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.
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 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 [Page 8]to present these humble lines vnto your royall person to pleade for vs some commiseration and fauour.
3. What allegeance or dutie What dutie? Fidelitie and loyaltie: which the Papists (by vertue of their Religion) can affoord no potentate but the Pope. can any 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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, 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 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 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 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 [Page 12]to forraine foes, was by his prouident wisedome and valour acquited in it self, and hostile strangers expelled; the which he principally effected 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 An impudent lye. persecution of Catholikes, hath been almost odious to all Christian Nations: Trade and traffique is 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 If the Papists haue practised treason and rebellion in time of their restraint; what will they not dare to attēpt, 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 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 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 Causelesse complaints, as his Maiestie well knoweth. Elizabeths seueritie is chaunged into your royall clemencie: and that [Page 14]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 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 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 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 Poperie was not hatched in Donaldus his daies. Donaldus the first conuerted, vnto your Maiesties peerelesse Mother last martyred.
11 A Religion 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 So is Turcisme and Paganisme. amplitude, constant for continuance, irreprehensible for doctrine, inducing to all kinde of You would say Treason and Rebellion against lawfull Princes. vertue and pietie, disswading from all sinne and wickednes. A Religion beloued by all primitiue [Page 16]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 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 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 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 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 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, 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.
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 [Page 9]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 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 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, 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 Vide Ant. Arnaldi actionem contr. Iesuit. Et, Orationem ingenuā & veram ad Regem Galliae de Restitut. Iesuitarum. Lugdun. an. 1602. adiudging the Iesuites, the firebrands of sedition and [Page 13]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, 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 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 [Page 15]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 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 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 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 [Page 17]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 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 [Page 17]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.
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 [Page 21]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 [Page 23]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 [Page 24]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: [Page 25]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 [Page 30]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 [Page 31]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 [Page 33]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 [Page 36]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 [Page 37]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 religiō, 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; VVestonus 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 vllā colere, aut magnopere curare. Siquidem cordi si modo Principi esset Religio, nequaquā 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, VVestonus 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. pestiferā, 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.
Amen. Praise, and glorie, and wisedome, and thankes, and honor, and power, and might, be vnto our God for euer more. Amen.