the Papistes allegeance and deuotion vnto the Pope For immunitie and freedome of profession will draw on more followers and obdurate them in their blindnes Ergo Out vpon toleration of Poperie XI REASON Whatsoeuer will treble the Papists detestation of our religion and raise their desires of a full and entire reestablishment that is to be abandoned Toleration of Poperie will treble the Papists detestation of our religion and raise vp their desires of a full and entire reestablishment as is manifest Ergo Toleration of Poperie is to be abandoned XII REASON If the Pope in none of his territories nor where hee hath absolute iurisdiction doth graunt any liberty to Protestants but tolerateth rather Iewes and Turkes and persecuteth Protestants with fire and sword neither is it any reason that his Popish Caterpillers should receiue any such toleration in any Protestants dominions For what measure they meate vnto others the same should others meate vnto them But the Antecedent is true otherwise they would repeale their Edicts and decrees against Protestants cancell and frustrate the power of the bloodie Inquisition spare all search after their Persons surcease their confiscations and all criminall processe against them Ergo The Consequent is true also videl That there is no reason to graunt the Papists any toleration of their religion XIII REASON If the Papists themselues doe holde that King to be a starke Atheist and to haue no sense of 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 Reuelat. 7.12 Amen Praise and glorie and wisedome and thankes and honor and power and might be vnto our God for euer more Amen FINIS
THE CATHOLIKES SVPPLICATION VNTO THE KINGS MAIESTIE FOR TOLERATION OF Catholike Religion in England WITH SHORT NOTES OR Animaduersions in the margine Whereunto is annexed Parallel-wise a Supplicatorie Counterpoyse of the Protestants vnto the same most excellent Maiestie Together with the reasons of both sides for and against toleration of diuers Religions BY WISDOME PEACE BY PEACE PLENTY AT LONDON Imprinted by Felix Kyngston for Edmund Weauer and are to be solde at his shop at the great North doore of Paules Church 1603. THE CATHOLIKES SVPPLICATION Most puissant Prince and orient Monarch 1_SVch are the rare perfections and admirable gifts of wisedome prudence valour and iustice wherewith the bountifull hand of Gods diuine Maiestie hath endued your Maiestie as in the depth of your prouident iudgement we doubt not but you foresee what concerneth both the spirituall and temporall gouernment of all your kingdomes and dominions 2 Notwithstanding your Graces most afflicted subiects and deuoted seruants the Catholikes of England partly to preuent sinister informations which happily may possesse your sacred eares before our answere be heard partly almost as men 1 Impudent fellowes A manifest vntruth as all the world knoweth ouerwhelmed with persecutions for our consciences we are enforced to haue speedie recourse in hope of present redresse from your Highnesse and to present these humble lines vnto your royall person to pleade for vs some commiseration and fauour 3. What allegeance or dutie 2 What dutie Fidelitie and loyaltie which the Papists by vertue of their Religion can affoord no potentate but the Pope can any 3 These men hold that no temporall Prince ought to desire or expect any thing at their hands which may preiudice the Pope temporall Prince desire or expect at his vassals hands which wee are not addressed to 4 True conditionally if they thinke it be not preiudiciall to the Pope performe How many Noble-men and worthie Gentlemen most zealous in the Catholike Religion haue endured some losse of lands and liuings some exile others imprisonment some the effusion of bloud and life for the aduauncement of your blessed Mothers 5 The Papists iudged Queene Elizabeth hereticall and iustly deposed by the Bull of Pius V. and therefore thought themselues free from their allegeance vnto her and so traiterously gaue away her right vnto another Otherwise how could any pretend RIGHT vnto the scepter of Albion Queene Elizabeth being yet liuing and there is great difference betweene RIGHT and TITLE right vnto the scepter of Albion Nay whose finger did euer ake but Catholikes for your 6 What loyall hearts Papists beare the Kings Maiestie appeareth by their sundrie conspiracies against his sacred person from time