A TREATISE Against RECUSANTS, In defence of the Oath OF ALLEGIANCE.  
With Executions of Consideration, for repressing the increase of Papists.  
By Sir ROBERT COTTON, Knight.  
LONDON, Printed by RICHARD HEARN, Anno Dom. 1641.   

THE EPISTLE TO THE READER.  
IT being my late happiness to light on this no less rational than elegant Treatise, I should have counted myself very unworthy of its view, had I but coveted to have hid it from thine; For as he whose power prevents an ill, and he whose purpose performs a good, may both alike merit reward; so he who meditates mischief, and he who hides a benefit, as they are both alike debtors to their Country, so they deserve to be parallels in punishment.  
Nor is this ensuing Treatise like the common Bastardy of our age, forced to usurp an eminent Patron, the better thereby to cloak the baseness of an illegitimate birth: for though with strictest survey you examine its parts, and curiously canvas both Matter and Method, yet shall you find it in all things so acurately excellent, and in every parcel so favouring the Father, as that you will freely avouch so deserving a child may most justly claim so worthy a Parent. And though now being brought forth into the world, I believe it cannot but undergo a double and different censure, as savouring to the one part of too much mercy, and to the other of overmuch severity; yet for mine own particular, I find it of so moderate a temper, mitigating severity by mildness, and mildness by severity, still upholding justice; that I cannot but conceive, it may give a sufficient satisfaction to any indifferent and impartial Reader. However, our modest Author in all things submits to better judgements, and with an artificial hand hath drawn a Line, to let thee know the rarely-skilled Apelles hath been here.   

A TREATISE AGAINST RECUSANTS, IN DEFENCE of the oath of ALLEGIANCE: ALSO, EXECUTIONS OF CONSIderation for repressing the increase of Papists.  

The question whether Recusants should be executed, or rather imprisoned, well discussed.  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 self-conceited wisdom. But if they should consider the Commonwealth governed by grave and wise Counsellors, to be like unto a Ship directed by a skilful Pilot, to whom the necessity of occasions, and ground 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 be more sparing, if not more wary in their resolutions. For my own particular, I must confess I am naturally too much inclined to his opinion who once said, Qui bene latuit, bene vixit: and freely calling to mind the saying of Functius, Disce meo exemplo mandato munere fungi— Et fuge tu pestem, I could easily forbear to make my hand-writing the record of my opinion, which nevertheless I protest to maintain rather deliberatively, than by the way of conclusive ascension; wherefore, without wasting precious time any longer, I will briefly set down the question in the terms following.  
Whether it be more expedient to suppress Popish practices against the due allegiance to his Majesty, by the strict execution of the Laws touching jesuits' and Seminary Priests: or to restrain them in close Prisons during life, if no reformation follow.  
THe doubt propounded, consisting of two branches to be distinctly handled, and by comparing either part, the conveniency mentioned in the question, may be cleared with mere facility. In favour of the first division, 
Mercy forerunning the repentance of a malefactor, is an ill guardian to a prince's person.  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. No less is to be feared, while the sword of Justice is remiss in cutting off heinous offenders against the dignity of the Crown; 
A hard hand suddenly remitted, is seldom by rude people interpreted in the best sense.  the misled Papal multitude in the interim may enter in a jealous suspense, whether that forbearance proceed from the fear exasperating their desperate humours, or that it's now become questionable whether the execution of their Priests be simply for matter of State, or pretended quarrel of Religion. 
There is no hope of reformation, were there no confession of the fault.  And whereas in a remediless inconvenience its lawful to use the extremity of the laws against some few, that others may by terror of their example be reform; what hope can there be that clemency can tame their hearts, who interpret his Majesty's grace in transporting their Priests out of the Realm, to be a mere shift to rid the prisons of those whom conscience could not condemn of any capital crime. 
While justice sleeps, the time serves to sow new laws, and raise factions.  Neither are there wanting whisper, not to be neglected, by which they seek to confirm the fearful souls on their party, and to inveigle the ignorant, doubtful, and discontented persons. For if the glorious extolling of their powerful friends, and the expectance 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. Let experience speak something in this behalf, 
Fearful spirits by sufferance grow insolent and cruel.  which hath evidently descried within the current of a few years, that the forbearance of severity hath multiplied their rout in such a manner, that it remains as a corrosive to a thousand of his Majesties well affected Subjects. 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, 
Union in a prepared conspiracy prevails more than number.  as if bare signs of numeration could prevail against an united party, and resolved, and advised before hand to turn their faces with assurance, to all dangers, whilst in the mean time the Protestants nusling in vain security, suffer the weeds to grow up, that threaten their bane, and merciless ruin. Sometimes the oath of Allegiance cloaked their presumptuous imagination, 
It is hard to persuade those who by reason of their dependence on the pope are scarce master of their own souls.  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 Sea, and may by the order thereof impudently be avoucht unlawful; Shall the broachers of such doctrine be suffered to live, yea to live, and be relieved of us, for whose destruction they groan daily?  

Malis benefacere, tantundem est, ac bonis malefacere.  To be a right Popish Priest in true English sense, is to bear the character of a disloyal, degenerate of his natural obedience towards his Sovereign, whom if by connivency he shall let slip, or chastise with a sleight hand; in what immunity may not treacherous delinquents in dat degrees expect or challenge after a sort in equity and justice? If there were no receiver, there would be no thiefs: Likewise if there were no harbourers of these Jesuits, its to be presumed they would not trouble this Isle with their presence: 
Fellowship in misery easeth grief, and by a clamour of a multitude justice is many ti●●●es condemned.  and rigour must be extended against the receivers, 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? to suffer the Priest to draw his breath at length, whilst the entertainer of him under his roof submits his body into the executioners hands? without doubt if it be fit to forbear the chief, it would be necessary to receive the second offendor.  
