TO THE MOST HIHGH AND MIGHTY PRINCE JAMES, BY THE GRACE OF GOD, KING OF GREAT Brittany, etc. 1. IF saint Paul (most gracious sovereign) being accused of the whole Synagogue of the jews, by their Orator Tertullus, of divers heinous crimes, both against Gods and the Prince's laws, found notwithstanding such equity in the Heathen Precedent Festus, as he answered his adversaries, that is was not the custom of the Acts 25. Romans, to condemn any man before he have his accusers present, and place to make his answer: and also such favour at the Acts 26. jewish King Agrippa, as he both licenced him to speak for himself, and afforded him favourable audience: much more cause have your Majesties Catholic subjects, being accused of Ministers by their hired spokesman Bel, to expect the like yea greater favour and equity at your Grace's hands. For if Romans, though heathens, thought it injustice to condemn a particular man at the clamours of a whole Nation, before his accusers were present, and his defence were heard: and if Agrippa, albeit a jew, and enemy to Christians, deemed it notwithstanding a Prince's part, to give audience to one accused of that religion, which he both hated and persecuted, how much more will a Christian Prince forbear to condemn the universal cause of his Catholic subjects, for the slanders and outcries of Ministers, and one hired Proctor, before their Accusers be brought face to face, and they have time and place granted to answer for themselves? Wherein we shall account ourselves more happy than Saint Paul, because we shall plead our cause, not before a Heathen or jewish Prince, but before a Christian King, and such a one, as better knoweth the questions and customs of Christians, than King Agrippa did of the jews. 2. Wherefore, seeing of late one Th. Bel, (a fugitive once from the Protestant religion, as he is now from Catholic) hath not only accused, but also maliciously slandered the universal Catholic cause, in a book, which he hath dedicated to your Majesty, and termed it the Downfall of Popery, and withal challengeth, dareth, and adjureth (in which case our Blessed Saviour, though Math. 26. manifest danger of his life, made answer) all Seminary Priests, all English jesuits, and (as he speaketh) jesuited Papists, to answer him, I have presumed upon your gracious favour to accept his challenge, and am ready to perform it hand to hand, if your Majesty grant licence, and in the mean time to dedicate to your Name, this my Confutation of his arguments, and slanders, wherein I speak not for myself, as did Saint Paul before King Agrippa, but for the religion of your own Progenitors, and Predecessors, for the faith of your forefathers, for the cause of all Catholics, and for the good, (I dare say) of your own Majesty's person and Kingdoms. For though Bel calumniate Christian Kings and Emperors, with opening a window to all Antichristian tyranny, and Catholics generally, with thinking Christ to be killed a thousand times a day, and such like, yet especially he slandereth the Popes, with usurping power proper to God, and to depose Princes, and dispose of their Kingdoms at his pleasure, for to alienate your mind thereby, from the sea Apostolic: wherein he not only abuseth your patience with telling you palpable untruths, but also greatly harmeth and endammageth your person and realm, by endeavouring by his falls slanders, to avert your mind from the Popes, who have been the most ancient, most assured, and most beneficial friends, which the Kings and realms of great Brittany have ever had. Which thing that I may make manifest unto your Majesty, I humbly beseech you give me leave to set down some particular examples, of the mutual amity, and kind offices, which have been betwixt the Popes and the Princes of this land. Wherein, if I be somewhat longer, than men use to be in Epistles, I hope the variety and profit of the mattaer will make requital. 3. Not long after the sea Apostolic S. PETER P. was settled in Rome, Saint Peter, the first Pope about the sixty third year of Lippoman 29. junij tomo 5. CHRIST, came (saith ᵃ Simeon Metaphrastes, a Grecian writer about 800. years ago) into Brittany, where having stayed long time, and converted many nations unto Christ, he saw an Angel, who told him, that the time of his departure was at hand, and therefore he should return to Rome, where being crucified, he should receive the reward of justice. When therefore he had glorified God, and given thanks, and stayed some days with the Britan's, settled Churches, and ordered Bishops, Priests, and Deacons, in the twelft year of the Emperor Nero, he returned to Metaphrast. lived. Ann. 859. Baron. ibidem. Rome. Thus much Metaphrastes: all which he professeth to have taken out of ancient monuments, and to have been publicly related. And withal addeth; that Euseb. Pamphili (the ancientest Ecclesiastical Historiographer) reporteth, that Peter was twelve years in the East, and twenty three years in Rome, and in Brittany, and in the cities of the West. So that, not only Metaphrastes, but also Eusebius testifieth, that Saint Peter came into Britanny. Neither hindereth it, that this testimony of Eusebius is not found in any of his books now extant. For (as S. Hierom. sayeth) he wrote innumerable volumes, which now are perished, in some whereof might be this testimony. For it is no way likely, that Metaphrastes should feign it; both because he is accounted a saint, and honoured of the Grecians as such, and cited in the Council of Florence, as a man of great authority; as also, because there was no cause to move him to feign it; and lastly because he might be justly laughed at for feiging a thing wherein he might be easily disproved. And that saint Peter came into Brittany, not only English Catholics, as Harpesfield lib. 1. histor. cap. 2. Grecians, Italians, French, Spaniards, Germans, Polonians, Scots, English, say Saint Peter was in Brittany. Broughton lib. 1. cap. 24, and others do affirm, but also strangers, as julianus Petri in Aduersariis, §. 