A Memorial for Reformation of England by 〈◊〉 1596 De Monarchia Hispanica Campanella Robert Parsons Adam Contzen C●d● Richelieu Ex. Sump: M. Sp. THE PLOTS OF JESUITS: (Viz. of Robert Parsons an Englishman, Adam Contzen a Moguntine, Tho. Campanella a Spaniard, etc.) How to bring ENGLAND To the Roman Religion Without Tumult. Translated out of the Original Copies. Printed for Mich. Spark at the Blue Bible in Green Arbour, London, 1653. The Stationer to the Reader. MEeting with two Editions of a small (but very learned and pious) Treatise, highly commended by the most eminent Ministers in France (to say nothing of some in England) Entitled, An Apology for the Reformed Churches, against those who accuse them of Schism. with the judgement of an Universitie-man, etc. And finding in the Preface of each Edition some mention of the Plots of Parsons, Contzen▪ and Campanella, and other Jesuits, and of their Directions how to bring England to the Superstition and Idolatry of the Church of Rome, but seeing far more in one Edition of the said book than in another, I conceive myself obliged in Conscience, and faithfulness to my Religion and Native Country, not to suffer a Discovery, of which very excellent use may be made (for the preservation of both) to lie hid any longer: which in brief is the cause of this puhlication. Adieu, and Be watchful. Mich. Spark. Contzens Plot, to cheat a Church of the Religion established therein, and to bring in Popery without noise or tumult; which was mentioned in the Preface to the Apology and is taken out of the second Book of his Politics, ch. 18, 19 p. 103, 104, etc. MOst of the things before spoken touching the conservation of Truth and Religion, are profitable to reduce wanderers into the way. Yet they must be diversely applied by Politic men. 'Tis difficult to find out truth, but 'tis more hard to persuade him that erreth: Yet 'tis the duty of a Prince even in this to bestir himself earnestly, that wicked opinions be taken away. The first means. What Musicians observe in tuning their instruments, gently setting up the strings by little and little; and what in curing diseases, Physicians practise, abating noxious humours, by degrees and pauses, the same must be done in a Commonwealth, labouring under the malady of errors. Although I approve not lingering bootless proceed, since they often beget a desisting from the design. What ever means can be used, my counsel is, that they be attempted; but in a soft and sure pace, for fear of a precipice. Here mild commands and admonitions do very much further the work. The second this. 'Tis no hard matter for any Prince in Europe, to call back men's minds to the Ancient rites of their Predecessors, if he list. A matter heretofore held impossible to be effected: but now men begin again to love the old Religion. Nor can they be so held in by their Ministers, but that many do every year turn to the Catholic unity. What they once most greedily desired, they now cast aside with disdain. This levity of the vulgar to admire new things, and contemn old, is fatal. Many Provinces in Germany have endured many Religions: now they retain none, being intent on the will of their Governors. One cause of this is, as I said but now, Levity and Ignorance of the Truth. Another, the impossibility of holding people long ignorant of the lewdness of heresies; and that they find heretics to shift t●●●r opinions every year. 'Tis as if you should set a company of blind men to run a race; sooner will all miss then one get to the mark. Thirdly, Arch-heretics are to be banished the Commonwealth; at once, if it may safely be done; if not, then by degrees. Boisterous winds being sent packing, the sea will become calm: and error which wanteth a protector, will soon be ruined. In alterations I have observed these twelve things following, for the most part out of the History of the change of Religion in the Palatinate, the Acts of Marpurg, and the Edict of Brandenburg. 1. They concealed their purpose of altering Religion, and rooting out Lutheranism; not so that the wiser sort could not perceive it, but that the common-people might not see it, and raise tumults. 2. By the art of the Zwinglians some were suborned, who should crave the exercise of the Reformed Religion, and that with many sugared humble words; That the Prince might not be thought to be of his own accord inclined to odious novelty, but only graciously indulgent to liberty of conscience, and to love and cherish that. Facility in a Prince is commonly extolled; even when he yields to those things which are fit to be denied. 