their sinnes our religion abhorreth detesteth as a prophanation of the whole Gospell especially of the satisfaction of Christ 5 Prescript fasting daies set times of abstinence the Papistes borrowed of Montanus the Heretike as we haue declared before But a religious fast that is when a man wanting some blessing or seeing some eminent calamity abstaineth not from flesh for a season but also from al delights sustenance that therby he may make a more diligent search into his owne sinnes and offer most humble praiers vnto God c. our religioÌ„ teacheth we practise 6 Vowes made vnto GOD of things honest lawful possible our religion teacheth ought to be performed But Popish vowes of Pilgrimages of offring to Idols of perpetual single life of MoÌ„kerie our religion accoÌ„pteth not honest nor lawful but made vnto the Devill and exsecrable 7 One vniforme stint of faith coÌ„tained only in the holy Scriptures we teach but the coÌ„tradictions dissentioÌ„s of the Papists are innumerable as we have proved before 8 MortificatioÌ„ that is that part of sanctâ—ficatioÌ„ wherby the power of sinne is crucified in the faithfull Rom. 6.2.3.4 Galat. 5.24 we religiously teach But Popish externall maceratings we condemne II. To the Consequence The Argument is rather thus to be concluded Popish religioÌ„ teacheth auricular coÌ„fession to a Priest perverteth the doctrine of repentance restitution satisfaction fasting vowes the sufficiency of the Scriptures and mortification Ergo. Popish religion is the. Apostolicall religion of Antichrist Reason of Religion 21 21. REASON OF RELIGION A Religion for whose desence the Title of Defender of the Faith vvas first given to the Kings of our Nation the Title of Most Christian to the kings of France of Most Catholike to the kings of Spaine the still retaining of which Titles doth a I marvel how the Suppliants are not ashamed to deduce a consequeÌ„ce the falschood wherof is notoriously evident argue the allowance of her iurisdiction And there is b No one of the ancient Fathers did ever expound that place of the Popish Church no one of the ancient Fathers who doth not vnderstand these words of the Prophet to be only meant of this Church The NatioÌ„ and Kingdome that will not serue thee shall perish Esa 6.12 Resolution of the 21. Reason Popish Religion is that for whose defence the King of England was called Defender of the faith the K. of France Most Christian and the K. of Spaine Most Catholique Ergo Poperie is true Religion and to be tolerated ANSWERE 1 WHat coherence is there between the AntecedeÌ„t and the Consequence When the Pope gaue vnto the King of England the title DefeÌ„der of the faith as Caiphas prophecied against him selfe so the Pope prophecied his own destructioÌ„ For even that King which hee so first called King Henry VIII of famous memory was the first King in all Europe that cut his combe Defended the faith indeed which all his noble Successours haue with singular constancy hitherto continued GOD bee praised excepting only Queene Marie whose raigne was but fiue yeares Reason of Religion 22 22. REASON OF RELIGION A Religion into whose society and profession whosoeuer truely entreth by and by liveth in a Stil they speak by contraries as appeareth in the Answere more awe of God and feare of sinne changeth his former life to the better and of the other side whosoever leavâ—th ouâ— and departeth from heâ— fellowshâ—p communion beginneth incontment to lead a worse liâ—e then whiles he liued her childe frequented her Sacraments Of both which there be store of examples and of the latter too many verifying what is said and not vnknowne to thousands yea the case is so fain liar as it is now growne into a Proverb with many b A new coyned Proverb which is to be vnderstood contrarywise That the Protestant Religion is good to liue in but the Papist religion good to die in Resolution of the 22. Reason Popish Religion is that into whose profession whosoever truely entereth by and by liveth in more awe of God and feare of sinne and changeth his former life to better Ergo Popish Religion is true and to be tolerated ANSWERE 1 THe Antecedent is most false For Popish Religion is the Policie of Satan yea the very chaines and fetters of the Divell to detaine men as slaues in the misery thraledome of sinne And that the Christian Reader may know that I do not vse any hyperbolicall speeches herein I beseech him in the bowels of our Saviour IESVS CHRIST seriously to waygh these things that follow 2 What could be fitter for Satan for the continuance and enlargement of his Kingdome then the Popish doctrin of the Popes supremacie over al of his fulnesse of power of receiving both the Scriptures and their exposition from him of obeying that he coÌ„manded of not iudging him though hee carryed ten thousand yea innumerable Soules togither with him selfe into HEL Dist 40. c. 6. Si Papa of devout ignorance of iudging them heretiks who speake against him of pursuing and persecuting them with fire sword of purgatory of auriculer confession of the immunities exemptioÌ„ and priviledges of his Cleargy of the pompe and idlenes of his hierarchie and of all their suttle and serpent-like contrived false worship 3 The practises of Egypt toyling Israel with al base service and villanie of killing their male childreÌ„ or of the barbarous tyranny of wasting the west Indies was not nor is not more suttly divellishly devised to detaine those free nations in perpetual bondage slavery then the Popish doctrine was is to establish the kingdome of Antichrist and to detaine the people of God in everlasting servitude and slauerie both of body and soule 4 And as for Christian honestie of life duties towards men the Popish doctrine of Absolutions of Dispensations of Pardons of Satisfactions of Sanctuaries is for the impunity easie discharge of all malefactors a maine cause and mother of al abominations and wickednesse 5 Furthermore their sundrie rules orders of hypocrisy contention idlenes their constrained abstinence from marriage their permissioÌ„ defence of the Stewes are causes of all enormities of vncleanes of infinite murders other manifold offences So that the waters of Noahs floud did not so high drowne all the olde world as those flouds of wickednes which by such occasions have risen did and do still overflow al such kingdomes nations as this doctrine of theirs like a sea of sinne might breake into 6 Hence it appeareth evideÌ„tly Note that if a man were assured of the salvation of his soule in Popery ther is NO Religion BETTER to live in For There is NO religion vnder heaven which coÌ„taineth greater licenciousnes in it nor giveth more liberty vnto the flesh then doth POPISH RELIGION Reason of Religion 23 23. REASON OF RELIGION A Religion which now hath and had in al ages the most famous meÌ„ for a
