THE CATHOLICS SUPPLICATION UNTO THE KING'S MAJESTY; FOR TOLERATION OF Catholic Religion in England: WITH SHORT NOTES OR Animadversions in the margin. Whereunto is annexed Parallel-wise, a supplicatory Counterpoise of the Protestants, unto the same most excellent Majesty. Together with the reasons of both sides, for and against toleration of divers Religions. BY WISDOM PEACE BY PEACE PLENTY printer's or publisher's device AT LONDON Imprinted by Felix Kyngston, for Edmund Weaver, and are to be sold at his shop, at the great North door of Paul's Church. 1603. THE CATHOLICS SUPPLICATION. Most puissant Prince, and orient Monarch, 1svch are the rare perfections and admirable gifts of wisdom, prudence, valour and justice, wherewith the bountiful hand of God's divine Majesty hath endued your Majesty, as in the depth of your provident judgement, we doubt not but you foresee what concerneth both the spiritual and temporal government of all your kingdoms and dominions. 2 Notwithstanding your Grace's most afflicted subjects and devoted servants, the Catholics of England, partly to prevent sinister informations, which happily may possess your sacred ears, before our answer be heard; partly almost as men 1 Impudent fellows! A manifest untruth, as all the world knoweth. overwhelmed with persecutions for our consciences, we are enforced to have speedy recourse in hope of present redress from your Highness, and to present these humble lines unto your royal person to plead for us some commiseration and favour. 3. What allegiance or duty 2 What duty? Fidelity and loyalty: which the Papists (by virtue of their Religion) can afford no potentate but the Pope. can any 3 These men hold that no temporal Prince ought to desire or expect any thing at their hands which may prejudice the Pope. temporal Prince desire or expect at his vassals hands, which we are not addressed to 4 True, conditionally if they think it be not prejudicial to the Pope. perform? How many Noblemen and worthy Gentlemen, most zealous in the Catholic Religion, have endured, some loss of lands and livings, some exile, others imprisonment, some the effusion of blood and life for the advancement of your blessed Mother's 5 The Papists judged Queen Elizabeth heretical and justly deposed by the Bull of Pius V and therefore thought themselves free from their allegiance unto her; and so traitorously gave away her right unto another. Otherwise how could any pretend RIGHT unto the sceptre of Albion, Queen Elizabeth being yet living? and there is great difference between RIGHT and TITLE. right unto the sceptre of Albion? Nay, whose finger did ever ache, but Catholics, for your 6 What loyal hearts Papists bear the King's Majesty, appeareth by their sundry conspiracies against his sacred person from time to time: especially by that in the year 1591., recorded in public print. majesties present title and dominion? 4 How many 7 If any so fled it was not for their good behaviour: and wise Princes do well know how to esteem of such men's offers. fled to your Court offering themselves as hostages for their friends, to live and die in your Grace's quarrel, if ever Adversary had opposed himself against the 8 Who forged and furthered the Jnfantaes pretended title, but Papists? yet now they acknowledge Gods right and their own madness. equity of your cause? If this they attempted with their 9 Good and loyal subjects forsooth, unto their own Prince in the mean while. Can traitorous hearts unto Queen Elizabeth, be good subjects unto King James? Prince's disgrace, to obtain your majesties grace; what will they do? nay, what will they not do, to live without disgrace in your Grace's favour? 5 The main of this Realm, if we respect Religion (setting petty sects aside) consisteth upon 10 A manifest slander of our Christian Church and S●a●●. four parts: Protestants, who have dominiered all the former Queen's days: Puritans, who have crept up apace among them: Atheists or Politicians, who were bred upon their brawls and contentions in 11 A flat untruth: the dissension between them is only concerning external matters of discipline and ceremonies, which belong rather to the policy of the Church, then to faith and doctrine. matters of faith: And Catholics, who as they are opposite to all, so are they detested of all, 12 An argument from the staff to the corner. because Error was ever an enemy to Truth. 6 Hardly all, or any of the first, two three can be 13 They would feign suppress the King's Majesty also among other Protestants, if they could tell how. God preserve his grace from such subjects, Amen. suppressed: and therefore we beseech your Majesty to yield us as much favour, as 14 Will you have as much favour as the Atheists have? Like lips, like lettuce. others of contrary religion (to that which shall be publicly professed in England) shall obtain at your hands. For if our fault be 15 No likeness at all. Protestants are loyal subjects; so are not Papists. Atheists we have none, at lest none that profess themselves so to be: so would God we had no Papists. Puritan, is a name proper unto the Anabaptists and Famelians, whom our state doth no way favour. like, or less, or none at all; in equity, our punishment ought to be like, or less, or none at all. 7 The Gates, Arches, and Pyramids of France proclaimed the present King Pater patriae & pacis restitutor, because that kingdom being well nigh torn in pieces with civil wars, and made a prey to foreign foes, was by his provident wisdom and valour acquitted in itself, and hostile strangers expelled; the which he principally effected 16 Non causa pro causa. Read the Counterpoise. by condescending to tolerate them of an adverse religion, to that was openly professed. 