A DECLARATION OF THE Variance between the Pope, and the signory of VENICE, With the proceed and present state thereof.  
Whereunto is annexed a Defence of the Venetians, written by an Italian doctor of Divinity, Against the Censure of Paulus Quintus, Proving the Nullity thereof by Holy Scriptures, Canons, and Catholic Doctors.  
ANNO DOM. 1606.   

A LETTER FROM VENICE, Setting forth the variance between the Pope and that State: Declaring the causes, proceed, and present issue thereof.  
SIr, I reckon myself so much in your debt, for your last advertisements, concerning matters lately fallen out in England, some in question, some in action, and all worthy of observation, As that I can do no less, then render some part of requital, by the return unto you again, of a true Relation concerning that memorable accident here with us in Venice, so famous in speech, (as sounding in every ear) so weighty in deed, (as drawing on great consequences,) and so remarkable in consideration, (as that our English Nation may make good use thereof) which in this my plainest manner, affecting more veritatis candorem, then ornamenta artis, I offer to your perusal; praying aswell your pardon, where I do not satisfy your curious eye, as your acceptation of my good intention, though I come short of your expectation.  
I hold it not necessary to discourse of the wealth, power, or amplitude of this signory, referring you to sundry copious and exact Treatises, written as it were to the life of this Subject, which describe as in a Map or Table, every matter observable for a requisite knowledge thereof. It may suffice therefore, for the opening of a convenient entrance into the Narration which I have undertaken to deliver unto you, That you do conceive thus much: The Venetian State is at this present, (as also of long continuance) very strong, and not easily to be shaken, their administration being fuller of Wisdom than Force, and yet withal of such Force, as (with a Wisdom not over hasty to provoke others) is well able to defend and maintain their own both honour and right. Their Territories are large and fertile, though subject to the affront of more mighty Monarches; Whereof the meanest (in course of hostility) may well seem so dangerous, as they are not slightly to be feared. And therefore it much concerneth that State, to stand upon a circumspect carriage of itself, not exercising acts of enmity with such their near neighbours, or ministering to any of them any unjust or offensive occasions. It hath evermore especially, and with strictest correspondence, (if not with overmuch addicted obedience) assured itself unto his Holiness, casting their ancre, aswell of their safety in worldly distresses, as also of their hope of eternal blessedness, into the deep and deceivable sands of the Romish dissimulation.  
This knot of league between the Pope and the Venetians, which oftentimes some great opposing Potentates endeavoured to untie, is now of late (I will not say upon an accident, but rather upon a very essential injury offered by the Pope) so cut asunder, as that many stitches, and much labour of the best apted composers, will not easily fasten or draw it together again. If you ask me, what miracle-maker hath had his hand in the working of this wonder; I must first answer you seriously, that GOD hath his times, and means to bring to pass his fore-decreed purposes; And useth out of small beginnings, to draw the thread at length to his own determined conclusion. Next, I will tell you merrily, That it is both the Popish proposition prohibiting Priests to marry, and the Popish practice of covering their habit of sin, under their habit clerical, that was the Factor of tearing asunder so sure friends. And lastly, take this for a Maxim, That the superlative supremacy of the Pope's over-awing power, endureth not any touch in the least part of his body Ecclesiastical, no not in the very heel or little toe.  
In the meditation whereof, and before I enter into my promised Declaration, I cannot contain myself, from pouring out my prayers to GOD, that he will bless this the Venetians encounter of the Romish pride, with the like success, which it pleased him to give to the like adventure, in the time of King H. 8. when he revived the question of the Pope's Pontifical decrees, & did eject his false and ill-gotten Supremacy; by which one blow so strooken, he hath left upon him the print of his fingers ever since. And surely if this one Capital point, of his strange, or rather idle Attribute of Power to dispose of Princes, were truly battered, there would such breaches be made upon him on every side, as he would easily part with that which he accounteth his strongest hold. You shall see how notoriously his Greatness, or rather unlimited Absoluteness, of Dixi & elocutus sum, displaying itself in his best robes and in his consistorial power, is now become contemptible, and held as a mere scorn, by his aggrieved neighbour State, bound by vows to all filial duties, and nursed up with the milk of Rome, close at his door, in Italy itself, where he showeth forth all his pageants of pomp and glory, And that upon justifiable occasion, and by proceed unreprovable.  
ABout December last, the said free, absolute, and undependant State of Venice, (finding nothing more necessary for continuance, or more estimable for dignity, then to suppress and punish enormous offenders) did lay the hands of justice upon two of their Clergy in clerical habit, the one an Abbot, accused of many notorious crimes; The other a Canon of Vicenza, for dishonouring of a Virgin. The imprisoning and prosecuting against these two, was the first stimulatory cause of spleen and division, betwixt the Pope and the signory. The Canonists held the State to stand (ipso facto) Excommunicate, without any juridical proceeding, for this their presumptuous, and Irregular usurpation of Authority beyond their bounds over the Delinquent Clergy, whom they ought (forsooth) to have remitted to the Censure of their own immediate superiors.  
The Clergy thus startled, and all sparkling with heat and indignation, posteth over their Advertisements of these supposed wrongs offered the Church, unto his Holiness; In whose Court, and about whose Person, they wanted not stirring Instruments to exasperate his anger, by other aggravating suggestions added to the former. The principal Agent that blowed this Fire, is suspected to be the Cardinal Delphino, one of their own Nobility, who (either to win in that Court of Rome the credit of a good Churchman, or to breed the more awe of himself in his own Country, or being (as he is) Bishop of Vicenza, where the Canon was apprehended, to hold up his own jurisdiction, with what prejudice soever of the State where he was born) holdeth fast as it seemeth, the ear of the Pope to his secret insusurrations. And as it usually cometh to pass, that where there is one hole already made, there every small touch will make the same wider and tear it out farther: So fell it out in this breach or contention: for now are the Venetians further catched at, and looked into, for former offences against the Church, to make thereby a broader irruption, and scandal upon them.  
First, they are charged with the retention of Decime due unto the Church; and for their ill affection toward their Clergy in keeping them down generally as much as may be.  
Secondly, they had passed an Act in the Council of the Pregati, whereby is directly forbidden the leaving of any land to Holy uses; ordering further any such Legacy to be immediately sold.  
Thirdly, the State having in penurious times taken money of certain Churches and Hospitals, at use of five or six pro Cento, refuseth now to restore the principal, tending that it hath been repaid in the very Interest.  
These causes added unto the first, and malignantly urged to his Holiness, were so distasteful, and so distempered his affections, as that shortly after, (having this grudge lying heavy and undigested) about january, in the time of Marino Grimani then Prince, he commanded the Venetian Ambassador then resident at Rome, from his presence, forbidding him further access, while the State which he served stood in terms of contumacy against the Church; And then with convenient speed, (the sting of this complaint still egging on his sharpness) he directed unto the Venetians a Monitoriall Breve, (as they call it) summoning them to obedience, and in defect thereof, menacing Excommunication of the whole State.  
This admonishing Brief was by the Pope's Nuntio not only defended and justified in public, but with his Oratory further recommended, as full of wise and loving moderation, Sith, by giving unto them both fatherly advise, and respite of repentance, it was rather an Argument of indulgence in his Master, then of any furious precipitation.  
Hereupon Leonardo Donato (now Prince) at 72. years of his age, was presently elected to go in quality of extraordinary Ambassador to the Pope, of whom (being ready to departed) the death of the former Prince made a stay, (not as if so urgent a business of the State, had given way to his private advancement, but because this accident did bring with it, a necessary excuse of deferring their answer to the summons, till they had made choice of another Prince,) all consultations ceasing in the time of the vacancy. Howbeit (this so solemn Embassage thus accidentally respited) It being thought fit in the mean while, to apprehend and employ all reasonable means in Rome, by the friends of this Rebublique, to remove the Pope's indignation with convenient lenities; It proved all of so little effect, that it rather turned into further exasperation, partly, through the Pope's natural tenacity, in whatsoever he hath once resolved, (which is a note of him in his Court,) and partly, by the cunning of the first instigators, (who still kept a watch over him in that business;) but principally, by the fore-expressed causes themselves, which in their own nature, and pondered according to the grounds of that religion, doth not admit any dispensation in such an occasion, where no qualifying can be used, without notorious affront and prejudice to the Pope's Authority.  
Whereupon, (after it was discerned that these cooling mediations by interceding friends so slenderly prevailed,) The State of Venice and their new Prince Leonardo Donato, (who as a private man for many years hath had great credit in that State) elected for Embassage toward Rome, the Cavalier Dodo, whom they furnished and provided with good reasons for the justification of the State; Namely, That concerning all those four points, wherein they be so blotted with disobedience toward the Church of Rome, they have sufficient and justifiable allegations, out of common reason, Nationall right, and privileges Authentical.  
And specially for the first, which seemed to prick the very master vein, by restraining and correcting the unclean conversation of their licentious brood of single fornicators, and was otherwise most incensive, as most derogatory to the Popish challenged exemption and pre-eminence. For which were delivered two reasons: First that some of the Pope's predecessors have granted a power unto them, to proceed according to the form of their Secular Courts against the Clergy of their own Dominion, In delictis atrocibus. (of which nature these must needs be accounted) Secondly, that they did not by any their judicial attaches, or proceed, inhibit or impeach the Ecclesiastical jurisdiction: But seeing that their immediate and competent judges through favours, negligence, or connivence, omitted their duties in such criminal prosecutions; that they were bound, both for the conservation of their State, and by divine Law, not to leave malefactors unpunished.  
