A MODERATE EXPEDIENT FOR Preventing of Popery, AND The more Effectual Suppression OF JESUITS and PRIESTS, Without giving them the Vainglory OF PRETENDING to MARTYRDOM.  
By a Person of Quality.   

I Am not ignorant that this latter Age hath brought forth a swarm of busy heads, which measure the great Mysteries of State by the Rule of their selfconceited Wisdom: but if they would consider that the Commonwealth, governed by grave Counselors, is like unto a Ship directed by a skilful Pilot, to whom the necessities of occasions, and grounds of Reason why he steereth the Helm to this or that point of the Compass, are better known, than to those that stand aloof off; they would perhaps be more sparing, if not more wary in their Resolutions.  
For my own particular, I must confess that I am naturally too much inclined to his opinion, who once said, Qui bene latuit, bene vixit; and freshly recalling to mind the saying of Functius to his Friend at the hour of his untimely Death: 
Disce, meo exemplo, mandato munere fungi:  
Et fuge ceu Pestem, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.   
I could easily forbear to make my Handwriting the Record of any Opinion; which nevertheless I protest to maintain rather problematically, than by the way of a conclusive assertion: therefore, without wasting precious time any longer with needless Prologue, I will briefly set down the Question in the Terms following:  
Whether it be more expedient to suppress Popish practices against the due Allegiance to his Majesty, by the strict execution of the present Laws touching Jesuits and Seminary Priests; or to restrain them to close Prison during life, if no Reformation following.  
The doubt propounded consisting of two Branches, necessarily requireth to be distinctly handled, that by comparing either part, the conveniency mentioned in the Question may be cleared with more facility.  

1. In favour of the first Division there are not a few, who grounding themselves on an ancient Proverb, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 A dead man bites not, affirm that such are dangerous to be preserved alive, who being guilty, condemned, and full of fear, are likely, for purchase of life and liberty, to engage their utmost in desperate adventures against their King and Country.  
2. No less is it to be feared, that while the Sword of Justice is remiss in cutting off heinous offenders against the dignity of the Crown, the misled Papal multitude in the interim, may enter into a jealous suspense, whether that forbearance proceed from the fear of exasperating their desperate humours, or that it is now become questionable, whether the execution of their Priests be simply for matter of State, or pretended quarrel for Religion.  
3. And whereas in a remediless inconvenience, it is lawful to use the extremity of Laws against some sew, that many by terror of the Example may be reform; what hope can there be, that Clemency may tame their hearts, who interpret his Majesty's grace in transporting their Priests out of this Realm, to be a mere shift to rid the Prisons of those whom Conscience could not condemn of any capital Crime?  
4. Neither are their vaunting whisper to be neglected, by which they seek to confirm the fearful Souls of their Party, and to inveigle the ignorant, doubtful, or discontented persons: for if the glorious extolling of their powerful Friends, and the expecting of a golden day be suffered to win credit with the meaner sort, the relapse cannot be small, or the means easy to reform the Error, without a general combustion of the State.  
5. Let experience speak somewhat in this behalf, which hath evidently descried within the current of few years, That the forbearance of Severity hath multiplied their Roll in such manner, that it remains as a Corrosive to thousands of his Majesty's well-affected Subjects.  
6. To what purpose serves it, to muster the names of the Protestants, or to vaunt them to be ten for one of the Roman Faction, as if bare figures of numeration could prevail against an united Party, resolved and advised aforehand how to turn their faces with assurance unto all dangers, while in the mean time, the Protestants nestling in vain security, suffer the Weed to grow up that threatneth their bane and merciless ruin?  
7. Sometimes the Oath of Supremacy choked their presumptuous imaginations, and yet could not that infernal Smoke be wholly smothered, nor the Locusts issuing thereout be cleansed from the face of this Land. Now that the Temporal power of the King, contained in the Oath of Allegiance, is by the Papal See, and many of the Adorers thereof, impudently avowed to be unlawful; shall the broachers of such Doctrine be suffered to live, yea to live and be received of us, for whose destruction they daily sigh and practice?  
8. To be a right Popish Priest, in true English sense, is to bear the Character of a disloyal Renegade, one that hath cast off his natural Obedience to his Sovereign, by swearing Homage to a Foreign Head. Whom, if by connivance he shall let slip, or chastise with a light hand, what immunity may not traitorous Delinquents in dat degrees expect or challenge after a sort, in Equity and Justice?  
9 If there were no Receivers, there would be no Thiefs: Likewise, if there were no Harbourers of the Jesuits, it is to be presumed that they would not trouble this Isle with their presence: Therefore Rigour must be extended against the Receiver, that the Jesuit may be kept out of doors: were it then indifferent Justice to hang up the Accessary, and let the Principal go free; namely, to suffer the Priest to draw his breath at length, while the Entertainer of him under his Roof, submits his body to the Executioners hand? Without doubt, if it be fit to forbear the chief, it will be necessary to receive the second Offender into protection: wherewith a mischief must ensue of continual Expense, and scandalous restraint of so great a number.  
10. Reputation is one of the principal Arteries of the Commonwealth; which Maxim is so well known to the Secretaries of the Papacy, that by private Forgeries and public impressions of Calumnies, they endeavour to wound us in that vital part. Howsoever therefore, some few of that stamp being better tempered than their fellows in 〈◊〉 of our Government, have not spared to affirm, That Tyranny is unjustly ascribed thereunto, for so much as Freedom of Conscience, after a sort, may be redeemed for money; Notwithstanding there want not many Pamphleteers of their side, who opprobriously cast in our teeth the converting of the Penalty inflicted on Recusants, and refusers of the Oath of Allegiance, from the King's Exchequer to a particular Purse. Surely we cannot presume that these Libelers may be dissuaded from spitting out their Venom maliciously against us, when they shall see their Priests mewed up without further process of Law: for either they will attribute this calm dealing to the Justice of their Cause, the strength of their Party or Patience, or that tract of time hath discovered our Laws importing overmuch sharpness, in good Policy, to be thought fit for abrogation by non-usance, than repealed by a public decree.  
