AN EXACT DISCOVERIE OF ROMISH DOCTRINE IN THE CASE OF CONSPIRACIE AND Rebellion, by pregnant obseruations: Collected (not without direction from our Superiours) out of the expresse dogmaticall principles of Popish Priests and Doctors.
AT LONDON Imprinted by Felix Kyngston, for C. B. and E. W. and are to be sould in Paules Church-yard at the signe of the Swan. 1605.
TO THE SEDVCED BRETHREN WHOSOEVER, GRACE and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Iesus Christ.
MArueile not (beloued brethren) that I salute you in the name of brotherhood, whom I acknowledge seduced: It pleased our Sauiour to call some Luk. 15. Sheepe, whē as yet they were wandring: and his Apostle nameth them Gal. 3. 1. Brethren, whom hee esteemed bewitched. With whom giue me rather leaue to marueile in your behalfe, ‘Gal. 1. 6.Why are you so easily remoued from the Gospell of Christ?’ and in the earnest desire of your blessed conuersion, to expostulate in the same tenour: ‘Gal. 3. 1.Who hath bewitched you, that you should not obey the truth, in whom Iesus Christ was described (that is, liuely preached) among you?’ It is not then any Who, who may either preiudice a truth, or priuilege an error: because, if truth; then [Page] Doe as they say, although [...] be a Pharisie: If any other doctrine, not receiued from Christ, then Gal. 1. 8. Hold him [...]cursed, although the Minister be an Gal. 1. 8. Angell. And seeing (brethren) it hath pleased almightie God (who bringeth light out of darknes, and life out of death) from this late sinfull attempt, as namelesse for vglines, as matchlesse for example, to draw this inspiration of grace, that you, through the detestation of their practises are now brought to a suspition of their inchantments: I thought it therefore my bounden dutie to discouer vnto you positions and practises of your Priests, whereby, as with tongues and hands, they conspire together in like mischiefe: nothing doubting, but when you shall perceiue the damnablenes of their doctrine, you will Christianlie auoide the danger of their charme. Now then let vs (beloued) ioyntly examine these spirits; and not, till in the end of this tract, take our mutuall farewell.
[Page 1]A PLAINE DISCOVERIE OF THE REBELLIOVS DOCTRINE OF THE Romish Church.
PRegnant Obseruations, directlie proouing Romish schooles to be Seminaries of Rebellions in all Protestants gouernment: and Popish priests, as also their adherents, to be worthily executed for seditious and traiterous persons, proued by many Reasons, collected from their owne publique positions and practises.
The first Reason.
Their generall Assumption, whereupon all their rebellious positions are f [...]unded, is this, that All Protestants are Heretiques; and Excommunicate. Now then we may argue, first:
They who by their slanderous doctrine make all Protestants (in their common censure Heretiques) so odious, as vnworthie of any Ciuill, or naturall societie, must necessarily be iudged Seditious, and intolerable amongst the Protestants: But the Romish Seminaries and Iesuites doe brand all Protestants with detestable crimes; thereby to denie them all ciuill or naturall respects. Ergo.
The Minor hath two parts:
- Crimes slanderouslie obiected.
- All humane societie detracted: both proued.
The first part proued.
FIrst a Stranger saith, that ‘Protestantes articulum omninò nullum tenent Symboli Apostolici. Andraeas Iurgiwicius, lib. tit. Euangel. quinti Professores.Protestants beleeue not one Article of the Apostles Greede.’ Our Countriman more strangely: ‘Wright in his late booke of Articles.Protestants haue no faith, no religion, no Christ; but are meere Infidels.’ The Master of the Seminarie at Rhemes writeth and in [...]ituleth his booke: En Caluini Turcismum, & plane Mahometismum, &c. Reinaldus in libro, qui inscribitur, Caluino [...]turcismus. Caluinish-Turcisme, and plaine Mahometisme. Which booke Deane Gifford doth no lesse impudently than impotently m [...]ntaine, saying, that ‘Caluini pseudo-Euangelium Alcorane esse in nullo melius; in multis tetrius & flagitiosius. D. Giffordus Decan. D. Petri, praef. in lib. D. Reinaldi.Caluins doctrine is worse than the Alcoran of the Turkes.’ The Iesuite Possiuinus with the same spirit of blasphemie doth c [...]mpile a booke,Institui Protestantium Atheismos explicare, &c. Possiuinus Ies▪ libello de Atheismis Protest. wherein he calleth Protestants doctrines, concerning Christ, to be meere Atheismes. And all to this end, that all humane societie with Protestants may be vtterly dissolued.
The second part prooued: as first the societie in Neighbours.
Theft. ‘Haereticis licitum est auserri quae habent, melius tamen est, quod autoritate Iudicis fiat. Decretum P [...] pale apud Grat. caus. 15. q. glossa.Neighbours, if Heretiques, may lawfully be spoyled of their goods (by force) though it be better to be taken from them by authoritie.’
2. Jn Parishioners.
Sacriledge.Where the question is concerning paying of Tithes▪ it is resolued: ‘Non est dubium, quin populus Catholicus iure possit haeretic [...]s Pastores deci [...]s defraud [...]re. Alanus Cardinalis & Pa [...]sonus.Parishioners may lawfully defraude Protestant Ministers of their tithes.’
3. Jn Debtors, and whosoeuer haue any matter of trust committed vnto them.
Perfidie. ‘Is apud quem Haereticus aliquid deposuerit, non tenebitur post manifestam haeresin, rem depositam illi reddere. Simancha Episc. Pacens. Instit. Cath. tit. 46. sect. 73.Such are not bound to restore that which they haue receiued, or to satisfie their Creditors, who are Heretiques.’ ‘Non tenentur reddere rem verbis contractam. Tolletus Ies. Instruct. Sacerd. de Excom.They are not bound hereunto.’ Si iurani me soluturum alicui pecuniam, qui excommunicatur, non teneor exsoluere; quia qualiter cunque possumus, debemus vexare malos, vt cessent à malo. Apud Gratian. caus. 15. q. 6. glossa.This is an ancient Decree.
4. Jn Seruants.
Peri [...]rie. ‘Cust [...]des arcium et [...]aeteri vassalli eadem Constitutione liberati sunt à vinculo sacramenti, quo dominis fidelitatem promiserant. Simancha Episc. quo supra, sect. 74.Also Keepers of Forts, and all other vassals and slaues are freed from the oath of subiection to their Lords.’
5. Jn VViues.
A kinde of disloyaltie. ‘Quinetiam Vxor Catholica viro Haeretico debitum reddere non tenetur. Simancha Pacens. Episc. Instit. Greg. 13o. dicatis, & eiusdem iussu Romae impressis.Wiues are not bound to render due beneuolence vnto their husbands, if heretiques.’
6. Jn Parents.
Vnkindnes. ‘Pater, qui filium habet haereticum, qui conuerti non velit, si Pater liber & sui iuris esset ad disponendum de bonis suis vt vellet, tenetur exhaereditare filium talem. Huc adiunge. Parentes mortaliter peccant tradendo filias matrimonio Haereticis. Card. Alanus.The father must disinherit his sonne, if he will be a Protestant.’
7. Jn Children.
Disobedience to Parents. ‘Sacerdos in Angliam reuersus, & rogatus de Parentibus, qui sunt haeretici, respondere possit & veraciter negare, eos sibi esse Parentes; intelligendo quales habere debet: quia Patres solent re [...]puere filios propter Religionem, & filij Parentes. Alanus, & Parsonus.A Priest returning into England, if his father bee a Protestant, hee may denie him to bee his father: meaning that hee is not such an one, as hee ought to acknowledge his father.’
[Page 6-7] ‘Nam propter haeresin Patris filij sunt sui iuris. Simancha quo supra, tit. 46. sect. 74.For by the heresie of the father the child is freed from obedience.’