to time especially by that in the yeere 1591 recorded in publike print Maiesties present title and dominion 4 How many 7 If any so fled it was not for their good behauiour and wise Princes doe well know how to esteem of such mens offers fled to your Court offering themselues as hostages for their friends to liue and die in your Graces quarrell if euer Aduersarie had opposed himself against the 8 Who forged and furthered the Jnfantaes pretended title but Papists yet now they acknowledge Gods right and their owne madnes equitie of your cause If this they attempted with their 9 Good and loyall subiects forsooth vnto their owne Prince in the meane while Can trayterous hearts vnto Queene Elizabeth be good subiects vnto King James Princes disgrace to obtaine your Maiesties grace what will they doe nay what will they not do to liue without disgrace in your Graces fauour 5 The maine of this Realme if we respect Religion setting pettie sects aside consisteth vpon 10 A manifest slaunder of our Christian Church and Sâ—aâ—â— foure parts Protestants who haue dominiered all the former Queenes daies Puritanes who haue crept vp apace among them Atheists or Polititians who were bred vpon their brawles and contentions in 11 A flat vntruth the dissension betweene them is onely concerning externall matters of discipline and ceremonies which belong rather to the policie of the Church then to faith and doctrine matters of faith And Catholikes who as they are opposite to all so are they detested of all 12 An argument from the staffe to the corner because Errour was euer an enemie to Truth 6 Hardly al or any of the first two three can be 13 They would faine suppresse the Kings Maiestie also among other Protestants if they could tell how God preserue his grace from such subiects Amen suppressed and therefore we beseech your Maiestie to yeeld vs as much fauour as 14 Will you haue as much fauour as the Atheists haue Like lips like lettuce others of contrarie religion to that which shall be publikely professed in England shall obtaine at your hands For if our fault be 15 No likenes at all Protestants are loyall subiects so are not Papists Atheists we haue none at least none that professe themselues so to be so would God we had no Papists Puritane is a name proper vnto the Anabaptists and Famelians whom our state doth no way fauour like or lesse or none at all in equitie our punishment ought to be like or lesse or none at all 7 The Gates Arches and Pyramides of France proclaimed the present King Pater patriae pacis restitutor because that kingdome being well nigh torne in pieces with ciuill warres and made a pray to forraine foes was by his prouident wisedome and valour acquited in it self and hostile strangers expelled the which he principally effected 16 Non causa pro causa Read the Counterpoyse by condescending to tolerate them of an aduerse religion to that was openly professed 8 Questionlesse dread Soueraigne the kingdome of England by cruell 17 An impudent lye persecution of Catholikes hath been almost odious to all Christian Nations Trade and traffique is 18 And all by reason of Catholikes treason rebellion and other disloyall practises stratagems decayed warres and bloud hath seldome ceased Subsidies and taxes neuer so many discontented mindes innumerable all which your Maiesties princely 19 If the Papists haue practised treason and rebellion in time of their restraint what will they not dare to atteÌ„pt hauing further libertie conniuencie to your humble Suppliants the afflicted Catholikes will easily redresse especially at your Highnesse ingresse * 3. Reg. 12.7 Si loquaris ad eos verba lenia erunt tibi serui cunctis diebus said the sage Counsellors of Salomon to 20 The Kings Maiestie is not such an infant in gouernment but he knoweth No subiect can faithfully serue two masters the Pope and his liege King Rehoboam For enlargement after affliction resembleth a pleasant gale after a vehement tempest and a benefit in distresse doubleth the value thereof 9 How gratefull will it bee to all 21 Syrenicall fond suggestions as if his Highnes cared what account the Turke or Pope