all ages estates even a Bamba * These foresooke their lawfull vocation and resigned their power to the Beast Apo. 17.17 King of Spaine Hugo King of Province Rachis King of Lombardie Sigismundus King of Burgundie Veremundus King of Castile Ranimirus King of Aragon Ethelred and Keneredus Kings of Mercia Sigebert Alfred Ceolulphus Egbert Kings of Northumberland Sebba Offa and Jna Kings of England Henrie the fourth King of Denmarke Carlomannus King of Almaine Trebellius King of Bulgarie Cazimirus King of Poland and others Kings b Radegund Queene of Fraunce Margares Queen of Frace-Briget Queen of Sueden Etheldreda Queene of Northumber Sexbiâ—ga Ethelburga Q Q of West-saxons others Queenes c Lotharius Earle of Romans others Emperours d Richardix wife of Carolus Crassus Emperour Chune gundie wife of Henrie Emperour and others Emperesses l They meane plainely to become Moonkes Nunnes a true effect of Popish superstition and the broade way to Hell to relinqunish the worlde renounce the pleasures delights thereof and devote and binde themselues to a poore chast and obedient life vnder the commaund direction of others Of which m These be the swarmes of Locustes that came out of the smoke of the bottomlesse pit Apoc. 9. religious companies some eate nost she but in time of sickenes only or other necessity and observe both silence and solitarines as do the Benedictines some never eate fleshe at all weare alwaies shirts of haire goe not forth of their Cloysters nor speake to their fellowes but with leaue as do the Carthusians some neither eate flesh egs nor whitmeates fast three parts of the yeere as do the Bonhomes Some n Holy Hypocrites discipline themselues sundrie times in the weeke or daily goe barefoote touch no money haue nothing in proper or in common and beg their food from dâ—re to dore as do the Capucines some attend the sicke in all diseases assist them with ghostly counsell provide them Sacraments burie their deade bodies as do certaine fraternities some clense vlcers and festered soares nor refuse any office how base loathsome soever about impoteÌ„t criples lazars as do the NuÌ„nes of S. Elizabeths order And al these with other divers orders that after another maÌ„ner labor to mortifie theÌ„selues do good to others lie vpon no other beds but of straw rise at midnight sleepe little spend much time in praier meditation Which are no conditions of life that either a Rom. 13.14 make provision for the flesh in concupiscences or b Galat. 5.16 do seeke to accomplish the desires or c Tisus 3.3 serue the voluptuousnes thereof sinnes which the Apostle forbiddeth but rather formes [o] Will-worship condemned Col. 2 23. of life that d Galat. 5 24. crucifie the flesh with her vices and concupiscences do e Galat. 2.19 naile them to the Crosse with Christ render both f Galat. 6.14 the world crucifide to those that so liue and them to the world Vertues which by the testimonie of the Apostle g Galat. 5.24 make their dooers the servants of Christ and h Galat. 2.20 to liue now not they but Christ in them Effects of no false Religion Resolution of the 29. Reason Popish Religion beginning at Hierusalens increased and spread is selfe into all nations Ergo Popish Religion is true and to be tolerated ANSWERE I To the Antecedent 1 AS the Divell the easier to deceiue beeing transformed into an Angell of light arrogateth vnto himselfe those things which belong vnto GOD Even so doeth his Church that great whore which siâ—teth vpon the scarlet coloured beast with a cup of gold in her hand ful of abominations and filthines of her fornication that deceaveth the Kings and the inhabitants of the earth challenge vnto her selfe the titles and rights of Christs true Church whereas in deed shee is great Babylon that mother of whoredomes and abominations of the earth Apoc. 17.4.5 2 Popish Religion did not beginne at Hierusalem but at Rome that great citty vpon seaven hils where Antichrist wrought the mysterie of iniquity 3 The Prophecies concerning Christs Church how that some of all nations people tribes and tongues should flocke vnto her do not belong vnto the Popish Church for none shall flocke vnto her but such whose names are not written in the booke of life Apoc. 17.8 4 It was not vnto Popery that the Nations were coÌ„verted but vnto the true Christian religion wherewith Popery hath no communion II. To the Consequence 1 IF Popishe religion had begunne at Hierusalem yet were it not true Religion because it lost the sinceritie of doctrine which was professed and taught at Hierusalem 2 If Popery were so ample as the SuppliaÌ„ts make their brags it were not therefore true for never was Popery of so many nations so vniversally received as gentilisme was 3 Seeing the Whore of Babylon should sitte vpon manie waters that is rule over many people and cause the Kings and nations of the earth to be drunke with the wine of her fornication as it is Apoc. 17. who seeth not that even Antichristian Papistrie may be countenanced with great shew of vniversalitâ—e 4 For our partes wee had rather enter into the Arke with eight persons Genes 7. so to be saved then to refuse so to