AN ENCYCLICAL EPISTLE, Sent to their Brethren by the Venerable Dean and Chapter of the Catholic CLERGY in England, upon occasion of Dr. Leyburn.  
Venerable, and Hond. Brethren,  
THE Blessing of Peace and Union is so essentially necessary to every Community, especially to that which is to succeed the first Christian College of the Apostles in their carriage and calling, that 'tis the very Life which gives such Bodies both their Being and Beauty. 'Twas that which our blessed Saviour breathed upon his Apostles with his own sacred mouth, when he gave them their Apostolical Mission; Pax vobis, sicut me misit Pater, ita & Ego mitto vos: And 'tis that which we so much prize that no Consideration can be so dear to us as the preserving so in estimable a jewel. Nay, we judge that even a Defensive, which may breed some disquiet, is disallowable, if order may be taken to secure our peace by any other means. But, when we find by too late and dear experience that our bearing with former injuries and calumnies against our persons and Church, begets nothing but a more violent proceeding in them; when we perceive that our long suffering finds no other effect but an implacableness in contentious, uncharitable and seditious carriage; the same love of Peace obliges us, though unwilling, to lay open the source of all the disunion and disasters our poor Church hath suffered these late years; ever since, through our too charitable silence and connivance Doctor Leyburn was permitted to gain so much opinion and authority as to be able to hurt her. Some particular passages of whose Demeanour we thought good to signify to you our Brethren by this our Encyclical Epistle; that being forewarned you may more warily avoid a compliance with any Disturbers of our quiet or Commencers of Schism in our Body.  
Till about the year 1648. or the beginning of— 49. our Clergy enjoyed an happy and peaceable Union; the Chapter having good intelligence both with their Bishop and their Brethren: not the least noise of siding and gathering into Factions being heard among them. About which time Dr. Leyburn was sent into England by my Lord, Vicar General in solidum. In August following there was held a General Chapter; Mr. Fitton came from Paris sent by our Bishop to preside in our Chapter as Dean. The Chapter-men from all their Districts being met, Mr. Leyb. (against the known order and rule of such meetings) brings thither, without the Dean's notice, two other which were not of the Chapter; The Dean civilly told them the nature of such meetings permitted only Capitular men to be present, Hereupon they retired; and it was ordered, that two should be sent to them from the Chapter to give them reasons for their non admittance. One of them was satisfied, the other vowed revenge. Mr. Leyb. took their non-admittance as a great wrong done to himself; and had many contests with our worthy Dean about it in the time of the Assembly; which was ended with much satisfaction to all others except Mr. Leyb. Who, after the Assembly, draws a party to himself, alleging all was governed by Mr. Harrington and Mr. Gage. Insomuch that the Chapter in and about London, found a Schism insensibly brought into the Clergy by Mr. Leyb's, means. To stop the increase of which they desired a meeting with Mr. Leyb as the root from which it grew, and Mr. Harrington writ a letter to invite him. All met, save Mr. Leyb. and another who was sick. Only a letter came from Mr. Leyb. not to Mr. Harrington, who had writ to him, and was his equal and fellow-Vicar, but to Mr. Herbert, desiring to know the result of the meeting. Mr. Harrington waving this affront, to show the desire he had of gaining Mr. Leyb. to an union, if possible, ordered two of the Company to acquaint him that if he could not or would not come to them, they would all come to him; He answered, they might come. All went, and being sat, he presently fell very foul in words upon Mr Gage, and could not be brought to any manner of condescendency unto them by any persuasions, and so after an hours wrangling, all left him.  
After this Mr. Clifford coming into England, did by my Lord Bishop's Order endeavour to bring him to amity with his Brethren, which he refused, unless they would yield to him in an unreasonable demand, which was neither in his Patent as Vicar-General, nor (as himself confessed) had he any particular Order from the Bishops to exact it. Mr. Clifford desired him to refer it to the Chapter; but he refused again, saying, he would not refer the matter in difference to the Chapter, but to the ancient Priests, that is, to a few private persons of his own faction; for scarce any ancient Priests of the Chapter (though there were many) but he had disobliged them by particular quarrels. And so Mr. Clifford returned, leaving him as irreconcilable as he found him.  
Finding no ways to prevent Mr. Leyb's. fomenting Divisions among the Clergy, even in his absence at Douai, the Consult in London resolved to summon a General Chapter, which met accordingly july 10. 1653. But Dr. Leyb. and his friend who had vowed revenge formerly (though to end all quarrels kindly invited thither) effected that my Lord sent his Mandate to dissolve the Assembly as met to out him from his Episcopal Authority; They amazed at such a groundless malice, protest their innocency to my Lord. Mr. Leyb's friend gave under his hand that the letter he writ Dr. Leyb. to send my Ld, was altered in one part of it, and that himself feigned the rest, to see how they who preach patience and charity to others, could endure a wrong done themselves. They are his own words in his own hand yet extant. Now this altered letter passing through Dr. Leyb's. hand to my Lord, my Lord expressing that he had it à personis fide dignis, Mr. Leyb. writing at the same time to my Lord, and enclosing his friend's letter, upon the receipt of which two letters immediately issued the Mandate; 'tis no hard matter to perceive plainly who was joined with that misinformer, and so made my Lord express them plurally. Upon examination, my Lord confessed himself misled by false suggestions, and promised not to lend so easy credulity for the future. Yet still we were as far from union as formerly,  
For the whole Assembly writing a civil and condescending letter to Dr. Leyb. entreating him to keep correspondency with Mr. Harrington, and give him timely notice of such Missionaries as he sent into England, that Mr. Harrington might be the better enabled to provide places for them; Mr. Leyb. in his letter to Mr. Peterson utterly disavowed ever writing to Mr. Harrington, or sending Missionaries to him, or of communicating with him or with Mr. Blacklow in the least; and this was after my Ld. (as appears by his letters to Mr. Walton) was so sorry for the injury he had done Mr. Harrington, that he continued correspondence with him to his dying day, and also professed he should hereafter love him more than ever. Mr. Peterson in his reply demanded why he should scruple to keep correspondence with Mr. Harrington more than his Predecessors and our Bishop himself did, and the Clergy both here and abroad do upon all occasions? or with Mr. Bl. more than Dr. Hyde did, who knew well Mr. Bl's. Opinions, yet sent to him to live with him in the College; which he did, with all love, peace, and exemplarity. Mr. Leyb. in his reply alleged exceptions against Mr. Bl. for approving Mr. Damport 's book; That no man knew the sense of the ancient Priests (a specious word he ever used, to oppose the Chapter with) better than he did, and that he was not to be taught. Which was all could be obtained of him. So that the due order of sending Missionaries hither (in which consisted a main part of our Union) was utterly broken by his refusing Communion with our principal Officer.  
It was proposed to Vote in the Assembly of 1653. That, seeing the Precedent of the College of Douai is to be nominated by his Holiness, from whom he receives his Authority, independent from the Clergy, insomuch that the Superior of the Clergy (notwithstanding the many great sums the Clergy hath given and procured to be given to that College) hath not power upon any occasion whatsoever to place either Priest or Scholar in that College but by way of entreaty, which many times hath met with rejection; it be consulted whether it may not be fit all the Clergy be advised to treat with such as give Alms to that College that their Donations be so left to the Dispose of the Clergy; that they may have power to raise a stock thereby, and that they may apply the rents thereof towards the maintenance of such as the Clergy shall think fit to commend to that College.  
This Point was by the Assembly thought fit to be waved for that time for fear of disgusting of D. Ley. who notwithstanding having notice of this Proposal, which proceeded no further than a motion, and (though held reasonable yet) was put off for his sake, calumniated the whole Assembly, that it went about to take away all charitable Donations to the College: which we leave to your Wisdoms to judge how true it is; as also, whether it may not now be fit to put that point in execution, as occasion shall offer.  
Afterwards my Ld. constituted Mr. Andrew Knightley his Vicar-General, a very virtuous and good man; to whom Dr. Leyb. sent a letter, desiring him to communicate the contents of it to our Brethren; which were That His Holiness judged the principal head and members of our Body were Schismatical; that he would take his Pension from our College because of Mr. Bl. That Mr. Bl. made us odious to all Christian Princes, the Doctrine therein contained touching them as much as the King of Scots, (as he termed his Majesty;) That his Book of Obedience and Government is against the Protector Cromwell as much as any; That it makes it lawful for any one to kill the Protector in some cases; That it hence appears, (to wit, amongst other things, from its being opposite to the Tyrant Cromwell) That his Book is void of common sense, reason, and religion; That 'tis high time to discard him as an unworthy Member out of our Society; That the least we could do, is to disclaim under our hands and shut him out of meetings, That he was actually excommunicated, That he sleights Decrees from Rome, That his other Books have been long since censured, had not the plague hindered the Congregations from meeting, that he teaches the happiness of damned souls exceeds all the happiness of this life. Also in the close he hath a gird at the Chapters Authority, that he believes not Mr. Plantin (our Agent) will say that his Holiness or the Cardinal Protector any ways approved the Chapter, Dean or Subdean, who yet is ready to attest the contrary, and depose (if need were) that his Holiness both voluntarily mentioned those as fittest to govern till we had a Bishop, and that the Cardinal Protector told him hereupon he had not lost his labour in coming. Mr. Bl. aggrieved with this letter, begged leave humbly of the Consult to clear himself of these accusations, which can be denied by us to no Chapter-man. His request was unanimously and equally granted by all; but of the printing or the manner of his writing not a word spoken, or thought moved; Leave obtained, he replies in a like return of language as Mr. Leyb. had used; and to save charges of transcribing prints it, but took order the Copies should come only to the hands of our Brethren whom it concerned. Mr. Leyb. replies furiously, prints his Pamphlet, and publishes it to the Laity in the first place by express order of his letters, so that even Protestants came to the sight of it, In it he names the chief members of the Clergy about London in those dangerous times, vilifies the Consult (who had not provoked nor meddled with him) by unworthy and contemptible terms, and disgraces the Sub-Deanship with false aspersions; which two Acts of his break asunder all that little union he had left among them. He brings to light unnecessarily businesses concerning the Government of the Chapter; he thanks two for not concurring with their votes, whereas one of them did as much as the rest (that is, agreed Mr. Bl. should clear himself) the other was absent and knew nothing of the business. Also in a private letter he accuses another of concurring with us in our votes against him in that meeting, who was not then in the Kingdom; and another to have been Councillor or Secretary to Mr. Bl. who protests he knew not of the thing, nor the printing it, till it was done. Moreover, in that Libel he seditiously endeavours to set division between the Consult and their Brethren in the Country by bearing them in hand that the Consult abuses them. The many falsifications and calumnies which his Adversary made appear in this his Libel we omit as belonging to their private quarrel, which we were so far from espousing in behalf of one side or other, that we condemned and blamed both party's manner of proceeding. What we insist on is, that we protest in the sight of God and Man, we gave him not the least occasion by any Vote of ours to be offended at the Consult; and yet received from him (and that in Print too to be published to the Laity) so many unsufferable abuses, and seditious calumnies and accusations.  
About the same time he writ this Letter to Mr. Knightley, that he might set all his Engines a-work at once, his particular friend Mr. Catterick Archdeacon of York, whose indiscreet Zeal, misled perhaps by Dr. Leyb.'s great words and Saintlike protestations (of which he is noted by persons of honour to be too carelessly lavish) had totally submitted itself to his conduct, began to deny to communicate with us, telling us flatly in his Letter of jan. 1656. that He would give no vote nor have any hand amongst us; that We disgraced our Clergy at home and abroad, etc. Also in his Letters of Sept. 24. 1656. that We were held a Schismatical Clergy: and in his Letter to Mr. Thomas Medcalf of Octob. 13. 1656. that he recalled his Vote, that he would not assent to any thing we do, because we went on in a Schismatical way not only to the disgrace of our Body but of our whole Nation: He writ also divers disobedient and refractory Letters to his Vicar General Dr. Blundeston.  
While our Church was torn by these intestine Divisions, it pleased the Right honourable Ld. Abbot Montague (never to be mentioned by us but with gratitude and honour for his love then shown our Body) with our Venerable Brethren in France Dr. Holden, Mr. Clifford and Mr. Carr, to interpose and endeavour to bring the Two to an accord. Mr. Clifford also and Mr. Carr out of their great Charity and Zeal of our Union took a journey to Douai to treat with Dr. Leyb. about it, and to bring him to some terms of correspondency. Moreover, a common Letter was writ by the four mentioned, to Dr. Leyb. complaining that out Unity in Yorkshire was actually broken by his special friend Mr. Catterick who calumniated the Chapter as schismatical, and refused flatly to consent to any thing it should do; disobeying and writing offensive Letters to his Vicar-General Dr. Blundeston; earnestly requesting him to desist from all schismatical resisting that authority, which our two late Bishops of happy memory had established and left amongst us, that he ought not to go about to remedy abuses by open resistance, this being the common pretext of all rebellion agaist Authority, That the Catholic Church hath her legal and authoritative way both subalternal and supreme to examine and condemn whatever may be amiss either in his or any other man's writings whatsoever; That particular men can only inform those whose office it belongs to, of what they judge erroneous or dangerous, though as friends and Brethren we may cover what we think we are not necessarily obliged to complain of, That Information once given we ought to forbear all scandalous & clamorous defamation till the Delinquent be sentenced; That they could not expect, much less exact and demand of Mr. Bl. that he should renounce his Doctrines till they knew what and how by an authentic censure, That they hearty desire both of them and all our Brethren, they would cordially embrace our last Bishop's pious advice and prudent Council given in several Letters to Dr. Leyb. himself and others, to forbear all Acts of siding and faction tending to schism and Division as being much worse than all Mr Bl's. Novelties: Thus they. Also by their Letters to Mr. Bl. they dealt with him to give under his hand a submission of his writings to the Church and See Apostolic, which was what Mr. Leyb. desired of him, and with which he professed he would rest satisfied. The sum of which Profession (as we have it subscribed by his own hand) is this:  
I underwritten Dr. of Divinity, and Precedent of the English College of Douai, do by this present Instrument declare to all my Brethren and Catholics whom it may concern: that whereas by a common Letter signed by the Right Honourable Walter Montague and three other worthy persons, to wit, Dr. Henry Holden, Mr. William Clifford, and Mr. Thomas Car, I have been moved to concur in the settling of an union amongst the Clergy.— And that the difference between me and Mr. Thomas White may be conceived a considerable Remora to the said Union; I do further declare that if the said Mr. Thomas White shall make an humble submission of all his writings to the Authority of the Sea-Apostolick.— I say upon this condition and consideration I do declare and likewise engage myself to my  Brethren and Catholics whom this present Instrument may concern: that I shall for the future respect and honour the  Mr. Thomas White with as great sincerity and real affection as any friend or Brother alive; and the same upon the same score I do promise to all others who may be esteemed his Adherents. In witness whereof I subscribe my name.  
GEO. LEYBURNE. May 5. 1657.  
On the other side Mr. Bl. desired only that he would acknowledge the Authority of the Chapter, let his Brethren be quiet and not injure them by wrong informations. And for what was required by Dr. Leyb. he yielded to it and gave under his hand his submission of his writings in form following.  
Whereas I under-written have heretofore given a submission of my writings to the holy Church and See-Apostolick to satisfy such as might doubt of my obedience to the Pope. And that notwithstanding I gave it as full and ample as possibly I could according as my true intention than was, now is, ever hath been, and ever shallbe, God willing; I hear that some have misunderstood it, and have conceived that I intended only by those words [Holy Church and See-Apostolick] the Catholic Church and Pope conjointly; but not the See of Rome and S. Peter 's successor the Pope, separate from a General Council: as also that I only declared my opinion but professed no actual submission of my writings: I therefore do now ingenuously and freely declare and profess that it is my opinion and judgement, all Catholics ought in heart and in all humility and obedience to submit their Divinity writings not only to the Holy Church in common and in a General Council, where the Pope may be in person, or by his Deputies, but also to the particular See of Rome, & S. Peter 's Successor the Pope, even out of a General Council; which as I have always done in my heart, so do I now likewise actually and willingly submit all my writings to the particular See of Rome and S. Peter 's Successor the Pope, even out of a General Council; and this according as my opinion & belief hath ever taught me. Ratifying & confirming to this effect all the contents of my former submission. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 2. july 57 thus Mr. Bl. The Consult likewise & the particular persons, he had so causelessly and publicly injured in print, waved the clearing themselves, and demanding satisfaction, and Mr. Bl.'s Reply to his Pamphlet, though printed and ready to be published, was held in by him, & Mr. Leyb. permitted to have the last word. By these condescensions and actual performances so amply and satisfactorily on Mr. Bl.'s part, this charitable forbearance on the Consults, and (as it then seemed) these faithful and truly intended promises on Mr. Leyb.'s (being given under his own hand with so solemn an engagement to such Venerable persons all our Brethren and Catholics) all things seemed to conspire to a perfect union. To complete which by Mr. Leyb.'s performance of what he had promised, a General Assembly of the Chapter at the request of the Mediators was called, whither Mr. Bl. and Dr. Leyb. were invited. It met Nou. 23. 1657. Mr. Bl. came thither in person. Dr. Leyb. sent his Agent: who at the very entrance of our meeting, showed us how soon Dr. Leyb. had forgot his promise, and that all Union with him was hopeless by his excepting against the whole Assembly because it was of Chapter men only, and alleging, He was sent to an Assembly of the whole Clergy: whereas the whole Clergy being some hundreds, could not possibly meet in those times, nor indeed at any time (without leaving all England destitute) but by their Representatives and Superiors, who were the natural Deputies of the Districts. He began to press also the disclaiming and censuring Doctrines in the first place ere he would treat or any ways concur with us towards the obtaining a Bishop; He gives in a paper in Dr. Leyb.'s name, and as his Agent, containing many unjust accusations against our Chapter and its proceed. He urges violently both in his words and his Vote (as also did Mr. Young Mr. Catterick's Deputy) and expressed the same in his paper, that Dr. Leyb. might be proposed for a Bishop; and lastly (all the rest unanimously concurring) he and Mr. Catterick's Agent at the end of the Assembly, refused in plain terms to subscribe to the Votes of the Major part (which common reason tells every one is the manner of all public meetings) and gave under their hands their reasons, that, being Deputies they could not exceed their Commissions: By which 'tis apparent that their Commissions or Orders were that they should make no Union, nor have any Communication with us as far as concerned the Acts of our Assembly; which reached to a very great part of our Church-Discipline, our petitioning his Holiness for a Bishop, the establishing and completing our Chapter, and divers other most considerable points to the advantage of our Body. Though the same Deputies subscribed to the Narrative of the carriage and transactions of the Assembly as truly related: which to any one who reads the Acts themselves will abundantly justify the sincerity and impartialness of our proceed there.  
Thus ended the General Assembly of 1657. intended by the Mediators and us to conclude a peace by Dr. Leyb. to prosecute his revengeful and implacable humour, against Mr. Bl. and withal (as we upon good grounds fear) his own ambitious ends.  
The Institute of Nostre Dame de Virtue near Paris under the reverend Fathers of the Oratory, whose whole course of life breathes nothing but pastoral and Clerical, was such an advantage to the Clergy and Church of England, as was not to be hoped for by any solicitation of our Wishes, much less to be offerred us out of a voluntary charity, by the most Reverend General of that solidly pious Body. There might our Brethren have a place of retirement after their Scholastical studies in Colleges or distractions in England; to prepare, dispose or refresh themselves in order to their spiritual and Sacerdotal method of living, and to enable and facilitate themselves in the best practices of Pastoral functions; this was looked on by our most pious and learned Bishop of Chalcedon as a blessing from Heaven upon our persecuted Church; who the last journey he ever made, coming to that house, and seeing and blessing the Society of English then present, he said, that his Eyes had seen that which his heart had desired, and he had endeavoured for thirty years before. This Institute was put forward by the charity and favour of that most religious Order and most venerable General, embraced and advanced by us to our utmost; and more had been done, had Dr. Leyb. permitted our Chapter to have the due influence it had otherwise enjoyed; This was very much extolled by the grateful return of most high commendations by our pious Brethren who came from thence; and lastly, this was most zealously promoted by the heroic charity and patience of our most honoured and venerable Brother Dr. Gough; who in the midst of all discouragements and oppositions from those Colleges, whose Governors belonging to another Body saw better than many of ourselves, how considerable that proffer was to our Clergy, and strove by all means to divert their Subjects from going thither, yet still to his great expense and labour preserved it on foot, till Dr. Leyb. by articling with him in most unreasonable and unhandsome terms, and proposing conditions most senseless to be complied with e'er he would send any more thither (as if Dr. Gough and not our Body had received the benefit) quite disheartened and extinguished the fervency of that zeal; the impossibility of success, and its progress being too apparent, unless Dr. Leyb. would leave off that uncomplying humour and come to better terms.  
In the mean time our Venerable Dean having accepted the Deanship upon the Letters of the Assembly, and the conditions being complied with which he required  he could conveniently settle in London, came up to reside amongst us; and our Church began to close to an hearty Union through the general love and respect every one bore him. Nay, even Dr. Leybs. most unreasonable friend Mr. Catterick being unsolicited by him of late, and left to himself, began to come to better terms: when the times opening and giving a freer passage for Dr. Leyb. into England, he resolved to come in person to blast our hopeful Union in the bud. Before Mr. Bl's. presence in our Consults was his greatest corrosive, and his exclusion mainly pressed, which made us hope his so far removal now from our Country and business would satisfy and pacify him. Yet still (no consideration being had to the former Agreement, and Mr. Bl's. compliance on his part by submitting his writings) the old tune of Declaiming, so ungrateful to the ears of our Reverend Bishop, our General Assemblies and the Mediators, is sung to us, and our Brethren in town seditiously solicited to subscriptions. Our Chapter and Venerable Dean's authority, though his own Agent (as it happened) voted for his election in the Assembly, is disavowed by him; If we visit any person of honour who is a friend to Mr. Bl. he objects our common civility to him as such an heinous fault, as if we had treated with an excommunicated person. His unconscientious and rash censures even upon men's souls and their future eternal state, as if he were sent to pass judgement upon both the quick and the dead, we have both horror to hear and shame in his behalf (considering his function) to relate. Mr. Mark Harrington our late Subdean, whose exemplar life and pious death were precious in the sight of heaven and earth, he judges to have died in a sad case. Honoured Dr. Blundeston Vicar-General of the North, a person of eminent learning and exemplar conversation, receiving an hurt by a fall from his horse, and not long after dying, is sentenced to have been thus punished by God's just judgement for being a friend to Mr. Bl. A learned Benedictin, who respected Mr. Bl. being sent to Rome by his own Order in the time of the Plague, and dying of the infection there, is pronounced to have this signal Judgement light upon him for favouring Mr. Bl. Another Priest yet living because held a particular friend to the same person, is doomed by his lavish censure to have utterly and irrecoverably lost his soul; and this proclaimed by him in divers companies; All the Priests that have fallen from faith of late, though out of known licentiousness or Scepticism, are given out by Dr. Leyb. to have fallen because friends to Mr. Bl. whereas none of them were ever his Scholars, or had any friendship or conversation with him, more than common courtesy required. Divers Honourable persons escape no better if he conceive them to dislike his ways. Our Venerable Dean also whom he sees his principal cause of our Union, and so most hindering his making himself a party and promoting a Schism in our Body, is particularly piqued at by him, could he find any hold to fasten his Calumnies upon him. Mr. Bl. being absent, (and Dr. Leyb's. fashion having ever been to have a quarrel with some particular person, to gain a pretence not to join with the common) he falls upon our Secretary, and gins to set him in Mr. Bl's stead the object of his anger. Dr. Leyb's. two friends Mr. Catterick & Mr. Young coming to town to meet him, the Consult, that they might leave nothing unattempted on their part, which Charity could suggest, resolved to wave Mr. Catterick's defaming them for Schismatics, and we friendly invited them to meet with us to hear what satisfaction we should give them, both concerning the validity of our Chapter, as also to the complaints they had against a certain Letter of our Secretaries written by order of the Consults. We had hopes given too that Dr. Leyb. would be present, which we were hearty glad to hear. They seemed willing to meet, being come as they said purposely to London to unite with us. But, the evening before the intended meeting Dr. Leyb. told our Dean, that he would not come in the place where our Secretary was, and therefore if he were to be there he would not come. The other two met us, but our Secretary (who by reason of his place as Canon, his office as Secretary, and his being the party accused ought not to be absent) coming in and civilly saluting them, Mr. Catterick turned his head to the door, went out without bidding farewell to any of the grave persons assembled for their sakes, the other followed him; and so without leave taking or affording us a word at our Meeting, or so much as giving notice to some of our Brethren who had made them a civil invitation as Guests, & obtained a promise of their coming, away they went back into Yorkshire, carrying along with them, as we are informed, Dr. Leyb's. Order to gather the hands of divers there; which is the seditious way he still takes, notwithstanding the Command or Counsel of so many Reverend, Venerable and sober persons to the contrary.  
Having seen how unappeasable and uncharitable Dr. Leyb. still declares himself in his whole carriage against Mr. Bl. and all he conceives friends to him, it were not amiss to desire our Brethren to reflect upon what he gave under his own hand formerly, and to which he engaged himself so solemnly, that if Mr. Bl. should make a submission of his Writings he would for the future respect and honour him with as great sincerity and real affection as any friend or Brother alive; and the same upon the same score, all who may be esteemed his Adherents; and then leave to their judgements to consider and determine whether he hath the least regard of common principles of honesty; of any agreement, engagement, protestation of sincerity, or of what he gives under his hand, or even any civil respect for the Honourable and worthy persons, our Brethren or Catholics in general, to whom he made this engagement, who, without any offence given him, nay all possible condescensions used towards him, assoon as his fair promise had obtained from his Adversary the conditions he required, carelessly & boldly breaks through all these ties & considerations, to prosecute his former anger with the same or a greater fierceness and violence?  
Divers other things Dr. Leyb. & his friends use to object to the Chapter; As first, Their disobedience to my Ld. Bishop in making Mr. Harrington Sub Dean of the Chapter without his Order. Secondly, for calling the General Assembly held july 1653. without leave had first from the Bishop. Thirdly, that though the ruling part of the Chapter in London still say they desire a Bishop. Yet their intentions are thought to be otherwise, and that they mean to rule and govern in a Capitular way without a Bishop.  
To the first it is answered, 'Tis true, my Lord Bishop writ to those of the Chapter in London, taxing them for making Mr. Harrington Subdean without his Order, which they could not do; but the Chapter returned Answer to his Lordship that Mr. Fitton their Dean being to leave England ordered Mr. Harrington Subdean in his place till his return, This all the Chapter agreed to, and this Dr. Leyb his Lordship's Vicar General knew and made no complaint of. Again it was not the dignity of Subdean Mr. Fitton and the Chapter conferred on Mr. Harrington, but only ordered for the time he should preside in all Capitular meetings, which by virtue of his being the ancientest Canon he might lawfully do, without leave from the Bishop, and with this Answer sent to my Lord, His Lordship was very well satisfied. To the second we answer, That being the General Assembly was only a Capitular meeting to consult and order such matters as might be for the good of the Clergy; and that all their votes and resolves therein were to be presented to his Lordship for his Approbation or Rejection thereof, there was no more disobedience to his Lordship in calling that General Chapter then there was in calling any other Chapter or Capitular meeting thereof weekly or monthly held, especially there being no difference at all between his Lordship and the Chapter. And the reason why the Chapter did not write to my Lord Bishop of this General Assembly was their fear they had Dr. Leyb. would use means to make my Lord forbidden it.  
In answer to the third you may be pleased to know, that in the year 1653. it was proposed in a Capitular Consult (Dr. Leyb. being one of them) to move my Lord Bishop to admit of a Coadjutor as the best means to continue the succession of Bishops in the Clergy. But Dr. Leyb. being of opinion that the having a Coadjutor would shorten his Lordship's life, it was then waved. Also Dr. Hyde after writing to the Chapter that their friends at Paris together with my Lord of Andover had moved my Lord Bishop therein, and that some Letters (of which we have Copies) passed between my Lord Bishop and my Lord of Andover concerning that business, notwithstanding my Lord of Andover out of his noble Goodness and Charity to us had made offer (if the Chapter would send him their Commission to act their business for them) to go to Rome and in their names to solicit for a Co-adjutor: yet the Chapter still replied, (with their humble thanks to his Lordship) that they could not meddle in that point without my Lord Bishop's consent, whose satisfaction they esteemed more than the hopes they had of a Co-adjutor. And indeed the Chapter in all things possible were zealous in maintaining their Bishop's honour and jurisdiction over them; for, some Missionaries coming from Rome to London, and refusing the Canonical Oath of their Obedience to my Lord Bishop, alleging they were informed his Lordship had no Jurisdiction, the subdean and Chapter of London by relating the conditions of my Lords delivering up his Episcopal patent, satisfied them, and all other Priests that came after them into England. By which 'tis evident, that the Chapter was the principal and only upholder of my Lord's power and Episcopal Jurisdiction over the Clergy against all opposers; and omitted nothing, either in my Lord's life time, or since his death, that might conduce to the continuation and succession of Bishops in the Clergy; as their sending two Agents to their great expense and charge most evidently show.  
Fourthly, 'tis objected that divers Priests of the Assembly of 53. were excommunicated by my Lord for their disobedience. But the direct contrary is to be seen in my Lord's Letter to Mr. Walton, in which he acquits them and rather puts himself in the fault for being too credulously persuaded; promising to love the person he most suspected and by name sent his Mandate against, more than ever.  
Fifthly, they object Dr. Leyb.'s usual calumny That his Holiness judges our Chapter Schismatical. But how infamous an untruth this is, both our Agents can attest; and that they never received the least rebuke from his Holiness upon that or any other score; nor yet the least signification of any suspicion that we held unsound Doctrines. So that we fear (as his custom is here) himself endeavoured to fix that Calumny upon us at Rome, hoping the Echo of it, did it take, might rebound hither to our disgrace. Besides how senseless is it and derogatory to his Holinesses prudence and goodness to imagine that he would receive the Agents of Schismatics and treat with them so long without endeavouring all the while to reduce them from their Schism, nay not so much as give them some gentle admonition or make the least mention of it!  
