A REQVEST PRESENTED TO THE KING OF SPAYN AND THE LORDS OF THE COUNSEL OF THE STATE, By the inhabitants of the low Countries, protesting that they will live according to the reformation of the Gospel: the xxij of june. 1578.  
CHARITAS   printer's device of Henry Bynneman 
AT EDINBURGH, Imprintit be Leighe Mannenby. Anno Domini. 1578.   


Collegium Sancti Johannis Evangelista in Academia Cantabrigiensi   bookplate of Saint John's College, University of Cambridge   

IN all humility and reverence, the inhabitants of the low countries do show, protesting that they mind to live according to the reformation of the Gospel, that since fifty years past and more, some of the said Countries have been severed from the Religion, commonly held in the Roman Church, for many reasons known to the whole world, as well by books published, as by the confessions of many, which have yielded reason of their separation, even to the death. And albeit they have curiously searched all the means possible to root them out, yet the more they killed and persecuted, the more the number hath increased, in such sort, that even in the time of the Duke of Alva, who as he hath surpassed the bloodiest Tyrants in all manner of cruelty, so hath he surmounted himself in this behalf, having put to death between eighteen and nineteen thousand persons by the hands of the hangman, having also driven away an infinite number of honest people lovers of their Country and common wealth. And yet sithence notwithstanding, that which hath been practised by Don Joys de Requesens, such devices have been set forward, as were forecast for the overthrow of the said Protestants, who contrariwise have showed themselves more openly than before, even in withdrawing themselves from the obedience and subjection of the Pope, to certain whole provinces: and a far greater number, leaving their Country, and the place where they were borne, desiring rather to suffer all extremity, going voluntarily into banishment out of a country so much loved of them that are strangers, and to suffer joyfully the loss of their goods, rather than yield themselves subject to the said Romish Religion. Then of the banishments of the Duke of Alva, and other the like, there have followed great and dangerous wars throughout the low Countries, the traffic greatly decayed, and the handy crafts transported, and made common to strange nations, in which things chiefly consisted the principal wealth of the said Country.  
But as the intent of the council of Spain, sithence this Country was joined to it, hath always been wholly to make these provinces subject to the spaniard, as in all places where they have set their foot, they go about to make the subjects their slaves and tributaries, and that the most part of them under the colour of reward and recompense, have long since devoured in their hearts the goods and possessions of the inhabitants of these countries. The occasion of persecuting the said Protestants, under the shadow of devotion, hath seemed to them a fit mean to achieve their miserable purpose to bring all under their government, after they had overthrown one of so great a side, reaping praise and commendation of many, both of godliness and zeal to the religion and service of God. So your highness and my Lords know, how the Lord Don john going no whit out of the way trodden by the Spaniards, hath gone about by policies and subtleties, to make these countries subject to this miserable estate of bondage, whereto the Duke of Alva was not able to attain for all his cruelty: and how by the will of God, that which many, and namely the said Protestants have well foreseen, hath been discovered, and made manifest to every one. Whereto at the beginning there was made resistance with one accord by all good countrymen, and lovers of their common wealth, Religion being set apart, until that the said Don john by placards, letters, writings, and people suborned being among us, namely by the jesuits and other like, hath laid such foundation, as hath seemed to him fit to breed and maintain a deadly division, sowing mutual suspicions, and defiances, by reason of the diversity of Religion, a foundation then very fit, whereon to build covertly a whole disagreement and division of the Countries, for of the one part he did blow continually into the ears of Prelates and other Ecclesiastical persons, and generally of those that make profession of the Romish Church, that the said Protestants had no other intent, but when they saw time, to take away their goods, and to lay in wait for their lives, that for their defence only he was in arms, and that he would warrant them from such and the like dangers, into which they would cast themselves headlong, unless they openly took his part. As to the contrary, he saw well enough that the said Protestants thought as much, sith that there was no speech touching the quiet exercise of their religion, and that they purposed nothing else, but as soon as might be, to make them eftsoons subject to the fire, in such wise, that of the victory of the common enemy, they could not hope for any other fruit, after they had faithfully spent their lives and goods, and all that which God had lente them for the most just defence of the Country, and for the expelling of the conjured enemy, but a new beginning of mishaps, which might 'cause that the said Protestants (judging themselves not to be more assured of their Countrymen, with whom in common they sustained the labours of the war, than of the enemy) took party apart, in good time regarding their surety, sith that in the end they saw no other remedy to save themselves. And although such wicked practices have not altogether fallen out according as they have been devised, which aught to be attributed to God's providence, who hath been watchful over this Country, and over the vigilancy and carefulness of our good superiors, and other of our good Countrymen, so near they had most dangerous effects. For whereas we should all have been united to maintain our liberty, and to preserve our privileges against the tyranny of strangers, contrariwise of this cursed seed have issued in many the fruits of cold hearts, estraunging, and withdrawing of minds, divers practices, secret assemblies, and intelligences with the enemy, and generally some falsing their faith, have openly stuck to him, and at the beginning making some show to defend themselves, have suffered themselves to be carried away by the said persuasions, which