This Dodo, whom as a very choice man of great worth and wisdom, they had (as their manner is) chosen by their balls, to the composing of this business, was also further instructed in some circumstantial carriages, As by fair speech of their professed zeal unto the Church and his Holiness, to assuage his angry and over-vehement intentions; And to find out and pursue any likely means of saving the Pope's reputation, whom they might perceive to be the more stiff and untractable, because he had proceeded so far already, as that he could not handsomely make stop or go back.  
And lastly, to pass over that impediment and objection, devised by the Factors and followers of the Pope, obtruding to the Venetians as a precedent what they should do, the State of Genua; (Who hath lately in divers things satisfied his Holiness,) that therein a difference might be sought out, and insisted upon, between the case of this Common wealth, and that of Genua, (showing itself to the Sea of Rome so subject and obsequious) which example the Venetians much stomached, and are very sensitive of the comparison with that precedent.  
The Cavalier Dodo, being in readiness to departed for Rome, it was thought fit to sound first, whether he should be received with all circumstance, according to the dignity of the State, being afraid of a public scorn, and meaning to proceed in this business, from point to point very curiously, as pretermitting no precise regard, And taking assurance either directly from Rome, of good acceptation in plain delivered terms, or comfortably presupposing the same by a construction (which might easily take hold of minds well inclined) because the Pope had since the Monitoriall, sent to them a congratulatory Brief (which perhaps was his complementing with the new Prince,) which they reckoned as some sign of his relenting. They dispatched Dodo, with opinion that their just Arguments would be allowed of. He had as Associate in these affairs, the then Ambassador resident, that with the concurrence of both their advises and labours, the desired effect might be the easier attained unto. Notwithstanding all the diligence and forwardness of both these Ministers, the Pope like to a shrew, the more earnestly that he was instanced, the more crossly he gave his answers; And in the end became so stately, as he would endure no more debatings or entreat, but with a Papal sternness he proceeded to the publishing of his Excommunication against this whole State, though in the same he made a reservation of seven and twenty days for repentance.  
The Venetians, after notice taken of this extremity, (finding so small likelihood of reducing the raging passions of the Pope, to such a pacification as might stand with their contentment and reputation) began to take unto them such confidence & comfort, as both the goodness of their cause, (which was nothing else but the execution of justice) and the honour of their State, (which hath not used to stoop with base obsequiousness) could worthily inspire them with. Wherein that you may know how their spirits did presently sparkle, and were set on fire, by the tidings of these fulminations, they forthwith published in the chief places of the City by sound of Trumpet, a Proclamation to this effect, That whosoever hath received from Rome any Copy of a Papal Interdict, published there, aswell against the Law of God, as against the honour of this Commonwealth, shall presently render it unto the Council of Ten, upon pain of death.  
Wherein, I pray you, let me make bold to observe unto you by way of a Parenthesis, (which I have hitherto spared to interpose for fear of interrupting the contexture of the Story) that this so grave, judicious, and most advised Senate, desteineth and defaceth the Pope, even for his spiritual usurpations, by laying upon him the public note of having erred against the word of God itself, and that in a consistorial and Cathedral conclusion (as the Schoolmen term it) and that they stick not to reward with death the publishers of the Pope's Bull of Interdiction: Wherein, for that (to my understanding) they do speak verbatim our English Laws, holding consent with us by the very directions of Reason, I would have our English Catholics (for by a Popefashion they will needs usurp that name) to know that the King of Great BRITAIN, and that Nation, hath better cause to denounce and execute death against Offenders in that kind, than the Venetians, formerly, and at all times obliged to the Laws and government of that Church of Papal superstition.  
But I must go on with their other passages and proceed, which (to be a true witness unto them) were all in every circumstance very suitable and approoveable. In the beginning of May, (after mature deliberation, & constant resolution to uphold the Rights of their Magistracy, together with their right proceed, unculpable, and not subject to any just exception,) they concluded in Senate, upon the composing and publishing of a Protestation, in answer of the Pope's cursing, or cursed Bul; Which being conceived, and expressed both for form, and matter, so exquisite, as that any my interpreting, amplifying, or abbreviating thereof, might diminish or deface the perfection which in it is native, I do send herewith unto you, truly copied for your more diligent perusal.  

LEONARDO DONATO BY THE GRACE of God Duke of Venice, etc.  
To the most Reverend patriarchs, Archbishops, Bishops, of all our Dominions of VENICE, And to all Vicars, Abbots, Priors, Rectors of Parish Churches, and other Prelates Ecclesiastical, Health.  
IT hath come to our knowledge that the 17. of April last passed, by order of the most holy Father Pope Paul the fift, was published and affixed in Rome a certain Bull thundered out against us, our Senate and Dominion, directed to you, of such Tenor and Contents as therein appeareth. Whereupon finding ourselves bound to preserve in peace and tranquillity the State which God hath given us to govern: and to maintain the Authority of a Prince that in temporal affairs acknowledgeth no Superior under the Divine Majesty; We by these our public letters protest before God, and to all the world, that we have not failed to use all possible means to make his Hol. capable of our most strong and insoluble Reasons. First, by our Ambassador Lieger with his Haul Then by our letters, responsive to Briefs written by him; and finally by a special Ambassador sent for this very purpose. But finding his Hol. ears shut unto us, and seeing the foresaid Bull to have been published against the form of all reason, and contrary to that which the divine Scriptures, the doctrine of holy Fathers, and the sacred Canons do teach us in prejudice of the secular Authority given us from God, and of the liberty of our State, with disturbance of the quiet possession, which by God's grace our faithful Subjects under our government hold of their goods, honours and lives, with universal and grievous scandal of all: We doubt not a whit to hold the foresaid Bull, not only for unjust and unlawful, but also for annulled and of no value, and so without force, frustrated, and unlawfully thundered, De facto nullo juris ordine seruato. Wherefore we have reputed it convenient to use against the same such remedies as our Ancestors and other Sovereign Princes have used with Popes, that have extended the power given them by God for edification, beyond their limits: Especially being persuaded that by your and other our Loyal Subjects, and by the whole world it shall be so held and reputed: Assuring ourselves, that as you have hitherto attended to the Cure of souls of our faithful Subjects, and to the Divine Service, which through your diligence flourisheth in this our State no less than in any other, so you will hereafter continue in the self same pastoral care. It being our most steadfast Resolution to continue in the holy Catholic and Apostolic faith, and in the observance of the Holy Roman Church, even as our Predecessors from the beginning of the foundation of this City till this present by the grace of God have done. And we will that these our Letters for the understanding of all men be affixed in the public places of this our City, and so of all other Subject to our Dominion, Assuring ourselves that so manifest a publication will come to the ears of all such as have had knowledge of the foresaid Bull; and also to the notice of his Hol. whom we beseech our Lord GOD to inspire that he may understand the Nullity of his Bull, and of other his Attempts against us, and that he taking knowledge of the justice of our cause, we may be encouraged to observe our Reverence to the Holy Sea Apostolic, of the which we and our forefathers, together with this Commonwealth, have been, and will be ever most devoted.  
Given at our ducal Palace the sixth of May in the fourth Indiction. 1606. Giacomo Girardo, Secretary.   
THis is to be noted, that before the publication of this Protesta, they called the Pope's Nuntio to the College, and gave him knowledge thereof; where it being pronounced before him, by a Secretary of State Exscripto (as is usual) he craved a second view thereof, in the next room: which being granted him, after he had changed countenance at some things much displeasing him, he took his Priest's cap, and striking himself therewith upon the right thigh, broke forth into these words, Io so i si (o Papa Paulo 5.) i ti vogliono ubidire.  
But for a matter of better note, and more memorable, I commend this unto you, That in the Protesta (as in all other Acts of the State since the said 17. day of April) there hath been seen such unity, not only of judgement, but even in passion among them, that one only ball did fail in the whole Senate, which yet was not in the negative box, but in a box of a neutral nature, suspending the assent of the party.  
After the solemn publication of this Protesta, the Ambassadors departed on both sides; The Nuntio first, and with leave demanded and granted, civilly and easily: but the ‛ Venetian Resident at Rome, was thence sent away with violence. For the Pope by a Bishop commanded him to be gone, unless he would remain there in private quality. The Cavalier Dodo was before returned by order from the State. Their own moderate proceeding with the Nuntio, matched in comparison with the harsh, & splenetike discharge of their Ambassador, maketh that sending away of him, to be almost as ill taken, by all degrees of people in Venice, as the very Excommunication itself.  
The State here is so settled and animated, as that on all sides, young and old, rich and poor, Gentlemen and Artificers, are hitherto fully resolute, to maintain against the Pope their own actions. They consider not only of their present detriment, in making any disaduantagious, or dishonourable end, but also of the future consequencies, if they should give head, and addition of strength to the Ecclesiastical authority, which already seemeth overswolne and too big, to all the wiser Princes and States of Italy. And beside they do readily discern, that in this controversy, the Pope will sustain more loss and shame than they; As was very gravely set forth in a pretty tale, very pertinently told by a discreet Gentleman, in a deliberation concerning this business; Who told them, That by the Pope's menaces, he was put in mind of a nephew which he had, who was wont to draw from his brother (being a tender father) all his satisfactions, by threatening that otherwise he would turn Friar, or seek his fortune in some strange Countries, or the like: Till one day lighting on his father in a wrong humour, and swearing, That unless he might be presently furnished with a good sum of money, (whereof he pretended want) he would precipitate himself down the stairs; His father put it to the trial what he would do: but the youth seeing it was now come to the question of his own safety, went down the stairs very quietly. So, said he, will the Pope do, notwithstanding this heat of words, and present distemperature, when he shall come to consider somewhat coolly, that in proceeding against us, Ginochera il suo & non il nostro. This opinion of his was much applauded, as very probable, (if the divulging had not carried the matter too far, and past returning to second cogitations.)  