8 Questionless, dread Sovereign, the kingdom of England, by cruel 17 An impudent lie. persecution of Catholics, hath been almost odious to all Christian Nations: Trade and traffic is 18 And all by reason of Catholics treason, rebellion, and other disloyal practices & stratagems. decayed, wars and blood hath seldom ceased, Subsidies and taxes never so many, discontented minds innumerable; all which your majesties princely 19 If the Papists have practised treason and rebellion in time of their restraint; what will they not dare to attempt, having further liberty? connivency to your humble Suppliants, the afflicted Catholics, will easily redress, especially at your highness ingress. * 3. Reg. 12.7. Si loquaris ad eos verba lenia, erunt tibi servi cunctis diebus, said the sage Counsellors of Solomon to 20 The King's Majesty is not such an infant in government, but he knoweth, No subject can faithfully serve two masters, the Pope and his liege King. Rehoboam. For enlargement after affliction resembleth a pleasant gale after a vehement tempest: and a benefit in distress doubleth the value thereof. 9 How grateful will it be to all 21 Sirenical fond suggestions, as if his Highness cared what account the Turk or Pope should make of him. Catholic Princes abroad, and honourable to your Majesty, to understand how Queen 22 Causeless complaints, as his Majesty well knoweth. Elizabeth's severity is changed into your royal clemency: and that the lenity of a man re-edified that which the misinformed anger of a woman destroyed: That the Lion rampant is passant, whereas the passant had been rampant? How acceptable shall all your subjects be to all Catholic countries, who are now almost abhorred 23 Of none but of the wicked. of all, when they shall perceive your Highness prepareth not pikes and prisons for the professors of their faith, but permitteth them Temples and Altars for the use of their Religion? Then shall we see with our eyes and touch with our fingers that happy benediction of Esay in this land, * Esay 2.4. that 24 A plain non sequitur; for you speak by contraries. swords are changed into ploughs, and lances in to scythes. And all Nations admiring us will say, Hi sunt semen cui benedixit Dominus. 10 We request no more favour at your Grace's hands, then that we may securely 25 Yea, but the Magistrate is keeper of the whole Decalogue; whereby Idolatry is flatly forbidden. profess that Catholic Religion, which all your happy Predecessors professed, from 26 Popery was not hatched in Donaldus his days. Donaldus the first converted, unto your majesties peerless Mother last martyred. 11 A Religion 27 Woe be to them that call darkness light, Esay 5.20. This whole section is a plain begging of the Question. venerable for antiquity, majestical for 28 So is turcism and Paganism. amplitude, constant for continuance, irreprehensible for doctrine, inducing to all kind of 29 You would say Treason and Rebellion against lawful Princes. virtue and piety, dissuading from all sin and wickedness. A Religion beloved by all primitive Pastors, established by all Ecumenical Counsels, upheld by all ancient Doctors, maintained by the first and most Christian Emperors, recorded almost alone in all Ecclesiastical Histories, sealed with the blood of millions of Martyrs, adorned with the virtues of so many Confessors, beautified with the purity of thousands of Virgins, so 30 A fit commendation for Papistry, to be nothing but mere sensuality. Malum owm mali corui. conformable to natural sense and reason, and finally so agreeable to the sacred text of God's word and Gospel. The free use of this Religion we request, if not in public Churches, at least in private houses; if not with approbation, yet with toleration, without molestation. 12 Assure your Grace that howsoever some 31 Mutato nomine, de te, o Papista, Fabula narratur. Protestants or Puritans, incited by moral honesty of life, or innated instinct of nature, or for fear of some temporal punishment, pretend obedience unto your highness laws; yet certainly the only Catholics for conscience sake observe them. For they defending that Prince's precepts and statutes oblige no subject under the 32 A gross calumniation: as if we defended that the wicked for disobedience should feel no penalty, but only should be disquieted with the guilt of sin: and not rather that penalty is an infallible consequence of the guilt, if both be not taken away by Christ. penalty of sin, will little care in conscience to transgress them which principally are tormented with the guilt of sin. But Catholics confessing merit in 33 True, in obeying the Pope's decrees and commandments, but not Princes precepts, except it stand with the Pope's good liking. obeying, and demerit in transgressing, cannot but in soul be grievously 3r Yea, but all these tortures will soon be allayed, even by one breath of a Babylonian Bull. tortured, at the least prevarication thereof. 13 Wherefore most merciful Sovereign, we your long afflicted subjects, in all dutiful submission, 35 Timeas Danaos, vel dona ferentes. As if the Pope by one word were not able to dispense with all this: and to cause any Papist to do any thing even at a beck under pain of the greater curse and eternal damnation of body and soul, in case of refusal. O Lord open the eyes of these men. protest before the Majesty of God and all his holy Angels, as loyal obedience and as immaculate allegiance unto your Grace, as ever did faithful subjects in England or Scotland unto your highness progenitors; and intent as sincerely with our goods and lives to serve you, as ever did the loyallest Israelites King David, or the trusty legions the Roman Emperors. 