Serious CONSIDERATIONS for repressing of the increase of Jesvites, PRIESTS, and PAPISTS, without shedding of Blood.  
Written by Sir R. C. and Presented to King James of happy Memory.  
Printed Anno Dom. MDCXLI.   

CONSIDERATIONS FOR THE REPRESSING of Priests, Jesuits, and Recusants, without drawing of Blood.  
I Am not ignorant, that this later Age hath brought forth a swarm of busy heads, which measure the great mysteries of State by the Rule of their self-conceited wisdom; But if they would consider, that the commonwealth governed by grave Counsellors, is like unto a Ship directed by a skilful pilot, to whom the necessities of occasions and grounds of Reason, why he steereth the helm to this or that point of the compass, are better known, then to those that stand aloof off; they would perhaps be more sparing if not more wary in their Resolutions.  
For my own particular, i must confess, that i am naturally too much inclined to his opinion, who once said; Qui bene latuit, bene vixit, and freshly recalling to mind, the saying of Functius to his Friend at the hour of his untimely Death: 
Disce, meo exemplo, mandato munere fungi:  
Et fuge ceu Pestem, {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman}.   
I could easily forbear to make my hand-writing the Record of any opinion, which nevertheless I protest to maintain, rather deliberatively then by the way of a conclusive assertion; Therefore without wasting precious time any longer, with needless Prologue, I will briefly set down the question in the terms following:  
Whether it be more expedient to suppress Popish practices, against the due Allegiance to his majesty, by the strict execution of the laws Touching Jesuits, and Seminary Priests, or to restrain them to close Prison during life, if no reformation following.  
The doubt propounded consisting of Two Branches, necessarily requireth to be distinctly handled, that by comparing either part the conveniency, mentioned in the Question, may be cleared with more facility.  
1. In favour of the first Division there are not a few, who grounding themselves on an ancient proverb, {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman}, A dead man bites not: affirm that such are dangerous to be preserved alive, who being guilty, condemned, and full of fear, are likely for purchase of life and liberty, to engage their utmost in desperate adventures against their King and country.  
2. No less is it to be feared, that while the Sword of Justice is remiss in cutting off heinous offenders, against the dignity of the crown, the misled papal multitude in the interim, may enter into a jealous suspense, whether that forbearance proceed from the fear of exasperating their desperate humours, or that it is now become questionable, whether the execution of their Priests be simply for matter of State, or pretended quarrel for Religion.  
3. And whereas in a remediless inconvenience, it is lawful to use the extremity of laws against some few, that many by terror of the Example may be reformed; what hope can there be, that clemency may tame their hearts, who interpret his majesty's grace in Transporting their Priests out of this realm to be a mere shift, to rid the Prisons of those whom Conscience could not condemn of any capital crime.  
4. Neither are their vaunting whisperings to be neglected, by which they seek to confirm the fearful souls of their party, and to inveigle the ignorant, doubtful, or discontented persons; for if the glorious extolling of their powerful Friends, and the expecting of a golden day be suffered, to win credit with the meaner sort, the relapse cannot be small, or the means easy to reform the error, without a general combustion of the State.  
5. Let experience speak somewhat in this behalf, which hath evidently descried within the current of few years; That the forbearance of Severity hath multiplied their Roll in such manner, that it remains as a corrosive to thousands of his Majesties well affected Subjects.  
6. To what purpose serves it, to muster the names of the Protestants, or to vaunt them to be ten for one of the Roman faction, as if bare figures of numeration could prevail against an united party resolved and advised aforehand, how to turn their faces with assurance unto all dangers, while in the mean time, the Protestants nestling in vain security, suffer the weed to grow up that threateneth their bane and merciless ruin?  
7. Sometimes the Oath of supremacy choked their presumptuous imaginations, and yet could not that infernal smoke be wholly smothered, nor the Locusts issuing there-out, be cleansed from the face of this Land. Now that the temporal power of the King, contained in the Oath of allegiance, is by the papal Sea, and many of the Adorers thereof, impudently avowed to be unlawful; shall the broachers of such Doctrine be suffered to live, yea to live and be received of us, for whose destruction they groan daily?  
8. To be a right Popish Priest, in true English sense, is to bear the Character of a disloyal Renegade, of his natural obedience to his sovereign; Whom, if by connivance he shall let slip or chastise with a light hand; what immunity may not traitorous delinquents in lesser degrees expect or challenge after a sort, in Equity and Justice.  
9 If there were no receivers there would be no thieves: Likewise, if there were no Harbourers of the Jesuites, it is to be presumed that they would not trouble this Isle with their presence; Therefore rigour must be extended against the Receiver, that the Jesuit may be kept out of doors; were it then indifferent Justice to hang up the Accessary and let the principal go free; namely to suffer the Priest to draw his breath at length, while the entertainer of him under his roof submits his body to the Executioners hand? Without doubt if it be fit to forbear the chief, it will be necessary to receive the second offender into protection. Wherewith a mischief must ensue of continual expense; and scandalous restraint of so great a number.  
10. Reputation is one of the principal arteries of the commonwealth, which maxim is so well known to the Secretaries of the papacy; That by private Forgeries and public impressions of Calumniations, they endeavour to wound us in that vital part; Howsoever therefore, some few of that stamp being better tempered then their fellows in defence of this present government, have not spared to affirm; That tyranny is unjustly ascribed thereunto, for so much as freedom of Conscience, after a sort, may be redeemed for money; Notwithstanding there want not many pamphleteers of their side, who opprobriously cast in our teeth, the converting of the Penalty, inflicted on Recusants, and refusers of the oath of allegiance from the King's Exchequer to a particular purse: surely we cannot presume that these libelers may be dissuaded from spitting out their venom maliciously against us, when they shall see their Priests mewed up without further process of Law: For either they will attribute this calm dealing to the Justice of their cause, the strength of their party or patience, or that tract of time hath discovered our laws importing overmuch sharpness in good policy, to be thought fitter for abrogation, by non usance, then repealed by a public decree.  
