THE Romanists Designs DETECTED, AND THE JESUITS Subtle Practices Discovered and laid open.  
Collected from their own Authors and other approved Testimonies.  
By Anthony Egan B. D. late Confessor General of the Kingdom of Ireland: Now through the great mercy of God Converted, and a Minister of the Gospel according to the Reformed Religion.  
LONDON, Printed for John Leigh at the Sign of the Blue Bell by Flying Horse Court in Fleetstreet. 1674.   

Courteous Reader,  
THat the Romanists (especially the Jesuitical Order) have ever since the Reformation constantly endeavoured the restoring of their Religion (or rather Opinion) in these Kingdoms; and that they have not left any stone unturned, nor stuck at any thing, how dangerous and difficult soever in itself, or contrary, not only to true Religion, but even to those natural sentiments which God himself hath planted in every man, is as plain and perspicuous, as it is certain and experimentally true. And though the Romanists with great confidence will deny this charge; yet the actions themselves are so apparent and evident, that no man of common sense and understanding, but may apprehend the truth and reality of it; insomuch that one of their own Priests, (Watson by name) out of a deep sense of the truth of this (in his Quodlibets, pag. 277.) hath ingeniously confessed, That no people under Heaven have so sought the Conquest of their own native Land, the subversion of the State, the depopulation of the Weale-publick, the alteration and change of all Laws, Customs and Orders. And in short, the utter devastation, desolation and destruction of the ancient Inhabitants of their Land, in so unnatural, unchristian, and uncatholick a manner as the Popish faction hath in this our Realm.  
To this we may add the several Treasons and Conspiraces against the Persons of Queen Elizabeth and King James, by Parry, Lopez, the Conspirators of the Gunpowder Treason, etc. All or most of them allowed and approved on, not only by several Priests and Jesuits in their Writings, but promoted and excited by the Bulls, Pardons, and Dispensations of the Popes themselves. These ways of force failing, they have been constrained to make use of more refined and subtle means, by spreading jealousies, and fomenting divisions amongst us. To this purpose there was a College privately erected at Clerkenwell, and several Jesuits in King Charles the Firsts days found there, as is apparent from the several Histories of that time. Their design is evident from a Letter found in their College, a Copy whereof is inserted in the following pages.  
The Arts used to accomplish this design are the same now as formerly; but now by often experiment they are grown more cunning, and have twisted their Plots closer, and finding that of late the most Catholic King has been reduced low in power, by the aspiring greatness, and the often successes of his Competitor for Universal Monarchy, the French King; they have renounced the Spanish Party, and have turned to that which is likely to be most successful; Knowing well that if any Roman Catholic Prince can arrive at that they so long (in vain) hoped would be effected by the King of Spain, the Priest's Empire would be the same in Grandeur and Power, they being exempt from all Civil jurisdiction, and so no matter who, if he a Papist, shall attain universal Monarchy; They being certain thereby to keep up their Hierarchy, and to be esteemed the greatest men of their designed Empire. I therefore now publish these Papers, that the present age may see what their designs were formerly to destroy our Religion and Government, which without doubt in some sort they will strive to act over again; that so the eyes of all true Protestants may be opened, whereby they may apprehend their Intrigues and Devices, and so be the better enabled to prevent them.   

A Copy of the Letter found in the Jesuits College at Clerkenwell, in the year 1627. Directed to their Father Rector at Brussels, discovering their designs upon this State, and their Judgement of the temper thereof, with a conjecture of the success of the then ensuing Parliament.  
Father Rector,  
LEt not the Damp of Astonishment seize upon your ardent and zealous Soul in apprehending the sudden and unexpected call of a Parliament: We have not opposed but rather furthered it, so that we hope as much in this Parliament as ever we feared any in Queen Elizabeth's days.  
You must know the Council is engaged to assist the King by way of Prerogative, in case the Parliamentary way should fail. You shall see this Parliament will resemble the Pelican, which takes a pleasure with her beak to dig out her own Bowels.  
The Election of Knights and Burgesses hath been in such confusion of apparent Faction, as that which we were wont to procure heretofore with much art and industry, (when the Spanish match was in treaty) now breaks out naturally as a botch or boil, and spits and spews out its own rancour and venom.  
You remember how that famous and immortal Statesman the Count of Gondamour fed King James his fancy, and rocked him asleep with the soft sweet sound of Peace, to keep up the Spanish Treaty. Likewise we were much bound to some Statesmen of our own Country, for gaining time by procuring those most advantageous Cessations of Arms in the Palatinate, and advancing the honour and integrity of the Spanish Nation, and vilifying the Hollanders; remonstrating to King James that that State was most ungrateful both to his Predecessor Queen Elizabeth, and his most Sacred Majesty; That the States were more Obnoxious than the Turk, and perpetually injured his Majesty's loving subjects in the East-Indies, and likewise they have usurped from his Majesty the Regality and unvaluable profit of the Narrow Seas in fishing upon the English Coast, etc.  