should make of him Catholike Princes abroad and honourable to your Maiestie to vnderstand how Queene 22 Causelesse complaints as his Maiestie well knoweth Elizabeths seueritie is chaunged into your royall clemencie and that the lenitie of a man reedified that which the misinformed anger of a woman destroyed That the Lion rampant is passant whereas the passant had been rampant How acceptable shall all your subiects be to all Catholike countries who are now almost abhorred 23 Of none but of the wicked of all when they shall perceiue your Highnes prepareth not pikes and prisons for the professours of their faith but permitteth them Temples and Altars for the vse of their Religion Then shall wee see with our eyes and touch with our fingers that happie benediction of Esay in this land * Esay 2.4 that 24 A plaine non sequitur for you speake by contraries swords are changed into ploughs and launces in to sithes And all Nations admiring vs will say Hi sunt semen cui benedixit Dominus 10 We request no more fauour at your Graces hands then that wee may securely 25 Yea but the Magistrate is keeper of the whole Decalogue whereby Idolatrie is flatly forbidden professe that Catholike Religion which all your happie Predecessours professed from 26 Poperie was not hatched in Donaldus his daies Donaldus the first conuerted vnto your Maiesties peerelesse Mother last martyred 11 A Religion 27 Woe be to them that call darknes light Esay 5.20 This whole section is a plain begging of the Question venerable for antiquitie maiesticall for 28 So is Turcisme and Paganisme amplitude constant for continuance irreprehensible for doctrine inducing to all kinde of 29 You would say Treason and Rebellion against lawfull Princes vertue and pietie disswading from all sinne and wickednes A Religion beloued by all primitiue Pastours established by all Oecumenicall Councels vpheld by all ancient Doctors maintained by the first and most Christian Emperours recorded almost alone in all Ecclesiasticall Histories sealed with the bloud of millions of Martyrs adorned with the vertues of so many Confessors beautified with the puritie of thousands of Virgines so 30 A fit commendation for Papistrie to be nothing but meere sensualitie Malum ouum mali corui conformable to naturall sense and reason and finally so agreeable to the sacred text of Gods word and Gospell The free vse of this Religion wee request if not in publike Churches at least in priuate houses if not with approbation yet with toleration without molestation 12 Assure your Grace that howsoeuer some 31 Mutato nomine de te ô Papista Fabula narratur Protestants or Puritanes incited by morall honestie of life or innated instinct of nature or for feare of some temporal punishment pretend obedience vnto your Highnes lawes yet certainly the onely Catholikes for conscience sake obserue them For they defending that Princes precepts and statutes oblige no subiect vnder the 32 A grosse calumniation as if we defended that the wicked for disobedience should feele no penaltie but only should be disquieted with the guilt of sinne and not rather that penaltie is an infallible consequence of the guilt if both be not taken away by Christ penaltie of sinne will little care in conscience to transgresse them which principally are tormented with the guilt of sinne But Catholikes confessing merite in 33 True in obeying the Popes decrees and commandements but not Princes precepts except it stand with the Popes good liking obeying and demerite in transgressing cannot but in soule be grieuously 3r Yea but all these tortures will soone be alaied euen by one breath of a Babylonian Bull. tortured at the least preuarication thereof 13 Wherefore most mercifull Soueraigne wee your long afflicted subiects in all dutifull submission 35 Timeas Danaos vel dona ferentes As if the Pope by one word were not able to dispence with all this and to cause any Papist to doe any thing euen at a becke vnder paine of the greater curse and eternall damnation of bodie and soule in case of refusall O Lord open the eyes of these men protest before the Maiestie of God and all his holie Angels as loyall obedience and as immaculate allegeance vnto your Grace as euer did faithful subiects in England or Scotland vnto your Highnes progenitours and intend as sincerelie with our goods and liues to serue you as euer did the loyallest Israelites King Dauid or the trustie legions the Romane Emperours 14 And thus expecting your Maiestie customarie fauour and gracious bountie wee rest your deuoted Suppliants to him whose hands doe mannage the hearts of Kings and with reciprocate mercie will requite the mercifull