11. Moreover it is forethought by some, that if these Seminaries be only restrained, that they may prove hereafter like a snake, kept in the bosom, such as Bonner, Gardiner, and others of the same Livery showed themselves to be after Liberty, obtained in Queen Mary's days; And if the loss of their Ghostly Fathers agrieve them, it is probable, that they will take arms sooner, and with more courage to free the Living, then to set up a trophy to the dead.  
12. How soever the Jesuites Band is known in their Native soil, to be defective in many respects, which makes them underlings to the Protestants; as in authority, arms and the Protection of the laws, which is all in all: nevertheless, they insinuate themselves to foreign Princes, favouring their party, with promises of strange assistance at home; if they may be well backed from abroad; To which purpose they have divided the Inhabitants of this realm into four Sects; Whereof Ranking their troops in the first place (as due to the pretended Catholics) they assumed a full fourth part to their property, and of that part again they made a Subdivision into two portions; namely of those that openly renounced the established Church of England, and others whose certain number could not be assigned: Because they frequented our service, our Sacraments, reserving their hearts to their Lord God the Pope. The second party they allot to the Protestants, who retain yet, as they say, some relics of their Church; The third rank and largest, was left unto the Puritans, whom they hate deadly, in respect, that they will hold no indifferent quarter with Papistry. The fourth and last maniple; They assign to the Politicians: Huomini (say they) Senza Dio, & Senz anima: Men without fear of God, or regard of their souls; Who busying themselves only with matters of State, retain no sense of Religion: without doubt, if the Authors of this partition have cast their account aright, we must confess, the latter brood is to be ascribed properly unto them; For if the undermining of the Parliament House, the scandalising of the King in Print, who is God's anointed; And the refusal of natural obedience, be works of those that neither stand in awe of God or Conscience; well may the Papists boast, that they are assured of the first number; and may presume likewise of the lasts friendship, when occasion shall be offered; For the preventing of which combination; it is a sure way to cut off the Heads; that should tie the knot, or at least, to brand them with a mark in the forehead, before they be dismissed, or after the opinion of others, to make them unwelcome to the feminine sex; which now with great fervency embraceth them.  
These are for the most part Arguments vented in ordinary discourse, by many who suppose a priest's breath to be contagious in our English air; others there are, who maintain the second part of the question, with reasons not unworthy of observance.  
Death is the end of temporal woes; But it may in no wise be accounted the grave of memory; Therefore howsoever it is in the power of Justice to suppress the person of a man, the opinion for which he suffered (conceived truly or untruely in the hearts of a multitude) is not subject to the edge of any swor● how sharp or keen soever: I confess that the Teeth are soon blunted, that bite only out of the malice of a singular faction: But where poison is diffused through the veins of a commonwealth with intermixture of Blood, good and bad, separation is to be made rather by vacuation, then by present incision: The greatest byter of a State is envy joined with thirst of Revenge, which seldom declares itself in plain Colours, until a jealousy conceived of personal dangers breaketh out into desperate resolutions: Here comes it to pass, that when one mal-contented member is grieved, the rest of the body is sensible thereof; neither can a Priest or Jesuite be cut off without a general murmur of their Secretaries, which being confident in their number, secretly arm for opposition, or confirmed with their martyr's blood, (as they are persuaded) resolve by patience and sufferance to glorify their cause; and to merit heaven. Do we not daily see, that it is easier to confront a private Enemy, than a society or Corporation: And that the hatred of a State is more immortal than the spleen of a Monarchy; Therefore except it be demonstrated, that the whole Roman City which consists not of one brood, but of a succession of Persons may be cut off at the first stroke, as one entrei head, I see no cause to think our state secured by sitting on the skirts of some few Seminaries, leaving in the mean time a multitude of snarlers abroad, who already show their Teeth and only wait opportunity to bite fiercely. I will not deny, that whom we fear, we commonly hate; provided always, that no merit hath interceeded a reconciliation; For there is great difference between hatred conceived against him that will take away the life, and him that may justly do it, and yet in Clemency forbears to put it in effect, For the latter breedeth reverent awe, whereas the former subjecteth to servile fear, always accompanied with desire of innovations. And although it hath been affirmed of the Church of Rome; Quod Pontificium genus semper crudele; nevertheless out of Charity, let us hope that all Devils are not so black as they are painted; Some or perhaps many of them there are, whom Conscience or in default thereof, pure shame of the world will constrain to confess, that his majesty most graciously distinguisheth the Theory of Popery, from the Active part thereof; as being naturally inclined; Parvis peccatis veniam, magnis sever itatem commodare; nec poena semper, sed Saepius poenitentia Contentus esse.  
2. Mistaking of punishments, legally inflicted, commonly proceeds from fond pity, or the interest which we have in the same cause, both which beget blind partiality. Admit then that the papal side, affecting merit, by compassion may be merely touched, with the restraint of their Seminaries; that cannot be denied, I hope, except they had the hearts of tigers; that in humanity they will prefer their ease of durance before the rigour of death: And albeit that PARSONS, BELLARMINE, and the POPE himself, constrain their spiritual Children, to thrust their fingers into the fire, by refusing the oath of allegiance: Notwithstanding we have many Testimonies in judicial Courts, and printed books, that the greater part of them are of that Theban Hunters mind, who would rather have seen his Dogs cruel Acts, then have felt them, to his own cost.  
