A blovv for the pope, or, A discourse had in S. Giles Church, in Elgen of Murray at a conference with certaine papists, plainely prouing that Peter was neuer head of the Church : with a short register of all the attempts and murthers vpon kings and princes in our time by the persuasion of the Iesuits. Robertson, Bartholomew, fl. 1620. 1615 Approx. 77 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 37 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2005-03 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A10823 STC 21096.5 ESTC S3099 33142645 ocm 33142645 28158 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A10823) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 28158) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1475-1640 ; 1883:2) A blovv for the pope, or, A discourse had in S. Giles Church, in Elgen of Murray at a conference with certaine papists, plainely prouing that Peter was neuer head of the Church : with a short register of all the attempts and murthers vpon kings and princes in our time by the persuasion of the Iesuits. Robertson, Bartholomew, fl. 1620. [72] p. Printed by G. Eld for Roger Iackson, neere the Conduit in Fleetstreet, London : 1615. "Epistle Dedicatorie" signed: Barthol. Robertson. Imperfect: tightly bound, and with print show-through and loss of text. Signatures: A-D⁸, E⁴. Reproduction of original in: British Library. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. 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Anti-Catholicism -- England. 2003-11 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2003-12 Aptara Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2004-12 Ben Griffin Sampled and proofread 2004-12 Ben Griffin Text and markup reviewed and edited 2005-01 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion A BLOVV FOR THE POPE : Or , A Discourse had in S. GILES Church in Elgen of Murray , at a Conference with certaine Papists , plainely prouing , That PETER was neuer Head of the Church . With a short Register of all the Attempts and Murthers vpon Kings and Princes in our time , by the persuasion of the Iesuits . REVEL : 14. 8. And there followed another Angell , saying , It is fallen , It is fallen , Babylon the great Citie , for shee made all Nations to drinke of the wine of the wrath of her fornication . Hieronymus . Heretici conuicti ad contentiones prosiliunt . August : de Ciuit : lib. 14. cap. 20. Non Theologi sed Cynici mores , conuitiari , & allatrare . LONDON , Printed by G. Eld for Roger Iackson , neere the Conduit in Fleetstreet , 1615. To the Right Honorable Lord , IAMES , Lord HAYES , Maister of his Maiesties great Wardrobe . THe Spirit speaketh euidently , That in the Later dayes some shall depart from the Faith , and shall giue heede vnto Spirits of Error , and Doctrines of Deuils . And surely , that Prophesie , if at any time , is truly accomplished in these our daies , on whom the ends of the World are come : For Blindnesse and Error is so vniuersally spread , like palpable darkenesse , ouer the hearts almost of all , that vnlesse the Lord had reserued vnto vs euen a small Remnant , wee should haue beene as Sodome , and should haue beene like vnto Gomorrha . The sinnes of the People , and negligence , with ignorance of Pastors , are the cause hereof : for the hand of the Lord is not shortened , that it cannot saue , but our Sinnes haue diuided betwixt him and vs , and hath made him hide his face , that he should not heare . The iniquities of the People haue commonly their beginnings from their Teachers : Therefore Christ , when hee was to cure the disease of sinfull Ierusalem , entreth first into the Church , there to purge the impietie of the Priests , which polluted with Couetousnesse &c. the Sanctuarie of the Lord : Like vnto a good Physitian , who searcheth the Maladie from the roote . For this cause are they styled Salt , Watchmen , Light , Trumpetters , Physitians , Souldiers ; and that they , in time , and out of time , bee able to Teach , Exhort , Rebuke , Improue , with all Patience and Doctrine : for who conuerts a sinner from the error of his life , saues him from Death , and couers the multitude of Sinnes . The Church is a Building , and Preachers Builders ▪ as the Church of Ierusalem was reared by the People with the Sword in the one Hand , and Trowell in the other , so must they with wholesome and sound Doctrine teach and resist the Gainesayers : and if euer there was need , now it is , when out of that bottomlesse Pit there are risen swarms of Locusts , ouer-couering the face of the Earth , making the People drunke with the Wine of their Fornication and Idolatrie , who haue taught the world , with the sonnes of Elie , to take raw flesh , and sow Tares among the Wheat . Now ( I say ) it is time to be powerfull in deede and word before God and the whole People : for he that will doe and say , shall be called great in the Kingdome of Heauen . Ecclesia est Ciuitas ( saith one ) propter Populi collectionem , sponsa prepter dilectionem , Ouis propter mansuetudinem , Ciuitas est , vigilate ad concordiam : Ouis est , intendite pastui , sponsa studere ornatui . Pastors are Woers in Christs place , beseeching the World to be reconciled vnto God. Wee haue therefore to pray to the Lord of the Haruest , That he would thrust out faithfull Labourers into his Haruest , in this great Desolation , and time of Corruption , when Antichrist hath setled his Throne in so manie hearts , whome the Lord shall in the end confound with the breath of his Nosthrils . Wee must not be partakers of others sinnes , in betraying the Truth with silence , but Foxes being driuen away , let the Bed of the Church be watched by 70. of Salomons Worthies : Of the which , as I am not fit to be named one of the meanest , so haue I put in my Mite ( for lacke of a Talent ) and snrowd me vnder your Lordships wings , against all Rabzechez Rayling : as Salomon with Nathans Conuoy and helpe ; the Shunamite by Elisha his offer , were shadowed as with Ionas Gourd ; so doe I , induced by your Lordships rare and singular vertues , cast my selfe vnder the Mantle of Protection . Kings haue waded in this Matter : Of his Maiestie , God willing , there will be more apt occasion to speake hereafter . But it is memorable in the most mightie Edward the sixt of good memorie ; to whome , on the day of Coronation , when three Swords were presented ( signes of the Kingdomes of England , France , and Ireland ) craued the fourth to be brought ; which was ( after enquirie ) the Booke of the holy Scripture , the Sword of the Spirit : Which did also , notwithstanding his tender yeares ( for he died at sixteene yeares of age ) compile , amongst other Treatises , a Comedie of this Babylonicall Whore. Accept ( Right Honorable ) this first of these Heads belonging to this matter : and so I humbly and heartily commend your Lordship to the grace of God , which is able to build your L. further , and giue you an Inheritance among them which are sanctified by the Bloud of Iesus Christ : in whose mercie I commit your Lordship . Ianuar. 26. Anno 1615. Your Honors in all humble dutie , BARTHOL : ROBERTSON , Minister of Gods Word . Simonis Rosarij Antithesis 15. Christi & Antichristi Anno 1558. ECce tibi Lector vani ludibria Papae a Pedibus Reges quem iuvat esse suis. Qui tribuendus erat Christe praesumit honorem iactitat & sancti , se caput esse gregis . Dic mihi quaeso Biceps , fietne Ecclesia monstrū ? impie qua quaeso , talia fronte refers ? Vah ; nequit esse Biceps diuina Ecclesia ? Christus qui caput est vnum ; Papa quid ergo ? Lupus . Huic caput est Christus sancti quoque Pastor ouilis atque suo teneras , numine pascit oues . Attamen ille suis immensum territat Orbem Legibus , & Populi , subiicit Arte Duces . THE FIRST ARTICLE : That Peter was neuer Head of the Church . THe vniuersall Church , as it is the Citie and Spouse of the liuing God ; so one part there of Triumphant , is the Companie of the Blessed ones in Heauen , who had runne their Race here , kept the Faith , and got the end thereof , euen the Saluation of their Soules : The other part is the Societie of Mankind , knowne to God , renewed in the Spirit of their Mind , purified by Faith , waiting the comming of the Lord Iesus to their Immortalitie . Of this secundarie part , it is controuerted betwixt Vs and the Enemies of the Truth , who should be the Head thereof ; Whether solely and onely Iesus Christ her Husband , who neyther can admit , nor will allow , of Spirituall Fornication , imparting Vitall and Heauenly Life , Light , Sence , and Motion thereto . Or whether there bee another Head besides Christ : so that the Church , Monster-like , hath two Heads to one Bodie . Wee , out of Paule , affirme , Christ to be the onely true Head of his Church : who vseth this Demonstration ; Hee by whom all the Bodie being coupled and knit together by euerie ioynt , for the Furniture thereof ( according to the effectuall power which is in the measure of euerie part ) receiueth encrease of the Bodie vnto the edifying of it selfe in loue , This same is , and onely can be , Head. But so it is , that Christ our Sauiour is the same , and none euer can take vpon them iustly so to doe to the Church , which is the Bodie , Ergo &c. Yet the Aduersaries to the Veritie contend , That the Bishop of Rome , whome they call Pope , should bee added vnto Christ , to bee Head of the Church ; leaning vnto this , as to the speciall Pillar and Ground they build vpon , Peter was the Head of the Church , The Pope is Peters Successor , Ergo The Pope is the Head of the Church . To the intent the whole Matter may be the more cleare and euident , and that a perfect Answere may be had to the alledged Argument , these Heads in particular are to be treated and discussed plainely ; viz. 1 Peter was neuer Head of the Church . 