11. Moreover, it is forethought by some, that if these Seminaries be only restrained, that they may prove hereafter like a Snake kept in the bosom, such as Bonner, Gardiner, and others of the same Livery, shown themselves to be after Liberty obtained in Queen Mary's days; and if the loss of their Ghostly Fathers agrieve them, it is probable that they will take Arms sooner, and with more courage, to free the Living, than to set up a Trophy to the Dead.  
12. Howsoever the Jesuits Band is known in their Native Soil to be defective in many respects, which makes them Underlings to the Protestants; as in Authority, Arms, and the protection of the Laws, which is all in all: Nevertheless they insinuate themselves to Foreign Princes favouring their Party, with promises of strange assistance at home, if they may be well backed from abroad: To which purpose they were wont to divide the Inhabitants of this Realm into four Sects; whereof ranking their Troops in the first place (as due to the pretended Catholics) they assumed a full fourth part to their property: and of that part again they made a Subdivision into two portions; namely, of those that openly renounced the established Church of England, and others whose certain number could not be assigned, because they frequented our Service, our Sacraments, reserving their hearts to their Lord God the Pope. The second Party they allot to the Protestants; who retain yet, as they say, some Relics of their Church. The third Rank, and largest, was left unto the Puritans; whom they hate deadly, in respect that they will hold no indifferent quarter with Papistry. The fourth and last Maniple, they assign to the Politicians: Huomini (say they) Senza Dio, & Senz Anima: Men without fear of God, or regard of their Souls; who busying themselves only with matters of State, retain no sense of Religion. Without doubt, if the Authors of this Partition have cast their Account aright, we must confess the latter Brood is to be ascribed properly unto them: For if the undermining of the Parliament-house, the scandalising of the King in Print, who is Gods Anointed, and the refusal of natural Obedience, be works of those that neither stand in awe of God or Conscience; well may the Papists boast, that they are assured of the first number; and may presume likewise of the lasts friendship, when occasion shall be offered. For the preventing of which Combination, it is a sure way to cut off the Heads that should tie the Knot, or at least to brand them with a mark in the Forehead, before they be dismissed; or after the opinion of others, and custom of Sweden, to make them unwelcome to the feminine Sex, which now with great fervency embraceth them.   
These are for the most part Arguments vented in ordinary discourse, by many who suppose a Priest's breath to be contagious in our English Air. Others there are, who maintain the second part of the Question, with Reasons not unworthy of observance.  
Death is the end of Temporal Woes; but it may in no wise be accounted the Grave of memory: Therefore howsoever it is in the power of Justice to suppress the person of a man, the Opinion for which he suffered (conceived truly or untruly in the hearts of a Multitude) is not subject to the edge of any Sword, how sharp or keen soever. I confess that the Teeth are soon blunted, that by't only out of the malice of a singular Faction; but where Poison is diffused through the veins of a Commonwealth with intermixture of Blood, good and bad, Separation is to be made rather by Evacuation than by present Incision. The greatest biter of a State, is Envy, joined with thirst of Revenge; which seldom declares itself in plain Colours, until a Jealousy conceived of personal dangers, breaketh out into desperate Resolutions. Here comes it to pass, that when one male-contented Member is grieved, the rest of the body is sensible thereof: neither can a Priest or Jesuit be cut-off without a general murmur of their Secretaries; which being confident in their number, secretly arm for opposition; or confirmed with their Martyr's blood (as they are persuaded) resolve by patience and sufferance to glorify their Cause, and to merit Heaven. Do we not daily see, that it is easier to confront a private Enemy, than a Society or Corporation? and that the hatred of a State, is more immortal than the spleen of a Monarchy? Therefore except it be demonstrated, that the whole Roman City, which consists not of one brood, but of a succession of persons, may be cut off at the first stroke as one entire Head, I see no cause to think our State secured by sitting on the skirts of some few Seminaries, leaving in the mean time a multitude of Snarlers abroad, who already show their Teeth, and only wait opportunity to by't fiercely. I will not deny, that whom we fear, we commonly hate; provided always that no merit hath interceded a Reconciliation: for there is great difference between hatred conceived against him that will take away the life, and him that may justly do it, and yet in Clemency forbears to put it in effect; for the latter breedeth reverend awe, whereas the former subjecteth to servile fear, always accompanied with desire of Innovations. And although it hath been affirmed of the Church of Rome, Quod Pontificium genus semper crudele; nevertheless, out of Charity, let us hope that all Devils are not so black as they are painted: Some, or perhaps many of them there are, whom Conscience, or in default thereof, pure shame of the world will constrain to confess, That his Majesty most graciously distinguisheth the Theory of Popery, from the Active part thereof, as being naturally inclined, Parvis peceatis veniam, magnis severitatem commodare; nec poenâ semper, sed saepius poenitentiâ contentus esse.  
2. Mistaking of punishments legally inflicted, commonly proceeds from fond pity, or the interest which we have in the same Cause; both which beget blind partiality. Admit then that the Papal side, affecting merit, by compassion may be nearly touched with the restraint of their Seminaries; that cannot be denied, I hope, except they had the hearts of Tigers, that in humanity they will prefer their ease of durance before the rigour of death: And albeit that Parsons, Bellarmine, and the Pope himself, constrain their spiritual Children to thrust their fingers into the fire, by refusing the Oath of Allegiance; yet we have many Testimonies in Judicial Courts and printed Books, that the greater part of them are of that Theban Hunter's mind, who would rather have seen his Dogs cruel acts, than have felt them to his own cost.  