8. Jn all Kinred.
The professed bloodie Massacre against the Protestants, without distinction of Sexe or Kinred. ‘Haeretici filij vel Consanguinei non dicuntur: sed, iuxta legem, Sit manus tua super res, vt fundas sanguinem ipsorum. Apud Grat. gloss. in Decret. lib. 5. ex decreto Greg. 9. caus. 23. q. 8. cap. legi.Heretikes may not bee termed either Children or Kinred; but according to the old law, Thy hand must be against them to spill their blood.’
9. Jn Natiues.
‘Si Ciuitas tota, vel maior pars sit haeretica, potest ille negare hanc suam esse patriam: intelligendo, quod haereticam non habeat loco patria. Card. Alan. & Parsonus.If any finde his natiue Citie to be most part infected with heresie, hee may denie it to be his Countrie.’
Finally, by ‘Iuxta Constitutiones Gregorij 9. Haereticus priuatur omni dominio, naturali, ciuili, politico. Simancha Inst. tit. 46. sect 74.Pope Gregorie his Constitutions: By heresie a man is depriued of all his iurisdiction, whether naturall, ciuill or politique.’ So that the tenour of the oath of the Leaguers in France is this: ‘Si vnquam ad haereticorum partes deflexero, si amicitiam, si foedus, si matrimonium cùm [...]is faxo, si opem fidemuè d [...], si A [...]e, si Vale dixero, illa die fulmine ferito. Lodouicus d'Orleance, part. 29.If ever I make marriage, vse traffique, yeeld aide, hold friendship, giue credence vnto heretiques, or once salute them, then let God confound me.’ Shall we call this Religion which dissolueth the dutie of Seruants, Subiects, De [...]t [...]s, and strangleth the vitall spirits of humane societie; and by not acknowledgement of naturall duties of Wedlocke, naturall Parents; naturall Children, naturall Countrie, doth bowell vp nature, as it were, and depriue men of humanitie it selfe? O Babylon [...] this in all particulars were needlesse; one kinde may satisfie.
Practise.
The Papists in France did libell against ‘Henricum 3. haereticum, homicidam, &c. Lib. de Abdicat. Henr. 3.Henry the 3. as hereticall; a manslayer:’ so likewise against this [Page 8-9] Henry the 4. calling him a ‘Henricum 4. Culinarem canem, pogonatum Iulianum, bipedum nequissimum, Apostatam, foetidum Satanae stercus. Ludouicus d'Orleance.Kitchin-dogge, long-bearded Iulian, most heathenish Apostate, and the very excrement of Satan.’ No lesse was the ranckor of our Cardinall Poole against his Soueraigne. ‘Si Caesarem intellexerim cùm omni sua classe aduersus Turcam cursum d [...]rigere, ac si iam Hellesp [...]nti fa [...]ces tenentem conspicerem, nunquam acquiescerem donec conuenirem, & in haec verba apud eum prorumperem: Caesar, quo paras? Quid cogitas? Si amor reip. Christianae te ma [...]et vt regem Turcarum antiquum Christiani nominis hostem aggrediare, annon vndè maius periculum Reip. Christianae imminet, & vbi nouus hostis viget, multo quàm Turca infestior, eò potius cursum conuertere oportet? viz. in Angliam, cuius semen Adulterinum vix à Turcic internasci possit? Card. Poole ad Henr. 8. pro vnit. Eccles. defens. lib. 3. pag. 384.Desirous to diuert the Emperors forces from the Paganes, and to inforce them vpon Henry the 8. as vpon an enemie more pernicious than the Turke.’
The second Reason.
Whosoeuer doe professe any Ciuill power soueraigne ouer Kings, whether directly, or indirectly, are to be accompted seditious: But all popish priests doe professe a double prerogatiue ouer all Kings: Democraticall, and Monarchicall; namely both of people, and Pope: both which are proued by the positions.
First of the People.
Parsons: ‘Parsons in his Dol [...]an. pag. 13. and pag. 199. [...]The Common-wealth hath authoritie to choose a King: and to limit him lawes at their pleasure.’The French Iesuite sheweth a reason: ‘Maiesta [...] regni est in populo, potiùs quàm in persona Regis. les. libro de Iusta abdicat. pag. 36.For maiestie (saith he is rather seated in the kingdome, than in the King.’ Like to Stapleton his glosse: ‘Non populus in Principum gratiam factus; sed Principes in populi Commoda creati. Didymus pag. 261. Stapleton.People are not ordained for the Prince: but the Prince for the people.’ But more finely Reinalds; ‘Rex humana Creatura est, quia ab hominibus constituta. Reinaldus de Iusta Auto [...]t. pag. 8.A King is but a creature of mans creation.’
Secondly the Pope.
To auouch his preeminence, these men goe beyond the Moone: as first Bozius, ‘Pontificem esse caput totius Ecclesiae, & habere potestatem etiam circa omnia temporalis, probamus ex Theologis, & Canonistis. Bozius de Eccl. Monarch. Tempor. Epist. dedicat. ad Clementem 8. Pontif.The Pope the head of the [Page 10-11] Church, hath power in all temporall causes and states.’ A new Article of faith. ‘Habet, sed tamen indirectè in ordine ad bonum spirituale. Bella [...]m. libr. 5. de Pontif. Rom. cap. 6. & 7.This is true (saith Bellarmine) vnderstood indirectly, as it may auaile for the spirituall good.’ In briefe, ‘Stepleton in his English Counterblast against Master Horne.This supremacie of the Pope (saith Stapleton) is a doctrine to be holden of all Christians vpon paine of damnation, and separation from the Church of God.’ We demaund how farre th [...]se pretended powers may extend; and hereupon we argue.
The third Reason.
Whosoeuer vpon any pretended supremacie, whether of Pope, or people, d [...]e denie the necessarie right of Election, or of succession of Protestant Princes; are to be holden amongst all Protestants, seditious: but all popish priests doe vtterly abolish the title of succession in all Protestant Princes, by pretended prerogatiue of Pope and people. Ergo. The Minor prooued by their positions.
In Election.
1. The Romish Cardinall: ‘Nulla est Imperatoris, aut Regis Electio, si, cum eligitur, excommunicatus sit. Tolletus Ies. & Card. lib. 1. instruct. cap. 13. § Aduert. autem.There is no election, whether of King, or Emperour, of any force, if he that is elect (such they esteeme all Protestants) be excommunicate.’
In Succession.
They suggest a forraine Inuasion.Reinalds. ‘ [...] ad regna Christianorum mai [...] est in religione, [...] in success [...]e: maius in vltione haeresis(loquitur de Protestātibus)quam in Cognatione sanguinis. Debent igitur Christiani omnem tali spem praescindere, nè ad eam ce [...]sitatem aspiret. Reignaldus Anglus in suo Rosaeus pag. 649. & pag. 670.The right of Kings Christian must depend rather vpon their religion, than vpon order [Page 12-13] of succession: and therefore all Christians are bound to cut off all hope, least that any such (speaking of Protestants) may aspire to the Throne.’ ‘Qui contra facit, deum homini postponere, carnem spiritui anteponere dicendus est. Stapletonus in suo Didym. pag. 122.Otherwise (saith Stapleton) what do people else but euen preferre man before God?’ A professed inuasion.Hereupon doth Simancha conclude, that ‘Regnum Haeretici defuncti ad filium Catholicum pertinet; quod si filius & consanguinei eius haeretici fuerint, Regnum Catholicum possit Regem Orthodoxum eligere: si verò Regnum haereticum fuerit, Electio Regis Catholici ad summum Pontificem pertinet: sed & Regnum illud possit à Catholicis occupari. Simancha Instit. Cath. tit. 46. sect. 75.the kingdome, of an Heretique departed, doth lineally descend vpon his sonne: but if the sonne in the race royall be heretical, the Catholique Common-weale may chuse a Catholique Prince: but if also the kingdome be hereticall, then the choice of the King belongeth to the Pope: and so the kingdome may be taken by Catholiques.’ And least peraduenture any should consent to the lawfull succession: Father Parsons doth pronounce sentence; ‘Parsons in his Do [...]an. pag. [...]16.Whosoeuer shall consent to the succession of a Protestant, is a most grieuous and damnable sinner.’ Thus farre of the position. Now behold their
Practise.
