THE Loyal Protestants VINDICATION, FAIRLY Offered to All those Sober Minds WHO Have the Art of Using REASON, AND The Power of Suppressing PASSION.  
By a Queen Elizabeth Protestant.  
LONDON, Printed for Walter Kettilby, at the Sign of the Bishops-Head, in S. Paul's Churchyard, 1680.   

THE Loyal Protestants VINDICATION.  
Fellow Natives and Brother Protestants.  
FOR by Birth and Charity we are bound so to call you. And we hope, That (upon the Ebbs of your heat and humour) you will out of humility think it fit at last to call Us so too.  
It cannot the denied, but that (ever since the Blessed Reformation) Protestanism is the Common Cause and Interest of England. And that he only is to be reputed Our Enemy, who shall and doth by Plots and Designs endeavour, either to Subvert or Alter our Government, as it now stands by Law established both in Church and State.  
Now for the Blasting and Defeating of all wicked Conspiracies against Our Established Government, both at present and for the future, I can assure you, that you have our Heads, our Hands and our Hearts. Nor can you be more zealous for the Overthrow of the late discovered Damnable and Hellish Popish Plot, and the suppressing the Growth of Popery, than the true honest-minded Church of England men are. Pardon them only in this; That they love a Zeal regulated with Prudence, and softened with Moderation.  
You all very well know, That it hath been of late the great artifice of the Jesuited Party to intrude (if possible) their damnable Plot upon that Classis of Protestants called Presbyterians. Who I am persuaded have learned from their former miscarriages, That it is both theirs and all Protestants Interest, not to disturb our National Government, or disoblige their Prince.  
And I could heartily wish that the Papists might never have had any colourable pretence for fathering their Brat of Rebellion upon any sort of Protestants amongst Us. And this they would never have had, if the years between 1640. and 60. could be razed out of the Book of Time, and the memory of this Age.  
But whatever things the Papists may Revive to serve their Cause, We are willing to forget them, so it may heal our Breaches, and Cement us together in a Brotherly Assistance of each other, for the saving both of You and Us, and our Protestant Religion.  
And for the effectual promoting of so considerable and public a concern, I think all judicious and thoughtful men will allow that there is nothing so essential and necessary as our Union. And though it's not reasonable to expect, that all the sorts of Protestants in England should in a moment concentre in one mind, in one judgement and opinion: Yet what should hinder, but that they may have a reciprocal kindness and love one for another, and one and the same Loyalty to their Prince?  
Unless the Protestant parties in England are like the Princes in Germany, wherein every one is so much wedded to his own interest, that he had rather see the Emperor dethroned, and the whole Empire lost, than lose one little Regalia of his own to save it.  
Never were the Papists so full of Plots, and so big with hopes as now. And never was the Wicked one so busy in sowing the Seeds of discord and contention as within this month or two last passed. For to an observing eye the Print of the Cloven foot hath been easily seen in all the Roads, Cities, Towns and Corporations of England within that time.  
And whatever Sentiments some Overzealous and misguided men may have of linking and listing themselves and names, under the form of a Petition; yet certainly none but the Jesuit, (who alone hath the Art of out doing the Devil in malice and mischief) could have invented a more proper and effectual way of setting Protestants in England at a greater variance and distance than ever they were before.  
The Old weatherbeaten course which the Jesuits used to make us Protestants hateful to, and hating one of another, was to cast upon some the name and character of Calvinists, upon some Arminians, upon some Socinians, upon some Pelagians, upon some Cavaliers and Malignants, upon some Covenanters and Roundheads after the old style; but now Churchmen and fanatics, or Court and Country party, after the style of the newest fashions.  
But now since the Jesuit perceives that We Protestants begin to smell the device of these Nicknames, and that we are growing so skilful as to discern that these are only bones thrown in amongst us, merely to make us snarl, and bite, and devour one another; Therefore the Jesuits (to perpetuate and continue the Protestant fray and scuffle, which is the only advantage to their Cause) have now at this time (if not invented) yet at least set on foot a Form and mode of Petitioning, which must inevitably run us into fearful Broils, if not timely prevented.  
For pray observe, With what heat and earnestness did some press the Subscription of it upon others their fellow subjects? With what Reluctancy and stubbornness did others deny and refuse it? How passionately and bitterly did many in Coffeehouses and other places debate and argue the lawfulness and unlawfulness of it?  
And it's to be wished, that in some Towns, Parishes, and Neighbourhoods it be not the standing cause of irreconcilable feuds and quarrels among the people. For such hath been the imprudence of some hotheaded men that carried this Petition about for Subscriptions, that they told the un-thinking vulgar, it was the Shibboleth to discern between the Protestants and Papists in England.  
And hence many of them (poor Souls!) out of fear and ignorance set their Hands, but more their Marks to it: when as they, and those that Pressed it upon them, can give no just positive account, whether this Petition, and the Solemn League and Covenant, were invented and framed either by a Papist or a Protestant.  
And now is not this a pretty piece of Sport to our Common enemy the Papist, to see a Leaf of paper set all England in a Flame, and create most desperate Animosities amongst its Protestant natives? Could there be any Project or Device (next to the kill of our Gracious Sovereign whom God long preserve) so essential and proper for the Ruin of Us, and our Protestant Religion as this?  