Reputation is one of the principal arteries of the Commonwealth, which Maxim is so well known of the Secretaries of the Papacy, that by private forgeries and public impressions of calumniations, they endeavour to wound us in the vital part. Howsoever therefore that some few of that stamp, being better tempered than their fellows, in defence of their present government, have not spared to affirm that Tyranny is unjustly ascribed thereunto, forasmuch as freedom of conscience, after a sort, may be redeemed by money: 
It is not good to set a price upon that which being sold, repentance is to the seller.  Notwithstanding there want not many Pamphlets of their side, who opprobriously cast in our teeth, that converting the penalty inflicted upon Recusants, and refusers of the oath of Allegiance, is gone from the King's Exchequer, to a particular purse. Surely we cannot presume that those Libellors should be dissuaded from spitting out their venom maliciously against us, when they shall see their Priests mewed up without further process of Law. 
Wariness is to be used with those Quines totamservitutem pati possint, nec totà libertatem.  For either they will attribute this his calm dealing to the justice of their cause, the strength of their parts, or patience, or that no act of time hath discovered our Laws, importing overmuch sharpness in good policy to be thought fit for the abnegation of their nonsense, then repealed by a public decree. 
Most men writ good turns in Sand, and bad in Marble.  Moreover it is thought by some, that if their Seminaries be only restrained, that they may prove like snakes kept in one's bosom, such as Bonner, Gardner, and such of the same livery, shown themselves to be after liberty obtained in Queen Mary's days, and if the lives of their ghostly Fathers agrieve them, its probable they would take arms sooner, and with more courage to free the living, then to set up a Trophy for the dead.  

Fugitives that crave succour, use to lie much in favour of their cause and power.  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 Laws, which is all in all, nevertheless they insinuate themselves into foreign Princes, favouring their parries, with promises of strong assistance at home, if they may bewell backed from abroad; to which purpose they have delivered the inhabitants of this Realm into four Sects, whereas ranking their troops in the first place, as due to the pretended Catholics, they assume a full-fourth to their party, and of that part again they make a subdivision into two portions; namely, of those that openly renounce the established Church of England, and others, whose certain number as yet cannot be known, because they frequent our Service and Sacraments, reserving their hearts to their god the Pope. The second party they allot to the Protestants, 
It is a sign When a faction dare number their side, they conceive an opinion of sufficient strength to attempt some innovation.  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 they will not hold an indifferent quarter with Papists. The fourth and last maniple they assign to the Politicians, Huomini (say they) senza Deo senza anima, Men without fear of God, or regard of their own souls, who busying themselves in matters of State, retain no senfe of religion. No doubt if the authors of this partition have cast their accounts aright, we must confess that the later brood is properly to be ascribed to them. 
Discontented minds in beginning of tumults will agree, though their end be divers.  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 marks of those that stand neither in awe of God, nor conscience; well may the Papists boast that they are assured of the first in number, and may presume of the last in friendship when occasion shall be offered. 
A multitude is never united in gross, but in some few heads; which being taken away, converteth their fury against the first movers of the sedition.  For the preventing of which combination, it is a sure way to cut off the heads that should tie the knot; Or at least brand them with a mark in the forehead before they be dismissed: or after the opinion of others, to make them unwelcome to the feminine sex, which now with great fervency embrace them; like unto certain Germans in▪ Italy, who calling themselves Publicans, were marked with a hot iron in the forehead, and whipped, being thrust out in the midst of winter, with a prohibition none should receive them, and died of hunger and cold.  
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 observation. Death is the end of temporal joys, but it may no way he 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 be suffered, conceived truly or untruly in the hearts of the multitude, is not subject to any sword, how sharp or keen soever. I confess, the teeth are seen that by't only out of the malice of a singular faction, 
Rooted superstition being violently handled, doth grow more wary, not less obstinate.  but when poison is diffused through the veins of a Commonwealth, with intermixtures of a blood good and bad, separation is to be made rather by patiented evacuation, then present incision. The greatest biter of State is envy, joined with the thirst of revenge, which seldom declares itself in plain colours, until a jealousy conceived of personal danger break out into desperate resolutions. Hen●● comes it to pass that when one malcontented member is grieved, the rest of the body is sensible thereof. 
If Conspirators have one sympathy of mind, the conspiracy is never sufficiently suppressed so long as one of them remaineth.  Neither can a Jesuit or a Priest be cut off without a general murmuring of their followers, 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 merit heaven: Do we not daily see it is easier to confront a private enemy, than a society or corporative? and that the hatred of a State is more mortal than the spleen of a Monarchy. Therefore except it be demonstrated that the whole Roman City which consists not of one brood, 
Opinion settled in a multitude, is like Hidra's head, which must be cured by fearing, not by letting blood.  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 only show their teeth, but wait for opportunity to by't fiercely. I will not deny but whom we fear we commonly hate, provided always that no merit hath interceded a reconciliation. For there is a great difference betwixt hatred conceived against him that will take the life, and him that may justly do it, and yet in clemency forbears to put it in effect; for the latter breedeth a reverend awe, 
Clemency is a divine justice, and worketh supernatural effects.  whereas the former subjects to servile fear, always accompanied with desire of innovation. And though it hath been affirmed of the Church of Rome, Quod pontificum genus semper crudele: Nevertheless, out of charity let us hope that all devils are not so black as they are painted; 
Gorticus axiom. polit.  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 throne of Popery from the active part thereof, as being naturally inclined, Parvis peccatis veniam, magnis securitatem; 
Tacit. in vita Agricalae.  poena semper, sed poenitentia aliquando contentum esse.  