1. In France. Reinalds doth forewarne the French. ‘Vultis in Regno Galliae Christianissim [...] Regem Proclamare Nauarraeum Caluinistam? Eadem operâ hominibus imperare iubetis canem; Templum Dei vi [...]entis prostituitis Satanae, & in Vineam domini immittitis truculentum aprum, qui eum vastet & depascatur. Reignaldus in suo Rosaeus pag. 466.Will ye proclaime Nauarre a Caluinist, King of the most Christian kingdome of France? What is this else, than to aduance a dogge to be soueraigne ouer men?’ ‘Illinc clament, viue Rex, quem nè salutare possint, nec in d [...]mum suam recipere? Ibidem pag. 476.Shall Catholiques pray God saue that King, whom they may not admit into their houses?’ ‘Dicit sortassis Nauarraeus, ego saniorem Religionem induco, sed hoc ad rem nullo modo pertinet, tenetur enim Religionem Romanam defendere. Creswellus in suo Philopater.For suppose (saith Father Creswell) that hee professe to bring in a more sound religion; what is this to the purpose? he is bound to defend the Romish faith.’ From France we will returne home, where Father Parsons busieth himselfe to [Page 14-15] disable the title of succession of our most dread Soueraigne King Iames,Parsons in his booke called a Conference concerning the next succession of the Crowne of England. with intent to aduance the Infanta of Spaine thereunto. Thus much of Successors: now of possessors.
The fourth Reason.
When the King is established in his Throne by common consent of the kingdome; whosoeuer shall manacle the hands of his subiects, detracting all obedience, may iustly by order of law be challenged and condemned for a disordered and rebellious person. But all popish priests doe dissolue the oath of obedience to all Protestant gouernours. Ergo. The Minor proued by
Their Positions.
First, one of their Bishops resolueth, that ‘Quam primùm Reges Christiani facti sunt haeretici, protenùs eius subiecti ab eorum dominio liberantur. Simancha Episc. Inst. tit. 23. sect. 11.As soone as a Christian King becomes hereticall, foorthwith people are freed from subiection.’
Secondly, their Cardinall: ‘Durante excommunicatione qui obnoxij erant vinculo fidelitatis vel iuramenti, tali vinculo liberabuntur. Tolletus Card. Instruct. Sacerd. libr. 1. cap. 13.As long as the Prince continueth excommunicate, the subiect is freed from the oath of subiection.’ By whom are they freed?‘Non videtur negandum posse Rom. Pontificem se & alios soluere à [...] religione & lege, modò iusta causa subsit. Azotius Iesuita Inst. mor. cap. 15. §. sextò quaeritur.By the Pope (saith the Iesuite) who vpon iust cause hath power to absolue from oathes both himselfe and all others.’ Sometime the Prince is personallie excommunicate: what then? ‘Postquàm per Pontificem (nominatim) excommunicatur, extunc Vasalli ab eius fidelitate denunciantur absoluti: & terra eius exponitur Catholicis occupanda, qui eam, exterminatis Haereticis, absque vllae contradictione possideant. Massouius Iuris [...]ons. de maiestate. Milit. Eccl. par. 2. libr. 4. de Imperijs pag. 676.Then (saith their Lawyer) subiects are freed from their allegeance: and all his hereticall assistants to be rooted out, and their land to be exposed to be possessed of (Strangers) Catholiques.’ But how if he be not excommunicate by name? Yea, what though [Page 16-17] not excommunicate? ‘Cùm est crimen notorium nulla est opus declaratione sententiae excommunicationis. Panormitan. cap. cum in homine extra de iudicijs.If (saith another) his heresie be publiquely knowne, there needeth no pronunciation of the sentence of excommunication.’ ‘Crimen haeresis, si sit notorium, vt nulla possit tergiuersatione celari; etiam ante iudi [...]is sententiam; incurritur (ex parte) poena praedicta: nim [...]rum eatenus, vt subditi licitè poss [...]t tali domino negare obsequium. Valent. Ies. tom. 3. in Thom. disp. 1. q. 12. punct. 2. pag. 463. §. Nunc.So that (saith the Iesuite) subiects may lawfully denie him obedience.’ How so? ‘In hoc articul [...] sunt Felinus & Caietanus, & communt [...]r sententia apud discipulos D. Thomae; & probant, quia in hac causa adest semper voluntas interpretati [...] Pontificis, qui obtinet vim sententiae atque euidentia facti habet vim sententiae. Bannes in 2. 2. q. 12. Act. 2. conclus. 2.For the euidence of the crime (saith their whole Schoole) doth inferre a sentence of condemnation, because (as the more common opinion defineth) there must wee vnderstand the Pope his will is to haue him excommunicate, whom vpon the knowledge of his fault he would excommunicate.’ Say Father Creswell is this true? ‘Hoc vniuersa Theologorum & iurisconsultorum schola tenent, & est certum, & de fide. Creswellus Ies. in suo Philopater, pag. 194.It is certaine, and of faith auouched by the vniuersall voice of Schooles.’ Satisfie vs yet in one question more: Suppose that the Protestant Prince haue a iust quarrell: what then? ‘In the copie of a letter sent by Cardinall Allen to Sit William Stanley. pag. 10.No warre can be lawfully denounced or waged by the Queene; (being excommunicate by name) though otherwise in it selfe it were most iust: because her power is vnlawfull.’ Thus farre of the Positions.
Practise.
First Pope Gregorie the 7. alias Hildebrand, beginneth his Pageant: ‘Nos eos, qui excommunicatis fidelitate & sacramento constrictisunt, Apostolicâ autoritate tur amento absol [...]imus. Gregor. 7. Pontifex apud Grat. cans. 15. qu. 6.We by Apostolicall authoritie doe absolue al from their oathes, which they haue giuen to persons excommunicate.’ And another Gregorie vseth the like tenour: ‘Nos excommunicamus vniuersos haereticos, vt absolutos se nouerint omni fidelitatis debito, qui ijs iur amento tenebantur astricti. Greg. 9. Pont. lib. 5. Decret. tit. 7. cap. 5. glossa.We absolue &c.’ in the same case. Lastly, Pius Quintus their successor in place; but superiour in malice: ‘Volum [...]s & iubemus &c. & absoluimus subditos vinculo iuramenti, quo Reginae Elizabethae constricti tenebantur. Pius 5. Pontifex in Bulla.We commaund all subiects (saith he, &c.) and absolue them from the faith they haue plight with Elizabeth their Queene.’
We haue alreadie vnderstood how they forbid obedience to Kings. Now will we examine how they also inforce violence: and in this case we argue thus:
The fifth Reason.
Whosoeuer suggesteth a doctrine of forcible deposing of Princes from their Thrones, are therein manifestly rebellious: But all Popish priests defend violent deposing of Kings and Emperours. Ergo.
Their positions.