doe with all the world besides and so to be drowned We had rather she out of Sodom with two or three Genes 19. then with all the rest to stay there and to be destroied with fire and brimstone Wee had rather enter in at the straight gate to life everlasting though fewe goe that way Luk 13. then with the Papists walke the broad way which leadeth to destruction Reason of Religion 30 30. REASON OF RELIGION A Religion from a Such as depart from popery are happy blessed Apec 18.4 which Countries either departing or mingling other doctrines with it made present wracke of their former felicities falling either into flatte Apostacie or most lamentable bondage or both The instances are b All these nations were punished for departing from the sincerity of Christian religion not of Poperie The i Theodoretiâ—â— lib. 4 cap. 32. Sozomen lib 6. cap. 37. Goths while they remained Catholike flourished enlarged their territories but becomming Arians were shortly expelled thence by the Hunnes theÌ„ Infidels The like and by like occasion befell the k Jornandes de rebus gest Dacians Mysians and Pannonians by invasioÌ„ of the Hunnes Gepides Rugians The l Ex Aenea Silvio in Eur. cap 16.17 Anâ—o Sabel Enne 10 lib. 6â— ex Chronicis eaâ—uÌ„dem NationuÌ„s asijsque Historijs Dalmatians Gauls Britannes Spaniards the Africans by superinducing or mixing one the heresie of Manichaeus another the heresie of VigisaÌ„tius the third the heresie of Pelagius the fourth the heresie of Priscillian the last the heresie of Donatus with the Catholike religion were conquered and supplanted the Dalmatians
fire and sword but also as we have already saide in the Answere to the first Supplication pag. 27. violent humors of ambition to a Monarchie of malice and revenge vpon supposed indignities the securing of their owne greatnes by impayring their Neighbours c. 3 If Religion were the cause of such warres yet would not the warres cease for toleration considering the Papistes if they be not restrained will never rest vntill they see an alteration and full restoring of the Popish Idolatry 4 If any of the latter cases should bee the cause of warre yet cannot Popery strengthen and secure his Maiestie therein Because it is not likely probable that the Papistes will sincerely and faithfully sight the bottailes of a Protestant King against a Prince of their ownereligion 5 Poperie cannot strengthen his Maiestie against â—â—restâ—â—â— and doâ—â—esticall forces For in all reason none are like to rebell at home but Papists as is man fest by the example of all the civill warres which haue bin in England or Ireland this 46. yeeres and vpwardes 6 It is most probable that such toleration would rather breed dissention and civill wortes at home amongst vs then any way hinder or stay the same 7 Popish Religion cannot any way secure the King against neither forrâ—â—â—â— nor dâ—â—â—sticall attemptes 1 Because the Papister obedience and â—idelay is pinned vpon the Popes sleeve who when hee pleadeth may discharge them froÌ„ their alloageanes vnto their Prince II Because the Popish saith wenkeneth the kingdom of people considering the great number of Priestes professed votaries and other superstiuoâ—s persons with all their servants and attendâ—ts that are exempted from the Princes warries yea from any conâ—â—â—â—tion and payment to mantaâ—â— them III Because al this superstition 〈◊〉 breing restâ—â—ned froÌ„maâ—â—ge wherby 〈◊〉 â—â—hoy had nochâ—ldren or not daring to avow them most cruelly â—â—â—â—dered them I the posteritie could not multiplie any thing in such sort as if it had bin lawfull for them to â—arris IV Because the practise of Popery impoverisheth the land of treasure at is manifest by the infinite sumâ—â—â— which by a thousaÌ„d means the Popish religioÌ„ drawes spoÌ„ all the states and kingdomes where it is received V. In this kingdome of England the ordinary revenewes and profits of religious men falsely so called rose to one third part of all the land in the raigne of Noble King HENRIE the VIII The furniture of their Churches with so many copes of all sortes of rich sluffe was such as no King or Prince could weare better Their massie crosses of silver and golde their Idols of finest mettals their ordinary charges of wax incense c. the plate iewels of Abbeiest Priories and other superstitious houses were of infinite valew and price as I thinke the Court of Augmentation might sufficiently testifie Besides all these the extraordinary charges of appeales and following suites at Rome the paymeÌ„ts imposed by most tyrannous oppression both vpon King Nobles and all the people of the laÌ„d the treasure drawne out of this kingdome by names of Perter-pence Palles collatioÌ„s first fruits and thousand such craftie subtle titles of most extreame exactions did so impoverish the state as both the Kings the Nobles al the people did grievously complaine as finding indeede the Court of Rome to be the very leach that suckr the blood of all the land and could neuer be satisfied 8 Certeinely in respect of their owne Antichristian kingdome I must needes confesse that for the establishment continuance security wealth and honour of the same the Divell himselfe whose depths their Popes and Peelass vnderstood could never have devised any thing more politique and sit then that which was devised by them II To the Cousequence 1 If the Antecedent were true yet ought nor the coÌ„sequence be graunted For 〈◊〉 is to be done this good may come thereof 2 His Maiestie may be secured from all attempts forraine or domestical God be praised without the Papists helpe Yea he is then most secure when they are farshest off IV REASON OF STATE FVrthermore both the suncient Philosophers and the States-men of latert me doe wrie and common sense proclameth that the glory puissaunce and stablenesse of a kingdome consist more in the true vertue and goodnesse then in the store multitude of subiectes because verstue begeneth glory and is the cherisher of fortitude