Garnet himself also, in one of his secret Letters, lamented, that after his death he should not be enroled amongst the Martyrs, because that no matter of Religion was objected against him; yet it plainly appears in his demeanour, that he would gladly have survived the possibility of that glory, if any such hope had remained: neither is it to be presumed, that being in Prison, he would ever have conceived that we durst not touch his Reverence, or that the Law was remiss, which had justly condemned him, and loft his life to the King's mercy. It was the distance of the place, and not persons, that interpreted the sending over Seas of the Priests, to be a greater Argument of their innocency, than of his Majesty's forbearance: for had Father Parsons himself been Coram nobis, his song would rather have been of Mercy than Justice. It is truly said, that we are all instructed better by Examples than Precepts: Therefore if the Laws printed, and Indictments recorded, cannot control the Calumnies of those that wilfully will mistake Treason for Religion, by the execution of two or three of that backbiting number, I doubt not but the Question may readily be decided: Namque immedicabile vulnus ense recidendum est, ne pars sincera trabatur.  
To dally with pragmatical Papists, especially with those that by their Example and Counsel pervert his Majesty's Subjects, I hold it a point of mere Injustice: for what comfort may the good expect, when the bad are by connivance freed to speak, and emboldened to put their disloyal thoughts in execution? For explaining therefore of my meaning, it is necessary to have a regard unto the nature of the King's Liege-people that are to be reform by example of Justice, and other Foreigners, who, will we, nill we, must be Censurers of our Actions.  
It hath been truly observed, that the Nations of Europe which are most remote from Rome, are more superstitiously inclined to the dregs of that place, than the near Neighbours of Italy. Whether that humour proceed from the complexion of the Northern bodies, which is naturally more retentive of old Customs than hotter Regions, or that the vices of the City seated on seven Hills, are by crafty Ministers of that See concealed from the vulgar sort, I list not now to discuss; but most certain it is, that the people of this Isle exceed the Romans in zeal of their Profession: insomuch, that in Rome it self I have heard the English Fugitives taxed by the name of Pichiapetti Inglesi. Now as our Countrymen take surer holdfast of Papal Traditions than others, so are they naturally better fortified with a Courage to endure Death for the maintenance of that Cause: for this Climate is of that temperature, out of which Vegetius holdeth it fittest to choose a valiant Soldier, where the heart finding itself provided of plenty of Blood to sustain sudden defects, is not so soon apprehensive of death or dangers, as where the Storehouse of Blood being small, every hazard maketh pale cheeks and trembling hands. (Angli) say ancient Writers, bello intrepidi, nec mortis sensu deterrentur: And thereunto Botero the Italian beareth witness in his Relations of many Strangers; Therefore coming out of Foreign parts among the Rarities of England, desired to see whether Report hath not been too lavish in affirming, that our condemned persons yield their bodies to Death with cheerfulness. And were it not that by daily experience we can call ourselves to witness of this truth, I could produce the Reverend Judge Fortescue, who in commendation of our English Laws, made suitable, as he well observeth, to the inbred conditions of the Inhabitants of this Soil, avoweth, that the English people, in trial for Criminal Causes, are not compelled by Tortures to confess, as in other Nations it is used, for as much as the quality of the English is known to be less fearful of Death than of Torments: For which cause, if the Torments of the Civil Law were offered to an innocent person in England, he would rather yield himself guilty and suffer death, than endure the horror of lingering Pains. Insulani plerumque fures (saith one) and so true it is, that this Country is stained with that imputation, notwithstanding that many are put to death, to the end that others, by their fall, might learn in time to beware. If then it doth appear that Terror prevails not to keep men from Offences which are condemned by Law and Conscience, what assurance can there be to scare those who pretend to be satisfied in their minds, that their Sufferings are either expressly or by implication, for matter of Religion and health of their Souls? In such a case to threaten death to English men, Quibus nihil interest humive sublimive putrescant, is a matter of small consequence. Purpuratis Gallis, Italis aut Hispanis ista minitari; To a settled resolution of death, menaces to prolong a wearisome life, prevail much more in such cases. Rightly did Clement the Eighth consider, that by burning two English men in Rome for supposed Heresy, he rather impaired his Cause than bettered it; insomuch that many present at the resolute death of Mr. Marsh, who was brought to dust in Campo di Santa Fiore, spared not to proclaim him for a Martyr, carried away of his Ashes for a Relic, and wished their Souls in the same place with his: which News brought to the Pope's ear, caused him (as it was bruited about in Rome) solemnly to protest, That none of the English Nation should publicly, from that time forward, be consumed with Fire. On the other side, if we read the Volumes written of their Priest's Constancy, their martyrology or Calendar of Martyrs, and Pathway of Salvation, as it were chalked out unto the Papists, by sacrificing their lives for the Pope, we shall find that by taking away of one, we have confirmed and invited many; whereof I could give particular instances, if I thought any scruple were made in that point.  
As for foreign parts which hold with the Papal Supremacy, it is clear, that they will be severe and partial Judges in this cause: For albeit that here in England it is well known to all true and loyal Subjects, that for matter of Roman Doctrine, no man's life is directly called into question, but that their disobedience in reason of State, is the only motive of their prosecution; nevertheless where a great Canton of Christendom is rooted in a contrary opinion, and things in this world are for the most part esteemed by outward appearance, this Land cannot escape malicious scandals, neither shall there be want of Colleges to supply their Faction with Seminaries. Therefore again and again I say, That if the state of the Question were so set, that it were possible by a general execution of the Priests and their Adherents, to end the Controversy, I could in some sort with better will subscribe thereunto; but seeing I find little hope in that course, I hold it safer to be ambitious of the Victory, which is purchased with less loss of Blood, and to proceed as Tully teacheth his Orator: Who when he cannot wholly overthrow his Adversary, yet ought he to do it in some part, and with all endeavour to confirm his own party in the best manner that may be.  