Your sacred Maiesties most deuoted Seruants The Catholikes of England THE PROTESTANTS COVNTERPOYSE Most puissant Prince and mightie Monarch 1_SVch are the rare perfections and admirable gifts of wisedome prudence valour iustice religion and godlinesse wherwith the bountiful hand of Gods diuine Maiestie hath endued your Maiestie as in the depth of your prouident iudgement we doubt not but you foresee what concerneth both the spirituall and temporall gouernment of al your kingdoms and dominions 2 Notwithstanding your Graces most faithfull subiects and deuoted seruants the Protestants of England partlie to preuent sinister suggestions against the peace of our Church and Common-wealth which happily might importune your sacred Maiestie partly almost not long sithence as men in danger to be exposed as a pray vnto the enemie to be ouerwhelmed with persecutions for our consciences we are inforced to haue speedie recourse for present redresse from your Highnesse and to present these humble lines vnto your royall person to pleade for vs your Maiesties gratious fauour and princely patronage 3 What allegeance or dutie can any King or earthly Prince desire or expect at his vassals hands which we either doe not presently yeeld or are not addressed to performe How many Noble-men and worthie Gentlemen most zealous in the true Christian Religion haue euer specially respected your Maiesties sacred person How many haue most carefully religiously for conscience sake in our late soueraigne Queene Elizabeth of blessed memorie her happie daies for the satisfying of their owne dutie and the establishing of the ignorant and doubtfull mindes of their friends and fauourites priuately without contention breach of law or disloyaltie to their Prince conferred together and explicated your Highnes iust and lawfull title for the aduancement of your successiue right vnto the Scepter of Albion Nay who euer trauersed but a 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
daungerous and damnable k Vide Orat. ad Reg. Galliae de Restit Iesuit Eman. Sa. in aphorism Confessariorum Bellarm lib. de Exempt Clericorum propositions 1. That the Pope hath power to excommunicate Kings 2. That he hath power to absolue subiects from their faith and alleageance 3. That the Pope may depose Princes from their Scepter and Crowne and giue the same vnto another 4. That any priuate man may be made executioner to murther or to poyson the excommunicated King 5. That faith must not be kept with Heretikes 6. That whosoeuer is not within the communion of the Romish Church is an Heretike and consequently that your highnes is such a one 7. That no Cleargie-man can commit treason against any temporall King because he is not the Kings subiect but the Popes and such like care not in conscience at the Popes becke nay thinke it high merit if he so commaund not onely to transgresse your lawes but also to lay violent hands and to murder your sacred person which God forbid But Protestants hauing learned to * Matth. 22.21 giue vnto Caesar the things of Caesar and to God the things of God and to obey the * Rom. 13.1 higher powers which are the ordinance of God cannot but in soule be grieuously tortured for the least preuarication of the Magistrates iust necessarie or conuenient lawes 13 Wherefore most gracious Soueraigne wee your euer-faithfull subiects in all dutifull submission vow and protest before the Maiestie of God and all his holy Angels as loyall obedience and as immaculate allegeance vnto your Grace as euer did faithfull subiects in England or Scotland vnto your Highnes progenitors and predecessors and intend as sincerely with our goods and liues to serue you as euer did the loyallest Israelites King Dauid or the trustie legions the Romane Emperours 14 And thus not doubting of your Maiesties constant profession of true Religion and godly care for the rooting out of all Idolatrie we rest your deuoted suppliants to him whose hands doe mannage the hearts of Kings and with reciprocate Honor will honor them that honor him Your sacred Maiesties most faithfull Seruants The Protestants of England A BRIEFE CONSIDERATION OF THE CATHOLIKES REASONS FOR TOLERATION OF THEIR Religion in England intimated in their Supplication to his Highnes I. REASON The Catholikes are readie to performe any allegeance or dutie that the King can desire or expect at their hands Out of the 