14 And thus expecting your Majesty customary favour and gracious bounty, we rest your devoted Suppliants to him whose hands do manage the hearts of Kings, and with reciprocate mercy will requite the merciful. Your sacred Majesties most devoted Servants, The Catholics of England. THE PROTESTANTS COUNTERPOISE. Most puissant Prince and mighty Monarch, 1svch are the rare perfections and admirable gifts of wisdom, prudence, valour, justice, religion and godliness, wherewith the bountiful hand of God's divine Majesty hath endued your Majesty, as in the depth of your provident judgement, we doubt not but you foresee what concerneth both the spiritual and temporal government of all your kingdoms and dominions. 2 Notwithstanding your Grace's most faithful subjects and devoted servants, the Protestants of England, partly to prevent sinister suggestions against the peace of our Church and Commonwealth, which happily might importune your sacred Majesty: partly almost (not long sithence) as men in danger to be exposed as a pray unto the enemy, to be overwhelmed with persecutions for our consciences, we are enforced to have speedy recourse for present redress from your Highness, and to present these humble lines unto your royal person, to plead for us your majesties gracious favour and princely patronage. 3 What allegiance or duty can any King or earthly Prince desire or expect at his vassals hands, which we either do not presently yield, or are not addressed to perform? How many Noblemen and worthy Gentlemen, most zealous in the true Christian Religion, have ever specially respected your majesties sacred person? How many have most carefully & religiously, for conscience sake, in our late sovereign Queen Elizabeth, of blessed memory, her happy days, for the satisfying of their own duty, and the establishing of the ignorant and doubtful minds of their friends and favourites, privately without contention, breach of law, or disloyalty to their Prince, conferred together and explicated your highness just and lawful title, for the advancement of your successive right unto the Sceptre of Albion? Nay, who ever traversed, but a For all Papists intended to set up some one of their sect and faction: especially the Infanta of Spain. Protestants, for your majesties present title & dominion? 4 If this they did in the life of our late Sovereign, not to flatter and dissemble with your Grace, but for justice and equity, for truth and conscience cause: what will they do? nay, what will they not do, to live in grace, without molestation or disgrace in your Grace's favour? Now therefore the hereditary right of the Sceptre, being lawfully devolved unto your Majesty, who is he amongst us, that will not fly unto your Court offering himself as b See the Edict of the Peers of England Martij 24. 1603. hostage for his friends, to lose lands and livings, to the effusion of his dearest blood, to live and die in your Grace's quarrel, if ever adversary shall once dare to oppose himself against the equity of your cause? 5 The main of this Realm, if we respect Religion, consisteth upon two parts: Papists, who in the latter years of our late Queen's time, c See the Queen's edict, Novemb. 5. 1602. Anno Reg. Regin. Eliz. 44. by general neglect in executing of good laws and the slumber of justice, have crept up apace amongst us: And Protestants, who as they are opposite to the Papists; so are they detested of them: because Error was ever an enemy to Truth. 6 These two cannot possibly stand together: * 2. Cor. 6.14. & 15. For what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness? what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath the believer with the Infidel; the Christian Protestant, with the Popish idolater? And therefore we beseech your Majesty to afford us as much favour, as other Princes of contrary religion (to that which is publicly professed in England) do yield unto their Subjects. Other Princes tolerate no Protestants to live and serve their God in spirit and Truth, amongst their Popish Subjects: And we hope your Majesty will tolerate no Papists to live and to blaspheme our God with Idolatry and false worship among your Christian Subjects: For if our case be like, or better than theirs is; in equity, our usage ought to be like, or better than theirs is. 7 The Gates, arches, and pyramids of France proclaimed the present King Pater patriae & pacis restitutor, because that kingdom being well-nigh torn in pieces with civil wars, and made a prey to foreign foes, was by his provident wisdom and valour, acquitted in itself, and hostile strangers expelled; the which he principally effected, by d Vide Ant. Arnaldi actionem contr. jesuit. Et, Orationem ingenuam & veram ad Regem Galliae de Restitut. jesuitarum. Lugdun. an. 1602. adjudging the jesuits, the firebrands of sedition and rebellion, to perpetual exile out of his kingdom. So shall your Highness be truly called Pater patriae & fidei defensor, if you vindicate your own sacred Person from the treacherous attempts of hollow hearted Subjects, your Realms from the invasions and assaults of foreign foes, and the Majesty of the everliving God, from being blasphemed and profaned by vile idolaters: all which you shall wisely and valorously effect, by adjudging seditious jesuits, treacherous Priests, and all their Scholars the stirrers up of commotions and broils, to perpetual banishment out of your kingdoms and dominions. 8 Questionless, dread Sovereign, the kingdoms of England and Ireland, by unnatural, disloyal and traitorous practices of cruel Romish Catholics, e Who rebelled at any time since the beginning of Queen Elizabeth's reign but Papists? Who were rebels, compartners, abettors and favourites, but Papists? and consequently who were the cause of so many subsidies and taxes, but the same men? have been almost wasted, and made a spectacle to all Christian Nations. Trade and traffic is much decayed, wars and blood hath seldom ceased, subsidies and taxes never so many, discontented minds innumerable; all which your majesties princely regard of the humble suit of your devoted Suppliants, the faithful Protestants, will easily redress, especially at your highness f See 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, lib. 2. pag. 29. ingress. * 1. King. 18.21. Si jehovah sit Deus ipse, sequere eum; sin autem istorum Baal, sequere eum, was the wise counsel of holy Eliah unto the people of Israel. But to admit of two contrary Religions, were to halt between two opinions. 