4. He that forbeareth to sow his ground in expectance of good Wind, or a favourable Moon, commonly hath a poor Crop, and a lean Purse. So shall it far with this State, if private Whisper of discontented persons, that never learned to speak well, be too nicely regarded; yet ought they not to be slightly set at nought, lest our Credit grow light even in the Balance of our dearest Friends. The Papistical Libels inform against us, as if we were desirous to grow fat with sucking of their Blood; the very Walls of their Seminary College at Rome, are bedawbed with their lying Fancies, and in every corner the Corner-creepers leave some badge of their malicious Spleen against us, crying out of Cruelty and Persecution: But if the penalty of Death be changed into a simple endurance of Prison, what Moat can they find in our Eyes to pull out? or with what Rhetoric can they defend their obstinate Malipertness, which with repaying us ill for good, deserve to have Coals of Indignation poured upon their heads? Visne muliebre confilium, said Livia to Augustus, let Severity sleep a while, and try what alteration the pardoning of Cinna may procure. The Emperor harkened to her Counsel, and thereby found his Enemy's mouths stopped, and the malice abated. Some there are, perchance, that will term this Clemency Innovation, and vouch the Precedent of that City, who permitted none to propound new Laws, that had not a Cord about their necks ready for Vengeance, if it were found unprofitable. But let such Stoics know, that there is great difference between the penning of a new Law, and advice given for the manner of executing it; neither, by their leaves, are all Innovations to be rejected: for divine Plato teacheth us, That in all Commonwealths, upon just grounds, there ought to be some changes; and that Statesmen therein must behave themselves like skilful Musicians, Qui artem Musices non mutant, sed Musices modum.  
5. That an evil Weed groweth fast, by example of the new Catholics increase, is clearly convinced; But he that will ascribe this Generation simply to his Majesty's Heroical virtue of Clemency, argueth out of the fallacy which is called Ignoratio Elenchi. Was not the Zeal of many cooled towards the last end of Queen Elizabeth's Reign? hath not the impertinent heat of some of our own side bereft us of part of our strength? and the Papacy with tract of Time gotten a hard skin on their Consciences? Parva metu primo, mox sese attollit in altum. But if we will with a better insight behold how this great quantity of Spawn is multiplied, we must especially ascribe the cause thereof to their Priests, who by their Deaths prepare and assure more to their Sect, than by their Lives they could ever persuade. It were Incivility to distrust a Friend, or one that hath the show of an honest man, if he will frankly give his Word, or confirm it with a sacred Oath: But when a Protestation is made upon the last gasp of Life, it is of great effect, and possesseth those that cannot gainsay it upon their own knowledge. The number of these Priests which now adays come to make a Tragical Conclusion, is not great: Yet as with one Seal many Patents are sealed, so with the loss of a few Lives, numbers of wavering Spirits may be gained; Sanguis Martyrum semen Ecclesiae: And though these Priests having indeed a disadvantageous Cause, are in very deed but counterfeit Shadows of Martyrs unto a true understanding; yet will they be reputed for such, by those that lay their Souls to pawn unto their Doctrine, with whom if we list to contend by multitude of Voices, we shall be cried down, without all peradventure: For the gate of their Church is wide, and many there are that enter thereinto.  
6. By divers Means it is possible to come to one and the selfsame End; seeing that then the sum of our well-wishings is all one, namely, That Popish Priests may have no power to do harm; it is not impertinent to try sundry paths, which may lead us to the perfecting of our Desires. Politicians distinguish Inter rempub. constitutam & rempub. constituend. according to the several natures whereof, Statists are to dispose of their Counsels and Ordinances. Were now the Rhemists and Romulists new-hatched out of the shell, the former course of Severity might soon bury their Opinions with their Persons: But since the Disease is inveterated, variety of Medicine is judiciously to to be applied. The Romans did not punish all Crimes of one and the selfsame nature with extremity of Death; For some they condemned to perpetual Prison, and others they banished into an Island, or some remote Country: Even in the case of Religion, they were very tender to dip their fingers in Blood; For when Cato was Consul, and it stemed good unto the Senate to suppress with violence the disordered Ceremony of the Baechanals, brought by a strange Priest into the City, he withstood that Sentence, alleging, that there was nothing so apt to deceive men as Religion, which always presents a show of Divinity; and for that cause it behoved to be very wary in chastizing the Professors thereof, lest any indignation should enter into the People's minds, that somewhat was derogated from the Majesty of God. Others more freely have not spared to place Religion (I mean that Religion which is ignorantly zealous, amongst the kinds of Frenzy, which is not to be cured otherwise, than by time given to divert or qualify the fury of the Conceit: Tantum Religio potuit suadere malorum!  
Howsoever in valuing the power of a City, or strength of Arguments, quality and worth is to be preferred before number: Nevertheless, where the uttermost of our force is not known, it imports much to have it conceived, that the Multitude stands for us; for Doubts and Suspicions cast in an Enemy's way, evermore make things seem greater and more difficult, than they are indeed: We have, by God's Mercy, the Sword of Justice drawn on our behalf, which upon short warning is able to disunite the secret Underminers of our Quiet; we have a King zealous for the House of the Lord, who needeth not to fear less Success in shutting up of Priests, than Queen Elizabeth had in restraining them in Wisbich-Castle; where lest their factious Spirits should grow rusty, they converted their Canker to fret upon themselves, and vomiting out Gall in Quodlibets, shown that their Disease was chief predominant in the Spleen. What Tempests they have raised in their College at Rome, their own Books and many Travellers can witness; the storm whereof was such, that Sextus Quintus complained seriously of the vexation which he received oftener from the English Scholars, than all the Vassals of his Triple Crown. And untruly is the Magistrate noted of Negligence, or overmuch Severity, that lays wait to catch the Foxes, and the little Foxes which spoil the Vineyard; though afterwards, without further punishment, he reserve them to the day wherein God will take account of their Stewardship. For if Aristotle's City, defined to be a Society of men assembled to live well, be the same which in our Law hath reference to the maintenance of the poor in Peace: So long as we taste of the sweet of a peaceable Government, we cannot say, but that we live well; and that the City consisting of Men, and not of Walls, is happily guided.  