2 Peter was neuer Bishop of Rome , nor yet in Rome . 3 The Pope is not Peters Successor , nor could succeed to him . 4 The Pope is not Head of the Church , nor Christs Vicar . 5 The Pope is the verie Antichrist . First then , no man can denie , but if Peter had beene constituted and ordained Head of the Church , the rest of the Apostles would or should haue knowne it : For it stood them greatly vpon , to vnderstand to whom they should haue recourse in dangers , as to their Commaunder , and vnto whom they should giue obedience : to whom also they should render an account of al their proceedings , least they should wander , bestowing their endeuours ( as it would appeare ) vnprofitably , not gouerned by any President , who should either allow or disallow of their trauels in their Apostle ship , &c. But so it is , that they neuer acknowledged Peter Head of the Church , nor of any of the Apostles , much lesse of them all . Yea Christ , the wisdome of the Father , in whom the Godhead dwelleth bodily , and in whom are the treasures of knowledge and vnderstanding , leaueth no place to the vaine Curiosity and foolish inuentions of man , a little before his death , as it were taking his farewell and good night of them : for then wee attend the last will and wordes of our friendes most , they take deepest impression in our mindes and memories , how much the more aduisedly and deliberately they are spoken , as it were , by the heart , with great waight , not onely because the time is short and imminent certainty of death , ( for Christ knew wel his houre ) but also for that men keepe most eagerly that , whereof they haue no long expectation of endurance and continuance . Christ , I say , the night before his death , after Supper , recommended humility in his owne example to his Apostles , not to be lookt on only , but followed , did wash their feete : and to signifie with due intimation , that nothing in that whole action did come , but of his prouident foresight & knowledge , whereto he was priuy ; yea , and the Searcher of hearts did pry into the Closet of Iudas Treason , which Peter , when Iudas was taxed for it , did desire to know by the meanes of Iohn , who leaned on Iudas breast : If he had been Head , it was more competent in his own person to haue demaunded it . And for that they should be vnwelcome vnto the world , hee armes them with constancy and patience against the ignominie and shame of their future crosses , with promises of sending the Comforter and other some heauenly instructions : yea it was so farre from Iesus mind & intention , to ordaine Peter head of his Church , or of the rest of his Apostles , that hee before them all and in Peters owne presence perticularly foretells his deniall , if this was that Champion ( not to derogate to the Saint of God ) that was to be placed in primacie aboue the rest , iudge yee ? For when could Iesus haue more opportune time , or the Disciples better or quieter occasion to declare and heare a Superior appointed ouer them , then now , when hee should fore-speake his defection to him , and his Apostacie who so arrogantly relied vpon humane strength and fortitude ; beside that lately he had beene rebuked in the highest degree , by Christ in calling him Sathan , for apparantly Christ might haue forborne and tolerated the future head of the Church , and more mildly and softly entreated him , as in these and such like termes . Peter thy lapse wil procure thee to bee lowest of all , because it will bee the greatest of all , yet I will after aduance and promote thee to bee highest and head of all . Now hee was checked for intruding himself into the ciuil Magistrates office , who if he had beene to bee surrogate in Christs office might haue beene borne with , in some degree , yet so much as in him was , hee hindred the mistery of our saluation ; At all these times was good opportunity to conciliate to Peter in so open audience and famous places , both of the disciples and men without , authority and credit , if it had stood with Christs purpose to haue exalted and promoted Peter to the dignity of beeing head ouer his people and Church . But which is of greater moment , it may be , Iesus would conceale and keepe secret to himselfe the dispensation of that charge vntill after his passion , or then keepe it in his own person , not willing to make any participant of the same , vntill the time appointed in his good pleasure thereafter : yet so it is , Peter is heauily vpbraided after the Resurrection , as 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , a busie body in other mens affaires . In that reasoning , that Christ had with the Disciples , premonishing them that he was going and departing from them , and with Thomas , pretending his ignorance of the way hee should take ; if any , or Peter himselfe should haue beene substituted in Christs roome , was it not now ? When so familiarly hee disputed with Thomas , I will not say , but euen then he did answere to farre harder and difficult questions ; as the Vnitie of the persons in one Deitie , and if he should delay , and continue the deliuery of his mind in that point , would he not thinke you , once without ambiguity and equiuocation , both euidentlie and manifestlie thereafter haue declared the matter ? Yea , Iudas Lebbeus receiued a perfect resolution of his demaund , in the oeconomy and distribution in the matters of mans Saluation , which was to some manifested , to others hid : but of this transcendent excellencie there is neuer a whisper , and no maruaile , for he was to reserue that point to himselfe vncommunicable , not willing to diminish and lessen the same , by diuoluing that function to another , or though he had bin weary ( if so I may say ) to beare that burthen himselfe , as not of sufficient power and abilitie to discharge it , to the will of all his mysticall members , which did receiue spirituall Sappe and Iuyce of him , who is the roote , in the which his Church is engrafted , by a true , liuely , and sauing Faith. And into whom the Church , after a heauenly and vnspeakeable manner ( yet truely ) is vnited and encorporated , and so become one body with him , Flesh of his flesh , and bones of his bones . And we know it to be accustomably vsed ( for so did Moses to Iosuah at the Lords owne direction , and Dauid to Salomon , &c. ) to establish the Successor in the second roome , when one is eyther to dimit , or giue signification of the succedent , to preuent occasions of strife and debate which might arise , and are commonly bred for degrees of preferment ; but Christ remits and sends them to no mans Soueraignty , but as it were , manumits them , and of Seruants , chuseth them his free friends , and as friends haue most things common , cheefelie , wils , councels and minds , so saith hee : All that I haue heard from my Father , I haue declared vnto you ; but when said he , either first or last , that Peter was Head , or should be head of the Church , which Christ knew to be immortall , and Peter then mortall , which Christ told him thereafter , and the manner of his violent death . And that a man , no not all the men in the world can viuifie or quicken themselues : it is then farre off that one can viuifie another . But wee , when wee were dead in trespasses and sinnes , are quickned together , in , with , and by Christ , by whose Grace wee are saued : and surely neither Peter nor any of the Apostles , can transfuse or deriue any of the spirituall Graces one to another , in such sort as Christ by his Spirit , saue onely , as all the disposers of the ministers of God doe , by the liuely preaching of the word , &c. Therefore if it had been Christs contentment to haue vouchsafed that prerogatiue vpon