Lastly, (to come to an end of their petty objections) we are accused as uncharitable for denying to pray for Mr. Ogle's Soul. But our Secretary's Letter, which themselves produce, says the express contrary, in these words; The Consult agreed and Ordered me to write to our Brethren to recommend Mr. Ogle 's Soul to God, as also I have done. Only, whereas in the last Assembly it had been ordered that every Priest say two Masses for any Brother that dies, and ordered likewise that none shall receive any privilege or benefit by the Chapter unless they acknowledge the Chapter; hence we expressed ourselves, that as public persons we could not order Suffrages for him in case he had died in opposition to the Chapter. So that 'twas only this benefit ordered in the Assembly we spoke of, not the private prayers we owed him as Christians. Nor was it meant or signified to be a denial of prayers either public or private for him, (for the Letter shows we afforded him both) but we intended it as a seasonable and proper admonition to Mr. Catterick's disobedient humour; which is the true reason he thus without the least ground, exclaims against it.  
But to proceed more close to Dr. Leyb.'s main difficulties; his greatest calumnies against us at present, and which they insist most upon, are two; One, that our Chapter has no Authority; next, that we are Blacklowists; whereas, for the former we show him our first Bishops constitutive Letters, expressing, that, Post maturam hac de re habitam deliberationem non tantum cum prudentissimis gentis nostrae hominibus, verumetiam cum exteris Praelatis sapientissimis, qui ad Episcopum spectare, inque illius potestate situm esse censuerunt Decanum & Capitulum constituere, illudque ad conservandam Episcopalem atque Ordinariam jurisdictionem omnino expedire. Itaque ad Dei Omnipotentis gloriam ac Ecclesiastici Ordinis ac formae in caeteris Orbis Christiani Ecclesiis instaurationem, Decanum ac Capitulum in Ecclesia Anglicana nostrae pastorali sollicitudini commissa, erigendum, constituendum & instaurandum curavimus, & per praesens Instrumentum ac litteras nostras patentes omnibus melioribus modo, via, jure, causa, forma atque ordine, quibus melius, validiusque & efficacius possumus ac debemus, erigimus, constituimus ac instauramus, etc. We show him our second Bishop's Instrument confirming the first, and expressing, that, Ad jurisdictionem Episcopalem Sede vacant conservandam ac continuandam praedictum Decanum ac Capitulum in toto & in parte approbandum, validandum, ratificandum ac confirmandum curavimus, & per praesens Instrumentum ac litter as noctras patentes omni-meliori modo, via, jure, ac forma, quibus melius validiusque id possumus ac debemus, approbamus validamus ratificamus & confirmamus, etc. Concedentes Decano & Capitulo & omnibus & singulis Capituli Canonicis, ut in Capitulo legitime seu canonice congregato, voce activa & passiva, in causis id requirentibus utantur ac fruantur, & libere uti ac frui possint, praeterquam in casibus ob culpam à jure exceptis; Lites & controversias graviores circa res Ecclesiasticas occurrentes, aut causas ad forum spirituale spectantes adse perlatas audiant ac decernant, Electiones Canonicorum, etiam Decani, locis per aliquorum mortem vacantibus, faciant, cum nostro ac successorum nostrorum consensu; &, Sede diutius vacant, etiam successoris nostri consensu non expectato, dummodo numerus Canonicorum cum Decano triginta non excedat. jurisdictionem Episcopalem, ad regimen Ecclesiasticum & disciplinam procurandam necessariam, sede vacant, exerceat; etiam censuras Ecclesiasticas, ubiopus fuerit, inflig endo, & pronunciando, in casibus tamen à jure permissis. Episcopi in nostrum aut successorum nostrorum desunctorum locum subrogandi nominationi & electioni adsint & faciant, atque ita à se nominatum & electum, Summo Pontifici pro tempore existenti condigna humilitate as reverentia praesentent Apostolico calculo approbandum, caeteraque agant & exerceant, quae ad Decanum & Capitulum jure communi vel universali Ecclesiae consuetudine quovis modo spectare dignoscuntur. We show him the Judgements of Canon-Lawyers, who were consulted with when our Chapter was instituted, persons of knowledge in those affairs beyond exception, one of them being Hermannus Ottenbergus, Bishop of Arras, and formerly Auditor Rotae at Rome. We show him the same exceptions he makes now against our Chapter, foreseen by our Bishops themselves and answered in their very Constitutive Letters. We show him under Mr. Fitton's own hand, that, It was the sense of Pope Innocentius returned to him by Cardinal Capponi our Comprotectour, that we should govern by a Dean and Chapter till we had a Bishop, that he would leave us to govern ourselves, that he would not disapprove what we did, but let us alone to agree upon what we ourselves thought fit. And this was in the vacancy of our Seat. We allege Pope Urban the 8ths. order to the same Mr. Fitton then our Agent, when our Bishop was about renouncing his Authority; to whom, urging the inconveniences which would fall upon the Clergy by this renunciation in regard of their want of Government; his Holiness replied, that as to what concerned the Government of the Clergy, his will was that it should continue in all things as it was, (that is, Capitular) till the supreme See should order otherwise. We produce the testimony of Mr. Plantin, our Agent there since my Lord Bishop's death, a person of gravity, worth, and integrity; that his Holiness signified to him we should govern by the Chapter till we had a Bishop; Also, that whereas he expressed himself to his Holiness and the Cardinals that we desired a Confirmation of our Chapter, not that we held it invalid without it, but to show our deference to the See-Apostolick, and our willingness to depend upon it, they never in the least gainsaid our pretence of its validity avouched in their own presence; and this was attested by Mr. Plantin to Dr. Leyb's. face. We show him how his Holiness and the Court of Rome have from time to time treated with our Agents as sent by the Chapter, a sufficient approvement of it for us to proceed upon, especially being in a possession of near forty years' continuance, and the Interval of two Bishops. We allege the Acts, opinions and submissions of two general Assemblies of the Clergy, acknowledging the Chapter as valid and unanimously agreeing to proceed with it. That of (53) delivering their Resolve in these words, Concerning the Point of the Government of the Clergy after his Lordship of Chalcedon's death, if he die before any change of Government come upon us by the coming in of one or more Bishops, or otherwise, our Resolution is, that all the Clergy stand in a modest defence of the Dean and Chapter, and yield due obedience to the said Dean and Chapter and to such Vicars and other officers as they de jure communi may and shall constitute to continue the Government, till it shall please God and the See-Apostolick to send us a Bishop or Bishops to govern us, or declare the first Institution, and after-Confirmations of the Chapter to be invalid, and so the Chapter to be null. In which case our Resolution is that the Dean, Subdean, Vicars and other officers hold their places of Superiority and Government (but without the names of Dean, Chapter or Vicar) by a voluntary deference of the rest of the Clergy unto them, till it shall please the See-Apostolick to establish some other Government amongst us; but with this Proviso & Condition that the Superiors than exercise no power but such as the diffused Clergy may by their voluntary submission confer upon them; This was the order and resolution of that grave and prudent Assembly, being the Representative Body of the whole Clergy, which was after confirmed by another General Assembly of the Chapter held Nou. 1657.  
We produce the Common Letter of the Right Honourable Lord Abbot Montague and our Brethren in France, friendly admonishing Dr. Leyb. that to resist the Chapter was schismatical. We produce him a Catalogue of our several Agents and very many Letters sent to the Pope and Court of Rome by our Deans and Chapter, and in their names, collected lately by our present Agent at Rome out of the Archives there; some of them also subscribed by Dr. Leyb. himself, as then Secretary, and authenticated by a public Notary. We show him divers Letters in our hands, and authentic Records of others sent to us in the name of Dean and Chapter, or to Chapter Officers from divers Cardinals, from our Protectors and Comprotectours there, from the Congregation De propaganda fide, from divers Nuncio's, particularly from his Holiness' Nuncio Paris (appointed by Gregory the 13. and Urban the 8 our Ordinary in the Vacancy of the seat) written to us about a month ago; and inscribed Perillustri & admodum Reverendo Domino Domino Onuphrio Elliceo, Decano Capituli Ecclesiae & Cleri Anglicani; and within it, in the Pope's name, these words; Supremus enim ac Universalis Pastor Capitulum istud tanquam Filios charissimos diligit. Lastly, to come as near home to him as may be in point of Conviction, we bring him his own Letter written in my Lord Bishop's life time, in Dr. Leyb's. own hand, and so acknowledged by himself, asserting, that Our Chapter was to have Episcopal jurisdiction after my Lord's Death, and that this was conferred on it by the sacred Canons of the Catholic Church,— that the Chapter is to be looked on as his heir apparent or lawful Successor,— that our Government is to reside in the Chapter after our Master's death, etc. Yet, all this, enough to convince and satisfy even unreasonableness itself, works nothing with him to bring him to an union with us; and to make him join with our last General Assembly towards the obtaining one of the Six there mentioned for a Bishop; which is all the charitable favour we desire of him at present.  
His next Calumny is, that we are Blacklo'ists, a nickname he affixes, how causelessly soever, on all that stand in the way of his ambition, that so he may disgrace and remove them. Sometimes he charges Mr. Bl. with fault of cozenage and injustice; as, that he has embez'ld or converted to other uses a sum of Money left in his hand for the clergy's good: whereas we know the contrary by divers persons both Ecclesiastic of our own Chapter and Lay-Gentlemen; in whose hands and to whose trust he hath left the said sum to be employed hereafter for the good of the Clergy: Yet if any concur not with him in this and such like unreasonable calumnies he is presently a Blacklo'ist. Sometimes or rather continually, he mistakes Mr. Bl.'s Opinions, or wrists them to a sinister sense, which the Author never meant; and if any one go about to rectify his erroneous Judgement, he straightway charges him to have read Mr. Bl.'s books, and therefore to be a Blacklo'ist; though the person charged holds opposite to Mr. Bl. in the said points. The like is if any, to oppose his uncharitable language, express a good Opinion of Mr. Bl.'s virtue, (which others, even those who most dislike his Tenets confess unimpeachable) his very following the common principles of Charity and Christianity shall make him too a Blacklo'ist, and fall under the correction of his severe censure. If any sober reason be calmly produced and pressed which confounds and non-plusses him, he presently flies back all amazed and exclaims, that 'tis a Suggestion of the devil. If the word (Rational) happen to slip out in discourse he is immediately struck at it and expresses great abhorring of it, as being a word Mr. Bl. uses. To such a strange height does his passion transport him.  
Now, his main reason why we are Blacklo'ists, is, because we will not declare against Mr. Bl.'s Doctrines, Our reasons not to do so, are,  
First, Our last Bishop's commands in his Letter to Dr. Leyb. himself, dated july 6. 1652. delivered in these words, I have divers times written to you to suppress all clamours against Mr. Bl.'s novelties, and (as you have written to me) you have so done; but still divers of my chief Officers writ to me that you do the contrary, which I am very sorry to hear, for so you will cause the inconvenience and Schism which will be worse than the Books are.  
Next by our Reverend Bishop's reason given in the same Letter, and in these wise and charitable words, For God's love by all means seek Charity and Peace, and whiles the See Apostolic speaks not of these novelties, you have no need to cry out so loud against them; let us follow and not go before our Pastor, but with love and charity expect his final sentence. Which words show also, that my Lord was jealous of Dr. Leyb's. disquiet spirit, and thought it seasonable to keep it in due limits by this vehement admonition and exhortation to Charity. Now whereas Dr. Leyb. pretends a contrary Order of my Lords, the Letter he shows for it, contains no such thing; but only that himself, being Vicar General, should not own the Doctrine, and that he should suppress some books of Mr. Bl.'s, which were coming over, by preventing their publishing; which is done in a silent and quiet way of intercepting or buying them up, not by clamours and gathering hands of private persons, which is the very way of Sedition. And that this was my Lord's sense is seen in his Letter to Mr. Bl. written, as appears after Dr. Leyb. had thus mistaken or would seem to mistake my Lord's meaning. I have been so far from commanding Dr. Leyb. to cry out against your Book, that I desired him to suppress all speech against it, as I assure you is true, and I hope he will not deny— Perhaps he knowing I much disliked your Book, gathered, that I would have him speak against it: but whatever he says or gathered, this is true which I writ.  
Thirdly, by the Orders and Decrees of two General Assemblies of 53. and 57 representing the whole Body of the Clergy, who agreed that we should not transgress my Lords commands in that point, but follow his grave, fatherly and charitable advice.  
Fourthly, by the Judgement of the right honourable Lord Abbot Montague and our Venerable Brethren in France in their common Letter of Mediation to Dr. Leyb. repeating my Lord's advice to him, that we should follow, not go before our Pastor. And this was when Mr. Bl.'s submission of his Writings to the Church and See Apostolic stolick was not yet made; much less can it be exacted of us now, since he hath submitted his Doctrine to the Church; for by so doing he hath left the controversy now in the Church's hands, and so makes ours or any other's intermeddling very improper.  
Lastly, We are moved not to disclaim Mr. Bl.'s Doctrines by the example of other Bodies and Communities, and particularly that of the Society; who when Tenets written by some of their Body, have highly scandalised the World, and were actually censured by very many Bishops and his Holiness also, yet thought it not prudent to make Declarations against them themselves, much less to begin to censure them first. Nay more, (with respect to those grave and prudent Bodies be it spoken) we have exceeded the most forward of them in this point, having ourselves upon this occasion requested the Nuntio of Paris (through whose hands, as being our Ordinary, Commands from his Holiness are to come to us legally, to send to us any Decree which concerns us, promising to receive and publish it. We have signified also the same to his Holiness and the Court of Rome, to the Cardinal-Protectour, the internuntio of Brussels and others, which (as far we know) no other Order has done concerning any of their Body.  
Now We appeal to all the World, whether it become the gravity of Ecclesiastical persons of our place & vocation to neglect the prudent and charitable Counsel and commands of our late Bishop, & of such venerable persons as compose our Assemblies, that is, all the Vicar Generals, Canons and Arch Deacons in England, as also of the most worthy Mediators, to neglect the example of all other Communities, & the evidence of our own reason too, which tells us that a mature and orderly procedure aught to be observed in such Censures; and all this to follow and second the passion of one single man, whose very moving and stirring in such a matter, is beyond his duty, in regard he is but a private person, and can show no Order or Commission from any Superior, is so plainly an Act of sedition, that nothing can suffice to justify it in the opinion of any sober man, who shall but consider that the Catholic Church hath Order and Government in it; and that affairs of this nature (determining what is Faith, what Heresy) are not to be carried on by clamour and getting hands of a few ignornat or passionate Persons, by surprise or misinformation, but by an Authority derived in an orderly and legal manner from the Supreme Bishop; or, in case it be matter of Opinion and not of Faith; then 'tis solid and prudent reasons and not empty and rude noises, which are proper to confute such Errors.  
As for Mr. Bl.'s person, we have known him to be ever of a most unblemished life and exemplar conversation; and, as such, we are taught by Christian principles to honour and respect him. He hath born many principal Offices under our Clergy, done as many particular services, and hath been Master to very many of our eldest and gravest Brethren; with considerations give them and us a grateful esteem and respect for him. His learning all grant to be eminent; which by the common principles of civility and humanity oblige us to value him accordingly; and to wish and pray he may so employ his pen that his other works may be as serviceable to God's Church, as those against Heretics have been. But to defend him in any Tenet which may justly be conceived against Superiors either spiritual or temporal, or against Doctrines held forth by the Catholic Church, we abhor in our hearts; for his opinions very few of us know them, few or none understand them all; and we seriously protest we know not one of our Brethren who holds all the opinions he maintains; And if some hold some, what wonder is it, or how is it avoidable, while 'tis left in the hands of the Schools, that is, till the Church declare herself what we may hold consistent with faith, what not? Yet to give satisfaction even in this. Our two last General Assemblies have unanimously declared that we will readily approve or disapprove all Doctrines and customs as we shall understand they are approved or disapproved by the See Apostolic. Our Venerable Dean hath sent a Declaration to our Officers to be subscribed by all Priests, that they do condemn Opiniones Iansenii aut quorumcunque aliorum novitates à sancta sede damnatas; And we hope our following offers made to Dr. Leyb. will satisfy any man not very far gone in passion and prejudice.  
First it has been offered him that if he will pick out some opinions of Mr. Bl's, and make them satisfactorily appear to be Heresies, we should hearty express our abhorrence of them, which he refuses to do, but would have us condemn them (as he strangely phrases it) in globulo; by which we conceive he mean's in the bulk. Whence it would follow that we must condemn the Tenets of the Trinity, the Incarnation, and all other mysteries of our Faith, all these being found in Mr. Bl.'s Books, and going in the same Bulk or Book with the rest: So that the same common Words of Condemnation must be levelled at one as at the other, unless some distinction be made; Which yet he will by no means undertake to do, but all his heat is to have them condemned in globulo.  
Again, It hath been offered him, that if he please not to engage himself in a Dispute with Mr. Bl. by particularising which opinions he thinks censurable, which not; he would pick out those Propositions he judged most dangerous, and we would join with him to send them to the University of Douai to be censured as they think fit: which proffer he likewise refuses, telling us, that Mr. Bl. would fall foul upon that University to their small content and liking. To which was replied, that if they could not or durst not censure them, fearing some disadvantage thereby, how then durst we, whom we conceive himself judges neither of greater Authority nor learning then the Doctors there?  
Moreover our venerable Dean, in presence of his Brethren, offered him, that if he would select those Propositions he judged to sound most dangerously, we would join with him in sending them to Rome to his Holiness and requesting his Censure of them, that so we might know what to eschew and what to allow of; and that we would receive this Censure thus procured and sent us by our Ordinary, the Nuntio at Paris; and publish it to all our Brethren to be observed strictly, with as deep an Injunction as we could lay upon them. But all proffers which have any thing of reason in them are equally disaccepted by him; and nothing pleases his fancy but condemning in globulo; that is, good and bad together. Which our judgement gives us is both unreasonable in us to do, and pernicious to the faithful, and of whose Souls we have the charge.  
Also before Dr. Leyb's. coming, some of our Brethren in Town dissatisfied with some particulars of Mr. Bl.'s Doctrine, resolved upon a more peaceable, rational and charitable way; which was to gather out of his Books divers Propositions most liable to exception, and to have them sent to Mr. Bl. requiring of him either to explicate them in a Catholic sense, or retract them. This Proposal of theirs we willingly and readily embraced, and promised our utmost concurrence with them: both because this way tended to the clearing something, & so some kind of satisfaction and utility would redound to the faithful, one way or other; whereas the condemning Opinions confusedly, without telling which hazards to ensnare the faithful to abhor also the good ones which run mixed with the bad in the same condemnation; And Mr. Bl.'s way of writing being short and obscure, unless he were first put to explicate himself, we might happen to engage Authority against a Tenet as held by that Author, whereas perhaps he held the quite contrary; which would injure the good Opinion Governors ought to conserve, making them seem partial, passionate, and rash. Beside, this method of proceeding seemed well becoming Brethren of the same Body; that if upon his explaining himself it appeared he was misapprehended and faultless, Charity and brotherly amity might still be preserved with him, and so all remain still united; If evidently faulty and persisting in that fault, it might more unanimously unite all the rest against him, and render their relinquishing him more justifiable. But the great fruit we justly hoped from this fair procedure, was totally dashed by their desistence and drawing back about the same time Dr. Leyb. came; whether by his tampering with them to join with him in a more violent course, so to gain himself a faction, will best be judged from his solicitation of other Brethren of ours in town to the same purpose; and by his Attempts elsewhere, and lastly by his own words upon this occasion, that God would send a Blessing upon those who should in this disunite and divide the Clergy.  
We must not omit one very material passage; which is, that Dr. Leyb.'s friends, Mr. Catterick and Mr. Young, while in town much insisted upon the disannulling our Chapter, and having a Bishop without a Chapter; that is, not an ordinary Authority, which by the Canons is to govern with a Chapter, but an Extraordinary one. As also Dr. Leyb. moved to our Dean, and writ to Rome falsely pretending that the greater part of the Clergy in England are well satisfied, and would think themselves happy in having a Vicarius Apostolicus, and that only some few of the Chapter oppose it. Now to receive such an Extraordinary Authority is both against the pleasure of HER MAJESTY, our most gracious Patroness, expressed in Her Commands to our Agent at Rome, not to accept it; against the Laws of our Catholic Ancestors, against the will of our State; and so most dangerous for us to admit, subjecting us to a Praemunire and all who adhere to It or us; Likewise, against the minds of our Brethren in the two last General Assemblies, agreeing to petition for a Successor to our late Bishop, who had Potestatem Ordinarii; Against all the Consults since the last General Assembly, both in their orders to Mr. Pendrick and Mr. Gage. And lastly this striking at the destruction of the Chapter is both against my Lord's Institution and Orders in his Instrument whereby he confirmed the Chapter; against the judgement of the Mediators, against the orders of three Popes, nay even against Dr. Leyb's. own thoughts formerly (as appears by a letter in his own hand) till his passion against the Chapter was grown to the height.  
But put case a Bishop without a Chapter was best for us while the Bishop lived, and were neither against the command of our Superiors, nor endangering security; let us consider what would become of our Church in the vacancy of the seat, the Chapter being disannulled, what jurisdiction, what order should we have, all being levelled into an equality, that is, an Anarchy? whence should the Priests have extraordinary faculties, when they want them to dispense in vows, degrees of consanguinity, affinity, marriages contracted or to be contracted, absolving from Ecclesiastical Censures, Irregularities, and other reserved cases not contained in the ordinary faculties of their Missions, as consecrating Altar-stones, chalices, etc. the want of which power must force the Clergy in such necessities to repair themselves, or send their Penitents to Regulars (who, as so many standing Bodies here are empowered with these faculties, or may be by their immediate Superiors in every of their Districts) to the great prejudice and unheard of dishonour of the Clergy. Again, the Chapter being null, how can the Clergy, in the Interval of a Bishop or Superior in chief over them, be long kept in due obedience to the decrees and commands of his Holiness, or of the King's Majesty, as they are bound in conscience; when there is no one higher than another, and so none at all who has power to receive, publish, and enjoin their observance, or inflict Ecclesiastical penalties upon the offenders? Besides, how shall the Clergy be able to make any Contract with any for pious legacies, or to receive Donations to raise a Found or common stock, to comply with obligations contracted for, which in justice they must be bound to perform? And in defect of Chapter Officers, to whom shall the Contractees have recourse? not to particular persons, when each man may with truth say, he made no such contract. Lastly, how can there be any means or way to pay common expenses of the Clergy, the maintenance of Superiors and under-Officers? To whom shall Priests be sent from the respective Colleges? Who must provide from them when newly arrived, till they be placed? Who must relieve other indigent Priests of the Clergy? Who must send Agents to his Holiness, be at the charge of Letters, keep correspondency with our Brethren and friends at home and abroad, with the Nuncio's, the Court of Rome, with the Colleges of Douai and Lisbo, etc. without which the Clergy's affairs can neither be managed, nor themselves subsist. Wherefore the Government by extraordinary powers being altogether unsecure to us, and the Government by Chapter in the vacancy of the Episcopal See, being both De jure communi Ecclesiastico, and also the most inoffensive Government to our State and Laws; nay, a kind of Authority, particularly agreeable to the sense of the King's most sacred Majesty, our gracious Sovereign, to which we ought humbly to conform, when the necessity of maintainingour Catholic profession obliges not our consciences to the contrary; much more when the stream of Catholic Ecclesiastical Canons go along with his Commands. Again, it being most evident from what hath been said, that the ruin of our Clergy, of its Unity, it's honour and subsistence attend the disannulling of the Chapter; 'Tis likewise most evident that Attempts to disannul the said Chapter aim at this ruin of ours. Yet with this disposition of wills Dr. Leyb's. two friends fled from our conversation here, and carry the same along with them to communicate to as many as they can persuade; himself in the mean time prosecuting it hear to his utmost power: What greater disadvantage could our busiest Emulatours wish, or even imagine against us?  
We omit for the present to lay open at large his other manifold wranglings, calumnies, and passionate carriages against Dr. Champney, Mr. Hammond, Mr. Harrington, Mr. Southcot, Mr. Herbert, Mr. Gage Mr. Peterson, Dr. Holden, Mr. Clifford, Mr. Car, Mr. Fitton, Mr. Manly, Dr. Blundeston, Mr. Green, and (in a word) against almost all the eminent and grave persons of our Clergy, especially if they were of any authority to control him in the least, his giving them the lie, his writing against them to my Lord, running away from their Assemblies in case he were contradicted, and such like; enough to make a large History, were they particularly laid out.  
Nor do we at present much insist upon his misgovernment in the College, both formerly, and of late more especially; so evident and testifiable by the Depositions of many worthy persons, too many to be wiped off with a Letter of the Internunce of Brussels, surreptitiously procured, while none was summoned to appear there against him to enforce and make good the Charge.  
We only hint the unfitness of some he hath sent hither not long ago as Missionaries; As (to omit many others) of one who in another Seminary was denied presentation to Orders, because of his unsettled brain, and (as we are informed) wished the next day his throat had been cut when he took Orders.  
Of another, a person in a manner phrenetical, who within six or seven months at most, was a married man, a Widower, a Priest and Missionary.  
The third, of a wild mad nature, for open Sedition in the house and public soliciting all the Scholars to the Wars, was expelled the College by him; to whom yet, after his expulsion, he sent faculties to come hither as Missionary. He hath now been half a year in England, yet never officiates nor performs any duty belonging to a Priest.  
We only hint these few of many at present; hoping that the horror and shame expressed by all who hear of it, and reflect how sacred the function of a Priest and Apostle is, will make him more circumspect for the future; and that these are enough to let our Brethren see how necessary 'tis to have a Dean and Chapter, to examine who are fit, who not, ere they admit them.  
Also these few instances are sufficient to show, how unfit he is to govern a Church, who so ill governs a private house; how unworthy to be a Bishop who hath so little reverence or care of what belongs to that holiest of functions, Apostolical Priesthood.  
But not to insist longer upon his carriage in the College, and to return to his constant Demean our here. 'Tis made too manifest by the several contents of this our Remonstrance, that all Dr. Leyb's endeavours both formerly and at present are to disunite and stir up Sedition in our Body, to keep a party on foot for himself to work by: to what intent his own Conscience can best tell. But, by his refusing to join with us in obtaining one of the Six proposed in our last General Assembly for a Bishop, and by divers other passages we omit, he makes the common report and opinion an evident Truth, that he intends to make himself our Superior; whom, to declare ourselves freely and conscientiously, we conceive every way unworthy that sacred Dignity, and much more for his ambitiously seeking it by such indirect, uncharitable and seditious courses. If this were not his meaning, and that truly he desires we should have a Bishop, why should he refuse to join with us in proposing those Six, they being persons beyond all Exceptions and even his own; that is, they were never held promoters of Mr. Bl's. Doctrines in the least? Nor, as it seems, is he content with aiming at only a bare superiority, but (as appears by his and his friends urging the dissolution of the Chapter, and the acceptance of an Apostolical Vicar) he intends to make himself Paramount and uncontrollable; not bound to Canonical procedure, nor needing the concurrence or assistence of any, that so he may rule in Virga ferrea, and give full swing to his revenge and passion; Which we experience so implacable against the whole Chapter, that we too plainly foresee no sacrifice is likely to appease it, but the ruin and destruction of our poor Church.  
Reflecting then upon Dr. Leyb's. proceed from first to last, that he broke the order of Capitular Meetings in the Assembly of 1649. by bringing in private persons against the Dean's leave: That, he endeavoured to gather a party of private persons after the Assembly was finished, calumniating the proceed of his Brethren as illegal, and carried on by two persons only. That, he passionately refused to come to an accord with his Brethren so civilly treating, and so charitably desiring it of him; That, in private debates he contentiously refused to stand to Arbitratours, himself inexorable. That, his friends and he through false calumnies moved my Lord by his Mandate to dissolve the General Assembly of 1653. and thereby injured the whole body of the Clergy in that their Representative. That, he refused to send Missionaries to our Chapter-officers though kindly entreated to do it by Letters from that whole Assembly; That contemning our last Reverend Bishop's orders, which were not to clamour against Doctrines till condemned by the See Apostolic, slighting his censure that this way of proceeding was schismatical, and the judgement of two General Assemblies and of the Mediators to the same effect, he ever did and still does pertinaciously continue to prosecute this illegal course. That, transgressing and (as much as in him lies) disannulling the Institutes of our two Reverend Bishops, the Concessions of three Popes to our several Agents, the sense of the Court of Rome, of divers Cardinals, of our Protectors, of the Congregation De propaganda fide, of divers Nuncio's, particularly that of Paris (our now Ordinary) expressed in their Letters to us from time to time as a Chapter; Also against the Agreement of two General Assemblies, speaking the sense and bearing the place and authority of the whole Clergy, against the judgement and advice of the Honourable and venerable Mediators (expressing in their Letter to him that to resist the Chapter is Schismatical) he formerly hath and still doth slight, vilify and resist the said reverend Authority of the CHAPTER. Finding also that by his printed Libel he endeavoured to sow discord between the Consult and their Brethren in the Country, falsely and injuriously charging them with what they are ready to depose they are no ways guilty of. That, his Adherents through his suggestions disobeyed their immediate Superiors and writ Letters against us, reviling us for Schismatical. That Mr. Bl. having performed on his part what Dr. Leyb. required, by submitting his writings, he performed nothing on his, that is, Neither acknowledged the Chapter, nor desisted from calumniating & clamourous ways to the great injury even of the Mediators themselves, who are obliged in honour to endeavour, to their power, to see the Conditions complied with, and have a right over him to exact it from him. That the General Assembly of 1657. meeting to receive his performance of those conditions he had promised, & so completing an Union, he by his own and his friend's Agent broke them all, clamouring against Doctrines, rejecting the Authority of the Chapter, & by his express Commission, refusing to subscribe to the Votes of the Major part. Seeing that he cuts up by the root all possibility of accord by his thus openly breaking at pleasure all Agreements and Engagements, though made to most honourable and worthy persons, given under his own hand, and fortified with solemn protestations of sincerity; in preserving which inviolate, consists all moral honesty, all commerce and civil conversation. Seeing that he rejects the Authority of our venerable Dean upon frivolous and false pretences; though his own Agent (as it happened) voted for his Election. Seeing that by his uncomplying and unreasonable Demands and Capitulations he hath contributed highly to the discouragement of our best friends abroad, & to the final breaking up of the Institute of Nostre Dame de Virtu ' (deservedly looked on by us as a most considerable advantage to our Clergy. Seeing that he disaccepted all rational proffers made by his brethren to have Doctrines censured, & calumniates all that will not follow his violent & unlawful way: Since contemning all charitable & Christian principles, he casts about his Calumnies & rash judgements at random upon the souls of persons both living and dead, long known to us of approved virtue and merit, if he hath conceived, how causelessly soever, a private grudge against them; and that he looks upon all both Nobility, Gentry and ecclesiastics, whom his fancy dislikes, as on Excommunicate persons, and so carries himself towards them; nay expects others should do the like under penalty of his heavy censure; Seeing his two chief Adherents refuse to treat with us, and are sent down by him (as we hear) to gather hands to make new turmoils. Seeing that himself and his said two Adherents press the Introducing Extraordinary Authority, against both the laws of our Country, and the resolution of her Majesty, as also the sense of our Reverend Assemblies and Consults in regard of its insecurity and dangerousness to Catholics. Seeing that, both against the Orders of several Popes and the unanimous sense of our Assemblies and Brethren, they press the disannulling the Chapter, so to reduce us to an Anarchy and Desolation in the Vacancy of our Seat: Seeing that his whole course tends to oppose all procedures which are orderly, legal, charitable, and authoritative, and, on the contrary, still vehemently endeavouring to to carry things on by a violent hurry of passion, clamour and censure: Seeing (we say) that not considering himself but a private man, and as such, of no Authority at all here, he so often hath and still doth unrelentingly persist to disturb our public peace by his illegal machinations, we held it our duty to give you notice at large of his many and manifold Schismatical proceed, entreating you to satisfy all whom it may concern of the patience and charity we have used towards him so long time, and his unreasonableness and obdurateness in his Schism against us. And lastly, beseeching you all to join with us in hearty prayers for his timely amendment; that, leaving off this spirit of bitterness, Schism, contentiousness, revenge and implacableness upon private disgusts, he may unanimously join and go along with his Brethren, in the perfect settling our Body under a pious and prudent Pastor. Which is now so far advanced through the gracious favour of her Majesty, that we foresee no impediment, but his wrong informations to the Internunce and our Protector, can any way obstruct it. So committing you to the Protection of the God of Unity and Peace, We rest,  
Your affectionate Brethren and Servants in Christ, 

H. E. Dean of the Chapter  
P. P. Canon.  
G. W. Canon.  
R. M. Deputy for Mr. M. S. Archdeacon of Lancashire.  
L. P. Canon.  
J. H. Canon and Secretary.  
C. A. Canon.  
J. S. Canon.  
J. M. Archdeacon of Northumberland, Cumberland and Durham.   Octob. 20. 1660.   

ERRATA.  