This great Statesman had but one principal means to further their great and good designs, which was to set on King James, that none but the Puritan Faction, which plotted nothing but Anarchy, and his confusion were averse to this most happy union. We steered on the same course, and have made great use of this Anarchical Election, and have prejudicated and anticipated the great one, that none but the King's Enemies and his, are chosen of this Parliament, etc.  
We have now many strings to our Bow, and and have strongly fortified our Faction, and have added two Bulworks more; For when King James lived (you know he was very violent against Arminianism) and interrupted (with his pestilent wit and deep Learning) our strong designs in Holland, and was a great friend to that old Rebel and Heretic the Prince of Orange.  
Now we have planted that Sovereign Drug Arminianism, which we hope will purge the Protestants from their Heresy; and it flourisheth and bears fruit in due season.  
The Materials which build up our Bulwark, are the Projectors and Beggars of all Ranks and Qualities: Howsoever both these Factions cooperate to destroy the Parliament, and to introduce a new species and form of Government which is Oligarchy.  
These serve as direct Mediums and Instruments to our end, which is the Universal Catholic Monarchy. Our foundation must be mutation, and Mutation will cause a Relaxation, which will serve as so many violent diseases, as the Stone, Gout, etc. to the speedy destruction of our perpetual and insufferable anguish of body, which is worse than death itself.  
We proceed now by Council and mature deliberation, how and when to work upon the Duke's Jealousy and Revenge; And in this we give the honour to those which merit it, which are the Church Catholics.  
There is another matter of consequence, which we take much into our consideration and tender care, which is to stave off the Puritans, that they hang not in the Duke's ear; They are impudent subtle people.  
And it is to be feared lest they should negotiate a reconciliation between the Duke and the Parliament. 'tis certain the Duke would gladly have reconciled himself to the Parliament at Oxford: But now we assure ourselves we have so handled the matter, that both Duke and Parliament are irreconcilable.  
For the better prevention of the Puritans, the Arminians have already locked up the Duke's ears; and we have those of our own Religion, which stand continually at the Duke's Chamber to see who goes in and out: we cannot be too circumspect and careful in this regard.  
I cannot choose but laugh to see how some of our own Coat have accoutred themselves; you would scarce know them if you saw them: and 'tis admirable how in speech and gesture they act the Puritans. The Cambridge Scholars to their woeful experience shall see we can act the Puritans a little better than they have done the Jesuits: They have abused our Sacred Patron St. Ignatius in jest, but we will make them smart for it in earnest. I hope you will excuse my merry digression; for I confess unto you I am at this time transported with joy to see how happily all instruments and means as well great as less cooperate unto our purposes.  
But to return unto the main Fabric: Our foundation is Arminianism; the Arminians and Projectors, as it appears in the premises affect mutation; this we second and enforce by probable Arguments. In the first place, we take into consideration the King's Honour, and present necessity; and we show how the King may free himself of his Ward, as Lewis the 11th did. And for his great Splendour and Lustre, he may raise a vast Revenue, and not be beholden to his Subjects; which is by way of Imposition of Excise: Then our Church Catholics proceed to show the means how to settle this Excise, which must be by a Mercenary Army of Horse and Foot: For the Horse we have made that sure, they shall be Foreigners and Germans, who will eat up the King's Revenues, and spoil the Country wheresoever they come, though they should be well paid: what havoc will they make there, when they get no pay, or are not duly paid? They will do more mischief than we hope the Army will do.  
We are provident and careful, that this Mercenary Army of 2000 Horse and 20000 Foot, shall be taken on, and in pay before the Excise be settled. In Forming the Excise, the Country is most likely to rise: If the Mercenary Army subjugate the Country, than the Soldiers and Projectors shall be paid out of the Confiscations; If the Country be too hard for the Soldiers, than they must consequently mutiny, which is equally advantageous unto us. Our superlative design is to work the Protestants as well as the Catholics to welcome in a Conqueror, and that is by this means: We hope instantly to dissolve Trades, and hinder the building of Shipping, in devising probable designs, and putting on the State upon Expeditions, as that of Cadiz was, in taking away the Merchant's Ships, so that they may not easily catch and light upon the East-India Fleet, etc. Rush. Col. p. 474.   

Adam Contzens Directions for the preserving and restoring of Popery. Lib. 2. Chap. 18.  
The way to bring in Popery, and work out the Protestant Religion he thus describeth:  
1. THat things be carried on by slow but sure proceed, as a Musician tunes his Instrument by degrees: Lose no opportunity, but yet do not precipitate the work.  
R. 2. Let no Prince that is willing despair; for it is an easy thing to change Religion; for when the common people are a while taken with novelties and diversities of Religion, they will sit down and be a weary, and give up themselves to their Rulers wills.  
R. 3. The Doctors and leading Pastors must be put out: but if that may be, all at once: but if that cannot be, let it be by slow degrees. When the Leaders are down all will submit.  