3. Section of the Supplication Ergo It may please his Maiestie to graunt them a toleration of their Religion ANSWERE I. To the Antecedent 1 The Antecedent must be vnderstoode conditionally vid. If the King will graunt a toleration then the Papists say they will be dutifull else they will not but will runne on the old bias againe for practise and treacherie against his Royall Person and the State as they were wont in Queene Elizabeths time But if they will not bee dutifull Subiects for conscience sake as they are bound to be Our dread Soueraigne in my opinion shall haue small good of their mercenarie seruice 2 Popish Religion in the Articles thereof is treason against the lawfull authoritie and state of our King See the Counterpoyse Sect. 12. Therefore whatsoeuer the Papists either protest or pretend it skilles not they can be no loyall Subiects so long as the Pope may discharge them from allegeance to their Prince See note 35. 3 By vertue of Popish Religion the Ecclesiasticall state challengeth immunitie and exemption from his Highnes power iudiciall courts and in case of ordinarie contributions they withdraw their allegeance from the King vnto the obedience of a forraine Potentate denying him an absolute power in his owne Dominions II. To the Consequence 1 Howsoeuer his Maiestie in policie might wish all Papists within his Dominions to be dutifull and obedient Subiects yet cannot his Highnes allow and accept of the course leading thereunto vnlesse he finde it warranted by the law of God such as toleration of Popish Idolatrie can neuer be 2 The practises of the Papists being vncertaine it fits not the deepe reach of a Prince to remedie vncertaine and lesser accidents by opening free passage to more assured and greater perils II. REASON Out of the third and fourth section The Catholikes haue been very forward in maintaining and defending the Kings iust and lawfull title to the Scepter of Albion Ergo His Maiestie might doe well to gratifie them with a toleration ANSWERE I. To the Antecedent 1 If the Papists were so firme as now they say for the Kings lawfull title they would not haue been so forward for the Infantaes pretended title as they haue 2 Graunt they were so forward for his Maiesties title yet it is very credible that they were but mercenarie Iudases for Quid vultis mihi dare ego tradam c. They would doe somewhat vpon hope of toleration els iust nothing for conscience and equitie 3 This which they pretend should seeme to be in Queene Elizabeths daies which if it were so on their part was great disloyaltie to their Prince And it may well be thought that traiterous hearts to Queene Elizabeth can be none of the faithfullest Subiects to King Iames. II. To the Consequence 1 Suppose it lawfull in Queene Elizabeths daies for Catholikes to flie from their countrie and to be factiously forward for the Kings lawfull title they did but their dutie Yet is it not lawfull for his Maiestie to permit the free exercise of Idolatrie which were plaine impietie 2 If this also were lawfull in it selfe yet were it no policie to graunt the Papists a toleration considering their intention and aime for alteration their number dependencie confederacie forraine and domestike and other correspondent abilities strong and to be suspected III. REASON Puritanes and Atheists being of contrary Religion to the Protestants are tolerated in England Out of the 6. Section Ergo His Maiestie may with like reason tolerate the free exercise of the Catholike Religion ANSWERE I. To the Antecedent 1 Such as doe scandalouslie or schismaticallie withdraw themselues from our publike congregations and refuse to serue the Lord together with vs are not permitted but punished by our lawes 2 Puritanes as they terme them are not contrarie to the Protestants in Religion See before note 11. 3 As for Atheisme it is not publikely professed in England and therefore there can be no permission thereof See note 15. II. To the Consequence 1 Vpon supposed toleration of the factious and schismaticall Puritane there is no reason for toleration of the Papist for diuers causes videl I. The Puritane holdes no opinion directly opposit either to the Maiestie of God or his Highnes Soueraigntie But the Papist doth II. If the Puritaine did offend any of these wayes yet should not the Papist be admitted for so the number of bad subiects should be encreased 2 The Papist is more daungerous then the Puritaine or Atheist by reason of his