3. One Church, or so (and not above) was petitioned for: That this suit might not seem harsh to the multitude, who in the mean time were to have many more, and were not very solicitous of any. 4. Notwithstanding the jealousy of the Lutherans did here oppose itself, seeing that with the Church the maintenance would be withdrawn; therefore they think of a conference and pacification. They assemble in the Court, the matter is debated before the Prince's Council: a notary and witnesses are denied them. [But this course is by no means to be approved, for each part ought to have liberty. Otherwise, if men be born down with the power of the stronger side, the Victors shall ever be esteemed to have had the worst cause. This was the case of the Arminians in Holland: whereas they who had the advantage of the Prince's favour, if they had indeed believed the goodness of their cause, aught to have entered the lists upon equal terms.] 5. An Edict was published that none should cast aspersions upon another, but by all means cherish peace and concord. This proved an effectual engine to further the mutation: for hereby none durst contradict the Calvinists, no not so much as name them; and the Prince was not traduced as a Patron of heresies, but applauded as a Lover of peace. 6. A Disputation was appointed in the University. 7. All this while there was no open show of making Zuinglianisme heir to Lutheranism; but only this, that peace might be settled: for nothing was desired but that the Lutherans (retaining all their dignities and revenues) would vouchsafe to sit in Consistory with the rest, and consult as Brethren; which when they refused, they were accused as proud and disobedient to Authority, and seemed to deserve a dismission. Hitherto things were thus carried, that trial might be made what the people would bear: for if any tumult had arose, a fair excuse might have been made for all things hitherto. 8. When the people of Heidelburg petitioned for the continuance of their Lutheran Preachers, the matter was passed over in silence, without answer; and care taken, that those men who were petitioned for, should be traduced as too furious and heady. And the people were fed so long with hope, till at length they laid aside all care of Lutheranism and hope together. 9 When all things now seemed ripe, the Lutherans were commanded to departed from their Parochial charge, and all the Churches bestowed upon the Calvinists: Nor durst they complain, for if they did, they were banished. But now betaking themselves to domestic cares, they only sued for a pension, immunity from taxes, and the like: The Calvinists in the mean while laughing, to see a matter of such height and consequence, brought so low as to make such humble and abject petitions. 10. Whereas the young Scholars of the University were Lutherans, upon them also they practised with divers arts. Stipendiaries, such as were maintained at the Elector's charge) were put to their choice; whether they would be Calvinists or be expelled. And thus an exceeding great alteration came on a sudden without any tumult; for the Country Preachers followed the motion of the superior wheels. 11. When the Lutherans (Professors in the University, and Country Preachers) refused to yield up their dignities, the Prince told them, He wondered at them, seeing he had never taken them into his protection, nor given them any new possession of their places. (For in that Country, all places and offices become void upon the death of the Prince, and the power of bestowing them is in the Successor.) 12. In Hassia they went on very slowly, and by little and little. Nor was Calvinisme offered them at once, but only a small part of it. And the people come on much more willingly, if at the same time they be whistled another way, as to Arminianism, or some other Sect which may seem more odious. Lastly, both sides fell to writing; but that party which was most favoured at Court, quickly prevailed. And the wickedness of the Lutherans (which upon all occasions was made known) did much advance the cause of their Adversaries. The fourth means which I have seen put in execution heretofore, and still kept on foot, is this: viz. That such as are adverse to the Romane-Catholick Religion, be put by their honours, dignities and public offices. Nor is this unjust, That he who hindereth the welfare of the Commonwealth should be kept from the honours and commodities of it. Men guilty of great crimes are thrust from their dignities; why then should blasphemers, and contemners of Truth be admitted thereto? A fifth means. Let those particular Tenants which hear ill among the vulgar, and at first sight seem absurd, be culled out, and load laid upon them. A sixth. Make profit of the quarrels of erring men. A seventh. Let all secret Conventicles and public meetings be strictly forbidden. Eightly. By the severity of Laws and punishments compel the obstinate to duty; but let the rigour of laws be slowly drawn out, unless where there is danger of a contagion. Let those which be most dangerous be taken away, the rest by the Authority of the Prince will soon be brought into order. Within these few late years, a hundred thousands have been converted to the Roman Religion in France; in Germany more. Not one of the German Princes that hath assayed to draw his Subjects on to the Catholic Religion, hath ever met with any power, resisting his Decrees in that behalf made and executed. Only the Netherlanders broke out into Rebellion: but the cause thereof was not Religion alone, nor was that pretended; but their privileges and liberty. The Dominion of a foreign Nation over them (a thing abhorred by ingenuous men) and the exaction of Tenths stirred up that people to sedition. 