9 How grateful will it be to all Christian Princes abroad, and honourable to your Majesty, to understand how Queen Elizabeth's sincerity is continued by your royal constancy, and that the courage of a man re-edified that which the not- informed justice of a woman winked at? That the Lion rampant trampleth under foot the enemies of God and his truth, of their Prince and Country; whereas the passant had been nothing less than rampant? How acceptable shall all your subjects be to all Christian countries, who lately feared the apostasy of your kingdoms, when they shall perceive your highness still maintaineth true Religion, and g See 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, Lib. 1. pag. 19 permitteth not Idolatrous Papists to perturb & molest the sincere professors of the true faith, or to profane the worship of God, by profession and use of their superstition. Then shall we see with our eyes, and touch with our fingers that happy benediction of Esay in this land, that * Esay. 2.4. swords are changed into ploughs, and lances into scythes: And all Nations admiring us will say, Hisunt semen, cui benedixit dominus. 10 We request no more favour at your Grace's hands, then that you would compel all your Subjects to seek the Lord and his face continually; that you would h See 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, Lib. 1. pag. 19 prohibit Idolatry, repress blasphemy, abolish false worship, and cause all, within your dominions, to embrace that only true religion which your happy predecessors King Edward the sixth, & Queen Elizabeth of blessed and famous memory, constantly maintained; yea which also your sacred Majesty hath ever hitherto with singular i See 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, Lib. 1. pag. 5. 20. & 21. constancy, and doth now zealously and sincerely profess. 11 A Religion venerable for antiquity, majestical for comely order, admirable for power and virtue, certain for truth, irreprehensible for Doctrine, inducing to all kind of virtue and piety, dissuading from all sin and wickedness. A religion approved by God himself, allowed by his wisdom, and confirmed by his holy spirit, rooted in the elect, beloved of all primitive pastors, established by the best Ecumenical counsels, upheld by all ancient Doctors, maintained by the first and most christian Emperors, recorded in the holy Scriptures, sealed with the blood of millions of Martyrs, and constantly professed by all holy confessors, that never was doubted of but by her enemies, never saw change but of Heretics, being the only Religion that is taught in God's sacred word and Gospel. Popish Idolatry it is that we crave to be repressed, if not by a new decree, at leastwise by strict execution of such good laws that in such cases are already enacted. 12 Assure your Grace that howsoever some Papists incited by moral honesty of life, or innated instinct of nature, or for fear of some temporal punishment, pretend obedience unto your highness laws; yet certainly the only Protestants for conscience sake observe them. For they defending these dangerous and damnable k Vide Orat. ad Reg. Galliae de Restit. jesuit. & Eman. Sa. in aphorism. Confessariorum. & Bellarm. lib. de Exempt. Clericorum. propositions, 1. That the Pope hath power to excommunicate Kings, 2. That he hath power to absolve subjects from their faith and allegiance, 3. That the Pope may depose Princes from their Sceptre and Crown, and give the same unto another, 4. That any private man may be made executioner to murder or to poison the excommunicated King, 5. That faith must not be kept with Heretics, 6. That whosoever is not within the communion of the Romish Church is an Heretic, and consequently that your highness is such a one, 7. That no Clergyman can commit treason against any temporal King, because he is not the King's subject, but the Popes; and such like: care not in conscience, at the Pope's beck, nay think it high merit, if he so command, not only to transgress your laws, but also to lay violent hands and to murder your sacred person, which God forbidden. But Protestants, having learned to * Matth. 22.21 give unto Caesar the things of Caesar, and to God the things of God; and to obey the * Rom. 13.1. higher powers, which are the ordinance of God, cannot but in soul be grievously tortured for the least prevarication of the Magistrates just, necessary, or convenient laws. 13 Wherefore most gracious Sovereign, we your ever-faithfull subjects, in all dutiful submission, vow and protest before the Majesty of God and all his holy Angels, as loyal obedience and as immaculate allegiance unto your Grace, as ever did faithful subjects in England or Scotland unto your highness progenitors and predecessors; and intent as sincerely with our goods and lives to serve you, as ever did the loyallest Israelites King David, or the trusty legions the Roman Emperors. 14 And thus, not doubting of your majesties constant profession of true Religion, and godly care for the rooting out of all Idolatry, we rest your devoted suppliants to him whose hands do manage the hearts of Kings, and with reciprocate Honour, will honour them that honour him. Your sacred Majesties most faithful Servants, The Protestants of England. A BRIEF CONSIDERATION OF THE CATHOLICS REASONS FOR TOLERATION OF THEIR Religion in England, intimated in their Supplication to his Highness. I. REASON. The Catholics are ready to perform any allegiance or duty that the King can desire or expect at their hands. Out of the 3. Section of the Supplication. Ergo, It may please his Majesty to grant them a toleration of their Religion. ANSWER. I. To the Antecedent. 