Mistaking of punishment legally inflicted, commonly proceeds from fond pity, and the interest which we have in the same cause, both which beget blind partiality.  

When traitors in mifchiefes will not choose the least, it argues they are desperate and breathe nothing but extremity of mischief.  Admit then, that the Papal side affecting merit by compassion, may be nearly touched with the restraint of their Seminaries; I cannot be denied I hope, except they had the hearts of Tigers, that in humanity they will prefer their ease of durance, before the rigour of death. And albeit that Parsons, Bellarmine, and the Pope himself constrain their spiritual children to thrust their fingers into the fire by refusing the Oath of Allegiance; Notwithstanding we have many Courts, Judicial testimonies, and printed Books, that the greater part of them are of the. The bane hunter's mind, who would have rather seen his dogs cruel acts, then have felt them to his own cost: Garnet himself also in one of his secret 
It was a precept of machivel to put on the mask of religion, which is now become a popish aphorism.  Letters, laments, that after his death he should not be extolled amongst the Martyrs, because that no matters of Religion were objected against him, yet in his demeanours it plainly appeared, that he would gladly have had the possibility of that glory, if any such had remained; neither is it to be presumed, that being in prison, he would ever have conceived that we durst not to touch his reverence, or that the Law was remiss that had justly condemned him, and left his life to the King's mercy. It is the distance of the place, 
So it pleased Parsons to cavil: of whom it may be truly said, Malus malum peiorem, peiorem esse vult & sus similem.  not Parsons, that interpreted the sending over the Seas of their Priests, to be a greater argument of their innocency, than of his Majesty's forbearance: for had Parsons himself been Coram nobis, his song would rather have been of mercy, than justice. It is truly said, that we are instructed better by examples, than precepts. Therefore if the Laws printed, and enditements recorded cannot control the calumniations of 2023. of that backbiting number, I doubt not but that the question may be readily decided:  
— Namque immedicabile vulnus,  
Esse recidendum est, ne pars syncera trabatur.  
To dally with pragmatical Papists, especially those that by their examples and counsels pervert his Majesty's subjects, 
To bestow benefits on the bad, maketh them worse, and vilifies the reward to the virtuous.  I hold it a point of mere injustice: for what comfort may the good expect, when the bad are by connivency freed to speak what they list, and emboldened to put their disloyal thoughts in execution. For example therefore of my meaning, it is necessary to have regard to the nature of the King's liege people that are to be reform to the example of justice, and other foreigners, who will they, nill they, must be observers of our actions. It hath truly been observed, that the Nations of Europe which are most remote from Rome, are more superstitiously inclined to the dregs of that place, than the nearer neighbours of Italy; whether the humour proceed from the complexion of the Northern bodies, which is naturally inclined to old custom, more than Southern regions: Or that the vices of the City seated on seven hills, are by crafty Ministers of that Sea, concealed from the vulgar sorts; 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 itself, I have heard the English fugitives tasked by the name of Pischia petty Inglisi, Knock-breasts, hypocrites. Now as our countrymen took surer hold of Papal traditions from others, so are they naturally better fortified with a courage to endure death for the maintenance of the cause. For this Climate is of that temperature, out of which Vigetius holds it fittest to choose a valiant soldier, where the heart finding itself provided of plenty of blood to sustain sudden defects, it is not so soon apprehensive of death or danger, 
Valour is overcome, by meekness, but being too much suppressed turns to unbridled fury.  as where the store-house of blood being small, every hazard maketh pale cheeks and trembling hands. Angli (say ancient writers) bello in trepidi, nec mortis sensu deterrentur. And thereupon Botero the Italian bears witness in his relations, that many strangers coming out of foreign parts, amongst the rarities of England, desired to see whether report had not been too lavish in affirming that our condemned persons sold their bodies to death with cheerfulness, and were it not that by daily experience we can call ourselves to witness this truth, I could produce the reverend Judge Fortescue, 
The best laws are made out of those good customs whereunto the people are naturally inclined.  who in commendation of our English Laws, made suitable (as he well observeth) to the inbred conditions of the inhabitants of this foil, avoucheth that the English people in trial for criminal causes, are not compelled by tortures to confess, as in other Nations it is used; forasmuch as the English Nation is known to be less fearful of death's torments; 
Use to see men die with resolution, taketh away the fear of death, for which reason the Romans used the fights of the gladiators.  for which cause if the torments of the Civil Law were offered to an innocent person, he would rather yield himself guilty and suffer death, than endure the hours of linger pains. Insulam plerumque fures inhabitant, 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 facts might learn in time to beware. If then it doth not appear that terrors do not prevail to keep men from offences, 
The Heretics and publicans being whipped, took their punishment gladly, their captain going before, and singing, blessed are men that hate you.  which are to be condemned by Law and Conscience, what assurance can they have to scare those which are constantly satisfied in their minds, that their sufferings are either expressly, or by implication for matter of Religion, and health of their souls; in such a death to threaten death to English men, is a matter of small consequence: Purpur at is Gallis, Italis, aut Hispanis ist a minitare. To a settled resolution it boots not to show the dreadful vizard of death's menaces, to prolong a wearisome life prevails much more in such cases. 
Andromachen cogere sivis, vitam monitare. Sen  Rightly did Clement the eighth consider, that by burning two English men in Rome for supposed heresy, rather impaired his cause, than bettered it, insomuch that many being present at the death of Master Marsh, who was brought to dust, In campo de sancta Flora, spared not to proclaim him for a Martyr, carried away his ashes for a relic, and wished their souls at the same place with his, which news being 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. 