is the principal fruit that Don john hath ever hoped to gather by his crafty skill and dissimulation. And in deed, it is impossible, that the hearts and minds could well unite and draw themselves together, as in one body, where the one and the other being full of suspicion, think that every one hath him for his companion, who either is his declared enemy, or which hideth a secret hatred which in time and place must be discovered to the spoil of the goods, and life of his fellow, there is no trust, but rather a continual hidden defiance, that engendereth a hatred, and imprinteth in the heart all other sorts of vehement passions. And albeit that some ill experienced in dealing in the State and ordering of matters, as naughty chirurgeons, which sound not the bothome of the wound, but content themselves to cure the uppermost part of the diseased member: So these men only assay outwardly to heal the hurt, without discovering the root, to pull away altogether that hurt which wasteth us by little and little, even to our utter ruin and desolation. Notwithstanding these means can not close up the wound of our harms, but rather it cometh to pass that of the one side and the other, the lest fault that is committed, is, that the service of the common wealth is slowly and litherly done, and daily this heat of resisting the enemy groweth cold, and it is to be feared, that the enemy, who all this while is not asleep, but rather continually spreading among us flames of suspicion, will in the end lighten such a fire of division, that of the one side and the other, we shall be consumed and destroyed by the same fire, which our own suspicions and passions have nourished and maintained.  
These things have caused that the Protestants, having an unspeakable grief that the Religion whereof they make profession, in the which without offending any person, they seek nothing but to serve God with cleanness of heart, is so untowardly expounded, and that to their greatest displeasure, they see, that it serveth Don john for a foundation whereon to build his practices, (which are to oppress the one by the other) as good Countrymen and Citizens they have diligently sought out the wellspring and original of these mischiefs, and if they were redressed, it should be easy to come to a good unity, all suspicions being laid apart, and defiances extinguished, a thing so greatly desired of good men, and so necessary to the whole common weal. This it is, that of the one part they see in many places the Prelates, and other Ecclesiastical persons, to be in continual fear, that one day the said Protestants will set upon them, to the whole overthrow of their Religion, and spoil of goods. Of the other part, the said Protestants think, that they are only reserved to be led by them to the butchery, seeing that after so many loyal services, they can not have the liberty of their Religion granted them: whereupon there ariseth some proud speech of both sides, and overmuch liberty of the soldiers or people, which notwithstanding, under most humble correction of your highness and my Lords, might seem to be remedied, if in dealing with both parts freely, & without dissimulation, in disclosing among themselves the causes of the mischief, which is but too much increased, they would grant of the one part the said Protestants, the free exercise of their Religion, seeing that this is the only cause which bringeth them in suspicion, and causeth that some do enterprise matters not pleasing every man. Of the other part, that the said Protestants by meet means, should assure the said of the romish Religion, that they sought nothing less, than to root out by force the said Religion, to take away, and possess their goods, and to do any act contrary to the duty of their fellow countryman. Contrariwise, that they are ready to employ themselves for the whole preservation of the Country, and of all the inhabitants thereof, as well generally, as particularly: And if these things be executed, there is no doubt, but that all matter of division will cease, and a good peace shall be well established, the occasions of mutual defiance being by this mean taken away, and the old grudges and hatreds altogether buried.  
Most humbly beseech your highness, and my Lords, to consider the long time that they have looked, that the general Estates should provide for matters of Religion. But if for the discommodity of the time, the occasion be not yet offered to assemble, or else by the drift of some, who favouring privily the party of Don john, do let it, maintaining by this mean the said defiances, or others, which hope yet after the victory, to burn the said Protestants (means no less dangerous the one than the other, and no less unworthy of good Countrymen.) If then, for such reasons or the like, they could not yet well provide for this, it resteth only, (if by your most wise council there be no other remedy) the one of these two means, to weet, either that the said Protestants, who for some danger could not be brought to the exercise of the Romish Religion, do abide always without Religion, or else that in deed they take in hand the public exercise of their Religion. The first is so hurtful to the common wealth, that nothing can be thought more, for it bringeth with it the contempt of God, despising of Religion, Atheism, whereof followeth the breaking of the laws of God and Man. The second may be a cause of a division in the contrary, which might turn upside down the present state, the one taking one party, the other another, which might open a gap, to overthrow the one by the other, following the enterprise of the dead Escouedo, the very firebrand of this Country. But if the rules, and lessons of the ancients, and of those which have been reputed for their wisdom, aught to take place, it is certain, that in affairs of such weight, we can not take better council, than of our enemy: for if this argument of the diversity of Religion be the best weapon which he taketh in hand to beat us, it is good for us to set our side in order, that this falling out, serve not him for a breach, to make his tyranny enter in among us. And for asmuch as experience of time past showeth us that our sins have been so great, that we could not all be brought to one Religion alone, it rested (under most humble correction) to advice how without altering the unity of the Country, the one and the other Religion might be maintained without the prejudice of one and other.  