What need have the Papists of Collections from their friends? or moneys from the Holy Chamber? or of Armies from Foreign Popish Princes? when as our Divisions, which they have set up amongst us, will with good looking after most certainly and inevitably do this work to their hands, without any such cost or trouble.  
Serious and frequent have been our Addresses to you for a Brotherly Correspondence and Reconciliation, and your Joining with Us in the Defence and Preservation of the Protestant Religion. Nay we have made it Our Humble Requests to You, that you would do Us that Right and Justice, as to own and allow us to be Protestants as well as yourselves. And yet such hath been the hard fate and misfortune of Our Gentleness and Meekness towards you, that like the Grace of God to proud and wanton sinners, they have been scorned and rejected.  
For instead of any Civilities to us for this our Humble Demeanour, you have imperiously ascended the Seat of Judgement, and the Chair of the Scorner: Loading us with Scoffs and Reproaches, and condemning us for Heretics and Papists. Nay, so mightily Soured are you in your Opinions and Judgements of an English Churchman, that you nauseate him, as you pretend to do a Papist, and shun his converse and sight as much as a man of curdled blood doth Cheese.  
But whatever Treatments you are pleased to give us, or whatever Liveries you think fit to Cloth us withal; yet (begging your leave) we shall desire this freedom as to cleanse our Garments from those foul Aspersions thrown upon them from Pulpits in Conventicles, Libels from the Press, and those Scurrilous Reproaches vented by Republican Tools and Tantivy's.  
And therefore let him that hath Eyes and Learning to read, Consider the Loyal Protestants Vindication, In these following Particulars,  
FIRST, We do own and love all Protestants of whatever Sort, Title and Name, that do really abominate the Superstitious fooleries and Heretical Doctrines of the Church of Rome.  
Secondly, We do Approve and Delight in all Persons, which assert and vindicate the King's Supremacy over all Persons and in all Causes both in Church and State.  
Thirdly, We countenance and commend all such, who mind their own business and study to be quiet, and who out of Duty as well as Modesty have so good and just opinion of their present Sovereign's Art and Judgement in Governing, that they will not presume to prescribe him rules and methods of managing the people which God hath committed to his care and charge.  
For such hath been his Education, and so much experience hath he learned in foreign Courts and Countries, during his Exile, that we can positively say, He is the Wisest King in Christendom, and the best Statesman in all his whole Kingdom.  
Fourthly, We are for giving all men their just deuce according to their Dignities, Places, and Qualities, and do abominate all those harsh and rough methods, which irritate our Superiors anger and displeasure. For certainly of all persons, Governors chiefly are to be obliged and not forced.  
Fifthly, We do verily believe, that according to the Contents of our New Testament, no man ought to Affront and Vilify his Prince's Person and Authority either in words or deeds. And that if he cannot conform to the Government of his Prince, yet he is bound in Conscience, not to be openly, publicly, and actually disobedient, especially where the Prince is Christian and Protestant too. And where the ground of Subject's Obedience and Disobedience is purely about Things Indifferent, which is a thing that wholly excludes all doubts and scruples of Conscience.  
Sixthly, We do abominate, and as seasonably and prudentially as we can, rebuke and suppress all sorts of Vices and Immoralities without respect had to persons. And should be heartily glad to see Whoredom, Adultery, Drunkenness, Swearing and Pride, to grow out of fashion in the Kingdom; as we wish, Malice, Spite, Backbiting, Censuring, Slandering, Railing and Bitterness of Spirit may decay amongst you.  
Seventhly, We heartily Love, and highly Applaud all plainhearted and public-spirited men, who aim and endeavour at things for the King's Honour and Greatness, and the real good of the whole Kingdom. But we do detest and abhor all self-ended and self-seeking men, especially those who engage a whole Kingdom for a particular disgust; and study revenge for a private defeat they have received, or who design to make themselves Popular, great and rich under the Pretence of serving the Public.  
Eighthly, We heartily pray, and use all the interest we have, that this late Damnable Hellish Popish Plot, (which God in mercy to us all hath brought to light) may be daily more and more detected and brought to a final Period. And we join with you in our souls, that the Parliament may sit for the Trial of those Great Conspirators, who cannot be otherwise Tried but by Parliament. But as for the time, when this Parliament should sit about this weighty affair, we humbly leave it to His Majesty's Prudence, who, of all men hath the sole right, and is best able to choose the seasonableness of doing it.  
Ninthly, We do firmly believe, that the Present Actings and Designs of Our Enemies the Papists are so wicked and evil, and Our Cause so Good and Just, that we dare (with the use of lawful and justifiable means) in an humble confidence refer the whole matter into the hands of Providence, not doubting but that God will so rule the heart of our King, and direct his Councils, that We and Our Religion will at last have as Memorable a Deliverance, as any of those which have been in the Days of our Ancestors.  