Page 1. line 23. Hond. p. 7. l. 6. so he. p. 14. l. 14. a peace; but— p. 16. l. 14. Disclaiming— p. 17. l. 18. the principal. p. 18. l. 2. Consult. p. 27. l. 5. at Paris. ibid. p. 32. faults. p. 31. l. 14. matter, beyond. l. ult. done us. p. 32. which consideration. l. 11. held Faith. l. 12. hearts. For— p. 34. l. 6. faithful of whose. p. 36. 13. our security. p. 38. l. 17. Mr. Gage. l. 22. least;   

TO HER MOST EXCELLENT MAJESTY HENRIETTA MARIA QVEEN OF GREAT, BRITAIGN D. ᴿ LEYBVRN'S APOLOGY.  
MADAM  
The most renowned Card. Baronius representing wi●● his learned pencil the scene of troubles, which the Arrians had raised against S. Athanasius (for as much, as in compliance with his pastoral charge, he zealously endeavoured to obstruct the spreading of their pernicious doctrines) expresses therein, that this glorious Champion of the Catholic Church, being informed of sundry wicked aspersions, which the said Arrians had craftily cast upon him, with design to take away his good name, even amongst his own Brethren, judged it necessary to address an Apology unto Constantius the Emperor for the clearing of his innocency, lest by neglecting to publish truth, the wounds his integrity had received from slandering tongues might grow wider, truth being the sole cure, and sovereign remedy against such hurts.  
After the example of this most illustrious Prelate, I have thought it expedient to present to your sacred Majesty an: Apology of the like nature, that is my own defence, in Answer to an Army of affronts and calumnies, which a wanton scholar, and his Adherents have cast upon me: and (abstracting from a special supernatural providence of God, that guided the pen of S. Athanasius in all his writings, and so made him a great Doctor of his Church) I have greater motives of advantage to induce me to this presumption, as to mine, then S. Athanasius had, as to his Apology.  
First, Constantius the Emperor was a Favourer of the Arrians, and the sole support of their novelle Sect: but your Ma.tie hath ever shown a great abhorrence of all profane novelties, and an extreme dislike of each introduced custom, that is not conform to the general practice of the Church of God, and confirmed from the Chair of S. Peter.  
Secondly I was the first English Priest, that was sworn of your Ma.tie chapel, in consequence of which, I do not bear the mark of a mere subject only, but of both subject, and servant: and since an injustice done to a servant, of necessity reflectes upon the master, or mistress, whose servant he is, it follows by natural inference, that I can challenge something of right, as to recurring to your Mâ. tie for protection in a just cause; and truly if the defence I have dressed up, shall appear guilty of false dealing, than I will cease from playing the Apologer, and become an humble Petitioner, that my name may be for ever blotted out of the list of your Ma.tie servants, and myself bear the infamous brand to all posterity of being, as my Adversary's endeavour to make me, a very rogue.  
Thirdly Constantius the Emperor was not only a favourer of the Arrian Clergy, but a persecutor of S. Athanasius, of whom that clergy had said all mamer of evil. Contrariwise your Ma.tie hath shown kindnesses for me, far above any desert of mine; I was committed prisoner to Dover Castle, upon suspicion of being a Priest, and your Ma.tie compassionating my unjust sufferings, obtained my deliverance. Again being falsely accused to principal Ministers of our late king of most happy memory, under the support of your Ma.tie protection, as to my Religion, I voluntarily appeared at the Council Table even in a coniuncture of a violent storm casually raised against Priests, and was dismissed with honour, nothing of evidence being produced, that could render me guilty of the least meddling, in order to affairs of state; and indeed during your Ma.tie stay in England you never protected Priest, or lay-Catholick otherwise, then with this proviso: If he has done nothing against the state: your Ma.tie knew right well that the supreme providence had set bounds to every vocation, so that no man ought to put his sickle on strange ground. The office of a Priest is to manage only what is his own, and Christ's business, and to leave to Caesar, and the wise Ministers of his Council, a ●●irs pertaining to the state, unless in regard of their extraordinary abilities they be called thereto by Caesar himself, for Priests are bound to serve their sovereign Prince in every employment, that can bring advantage to him, and no disgrace, or prejudice to their vocation, or function.  
Fourthly my greatest Patron, whiles I continued in the English Mission, was that gallant person the Rᵈ. Father Philip, Beloved of your Ma.tie in a high measure, suitable to his merits, for he executed his charge of Ghostly Father with extreme prudence, and managed all his affairs with an admirable conduct: b●●●es he was versed in all manner of learning, and as to an exact knowledge of holy Scriptures, Councils, Fathers, and Controversies, I knew none in your three kingdoms, except our most Rᵈ. Bishop of Chalcedon that could equal him; This learned wise person 〈◊〉 alive when jansenius novelties were spread in France, and also when Mr. White, alias Blacloe began to publish his fanatic learning; and his sense being required (at sundry times myself present) in order to both of them, he always gave the same answer, saying, that he was too old to embrace any new Religion.  
Fiftly I have hazarded my life, and spent, not of my superfluity, which I had not, but of my poverty, what I had (after the imitation of the poor good woman that cast into the Treasury of jerusalem her two mites which were all her riches.) To serve our late sovereign Lord your Ma.tie Husband of most happy memory. The Church of God does not teach Catholics to desert their true, and lawful Princes in their sufferings, neither does their adversity lessen the power they had in their prosperity to exact obedience from their subjects, but increase it.  
Now MADAM having set down the principal motives, which have enboldened me to address an Apology to your Sacred Ma.tie unto clearing of my Innocency, wherein I have imitated the great Athanasius: I have an other part to play after the example of the pious Mardocheus, whom the supreme providence had put to rule over the jews (the seed of God's chosen people) which had been carried away from jerusalem in the captivity of jechonias king of juda: This great servant of God Mardocheus perceiving that the wicked Haman, and his friends had a design to destroy them, made humble Intercession to the glorious Queen Hester for the preservation of the said People of God, whose Religion she professed. In like manner whereas Mr. White & his Adherents menace the College of Douai (whereof the supreme providence hatth constituted me, (though most unworthy of the charge) principal Governor) which received the seed of Catholics, that had been carried away from England in the captivity of Catholic Religion under the Reign of Queen Elizabeth. For the preserving of the said seed after the example of the pious Mardocheus I have thought it expedient to intercede to your Sacred Ma.tie, who doubtless is as glorious a Queen in the sight of God, as was Queen Hester, whom not only you have equalled, as to professing of the true faith, but surpassed, as to the many sufferings your Ma.tie hath endured patiently unto gaining a crown of Martyrdom, and indeed according to our great Apostle S. Gregory true believers that suffer persecution for justice sake patiently, and innocently, are Martyrs without effusion of blood: and I am certain of your Ma.tie unjust sufferings, and more grievous, I dare aver, than ever Christian Princess endured, Y. ʳ Ma.tie having been banished wrongfully, the king your Husband barbarously murdered, the King your son in continual danger of his Father's murderers and in want of requisits necessary to his Ma.tie condition. Neither can I doubt, but that your Ma.tie hath both patiently and innocently endured them, because your most Religious Confessor himself told me that he had heard your General Confession twice, (once in eminent danger of death upon the sea going out of Holland, when the raging wanes threatened present ruin) and professed, that he could never accuse your Ma.tie of one mortal sin. Wherefore I intercede unto your Sacred Ma.tie not as to a glorious Queen only, but as to God's Martyr also, for our poor College, that hath preserved the seed of Catholic Religion down from the beginning of Queen Elizabeth's Reign till these present times. I intercede for a College of Pastors, so called in as much, as since it was founded by that most excellent Prelate Dr. Allan (who was the first Precedent, and afterwards Cardinal) and erected in Douai in the year of our Lord 1568. it hath sent above a Thousand Pastors into England for the ministry of that little Church I interced for a College of Martyrs, so named because about a hundred and forty of her Pastoral Priests have endured imprisonments, racks, hyrdles, and at last shed their innocent blood in defence of the Church, the sea Apostolic, and Catholic Faith; a glorious harvest for so little seed, as came of the Relics of Queen Mary's days, that is of a few grave learned Priests under the conduct of Dr. Allan, which under the Reign of Queen Elizabeth left their goods and preferments and came to Douai. I interced for the Mother-House, so commonly styled in regard, as it was the first Seminary erected according to the ordinance of the Council of Trent, and a pattern of many others: so it has been the mother of all our English Colleges in Rome, Spain, and S. Omers which it furnished for a great time (that is until S. Omers College was erected, and some tym after) with Scholars, and fit subjects, yea many, and even the chiefest of our English Regulars were children of this College: for example Father Campian, and sundry others gallant Personages Priests of the Society; that great Scholar Father Rudicind Barlow the first Precedent of our English Benedictins, and divers other worthy men of that Congregation were Children of this College; four Provincials of the English Recollects were Children of this College, and one of these ought not to be named by me without an ample acknowledgement of gratitude, for he being informed that his old mother this College was reduced to great necessity, piously interceded for her to lay Catholics and procured a relief of 200. l●ster. Lastly I intercede for a College properly called the spiritual Mother of all our English Catholics, for as much as before any other Community of our Nation sent Missionaries into England, she had sent about a hundred Priests, who with much labour, and effusion of their blood broke the first Ice, and made the way for such as came after.  
MADAM, for myself I am an Apologer only, but for our Mother-House I am an Intercessor, most humbly beseeching your Sacred Ma.tie to look on her with a gracious eye, to the encouragement of your Catholic Subjects, and the discouragement of our few wanton Clergymen of this fanatic age, that endeavour to hurt her, since they cannot make her a plantation of their new notions. I cannot doubt of your Ma.tie gracious favour towards her, she having had formerly (about 22. years ago) evidence enough of your Ma.tie extreme tenderness and compassion unto conserving her, when she was reduced unto great necessity through war, and pestilence, wherewith as soon as your Ma.tie was acquainted by Father Philip, and the Right Hon.ble Personage now your Ma.tie great Almoner my Lord Abbot Montague (my self having moved them afore to that good work) you were pleased to order considerable supplies for her relief. Likewise I intercede for her Clergy Children, that these through your Ma.tie power may cast away all fanatic novelties, walk in the ways of their glorious Predecessors, give obedience where obedience is due, and love one an other carefully endeavouring to keep unity of Spirit in the bond of peace, Eph. 4. And MADAM all this is faisable enough, if your Ma.tie shall constitute my L. Ab. Montague your great Almener judge of Matters in debate for your authority, and his prudent conduct will be able to remedy what is amiss, unto preventing of schism, that menace's the little Church of your Catholic subjects. And as to my own person, if for my sake the present tempest is come upon our Mother-House, and the Catholics of England; so that they be saved, cast me into the sea, that is thrust me out of the Mother-House, and banish me from my native Country (which was my offer to our wanton Brethren at my last being in England) and as I speak this from my hart, so I will endure affliction gladly for so general a good: a small hole in any corner of a Catholic Commonwealth will serve to end the remnant of my days, and bring my aged head with comfort to the grave. However let God dispose of me according to his divine pleasure, I hope he will give me grace to fear him, and honour my King, 1. Pet: also, as in duty & gratitude I am bound, to wish your Ma.tie all prosperity both in this, and the next life, which is, and ever shall be the daily prayer of  
MADAM YOUR majesty's Most Humble and most Obedient Servant GEORGE LEYBURN.   

D. ᴿ LEYBURNS encyclical ANSWER TO AN encyclical EPISTLE SENT TO OUR BRETHREN OF ENGLAND, AND SUBSCRIBED BY 

M. R D. ᴿ ELLIS,  
M. R PETER CURTIS,  
M. R GEO: WARHAME,  
M. R ROBERT MANLY;  
M. R LAURENCE PLATE,  
MR. JOHN HOLLAND,  
M. R CHARLES CANCEFIELD,  
M. ᴿ JOHN SINGLETON,  
AND MR. JOHN MEDCALFE    
Which stile themselves the Dean and Chapter, or Church, of the Catholic Clergy in England.  He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to God. Proverb. 17. 
AT DOUAI; By L. KELLAM, 1661.   

DR. LEYBURNS encyclical ANSWER SENT TO HIS BRETHREN OF ENGLAND.  
MUCH HONOURED BRETHREN.  
PERHAPS some of you do conceive that the contumelious Epistle subscribed by Dr. Ellis, and the other few of our Brethren that adhere to Mr. Blacloe, will swallow me up with overmuch heaviness; but Unfeignedly I am nothing troubled at the foul aspersions it casteth upon me. Non qui patitur, sed qui facit contumeliam miser est: Hier. ad Marc. Not joseph, whom his Brethren accused, reviled, and persecuted, did suffer prejudice thereby, Gen. 37. but they his Accusers, and slanderers, who conspired against him wrongfully, (that is, for as much, as they were afraid, lest he might come to bear rule, and authority over them) carry the infamous brand to all posterity of being wretched men. As it is no dishonour to be accused, since the best integrity, and innocency is subject to that scandal: so it is an honour to be accused falsely: the unchaste Elders falsely accused the  Susanna of incontinency, and the accusation turned to her honour, Dan. 13. The wicked Ammon falsely accused the pious Mardochaeus of impiety, and he was exalted thereby Esther. 8. nay the Ecclesiastical Annals of our Country afford evidence enough of this asserted truth: for all Catholic posterity celebrates with much reverence the memories of S. Thomas Archbishop of Canterbury, S. Wilfred Archbishop of York, and blessed john Fisher Bishop of Rochester, for their godly, and Religious enterprises, notwithstanding, that in the pursuance thereof, they were resisted, falsely accused, and injured by their own Clergy respectively, and at different times.  
Again I am nothing troubled, because I know right well, that as it is natural unto a serpent to hiss, unto a scorpion to sting, and unto a Dragon to breath forth poison: so is it usual, and familiar to wanton scholars, that are ambitious to vent new notions, and become Authors of new sects, as likewise to their adherents, to revile, and say all manner of evil against such, as resist them in the pursuance of their pernicious enterprises: for example the Pelagians, against S. Austin; lovinians against S. Hierome, the Arrians against S. Athanasius sharpened their wicked, and slandering tongues: the poison of Adders is under the lips of such singular Teachers, which travel after plantations of new notions, as a woman that is about to bring forth a Child: and carried away with their own lusts, breath out of their mouths Venomous calumnies to the lessening, and hurting of such as piously, and religiousely endenoure to obstruct their wicked designs: however innocency is a wall of brass invincible: Gaude (says the great Dr. S. chrysostom) Innocentia & exulta, gaude inquam ubique illaesa es, ubique secura: si humiliaris erigeris, si pugnas vincis, si occideris coronaberis. Innocent men, are like stork's, for as these devour venomous serpents, and receive nothing of hurt, but much nourishment thereby: so those digest poisonous words, slanders, and all manner of calumnies to the increasing of their honour, and celebrating of their name.  
Moreover I do not value any slandering aspersion as proceeding from Mr. Blacloe and his Adherents, having often a fore frustrated to their shame the unhandsome endeavours, they have used to ruin my reputation: and three remarkable victories I have obtained. The first happened soon after I engaged in the management of our old mother's affairs, for one half year was hardly expired, when I was summoned to encounter with a little army of false accusations (forged by Mr. Blacloe, and his adherents) and exhibited against me to the Nuncio of Brussels unto whose jurisdiction I was subject: and his lordship after diligent inquisition, and mature examination of my answers to all the said accusations, was evidently convinced of the inordinate proceeding, used by my Adversaries: in so much, that he was pleased to call the aspersions cast upon me, the Bows of the wicked, and styled, my Adversary's malicious men, as appeareth by his said lordship's letter written to myself, which although I have inserted formerly in my declaratory Epistle in answer to Mr. Blacloes' printed calumnies against me, nevertheless I have thought fitting to set down in this my encyclical Answer, and it is, as followeth.  
EXIMIE AC ADMODUM REVERENDE DOMINE.  
TAm ex candida, prudenti, atque benigna Dominationis Vectrae Responsione, quam optimis aliorum relationibus Innocentiam eius perspectam habeo; cumque divino Tribunali causam suam probasse videatur, non efficient hominum iudicia, multò minùs maltuolorum criminationes. Vnum hoc periculorum est quae se passum fuisse narrat S. Paulus Apostolus, nimirum in falsis fratribus: unde nowm non est proborum famam perperam sugillari. Sed patientiae clypeo ad sustinendum, non minus quam brachio forti ad agendum, Dominationem Vestram munitam gaudeo, adversus retribuentes mala pro bonis, & detrahentes ei, quia secuta est bonitatem. Porro non omittam Innocentiam Dominationis Vestrae ubi opus fuerit propalare, & iniquorum arcus confringere, illam solum hortando, ut quemadmodum tanta laude inceperic, ita in posterum malum in bone vincere alacriter pergat; dum rogo Dominum Deum, ut condigna meritis praemia Dominationi Vestrae retribuat in hac vita, & in futura. Bruxellis 10. February 1654.  
Eximiae ac Admodum Reverendae Dominationis Vestrae. Addictissimus servus ANDREAS ABBAS S. ANGELI.  
Which give evidence enough, in order to this conflict, of my victory and my adversary's shame.  
The second victory I obtained at my last being at london Octob. 1660. which happened thus. Sr. Kenelm Digby Mr. Blacloes Maecenas, accused me to our Queen's grand Almener, the Lord Abbot Muntegue in the presence of Mr. Car, that I had informed the Hon. Mr. Secretary Moris, that there was come over a Ball of books (Mr. Blacloes' statera morum) directed to Mr. Holland (Secretary of the Chapter) under the name of Smith, and likewise that I had told his Honour that it was a work of dangerous consequence as to the State, and therefore required a warrant to intercept the said book: also that I had acquainted his Honour, Mr. Secretary with private affairs concerning Catholics: again that I had intercepted his to the Chapters Secretary, and the Chapters Secretary Letters to him, and opened them. After Sr. Kenelm had finished this formidable charge, my Lord Almener asked of him, if what he related were certainé? certain, replied Sr. Kenelm; my Lord: I come now from Secretary Moris, who told it me. The next day my Lord grand Almener acquainted me with the aforesaid charge, and giving credence to what Sr. Kenelm had uttered, seemed much troubled, that I should carry myself so unhandsomely, as to that proceeding: I made Answer saying surely Sr. Kenelm will never atteste such a passage, and Father it upon me; surely replied his lordship, he hath attested it: and being a matter of fact, it is easily proved, or disproved; to which I answered, saying, 'tis very true, and therefore beseeched his lordship, that Sr. Kenelm, and myself might meet, and dispute this business face to face; his lordship approved my proposition, and promised to go with me to Sr. Kenelm. In the mean while I assured his lordship in the word of a Christian, and a Priest, that neither had I ever spoken with, nor been in the company of his Hr. Secretary Moris; neither had I ever made addresses unto him directly, or indirecty: neither had I ever in all the course of my life intercepted, or opened any letters, or Letter directed to Sr. Kenelm, or his friend Mr. Holland, Secretary of the Chapter. This my protestation amazed the grand Almener, in so much that his lordship told me that of necessity I ought to go to Sr. Kenelm. In the interim, his lordship meeting with, said unto him: Sr. Kenelm doubt less there is a mistake, as to the information you gave me against Dr. Leyburn, for he will depose, that he never spoke with Secretary Moris, or ever made addresses unto him: he knows not the man etc. Sr. Kenelm replied in these words (as my lord Almener told my own self) truly I confess, Secretary Moris did not name Dr. Leyburn, but I gathered from the Secretaryes words, that Dr. Leyburne had so informed him. Thus I carried the second Victory.  
Notwithstanding all this I am informed that Sr. Kenelm, believing me to be the person, that especially obstructe's the spreading of the Digbean Theology, according to his wont manner at Paris, and after the imitation of his all knowing master Mr. Blacloe (who in a printed letter calleth Dr. Leyburn sycophant, madman, hissing serpent, calumniatour, silly, and ignorant man) brandeth me at London with the names of perjured man, and pedantical fool: which contumelious speeches without proof do not beseem him, neither as he is a mere man, nor as he is a Gentleman, nor as he is a knight, nor as he is in outward profession, a Catholic. There is parity between me and Sr. Kenelm in all these degrees: for as to human nature, he is no more man than myself upon that score. There is parity as to Gentility, because when William the conqueror invaded England, there was a Sr. Roger Leyburn of Conswick in westmoreland (as appeareth by the Records of Durham) which is the ancient house of the Leyburns, (whereof now actually my own Brother is seigneur) and so hath continued from Generation, to generation unsold: The last knight of Conswich was Sr. Nicholas Leyburn Father to the Duchess of norfolk, whose name was Elizabeth Leyburn mother to the old Countess of Arundel and Grand mother of the earl of Arundel that now is: and likewise Father to the Lady Howard of Noward in Cumberland, and to the lady Munteagle of Hornby Castle in lancashire. And if we will peruse the Records of Dover Castle (which Sr. Edward Dyring showed unto myself when I was his prisoner there) we shall find that my Ancestors have performed, as good, and faithful service to their sovereign Princes, as perhaps Sr. Kenelm's family hath done. But 'tis true, that in the Reign of Queen Elizabeth our family lost great fortunes for maintaining the old Religion, which it never Changed. This doth evidence enough, that there may be parity between Sr. Kenelm Digby and myself as to Gentility: and I am certain that there is parity, as to knightship, for as much as I am a Dr. of Divinity. Again there is parity, as to Catholic, because I am a Catholic Priest, and Sr. Kenelm is but at the most a Catholic layman, however I will say with S. Hierome, Gratias ago Deo meo, quod sim dignus, quem oderint homines, quoniam illi magis, quam his studeo placere. Morever I will say to Sir Kenelm, what S. Austin said afore to his Adversary a manichaean, Sentide (Ley burno) quicquid libet, sola me in oculis Dei conscientia non accuset.  
The third victory was got thus: being come to london I was informed, that my Chapter Adversaries there had persuaded sundry of our Brethren, how in my last great sickness I had an intent to give our College away from the Clergy. Which was only a crafty enterprise of the said Adversaries to render me more odious to all my Brethren, for the report was so false, that as God best knows, I had no thought of any such design. Besides it was no more in my power to dispose of Dow: College, than it was withim my reach the last summer to hinder Mr. Holland, the Chapter Secretary, from his Secret journey to Roterdame, where he continued about two months with Mr. Blacloe, that then was printing his Statera morum: Or prevent Dr. Ellis, and other Chapter men from reporting, that their Secretary Mr. Holland was in one, or other County of England, when he was in the Town of Roterdame. Furthermore, as soon as I perceived that my Physicians dispaired of my recovery, I called unto me the seniors, and Counselled them to think of some one, that might succeed in my room, as likewise to the end a person named by them might find something of advantage by my recommendation, I signed two blanks with my own hands for letters to the Pope, and Cardinal Francis Barbarin, our Protector, and Ordered Mr. Edward Robinson Professor of Divinity (who will attest as much) to write the said letters: Moreover being desired by the said Seniors to nominate my Successor, I answered, that I should advice them to make choice of D. Ellis: such was the opinion I had of him then.  
After the gaining of these three notable victories as to vindicating my integrity, no man as to reason could have imagined, but that I might have been freed of my Adversary's calumnies for the future: notwithstanding I find too true in our age what S. Bernard l. 2. De considerate. C. 10. observed in his days, Alius inolevit mos, dies alij sunt, & alij hominum mores, & tempora periculosa non instant iam, sed extant: fraus & circumuentio & violentia invaluere super terram. Calumuiatores multi, defensor rarus. And indeed, as to my own particular I dare with confidence say, that in this present age falsi accusatores sunt multi, to wit Dr. Ellis, Mr. Curtis, and seven more (which M. Blacloe in his last book names the Clergy of London and they call themselves the Church of the Catholic Clergy) who have put forth an encyclical Epistle filled with many seandolous aspersions which they cast upon me, unto wounding my honour, and reputation, as by my encyclical Answer will appear, or otherwise let me fall in the judgements of all my Brethren, and lay Catholics of England. Wherefore in pursuance of my design, as to the conserving of my good name, I will take my rise from these words of the said Epistle About the year 1648. Dr. Leyb: was sent in to England by my lord Vicar General in solidum. Which Dr. Ellis Mr. Curtis etc. set down in the 2. page of their encyclical Epistle, and shall furnith a fit occasion to form a Preamble narrative (afore my engagement in order to a special clearing of myself) to show how first of all dissension, and division crept into our Clergy, as likewise how I came to be invested with the Ecclesiastical Dignity of Vicar General.  
As to these two points, 'tis observable, that about the year 1628. I was constituted Sole Agent, as to the outward management of all affairs pertaining to our Bishop, his Clergy, and our old Mother: and so continued till about the year 1642. during which space of years, and long afore, our Clergy extremely flourished, and enjoyed fullness of peace amongst themselves, and perfect union with their old Mother, whose affairs were then managed by that gallant person D. Kellison, (Cuius memoria in benedictione est.) and during the time of my Agentship the supreme providence so prospered Dr. Lovel, (who was an excellent Clergy man) and my own endeavours, that, in order to the Clergy's conservation, we persuaded the ancient Priests, and others to contribute considerable sums for the erecting of a fund unto assisting and relieving such Brethren, as might be either destitute of Residences, or otherwise brought to necessity. Also in order to our old Mother my own particular endeavours were crowned with success, as appears by Dr. kellison's last will, and testament, which contain these express words written with his own hand, Viz: I give to Mr. George Leyburn who hath been a great friend, and Benefactor to me, and this House, my best Ring, and jewel, and what else my Executours shall think fit to bestow on him, for he deserveth more than I am able to give. In like manner my lord Bishop by his lordship's last will, left unto me his god pectoral Cross, and considerable Charities to this community But about the years 1638, 39, 40. died all the most eminent Clergy men, namely Dr. Kellison, Dr. Stratford, Dean Bennet, Dean Collington, Dr. Lovel, Dr. Shell, Mr. Broughton, Mr: Troloppe, Mr. Rogers, to gather with Sundry other Chapter men of great Zeal, prudence, and eminency, who even in the time of those afore mentioned years respectively, begun to perceive Mr. Blacloes' inclination to profane novellties, and therefore extremely disliked him, but especially Dr. Kellison, Dr. Stratford, D. Lovel, Mr. Musket. and my lord Bishop who survived the other four to publish his dislike and resist the pernicious doctrines set forth by him which afore he had taught in private only: 
Whereas Mr. Blacklo about the year 1633. had unadvisedly approved a certain book that contained sundry new notions, that disedifyed many lay Catholics and the Clergy Generally, my lord Bishop, Dr. Kellison, Dr. Stratford, Dr. Lovel, M. Musket, and myself dealt with him to recall his approbation. Which he obstinately refused.  and indeed his jordship was wont to say to me, and others whom I can name, that he had the two marks of an Heretic, to wit Singularity, and novelty: and for my own part I had so great an abhorrence of his wicked opinions, even afore they were published in print, that as his Adherenrs cried them up, I contrariwise cried them down. Et hinc illae lacrymae: that is the sole ground of the grievous persecution which as to calumnies, I have endured less, or more, for the space of 18. years: but about the year 1642. considering seriousely with myself the great distempers then beginning in our Country, the absence of our Pastor, the miss of Dr. Kellison, Dr. Stratford, D. Lovel, etc. the chief ancient heads of our Clergy, and our new Deans advancing of Mr. Blacloes' Adherents, I resolved to retire out of England, following the example of S. Gregory Nazyanzen, who perceauing that, the great labours which he had exercised in his Episcopal charge at Constinople for the bringing of souls out of sin, and heresy, had brought a mighty Odium upon himself, the Arrian Bishops, envying extremely the happy success he had in his godly enterprises, quitred even his Bishopric, conceiving, that it would not lie in his power to overcome his potent Adversaries, and imagining that by his absence they might the sooner be brought to reason, or at least be appeased thereby: which indeed was my imagination in order to Mr. Blacloe and his Adherents. Wherefore after I had acquainted our Dean, that was not versed in our affairs (having not been in England in 40. years afore) as likewise Mr. Gage who principally directed him in the government of his Charge, with the end for which the fund was erected, and with the monies entrusted with Mr. Blacloe, I delivered up all my offices, and steered my course for France, with design to spend the rest of my days in some obscure corner of the world: but being to pass by Paris, my duty obliged me to wait upon my lord Bishop, through whose earnest persuasions, I engaged in the service of Turnay College for the space of two years. In the interim, came to Paris Sr. Kenelm Digby, Mr. Blacloe, Mr. Fitton, and Mr. Harrington, Dr. Holden was there afore, and then (together with jansenisme) Digbean Blacloisme begun to be taught even to laymen and women, before it came forth in print, which was an occasion of continual disputes; my lord Bishop showed an extreme dislike of Mr. Blacloes' novellties, and as to me, after my wont manner I endeavoured to crush them in the bud, and cry them down as often as I heard them mentioned: which rendered me more ungrattfull unto Sr. Kenelm, Dr. Holden, Mr. Fitton, Mr. Harrington, and Mr. Car they all being great Admirers of Mr. Blacloes' Learning. Yet as to Mr. Fitton, he about the year 1636. being brought to the point of death by a redeous Sickness, delivered all Mr. Blacloes' books, which were then put forth to the Inquisitor of florence showing his dislike of the Tenets therein contained: and foretelling, that they would be condemned, if they were not already: as the Hon. Mr. Henry Somerset, and Dr. Kitton (Mr. Fittens executeurs) have attested.  