both which disdaine nothing more then treachery and basenes of minde the common slewees which conuey into all estates all that is dishonourable And it is seldome if ever seene most noble King that they who are comstant obedient and faithfull to God in the religion they a No maÌ„ can be faithfull to God in a false religion beleeue are not likewise true subiectiue and faithfull to their Kinge in all duties b The Suppliants should plainly declare what these duties appertaining are appertaining For as grace the feare of sinne and the loue of heauen doe worke them to the performing of the one so will the same grace feare and loue the neglect being of equall damage in both induce heÌ„ to obserue the other Nay they both are so neerely allied depend so absolutelie one of the other and are alike essentially Imcked togither as the one caÌ„not be either laudably or in dissefulfilled and the other not accomplished How constant and faithfull the Catholike hath carried himselfe in the religioÌ„ he professeth it appeareth by this that neither the c Where divellish super otisis sittesh Judge there neither Naâ—re nor Reason in aydare to plead the cause What marveil then if desperat Papists neglecting their own safetie their Princes wercis haue endured lesse embraced the gallowes and wilfullie suffered the iust reward of death Have not Pagans and Jusidels suffered many thinges for their owne Idolatrous devise Have not the benis womed winds of miserable men by the subtill delusion of Saran ben so bewitched that they have not hinafraid to offer both themselues and their yourg bobes through vio uts flamec for the devils sacrifice paying of twenty pounds a moneth onely for not going to the Piotestants church or where his ability could not affoord so much there the leesing of two parts of his liuings and the vtter forfeiture of all his goods nor making of Priestes the seeders of their soules to bee maitors and their receavers sellons lawes and penalies that never d A wanifest slander and vntrush had similitude of instance or president in the worlde either did or could make him to deny or exteriorly to disguise his religion or relinquish to practise it proofes in all vnderstanding most sufficient to convince that he dreadeth God feareth to offend his conscience that he Christialy seeketh to saue his soul And if so theÌ„ as we thinke there cannot iustly be made any doubte but that he will likewise shew himselfe obedient and dutifull to his Soveraigne in all thinges that belong to e Howe the Suppliants shewe themselues in their
sue to haue tolerated is the selfesame Religion and no other to which our country was converted from Paganisme and which bo h b False agains all the Christian Kings of our natioÌ„ Edward the 6. a child A. Do. â— 596. by S. Austen the Monke and our Apostle senâ— hither by S. Gregory the great Pope of Rome Beda de gestin Anglorum lib. 1. ca. 23. only excepted also al your Highnesse predecessours in the Crowne of Scoâ—land Englad was converted long before this time ever publikely professed and for the zealous maintenaunce whereof your Maiesties great grandfather Iames the fourth was worthily surnamed Protector Resolution of the 1. Reason Popish Religion is that to which England was converted from Paganisme and which all Christian Kings of England and of Scotland ever publikely professed Ergo Popish Religion is true Religion and consequently to bee tolerated ANSWERE I. To the Antecedent 1 IT was not Popery to which England was converted from Paganisme but true Christian Religion Because Englande vvas converted to the faith of Christ when neither the Pope nor Poperie was yet hatched 2 It was not in the yeere of Christ 596. that our CouÌ„try was first converted vnto the faith but long before even in the Apostles times as appeareth by the testimonies of Gild as De excid Britan. ca. 6. Origen Hom. 40. in Ezech. Tertullian in Iudaeos Athanasius Apolog. 2. contra Arrianos Theodoretus lib. 9. de curand Grac. affectib Sophronius in Catalog Nicephorus lib. 3. Hist cap. 1. 3 It was not converted by Augustine the Monke false Apostle sent hither by the Pope but either by the Apostle Paule as Theodoretus lib. 9. de curand Grac. affect Sophronius Serm. de â—atal Apost Venantius Fortunatus De Peregr Pauli and Arnoldus Mirmannus In Theatr. de convers GeÌ„t do testifie Or by the Apostle Symon Zelotes as Nicephorus lib. 2. Hist cap. 40. and Dorotheus in Synops do affirme Or else by Ioseph of Arimathea a noble man of Iurie that buried the bodie of Christ as Freculphus Lib. 2. Cap. 4. Iohn Capgraue in Catalogâ— Sanctor Augl and Polidore Virgil Hist Auglio Lib. 1. do write 4 That religion which Augustine the false Apostle brought from Rome was contrary in many pointes vnto that ChristiaÌ„ doctrine which was professed before in this land as appeareth by the dissention betweene the Brittâ—â—es and this Augustine recorded by Bede and others 5 But if Frier Augustines ReligioÌ„ vvere not contrary but the very same with that which was heere professed yet was it infinitely different from the Popish doctrine at this day as is manifest by many Atticles of Poperie vvhich were but lately invented as the Popes Supremacie which Pope Gregorie in Frier Augustines time vtterly condemned Transubstantiation manye partes of the Masse c. 6 It is not true that ALL Christian Princes of England and Scotland professed the Popish Religion some of them being dead long before the beginning of Popery others also as King Henrie I King Henrie II King Iohn King Richard II King Edward III King Henrie VIII even in the midst of Popery impugning the Popes almighty power and primacie in this land II To the Consequence 1 As the Antecedent is so is also the Consequence a false Antecedent and a false consequence 2 If the Antecedent were true yet coulde it not inferre such a necessary consequence For Religion is not therefore true because such a Nation or such and such Kings professed the same but because it is