Garnet himself also in one of his secret Letters lamented, that after his death, he should not be enroled amongst the Martyrs: Because that no matter of Religion was objected against him, yet it plainly appears in his demeanour; That he would gladly have survived the possibility of that glory, if any such hope had remained, neither is it to be presumed, that being in prison, he would ever have conceived that we durst not touch his Reverence, or that the Law was remiss, which had justly condemned him and left his life to the King's mercy, it was the distance of the place and not persons, that interpreted the sending over Seas of the Priests, to be a greater Argument of their innocency, then of his majesty's forbearance: For had Father Parsons himself been Coram nobis, his song would rather have been of mercy than Justice. It is truly said, that we are all instructed, Better by examples than precepts; Therefore if the laws printed, & indictments recorded cannot control the Calumniations of those that wilfully will mistake Treason for Religion, By the execution of 2. or 3. of that Backbiting number, I doubt not, but the question may readily be decided, Namque immedicabile vulous ense recidendum est, ne pars sincera trahatur.  
To dally with pragmatical Papists, especially with those that by their example & counsel pervert his majesty's Subjects, I hold it a point of mere Injustice: For what comfort may the good expect when the bad are by connivance freed to speak and emboldened, to put their disloyal thoughts in execution? For explaining therefore of my meaning, it is necessary to have a regard unto the nature of the King's Liege people, that are to be reformed by example of justice, & other forrayners who will we, nill we, must be censurers of our actions.  
It hath been truly observed, that the Nations of Europe, which are most remote from Rome, are more superstitiously inclined to the dregs of that place, than the near neighbours of Italy: whether that humour proceed from the complexion of the Northern bodies which is naturally more retentive of old customs, than hotter Regions; or that the vices of the City, seated on 7. Hills, are by crafty Ministers of that Sea, concealed from the vulgar sort, Ilist not now discuss, but most certain it is, that the people of this Isle exceed the Romans in zeal of their profession: Insomuch, that in Rome itself, I have heard the English Fugitives taxed by the name of Pichiapetti Inglesi. Now as our Countrymen take surer holdfast of papal Traditions, than others: so are they naturally better fortified with a courage to endure death for the maintenance of that cause; For this climate is of that temperature, out of which Vegetius holdeth it fittest, to choose a valiant soldier, where the heart finding itself provided of plenty of blood to sustain sudden defects, is not so soon apprehensive of death or dangers, as where the store-house of blood being small, every hazard maketh pale Cheeks and trembling hands (Angli) say ancient writers, bello intrepidi, nec mortis sensu deterrentur: And thereunto Botero the Italian beareth witness in his relations of many strangers, therefore coming out of foreign parts, among the Rarities of England, desired to see whether report hath not been too lavish in affirming that our condemned persons yield their bodies to death with cheerfulness. And were it not that by daily experience, we can call ourselves to witness of this truth, i could produce the Reverend Judge Fortescue, who in commendation of our English laws, made suitable, as he well observeth, to the inbred conditions of the Inhabitants of this soil, avoweth that the English people in trial for criminal causes are not compelled by Tortures to confess, as in other Nations it is used, for as much as the quality of the English is known to be less fearful of death, then of Torments, for which cause, if the Torments of the civil Law were offered to an innocent person in England, he would rather yield himself guilty and suffer death, then endure the horror of lingering pains; Insulani plerumque fures (saith one) and so true it is, that this Country is stained with that imputation, notwithstanding that many are put to death, to the end that others, by their fall, might learn in time to beware: if then it doth appear that terror prevails not to keep men from offences, which are condemned by Law and Conscience, what assurance can there be to scare those who are constantly satisfied in their minds, that their sufferings are either expressly or by implication for matter of Religion and health of their souls; In such a case to threaten death to Englishmen; Quibus nihil interest humive, sublimive putrescant, is a matter of small consequence, Purpuratis Gallis, Italis aut Hispanis ista minitari, to a settled resolution of death, menaces to prolong a wearisome life, prevail much more in such cases. Rightly did Clement the 8th consider that by burning two Englishmen in Rome for supposed heresy, he rather impaired his cause, then bettered it; Jnsomuch that many present at the resolute death of Mr. Marsh, who was brought to dust in Campo di Santa Fiore, spared not to proclaim him for a Martyr, carried away of his ashes for a relic, & wished their souls in the same place with his; which news brought to the Pope's ear, caused him (as it was bruited about in Rome) solemnly protest; That none of the English Nation should publicly from that time forward, be consumed with fire; On the other side, if we read the volumes written in praise of their priest's constancy, their martyrology or calendar of Martyrs, and Path way of salvation, as it were chalked out unto the Papists, by sacrificing their lives for the Pope; we shall find that by taking away of one, we have confirmed and invited many; whereof I could give particular instances, if I thought any scruple were made in that point.  
As for foreign parts, which hold with the papal Supremacy, it is clear, that they will be severe and partial Judges in this cause; For albeit that here in England it is well known to all true and loyal Subjects; that for matter of Roman Doctrine, no man's life is directly called into question: But that their disobedience in reason of State, is the only motive of their prosecution; nevertheless where a great Canton of Christendom is rooted in a contrary opinion, & things in this world are for the most part esteemed by outward appearance; this Land cannot escape malicious scandals, neithet shall there be want of colleges to supply their faction with Seminaries. Therefore again, and again I say, that if the state of the question were so set that it were possible by a general execution of the Priests and their Adherents, to end the controversy, i could in some sort with better will subscribe thereunto; But seeing i find little hope in that course, i hold it safer to be ambitious of the victory, which is purchased with less loss of blood, and to proceed, as Tully teacheth his Orator; who when he cannot wholly overthrow his Adversary, yet ought he to do it in some part, and with all endeavour to confirm his own party in the best manner that may be.  