'Tis I confess the opinion of some Politicians, That men are not to be compelled. But those which so advise are in an error, and give counsel not against the safety of Religion only, but even of the Commonwealth. For by a wholesome Law men may be overruled, that they shall not do evil. And a good Law will soon reduce those, who being of tender years, are either not at all, or very little tainted with heresy. And so if a compulsory Reformation should not do good upon old men, it may make the younger Catholic. And I know many Children have been a means of converting their Parents. There are many examples of this in Bavaria, Stiria, Carinthia, and the Low-countries. Ninethly. Care is to be taken for integrity of manners, and purity of life. For the filthy lives of Roman Clergymen, have made, augmented, and still do uphold heresies. And oftentimes in my disputes with Heretics, I have observed, that after very weak arguments they fall to accusing the ill lives of our Clergymen, and speak of things which can neither be denied nor defended. If the Bishops be not able to amend this, God will send an avenger, who will take away the wicked men and their wickedness both together. Thus have the Turks got possession of Asia, Egypt, Greece, etc. And Religion will be rooted out of Europe, unless the manners of men be answerable to the sanctity of their Doctrine. CHAP. XIX. Other helps there be, which wisdom may suggest, according to the variety of time and place. The Sinenses are taken with the Mathematics; the Japonians with Ethics; the Americans with Ceremonies and Music: All ways are to be tried. And first Music. Paulus Samos●●enus turned certain Ecclesiastical hymns into obscene and enticing rhymes. Thus the Arians and Pelagians destroyed the faith and discipline of the Church. Why then should not an Orthodox Prince make use of that for curing, which Impostors have found out to be a means of destroying? Secondly. Before the banes of Matrimony be publicly asked, Let both the man and woman be ordered and compelled to yield an account of their faith. Upon this occasion they may be instructed in the true [Roman] Religion: and so while they promise to continue in the Church, and ever to hold fast the Ancient faith, they are by degrees fastened to the truth, and cannot but love it. Thirdly. To this of Marriage other things are to be adjoined. Let no Ceremonies, but those of the Catholic Church approach the Font. Let none have the honour to be Godfathers, unless they have given good testimony of their sincerity in the faith. Let no man have the honour of Christian burial, unless he hath been a partaker of the Sacraments of the Church. Fourthly. If it fall out, that wand'ring souls must be leisurely reclaimed, and by art; and that the Propators of perverse opinions cannot be put from the places they once enjoyed; then let an Orthodox Magistrate so bring it about, that the instituting, presenting, confirming and examining of such men be committed to him. For so he may chase away every one that is apt to do mischief. Some wrangling Fellows that regard not controversies between Romane-Catholicks and Protestants, and study only to enrich themselves or to comply with the Prince, he may (safely, now and then) set over those Churches. So shall he be able to abate the rage of heresy, and yet not be troubled to remove the unlearned: For by that means error will grow into contempt. And because unskilful men are wont to err often, all constancy in errors will be taken away by this means. Fifthly. Likewise, let him nourish the differences of Preachers which are in error: and let him so work, that they may often confer and wrangle. For by this means, when all shall understand that there is nothing settled and certain among them, they will join in truth. Sixthly. Many other means there be, which prudent care will dictate to a Prince of its own accord. All those things which draw love and honourable esteem to the Prince, are of use, to fetch over the people easily to embrace his opinion in matters of Religion. Of this sort are, his easing them of taxes, excise, speedy supplies to any part of the Country spoilt by fire, provision of victuals, and other necessaries. Hereby it will come to pass, that what ever they esteem distasteful to the Prince; they will hold in