conformable vnto the word of God 2. Reason of Religion such as Popish Religion can never be proved to be * â—ite their words and you shall haue your Answere 2. REASON OF RELIGION This appeareth by MermaÌ„mus in sus Theatro theÌ„ Magdeburgenses in t is de propagatione Baronis all other Collectors of Antiquitie A religion which by the testimonies of all Antiquity â— was the a An impudent begging of the question primary religion that ever any heathen Nation converted Christian did professe and the wisodome of heaven coÌ„mandeth b Popish â—â—elâ—gi on is none of those bounds neither â—ur is from the bâ—ginning not to transgresse the ancient bouÌ„ds which our Fathers appointed but contrarily to abide in that which wee heard from the beginning Resolution of the 2. Reason Popish Religion was the primarie Religion that ever any heathen Nation converted Christian and professe Ergo It is true and therefore to be tolerated ANSWERE 1 BOth the Antecedent and the Consequence are an impudent begging of the question For neither was Popery hatched in time of the primitiue Church neither yet can the Gentiles professing of any thing make it therefore absolutely true 2 But to deale liberally with the Papists let them by inevitable demonstrations which may convince the coÌ„science prooue the Antecedent vvhich they shall never bee able to doe and wee will graunt them the Consequence Reason of Religion 3 3. REASON OF RELIGION A religion of whose communion and felowship the founders of other religions or the a We are Christians and desire to be so called reformers of our Churches faith if they more desire to be so called were b Wee never were of the communion of the Popish church but by the great mercy of God haue ever kâ—pt our selues from that wicked one 1. Iob. 5.18 and our Fathers who were once of that communion obeiâ—d the divine commaundement Gâ—t out of her my people c. Apoc. 18 4. once and went out and c This is no good consequence reade the Answere consequently their doctrine newer and lesse auncient then ours and therfore as we beleeue not the good seede Matth 13.24 but the cookle that was sowen afâ—er And that wee never going out of any d They have lost the faith and yet they smite vs as Ziakva the false Prophet did Micheah â—â—ke When went the spirit of the Lord from mee to speake vnto thee 1. King 22.24 knowne Christian society for the whole world cannot tel your Grace out of which church we departed when how and where as did the former the Apostolicall markes of false beleeuers namely To goe out from others 1. oh 2.19 To segregate themselue Iude. v. 19. and To make dissention scandalls contrarie to the doctrine they had learned Rom 16.17 e They spake by contraries cannot belong to vs by any possible application nor by any sleight or devise shâ—fted from them Resolution of the 3. Reason Popish Religion was that of whose communion the Protestantes were once and went out a marke of new Doctrine Ergo Poperie is true Religions and consequently to be tolerated ANSWERE I. To the Antecedent 1 NOT every going out departing or separation is a token of new doctrine or a marke of a false beleever but only that going out departing separation which is made from the true Church of Christ 2 We haue separated our selues from the communioÌ„ of the Pope of Rome and from
A CONSIDERATION OF the Papists Reasons of State and Religion for toleration of Poperie in England INTIMATED IN THEIR Supplication vnto the Kings Maiestie the States of the Present Parliament Mich. 7.10 Shee that is mine enemie shall looke vpon it and shame shall cover her which said vnto me VVhere is the Lord thy GOD Mine eies shall beholde her now shall shee bee TRODEN DOVVNE as the mire in the streetes AT OXFORD Printed by JOSEPH BARNES and are to bee sold in Paules Church-yarde at the signe of the Crowne by Simon VVaterson 1604. To the Christian Reader AS I haue professed heeretofore in my Treatise against the Papists first Petition so heere again I protest that this fourth Supplication beeing directed vnto his Maiestie I haue not presumed to Answer any thing at all thervnto because I know his Highnes Christian heroicall Spirit is only worthy to giue Answer in this case Notwithstanding seeing the impudencie of the Petitioners is so intolerable that in so flourishing an age vnto so learned a Prince they dare exhibite their idle fancies and vaine toies being vtterly devoide of better Arguments which they haue scraped out of the often-refuted writings of their owne Sophisters and couched togither without forme or methode I haue bin once againe imboldened to consider of their Reasons which I hope I haue proved in sufficient to force such a CoÌ„clusion as should bee the overthrowe of our Christian Church and State of the Gospell his excellent Maiestie I confesse my paines heerein might well haue bin spared and indeed had I known so much in time I would not haue made this parénthesis in my Studies considering that a thrice-learned reverend Father of our Church M. Doctor Sutcliffe the worthy Deane of Exceter hath even already as the report goeth although I haue not yet seene his Booke amated these importunate shamelesse Petitioners made them as mute as a fish not daring to exspect any other ANSVVERE in reason at his Maiesties handes but Le Roy ne le veu't pas yet forasmuch as diverse books being written in diverse methods of the same argument or subiect are not vnprofitable I haue bin bold not to suppresse what I had done already committing the suâ—cesse vnto Almightie GOD and my selfe herein vnto the Censure of the learned who I presume can not but iudge Christianly and charitably of my good meaning and endevour to promote the common cause against the common adversarie Farewell Oxford from St. Marie Hall 13. of Aprill 1604. Thine ever in the Lord Gabriel Powel THE PAPISTES SVPPLIcation vnto the Kings most excellent Maiestie c. Most high and mightie Prince and our deerestly beloued Soveraigne a How can Papists without