Costerus: ‘Pe [...]es Romanos Pontifices semper fuit potestas ad tollend [...] incommoda Ecclesiae, & damna animarum; Reges Regnis, & Imperatores imperijs priuandi. Costerus Ies. Apolog. pro part. 1. Enchirid. pag. 64.This power (saith he) of deposing Kings of their Crownes, and Emperours of their dignities in behalfe of the good of the Church, was alwaies peculiar to the Pope:’ ‘Non enim minus autoritatis à Christo collatum est Vicario suo, ad [...]uium tutelam & commodum, quam a villi [...]o datur Mercenario, qui pecora pascit. Ibidem pag. 64.Who hath no lesse authoritie, as Christs Vicar ouer Christians, than the hireling hath ouer his beasts:’ ‘Depositio Imperatoris ex Iusta causa pertinet ad summum Pontificem: quia Imperator est tanquam Minister summi Pontificis gladiū iurisdictionis temporalis ad nutum summi Pontificis exercens. Molina Ies. Tract. 2. de Iustitia, disputat. 29. Ad secundum pag. 149.So the Pope hath authoritie ouer the Emperor (saith Molina) because the Emperour is but the Popes minister, and is to vse his temporall sword only at his beck.’ But what if Kings will not inthrall themselues to the Popes authoritie? ‘Non licet Christianis tolerare Regem haereticum, si conetur pertrahere subditos ad suam haeresin. Bellarminus Ies. lib. 5. de Rom. Pont. cap. 6. 7. & 4.It is not lawfull for Christians (saith the Cardinall) to tolerate anie King, who draweth his subiects vnto heresie:’ ‘Sed debent subditi operam dare, vt in eius locum alius quampri [...]ùm surrogetur. Sanderus Theol. professor. de visib. monarch. libr. 2. cap. 4. §. Ius autem pag. 70.But subiects ought (saith Saunders) to endeuour to set vp another in his place.’ ‘Debent illum, tanquam Christi hostem, ex hominum christianorum dominatu eijcere: quae est virorum doctiss. indubitata sententia, doctrinae Apostolicae confermis. Creswellus Ies. in suo Philopater. pag. 194.Yea they ought (saith Creswell) to expell him out of his kingdome, as the enemie of Christ. An vndoubted doctrine among the learned, and agreeable to Apostolicall truth.’ Yea which is more: [Page 20-21] ‘Etiamsi pontifex toleraret regem Apostatam, tamen Resp. Christiana possit illu [...] pellere è regno; quoniam Pontifex sine ratione permittit illum impunitum. Domin. Bannes in Tho. 22. 22. quaest. 12. art. 2.Although the Pope (saith Bannes) should tolerate an hereticall King; yet may the Commonwealth remoue him.’ And yet behold a greater mysterie of this iniquitie than all these: for suppose that the King deposed shall be willing to be reconciled to the Church: ‘Nec ius hoc recuperabunt, quamuis postea reconcilientur Ecclesiae. Simancha Inst. Cath. tit. 33. sect. 11▪Yet notwithstanding (saith Simancha) he may not recouer his Crowne.’ Let vs now see this familie of Corah.
Practise.
We will omit their Henries, Fredericks, Otho's, and like Emperours and Kings of former times: call but to minde that which hath been visible in our daies, the late Henry of France, concerning whom their owne Prophet hath published a Treatise, the scope thereof is this: ‘Henricum dignitate regiâ excidisse, Gallosque securâ conscientiâ in eum, vt publicae fidei violatorem, bellâsse. Liber de Iusta Abdicat. Hen. 3. pag. 370.The French haue with good conscience borne armes against King Henry the 3. and depriued him of his Crowne.’ Returne home, there wee see a Comet. The Rebell O-neele is vp in armes against his Queene: the Colledge of Sal [...]man bring pitch to quench this flame, and resolue thus: ‘Eos omnes Catholicos peccare mortalitèr, qui Anglorum castra contra Hugonem O-neele sequuntur; nec posse eos aternam salutem consequi, nec ab vllo Sacerdote à peccatis absolui, priusquam resipiscant, & castra Anglorum deserant. Determinatio Salamanae.Whatsoeuer Catholiques shall not forsake the defence of the English, and follow the O-neele, doth sin mortally, and cannot obtaine life euerlasting, except he desist.’ Shall we thinke that other priests can haue more loyall spirits? Impossible; as long as they receiue their breath from that Maister, who commendeth the former positions against the foresaid King of France. ‘Theologi illi fecerunt quod consultorum, Confessarierum, Doctorum fuit. Xistus Quintus Papa, vt habetur lib. de Iusta Abdicat. Hen. 3. pag. 370.Those Diuines (saith Pope Xistus) haue done the parts of good Lawyers, Confessors, and Doctors.’ His predecessor Pope Pius against our [Page 22-23] late Soueraigne: ‘Volumus & inbemus vt aduersus Elizabetham Angliae Reginam subdui arma capessant. Bull [...] Pij Quinti Pont. Max.We commaund the subiects of England to take armes against Elizabeth their Queene.’ Hitherto hath been manifested onely their violence against the dignities of Princes: now heare of their violating of their sacred persons in conspiring their deaths.
The sixth Reason.
Whosoeuer doth intend, designe, or practise the murther of Princes, must necessarilie be holden for desperate Traitors: But all Popish priests are guiltie in some of these kindes. Ergo.
The Minor proued by their Positions.
They professe all, that it is lawfull to take armes against their Kings, as we haue prooued: from whence wee may argue against them, as hee against a seditious one; ‘Cicero orat. pro Ligaria.Quis sensus armorum?’ What other meaning can armes haue, but onely blood? But not to dispute from our suppositions, but their positions, by these degrees. First the French Defence saith, that ‘Tyrannum occidere honestum est, quod cuiuis impunè facere permittitur, quod ex communi consens [...] dico. Libr. de iusta Abdicat. Henr. 3. pag. 262. & 270.Any man may lawfully murder a Tyrant: which I defend (saith hee) by common consent.’ Now ‘Facilè constat eum, qui quamcunque tu [...]tur haeresin, apud Christianos non minùs propriè perfecteque tyrannum effici; quàm qui apud Philosophos, spretâ ci [...]ium conseruatione, omnia in republica stupris, rapinis, & hominum caedibus implet. Reinaldus in suo Ros. pag. 157.It is euident (saith our Reinolds) that euery heretique Prince is most properly and perfectly a Tyrant.’ Which is supposed by the Spanish Iesuite; speaking of this point, ‘Vita priuari possint, tum multò magis omnibus alijs bonis, atque adeò etiam praelatione in alios. Greg. Valent. Tom. 3. disp. 1. q. 11. punct. 2.That if (saith he) they may bee bereaued of their liues, then much more of their liuings and renownes.’ And, which is the height of furie: ‘Imò grauiori poena digni sunt Principes haeretici, quàm priuati homines; [...] igitur & meritò Scythae regem suum Scylaen occiderunt, propter externos ritus, quia in Bacchanalibus sacris initiatus erat. Simancha Inst. Cath. tit. 23. Sect. 12. & 13.Hereticall Kings (saith Simancha) deserue [Page 24-25] more grieuous punishment than priuate men: therefore the Scythians (as he well deserued) did put to death their King Scylen, for violating their Bacchanals.’ Scythia a most barbarous nation is the fittest glasse that these priests can finde to looke their faces in. Well, shew vs then your Scythian and Heathenish practises.
Practise.