detestation. If a Prince make use of these means, he may in a short time root out the Protestant Religion, although in the beginning it seem too strong for his Laws or Him. Campanella his Plot. CAmpanella in his Book de Monarchia Hispanica (printed in the Reign of Queen Elizabeth) showing the King of Spain how to bring England under his own subjection, and to the Roman Religion, hath these words, The same advice that Cardinal de Richelieu gave the late King of France; a little before his death. c. 22. Instiget Primores Comitiorum aut Parliamenti ut Angliam in formam Reipublicae reducant; that is, Let the King of Spain instigate the leading men of the (English) Parliament, to bring England to the form of a Commonwealth. And, Omnino id agat ut Anglorum vires infringat, ad quod efficiendum Naves Hollandiae & Frisiae sufficerent; si nimirum Classi Anglicae opponerentur; ut infra palam fiet, etc. that is, By all means let him make it his business, to break the strength of England. To effect which, the ships of Holland and Frisia will be enough, if they be set against the English; as by and by I will show, etc. This 25 chapter beginneth thus, Quamvis Anglus, etc. Although the English doth of all Nations seem least to effect an Universal Monarchy, yet they do much hinder Spain's attaining it; Queen Elizabeth hath given us examples, for she hath cherished corrupted humours, and helped Protestants with advice and supplies in the Low Countries against the Catholic King, and in France against the most Christian Prince; For she is Queen of an Island which aboundeth with Ships and Soldiers, and maketh a prey of all that Spain hath in the North, and ramble even to America, where though they cannot erect a new Kingdom, yet they do the Spaniard very much harm; for Drake the English man hath gone round the world more than once, though Magalanes did it before him. And it may come to pass, that all the Kingdom of Baccalaos (which is nearer the English, and more commodious to them, by reason of the temperature of the air) may some time or other be pulled into their possession: Certain it is, and evident enough, that if the King of Spain could conquer but England and the Low-countrieses, he would quickly become the Monarch of all Europe, and of the greatest part of the Newfound world Campanella goes on, advising the Spaniard to erect some new Schools or Colleges in Flanders, and to usher a new Religion into England; first, with a new Philosophy (himself hath furnished us with one) Anglorum Religio facile restingui non potest, There is more to the same purpose in the 10. Chap. which beginneth thus; Omnes Magnates Monarchiam, etc. All great men, when they have gone about to set up a Monarchy, have altered the Sciences, & sometimes Religion itself, that they might be admired. In the same Chap. his 7. direction is, to shut up all Schools wherein the Greek and Hebrew Languages are taught, because they are (saith he) the causes of heresies, and so destroy government. nisi aperiantur Scholae in Flandria; interventuque illarum spargantur semina Schismatum in scienti is naturalibus, Stoicis videlicet, Peripateticis, & Telesianis. The Religion of the English cannot easily be brought to nothing, unless Schools be opened in Flanders, and by help of them, the seeds of Schisms in Natural Sciences, and Stoic, Peripatetic, and Telesian Philosophy be scattered abroad. The last page of this 25 Chap. is as followeth; Insula haec reducetur in formam Reipublicae, quae perpetuas inimicitias cum Scotia gerat, actionesque suas non nisi lente perficiet, etc. When this Island shall become a Republic, it will be at perpetual enmity with Scotland, and move very slowly, and so do the less harm to Spain; whereupon, the King of Spain, as soon as the throne is empty, may step in, pretending to help the English: But let him be sure to keep correspondency with some English Noblemen, who have power over the adjacent Islands, and let every one of them have full and absolute dominion in his several place, as we read it was in the days of old. Then let him tamper with the Nobility of Ireland, that when the Queen is dead, that Nation may be form either into a Commonwealth, or (at least) into a Kingdom distinct by itself, then let him promise supplies to each of those Noblemen apart, and so much the more, because in that Kingdom or Island, Catholics (especially Monks of the order of St. Francis) are very much beloved. Now the Irish agree better with the Spaniards than with the English, either because their manners or climates are alike, and because their Countries are near one another. And there are in Ireland many vagabond persons who cannot endure to be in subjection, and yet they are good Catholics and able to do the King of Spain excellent service in the matter which we now speak of. These and the like things may easily be prepared, that when Queen