blushing acknowledge his Maiesties title vnto the Crown of England to be DIRECT seing they haue heretofore by tooth naile most indirectly moâ—t vniustly oppugned the same Which traiterous Parsons confesseth albe it for excuse he assureth himselfe that whatsoever hath bin said writen or done by any Catholike against his Maiesty which with some others mâ—ght breede disgust hath beene directed to the end for sooth to make his Maiestie nrst a Cathoâ—ike and then our King as if treason â—â—â—ed treacherie against his Highnesse could make him a Catholike or the denying and impugning of his direct and iust title tended to make him our King Rob. Pars in his Treat of three Convers in the Dedicat. Addition to the Catholikes SO many causes concurre wheresoever we turne our thoughts and these most great of reioycing as we know not with which wee should begin the count nor on which to ground our chiefest ioy Your Maiesties direct tide to the Imperiall Crowne of the Reasme both by lineall descent and prioritie of blood your Highnesse most quiet accesse to the same Gods onâ—y worke aboue the expectation of man do as by most right they should exceedingly pâ—ssesse and englad our harts Also the thrice fortunate vniting of the two Kingdomes which not seldome in former times haue bin much infestuous one to the other and this after so sweete a meane as by rightful deuolution of both Scepters to the immediate issue of either Nation cannot but in semblable proportion multiplie and advaunce our ioyes nor can we any way doubt but that thest egth of the Monarchy now in de inuincible by the vnion will ever be most able to preserue these our ioyes vnto vs and make them perpeâ—ual either kingdome being such a fortres and countermure to other and both so abounding with men and shipping as no forraine enemie howe potent soever vnlesse he fiâ—st be wearie of his owne forâ—unes dare ever adventure to offend or picke quarrell vnto Likewise the hope and strongest affiance which your Maiesties raigne over both nations yeelds of reducing the bordurers of either Countrey to Christian order of turning to coÌ„moditie the vast quantity of ground which by reason of the sauage demeanor among them hath time out of mind layne wast and vnoccupied and of enioying peace commerce and trafficke with all Nations a blessing most soveraigne and which alreadie is lighted on vs in good measure Then the vnspeakeable benefite of your Highnesse fitte yeeres to governe and your long successefull experience in the affaire being the Arte of Artes office of God farre more intricate dâ—fficult and combersome then anie other kinde of ministration or state of life on earth Then also the speciall consolation which all men take in your Maiesties regatdfull loue toward the Nobilitie of the Realme as hauing alreadie restored some to their lost dignities and endowed others with honor and authoritie in State Lastlie to omit other infinit particulars of lesse moment the good triall of your Highnesse prowesse wisedome iudgment clemencie bountie compassion the edification of your exemplar life of like force to your subiects for fashioning their manners therevnto as were the twigges of partie colour which the Patriarch Jacob laid before the flocke of sheepe he had in keeping at the time of their conceiving the noblest disposition of our yong Prince and his brother the rare vertues of their Queene-mother our most respected Princesse and the hope of such store of children from both your bodies as may to the worlds end most renowmedlie spread and perpetuate the roiall coniunction name familie We saie all these and other like gracious respects doe so aboundantlie replenish our harts w th ioy as no temporall thing can more in the world And to the end these our ioyes may ever inhabite in our soules prosperoulsly without change or diminution we your Maiesties reuereÌ„tly affectionate subiectes doe prostrately beseech your most Princely consideration to commiserate our b Causelesse coÌ„plaints not of persecution for Religion but of Christian Justice for treasoÌ„ grieuous long indured pressures for confessing the Catholike Romane faith the c Popish Religion is the high and brode way to destruction which we have elsewhere proved as large all onely meane as we
in three severall supplications exhibited by them at severall times vnto his roiall Maiestie and is refuted in the Answere vnto their first supplication pag. 20. Yet forasmuch as the Petitioner hath newe furbished them same over againe and heere even in the forefront of this fourth Supplication placed it to be first considered as the maine and principall motive wherevpon his whole request is grounded I will not be a ggrieved to take the paines to refute it once againe I answere therefore I. To the Antecedent 1 If the Papistes doe not holde themselues obliged vnto his Maiestie except he graunt theÌ„ Toleration theÌ„ what cause haue they to reioyce so much at his accesse into this kingdome as they pretend they do in the beginning of this supplication 2 Their allegeance heere promised is vpon condition that his Maiestie will grant them free exercise of their Idolatrie and superstition but promise nothing in case of deniall Yea they blush not to say expressely that then they will bee without spirit or forwardnes in action vnapt for any employment c. and yet not without generosity of spirite and resolution to practise treacherie against his roiall PersoÌ„ and the State as they were accustomed to doe in our late Soveraines daies 3 If the Papists had promised absolute loyalty service vnto his Highnes yet could they not haue performed the same all their subiection and obedience being anticipated and forestalled by the Pope of Rome 4 Mercenary service and obedience not performed of conscience is like the loyalty of Iudas who diligentlie attended his Master whilest he kept the bagge afterwards when he had no more hope to gaine that way perfidiously and traiterously betraied him 5 If the