1 The Antecedent must be understood conditionally, vid. If the King will grant a toleration, than the Papists say they will be dutiful; else they will not: but will run on the old bias again for practice and treachery against his Royal Person and the State, as they were wont in Queen Elizabeth's time. But if they will not be dutiful Subjects for conscience sake, as they are bound to be: Our dread Sovereign (in my opinion) shall have small good of their mercenary service. 2 Popish Religion in the Articles thereof, is treason against the lawful authority and state of our King. See the Counterpoise, Sect. 12. Therefore whatsoever the Papists, either protest or pretend, it skills not, they can be no loyal Subjects, so long as the Pope may discharge them from allegiance to their Prince. See note. 35. 3 By virtue of Popish Religion, the Ecclesiastical state challengeth immunity and exemption from his highness power, judicial courts, and in case of ordinary contributions; they withdraw their allegiance from the King, unto the obedience of a foreign Potentate, denying him an absolute power in his own Dominions. II. To the Consequence. 1 Howsoever his Majesty, in policy, might wish all Papists within his Dominions, to be dutiful and obedient Subjects: yet cannot his Highness allow and accept of the course leading thereunto, unless he find it warranted by the law of God; such as toleration of Popish Idolatry can never be. 2 The practices of the Papists being uncertain, it fits not the deep reach of a Prince, to remedy uncertain and lesser accidents, by opening free passage to more assured and greater perils. II. REASON. Out of the third and fourth section. The Catholics have been very forward in maintaining and defending the King's just and lawful title to the Sceptre of Albion. Ergo, His Majesty might do well to gratify them with a toleration. ANSWER. I. To the Antecedent. 1 If the Papists were so firm (as now they say) for the King's lawful title: they would not have been so forward for the Infantaes pretended title, as they have. 2 Grant they were so forward for his majesties title: yet it is very credible that they were but mercenary judases, for Quid vultis mihi dare, & ego tradam etc. They would do somewhat upon hope of toleration, else just nothing for conscience and equity. 3 This which they pretend should seem to be in Queen Elizabeth's days, which (if it were so) on their part, was great disloyalty to their Prince. And it may well be thought that traitorous hearts to Queen Elizabeth, can be none of the faithfullest Subjects to King james. II. To the Consequence. 1 Suppose it lawful in Queen Elizabeth's days for Catholics to fly from their country, and to be factiously forward for the King's lawful title; they did but their duty. Yet is it not lawful for his Majesty to permit the free exercise of Idolatry, which were plain impiety. 2 If this also were lawful in itself, yet were it no policy to grant the Papists a toleration, considering their intention and aim for alteration, their number, dependency, confederacy foreign and domestic, and other correspondent abilities, strong and to be suspected. III. REASON. Puritans and Atheists, being of contrary Religion to the Protestants, are tolerated in England. Out of the 6. Section. Ergo, His Majesty may, with like reason, tolerate the free exercise of the Catholic Religion. ANSWER. I. To the Antecedent. 1 Such as do scandalously or schismatically withdraw themselves from our public congregations, and refuse to serve the Lord together with us, are not permitted but punished by our laws. 2 Puritans (as they term them) are not contrary to the Protestants in Religion. See before note 11. 3 As for Atheism, it is not publicly professed in England, and therefore there can be no permission thereof. See note 15. II. To the Consequence. 1 Upon supposed toleration of the factious and schismatical Puritan, there is no reason for toleration of the Papist; for divers causes, videl. I. The Puritan holds no opinion directly opposite either to the Majesty of God, or his highness Sovereignty: But the Papist doth. II. If the Puritan did offend any of these ways, yet should not the Papist be admitted: for so the number of bad subjects should be increased. 2 The Papist is more dangerous than the Puritan or Atheist, by reason of his opinion of learning, of his disloyal carriage, of his number and dependency at home and abroad. FOUR REASON. The French King hath granted a toleration of both Religions, Out of the 7. Section. which is the cause of quietness in his kingdom. Ergo, The King of England may do so likewise. ANSWER. I. To the Antecedent. 1 The cause of quietness in France was not toleration, but the banishment of the jesuits. See the Counterpoise Sect. 7. 2 The contrary religion in France is tolerated of necessity and disability of the Catholics part to expugn and ruin the other, as it was in the time of Charles the ninth, and Henry the third. 3 Such as the French King doth tolerate, do in opinion derogate nothing from his Sovereignty, nor in action attempt any thing against his person: But it is and ever was otherwise with Papists in England. II. To the Consequence. 1 Men live by the rule of Reason and law, not by examples. 2 The French King holdeth correspondence in religion with the Pope; therefore in a question of the worship and service of the Lord, he cannot be a fit precedent to a Christian Prince professing the Gospel. 