opinion of learning of his disloyall carriage of his number and dependencie at home and abroade IIII. REASON The French King hath graunted a toleration of both Religions Out of the 7. Section which is the cause of quietnes in his kingdome Ergo The King of England may doe so likewise ANSWERE I. To the Antecedent 1 The cause of quietnes in Fraunce was not toleration but the banishment of the Iesuites See the Counterpoyse Sect. 7. 2 The contrarie religion in Fraunce is tolerated of necessitie and disabilitie of the Catholikes part to expugne and ruine the other as it was in the time of Charles the ninth and Henrie the third 3 Such as the French King doth tolerate doe in opinion derogate nothing from his Soueraigntie nor in action attempt any thing against his person But it is and euer was otherwise with Papists in England II. To the Consequence 1 Men liue by the rule of Reason and law not by examples 2 The French King holdeth correspondence in religion with the Pope therefore in a question of the worship and seruice of the Lord he cannot be a fit president to a Christian Prince professing the Gospell 3 Though the French King permitteth the free exercise of the Gospell a doctrine lawfull in it selfe and holie which derogateth nothing from Princes soueraigntie yet may not the King of England permit Papistrie the doctrine being Antichristian and vnlawfull in it selfe ioyned also with dishonor and perill 4 The French King alloweth toleration to such who acknowledge him for their lawfull Soueraigne who neuer plotted against his Crowne and life nor can be induced vpon any suggestion so to doe whereas his Maiestie of England is solicited to yeeld it to such who hold that he is an Heretike that hee may be diuested by the Popes Bull of his imperiall Crowne and regalities who haue disposed of their allegeance to a forraine Prince who neuer cease from proiects and practises for alteration who in fittest oportunitie vpon mandate from the Pope are readie to take armes for the subuersion of his Scepter and state of his royall person and of the Gospell V. REASON Vpon graunt of toleration England will not be odious to all Christian Nations for cruell persecution of Catholikes Out of the 8. Section as now they are Ergo Toleration should in good reason be allowed and maintained ANSWERE I. To the Antecedent 1 England is not odious to all Christian Nations neither did it euer within the supposed time persecute Catholikes but punish Traytors Toleration being admitted yet will not such as hate England cease to hate her still because of the disgrace that must relie vpon Poperie his Maiestie the State and almosy all the subiects professing the Gospell II. To the Consequence 1 To graunt toleration that England might not be slaundered for proceedings against Papists and hated by those of that faction were for curing of the headach to knock out the braines If we consider the parties that hate vs the insufficient ground they haue for their hating vs the little measure of preiudice or dammage that commeth thereof and on the other side the ineuitable dishonour the daunger and mischiefe of toleration we shall see that the former is not worthie any regard when there is question of the latter 3 The surcease of Catholike-hate being altogether vncertaine and accidentarie it cannot be in policie a sufficient ground for imbracing of dangerous toleration VI REASON Toleration will stay hostile attempts of Catholikes against the Realme and so Traffique will be free Out of the 8. Section Subsidies and Taxes shall not be so many c. Ergo Toleration is to be imbraced ANSWERE I. To the Antecedent 1 It is not the cause of Religion though it hath been some part of their pretence that embarked enemies against this land But violent humours of ambition to a Monarchy of malice and reuenge vpon supposed indignities the securing of their owne greatnes by impayring their Neighbours c. therefore toleration cannot redresse hostilitie 2 Suppose Religion the cause yet it is not toleration but alteration that they aime at and therfore their hostile practises and machinations are vnlikely to cease for toleration 3 Hostile attempts may cease without toleration as by disabilitie on the aduerse part necessitie compulsion c. II. To the Consequence 1 Euill must not be done that good may come thereof Toleration