Elizabeth is dead they may be put in execution; for every one knoweth what bloody Civil wars, what alterations and changes have been oftentimes in England. So that what I have propounded will not seem strange or impossible. To conclude: The same Campanella in his 8. Chapter of the same book lays down this rule or maxim, That the way to keep up or increase the King of Spain's Monarchy, is, To keep his own Subjects in peace, and his Neighbours in contention. Tho. Campanella having thus given the King of Spain directions how to get and keep the English Nation; Rob. Parsons goes a step further, and will help him to a title to the Crown of England: For in the year M.DXCIII. he published a book under the name of ●. Doleman, Entitled, A Conference about the next Succession to the Crown of England, divided into 2 parts. Concerning this book (being condemned in Parliament, Ann. 35. Eliz. when it was enacted, that who ever should have it in his house should be guilty of high Treason, and the Printer was hanged, drawn and quartered) See a book entitled, His Majesty's Messages for peace. p. 125. Printed by R. Royston, 1648. Or see Mr. Prynne's Speech in the House of Commons, Dec. 4. 1648. p. 109. Where Mr. Prynne affirmeth, That he himself and others complained of this book, but that nothing was done to vindicate the Houses from this gross imputation. The first part was for chastising of Kings and proceeding against them, etc. And was lately reprinted by Robert Ibbitson in Smithfield, and called, Several Speeches made at a Conference. The second part was to prove that the Infanta of Spain was the legal Heir to the Crown of England, the penning whereof did much endear him to the King of Spain, the Pope and Cardinals, as Roman Priests relate. Not to repeat any thing of Parson's Memorial which was mentioned p. The same that Gu●damore wished a Roman Catholic to expect, and then (and not till then) a toleration of the Roman Religion. 13. of the Preface to the Apology, wherein he adviseth to destroy the Common law of England, etc. And to have no Preachers but Itinerary: I shall only transcribe a few lines which you may read in an ordinary book, Entitled, A Reply to Fa. Parson's Libel, written by Will. Clark a Roman Priest, where p. 74. are these words Such as have read [Parsons Memorial for Reformation] being Priests and men of credit, unto some of whom Fa. Parsons himself shown the said book (as secretly as now it is kept) do report, That his directions, are that the Municipal Laws of our Country [England] shall be so altered, that the Civil Laws must bear the sway. And a little after, For our Clergy also they say, that all men should be put to pensions in the beginning; and the Colleges both in Oxford and Cambridge in the same sort deprived of their Lands and Revenues, and become Pensioners— All Religious orders (except only one, i.e. Jesuits) he excludeth out of England (as they affirm) for the first seven years and more; that Master Jesuits in the mean time may have the sway of all, and enter into the houses, live, and possessions of other religious Orders, etc. And now Robert Parsons friends knowing what an excellent cloak pretences of sanctity are to the greatest impieties, and how probable a means to make them pass without discovery or suspicion, printed a book, Entitled, A Christian directory (oft beyond the seas) under Parson's name; whereas indeed he was not the Author of it: for as you may read in a book, Entitled, A Dialogue between a Secular Priest and a Lay-Gentleman, printed at Rheims, MDCI p. 107. The credit thereof was due to Granada, who laid the platform to Father Parson's hand, and gave him the principal grounds and matter of it: which also was deserved by Mr. Brinckley for the Penning (as divers report.) And this book was printed in London 3 years ago, with this Title, A Christian Directory written by the R. Father Rob. Parsons, Priest of the Society of Jesus; and is one of the chief books that the Roman Priests in England commend to their Penitentiaries. A fit preparatory to his other doctrines▪ He that would read more of such Jesuitical Plots, may read (besides the books which were cited▪ p. 13. of the said Preface to the Apology of the Reformed Churches) a book, Entitled, Jubileum sive Speculum Jesuiticum, printed 1643. and Alphousus de Vargas de Stratagematis politic is Societatis Jesus, 1641. and Hispanicae dominationis Arcana. All in 16ᵒ. Or, Cardinal d' Ossat's Letters: Or, Sir William Boswel's particular Discovery, printed at large in Mr. Prynne's Romes-Master-peece, p. 13. Where the plot was TO DESTROY THE KING AND THE ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY, and then to bring England to the Roman Religion, and (as Parsons in his Manifestation phraseth it) make it an example to all other Catholic Countries; which book was printed in the year 1644. by Mich. Spark. FINIS.