Here he pretends the examples of some Princes that expelled Lutheranisme, and giveth his advice under the cover of instances:  
1. The purpose of changing Religion, and extirpating Lutheranism, must be concealed, not but that some of the wiser sort may know it, but the people must not, lest it should move them.  
2. Some must be suborned to beg importunately of the Prince for liberty to exercise their Religion, and that with many and gentle words, that so the people may think the Prince is not inclined to novelty, but only to Lenity, and to a tenderness for tender Consciences; and that he doth it not as from himself: for the vulgar use to commend a Prince, that cannot deny the subjects their desires, though they are such as were fit to be denied.  
3. One or two Churches only must be desired at first, as being so small a matter, that the people will not much regard,—  
4. When the zeal of Professors gins to rise against the change, they are to be pacified by admitting both parties to conference before the Governors:  
5. Let there be a decree for pacification, that one party do not rail at the other, nor calumniate them; and so the errors that are to be brought in will have great advantage, when they are covered, and may not be contradicted, or somuch as named; and so the Rulers will be thought to be only Lovers of peace, and not to intent a change of Religion.  
6. Next that, Let there be some public disputation between the parties, but with some disadvantage to them that are to be outed.  
7. Let all this be done, but on pretence that the several parties may be joined lovingly together in peace: and when the Ministers refuse this, let them be accused of unpeaceableness, and pride, and obstinacy, and disobedience against the Magistrate, and not for their Religion.  
8. When it comes to the putting out of some Ministers, and the people begin to petition for them, let the matter be carried silently; and in the mean time, let the people be told that it is because those Ministers are heady obstinate men, that the people may be persuaded that the Ministers are faulty, and have deserved it, and may be put only to desire liberty for the more peaceable men.  
9 When thus the people are deluded, and there is no danger of resistance, then turn the Ministers out of the Churches, and put in those that you would set up in their stead.  
10. Then change the Universities, and tell all the Fellows and Scholars, that they shall hold their place if they will turn, else not; many will change Religion with the Rulers.  
11. Next he instanceth in Hassia, where the Prince pretended, that all the Professors and Ministers places were void at the death of his Predecessor, and he had the disposal of them by Law:  
12. And the change was there made (as he pretends) by slow degrees, one or two opinions only changed at the first, and not the whole controverted part of the Religion; and so the people will think it but a small matter to yield in one or two opinions, and be easily brought to obey.  
13. Lastly, They fall to writing against each other, and those that have the Court-favor, seem to carry it.  
All this advice is about the third direction, that is, how to work out the Ministers safely, which he covers under pretended instances of such as have changed Religion in Germany.  
4. The fourth Rule is, To put out of honours, dignities, and public offices, all those that are most adverse to Popery; it is but just that those that hinder the safety of the Commonwealth should be deprived of the Honours and Riches of the Commonwealth. If men are deposed for heinous crimes, Why not for Blasphemy and contempt of truth? If those of a contrary Religion be left in honour and power, they will be able to cross the Prince in many things, and encourage the people of their own Religion.  
5. The fifth Rule is, That when a Heresy is wholly to be rooted out; and this must be done by degrees, and in a way of reason, and cannot be done by mere command and power: than you must first fall on those opinions that the common people are most against, and which you can quickly make them think absurd. So he instanceth in some that would work out Lutheranism, that speak honourably of Luther, and fell on them only under the name of Flaccians; so the Arminians at Vtrecht when they would extirpate Calvinisme, made a decree, that no man should Preach any thing that seemed to make God the Author of sin. Thus a Magistrate that would bring in Popery must full upon such heinous opinions which the impudent themselves are half ashamed of, and bring these into the light that they may be odious, and so the teachers will lose all their Authority, when the people see that they are taken in a manifest fault.  
6. The sixth Rule to bring in Popery and abolish the Protestant Religion, is, to make use of the Protestants contentions. How easy it is (saith he) in England to bring the Puritans into order, if they be forced to approve of Bishops, or to reduce the Puritans in the Low-Countries, if the Prince adhere to the Arminians for the variety of Opinions makes them doubtful, that before seemed certain: so that when the Magistrate joineth with one side he easily overturns the other, and leaves the whole obnoxious, as Paul did by the dissension between the Pharisees and Saducees, joining to one side, he escaped. This (saith he) I would principally persuade an Orthodox Magistrate to, for he may with as much advantage make use of the Protestants disagreements, as of the Papists concord, to extirpate Protestants: As in Wars, it is not only the skill and strength of the General, but often also the carelessness of the enemy, or his mistake, that give very great advantages for success. When rigid Calvinisme was assaulted by the Lutherans in the heat of the paroxysm, it was exasperated, and the sudden restraint did much hurt: But now the Arminians have of their own accord let go the hardest part of their rigour, and judge the Calvinists to be impious, and persecute them in the very University, and in other Towns they force them to banishment, and would venture to do more and crueler things, if they were not afraid of the strength of the adverse party. Verily if Prince Maurice alone did but stand for the Arminians, the rigour of the Contraremonstants would flag or be broken.  