495. Baronius Anno 46. and his Epitomizers, Spondanus, Bzovius, Bisiola, Bernardus junius in Chronico Morali anno 46. Bivarrus in Chronico Dextri Anno 46. Ciaconus in vita Sancti Petri, Guillimannus in suis Habpurgicis lib. 2. cap. 1. Eiseingrenius Centuria 7. par. 7. dis. 8. Chesneus in hist. Angl. l. 3. Possevinus in apparatu tom. 3. Lesleus in Paraenesi ad Scotos: And also learned Protestants confess the same. For thus Cambden Protestants confesso it. in his Brittany p. 52. Of the credit of Simeon Metaphrastes, Cambden. and the Greeks Meneologie, our Ecclesiastical writer's report, that Peter came hither, and spread the light of the Gospel. And in his Remains pag. 4. The true Christian religion was planted here by joseph of Arimathia, Simon Zelotes, Aristobulus, yea by saint Peter and saint Paul, as may be proved by Dorotheus, Theodoretus, Sophronius. Speed lib. 6. cap. 9 Speed. Some ad, that S. Peter the Apostle preached the word of life in this Island, as to others Gentiles he did, for whom God had chosen him, that from his mouth they might hear the Gospel, and believe, and that he here founded Churches, and ordained Priests, and Deacons, which is reported by Simeon Metaphrastes, out the Greek Antiquities. The like hath Usher in his Antiquities Vsher. of Brittany c. 1. and 16. And also Baker in his history of Baker. England pag. 3. Who addeth, that this and more is reported by Authors of good credit. And I add that no grave Author denieth it; nor can any sufficient reason be brought, why it should not be believed. So that, mere inctedulitie or obstinacy can be opposed against it, which may be opposed against any historical writing whatsoever; and so all historical belieef overthrown. For who believe in histories, what they will, and what they will not, believe not, do not believe histories, but themselves. 4. Neither was this love of S. Peter to our country extinguished 2. Petri 1. by his death, but as himself promised to some, he had it in mind also after his departure, and miraculously assisted it in great necessities. So that truly wrote b Malmesbury lib. 1. Pontificum p. 209. S. Sergius first Pope, one thousand years ago, to our English Kings, that S. Peter was mindful of them. And Pope c Eugubin de Donat. Constan. Alexander II. to King William the Conqueror, and Pope d S. Peter Protector of Enhland. Alexander III. to King Henry the second, that England was under saint Peter's protection, ever since Christ's name was glorified there. And Pope e Bede lib. 2. cap. 10. Huntingdon lib. 3. p. 317. Boniface I. writing to King Edwin, calleth S. Peter, his Protector. For when our country (about the year of Christ 611.) began to revolt from the faith of Christ, and some Bishops had forsaken the land, and S. Laurence Archbishop of Canterbury was minded to follow them, Saint Peter appearing S. Peter committed Englishmen to S. Laurence. to him, and scourging him with sharp stripes, a great while in the close night, challenged with Apostolical authority, and asked him, why he would forsake the flock which he himself had committed to him, and to what shepherd running now away, he would leave the sheep of JESUS-CHRIST, beset in the midst of so many wolves. By thes stripes of saint Peter, and with these exhortations, Laurence, being stirred up and encouraged, came boldly to the king early in the morning, and losing his garment shown him how sore he was beaten, and how pitifully his flesh was torn. The King, as soon as he heard that for his own salvation the Bishop had suffered such grevous beat, yea and that of the Apostle of CHRIST, he feared much, and afterward abandoning all worship of Idols, he embraced the Faith of CHRIST, and being baptised, endeavoured to keep and maintain the estate of the Church in all points to the uttermost of his power. Thus S. Bede lib. 2. c. 6. who lived in the same age, in which this happened; and the same testifieth the king himself, in his g Reiner. in Apost. charter yet extant. Also Alcuin in Epist. 97. and our best Historiographers, as William Malmesburie lib. 1. Regum Angliae cap. 1. Henry of Huntingdon lib. 3. pag. 326. Marianus in Chronic. ann. 617. Florentius Anno 616, Westmonasteriensis anno 616. And the Protestants confess it. same is confessed by Protestants, as by Bishop Godwin, in the life of S. Laurence, Holinshed lib. 5. histor cap. 24. Isacson ann. 616. Wever in his monuments pag. 245. who also ibid. pag. 246. rehearseth the Epitaphe upon the tomb of saint Laurence, in which the same is affirmed, and lastly, the Magdeburgensian Centurioators Centuria 7. cap. 10. 5. Not long before this, when S. Peter consecrated Westminster Church. Sebareth, King of the East-Saxons, had built a Church in honour of S. Peter, in the place where now Westmonasterie standeth, saint Peter came from Heaven, and himself dedicated the Church, and confirmed his dedication by a miracle, which long after continued. Authors of this, are two ancient and holy kings Edgar, Witness, two English Kings, and grave Authors. and S. Edward the Confessor, in their Charters made to that Monastery, as may be seen in Bishop Usher in his book de Primordiis Eccl. Britannicae cap. 16. pag. 741, 742, and in wever in his Monuments pag. 450. Whereof I will rehearse the words of S. Edward's Charter, taken (as wever sayeth) outof the records of the Tower. The Church of S. Peter in Westminster, was anciently builded under Mellit, first Bishop of London, fellow and of the same time with Saint Austin first Archbishop of Canterbury, and by blessed Peter himself, with service of Angels, dedicated with the imprinting of the holy Cross, and unction of the holy Trinity. And king Edgar, as Bishop Usher relateth, in his Charter avoucheth, that in the year 604, it was dedicated, not of any other, but of S. Peter himself Prince of the Apostles, to his own honour. The same certify saint Ealred, a most grave Author, (sayeth Spelman) in the life of saint Edward, the Author of saint Dunstan's life, William of Malmesburie lib. 1. Regum, and lib. 2. Pontificum, Capgrave in life of S. Edward, Otterburn, Walsingam an. 1378, pag. 213. and 214. Baronius an. 610. And are not two ancient and holy kings, and so many grave authors worthy to be believed? S. Peter restored the royal English blood, to the crown. Likewise, when the Danes had oppressed England, usurped the crown, and driven all the royal English blood out of England, Saint Peter appeared in a vision, to Brithwold, a holy Bishop of Wilton, or (as some say) of Winchester, anointed saint Edward king of England, and foretold the years of his reign, and the end of the fury of the Danes, adding these most comfortable words: The Our best Authors testify it. kingdom of England, is the kingdom of God. Authors of this, are the aforesaid Malmesburie lib. 2. Regum cap. 13. and lib. 2. Pontif. pag. 249. Ealred in life of saint Edward. Westmonasteriensis anno 1056, Capgrave in life of S. Edward, Polidor. lib. 8, Harpesfeld saec. 11. cap. 19 Baronius an. 1043. And it is confessed Protestants confess it. by Protestants, as by Bishop Parker in vita Stigandi, by Bishop Godwin in vita Brithwoldi, by Cambden in his Remains pag. 5, Holinshed lib. 7. cap. 15, by Isaakson anno 909. and others. 