8. An Oath is a weak Band to contain him, that will, for pretended Conscience sake, hold no Faith with Heretics; or by Absolution from a Priest, thinks himself at liberty to fly from any Promise or Protestation whatsoever.  
Therefore when I remember that Watson the Priest, notwithstanding his Invectives against the Jesuits, gained liberty to forge his Traitorous Inventions, and had others of his Society in the Complot; I judge it safer to make Recluses of them, than to suffer such to dally with us by Books, and some idle Intelligences, cast abroad only as a Mist to blear our eyes: But how shall we find means to apprehend those disguised Romanists, that borrow the shapes of Captains, Merchants, Gentlemen, Citizens, and all sorts of people; and by Equivocation may deny themselves to be themselves? In Answer to this Question, I will first show the Reason why they are not pursued and taken, and hereafter make an Overture how they may be bolted out of their Hutches. The Nature of Man, howsoever in hot blood it be thirsty of Revenge, in a cooler temper it hath a kind of Nausea, as I may call it, or a distaste of taking away of the Lives, even of the Nocent: Insomuch that in all Assizes and Sessions, an Offender can hardly be Condemned, whom the foolish pity of many will not after a sort excuse, with laying some Imputations on the Judge, part on the Jury, and much on the Accuser; and such is their blind Affection, that the Prisoner, who perhaps was never recommended for Handsomeness, will be esteemed of them for one of the properest men in the company: From hence it comes, that the name of a Sergeant or a Pursuivant is odious; and the Executioner, although he be the hand of Justice, is esteemed no better than an Enemy of Mankind, and one that lost Honesty and Humanity in his Cradle. Reverend Mr. Fox was wont to say, That Spies and Accusers were necessary Members in a Commonwealth, and deserved to be cherished; but for his own part, he would not be of any of that number, or wish his Friends to affect such Employments: And albeit that the Law permits and commands every man to apprehend a Felon, do we not commonly see very many content to stand by and look on, while others perform that Office?  
Likewise it is evident, That if such as are tender of their Reputations, be very scrupulous personally to Arrest men for civil Actions of Debt, they will be more unwilling Instruments of drawing their Bodies to the Rack or the Gallows; especially when there is any colour of Religion to be pretended in their defence. The diversity of men's Faces is great, but the difference of their Minds in this case is more variable, wherein the meanest have thought as free as the highest. Besides this, there are too many of the blind Commonalty altogether Popish, though not reconciled Papists, who in their foolish Ignorance will say, It is pity any should die for their Conscience, though indeed they make honourable amends for their Treason: Verily I know not what misgiving of their mind it is, that makes men forecast the possibility of Alteration in matters of Religion, and for that respect they are exceeding backward in discovery and laying hands on Seminaries; yea, and are timorous in enacting sharp Laws against them, as those that silently say among themselves, Sors hodierna mihi, cras erit illa tibi. Nay, shall I speak a Bugs word? There is no small number that stand doubtful, whether it be a grateful work to cross Popery, or that it may be done safely without a foul aspersion of Puritanisme, or a shrewd turn for their labours, at some time or other: By which unhappy ambiguity it comes to pass, that these Animalia amphibia, the Priests, I mean, that prey on the Souls and Bodies of either Sex, unattached revel where they list, though they be no more seen, than a man dancing in a net. How much fit were it for us courageously to invite them to our Party, by Preaching, or Confuting them by writing; and unto the state wherein we stand, wisely to apply the Exhortation of the Assyrian King to his Soldiers, You are fools, (quoth he) if there be any hope in your hearts to redress Sorrow by flight, rather endeavour to make them fly that are the causers of your grief; assuring yourselves, that more perish in flight than in the battle. Even as many seeking to meet the Papists half way, discomfort our own Party.  
9 It follows now, according to the Method prescribed before, that an Overture be made, how to get the Jesuits, and their shadows the Priests, into possession: It hath been heretofore recited, that the unwelcome name of a Bloodsucker, a Busybody or a Puritan, hath been shrewd Scarecrows unto many honest minds; by abrogating therefore of those or suchlike imputations, many will be stirred up to undertake the apprehending of the Adversaries unto the Truth; especially, when for their pains and time employed, they shall deserve and have the Titles of good Patriots, dutiful Subjects, and zealous Christians: How ready is every common person to carry a Malefactor to the Stocks, rather than to the Goal or Execution? and doubtless, they will be no less forward to attach a Priest, when they are assured that the worst of his Punishment shall be a simple Restraint within the Walls of some old Castle. A certain kind of People there is, with whom Money plays a more forcible Orator's part, than any persuasion of the dutiful Service, which they own to their Commonwealth: These men will not be negligent to give Intelligence, and also to procure it faithfully, provided that reward may help to line their threadbare Purses, and exempt them from need to sell Liberty unto Seminaries. And where assurance of gain is propounded for Discovery, What Master or Housekeeper will trust his Servant with keeping of his Priest, or sleep quietly, while he is engaged to the danger of a Mercenary? I remember, that in Italy it was often told me, that the bountiful hand of Sir Francis Walsingam, made his Intelligencers so active, that a Seminary could scarcely stir out of the Gates of Rome, without his privity: which success, by mediation of Gold, may as readily be obtained from Sivil, Valedolid, Douai, Louvain, Paris, and other places; and by forewarning given of their approach, they may be waited for at the Ports, and from thence soon conveyed to a safe Lodging. But whence shall the stream flow that must feed this Bounty? It is a doubt easily satisfied. If some Thousands of Pounds out of the Recusants' Penalties be reserved in stock, and committed by his Majesty into the disposition of zealous distributers, who will not be afraid to conclude, Perdat fiscus ut capiat Christus. Neither need we seek any further succour to repair decayed Castles, and therein to defray the charge of the Priests, with a sure Guard to keep them, than the aforesaid Forfeitures, that by the Justice of the Law may be collected. Which course, if ever it come happily to be entertained, and that Recusancy cause to be an ignominious prey to the Subjects, the proceed for Religion shall be less blamed, and perhaps altogether unjustly accused by any graceless Gretzerus, or Cacodaemon Johannes, tincting their Pens in Gall and Vinegar. For besides occasion of Calumniation given by Suits of that nature, it is evident, that many Recusants that would be Indicted for the King, and the effecting of the Project aforesaid, shall escape without punishment, and be born out against the Power of a private person, begging them to no other purpose, than hath heretofore been used: and albeit the Penalty be rated at 20 l. a Month, yet was it never the Lawmakers intent, that such as were not able to pay so great a Sum, should go ; but that according to the proportion of their Ability, they should do the penance of their Purses for their Disobedience; whereas now (if the Voice of the People, which is said to be the Voice of God, is to be credited) the poorer sort is skipped over, as if they ought not Souls to God, nor Duty to their Sovereign: a poor man, saith one, is to be pitied, if he offend through necessity; but if he do amiss voluntarily, he is more severely to be chastised; forasmuch, as wanting Friends and Means to bear him out, it showeth that his Fault proceedeth from Presumption.  