About the year 1645. having finished the time of my engagement, as to the serving of Turnay College, I humbly requested my lord Bishop for his leave to depart from that employment, and even from the Town of Paris; his lordship refused to grant my request: telling me in plain terms, that he would not trust the said College with Mr. Fitton, nor with any other except myself: Mr. Clifford having afore quitted his principalship. However after two, or three bouts, I quieted my lord, and obtained his lordship's condescension to my departure, on condition to return, when his lordship should lay his commands upon me.  
Thus being freed of my engagement, and thereby delivered from the sight of my Adversaries, that looked upon me with an envious eye, in reguarde they saw, that I went about to obstruct the spreading of Mr. Blacloes' new doctrines, I retired from Paris to Rheims in Champaign, where I had not continued above three months, but my lord Bishop sent me an express order signified in two several letters, to bring me again to Paris, because our Queen was newly arrived out of England, and had oppointed Sr. Kenelm Digbie as Agent to his Holiness, and intimated with all, that he in respect of his great abilities, her Mai. countenance, and the great kindness he had for Mr. Blacloe, Mr. Fitton, Dr. Holden, etc. might extremely advantage our Clergy. In obedience to his lordship's commands I returned, and suddenly after my arrival, a consult was held in my lord Bish: chamber, consisting of his lordship, Mr. Fitton (newly constituted Dean) Mr. Clifford. Dr. Holden, Mr. Blacloe, Mr. Car, and myself. The sole business, that Mr. Dean propounded at this meeting, was the seasonableness (in regard of Sr. Kenelme's Agentship) for our Clergy to supplicate the Pope unto obtaining of his Holiness approbation, and confirmation of our Chapter, and therefore required that letters might be expedited together with a commission to empower Sr. Kenelm, with authority unto negotiating in behalf of the Clergy: which accordingly was performed▪ being carried by plurality of votes; and indeed I was, against moving in the Court of Rome for a confirmation thereof (and only his lordship voted with me) alleging as a reason, that we had continued in possession of Ecclesiastical dignities (constituted by his lordship, and his Predecessor) for a considerable series of years, without any sentence pronounced by the Court of Rome unto the disannulling of them, and if we shall still so continue, it will be a great motive to his Holiness (whosoever is Pope) to continue unto us a Bishop, which is the happiness we desire only: but if our motion for the confirmation thereof, said I, were rejected, where as now we build on the  consent of his Holiness, as to the confirmation of the said Ecclesiastical dignities, we should then wholly destroy the ground on which we build. The success Sr. Kenelm Digbie had in the pursuance of that negotiation I will not tell for sorrow.  
About the year 1648. Dean Fitton in compliance to his charge, and in consideration of the times that begun to be more calm, and moderate under the Government of a new master, resolved to go into England, and at the same time my lord Bishop was desired to constitute Mr. Harrington his Vicar Gen. In solidum; where fore his lordship after a serious deliberation with himself (as he told me) thinking it inconvenient that the sole principal men of his Chapter should consist of Mr. Blacloes' Adherents, whereby novelties might be countenanced to the prejudice of our body, and others also, called me unto him, and said, that he had made choice of me for his Vicar General, and therefore desired, I would prepare myself to go suddenly into England. But I refused absolutely the charge, alleging that the acceptance thereof might bring me to my grave, with continual vexations, Mr. Blacloe and his faction (that would bear chief rule in the Chapter) looking on me with an envious eye. To this, his lordship replied, saying, my desire is to obstruct the spreading of new Doctrines, in our Country, wherefore you must not refuse even to suffer inconveniences for so good, and laudable an end, and thereby it shall appear that I am an Enemy to all profane novelties. In sum his lordship's great earnestness prevailed with me so far, as I promised to consider seriously, and commend to God his lordship's proposal, and to this end, and purpose I exacted 7. day's respite, before I might bring my Answer, which was granted me: and as God is my witness, in each one of those days, I frequented places of greatest devotion, and such especially as had the B. Sacrament exposed, beseeching the divine goodness to direct me, as to the Answer I was to give. The seven days being expired, I repaired to his lordship, who instantly ask of me what I had resolved, my reply was in these words; Qui vos audit me audit, qui vos spernit me spernit: The will of my superior must be God's will, and therefore resolved to do it, although I should encounter with Armies of troubles in the performance thereof. My lord Bish. having thus obtained my consent, caused a patent to be drawn, written two letters himself, one to our Chapter men, an other to the Hon. Mr. Montague who is now our Queen's great Almener, and so dispatched me away suddenly without acquainting Mr. Fitton, Dr. Holden, Mr. Blacloe, or Mr. Car. But as soon as these understood, that I was arrived at london, and constituted his lordship's Vicar General, unto excluding of Mr. Harrington (Mr. Blacloes' principal Disciple) they were starteled, yet perceiving no remedy, there being an impossibility to undo my lord Bish. own Act, betook themselves to crafty deal. For under a specious colour of greater union they much importuned his lordship to create Mr. Harrington a second Vicar Gen. In solidum, that his power might equal mine: and in the pursuance of their importunity they employed the endeavours of all such (men, and women) as they were sure, his lordship had a special kindness for; in so much that his lordship wrought upon by their importunity, and carried on with the specious pretext of establishing greater union, by creating Mr. Harrington a second Vicar General, he yielded. Thus having gained a great advantage against me they believed (as they had reason) that my authority would be so eclipsed thereby, that it should signify nothing in the Chapter, the principal members thereof (which were a pack of Mr. Blacloes' friends) having obtained a Vicar Gen. of their own faction, invested into equal power, and jurisdiction with myself. However men's Proposals, and God's direction do not always agree: and such as too much attend their own ambitious ends, seldom confine themselves to God's pleasure, and means, as plainly appeared by the  endeavours they used to incense my lord Bishop against me, and to lessen my reputation in the opinion of all our Brethren. For the supreme providence that did not leave joseph in his prison, nor Danyel in his Den, did not desert me in the persecution these men craftily by wicked Calumnies raised to the obscuring of my good name for my power with my lord Bish. my credit with the lay-catholics in General, and my authority with our Brethren, such especially as were no London Chapter-men increased thereby, while I remained in England. But I dare say that Mr. Blacloe, and his faction persecuted me as violently, and Calumniated me as craftily, as the Arrians did S. Athanasius.  
From the premises does evidently appear the flourishing cofidition of our Clergy as to good seed, that was sown in the field of their hearts, till Homo inimicus came, qui super seminavit zizania discordiae, & haeresis. Thus much as to showing the manner how division crept into our Clergy, and the means whereby the dignity, or office of grand Vicar in solidum, was conferred on me; and although these sole passages set down were sufficient enough to defeat my Adversaries, as to the particular aspersions, they cast upon me: nevertheless that they may not brag hereafter, as if I had returned them but a lame Answer.  
jam, iamque animo maiora paranti Da ventam lector.  
PAg. 2. Of the encyclical Epistle. In August following (1648) there was held a general Chapter in which presided Mr. Fitton our Dean. The Chapter-men from all their districts being met, Dr. Leyb. (against the known order, and rules of such meetings) brings thither without the Deans notice two others, which were not of the Chapter. Mr. Dean civilly told them.— Whereupon they retired one of them was satisfied, the other vowed revenge.— Which (Chapter) was ended with much satisfaction to all others except Dr. Leyb.  
This first charge, for as much, as it objects scandalous matters and proves nothing thereof, carrieth the infamous mark of a slander, for Accusatio, quae caret probatione, calumnia est: and indeed, if to accuse were sufficient enough to take away a man's good name, innocency could not be delivered from the malice of slandering tongues: In consequence of which I am not bound to Answer. However since the accusation comes from Dr. Ellis, Mr. Curtis etc. whose bare Testimonies may have something of weight, and authority, therefore I have thought it expedient to clear each particular point of the said Charge.  
As to the first, that objecteth transgression against the known order, and rules of such meetings, for bringing thither two of our Brethren, which were not of the Chapter: I reply to this pythagorean Testimony (which is Dictum proprium named by Aristotle Argumentum stultorum) that inuolues two false supposals: whereof the one is, that there were known order, and rules unto excluding such Brethren from a general Assembly, as were not of the Chapter: for afore any of my Accusers were Clerici (except Mr. Curtis, and Mr. Plate my scholar) I was in all the consults and general meetings of our Clergy, and in those it was the use, and custom to invite thither such grave, and deserving Brethren as accidentally came to London, in the time of the said meetings, although they were no Chapter-men; the intent whereof was to do them honour in respect of their great merits. The other false supposal is, as to our two Brethren which Dr. Ellis etc. say, I brought unto the afore mentioned general Assembly: truly I did only summon them in virtue of my lord Bishop his own letter, wherein his Lordship expressed that he had constituted both of them Canons, and the letter I showed to the Dean even while he uncivilly, and disobediently dismissed them before the Assembly begun to sit; and hence arose the first dispute between the Dean and myself. I produced his Lordship's letter whereby the two foresaid Brethren were constituted Chapter-men, and complained of the Deans incivility, and disobedience, but he pretended that his Lordship had given him leave to make such a number of Canons: and accordingly had completed it: withal added, that it was not in his Lordship's power to increase the said number. Whereunto I replied, that surely the power of a Bishop to make Chapter-men more or less, as he pleaseth, is not exhausted by making thirty, whereas afore he might have created thirty two, unless he had tied his hands to a Non plus ultra, which Mr. Dean could not evince.  
But this was not the sole contest between me, and the Dean in that Assembly (as they say) for he, and Dr. Holden especially had composed a small book of rules, and constitutions to be observed by the Chapter. These the Dean read in our first session, and after the reading thereof required approbation and confirmation of them: I resisted this request, alleging that they contained sundry points destructive of my lord Bishops Episcopal authority, and instanced principally in one particular constitution, that exacted obedience to the Chapter, from all Clergy Priests of England, and Wales: and this I carried against the Dean, and his party, the Assembly refusing to pass it without their Bishop's condescension unto it. Likewise I instanced in an other constitution, that required an oath from all Chapter-men, obliging them not to reveal passages, and transactions done in the Chapter, to any persons, or person whoseover. I perceiving, that Mr. Blacloes' Adherents intended thereby to keep his Lordship from the knowledge of affairs, stood up, and said, that I excepted against the particle, Whosoever, alleging, that it might bear no good meaning, and withal told the Dean plainly, that I should refuse to take an oath unto excluding my lord B. from the knowledge of his Chapters proceed. This nettled extremely the Dean, and that party; however being put to votes, I carried it, and in the oath of secrecy, that myself, and the rest of the Assemby then took, his Lordship was excepted: and truly I acquainted my lord immediately with these passages, who as God is my witness, written back unto me, as to the rules, and constitutions, Mr. Fitton, and Dr. Holden had shown them unto him, and that he had signified, for as much as he had read, his dislike of them: and as to exhibiting obedience to the Chapter he commanded me to prohibit in his name the execution thereof. Notwithstanding after the dissolution of the Assemby, Mr. Blacloes' Adherents continued in the pursuance of their design, as to exhibiting obedience to the Chapter, in so much that my lord Bishop threatened to deprive them of their faculties if they should not suddenly desist from that enterprise.  
As to the second point of the charge; that is of moment, to wit, The other vowed revenge. By this pythagorean Testimony without proof; evidently appears, that Dr. Ellis, M. Curtis etc. do not sharpen their slandering tongues against me only, but likewise against all such, as show a dislike of Mr. Blacloes' Doctrines, and these men's proceed in the countenancing thereof. For I dare boldly aver, that the worthy Party, Whom they accuse of vowed revenge, is guilty of no other sin in order to them, or their affairs, than his dislike etc. He is a person that I have known for the space of above 40. years, he took the degree of Licentiat, and performed all Acts required to the creating of him Dr. in the schools of Sorbon, when Dr. Ellis was a mere youth: he hath laudably laboured in the Apostolical mission about 30. years without reproach: he hath had ever an extreme abhorrence of such actions as beseem not Priests, namely, going to plays, haunting of Alehouses and Taverns, playing the solicitor, trafficking out of a desire of worldly advantages; also he hath had ever a great kindness for Dr. Ellis, whom he had known a young youth of modest behaviour, and hath given him much good advice, and Counsel, at his entering into his office of Deanship, and since; which if he had embraced, he would never have so uncharitably abused the precedent of Dow. Coll: that is to say, his Father, (that College being his old Mother) by putting forth unadvisedly an encyclical Epistle, wherein, he accuseth the said Precedent of sundry grievous crimes, and extolleth above the clouds the said Mr. Blacloe for his gallant parts, his unimpeachable virtue, umblemisht life, and eminent learning, which unparalelled Elogium to the everlasting dishonour of our Clergy Mr. Blacloe hath published in Latin as followeth.  
De me Cleri Londinatis Encyclica ad Fratres per Vniversam Angliam Epistola, hoc testimonium continet. Quantum ad Albij (alio nomine, quo notus sum Fratribus, me appellat) Personam attinet, novimus eam semper vitae irreprehensibilis & exemplaris convictûs fuisse, & propterea ex Regulis Christianae pietatis tenemur eam aestimare & honorare: Plura insignia munera Cleri authoritate gessit, totidem egregia seruitia Clero rependit. Pluribus Fratrum nostrorum granissimis & aetate provectissimis Scientias praelegit; quae nos obligant ut & nos & illi cum gratitudine honorem rependamus. Scientiam ipsius esse eminentem fatentur omnes, quae nos ex legibus naturae & societatis humanae cogit ad paremilli aestimationem retribuendam. Hactenùs de me Epistola Encyclica.  
As to the third point, or third pythagorean Testimony, that is, Proprium dictum without proof, Viz: which (Chapter Aug: 1648.) was ended with much satisfaction to all others except Mr. Leyb.; there will be no great need to reply, because the premises set down do clearly show, that to the extreme dissatisfaction of Mr. Blacloes' friends, I obstructed the confirmation of the constitution, that exacted obedience to the Chapter from all Clergy Priests: as likewise I prevailed so, as to the oath of Secrecy, that it was taken in that Assembly without excluding my lord Bish: from the knowledge of the Chapter's proceed, and transactions. Again, as God is my witness, sundry members of that Assembly told me in express words, that it was a Parliamentary Chapter, for, said they, as the parliament hath deprived their king of his whole power, so the Chapter goes about to take away their Bishop's authority: which does evidence that it ended not with much satisfaction to all others, except Mr. Leyb. Wherefore the premises of this, and the other two replies clearly verify the saying of the great Dr. S. chrysostom: Non modo nullum incommoduns ijs, qui perferunt infidias, verum etiam, id omne in caput insidiantium convertitur.  
Pag. 4. A general Chapter met july 10. 1653. but Dr. Leyb. and his friend, who had vowed revenge formerly, effected that my lord sent his mandate to dissolve the Assembly, as met to out him from his Episcopal authority etc.  
In this, as in the former Charge Dr. Ellis, Mr. Curtis etc. imitate pythagoras, as to their Testimony, which is Dictum proprium only; they produce no convincing reasons to prove what they assert: neither indeed can they allege any, the said charge consisting of two most false propositions the Latter whereof is, that my lord Bish. sent his mandate to dissolve the Assembly (july 1653.) as met to out him from his Episcopal authority. The other is: That Dr. Leyh. and his friend effected the sending of the said Mandate.  
As to the latter proposition set down in the first place, in regard of my lord, that is thereby concerned, I do prove, that it hath nothing of truth, thus: His Lordship never harboured such a thought, as to believe, that the Assembly was met to machinate against his Episcopal authority: Ergo his Lordship did not send his mandate to dissolve the Assembly, as met to out him from his Epicopall authority. The consequence is good, and the Antecedent, from whence I infer it, evidently appears by my lord's Answer to Mr. Harrington, Mr. Harrison, alias Herbere, Mr. Knightly, Mr. Walton, Mr. Ashton, & Mr. Peterson, alias Curtis writ Aug. 1653. after that Assembly was ended: and is as followeth.  
R. Brethren Mark Harrington William Harrison etc.  
I Have received your letter dated the 1. Aug. in which you grievousely accuse me (to repeat your own words) to have condemned by a public Instrument your late Assembly, and therein all the Priests of England, and Wales represented by them, as ingratefully, and seditiously machinating against my Episcopal authority, without hearing any one of you: and you earnestly require me to recall the said condemnation under my hand, and seal for reparation of your good name.  
To which I Answer 1. that you prove not at all your said accusation of me; and you know well, that accusation without proof is a mere slander, and none should be innocent, Si accusasse sufficiat. Secondly I protest sincerely, that I never meant to condemn the late Assembly, and much less, all the Priests of England, and Wales of ungrateful, and seditious machinating against my Episcopal authority. Thirdly I say, that though because you be my Accusers herein, the whole burden of proof lieth upon you, and I ought to be acquitted, if you convince not your said accusation: yet because my Innocency herein is Clear, I will prove it out of my Mandate, in which you say, I have condemned your Assembly, and all Priests of England, and Wales. First by the word Ingratè, which can no way be meant of your Assembly, because I neither gratifyed, nor obliged them any way, and therefore they could not be thought to deal ungratefully against me. Secondly by the word Seditiosè, which is joined to the words, Convocasti presbiteros, and the Assembly did not convocate, but was convocated. Thirdly by the whole Mandate, which consisteth of two parts: in the former whereof, are those words, Ingratè & seditiosè, in which I speak only to Mr. Harrington, as is evident by these words: Quoniam (ut à fide dignis accepimus) Tu Marce vicary mi Generalis, nuper ingratè & seditiosè convocasti quosdam presbiteros saeculares etc. And in the second part which beginneth: Et similiter praecipimus omnibus presbiteris à te nuper convocatis etc. In which I speak to the Assembly, there is no word of ingratitude or sedition, but only a command to recall whatsoever they had done in that meeting against my authority: nor can any such thing be inferred thereby, unless you can prove (which you never can) that nothing can be done against Episcopal authority, but ungratefully, and seditiously, and they having done nothing, the command became null. Thus Clearly, and manifestly I have proved my Innocency, as concerning the foresaid condemnation of your Assembly, and of all Priests in England, and Wales: so that, I need not produce (as you require) Testes fide dignos to prove that condemnation to be just: But you need bring convincing reasons out of my Mandate to prove, that I made any such condemnation, if you will show Yr. selves to be lawful Accusers of your Spiritual Father, and Superior; likewise I need not recall under my hand, and seal, what I never said, or thought, but you are bound under your hands to recall what you have plainly, but untruly imposed upon me: and that shall suffice me for reparation of my honour, and credit, which ought to be as much (if not more) dear to me, as yours to you, for I attribute your error herein, not to malice, or ill will against me, but to a simple mistake of my meaning upon unsufficient consideration of my words: As for proceeding iuridically, which you say, I have refused to two or three: I used it, at my first coming into England, but I found not, that it wrought any good effect, and therefore left it; and indeed judge that it is not fit for these times in England: neither do. I think you would take it well, if I should force you to a iuridicall proof of your foresaid accusation against me; what I wrote lately to Mr. Walton, that he had satisfied me concerning the Assembly, that therein nothing was done against my Episcopal authority, which before I suspected: but not that the Assembly had ungratfully, and seditiousely machinated against my Episcopal authority, which I never suspected, nor ever imagined till I read this your letter. You call Mr. Harrington Sub Dean of Yr. Chapter, which office I never gave him, nor any other, that had authority from me. Is not this to usurp upon Episcopal authority, and to take Spiritual authority given by none? Which what offence it is, you well know.  
To the same effect, and purpose his Lordship written an Answer to Mr. Blacloe, who espoused Mr. harrington's quarrel, and I have judged it expedient to join it with the former, that the Matter in debate may be confirmed, and Mr. Blacloes' insolent petulancy appear thereby: The Answer is expressed, as followeth.  
I have received yours of the 31. of October, and much marvelled to see a letter of that subject from yourself, because you are not interessed in the quarrel of the five Priests, for whom you plead, and have enough to do for your own works, as also because they needed not your help, and as you confess, A treaty of accommodation between me, and them, is set on foot, which perhaps your letter may hinder. You say, you will not espouse their quarrel, and yet you do it in the chiefest point, and therein spend two third parts of your letter, and endeavour to prove, that this consequence is good; If Mr. Metham (Harrington) were condemned as seditiously convocating the Assemble, the Assemble itself was condemned as seditiously convocated, Because, forsooth, where there is an active, there is a passive, as if there were no more but an active, and passive: but if you look well, you will here find two actives, to wit, two condemnations, the former, of Mr. Metham: the latter, of the Assemble, and the latter I say will not follow of the former: whicht I proved both by the example of the Apostles, whom we condemn not in any sort of sedition, though we condemn the jews thereof, in convocating them, which example you touch not: and also by reason, because the convocated may nether know, nor consent to the seditious intent of the Conuocator, and without knowledge and consent, there is no sin at all, and consequently no cause of condemnation: and this I took to be the state of the Assembly convocated by Mr. Metham. But say you, if the convocation be illegal, the convocated are faulty in yielding to an illegal action. I answer, the convocation itself may be legal, because according to law, and by lawful authority, and yet the intention of the Conuocator, illegal and seditious, for a good deed may be done for an ill end, and one may know and consert to the good deed, and yet nether know nor consent to the ill end, for which it is done. But you reply, that the Assembly could not be ignorant, of what themselves did. True, but yet they might be ignorant of the intent of him who procured them to do what they did. Nether will it follow, that if I feared they did something prejudicial to my authority, that therefore I suspected them of sedition against my authority, because they might be persuaded▪ that either that was not against my authority indeed, or if it were, they had just cause to do it. For example, the Council of Constance acted against the Papal authority of three Popes, yet were not guilty of sedition against Papal authority, because they were persuaded that what they did, was just and necessary for the good of the Church. And it is Sedition, which I am charged to have imputed to the Assembly, and to all the Priests in England, and Wales, and is that, which I deny, and you should prove, but of which I never suspected the Assembly.  
Thus I think I have briefly, but sufficiently answered the substance of your letter, which I would not have answered at all, if I had not suspected, that by my silence you would either have thought yourself contemned, or me convicted by you, but if you will write any more of this subject, look for no answer from me, for I purpose to spend my time better than in quarrels.  
Only for your souls sake I request you to leave those naughty reproaches, which you give to one equal to yourself in all things, but you name him not (you know why) that he is A lying and perjured Sycophant, á wretched Sycophant, á bouttefeu, who careth not what disodrer he breedeth so he nourisheth discord for his own ambition. And young Mr. Leyb. (whom Mr. Clifford here sayeth, is beloved of all) you say if you meet him you will tell him he is a saucy boy. To omit the taunts of paramount Bishop and domineering ways, and such others, which you bestow upon myself, it seems you have forgotten your solemn promise, which you made at your ordination, to give reverence and obedience to your ordinary, and the prayer of the Church, which she maketh in the ordination of a Bishop, Qui maledixerit tibi, sit ille maledictus, & qui benedixerit tibi, benedictionibus repleatur. But I pray you forget not the words of the Apostle: Maledici regnum Dei non consequentur. Nor of our Saviour: Qui dixerit fratri suo, fatue, reus erit Gehennae ignis. Such reproachful words as you use in your letter, beseem nether Christian nor Priest, but discover too too great passion.  
These letters give full evidence, that my lord Bish: never believed, suspected, or imagined our Chapter men assembled july 10. 1653 to machinate against his Episcopal authority, in consequence of which, the afore mentioned proposition, His Lordsship sent his Mandate to dissolve that Assembly, as met to take from him his Episcopal authority, has nothing of truth. My lord feared no prejudice, as to himself from the Assembly in general, but suspected crafty deal from Mr. Harrington, and some few other (principal members) of Mr. Blacloes' faction. And here is observable, that immediately after the breaking up of the said Assembly, Mr. Harrington, Mr. Harrison, and Mr. Curtis persons of greatest power and authority, and principal favourers of Mr. Blacloe, so wrought with Mr. Knightly, Mr. Ashton, and Mr. Walton, that they got them to join in the unhandsome letter, that accused my lord of condemning all the Priests of England, and Wales (though his Lordship had only condemned Mr. Harrington) and required him to recall the said condemnation under his hand, and seal, for reparation of their good name, whereas, as to reason, and obedience due to their Spiritual Father, they should have used greater moderation, as likewise believed, that it might have been a sufficient ground of sending the Mandate and accusing Mr. Harrington his Vicar General of ingratitude, and sedition, because he had called the said Assembly without acquainting his Lordship; and indeed such a proceeding, as coming from such a subject, if it had been brought to a iuridicall Trial, would have been sentenced as ungrateful and seditious, especially if my lord had urged against Mr. Harrington the crafty deal, that he and his party had used to out his Lordship of his Episcopal authority in the Assembly held Aug. 1648. But what was the intent of Mr. Harrington, Mr. Harrison, and Mr. Cuttis who contrived the foresaid letter, to bring all the Priests of England, and Wales under the condemnation of one particular man, God knows best, though there wanted not sufficient ground to conceive, that they imagined, they might thereby engage the whole Clergy in their quarrel: ho●● when the other three Mr. Knightly, Mr. Ashton, and Walton saw my lord's Answer to the letter they had scribed, they submitted themselves instantly, and my sel●●●ceiued Mr. Knightlys, and Mr. ashton's submissions to sen●● his Lordship.  
Besides doubtless my lord was informed à fide dignis that 〈◊〉 Blacloes' faction had a design to prejudice his Episcopal aut●●● 1. because Mr. Ashton, that was a Deputy for our lancha●●● Brethren in that Assembly, when he perceived, that my 〈◊〉 Bish: took in ill part the afore mentioned letter which innocently had subscribed, written unto me in these express 〈◊〉 (his letter I have shown to our Seniors) I so behaved me Assembly by opposing whatsoever, I thought would disguste our (my Lord) or entrenche upon our Mother's ancient privileges, a●● in private meetings that I have been called, and am accounted a Leyburnian. I do not shame of the Title: for I never knew 〈◊〉 any thing, that was not justifiable; but now after all this; and if I had time to relate it, may not I cry out of fortune, if you think me inveigled into their party; I hope you can never harbour a conceit of me: my complying in some things with them, hath m●●● better learned in their passages, than I should have been: far was 〈◊〉 me, and far be it from my thoughts, to join Issue with them in op●●●●● to our master, who is so much worthy of honour, reverence, and Secondly, the worthy person, who, as you say vnad●●● vowed revenge, writ expressly unto me thus. Since Yr. de●●●● they (Mr. Blacloes' party) have laboured much to bring of those went Yr. way, and with many they have effected their purpose, shake their heads, and will be indifferent, so no opposition appear●●● Grandees begin to declare the intention of their meeting which is tot●●● out your master as you call him. An authentical copy o●● letter I have shown to our Seniors and therein is a long dis●●●● also between himself and Mr. Herbert, which you boa●● say he hath disavowd; if he hath done so, I suppose he 〈◊〉 after the imitation of that worthy Arch Deacon Mr. T. B. now living, to whom Mr. Gage, and Mr. Curtis, at my coming into England, had communicated the design of outing my lord Bish: and of the course they intended to steer for the effecting it; The virtuous person after he was departed from them, reflecting upon his duty, office, and oath, came to my chamber, who was his Lordship Vic: Gen: in solidum, and revealed what Mr. Gage, and Mr. Curtis had imparted unto him in secret. wherefore I told him, that he was bound to make a certificate thereof, sign with his own hand, and send it to his Lordship: which was done accordingly. Afterwards Mr. Gage, and Mr. Curtis being informed from Paris that his Lordship was extremely offended with their machinating against him, they replied to the Informer, that the good Archdeacon ought not to be credited, because he was (said they) a person much addicted to the jesuits, thinking to discredit his Testimony thereby. But his Lordship writ unto me after the arrival of this information, that Mr. Tho. B. inclination to the jesuits was not a sufficient ground to inualide his Testimony, so that his Lordship's just wrath continued, and they put to new inventions, unto appeasing him: wherefore they made their addresses to Mr. T. B. himself, signifying that the Testimony, he had given, would of necessity cause great distractions, and divisions in the Clergy: and therefore urged him to moderate it in such a fashion at least as his Lordship might have some ground to think that their meaning and intent, as to the words of the said Testimony, might bear no sound of a rebellious design, which through their importunity, and his own virtue, and piety (that desired unity in our body though with the lessening of his own honour) he moderated accordingly. But after he had done so, they vaunted, that he had recalled his said Testimony. I believe that, after the same manner Mr. Harrison, alias Herbert dealt with the other afore mentioned: wherefore 'tis probable that Dr. Ellis etc. make use of the piety and pity showed towards Mr. Herbert to revenge themselves of that pious, and virtuous person, in regard he is counted an enemy to Mr. Blacloe, and his Adherents; for truly what he relates of Mr. Herbert in his letter I do easily believe, because Mr. Herbert, (whom I preferred to the best Residence of England) told me to my face, that he saw no reason, why that man should be our Superior, who never came among us; and after my arrival in the low Country's he writ unto me, that it was not Hon. to oppose Mr. Blacloes' Doctrines, who had been my Master; to which I replied, that I had only studied his writings in the first book of physics, for the space of about 3. monets, till Dr. Stratford returned from Paris; however I added, that I preferred my Spiritual Father, and Superiors Counsels which were, that we should abhor profane novelties, before a million of masters, that should be carried about with every wind of Doctrine. Thirdly my lord Bishop in a letter dated after the breaking up of the Assembly july 1653 (I have shown it to our Seniors) writeth thus: Mr. Lancaster telleth me that Mr. Page (a virtuous Priest, and Archdeacon) upon his death's Bed told him that, the intent of the pack (so Mr. Blacloes' Adherents were named) in the last meeting was to cry up Mr. Blacloes' Doctrines, and overthrow my authority, which (authority) Mr. Car said lately to my face was imaginary, and this, I assure myself, he said not of himself alone: so they can make use for themselves of an authority, which they account imaginary. And indeed Mr. Blacloe held it for such, as appears by a letter, he writ to the Nuncio of Paris, which is set down in my declaratory Epistle published 1656. he dares not now deny the letter, though his Paris friends made him once disclaim from it, and persuaded my lord Bish. that it was composed by our Adversaries unto fomenting of dissensions.  