7. The seventh Rule is, to forbid the Protestants privately or publicly to assemble together.  
8. The eighth degree must be, to proceed to severity of Laws and punishments: Here he endeavours to prove this violence lawful, but this violence though it must be for the change of all, need not be exercised on all; cut off the Leaders, and the multitude will follow the Authority of the Rulers; shame will retain some, and fear others, but a vain security will prevail with most when they know not how to help it. Within these few years, above an hundred thousand have been turned to Popery in France, and more in Germany, not any of the Princes of Germany that did endeavour to draw over his people to the Catholics did ever find any force or resistance contrary to his Laws. Note this all you slanderous Papists, that accuse Protestants so much of Rebellion to hid your own, here's a Jesuits testimony on Record for our vindication.  
His next Rule is the good life of the Popish Magistrates and Clergy, (and that let them use as much as they will.)  
Chapter the 19 He commendeth many smaller helps: As, 1. Music, to entice people by delight. 2. To cause all at their Marriage to profess the Popish Religion, and so rather than go without a Wife or Husband they will do it. 3. So also to deny to Protestants Church-priviledges: as Baptism, Burial, etc.  
Lastly, He concludes that where the work must be secretly done by degrees, the Magistrate must keep the institutions, presentation, confirmation, and examination of Ministers in his own hand; and so (if he cannot cast them out at once) he must cast out the most dangerous, and put over the Churches, the disagreeing, and those that do not mind matters of controversy much, and those that are addicted to their own domestic businesses (worldly men) and such as are addicted to the Rulers: Let him cool the hent of Heresy, and let him not put out the unlearned; and so their Religion will grow into contempt. Let the Magistrate cherish the dissensions of the erring Teachers; and let him procure them often to debate together, and reprove one another; for so when all men see that there is nothing certain among them, they will easily yield to the truth; and this discord is profitable to show the manners of those wicked men, for he that will read the contentious writings of Lutherans against Calvinists, or Calvinists against Lutherans, will think he readeth, not the invectives of men against men, but the furies and roaring of Devils against Devils, (a fair warning, but the Jesuit tells you not what is done at home) from these things the Ruler may take occasion for a change: Let him inquire into the original of these accusations, and if he find them true, he may punish the guilty, if false, he may punish (that is cast out) the Accusers.  
The sum of Campanella's Counsel, for the promoting of the Spanish interest in England in Queen Elizabeth's days, was, 1. Above all to breed dissentious and discords among ourselves. 2. To have Seminaries in Flanders, that for the changing of our Religion, may first sow the seeds of division in points of natural Sciences. 3. By suborned Foreigners, to promise great matters to the great ones here. 4. To promise to King James the help of Spain, so he would set up Popery, or at least not hinder the Indian Fleet. 5. At the same time to persuade the chief Parliament men to turn England into the form of a Commonwealth, by telling them that the Scots will be cruel when they come to Rule them, etc. 6. To persuade Queen Elizabeth that King James would revenge his Mother's Blood, etc. 7. To exasperate the minds of the Bishops against King James, by persuading them that he was in heart a Papist, and would bring in Popery; and by these means the seeds of an inexplicable War will be sown between England and Scotland; so that no party will have leisure to disturb the Spaniard; or if King James prevail, he will be a friend to Spain; or if the Island be divided, or the Kingdom made Elective, we shall neither have mind nor power to enlarge our Dominions, or if the Island be turned into the form of a Commonwealth: it may keep continual War with Scotland, and will manage all its affairs so slowly, as that they can little hurt the Spaniard. 8. The Catholics here also are to be awaked and stirred up, that the Spaniards may take the first opportunity to enter upon England, under pretence of helping them.  
9 The Irish are persuaded to Rebellion, these (with the hiring of the Dutch to defend the Spanish Plate Fleets, and fall out with us that we may not hinder it) are the sum of this Friar's design against England.   

Their Method to win particular Persons, you may find in Costerus Pref. Encheirid. Thoma a Jesus de Convers. Gent. L. 8. Par. 2. Sect. 2. p. 544. 545. Possevinus Lorichius, etc.  
1. BE sure to keep the Respondents part, and not the Opponents: It's not so easy to prove, as to wrangle against proofs.  
2. Fellow them with certain Questions which the vulgar are not versed in, as,  
Qu. 1. Where was your Church before Luther, or where hath it been visible in all ages?  
Qu. 2. How prove you that you have a true Scripture that is the word of God among you?  
Qu. 3: What express word of God do the Catholics contradict?  
Q. 4. How prove you that you have a truly called Ministry, that is to be heard and believed by the people?  
Qu. 5. By what warrant did you separate from the Catholic Church, and condemn all your own Forefathers, and all the Christian world?  
Qu. 6. If you will separate from the Catholic Church, What reason have you to follow this Sect rather than any one of all the rest?  
Qu. 7. What one man can you name from the beginning that was in all things of Luther's or calvin's Opinions?  
Qu. 8. Do you not see that God doth not bless the labours of your Ministers, but people are as bad as they were before, what the better are you for hearing them?  