Worldly desires may be quenched with godly meditations, but heavenly hopes cannot be abated by earthly punishments.  On the other side, if we read the Volumes written in praise of their Priest's constancy, their Martyrology, or Calendars of Martyrs, and path way of salvation chalked out to the Papists, by sacrificing their lives to 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 they will be severe and partial judges in this cause. for albeit here in England it is well known to all true and loyal Subjects, 
It is a point of wisdom to maintain the truth with as little disputation as may be, lest a good cause be marred with ill handling.  that for matter of Romish doctrine, no man's life is directly called in question, but that their disobedience in matters of State is the only motive of their persecution: Nevertheless where a great Canton of Christendom is rooted in a contrary opinion, and things of the world are for the most part esteemed by outward appearance; the Land cannot escape malicious scandals, neither shall there want Colleges to supply the 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 Priests, and their adherents to end the controversy, I could in some sort with better will subscribe thereunto. But seeing I had little hope in that course, 
It is hard to make a rule so general, against which difference of circumstance cannot except.  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 fully overthrow his adversary, yet ought he to do it in some sort, and withal to endeavour to confirm his own party in the best manner he can. He that forbears to sow his ground in expectance of a good wind, and favourable moon, commonly hath a poor crop, and a lean purse; So shall it far with the State, if private whisper of discontented persons, that never learned to speak well, never to be nicely regarded, yet are they not to be slightly set at nought, lest our credit grow light, even in the balance of our dearest friends. 
He that is calumniated by many, is in danger, first to be suspected by his friends, and shortly to be condemned, if the slander continue.  The papistical Libels inform against us, that we are desirous to grow fat with sucking of their blood, the very walls of their Seminary counsels at Rome are bedawbed with their lying fancies, and in every corner the corner-creepers have some badge of their malicious spleen against us, crying out of our cruelty and persecutions. But if the penalty of death be changed into a simple durance of prisons, what moat can they find in our eyes to pull out, or with what Rhetoric can they defend their obstinate malapertness, with repaying us evil for good, but deserve to have coals of indignation poured upon their heads. Visne muliebre consilium, to Augustus, let severity sleep a while, and try what alteration the pardoning of them will bring: The Emperor harkened unto the counsel, 
That counsel takes best effect, which is fitted to the nature of the times and persons.  and thereby found his enemy's mouths stopped, and the fury of their 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 Collar about their necks ready for vengeance, if it were found unprofitable. But let such Stoics know that there is a great difference betwixt the penning a new Law, and advice given for manner of executing it; 
Those changes of State are safely made, which reserving most part of the ancient form, betters it, and reduceth effects into order.  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. That an ill weed grows fast by the 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 end of Queen Elizabeth's reign? Have not the impertinent heads 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? Parvametu primo mox seize, 
The Church is most zealous when persecution is most fresh in memory; when those times forgotten, we fall to loathe that which we enjoy freely.  attollit in altum. But if we will have a better insight, behold how this great quantity of Spawn is multiplied; we must especially ascribe the cause thereof to their Priests, who by their deaths prepare and assure more to their Sect, then by their lives they could ever persuade. It were incivility to distrust a friend, or one that hath the show of an honest man, if he will frankly give his word, or confirm it with a sacred Oath, but when protestation is made at the last gasp of life, it causeth a greater effect, and possesseth those that cannot gainsay it upon their own knowledge. The number of those Priests which now a days come to make a Tragical conclusion is not great, yet as with one seal many Patents are sealed, so with the loss of few lives, numbers of: wavering spirits may be gained. Sanguis Martyrum, 
In this case the question is not so much of the truth of it, as who shall judge, and what censure be given.  semen Ecclesiae, and though their Priests having a disadvantageous cause, are indeed but counterfeit Martyrs to a true understanding, yet will they be reputed for such by those that lay their souls in pawn upon their doctrine, with whom, if we list to contend by multitude of voices, we shall be cried down without peradventure. For the gate of their Church is wide, and many there be that enter thereinto. By divers means it is possible to come to one and the selfsame end, 
In the first year of Qu: Elizabeth it was easier to subdue popery then now, for than they feared to irritate the Estates, not knowing how far sincerity might extend. Now knowing the worst, they are resolved agere & pati fortia.  seeing that the Sum of our willingness and well wishing is all one; namely, that Popish priests may have no power to do harm, it is impertinent to try sundry paths, which way to lead us to the perfection of our desires. Politician's distinguish Inter Rempublicam constitutam, & Rempublicam constituendam: according to the several natures thereof, Statists are to dispose of their counsels and ordinances. Were the Rhemists and Romulists new hatched out of their shell, the former course of severity might soon bury their opinions with their persons; but since the disease is inveterated, variety of medicine is to be applied, but judiciously. The Romans did not punish all crimes of one and the selfsame nature with extremity of death, for some they condemned to perpetual banishment in prison, and others they banished into an Island, and some remote Country. In case of religion they were tender to dip their finger in blood; for when Cato was Consul, and it seemed good to the Senate to suppress with violence the disordered Ceremony of the Bacchanals, brought into the City by a strange Priest, he withstood their sentence, 
Vulgus est moresum animal, quod facilius duci potest quam cogi.  alleging there was nothing so apt to deceive many as Religion, which always pretends a show of Divinity; and therefore it behoves them to be very wary in chastising thereof, lest any indignation should enter into the people's mind, that something was derogated from the Majesty of their god. Others more freely, have not feared to place religion which is ignorantly zealous, amongst the kinds of frenzy, which is not to be cured otherwise then by time giving, to direct or qualify the fury of the conceit. Tantum religio potuit suadere malorum. Howsoever in valuing the power of a City, as therein strength of arguments, quality, and worth is to be preferred before number. Nevertheless, where the uttermost of our fear is not known, 
Many Partisans encourage the faint hearted: and where an enemy cannot pray veil against number, his thoughts are not how to offend, but how to make a safe retreat.  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 greater, and more difficult than they are indeed. We have by God's mercy the sword of Justice drawn in our behalf, which in short time 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 the Priests, than our late Queen had in restraining them in Wisbitch Castle, where lest factious spirits should rust, they converted their canker to fret upon themselves, and vomiting out their gall in Quodlibets, 
More Priests may be shut up in a year, than they can make in many.  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 scorn whereof was such, that Sixtus Quintus complained seriously of the vexation which he received oftener from the English Scholars, then from all the vassals of his Triple Crown. And truly is the Magistrate noted of negligence, 
Desire of Innovation is rash and contentious, and therefore can hardly agree of a head.  or overmuch security, that lays not wait to catch the Foxes, the little Foxes which spoil the Vineyard, as without further punishments, reserving them to the day wherein God will take account of their stewardships. For if Aristotle's City deemed to be a society of men, assembled to live well, be the same which in our Law hath reference to the people in peace, so long as we taste of the sweet of the peaceable government, we cannot say but that we live well, and that the consisting of men, not of walls, is happily governed and guided. 