4. He that forbeareth to sow his ground in expectance of good wind, or a favourable moon, commonly hath a poor Crop, and a lean Purse; So shall it fare with this state, if private whisperings of discontented persons, that neverlearnt to speak well, be too nicely regarded; yet ought they not to be slightly set at nought, lest our credit grow light, even in the balance of our dearest friends. The Papasticall Libels inform against us, as if we were desirous to grow fat with sucking of their Blood, the very walls of their Seminary college at Rome, are bedawbed with their lying fancies, and in every corner, the Corner-creepers leave some badge of their malicious spleen against us, crying out of cruelty and persecution: But if the penalty of death be changed into a simple endurance of Prison, what moat can they find in our eyes to pull out; or with what rhetoric can they defend their obstinate malapertness, which with repaying us ill for good, deserve to have coals of indignation poured upon their heads, Visne muliebre consilium, said Livia to Augustus, let severity sleep a while, and try what alteration the pardoning of Cynna mayprocure; The Emperor hearkened to her counsel, and thereby found his enemy's mouths stopped, and the malice abated; some there are perchance, that will term this Clemency, innovation, and vouch the Precedent of that City, who permitted none to propound new laws, that had not a cord about their necks, ready for vengeance, if it were found voprofitable: But let such Stoyicks know, that there is great difference between the penning of a new Law, and advise given for the manner of executing it; neither by their Leaves, are all Jnnovations to be rejected; For divine Plato teacheth us, that in all commonwealths, upon just grounds, there ought to be some changes; And that Statesmen therein must behave themselves like skilful musicians, Qui artem Musices non mutant, sed musices modum.  
5. That an evil weed groweth fast, by example of the new Catholics increase is clearly convinced; But he that will ascribe this generation simply to his majesty's heroical virtue of Clemency, argueth out of the fallacy which is called Ignoratio Elenchi. Was not the zeal of many cooled towards the last end of Queen Elizabeth's reign, hath not the impertinent heat of some of our own side bereft us of part of our strength? And the Papacy with tract of time gotten a hard skin on their Consciences; Parva metu primo, mox sese attollit in altum: But if we will with a better insight, behold how this great quantity of spawn is multiplied, we must especially ascribe the cause thereof to their Priests, who by their deaths prepare and assure more to their sect, then by their lives they could ever persuade. It were incivility to distrust a friend, or one that hath the show of an honest man, if he will frankly give his word, or confirm it with a sacred Oath: But when a protestation is made upon the least gasp of life, it is of great effect, and possesseth those that cannot gain say it upon their own knowledge. The number of these Priests, which now a days come to make a tragical conclusion, is not great; Yet as with one seal many patents are Sealed, so with the loss of few lives numbers of wavering spirits may be gained, Sanguis martyrum semen Ecclesiae; And though these Priests having indeed a disadvantageous cause, are in very deed but counterfeit shadows of Martyrs unto a true understanding, yet will they be reputed for such by those that lay their souls to pawn unto their Doctrine, with whom, if we list to contend by multitude of voices, we shall be cried down, without all peradventure; For the gate of their Church is wide, and many there are that enter thereinto.  
6. By divers means, it is possible to come to one and the selfsame end; seeing that then the some of our well-wishings is all one; Namely that Popish Priests may have no power to do harm; It is not impertinent to try sundry paths, which may lead us to the perfecting of our desires. Politicians distinguish; Inter rempub: constitutan & rempub: constituend: According to the several natures whereof, Statists are to dispose of their Counsels and Ordinances. Were now the Rhemists and Romulists new hatched out of the shell, the former course of severity might soon bury their opinions with their persons; But sithence the disease is inveterated, variety of Medicines is Judiciously to be applied. The Romans did not punish all Crimes of one and the selfsame nature with extremity of death; For some they condemned to perpetual Prison, and others they banished into an Island, or some remote Country, even in the case of Religion, they were very tender to dip their fingers in Blood; For when Cato was Consul, and it seemed good unto the Senate to suppress with violence the disordered Ceremony of the Bacchanals, brought by a strange Priest into the City; He withstood that Sentence, alleging that there was nothing so apt, to deceive men as Religion; which always presents a show of Divinity; And for that cause, it behooved to be very wary in chastizing the professors thereof, lest any indignation should enter into the people's minds, that somewhat was derogated from the majesty of GOD. Others more freely, have not spared to place Religion (I mean that Religion which is ignorantly zealous) amongst the kinds of frenzy, which is not to be cured otherwise then by time, given to divert or qualify the fury of the Conceit;  
Tantum Religio potuit suadere malorum!  
Howsoever, in valuing the power of a city, or strength of Arguments, quality, and worth is to be preferred before number: nevertheless, where the uttermost of our force is not known, it imports much to have it conceived, that the multitude stands for us; for doubts and suspicions cast in an enemy's way, evermore make things seem greater, & more difficulty than they are indeed; we have by God's mercy, the sword of justice drawn on our behalf, which upon short warning, is able to disunite the secret underminers of our quiet, we have a King zealous for the house of the Lord, who needeth not to fear less success in shutting up of Priests, than our late Queen had in restraining them in Wisbich Castle; where lest their factious spirits should grow rusty, they converted their Canker to fret upon themselves, and vomiting out gall in quodlibets, showed that their Disease was chiefly predominant in the spleen. Whattempests they have raised in their college at Rome, their own books, and many Travellers can witness; The storm whereof was such, that Sextus Quintus complained seriously of the vexation, which he received oftener from the English scholars, than all the Vassals of his Triple crown. And untruly is the Magistrate noted of negligence, or overmuch severity, that layeth wait to catch the Foxes, and the little Foxes, which spoil the vineyard; Though afterwards without further punishment, he reserve them to the day, wherein God will take account of their Stewardship. For if Aristotle's City defined to be a society of men, assembled to live well, be the same, which in our Law hath reference to the maintenance of the poor in peace: so long as we taste of the sweet of a peaceable Government; we cannot say, but that we live well, and that the City consisting of Men, and not of Walls, is happily guided.  
8. An Oath is a weak Band to contain him that will, for pretended Conscience sake, hold no Faith with heretics, or by absolution from a Priest, thinketh himself at liberty to fly from any promise, or protestation whatsoever.  