3 Though the French King permitteth the free exercise of the Gospel, a doctrine lawful in itself and holy, which derogateth nothing from Prince's sovereignty: yet may not the King of England permit Papistry, the doctrine being Antichristian and unlawful in itself, joined also with dishonour and peril. 4 The French King alloweth toleration to such who acknowledge him for their lawful Sovereign, who never plotted against his Crown and life, nor can be induced upon any suggestion so to do: whereas his Majesty of England is solicited to yield it to such who hold that he is an Heretic, that he may be divested, by the Pope's Bull, of his imperial Crown and regalities; who have disposed of their allegiance to a foreign Prince; who never cease from projects and practices for alteration; who in fittest opportunity, upon mandate from the Pope, are ready to take arms for the subversion of his Sceptre and state, of his royal person, and of the Gospel. V REASON. Upon grant of toleration England will not be odious to all Christian Nations for cruel persecution of Catholics, Out of the 8. Section. as now they are. Ergo, Toleration should in good reason be allowed and maintained. ANSWER. I. To the Antecedent. 1 England is not odious to all Christian Nations, neither did it ever (within the supposed time) persecute Catholics, but punish Traitors. Toleration being admitted, yet will not such as hate England cease to hate her still, because of the disgrace that must rely upon Popery; his Majesty, the State and almosy all the subjects professing the Gospel. II. To the Consequence. 1 To grant toleration that England might not be slandered for proceed against Papists, and hated by those of that faction, were for curing of the headache, to knock out the brains. If we consider the parties that hate us, the insufficient ground they have for their hating us, the little measure of prejudice or damage that cometh thereof: and on the other side the inevitable dishonour, the danger and mischief of toleration; we shall see that the former is not worthy any regard, when there is question of the latter. 3 The surcease of Catholike-hate being altogether uncertain and accidentary, it cannot be in policy a sufficient ground for embracing of dangerous toleration. VI REASON. Toleration will stay hostile attempts of Catholics against the Realm; and so Traffic will be free, Out of the 8. Section. Subsidies and Taxes shall not be so many, etc. Ergo, Toleration is to be embraced. ANSWER. I. To the Antecedent. 1 It is not the cause of Religion (though it hath been some part of their pretence) that embarked enemies against this land: But violent humours of ambition to a Monarchy, of malice and revenge upon supposed indignities; the securing of their own greatness by impairing their Neighbours, etc. therefore toleration cannot redress hostility. 2 Suppose Religion the cause, yet it is not toleration, but alteration that they aim at, and therefore their hostile practices and machinations are unlikely to cease for toleration. 3 Hostile attempts may cease without toleration; as by disability on the adverse part, necessity, compulsion, etc. II. To the Consequence. 1 Evil must not be done that good may come thereof: Toleration of Idolatry cannot be denied to be evil. 2 Of two evils the lesser is to be chosen. Hostile attempts may endanger the body: Toleration damneth the soul. VII. REASON. Toleration will be grateful to all Catholic Princes abroad. Out of the 9 Section. Ergo, It ought to be granted. ANSWER. I. To the Antecedent. 1 Alteration would be more grateful unto Catholic Princes, than toleration: should alteration therefore be granted? II. To the Consequence. 1 Should his royal Majesty grant an impiety, and hazard his royal estate and person, yea his subjects and the Gospel, to gratify Catholic Princes? 2 Whether it be right in the sight of God, to obey you rather than God, iudgeye, Act. 4.19. 3 If I should please men, I were not the servant of Christ, saith the Apostle, Galat. 1.10. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 VII. REASON. Out of the 9 Section. All English subjects would be acceptable to all Catholic countries, who are now almost abhorred of all, if toleration were granted. Ergo, Toleration is not to be denied. ANSWER. I. To the Antecedent. 1 It is false that Englishmen are abhorred of all Catholic countries, otherwise then for their religion, as all other Protestants be. 2 Suppose a toleration; yet dissension in religion extinguisheth acceptation in affection: therefore it is not probable that English subjects being Protestant's in religion, should be esteemed and accepted among such as are of a contrary faction. 3 Nullus est fidus eorum affectus quorum est diversa fides: saith Hierome. 4 Not toleration, but plain alteration would (peradventure) make English subjects acceptable. II. To the consequence. 1 No sin must be committed against God for gaining of particular advantage. 2 It is a gross error in policy, in hope of idle and accidentary reputation, to make choice of certain mischief. IX. REASON. Out of the 9 Section. Upon toleration of Catholic Religion, we shall enjoy assured peace; sword shall be changed into ploughs and lances into scythes. Ergo, Toleration is to be admitted. ANSWER. I. To the Antecedent. 1 Religion is not the cause of disturbance of peace and hostile attempts against this kingdom: as hath been said already. 2 If it were the cause: yet the Gospel, which is the thing they would extirpate, should remain still for all toleration; so that wars are not likely to cease. 3 Toleration would hatch simultation, jars, discord, dissension, and at last deadly war, rather than peace. 4 If Papists still attempted treasons in time of their restraint in Queen Elizabeth's days: is it not probable, that having more liberty, they would be more treacherous? especially the Pope's malice against the Gospel being still the same, and their obedience to him not renounced? II. To the Consequence. 