An oath is of force so long as it is thought lawful; when that opinion is ceased, it doth more hurt than good.  An Oath is but a weak band to hold him, that will for pretended conscience sake, hold no faith with Heretics, or by absolution of a Priest, thinks himself at liberty to fly from any promise, or protestation whatsoever, therefore when I remember that Watson the Priest, notwithstanding his invective against the Jesuits, gained liberty to forge his treacherous inventions, and had others of his society in the complot; I judge it safer to make recluses of them, then to suffer such to dally with us by books, and some other idle intelligences cast abroad, only as a mist to blind our eyes. But how shall we find the means to apprehend those disguised Romanists, that borrow the shape of Captains, Merchants, Gentlemen, Citizens, and all sorts of people, and by equivocation may deny themselves? In answer to this question, I will first show the reason why they are not pursued and taken, and after make an overture how these may be bolted out of their hutches. The nature of man, 
One man in another beholdeth the image of himself, and thereby groweth compassionate, and sensible of that which may fall to himself.  howsoever in hot blood, is to be thirsty of revenge in a choleric temper, it hath a kind of Nausea, as I may call it, a distaste of taking away the lives, even of the nocent. Insomuch that in all Assizes and Sessions, and offender can hardly be condemned, whom the foolish pity of many after a sort, will not excuse with laying some imputation on the Judge's part, on the Jury, and much on the accuser, and surely by their blind affections, praise the prisoner, who perhaps was never commended for handsomeness, yet is esteemed of them for one of the properest men in the company. For hence it comes to pass that the name of Sergeant, or Pursuivant is odious, and the executioner, though the hand of justice, is esteemed no better than an enemy to mankind, and one that lost honesty in the Cradle. Reverend Master Fox was wont to say, that spies and accusers were necessary members in a commonweal, 
What men do unwillingly, they do not effectually.  and deserved to be cherished; but for his own part, he would not be one of that number, nor wish his friends to affect such employments. And albeit the Law commands every man to apprehend a felon, do we not commonly see every man content to stand by, and look on whilst others perform that office? Likewise it is evident, that if such as are tender of their reputation, be very scrupulous personally to arrest men for actions of debt, they will be more unwilling in drawing their bodies to the Rack or Gallows, especially when there is any colour of Religion to be pretended in the case. The diversity of men's faces is great, but that university of their minds and their cases are more variable, wherein the meanest have thoughts aswell as the highest. Besides, 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 thereby they make but honourable amends for their treason. Verily I do not know what misgiving of the mind it is that makes men forecast the possibility of alteration in the matters of Religion, and for that respect they are exceeding backward in discovery, and laying hands on Seminaries, yea, and over-timerous in enacting sharp Laws against them, as they that silently say amongst themselves, Sors hodierna mihi, cras erit illa tibi.  
Some also revive a Text in Queen Mary's time, alleged by the Protestants, that the tares should not be plucked up before harvest. Nay, 
Virtue neither praised or commended, waxeth cold.  shall I speak a bugbear word? there is no small number that stand doubtful whether it be a grateful work to cross Popery, or that it may be done without a foul aspersion of Puritanisme, or a shrewd turn for their labour one time or other. By which unhappy ambiguity it comes to pass that these animalia, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, the Priests I mean, that prey on the souls or bodies of either sex unattached, revel where they list, though they are 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 to 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, make them fly which are the causes of your grief, assuring yourselves, that more perish in flight then in battle, even as many seeking to meet the Papists but half way, discomfit our own party.  