Whereupon the said Protestants most humbly beseech your highness, and my Lords, not to give ear to those, which to hinder so good a matter, allege first of all the pacification of Gant, secondly, that two Religions can not abide together in one Country, and thirdly, that there is no assurance, this point being agreed upon, that the Ecclesiastical persons may be maintained. For touching the first, it is well known, that the enemy hath plainly renounced it, by open declaration sent by Sieur de sells, that he would not in any wise hold it, wherein he showeth manifestly whereat he shooteth, and teacheth the said Protestants whereof they should take heed. Wherefore we are not bound to keep our oath with him, seeing that disloyally he first broke it. And concerning that which toucheth us among ourselves, for so much as the said pacification was concluded by the advice, and consent of other provinces, with my Lord the Prince of Orange, and the Estates of Holland and Zelande, it is certain, and nature teacheth it, without wronging of any, that there is nothing so natural, but as by the consent of the two parts, the contract hath been made, passed, and promised: so by the consent of the one part and the other, it could not be in part broken, qualified, and interpreted for the common weal of the Country, and for cutting off the secret working of the enemy. But the said Protestants think not in any wise to withstand it, nor do mind to be the cause of the breach thereof, seeing that they, abiding in the terms of the said pacification, most humbly demand and require, that by the mean of the general estates, there should provision be made for the free and public exercise of Religion. Concerning the second point, experience hath at all times showed the contrary, whether we consider the ancient or new Emperors, or behold the nations near adjoining. For it is well known to them which are but meanly seen in Histories, that the Emperors being at the beginning Paynims, have nevertheless maintained under their Empire Christians and Paynims, having whole legions of Christians, and the rest of their army Paynims, all marching under one general of the army. And notwithstanding there were found in that time, as at this present, uncircumspect counsellors, which did put such opinions into their Prince's heads, that the two Religions could not endure together, upon occasion whereof, the Emperors fell to persecute the most part, but incontinently they first suffered the punishment for such foolish counsels. Afterwards in the times of Christian Emperors, the like hath been a very long time, and not only that, but also among them that did bear in common the name of Christians, the Church hath been allowed to stand open to them, which held doctrine altogether contrary, which may be seen in the histories of Constantine his children Theodosius and others. As for our time, there are so many examples, that if we are to judge them by the number, one may sooner say, and more certainly, that whosoever hath gone about to abolish one of the two Religions, hath put his state in great danger. Howsoever it be, if we look about us, the two mightiest nations, and with which we are environed, to weet, Germany, and France, after so much spilling of blood, have found no mean to staunch it, but by condescending to the exercise of the one, and the other Religion. We bear yet in mind the great invasions that the Emperor Charles of most famous memory made into Germany, of the great likelihoods of good success that he had in the beginning, having subdued the better part thereof, and having in his power the chiefest, bravest, and mightiest Princes, the issue notwithstanding was such, that after he was brought to greater extremity, than ever such a mighty Prince was, he had no way to assure himself, but in condescending to the one and other Religion: your highness grandfather, a Prince of great and rare judgement and council, the Emperor Ferdinand perceiving that he had no other mean to assure the one and the other, & to take away the suspicions that were in Germany, condescended to the Religions-friedt, and since that time, there hath not been one mutiny in Germany, the Ecclesiastical persons might enjoy their goods, dignities, and pre-eminences with greater assurance, than in any other place of Christendom, & in many towns, as at Francfort, Worms, Vlme, Ausbourg, and others, is exercised the one & the other Religion, without division or uproar in the Churches of any of these towns. The Emperor of most noble memory your highness father, hath not only maintained that which hath been so well framed by his predecessors; but beside hath allowed it in his own countries, well perceiving that this was the only mean to keep his subjects in peace. In like manner, Rodolph your highness brother, at this present enjoying the sacred seat of his predecessors, hath not many days passed granted the same to the nobles of his kingdom of Hungary. I will not say what the state of Hungary hath been since Sigismond. As touching France, we are too near neighbours to be ignorant, that the streams of blood which ran in such abundance, could never be stayed, until that she had her liberty granted, which hath always brought with it quietness, as when she was hindered, forthwith the Realm hath been wholly on fire, ready to consume himself, & to bring himself to ashes. But if likewise we can take example by the common enemy of Christendom, to weet, the Turk, who knoweth too well what it is to bear rule, we see that he suffereth alike under his Empire, the Christians and the jews, being for all this in no doubt of any revolting, yet he hath under his Empire without comparison, more Christians, which do not acknowledge, nor will acknowledge the Pope, than there be in this Europe, which do acknowledge him. The K. of Marroques & Fleez doth the like. And as for the K. of Poland, besides the diversity of Christian Religion that he hath in his country, he hath also a great number of mahometans, which obey him, not having for this respect any commotion in his country. The Pope himself, whom they of the Romish Church hold for their head, & his examples for infallible rules, suffereth at Rome, and in all places where he hath any property, that the jews have their public synagogues, yea for a little money, he will suffer that every one may have it to himself. The like is seen in many Cities of the Empire. Likewise my Lords, the Estates here with us, have not let the said jews to dress their Synagogues in some places of these Countries, and that in consideration of a small profit, which in no wise is to be compared to that, whereof there is question at this present. And notwithstanding, the said jews do deny jesus Christ, and are enemies of the Church of God, the which shall not be found in thousands of Protestant's, which hope in Christ, as the only worker of their salvation, and are not enemies of the Church, but rather desire only the reformation.  