6. Neither was the singular affection towards our country, peculiar to saint Peter, but (as from a fountain) descended to his successors. For when the sweet sound of the Gospel here preached by him, had in time increased, and come to the ears of Lucius, than king here, he sending to Rome for Preachers, P. ELEUTHERIUS Pope Eleutherius the fourteenth Pope after Saint Peter, about the year h Gordom 188 186, P Eleutherius Legates convert Brittany. sent hither saint Fugatius and Damian, who instructed, and baptised the King, Queen, and most of the people, whereby our country became the first, which publicly professed the faith of CHRIST, as testifieth the learned Pamelius, in his notes upon Tertullian against the jews, and the same sayeth i Leslcus, lib. 3. c. 27. Sabellicus Enneade 7. lib. 5, and thsrefore justly deserveth the title of Primogenita Ecclesiae. This testify k Damasus in Pontific. Harpesfield saec. 1. cap. 3. saint Bede lib. 1. cap. 4, the Roman martyrologue 26. Maij, and the Breuiarie on the same day, Marianus in Chronico, Huntingdon lib. 1. pag. 304, Ethelwerd an ancient writer of the blood royal, lib. 1. Westmonasteriensis anno 188, and it is confessed by Protestants, Protestants confess it. as by Bale Centuria 1. cap. 22, Cambden pag. 628, Cooper anno 180, Godwin in life of saint Austin, Stow anno 179, Parker in Archiepiscopis P. VICT. I. P. Victor I. Legatt converted Scotland. pag. 4. The like charitable office performed Pope Victor I. unto Scotland, sending thither his Legates at the request of king Donaldus, who baptised the King, Queen, and his nobility, as testify Both lib. 6. hist. Scotiae fol. 86. Genebrardus in Chronico, Holinshed in the history of Scotland pag. 72, and others. And about the year 324. Pope Silvester, having P. SILVESTER anno 324. perfectly instructed our great Emperor Constantin, baptised him, and cured him of his leprosy, as the same Emperor in his edict, and many l Monolog. Graec. Cal. jun. Acta Liberi vita Siluestri Huntingdon l. 1. pag. 306. Elerentius anno 506. others testify. Likewise about the year of CHRIST 400, Ninian, being taugth at Rome (sayeth S. Bede lib. 3. cap. 4.) truly the faith, and mysteries of truth, was n Capgrave in his life. S. Ninian Legat of the P. converted the Picts. thence sent to convert the south Picts, who then inhabited the best part of Scotland. And about the year 429, Pope Celestin consecrated Palladius, P. CELESTIN I. Bishop, and sent him into Scotland, where as yet was no Bishop; nor forgetful of Ireland, sent thither that great saint Patrick S. Patrick, Legat of P. Celestin, converted Ireland. who converted that Island to the true Catholic Faith, and is therefore justly termed even of o Cambden in Hibernia 760. Bale Centur. 1. cap. 44. S. Germrn Legate of Protestants, the Apostle of Ireland. And whereas, at the same time, the Britons began to be infected with the heresy of Pelagius, the same p Celestin suppressed Pelagian. in Britan. p Prosper in Chro. Baro. anno 429. Pope sent saint German, and saint Lupus, to confute, and suppress that heresy, which they performed, both with disputations and miracles. Thus continued the exceeding love of the sea Apostolic unto great Brittany, all the time, that the Britons possessed it all, or the greatest part thereof. 7. But towards our English Nation, after it had conquered that part of great Brittany, which now is called England, it appeared far greater. For whereas, not only the q Bede lib. 2. cap. 2. Britons refused, but also all neighbour nations r S. Gregory ●ib. 5. Epis 58. 59 neglected, to preach the Chtistian faith to our English ancestors, who ever before had been Pagans, and bondslaves (sayeth saint Bede) of Idols, only Rome lib. 2. cap. 1. put forth her helping hand to draw them out of darkness P. GREGORIEI. anno 599. and slavery of Idols. For no sooner, that blessed and holy Father, S. Gregory, (as Bishop s In life of saint Austin p. 3. God win calleth him) understood, that the t Bede lib. 2. cap. 1. joan. Diacon. in vita Creg. Angles, or English (whom for their beauty he termed Angels) were Pagans, but forth with he went to the Pope of that time, and beseeched him to send Preachers into England, offering himself to be one. And obtaining licence thereof came on his voyage three day's journey towards England; but was recalled at the great importunity of the Romans, who were unwilling to want so worthy a man. But nevertheless he forgot not his holy enterprise. For as soon (sayeth saint Bede lib. 2. cap. 1.) as he was Bishop over the whole world, he made our nation the Church of CHRIST, which had been ever until that time, the bondslave of Idols. And in the year 596. sent hither S. Austin, with almost forty Monks more to preach; who being entertained by king Ethelbert, in short time converted both him, and his whole country. And that they preached the true faith of CHRIST, appeared by the miracles which they wrought in testimony thereof, which were so many, and so great, as it seemed (sayeth saint Gregory) that they imitated the virtues of the Apostles by the miracles which they wrought; and they are so certain and undoubted, as they are not only testified by the said S. x l. 9 epist. 56. 58. Gregory, S. y lib. 1. c. 32. lib. 2. c. 1. 2. Bede, and other ancient Authors, but confessed even by the most earnest z Fox in Acts p. 105. Godwin in life of saint Austin. Stow in Chro. p. 65. Holinshed lib. 5. cap. 19 21. 20. Spelman in Concil. p 93. Cambden p. 104. Prostants. Again, in the year 601, he sent more Preachers, and with them, all things necessary for the ornament and service of the Church, as holy vessels, (sayeth saint Bede lib. 1. cap. 29.) altar clothes apparel for Priests and Clerks, Reliks' of holy Apostles and Martyrs, and many books: S. Gregor. sent. a Pall for Mass. and a Pall to S. Austin to use only, (sayeth S. Gregory) at Mass, appointed him to be over all the Bishops and Priests of Brittany, and gave him licence to institute two Archbishoprics, and 24, Bishoprics. Besiids, he sent rich presents of divers kinds to the King and Queen, and also sent order into France to buy a Greg. lib. 5. epist. 