Let vs trauell (but in your thoughts) into India, ‘Arnoldus in Synodo Parisiensi omnem tyrannidem Hispanorum apud Indos solis Iesuitis ascribit. Gallobelgicus tom. 2. lib. 10.where (as your Arnoldus in his publique Oration in the Vniuersitie of Paris did contest) the generall clamour of the poore people was, that Iesuites were the causes of all tyrannie which was exercised amongst them.’ Passe homeward through Germany; there we see ‘Rodolphus C [...]mes contra Henricum 4. (fulmine Gregorij Pontificis percussum) bellum gessit, &c. Abbas Vrspurgensis, Cranzius, & alij in suis Chronicis.Duke Rodolph persecuting the Emperor Henry his King by force of armes, through instigation of the Pope.’ From thence wee come to France; where Clemens the Monke, as a bloodie parricide, did murder Henry his King. Lastly, to arriue at home, where after the Bull of Pius Quintus few yeres passed without such desperate attempts against their Soueraigne: that Bull bellowing thus, ‘Iubemus vt aduersus Reginam Angliae subditi arma capessant. Bulla Pij Quinti.We will & command subiects to take armes against their Queen.’ Which breath possessed all those late conspirators: Arden, Someruile, Parry, Cullen, Squire, Lopez, with others, all by instigation of priests sought the death of our and their Soueraigne. And now at this present, behold, and be astonished. A fornace prouided to consume at once, not onely the King, but also (because an absolute state assembled) the whole kingdome. Durst these Inginers [Page 26-27] doe any such thing without direction from their priests? First, they conspire by oath vnder the seale of the (here is a priest) Sacrament. Secondly, he that was to put fire to it runneth once and againe to the Seminarie at Doway, doubtlesse to consult with that priestly Oracle. Thirdly, he will not bewray his complices, except he may be warranted by a priest. And that this kinde of act is their priestly function, will appeare in the subsequents.
The seuenth Reason.
Seeing, ‘Nihil interest faueas ne sceleri, an illud facias. Seneca.It is in a manner all one to commit a villanie, and to commend it:’ We may argue, that whosoeuer shall iustifie acts of treasons, and parricides, are not vnguiltie of the same crimes: But all priests doe iustifie such hainous parricides. Ergo.
The Minor proued by their positions practicall.
The famous Cardinal and publique Reader in Rome saith: ‘Multi Pontifices Principes multos autoritate su [...] regiâ meritò priuarunt, vt Leonem 3. Fredericum 1. Othonem 5. Childericum regem Franciae. Card. Bellarmin. lib. 5. de Rom. pont. cap. 6. &. 7.Many Popes haue iustly deposed many Princes.’ Our Countrimen In the copie of his letter to Sir William Stanley. pa. 35▪ Cardinall Allen, Reinaldus in suo Rosaeus cap. 2. Reinalds, In his Dolman. part. 1. pag. 62. Parsons, inciting subiects to armes against their prince, do perswade by examples meerly rebellious: as resisting of King Iohn, of Edward the 2. of Richard the 2. of Henry the 6. as presidents to be followed. The Author of the booke of Gratias agimus Deo immortali, qui operis huius fructum (nimitùm, per parricidium Monachi) tàm benè anteuerterit. Lib. de iusta abdicat. Henr. 3. Deposing Henry King of France, doth sing a In his Dolman. part. 1. pag. 62. Gaudeamus for his death. And againe, Allen approueth the perfidious rendring vp of In his letter to Sir William Stanley, Anno 1587. Douentore; and incourageth the English malcontents [Page 28-29] to ioyne their forces with A booke intituled, An admonition to the Nobilitie and people of England. The inscription: Gul [...]helmus mise [...]atione diuina S. R. E. Tituli S. Martini in montibus Cardinali [...], C [...]nctis [...]egnt Angli [...]e & H [...]ber [...]ae Pr [...]teribus. the Spanish Inuasion. So the Colledge of the Iesuites at Salamane approued the insurrection of See aboue Reason 6. li [...] ▪ [...]. Tyrene. And doe not the most of that Sect canonize in their conceits all such popish ones, as haue been executed for manifest treasons?
An example of a notable patron of high treason.
Xisti Quinti Pont. Maximi de Henrici tertij morte Oratio habita in Consistorio Patrum. 2. Septembris, Anno Dom. 1589. Xistus Quintus maketh a publike Oration in his Consistorie of Cardinals: the subiect matter he sheweth is this: ‘Mortuus est Rex Francorum per manus Monachi. Pag. 3.The King of France is slaine, by the hand of a Monke.’ And what of this? ‘Rarum, insigne, memorabile facinus.This (saith he) is a notable, rare, and memorable act.’ But why? ‘Occidit Monachus regem non pictum aut fictum in charta, aut pariete, sed regem Francorum in medio exercitus.Because he slew not (saith he) a King painted in paper, or grauen in stone, but the King of France, in the middest of his host.’ Is it a wonder any should wonder that a Monke could murder a mortall King? seeing popish historie doe record, that ‘Hadrianus Pontifex excommunicationem Henrico 2. denuncians, ipse à deo maledictus, à musca suff [...] catus est. Nauclerus generat. 139.Pope Hadrian being guiltie of the like seditious practise against the Emperour Henry the 2. was choaked with a flye.’ Nay but if the Monke had killed a painted image, that had been an act farre more memorable, and lesse intolerable: notwithstanding no fact is good, because great; but therefore great, because good. Say then what is to be thought of the worthines of the fact? ‘Facinus non sine Dei Opt. Max. particulari prouidentia & dispositione: (pag. 5.) non sine expressa eius voluntate, (pag. 4.) & succursu perpetratum.It was a fact done by y• admirable prouidence, will, and succour of almightie God.’ How? by Gods will counselling and approuing it? ‘Nota quàm insignis est Historia illa Sanctae Mulieris Iudith, quae vt obsessam ciuitatem suam, & populum Dei liberaret, coepit consilium, Deoque sine controuersia suggerente, de interimendo Holopherne, hostilis exercitus principe, quod & perfecit, &c. pag. 8.Holy Iudith is famous (saith he) for the slaying of Holophernes, which she did not without the suggestion of Gods spirit.’ ‘Hic verò Religiosus aggressus est, & confecit rem l [...]ngè maiorem, non fine Dei concursu. Pag. 10.But this religious man hath done [Page 30-31] a farre more marueilous worke.’ O marueilous Religion! yet so it is in this sinne of parricide, where A Monke doth murther his King. The best word the Pope affoordeth the murthered, is, ‘Rex infoelix, & in peccato mortuus. Pag. 3. & pag. 9.An vnhappie King, and one perishing in his sinne.’ The worst he [...]oth bestow vpon the murtherer, is, Vir Religiosus. Pag. 9. & 10. Religious man. And thus in not condemning, but rather commending one traitour, he hath made vp two. Lastly, this Henrie (a note very materiall) was a Papist; onely he fauoured the Protestants, and especially Prince Nauarre (because a Protestant) excommunicate. By this Pope, this was his crime, vpon which ensued, This fact (to paraphrase truly of the Popes words) rare for the attempt; notable for the wickednes; memorable for the shame of the Sect.
The eighth Reason.
Those Snakes that do naturally sting, as soone as they get warmth, may not be harboured in the bosome of the Common-wealth: But all popish priests professe rebellions, as soone as they can presume of their strength: Ergo, &c. The Minor proued by▪
Their Positions.