The very vulgar sort doth discoursingly lay forth and decipher the Pope's inconsiderateness in this so hard a course of his injustice. They commemorate the many binding benefits of their State collated on the See of Rome; And particularly for instance and demonstrance, how much that Church is to them obliged, (if there were no other testimony) They do in one notable matter of the triumph which Pope Alexander the third had in this City over the Emperor Frederick Barbarossa, both remember the greatness of their own merit, and exprobrate the unexcusable ingratitude of that See. In this very place, That Emperor who had chased the Pope out of Rome, and scant left unto his Holiness any one hole for the Fox to hide his head in, was himself brought, or rather wrought to so base a degree of humiliation, as that he was first stooped to the kissing of the Pope's toe, and after, his head and neck was trodden upon, by those unholy presuming feet, whilst in a scorning and insulting glory, his Holiness made bold of this Text, Super aspides & basiliscos ambulabis, & conculcabis Leones & Dracones. I trust that that sin of the assistance and adherency of this signory in that shameful trampling upon Imperial Majesty, hath been pardoned, and remaineth not in any debet unto this day. They spare not also to make particular reckoning of the great wealth and vast sums, which by the colour of his Ecclesiastical headship is fetched from them to the Pope's Coffers. But especially, they speak of their continuance from the beginning of the foundation of their City, in the observance of the Rites and Religion of the Roman Church. By all which and much more, as every man's fancy or disposition serveth him, they do amplify the ingratitude, injuries and indiscretion of their holy Father.  
This matter hath stirred up the industry and sharpness of many that were idle before: The Politics, how to contrive, capitulate, excuse, delay, prevent, or cirumvent: The Canonists, how to find distinctions for the Conflict when it cometh to Disputation: The Orators, how to declaim copiously; and the Historians, to report credibly these extreme wrongs: The Poets, how they may out of their full pens rain forth showers of wit in this matter: The Divines, how to be converted to a new Religion, which point was subdivided into one of these two resolutions; either to force their Priests to say Mass after Excommunication, (as if either the Pope were Nullus, or his Sentence a Nullity) or otherwise to pass to the Greek faith, like unto displaced or discharged servants or soldiers, that upon their cassiering must seek a new Master or Captain.  
There is a general liberty given for divulging of Discourses and Translations; amongst which is put in print the judgement of Gerson the Chancellor of Paris, upon the invalidity of the Pope's Excommunications, and some such like considerations of Saint Bernard to that purpose. For the more free publishing of which and the like Treatises, the Inquisition hath been suspended by particular Warrant of the State; And when once the floodgates were thus set open to all such writers, as heretofore were penned and restrained, to deliver freely to the world, either defensive matter, in justification of this cause, or offensive taxings, to blemish and blame the Pope for his temerity; It is strange to see what sundry sorts of gibing and biting Pasquil's were let fly abroad in derision of his Holiness. But, amongst the works Apologetical sagely and judiciously written, Friar Paulo hath in a set Treatise composed by him, not only defended the Venetians from this Excommunication and demands, but also in many points lessened the Authority of the Pope, by sound allegations, & by the proof of privileges appertaining of right and in dignity unto the State: whom it is said, that this Commonwealth hath rewarded for his labour with a good pension yearly during life. And I have likewise met with another intelligence, That there is on the other side made out a secret process against him, by the Church, for his infidelity and treachery therein. Nay, a later news hath here arrived, That this Friar Paulo hath been since solemnly (by his image or picture) burned at Rome, and reproached also by a scornful appellation of a mezo Lutherano; Such and so hot a fire of the Pope's wrath, hath blazed forth against him. But the Venetians, on the other side, (to uphold him in comfort, and make him amends in glory,) have out of their grace and contemplation of his well deserving, dignified him with a better chosen title of Theologo designato; Expressing thereby the nature of his merit to have been this, Even the opening unto their darkened understandings, some necessary truths in Divinity, tending to the discovery of the false pretences of the Romish Supremacy. This high Attribute, from so judicious and Illustrious a Senate, is (in the stead of his image reported to have been consumed with flames) like to a goodly or gilded statue, which shall preserve his name and memory, in all succeeding times.  
It is to be remembered, that the Popes Interdict, did prohibit all the Religious to celebrate divine Service, or to exercise any Ministerial function among the Venetians, whilst they persisted in their contumacy. And the Pope by further order called away the jesuits, Theatines, and Capuchins, from among them, as if he meant to fire them all when he had once reserved or preserved them. The Pope conceived (though in deed he was deceived) that no sooner should his Papal indignation, and the terrors of his Excommunications be spread abroad, but that the people would have presently rebelled, and the Churchmen have straight retired themselves. But the Venetians making a concurrence of their Fortitude and Wisdom, to maintain the uprightness of their justice, & nothing doubting of the blessing and operation of God's Spirit, to give thereunto answerable success, Decreed and commanded sub poena furcae, as they would answer it at the gallows, that no Ecclesiastical persons should relinquish or desist from his charge or attendance at the Altar, or should departed out of the dominions of the signory without order or leave. Whereby in plain truth they tread our steps, by joining unto Principality the Supremacy over persons Ecclesiastical.  
They caused also to appear before them all the Priors of Parishes, and Superiors of Cloisters, to receive of them their promise of faith. The Friars of S. George have presented their Revenue, which is of good value, to the service of the Prince. Others have answered, That howsoever they have had their habit from the Pope, their flesh put them in mind of an other duty, and clapping their hands upon their naked arms, testified that they were disposed to live and die in the service of S. Mark, and the State of their Country.  
The Prior of Saint martin's, hearing the Proclamation afore inhibiting the hanging up of Bulls upon the Church, and commanding the delivery of them to the Council of Ten, (if may should be found,) said he had rather be excommunicated twelve years, then hang half an hour. Others have protested, that seeing they find the difference betwixt the signory and the Pope, to be for matters only of jurisdiction, and that the Pope seeketh his particular profit, and not that of JESUS CHRIST, they be resolved to adventure all with their uttermost powers and constancy, under the obedience of the Common wealth.  
Thus you see the unanimous and cheerful resolution, aswell of Ecclesiastical as Secular, and generally of the whole Republic, to employ their goods and life, to maintain their liberty, and approve their fidelity, against the unjust, and haughty pretences of the Pope. And the signory useth all diligence possible, to keep the people unmovable in so godly and blessed inspirations.  
Nevertheless, certain orders of their Churchmen are hence departed, The Theatines, and Capuchins, by licence and voluntary relinquishment. The jesuits were the first that did begin to swarm, and seek further for a new hive, but they were sent away by course of expulsion, and open banishment out of the whole dominion, and that by a special decree, not so much for refusing to continue the sacrifice of the Altar, (which at the first they had given some hope that they would do notwithstanding the Popes Interdict, unto whom they profess to be as true and helpful as his very life blood,) as for other weighty Imputations, And among the rest, for the dangerous abuse of that great instrument of State, Auricular confession. And although they have been before banished out of divers other Countries by Acts of Parliament, (being such, as wheresoever they come will touch the quick and eat to the core) yet surely, never were they from any place discarded or thrown out with more resolution and contumely then from hence. They were suffered to carry with them only their Quotidian habit and Breviaries, cum viatico to support their necessities in their travail. There was an inventory taken by an under Secretary and Commendatore, of the goods left behind them, and seized upon by the State, rather for curiosities sake, to know what they had gathered, then for any meaning that the State hath ever to be accountable for any part thereof. The value whereof in certainty of sum, if you expect I should relate, I answer they met with a concealment, and so it is used, being a reserved secret not yet made known: but if they have kept their vow of poverty, as regularly as the rest of their Society doth in other places, you may well guess that they were in that point no more beggars, then in their other rule or vow of chastity they be over honest.  
In which search have been discovered two memorable things: First a Scrinio (as they call it here) with partitions of their addresses to and from all parts, As England, France, Spain, Flaunders, Germany, Poland, Russia, etc. with subdivisions also of the Provinces into Towns, as London, Paris, Lions, Rome etc. And in this Scrinio, they had lest rather through vanity, than hast, a great and incredible heap of the very ashes and tinder of their dispatches. The other was an artificial furnace, such as the Italian Goldsmiths do use for the dissolving of gold and silver, which was brought into the Council of Ten, and hath bred much discourse; the best opinion being, that it was to melt the chains, rings, and jewels which they got from Gentlewomen, and so (Mutata specie) to put them away in Bullion.  
Now, before their going, one of them reckoning himself the principallest, would needs also show himself the boldest: for having obtained a private access unto the Prince, made offer unto him, of interposing his Society, for the reconcilement of the Pope. Whereunto he received from the Prince this Noble answer, That the State of Venice had never before used such instruments, and would not now begin, And therefore he willed him, to forbear the employment of themselves, either much or little, in this matter, and rather to spend their time, in considering that they had been already too busy in the world.  
Me thinks I hear him further tell them, that they might better bestow themselves in heavenly Meditations, then in negotiations with States, and that they should rather abound in spiritual contemplation, enclosed in Scrinio pectoris, then in such entercoursing traffic about secular business, wherewith their Scrinio of interchanged advertisements was so fully fraught. Lastly, that they should rather have had melting and relenting hearts to power out fountains of tears for the sins and errors of the people, than those melting furnaces to convert their fraudulently extorted rings or chains into wedges of gold: Therefore be packing hence you practisers of iniquity, and proud Politicians that endeavour the rearing up of your own greatness, with the ruins of your Country that hath fostered you, shall no more clasp about this flourishing tree to raise and increase your own faction, by pinching and wronging the stock whereby you be supported.  