of Idolatrie cannot be denied to be euill 2 Of two euils the lesser is to be chosen Hostile attempts may endaunger the bodie Toleration damneth the soule VII REASON Toleration will be gratefull to all Catholike Princes abroad Out of the 9. Section Ergo It ought to be granted ANSWERE I. To the Antecedent 1 Alteration would be more gratefull vnto Catholike Princes then toleration should alteration therefore be graunted II. To the Consequence 1 Should his royal Maiestie graunt an impietie and hazard his royal estate and person yea his subiects and the Gospel to gratifie Catholike Princes 2 Whether it be right in the sight of God to obey you rather then God iudgeye Act. 4.19 3 If I should please men I were not the seruant of Christ saith the Apostle Galat. 1.10 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 VII REASON Out of the 9. Section All English subiects would be acceptable to all Catholike countries who are now almost abhorred of all if toleration were graunted Ergo Toleration is not to be denied ANSWERE I. To the Antecedent 1 It is false that Englishmen are abhorred of all Catholike countries otherwise then for their religion as all other Protestants be 2 Suppose a toleration yet dissension in religion extinguisheth acceptation in affection therefore it is not probable that English subiects being Protestants in religion should be esteemed and accepted among such as are of a contrarie faction 3 Nullus est fidus eorum affectus quorum est diuersa fides saith Hierome 4 Not toleration but plaine alteration would peraduenture make English subiects acceptable II. To the consequence 1 No sinne must be committed against God for gaining of particular aduantage 2 It is a grosse error in pollicie in hope of idle and accidentarie reputation to make choice of certaine mischiefe IX REASON Out of the 9. Section Vpon toleration of Catholike Religion we shall enioy assured peace Swordes shall bee changed into ploughes and launces into sithes Ergo Toleration is to be admitted ANSWERE I. To the Antecedent 1 Religion is not the cause of disturbance of peace and hostile attempts against this kingdome as hath been said alreadie 2 If it were the cause yet the Gospell which is the thing they would extirpate should remaine still for all toleration so that warres are not likely to cease 3 Toleration would hatch simultation iarres discord dissension and at last deadly warre rather then peace 4 If Papists still attempted treasons in time of their restraint in Queene Elizabeths dayes is it not probable that hauing more libertie they would be more treacherous
especially the Popes malice against the Gospell being still the same and their obedience to him not renounced II. To the Consequence 1 Vpon supposition of peace ensuing vpon toleration which is not likely yet cursed be that peace when it cannot be procured but by sinning against God 2 Maledicta sit omnis concordia destituta sinceritate veritatis saith Irenaeus X. REASON Out of the 10. Section All the Kings happie predecessors professed the Catholike Religion Ergo His Maiestie ought at least to grant a toleration ANSWERE I. To the Antecedent 1 The Antecedent is false Poperie was hatched but of late times 2 Henrie the eight Edward the sixt and Queene Elizabeth of happie memorie to speake of no other were the Kings predecessors yet they professed not the Popish Religion II. To the Consequence 1 If his Maiesties predecessors had professed Poperie yet that can be no warrant for his Highnes so to doe because we must not liue by examples but by lawes and reason 2 It is not antiquitie nor custome that makes a thing lawfull in it selfe neither must we so much regard the ancient way as the good way See Matth. 15.2 to the 12. Act. 7.51.52.1 Pet. 1.18 3 Our Fathers must not be followed in euill Be ye not as your fathers Zach. 1.4 Walke not in the ordinances of your fathers neither obserue their manners nor defile your selues with their Idols Ezech. 