Bannes maintaineth this as a necessarie parenthesis: ‘Sit haec tertia Conclusio: vbi euidens [...]dest notitia criminis, ante declaratoriam pontificis sententiam licet (si modo vires ei suppetunt) Regem de ponere. Dominicus Bannes in Thom. 2•. 2•. q. 12. art. 2.Subiects before sentence of excommunication (if they haue sufficient force) may then depose their King.’ This Father Creswell addeth as a warie caution: ‘Sit haec Cautio adhibenda, vt▪ vires habeant ad hoc idoneas subditi: alioqui in Religionis Catholicae praeiudicium cederet. Creswell. in [...]uo Philopater, pag. 198. & 199.Let subiects take heede (saith he) that they haue competent strength in such case: otherwise [Page 32-33] it may preiudice the Catholique cause.’ And least any taking an Antidote against their poison, should obiect the condition of the Church of Christ primitiue, and of the glorious Christians in those times, who intended not killing of Kings the enemies of the Gospell; but to be willingly killed for the profession of the holy faith: marke with what vntemperate morter these men daube vp the consciences of Christians, ‘Quasi verò eadem instituendae ecclesiae ratio atque institutae esse credenda fit; adde quod id tum non lic [...]it, dum impi [...]rum multitudo superior esses: sed neque illi Christum professi erant, vt cogi in verbae eius mortis supplicio possent; sed tum demum, scilicet, id datum est, cum impletum fuit id prophetae Esa. 44. Reges erunt nutriti; tui: & in quae temporae venimus. Lib. de Iusta abdic. Regis Henrici 3. pag. 278.Then (saith the French Defence) the Christians did only suffer, because the Church was not yet perfect, and because their enemies were more in number.’ Againe, ‘Illud non mo [...]eat quemquam, id landabile est; cum resistere nequeast. Lib. de Iusta abd. pag. 371.It is commendable to suffer when thou canst not resist.’ Which is the last▪ miserable refuge of their desperate cause. Whereunto notwithstanding their grand Cardinall is glad to betake himselfe. ‘Quod si Christiani [...]lim non deposuerunt Di [...] [...]letianum, Iulianum Valentem, id fuit quia deerant vires temporales Christianis. Bellam. libr. 5. de Rom. Pont. cap. 6. & 7. & 4.I answere (saith he) that Christians in ancient times did not beare armes and seeke to depose Emperours and Kings, enemies to the Catholique faith, because they wanted power.’ Whereby the now Romish faith doth seeke to make wicked men excuseable. ‘Ex hac secunda Conclusione sequitur, excusand [...]s esse Anglos, quia non se exi [...]nt exsuperiorum potestate, nec bellum contra eos gerunt: quia non suppetunt illis vires, [...]b consequentia pericula. Dom. Bannes in 2•. 2•. Thom. quaest. 12. Art. 2.By this second conclusion (saith Bannes) the English Catholikes, who now doe not take armes against the Protestants, are excused, because they want sufficient power.’ Hence we may perceiue that, that as long as Protestants liue safe, they must acknowledge thēselues beholden to the Popish faction, because they haue no power to hurt them: otherwise they may heare of thē before they can see them, peraduenture in such manner, as to ‘The letter of Tresham to the Lord Mounteagle.Receiue a terrible blow, and yet not know who did them the hurt.’ Yea they must perish: for ‘Populus Christianus obsistere tenetur conscientiae vincul [...] arctiss [...], & extr [...] animarum periculo; si praestare rem possit. Creswell. in suo Philopater, pag. 201.Christian people (saith Creswell) are bound in conscience and hazard of their soules, whensoeuer [Page 34-35] they can make resistance.’ These are yet positions. Now
Their Practise.
In the yeere 1580. when Campion and Parsons came into England, they procured a dispensation from the Pope, that all Papists in England, notwithstanding the excommunication of the Queene, might professe a large obedience in all temporall causes: but with this addition (Rebus sic stantibus) The case thus standing: that is (as the sequell did interprete) till you waxe stronger: for in the yeere 1588. when the Spanish Armado was a flote, when by doubling their strength, they might presume of the better: then our Countriman Allen doth write an Admonition to the Nobilitie of England, making his booke the Popes Nuncio to expound his former parenthesis. ‘In his booke of Admonition.Though the Pope (saith he) hath tolerated obedience vnto the Queene in temporall conditions: yet now our holy Father Xistus Quintus doth discharge all men of their faith and loyaltie vnto her.’ This is the Popes common guise; when he doubteth his faction shall be ouermatched, then to inioyne obedience: but it is onely in policie to gaine his souldiers a breathing, as Clement the late Pope dispensed with the Irish for their fidelitie to the Queene, till that he had some confidence of Tyrones successe. For then in the 20. of Ianuary, the yeere 1601. writ a letter for incouragement: ‘Clemens Octa [...]us.Fili dilecte nobilis vir salutem, &c. My deare sonne, all health, &c.’ After he calleth the rebellion, Sacrū foedus, An holy league; promising in the way of blessing an happy successe: ‘Deus [Page 36-37] pugnabit pro vobis, conteret inimicos suos ante faciem vestram: God will fight for you, and tread your enemies vnder your feete.’ But he (God be thanked) prooued a false Prophet.
The ninth Reason.
Whosoeuer doth perfidiously either denie or violate, with men of diuers religion, an oath, the most sacred bond that Ierem. 4. 4. God hath allotted vnto men, as the most secure Heb. 6. 16. confirmation of all fidelitie with men, and Heb. 6. 16. end of all contention; must necessarily be esteemed of them as a person perfidious and treacherous: but Popish priests are guiltie of such perfidie: Ergo, &c. The Minor will appeare in these three: 1. In the manner of disallowing: 2. Of deluaing: 3. Of dissoluing of a necessarie oath.
From the manner of denying a requisite oath, we reason:
Whatsoeuer seruant being demanded of his master, to say or sweare, whether if he saw his master assaulted by his professed enemies, he would defend or betray him, would either dislike the article, or deferre his answere, he should euidently bewary a treacherous disposition: But all Popish priests in like articles concerning loyall subiection to Protestant Kings, are in like manner affected: Ergo, all their other kinde of Matth. 26. Haile Master, is but to kisse and betray. The Minor prooued
By their positions and practises.
When as it is demanded of Priests (a necessarie article in ciuill states) what if the Pope should authorise the Queenes subiects to rebell, or other forraine Princes to inuade her realme; whether they would take part with the Queene, or her enemies? First they dislike this interrogatorie. Allen calleth it, ‘Allen in his booke intituled, A true Defence, pag. 68. 70.An vnlawfull, vnnaturall, intolerable search of mens consciences.’ This kinde of examination which Princes make for preseruation of the liues of themselues and subiects, Creswell termeth, ‘Examen iniustissimum & postulata sanguinaria. Creswellus in suo Philopater pag. 350. & 351.Vniust and bloody demands.’ And these questions Stapleton nameth ‘No [...]ae & capti [...]sae, in quibus i [...]est ina [...]ditum quoddam nequissimae impietatis, & barbarae calliditatis exemplum. Stapleton in suo Didymus. pag. 205. 206.Captious questions, wicked, and full of all impious subtiltie.’ As though Sampson were bound to put his head in Iudg. 16. Dalilahs lap. Nay but their answere sheweth that this interrogatorie was as necessarily inuented, as it is wicked impugned. For this being an inbred law of ‘Nata lex quam non didicimus, sed à natura exhausimus. Cicero pro Milone.Nature, to studie for a selfe preseruation:’ these men call ‘iniust and vnnaturall:’ But how sensleslie, let the very Vt i [...]gulent homines, surgunt de nocte Latrones: vt teipsum serues non expergisceris? Horatius.Heathen iudge: ‘Theeues watch to murder, doest thou not awake to saue thy selfe?’
Now secondly their delaying. When the question is vrged: whether if the Pope, or any by his appointment should inuade the land; which part they would take, then they shift footing, and some (as our Gouernours haue obserued) haue answered: ‘I wil then take counsell when the case shall happen:’ others, ‘I will answere then and not before:’ others, ‘I am not yet resolued:’ lastly, ‘I shall then doe as God shall put in my minde.’ As though these maskes were large [Page 40,43] enough to shadow their faces: which their Creswell hath alreadie discouered, saying, that ‘Si p [...]ntificis iussu de religione restituenda bell [...] decertar [...]tur, se conscientia salua facere non posse, quin partibus Catholicis adhaereant. Creswellus in suo Philopater pag. 352.If by the Popes command the warre should be vndertaken, to the end of restoring religion, then (to answere) that he is bound in conscience to hold with the Romish.’ This man speaketh without parables: make then but a pretence of religion, and farewell all subiection.