Papâ—sts were tolerated to exercise their religion freely without molestation their obedience loyalty vnto the King would be much lesse then now it is because their Religion in the Articles thereof being treason against the lawfull auctority and State of Kings they would professe and practise the same with more boldnes impudency theÌ„ now they dare And that the Articles of their Religion be flatt Treason I have proued alreadie in the Answere vnto their first Supplication which because they be but short I will heere againe insert I The Papistes hould That the Pope may excommunicate Kinges II That the Pope hath power to absolue subiects from their faith and allegeance III That the Pope may depose Princes from their scepter and crowne IV That any private man may bee made executioner to murther or to poison the excommunicated King V That it is lawfull to kill a Tyrant VI That a King breaking and contemning the coÌ„mon lawes of the lâ—nd may be deprived of his crowne by the people VII That there be other causes for the which Princes and great personages may be slaine VIII That faith must not be kept with Heretikes IX That whosoever is not within the communion of the Popish Church is an Heretike and consequently that his Maiestie of England is such a one X That no Cleargie-maÌ„ can coÌ„mit treasoÌ„ against any teÌ„porall King because he is not the kings subiect but the Popes Vide Orat. ad Reg. Galliae de Restit Iesuit Et Eman. Sà in Aphorism Et Bellarm. lib. de Exempt Clericorum Et Catechis Iesuit lib 3. cap. 26. pag. 235. 6 Againe seeing the Papists bragge eveÌ„ in the time of their restrainte that they are not inferiour to the Protestant or Puritane either in number alliance or generosity of spirit and resolution What will they not dare to attempt wheÌ„ their number is increased by immunity of profession 7 By vertue of Popish Religion the Ecclesiasticall state or Cleargie of their Church are not the Kings subiects but challenge immunity and exemption from his Highnesse power from his indiciall Courtes in case of ordinary coÌ„tributions Wherfore toleration would make these men yet more insolent in with-drawing their allegeance from his Maiestie 8 Put case Papistrie were not Treason against the Kinges lawfull power and also that the Cleargie of that Church would become very dutifull and obsequious vnto his Maiestie yet were not toleration to be admitted Because it would breede innumerable troubles and vproares in the state Ecclesiasticall of this land which being disquieted and vnsetled the civill regiment cannot bee long in peace II To the Consequence 1 Howsoever his Maiestie might wish in policy that all Papistes might thinke themselues infinitely obliged vnto his Highnesse and be ready in all occurrences to performe all serviceable duty and awfall obedience in any service soever belonging to the defence of his Maiesties person crowne or dignity Yet cannot his Highnesse allowe or practise the meanes leading therevnto if they be simplie vnlawfull and prohibited by the law of God such as toleration of Idolatrie and false worship is notoriously knowne to be 2 The malice of Papistes against the Gospell being vnplacable their treacherous hearts against men of contrary Religion experienced and sufficiently knowne and their practises against his Maiesties person and the State vncertaine it fits not the deepe reach of a Prince so long experienced in government to cure the head-ach by knocking out the braines to remedy vncertaine and lesser accidents by opening free passage to most certaine greater perilles 3 The Papists may be compelled to become obedient and dutifull subiects without toleration of their religion By abating their multitudes and lessening their nuÌ„bers by banishing their Priests by planting a learned ministrie for their conversion to true religion by the making and due execution of penall lawes against the obstinate and stubborne Recusant c. Reason of State II 2. REASON OF STATE AGaine the Puritane as hee a A manifest vn truth and slander of the state increaseth dayly aboue the Proteâ—tant in number so is he of a more presuming imperious horter disposition and zeale ever strongly burning in desire to reduce all things to the forme of his owne Idea or imagination conceived and therefore by discourse of reason not vnlike the enterprise beeing to be paralleled by many examples to attempt the overthrowe of the Protestant and bring the kingdome especially the Ecclesiasticall state to a paritie or popular forme of government if the Catholike perchaunce the b A lowde lie of insinuating coÌ„panions powerablest let thereof were once extinguished and to extinguish him no meane more potent then to forbid and punish the exercise of his religion And what confusion havocke and effusion of blood such an attempt would worke in the coÌ„mon-weale it is easie to coniecture whiles the c Melancolike imaginations of malicious restlesse braines to set the State togither by the eares Puritane with his complices and such as thirst an infinite number to haue matters in scustling doe impugne on the one side and the Bishops Deanes Canons and the greatest possessors of Spirituall livings with all those that doe adhere to them defend on the other side and either partie stifly and violently