Peter , when that controuersie anent Superioritie did arise ; surely he would not haue passed it without Decision , he is not the God of Debate , but will haue all things done in order , for hee would haue this scrupple taken out of the way , seeing them all as vpon a stumbling block rush vpon it ; A little before in their gazing vpon the stately building of the Temple and princely Fabrick of that magnificent materiall Church , and as they did after the resurrection dreame of the restitution of the Crowne and commonwealth from the vnnaturall tyrannie of the Romanes to whom they were Tributaries ( for now the Scepter had departed , and the lawgiuer from betwixt Iuda his Feete ) with close mouth , neither than nor now did he passe ouer , neither the matter & purpose it selfe , neither themselues vnreproued , but forespake the ruine & sacking of the Towne of Ierusalem , thereby taking occasion to Prophesie the consummation of the whol world , with the diuers Incidents at that period of time , when it should happen , as in that his Sermon most euidently shewes it selfe . But in that so high a Question , so earnestly tossed among thē nothing , the world and Ierusalem both shall perish , and they shall wax old as doth a garment and as a vesture shall they bee folden vp , and in Ierusalem ( as was then foretold ) is not a stone left vpon a stone , but the Church endureth for euer , and such an euerlasting and eternall head should it haue , which Peter in no wise could bee . This was I say the meetest time for remouing of the doubs , yet our Sauiour did not command to acknowledge Peter for head , which without all contradiction he would haue done if he had appointed him chiefe and principall ouer the rest , if so it had beene his intention , that the other Apostles should haue acknowledged Peter for their Lord and Master . Yet so it is that flat contrarily he deliuers and giues his Decree and Sentence , that there should be no principalitie nor primacie among them , but the greatest as the smallest , &c. For so saith he , the Kings of the Nations doe raigne , &c. but so it shall not be among you . In the which words he doth not onely recall them from such gouernment and regencie as is amongst the Gentils or Nations , but also hee disswades and dehorts them from all manner of Primacie ; for Christ answered to no other interrogation heere , but such as they propounded ; but they did not enquire of the gouernment and Lordsh. , of the kings of nations , for what was that forme of Regiment appertaining or belōging to them , out of a primacy which euery one of them affected among themselues , and vnto the which they would haue climbed , for they did chide among themselues , and were diuided , as it is said there : And forsooth if any might haue looked for a high place and promotion , the sonnes of Zebedeus , Iames and Iohn , ( Christs Cozens concerning the flesh ) wherevpon they did ground their petition by appearance . But there is no acceptation of persons with God. Their mother as meaning to finde greatest fauour both in regard of her kindred with the Virgine Mary Christs Mother , as also for her Sexe and humble behauiour , but all their suites were cast ouer barre , and they simply denied for the causes there alledged , which are not necessary here to repeat , and besides those reasons there set downe , they should haue remembred that Christ before had closed their mouth from such a subiect , and therefore taught them , that their desire proceeded from ignorance and obiuion . But it would seem Peter should haue his ordination , if not immediatly from Christ , in the daies of his Flesh , yet by the authoritie of the rest of the Apostles , who had receiued the holy Spirit on the Pentecost in great aboundance , but they neuer acknowledged such place in Peter , whose preheminence ( if any had been ) they would not haue neglected ; yet so it is they tooke vpon them boldnes to send both Peter and Iohn from Ierusalem to the Samaritans , whom they heard to haue receiued the word of God , for whom also the rest did pray and giue imposition of hands . Now he who sends and directs another is aboue him that is sent , else how dare he vsurpe that title and right as to command , either how can he look for obedience , or perfecting any point of dutie at the hands of him who is sent if hee be not subiect to the senders command & will , for it is not said the Apostles requested , or entreated , or besought Peter , but that they sent the other Apostles , hauing , from their meeting and present assembly enioined to Peter and his Colleague Iohn , equall with him in that charge , to vndertake that iourney , for the benefit of the Samarirans . If euer at any time , surely heere , Peter might haue stood vpon his estimation , and might haue reiected their ordinance as arrogant and presumptuous in extending their power too much , if he had beene head of the Church . It may be that Peter as hee was euer very willing and prone to vndertake , so heere hee would yeeld to his Brethrens desire , but who can excuse the Apostles ; yea and the other Brethren which were of Iudea , which could not haue a like place and authoritie with the Disciples of Christ , in many and divers respects , which are not here to be reckoned , to haue accused and caused Peter to giue a reason of his conuersation and Doctrine among the vncircumcized , in that he had entered vnto them and eater with them after the receipt of the word of God , if hee had been constituted head of the Church , either in Christs time here vpon earth , or yet after his resurrection , by Christ or his Apostles or by any other means whatsoeuer remarkeable , who can say , but that the Apostles haue done greatly amisse in challenging their Superior and not rendring that simple and humble submission as in such matters is requisite , and suppose it were tollerable in the Apostles , who were in like rank and estate with him ; yet if Peter had been mounted ▪ to that degree , he could not haue comported to heare himselfe so disgraced as it were , and contended against by those farre inferiour to the Apostles , and adacted to giue in his Apologie , clearely expounding and dilating the whol matter vnto them with all the circumstances thereof . Peter , if hee had been their Master and head , might haue put them to silence for their sudden strife with him , or else haue said , I haue done no wrong , I haue reason for my actions ; and that may suffice that I haue commandement by Reuelation from aboue , wherevnto I am priuie my selfe . Peter yet might haue deliuered in defence of his proceedings to the Apostles and Brethren of Iudea offended at him , for Peters primacie had not been divulged and made manifest to the Church ( if any had ) or for persecution and iniurie of the time it was suppressed and holden vnder vntill more conuenient time , while it should break vp , either ( truely ) in Antioch , or at Rome . But it is exceeding maruellous that Paul should not many yeares after haue got intelligence of the same seeing it was such a necessary Head in the Church as tending to calme & tranquill all controuersies when refuge and appeale should be made to him as vnto an Oracle ) for whom God sendeth in his worke whatsoeuer , him hee furnisheth fit and meet for the discharge thereof ) and being aduanced to bee head , his graces should haue surpassed the other Apostles , especially Paul , who cals himselfe an abortiue issue and borne out of time , and it is credible that Paul would not take that arrogancy vppon him , by sundry arguments to contend , himselfe no wise inferior to Peter , if Peter was head of the church , & that hee receiued no point of doctrine from him , or any other of the brethren at Ierusalem , to which hee did ascend by reuelation to know his conformity with them . Moreouer in recompting certaine disciples as Iohn and Iames , he placeth not Peter in the first order and roome : this is farre from his accustomed manner : who was so meeke as a nurse to her children , and who requireth his Galathians to bee as he was , for he was as they were , and to giue to all men their duty , scare to whom feare and honor to whom wee owe honor , but in Gods cause when hee did see Peter , that he went not the right way to the truth of the Ghospell , hee did withstand him to his face before all men , because hee was to bee rebuked , what can bee more euident ? We know when Paul was rauished in the third heauen and receiued vasions and reuelations , fourteene yeares before hee manifested the same , and heard words vnutterable : but of this preferment of Peter , there is not one siyllable , yea Paul was his contradictor in this place , where , hee bringeth his warrant , for in that matter and combate with Peter hee did nothing without expresse