The second point is, their deluding of an oath by a new tricke of equiuocation, as they (vnproperly) terme it. Others call it reseruation: but most fitly we may name it Collusion.
Their Position in the Maior.
‘Cum Iudex n [...]n iuridicè petit iuramentum vel contra iustitiam, licet vti aequiuocatione secundum mentem suam, contra a mentem Iudicis, vt puta, quaerenti, fecisti ne illud? Respondeat, non feci; intelligendo inter se, non hoc tempore, aut, vt narrem tibi, aut aliquid simile. Tollet. Card. lib. 4. Inst. Sacerd. cap. 21. & 22.When any Iudge (saith one) shall demaund an oath vniustly, then may the examinate sweare by an aequiuocation: as for example, being thus demanded; whether didst thou that fact or no? he (though he did it) may answere; I did it not, vnderstanding secretly in his minde; at this time, or I did it not, meaning to tell it to you: or some such like euasion.’ If you desire to know the author, it is Cardinall Tollet: if his authoritie, De hoc illustri Cardinali Gregorius 13. Pontifex sic scribit: Dilecte fili, &c. Tanta est tua doctrina, quae longo & intimo vsu nobis cognita est, vt tua scripta, sicut caeterorum aliorum, iudicio atque examini subijci aequum non sit. Vasques Ies. Epist. Dedicatoria ante Com. in Luc. Vasques the Iesuite sheweth, he hath a speciall priuiledge from Pope Gregorie 13. writing thus vnto him: ‘We so approue of your singular learning, that wee hold it vnmeete that your bookes should be subiected to the censure of others.’
Now their Assumption in this case of our English iustice concerning examination of Priests: ‘Officiarij Reginae Angliae non iuridice iuramentae exigunt, quia Regina haeretica non est Regina. Greg. Martin. in libr. Resolutionis Casuum.The Officers of the Queene of England (saith Martin) cannot challenge answers and oathes iudiciously, because [Page 42-43] an hereticall Queene is no Queene.’ Vpon this sand is builded that which they conclude, namely, Allen, Parsons, Gregorie Martin, that ‘Si Sacerdos interrogetur in portu, vel alibi, de antiquo suo nomine ab aliquibus, qui [...]um habent suspectum, possit respondere illud non esse suum nomen, atque eodem modo si interrogetur de patria, pareatibus, am [...] cis, &c. Resolutio quorundam casuum Nationis Anglicanae.If a Priest shall vpon suspition chance to be asked either in any Hauen, or elswhere, concerning his ancient name, his countrie, kinred, or friends: he may denie all.’ And againe, ‘Cum Sacerdos sistitur ad Tribunal, vbi adsu [...]t magistratus Regni, accepto iuramento, possit illud praestare iuramentum, aequiuocando, quia qui quaerunt non iuridicè interrogant, cum sint Tyranni & velint punire bona opera. Ibidem.When a Priest is conuented before a Iudge, after the oath taken, concerning such questions, he may answere by the foresaid aequiuocation; because those that aske this oath, are not to bee accounted Iudges, but Tyrants: which point of aequiuocation (saith Parsons in his briefe Apolog. fol. 193. Parsons) is not only to be allowed by all Diuines, but iudged necessarie also in some cases for auoiding lying and other inconueniences.’ This man we see (as if he would driue out Satan by Satan) teacheth by lying how a man may auoide a lie. Yet this is the generall doctrine of their See Aquinas.Schoole, more than heathenish: for among Pagans this was a decree of conscience: ‘Fraus non dissoluit, sed distringit periurium. Cicero.Craft in an oath doth not lessen, but strengthen periurie.’
Now the practise.
The practise of this deuice of aequiuocation in Priests hath been found to haue been common of late, by experience of Magistrates. It may be thought to haue crept out of their S. Francis sleeues. For ‘Sanctus Franciscus regatus quâ perrexisset quidam homicida, qui iuxta [...]um transierat; manus per manicas immittens, respondit non transiisse illàc; intelligens, non transiisse per illius manicas. Nauar. Tom. 3. cap. 12.He (as Nauar writeth) being asked which way the murderer did flie, which runne by him; putting his hands in his sleeues, answered, he went not that way, meaning thorow his sleeues.’
The third abuse of oathes is in dissoluing them.
That th [...]ugh they take an oath of allegeance in cases temporall, yet their common interpretation is still with respect of their more supreame head, ‘Before in Reason 4. lit. [...]During the will of the Pope, who (say they) hath power to free both himselfe and others from the bond of an oath,’ which is their old Glosse, saying, ‘Debuit intelligi; nisi Papa remittat ei iuramentum: nam in iuramento excipitur au [...]oritas maioris. Glossa ad decret. lib. 2. tit. 24. cap. 10.That the case is so to be interpreted, namely; Except the Pope shall release him from his oath: because in euery oath the authoritie of a Superiour must be excepted.’
Practise.
Their practise we haue showne in the former reasons: we may here adde a more ancient example. ‘Ca [...]onicus quidam i [...]ehitur in Gregorium 12. P [...]ntificem, quòd tempore magni schismatis antequam port [...]en crearetur, iu [...]uerat publico & solenni ritu sese abdicaturum Pont ficia potestate; postea verò Ponti [...]ex electus noluit pontificatum d [...]ponere. Azorius Ies. Inst. Mor. lib. 5. cap. 15.A Canonist (saith a Iesuite) did inueigh against Pope Gregorie the 12. who in the time of a great schisme, did openly and solemnely sweare, that if he were made Pope, he would giue it ouer again: but being elected, hee performed nothing lesse.’ The Canonist doubtlesse wanted not a Canon to condemne this periurie, though the Iesuite vpon presumption of [iusta causa] doth defend it. Who also in the same volume holdeth their generall position, saying, ‘Aliorum quoque iuramenta possunt P [...]ntificis autoritate relaxari. Ibidem lib. 11. cap. 9.Other mens oathes may be dissolued by the Pope:’ so that when the Pope shall send but his Bull of freeing of our English, the bond of their oath will prooue as strong as the knot of a bulrush.
The tenth Reason.
Whosoeuer is so possessed with these former seditious positions, that ex Officio (that is) as he is a Romish priest, he must professe them: such an one is to be iudged a most desperate traitor: But al Romish priests, as priests, professes me, and othersome all of those seditious positions. Ergo, &c.
The Minor
- 1. Prooued,
- 2. Confirmed.
Prooued by an argument of Relation: That seeing the authors of this rebellious doctrine, are the principall Rabbies of that sect, and publiquely authorized with the ordinarie priuiledge of that Church: it may not be imagined, but the schollers are infected with the leuen of their professors and Doctors aboue named: to wit,
1 Tollet a late Cardinall, whose writings haue this speciall priuiledge by Pope Gregorie the 13. ‘That (saith Vasques the Iesuite) they may without censure or examination of any, be published to the world.’ Now the booke, wherein these positions, or rather poysons are contained, is intituled, De instructione Sacerdotum: That is, The booke of Instructions for Priests.
2 Cardinall Bellarmine publique Reader in Rome, in his booke intituled, Of the Pope of Rome, dedicated to Beatissimo, Sanctissimoque Patri Xisto Quinto Pontifici Max. Robertus Bellarminus. In principio voluminis primi. Epist. Dedicat. de Pontifice Romano. Xistus Quintus Pope of Rome, and authorised by the same Pope of Rome, to no other end, but (as he confesseth) ‘Ad eos iu [...]enes instituendos, quos à Transalpinis Regienibus autoritas tua reuocauit. Ibidem.To instruct those schollers, whom his Holinesse did send for from beyond the Alpes:’ [Page 48-49] that is, All Scottish, Polish, Flemmish, Danish, and English extrauagants.