Therefore when I remember, that Watsone the Priest, notwithstanding his invectives against the Jesuits, gained liberty to forge his traitorous inventions, and had others of his society in the complot: I judge it safer to make Recluses of them, then to suffer such to dally with us by books, and some idle intelligences cast abroad only, as a Mist to blear our eyes: but how shall we find the means to apprehend those disguised Romanists, that borrow the shapes of captains, merchants, Gentlemen, Citizens, and a●l sorts of people, and by equivocation, may deny themselves to be themselves? In answer to this question, I will first show the Reason, why they are not pursued and taken, and hereafter make an overture, how they may be bolted out of their Hutches. The Nature of Man, howsoever in hot blood it be thirsty of revenge; in a cooler temper, it hath a kind of Nausea, as I may call it, or a distaste of taking away of the lives, even of the Nocent: Insomuch that in all Assizes and Sessions, an offender can hardly be condemned, whom the foolish pity of many will not after a sort excuse, with laying some imputations on the Judge, part on the Jury, and much on the Accuser; and such is their blind affection, that the Prisoner who, perhaps, was never recommended for handsomeness, will be esteemed of them, for one of the properest men in the company: from hence it comes, that the name of a sergeant, or a pursuivant is odious, and the Executioner, although he be the hand of justice, is esteemed no better than an Enemy of Mankind, and one that lost honesty and Humanity in his Cradle. Reverend Master Fox was wont to say, that spies accusers, where necessary Members in a Commonwealth, and deserved to be cherished, but for his own part, he would not be of any of that number, or wish his friends to affect such impliments, and albeit that the Law permits and commands every man to apprehend a felon; do we not commonly see very many content to stand by and look on, while others perform that office?  
Likewise, it is evident, that if such as are tender of their reputations, be very scrupulous, personally to arrest men for civil actions of debt, they will be more unwilling instruments of drawing their bodies to the rack, or the gallows; especially when their is any colour of Religion to be pretended in their defence; The diversity of men's faces is great, but the difference of their minds in this Case is more variable, wherein the meanest have thought as free as the highest, besides this, there are too many of the blind Commonalty, altogether Popish, though not reconciled Papists, who, in their foolish ignorance, will say, it is pity any should die for their Conscience, though indeed they make honourable amends for their Treason; verily I know not, what misgiving of their mind? it is, that maketh men forecast the possibility of alteration in matters of Religion, and for that respect, they are exceeding backward, in discovery and laying hands on Seminaries, yea, and are timorous, in enacting sharp laws against them, as those that silently say among themselves, Sors hodierna mihi; cras erit illa tibi: some also survive, who remember, that in Queen Mary's time, the Protestants alleged a Text, that the Tares should not be plucked up before Harvest: Nay, shall I speak a bugs word; there is no small number, that stand doubtful, whether it be a grateful work to cross Popery, or that it may be done safely without a soul aspersion of Puritanism, or a shrewd turn, for their labours at some times, or other: By which unhappy ambiguity it comes to pass, that these, Animalia amphibia, the Priests I mean, that prey on the souls and bodies of either Sex, unattached revel where they list, though they be no more seen, than a man dancing in a net. How much fitter were it for us courageously to invite them to our party, by Preaching, or confuting them by writing, and unto the state wherein we stand, wisely to apply the exhortation of the Assyrian King to his soldiers, you are fools (quoth he) if there be any hope in your hearts, to redress sorrow, by flight, or rather endeavour to make them fly that are the causers of your grief, assuring yourselves, that more perish in flight, then in the battle, even as many seeking to meet the Papists half way, discomfort our own party.  
9 It followeth now, according to the method prescribed before, that an overture be made, how to get the Jesuits and their shadows, the Priests into possession: it hath been heretofore recited, that the unwelcome name of a bloodsucker, a busybody, or a Puritan hath been shrewd scarecrowes unto many honest minds, by abrogating therefore of those or such like imputations, many will be stirred up to undertake the apprehending of the Adversaries unto the truth: especially, when for their pains and time employed, they shall deserve, and have the titles of good Patriots, dutiful Subjects, and zealous Christians: how ready is every common person to carry a Malefactor to the stokes, rather than to the goal or Execution, and doubtless, they will be no less forward to attach a Priest when they are assured that the worst of his punishment shall be a simple restraint within the walls of some old Castle. A certain kind of People there is, with whom money plays a more forcible orator's part, than any persuasion of the dutiful service, which they owe to their commonwealth: These men will not be negligent to give intelligence, and also to procure it faithfully provided, that reward may help to line their threadbare purses, and exempt them from need to sell liberty unto Seminaries: and where assurance of gain is propounded, for discovery what Master or Housekeeper will trust his servant with keeping of his Priest, or sleep quietly while he is engaged to the danger of a Mercenary? I remember, that in Italy it was often told me, that the bountiful hand of Sir Francis Walsingham, made his intelligencers so active, that a Seminary could scarcely stir out of the Gates of Rome, without his privity: which success, by mediation of Gold, may as readily be obtained from Seville, Valcdolid, Douai, Louvain, Paris, and other places, and by forewarning given of their approach, they may be waited for at the Ports, and from thence, soon conveyed to a safe Lodging. But whence shall the stream follow that must feed this bounty? It is a doubt easily satisfied. If some thousands of pounds out of the Recusants penalties be reserved in stock, and committed by his Majesty into the disposition of zealous distributers, who will not be afraid to conclude Perdat fiscus ut capiat Christus: neither need we seek any further succour to repair decayed Castles, and therein to defray the charge of the Priests, with a sure guard to keep them: then the foresaid forfeitures, that by the Justice of the law may be collected: which course, if ever it come happily to be entertained, and that Recusancy cause to be an ignominous prey to the subjects, the proceedings for Religion shall be less blamed, and perhaps altogether unjustly accused, by any graceless, Gretzerus or Cacodaemon, Johannes, tincting their pens in Gall, and vinegar, For besides occasion of calumniation, given by suits of that nature, it is evident that many Recusants that would be indicted for the King, and the effecting of the project aforesaid, shall escape without punishment, and be borne out against the power of a private person, begging them to no other purpose, than hath heretofore been used, and albeit the penalty be rated at xxl a month, yet was it never the lawmakers intent, that such as was not able to pay so great a sum, should go scot-free. But that according to the proportion of their ability, they should do the penance of their purses for their disobedience; whereas now (if the voice of the People, which is said to be the voice of God, is to be credited) the poorer sort is skipped over, as if they ought no souls to God, nor duty to their sovereign, a poor man, saith one, is to be pitied, if he offend thorough necessity: but he do amiss voluntarily, he is more severely to be chastised; forasmuch, as wanting friends, and means to bear him out, it showeth that his fault proceedeth from presumption.  