1 Upon supposition of peace ensuing upon toleration, which is not likely: yet cursed be that peace, when it cannot be procured, but by sinning against God. 2 Maledicta sit omnis concordia, destituta sinceritate veritatis; saith Irenaeus. X. REASON. Out of the 10. Section. All the King's happy predecessors professed the Catholic Religion. Ergo, His Majesty ought (at least) to grant a toleration. ANSWER. I. To the Antecedent. 1 The Antecedent is false: Popery was hatched but of late times. 2 Henry the eight, Edward the sixth, and Queen Elizabeth of happy memory, (to speak of no other) were the King's predecessors, yet they professed not the Popish Religion. II. To the Consequence. 1 If his majesties predecessors had professed Popery, yet that can be no warrant for his Highness so to do; because we must not live by examples, but by laws and reason. 2 It is not antiquity, nor custom that makes a thing lawful in itself; neither must we so much regard the ancient way, as the good way. See Matth. 15.2. to the 12. Act. 7.51.52.1. Pet. 1.18. 3 Our Fathers must not be followed in evil. Be ye not as your fathers, Zach. 1.4. Walk not in the ordinances of your fathers, neither observe their manners, nor defile yourselves with their Idols. Ezech. 20.18. See also Psal. 78.8. Psal. 95.9. Amos. 2.4. XI. REASON. Out of the 11. Section. The Catholic Religion is ancient, irreprehensible in doctrine, agreeable to God's word, etc. Ergo, Catholic Religion ought to be tolerated. ANSWER. The Antecedent is an impudent begging of the question, and can never be proved: therefore the Consequence falleth of itself. XII. REASON. Out of the 12. Section. The Catholics only serve the King, and observe his laws for conscience. Ergo, Catholics ought to be tolerated. ANSWER. Thy reason is of the same nature with the first reason and is there answered. See also the Counterpoise Setion 12. So much for the Catholics reasons for toleration: Now w● will consider the Protestants reasons against it. THE PROTESTANTS REASONS AGAINST TOLERATION OF POPERY in England. THe reasons against toleration of Papistical religion in this land, are of two sorts: 1. theological, drawn from the scriptures either expressly, or by necessary consequence. 2. Politic, taken from consideration of the particular state of this kingdom, or from the religion and persons of the Papists. I. REASON. Whatsoever is offensive unto God, is not to be admitted. Toleration of Papistry is an offence unto God. Ergo, Toleration is not to be admitted. Only the assumption cometh in question, which I prove by this Prosyllogisme. Toleration of Idolatry is offensive unto God. Toleration of Papistry is toleration of Idolarie. Ergo, Toleration of Papistry is offensive uno God. The proposition is manifest, because Idolatry itself is offensive unto God; and consequently the exercise and permission of the same. A Christian Prince being the keeper of both tables of he Decalogue, should not suffer idolaters t● defile the worship of God within his dominions. The assumption no Protestant can deny; seeing popish worship of God is Idolatrous worship: wherefore it needeth no proof. Neither have I penned these reasons for Papists. II. REASON. Whatsoever the good Kings of judah and other godly Princes are commended for in the scriptures, that Christian Princes ought to imitate. But the good Kings of judah were commended for expelling of contrary worshippers, and repressing of Idolatry. Ergo, Christian Princes ought to expel contrary worshippers, & to repress Idolatry in like manner. The proposition is manifest, for whatsoever is written, is written for our instruction. The assumption is proved by induction: Asa broke down the altars and images of strange Gods, 2. Chron. 14.3. jehoshaphat removed the high places and groves, 2. Chron. 17.6. josiah put down the Chemarims, that were Idolatrous Priests, 2. King. 23.5. jacob would not suffer Idolatry to be committed in his house, but buried all the Images under an Oak, Genes. 35.5. All which were commended for so doing. III. REASON. Whatsoever is discommended in other Kings, is to be eschewed of Christian Princes. Toleration of contrary worshippers and permission of Idolatry is discommended in other Kings. Ergo, Toleration is to be eschewed of Christian Princes. The assumption is proved by the examples of such Kings as had not taken away the high places; as jehoash, 2. King. 12.3. and Azariah, 2. King. 15.4. FOUR REASON. Halting between two opinions is not lawful. Toleration of two contrary religions, is halting between two opinions. Ergo, Toleration of two contrary religions is unlawful. The proposition is clear out of the words of Eliah, How long will ye halt between two opinions? If the Lord be God, follow him: But if Baal be, go after him, 1. King. 18.21. And also out of Zephan. 1.5. I will stretch out mine hand upon them that worship & swear by the Lord, and swear by Malcham. The Assumption is manifest, for whosoever causeth another to sin, is said to commit that sin himself; so David is said to murder Vriah. V REASON. That which would be a means to obdurate and harden Papists in their superstition, is to be avoided. Toleration of their religion, is a means to harden them, whereas otherwise there might be hope of them, etc. Ergo, Toleration of Popish religion is to be avoided. VI REASON. That which would be offensive unto all Christian Princes and people, is not to be admitted. Toleration of Popery in England, would be offensive to all Christian Princes and people. Ergo, Toleration is not to be admitted. VII. REASON. Whatsoever would be dishonourable unto his excellent Majesty, is not to be admitted. Toleration of popery, would be very dishonourable