command , as not purposing one foot in that voyage without speciall reuelation ; yea and if the subscription and date bee true , hee wrote the same Epistle to the Galathians from Rome . Now in many other placees he comes to intimate by the spirit of Prophesie the condition of the world and the state of the Church vnder Antichrist , but of this prerogatiue of Peter at any time hee hath not one word , but that three yeares after his conuersion hee came vp to Ierusalem to see Peter and staid with him fifteene dayes , where Paul might haue beene taught of others , or of Peter himselfe , and beene perswaded of this his Primacy ; after soe many yeares since Christs ascention , and so many dayes conference and society with Peter himselfe , who doubtles would haue imparted to Paul , whom hee cal'd his beloued brother , all speciall comfort aud heauenly grace particularly this point of the head of the Church , if any other then Christ had beene , land so much the more for that Paul , of all the Apostles , makes oftenest mention in all his Epistles almost thereof , euer deferring that honor to Christ onely , the Sauiour of the Church which is his body , for Paul is farre off from grudging and disceptation , but his zeale must shew it selfe when Christs truth is peruerted as hee himselfe witnesseth . Besides this three yeares after God had reuealed his sonne in him that hee might preach him among the Gentiles , because hee did foresee that this verity should bee called in question , by them who would establish another head of the Church then Christ , hee conceites a graue atestation , saying , in these things which I write vnto you behold before God I lye not , as also more plainely in another place , whose preacher and Apostle ( saith he ) I am constituted , I speake the truth in Christ and lye not , euen a Teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity . Moreouer three yeares after his conuersion he passed to Ierusalem and fourteene yeares after hee ascended to Ierusalem the second time , now in this seauenteenth yeare after his calling to the Apostleship , which fell in the yeare of Christ , Anno 6. Paul testifies the Ghospell of vncircumcision was committed vnto him , as that of the Circumcision to Peter , and the Lord blessed and made both their Ministeries effectuall , So that it came to passe that Paul and Barnabas did couenant and giue their right hands of fellowship that they among the Gentiles , Iames , Peter and Iohn ( for so hee rankes them ) among the Iewes should discharge their Apostleship ; now it must be of necessity that if Peter was head of the Church , then hee was constituted head both ouer Iew and Gentile , ( vnles they would say , that hee was but halfe a head ) but Paul affirmes and that by their owne motiue and voluntary will , that the Ghospell of the Gentiles was committed to him and Barnabas and not vnto Peter , how can we say then that he was , or apoynted to bee , head of the Church , seeing he was bound and tyed by his owne faithfull promise , beside his Commission , not to meddle with the Gentiles in his Ministery , or was not that an vnfirme head of the Church ( if so I may say ) that had so mutilate a body , seeing the one halfe as it were seperated and seioyned from Peters Apostleship , he hauing obliged himselfe by his troth in his right hand to the contrary . Againe if Christ would haue Peter to bee an vniuersall Apostle both of Iewes and Gentiles , how durst Peter without speciall licence had and obtained of his Author , and euident certainties thereof , haue brought his calling into such streighths and narrownes so hastily or at any time after , that within foure and twenty yeares he should enter in league with Paul to dimit and forgoe , the most dificult part , and of greater confequence , because both that the benefit of calling was not generally offered before but counter-manded ; which was a mistery , as also for the multitude and greatnesse of the Gentiles ▪ for there was farre more Gentiles then Iewes , whom the Lord suffered to walke in their owne waies while there was light , in some measure , among the Iewes in particular places and persons , although not generally and amongst the greatest , and yet such as might make inexcusable , and for this cause Peter not vnmindfull of his charge , hee had contracted himselfe vnto , as hee taught , with great liberty and feruency among the Iewes , for wheresoeuer he might haue occasion , as wee see aboundantly in the Acts of the Apostles , so likewise by writing an Epistle hee taught the Iewes , Strangers which dwelt heere and there throughout Pontus , Galatia , Cappadocia , Asia , and Bythinia , contayning himselfe alwayes within the limits and bounds of his calling , requesting them to be mindfull of the wordes of the prophesies spoken so long time before , for vnto Iewes was it that the oracles of God were committed . And so did Paul also , being seperated to the worke , he was called to was sent a faire off to the Gentiles by the Lord by whom hee had receiued Grace and Apostleship to the obedience of Faith among all the Gentils for his name , and therefore cals it , the exalting and adorning of his Ministerie to bee called the Apostle of the Gentils , working in the Euangell of God , that the oblation of the Gentils might bee acceptable , sanctified by the holy Spirit , not but that it behooueth the word of God to bee first expounded to the Iewes , but since they did repell it , and thought them vnworthy of eternall life , he and Barnabas did conuert themselues vnto the Gentiles , whose Preacher , Apostle , & Doctor he cals himselfe , yet euer desiring to prouoke his Kinsmen , that he might saue some of them . And to whom I pray you can we better giue credit vnto then to Peter himselfe : for surely , although once he had dissembled in that deniall of his Maister in three-fold forme . And again ▪ in that euill example he had giuen to Barnabas and others , when hee is precisely challenged by Paul. Now would hee not haue hid his Talent in the earth , but that which was spoken to him in the eare , hee would haue spoken vpon the house tops , especiallie since he had promised by Christs Praier , his Faith should not faile ; yea , and it was enioyned him not to deny , but being cōuerted to confirme his Brethren in the veritie of those things he had heard and seene , as hee did also abundantly ; yet hee cals himselfe no other then Apostle and Seruant , not Superior : yea , hee names himselfe a fellow-elder with them who are Elders . And if it be so , how can he he iustly said to bee Lord and Prince ouer his Brethren , and rest of the Elders , shall wee giue him more then either Christ bestowed vpon him , or that hee would claime himselfe , or any of the rest of the Apostles and Elders would acknowledge him to be . And which is more , he requests them to feede the Lordes flocke which is amongst them , taking diligent heede thereunto , not by constraint , but willingly ; not for filthy lucre , but of a readie mind , not as though they were Lords ouer Gods Heritage , but to be examples to the Flocke , that when the cheefe Shepheard shal appear , they may receiue an incorruptible Crowne of Glorie : he forbids Dominion & Lordships ouer the Heritage of God , if he had so done himselfe , and affected Primacy in the Church , which was farre from the mind of this Saint of God , hee had wrongfully forbid that , whereof he was culpable himselfe . Likewise who will not esteeme it a great absurdity to repute all the Apostles , which then liued , and all the company of the faithfull to be Peters members , and all things that appertaine and belong to a spirituall body , to be communicated by him to them , which must be graunted , and that of most necessary consequence followeth , if we condiscend Peter to be head of the church : but this of Paul onely , in place of all that might be brought in , is plainly refuted , who doth esteeme himselfe nothing inferior to the highest Apostles , here is no exception of Peter , or Primacy , which Paul ( such is his modestie ) wold haue don if Peter had bin superior . And who would not contend Paule to be Head of the Church of the Gentiles , rather then Peter : because it is proued already he is appointed both by Christ , as also with consent of those which were thought to bee Pillars of the Church , and in price had conditioned to be the Apostle of the Gentiles . Now it is certaine , wee are not of the Iewes , but of the Gentiles , if there should bee any of the Apostles Head of our Church , it must therefore be Paul , who did correct Peters error in Antiochia , the first place of his alleaged seat and residence , to whom also euen their own great Bulwark Tho : Aquinas . 2. secunda quest . 33. sect . 4. & Gloss. ad Gal. 2. 