As touching the third point, the said Protestants can not so soon make known to all the world, the good desire they have to live peaceably with their townesmates and Countrymen, but hope in time to make most certain proof thereof, the said defiances being set aside, and suspicions taken away, the which they shall promise' before God to perform. In the mean season, they most humbly beseech your highness, and my Lords, to offer all such means of assurance, as you shall think meet, and they shall be very forward as much as lieth in them thoroughly to obey, and to frame themselves thereto, and persuade themselves with this, that they shall promise', that they will find some Princes, good friends to this Country, and great Lords, which will do them this honour, to answer for their faithfulness and steadfastness in their promises.  
These things considered, 
☜  the said Protestants beseech with all their most humble and obedient heart & affection, that it would please your highness, and you my Lords, as those to whom this common wealth his committed, and for which you are bound to give account before God & Man, that it would please you, in taking away all occasions of defiances, and suspicions among the poor subjects of the low Country, all which bend their eyes upon you, to found the means with the liking, and contentment of all, to agreed to the equal exercise of both Religions, until that it hath pleased God, surmounting by his mercy the multitude of our sins (which are the only causes of so many mischiefs) by the mean of a good, holy, and free council general, or at the lest national, to end the controversies that we see in this Country, touching matters of Religion, to prevent by your wise counsels and deliberations, so many mischiefs as you have seen to light upon neighbours, who with much ado can yet fetch breath, to cut off by your wisdom the enterprises of the enemy, who under the shadow of this variance, would cast us headlong into a bottomless pit of confusion, and by your ripe deliberations, to give contentment to all the poor subjects which feel the smart, but look for the remedy at their hands, whom they have chosen for their Physicians, and to be guided to the haven by them whom they have chosen for their governors. That it would please you to behold rather the examples of our neighbours and others, of which the one by their wise foresight have remedied the mischief to come, the other being taught by their calamity, had rather seek remedy, though the disease hath been long and deep rooted, than in despairing their own safety, to cast themselves headlong into utter destruction. That it would please you to have pity & compassion of them, that have placed themselves between your arms, & look not for any comfort next after God, but of you, and so doing, ordain, that by a sacred la of forgetfulness, all things passed of the one part may be buried, without that hereafter none may be sifted for any thing happened by reason of the diversity of Religion: and the said Protestant's shall promise' to submit themselves to all reasonable conditions, such as it shall please your highness to offer, to keep them inviolably, and to put in such assurance, as they are able. And albeit the said Protestants owe themselves, their lives, and their goods to their Country, notwithstanding they most humbly beseech, that it would please you to remember, how many years they have suffered, for the service of their country, and since the unity of the provinces, what their faithfulness & obedience is & hath been: but if any of them hath committed any act, which is not allowed of all, there is nothing whereto a fit remedy may not be given, and they are not deadly faults as theirs are, which openly under pretence of zeal draw themselves to the enemy. Although also that the said Protestants should receive any wrong which they hope not, they have determined by God's grace, to stick to that which they know they owe of duty to their country. Notwithstanding they trusting to your wisdom & equity, most humbly desire you to fulfil their request, as for a free recompense of so many travels, and for to encourage them more and more to do well, so shall you do well, and the said suppliants shall be bound to pray to God for the wealth & advancement of your estate, the universal & quietness of the Country, and as till this present, they have been very forward, and disposed to serve faithfully, and by the grace of God, without reproach to the common wealth, so shall they settle themselves by means thereof, to do better in time to come.   

 

   

TO THE READER.  
OF late advertisements are come over, that the xiiij of this present month of july, the Estates assemble themselves to deliberate upon this request, the sequel whereof is uncertain, for as Euripides in Iphigenia saith, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉: that is, God's doings fall out otherwise than men look for, and he saveth whom he loveth.