10. such English youths, as were there slaves, and to send them up to Rome, there to be brought up in wertue and learning; wherein he gave the example of the English Seminary, which not long aftet our English kings founded in Rome. Such was the exceeding love of this blessed Pope towards our nation, whom we may well, and must (sayeth Saint Bede lib. 2. cap. 15.) call our Apostle, and may lawfully pronounce of him, that saying of the Apostle: Although he were not an Apostle to others, yet he was to us, for the sign of his Apostleship, we are in our Lord. 8. Neither was this great good, so happily begun, and planted in our nation by saint Gregory and his Legates, neglected by the Popes his successors, but rather diligently watered and furthered by them, as appeareth by the letters and messages of divers of them sent unto our Princes, and Bishops to that purpose; as of Pope Boniface in the year 618. of Pope Honorius P. HONORIUS I. anno 635. in 633, of Pope Agatho 679, Pope Zacharie 746, Pope Adrian 789, an others. But most of all it was increased by Pope b Bede l. 3. cap. 7. Godwin in vita Birini. Parker in Antiquit. cap. 10. Cooper an. 636. Ball centur. 13. cap. 4. P. VITALIAN anno 668. Honorius his sending hither in the year 635, that Apostolical man S. Birin who converted the Westsaxons; and by Pope c Bede l. 4. cap. 1. Godwin in vita Theodori. Parker in vita Theod. Vitalian, who in 668, sent hither those holy and great learned men Saints Theodore and Adrian, by whose teaching, Englishmen, in short time, became the best learned of that age, and were the beginners of the d Gordon anno 791 Genebrard. ●ib 3. saec 8. S. Antonin. ●ib. 14. c. 4. Palmerius anno 791. Spondanus anno 1334. Bossius l. 21. ●ap. 6. P. LEO III ●nno 808. Amoinus ●ib. 4. c. 94. Regino in Chron. Baronius anno 808. University of Paris, and consequently the chiefest fountain of learning which since hath been in the West. After this, Eardulf, king of the North beiond Humber, being driven out of his kingdom and country, Pope Leo III. in the year 808. sent Cardinal Adulf his Legate into England, who by the help of Charles the gteat his Ambassadors, restored him peaceably, P. LEO IV an. 847. or Gregor. 4. anno 817. into his kingdom. Not long after, Pope Leo iv e Malmesb. ● 2. Pontif. ●. 242. Baronius anno 847. dispensed with King Ethelwoulph, for to marry, which he (being a subdeacon) could not otherwise do lawfully. And at the same King's request, crowned his son f Asserius in vita Alfredi Ethelwerd lib. 3. cap. 3. Malmesbur. l. 2. Reg. c. 2. Stow p. 99 Alfred king, adopting him for his son; who afterwards, for his most worthy acts, both in war, and peace, was surnamed the great, and for all things, became the rarest Prince, P. MARTIN I. anno 883. Florentius anno 884. Westmon. anno 883. Godwin in vita Plegmundi p. 17. that England, (and perhaps Christendom) ever had. Likewise, Pope Martin, at the suit of the same King Alfred, released the tribute, which the English Seminary then in Rome paid, and sent to the King many gifts, amongst which, was a good piece of the holy cross. 9 In the year 990, when Richard Marquis of Normandy, had purposed to invade England, and make war upon king Ethelred, Pope g John xv. anno 990. g Malmesb. lib. 2. Reg. cap. 10. p. 64. Baronius anno 990. John XV. sent his Nunce, and letters to take up the matter, who happily brought them to aggreement. And about the year 1059. P. NICOLAS II. anno 1059 Pope Nicolas II. granted to king Edward the Confessor, and to his successors the h Surius in vita sancti Edwardi Bale Cent. 2. cap. 52. Capgrave in vita sancti Edwardi. P. urban II. anno 1094. advousion and protection of the Churches in England. And in the year 1094. Pope Vrban II. in a council at Bari, appointed, that S. Anselm Archbishop of Canterbury, and his successors, should sit in Counsels beside the Archdeacon of Rome, who sitteth before the Pope, adding this most honourable speech: let Malmesbur. lib. 2. Pontif. p. 223. Godwin in vita Anselm, latin. us include in our compass this man, as Pope of an other world: whereas before it was unkown (sayeth Malmesburie) what place belonged to our Archbishop. And the same place did Pope Paschal P. PASCHAL II. anno 1102. Malmeshur. lib. 1. Pont. p. 224. II. confirm in a Council at Rome, about the year 1102. And besides this, divers others dignities, and privileges have been granted to the sea of Canterbury, by the Popes, as to be Primats of all Brittany, Legat● born, and the like. 10. Moreover, in the year 1098. the Scots obtained of P. urban II. anno 1098. Genebrard. in Chron. Pope Vrbain II. for their Prince, that he might have the name, title, and anointment of a King, as the i Baronius anno 1000 Bale Cent. 2. part. 145. Hungarians and Polonians had obtained for their Princes, about the year 1000 wherupon King Edgar was then first anointed King of Scotland. And about the year 1107, Pope Paschal II. k Malmesb. lib. 5. Reg. p. 163. Gordn anno 1101. Both lib. 2. fol. 261. writing to king Henry I. amongst other things, promiseth so to favour him and his son, as what (sayeth he) hurteth you or him, may seem to hurt the Church of Rome. And in the year 1152. when king P. EUGENIUS III. anno 1152. Stow anno 1152. Godwin in vita Theobald. P. ADRIAN IU. anno 1160. Par. an. 1155 Bale Cent. 2. Giraldus Cambrens. in Hibern. lib. 2. cap. 6. Io. Sarisbur. lib. 4. c. 42. Stow anno 1160. Cambden in Hibern. p. 762. Parker in vita S. Tho. P. ALEXANDER 3. anno 1171. Hoveden lib. 2. p. 528. P. LUCIUS III. anno 1183. Hoveden lib. 2. p. 628. Stephn, having usurped the crown of England, endeavoured to cause the Bishop to crown his son Eustace, thereby to exclude for ever the lawful heir, Henry II. Pope Eugenius III. sent commandment to the Clergy, not to meddle in that matter; whereby it was hindered. In the year 1106, Pope Adrian iv gave unto King Henry TWO, the dominion and government of Ireland, and sent unto him the Bull of his grant, with a ring of gold in token of the investiture. Which grant, at the request of the said king, Pope Alexander III. confirmed to him and his heirs. And as for Pope Lucius III, his good will appeareth by the great praise, which he giveth to the said king Henry's ancestors, whom he affirmeth to have far exceeded the rest of christian Princes, in warlike power, and nobleness of mind. Which affection continued also in his successor Pope Vrban III. of whom P URBIN III anno 1185. Hoveden lib. 2. p. 631. Stow anno 1185. the said king Henry the second obtained many things, whereof one was, that he might crown which of his sons he would, King of Ireland; which he confirmed by a Bull, and in token of his good will and grant, sent him a crown. And lastly when not only the King of France, but also his own sons, and nobles, had conspired against the said king Henry TWO, and had invaded his dominions withfar greater power, than he P. CLEMENT III. anno 1189. Hoveden lib. 2. p. 652. Westmon. anno 1189. was able to resist, Pope Clement III, in the year 1189, sent a Cardinal to procure peace, who excommunicated the hinderers of peace, and threatened to interdict the kingdom of France, unless the king made peace with England. 