11. doth make Paul equal , but not superior . Besides this , Paul was sent to Rome by God , that he should testifie of Iesus Christ , as he had done already in Ierusalem , whom the Lord did encourage to that effect : the which also by an Angell of God , sent to him by night , was reiterate , saying ; Feare not Paul , it behooueth thee to be presented to Caesar : And further , Paul was at Rome and taught there two yeares , and the Romans did thereby come to that perfection of Religion , that their Faith at that time was spoken of in all the world . Here is a speciall designation of Paul to goe thither , whither we heare of none to be formerly sent , appointed thereto by two seuerall Mandates , tending to one Scope , who did enter into Rome , exercised the Office from morning till euening , expounding the Law and Prophets , testifying and perswading of the kingdome of God in Iesus Christ , and made his aboad there during the space aforesaid in a house hired for himselfe , and receiued all that came vnto him , teaching with all boldnesse of speech without let , what can bee more craued in a good Bishop , then which we find in Paul at Rome , but in all this time there is no mention made neither by Paul of Peter , neither Salutation sent to him in any of all the Epistle Paule sent to Rome , neither yet any remembrance had of Peter in any of the Epistles he sent from Rome ; as that to the Galathians , Ephesians , Philippians , Colossians , the second to Timothy , to Philemon , vnlesse their subscriptions be faulty : No remembrance I say , neither any word of Salutation which Paul vseth not to omit , and that very largelie , yea , and not to forget euen the most obscure men and women , so they be faithfull of whatsoeuer degree . Now I pray you , whether Peter or Paul hath best right to claim the Superiority , or which of these two shall wee adiudge to bee Head of our Church ( if either of them be . ) And by the way ( Gentle Reader ) take a view , whether or not , Peter was euer at Rome , at the least neuer in Pauls daies , and if not then , hee neuer saw Rome with his eyes , as shall be proued ( God willing ) in our second Discourse . For the which cause Anthonius Pyranensis Legatus did say , it was not lawfull for men to reade Pauls Epistles : for I know ( saith he ) by reading of them , men may become Lutherans ; and therefore Ioh. Siluanus Atheseus . Pastor Herbipolis confesseth , that the Papists doctrine was false and Antichristian , and that he had learned that out of Pauls Epistles : which moueth Rhegius Gallicus Aristarchus , when he had burnt 9. in Lyons for Lutheranisme , publikely to proclaim , That if the holy Church had not receiued Pauls Epistles , & accounted them Canonique , he would not repute them better or of more credit then the Fables of Aesope . And therfore are they named by them , Armamentarium Lutheranorum . Fincelius writeth , that Anno 1557. a Priest in Forcham , a Citie in the Bishoprick of Lamberg , in his Sermon , alledged Paul to haue erred , and that the Sacrament of the Supper should be receiued vnder one kind only : And if it be not so , that Sathan should take him away aliue from out of his Pulpet , and so it happened to the great feare of all the whole Diocesse ; as the History written by the said Fincelius at length reports . And wee know the whole Scripture is giuen by inspiration of God ; and is profitable , &c. that the man of God may bee perfectly instructed vnto euery good worke . And that Timothy from his childhood hath knowne the Holy Scripture , which might make him wise to Saluation : Now since they conteine all things necessarie to bee beleeued , and that to beleeue the holy Church vniuersall is one point of our Faith , and for that the militant Church here is one part thereof : The head whereof is searched heere by vs , and seeing the holy Scripture directeth vs to no other head then Iesus Christ , wherefore is it that wee would bee wise aboue that which is reuealed , yea rather foolishly enquire for that which the Word of God hath been silent in . And pursue after that which cannot in any case become meet to supply and minister the vertues and duties requisite in him who should be Head of the Church , and those neuer were nor can happen in the person of any mortall . Yea Paul takes vpon him to institute Timothy and Titus to be Bishops , and prescribes vnto them , their particular and seuerall duties , yet hee sends vs alwaies to another head , namely Christ , and that which hee doth it is not of any power he receiued of Peter , for this he markes purposely as neither did Titus create Bishops in Creta by any ordinance deriued from Peter . I ioine hereto that Paul accompanied with Barnabas passed through all the Churches of Asia , in which they preached and there , by the Suffrages of the same , choosed Bishops and elected them , and in a word Paul in that most solemne and most accurate Sermon , rendred to the Bishops of Asia , neuer enioined them to submit themselues neither to Peter nor any other whatsoeuer earthly wight head of the church . And would hee obscure the same if it had been commaunded him , or any waies profitable vnto Saluation or quitting the estate of the Church , for hee declared vnto them all the counsels of God , yea and foretels them that after his departure there would greeuous wolues rush in amongst them deuouring the flockes and that euen of themselues should men arise speaking peruerse things to draw Disciples after them , as hereticks doe at all times , but he neuer remembred Peter vnto them , who should put order to this proud attempt and hainous tyrannie in the Church . If hee had been made Superiour to asswage the Furie and rage of Tumults and Schismes : Paul would not haue buried the same in the beds of Obliuion , but he euer directs vs a farre other course which is to CHRIST onely . Surely Christ is a Priest for euer after the order of Melchizedech leauing no Vicar nor Successor but his Holy Spirit which hee promised to send , and lead his Disciples in all truth , and to bee present with the Church for euer . To the which Priesthood in the New Testament neither by Paul , or whosoeuer hee was that was Author of the Epistle to the Hebrewes who speaketh of this matter at length , is mention made any to succeed the same , for hee had neither beginning nor ending of daies , as it was constituted in that Aronicall Priest-hood to passe from man to man , in Leui his posterity to the comming of the Messias who hath by his owne blood entered in once into the Holy place , and obtained eternall redemption for his Church which is his bodie , euen the fulnesse of him that filleth all in all things . And to the end neither Peter nor any of the rest of the Apostles were otherwise sent but as God sent Christ , But his Kingdome and Regiment is not of this world , for Christ tooke not vpon him to iudge and distribute of earthly and transitorie affaires , but hee by his word and Sacraments , which are the ordinary meanes to breed Faith , and by the operation of his Holy Spirit from aboue , doth effect the whole purpose of mans Saluation , instilling in mortall soules the immortall seed of the Gospell of the Lord , by whose power wee are kept through Faith vnto Saluation , which is prepared to bee shewed in the last time . And this is that precious Balme farre aboue that of Gilead , whereby Christ the Head of his Church doth annoint the hearts and cheere the mindes of his own Elect with vnspeakable peace descending from Christ as the Head ( like vnto Aarons Oyntment ) vnto his Church the members of his mysticall bodie sonnes of God by free adoption , Coheires with their Head the Lord Iesus Christ. If flesh and blood can accomplish these offices , let any reasonable man iudge . It is now conuenient we heare what our Aduersaries obiect in the contrarie , that by this meanes the truth may more brightly shine , and doubting braines be resolued , as also that those in whom the Veritie hath taken some hold may be cōfirmed and established , and way bee stopt to the vndermining and subuerting of the simple and ignorant . Scripture , say they , cals Peter first , and why should wee deny him the place which the word of God giues him . Answere . It is not one thing to bee called first , and to be called principal Lord or commander , for wee say Homer is the first of Greeke Poets , hath he therfore commandement or power ouer all the rest : Peter in order may bee called first , either in feruencie or magnanimitie or such like , but his authoritie and dignitie ouer the rest is denied . Secondly , Paul making mention of Peter about three and twenty yeares thereafter , inuerts that order and placed him betwixt the Bonerges , that is Iames and Iohn the sonnes of Thunder , to signifie that there was no hidden mysterie in that ennumeration , yea , and in the Catalogue , by sundry of the Euangelists , the Disciples are permixt . But if vpon Peter ( say they ) the Church was builded , hee must be Gouernour and Head thereof : for so sayth our Sauiour , Thou art Peter , and vpon this Rocke will I build my Church . Answere . Albeit there might be framed a Sillogisme in moode and figure , as there cannot be , because there bee foure tearmes ( after the Schoole-men ) which cannot enter in a right Sillogisme ( besides the construction in the Greeke and Latine Tongues , which altogether ouerthrowes the Argument alledged ) yet the Assumption is denied : for there is not meant Peter , on whome the Church should bee builded , but vpon Christ ( as with manie other auncient Doctors , August . Iohn , Tract . 