10. Let us now presuppose that all the whole Regiment of Jesuites and Seminaries, were lodged in safe custody, may we then persuade ourselves that Popery will vanish like a dumb show? I am clearly resolved, that though it receive a great Eclipse, notwithstanding, without other helps, the kingdom of Antichrist will only lie hidden as a weed, that seems withered in winter, and is ready to sprout out with the Spring. Temporal arms are Remedies serving for a time: but the spiritual sword is permanent in operation, and by an invisible blow works more than mortal man can imagine. The word of God carrieth this two edged weapon in its mouth, which is to be used by faithful Ministers of the Church, whom pure zeal, without respect to worldly promotion or persons, aught to encourage. Of Judges, the Scripture saith Estote fortes, and daily we see that sitting in their judicial seats, God inspireth them with greater courage, than when, as private Persons, they are to give their opinions: No less is the power of the holy Ghost in his servants, that out of the Pulpit are to deliver his Embassage. Let them therefore not be dismayed to speak out plainly, and tell the truth without running a middle course between heat & cold. Unprofitable descanting upon the Scripture with an old Postell, or for want of better matter, waste the poor time shut up in an hour glass, with skirmishing against the worthy Pillars of our own profession. Rumour which is ever ready to take hold of evil, hath raised a secret, though (as I hope) a causeless suspicion; that there should be some secret combination under hand, by changing the state of Questions, to put us in our old days, to learn a new catechism; and when they have brought us out of conceit with the Reverend Interpreters of the Word, to use us then, as the Wolves (mentioned in Demosthenes apology) handled the shepherds, when they had delivered up their Dogs. Most sacred was that Speech of our most gracious King concerning Vorstius; he that will speak of Canaan, let him speak the Language of Canaan. How can we draw others to our Church; if we cannot agree, where, or how to lay our Foundation? Or how may we cleanse the Leprous Disease of dissension, which the Papists, which are least assured to themselves, and most doubtful of their salvation, are not ashamed to ascribe unto many of us? I would not have Ministers indiscreet, like Dogs, to bark against all, whether they know, or know them not. I like better the opinion of Aristotle, who adviseth those that stand in guard of a place, to be cursed; only to such as are about to endamage the City. If pursuivants, and other civil Officers, would learn to keep this rule, they might go about their business, with much credit. The imagined fear of inviting the Romish faction, by force to deliver their ghostly Fathers out of prison, move me not a whit; For I cannot believe, that they esteem them at so dear a price, that they would run the hazard, by freeing others out of hold, to put themselves into their places. some will say, that a man of straw is a head good enough for a discontented Multitude. That the Papists are very choleric, it appears sufficiently by their writings: yet it hath pleased God to send those cursed cows short horns, that when they could not find a man of sufficiency to serve their turn, they were fain to do homage to Garnets straw; forgetful as they are, that such stubble cannot endure the trial of fire; but unto us, that ought to be doers, as well as Professors of the gospel, let this remain as a memorable theorem: Religion is the Mother of good Order; good Order, is the cause of prosperous Fortune, and happy success in all Counsels, and enterprises; wherefore in what estate soever, their wanteth good Order, it is an evident Argument, that Religion goes backward.  
11. I have ever held it for a kind of injustice, to omit the execution of mean laws, made to prevent the effects of idleness, & then to apply main extremity of the sword, when the proling habit gotten by the vice comes to light. No less is the course uncharitable (with par-don for this presumption be it spoken, when we spare them that have no Religion at all, and censure those that can give account of somewhat tending to that purpose.  
He that is in misery must be borne withal if he speak miserably, and when the child from his mother's breast hath sucked nothing but Popery, a man had need to be angry with discretion, if he hear him speak in the voice of a Papist. God calleth some by miracle; but the ordinary means in his Word: if that means, in many places of this Land be wanting; of what Religion is it likeliest, the people will be? I suppose, that few men will gainsay my assertion, that outward sense will direct them to Popery which is fuller of Pageants, then of spiritual doctrine. And what is the cause, that after so many years of preaching of the gospel, that the common people still retain a sent of the Roman perfume? The cause is, for that the formal obedience of coming to Church, hath been more expected, than the instruction of private families; public Catechising is of great use, but the first elements thereof are to be learned at home: and these, which we learn from our Parents, stick most surely in our minds. What was the cause why the Spartans continued their government so many Revolutions of times, without mutations? Histories record, that learning their country customs from their infancy, they would not be induced to alter them; And in this our native soil, we perceive that the common laws which rely on ancient customs, are better observed then late Statutes of what worth soever they be: so doth it fare with the poor People, which being once seasoned with the old Dregs of Papism, will hardly be drawn from it: till the Learning of the true Faith be grown to a custom. I will prescribe no order of aff●ires, to effect this; But I suppose, that the ancient laudable course by the Bishop's confirmation, will not be sufficient to fulfil so great a task; the Ministers must and aught, to be the principal and immediate hands to give assistance to so gracious a work, and in case, any be defective in their duty, the Reverend Bishops may take notice thereof in their Visitations.  