Since their departure many things have been proposed for their perpetual exclusion, as the placing of other Religious in their College, the deprivation and loss of Nobility to him that should ever speak in favour of them, and lastly, to raze the said College and convert it to civil uses. What course herein will be held, it is as yet undecided: but on all sides, the State reckoneth itself well rid of such pernicious Statists, that be the Engineers and pioneers for the Pope, working upon, and against all, Princes and States, with their practising plots, to bring them to their, either submission or subversion, and their Master to his supremest exaltation.  
Thus have they let the Kites fly, and I trust they will so destroy their nests, as that they may sooner make their flights to the furthest Indians, (there amongst these Savages to practise their extreme savageness, whereof the said Indians, have already taken a sour taste) then to nestle, or to be nuzzled any more in this Region. And let us English also make hereof this use and observance, That if the Venetians (clad in the same livery of Religion) having not any direct and express particularities of their treasonable complotings to accuse them of, yet have judged their very profession, and the generality of their dealings, not agreeable or sufferable in a well instituted Common wealth; How much more are we bound by the Law of Nature and Nations, with all care and providence to seek to expel, abandon, and keep out such pernicious instruments, whom we have in all our trials of any Treason, from time to time, expressly proved to have been the seed-sowers, and the firebrands of all contrived and intended mischiefs? Therefore Exeat ex urbe Catilina: For we fear not so much the Pope's open hostility, as we do the ensnarings & circumuenting by secret practices. He cannot gain from us by any forcible means, so much as the worst hair upon the body of any Subject; Then let him not by the conveyance of his poison, (through these Snakes) into the bosoms of our people, bereave our body Politic of so many worthy members, by alienating their hearts from their sincere obedience.  
But left you may tell me, that my passions make me to forget my passages for orderly proceeding in this Relation, I return to the declaring of that which remaineth, which is the Civil and military provisions of this signory. They have been here advertised by good intelligence, that the Pope is preparing of Forces, and seeking confederates, to tame their contemptuous insolencies (as he termeth it) purposing, if he cannot bring them to their former subjection, to bring upon them unexorable War, and merciless divastation. Therefore out of their prudency, they have also inclined their cares to the like courses of preparation. Some offers of aid and adherency have been made unto them, by their confederate Princes, by the mouth of Ambassadors there resiant, whether seriously and by Commission, or for fashion and complementally, I think they can scant tell: But they go on confidently, and with good conceit of their own strength. There is a General made by Sea, and A Providitore de terra ferma, accompanied with Lieutenants general of the Italian foot & horse. Into several Towns are assigned the principal leaders of experience under their pay, especially in such places as frontier Milan, or confine with the Ferrareszes. Thirty new Governors of Galleys have been chosen. The principal Towns and Communities assured by a letter of solemn tenor, drawn by the Prince himself. A Gentleman and Citizen ballited here in every contrada, by whom twenty fivemore are to be chosen against sudden casualties, that might happen in the night in this seat of their Dominion. Finally they seem so excited in courage and confidence, as if they even longed to pull him out of his Chair, whom they have already cast out of their hearts, and as if they were no less resolute to be revenged of him, than he was proudly unjust to offend them.  
And howsoever in the dependency of this business, many things have been done here provisionally, some by advise, some in distemper, some in earnest, some in sport, some respectively, some with contempt; yet hath nothing hitherto been discerned to be done in fear: Having carried every circumstance, (if my weak capacity may presume to censure so grave a State) with most exemplar wisdom and magnanimity, that we may conceive hope, that GOD will by such beginnings, open an entrance for his truth to get in to them, that have long slept in error and ease.  
To pass on by following the tract of this business so far as we find the same to have been driven, I must tell you of another chief Actor that hath stepped on the Stage to show himself in this Scene. It seemed fit to add encouragement unto his Holiness, and to hold him on in the course of his former fervency, whereupon sundry of his Cardinals, and other great clerk attending about him, with much vehemency incited him to an unrelenting constancy against the unconformable Venetians. Among whom Cardinal Baronius, a principal man, of great name and note in that Court, addressed unto the Pope his hortatory letters in that behalf: whereof (for that I trust and intend shortly to send the same unto you) I will forbear to rehearse the particular and regardable points: Only that you may know it by a true mark wheresoever you may otherwise fortune to see it, you shall have thereof the first and the last words; wherein if you do find sound Divinity, and Texts of Scripture well applied, know that a Cardinal is the Author, who perhaps hath a kind of copartnership with the Pope in that prerogative of never erring. It beginneth thus: Duplex est, beat Pater, ministerium Petri; Pascere & occidere. Dixit enim ad eum Dominus, Pasce oves meas: audivitque è coelo, Occide & manduca. The ministery of Peter, holy Father, is of two sorts; To Feed and to Kill. For the Lord said unto him, Feed my sheep: and he heard from heaven, Kill and eat. From Occidere, that is, Slaying or killing, etc. he inferreth the Pope's power of Excommunication: how strangely or streiningly, let the Divines judge: I promised you only a narration, and therefore will not be bold in any refutation. It concludeth thus, Memor esto te in Ecclesia positum esse in Petram, in quam omnes qui offendunt, confringentur. Remember thyself to be placed in the Church as a Rock, against the which whosoever rusheth, shallbe broken to pieces. Howsoever this making of the Pope a Petra, be much beyond their former titles of derivation from Petrus, yet that application or rather amplification, served well for an apt persuasion, to keep the Pope to an unfainting resolution.  
How far this Letter, or other the like incensings, have carried the Pope in his intentions of holding his hardest hand, or of straining the strength of his arm against this signory, it is not readily to be affirmed: but this I can further advertise you of, that the seven and twentieth day of respite given to the Venetians for to return into their bonds of obedience, by giving to his Holiness some satisfaction, expired on Whitsunsunday, and that it was then expected, that the Pope on the Monday following, would have performed his black ceremonies belonging to the actual fulmination of his Interdict before mentioned. But there was Nullus strepitus, & nihil turbarum, no thing was done in that business, in so much as (the expectation of people being frustrated by such omission) it occasioned much diversity of voice and rumour, according to the many sundry conjectures made thereof. Some were of opinion, that his Holiness (with a kind of fainting) was content to have all to stand at a stay, till he could have some agreeable means offered, for cleanly avoiding of the uttermost extremities. Some thought that he would first consider of, and prepare his helps and advantages, (which might concern him to put in readiness,) and so back his formalities with substantial provision. Others, whether to save the Pope's credit, or out of their knowledge and experience in the like causes, affirmed, that any further act on the Pope's part was unnecessary, sith the first denunciation or promulgation of the said Interdict, standeth of itself in sufficient force: And that, because the Venetians took no hold of the favour aforesaid, granted unto them by way of reservation of the seven and twenty days, they remained now utterly excluded from all grace, and were actually under the curse.  
Thus this present june standeth the state of this business, more in expectation and preparation, then as yet in any hostile action, and without any on either side, either discernible yielding, or open pursuit, The Venetians attending in readiness what further storm his Holiness out of the thick and black cloud of his displeasure will power forth upon them: And the Pope eagerly looking, that the beasts of the Forest will tremble when the Lion roareth. Among the other neighbours that be lookers on, some perhaps are setters on, to increase the controversy; others gazers on, keeping themselves in a direct neutrality; some it much concerneth to stop the course of this contention; some with hollow intentions may plot on their own drifts; All, though they differ in their particular affections or carriages, yet concur in admiration of this accident, with a discerning of the finger of God and his divine providence, not to be penetrated into by our human imbecility.  
But what will be the issue and event of this great stir, it is only known to him, who is the first stirrer of all causes, and unto whose fore-concluded ends, all the drifts and actions of men are but subordinate. Yet for that it is a custom in human reason to conjecture probably, where it cannot define a certainty; I will not stick to acquaint you with the judgements of the wiser and most experienced men, that by precogitation do discourse the success of this business. Some think that the Pope will first yield, when he shall find that he hath intricated himself into a trouble, which bringeth unto him assured loss, and is not to be pursued without extreme cost. Others, that the Venetians will be easily persuaded to submit unto the Pope, and return into his bosom for grace, sith they before so effectually laboured their reconcilement, and have not yet dissevered their judgements in the questions of Religion. Some are of opinion, that they may be accorded by this middle course, that the Pope may grant one thing, and they agree to an other, by way of permutation; that so each of them having in some sort their minds, they may apprehend a satisfaction in part, to be accepted for the whole. Some argue that the troubles of Hungary will call the Pope's considerations that way, being arrived to a great desperation and insolency in their rebellious demands. Most men do directly think, that it will finally resolve into a Schism, because it cannot well be discerned, how either party can give ground or relent, without disparaging or abasing of their estimation. Some of more piercing insight, and expert knowledge of courses usual at such times, do doubt that in conclusion it will prove nothing but the further in riching of a Pope's Nephew, or one of his brothers, or of some vehement Cardinal, for working of this same feat of flexibility, in the Pope's stiff conceit and dislike of the Venetians. Others do contemplate aforehand the sedulity and devotion of many well affected, (though superstitiously zealous) who doubtless will not be wanting with any their ardency, to compose this controversy, were it but either for fear, lest the Turk do take occasion by such dissensions to advantage and advance himself in Christendom, or for shame, that we whom they account so vilely of, should rejoice to behold their ruinating contentions among themselves.  