10. Let us now presuppose, that all the whole Regiment of Jesuits and Seminaries were lodged in safe custody, may we then persuade ourselves, That Popery will vanish like a dumb Show? I am clearly resolved, that though it receive a great Eclipse, notwithstanding, without other helps, the Kingdom of Antichrist will only lie hidden as a weed, that seems withered in Winter, and is ready to sprout out with the Spring. Temporal Arms are Remedies serving for a time: but the Spiritual Sword is permanent in Operation, and by an invisible Blow works more than Mortal Man can imagine. The Word of God carries this two-edged Weapon in its mouth, which is to be used by faithful Ministers of the Church, whom pure Zeal, without respect to worldly Promotion or persons, aught to encourage. Of Judges the Scripture saith, Estote fortes; and daily we see, that sitting in their Judicial Seats, God inspireth them with greater Courage, than when, as private persons, they are to give their Opinions. No less is the Power of the Holy Ghost in his Servants that out of the Pulpit are to deliver his Embassage. Let them therefore not be dismayed to speak out plainly, and tell the truth, without running a middle course between heat and cold. Unprofitable descanting upon the Scripture with an old Postel, or for want of better matter, waste the poor time shut up in an Hourglass, with skirmishing against the worthy Pillars of our own Profession. Rumour, which is ever ready to take hold of evil, hath raised a secret, though (as I hope) a causeless suspicion, that there should be some secret combination underhand, by changing the state of Questions, to put us in our old days, to learn a new Catechism; and when they have brought us out of conceit with the Reverend Interpreters of the Word, to use us then, as the Wolves (mentioned in Demosthenes' Apology) handled the Shepherds, when they had delivered up their Dogs. Most sacred was that Speech of our most gracious King concerning Vorstius; He that will speak of Canaan, let him speak the Language of Canaan. How can we draw others to our Church, if we cannot agree where or how to lay our Foundation? Or how may we cleanse the leprous Disease of Dissension, which the Papists, which are least assured to themselves, and most doubtful of their Salvation, are not ashamed to ascribe unto many of us? I would not have Ministers indiscreet, like Dogs, to bark against all, whether they know or know them not. I like better the opinion of Aristotle, who adviseth those that stand in guard of a place, to be cursed only to such as are about to endamage the City. If Pursuivants and other Civil-Officers would learn to keep this Rule, they might go about their business with much credit. The imagined fear of inviting the Romish Faction by force to deliver their Ghostly Fathers out of Prison, moves me not a whit: For I cannot believe, that they esteem them at so dear a price, that they would run the hazard, by freeing others out of Hold, to put themselves into their places. Some will say, That a man of straw is a head good enough for a discontented Multitude. That the Papists are very Choleric, it appears sufficiently by their Writings: Yet it hath pleased God to send those cursed Cows short horns, that when they could not find a man of sufficiency to serve their turn, they were fain to do Homage to Garnet's Straw; forgetful as they are, that such stubble cannot endure the Trial of Fire. But unto us, that aught to be Doers, as well as Professors of the Gospel, let this remain as a memorable Theorem; Religion is the Mother of good Order, good Order is the cause of prosperous Fortune and happy Success in all Counsels and Enterprises: Wherefore in what estate soever there wanteth good Order, it is an evident Argument that Religion goes backward.  
11. I have ever held it for a kind of Injustice, to omit the execution of mean Laws, made to prevent the effects of Idleness, and then to apply main extremity of the Sword, when the proling habit gotten by that Vice comes to light. No less is the course uncharitable (with pardon for this presumption be it spoken) when we spare them that have no Religion at all, and censure those that can give account of somewhat tending to that purpose.  