As to the other proposition, to wit, Dr. Leyb. and his friend, that vowed revenge, effected that my Lord sent his Maudate. To this I reply, that it is so false, that as God best knows, I had no such intent; however Dr. Ellis, Mr. Curtis etc. to persuade our Brethren, that I was an efficient cause of the said Mandate they dress up a proof with dark words, and sentences, knowing well that if they had spoken plainly, I should have discovered their crafty dealing as plainly. The proof (such as it is) they set down pag 4. thus Mr. Leyb. friend gave under his hand, that the letter he writ him, to send my lord, was altered in one part of it, and that himself feigned the rest, to see how they who preath patience, and Charity to others, could endure a wrong done themselves. They are his own words in his own hand yet extant. Now this altered letter passing through Dr. Leyb. hand to my lord, my lord expressing that he had it a Personis fide dignis, Dr. Leyb. writing at the same time to my lord, and enclosing his friend's letter, upon the receipt of which two letters, immediately issued the Mandate: 'tis no hard matter to perceive plainly who was joined with that misinformer, and so made my lord express them plurally.  
As to the proof, it is a mere story cut out of a fanatic brain that hath nothing of sense or reason. For 1. Dr. Ellis, and Mr. Curtis etc. aver, that Mr. Leyb. friend written him a letter to send to my Lord: but Mr. Leyb. protesteth that he had no order from his friend to send any letter to my lord that friend writ at any tyme. Secondly they aver that the letter written to Mr. Leyb. was altered in one part of it: but they do not specify in what, it was altered. Thirdly they put in a different character: To see how they, who preach patience and Charity to others, could endure a wrong done themselves; and immediately followeth these particles expressed in the ordinary character, They are his own words in his own hand yet extant. Here I was extremely troubled to conceive whether the immediate, written in a different, or the precedent words expressed in the ordinary character ought to be meant, By his own words in his own hand yet extant: Neither as yet can I pick up the meaning thereof. Fourthly they aver that the altered letter passed through Mr. Leyb. hand to my lord; but they do not mention by whom, or whether afore, or after the receipt thereof it was altered. If they had meant aright without design to abuse our Brethren they would have set down the letter, and declared plainly in what part thereof, and by whom the alteration was made. But they durst not do so, for they know well, that though their great support at Paris intercepted the original, nevertheless there is an authentical copy in being subscribed by two Priests. Whereby appeareth that the said letter was written to my own self, and not to my lord, neither was I advised to send it his Lordship. However I do confidently believe, that the foresaid friend, what he did, was out of tender compassion towards Mr. Harrison, to the end, he might be reconciled to my lord Bishop, lest his nephew then his Lordship's Secretary might suffer prejudice thereby: and I am certain that mere pitry moved the above mentioned Archdeacon to qualify and moderate his Certificate. But 'tis not a Priestlike action to slander a worthy Brother for performing an act of Charity to the lessening of his own honour. Fistly they aver that my lord Bish: in his Mandate said ( à personis fide dignis) plurally, because I sent the letter to his Lordship; whereby they do most petulantly accuse their Bishop of manifest ignorance as to the Church's canons which require two testimonies to the constituting of Personas fide dignas, in matter of debate: but he that sends one sole Testimony, or the messenger that carrieth it does not make two witnesses: and as God knows best, I sent to my lord my friend's letter writ to myself only. Again the letter sent was dated 23. june 1653. Stilo veteri, and I am sure, that his Lordships received a copy thereof about the 2. of july, and the original intercepted was sent 6. weeks after at least, whereby plainly appeareth, that Dr. Ellis etc. speak unadvisedly, in saying, that upon the receipt of that letter issued the Mandate, seeing that the Assembly began to sit july 10. 1653. and hereby further appeareth that there was neither sense, nor reason to accuse me of being an efficient cause of my Lord's Mandate. Besides, the ample Testimonies which I have produced to the manifesting Mr. Blacloes' parties intent to invade my lords Episcopal authority in that Assembly) do evidence enough, that his Lordship might hear of that design a Personis side dignis without the help of my friend's letter. Wherefore let Dr. Ellis etc. make better use for the future of the holy Church's prayer set down before the preface of the mass. Pone Domine custodiam ori meo, & ostium circonstantiae labijs meis: ut non declinet cor meum in verba malitiae ad excusandas excusationes in peccatis.  
Pag. 5. Mr. Leyb. in his letter to Mr. Peterson utterly disavowed ever writing to Mr. Harrington, or sending missionaries to him, or of communicating with him, or Mr. Blacloe; and this was after my Lord (as appears by his letters to Mr. Walton) was so sorry for the injury he had done Mr. Harrington that he kept correspondence with him to his dying day.  
This Charge hath two branches, whereof one imports my refusing to write or send missionaries to Mr. Harrington; the other expresseth my Lord Bishop's sorrow for having injured the same Mr. Harrington. As to the first, though I am confident that the words, as they are dressed up never came, from my pen, however it matters not, as to the point in debate. For I do grant unto Dr. Ellis, Mr. Curtis etc. that I refused to send missionaries to Mr. Harrington, and I had great reason so to carry myself, because I knew well that he was carried away wholly with Mr. Blacloes' pernicious and blasphemous Doctrines, obstinately maintaining them to my face in the presence of lay-catholics, at sundry times; wherefore I thought myself bound both as to reason, and conscience neither to entertain a familiarity with him (that being against the Apostles Counsel and the Church's canons) nor commit my children to his direction, and instruction for that might bring their souls to everlasting ruin. Again by doing so I should have trangressed the law of God and nature; these exacting from a Superior care, and vigilance to the conserving of himself, and such as are committed to his Charge. I have thought it expedient not to particularise here the pernicious Doctrines, but to to reserve the naming of them for my answer to Mr. Blacloes' Vnimpeacable virtue, unblemished life, and most eminent, learning, which are the illustrious Characters Dr. Ellis, Mr. Curtis, together with 7. other Canons (which name themselves the Church of the English Clergy) have Canonically given him.  
As to the other branch, that imporees my Lord Bish. expressing of his sorrow for having injured Mr. Harrington etc. Here Dr. Ellis, Mr. Curtis etc. after their wont manner bring nothing of proof; but as pythagoras required from his scholars, so they exact from their Brethren credence to their Propria dicta. Yet I perceive that they would willingly have our said Brethren imagine, that Mr. Waltons' letters carried some sound that way, and therefore they shut within a parenthesis these particles (as appears by Mr. Waltons' letters) so as that they may relate to the precedent, unto signifying the time of my refusing to send missionaries to Mr. Harrington, or to the subsequent words, unto testifying my lords sorrow for the injury done Mr. Harrington, This in earnest is crafty dealing: but doubtless if in their evidence boxes any letters were extant, that might express this aspersion, which they Cast upon our most R. B. they would have set them down with an Io Triumph. But if his Lordship expressed sorrow for injuring Mr. Harrington: of necessity it was either in order to the Mandate, that calleth Mr. Harrington ingrate, and seditious, beginning thus. Quoniam ut à fide dignis accepimus, Tu Marce (Harrington) vicary mi Generalis ingratè, & seditiosè convocasti etc. Or in order to his Lordships Answer written to the six Priests, Viz, Mark Harrington, William Harrison, Andrew Knightly, sames Walton, Thomas Ashton, and Peter Peterson, alias Curtis. Wherein his Lordship expresseth himself thus in order to Mr. Harrington. You call Mr. Harrington Subdean of Yr. Chapter, which office I never gave him, nor any other, who had authority from me. Is not this to usurp upon Episcopal authority, and to take Spiritual authority given by none? which, what offence it is, you well know: Or lastly in order to my lord Bish. his Answer written to a letter to five of the fore mentioned Priests, Viz: Mr. Harrington, William Harrison, Peter Peterson, Thomas Ashton, Andrew Knightly, wherein, as to Mr. Harrington, his Lordship says thus: And as for Mr. harrington's Sub-Deanship, I Answer that I never constituted such an office, nor would make him Subdean, though Mr. Fitton did desire me, nor ever assuredly knew, that he ever usurped such an office, till I read Yr. first letter: wherefore I command him to give it over, till he show me, both that Mr. Fitton had authority to make him Sub Dean and legally made him such Pacem & veritatein diligite, & Deus pacis crit vobiscum Farewell, 11. Oct. 1653. Now if Mr. Dr. Ellis, Mr Curtis etc. can demonstrate that his Lordship ever recalled his Mandate, as to acknowledging of wrong done Mr. Harrington, or his words expressed in order to Mr. Harrington in either of his foresaid letters, than I shall believe, that my lord was sorry for the injury done M. Harrington: In the mean while am certain that 3. of the six Priests, Viz: Mr. Knightly, Mr. Ashton, and Mr. Walton submitted, and gave full satisfaction to his Lordship without standing out. Besides (though a good while after) Mr. Harrison (by the help of my friend, who is accused several times in the encyclical letter of vowing revenge) made his peace with my lord, through an humble submission in so much that his Lordship immediately after, vvrit unto me in these very words. New Mr. Harrison, and I am friends: wherefore I desire that you two will be friends also. But of Mr. Harrington, or Mr. Curtis submission, and reconciliation I never heard. I will end now with the exclamation, that St. Policarpe used in the time of his persecution. Deus bone, ad quae tempora nos reseruasti? A company of 9 Priests brand a most R. Bishop their Spiritual Father, and Superior, that died a Confessor, and Martyr: brand him I say to all posterity with the infamous mark of committing a deadly injury; for Iniuria est Inris alieni violatio sine cause.  
Pag. 6. It was proposed to Vote in the Assembly of 1653. that 〈◊〉 seeing the Precedent of the College of Douai is to be nominated by his Holiness, from whom he receives his Authority, independent of the Clergy. — whether it may not be fit all the Clergy be advised to treat with such as give Alms to that College that their Donations be so left to the Dispose of the Clergy that they may have power to raise astock thereby.— This Point was by the Assembly thought fit to be waved for that time— we leave to your Wisdoms to judge— whether it may not now be that point in execution, as occasion shall offer.  
Here Dr. Ellis, Mr. Curtis etc. after their wont manner endeavour to render me odious to all my Brethren accusing me for having calumniated the whole Assembly of 1653. but since they do not prove the calumny, it follow's of necessity, that they have calumniated me, (Accusatio quae caret probatione calumnia est) and indeed so they have; for the aspersion they Cast upon me is so false, that as God knows best it never came into my thought to conceive amiss of that whole Assembly, either in order to the invading my Lords Episcopal Authority, or preiudicing our old Mother-House committed to my charge; notwithstanding I knew well, that Mr. Blacloes' faction had conspired against each of both. And as to their design against my lords Episcopal Authority, the ample Testimonies afore mentioned prove evidently enough their conspiracy: likewise, as to myself, and our Mother-House, they had laid their plot to ruin us, before that Assembly began to sit. For Mr. Foster sent me a letter about that time (I have communicated it to our Seniors) which contains these express words. I had a sight of the proposition; ere the Assembly met▪ one of them was, that all legacies that should be left to your House, at the instance of any one, or more of the Clergy, should be by them disposed of towards the maintenance of well disposed youths of each County to be brought up in Yr. House, and thence being qualifyed to return to their Country, Yr. House not being to meddle therein, as also that none should be sent over, but such as had ended their studies. This was what I see before the Assembly met. I was invited divers times by the Prime of the Assembly (Mr. Harrington) yet I never did go, that so by my absence I might testify the dislike I had of a proposition destructive, I thought, to the good of our Mother-House. Besides our North Country Chapter-men, men, that sat in the said Assembly, namely Mr. Ashton, and Mr. Young, together with some others, writ unto me how valiantly they had carried themselves in behalf of their old Mother. As God knows best I mistrusted not at all that Assembly, though I knew that all the Grandees, that is the principal members thereof, were Mr. Blacloes' Adherents: Nay albeit that Mr. Blacloe hath much strengthened himself since the convening of the said Assembly, and my Lord Bish: death, for as much as he has new Chapter-men created, which are according to his own hart: for example Dr. Ellis. Mr. Plot, Mr. Manly, Mr. Singleton, Mr. Cancefield; nevertheless, if now a general Assembly of Chapter-men were to be called I should not apprehend prejudice as to our Mother-House thereby, because I am confident, that there would be called unto it sundry conscientious, pious, zealous, and well affected persons to their old Mother, and myself, that might hinder Mr. Blacloe, and his parties machinations and  enterprises as to our prejudice. And notwithstanding that this disaffected party may imagine, that they have undone both of us by their encyclical Epistle, however I do not doubt, but that our old Mother shall receive benefit, and myself honour thereby, whiles they bear the infamous brand to all posterity, of being ungrateful (& ingratum si dixeris, omnia scelera dixeris) for Dr. Ellis was an Alumnus of our Mother-House, Mr. Plot had all his breeding in it, was my scholar about 3. years, and besides I moved Dr. Kellison to receive him for nothing. Mr. john medcalse, and Mr. john Singleton were like wise Alumni, and the first amongst our yorkshire Brethren, that have cast dirt in the face of their old Mother: in like manner Mr. Manly, and Mr. Cancefield the first amongst our Brethren of Lancashire, that have committed such an impiety. Hereby appears evidently how unadvisedly, and unhappily these few of our Brethren have dressed up this charge against me. But whereas in the close thereof they craftily exhort our Brethren to put in execution Mr. Blacloes' former design, as to disposing of Charities given to this Mother-House, Saying. We leave to Yr. wisdoms to judge— whether it may not now be first to put that point in execution, Moved thereby out of a tender care for the conserving of the Mother-House, and preserving her children, from profane novelties, I have judged it expedient to have recourse to all our English Catholics, unto preventing of their  enterprises.  
Pag. 7. Dr. Leyb. sent a letter to Mr. Knightly, wherein was signified, that Mr. Blacloe made us odious to all Christian Princes, the Doctrine therein contained, touching them, as much as the king of scots (as he termed his Ma.tie) that his book of Obedience, and Government is against the Protector Cromwell etc.  
In this Charge Dr. Ellis, Mr. Curtis etc. imitate the crafty fisherman who love's to fish in troubled water, for thinking to make some advantage against me by the said letter, they have troubled, transplaced, and confounded the words thereof; though not so much, but that I shall be able to escape their nets: for they do not conceal the chief substance. And indeed I do acknowledge that I writ to Mr. Knightly a letter wherein I signified, that Mr. Blacloes' Doctrine, contained in his book of Obedience and Government, made us odious to all Christian Princes, and was as much against Cromwell (then kinging it) as against the king of scots and so I called his Ma.tie; this I am certain was the substance, and the words where with my Adversary's charge me import as much. But it seems to me a strange thing, that Dr. Fllis, Mr. Curtis &c should dare to object unto me the abhorrence I have from the Doctrine contained in Mr. Blacloes' book of Obedience and Government (cut out of Mr. Hob's leviathan) rendering the English Clergy odious to all Christian Princes; since Mr. Tho. White, alias Blacloe in the said book of Obed. and Gover. writeth thus, 1. Pag. 133. If a Magistrate hath truly deserved to be, and is dispossessed, every one to his power is bound to resist him. Secondly Pag. 135. If a Magistrate be innocent, and wrongfully dispossessed, he is obliged absolutely to renounce all right, and claim to government: and if he does not, he is worse than an infidel. Thirdly pag. 147. Any, who hath suffered wrong by a Monarch, when he is dispossessed may proceed as if there were no Commonwealth, by the la, which in a wilderness warranteth us to kill a Tiger or Robber, that seeketh to kill us, not pretending la, for our action, but that it is manlike, and rational.  
The ground, or foundation on which he seems to build these his horrid, Unparalleled, Vnauthorized, and  Tenets, is laid afore pag. 38. It follow's not (says Mr. Blacloe) that I wrong him (an other man) even though I do him harm, or seek his ruin for he is no otherwise to me, than a piece of cloth or wood, which I cut, and shape after my own will, fittingly for my use.  
I name the Doctrines set down Horrid, because no reasonable man can read them without being horrour-struck: Unparalleled, because no writer Christian or Heathen hath ever broached the like: Vnauthorized, because Mr. Blacloe can not show that he is sent to teach them, and mission to teach and preach the Apostle requireth, Rom. 10. Quomodo praedicabunt, nisi mittantur: Lastly I name them  Tenets, because the Doctrine of the Apostles on whom Christian Religion was built, bear not the least sound that way. For example Rom. 13. Let every soul be subject to the higher powers; for there is no power but of God, whosoever therefore refisteth the power resisteth the ordinance of God, and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation— wherefore ye must be subject not in regard of wrath only, but also for conscience sake. Which scripture-Testimony does evidence plainly, that subjects shall receive to themselves damnation, if they take away from their Prince his Royal authority: and those are to receive greater damnation that wrong, hurt, resist, or kill him so deprived, because he endeavours, though by force of Arms, to be restored to his just rights. Again 1. pet. 2. subjects are commanded to obey not only good and courteous, but also froward Princes; and as a king that is dispossessed by his own subjects, by the law of God and nature continues their king: so the dispossessers of him continue his subjects, in consequence of which, they, under penalty of everlasting damnation, are bound, not only not to wrong him so dispossessed, but to Cherish, obey, honour, and restore him to his former power, and authority.  
Hereby 'tis evidently manifest that Dr. Ellis, Mr. Curtis etc. have nothing of reason, or advantage against me by their charge in order to Mr. Blacloes' book of obedience, and government, which I dare say was Odious to Cromwell himself, though the Author, and the party that put him upon that work conceived that they might have gained him thereby unto giving them power to give laws to all the Catholics of England. But such, as attend their own ambition, work without God's means, and direction. For Cromwell conceited himself to be as great a Magistrate, and Monarch, as any other whosoever, and when he was informed (as I have heard) Mr. Blacloe taught in his book, That to do harm unto, or seek the ruin of an other, was not to wrong him &c and likewise, that it was manlike, and rational, for any that had suffered wrong by a Monarch to proceed (when he is dispossessed) as if there were no Commonwealth, by the la, which in a wilderness warranteth us to kill a Tiger or Robber, that seeketh to kill us; Therefore Cromwell moved with these reasons set light by the said book.  
But lastly Dr. Ellis, Mr. Curtis etc. accuse me of calling our gracious Sovereign King of the scots; to which I reply that very unadvisedly they cast that as an aspersion upon me, because in their encyclical Epistle they extol Mr. Blacloe for his eminent Doctrine which was plainly destructive of his Ma.tie person; for if a man will judge by Mr. Blacloes' Tenets set down, he would have made our king Charles no king at all; however his Ma.tie own servants durst not give him a greater Title than the king of scots, in their letters writ into England. Moreover I am so well known to his Ma.tie and his principal Ministers of state, that it will not lie within the reach of Mr. Blacloe, and all his Adherents, to prejudice me in the opinion of our gracious Sovereign, for whom I have hazarded my life, and spent my little fortunes in his Ma.tie service.  
Furthermore Dr. Ellis etc. out of the  letter of mine to Mr. Knightly object against me thus. He (Mr. Leyb.) believes not, Mr. Plantin (our Agent) will say that his Holiness, or the Card. Protector any ways approved the Chapter, Dean, or Subdean. To this I reply, that at my last being at London I conferred with Mr. Plantin, as to this point, and enquired whether the Pope used the word Approho (I approve) and he answered only, that having Audience of the Pope in the nick of his departure he demanded of his Holiness, how the Clergy might be governed till a Successor were constituted: whereto was replied this mere Quere: Nunquid habetis Capitulum, Decanum, Sub-Decanum? without naming the word Approbo, I approve: whereby appears, that I did no wrong, by saying, that I will not believe, that Mr. Plantin, our Agent etc. But perhaps Dr. Ellis, Mr. Curtis etc. will reply, that the Quere, Nunquid habetis etc. imported approbation: Transeat, which is to say the interpretation is admitted, though not granted; and I am certain, it cannot be clearly inferred from his Holiness Quere. But then perhaps it may be demanded whether his Holiness so interrogating Mr. Plantin, meant of a Collegiate or Cathedral Chapter, for it might be in the power of our Bishop to mould, fashion, and make ready either of both for his Holiness confirmation; now how this question can be decided out of, Nunquid habetis Capitulum, Decanum etc. I do not conceive; wherefore I told Mr. Plantin that he should have humbly beseeched his Holiness to declare his will, and pleasure in writing, as to the exercising of lurisdiction, till a Successor might be constituted, because the salvation of souls depends thereof. And truly if the Chapters Dean have not power to give faculties, and notwithstanding give them he committeth a grievous Sin; for the Council of Trent sess. 14 defines, Nullius esse momenti eam absolutionem quam Sacerdos profert in cum, in quem nee ord narians vel delegatam habet iurisdictionem: Again though the Pope did approve the Chapter by saying. Nunquid habe●●s Capitulum &c it will not appear thereby that he invested the Dean with Episcopal authority unto making him an Ordinarius; wherefore if my Counsel might have been heard, nether Dr. Ellis nor the Chapter had exercised Episcopal authority without his Holiness leave expressed in a Breve. For immediately after the death of our Bish. I sent a letter to Mr. Knightly his Lordships Vic. Gen. wishing him to advice our Brethren pertaining to the Chapter to make addresses suddenly to his Holiness for a Successor and for the Interim, to desist from the assuming of Episcopal jurisdiction (as the Chapter did at the death of his Lordship's predecessor) the exercise whereof might beget a jealousy in the Court of Rome, that they were resolved to make their Chapter a Bishop in effect, whether the Pope gave them a Successor, or not: Two other reasons more I alleged; the one was, that I knew well that my lord Bish. who was versed in the Canons of the Church, did not believe, that the Chapter (which after the imitation of his Predecessor, he had moulded, fashioned, and put in readiness for his Holiness confirmation) ought to succeed in Episcopal authority, without the Creation of a Successor, or confirmation from his said Holiness; for as God knows best, his Lordship sensible of his great age, commanded me To give to our Chief and most deserving. Brethren extra-ordinary faculties, telling me with all, that be did not think that after his death, such faculties would be suddenly obtained. The same power and command his Lordship gave to our Hon. Brother Mr. Clifford. In compliance to this command I empowrd sundry of our principal Brethren whereof Dr. Ellis, was one (but Delegatus non potest delegare) with extraordinary faculties. My other reason was, that Dr. Gage residing at Paris at the time his Lordship died, and intending for his Country, sent me à letter wherein he requested me to grant him the ordinary faculties pertaining to the missionaries of this house saying that he did not think that the Chapter had power to grant them; and indeed a Bishop's authority expires and dies with him; unless Ius common Canomcuns, or prinilegium speciale pontifieis (who is above the Canons) continue it in a Chapter, till a Successor be appointed, and constituted. These were the grounds and reasons of my Counsel communicated in my letter to Mr. Knightly; but Mr. Harrington, and the principal Chapter-men Mr. Blacloes' Adherents despised them: they never sought to the Court of Rome till they were constrained so to do, our Brethren generally pressing the London Chapter-men (which managed all affairs) to send an Agent to Rome for the obtaining of a Successor, and confirming of their Chapter. But from the death of my lord Bish: and afore also they had so deported themselves, that their Agent Mr. Plantin returned without a letter written from his Holiness, or the Protector, to the Chapter that sent him: which nothing troubled Mr. Blacloe, and his party. For though Mr. Blacloe had no opinion of my lords Episcopal authority while his Lordship was alive: nevertheless he made no doubt of the Chapters Episcopal authority, my lord being dead; besides he defended openly in the Assembly of 1657. what he had asserted in his printed Insti. Tom. 2. lee. 8. parity between a Bishop and a mere Priest, as witnesseth Mr. Progers, that was in the said Assembly in his letter written to myself and dated 14. Novemb. 1657. (which I have shown to our Seniors) I told (says he) the members thereof, Mr. Blacloe being present that I thought they intended not a Bishop. And in his letter dated Novemb. 28. 1657. (which I have shown likewise to our Seniors) wherein he gives me an account of all proceed in 4. several meetings, or consults, in the 7. account, he hath these express words: It much increased my suspicion of their being satisfied with their present Government, and not to desire a Bishop to see them so peremptory in refusing to subscribe to a disclaim from all novelties and scandalous opinions taught by Mr. White, alias Blacloe. 'tis Mr. white together with the London Chapter-men his proselytes that have ruined our whole Clergy by depriving them of their natural head, which might have prevented many great scandals. However they still continue so obstinate in their ways, that whatsoever Brother does show himself against Mr. Blacloe, or an enemy to their inordinate proceed they represent him to our Brethren residing in the Country, as disaffected to their Chapter, seditious, and factious: and young missionaries if they do not say as they do unto extolling Mr. Blacloes, Vnimpeachable virtue, umblemisht life, and most eminent Doctrines (which art the illustrious characters Dr. Ellis, Mr. Curtis etc. give him in their encyclical letter to endear him thereby to all our Brethren) they menace, and deprive them of common charities, as men disaffected to their Chapter. And truly at my being at London Sundry Priests did complain unto me of those horrid abuses. And in order to my own particular as I have been constant in expressing an extreme abhorrence from Mr. Blacloes' pernicious Doctrines: so they have been as constant in casting upon me slanders, and proclaiming me an enemy to the Chapter establyshd by two Bishops (upon that score only) though God is my witness, I ever esteemed a Chapter the best Government our Clergy could have, and the best means to secure unto them a Bishop, which is the natural head of Clergy Priests. But I profess ingenuousely that my hart often times hath been swallowed up with heavynes to see such as manage affairs, carried away with the wind of profane Doctrines unto the losing of that best Government. And this shall suffice in Answer to all the pages of the encyclical letter, wherein I am accused for having a gird at, or going about to dissolve the Chapter, that being so false, that as God best knows I never had the least thought that way: my zeal tending only to the preserving of our Chapter, and Chapter-men from suffering prejudice. And to dissuade from the exercise of Episcopal authority, till a Successor might be constituted, was not to invade, but to conserve the Chapter, nor to persuade the Chapter-men to a disclaim from wicked Doctrines unto taking away of scandals, was to hurt, but to save their honour, and reputation. But as to what our two Bishops did act in the establishing of the Chapter, I do assure it was in order, reference, and expectation of the sea Apostolicks confirmation as appears plainly by sending of Agents to Rome, and by their frequent solicitations, and supplications exhibited to his Holiness for the obtaining of a confirmation. And indeed it is not in any particular Bishop's power to dress up a Chapter otherwise, especially in a Country where Chapter-men have no Collegiate, or Cathedral Church to meet daily together to the celebrating of divine service. For in this case not only his Holiness approbation, but dispensation is required in order to the Church's ordinances which confine Chapter-men to a Collegiate, or Cathedral Church, for such an end, and purpose. Let not the Counsel of our great Apostle S. Gregory be forgotten Si obedientes suerimns Praepositis nostris, obediet Dominus ●rationibus nostris.  
Furthermore Dr. Ellis, Mr. Curtis etc. mention Mr. Blacloes' reply to the foresaid Letter, that Dr. Leyb. scent Mr. Knightly, and use these express words. Pag. 8. He (Mr. Blacloe) replies in a like return of language, as Dr. Leyb had used. For this I Answer, that it is an aspersion as falsely cast upon me, as it is true that Mr. Blacloe in his reply calleth me Sycophant, hissing serpent, boutefeu, madmen etc. But perhaps Dr. Ellis, Mr. Curtis etc. will answer, that in the forementioned Letter I cried against Mr. Blacoes' Doctrine contained in his book of Obedience and Government as rendering the Clergy odious to all Christian Princes; O Brethren Let us follow the truth in Charity, and in all thing grow up in, and into him, which is our head, that is Christ jesus, Ephes. 4. Such false pieces of coined aspersions which you cast upon Yr. Brother in every page of Yr. encyclical Epistle, do not beseem Christians and much less men of Yr. function. Loquimini veritatem unius quisque cum proximo suo. Zacha. 8. quia testis falsus non erit impunitus Proverb. 19  
Pag 9 About the same time he (Dr. Leyb.) writ this Letter to Mr. Knightly, that he might set all his Engines a work at once, his particular friend Mr. Catterick Archdeacon of York shire-whosemdesertet zeal etc.  
Because Dr. Ellis, Mr. Curtis etc. call the Archdeacon of Yorkshire my particular friend, which is very true, and truth being seldom put down in any one passage of the whole encyclical Epistle I have thought expedient to take notice of it, and to say thus much in his vindication, that I know him to be a person of great worth, and merit, of a good conscience, of excellent piety and Religious zeal, as to giving duty, and Obedience to his Spiritual and civil Magistrates, or great humility, as to honouring the Current of D. ts in the Church of God, and as to running in the steps of his glorious Predecessors. Besides he is a benefactor, and a most grateful child to this Mother-House, that bred him. And as to the accusation you have dressed up unto lessening the esteem our Brethren have of his uprightness in all his proceed, I will add thus much more, that in regard he was not ignorant of Mr. Blacloes' parties crafty deal against our Spiritual Father, and Superior my Lord Bish: and our old Mother, as likewise of their design to countenance Mr. Blacloes' pernicious Doctrines unto dishonouring of our whole Clergy, he might have great and just reason to name the Chapter schismatical as to that part of it; but all such Brethren, as except against Mr. Blacloe and his pack of friends you proclaim as slanderers of the Chapter and Clergy. If we shall, not abide in truth, God will not abide in us, Quoniam veritatem requirit Dens. Psal. 30.  