It followeth now in order according to the method prescribed, that an overture be made how to get the Jesuits and their shadows, the Priests, into our profession. It hath been heretofore recited, that the unwelcome name of a bloodsucker, a busy body, or a Puritan, hath been shrewd scarecrows unto many honest minds; by abrogating therefore of those or such like imputations, 
An ill name given to a good thing, discourageth a man from meddling with it.  many will be stirred up to the apprehending of the adversaries unto the truth, especially when for their pains and time employed, they shall deserve to have the titles of dutiful subjects, and zealous Christians. Yet how ready is every common person to carry every malefactor rather to the stocks, then to the Gaol, 
Wise men forecast how to do most with least voice.  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 their dutiful service which they own to the Commonwealth; these men will not be negligent to give intelligence, and also to procure it faithfully, provided that the reward may help to relieve their threadbare purse, and exempt them from need to sell liberty to Seminaries; and where assured hope of gain is propounded for discovery, what Master or Housekeeper will trust his servant with keeping of his secrets herein, whilst he is thereby engaged to the danger of a mercenary? I remember that in Italy it was told me the bountiful hand of Sir Francis Walsingham made his intelligencers so active, that a Seminary could scarce stir out of the gates of Rome without his privity; which success may be as easily obtained by the mediation of gold from Seville, Valledolid, Douai, Louvain, 
Particular offices must be appointed; what is left for all, is commonly performed by none.  and Paris, and by forewarning of their approach, they may be waited for at the Port, and from thence be conveyed to safe lodging. But where shall the stream flow that shall feed this bounty? no doubt it may easily be satisfied, if some thousands of pounds out of the Recusants' penalties be reserved in stock, and be committed by his Majesty to the disposing 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 forenamed forfeitures, that by the justice of the Law may be collected: which course, if ever it come happily to be entertained, and that Recusants cease to be an ignominious prey to the subject, the proceeding for Religion shall be less blamed, and perhaps altogether unjustly accused by any Gretserus, or Cacodaemon Johannes, their pens being tincted in Gall or Vinegar. For beside occasion of calumniation given by suits of that nature, 
Service done for the King's proper use, hath his warrant and countenance; but when a private man hath the gain, neither reward, nor bearing out can be expected, and by consequence Recusants are free.  it is evident that many are Recusants that would be indicted for the King, and for the effecting the project aforesaid shall escape without punishment, and be borne out against the power of a private person, begging then to no other purpose than hath before been used. And albeit the penalty be raised and rated at twenty pounds a month, yet was it never the Lawmakers intent, that such as were not able to pay so great a sum, should go , but rather according to the proportion of their ability, they should do the penance of their parts for their disobedience. A poor man, saith one, is to be pitied, if he offend through necessity, but if he do amiss voluntarily, he is to be punished severely; because wanting friends and means he shows his fault comes from presumption. Let us now suppose that 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 fully resolved, 
Medicines that work in the spirits of men, are of greater force, and cure more surely than plasters.  that though it receive a great eclipse, notwithstanding without the helps, the kingdom of Antichrist will only be hidden as a weed that seems withered in other winter, and is ready to sprout out again with the spring. Temporal arms are remedies 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 caries the twoedged weapon in its mouth, which is to be used by faithful Ministers in the Church, whom pure zeal, without respect to worldly promotions 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 men 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 not therefore be dismayed to speak out plainly, and tell the truth without running the middle course, 
Such is the interpreter of the mind therefore who useth in divine matters to speak reservedly and in a double sense, he will be suspected to have a double heart and unfit to teach them that trust him not.  betwixt heat and cold, unprofitably descanting upon the Scriptures with an old postell, or for want of better matter, waste the short time shut up in an hour glass, with skirmishing against the worthy Pillars of our own profession. Rumour which is over-ready to take hold of evil, hath 〈◊〉 a secret thought, (I hope a causeless suspi●●●●) that there should be some combination unders●●●d, by changing the States 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 awfulness of the word, to use us then, as the Wolves mentioned in D●mosthenes Apology handled the shepherds when they had delivered up their dogs. Most sacred was the speech of our late 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 to cleanse the leprous disease of dissension, which the Papists, most doubtful of their salvation, are not ashamed to ascribe to many of us. I would not have Ministers undiscreet, like dogs, to bark at all, whether they know, or know them not: I like better the opinion of Aristotle, who advised those that stood in guard of a place, to be cursed only to such as are about to endamage the City. 
A good pastor is the physician of the soul and aught to apply his doctrine according to the tenderness of the conscience, for want of which discretion some men's zeal hath done hurt.  If Pursuivants and other civil Officers would learn to keep this rule, they might go about their business with much more credit. The imagined fear of inviting the Romish factions by force to deliver their ghostly Fathers out of prison moves not me a whit. For I cannot believe that they esteem them at so great a price, that they would run the hazard of 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 choleric, 
False miracles and lying news are the food of superstition which by credulity deludeth ignorant people.  appears by their writings, yet it hath pleased God to send those cursed Cows short horns, that when they could not find a man of mischief to serve their turns, they were feign to do homage to Garnets' straw, forgetful as they were, that such stubble cannot endure the trial of the fire. But to us that ought to be doers as well as professors of the Gospel, let this remain as a memorable Theorem, That religion is the mother of good order; good order is the cause of prosperate fortune and happy success in all counsels, and enterprises. Wherefore in what state soever there wants good order, it is evident that religion goeth backwards. I have ever held it for a kind of injustice to omit the execution of mean Laws made to pervert the effect of idleness, and then to apply many extremities of the sword, when the habit of that vice comes to height. No less is the course uncharitable, with pardon of presumption be it spoken, when we spare them that have no religion at all, and censure those that give account of somewhat tending to the purpose: He that is in misery must be borne withal, if he speak miserably: and when the child from the mother's breasts have sucked nothing but Popery, a man had need to be angry with discretion, if he hear him speak with the voice of a Priest; God calls some by miracles, but the ordinary means is the word; if that means in any place of this Land be wanting, of what religion will the people likeliest be? I suppose that few men will deny my assertion, That outward sense will direct them to Popery, which is fuller of Pageants, than spiritual doctrine. And what's the cause, that after so many years preaching of the Gospel, the common people still retain a sense of the Roman perfume? The cause is, that the formal obedience of coming to Church hath been more expected than the instructions of private families. 
A man is said to know so much as he remembreth, and no more, and we remember what we learn in our youth: therefore if we would be wise when we are old, we must be taught young.  Public Catechism is of great use, but the first elements thereof are to be learned at home, and those which we learn of our Parents stick more surely in our minds. What was the cause that the Spartans' continued their government so many revolutions of time without mutation? Histories record, that learning their country customs from their infancy, they could not be induced to alter them; and in this our native soil we perceive that common Laws which rely on ancient custom are better observed than late Statutes of what worth soever they be. So doth it far with the old people, who being 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 orders, or officers to effect this. 