124. ) Which Christ was that Rocke which he confessed immediately before to be the sonne of the liuing God. So Lyranus in Gloss : marginali super hanc Petram scilicet quam confessm est , ibidem in Gloss : interlineari & Gloss : ordinaria , Tu es Petrus scilicet à me Petra , ita tamen vt mihi retineam dignitatem fundamenti . Et Lyranus ibid. sayth , Quod Ecclesia non consistit in hominibus quia multi Pontifices & Principes inuenti sunt Apostatasse à fide . And so also Gregorius Nicenus in testimoniis Veteris & Noui Testamenti . But in stead of all these , Paule satisfieth vs when he sayth , No man can lay any other foundation but that which is layd , Iesus Christ. Then Peter is not the ground : Which if it had beene otherwise , beleeue we , that Paule would be ignorant of it , or of purpose denie so serious and earnest a matter . Moreouer , if the Church was builded vpon Peter , how was it , it did not fall when Peter , at the voice of a Maid , yea , and a long time thereafter , was relapsed and reproued by Paule , as is aforesaid , and whome Christ did vpbraid with the most vile name of a Deuill . Will the Building stand firme and stable after the Ground is sunke or fallen ? or rather , is it not the Foundation that vpholds and sustaines the whole Fabrick ? But that Church which Christ promised to build vpon this Rocke , could not fall : for so saith hee , The Gates of Hell shall not preuaile against her : She cannot therefore be founded vpon such a tottering Mould as Peter was . Paule boasts of himselfe ( and that truely ) that as a skilfull Master-Builder he had layed the Foundation : and shall wee thinke , that Christ , the Wisdome of God , would build vpon the Sand where the Winds beat and Waters rise , and made it fall , and not vpon that Stone , hewen out of the Mountaine without hands : And shall the Masons of Salomons Church bee commended for their Wisdome , that they should haue brought-great Stones and costly Stones to make the Foundation of that materiall House , euen hewed Stones , ( which was figuratiue of Christ and the Temple of his Bodie ) and shall wee not say , Loe heere is a greater one then Salomon . The Fathers all dranke of the Rocke that followed them , and the Rocke ( saith Paule ) is Christ. And certainely no man , yea the Deuill cannot denie , but that there is one Bodie , and one Spirit , one Lord , one Faith one Baptisme , one Hope of our Vocation , one God and Father of all ; and that this Church began in the Creation with Adam and Eue , and continued euer since in one Place or other , Familie or Kingdome , sometimes longer , sometimes shorter , sometimes larger , sometimes narrower , and had but one Ground , which now also , vnder the Gospell , as by the Prophets long since hath beene fore-told , the Gentiles are ioyned thereto . But where was this Foundation then ? What was the Ground that this Building leaned to ? For shame wee shall not say Peter was borne then , vnlesse wee-should make him as old as Adam and Eue , or then ( I tremble to speake it ) elder then them both ; for the Ground of the House must be first layd before Building be made . Surely , if wee will trust Paule , he will explaine the matter , That neither Iewes nor Gentiles , beleeuers , are anie more Strangers and Forrainers , but Citizens with the Saints , and of the Household of God , and are builded vpon the Foundation of the Prophets and Apostles , Iesus Christ himselfe being that chiefe Corner Stone in whome all the Building , coupled together , groweth vnto a holie Temple vnto the Lord , in whome yee also ( saith hee to them of Ephesus ) are built together , to be the habitation of God by the Spirit . If any point of all this can bee attributed iustly to Peter , hee is blind that cannot see . I know the Aduersaries of the Truth will trust Peter at least , who sends the Iewes dispersed vnto the consideration of another Foundation . If hee had beene that Ground that the Church should bee built vpon , would hee not haue claymed it himselfe ? If so be ( sayth hee ) you haue tasted how bountifull the Lord is , to whom you come as vnto a liuing Stone , disallowed of men , but chosen of God , and precious , and yee as liuely Stones bee made a Spirituall House , and a holy Priesthood , to offer vp Spirituall Sacrifices , acceptable to God by Iesus Christ. Wherefore it is contained in the Scripture , Behold I put in Sion , viz. the Church , a chiefe Corner stone , elect and precious , and he that beleeueth therein , shall not be ashamed . Vnto you therefore which beleeue it is precious , but vnto them which be disobedient , the stone which the Builders disallowed , the same is made the Head of the Corner , and a Stone to stumble at , and a Rocke of Offence , euen to them which stumble at the Word , being disobedient : where liuely , as it were in orient Colours , hee paints out that Romane Hierarchie and Antichrist . For seeing they stumble in disobedience at the Word of God both in Doctrine and Manners , dispensing with it , and substituting in place thereof Councels , Traditions , Ceremonies . For this cause they forge to themselues another then the true Head of the Church , and would haue a pretended Entrie and Passage thereto by Peter , without any Warrant or Approbation in the Word of God , as shall bee at length , in his owne place ( God willing ) euidently proued . But ( say they ) to whom the Keyes of the Kingdome of Heauen was giuen , him had CHRIST appointed Head of the Church : for hee had receiued 〈…〉 to binde and loose , remit and 〈…〉 sinnes : for al these tend to one sense and meaning , and soe said Christ that to Peter hee would giue them . Answer , if Iesus had giuen the keyes , and power to lose and bind , &c. to Peter only , it had beene somewhat , but so it is , that Christ promised the same in the person of Peter , vnto all the rest of the Apostles , as the foresaid Lyranus Gloss : interliniari vpon the seauenteenth verse of the same expoundeth , and soe hath Gloss : ordinaria ex Hieronimo , Habent eandem potestatem etiam alii Apostoli quibus post resurrectionem dixit , accipite Spiritum sanctum , habet eandem et omnis Ecclesia in Presbiteris et Episcopis . But why is mention specially-made heere , of Peter and of the rest of the Apostles ? Answere ibidem ex Hieronimo , Petrus specialiter accepit claues quod quicunque ab vnitate fidei et societate eius se seperauerint a peccatis solui et regnum coelorum ingredi non possunt . And Ciprianus lib. de simplicitate Prelator : in persona vnius hominis Dominus dedit claues omnibus vt omnium vnitatem denotaret . vide Augustinum in Iohn : Tractat 129. Secondly , it is answered , Christ said not ( do , sed dabo ) which promise Christ did perfect and accomplish thereafter to all the Apostles , with Peter , Wheir the first day of the Weeke , after his Resurrection , Iesus stood in the middest of them &c. and breathed on them and said , Receiue the Holy Ghost ( Is there a better Porter , or Key-bearer , of the Heauens then the Holy Ghost ? ) Whosoeuer Sinnes yee remit , they are remitted vnto them ; and whosoeuer Sinnes yee retayne , they are retayned , &c. VVas Heauen euer more lockt , till now ? Then none could haue accesse to Abrahams bosome , and enioy that Inheritance , prouided for them before the Foundation of the World was layd . But to shut vp this matter , well hath Augustine sayd , Tractat 11. & 124. & 501. super Ioh. If Christ gaue the Keyes to Peter alone , then the Church had not the Keyes after him but as hee answered for all , so hee receiued the Keyes withall . And what account hath beene made of them by the Pope Iulius the second , Aruoldus Farronus , Burdegalensis , Gallicus Historicus testifie : Which Gilbertus Ducherins translates thus : In Galliam vt fama est Bellum gesturus acerbum ▪ Armatam eduxit Iulius Vrbe manum : Accinctus gladio Claues in Tibridis Amnem Proiicit et saeuus , ralia verba facit , Cum Petri , nihil efficiant ad praelia Claues , Auxilio Pauli forsitan ensis erit . And seeing Iesus our