Tenthly, We do affirm, and can justify it: That the Men of the Church of England are the true, right, and only Protestants. And for this we dare appeal to the known Laws of the Land, to the Hugonots of France, and all the Calvinistical and Lutheran Churches abroad; for whenever they write or speak of the Church of England, they mean that which is established by Law in our Nation.  
And because the Memory of Queen Elizabeth is always so fresh and fragrant in your minds, that you keep her Anniversary Coronation-day above all other Protestant Kings of England, with the solemnities of Bonfires and ringing of Bells. We therefore take the opportunity to declare to you; That it's not you, but we are the Men, who are not only the Legal, but the true Queen Elizabeth Protestants. And I would advise you, the next time you observe that Day, (which I shall observe with you) that you would inquire into yourselves, whether you are the Protestants of that mould and stamp, which she loved, and her Laws protected in her Reign.  
Eleventhly, Though you take a pride or pleasure, or both, to represent us to the Vulgar under those filthy characters of Mongrel Protestants, Half Protestants, Protestants in Masquerade, and Church Papists. Yet under our patient bearing of your Reproaches: We beg your pardon to make this Declaration: That we do abhor and detest those black and odious Titles. And had you but a spark of modesty, or a grain of reason, or the least insight into our Laws, you would have long since forborn to persecute us with this slanderous Accusation.  
What was Queen Elizabeth a good Protestant, and now must the Queen Elizabeth Protestant's be counted no Protestants, or called half Protestants, and Protestants in Masquerade? What doth the Jesuit and Papists hate us, and plot to destroy us, because he finds us the best and truest Protestants? And must you to Revile us and seek to Root us out: because we are not Protestants according to your standard?  
Certainly had you but any wit or Reason about you, you might plainly see; That whatever you think of us, the Papists take us only to be the truest Protestants, and their greatest Enemies. For it's against Us that all these malicious Plots are levelled. And they have only set you up as Tools and Instruments to complete their design. For alas, there is hardly one amongst all your Parties hath writ so Judiciously and Rationally against the Church of Rome, as to deserve either a Learned Papists reading or answer.  
And now must our Bishops, Doctors and Divines be the only Champions for the Protestant Religion against the Romanists. And yet must their Hearers and Followers be branded with the Ignominious Names of Half Protestants, Church Papists, and Protestants in Masquerade?  
For shame forbear these unchristian slanders; or else all foreign Protestants will say, that you want both manners and modesty, or which is worse, brains and reason.  
Go on, if you please, with your trade of Calumniating: But thus plain we will be with you, to acquaint you, that our Eyes are so open, as to see you use one way, and the Papists use another way, to destroy and Ruin the Church of England, with its Protestant professors. And we declare, That from our knowledge of you Both, we expect no Quarter or mercy from either of you.  
For the Church of England men have already endured two Persecutions, the one of Fire in the Reign of Queen Mary, the other of the Sword in our late Unnatural Wars, when men of your own kidney Plundered, Sequestered, Imprisoned, Hanged and Beheaded many Thousands, for no other Crime, but that they were Loyal Subjects, and Queen Elizabeth Protestants. And now we are Expecting to fall under a Third Persecution: But whether it will come from the Papists, or You, we cannot as yet so easily Discern.  
Lastly, Because you so arrogantly call yourselves The Protestants, and the True Protestants; and so scoffingly call us the Half Protestants, and Church Papists, and Protestants in Masquerade:  
We therefore send you this Challenge.  
Go if you dare with us into Westminster-Hall, to the Assizes and Quarter-Sessions before the Judges and Justices of the Peace; and there (if you dare) take with Us the Oaths of Allegiance and Supremacy. Renounce with us the Doctrine of Transubstantiation, and the Solemn League and Covenant. Subscribe with us the Declaration of the Unlawfulness of taking up Arms against the King. And bring with us your Certificates of Receiving the Sacrament according to the Church of England.  
This, This is the Test and Shiboleth to distinguish Protestants from Papists, and not your Form of Petition which lately went in Procession; and should your boasted multitudes of Subscribers be brought to this Touchstone, we know that three parts of five would run a great danger of being convicted for Recusants by Law; for many of you who proudly call yourselves the True Protestants, will as stiffly deny the doing of these things as the Rankest Papist in England.  
In love therefore I desire you to refrain from the vilifying us with the filthy characters of Protestants in Masquerade, and Church Papists, since that we have been so kind to you for many years, as not to put you upon this Trial, which we know would be as ungrateful and prejudicial to you as any Papists.  
And if you cannot out of Modesty and Charity, yet out of Interest learn to be more Sober and Moderate to your fellow Natives and Protestant Brethren; and do not Calumniate the Honest Churchmen of England who Pray for you, and love you better than you do yourselves, and would be glad to have you to join with them in all lawful and justifiable ways, for the overthrow of all Popish Plots, and the Preservation of that Protestant Religion which is Established by Law.  
And now let all the World Judge, whether We or You, are Half-Protestants, and Protestants in Masquerade; since that We will abide by those Legal Trials and Touchstones, which are the National Discriminations between Protestants and Papists: and You, or the major-part of You, refuse these Tests as well as the Papists; and as long as You stand in the Refusal of them, You are but Papists in a Protestant disguise.  
FINIS.