He that is in Misery, must be born withal if he speak miserably; and when the Child from his Mother's Breast hath sucked nothing but Popery, a man had need to be angry with discretion, if he hear him speak in the voice of a Papist. God calleth some by Miracle; but the ordinary means is his Word: If that means in many places of this Land be wanting, of what Religion is it likeliest the people will be? I suppose that few men will gainsay my Assertion, that outward sense will direct them to Popery, which is fuller of Pageants than of Spiritual Doctrine. And what is the cause, that after so many years of preaching of the Gospel, that the common People still retain a scent of the Roman perfume? The Cause is, For that the formal Obedience of coming to Church, hath been more expected than the Instruction of private Families: public Catechising is of great use, but the first elements thereof are to be learned at home: And these, which we learn from our Parents, stick most surely in our minds. What was the cause why the Spartans' continued their Government so many Revolutions of times, without mutations? Histories record, that Learning their Country-Customs from their Infancy, they would not be induced to alter them. And in this our Native Soil we perceive, that the Common Laws, which rely on ancient Customs, are better observed than late Statutes, of what worth soever they be: So doth it far with the poor People, who being once seasoned with the old Dregs of Papism, will hardly be drawn from it, till the learning of the true Faith be grown to a Custom. I will prescribe no order or affairs to effect this, but I suppose, that the ancient laudable course by the Bishop's Confirmation, will not be sufficient to fulfil so great a task; the Ministers must and aught to be the principal and immediate hands to give assistance to so gracious a work; and in case any be defective in their Duty, the Reverend Fathers of the Church may take notice thereof in their Visitations.  
Perhaps it will be thought a hard task to constrain old People to learn the A, B, C. of their Christian Belief. But how hard soever it be, I hold it no Incivility to prepare people of all Ages for the Kingdom of Heaven. It was not the hanging up of the Bull of Pius Quintus on the Bishop of London 's doors, or the forbearing to hang up Priests, that hath wrought this Apostasy: But the Idleness and Insufficiency of many Teachers, conspiring with the People's cold Zeal, that hath been the contriver of this unhappy Web. Until the eleventh year of Queen Elizabeth's Reign, a Recusants' name was scarcely known: The reason reason was, because that the Zeal, begotten in the time of the Marian Persecution, was yet fresh in memory: And the late Persecutors were so amazed with the sudden alteration of Religion, that they could not choose but say, Digitus Dei est hic. In those days there was an emulation between the Clergy and the Laity; and a strife arose, Whether of them should show themselves most affectionate to the Gospel: Ministers haunted the Houses of worthiest Men, where Jesuits now build their Tabernacles; and poor Country-Churches were frequented with the best in the Shire. The Word of God was precious. Prayer and Preaching went hand in hand together: Until Archbishop Grindal's disgrace, and Hatfield's hard conceit of Prophesying, brought the flowing of these good Graces to a still water: The name of a Papist smelled rank, even in their own Nostrils; and for pure shame to be accounted such, they resorted duly, both to our Churches and Exercises: But when they saw their great Coryphaeus Sanders had slily pinned the name of Puritans upon the sleeves of Protestants that encountered them with most courage, and perceived that the word was pleasing to some of our own side, they took heart agrace to set little by the Service of God, and Duty to their Sovereign: therewith start up from among us, some that might have been recommended for their Zeal, if it had been tempered with discretion, who forerunning the Authority of the Magistrate, took upon them in sundry places, and publicly to censure whatsoever agreed not with their private conceits; with which cross humours, vented in Pulpits and Pamphlets, most men grieve to be frozen in zeal, and in such sort benumbed, that whosoever (as the worthy Lord Keeper Bacon observed in those days) pretended a little spark of earnestness, he seemed no less than red fire hot, in comparison of the other. And as some things far the worse, for an ill Neighbour's sake dwelling beside them; so did it betid the Protestant, who seeking to curb the Papist, or to reprove an idle Drone, was incontinently branded with the ignominious note of a Precisian. All which wind brought plenty of Water to the Pope's Mill; and there will most men grind, where they see appearance to be well served.  
12. If without great inconvenience the Children of Papists could be brought up out of their company, it were a happy turn: but I find it to be full of difficulty; there is provision made to avoid Popish Schoolmasters, but there is no ward against Popish School-mistresses, that infect the silly Infants while they carry them in their Arms; which moveth me to suppose, that the former proposition to examine how Children and Servants are brought up, and truly to certify the List of the Communicants and Recusants, will be the readiest means to let His Majesty know the yearly increase or decrease of the Church in every Diocese; and whosoever shall send his Children, or any of His Majesty's Subjects, to be placed in Monasteries, or Seminary Colleges, or Popishly to be brought up in Foreign parts; I think that for punishment, both the one and the other worthily might be disfranchised of the Privileges due to natural Englishmen, so far forth as any good by the Laws may descend to them; but not to be exempted from the penalties thereof, or the Regal Jurisdicton of the Crown. I know well that contradiction is odious, and makes a man seem ambitious to be thought more understanding than others: in which case the Spaniard useth only to term him presumptuous, whom he would call Fool, if civility would bear it. But in my Defence I hope it shall suffice again to revive my former protestation, that I discourse by the way of proposition, rather than arrogance of defining any thing; with pardon therefore may I be permitted to say, That the first easy Law of Twelve pence inflicted on him that could not give a reasonable excuse for his absence from Church on Sundays, was one of the best Ordinances that hath hitherto been enacted: but while we sought to make new Statutes, savouring of more severity, we neglected the old, and were loath to execute the new: for it is a certain Rule, that whosoever in policy will give liberty, and yet seem to suppress a Crime, let him procure sharp Laws to be proclaimed, which are only necessary for some times, and rare occasions to be put in execution; but not to be an ordinary work for every day of the week. Daily use likewise teacheth us, that it is less grievous to punish by an old Law, than by a new; Forasmuch as Truth itself seldom gets credit without proof, and it is hard to free the people of suspicion that new Laws are not rather invented against the particular persons and purses of men, than against the corrupt manners: By force of which reason, I am induced to conceive, that the old use of the Church, contained in good nurture, and Ecclesiastical censures, will much more prevail to muzzle Popery, than any fresh devices whatsoever. Neither do I think it blame-worthy to affirm, that our Cause hath taken harm, by relying more on the Temporal than the Spiritual Arms: for while we trusted that Capital punishments should strike the stroke, we have neglected the means, which would, for the most part have discharged the need of such severity. The Oath of Allegiance is not offered generally to Servants and mean people; who if they had taken the Oath, by Absolution of a Priest might recoil from it, or change their opinion at leisure, without any ready means to discover their Legerdemain: That Oath I fear will not be often pressed; and to them that shift from place to place, how can it be tendered? The principal Papists now cover themselves in the crowd of the multitude; but if we can discover the affection of the multitude, they easily will be unmasked, and being singled out, rest ashamed of their nakedness; which under correction of better judgement, may be effected, if every new comer to inhabit in a Town, and servants newly entertained, within a week or fourteen days be caused to repair to the Minister, there in presence of the Churchwardens, and other honest men, to subscribe unto such brief and substantial Articles concerning Faith and Allegiance, as shall be according to God's Word and Justice, ordained to distinguish the Sheep from the Goats. In Foreign Countries, every Host is bound to bring his Guest before an Officer, there to certify his name, with the occasion of his coming, and intended time of his abode in those parts; and in case he stay longer, he must again renew his Licence: So curious and vigilant also are they to keep their Cities from Infection, that without a Certificate, witnessing their coming from wholesome places, they may not escape the Lazeretto. No less ought we to be watchful to prevent the contagion of our Souls, than other Nations are of their Bodies. Every thing is hard and scarcely pleasing in the beginning, but with time, some such course may be readily put in execution; which I propound rather as matter for better heads to work on, than peremptorily to be insisted on in the same Terms.  