Sauiour did commit the feeding , that is , the ouersight of his sheepe and Lambes particularly vnto Peter , would hee not haue him had one degree or other of preferment among the Apostles and aboue the people of the world for such direction was not giuen to the rest of the Disciples . Answere . Hee that doth feede the Lambes is not Lord but a Seruant , for so hee saith , Feede my Sheepe and not thine owne , yea and Peter makes an opposition betwixt Dominare in Clerum , to haue Dominion ouer the Lords Inheritance , and Pascere Oues , to Feed the sheepe . Answere . Secondly , Peter was commanded to feede the Flocke , not that hee should presume aboue the other Fellow Apostles , sed vt Apostolico muneri redderetur , vnde per fidei elapsum & Christi abnegationem excidit , saith Augustine : Thirdly , it is answered , for that hee specially directeth his speech to Peter , if hee loued him , and that three seuerall times , by Augustine ibidem . Christus rogauit Petrum num se amaret , ter , vt trini negationi redderetur tri●a confessio , & ●●minus linguae amore quam timore seruiret . For it was hee onely , among the Apostles that so openly and cowardly denied his Master , as it was foretold him , for the which cause no demand was directed to the rest of their loue towards CHRIST , &c. Fourthly it is answered to feed in the Scripture by vsuall forme of speach , is to teach and preach , &c. As also Lyranus ibid. and Arias montanus do testifie , with innumerabe others , and were not the rest commanded to goe and teach all Nations baptizing them ? &c. Or is it because Peter was commanded to feede , were the rest enioined to bee idle , remisse and negligent ? Or rather did not their sound passe through the world , and as they were commanded were witnesses vnto Christ both in Ierusalem , and in all Iudea , and in Samaria , and vnto the vttermost parts of the earth . Yea , did they not direct their wholesome and sound Doctrine both to Sheepe and Lambes . First , both yong and old , Master and Seruant , Husband and Wife as it is euident aboundantly in their writings and Epistles , yea both to Iew and Gentils , to those who are within , and those who are without . And shall we say therefore , that all they that did feede were heads of the Church . Gerion of whom the Poets Fable had not so many heads , but the Church shall haue many more which is most absurd , for they are all enioined to passe about the Lords businesse , yea and Paul affirmes that the cure of all the Churches did hang vpon him . To this effect saith Cyprianus , Lib. de Dignitate Eccles. Pastores , sunt omnes sed Grex vnus ostenditur , qui ab Apostolis omnibus vnanimi consensu pascitur ; Wherefore if all the Apostles were enioined to feede the Flock of Christ , then was not Peter onely . And if hee were commanded for the causes before specified so to doe , shall wee not thinke , that Christ ascended on high and led captiuitie captiue . And gaue guifts vnto men , some to bee Apostles , and some Prophets , and some Euangelists , and some Pastors and Teachers , for the gathering together of the Saints for the worke of the Ministerie , and for the edification of the bodie of Christ till wee all meete together in the vnitie of Faith , and knowledge of the Sonne of God vnto a perfect man , and vnto the measure of the age of the fulnesse of Christ , Which charge the Holy Scripture euerie where , and Histories of all times doe report . And suppose it were so that to feede the flocke would import him to bee Head of the Church , then reason I thus , Peter was appointed Head of them whom hee was commanded to feede , but no man will say , hee was commanded to feede the rest of the Apostles , ( viz. ) preach and teach them their Gospell wherevnto they were put a part and receiued by the liuely voice of Iesus Christ , for vnto them it was giuen to know the mysteries of the Kingdome of Heauen . It must needs follow therefore that hee was not , at the least , head of the rest of the Apostles , and so consequently not head of the whole Church whereof the Apostles were members . Yet say they if Paul ascended to Ierusalem to Peter to conferre his Gospell with him , and from him receiue authority for the confirmation of his Apostleship , that he should not tunne in vaine . Then it must needs bee that Paul did acknowledge Peter head of the Church . Answere , Paul did not conferre with Peter onely , but with Iames and Iohn also which were esteemed of price , and pillers of the Church Second answere , Paul himselfe denyeth that he did receiue ought of them , neither was inferior to them , and truly if he had receiued confirmation of his calling from them in that respect , he had beene inferior : And that which is of more importance , if Paule had acknowledged Peter for his Lord , and Head of the Church , How was he so bold I pray you , to withstand him to his face ; and so publiquely , in presence both of Iewes and Gentiles vpbraid his dissimulation , alleadging him to bee a Rocke of offence to others , who were brought into the like dissimulation . But thou wilt demaund what mooued Paul from Siria aud Silicia , and other farre distant bouilds , wherein he had planted the Gospell amongst the Gentiles , to take the second paines and trauaile vppon him to passe to Ierusalem , if it were not for the cause aforesaid . Answere . Paul expresseth the cause himselfe of his ascending to Ierusalem , was to remooue and cut off that false rumour which was spread abroad by false Apostles , that hee taught otherwise then the rest of the Apostles did : for these false Brethren did conioyne Moses and Leuiticall Ceremonies of the Law , new Moones , Saboaths , Circumcision , &c. with IESVS CHRIST and Euangelicall Doctrine , as simply and absolutely necessary vnto Saluation , which Paul reiected to be done ; yea , taught , that whosoeuer was circumcised , was fallen from Grace , and that by the workes of the Law , no flesh should bee iustified , but by the Faith of Iesus Christ , and not by the workes of the Law. Thus then I reason , if Paul at that time did ascend to receiue authoritie , and confirmation to preach the Gospell : then wee must graunt , that the foureteene yeares proceeding , wherein hee had trauelled in the Euangell , hee had openlie taught without any warrant , which is manifest absurditie . And last of all , if Paul receiued any authoritie of Peter to publish the Gospell : how is it that Paul declares , he was an Apostle not of men , neither by man , but by Iesus Christ , and God the Father which had raised him from the dead . It rests therefore , that Peter was neuer ordained Head of the Church : and that whatsoeuer the Aduersaries of the troth alledge for the establishing of his Primacie and Superioritie , is friuolous , and cannot abide the ballance of the Sanctuary , because they are too light . Wherefore , also in that third time Christ acquaints his Disciples with his Resurrection , most liuelie speaking and inuiting Peter with the rest , to eate after his vnprofitable labour all the night , he did not euen then , as it were , lastly designe him to such a Supreame place . And also he left vnto him a Propheticall declaration what death hee should dye , and would he not haue signified vnto him of this his great Stile in the Church . And this did Peter himselfe very well remember , and prepares himselfe for such a departure ; recommending sundry good and profitable Obseruations , Doctrines , and Lessons to the Iewes , saying ; I will endeuour therfore alwaies , that ye also may be able to haue remēbrance of these things after my departure ; but neither Christ remembreth in the Gospell at any time , neither the Apostles nor Brethren then remaining of the Church , acknowledge , neither Saint Luke the Compiler of that Ecclesiasticall History of the Acts of the Apostles recordeth , neyther yet Peter leaues any succeeding Monument of that meere vsurpation , which cannot fal without great blasphemie in any humane Nature . Soli Deo Gloria . ¶ Prophetia Frederici Jmperatoris de Excidio Romano , ad Gregorium Pontificem . ROma Diu , titubans , varijs erroribus acta Corruet ; & mundi desinet esse caput . O Roma , à Roma quantum mutata vetusta es , Nunc Caput es sceleris , quae caput orbis eras . FINIS . A short Register of Iesuits Attempts and murthers , of Kinges and Princes of our time . ANd that you may haue an inspection how carefully the Papists , who bragge of Peters primacy , haue fed the flock of Christ , and diligently administred the keyes : ( nam potest atem dedit remittendi non admittendi peccata Petro Christus , ) I will briefely remember that decree published by the Pope in the yeare of his great Iubile , proclaiming himselfe Prince of all Kingdomes , as well in matters temporall as spirituall : for he accompts