Pag. 9 10. Dr. Ellis, Mr. Curtis etc. make mention of a common Letter writ to me by the Right Hon. Ld. Abbot Montague, Mr. Clifford, Dr. Holden, and Mr. Car, in order to an accord between myself and Mr. Blacloe, which common Letter they produce with this preamble: p. 9  
While our Church was torn by these intestine Divisions, it pleased the Right honourable Ld. Abbot Montague (never to be mentioned by us without gratitude and honour for his love then shown our body) with our Venerable Brethren in France Dr. Holden, Mr. Clifford, and Mr. Carr, to interpose and endeavour to bring the Two to an accord. Mr. Clifford also and Mr. Car out of their great Charity and Zeal of out Union took a journey to Do way to treat with Dr. Leyb. about it, and to bring him to some terms of correspondency. Morcover. à common Letter was writ by the four mentioned, to Dr. Leyb. Complaining that our Unity in Yorkshire was actually broken by his special friend Mr. Catterick who calumniated the Chapter as schismatical, and refused flatly to consent to any thing it should do, disobeying and writing offensive Letters to his Vicar. General Dr. Blundeston; earnestly requesting him to desist from all schismatical resisting that authority, which our two late Bishops of happy memory had established and left amongst us, that he ought not to go about to remedy abuses by open resistance, this being the common pretext of all rebellion against Authority, That the Catholic Church bathe her legal and authoritative way both subalternal and supreme to examine and condemn what ever may be amiss either in his or any other man's writings whatsoever, That particular men can only inform those whose office it belongs to, of what they judge erroneous or dangerous, though as friends and Brethren we may cover what we think we are not necessarily obliged to complain of, That Information once given we ought to forbear all scandalous & clamorous diffamation till the Delinquent be sentenced;  
Again pag. 13. Dr. Ellis, Mr. Curtis etc. mention a general Assembly of the Chapter, at the request of the afore named the Rt. Hon. Ld. Abbot Montague, Mr. Clifford, Dr. Holden, and Mr. Car; moreover in order thereto express themselves in these very words. It (the Assembly) met Nou. 23. 1657. Mr. Blacloe came thither in person, Dr. Leyb sent thither his Agent (Mr. Progers) who at the very entrance of the first meeting, showed us how soon Dr. Leyb. had foregot his promise, and that all Union with him was hopeless by his excepting against the whole Assembly, because it was of Chapter-men only, and alleging that he was sent to an Assembly of the whole Clergy, whereas, the whole being some hundreds could not possibly meet— He, (Mr. Progers) began to press also the disclaiming and censuring Doctrines in the first place etc.  
Whereas Dr. Ellis, Mr. Curtis etc. here name the Rt. Hon. the Ld. Abbot Montague. Mr. Clifford, Dr. Holden, and Mr. Car: And thence take a rise to dress up their likely tale concerning an accord between myself, and Mr. Blacloe as procured by them, in order to the establishing of a much desired Union amongst all our Brethren, and likewise ascribe the obstruction thereof to my violating of my promise; I have judged it expedient, for as much as a false tale may seem true till another, that is true indeed, be told, to tell my tale before I do engage in an Answer to the accusations set down: to the end the falseness of their tale may more clearly appear thereby. My true tale in order to both the accusations, is as followeth.  
About the year 1656. Mr. Blacloe being much incensed at the above mentioned Letter sent Mr. Knightly, set forth in print a large pamphlet full of calumnies, and reproachful language, unto wounding of my honour, and reputation, which he and his Adherents spread in great diligence, and extreme exulting, and triumphing there was amongst his friends at home, and abroad, at Paris especially (where resided principal Clergy men, and Lay-Catholiks of our Country, which supported, countenanced, and defended Mr. Blacloe and his learning) imagining that the said pamphlet had cast upon me so great an affront, and disgrace, that my resisting of Mr. Blacloes' learning would signify nothing for the future. But men's supposals, and Gods directions seldom agree. For this proceeding ministered the occasion, that begot my Manifest, which laid open so plainly his crafty deal, and extreme ambition to begin a plantation of new notions, and pernicious Tenets, that the veil, which hide his  purposes being drawn, and taken away thereby, he appeared, what he was indeed, A wolf in sheep's Clothing: Now after Mr. Blacloes' chief friends residing at Paris had perused my Manifest, and heard of the applause it had got amongst all sort of Catholics respectively, as appears by above 20. sundry Letters: then and never afore, Dr. Holden, and Mr. Car thought it expedient to endeavour an accord between myself, and Mr. Blacloe, under the specious colour of bringing the whole Clergy unto union thereby, and for the effecting of this design they got the right Hon. the Lord Abbot Montague, and the Hon. Mr. Clifford to engage in the pursuance thereof, wherein they carried themselves most piously, and Religiously, hoping to extinguish thereby the fire of discord, and dissension which Mr. Blacloes profane novelties had kindled in our Clergy. In order hereto Mr. Clifford, and Mr. Car: gave me a visit at our Mother-House, delivered a Letter subscribed by the Rt. Hon. the Lord Abbot Montague, Dr. Holden, and themselves expressing their joint desire for a setlement of peace and Union unto taking away division, wherewith our said Clergy was branded: and in sum me wished conference with me about the carrying on of so good a work; and for my part I showed as great a willingness to embrace, as they had demonstrated readiness to promote so good a work.  
In our first conference I excepted against the Letter for as much, as I saw, that it was written by Dr. Holden, and as I conceived by him contrived out of information received from the adverse party and indeed divers points thereof I might have disproved. However I was not a little troubled to see Dr. Holdens hand to the Letter who was a party against me, and had enough to do for his own works; for when I was at Paris Dr. Holden put forth a pamphlet unbeseeming his Religion, and function, wherein he accused the Court of Rome of ignorance and corruption: likewise he had set forth a book much derogating from the Pope's authority. Again neither Mr. Clifford nor Mr. Car moved me to approve the contents of the said Letter, the intent thereof being only to express a joint desire of peace and Union which I embraced gladly, and accordingly propounded such points, as I judged necessary requisits to the effecting of peace and Union. Which were these 1º, that Mr. Blacloe might submit all his writings to the sea Apostolic and print nothing more without the approbation of these Drs. of Divinity named in the common Letter sent Mr. Blacloe, and subscribed by the Rt. Hon. the Lord Abbot Montague, and the other three. Secondly that some of our gravest and chiefest Brethren out of each District respectively might assemble together to determine of all affairs pertaining to our Clergy, and I named grave and principal Brethren, because I knew well that the fare mayor part of our Brethren then pertaining to the Chapter, were a pack of Mr. Blacloes' friends, so that it seemed to me a thing impossible to vote down in such a Chapter, his profane Doctrines, on the extinguishing whereof peace, and Union necessarily depended. Besides I knew likewise, that some of our Brethren had resigned, and others had refused to accept Ecclesiastical dignities (in our Bishop's life time) that so they might avoid contests with Mr. Blacloe and his party; and truly in the year 1654. by order from my Lord Bish: I moved Dr. Daniel twice to accept of the Vicar Generalship In solidum, who replied unto me in a Letter the 10. of jan. 1654. in these express words. (I have shown it to our Seniors) You move again, and I see my lord is ready to honour me far above my desert and expectation. Truly Sr. I am not so wedded to my own desires, or Interests (which hath long been to lead a single, and quiet life) as not to yield my vimost endeavours to the common, when it may appear that I may really further it: Give me leave therefore to represent my doubts, I conceive in this offered employment. First then Mr. Clifford telleth my Lord, that no exceptions will be made against me; but this I much fear, because Mr. Blacloe is, as yet, no way appeased, or satisfied with me, and then certainly beth he, Dr. Holden, and both their friends, will oppose me what they can. And although afterwards Dr. Daniel made his peace with Mr. Blacloe, and thereupon was chosen Dean (which happened after my Lord Bishop's death) nevertheless he judged it necessary for our Clergy to disclaim from Mr. Blacloes' new notions unto extinguishing the fire of discord, as can witness Mr. Wolstan Paston, a Lay-Catholick of great worth, and merit, whose singular charity hath extremely obliged both the secular and regular Clergy. Thirdly being I was of Dr. daniel's opinion, as to the necessity of a disclaim, I propounded that our Brethren assembled together might in the first place disavow all Doctrines contrary to the general practice of God's Church, whether vented by Mr. Blacloe, or any other, as likewise to give obedience to such declarations or declaration as his Holiness should make in order to profane novelties.  
This was the sum of what I propounded to the Hon. Mr. Clifford, and Mr. Car for the effecting of our desired Union: and they approved each point thereof, and at their return to Paris acquainted therewith the Rt. Hon.ble the Lord Abbot Montague, who in a Letter dated 13. of Octob. (which I showed to our Seniors) writeth to me in these express words. I doubt not but at the meeting proposed, which will be more convenient at London, than Paris (I had propounded to Mr. Clifford, and Mr. Car that our Brethren might meet at Paris) by reason of the impossibility of so many appearing here, as are requifit to that work, the proposal is to be made of disavowing all that is new, and unconformable to the received practice, and Doctrine of the Church of Rome, and promise to submit to any declaration, the Pope shall make in point of nonelties either vented already by Mr. Blacloe or any other, or what shall occur here after upon any declaration. This profession I judge convenient to be made in the entry of that Assembly we propose, and am assured of the acceptance of it unanimousely, which answers fully to Yr. desire. This Testimony alone coming from a person of so great eminency, as is my Lord Abbot Montague gives evidence enough to show to our Brethren how falsely Dr. Ellis, Mr. Onrtis etc. have accused me of forgetting my promise to the obstructing of the desired Union.  
And if my Deputy, Mr. Progers excepted against the Assembly for as much as the far mayor part thereof was a pack of Mr. Blacloe friends, and if in the first place he urged the disavowing of novelle Doctrines, he proceeded according to his instructions, which were conform to the propounded points, and approved unanimously by my Lord Abbot, Mr. Clifford, and Mr. Car, as necessary requisits to the effecting of the said desired Union, and this shall suffice in answer to the slander cast upon me in the cited 13. pag.  
Now as to the common Letter set down pag. 10. it seems to me a strange thing, that Dr. Ellis, Mr. Curtis etc. should produce the said Letter with intent to prejudice me, since I was not required to admit, and acknowledge the contents thereof as to matter of fact, which I purposely waved regarding only the joint▪ desire in Order to Union. Again I can in rigour deny the Letter as it is set down, to be the common Letter subscribed by the Rt. Hon. the Lord Montague etc. I can personate them and say, as Martial the Poet did to one Fidentinus, that had rehearsd a poem of his amiss.  
Quem recitas, meus est, o Fidentine, libellus:  
Sed male cum recitas, incipit esse tuus.  
FOR example Dr. Ellis, Mr. Curtis etc. to make our Brethren believe that by that Letter I only am desired not to resist the authority, which two late Bishops established, and left amongst us, in the room of Earnestly requesting you (to wit myself and Mr. Blacloe jointly, as plainly appears in the original Letter) they set down Earnestly requesting him (Dr. Leyb.) And whereas immediately follow these words directed to myself alone; This authority we are confident you are far from opposing, unless, as perceiving it led, and governed by a faction of Mr. Whites. In earnest Dr. Ellis, Mr. Curtis etc. have used crafty dealing in the changing of You into Him, but especially in omitting to set down the other words immediately following. This authority we are confident you are far from opposing &c They had no desire our Brethren should know, that my Lord Abbot, Mr. Clifford etc. were confident, that myself was far from opposing our Chapter, that is, the authority established by two Bishops, unless etc. or that our said Brethren should know, that my Lord Abbot etc. did make a difference between opposing the Chapter, as Chapter, and opposing Mr. Whites faction, as leading and governing it, and therefore concealed that part of the Letter, because Mr. Curtis etc. represent, as enemies to the Chapter, all such Brethren, as show a dislike of, or move a disclaim from Mr. Whites pernicious novelties; nay myself is proclaimed in their encyclical Epistle as girding at, and seeking dissolution of the Chapter, because at my last being in London out of pure love, and Zeal, I told Dr. Ellis, that although the Chapter were without exception, he ought not to exercise any jurisdiction as Dean, in regard his election according to the Church's Canons was made void, because he had not accepted his said election with in the prefixed time, set down by the Canons which require acceptance of election within the space of one month, and Dr. Ellis did not accept it within the space of 8. months: Besides Privantut iure per electionem acquisito; qui post acceptationem intra tres menses confirmationem non petunt. C. quam sit. de Elec. & Elect. pores. in 6. Item qui ante Confirmationem administrant. ibi. C. Auariliae. But he that tell's truth, draw's an odium upon himself.  
Furthermore if Dr. Ellis, Mr. Curtis etc. had been minded to deal sincerely in publishing my Lord Abbot, Mr. Clifford etc. their religious endeavours in order to the afore mentioned Union in our Clergy, they should not have produced only, their common Letter to me, but like wise their common Letter to Mr. Blacloe, which they craftily concealed from our Brethren; because my Lord Abbot, Mr. Clifford etc. in their said common Letter sent Mr. Blacloe (whereof a Copy was given me) have these express words: If herefier you intent to publish any thing concerning or nearly relating to Religion, you will be pleased to lee it be perused, and consented unto by Mr. Blusion Mr. Daniel▪ Mr. Ellis, Mr. genning's Dis. if Divinity. And in the close of the common better▪ are these words in relation to the former. This we conceive would be a means to prevent all future occasions of Dr: Leyborne or any others complaints against Yr. Doctrine; This will satisfy, as we believe, and in some sort preserve our body (whereof you are a principal member) from those fears of blemish, which are pretended to fall upon it through Yr. exotic opinions. By the premises is plainly verified to the shame of Dr. Ellis, Mr. Curtis etc. the scripture Testimony proverb. 27. Qui fodit foveam incidet in eam, & qui voluit lapidem revertetur ad eum. They digged a pit to swallow me, and they are fallen therein themselves, they rolled a stone unto shaming of me, and the stone is returned with shame unto them.  
Pag. 11. whereas, I underwritten (Mr. Blacloe) have etc.  
Here Dr. Ellis, and Mr. Curtis etc. produce a copy of Mr. Blacloes submitting his writings to the Sea Apostolic, and both they, and all other his Adherents much glory therein without cause: for indeed that his submission signifies nothing, since Mr. Blacloe, and his pack of friends, soon after in the Assembly 1657. did not only reject his Holiness Decrees, that prohibited, and condemned sundry of his profane books, but also went about to forewarn our Brethren against censures from Rome, If procured by indirect ways (against Mr. Blacloe) though by direct they should come to them: I use Mr. Progers (that was present) his words set down in the 9 account of the declaration he sent me as to the passages of that Assembly, and he says further in the same account, that in order to that fore warning he made this Quere. Be not such prevention and forestall, the beginning of Rebellion in the state, and schism in the Church? Moreover whereas I sent the said Decrees to Mr. Knightly by order from the Nuncio, Mr. Curtis writ unto me unadvisedly, saying that he wondered that I would send Decrees, which I knew did not bind there: and of this unhandsome writing I challenged him, when last I was at London: But Bone Deus in quae tempora, hoc est, in quam dierum inobedientiam nos reseruasti? Again since the rejecting of the said Decrees, Mr. Blacloe hath put forth a pernicious book entitled Statera morum, fiilled with fordid, and damnable Doctrines, and this he dedicates to the Bishops of this Country: also hath dispersed it in sundry places, with design to stir up such as are addicted to jansenisme unto rebellion against the authority of the sea Apostolic: wherefore since Mr. Blacloes' subsequent actions have unmade, what his precedent Act, as to submitting to the Pope, had made afore, his submission now signifies nothing; in consequence of which the producing of it must of necessity turn to the shame of Mr. Blacloe, and such as produce it in his favour. Wanton scholars of new notions in all ages whiles they were without a Potentate to protect, or a strong party to secure them from the power of Rome, submitted their writings to the Pope; a stratagem only to gain time unto spreading, and establishing of their wicked Doctrines. And indeed Ecclesiastical Histories make mention of sundry Heretics submission of their Doctrines to the sea Apostolic, before they were fast in the saddle.  
Pag. 12. Mr. Blacloes' reply to his (Dr. Leyb.) pamphlet, though printed and ready to be published, was held in by him, (Mr. Blacloe) and Mr. Leyb. permitted to have the last word.  
To the disprowing of this Tale, I can say thus much, Mr. Car himself told me, that Dr. Holden had received a Letter from Mr. Blacloe, wherein was signified, that he had an Answer in readiness to Dr. Leyburns book, and Dr. Holden writ back unto him, that if he had prepared an Answer he should do well to light a faggot and burn it: for he would gain nothing of credit by answering it. This Mr. Car had from Dr. Holden himself. Again as to reason it is not probable that Mr. Blacloe would suppress his Answer, if printed, out of his innate goodness to spare me; The encyclical Epistle, that breath's forth rank poison of malice, gives evidence enough of his, Dr. Ellis, Mr. Curtis etc. their great charity towards me. But perhaps the said encyclical Epistle is cut out of the said Answer which lies hid out of bashfulness.  
Pag. 16. Mr. Mark Harrington our late Subdean he (Mr. Leyb.) judges to have died in a sad case;  
In Answer to this accusation I say 1.ᵒ that it seems to me a strange thing that Dr. Ellis, Mr. Curtis etc. dare name Mr. Harrington Subdean, since my Lord Bish. in his Letter to Mr. Harrington, & Mr. Curtis, alias Peterson afore produced, says expressly, that neither themselves nor any other who had authority from him, gave Mr. Harrington such an office, and thence his Lordship inferred that they usurped upon Episcopal authority by assuming to themselves Spiritual authority given by none. Secondly, as to Mr. harrington's dying condition, Dr. Ellis, Mr. Curtis etc. attest point blank, that I judge him to have died in a sad case; but in regard their Testimony imports an accusation without proof, of necessity it bears the infamous mark of a slander; and indeed such are the other aspersions they cast upon me all a long their encyclical Epistle. Besides I know well that the power of judging is a reserved case pertaining to the son of God joan. 5. Pater omne indicium dedit Filio. Yet notwithstanding all this 'tis lawful for me, or any other Catholic, that was acquainted with Mr. harrington's perverse, and obstinate defending of Mr. Blacloes' pernicious Doctrines, to conceive coniecturally, that the Tribunal of the same son of God (which judgeth every one according to his works 2. Cor. 5.) might show him nothing of favour, since in the sickness of which he died, he had made no outward show of disavowing them, though his Dean Mr. Fitton, brought to the like extremity, had disavowed them.  
Furthermore, whereas Mr. Knightly, the Gen. Vicar, had writ unto me, that Mr. Harrington after a sickness of many days was departed out of the world without receiving any one Sacrament, as likewise without disposing of any one penny unto procuring of prayers for the benefit of his soul, perhaps I signified in my Answer, that thereby might appear a just judgement of God that Mr. Harrington, who in his life time had impugned the efficacy of holy Churches Sacraments as to conferring of Sanctifying grace, and the Sacramental absolution as to taking away sins without perfect contrition, and also the deliverance of good souls out of purgatory through the prayers and suffrages of the Church, before the general Resurrection, should want the comfort, and benefit of the Sacramental viaticum, that is the holy Euchariste, the Sacrament of Extream-Vnction, and a Priests Sacramental absolution, but hence can only be inferred, that I might conceive (as indeed so I did, and do still) Mr. harrington's death not to have been outwardly at least so pious, and precious in the sight of Heaven, and earth, as the encyclical Epistle, makes it. For truly I do think that neither the Heaven of the Church triumphant, nor the Earth of the Church militant do approve the death of such, as die with singularity of Doctrine, which is contrary to faith, and the general practice of Catholic believers; however to think or conceive Mr. Harrington to have died in a sad condition in order to outward signs and circumstances, is not to judge him as to the Tribunal of the son of God, who for as much as his mercy is above all his works, might assist him with efficacious illuminations in the last moment of life: men can only form conceptions conform to outward sensible actions; 'tis God alone, that hath inspection into the whole man, and consequently it is he alone, that can judge him, who hath an exact knowledge of both his outward, and inward action.  
Pag. 21. Fiftly they object Dr. Leyb. usual calumny, that his Holiness judges our Chapter schismatical— so that we fear himself endeavoured to fix that calumny upon us at Rome.  
In Answer to this obiecton which is built upon Dictum proprium (a Testimony without proof, that Dr. Ellis, etc. use all a long their encyclical Epistle) I protest fincerely that it is so false, that as God knows best I never had an intent to brand the Chapter with schism, or inform against it at Rome. However I am very certain that the Apostolic seat, does harbour no good opinion of Mr. Blacloe; for Dr. Gage their Agent in his Letter of Feb. 20. 1661. (which hath been shown to our Seniors) hath these express words. Mr. Blacloe Doctrine is in so great a detestation here, that neither that of Luther or Caluin ever was in a greater. Whereby is euideneed, that Mr. Blacloe hath no such enemy, as his own Doctrine, nor our Chapter any such Adversaries in the Court of Rome, as are those Chapter-men, that adhere so fast unto him, as to dare to publish his Doctrine for eminent learning, which is held in detestation at Rome, censured by the Vuiversity of Douai as scandalous, Heretical and impious. These London Chapter-men are those, which if not prevented by a supreme providence, of necessity will bring our Clergy to ruin: and whereas Dr. Ellis, Mr. Curtis etc. endeavour after their wont manner to abuse our Brethren by seeking to persuade that even in this present time our Chapter is in esteem, and credit at Rome, I dare boldly say unto disabusing our said Brethren, that it is so odious (as they have made it) that not any friend of our Clergy residing in that Court will presume to open his mouth in favour of it.  
Pag. 24. We show him (Dr. Leyb.) the judgements of Canon lawyers, who were consulted when our Chapter was instituted, one of them being Ottenbergus Bishop of Arras— we show him under Mr. Fitt●n's own hand, that it was the sense of Pope Innocentius returned to him by Cardinal Capponi our Comprotectour, that we should gonerne by a Dean, and Chapter till we had a Bishop.  
This objection hath two branches, whereof one is built upon the judgements of Canon lawyers as to a Bishop's power unto instituting a Chapter: which imports nothing of the question in debate, to wit, whether a Chapter instituted by a Bishop can succeed in Episcopal authority at the death of their Bishop without his Holiness obtained condescension thereto? or whether a Dean elected a new is not bound to ask confirmation of his election before the exercising of Episcopal jurisdiction? If Dr. Ellis, Mr. Curtis etc. could have produced Ottenbergus or any other Canon lawyer's Testimony, that might have decided the said two Queres in confirmation of what they now practise, they had performed a great work unto justifying their proceed.  
The other branch is built upon a testimony under Mr. Fittens own hand as Dr. Ellis, Mr. Curtis etc. aver, although in good earnest I have no inducement from the words set down to give credence unto them. 1.ᵒ because to my knowledge Mr. Fitton was at Paris when Innocentius was made Pope, and there continued for the space of divers years. Secondly Cardinal Capponi was not our Comprotectour after the death of my Lord Bishop, for his Comprotect our ship continued only till: Cardinal Francisco Barbarini was restored into Innocenti●s favous, which is about 10. or 11. years ago: so that my Lord Bishop was not dead till long after Cardinal Capponi was outed of his Comprotectourship, and therefore 'tis not as to reason consonant, that Capponi should return the sense of Pope Innocentius in these express words; That we should govern by a Dean▪ and Chapter, till we had a Bishop, since my Lord Bishop was not dead then. However I make no doubt, but that the Apostolical sea in the vacancy of our natural Head, hath at least tacitly assented to its government in order to the faculties left by our la●e blessed Bishop; yet thence it follows not that the Chapter can assume the exercise of Episcopal jutisdiction, especially a new dean being elected, that neither observed the holy Canons, as to his election, nor ever sought to Rome to confirm him so Vncanonically introduced.  
Pag. 27. Lastly we bring him his (Mr. Leyb.) own Letter asserting, that our Chapter was to have Episcopal jurisdiction after my Lord's death— that the Chapter is to be looked on, as his Heir apparent, or lawful Successor, that our government is to reside in the Chapter after our master's death.  
To this accusation I answer: inregard I have found by experience that Dr. el is, Mr. Curtis etc. do corrupt, and falsity the original Letters, which they mention in their encyclical Epistle, I cannot be induced to believe, that they have repeated my words aright, neither do I think that there are the particles Our Chapter etc. I remember that upon notice given me, that Mr. Blacloe, and his Party went about to out my Lord Bishop from his Episcopal authority, and that Dr. Blundston upon that score endeavoured to draw all our Brethren residing in his district, to promise obedience to the Chapter, I writ the said Dr. Blun. a Letter, telling him that he proceeded unadvisedly because a Chapter ought not to execute the Bishop's authority while he was alive. For in all Catholic Country's where Bishop's seats are established, the Bishop while he life's governs the Clergy, and not the Chapter: to which (if Cathedral) the Canons of the Church give leave only to succeed in his authority during the vacancy of the seat. And if a new Dean be elected in the mean while, or afterwards, he is bound by the said Canons to ask of his Holiness confirmation, as, to his election, otherwise it is null, and inualide: wherefore to have writ that the, or a Chapter is looks on as the Bishop's Heir apparent, or that our government is to reside in the Chapter after our master's death, is not to approve the exercise of Episcopal jurisdiction in the Chapter without his Holiness condescension thereto: and this I counselled as a necessary requisite to our government my Lord Bishop being dead. But my Counsel had no weight with, Mr. Blacloe and his Adherents, who played not one, but many Bishops suddenly, without consulting the supreme Pastor.  
Pag. 27. Sometimes he Charges Mr. Blacloe with cozenage, and injustice, as that he has embez'ld, or converted to other uses a sum of money left in his hand for the Clergies good: whereas we know the contrary by divers persons, in whose hands, and to whose trust, he left the said sum, to be employed hereafter for the good of the Clergy.  
In Answer to this accusation, I say, that Dr. Ellis, Mr. Curtis etc. do me wrong, for as much as they assert, that I have accused Mr. Blacloe of cozenage and injustice as to embezzling a sum of money committed to his care, and trust; I never Charged him with injustice as to spending the principal stock, but for converting to his own use the Rents thereof contrary to all justice. For example our last Bishop about 55. years ago prevailed with an Hon.ble person his friend to bestow a sum of money unto the erecting and maintaining of a little community in the Town of Paris which might consist of such Clergymen as their Superior should judge fit and proper for the end the erection was intended, to wit, for the keeping a continual succession of able scholars as to positive, scholastical, and polemical Theology especially; knowledge in controversies being thought necessary unto resisting the Enemies of Catholic Religion. To the advancing of so good a work the most Rd. and Illustrious Abbot of Arras lent our Clergy a small College, built in the said Town of Paris pertaining to his Monastery, and therefore named the College of Arras. The money procured for the entertainment of this community was delivered into the hands of Mr. john Colleton to whom the trust was committed; but he, in regard of his imprisonment thought fit to recommend the trust, and management of the said fund unto Mr. john Hammon, who about the year 1640. entrusted Mr. Blacloe with it, who hath never employed one penny for the end, the fund was erected. The Rents that maintained constantly afore a community of some five prime Clergymen (and indeed two Bishops, and two Deans were of Arras College community) now entertain Mr. Blacloe in poor clothing. Of this Mr. Blacloes' most unjust dealing at my last being at London I complained to Mr. Curtis that receives the Rents, and told him plainly that it was a mighty shame to our Clergy to suffer or countenance such an unworthy, scandalous, and unjust proceeding. To which Mr. Curtis replied saying: But how can we help it, Mr. Blacloe is entrusted with the money: we cannot take it from him but he says that he will leave it to the Clergy. Besides said Mr. Curtis; Mr. Blacloe hath given to Lisboa one hundred pounds, and allovv's the Dean Dr. Ellis thirty pounds yearly, and twenti pounds yearly to Mr. Robert Worsley out of the Rents of an other fund left by Dr. Boswel, and wherewith Mr. Blacloe is also entrusted. What I have herein set down in relation to the fund of Arras College, I protest sincerely, I heard from Mr. Collingtons own mouth, from my Lord Bishop, from Dr. Kellison, and Dr. Lovel: besides I have some reason to have full knowledge of the said fund, because myself together with Mr. Bitcon, Dr. Blundston, Mr. Ireland, and Dr. Reyner's, were entertained in Arras College, and maintained with the Rents thereof. And as to the substance of my answers to Mr. Curtis , I will be deposed, that I have expressed them most sincerely. Wherefore I leave it to the wisdom's of our Bhrethrens to judge, whether Dr. Ellis does not commit a grievous sin, for as much as he employs money to his own, that was given, and always afore applied to another use and purpose, that is the entertaining and maintaining of a small community in the Town of Paris. For indeed Mr. Blacloe hath no colour of right as to the dominion or disposing of the said fund in any other way: and this truth does evidently appear by a continual custom of paying the Rents for the use of such a community, and by the Testimonies of Dr. Boswel, and other principal members of our ancient Clergy which are extant in our Mother House, and myself have seen them.  
Pag 28. 29. Our last Bishop's commands in his Letter to D. Leyb. himself, dated july 6. 1652. delivered in these words, I have divers times written to you to suppress all Clamours against Mr. Blacloes' novelties, and (as you have written to me) you have so done; but still divers of my chief officers write to me that you do the contrary, which I am very sorry to hear, and so you will cause the inconvenience, and schism, which will be worse than the books are.  
In amazement as to this accusation, I wonder if our last Bishop writ me such a Letter (which I am confident he did not in the words therein expressed) how Dr. Ellis, Mr. Curtis etc. came unto it, of necessity they must have intercepted it; because 'tis not, as to reason credible, that myself should put it into their hands: and in case they intercepted the said Letter, in consequence thereof, they kept from me his Lordhips' commands; wherefore they have nothing of ground, or reason to object to me commands that I never received. Besides the particle Commands is not set down in his Lordship's Letter, as themselves express it. Again my Lord, that was a prudent, and wise Prelate, would never have let fall from his pen the words: And so you will cause the inconvenience and schism, which will be worse than the books are: These particles carrying the sound of a little nonsense, for as much as The inconvenience, import a relation to something said afore, which is not expressed: and if his Lordship would have had the said particles to relate unto the subsequent words, he would have said, An inconvenience, which etc.  