3 Cardinall Allen, created of the same Pope Xistus Quintus, Anno Dom. 1588. to the like end: for in the same yeere, when the Spanish Inuasion was intended against England, he published his booke, intituled, An Admonition to the Nobilitie of England, as a trumpet of rebellion, to take armes against their Soueraigne.
4 Molina, Diuinitie Reader in the Vniuersitie of Ebor [...]ensis. Ebor.
5 Gregorie of Valentia, Diuinitie Reader in the Vniuersitie of Ingolstadensis. Ingol.
6 Doctor Stapleton, Diuinity Reader in Louan..
7 Dominicus Bannes, Diuinitie Reader in the Vniuersitie of Salmanticensis. Salma. another much infected with the same leauen, and yet priuiledged in Spaine with these commendations: ‘Legi & expendi diligenter iussu & imperio Senatus F. Dominici Bannesii Cathedrarij Sacro-sanctae Theologiae in Salmaticensi Academia in 2• 2• D. Thomae Commentarios, & nihil reperi limâ dignum, sed admiratione: vt appareat fore opus Theologis vtilissimum & fructuosissimum. Id (que) ego ratum mea fide iubeo. Frater Daques Regis Hispaniae Confessarius in Commentarios Francisci Bannesij.A worke admirable, and profitable for all Diuines.’ Dignified also of the Colledge of the Friers, called Minors, in these tearmes: ‘Ne tàm glorioso operi sanctae obedientiae meritum deesse contingat, hoc ipsum ei praecipimus in virtute Spiritus sanctisub formali praecepto, in nomine Patris, Filij, & Spiritus sancti, Amen: non obstantibus in contrarium quibuscunque. Fratrum Minorum de D. Bannefij Commentarijs Encomium.A glorious worke, which least it want his deserued obedience, this wee challenge in the power of the holy Ghost, vnder our formall command (without all exceptions) in the name of the Father, Sonne, and holy Ghost, Amen.’
We haue also alleaged The Resolution of the Iesuites Colledge of the Vniuersitie of Salamancha in Spaine, Anno 1602. as likewise Creswels Philopater, printed at Rome, Licentia Superiorum: By the licence of the Superiours; signifying the Iesuites there. What shall I neede to mention Reinolds (in his Rosaeus) a Doctor of Diuinitie, and chiefest man in [Page 50-51] the English Seminarie at Rhemes? Father Parsons (in his Dolman) a principall Rector in the Seminarie at Rome? Seeing all these be Seminaries, you may trie the young plants by their fruites. If any desire further experience in this kinde, he may consult with Carolus Malinaeus, and Pontus Tyardaeus, both Parisiens, and but euen now, before I can reade them, to be read of all men.
The Confirmation.
It will not be denied of any Priest, but that in these Popish Seminaries he hath vowed obedience to his generall Fathers in those Schooles: And it is as notorious, that all Generals are absolutely in [...]bralled to their chiefe generall the Pope: all of them, as hands and feete, to walke and worke, as that their head shall deuise. Which (as we haue heard in Gregorie the 7. Gregorie the 9. Pius Quintus, and others) haue ‘absolued subiects from all obedience, and charged them to take armes against their Emperors, Kings and Queens excommunicate, &c.’ Shall wee now imagine, the old foxes being such, that their cubbes can degenerate? If euer any of that kinde gaue hope vnto vs, it was the Secular Priests: who for a fit did write many things very truly against Iesuiticall rebellious practises: but after, perceiuing the Recusants to withdraw their beneuolence, as rather deuoted to the Iesuites; and that the Pope also took part against them, they searing their consciences, wholy submitted themselues vnto the Arch-priest, whose command, vpon occasion, is countermanded by the faction Iesuiticall. So that now we may aswell [Page 52] expect grapes from thornes, or a white Aethiopian, as loyall subiection from this Religion.
Thus haue I proued (deare brethren) the dogmaticall doctrines of these men, not particularlie improuing, or confuting them; for this (as I vnderstand) was not your desire, and therfore might not challenge of me such discharge: especiallie seeing that they be in themselues so naturally vnnaturall, that it may be concluded hereof, ‘The very commemoration o [...] them is a iust confutation.Haec recitâsse refutâsse est.’ So that (according to the example of our blessed Sauiour) onely relating the fact [Doe, &c.] without examination of the guilt, we may pronounce [Woe be vnto you Scribes and Pharisies, for you do &c. Woe, &c.] a condemnation against them: in as much as all such sinnes haue a brand of impietie in their forehead, whereby any may discerne them, as the Apostle teacheth: ‘Gal. 5. 20.The workes of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adulterie, hatred, contentions, seditions, murders, and such like; which whosoeuer doth, cannot inherit the kingdome of God.’ Being so condemnable in themselues in euery reasonable mans iudgement, that it may be said of them, ‘1. Tim. 5. 23.Some mens sinnes goe before them to iudgement.’ Notwithstanding if, as among these Romish professors, malefactors of all kindes vse to take sanctuarie: so these mischiefes shall dare to challenge the name of sanctitie or Religion: know (dearely beloued) that (as S. Hierom saith) this ‘Simul [...]ta sanctitas duplex iniquit [...]s.Dissembling of sanctitie doth double the iniquity:’ and that I am as ready to consute all forged pretences, as they can be to suggest them. Only at this time be you exhorted (my brethren) to [Page 53] take this antidote and preseruatiue against all such poysonable positions and practises; it is compounded but of two simples, simplicitie of Apostolike precept, & practise of primitiue examples. The blessed Apostle and true Peter, farre differing from this personate, doth thus admonish all Christians: ‘1. Pet. 4. 15.But let none of you suffer as a murtherer, an euill doer, or as a busie bodie, in other mens matters: but if any suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but glorifie God in this behalfe.’ So then Christians suffering for murders, may happily become martyrers, but neuer be martyrs. Secondly, the Primitiue example is plainly recorded by Tertullian in his Apologie, in behalfe of zealous Christians, who being in his daies persecuted of Tyrants for the profession of the holie Faith, yet auouched alwaies their faithfull allegeance after this tenour: ‘Tert. Apolog. Nos precamur, pro omnibus Imperatoribus vitam prolixā, imperium securum, domum tutam, exercitus [...]ortes, populum probum, orbem quietā.Our humble prayers to God, in the behalfe of all Emperours, are, that he would vouchsafe them long life, secure reigne, safe guard, powerfull armies, faithfull Counsellors, godly people, and a peaceable world.’ And to remoue all ielousies of Princes, though Apostates from Christ, holy Nazianzen is bold in defence of Christian loyaltie to stand at defiance (as it were) against all calumnious accusations, saying: ‘Nazianz. Orat 2. in Iulianum. In quos vestrūm; populum exastuantem contra vos, insurgere solicita [...]mus? quibus vitae periculum attulimus?Against whom of you did we at any time make any insurrection among your people, though of themselues prone to rebellion? Or whose death did wee euer conspire?’ Now in conclusion, doe but consider the last (I pray God euer the last) treason, and see whether it may not challenge the name of Mark. 5. 9. Legion, seeing there is found in it so many murderous [Page 54] spirits, intending and attempting in one blow so many execrable murders: that none can say of this most infamous euill, as the Prophet spoke of that most excellent good: ‘Psal. 48. 8.As we haue heard, so haue we seene:’ but contrariwise; That which wee haue seene, the like was neuer heard. God of his great mercie fashion vs to true thankfulnes, and them to repentance, to disclaime the Guelphish faction, and alwaies out of the confusion of their sinnes worke the conuersion of their soules: establishing vs all that call vpon the name of Christ Iesus with his sanctifying spirit, to the glorie of his sauing grace. Whereunto