Many more such silly questions, they train up their deceivers to propound and prosecute, which a knowing man discerneth easily to be transparent cheats; but the ignorant may be gravelled by them.  
The abominable Treachery and villainy of the Gunpowder-Plot, undertaken under pretence of maintaining and restoring the Roman Religion; engaged the then Governors to consult the preservation of themselves and the Kingdom: And considering the furious zeal and wicked principles of some men, in affirming the lawfulness of deposing and killing Heretical Kings: That the Pope had power to deprive temporal Princes, absolve subjects from their obedience, and such like villainous positions, with the many wicked practices then fresh in memory, against the Crown and life of Queen Elizabeth and King James, it was thought fit to draw up a solemn Oath, whereby every one should abjure such treasonable Doctrines, and swear for the future to behave themselves as became good subjects.  
But so far were they from intending to be good Subjects, that fancying Robert Cecil (Earl of Salisbury and Secretary of State) to be the chief promoter of this Oath against them, and considering that if they could deter him from prosecuting it, the King and others would trouble their thoughts the less about the matter, and so the Parliamentary proposals would fall of themselves: a threatening Letter was sent to the said Earl of Salisbury, a Copy whereof I have here inserted, that all good men may see that they will not stick at Murder or any other villainy to uphold their Religion.  
My Lord,  
WHereas the late unapprovable and most wicked design for destroying of his Majesty, the Prince and Nobility, with many other of worth and quality (attempted through the undertaking spirits of some more fiery and turbulent, then zealous and dispassionate Catholics) hath made the general state of our Catholic cause so scandalous in the eyes of such whose corrupted judgements are not able to fan away and sever the fault of the Professor from the profession itself, as that, who now is found to be of that Religion, is persuaded at least in mind to allow (though God knoweth as much abhorring as any Puritan whatsoever) the said former most inhuman and Barbarous Project.  
And whereas some of his Majesty's Council, but especially your Lordship, as being known to be, as the Philosopher termeth it a primus mortor, in such uncharitable proceed (are determined as it is feared) by taking advantage of so soul a scandal to root out all the memory of the Catholic Religion, either by sudden Banishment, Massacre, Imprisonment, or some such unsupportable vexations and pressures, and perhaps by decreeing in this next Parliament some more cruel and horrible Laws against Catholics than already are made.  
In regard of these premises, there are some good men, who through their earnest desire for the continuing of the Catholic Religion, and for saving many souls both of this present and of all future posterity, are resolved to prevent so great a mischief, though with a full assurance afore hand of the loss of their dearest lives.  
You are therefore hereby to be admonished, that at this present there are five which have severally undertaken your death, and have vowed the performance thereof by taking already the blessed Sacrament, if you continue your daily plotting of so Tragical Stratagems against Recusants.  
It is so ordered that none of these five knoweth who the other four be, for the better preventing the discovery of the rest, if so any one by attempting and not performing should be apprehended.  
It is also already agreed who shall first attempt it by Shot, and so who in order shall follow.  
In accomplishing of it there is expected no other than assurance of death, yet it will willingly be embraced, for the preventing of those general Calamities, which by this your transcendent Authority and grace with his Majesty, are threatened unto us.  
And indeed the difficulties herein are more easily to be digested, since two of the intended Attemptors are in that weak state of body that they cannot live above three or four Months. The other three are so distressed in themselves and their friends, as that their present griefs (for being only Recusants) do much dull all apprehensions of death.  
None is to be blamed (in the true censuring of matters) for the undertaking hereof, for we profess before God, we know no other means left us in the world, since it is manifest you serve but as a Match to give fire unto his Majesty (to whom the worst that we wish is, that he may be as great a Saint in Heaven as he is King on Earth) for intending all mischiefs against the poor distressed Catholics.  
This giving your Lordship this Charitable Admonition, the which may perhaps be necessary hereafter for some others your Inferiors (at least in Grace and Favour) if so they run on in their former Inhuman and Unchristian Rage against us; I cease putting you in mind, That where once True and Spiritual Resolution is, there (notwithstanding all dangers whatsoever) the Weak may take sufficient Revenge of the Great.  
Your Lordship's well-admonishing Friends, etc. A. B. C. etc.  
It may be your Lordship will take this but as some forged Letter of some Puritans, thereby to incense you more against Recusants.  
But we protest upon our Salvation, It is not so: Neither can any thing in humane likelihood prevent the effecting thereof, but the change of your course towards Recusants.  
This Letter at the beginning offers fair, seeming to detest the Gun-powder-Plot: but little of truth and sincerity may be expected from it, when we consider, that the design of it is to Apologise for Murder; to which it appears there is a Club, or number of them consenting and attempting: and they are not ashamed to assert, That though they murder Privy-Counsellors, yet the Murderers may be good men; nor are they to be blamed for it, for 'tis a True and Spiritual Resolution.  
The Oath of Allegiance was prudently drawn up, and confirmed by Act of Parliament; and that you may see what it was their tender Consciences so scrupled the taking of, I have here inserted the Oath itself.   