However as to the clearing of this matter in debate, 'tis observable, that about the year 1653. Mr. Blacloe published in print his pernicious book concerning the middle state, or condition of souls, and dedicated it unto my Lord Bish. who upon that occasion writ a Letter unto me (which is imparted to our Seniors) wherein are inserted these express words following. Mr. Blacloe hath presented me with his new book, which he hath dedicated to me, wherein he hath done me this pleasure, that he acknowledge's, that I dislike his novelties, so that I shall not need to make any public declaration of my dislike of them, seeing himself hath published it. Whereby evidently appears, that in case Mr. Blacloe had not acknowledged his Lordship's abhorrence from his Doctrines, he himself would have published it by an open declaration. Notwithstanding his Lordship being nothing ignorant of his pastoral duty, which was to watch, for the souls of his flock, as one bound to give account thereof, Hebr. 13. written an other Letter, wherein order was given me, to suppress the afore mentioned book of the middle state of souls, as containing naughty Doctrines, that contradicted holy scriptures, Councils, Fathers, and the general practice of the Catholic Church: and to the same effect his Lordship writ to Mr. Harrington, who was the second Vic. Gen. In solidum; wherefore in Obedience to the order enjoined me, I dispersed copies thereof amongst sundry of our Brethren respectively, and his said Lordship's order made so great an impression in the hearts of our Brethren residing within the districts of Yorkshire, that twenty of them joined unanimousely in a modest disclaim from Mr. Blacloes' Doctrines, judging that the best, and most necessary expedient to the suppressing of them. The Tenor of the said disclaim together with the names of such as subscribed unto it, I have thought fit to set down, and they be as follow's.  
CVm ex Reverendissimo piae memoriae Episcopo Chalcedonensi acceperimus, Thomam ex antiqua Familia de Albis, East Saxonum varios Libros edidisse; In quibus multa erronea scandalosa, temeraria, & Doctrinae, praxique Sanctae Romanae Ecclesiae dissona, reperiuntur; Cumque magno quidem, & intimo dolore intellexerimus, totum Clerum Anglicanum, apud quosdam magnae Notae Viros, ideò male audire, adeoque horrendâ Schismatis inuri Infamia.  
NOs infrascripti eiusdem Cleri Anglicani indignissima membra, Collegijque Anglo-Duaceni aliquando Alumni, testamur, Nos eiusdem Thomae de Albis Doctrinas suspectas nullo modo approbare, sed ab omnibus, & singulis taliter suspectis, intimis ex praecordijs, penitus abhorrere; In cuins fidem proprijs manibus Nomina subscripsimus.  

William Ogle Archdeacon.  
john Mettcalfe.  
james Dalton decan: ruralis.  
Robertus Chamber.  
William meynel.  
Matthew Thimbelbi.  
Thomas Duffield.  
Thomas Sutton.  
Michaël Robinson.  
Gulielmus Salisburius.  
Georgius Cathericke Arch:  
joannes Young.  
Thomas Goodricke.  
joannes jowley.  
Mattheus Chamber.  
Francis Blacstone.  
joannes Hardwicke.  
Thomas Faceby.  
Nicolaus Postgarte.  
Christophorus Lawson.   
But here is observable that one of these zealous Brethren, in the performance of their Pastoral charge, namely Mr. john Mettcalfe, is fallen from his subscription; He that afore protested against Mr. Blacloes' learning as scandalous, and dissonant to the general practice of the Catholic Church, now for as much as he is invested into an Ecclesiastical dignity extolle's it above the clouds, as eminent.  
Now Mr. Harrington together with others of that faction residing in London, as soon, as they were informed, that I had used endeavours to obstruct the spreading of Mr. Blacloes' Doctrines, they complained to their Paris friends of the order which my L. Bish. had sent me, and of my proceeding in the execution thereof, which they styled a clamorous decrying of Mr. Blacloes' learning. Here upon the said friends expostulated with his Lordship, 1ᵒ. as to his order, which they named a condemnation of Mr. Blacloe, and thence inferred, that his said Lordship had usurped upon our supreme Pastors' authority, since to pronounce sentence of condemnation, is a prerogative pertaining thereto. His Lordship replied as to his own order, that he had not condemned Mr. Blacloe; and indeed a mere order to suppress a book, does not import a condemnation, taken in the proper sense. Secondly as to my clamorous decrying, his Lordship answered, that he never gave me order to cry out against Mr. Blacloes' books, there being a great difference between crying out against, and a gentle suppressing: and likewise between suppressing all speech against, and mere suppressing of a book. However doubtless if my Lord Bishop were now alive to peruse other books put forth since his Lordship death by Mr. Blacloe, and likewise to read the illustrious Testimony, which he alleages (in his weak Answer to the Vindiciae) of his own Vnimpeachable virtue, and eminent Doctrine given him by Dr. Ellis, Mr. Curtis, and seven other Chapter-men under the name of the London Clergy, doubtless I say his Lordship Surgeret ut M●yses, surgeret ut Phynees, pro domo Dei. At least he would publish against Mr. Blacloe, Pope Lueius 3. (C. Ad abolendam, de Haereticis) his definition, and proceed also against Dr. Ellis, Mr. Curtis etc. as did the glorious Bishop of Alexandria S. Peter the Martyr against Arrius for favouring of Milesius, Qui (as attesteth S. Epiph.) sectam dumtaxat fecerat, & non à fide defecerat. My Lord Bish. knew right well to exercise his Episcopal authority, that is, to use it either in the spirit of love, and meekness, or in the Pastoral rod (1. Cor. 4.) unto the conserving of his flock: his Lordship knew right well, that it was a necessary requisite unto a full execution of his charge to resist profane notions of wanton scholars even in their bud or first springing up. For although to pronounce sentence of condemnation against Teachers of new notions, which contradict Councils, and the general practice of God's Church, is the supreme Universal Pastour's prerogative: nevertheless the Pastoral staff is not given to a particular Bishop in vain. Besides every particular Bishop, for as much as he is the Chief Spiritual Dog of the suprem Pastor, is bound to bark, and fight against such, as endeavour to hurt his flock. If a wolf come, and the sheapard's Dog shall not give warning thereof by barking, of necessity he will be counted guilty of betraying the Sheep unto the wolf. The french (as Cicero in one oration relateth) attempted to seize on the Capitol of Rome, and because the watch, or Guard Dogs did not bark unto giving notice of their coming, they were brought before the common Court of justice, and there sentenced to have their things broken. Priests, yea Lay-Catholick's (as to the matter in debate) but Bishops especially, are the Spiritual watch-Dogs of the supreme Pastor: and their office is to bark at and by't wolves, that go about seeking among the flock of Christ, whom they may deceive, and devour: that is to say, they are bound to speak, teach, and write against singular Doctors of new notions which are wolves in sheep's clothing, and such, as to this point, shall neglect the duty, that God requireth from them, will receive their Trial at the high Court of divine justice, unto being condemned as unprofitable servants, to a far greater punishment, than was that of the Capitols watch-Dogs, to wit, To utter darkness Mat. 5.  
Pag. 30. We are moved not to disclaim Mr. Blacloes' Doctrines, by the example of other bodies, and communities.  
If Dr. Ellis &c. would have followed the example of other Bodies, the many great scandals, whereof they now bear the guilt, had been taken away long ago: Religious orders do not defend, or countenance such of theirs, as vent pernicious Doctrines to the ruin of souls, and the dishonour of their bodies respectively. The society turn out, other Regulars inflict severe punishments upon such, as bear the infamous brand of being suspected for heresy, or for any disobedience against the Spiritual, or civil Magistrate: Besides Dr. Ellis is not ignorant of our English Benedictin's Zealous proceeding unto securing, and punishing of that learned man of their order Father ●ohn Barns as soon, as they were fully acquainted with his wicked designs to broach dangerous Tenets to the destroying of souls. And indeed that famous man of their order Father Rudicind Barlo himself told me, that the securing of the said Father john Barns cost the order 300. l. star. But D. Ellis etc. contrariwise do bolster up Mr. Blacloe, observe his directions in the management of their affairs, keep constant correspondence with him, receive his pernicious writings, give public Testimony of his unimpeachable virtue, unblemished life, and eminent learning: again have refused to publish the sea Apostolicks Decrees, which prohibited and condemned several books of his, pretending that a condemnation of a book In globo, that is without expressing of particular propositions signifies nothing. Dr. Ellis himself told me that they Pope must tell them what in particular they ought to avoid in order to Mr. Blacloes' Doctrines: to which I replied, that it did not beseem him, to reach the supreme Pastor how to proceed in his Decrees. Besides the custom of condemning books In globo without censuring particular propositions hath examples in antiquity, as evidently proves the Rescript of divine Constantinus Emperor sent to Bishops, and lay people of the Empire, which is as follows.  
VICTOR CONSTANTINUS MAX: AUG: EPISCOPIS, ET POPULO. CVm Arrius scriptorum & impiorum hominum consuetudinêm imitetur, eandem cum illis ignominiae, & turpitudinis notam merito subire debet. Quemadmodum Porphyrius capitalis pietatis hostis, qui nefarios libros contra Religionem Catholicam seu Christianam edebat, mercedem dignam laboribus recepit, & eiusmodi quidem, ut apud posteriora saecula non ipse solùm maximis probris vexatus fuerit, & turpissima labe infamiae aspersus, verùm etiam impia eius seripta deleta, & penitus extincta; sic etiam visum est Arrium & eius Sectatores Porphyrianos nuncupare, ut quorum secuti sunt mores, eorum etiam nomen habeant. Quin etiam si quod opus ab Arrio scriptum reperiatur, illud eremandum esse. Addit: illud etiam mandamus, ut si quis librum ab Arrio compositum occultasse deprehensus sit, & eum non statim in medium adductum igne combusserit, morte mulctetur, nam mox ut comprehensus fuerit, plectatur capite. And indeed the first Council of Nice, as witnesseth Nicephorus l. 8. C. 18. burnt the books of the Arrians: Again the sixth General Council condemned sundry books In globo that is the whole volums. Furthermore in Bulla coenae & in Indice librorum prohibitorum, Regul. 2. all books written by Heretics are prohibited and condemned, notwithstanding, that they contain several Catholic Tenets. Hereby plainly appears how unadvisedly Dr. Ellis, Mr. Curtis etc. object against me pag. 33. thus. He would have us condemn them (Mr. Blacloes' opinions) as he strangely phrases it, in globulo: by which we conceive he means in the bulk, whence it would follow that we must condemn the Tenets of the Trinity, the Incarnation and all other Mysteries of our faith, all these being found in Mr. Blacloes' books, and going in the same Bulk or book with the rest. But how unhandsomely have Mr. Ellis etc. set down this objection, or rather false accusation against me: for I never propounded a condemnation; only advised a disclaim from Mr. Blacloes' pernicious books, which the Court of Rome had prohibited and condemned. Again I never mentioned Condemn in globulo, as they strangely and unadvisedly phrase it. For I said In globo, which signifies In the whole, without expressing particular propositions. Furthermore Dr. Ellis etc. will not deny, but that Caluins Institutions are condemned, and not all the Tenets of the Trinity, the Incarnation, and other mysteries, which notwithstanding go in the same Bulk or book: and I do not see how D. Ellis etc. can pretend invincible ignorance for an excuse; as to this particular error. Lastly, whosoever shall read all Mr. Blacloes Books, will not find in them all the Mysteries of Our faith, as they (Dr. Ellis &c.) aver; unless by Our faith, they mean Mr. Blacklo's new Faith.  
Pag. 31. 32. As for Mr. Blacloes' person we have known him to be ever of a most vnble'mished life— His learning all grant to be eminent, which by the common principles of Civility, and humanity oblige us to value him accordingly.  
As to Mr. Blacloes' most unblemished life, and unimpeachable virtue, which be the glorious Characters given him all a long the encyclical Epistle, 'tis evident as to reason; that if the Testimony of Dr. Ellis etc. were built upon truth, Mr. Blacloe would never have writ my Lord Bish. such a Letter, as is afore set down, wherein he calleth a Brother equal to himself Lying and perjured sycophant, a wret'hed sycophant etc. and brand's his Lordship's own self with the infamous marks of Paramount Bishop, and domineering ways. Nor is it, as to reason consonant, that my Lord Bish. a wise, and virtuous Prelate indeed, should in his answer to Mr. Blacloe (if unimpeachably virtuous) have put him in mind of the solemn promise he made at his ordination to give reverence and obedience to his Ordinary, and likewise of the Church's prayer read in the ordination of a Bishop: Qui maledixerit tibi, sit ille maledictus, & qui benedixerit tibi, benedictionibus repleatur; And in the close of all wish Mr. Blacloe to call to his remembrance the words of the Apostle: Maledici regnum Dei non consequentur. And to tell him withal, That such reproachful words, as he used in his Letter, did beseem neither Christian nor Priest. Whereby evidently appears, that the unimpeachable virtue, and most unblemished life, which Dr. Ellis etc. ascribe to Mr. Blacloe were not acknowledged by my Lord Bishop his Spiritual Father, and Superior: Besides his Lordship writ unto me about a year after (the Letter is shown unto our Seniors) in those express words: One told me that M. Blacloes judgement is much weakened, surely his virtue is. Again Mr. Blacloe is had in greater detestation than even was Caluin, as is said: and Mr. Blacloe against all equity detains a Rend charge piously left for the entertainment of a little community in the Town of Paris, as is said afore; wherefore he can make no good claim to an unblemished life.  
As to Mr. Blacloes' eminent learning in regard whereof Dr. Ellis etc. highly value him; that alone bring's undeniable evidence against his unimpeachable virtue, and unblemished life: for indeed his learning is the Vanity of vanities Eccle. 1ᵒ. in as much as 'tis built upon heathen Philosophy: and Abomination of desolation Mar. 13. because it is destructive of Religion, and morality, as I shall evidently prove out of a small draught or extract only, of his vain abominable Tenets, which I have thought expedient to set down (unto a fullness of satisfaction in order to all our Brethren, and lay-catholics) which are as follow's  
Imprimis Mr. Blacloe as to his learning, is destructive of God's omnipotency; for in Musc. vent. 12. n. 6. he denies, that God has power to produce a fly, that himself (Mr. Blacloe) acknowledge's Possible.  
Item he is destructive of the divine providence ascribing thereto (praefa. Chrysaspis') his gross geometticall errors, together with his other profane novelties, insinuating to the Reader, that he received them from Heaven, as opportune requisits to the government of the Church in the present coniuncture of circumstances. Non à me haec hahes (says he unto the Reader) said ah eo, qui ex legihus providentiae suae ea gubernationi Ecclesiae suae in hoc rerum articulo opportuna & fecit, & vidit.— Quod super est, tibi consul (lectorem alloquitur) & ostentum, à caelis ad te delapsum, ne contemnito. From this preface arose the name given Mr. Blacloe at Rome, to wit Tremulante, that is, Quaker: in regard he attends, and pretends to the Revelations of fanatic Quakers of these days.  
Item he is destructive of the necessary being of the three divine persons in one God. for l. 1. Inst. pag. 200. he teacheth, that God the Father did not more necessarily beget the 2. Person of the B. Trinity, than he produce's the most contemptible creature in consequence of which, as God might have been without each contemptible creature, so he might have been without the 2. Divine Person.  
Item he is extremely injurious to the Holy Ghost, for T. 1. p. 278. Inst. sac. he wantonly asserte's, that the words of the Apostles Creed, Conceived of the holy Ghost, ought bear this interpretation to wit. Conceived of the Father, and so excludes the Holy Ghost's concurrence, or cooperation in the Mystery of Incarnation, and thereby deprives him of his Chief propriety or attribute, as to that work in order to man's Redemption, notwithstanding that scripture, Councils, and Fathers attribute the Incarnation of the son of God, for as much as it is an Act of greatest love, unto the Holy Ghost, who is love itself, and the fountain of all true love on earth, and in Heaven.  
Item he is injurious to our soviour Christ's Humanity for Musc. vent. 15. he teacheth that it is not Ens, nor individuum naturae, which is the heresy of Eut ches.  
Item he is injurious to the divine piety; because T. 2. Inst. 328. he teacheth that Christ did not die for all men, which is the Doctrine of calvin 4. Inst. C. 24. and condemned by Pope Innocent the 10. For temerarious, scandalous, impious, derogating from the divine piety, and heretical. And indeed S. john the Apostle in his first Epistle 2. Chap. evidently attestes this Catholic truth in these words: He (Christ) is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world: Whence the Council of Trent ses. 6. Cap. 3. inferreth that not all those for whom Christ died have received the benefit of his death; not because they could not, but because they would not cast away their transgressions; rejected the merciful grace of Christ who will all men to be saved, and come unto the knowledge of truth, having given himself a ransom for all men 1ᵒ. Timoth. 2.  
Item his learning is injurious to Christ's Mother the Virgin Mary, and to all the blessed Saints of God: because he teacheth de med. anima statu, dem. 3. that they have need of, and that we ought to offer prayers for them; again dem. 9ᵒ. he imprisonnes them all In Atrio, that is in a porch out of Heaven till the general resurrection: which error he borrows of ancient Heretic after the imitation of Luther, and Caluin.  
Item he is injurious to the good souls in Purgatory for as much as, De med. sta. he perversely, and obstinately denies their deliverance from pains till the generall-Resurrection, which contradicts the Gen. Council of florence, the definitive Decree of Benedictus 12. and the universal practice of the Catholic Church, that crect's Privileged Altars, offer Masses, and apply suffrages for their speedy releasement as conform unto the said Council of florence and definitive sentence of Benedictus 12. and the Church's practice afore.  
Item he is injurious to the Church of God, for as much as he acknowledgeth some errors to have crept into her, in order to the admistration of Sacraments. And indeed he is so petulantly fanatic, that in his book entitled Tesserae etc. he auerre's, that though the Church might fall into an error, nevertheless so falling, and suddenly after returning to the ancient faith the continuation of the same faith shall not be prejudiced, but receive an increase of beauty thereby, As a black patch, or spot in venus' body, or face (that is his profane comparison) does render her more comely, and beautiful.  
Item he is injurious to the Church of God; because in his Tabule suffragiales tab. 15. he says point blank, that there neither is, nor can be, a judge of Controversies to determine what is, and what is not of faith.  
Item he is injurious to the supreme Spiritual Governor, Christ's Vicar the Pope; for in his Book called Sonus Buccinae Pag. 369. 372. he teacheth his Holiness infallibility to be an Arch-heresy, and those that assert it to commit a greater sin, then is the burning of Churches, violating of holy Virgins upon the Altar, trampling under foot the Br. Sacrament, or introducing the Turk or Antichrist into Christian Countries; and to prove this his profane Doctrine in Tab suffrag. p. 251. after his wont manner he cut's out of his fanatic brain a Revelation. I did accuse (says he) that opinion (concerning the Pope's infallibility) of heretical uncleanness I could not, nor ought I do less: and if I had not done so, I had been an Anathema from Christ. And in his Monum. Excant. 46. He lais claim to a divine command that bid him preach so. Wherefore Mr. Blacloe, alias white, shall not be called for the future Thomas Albiorum Tri●obantum, but Thomas Albiorum Tremulantum: And indeed he deserves the Title of the most learned fanatic of his fanatic age.  
Item he is most injurious to suprem temporal Governors, or civil Magistrates in as much as he teacheth in his book of Obedience and Government 1ᵒ. pag. 133. If a Magistrate hath truly deseruned to be, and is dispossessed, every one to his power is bound to resist him. Secondly pag. 135. If a Magistrate be innocent, and wrongfully dispossessed— he is obliged absolutely to renounce all right, and claim to Government. Thirdly pag. 147. Any who suffered wrong by a Monarch, when he is dispossessed— may proceed as if there were no commonwealth by the law, which in a wilderness vvarrant's us to kill a Tiger, or Robber, that seek's to kill us, not pretending la for our action; but that it is manlike, and rational.  
Item he is injurious to all Bishops making nothing of essential difference between them, and mere Priests, To. 2. Inst. l. 1. lec. 8. he teacheth that either Bishop, or Priest may exercise all Episcopal functions in Countries, where no Ecclesiastical division is made into bishoptics.  
Item he is most injurious to the holy scripture, for he assertes that is is as ridiculous to seek the decision of controversies from thence, at to cut with a beetle, or knock with a straw; dial. 2. §. 11. p. 309.  
Item all along his works he most petulantly decryes Schoole-divines, whose volums he says are filled with, or rather the filling, and stuffing itself, of intricate trifles, or trifling intricacies. Praefa. Inst.  
Item he is injurious to the Canon law, because Monum. pag. 62. he scruple's not to teach that no Canons, that concern the outward Court of the Church, and sundry Degrees of Ecclesiastical dignities pertaining thereto, oblige in England; and this opinion asserted by so classical an Author, as Mr. Blacloe is, purgeth out the leaven of scruples as to our London Chapter-Men's proceed.  
Item he is injurious without pity to many wretched sinners. For To. 2. Inst. p. 357. he impiously affirms, that their is an absolute impossibility for many of them to avoid damnation: and indeed he denies absolutely all sufficient grace To. 1. Inst. pag. 124. though sometimes he grants it, as given only by God, that man may bear the guilt of sin: which is that man may commit sin. And perhaps he means by wretched sinners, which he called wretched men, Carthusians, Capucins, and other Religious orders. 1ᵒ. because he teacheth To. 2. Ins. pag. 207. that life to be the best requisite to blessedness which enjoys the fullness of corporal pleasures, and that sins (in an other place) are perfections of the soul. Secondly because in his book of Meditations he nameth the vertus of Religious Orders Idioticall, and in his book of Obed. & Gou. ground 4. he affirms that Obedience is a virtue only in case of imperfection: as likewise teacheth that to renounce our will, is to renounce our wits, and manhood, and compares it to the going upon of all four like a Beast. Malitia excaeeavit cor illius. Pro. 17.  
Item he is injurious to all the Church's Sacraments instituted by Christ himself, for as much, as Tom. 2. l. 1ᵒ. Inst. lec. 8. he nameth them certain contracts only betvveen God, and man without any efficacy as to Sanctifying man's soul. He does not believe that the Sacramental water in Baptism that toucheth the body washeth the soul unto Sanctification of life. Whereby he contradictes S. Austin who says. Vnde tanta vis aquae (speaking of Baptism) ut corpus tangat, cor vero abluat.  
Item he is an enemy to the Church's Councils, for in his Tabulae suffragiales. Tab. 22. he renders them liable to error, in as much, as they may (says he) endeavour to make that an article of faith, which was not afore, and by so endeavouring, fall into error, and press the same error upon the whole Church. Besides in his Muscarium, (flye-flap) he accuseth the Council of Chalcedon (one of the four first general Councils, which S. Gregory reverenced as the 4. Euangils') to have erred indeed.  
Item he is an enemy to young children, for as much as he teacheth in his Muscar. pag. 49. nu. 2. that lived faith, that is, faith working by Charity (whereof young children are not capable) is a necessary requisite to Baptism, which is an heresy of the Anabaptists condemned by the Council of Trent.  
Item he is iniurions to Charity itself To. 1. Inst. pag. 89. for whereas S. Paul affirms, that it is infused into the soul of man by the Holy Ghost, he teacheth that 'tis produced by our own actions.  
Item he is injurious to every man for, in his book of Government, and Obedience pag. 38. It follovv's not, says he, that I wrong him (an other man) even though I do him harm, or seek his ruin, for he is no otherwise to me, than a piece of cloth, or wood, which I cut and shape after my own will fittingly for my use. They are his express words.  
Item he is destructive of free will, because he teacheth quest. Theolog. §. 9 that our free will is nevet more free, then when it is necessitated.  
To these profane, and wicked Doctrines I should add many others, censured by the famous ad much renowned University of Do way as heretical, erroneous, dangerous, scandalous, and impious respectively, if the censure itself, and its gallant vindication were not already spread in our Country: wherefore it shall now suffice to have set down this small draught of his exotic, and abominable Tenets, it alone giving evidence enough of the manifest weakness that Dr. Ellis, Mr. Curtis etc. have shown by their unadvised Testimony of his Vnimpeachable virtue, and eminent Learning, and for as much as Mr. Blacloe hath published the said Testimony in the latin tongue to the sight of the world, the Clergy of England will bear the infamous brand to all posterity of being Mr. Blacloes' Adherents, and Proselytes. And whereas Dr. Ellis etc. be only 9 Clergymen and their Testimony goes under he name of the London Clergy, it will appear, that as the Adherents to wicleff stole the seal of the University of Oxford, and craftily set it to the Chief Tenets of the said wicliffe, that so the approbation of the university of Oxford might get his learning credit, and credence abroad in Bohemia where it had taken some roott, in like manner Dr. Ellis etc. will be thought to have stolen his brethren's votes for the same purpose. Our most Rd. Bishop (Cuius memoria in benedictione est) foresaw the great scandals Mr. Blacloe would bring upon himself and his party, for in a Letter dated 6. of Feb. 1654. which his Lordship writ to myself (and I have shown it to our Seniors) are these express words. I have not yet seen Mr. Blacloes' last book in which as you writ there are such horrid speeches against the Pope's infallibility, which if it be true, I fear Mr. Blacloe will go yet further for such speeches show the last disposition to leave the Pope, and then it will better appear what kind of Adversaries you and I have had.  
Now I leave to the wisdom's of our Brethren to judge, out of the premises, whether Dr. Ellis, Mr. Curtis etc. their Testimony, which Mr. Blacloe in his weak Answer to the Vinditiae, set's down in these words. De me Cleri Londinatis Encyclica ad Fratres per Vniversam Angliam Epistola, hoc testimonium continet. Quantum ad Albij (Blacloi) personam attinet, nonimus eam semper vitae irreprehensibilis & exemplaris convictus fuisse— scientiam ipsius esse eminentem fatentur omnes, quae nos ex legibus naturae & Societatis humanae, cogit ad parem illi aestimationem retribuendam. Whether I say, the said Testimony coming to the Pope's notice, his Holiness may, as to reason, be moved to confirm their Chapter, and give them their own desires as to a Successor; or whether they may not have a design to obstruct thereby the good intentions of his Holiness in order to a wished setlement of Government in our Clergy, that so they may continue as they are in authority? Or whether Dr. Ellis could subscribe unto such a Testimony with a good conscience, since myself and others that I can name have heard him call Mr. Blacloe an unhappy man, and since he told a sober learned Brother of ours (whose Letter I have shown) & another person of great quality whom I can name, that part of his learning was Damnable. Vir duplex animo inconstans est in omnibus vijs suis. jacob. 1. Again whether Catholics for the future are bound to believe Dr. Ellis, Mr. Curtis etc. when they hear them deny their adherence to Mr. Blacloe, and his learning; furthermore whether they are not bound to embrace a learning which they judge to be eminent, and know likewise the Author of it to be of an unimpeachable virtue, and of a most unblemished life. Furthermore whether lay-catholics may do prudently to leave the Charities they intent for the relief of the Mother-House to be disposed according to the instructions which Dr. Ellis, Mr. Curtis etc. suggest to our Brethren in their encyclical Epistle to the great prejudice of the said Mother-House? Sed iussisti Domine, & sic est, ut paena sua sibi sit, omnis in ordinatus animus. Aug. Confess. l. 1ᵒ. c. 12.  
Pag. 32. And to wish and pray, that his other works, may be as serviceable to God's Church, as those against Heretics have been.  
Here Dr. Ellis etc. prostrated, offer their humble prayers to Heaven for Mr. Blacloes' perseverance in the pursuance of his eminent learning unto serving the Church of God, by resisting of Heretics. In this heavenly prayer they set down a false supposal, being I am certain, they can produce no evidence to prove that Mr. Blacloe hath composed works, which have brought advantages to the Church of God etc. yet when I use this manner of speech to any of his principal Proselytes, instantly Rushworth Dialogues are named, to which I have and do still reply that those are no works of his; for though he bear the name of Thomas Blacloe, Thomas White, Thomas Anglus, Thomas Albiorum Trinobantum, and Thomas Bolton, nevertheless he was never called Mr. Rushworth. Again myself knew very well Mr. Rushworth, and that he alone was the true undoubted Author of those Dialogues (except only some few blasphemous and exotic propositions respectively, inserted therein by Mr. Blacloe) To clear this business unto giving to Mr Rushworth, what is due to Mr. Rushworth, who when I was but a Philosopher executed the office of General Perfect in our Mother-House, a grave, virtuous, and Religious Person, a good Divine, and much versed in polemical Theology, that is In controversies, and when I was Agent for our Clergy, he wanting a Residence, I procured one for him in the Town of London, where he had the opportunity to converse frequently with Mr. Blacloe (who then was in great esteem, and vogue with all our ancient Clergy) and to communicate his conceptions, as to his Dialogues, having a great kindness for him & an opinion of his learning; The said Mr. Rushworth not surviving to put forth his Dialogues, and Mr. Blacloe who even then had conceived profane novelties, thinking that the publishing of those Dialogues (whereof he had a good opinion, as indeed they highly deserved) might prove a fit forerunner for the establishing of his own novelle Doctrines, he borrowed the Manuscript thereof from Mr. Edward Enderby Nephew to Mr. Rushworth, who is yet alive, and without his leave or knowledge printed it, and notwithstanding that in the preface to the said Dialogues, when they were first printed Mr. Blacloe does confess Mr. Rushworth to be the Author thereof, nevertheless Mr. Blacloes' friends have made him the Author unto giving credit and esteem to his other writings, Sic vos non vobis mellificatis apes. Mr. Edward Ender by knows this to be true; and a certain knight of great worth, and learning with whom Mr. Rushworth communicated his said Dialogues hath been heard to say (and he is alive also) that sundry points which are in the printed Dialogues were not in the manuscript: which shows evidently Mr. Blacloes crafty dealing, and the false supposal of Dr. Ellis, etc. that Mr. Blacloes' Works have been serviceable to God's Church, etc.  
Pag. 35. As also Dr. Leyb. moved to our Dean, and writ to Romè falsely pretending that the greater part of the Clergy would think themselves happy in having a Vicarius Apostolicus, and that only some few of the Chapter oppose it. Now to receive such an exterordinary Authority is both against the pleasure of her Ma.tie expressed in her commands to our Agent at Rome not to accept it: against the laws of our Catholic Ancestors, against the will of our state, and so most dangerous subiecting us to a Praemunire etc.  