unto his Highness. For he hath ever hitherunto constantly professed the Gospel; and now enjoyeth a kingdom wherein the Gospel is established; besides that the glory of a King proceedeth from entertaining such constitutions and decrees in religion, as God himself hath enacted and delivered. Ergo, Toleration is not to be admitted. VIII. REASON. Whatsoever is not for his majesties safety, nor for the safety of his kingdom, that is not to be admitted. Toleration of Papists is not for his majesties safety, nor for the safety of his kingdom; because it is impossible for Papists to be loyal subjects to any Protestant Prince, as hath been often declared before. Ergo, Fie upon toleration of disloyal Papists. IX. REASON. Whatsoever would breed confusion and disquietness in the land, that is to be avoided. Toleration of Papistry would breed confusion and uproars in the land. For it would tend to the antiquating and repealing of divers profitable laws already enacted against Popish practices; and hearten the Papists to perpetrate any villainy, etc. Ergo, Toleration of Popery is to be avoided. X. REASON. That which in Papists will double their allegiance and devotion to the Pope, is not to be tolerated. Toleration of Popery will double the Papists allegiance and devotion unto the Pope. For immunity and freedom of profession will draw on more followers, and obdurate them in their blindness. Ergo, Out upon toleration of Popery. XI. REASON. Whatsoever will triple the Papists detestation of our religion, and raise their desires of a full and entire re-establishment, that is to be abandoned. Toleration of Popery will triple the Papists detestation of our religion, and raise up their desires of a full and entire re-establishment, as is manifest. Ergo, Toleration of Popery is to be abandoned. XII. REASON. If the Pope in none of his territories, nor where he hath absolute jurisdiction, doth grant any liberty to Protestants, but tolerateth rather jews and Turks; and persecuteth Protestant's with fire and sword: neither is it any reason that his Popish Caterpillars should receive any such toleration in any Protestants dominions. For what measure they meat unto others, the same should others meat unto them. But the Antecedent is true: otherwise they would repeal their Edicts and decrees against Protestants; cancel and frustrate the power of the bloody Inquisition; spare all search after their Persons; surcease their confiscations and all criminal process against them. Ergo, The Consequent is true also, videl. That there is no reason to grant the Papists any toleration of their religion. XIII. REASON. If the Papists themselves do hold that King to be a stark Atheist and to have no sense of religion, which admitteth contrary worshippers and mixture of religions: then do they intolerable injury unto our King in soliciting his Highness to permit such freedom and mixture of religions. But the Antecedent is true; Westonus de Triplici Hominis officio, lib. 3. cap. 14. pag. 186. as may be proved out of their own writings; Religio promiscua principem ostendit Atheum. And again, Qui magistratus liberum suis facit promiscuum usum & coalitionem religionum, existimatur inde velle religionem omnem eneruare paulatim ac sensim, neque animo ac ingenuè ullam colere, aut magnopere curare. Siquidem cordi si modo Principi esset Religio, nequaquam impunè permitteret vagare ritus adscititios, prophanos, aut cultum divinae religioni prorsus contrarium. Weston. Ibid. p. 187. Ergo, The Consequence is true also. Wherefore toleration of Popery, is not to be admitted. XIIII. REASON. If the Papists themselves know in their own consciences and acknowledge in their writings, that amongst contrary worshippers, it is impossible for the King to live in safety; then are they wicked traitors against his royal Majesty, for importuning his grace to admit a toleration which they know to be so dangerous unto his person. But the Antecedent is true. For so they writ. Inter omnes minus tutus videtur Princeps, Westonus ibid. lib. 3. cap. 14. pag. 191. nec sanè bone protectus, qui arbitrarias hasce religiones in republica permittit. Nam aut in alteram partem propendet, velin medio, & quasi aequilibrio suspensus consistit. Si aliquò inclinet, adversaria factio eum pro hoste habebit cum Dei ipsius tum sacrorum & suarum rerum. Si neutro vergat, ab omnibus pro Atheo habebitur. Et sane orthodoxi cognoscentes haeresim adeo esse Deo exosam, ac hominib. pestiferan, videntesque Principem haereticis colludentem, ac illis indulgentem, haereticum ducent animo aut Atheum. Quod si fecerint, quid sacri aut tuti supererit in diademate, imo quid politici? etc. Ergo, The Consequent is true also. videl. That the Papists are wicked traitors to his Majesty, for supplicating for Toleration. XV. REASON. If all Christian Princes be bound in conscience to persecute, afflict and torment the great Whore of Babylon: then ought they not to grant her a seat within their dominions. But the Antecedent is true. Revel. 28.6. For it is Gods express commandment; Reward her even as she hath rewarded you; and give her double according to her works: in that cup that she hath filled to you, fill her the double. In as much as she hath glorified herself, and lived in pleasure, so much give you to her torment and sorrow. Ergo, No Christian Prince ought to tolerate popery, or to suffer the Romish beast to roost within his territories. But is bound in conscience, by virtue of the Lords express charge, given specially unto Kings and Princes who have renounced Antichrist, to plague and torment all Papists, to give them double payment, to antiquate and abolish all Romish and Popish abomination. Revelat. 7.12. Amen. Praise, and glory, and wisdom, and thanks, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever more. Amen. FINIS.