11. Likewise in the year 1193, when king Richard I. was taken prisoner, as he came from the holy land, by the Duke of Austria, P. CELESTIN III. anno 1193. Westmon. anno 1193. Hoveden p 773. Polid. l. 14. Paris anno 1195. Stow anno 1195. Pope Celestin III, at the said king's request, excommunicated the Duke, and enjoined him to release the covenants, which he had compelled the king to make, and to send home the pledges: Who not obeying the Pope, he soon died miserably, and was left unburied until his son had sent home the pledges, and sworn to stand to the judgement of the Church. And in the year P. INNOCENT III anno 1207. Paris anno 1207. Stow anno 1207. 1207, Pope Innocent III. sent to king John an eloquent Epistle, and divers precious jewels: And in the year 1215, when the Barons had extorted from the said king, certain l Paris ann. 1216. Polidor. l. 15. Stow anno 1215. Godwin in vita Steph. Lang. Bale Cent. 3. p. 260. charters, and liberties, the same Pope, at the king's request, disannulled those charters, and excommunicated the Barons, who had rebelled against him. And when the said Barons had called in Lewis the Prince of France, King John put all his hope in the Pope's Legat. Paris anno p. 377. chosen him their king, and yielded the chiefest cities and holds into his hands, so that England was in manifest danger to be lost, the said Pope sent his Legate to assist king john, and to forbid the French upon pain of excommunication, to enter into England, which he stoutly performed, and was a great means of saveing England. In the year P. INNOCENT IV anno 1258. Paris anno 1254. Stouv anno 1254. 1258, Pope Innocent iv bestowed the royal title of the kingdoms of Naples and Sicily, upon Edmund son to king Henry III, and by a Cardinal, sent to him the investiture P. ALEXANDER IU. anno 1257. Westmon. anno 1254. Bale Cent. 4 p 290. Paris anno 1254. thereof. And in the year 1257, Pope Alexander iv sent messengers to Richard Duke of Cornwall, brother to the said king Henry, for to go into Germany to receive it, which he did, and was crowned at Aquisgran. And in the year 1292, when the Barons had wrested from the said King Henry 3, certain liberties, Pope Vrban IV, at the said king's request, P. urban IV. anno 1292. Stow anno 1262. Bale Cent. 4. p 293. 326. Paris p. 1322 sent a Legate to accurse those Barons, who had rebelled in defence of those liberties. 12. In the year 1272, at the petition of king Edward I. Pope Gregory X. excommunicated P. GREGORY X anno 1272. Westmon. anno 1272. Polidor. l. 17 Walsingan Ypodig. anno 1273. Guy of Montfort, for killing the king's cousin german in his return from the holy land, condemned him of wilful and privy murder, of sacrilege and treason; declared him to be infamous and incapable of any office in the commonwealth, disinherited his posterity to the fourth generation, and excommunicated all those, who entertained him, and interdicted their dominions. And in the same King's time, was m Camden in Cantabrig p 435. Cambridge, of a school, made on university by the Pope. And under Edward II. Pope Clement V appointed, that in Oxford should be read two Lectures Clement tit. de Magistris cap. 1. of the Hebrew, Arabic, and tongues, and authorised it for one of the four famousest Universities in Christendom. Also in the year 1316. Pope John XXII. at the P. JOHN XXII. anno 1316. Polidor l 17 Stow anno 1316. Walsingam. anno 1312. 1317. said king Edward II. his request, sent two Legates to make peace betwixt England and Scotland, and to reconcile Thomas Earl of Lancaster to the king; who excommunicated the Scots, because they would not aggree to peace, And in the same year, at the same king's petition, the Pope confirmed all the ancient privileges of the University of Cambridg, which of long time they had enjoined, by the benefit (sayeth n Anno 1317. Stow) of the Pope's predecessors. 13. Moreover in the year 1489, Pope Innocent VIII. P. INNOCENT VIII. anno 1489. Godwin in Episc. Bathon. n. 42. sent a Nunce to appease the the dissension betwixt the king of Scotland and his people, but before his arrival, the king was slain. And about the year 1504 when there arose a contention betwixt king Henry VII. and Ferdinand king of Spain, about precedence of their Ambassadors P. JULIUS II. anno 1504 Spondanus anno 1433. Volateran. Coming ventura. Stow 1505 Bacon. in Henry 7. with the Pope, Pope julius II. having heard both Ambassadors, gave sentence in favour of the king of England. And in the year 1505. sent to the king, a sword and cap of maintenance, as to a defender of the Church. But as no king of England deserved better of the sea Apostolic, than King Henry VIII. did for long time, so none received more honour from thence then he. For he received not only from Staw anno 1514. Pope julius TWO, in the year 1514. a sword and cap of maintenance, for defending him against the king of France, but also of P. LEO X. anno 1521. Stow in Chron. Onuphrius in Chron. Pope Leo X, in the yet 1521, the most honourable title of DEFENDFR OF THE FAITH, for his writing against Luther. Which title, as it is more honourable than the title of most Christian, or Catholic, given by Popes to the kings of France and Spain, so was it ever most highly esteemed by king Henry, and o Stow anno 1547. engraven on his tomb, where is left out the title of his supremacy. 