Perhaps it will be thought a hard task to constrain old People to learn the A. B. C. of their Christian belief. But how hard soever it be, I hold it no incivility to prepare people of all Ages for the kingdom of heaven. By the order contained in the book of Common prayer, on Sundays and holidays, half an hour before the Evensong, the Curate of every Parish ought to examine Children sent unto him in some points of the catechism, and all Fathers, Mothers, Masters, and Dames should cause their Children, apprentices, and servants, to resort unto Church, at the time appointed: There obediently to hear, and be ordered by the Cutate; until such time, as they have learned all that in the said Book is commanded: And when the Bishop shall appoint the Children to be brought before him, for their confirmation, the Curate of every Parish shall send or bring in writing, the names of those Children of his Parish, which can answer to the Questions of the catechism; and there ought none to be admitted to the Holy Communion, until such time as he can say his catechism, and be confirmed: many times I have stood amazed, to behold the magnificence of our Ancestors Buildings, which their Successors as this day are not able to keep up; But when i cast mine eyes upon this excellent Foundation: laid by the grave Fathers of the Church, and perceive their children neglect to build thereupon: with exceeding marvel, I rest almost besides myself. For never was their better Ground-plots laid, which hath been seconded with less success. It was not the hanging up of the Bull of Pius Quintus on the Bishop of London's doors, or the forbearing to hang up Priests, that hath wrought this apostasy: but the idleness, and insufficiency of many Teachers, conspiring with the people's cold zeal, that hath been the contriver of this unhappy Web. until the xith. year of Queen Elizabeth's reign, a Recusants name was scarcely known: The reason was, because that the zeal, begotten in the time of the Marian persecution, were yet fresh in memory; And the late Persecutors what so amazed with the sudden alteration of Religion, that they could not choose but say Digitus Dei est hic. In those days, there was an emulation between the Clergy and the Laity: and a strife arose, whether of them should show themselves most affectionate to the gospel; Ministers haunted the houses of worthiest men, where Jesuits now build their Tabernacles; and poor Country Churches were frequented with the best in the Shire. The Word of GOD was precious, Prayer and Preaching went hand in hand together: until Archbishop Grindal's disgrace, and Hatfield's hard conceit of prophesying, brought the flowing of these good graces to a still water: The name of a Papist smelled rank, even in their own nostrils, and for pure shame to be accounted such, they resorted duly, both to our Churches and exercises: But when they saw their great Coriphaeus Sanders had slily pinned the name of Puritans, upon the sleeves of Protestants, that encountered them with most courage, & perceived that the word was pleasing to some of our own side, they took heart agrace to set little by the service of God, & duty to their sovereign, therewith start up from among us, some that might have been recommended for their zeal, if it had been tempered with discretion, who fore-running the authority of the Magistrate, took upon them in sundry places and publicly to censure, whatsoever agreed not with their private conceits, with which cross humours vented in Pulpits and Pamphlets, most men grieve to be frozen in zeal, and in such sort benumbed, that whosoever (as the worthy Lord Keeper Bacon observed in those days) pretended a little spark of earnestness, be seemed no less than red fire, hot in comparison of the other; And as some things fare the worse, for an ill neighbour's sake, dwelling beside them, so did it betide the Protestant, who seeking to curb the Papist, or reprove an idle drone, was incontinently branded, with the ignominous note of a Precisian. All which wind, brought plenty of water to the Pope's Mill, and there will most men grind, where they see appearance to be well served.  
12. If without great inconvenience the children of Papists could be brought up out of their company, it were a happy turn: But I find it to be full of difficulty; There is provision made to avoid Popish schoolmasters, but there is no ward against Popish schoolmistresses, that infect the silly Infants while they carry them in their arms, which moveth me to suppose that the former proposition to examine how Children and servants are brought up; and truly to certify the list of the Communicants, and Recusants, will be the readiest means to let his Majesty know the yearly increase or decrease of the church in every diocese: And whosoever shall send his children, or any of his majesty's subjects, to be placed in Monasteries, or Seminary colleges, or Popishly to be brought up in sorraine parts: I think that for punishment both the one & the other, worthily might be disfranchised of the privileges, due to natural Englishmen; so farforth, as any good by the laws may descend to them: But not to be exempted from the penalties thereof; or the regal jurisdiction of the crown. I know well that contradiction is odious, and makes a man seem ambitious, to be thought more understanding than others. In which case, the Spaniard useth only to term him presumptuous, whom he would call fool, if civility would bear it. But in my defence, I hope it shall suffice again, to revive my former protestation, that Idiscourse by the way of proposition, rather than Arrogance of defining any thing: with pardon therefore, may I be permitted to say. That the first easy Law of xijd. inflicted on him that could not give a reasonable excuse, for his absence from Church or Sundays, was one of the best Ordinances, that hath hitherto been enacted. But while we sought to make new Statutes, savouring of more severity, we neglected the old, and were loath to execute the new: For it is a certain Rule, that whosoever in policy will give liberty, and yet seem to suppress a crime, let him procure sharp laws to be proclaimed, which are only necessary for some times, and rare occasions to be put in Execution; but not to be an ordinary work, for every day of the week. Daily use likewise teacheth us, that it is less grievous to punish by an old Law, then by a new: Forsomuch, as Truth itself, seldom gets credit without proof, and it is hard to free the people of suspicion, that new laws are not rather invented against the particular persons and purses of men, then against the corrupt manners. By force of which reason, I am induced to conceive that the old use of the Church, contained in good nurture, and ecclesiastical censures will much more prevail to muzzle Popery, than any fresh devices whatsoever. Neither do i think it blame-worthy, to affirm that our cause hath taken harm, by relying more on the temporal, than the spiritual arms. For while we trusted that capital punishments should strike the stroke; we have neglected the means, which would, for the most part, have discharged the need of such severity. The Oath of allegiance is not offered generally, to servants and mean People; who if they had taken the Oath by absolution of a Priest, might recoil from it, or change their opinion at leisure, without any ready means to discover their legerdemain: that Oath I fear will not be often pressed, and to them that shift from place to place, how can it be tendered? The principal Papists now cover themselves, in the crowd of the multitude: but if we can discover the affection of the multitude, they easily will be unmasked, and being singled out, rest ashamed of their nakedness; which under correction of better judgement, may be effected, if every new comer, to inhabit in a town, and servants newly entertained within a week, or fourteen. days, be caused to repair to the Minister, there in presence of the Churchwardens, and other honest men; to subscribe unto such brief and substantial Articles concerning Faith, and allegiance, as shall be according to God's Word, and Justice, ordained to distinguish the sheep from the goats. In foreign Countries, every Host is bound to bring his Guest before an Officer; there to certify his name, with the occasion of his coming, & intended time of his abode in those parts; and in case he stay longer, he must again renew his Licence, so curious and vigilant: also are they to keep their Cities from infection, that without a Certificate, witnessing their coming from wholesome places, they may not escape the Lazeretto. No less ought we to be watchful to prevent the contagion of our souls, than other Nations are of their bodies, every thing is hard, and scarcely pleasing in the beginning: But with time, some such course may be readily put in Execution: which I propound rather as matter for better heads, to work on; then peremptorily to be insisted on in the same terms.  