The Oath of Allegiance. Anno tertio Jacobi.  
I A. B. do truly and sincerely Acknowledge, Profess, Testify, and Declare in my Conscience before God and the World, That our Sovereign Lord King— is Lawful and Rightful King of this Realm, and of all other his Majesty's Dominions and Countries.  
And that the Pope, neither of himself, nor by any Authority of the Church or See of Rome, or by any other means, with any other, hath any power or Authority to Depose the King:  
Or to dispose any of his Majesty's Kingdoms or Dominions:  
Or to Authorise any Foreign Prince to Invade or Annoyed him or his Countries:  
Or to Discharge any of his Subjects of their Allegiance and Obedience to his Majesty.  
Or to give Licence or Leave to any of them to bear Arms, raise Tumults, etc.  
Or to offer any violence or hurt to his Majesty's Royal Person, State, or Government; or to any of his Majesty's Subjects within his Majesty's Dominions.  
Also I do swear from my heart, That notwithstanding any Declaration, or Sentence of Excommunication or Deprivation made or granted, or to be made or granted by the Pope, or his Successors; or by any Authority derived, or pretended to be derived from him or his See, against the said King, his Heirs or Successors; or any Absolution of the said Subjects from their Obedience: I will hear Faith and true Allegiance to his Majesty, his Heirs and Successors.  
And him and them will defend to the uttermost of my Power, against all Conspiracies and Attempts whatsoever, which shall be made against his or their Persons, their Crown and Dignity, by reason or colour of any such Sentence or Declaration, or otherwise:  
And will do my best endeavour to disclose and make known unto his Majesty, his Heirs and Successors, all Treasons and Traitorous Conspiracies which I shall know or hear of to be against him, or any of them.  
And I do further swear, That I do from my heart Abhor, Detest, and Abjure, as Impious and Heretical, this Damnable Doctrine and Position, That Princes which be Excommunicated or Deprived by the Pope, may be Deposed or Murdered by their Subjects, or any other whatsoever.  
And I do believe, and in Conscience am resolved, That neither the Pope, nor any Person whatsoever, hath power to absolve me of this Oath, or any part thereof,  
Which I acknowledge by good and full Authority to be lawfully ministered unto me.  
And do renounce all Pardons and Dispensations to the contrary.  
And all these things I do plainly and sincerely acknowledge and swear according by these express words by me spoken, and according to the plain and common sense and understanding of the same words, without any equivocation, or mental evasion, or secret reservation whatsoever.  
And I do make this Recognition and Acknowledgement hearty, willingly, and truly, upon the true Faith of a Christian. So help me God.  
A. B.  
Unto which Oath so taken, the said person shall subscribe his or her Name or Mark.  
King James doubted not but that all honest and good Subjects would submit to this Oath, Because, as he said, that he that shall refuse to take this Oath, must of necessity hold all, or some of these Propositions following: Apol. for the Oath of Alleg. Pag. 49.  

I. That I, King James, am not the lawful King of this Kingdom, and of all other my Dominions.  
II. That the Pope by his own Authority may depose me; if not by his own Authority, yet by some other Authority of the Church, or of the See of Rome. If not by some other Authority of the Church and See of Rome, yet by other means, with others help, he may Depose me.  
III. That the Pope may dispose of my Kingdoms and Dominions.  
iv That the Pope may give Authority to some Foreign Prince to Invade my Dominions.  
V That the Pope may discharge my Subjects of their Allegiance and Obedience to me.  
VI That the Pope may give licence to one or more of my Subjects, to bear Arms against me.  
VII. That the Pope may give leave to my Subjects to offer violence to my Person, or to my Government, or to some of my Subjects.  
VIII. That if the Pope shall by Sentence Excommunicate or Depose me, my Subjects are not to bear Faith and Allegiance to me.  
IX. If the Pope shall by Sentence Excommunicate or Depose me, my Subjects are not bound to defend with all their power, my Person and Crown.  
X. If the Pope shall give out any Sentence of Excommunication or Deprivation against me, my Subjects by reason of that Sentence are not bound to reveal all Conspiracies and Treasons against me, which shall come to their hearing and knowledge.  
XI. That it is not Heretical and Diabolical, to hold, That Princes being Excommunicated by the Pope, may be either Deposed or Killed by their Subjects, or any other.  
XII. That the Pope hath power to absolve my Subjects from this Oath, or from some part thereof.  
XIII. That this Oath is not administered to my Subjects by a full and lawful Authority.  
XIV. That this Oath is to be taken with Equivocation, Mental Evasion, or secret Reservation; and not with the Heart and good will sincerely, in the true Faith of a Christian man.   
One would now think that none that intended to be good Subjects, or indeed did not intent to be otherwise when they had opportunity, should refuse the taking this Oath: yet so it was that (though some did take it, yet) the most refused it: And because the Pope would not have those of his Religion tied from acting Treasons and Villainies to support his Power, he sent several Bulls into England against this Oath; one of which being of later date (viz. in King Charles the First's day's:) I have here inserted so much thereof as concerns the said Oath.   