14. And though Queen Elizabeth had utterly cast of the Pope's friendship, yet he forsook not her. For Pope Pius P. PIUS IV. anno 1560. iv supposing, that she had revolted from that sea, rather for fear that her title to the crown might be called in question, because one Pope before had declared her birth to be unlawful, then for dislike of the religion, which in her fathers and sisters days, she had professed, sent à Nunce to promise her all favour touching her title to the crown, and p 1562. soon after, an other to request her to send her Divines to the Council of Trente, with promise of all security and liberty. Neither P. CLEMENT VIII. anno 603. may I leave your Majesty out of the number of the Princes of this land, who have tasted the love of the sea Apostolic, because out of your own grateful mind, you have q Procla●at. anno ●egni. 1. publicly professed yourself beholden unto Pope Clement VIII, for his temporal carriage and divers kind offices towards you. Besides, he hath (as is reported) censured all such, as shall molest your grace, and hath often times professed, that he would willingly give his life for the eternal good of your country, which is the greatest love, that one can bear, (as our Saviour testifieth) to his friend. Oh how great enemies are they unto England, who seek by falls slanders, to make such friends odious unto us. 14. By this which hath been said, (omitting much more for brevity) your Majesty clearly seethe, how greatly, and how continually, the sea Apostolic hath ever favoured the Christian Princes of this land: how many, and how great benefits, both spititual and temporal, Popes have bestowed upon them, and in their dangers and distresses, according to their power, assisted them, Pope's have more benefited Engl. than all Christdenome hath done. Weigh (I beseech your grace) in the balance of your princely wisdom, the foresaid benefits, with such, as yourself or ancestors have received from the rest of Christendom, and you shall find, that the sea Apostolic alone, hath more benefited England, than all Christendom besides, and consequently, that the forsaking the Pope's friendship, hath more endamaged your realm, then if it had forsaken the rest of Christendom. But especially (I humbly beseech your Majesty) weigh them with such, as Bel or any Minister can show you to have received from their two seats of pestilence, in Wittenberg and Geneva. What kingdoms have they bestowed upon you? unto what Imperial or Royal dignity have they exalted you? from what Paganism have they converted you? what enemies have they appeased? what assistance have they afforded you in any need? what good, little or great, have they brought to this land? Nay what mischief have they not brought? That one Apostata & firebrand of sedition, Knox, sent from Geneva, brought more mischief to your grandmother, your B. Mother, to your Father, and Kingdom of Scotland, than I can rehearse, or your Majesty without great grief can remember. Ministers pretend the love of the Gospel, as the cause of persuading you from friendship with the Pope: but yet dissuade not from Cenference at Hampion court p. 80. 81. friendship with the Turk. They pretend also your Grace's security; but the true cause indeed, your Majesty descried and discovered in Knox, to wit, their own security and advancement, which they fear would be endangered, if you kept your ancient and surest friend, and therefore with your loss (as your Majesty perceived in your Grandmothers case) they work their own wealth and security. And thus much of the Popes. 15. As for the Christian Princes of this land, though they have been of four different, and most opposite nations, to wit, Britons, English, Danes, and Normans: yet have they all agreed in keeping the league of friendship with the Pope, being officious unto him, and accounting him their especial friend. Of the British kings of K. LUCIUS. this land, first is king r Beda lib. 1. cap. 1. Lucius, whose particular affection towards the sea Apostolic, is evident by that, he neglecting other Christian Churches near CONSTANTIN the Great. unto him, he sent so far as to Rome for preachers. As for Constantin the great (the immortal glory of the British kings) his extraordinary love and affection unto the sea of Rome is more notorious, than I need rehearse. For he not only gave unto the Pope, the government of Rome, and of a good part of the West, (as besides s In edicto. Eugubin de Donat. Constant. Genebrard. in Chron. Ciaconus in S. luest. 1. Victorellus in notis ad Ciac. himself and Latin Historiographers, both t Photius in Nomocan. Greecks, and u Abraham Abben Efra. jews professed enemies to the Pope do testify) but also served him as a lackey, holding his stirrup, and leading his horse by the bridle. God wallader also the last British king in England K. CADVALADER ann. 652. having left his country went not whether but to Rome, and there ended his days. And if the histories of those ancient times were more perfect, or the Britons had reigned longer in this Island, no doubt but we should have more examples of their devotion to the sea Apostolic, as appeareth by Solomon K. SALOMON. Argentreus hist. Britan. lib 2. c. 27. Baron. anno 869. their king in little Brittany, after they had been driven hence by the Saxons, who writing to Pope Adrian II. beginneth his letter thus. Domino ac beatissimo Apostol. sedis Rom. Hadriano, Solomon Britannorum rex, flexis genibus, inclinatoque capite. And sendeth him his statue in gold with divers rich gifts and money, promiseth a yearly pension, and acknowledgeth his Royal title to have been given to him by Popes. This was the love of the British king unto the sea Apostolic. 16. To the British kings succeeded the Saxons or English as well in their love and reverence to the sea of Rome as in their K. ETHELBERT anno 597. Kingdom. For king Ethlebert, at the very first, received saint Gregory his Legates very courteously, provided them of all things necessary and freely licenced them to preach, using these gracious words, worthy to be imitated of your Majesty, For so much as you are come so far to impart unto us such knowledge, as you take to be true, we will not trouble you, but rather withal courtesy receive you. After him, king Osuin, having perfectly K. OSVIN anno 665. learned, that the Church of Rome (sayeth saint Bede) lib. 3. cap. 1. was the Catholiek and Apostolic Church, sent thither in the year 665 a Priest to be consecrated Archbishop of Canterbury. And in a conference about the observation of Easter, hearing, that the keys of heaven were given to S. Peter, concluded thus: I will not gainsay such a ●●b. 3. cap. 25. ●aronius ●nno 664. Porter, as this is, but as far as I know, and am able, I will covet in all points to obey his ordonnance. And in the year 670. He bore (saith S. Bede) such love and affection to the Apostolic sea of Rome, as if he might have escaped his sickness, he purposed to go to Rome, and to end his life in those holy places there. 