20.18 See also Psal 78.8 Psal 95.9 Amos. 2.4 XI REASON Out of the 11. Section The Catholike Religion is ancient irreprehensible in doctrine agreeable to Gods word c. Ergo Catholike Religion ought to be tolerated ANSWERE The Antecedent is an impudent begging of the question and can neuer be proued therefore the Consequence falleth of it selfe XII REASON Out of the 12. Section The Catholikes onely serue the King and obserue his lawes for conscience Ergo Catholikes ought to be tolerated ANSWERE Thi reason is of the same nature with the first reason and is there answered See also the Counterpoyse Setion 12. So much for the Catholikes reasons for toleration Now wâ— 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 Idâ—latrie it selfe is offensiue vnto God and consequeâ—tly the exercise and permission of the same A Câ—ristian Prince being the keeper of both tables of he Decalogue should not suffer Idolators tâ— defile the worship of God within his dominions The assumption no Protestant can deny seeing popish worship of God is Idolatrous worship wherefore it needeth no proofe Neither haue I penned these reasons for Papists II. REASON Whatsoeuer the good Kings of Iudah and other godly Princes are commended for in the scriptures that Christian Princes ought to imitate But the good Kings of Iudah were commended for expelling of contrarie worshippers and repressing of Idolatrie Ergo Christian Princes ought to expell contrarie worshippers to represse Idolatrie in like manner The proposition is manifest for whatsoeuer is written is written for our instruction The assumption is proued by induction Asa brake downe the altars and images of straunge Gods 2. Chron. 14.3 Iehoshaphat remoued the high places and groues 2. Chron. 17.6 Iosiah put downe the Chemarims that were Idolatrous Priests 2. King 23.5 Iacob would not suffer Idolatrie to be committed in his house but buried all the Images vnder an Oke Genes 35.5 All which were commended for so doing III. REASON Whatsoeuer is discommended in other Kings is to be eschewed of Christian Princes Toleration of contrarie worshippers and permission of Idolatrie is discommended in other Kings Ergo Toleration is to be eschewed of Christian Princes The assumption is proued by the examples of such Kings as had not taken away the high places as Iehoash 2. King 12.3 and Azariah 2. King 15.4 IIII. REASON Halting betweene two opinions is not lawfull Toleration of two contrarie religions is halting betweene two opinions Ergo Toleration of two contrarie religions is vnlawfull The proposition is cleare out of the words of Eliah How long will ye halt betweene two opinions If the Lord be God follow him But if Baal be goe after him 1. King 18.21 And also out of Zephan 1.5 I wil stretch out mine hand vpon them that worship sweare by the Lord and sweare by Malcham The Assumption is manifest for whosoeuer causeth another to sinne is said to commit that sin himselfe so Dauid is said to murder Vriah V. REASON That which would be a meanes to obdurate and harden Papists in their superstition is to be auoided Toleration of their religion is a meanes to harden them whereas otherwise there might be hope of them c. Ergo Toleration of Popish religion is to be auoided VI. REASON That which would be offensiue vnto all Christian Princes and people is not to be admitted Toleration of Poperie in England would be offensiue to all Christian Princes and people Ergo Toleration is not to be admitted VII REASON Whatsoeuer would be dishonorable vnto his excellent Maiestie is not to be admitted Toleration of poperie would be very dishonorable vnto his Highnes For he hath euer hitherunto constantly professed the Gospell and now enioyeth a kingdome wherein the Gospell is established besides that the glorie of a King proceedeth from intertaining such constitutions and decrees in religion as God himselfe hath enacted and deliuered Ergo Toleration is not to be admitted VIII REASON Whatsoeuer is not for his Maiesties saftie nor for the safetie of his kingdome that is not to be admitted Toleration of Papists is not for his Maiesties safetie nor for the safetie of his kingdome because it is impossible for Papists to be loyall subiects to any Protestant Prince as hath been often declared before Ergo Fie vpon toleration of disloyall Papists IX REASON Whatsoeuer would breede confusion and disquietnes in the land that is to be auoyded Toleration of Papistrie would breede confusion and vprores in the land For it would tend to the antiquating and repealing of diuers profitable lawes alreadie enacted against Popish practises and harten the Papists to perpetrate any villanie c. Ergo Toleration of Poperie is to be auoyded X. REASON That which in Papists will double their allegeance and deuotion to the Pope is not to be tolerated Toleration of Poperie will double