Such as the Prince's house is such is the state of the commons for the most part, so that a Prince by a survey of his own house may have an ●aime how the commonweal is affected.  But I suppose the ancient laudable course of the Bishop's Confirmation will not be sufficient to fulfil so great a task. The Ministers ought and must be the principal and immediate hands to give assistance to so gracious a work, and in case any be defective in this duty, the reverend Bishops may take notice thereof in their visitations. Perhaps it might be thought a hard task to constrain old people to learn the A, B, C. of their Christian belief. 
By the laws we are the tithingmen which give account for ten households, some such office might do good in this case, for I hold the breaking of the saboth to be the ruin of our religion.  But howsoever it be, I hold it no incivility to prepare people of all ages for the kingdom of heaven, by the order contained in the book of Common Prayer, or Sundays and Holidays, half an hour before Evensong, the Curate of every Parish ought to examine Children sent unto him in some points of their Catechism, and all Fathers, Masters, and Mothers should cause their Children and Apprentices to resort unto the Church at the time appointed, there obediently to hear, and be ordered by the Curate, until such time as they shall learn all that in the said Book is commanded. And when the Bishop shall appoint the Children to be brought before him for their Confirmation, the Curate of every parish shall send or bring in writing the names of those children in his Parish which can answer to the questions of the Catechism. And there ought none to be admitted to the holy Communion, 
It were fit also they learned how to distinguish the common grounds of Popery, whereby the Priests deceive your people.  nor be confirmed until such time as he can say the Catechism. Many times I have stood amazed to behold the magnificence of our ancestors buildings, which their successors at this day are not able to keep up. But when I cast mine eyes back upon this excellent foundation laid by the grave Fathers of the Church, and perceive their Children neglect to build upon it, with exceeding marvel I rest almost besides myself. For never was there better ground-plot laid, which was seconded with less and worse success. It was not the hanging up of the Bull of Pius Quintus on the Bishop of London's doors, 
He that knows not the true cause of an evil, cannot help it but by chance, which is a dangerous guide of a State.  for the forbearing to hang up Priests hath wrought the A postacy, but the idleness and insufficiency of many Teachers, conspiring with the people's cold zeal, that have been the contrivers of this unhappy web. Until the eleventh year of Q. Elizabeth's reign, a Recusants' name was scarcely known. The reason was, because 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 these there was an emulation betwixt the Clergy and the Laity, and the strife arose who should show themselves most affectionate to the Gospel. Ministers haunted the houses of worthy men, where Jesuits now build their Tabernacles. And Country Churches were frequented with the best of the shire, 
Where good men are afraid to call vice by the proper name, it is a sign the vice is common, and great persons whom it is not safe to anger, are infected with it.  the word of God was precious, and prayer and preaching went hand in hand together, until Archbishop Grindals' disgrace, and Hatfields' hard conceit of prophecies brought the flowing of these good graces to a still water, and the name of a Papist smelled rank even in their own nostrils, and for pure shame to be accounted such, they resorted daily to our English Churches, and exercises. But when they saw their great Coripheus, Sanders, had slily pinned the name of Puritans upon the sleeves of the Protestants that encountered them with most courage, and perceiving that the word was pleasing to some of our own side, that took hearty grace to set little by the service of God, and duty to their Sovereign: 
If these men's zeal had been put to employ itself otherwise, and a task set them to do some good, they might have been reform or made harmless by diversion.  Therewith started up amongst us, some that might have been recommended for their zeal, if it had been tempered with discretion, who for ruining the authority of the Magistrate, took upon them in sundry places, and publicly to censure whatsoever agreed not with their conceit, with which cross tumults vented in Pulpits, and Pamphlets, most men grew 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 respect of others. 
Headstrong passions are not easily subdued yet must they not be suffered to grow to a faction. Discretio perlegem distinguere quid sit: we must lay the burden in the right place.  And as some things far the worse for an ill neighbour's sake dwelling besides them, so did it betid the Protestants, who seeking to curb the Papists, or reprove an idle, drone, was incontinently branded with the ignominious note of a Precisian.  
And which wind brought plenty to the Popes Well? And there will most men grind, where they see appearance to be well secured. If without great inconveniency the children of Papists could be brought up out of their company, that were a happy turn. 
