christian Princes of this land : how manie , and how great benefits , both spititual and temporal , Popes haue bestowed vpon them , and in their dangers and distresses , according to their power , assisted them , Popes haue more benefited Engl. then al Christdēome hath done . Weigh ( I beseech your grace ) in the balance of your princelie wisedome , the foresaid benefits , with such , as your self or ancestours haue receaued from the rest of Christendome , and you shal finde , that the sea Apostolick alone , hath more benefited England , then al Christendome besids , and consequently , that the forsaking the Popes freindship , hath more endammaged your realm , then if it had forsaken the rest of Christendome . But especially ( I humbly beseech your Majestie ) weigh them with such , as Bel or anie Minister can shew you to haue receaued from their two seats of pestilence , in Wittenberg and Geneua . What kingdoms haue they bestowed vpon you ? vnto what Imperial or Royal dignitie haue they exalted you ? from what Paganisme haue they conuerted you ? what enemies haue they appeased ? what assistance haue they afforded you in any need ? what good , litle or great , haue they brought to this land ? Nay what mischiefe haue they not brought ? That one Apostata & firebrand of sedition , Knox , sent from Geneua , brought more mischief to your grandmother , your B. Mother , to your Father , and Kingdome of Scotland , then I can rehearse , or your Majestie without great griefe can remember . Ministers pretend the loue of the Gospel , as the cause of persuading you from freindship with the Pope : but yet dissuade not from Cenference at Hampion court p. 80. 81. freindship with the Turke . They pretend also your Graces securitie ; but the true cause indeed , your Majestie descried and discouered in Knox , to wit , their own securitie and aduancemēt , which they fear would be endangered , if you kept your ancient and surest freind , and therefore with your losse ( as your Majestie perceaued in your Grandmothers case ) they worke their owne wealth and securitie . And thus much of the Popes .

15. As for the Christian Princes of this land , though they haue been of foure different , and most opposite nations , to wit , Britons , English , Danes , and Normans : yet haue they al aggreed in keeping the league of freindship with the Pope , being officious vnto him , and accounting him their especial freind . Of the British kings of K. LVCIVS . this land , first is king r r Beda lib. 1. cap. 1. Lucius , whose particular affection towards the sea Apostolick , is euident by that , he neglecting other Christian Churches neer CONSTANTIN the Great . vnto him , he sent so far as to Rome for preachers . As for Constantin the great ( the immortal glorie of rhe British kings ) his extraordinarie loue and affection vnto the sea of Rome is more notorious , then I need rehearse . For he not only gaue vnto the Pope , the gouernment of Rome , and of a good part of the West , ( as besids s s In edicto . Eugubin de Donat. Constant . Genebrard . in Chron. Ciaconus in S. luest . 1. Victorellus in notis ad Ciac . himself and Latin Histriographers , both t t Photius in Nomocan . Greecks , and u u Abraham Abben Efra . Iewes professed enemies to the Pope doe testifie ) but also serued him as a lackey , holding his stirrop , and leading his horse by the bridle . Cad wallader also the last British king in England K. CADVALADER ann. 652. hauing left his countrie went no whether but to Rome , and there ended his days . And if the histories of those ancient times were more perfect , or the Britons had raigned longer in this Iland , no doubt but wee should haue more examples of their deuotion to the sea Apostolicke , as appeareth by Salomon K. SALOMON . Argentreus hist. Britan. lib 2. c. 27. Baron . anno 869. their king in litle Britanie , after they had been driuen hence by the Saxons , who writing to Pope Adrian II. beginneth his letter thus . Domino ac beatissimo Apostol. sedis Rom. Hadriano , Salomon Britannorum rex , flexis genibus , inclinatoque capite . And sendeth him his statua in gold with diuers rich gifts and money , promiseth a yearly pension , and acknowledgeth his Royal title to haue been giuen to him by Popes . This was the loue of the British king vnto the sea Apostolick .