VRBANUS Pp VIII. Dilectis Filiis Catholicis Angliae.  
Dilecti Filii, Salutem & Apostolicam Benedictionem.  
NON semper terraena foelicitas est beneficium Coeli & Patrimonium Pietatis; pacem enim peccatorum videns Ecclesia non raro experta est potentiam mortalium esse stipendium sceleris. Quare, Catenas Martyrum anteferimus exuviis Triumphantium, & Rex sempiternus. Principatus Coelestes pollicetur, non ils qui superbo pede jura proterunt, sed qui persecu ionem patiunturpropter justitiam, etc.  
Quod si eousque vis progrediatur, ut vos ad noxium illud, & illicitum Anglicanae fidelitatis jura mentum adigat, mementote Orationem vestram ab universo Angelorum spectantium consessu audiri. Et adhaereat lingua vestra faucibus vestris, priusquam Authoritatem B. Petri ea jurisjurandi formula imminutam detis. Non enim ibi id solum agitur, ut fides Regi servetur, sed at sacrum Universae Ecclesiae sceptrum eripiatur Vicariis Dei Omnipotentis.  
Quod foeliciis Recordationis Paulus V. Praedecessor noster in tam gravi deliberatione decrevit, id omnino tanquam Decretum Veritatis servare debeatis. Dilecti Filii, Tributum hoc Principi Apostolorum debitum nullae hominum minae aut blanditiae a vobis unquam extorqueant; qui secus suadent, ij visionem mendacem & divinationem fraudulentam prophetantvobis: Citiusenimviro Christiano debet potentium gladius vitam eripere quamfidem Quod si Angelus etiam e Coelo descendens vos aliter, quam veritas Apostolica, doceat, Anathema sit, etc.  
Datum Romae, S. Petri, sub Annulo Piscatoris, die xxx May, 1626. Pontificatus nostri Anno tertio.   

Pope VRBAN VIII. To his beloved Sons the Catholics of England.  
Beloved Sons, Greeting and Apostolical Benediction.  
TErrene felicity is not always the benefit of Heaven, and the Patrimony of piety: For the Church, seeing the prosperity of sinners, hath often found by experience, that the greatness of Mortals is the stipend of Impiety. Wherefore we prefer the Chains of Martyrs before the spoils of the Triumphant; and the Eternal King promiseth Heavenly Principalities, not to them who proudly trample the Laws under their feet, but to those who suffer Persecution for Righteousness sake, etc.  
And if Violence proceed so far, as to compel you to that pernicious and unlawful Oath of Allegiance of England; Remember, that your Prayers are heard in the whole Assembly of the Angels beholding you: And let your Tongue cleave to the roof of your mouth, rather than you permit the Authority of St. Peter to be diminished with that form of Oath: For that is not all, that Fidelity be kept unto the King; but that the Sacred Sceptre of the Catholic Church be wrung from the Vicar of God Almighty.  
That which our Predecessor Paul V of blessed memory, with so great deliberation Decreed, that ought ye altogether to observe as a Decree of Truth. Beloved Sons, this Tribute due to the Prince of the Apostles, no threats or flatteries of men ought at any time to extort from you; and they who persuade you otherwise, prophesy unto you a lying Vision, and a fraudulent divination: for sooner aught the Sword of the Mighty take from a Christian his life, than his Faith; yea if an Angel from Heaven teach you otherwise than the Apostolic Truth, let him be Accursed, etc.  
Dated at Rome, at St. Peter's, under the Signet of the Fisher, xxx of May, 1626., the third year of our Popedom.  
I shall here give a farther instance, that (abhorrence of Treason, and) Fidelity to the Prince, is not only contrary to the desire and express command of the Pope, but to the opinion of the greatest part of the Roman Catholics themselves.  
Peter Walsh a Romanist of the Order of St. Francis, somewhat more honest and peaceable minded than the rest, esteeming it not only his, but the Duty of all Persons, to be subject to the Prince under whom they live, and by whom they receive protection; about the year 1662. drew up a formulary, and procured it to be subscribed by as many of the Romanists in the Kingdom of Ireland as he could, whereby they did profess their obedience to his Majesty, and subjection to the Laws, with their Resolution to live peaceably under them; and although this submission occasioned his Majesty to be much more favourable to them than before, yet the greatest part of the Romanists of that Kingdom were so far from subscribing the said Formulary, that they got it, not only to be condemned in formal terms, as unlawful, detestable, Sacrilegious; yea, in effect, as Schismatical and Heretical, by the public Censures of the Louvain Theological Faculty, and by the public Letters also of the Bruxel Internuncio's, De Vecchii, and Rospigliosi, and of the Roman Cardinals de propaganda fide; but prosecuted the Subscribers of it for these twelve years (especially for these six last) with continual Monitories, Citations, Depositions, Excommunications, Denunciations, and even public affixing or posting of them, and have persecuted and hunted them almost to death, for no other cause, but for professing Allegiance to his Majesty. So dangerous a thing it is reputed in the Court of Rome, for Subjects to give their natural Prince any pledge of their Faith which the Pope cannot undo. It is no less Criminal in the esteem of that Court, than if the very essentials of the Papacy were invaded by it; as you may see at large in a Letter to the Catholics of England, Scotland and Ireland, written by the said Peter Walsh.  