17. But what he could not through death perform the valiant ● CED●ALLA ●●no 6; 9 Prince Cedwalla did in the very flour of his age, and prosperity. For in the year 689, Forsaking his kingdom (sayeth saint Bede) he went to Rome thinking it to be a singular glory, and renown for him to be regenerated with the Sacrament of Baptism, at the sea Apostolic: and withal conceived hope, that as soon as by baptism he was cleansed from sin he should departed from this world to immortal joy: Which by God's providence was performed, and he honourably buried, by the Pope in S. Peter's Church. Not long after him to wit in the year 709. two English kings, Coenred, and Offa, forsook their K. Coenred 3706. K. Offa. kingdoms, went to Rome, and there became Monks, continuing (sayeth saint Bede) at the Apostles lib. 5. cap. 10 K. Ina ann 726. tombs, in praying, fasting, and dealing alms until their dying lib. 5. cap. ij Baronius anno 729. Ethelwerd lib. 2. cap. 13. Malmesbur. lib. 1. Reg. cap. 2. Polidor l. 4. Stow in Ina. p. 96. day. Ina, alias Hun, successor to king Cedwal in his kingdom, succeeded him also in his devotion to the sea Apostolic. For after he had reigned (saith Bede) 37. years, he gave over his kingdom, and went himself to the tombs and monuments of the Apostles in Rome, as in those days many English, both of the Nobility, and Commons, spiritual and temporal, men and women, were wont to do with great emulation. Neither went he only to Rome, but became there a Monk, and was the first, that paid the Peter pence, appointing that every householder of K. Ina gave the Peter pence. his kingdom, who had thirty penny worth of cattle of one sort, should pay yearly one penny to Rome. Which money, English Seminary in Rome 900 years since Westmon. anno 727. 764. was partly for the Pope's use partly for maintenance of an English school or Seminary, which he then built in Rome, for bringing up of English youths there in virtue and learning. 18. Not long after, about the year 750, saint Richard king K. RICHARD anno 750. Surius to. 1. Baronius anno 750. forsook his kingdom, and leaving his two sons in Germany, with saint Boniface an Englisman, the Pope's Legate there, went himself in pilgrimage to Rome, but dying in the way at Luca, is there honourably buried. And the year 775, king K. Offa anno 775. Malmesbur. lib. 2. Reg. cap. 4. Westmon. anno 194. Polidor l. 4. Fox p. 101. Offa, though a warlike Prince, went to Rome, and imitating the example of king Ina, increased the English Seminary begun by him, and imposed the like pension of Peter pence, upon his kingdom of Mercia: as Charles the great, about the same time, imposed upon France the like tribute to be paid to Rome. The love and affection of king Kenulph, a worthy K. KENULPH anno 808. Malmesbur. l. 1. Keg. c. 4. Baronius anno 828. Prince, and successor to king Offa, appeareth by his redeeming the Pope's Legate, taken of Pirates, in the year 808. and by his submissive letter to the Pope, wherein he humbly craveth his blessing, as all his Predecessors had, desireth to be adopted for his son, as I (saith the king) love you like a father, and embrace you with all obedience. And protested to be willing to spend his life for the Pope. K. ETELWOLPH anno 855. 19 After him king Ethelwolph, in the year 857. went to Rome, took with him his best beloved son Alfred, to be instructed (saith Westmonaster) of the Westmon. anno 854. Ethelwerd lib. 3. cap. 3. Stow anno 839. Ingulfus Bale Cent. 2 p. 113. Asserius in vita afredi. Pope in manners and Religion where he abode a whole year, and procured his son to be crowned of the Pope, and adopted of him for his son: he also notably repaired the Englith Seminary at Rome, which had been burnt a little before, & confirming the gifts of king Malmesbur. lib. 2. Reg. cap. 2. Stow anno 839. Fox p. 136. Ina and Offa, imposed the pension of Peter pence upon all England, which was afterward paid until the later end of King Henry VIII. About the same K. BURDRED Ethelwerd lib. 4 cap. 3. Malmesbur. lib. 1. cap. 4. Stow anno 875. time king Burdred leaving his kingdom went to Rome, and was there buried in the English school. Neither would King Canute, though a Dane, be K. CANUTE anno 1032. Florent. anno 1031. Matmesbur. lib. 2. c. 11. Ingulfus. Huntingdon lib. 6. Marian. anno 1033, Stow in Canute. found ungrateful to the sea Apostolic, but went to Rome, in the year 1032, confirmed the payment of the Peter pence, gave great gifts of gold and silver, and precious things to saint Peter, and obtained of Pope john immunity for the English Seminary. And finally, King Edward Confessor, last but one, of the Saxon blood, would have K. EDWARD sonfessor. Ealred in vita Edwardi. Baronius anno 1060. gone to Rome in pilgrimage, had not his people upon fear of the Danes invasion, hindered him; yet sent he Ambassadors to Rome, with great presents, and confirmed all the duties and customs belonging thereto in England. And thus continued the English Kings, all the time of their reign, in singular affection and devotion to the sea Apostolic. 20. To whom, as the Norman K WILLIAM Conquer. anno 1066. Malmesbur. lib. 3. Reg. Ingulfus p. 900. Stow in Harald. p. 131. Princes succeeded, so they followed them in their piety and religion. For besides, that they paid the Peter pence, in particular Willam the Conqueror, having subdued and slain king Harald in the year 1066, sent K. HENRY I Malmesbur. lib. 1. Pontif. pag. 226. K. HENRY II. anno 1180. Rob. Montensis. Genebrard. anno 1180. Sigebertus' anno 1163. Neubrigens. lib. 2. c. 14. Bale Cent. 2 cap. 94. Holinshed anno 1163. Baronius anno 1162. strait his standard to the Pope as to his particular friend. And king Henry I. professed by his Ambassador to Pope Paschal II. that England was a peculiar province of the Church of Rome, and paid unto her yearly tribute. King Henry II. about the year 1180, together with Lewis king of France led Pope Alexander's horse, and with great pomp conducted him through the city Tociacum. King Richard, Coeur K. RICHARD I Polid. l. 14. Genebrard. ●n Chron. Stow. ●ale Cent. 2 ●. 104. Houeden ●. 609. de Lion, at the exhortation of the Pope, went in person to the holy land with an army of thirty thousand foot, and five thousand horse: in which voyage he conquered the kingdom of Cyprus, and city of Ptolemais, and overthrew the Sultan in a great battle; and the like enterprise afterward took king Edward I. in the year 1241. King K. HENRY III. stow anno ●241. Henry III. placed the Pope's Legate in the most honourable room of the table at a public banquet in Christmas betwixt himself and the Archbishop of York: and afterward with great pomp (saith Stow) and innumerable company of nobles, and trumpets sounding before brought him to the sea. How devout king Richard II. and Englishmen K. RICHARD II. Stow anno 1407. in his time were to the sea of Rome, appeareth by their building an hospital there for receipt of English Pilgrims, instead of the foresaid Seminary, which (as it seemeth) was destroyed in that great burning of Rome in the year 1084.) in the place whereof S. Thomas of Canterbury had before built a Chapel in honour of the blessed Trinity. This Hospital was afterwards, in the reign of king Henry VI, and Henry VII re-edified, and much increased, and lastly in the year 1570 was much bewtified, and augmented both in buildings and revenues by Pope Gregory XIII, and by him converted to the ancient use of a Seminary, retaining still the obligation of an Hospital. 