it noe sinne , to bereaue Kinges and Princes , ( the Lords anointed ) of their liues : A breefe recitall whereof is heere set downe , and collected out of the Iesuites Catichisme , published in French , 1602. and experience in these our dayes . Lowe Contries . The Prince of Orange was killed by Balthesar Girrard borne in the Contry of Bourgondy , sent by the regent of the Colledge of Triers . Peter Pan ; a Cooper , dwelling at Ipres was sent to kill Maurice Prince of Orange , and Earle of Nassau , the other Princes sonne , by the Iesuites and Prouincial of Doway , executed at Leyden . Scotland . Robert Bruce , accused & sore troubled at Bruxelles , by father William Chrichton , because he would not kill , or cause to bee killed by some other , Iohn Metellanus my Lord Chancellor of Scotland . Maister Iames Gordon and William Chrichton , Iesuites , perswaded certaine of the Nobility of Scotland , to giue certaine Blankes which they deliuered , to George Carr , and were discouered by the indiscretion of Robert Albercrome , &c. England . William Parry at the desire of Bennet Paulmeo , in Venice , and Haniball Coldrett● , at Paris , was induced to haue killed Queene Elizabeth was Executed Ianuary . Edward Squire executed for intending to poyson the foresaid Queene Elizabeth of good memory , and the Earle of Essex , great Marshall of England , and after deputy of Ireland , at the desire of father Richard Walpole Iesuite in Spayne . Henry Sammier of Luxembourge , Iesuite , plotted with certaine others to bereaue the said Queene Elixabeth of her life . France . Peter Barriere borne at Orleance , by his first trade a basketmaker , purposed to kill the French King either with knife or pistoll in the midst of his gardes , at the request of foure Monkes of Lyons . Henry the third , King of France and Poland , was killed by Iames Clement , a Dominican , the which also had a caueat giuen in his Epitaph vpon the tomb of his hart , in the Church of Saint Clow , neere Paris adioyning to the house where he was slayne . Adsta viator , et dole , regum vicem , Cor Regis , isto conditum est sub marmore , Qui Iura gallis , Iura Sarmatis , dedit , Tectus eucullo , hunc sustulit Sicarius , Abi vi●tor ? et dole regum vicem . King Henry the fourth , striken in the mouth , in his royall Pallace of the Louure , in the midst of his Nobility , by Iohn Chastall a Parisian , executed the 29. of December 1594 the which King also was afterwardes slaine by Francis Rauiliack , borne at Angolesme , after hee had built the Iesuites a Colledge in la Fleshe , where the said King was borne , and had reduced them , and defaced the marble Pillar , in the which was recorded that first blow of the said Chastel , who was but 19. yeares of age , brought vp in the Iesuits schole in Paris . Italy ▪ Vpon Saint Steuens day in Christmas , as Iohn Galeas Duke of Millan went vnto the Church , three Gentlemen of a Towne named Cases of the families of the Empoignane Viscount and Olgiate , at the discourses of Cola Mentouan , doubted not to murther him though they could hardly escape the Dukes guard , for two of them were slanie presently , the third hang● Portugall , Sebastian king of Portugal was counselled by the Iesuits , to vndertaken iourney for the conquest of the kingdome of Fesse , where he was slaine in a pitch't field , lost boh his life and kingdome togither . Aragon . Antonio de Peres , Secretary of Estate to the late king of Spaine , escaping out of prison in Castile , hee with the Iesuists , moued the Aragonians to take Armes against the said king &c. But thereafter by the same meanes the Aragonians dissolue the armie , &c. The king of Spaines forces enter Sarragossa , where they pull downe houses to the ground , kild the Nobillity , raise a Cittadell withn the Towne , & since that time the king of Spaine had command there absolutely , as he doth within the rest of his dominions ; wheras before the people of Aragon had in their foundation from all antiquity very great priuiledges , against the absolute power of their kinges . Poland . Stephan Batori , King of Poland , & Sweden , was suboined to enter Sweden , that the Iesuites might be admitted there , Duke Charles his vncle & Lieftenant Generall answered , the people would neuer be brought to like of that society &c. The King is bereft of Sweden , & those places which were gotten by the prowesse of Gustaue his Grandfather , & kept by the wisdome of his Father : Poland being not very firme to him withall . And what shall be said of Iesuite Garnet , that Arch Traytor ? counted a Martyr by vild blood-sheders , the like conspiracy was neeer contriued since the creation , yet that horible attempt was approued by vnnaturall Papists of this Land , and alowed by the Iesuites Generall at Rome . And to end this , their custome is not onely to perswade to commit , but also to commend such diuilish and odious slaughters . Like as Iohn Duke of Burgundy when he had caused Lewis Duke of Orleance , Sonne and Brother to a King to be slaine . Produced Iohn Pettit Iesuite , who passed to the Ladyes Church at Parris & preached that murther to be lawfull &c. The which satanical violence was stiffly mainetained by them , vntill Iohn Gerson Chancellor of the vniuersity of Parris got him to the Counsel of Constance , holden by 141. Bishops , & procured such attempts be cal'd herertical . Yea Iohn Guignard Priest , Regent in the Coledge of Clairmont , in the Citty of Parris , approued the most cruell and barbarous paracide of King Henry the third , by the foresaid Iohn Chastell for the which he was led to the place of the Greue , there hanged , and afterwards burned . So did also Borgoin Prior of the Iacobins defend the same . But this is most memorable that Iohn Marriana , Scholemaster to the now King of Spaine , is not ashamed to publish defences for the murther of Kings , & dedicates it to the said King Phillip the third , printed in Cenobio Madrili 13. Decemb. 1598 and approued by Frier Peter de Onna , to the which the Vniuersity of Paris , agreeing with the word of God , opponed it selfe and pronounced the committers thereof heretiques . If this be feeding the flocke of Iesus Christ , any reasonable man may iudge : One did say very well , it was the duty of a good Shepheard to sheare the shepe and not to flea them . If they would knowe further of the Histories aboue aleadged , they may haue them in their owne Historiographers , And the Lord so blesse thee , that thou maist make thy vse hereof , to the glory of God , and honour of the higher powers ordayned by him . Finis . Notes, typically marginal, from the original text Notes for div A10823-e160 1. Ti. 4. 1. Esa. 1. 9. Ier. 3. 12. 15. Isay 59 ▪ Math. 21. 12. Math. 5. 13. Ier. 6. 17. Ez● . 33. 2. Isa. 37. 8. 2. Tim. 2. Iac. 5. 20. Mat. 18. 15. 1. Cor. 3. 9. Neb. 4. 17. 18. Reu. 9. 2 , 3 Reu. 18. 3. 4. Sa. 2. 15. Luc. 24. 19. Math. 5. 19. Math. 9. 38. 2. Thess. 2. 8. Isa. 11. 4. 1. Reg. 1. 22. 2. Reg. 4. 13. Ion. 4. 6. The Oath of Allegeance . Obiit 1553. 6. Iulii . Notes for div A10823-e580 Dist. 19. Notes for div A10823-e740 1. Tim. 3. 1 Cant. 1. 1. Pet. 1. 9. Rom. 12. 3. Act. 15. 9. Ioh. 15. 3. Ioh. 14. 6. Col. 3. 4. Ephes. 4. 16. Luke 11. 49. Iohn 13. 15. Ibid. 17. Ibid. 18 ▪ 19. Ibid. 31. 32. Ibid. 37. 38 Ihon 18. 11. Iohn 21. 22. Ioh. 14. 5 8. Ibid. 8. 9. Ibid. 23. 24. Rom. 12. Rom. 17. Act. 1. Mar 13. Mat. 23. Luc. 21. Mat. 20 , 20. Mar. 10. 35. Mar. 9. 33. Iuc . 9. 46. Act. 8. 14. Act. 11. 1. 2. 3. ibid. 2. Gal. 2 , 2 , 6. Ibid 9. 1. Thes. 2. 7. 8. Gal. 4. 12. Gal. 2. 12. Gal. 2. 2. 1. Tim. 4. 1. 2. Thes. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 2. Pet. 315. Phil. 2. 14. Gal. 11. 8. 19. Gal. 7. 21. ● . Tim. 2. 7 Gal. 2. 8. Eph. 4. 23. I. Pet. 1. 19 Act. 13. 27. 1. Pet. 1. 1. 2. Pet. 3. 12 Rem . 3. 2. Act. 13. 2. Rom. 1. 5. Rom. 11. 13 Act. 13. 46. 47. 2 Tim. 1. 11 Rom. 11. 14. Mar. 14. 66. 67. 68. 2 Pet. 1 15. 16. 17. 18. 2. Pet. 11. 1. Pet. 5. 1. Ibid. 3. 4. 5. Rom. 12. 16 Gal. 2. 11. Act. 20. 11. Act. 27. 23. 24. Act. 28. 30. Rom. 1. 8. Act. 28. 31. 32. &c. Alue . exami . Part. 1. Chap. 1. Ephes. 22. & 4 , 15. Col. 1 , 38. & ● . 19. 1. Tim. 4. Tit. 2. Gal. 1 , 1. Tim. 1. 1. li. 7. 1. 11. Act. 14. 23. Act. 20. Act. 20. Heb. 7. 1. 2. Heb. 9. 11. Ephes. 1. 23. Iohn 18. 39. Luk. 12. 14. 1. Pet. 1. 4. Mat. 10. 2. Gal. 2. 9 , Luk. 6. 14. Mat. 16. 18. 1. Cor. 3. 11. 1. Cor. Luc. 11. 49. 1. Reg. 5. 17. 1. Cor. 10. 4. Eph. 4. 4 , 5 , 6 Eph. 2. 20. 1. Pet. 2 , 4 , 5 , 6. Math. 16. 19 Ioh. 20. 22. Iohn 21. 15. 2. Pet. 5. 3. Ephes. Gal. 2. 2. 3. 4. 5. Ibid. 11. Gal. 2. 4. Cal. 5. 2. 4. Iohn 21. 3. 4. Ibid. 18. 19. ● Pet. 1. 14. Notes for div A10823-e5480 1600. 1584. 1598. Iun. 22. 1594. 1585. 1597. 1582. 1593. 1589. 1594. Gunpowder . Griffin and Wilkinson . 1415. Sess. 15. 6. Int. 1413. 1610.