And now I shall leave it to the Candid Reader to judge, what reason those have to be protected by the Laws, who will not be tied by them, nor subject to them, but profess themselves the subjects of a Foreign power.   

Their Designs to subvert the Kingdom of England, are sufficiently evident from the foregoing Papers; I shall only add two Letters more, whereby they did, not only endeavour, but actually promote the late unnatural and Barbarous Rebellion in the Kingdom of Ireland.  
Two Letters written by Pope Urban the 8th. for encouragement of the Rebellion in Ireland: The first to O-Neale, and the second to the Nobility and people of that Kingdom.  
To our Beloved Son Eugenius O-Neale, Health and Happiness.  
Beloved Son,  
IT hath ever been our constant custom to lay hold on every opportunity, whereby you (following the steps of your Progenitors) might make known your more than ordinary zeal and studious care of defending the Church. But now you have more apparently demonstrated it, by resolving to go for Ireland, and to be a present succour to the Catholic affairs: Wherefore your Letter was exceeding welcome to us, wherein you intimate your steadfast purpose, desiring to begin the successful management of the seaffairs from the Heavenly assistance, and do no less humbly then Religiously crave our Apostolical Benediction; we highly commend in you this renowned zeal, and constant resolution to defend the true faith against Heretics; and we being long since persuaded of your Piety, do expect the proofs of your courageous and lofty spirit, in this opportunity which heretofore hath rendered your name so illustrious.  
We do much approve of the determination of those whom you certify to be excited by your example. And we hope that the Highest will be present to your cause, and make known to the people your prowess and virtues.  
And that ye may with the greater confidence give the onset to these designs, we without intermission entreating the divine clemency to bring to nought adversaries atttempts, do freely communicate our Benediction to you, and the rest of them who manage the Catholic affairs in that Kingdom.  
And to all and every of them (truly penitent making confession, and devoutly partaking (if opportunely) of the holy Communion) we do bestow a plenary forgiveness and remission of their sins, and in point of death a full and absolute Indulgency.  
Dated at Rome under the Seal of the Fisher, Octob. 18. 1642. in the 19th year of our Popedom.   

To all Arch-Bishops, Bishops, Nobles and People of the Kingdom of Ireland.  
VEnerable Brethren and Beloved Sons, The relation which we have heard of the present state of your Kingdom, (out of that singular affection wherewith we did ever embrace your Nation) doth cause our deep sorrow; for although you are removed from us by distance of place, yet we always bear you in the bosom of Apostolical affection, and cannot but tremble at the least danger of our Children: notwithstanding in this so great sadness, we are refreshed when we mind your magnanimity and resolution, evidenced by very many and great trials; which likewise doth suggest to us a strong confidence, that in every occasion your wont height of spirit will eminently appear, not only to defend and keep safe the Catholic Religion, but also by example you will demonstrate to others with what alacrity and ardour of affection eternal things are to be preferred before mortal, heavenly before fading, the salvation of the soul before all earthly things whatsoever.  
Acconut it all joy (Venerable Brothers and beloved Sons) when you fall into divers temptations, think not yourselves exempted from the condition of those whom Christ the Searcher doth try and prove by the evils of this life.  
There will be a just ground to hope for a plentiful crop of happiness from these seeds of conflicts, as also be assured of the aid and assistance of the Omnipotent God, if so be ye shall prefer the safety of the Catholic Faith before what respects soever, not suffering any thing to be transacted which in the least may prove prejudicial or destructive thereunto.  
Thus much all Catholic Nations do expect from your approved constancy, thus much the Church promiseth itself concerning you, and thus much our Pastoral care and Paternal Benevolence doth most rightfully require to be performed from our most loving Sons.  
Neither need we go far to fetch examples of this Religious constancy to which we exhort you: call to mind by what Masters you have been disciplined in the ways of virtue; Call to mind those famous Champions of the faith who have led you the way; inquire of your Predecessors and they will rectify you, that in times of hazard and peril, those Counsels and determinations with all possible zeal and resoluteness are to be entered into, which may prove a bulwark to the true faith, and a refuge to Ecclesiastical men.  
Put on then vigorously by your actions, to make good that noble Encomium of your Nation, frequently styled The Island of Saints; and those men whom you so much glory to extol, be not unwilling to imitate.  
Truly we do expect from you what is meet to proceed from an eminent Piety to God, and a most ardent affection to the Church, to whom we willingly impart the Apostolical Benediction, beseeching God of his Divine Clemency to vouchsafe to be propitious to your godly endeavours and enterprises.  
Dated at Rome Feb. 1. 1642.  
FINIS.