If you give me leave to tell what I think, Truly if the Pope should be so peremptory with the Venetians, as he hath been evermore maliciously busy with us in England (where yet his Authority hath so long been out of date) he would make short work with them. He would give away their Lands and Territories unto some high Potentate, (that must fight the Pope's battles) who with cruel incursions and Invasions, even by the sword and Conquests, shall spoil and subdue them, till they fall on their knees for his Fatherly compassion. And may he not justify his so doing? Be they not Excommunicate? and so consequently to be executed and prosecuted by the Secular arm, which it shall please his Holiness to implore or employ? (Wherein certainly as a Secular prince himself, he is likely to put in also his arm or foot among them;) Nay, must not then the Leaguers by the oath of Trent combine their whole powers against the denounced enemies of the Church? If Venice now had been in his regiment Monarchical, under the rule of one absolute King, He should have been sure to have had good store of bad practisers, upon his person and against his life; And perhaps (for aught that I know,) such particular adventurers, authorized in such Actions by their dismission from obedience, and incitation to suppress their Sovereign, may draw their warrants from this title of Seculare brachium, imployable at the Pope's call: But where there be so many Senatoriall governors, they can hardly be at once surprised with such hidden treacheries, if they can but take warning from us, to prevent the danger of The vault Treason.  
To prosecute this Theme, What the Pope may do in his malice, let us out of our feeling be still the exemplary instance. Can the Pope in Venice, where his doctrine is wholly received, and where he hath so long been an adored Idol, make no side or faction to raise among them seditions uproars and insurrections? England is taught by experience what he can do, where being (I say not a stranger, but) an anowed enemy, yet hath he still enterprised to make a part, for the stirring of tumults & Commotions; And hath all this been done against us to regain England so far off? And will he sleep or let slip any opportunity to recall, recover, or recommand Venice? Well, if his heart or his means do not serve him, to follow them with enforcements of fierceness, Do you think that he will not as easily become a Fox to overtake them with kindness, as he would have played the Lion by terrors and compulsion? Hath he in England (by so many fawn and deprecations) sought to draw us again into his Embracements, that are divided from him by a broad sea of difference in many points of Religion? And will he not in the cause of Venice, which hath so long been his darling, and as yet but by one parting channel dissevered, (which may easily be overstridden) unbend his brow from his heavy frown, and turn again his appeased countenance? O that the Honourably minded Venetians would put him to it, and try his digestion! That they would hold themselves to their freedom, and shake off his shakels! If he do but let it be a question till it be studied and looked into in Venice, it will assuredly breed more disciples against him in one year, than twenty successive pope's shall be able to weed out.  
I hope it hath already even in this course of a Table talk, and by the defensive proceed which necessity hath constrained, so fastened in his mind a corrosive, as (considering the place) he may for ever complain of an Ulcer in his pretended Monarchy; Then have not I reason to suppose, that he doth already even longingly wish a kind & well form reconcilement?  
The matter is, how to work his purpose handsomely by some cleanly carriage, As where his own desires importune him to concluding terms, there under hand to procure himself to be much importuned.  
I have very lately heard, that there is a French Cardinal newly come to Rome, to bestow his labour & love in the according of these variances. What the success thereof will be, we must expect to hear hereafter: only my conceit is, that no man of any indifferent discerning, can be so simple as not to believe, that all this so rough and high blowing contention, will well enough be on the Pope's part quieted and accommodated. Only, it concerneth us all, for the honour and love of the truth, unfeignedly to wish, that the eyes and hearts of the renowned Venetians, may by the touch of God's finger be opened wider, to let in the Lord of glory, bringing in his train his truth and righteousness; and that their hands and puissance may be so strengthened with an extraordinary addition of valour, as that they may from that nook or corner of Italy, become as it were Gods harbingers to make way for him throughout that goodly country, to the suppression and demolishing of that so intolerable usurpation. Which though we may rather wish than hope for; yet respecting his providence in these beginnings, we may with erected minds attend the manifestation of his further ordinance, in the event which his wisdom and justice shall bring forth.  
And to suckle up our hopes herein, with the opinion (at the least) of possibility, if not of better likelihoods, let England be a comfortable Instance, to cherish and uphold our thoughts from despairing of a successful issue to the Venetians also. How many years, or rather ages, was England as it were in labour of this truth, That the Pope had no right in this kingdom to order, govern, command, or censure any causes or persons, Civil or Ecclesiastical? How many perilous throws hath she felt in her womb and bowels to bring forth this child? what, how many, & how mighty practices have been contrived to have destroyed this child within her belly, that it might never have seen the light? It is plainly and fully to be proved by many ancient Records, whereof some are registered in the Courts of Law, (of the which that learned Knight Sir Edward Coke Attorney general to his Majesty, hath made an exact and most judicial Collection) some be remaining in the Tower, as Acts and signitures of Princes, or of the high Court of Parliament, some are kept in Archivis of our Spiritual Courts, which also affordeth us some vestigia pristinae libertatis.  
That this Nation almost at all times hath in some measure or other sought to deliver into the world this her conception, (that hath lived and grown great within her) against the Pope's encroching and intrusions into this Kingdom, with his unwarranted and unlimited Supremacy; If you ask me why, or how the sight and public appearance of this Truth, (like unto the birth of a child) was so long deferred and hindered: First, you must know that it is a Lion's whelp, and nihil magnum subito nascitur: next, the Midwife TIME served not nor lent not sufficing aid; but chief, the great red Dragon, that with his tail drew the third part of the Stars of Heaven, 
Apoc. 12.  stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, to devour her child when she had brought it forth. For let this be observed as a probatum est; This Kingdom did never make or enact any Law so forcible and full against the Pope or See of Rome touching any such their usurped powers or pretended rights, whereof the edge and point was not strait broken or blunted, by a Counter-law made at Rome, That whosoever should prosecute any of those Laws to execution, should be and remain under the heaviest curse of their greatest Excommunication. Whereupon, the danger of the soul's damnation (whereof those times of blindness were so sensitive and fearful) prevailed more to suppress and annihilate all such Statutes giving them no effect, (as if they had never been borne) then any other respects of duty, either to the truth or to our Country, could give them life or strength. But that I may show you some evidence for the proof of that which I have affirmed, I will (so far as my memory, wanting at this present my larger notes, can do his office) give you a discerning taste of this truth, concerning England's continued claim of her own Imperial rights, and her many provisions, decrees, and consultations, tending to the renunciation or abdication of any the Pope's Interest or intermeddlings in England.  
In the 14. year of K. H. 1. the Pope's Authority was so little esteemed in England, as that it was come to that pass, that no persons were permitted to appeal to Rome in cases of Controversy. Their Synods and Counsels about Ecclesiastical affairs were kept, without seeking any his licence or consent: And they would not obey such Legates as he sent, nor come to the Convocations which they held.  
In the 31. year of K. H 3. The Pope understanding that divers rich beneficed men in England died Intestate, he ordained a Decree, That the goods of any Spiritual persons dying Intestate, should remain to the Pope: which Decree (purporting the Pope's oppression in prejudice of this Realm and the surviving friends of the deceased) the King in no sort would suffer to take place: And the same King by his Letter Inhibitorie did flatly forbid a tallage of the Clergy, which the Pope about that time had required.  
In the 30. of E. 1. the Pope's peterpence, being not his due, but rather the King of England's Alms, were denied to the Pope.  
In the 17. year of K Edw. 3. the Commons pray the King's assent, to banish the Pope's power quite out of England. And in the same year upon the Pope's intruding of himself to make a peace between the King, and France, King Ed. sent him word, That if he would mediate between them as a friend, he would hear him; but in no sort if he intermeddle as a judge.  
In the 50. of E. 3. the Commons complain, that all the miseries of the Kingdom come by the Pope's usurpation; beseeching the King (this being the 50. and the jubilee year of his Reign) that he would join with them to cast him out, for that he doth not pasture but pill God's sheep.  
In the times of E. 3. R. 2. H 4. and H. 5. sundry Statutes were made against then that out of the Court of Rome obtain or pursue any personal Citations against the King or any of his Subjects, or that procure from thence any impetrations and provisions of Benefices and offices of holy Church. And for that (as I before declared) the Pope on the other side, opposed to these Statutes his Interdicts and sentences of Excommunication against the observers of the same: In the 13. year of R. 2. the said Excommunications also are so far disavowed, as that for the maintenance of the Liberties of the Kingdom, and the dignity of the State, it was ordained, That if any did bring or send within this Realm, any summons, sentence, or excommunication against any person, for the cause of making motion, assent, or execution of the said Statute of Provisors, he shall be arrested, imprisoned, and forfeit all his Lands and Tenements, goods and cattles for ever: and moreover incur the pain of life and member: And a Prelate making execution of such summons or sentence, to forfeit into the King's hands all his Temporalties. Nevertheless, for a long space after (whether by reason of our continual civil broils in England, which scant afforded any leisure of thinking, much less of prosecuting upon this cause, or for that the superstitious ignorance of those times did entangle or rather captivate the consciences of our people) this point of the rights appertaining and incident unto the Royal power & Majesty of this Imperial Crown, and of the Pope's unlawful oppressions and usurpations within this Land, lay asleep, was silenced, and suffered open wrong, until the latter days of K. H. 8. who, instructing himself by the conferences and disputations of his learnedest Divines, and by the advise and assent of the whole State assembled in Parliament, fully and finally decided this question, with the absolute exclusion and extermination for ever out of this Realm and the Dominions thereof, of any the Pope's Authority and jurisdiction.  
Thus hath God his prefixed periods for the producing at the last of that truth which he oft suffereth his Church to be long in travail of: Then why should not we likewise retain some comfortable conceits of Gods accomplishing and bringing to an happy effect of that work in the Venetian State, (though sensim & gradatim) whereof he hath, of his providence and goodness (and by occasions which for the justice thereof may expect his blessings) begun and laid so likely groundworkes?  