But lest any charge me with temerity, that when I desire to know the multitudes inclination by the means aforesaid, I satisfy myself with their Parrots Language, pronouncing it knows not what; I think it not impertinent to put them in mind, that heretofore I have required instructions, both precedent and subsequent, and am ever of the mind, That although all this cannot be done at once, yet it is necessary always to be doing our best, knowing, that not to go forwards in Religion, is the ready way to go backwards. It is not the outward obedience of coming to Church, that discovers the inward thought of the Heart, it is the confession of the Tongue that must utter these secrets. And where the Curates are insufficient, or the Parish great, I wish they had Catechists to assist them, maintained by the Purses of the Recusants; which Pension being collected for God's Cause, will free us of scandal, though it grieve them to pay the Spiritual Army waged against their own Stratagems. Surely by giving them way in petty matters, they are grown to be very masterful in their Party. Plato affirmeth, That the Popular State proceeded from the Licence which the people took to make immoderate applauses in the theatres: when as by arrogating that immunity without controlment in place of their Governors; and perceiving the Nobility to join with them in the same passions, they thought their Heads as worthy to Govern, as any of those that were made out of the selfsame mould. In like manner, while we suffer ignorance openly to maintain such petty glimpses of Popery, as are thought to be scarce worthy to be looked at, and in small matters run an indifferent course, which neither make sure Friends, nor feeble Foes, unawares they take the bridle from us, and eat out Religion as it were by an insensible Gangrena.  
Principiis obsta, serò medicina paratur,  
Cum mala per longas convaluere moras.  
For by sufferance of breaking smaller Laws, People are emboldened to set the greater at nought.  
To comprehend all things in a Law, which are necessary to the Reformation, I neither hold it profitable nor expedient; yet it is discretion to provide for the most important; smaller matters, whereof the Laws speak not, are to be commended to the discretion of Parents, Masters, and other reverend persons, who by example and advice, may prepare younglings by Education and Custom to obey the Laws; especially such as are in high place, aught in this behalf to be like Caesar's Wife: Non solum crimine, sed etiam criminis suspitione vacare; and with circumspection to behave themselves, that the world may conceive in requiring obedience to God and their Sovereign, that they hold the multitude rather for companions than slaves: if great men take another way, they may seduce many by example, though by words they express not their concealed opinions; Tace & loquere, said God to Moses; it is the speech of the heart, that utters more than words and syllables: and in our Common Laws it is held Maintenance, when a great Personage only by his presence countenanceth a Cause. Neither let us secure ourselves with this Argument; The Papists are pliable in small matters, ergo, they will yield in greater; and because they took no Arms in 88 therefore it were needless curiosity to suspect them now; for who knows not that small baits are used to take the greatest Fish,  cum esca una etiam hamus devoretur? Wariness is the sinews of wisdom; and nothing is more dangerous, than to be secure in matters of State: therefore for the Laws already made, I wish that the most effectual of them, which least concerns life, may be executed; for better it were not to make them, than by neglect to set them at liberty, seeing many offences there are, which men would abstain from if they were forbidden; but when a strict commandment is avoided without punishment, thereout springs an unbridled Licence, hardly to be reform by any rigour.  
To conclude, I say freely, that whoso endeth his days by a natural death, he shall be subject to receive many men's dooms for every particular offence; but when for Religion's sake, a man triumpheth over the sword, that one eminent virtue razeth out the memory of other errors, and placeth him that so dyeth in Paradise, if common opinion may be lawfully vouched; which glory having many followers and admirers, awaketh even dull spirits to affect their footsteps, and to sell their lives for the maintenance of the same Cause. I need not envy the name of a Martyr to the Jesuit; for his Cause, if it be rightly weighed, will blanche that Title; but I desire to have all those lineaments defaced, which may compound that counterfeit Image: in prosecuting of which purpose, if I have failed in my advice, and by confused handling intricated the question, I humbly request, that a wise man's verdict may mitigate the heaviness of that censure. It is neither good to praise bad Counsels, because of their good success; nor to condemn good Counsels, if the Events prove not fortunate; lest many be animated to advise rashly, and others disheartened to counsel gravely.  
Illi mors gravis ineubat,  
Qui notus nimis omnibus,  
Ignotus moritur sibi.  Senec. Trag. 
His death deserveth more than common blame,  
Whom all men knew too well, and yet alone,  
(Alas!) he dies unto himself unknown.  
FINIS.