21. The affection of King K. HENRY IU. Stow anno 1409. Henry iv appeareth by his letter to the Pope in the year 1409, which he beginneth thus: Most holy Father, our recommendations in humble wise premised. And afterward; Having taken with our said son, and also with our Prelates and Nobles, mature deliberation, we beseech with all humility, and require your clemency (whose state and honour upon divers causes, as a devout son of the Church, so far as we might with God, we have ever embraced, and do embrace) by the express and whole assent of the estates aforesaid, etc. And as for king Henry K. HENRY V. V, he in the year 1416 sent his Ambassadors to the General Council at Constance, at whose procurement it was there ordained (saith Stowe) that England Stow 1416 should obtain the name of a Nation, and be one of the five Nations, that own their devotion to the Church of Rome, which thing until that time, men of other Nations for envy had Note this. letted. Behold, what an honour, king Henry V, the Alexander of England, and Conqueror of France, in his most flourishing and triumphant time, accounted it to owe devotion to the Church of Rome; which now Ministers would account so dishonourable. And for king Henry K. HENRY VII. Bacon. in Henr. 7. VII, your Majesty's great grandfather; his affection is evident by the sword and cap of maintenance sent to him from the Pope, anno 1505. 22. But none of the kings of K. HENRY VIII. the Norman blood, ever shown so great signs of love and affection to the sea Apostolic, as king Henry VIII, did for a long time. For first in the year 1511, he wrote to the French king, to desist from molesting Pope julius TWO, and in the next year, sent an army of ten thousand men into Onuphr. in julio 2. Stow anno 1511. 1512. 1513. France for the Pope's defence. And in the year 1513, he went himself in person, with a royal army, and conquered Turwin, and Tournay. And not content to defend the Pope with his sword, in the year 1521, wrote an excellent book in his defence against Luther. And again, in the year 1527, when Pope Clement was taken prisoner by the Emperor's soldiers, he gave monthly 60 thousand Angels, to the maintenance of an army, for the Pope's delivery. And in this singular affection towards the sea Apostolic, continued he until the 22 year of his reign anno 1530, when not upon any injury offered by the Pope, or dislike of his religion, which (except the matter of supremacy) he defended to his death, and persecuted the Protestants, but only upon occasion of delay (saith Stow) made by the Stow anno 1530. & seq. Pope in his controversy of divorcement, and through displeasure of such reports, as he heard had been made of him to the court of Rome, and thirdly pricked forward by such Councillors to follow the example of the Germans, he first forbade the procurement of any thing from Rome, and soon after prohibited all payments, and appeals to Rome, and lastly, took upon him that supremacy, which all his Christian predecessors had acknowledged to be in the Pope. 23. Thus your Majesty seethe, how long, how honourably, and how profitably also unto both parties, hath the mutual amity and league of friendship betwixt the sea Apostolic, and the Princes of all the four Nations, that have swayed the Sceptre of England, continued and flourished: and how of late it was broken by one Prince, upon mere passion, contrary to the example of all his predecessors, and successors also, except one child, & a woman. What dangers & troubles, he and his kingdom incurred thereby, and how his progeny (according as Friar Paeto, and House anno 1533. Elston did then foretell him) is now consumed, and his crown translated to an other royal line, against which in his time he Hungtinton lib. 6. p. 359. made very sharp war, I need not here declare. Only I will say, that himself, being after more free from passion, laboured to be reconciled to the sea Apostolic, and employed therein Bishop Gardiner, (as he professed in a sermon at Paul's Cross) and had easily obtained it, if he would have acknowledged his fault, and done penance. What remaineth for me to conclude this long Epistle, but prostrate at your Majesty's feet, humbly to beseech you, for your own good, and in the name of the foresaid Christian Princes, as you are the head of the 5 nation, which (according Hungtinton supra. to God's providence, foretold by a holy man many years ago) hath attained to the rule of the land, so you would continue that most ancient, honourable, and profitable league of friendship, which was betwixt them all, and the sea Apostolic. Who (I beseech your grace) will give you more faithful council, than your own Progenitors and forefathers? Who can give more safe and secure direction in government of your Kingdom, than your own predecessors, who so happily, and so long time governed it? who are so worthy to give you example, or whom can you with so much honour imitate, as so many, so valiant, so prudent Princes? And yet they all, with one voice, counsel and request you to follow in this so important a matter, not so much themselves, as the counsel of the wisest king, that ever was, yea of God himself, in these words: Thine own friend, Proverb. cap 27. and thy father's friend, see thou forsake not; especially such a one, as hath ever been, not only your own friend, and particularly your blessed Mother's friend, but of all your Christian forefathers, who as they have left unto your grace their crown and kingdom, so have they also bequeathed their faith, religion, and friendship with the sea Apostolic, as no small portion and stay of their inheritance. We esteem your public acknowledging of Rome to be the Mother Church; and your Speech in the Rarlament self to be beholding to Pope Clement VIII, for his temporal carriage, and kind offices, as sparks of a greater fire of love in kindled Proclamat. An 1. regni. in your princely hart towards that sea, which we beseech Almighty God so to increase, as it may one day burst forth to your own good, and the universal joy of Christendom: Our Lord JESUS long preserve your Majesty, with all grace, health, and prosperity. Your Majesty's dutiful subject and daily Orator R. S.