ANd now (my good friend,) for a closing conclusion to this my overlong letter, (as remembering wherefore I t this tale) Lend me a little more of your gentle patience, whilst I draw out of the fresh remembrance of this Relation, some satisfactory use, for the justification of the Nationall Laws of England, and the justice of our Magistracy, from the scandalous imputation of cruelty, in our prosecutions against our professed Adversaries transgressing our Political and penal Ordinances. Which I will comprise in a comparison between our English proceed, with these of the Venetians: not intending at this time to sort out for them any other example or president, than what I here have already with my best judgement well observed, knowing, that if I should post through France, Spain, Italy, and all Germany, to collect proofs & demonstrations to that purpose, it would be as to me a labour supererogatory, so to them (whom nothing will satisfy) like a charm to a deaf Adder.  
It cannot be obscure to the whole world, That our Royal kingdom hath for many years together, quite expelled the Pope with his Supremacy and superstition, where the Venetians (for any thing yet of public note) have not fallen from him in any point of Religion, no not disavowed his governance or Supremacy in causes Ecclesiastical, but only excepted against his intrusion into the right of their own jurisdiction, in causes on their part justifiable by all human and Divine rules. Yet have they resolved upon, and pursued courses, no whit inferior in rigour and extremity, to the sharpest Laws made with us, in so long a time, and after so manifold and violent occasions. Yea, though the matter concerned us in the deepest degree, even of (uter esset & uter imperaret both) our regal and Imperial rights lying at the stake, in conflict with the Papal usurpations, and our Religion, Peace, justice and tranquillity, being continually infested by the positions, oppositions, practices, and injuries of the Romish faction.  
You see the Commands, and prohibiting of the Venetians, to be all accompanied with the terrors of death, which is ultimum in malis. I do not tax or dislike this their seeming austerity: But I infer, that as necessity coacteth them to be severe, so that our Laws being enforced from us by the like coaction, have also the like defence of natural reason and primitive justice, in the righteous directions whereof they and we do agreeingly concur. What do you think they would do, if they had once made a general revolt or defection from the Pope, in all the controversed Articles of difference? Can you imagine, that beginning thus roundly, they would not against their adverse part, and in the behalf of the State's quietness and preservation, proceed proportionably? As the business now standeth, I make no question, but that in case that any one Venetian should be found to oppose against the current or stream wherein they be now carried, he should so be sunk and confounded, as never to see the Sun again.  
In one point I must confess they have stepped further than we, (yet they may hold it to be justice too, that the professors of poverty should be forced to poverty) We have never used against any Subjects such seazures and confiscations of their goods, neither exiling of them out of their native Countries, without orderly and juridical Trials and Convictions. Nevertheless, I condemn it not, that either fear of danger maketh them sensitive, or that appearance of danger be met withal by wise prevention: but if our Governors should drive the wheels of justice so furiously, as to possess and take from every dangerous or suspected Subject his whole Estate, thereby stripping and clipping him first, and then to send away his body to seek his heart beyond the Seas, whither himself before had sent it; How clamorously, and with what horrible yell would our Enemies cry shame and vengeance upon us all?  
The truth is, That there is no State or Body politic whatsoever, that will not in very sense of Nature seek their best means against repugnant and sicknesse-breeding humours, and either to reduce them to amendment, if it may be, or to rid them away by ejection when that cannot be hoped. And therefore (howsoever we may embrace rather the sweet and well contenting motions of mercy, for which princes are blessed) let us give leave to the Venetians (in imitation of their pattern the ancient Rome) to restrain by provisions, that such detected and detested enemies of the State, as the jesuits are, should live amongst them, and that ad confirmandam audaciam, yea that they should there, designare oculis ad interitum, or beyond all this, to bring in into their very bowels a Trojan horse, with his belly full of treasons, murders, and all villainies, to be unloaden and let lose among them, for their final ruin and confusion.  
In England, for that first the grave advisedness of the whole State in their great Assemblies of Parliament, is but to give support to justice; And next, aswell the Majesty of our dread Sovereign, who, to his Diadem of Dignity, unseparably conjoineth the Sceptre of his justice; as also the true Nobility of so wise and Honourable Counsellors, who doth make public justice their primum in intention: all true hearted Subjects will rest indubitably satisfied of the integrity, equity, and uprightness of that Government. And for other carping reproovers, or barking slanderers, let us obfirmare mentes, that whom we cannot content with honest reason, them we may contemn with a disdaining confidence.  
Here I will end this thread, which I fear I have drawn out in length over tediously: I do crave your well accepting courtesy to dispense therewith: And I further promise you, that if you please to vouchsafe the return of some endeavours on your part concerning the new arising occurrences within your discovery, you shall not fail to be plied still in this sort with more of my love and diligence.   

THE ANSWER OF AN ITALIAN D or. of Divinity, unto a Letter written by a friend of his, concerning the Briefs of Pope Paulus 5. his censure published against the Venetians; And upon the Nullity thereof: Drawn out of the Holy Scriptures, the Fathers, and the Catholic Doctors. ¶ Translated out of the Italian tongue.  
MOst reverend Sir, I have read your Letter, and do not a little wonder, that when I was wont always to receive from you the first advertisements of all occurrents (especially when there was cause to ask my opinion in them,) Now when so many matters of greatest importance are current in your City, you have been the last man that certified me thereof. And yet you require me to set down my opinion upon these Briefs published against your Common wealth, and upon the protestation of the nullity and invalidity of the same, made for the defence and maintenance of their reasons.  
Albeit I know well the causes of this your slackness, and may attribute it to the difficulty of the matter: though I know not what scruple sticks most in your mind; yet I will excuse you by reason of the extraordinary business you allege, and satisfy you in this as I have been wont to do. And I hope to do it with that speed which you desire, I being prepared thereunto by the exact consideration and study which I have bestowed in that matter already.  
I say then (if I understand it aright) that your desire is, to know if the censures published by Pope Paulus Quintus against the signor of Venice, be void and of no force, as is declared in their protestations; that they being so, you may celebrate the Sacraments, and do your Offices in your Churches, as you did before the publication of the said censures, without any scruple of Conscience.  
To answer then plainly & in order to these your requests, I will include whatsoever may be said in that matter, in Eight propositions. The doctrine whereof as it shallbe far from faction, or flattery, so shall it be founded upon the holy Scriptures, the sayings and expositions of the Fathers, and upon the strongest force of truth and reason, that no man but upon peevishness shall dare to contradict it.  

¶ The first Proposition.  
THe power that Secular Princes have, & the Pope also (as a temporal Prince over the States and Provinces which he possesseth) is granted unto them immediately from God without any exception.  
For the understanding and clearness of this Proposition, it must be considered, that Lordship & servitude wrs brought in by the Law of Nations. The command of the Prince & obedience of the Subject, is by four means; that is, by Election, by Inheritance, by Gift, or by right of War: So that all Princes which by any of these four means ever have been, or now are placed in the Throne of Principality, are just and lawful Lords: those, I say, which have Authority from God to command, to make Laws, to exact Tribute, to judge, and to punish Subjects, without any exception.  
The Doctrine is not mine, but the Apostle Saint Paul's in the Epistle to the Romans, Chap. 13. yea it is the holy Ghosts doctrine, which speaks with his mouth, and writeth with his pen, whose words are these, Omnis anima subdita sit potestatibus sublimioribus, nam nulla potestas, etc. Let every soul submit itself to the authority of the higher powers, for there is no power but of God. Saint Chrysostome expounding this place, saith, The Apostle doth this to show that Christ brought not in his Laws to overthrow Policy, but to give it a better institution, showing that this is a commandment to all both Clergy and Laity, which he declareth in the beginning, saying, Omnis anima potestatibus sublimioribus subdita sit, etiamsi Apostolus, evangelista, Propheta, aut quisquis tandem fuerit: Let every soul be subject to higher powers, whether he be Apostle, Evangelist, Prophet, or whosoever. And for all that doth not this subjection subvert piety. Whereupon in the old Law, although the Levites had a high Priest that was Aaron; yet in temporal things, causes, and judgements, they were subject to Moses' their temporal Prince, as Cowarrwias' proveth, Cap. 31. quaest. prateca. Nu. 3. And in the Primitive Church there was no difference of Tribunal or judgement seat: for justinian the Emperor was the first which at the request of the Bishop of Constantinople granted, that the Clergy in Civil causes might be judged by their own Prelates, without prejudice notwithstanding to himself. In which case, and in all criminal faults he left it so that the Clergy should be subject to the Prince and to the Ministers of the Prince temporal, as is plainly to be read Novel. Constitu. 85.  
Neither because Constantine the Great said to some Ecclesiastical persons presented unto him, Vos à nemine judicari potestis, quia ad Dei judicium reseruamini, as Gratian writeth, Cap. 12. quaest. 1. Can it be gathered that they be not subject to secular Princes? for this was an excess of that Emperor to show himself towards the Church benign and devote. But it was not because he thought so indeed: for if he had said true, they could not be judged by Prelates neither, the words being ad Dei judicium, etc. which would be a grievous error.  
The Clergy then as well as the Laity (de iure divino) are subject to the secular Prince. Omnis anima potestatibus sublimioribus subdita sit; the reason is, that as none is excepted from the obedience he oweth to God, so he cannot be excepted from the obedience which is due to the Prince: For as the Apostle addeth, Omnis potestas est à Deo, for which Kings and Secular Princes by the Prophet David are called Gods. Deus stetit in Synagoga Deorum, in medio autem Deos dijudicat: for as King josaphat declareth, Lib. 2. Paralip. Cap. 19 The Secular judges, Non hominum, sed Dei judicia exercent.  
The same place Christ citeth in Saint john, Cap. 10. and confirmeth, that the name of Gods belongeth unto them. Si illos dixit Deos ad quos sermo Dei factus est, as Bellarm. learnedly noteth, Cap. 3. Lib. de Laicis.  