For the satisfaction of out Brethren in order to this accusation, they may be pleased to know 1ᵒ. that Dr. Gage their Agent writ unto me, that he found his Holiness willing to grant unto us a Bishop, with the Title of Vicarius Apostolicus, and withal desired me to give my opinion and sense, as to such a government, which I did accordingly, intimating in my Answer, that I did not doubt, but that all our Brethren (except some Chapter-men) would think themselves happy to be so governed; and am still of that belief being assured, that our Clergy formerly desired nothing more of his Holiness, then to enjoy a Spiritual Governor invested with Episcopal authority, as do the Clergy and Catholics of Holland. Secondly what Dr. Gage, their Agent, writ unto me, as to the matter in debate, the same also, he communicated in a Letter to Mr. Car, as himself told me, who withal added, that he saw nothing of reason, that should move our Clergy to reject so fair an offer: and truly I see no reason wherefore Beggars should be so their own Carvers, as to refuse a considerable Alms or Charity that is presented Gratis. Hereupon I writ unto Mr. Knightly complaining, that the Chapter wronged our Clergy extremely, for as much as they had refused so advantageous a requisite unto making them happy; Mr. Knightly imparted the contents of my Letter to Dr. Ellis, who to excuse the carriage of that business, writ unto me in these words: We would be content with any Bishop, but the Court of Rome will give us none; Whereby is plainly evidenced, that I writ not to Rome falsely, since the venerable Dean Dr. Ellis writeth: We would be content with any Bishop etc. Whereas Dr. Ellis etc. excep against the Title of Vicarius Apostolicus, as importing an Ecclesiastical dignity that our most gracious Queen forebid Dr. Gage to accept, for as much, as it is inconsistent with the laws of our Ancestors, the will of the state, and the good of the subject, making all men liable to a Praemunire, that adhere unto it. Now as to this point in debate I cannot be easily induced to believe that our gracious Queen commanded Dr. Gage not to accept of the Pope's offer, as to a Vicarius Apostolicus, though there had been just ground enough for her Ma.tie to have interposed her authority against it; I conceive that our said gracious Queen, for the extreme respect she hath ever shown towards the sea Apostolic, did only intimate the inconveniences, that had been inculcated unto her craftily, as to the admitting of such a Spiritual Governor; I say craftily, because Mr. Blacloe had persuaded his pack of Chapter-men to except against the Title of Vicarius Apostolicus, as importing an Authority against the ancient Statutes of our Country made about the 13. or 17. year of Richard the 2d. a Catholic Prince, and vnrepealed in part, which statutes Dr. Ellis etc. unad visedly call the laws of their Ancestors, saying Our Ancestors. Also against the state, which were (when this business was moved) Cromwell and his grand Council; likewise against the good of the subject, whom such a power makes liable to a Praemunire according to the said ancient statutes; This is the sum or substance of what the Chapter inculcated as I imagine, and was pretended to our Brethren outwardly, unto hindering the making of a Bishop with the Title of Vicarius Apostolicus; whereas, indeed, Mr. Blacloe, and his London Chapter-men's sole motive of that their proceeding was in regard they apprehended that his Holiness might elect a Brother to that office, who should be an enemy to profane novelties, and consequently no friend to their ways. Besides they knew well, that such a Bishop would bear rule over the Chapter, and all the Priests of England, and Wales, so that the dominion the Chapter has now, as to governing, would be made thereby to signify nothing. This I say, was their sole motive, wherefore they excepted against a Bishop, with the Title of Vicarius Apostolicus, and will except against any Bishop whosoever, if they shall conceive that he is like to discountenance the London-Chapter-men.  
As to the reasons which Dr. Ellis etc. allege against a Vicarius Apostolicus, they carry no weight with them 1ᵒ. because a mere Bishop, a Provincial or Precedent of an order, or any Apostolical Missionary, sent by the Pope into England without the kings leave, is as much against the ancient statutes of our Country, as a Vicarius Apostolicus, sent without the kings leave also. Secondly there are no laws ancient or modern that will hang a Bishop as Bishop, or a Vicarius Apostolicus as Vicarius Apostolicus, though they be sent into England without the kings leave; but our modern laws will hang each Apostolical Missionarie that is a native if convicted to be a Priest, or to have taken orders beyond the seas, though he be but a mere Deacon; whereby 'tis plain, that the exception against the Pope's giving of a Vicarius Apostolicus, might with more reason be made against his Holiness giving Apostolical Superiors, and all Apostolical Missionaries whatsoever, because the ancient laws of Richard the 2d. vnrepealed are against these for as much as they are sent without the king's leave: and the modern laws of Queen Elizabeth are more severe against them in as much as they are Priests, and have taken orders beyond the seas.  
Pag. 38. We omit for the present to lay open at large his other manifold wranglings, calumnies, and passionate carriages against Dr. Champney, Mr. Hammond, Mr. Harrington, Mr. Southcot, Mr. Herbert, Mr. Gage, Mr. Peterson, Dr. Holden, Mr. Clifford, Mr. Car, Mr. Fitton, Mr. Manly, Dr. Blundeston, Mr. Green.  
Here Dr. Ellis, Mr. Curtis etc. according to their wont manner cast aspersions upon me without proof, which proves themselves to be slanderers, for as I have said afore, Accusatio, quae caret probatione, calumnia est. But unto cleareing my innocency more particularly, I profess sincerely, that as to Dr. Champny, I ever had a great kindness for him, and a little while before my departure out of England (in the year of Edg-Hill Battle) I procured for him two pensions from two Rt. Hon. Ladies, one allowed him 10. l. star. per. an. and the other 50. sh. or 3. l. per an. Besides I had done sundry other civilities, and never had contest with him. Secondly as to Mr. Hammond the aspersion is so false, that as God best knows I never gave him angry word in all my life. Thirdly as to Mr. Harrington, he and Dr. Holden, were Mr. Blacloes' Chiefest Proselytes, which was an occasion of a cold correspondence between them, and me: but before Mr. Harrington espoused Mr. Blacloes' pernicious Doctrines, I had procured for him 300. l. star. who afore was not worth 300. groats. Fourthly, as to Mr. Herbert, I was his greatest Benefact our, and extremely loved him upon the score of that friendship, which we had contracted in our Mother-House yet told him sundry times between him, and me that his adhering to Mr. Blacloe would be the ruin of our Clergy. And dying he left me a legacy, and his old Mother an other. Fiftly, as to Mr. Southcot, I had always a great reverence towards him as the most principal member of our body, and if the supreme providence had preserved but his life, the scandals which are fallen upon our Clergy had been prevented, for he was a person of great authority with all sort of Catholics, and to my knowledge had a great dislike of Mr. Blacloe, ever after he refused to recall the approbation afore mentioned: Sixtly as to Mr. Gage, and, Mr. Curtis to them were committed the fruits of Mr. Southcot's and my labours, to be managed for the good of our body; I never wronged either of them in all my life to my knowledge; I have reprehended Mr. Gage sundry times, and gave him good Counsel, which if he had embraced, he might have departed out of this world more with his honour than he did. Seaventhly as to Mr. Clifford he is a person of great worth, honour, and virtue, I appeal to himself, being he is alive, whether ever in my life I have calumniated him, or cast upon him any one affront as Dr. Ellis, Mr. Curtis etc. assert in this charge. The others afore mentioned are dead save Mr. Peterson, and therefore I cannot appeal to them, and if Mr. Peterson, alias Mr. Curtis I have calumniated, let him prove the calumny, and I will ask him forgiveness and make reparation to my power, in the mean time Conscientia mea non me accusat: eightly as to Mr. Manly who is alive I sent him a young youth to our College at lisboa for a small sum at his Aunts Charnock's entreaty, and I never wronged him more than speaking my mind plainly unto him, in order to his countenancing of Mr. Blacloes' pernicious learning. Ninthly as to Dr. Blundeston, Requiescat in Pace; I never heard that he is his life time complained of my wronging of him: 'tis true I have endeavoured to draw him from Mr. Blacloes' ways of Doctrine. Tenthly as to Mr. Green he has a great kindness for me, and this Mother-House, for which he hath done more civilities then Dr. Ellis, and all the other eight that call themselves unadvisedly the Church of the English Clergy. Besides Mr. Green is my Benefactor, I have received sundry considerable presents from him, and in his last Letter writ about 20. days ago he signify that he hath sent me a new present, which give evidence enough to prove Dr. Ellis etc. their accusation to be mere calumny to render me odious to all my Brethren. jussisti Domine & sic est, ut paena sua sibi sit omnis inordinatus animus.  
Pag. 38. Nor do we at present much insist upon his (D. Leyb.) misgovernment in the College—  
We only hint the unfitness of some he hath sent hither not long ago as Missionaries; As (to omit many others) of one who in another Seminary was denied presentation to Orders, because of his vnsettled brain, and (as we are informed) wished the next day his throat had been cut when he took Orders. Of another, à person in à manner phrenetical, who within six or seven months at most, was a married man, à Widower, à Priest and Missionary. The third, of à wild mad nature, for open Sedition in the house and public soliciting all the scholars to the Wars, was expelled the College by him; to whom yet, after his expulsion, he sent faculties to come hither as Missionary. He hath now been half à year in England, yet never officiates not performs any duty belonging to à Priest. We only hint these few of many at present; hoping that the horror and shame expressed by all who hear of it, and reflect how sacred the function of à Priest and Apostle is, will make him more circumspect for the future; and that these are enough to lee our Brethren see how necessary 'tis to have à Dean and Chapter, to examine who are fit, who not, ere they admit them.  
In this charge Dr. Ellis etc. to prove my misgovernment, instance in three Missioners which not long ago I have sent into England. As to the first I answer ', if he had an unsettled brain, it was more than I knew when I presented him to orders: I was only entreated by a worthy friend to make him Priest, that he might be sent to Nostre Dame des Virtues, and as God best knows I was not acquainted till after he had received orders, that he had weakened his brain by studying too hard, or through scruples, when he lived in the College of Rome: however I gave him entertainment Gratis for about one year, and a half, before he was presented to holy orders, during which time he performed the exercises of our House very handsomely at which myself was present; and truly he was esteemed a pious, and virtuous person, and although in regard of the weakness of his head he wanted strength to perform the many, and long exercises, which were exacted of such, as the House of Nostre Dame of virtue admitted, and therefore was returned unto me again, nevertheless he brought a Testimony of his pious comportement, in so much that I employed him in teaching of Grammar, and figures, for he was a Humanist sufficient enough, desirous to have more trial of him before he should be sent into the mission; and truly when I was last in England, I made diligent enquiry, as to his comportements, and I could hear nothing reported amiss; and whereas Dr. Ellis etc. publish in print that he wished his throat had been cut when he took orders, 'tis not the part of either Priest, or Christian to take away the good name of his Brother upon a mere As we are informed: besides the information (which they do not produce neither) is certainly false, as all this family believes, having heard nothing at any time coming from the said Brother that carried the least sound that way. Tolerabiliores sunt fures, qui vestes, & alia bona nostra diripiunt, quam fures qui famam nostram lacerant. S. Ambros. and indeed a man's good name is prized above great riches. Pro. 22.  
As to the second Missionary Dr. Ellis etc. style him in a manner phrenetical; although they would not take it well, if any should call them fanatic, for as much as they having their itching Ears, do after their own lusts adhere to a master of new notions, which is to be fanatics indeed, and the said Missionary is in a manner phrenetical only as they say. It does not beseem persons of their call, to sharpen their slandering tongues against a Brother, that deserves great civilities from them for many respects: 1ᵒ. he is descended of a noble Catholic family. Secondly he is a Priest, that is, Christ minister. Thirdly he is a Dr. of Physic, and the scripture bids us to do honour unto Physicians. Eccles. 38.  
Whereas Dr. Ellis &c▪ assert that the said Brother was within six or seven Months at most, a married man, widower, Priest, and Missionary. They unadvisedly add the particles, At most. For if they will make a true computation of the time from his wife's death, until his going into England, they shall find the space of a whole year at least. But this matters not much, since he was legally ordained; and about the same time our Organist's Father was a married man, widower, and Priest within ten months' space. Again I did not present the said party with design to engage him in the mission, nor licenced him to go into his Country for longer time than might be requisite unto dispatching his affairs, which he had left imperfect. Besides in receiving of Orders his sole design was to avoid the tentations of the world, contenting himself with the small Rents his elder Brother had left him in these Countries, and settled on our Mother-House in case he should have no issue. But the true reason wherefore Dr. Ellis etc. style him phrenetical, is because he hath signed to a disclaim from Mr. Blacloes' pernicious Doctrines, and indeed some of that pack, as 'tis signified to me, called that virtuous and learned man Father Angelo Provincial of the Recollects Madman, because he had published a command to all his Order unto the detesting of Mr. Blacloes' learning, and all the Religious orders of our Country were resolved to do the like.  
As to the third Missionary Dr. Ellis etc. call him A man of wild mad nature, and say, that he was expelled by me for open sedition. I answer that his fault was not of so great malice, as to deserve the brand of open sedition; being only a scandalous disorder committed our of frailty, which was not so deadly neither, but that I intended to pardon, and had pardoned him after a fatherly chiding, wherein my zeal told him, that I would turn him out of the House, to which he replied, that I durst not, which answer truly moved me to use severity above my natural inclination, lest it might appear, that I had unpresidented myself by yielding to a subjects menacing of me: however I did not expel him the College, but dismissed him only without faculties, and afterwards at the entreaty of all the family in a manner (which did not count him A man of a wild mad nature) and especially at the intercession of a Rt. Hon. person his friend, and in regard of his own submission, I gave him faculties; knowing well that he had good abilities. If every dismission taken in the proper sense might be called on expulsion, Mr. john Singletons' departure from this House might be termed an expulsion, for his unquiet Spirit, which before had rebelled against my Predecessor, Blessed Mr. Musket, constrained me to dismis him, though I dealt more nobly with him, than he hath dealt gratefully with his old Mother. Again upon the same score Mr. Holland the now Secretary of the Chapter his departure from the College of Lisboa might be called expulsion, for Mr. Bradford (God's peace be with him) and others of the said College now alive, which I charitably entertained, told me that his Precedent not liking his proceed sent him into England.  
But now to come more close to Dr. Ellis in order to the charge set down against me, I am able to object more clearly his misgovernment during his Presidentship over Lisboa College. 10. he made Mr. Bradford Deacon, though he told him he did did not think that he was come to years required by the Church's Canons for the receiving of that order, and indeed he wanted a competent age, as himself hath said, and there are now some in this College that can witness as much. Besides he dispatched him away, whence he came to this Mother-House with intent to receive the order of Priesthood, and to complete his studies, and I received him into our family, where he continued above 3. years extremely grateful to me, and civil to every one, and truly he was a young man of a singular good nature.  
Secondly Dr. Ellis made one Mr. William's Priest in his Logic, and before he heard either Philosophy, or Divinity sent him into England, and him I received into our House out of mere compassion, gratis: as likewise afore 4. or 5. others of the said College of Lisboa, only 50. l. star. being exacted for the entertaining of them all, and Dr. Ellis was engaged to pay the said sum, which notwithstanding he does not satisfy though he hath been often urged to perform his engagement, which he knows in his conscience to be a due debt.  
Thirdly Dr. Ellis made Mr. Holland Priest soon after his being received into the Church; and before he was grounded either in Scholastical or Moral Theology came Missionary into England, and for the great zeal he had shown at Lisboa towards Mr. Blacloes' new notions of Philosophy, and for his readiness in writing of English (who had been scribe to the Bishop of Durham afore) he (Mr. Blacloe) cherished and employed, and finding him very nimble, wanton, and active, as to maintaining, and spreading of his new Doctrines, preferred him to be secretary of the Chapter, that so he alone might hold the pencil to represent the scene of affairs to our Country Brethren as he should judge expedient for the carrying on of Mr. Blacloes' designs: and indeed all orders, and intelligences both at home and abroad come from him. Never did our ancient Clergy or any other commit so great an error, as to prefer a young raw Neophyte to such a Charge contrary to the express advice of the Apostle lest puffed up with pride, he fall into the judgement of the Devil. 1. Timo. 3. the word Neophyte, (which taken in the proper sense signifies such, as are newly baptised) ancient Fathers extend to all such as be newly retired from profane ways, (S. Hier. Ep. 83. ad Die. & Dialo. ad Lucif. C. 5.) of whom good trial ought to be taken, before they ought to be preferred to Ecclesiastical Charges; & either confirmed by miracle, which occasioned S. Ambrose Ecclesiastical perferment; or by gallant writings against all profane novelties, which caused S. Austin's preferment after his deliverance from the Manichean Heresy; or by a virtuous and exemplar life together with competent learning, which hath exalted sundry of our Nation since the Change of Religion. But Mr. Holland suddenly after he had abjured the errors in which he was bred, embraced the profane novelties of Mr. Blacloe, whereby appears plainly, that he hath been preferred unadvisedly, and indeed, as to him the Apostles Prophetic caution is come to pass. From the premises appears that Dr. Ellis saw a moth in his Brother's eye, not considering the beam that is in his own eye. Lu. 6.  
Pag. 40. But by his (Dr. Leyb.) refusing to join with us in obtaining one of the six proposed for a Bishop, and by divers other passages we omit, he makes the common report, and opinion an evident truth, that he intends to make himself our Superior.— He intends to make himself Paramount, uncontrollable etc.  
As to my refusing to join etc. perhaps Dr. Ellis etc. hint at Mr. Progers' denying to sign the Transactions of the meeting afore mentioned, held 1657. otherwise I know not what is meant hereby, for not any one of them ever required my concurrence, as to the procuring of one or more Bishops; and whereas Mr. Progers refused to subscribe unto the transactions of the said meeting he had great reason to do so, since the said meeting did not proceed according to the agreement expressed in his Instructions; besides I gave Mr. Progers an absolute order not to act any thing, as to that meeting, unless Mr. Clifford were present at it, whose Counsel together with my Lord Abbot Montague his instructions, I wished him to observe punctually: wherefore Dr. Ellis etc. after their wont manner unadvisedly, have cast upon me this particular aspersion: and whereas further they accuse me in the said charge, as intending to make myself Superior, Paramount, Vncontrolaeble etc. they manifest thereby an extreme perverseness in their violent ways. Because at my last being in London, I perceiving, that they were afraid, lest I might come to bear rule over them, I assured Dr. Ellis, Mr. Curtis, Mr. Manly, and others of the Chapter, that I had no other ambition then to get them to disclaim from Mr. Blacloes' impious Doctrines, to the end our Clergy might recover the credit, and honour which they had lost both at home, and abroad thereby, and withal protested sincerely in the word of a Christian, and Priest, that upon this condition of disclaiming, I would be bound to refuse whatsoever Superiority, or jurisdiction his Holiness might intent to confer on me in order to them Moreover I offered with the same asseveration, that I would be obliged likewise, to dispossess myself of my Presidentship to make room for some other deserving member of our Clergy, that may have better abilities to bring greater advantages to our Mother-House; and thus much I offer again (for the preserving of our said Clergy's honour) on the condition , and shall not fail in the performance of my engagement, or otherwise let me fall in the opinion of all our Brethren, and lay-catholics of England. Moreover I will be bound to leave our Mother-House in a better condition than ever it has been in any time of my Predecessors. Thus much in Answer to the encyclical Epistle (that came to my hands about a month ago) whereunto I was moved for sundry pregnant reasons.  
10. that I might heal my wounded Innocency with the evidence of truth. Qui lapide feritur quaerit medicum: ictus autem calumniae gravius, quam lapides feriunt. Est enim calumnia clava, & gladius, & iaculum incurabile, ut dixit Solomon: sed his veritas mederi potest, qua ubi negligitur, vulnera accepta acerbiora fiunt. S. Athanas. Apolog. ad Constant. Blows from slandering tongues wound more grieousely, than stones, clubs, swords, or darts, and truth only can cure the wounds which they inflict, in so much that truth being neglected, the wounds grow wider.  
Secondly that so I might lay open the crafty deal, which Dr. Ellis etc. have used to draw our Brethren unto an engagement with Mr. Blacloe and themselves, which if espoused of necessity will bring utter ruin: his eminent learning, and their supporting of it, tending that way.  
Thirdly, for as much, as I was informed that Dr. Ellis etc. had not only spread their encyclical Epistle amongst our Brethren, but even amongst lay-catholics, and likewise sent it into France, and these Countries. From Brussels a worthy person writeth unto me thus. I am very sorry to see the Clergy carried away with Mr. Blacloes' unwholesome Doctrines to its great dishonour, and that the Chapter-men in London are so factious, and disunited from many others, as I perceive by their scandalous Epistle put out in order to yourself: This Letter I have communicated to our Seniors.  
Furthly I was moved to put forth my Answer for two other reasons, which especially prevailed with me. The one is, because I am Precedent of the Mother-House, so that the many great affronts, and foul aspersions which the encyclical Epistle casts upon me, of necessity must reflect, and redound upon her at least in part; a wicked Husban is a disgrace to his wise though she be good: and indeed my very soul would be swallowed up with grief to bear the infamous brand to all posterity of being the first Precedent of the said Mother-House, that should carry the deadly guilt of ambition, faction, sedition, and all manner of Evils, which the encyclical Epistle accuses me of.  
The other special reason is, because Dr. Ellis etc. in the encyclical Epistle menace our Mother-House for as much as they do covertly stir up our Brethren to deal with lay-catholics in manner afore expressed. Since they conceive an impossibility of prevailing with her to deviate from the ways of her ancient Governors, and the general practice of God's Church, they endeavour craftily to make her Children dependent of them. However I doubt not, but that the supreme providence will overthrew their inordinate design to her greater honour and Luster; our English Catholics can never be carried away against their own Spiritual Mother, I say their own Mother, for in Christ jesus she hath begotten many of their Ancestors through the Gospel. This College that was erected in Douai in the year 1568. (and consequently her year of lubily is not fare of to the comfort of all her good Children) hath furnished the Catholics of England with Priests and Pastors, which have ministered the Sacraments, preached Christian Doctrine, and sacrificed their lives, unto conserving the true faith of Christ amongst them, even divers years afore any other College or Monastery of English Missionaries was erected. So that this Mother-House is not only a Seminary of Pastors, that hath sent above a Thousand Priests into England, but of Martyrs allo, for as much as about 140. of her Children have shed their blood in the defence of Catholic Religion. Besides this Mother-House hath had to the number of about 40. Doctors of Divinity as Dr. Allan the first Precedent, afterwards Cardinal, Stapleton, Bristol Kellison, Stratford, and others, Quorum memoria in benedictione est, which in regard of their famous writings, have brought many wand'ring sheep to the fold of S. Peter. Wherefore this Mother-House being so supported with Pastors' Confessors, Martyrs and Doctors (confiding in the providence of God, who promised protection to the City of Jerusalem for his servant David's sake 4. Reg.) shall I hope stand against all the Assaults of her Aduersaties.  
Now, much honoured Brethren, 'tis high time to end this unhappy conflict, (wherein I had not engaged myself if it had not been to vindicate my dead Lord our Spiritual Father, and Superior, my own, and our old Mother's honour and innocency) only give me leave in her name, (whose speaker my office makes me) to present unto you 4. special requests as true Testimonies of her motherly affection, and piety.  
First, that the prudent, and wise conduct which her old Children your elder Brothers, and Predecessors have shown in the settling and governing of our mission; may be unto you a guiding Card to steer your actions by. The learned writings of her Doctors humbly and soberly delivered in full conformity to the general practice of God's Church, the extreme labours of her Pastors carefully exercised, and valiantly endured unto converting of souls, and the bloody sacrifices of her Martyrs piously, and clearefully offered in confirmation of the truth hath sown the seed, that hath preserved, continued, and increased Catholic Religion in our Country.  
Secondly that our late blessed Bishop, Spiritual Father, and Superior his constant peaching against profane novelties, may draw your hearts from being carried away with every wind of Doctrine. As S. john the Evangelist perpetually exhorted his Children unto reciprocal Charity commanding them to love one another; so our most godly Bishop, constantly persuaded his Children unto an abhorrence of singularity, and novelty, telling them that these were the marks of an Heretic. The reason that moved his Lordship to inculcate this pastoral caution so often, was, because if Pastors entertain wicked Doctrines, doubtless they will suffer them to take root in their jurisdictions, or districts in consequence of which, they shall bring many souls to everlasting ruin.  
Thirdly that you will take into your serious considerations the Religious Acts of your two last Deans to wit, Mr. Fitton, and Dr. Daniel, both wise experienced men, and great Lovers of Mr. Blacloe, who notwithstanding showed at last their great dislike of his learning for Mr. Fitton upon his deaths-Bed delivered up his books to the Inquisitor of Florence telling his Executours, that they were already, or would be condemned: and Dr. Daniel soon after he was elected Dean declared a necessity to disclaim from his learning, and without doubt would have done so, if he had survived one half year longer; and indeed he had joined with me in a Letter to our Brethren long afore, that pressed them to an unanimous disclaim both from Mr. Blacloe, and Dr. Holden's learning.  
Lastly our old Mother's request is that you will be mindful of the Counsel which S. Gregory the great our Patron and Apostle of England often inculcated to his flock, that is, Si obedientes fuerimus praepositis, Deus obediet orationibus nostris. For as much as joshua was obedient to God, God was obedient to his prayer unto staying the sun in the midst of Heaven until the people of Israel avenged themselves upon their enemies: but S. Gregory means not by the particles si obedientes fuerimus praepositis only the supreme Superior, that is God alone, but all his vice-gerents upon earth both spiritual and civil, and our old Mother's request is that you give to all Superiors their duty for there is no Superiority but of God, and whosoever resisteth Superiority, resisteth the ordinance of God, and thereby shall receive to himself damnation; wherefore you ought under pain of eternal damnation to give to Caesar what is due to Caesar, and to the Bishop of Rome what is due to him: these being Gods principal Vice-Gerents on earth and your Chiefest Superiors; and Catholic Religion teacheth that obedience of necessity is due to each of them, to the one in order to spiritual, to the other in order to civil Matters. He that taketh from Caesar to give to the Pope, and he that taketh from the Pope to give to Caesar, they both are abomination to God, whose will is that we give to all Superiors their duty. Thus having presented our old Mother's Requests, I subscribe myself  
Much honoured Brethren Yr. most affectionate Brother in Christ jesus. GEO. LEYBURN.   

POSTSCRIPT.  
WHEREAS I was informed, that Dr. Ellis, Mr. Curtis etc. report that they have writ sundry letters grievousely accusing me unto the Nuncius Residing at Paris, and the Internuncius residing at Brussels, as likewise to the Court of Rome, whence they have received an Answer in these words: Ingratissimum fuisse suae Sanctitati viri factum; & si Clerus ipsum Regis Ministris tanquam Pacis perturbatorem tradidissent, tantum abfuturam Curiam Romanam ab ipsius protectione, ut ultrò supplicium ipsius fuisset promotura. Where is observable first, that having received the forsaid information, I writ unto the Internuncius residing at Brussels, to whose jurisdiction I am subject, humbly beseeching his Lordship to acquaint me in particular with the aspersions my Adversaries had cast upon me, whereby his Lordship (imagining that I had suspected him, by his not acquainting me with what had been writ unto him, in order to accusing of me) answered me in these words.  
Admodum Reuerende Domine, Pro singulari quo D. V prosequor study molestè tuli, quod ipsa iudicet me sinistrae ullius contra se impressionis capacem esse.— Igitur à D. V peto ut similes suspiciones à se prorsus abijciat, nec voeibus malignorum ullatenus moveatur, utpote, que nequeunt offuscare plenam S. Sedis Apostolicae de meritis & dotibus ipsius informationem. Quod addit de exigentia alicuius Capitis pro Clero Anglicano, res pridèm cordi est S. D. nostro, nec quidquam negligitur, quod ad rens conducere possit: circumstantiae tamen temporum successiuè occurrentes suadent dilationem interponi, idque pro meliori negotij exitu. Ipsi demùm ad Ecclesiae Anglicane decus diuturnam apprecor sospitatem. Bruxellis 5. Malj 1661.  
Admodum R. D. V Addictissimus & Officiosissimus Hierony. Abbas Montis Regalis.  
His letter alone is able to clear my innocency from the calumnies of my Adversaries, since the Nuntius, to whom they had accused me, vindicates clearly my integrity.  
Secondly ti's observable that Dr. Ellis, Mr. Curtis etc. Have accused me to the Court of Rome of treason against our Sovereign Lord the King. For the words of their letter so import, as appears plainly by the sea Apostolick's Answer, in Order to the fact committed; to wit, the said Answer is, that if the Clergy had delivered me into the hands of his Ma.tie Ministers as a disturber of the peace the said Court would not only not have protected, but concurred to the punishing of me: which indeed is an Answer worthy the sea Apostolic, being most conform to the Tenets of Catholic Religion, which teacheth, that as Caesar's due ought not to be kept from him, so neither aught his tranquillity and peace be disturbed, and both the ancient and modern Church hath enacted severe laws against all Disturbers of Caesar's quietness. And as to the aspersion cast on me, if I might know, that I were accused to have acted any one thing unto disturbing of my Caesar, it should be needless to deliver me up, for I would present myself voluntarily to his ministers for the clearing of my Innocency from such a deadly wickedness; and for taking away, so great a scandal from my Religion.  
In like manner Mr. Blacloe in his Fly flap accuseth me of treason against the King of Spain, saying that in the time of the wars I entertained a spy sent from France to the ruin of Belgium, though I know him for such. This accusation for as much as it dwell's upon general words, without producing of particular proofs, carries the mark of a calumny. However I conceive what is hints at, to wit, my admitting of Dr. Talbot unto a night's lodging (who came out of France in the time of wars between the Catholic and and most Christian Kings, into Belgium, and profess ingeniously though he had the protection of Count Salazar Governor of Cambray, and the Marquis of Tresegny, Governor of Tournay, in whose House▪ after wards he resided, and the civility of the 〈…〉 of this Town, I should not have lodged him (in redscarhead understood from his own Countrymen that he was ●●●e the Cardinal Mazarin employed) if he had not had so near ●●●elation to that worthy Person Sr. Robert Talbot, of whose ●●●ity towards my own King I had evidence enough, when I 〈◊〉 sent by our Queen into Ireland. But I profess as ingeniousely as afore, that I no more knew the said Dr. Talbot to be a spy, than Mr. Blacloe knows to Sapere ad sobrietatem, and was so far from conspiring to the Prejudice of the King of Spain, who according to his low condition gave our King entertainment and protection, that I revealed my jealousies in Order to Dr. Talbot to all the Seniors of the House telling them, that notwithstanding his protection from two of the chief personages of these countries, I was afraid to lodge him, lest some suspicion of guilt might arise thereby to the disgrace of our Mother-House; and I profess again that before I would lodge him, I consulted the Chief Magistrate of our Town, named Monsieur Chantrain, of a noble Family▪ and acquainted him, as I had done afore the said Seniors of our House, and himself will witness as much.  
But I perceive by this aspersion cast upon me, how two or three of my Seniors cast themselves into grace With our London Chapter; I will not name them. Again I do believe that interest, not malice made them tell a story against me, which Mr. Blacloe hath Metamorphosed into an untruth, thinking to ruin myself and our old Mother thereby.  
THE END.