Without reformation in this point, Popery will still increase: but as all virtuous enterprises are difficult, so this most intricate.  But I find it to be full of difficulty: there is provision made to avoid Popish Schoolmasters, but there is no word 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 life of Communicants and Recusants, will be the readiest means to let his Majesty know the yearly increase of the Church in every Diocese; 
A wise householder will cast up his reckoning, to see what loss or profit he hath made in a year.  and whosoever shall send his children, or any his Majesty's subjects to be placed in Monasteries and Seminary Colleges, or Popishly to be brought up in foreign parts, I wish that for punishment, both the one and the other might be defranchised of the privileges due to natural Subjects, so far forth as any good by the Laws might descend to them, but not be exempted from the penalties thereof, or the Regal jurisdiction of the Crown. I know that contradiction is odious, and makes a man seem ambitious, to be thought more understanding than others. In which case the Spaniard uses to term him only presumptuous, whom he would call fool, if civility would bear it. But my defence I hope shall serve to revive my former protestation, that I discourse by way of proposition rather than arrogance in defining any thing; 
The law which took immediate notice of an offence, gave a quick redress, and corrected the poor as well as the rich.  with pardon therefore may it be permitted, that the penal Law of twelve pence inflicted on him that would not give a reasonable excuse for his absence from Church on Sundays, was one of the best Ordinances that hath been hitherto 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 necessary only for the times, and cause occasions to be put in execution, but not to be an ordinary work for every day in the week; 
Sharp Laws that stand upon a ●long process, after a manner seem to dispense with a vice.  daily use teacheth us likewise, that it is lesser grievous to punish by an old Law, than a new. Forasmuch as truth itself without it be praised, seldom gets credit, and its hard to free the people from suspicion, that new Laws are not rather invented against the particular persons and purses of men, than against their manners. By force of which reason I am induced to conceive that the old use of the Church contained in good nurture and Ecclesiastical censure much more prevail to nuzzle 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 temporal, than spiritual forces, 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 security. The oath of Allegiance is not offered generally to servants and mean people, 
The allegiance to God ought to precede the temporal obedience: for if the first may be obtained, the second will follow of itself.  who if they had taken the oath of Absolution of a priest might recoil from it, and change their opinion at leisure, without any ready means, to discover their Lieger demeans. That oath 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 will easily be unmasked, and being singled from the rest, they will be ashamed of their nakedness. Which under correction of better judgements may be effected, if every new comer to inhabit a town, and servant newly entertained, within a week or fourteen days be caused to repair unto the Minister, 
This course will discover more than the oath of Allegiance, and prevent many from falling off, by reason of the quick discovery.  there in presence of the Churchwardens and other honest men, to subscribe unto such brief and substantial articles confirming 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 abode in those parts; and in case he stays longer, he must again renew his licence: so curious and vigilant also they are to keep their Cities from infection, that without a Certificate witnessing their coming from wholesome places, they may not escape the Lazzaretto. No less watchful aught we to be to prevent the contagions of our souls, 
As long as houses & lodgings in London are let to Papists, the Priests shall be received, and from thence the Country infected.  than other Nations are of their bodies; every thing is hard and scarcely pleasing in the beginning, but with hope some such course may be readily put in execution: I propound this rather as matter for better heads to work on, then peremptorily to be insisted upon in the same terms. Yet lest any man charge me with temerity, that when I desire to know the multitudes inclination by the means aforesaid, I satisfy myself with the Parrots language, pronouncing it knows not what: I think it not impertinent to put them in mind, that I have hitherto required instruction, both precedent, and subsequent, and am ever of the mind, that though all this cannot be done at once, 
If we can prevent the increase of Papists, these that now live, must either be reform, or in time, yield to nature, and then shall a new age of Christians succeed and by education made religions.  yet it is necessary always to be doing our best, knowing, that not to go forward in Religion, is to go backward. It is not the outward obedience of coming to Church, that discovers the inward thoughts of the heart, it is the confession of the tongue must utter these secrets, and where the Curate is insufficient, or the Parish great, I would they had Chatechists to assist them, maintained by the Priests of the Recusants, which pension being collected for good cause, will free us from scandal, though it grieve them to pay the special army wages against their own Stratagems; surely in giving them way in petty matters, they are grown Masterfull on their party. Plato affirms, that the popular state proceeds from the licence which people take to make immoderate applauses in the Theatres; 
The broachers of a bad cause being touched in conscience, at first move slowly, but if they prevail, they grow tyrannous beyond measure.  when as by arrogating that immunity without controlment, in the presence of their governor's, 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 to maintain such pretty 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 our Religion as it were by an insensible Gangrene, Principiis obsta, etc. For by sufferance of breaking smaller Laws, people are emboldened to set the greater at nought. To comprehend all things in a Law that are necessary, I neither hold it profitable, nor expedient; yet it is discretion to provide for the most important, smaller matters whereof the Law speaks not, they 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 places, 
Most men will affect to be such as the highest do most trust and favour.  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 as companions than slaves. 
A great man is an Idol in the eyes of the people, and draws many to imitate his actions.  If great men take another way, they may seduce many by example, though by words they express not their conceived opinions. Tace & eloquere, saith God to Moses, it is the speech of the heart, which utters more the Letters or Syllables. And in our Court of Justice, it is holden even dangerous, when a great person only by his presence countenances a cause. Neither let us secure ourselves with this argument; the Papists are pliable in some matters, and therefore they will yield in great; And because they took no arms in 88 it were needless curiosity to suspect them now; for who knows not that smallest baits are used to take the greatest fish: Vt●cum escâ unâ etiam & humus devoratur. Wariness is the sinew of Wisdom, and nothing is more dangerous, than to be secure in matters of State. Therefore concerning Laws already made; I wish that the most effectual of them, which lest concern life, may be executed: for better it were not to make them, 
Few Laws well executed, are better than many.  than by neglect to set them at liberty, seeing that many offences there be which many would abstain from, if they were not forbidden; but when a strict Commandment is avoided without punishment, thereout springs an unbridled licence to be hardly reform by any rigour.  
To conclude, I say freely, he that endeth his days by a natural death, he shall be subject to receive many dooms for every particular offence; but when for Religion's sake a man trampleth over the Sword, that eminent Virtue (it may be avouched) chaseth out the memory of other errors, and placeth him that so dyeth, in Paradise of common opinion: which glory having many followers and admirers, maketh even dull spirits to affect their footsteps, 
A crown of glory once attained, hath power to dispense with former faults.  and so sell their lives for the maintenance of the same cause. I need not to envy the name of a Martyr to a Jesuit; for his cause if it be rightly weighed, will banish that title: but I desire to have all those lineaments defaced which may compound that counterfeit Image.  
In prosecution of which purpose, if I have failed in mine advice, and by confused handling, obscured the Question, I humbly request, that wise men's verdicts may mitigate the heaviness of the doom. It is neither good to praise bad counsels, because of their good success, 
He counsels best, that prefers the cause of God and the commonwealth, before any particular.  nor to condemn good counsel, if the end prove not fortunate: lest many be animated to advise rashly, and others disheartened to advise gravely.  
FINIS.