The Apostle goeth forward and saith, Qui potestati resistit, Dei ordinationi resistit: behold here the Authority that Princes have to make Laws upon every matter, which shall bind every person according to that which is read in the Proverbs of Solomon, where God saith, Per me Reges regnant & legum conditores justa decernunt. Hence is it, that the Christian Emperors, justinian and Theodosius in the Code have made many laws concerning Ecclesiastical persons, their goods, and government, under the titles of Episcop. & Cler. & Sacrosanct. Ecclesiis.  
To these Laws the Apostle commandeth obedience without resistance, because they which shall make resistance, Ipsi sibi damnationem acquirunt, that is, do commit mortal sin, wherein if they die, they shall be condemned to the eternal fire of hell.  
Moreover, the Apostle commandeth to pay to the Prince Tribute of every thing, Cui vectigal, vectigal; cui tributum, tributum: sunt enim ministri Dei ad tributa: which place the Angelical Doctor Thomas Aquinas master of Divines the son of the Cath. school, saith, That if the Clergy be free from Tribute, they have not that Privilege (as some think) jure divino, but ex privilegio Principum, speaking there of Secular Princes.  
Finally, I conclude with Saint Paul for the authority of the Prince, Non enim sine causa gladium portat, Dei enim minister ad vindictam: behold the authority of the Secular Prince, Punire poena sanguinis, which the Ecclesiastical Prelates not having, (after they have disgraded malefactors of the Clergy, and declared them unfit for Ecclesiastical degree) they can go no further, but to have them punished by death, deliver them to the Secular power. And that no man should think, that his words were words of counsel and not of precept; to make all sure the Apostle affirmeth, Ideo necessitate subditi estote non solùm propter iram, sed etiam propter conscientiam: So that we are bound in conscience to obey the Secular Prince in all things abovesaid, as we are taught by S. Paul.   

¶ The second Proposition.  
Our Saviour Christ, although as the Son of God equal to the Father, is Rex Regum & Dominus Dominantium: Notwithstanding being clothed with our mortality, neither before his death, nor after his most holy Resurrection did he exercise power as a temporal Prince. He had no temporal kingdom, as he said to Pilate, ask him, Rexestu? he answered, Tu dicis: but though I be a King, notwithstanding Regnum meum non est de hoc Mundo, that is, a Kingdom temporal. Whereupon when those people which were miraculously fed by him with five loaves and two fishes, would have made him a King, aufugit, ne raperent eum, & facerent ipsum regem. He would judge no man, for he answered to those which would have had him given sentence in one of their controversies, Quis me constituit judicem super vos? yea he acknowledged Pilate the minister of Caesar for his judge: Non haberes in me potestatem nisi tibi data esset desuper, as S. Thomas noteth in the Epistle to the Romans. Finally, he commanded that tribute should be paid to the secular Prince Caesar. Reddite quae sunt Caesaris Caesari.  
Some do oppose to this proposition of ours, saying, though Christ paid tribute to Caesar for himself and Peter, yet he said, that he was not bound to pay it, Nunquid filii debent solvere tributum? wherein (say they) he took upon him the right of a temporal Prince, who is exempt from tribute. To this is answered, that those of the Country (as some Doctors say) called by the name of Children, were not bound to pay tribute, and he being of the Country, and S. Peter also, he affirmed that he was not bound.  
Others to further contradict this proposition, do allege, that Christ did cast out the buyers and sellers of the Temple. Which is answered, that he did this as a Prophet upon zeal: for to the like purpose the Evangelist citeth the verse of David, Zelus domus tuae comedit me. Others say, that when he sent his Disciples to bring him the Ass and the Colt, he appointed them to say to the master, Dominus opus habet, that is, The Lord of all the world. But that place is not understood to draw from thence the authority of a Prince, but to signify that the Lord of heaven and earth was so poor, that he was feign to borrow those cattle (as some Doctors do expound it) the reason is, for that if he would have taken upon him the Authority of a Prince, he would not have said, Opus habet, but Dominus ita praecipit, or some other such like.  
To conclude, they which judge this proposition of ours heard to be proved, do say generally that Christ (when he entered triumphantly into jerusalem, the day of the Palms) took upon him the Authority of a temporal Prince: Whereupon the Evangelist allegeth the prophecy, Ecce Rex tuus venit tibi sedens super asinam & super pullum filium asinae: but he that considereth the matter, may perceive that albeit our Saviour was the promised King and Messias, yet entering into jerusalem in that base and abject sort, he showed not to take upon him the Authority of a Prince temporal, but rather as he said to Pilate, that his Kingdom was not of this world, but spiritual and eternal: for temporal Kings enter into the Cities of their Kingdoms in an other manner of Pomp, than Christ did sitting upon an Ass and an Asses Colt.   

¶ The third Proposition.  
Our Lord jesus Christ having never used the Authority of a temporal Prince, it may not be said that he left this Authority to S. Peter and his successors, which are his Vicars, seeing the Vicar is never more than his principal. Whereupon Soto treating upon this point, lib. 4. Sententiarum, and Cardinal Bellarmine de Autoritate Papae, say, that they wonder at the Canonists, that they durst without any reason or authority of the New Testament, affirm Quod Papa sit Dominus totius orbis directè in temporalibus: A doctrine indeed ill founded and scandalous. I know well that some besides the Canons (which as human Laws in concurrency with the Divine can have no equal Authority) do say that Tho. Aquinas lib. de Regimine Principum, Cap. 10. & 19 affirmeth the Pope to be Dominus totius Orbis in temporalibus & inspiritualibus. But that Book is not his, as Cardinal Bellarmine showeth, li. de potestate Papae: For besides other assured conjectures, this is one, That in that Book lib. 3. cap. 20. he makes mention of the Succession of Adolphus the Emperor after Rodulphus, and of Albertus after Adolphus, which were, the first Anno 1292. The second 1299. And Tho. Aquinas died Anno 1274.  
They cite moreover an other place of Thom. Aqui. lib. 2. sent. distin. 44. where he saith, Esse in summo pontifice apicem utriusque potestatis, Temporalis & Spiritualis: But he that reads the Text may see that Thomas was of a contrary opinion: for having said that in matters Temporal, the Temporal Prince ought rather to be obeyed then the Spiritual, and in matters merely Spiritual, rather the Spiritual than the Temporal; he concludes, that if it were not the Pope, who having in the Provinces subject unto him both jurisdictions, he ought of his subjects to be equally obeyed in the one and the other.  
To weaken the force of this our Proposition, some say that Pope Alexander 6. divided the Indies to the Kings of Spain and of Portugal: Because he as Christ's Vicar was the natural Temporal Prince thereof, and that Pope Leo 3. gave the Empire of the West to Charles the great by the same reason: But these men are very much deceived, sith Alexander not as Lord of the Indies, but as Compromissary judge elected betwixt the Kings to appease and quench the flames of Discord, by sentence determined that the seas should be divided, and that the Armadas of the one should pass through one of those seas, and the other through the other, and that whatsoever was gotten or conquered on either side jure belli, should be the Conquerors, according to the division made by him, as the Historians of that time report.  
'tis true that Leo 3. being chased from the See of Rome, and re-established by Charles the great, caused the people to proclaim him Emperor, as Platin saith: which act the Historians do attribute to the people of Rome, who seeing the Empire evil governed by the Grecians jure antiquo, did elect an other Emperor. Now they say that Charles being Patron of the State, bought the title thereof of Irene and Nicephorus that were Emperors, and that Irene & Nicephorus were content therewith. In sum, be it as it will, it is certain that the Pope being driven from his seat, and being possessor of nothing, gave no Empire to Charles, who already jure belli was Patron thereof. And that he gave him the absolute title thereof, it is not a thing certain: and if it were, yet it may be answered (aswell in this case as in others alleged against our Proposition) that the Pope not having from Christ any authority in Temporal things, (as hath been, and shallbe said more clearly in the next Proposition) if he have taken to him any such authority, or hath done it by consent of the interessed, or for that he hath any Temporal power by any of the four means aforesaid: yet for all this, hence it is not proved that he hath direct authority in Temporal things from our Saviour Christ. And beside, many things are done by many men, whereof if it be sought Quo iure they do them, it will not easily be found.   

¶ The fourth Proposition.  
THe authority promised by Christ to Saint Peter under the Metaphor of the Keys, is merely Spiritual. Tibi dabo claves Regni Coelorum: he saith not Regni terrarum: and reason teacheth that which is read in the Hymn of the Church, Non Eripit mortalia, quia regna dat Coelestia: for the Temporal kingdom, and the Monarchy was founded from the beginning, (by God the great Monarch of the world,) in what sort that should be governed. So that Christ our Saviour did not found the Monarchy Temporal. It remaineth then to say that he founded the Spiritual, which is plainly seen in Saint joh. cap. 20. where he having said, Omnis potestas data est mihi in Coelo, & in terra: yet giveth he it to the Apostles, and amongst them to Saint Peter limited and with reservation. Insufflavit in eos & dixit, Accipite Spiritum Sanctum: quorum remiseritis peccata remittuntur ijs, & quorum retinueritis retenta sunt: where both by the act that Christ doth, & by the words he speaks is gathered, that the authority of the Pope is Spiritual, and over sin, and only over souls, according to the words of that prayer of the Church to Saint Peter, Qui beato Petro potestatem animas ligandi atque soluendi tradidisti: the which is limited, as is said, yea the authority of Excommunication given to Saint Peter is conditional, Math. 18. Si frater tuus in te peccaverit, & Ecclesiam non audiverit, sit tibi sicut Ethnicus & Publicanus. In the which place our Saviour giveth authority to Excommunicate, but the sin, and obstinacy in the sin presupposed.   