But lest any charge me with Temerity; that when I desire to know the multitudes inclination, by the means aforesaid: I satisfy myself with their Parrots Language, pronouncing it knows not what: I think it not impertinent, to put them in mind, that heretofore I have required instructions, both precedent and subsequent; and am ever of the mind, that though all this cannot be done at once; yet it is necessary always to be doing our best: knowing, that not to go forwards in Religion, is the ready way to go backwards. It is not the outward obedience of coming to Church, that discovers the inward thought of the heart: it is the confession of the Tongue that must utter these secrets. And where the Curates are insufficient, or the Parish great, I wish they had Catechistes to assist them, maintained by the Purses of the Recusants: which Pension being collected for God's cause, will free us of scandal; though it grieve them to pay the spiritual Army, waged against their own Stratagems: surely by giving them way in petty matters, they are grown to be very masterfull in their party: Plato affirmeth, that the Popular state proceeded from the Licence, which the people took to make immoderate Applauses in the Theaters: when, as by arrogating that immunity, without contro ement, in place of their Governors, and perceiving the Nobility to join with them in the same passions, they thought their Heads as worthy to govern, as any of those that were made out of the selfsame mould: In like manner, while we suffer ignorance openly to maintain such petty glimpses of Popery, as are thought to be scarce worthy, to be looked at, and in small matters run an indifferent course, which neither make sure friends, nor feeble Foes; unawares they take the bridle from us, and eat out Religion, as it were by an insensible Gangrena.  
Principiis obsta, serò, medicina paratur.  
Cum malaper longas convaluere moras.  
For by sufferance of breaking smaller laws, persons are emboldened to set the greater at nought.  
To comprehend all things in a Law, which are necessary to the Reformation, I neither hold it profitable nor expedient; yet it is discretion to provide for the most important: smaller matters, whereof the laws speak not, are to be commended to the discretion of Parents, Masters, and other reverent persons, who by example and advice, may prepare younglings, by education and custom, to obey the laws: especially such as are in high place ought, in this behalf, to be like Caesar's Wife. Non solum crimine, sed etiam criminis suspitione vacare, and with circumspection to behave themselves; that the world may conceive, in requiring obedience to God and their sovereign, that they hold the multitude rather for companions, than slaves: if great men take another way, they may seduce many by example; though by Words they express not their concealed opinions; Tace & loquere, said God to Moses, it is the speech of the heart, which utters more than words and syllables: And in our common laws, it is held maintenance, when a great Personage, only by his presence countenanceth a cause. Neither let us secure ourselves with this Argument: the Papists are pliable in small matters, ergo, they will yield in greater; And because they took no arms in 88 therefore it were needless curiosity to suspect them now: for who knows not, that small baits are used to take the greatest Fish, vt cum esca una etiam hamus devoretur. wariness is the sinews of wisdom, and nothing is more dangerous, then to be secure in matters of State: Therefore for the laws already made, I wish that the most effectual of them, which least concerns life, may be executed; For better it were not to make them, then by neglect to set them at liberty; seeing that many offences there are, which men would abstain from, if they were forbidden, but when a strict commandment is avoided without punishment, thereout springs an unbridled Licence, hardly to be reformed by any rigour.  
To conclude, I say freely, that who so endeth his days by a natural death, he shall be subject to receive many men's dooms, for every particular offence; But when for religion's sake, a man triumpheth over the sword, that one eminent virtue razeth out the memory of other errors, and placeth him, that so dyeth, in paradise; if common opinion may be lawfully vouched; which glory having many followers, and admirers, awaketh even dull spirits to affect their footsteps, and to sell their lives, for the maintenance of the same cause: i need not envy the name of a Martyr to the Jesuit; for his cause if it be rightly weighed, will blanch that title: but I desire to have all those Lineaments defaced, which may compound that counterfeit Image, in prosecuting of which purpose, if i have failed in my advice, and by confused handling intricated the question, i humbly request, that a wise man's verdict, may mitigate the heaviness of that censure. It is neither good to praise bad Counsels, because of their good success; nor to condemn good Counsels, if the Events prove not fortunate; lest many be animated, to advise rashly, and others disheartened, to counsel gravely.  
Illi mors gravis incubat,  
Qui notus nimis omnibus,  
Ignotus moritur sibi.  Senec. Trag. 
FINIS.