6. with other Kinges of Spaine Stephanus Ladislaus Kinges of Hungary Miscelslaus Boleslaus Casimirus Sanctus and Casimirus Magnus Kinges of Polonia and many moe Kinges of other Nations presented their giftes (d) As Iustinus Emperour the person of Pope Iohn Iustinianus of Pope Constantine King Pipin the person of Pope Stephen the second Carolus oâ— Pope Leo the third Ludovicus of Sergius the second and of Pope Nicolas Henry the fourth of Pope Paschal the second and others reverenced her Preâ—ates (e) As Philippus Arabs Emperour the Censure of Pope Fabian Euseb lib. 6. cap. 27 histor eccl the Emperour Theodosiuâ— the excommunication of S Ambr. Theodoret. lib. 5. cap. 17. hist eccle Sezom lib. 7. cap. 24. the Emperour Otho the third the inioyning penance of Romualdus Abbat Petr. Dam. in vita Romual To which may be added the devout readines of Henrie the second to accept and fulfill the sentence of Pope Alexanders Legates touching the death and murdering of Saint Thomas of Canterburie Neubrigens lib. 2. cap. 25. obeyed their censures yea and hath at this present many of the greatest Monarchs and potentates on earth to her Professours patrons and foster-fathers So as of the Romane Religion b A notorious vntruth onely these ensuing passages propheticall praedictions of holy Scripture must of force take their verification or remaine as yet beeing the latter yeeres or evening of the Church vnfulfilled c Manifest racking and perverting of the Scriptures in wrong application The Gentiles shall feare thy name O Lord and all the Kinges of the earth thy glory Psal 101.16 Againe All Kings of the earth shall adore him all Nations shall serve him Psal 71.11 And in another Prophet Kings shall be thy nursing Fathers and Queenes thy Nurses Esa 49.93 And againe Gentiles shall walke in thy light and Kinges in the brightnesse of thy vprising Esa 62.3 Places which to our iudgment most evidently convince that not only some Kinges of the earth shall professe and cherish true religion but that the greater number of all Christian Kinges shall embrace and advance the d They coÌ„clude against themselves for it is wel known that Popery is not true religion same Now it is most certaine as cleere as noone day by all Antiquities Proofes and Chronicles of the world that there was never Emperour nor till this age any one King vnder heaven that entertained or e All those first Christian Emperours and Kinges which the Suppliants speake of and many others also in the midst of the Papacie professed true Christian religion which wee professe professed Protestant religion Resolution of the 9. Reason Popish religion is that to which the famousest Emperours and Kinges of the vvorld have bowed their Crownes presented their giftes reverenced her Prelats obeyed their Censures Ergo. Papistrie is true religion and therefore to be tolerated ANSWERE I. To the Antecedent 1 THE best the ancientest and the famousest of all these Emperours and Kinges mencioned by the Suppliants lived and died longe before the originall of Poperie 2 Many of them also impugned the Pope and Papacie and held those very pointes in religion which the Protestants maintaine II To the Consequence 1 If all these Emperours and Kings had bin Papists indeede yet were not Popery any thing the better for that because it is written in the Apocalypse that the Kings of the earth should committe fornication with the great Whore of Babylon Apoc. 17.2 2 HeatheÌ„ Pagans have had very many famous Emperours and Kings who bowed their Crownes vnto theÌ„ presented their gifts reverenced their Priestes obeyed their Censures Is Paganisme therefore true religion 3 The Protestants also haue had such and haue many at this day God be thanked will the Papistes from hence acknowledge their religion true also 4 Are not the Papistes in miserable distresse for want of argumeÌ„ts who can say nothing for their Religion but what Pagans Turkes Atheistes may alledge for theirs Reason of Religion 10 10. REASON OF RELIGION A Religion that from the first floure of her infancie ever had and still hath to her beleeueres infinite multitudes of either sexe a This prof sufficiently declareth that their Religion is not Apostolicall professing Poverty Chastity and Obedience the three (a) Mat. 19.21 Mark 19.12 1. Cor. 7.25 Matth. 16 24. chiefe Evangelicall b False counselles c False againe those places of Scripture doe not proue it obserued of the (b) Mat. 19.27 August de Civit lib. 17. ca. 4. Hieron li. 1. coÌ„tra Jovinia Apostles practised by those (c) Saint Anthony Hilarion Benedict Francis Dominike Bernard and thousands moe who were counted of greatest holynes most highly commended by d A lying Hyperbole all (d) Hieron epistola prima ad Heliod cap. 6. item in cap. 19. Matth. ad Demetria de servanda virginitat epist 8. ca. 7. Quaest ad Hedib epist 150. ad Pammachum super obitu Paulinae epist 26. cap. 3. 4 Basil quaest 9. in regulis fusius disputat Damascen in histor Barlaam Josaph c. 15. Chrys in illud Pauli Salutate Priscam Aquilam Antiquity not only as divine helps to perfectioÌ„ but also as beautifull ornameÌ„ts in Christs Church raising the professors to supreame degree of grace and glory ¶ 4 The Supplyants haue mustered the bare names of the ancient Fathers very provideÌ„tly leaving their Readers to the examining of their quotatioÌ„s amongst whom not one of a huÌ„dred they knew either for lacke of skill or will leasure or books could would turne to the places in the auctors theÌ„selues They thought belike their credit to be such that every man must needs beleve that they cite them truely faithfully that because they haue so roundly hudled them vp togither that therefore out of all question they spake wrote fully for them But what small â—ause there is either for the Suppliantâ— to looke to be thus trusted or for any to yeeld theÌ„ such credit herein appeareth manifestly in the citation of their wordes which quite makes against Popish religioÌ„ and Monkish profession Of Poverâ—ie ¶ Of Chastitie Hieron in cap. 9. Matth. lib. 1. advers Jovin cap. 7. Basil de virginitat Epiphan haresi 58 contra Valesios Aug. de virginitat cap 14 24 sequentibus Greg. in tertia parte Curae pastora adwonit 29. Ambros Theodoretus in 1. Cor. 7. Amb. in epist 83. ad Siricium Papam 82. ad Vercellenser in tribus libris de Virginib alibi Damasc lib. 4 orthodoxae fid ca. 25. Athanasius Basilius Nazianzenus de Virgint Fulgent epist. 3. ad Probam cap. 9. 10. Jgnatius ad Philadelph Cipri de bono Pudicit Jsodor li. 2. de sum bono cap. 40. Cassian coll 12. ca. 4 7. ¶ Of Obedience Aug. lib. 14 de Civit. ca. 12. Hieron epist 8. ad Demetriad ca. 10. Greg l. 35 moral ca. 12 in 1. Reg. li 2. ca.