¶ The fift Proposition.  
THe persons and goods of the Clergy exempted from the power of the Secular Prince, albeit some (I know not upon what ground) hold that it is done jure Divino: Notwithstanding the contrary opinion (that it is only jure humano) is the better, and more conformable to the Divine Scripture, to the holy fathers, and to the truth of Histories. For (besides that which we have said in the first Proposition, that Priests in the old Law were subject to the Secular Prince, besides that Solomon deprived Abiathar of the Office of high Priest amongst the Hebrews, as is read in the 3. Book of the Kings Cap. 2.) in the time of the Primitive Church until the time of justinian the Emperor, it is not read in the Law, of any privilege of exemptio given to the Clergy. S. Paul said, Ad tribunal Caesaris sio, Caesarem appello. And to leave infinite other examples, It is read in the life of Otho the first Christian Emperor, That he deposed Pope john 22. by his own authority, because he was a most wicked man. And if the exemption be iure divino, why would Pope Adrian the first grant, That Charles the great should have authority to choose the Bishop of Rome. Cap. Adrianus etc. which also Leo 8. did in favour of Otho the first, as is written in the same Distinction which is the 63. Canon in Synodo.  
This doctrine is not only of S. Paul as I have proved in the first Proposition, but of S Chrysostome, Tho. Aqui. Soto that excellent Divine. Distinct. 25. Lib. 4. Senten. of Corrunias an excellent Canonist. Cap. 31. Pract. quest. who for his own behoof citeth Pope Innocentius 3. Alciat. Ferrarese Medina, and others. And these two doctors Soto and Corrunias in this particular are much to be esteemed, having both of them written since the Council of Trent. And their demonstrations are of exceeding efficacy: For besides the Authority affirmative of S. Paul, Chrysostome and Thomas; and besides the usance of the primitive Church, they bring two most forcible negative Arguments, that is, 1. If the Clergy, and that which belongs unto them be exempted jure Divino; In what book of the New or old Testament, Or in what Epistle of S. Paul, or in what Gospel are they exempted? 2. The other is, that no Christian Prince Secular, looking well to the quiet and good government of his State, regards this at all, but lets the Clergy enjoy what exemptions he pleaseth, and what he pleaseth not, he suffereth them not to enjoy.   

¶ The sixth Proposition.  
WHilst the Prince of Venice (lawful and natural Lord of his State, who acknowledgeth no superior in Temporal things but God) maketh Laws concerning goods and possessions Ecclesiastical, which are under his dominion, and punisheth Ecclesiastical persons, in grievous and heinous cases, & doth dispose of such goods, as are not already passed to Ecclesiastical persons by the Authority which he hath immediately from God, whereof he hath never been bereaved, either by Privilege granted away, or by Canon received, but is in possession thereof by an immemorable custom of many, not years, but ages, He sinneth not in so doing. The reason is, for that Qui non facit contra aliquam Legem non peccat, Much less can it be said, That he sins Qui observat Legem. And moreover, Qui retinet quod suum est non peccat. Neither are we to be forced to follow the opinion of them which hold, That the exemption is De iure Divino: for every Christian is free to follow what opinion he pleaseth, so it be a Catholic opinion. Nay rather to follow the opinion of a Doctor grounded upon reason, against a torrent and forced opinion, doubtless, is not sin; As Navarra well proveth in his Praeludia. Then shall it be no sin to follow the opinion of S. Paul, and of so many, and so famous Doctors, alleged in the first, and the fift Propositions. Nay to say true, I cannot excuse them which hold that the Exemption is jure Divino, they seeming unto me sometimes ill grounded, sometimes ill advised, sometimes too bold, sometimes too flattering.   

¶ The seventh Proposition.  
Whilst the signory of Venice is not culpable, nor commits any sin in doing that which is spoken of in the precedent Proposition, if it be excommunicated by Pope Paulus Quintus his Brief published, & if the Churches and holy places be thereupon interdicted: the Sentence is of no force, not only by the law positive, because the order prescribed by the Canon, De sent. Excom. 6. is not observed; but also jure divino it availeth not, because the authority of Excommunicating is conditionate, Si peccaverit in te frater, etc. so that where there is no sin, Excommunication hath no place; and a Sentence fulminated against him that sins not, is no Sentence for defect in the matter.  
Neither let any man be so gross of understanding to think, that if the signory (as is proved) hath not offended, neither doth offend in retinendo quod suum est, that it doth nevertheless offend in not obeying the Pope, and persisting in their opinion. For constancy in a good opinion is not obstinacy: and he that offends not, cannot be termed disobedient and obstinate, sith he which observeth the Law, doth a holy an meritorious work, and he that obeys not in those things which cannot be commanded him to do, commits no sin at all.   

¶ The eight Proposition.  
IT is true that Pope Gregory saith, that the sentence of the Pastor, be it just or unjust, is to be feared: but this sentence makes nothing to the matter. For there is great difference betwixt the sentence of an Ecclesiastical judge which is unjust, and that which is no sentence at all, as most learnedly affirmeth Navarra de Censuris Ecclesiasticis, Cap. 27. & Soto 4. Sentent. dist. 22. That the unjust censure is to be feared, but the censure that is no censure is not to be regarded, therefore the Censures published by Pope Paulus Quintus as is said, being none at all, but like Scrolls form in the Water and the Air, that is without foundation, substance or matter; I am of opinion, that you ought not to observe them, neither that you ought to innovate any thing in your Churches therefore. For although Navarra in that place recited, reasoning upon Excommunication forceless and nought, saith these words: Sententia judicis Eccleciastici invalida seu nulla, nihil aliud operatur in fore interiori sive exteriori, quàm quod obligat Execmmunicatum ad seruandam eam quoad populus sibi persuadeat vel persuadere debeat causas nullitatis propter scandalum. Notwithstanding this doctrine makes much for me: for the cause of the nullity is apparent to all the people of Venice, & if it were not manifest to all, yet all must needs know it by the Edict which the Prince hath made to let every man understand it: so that the scandal is not only not to be feared, but I say unto you, that I cannot excuse certain Religious persons, who whether their error breeds of ignorance, or of some sinister affect, have made choice rather to departed from the City, then to go forward to celebrate and Minister the Sacraments as they were ordained to do by the Prince, both for the good of the Commonwealth and the Religion. Nam ipsi sibi fuerunt lex, and would not follow the example of the Cathedral Church, and of all other holy and ancient orders of Religious, nor of all the parishes, unto whom I will say with Christ, Quòd expediret ut suspenderentur molae asinariae in colla eorum, ut non scandalizarent pusillos meos Besides, to defend the liberty of the natural Prince, who maintains and conserves amongst the people peace, liberty, and Religion, is a thing de iure Naturae, that is as much to say, as jure divino, whereas sentences Ecclesiastical are de iure positivo, which must yield unto the other, especially when there is question of the Nullity of them, whereupon some do deceive themselves which think that this controversy is about matter of faith, sith it is only about manners.  
So that Sir, you may go forward to celebrate and communicate, and to do whatsoever you did in your Church before the publication of the Censures, not only because you writ to me to be resolved to do it, but also to avoid the scandal; both because a sentence of no force is not to be observed cùm constat de nullitate, and also that you do not separate yourself from your head (which is the Prince) in controversies of jurisdiction which have no ground of Reason.  
Nay I am of opinion, that he which shall not hear Mass at least upon the holiday, shall commit sin, their Sentence being of no force, and it being celebrated in all places. Nolite agnoscere timorem ubi timor non est, nolite trepidare, etc. Let it not be said of you which have been always faithful to your Prince and to the Commonwealth, that filii matris meae pugnaverunt contra me: but, obey the Apostles precept, Omnis anima potestatibus sublimioribus subdita sit, non solùm propter iram, sed propter conscientiam. This I say not, because I doubt of your constancy (persuaded as I am of yourself and all others of that City, that you are most ready to spend your lives for your Prince) but because the justice of the cause which is manifest unto you, may be much more apparent by this my answer.  
For a Conclusion let me advertise you, that although the signory of Venice, have ordained upon pain of life, that all the Religious keep open their Churches, and proceed to do their duties as they did before, yet have they not done that for fear: But because that City having been always Catholic (and now more than ever professeth to conserve itself so,) it will not suffer that in the exercises of piety there should be any change, or that the intermission thereof should be occasion of precipitaon unto any; which evil the Prince is bound by all means to remedy, by the Law of God, for the interest of the Church.  
Many other authorities and reasons I could have adduced in this discourse, which would have made for me: But for the haste you have made me make, and for the desire I have to use brevity, I leave them all, reserving myself to write of this matter at large in a book Of the Supreme authority of a secular Prince, which shortly I will set forth in the Latin tongue. In the mean time let me put you in mind that you read the doctrine of that most sound Doctor Navarr: who in all that is said before is of our side, as in particular Cap. Novit. de judicijs Notab. 3. and in his Manuel Cap. 27. de Censuris. And to omit other particularities, that you retire yourself to that most secure Port of that notable doctrine, which teacheth that all Ecclesiastical persons, if they enjoy any exemptions, they enjoy them not the jure divino, sed ex privilegio principum. Which Privileges do retract, diminish, and enlarge as pleaseth them, when new reasons present themselves unto them, to do it to the profit of the Dominions subject unto them, even as Popes do with the Privileges of Indulgences, and other things depending upon their Spiritual authority, the which they sometimes annihilate, sometimes diminish, sometimes increase at their pleasure. And because the doctrine which I have produced, is not mine, but all drawn out of the books of devote and Catholic Doctors; I will add no more now for the confirmation thereof. Our Lord JESUS give you Consolation.