PERSECUTION IMPEACHED, As a traitor against GOD, His LAWS and GOVERNMENT; And the Cause of the ancient MARTYRS Vindidicated, against the Cruelty inflicted upon them by the Papists in former dayes.  
Being a BRIEF ANSWER To a BOOK, called Semper Iidem; Or, A Parallel of fanatics, &c. Lately Published by a Nameless Author.  
Wherein is contained a Relation of the Martyrdom of many such as dissented from, and opposed the Church of Rome; who are in the said Book vilified and reproached, by the name and term of ancient fanatics.  
And this is sent forth as an Answer thereunto, to pursue it, apprehended it, and condemn it, as a Pamphlet of Calumnies and Slanders against the Protestants, both of former and present dayes; who are all of them scorned in the said Book, The one as ancient, and the other as Modern fanatics.  
Which is sent abroad as a Warning to England, to beware of the Spirit of the Church of Rome, lest it exalt itself in Cruel Persecution against the Protestants, and all that differ from it; Elidad Baanah. Published for that end, by Robert Wilson.  
London, Printed for R. W. in Martins Le Grand, 1661.   

PERSECUTION Impeached, as a traitor against GOD, His Laws and Government: And the Cause of the Ancient MARTYRS vindicated, against the Cruelty inflicted upon them by the Papists in former dayes.  
HOw great and miserable hath been that Darkness and Ignorance, which hath overspread the Nations and Kingdoms of the World since the Apostles dayes! And how manifold is that Error into which many have been fallen, even as into a Snare of destruction! And how woeful is that Strife, Division and Contention about Religion that hath highly abounded among the Christian People!( so called) For the whole Christendom have been divided and in opposition one part against another about the true God and his Worship, and concerning the knowledge of Salvation by Jesus Christ; And divers kinds of Religion, Church-Government, and Practices of Ordinances, of Faith and Worship have been extant in the World; and Nations and Countries have been all in Division, Strife and Contention about these matters, and have been also persecuting one another violently unto Bonds and Death, for and because of difference in judgement and practise concerning Spiritual things, Papists against Protestants, and Protestants against Papists, and one sort of Christians( so called) against another, and the men of such a judgement, and Faith, and Way of Religion, have been persecuting and seeking to destroy all that have been contrary minded to them; And thus have been the woeful Divisions and evil Effects thereof in the World among Christians, about Faith and Worship, and Religious matters; and this hath come to pass, because of the spirit of Error and Darkness that hath possessed the minds of men since the falling away from the Truth, as it was once manifest among the Apostles: And thus it is come to pass, because of the erring from the Spirit of God, and because that hath been wanting amongst men, therefore have people been divers, and divided about matters of Religion, each one sort following their own Inventions and Traditions of men, and also persecuting one another, and killing and imprisoning one another because of the same; and all this, because the Spirit of Truth hath not dwelled in the hearts of Christians, as it did in the Apostles, nor lead, guided and taught them in true unity and fellowship as it did the true Christians in the dayes of old; And while the Spirit of Christ hath been wanting, and is not received into the heart, to mortify, guide, rule and teach in all the ways of God, and the whole exercise of Religion and Duty towards Him; and while there is any kind of imposing and forcing of Religion by Laws of men, upon penalties and forfeitures, and setting up Worship and Church-Government by that means, and in that way, without the immediate Teachings of the Spirit of Christ in the Conscience, I say, while this hath been, and is continued, nothing but Division, Strife, Contention, Persecution, and Nations and Peoples destroying one another about Religion, hath been, is, or can be in the World amongst Christians.  
And of this same( to wit) of Division and Contention about Religion, with the enmity of such as are so divided one against another, to the persecuting and killing one of another that are contrary-minded, as it hath been brought forth in the World for Generations past, we have here a sufficient large Testimony, lately published in a Book called Semper Iidem, or a Parallel of fanatics, &c. wherein is made mention of what Strife and Contention there hath been in former dayes among the false Christians, and how they have cruelly persecuted, burned and destroyed one another in this Cause, only for and because of the difference in matters of judgement and Religious things; and these Persecutions and Cruelties effected contrary to the Example of Christ and his Doctrine, who hath exhorted to Love and Peace, and not to kill and destroy; and that a man should love his Enemies, and not kill and destroy them: contrary to which Doctrine the false Christians of all kinds have walked and acted since the days of the Apostles, who have been apostatised and fallen from the very life and power of Godliness, as held among the Primitive Saints, into forms and empty shadows, being all in strife one with another about such things, and have wanted the Spirit of Christ which should have lead and guided into all Truth, and exercised them in the true Worship of the true and living God, who is a Spirit, and is only truly worshipped in Spirit and Truth; but out of this Spirit and Spiritual Worship the false Christians have been erred, and so all divided and in contention as aforesaid, and persecuting one another because thereof, each one sort justifying their own way as right, and condemning that which hath differed as the wrong, and all as heretics, that have been otherwise minded.  
But as concerning the said Book Semper Iidem, &c. I would gladly animadvert something concerning it, and do intend to writ a few things by way of answer thereunto, and this is the present occasion of my present work; for having met with the said Pamphlet, and perusing of it, I found divers Considerations on my spirit to sand forth in answer, to pursue the said Semper Iidem, up and down the World, till it return again unto the place from whence it came,( to wit) unto the bottonles Pit, out of which it lately arose; and in reading the same Book, I have principally observed the mischievous end and secret evil intents of the nameless Author, more than the matter itself contained; and though the Author be nameless, yet is his nature and spirit known by his Book; and for what end he hath concealed his Name, I know not, except he was ashamed of his work, and durst not authorize his Matter by his Name; but however the spirit, end& intent of the said nameless person is perceived and known, as much as any three can be distinguished by its Fruit, and he is of an envious disposition of heart, and of malicious countenance, and in nature and stock of the very descent of Cain: for his spirit is of an evil constitution, hot and fiery, and inclinable to destroy all that are not like-minded with himself in the judgement of Religious matters, and his proceedings, and the end of his work, is of an intent and purpose wicked enough, if every Effect answer the Cause appearing, and be not diverted from the end proposed by the Author; and this I find by Calculation of his Birth, and the temper of his Spirit, and of the Time wherein his Book is published, and by the cause and end, and intent of the matter and manner of it, and by the effect that would follow, if the Author's Aim and Purpose were fulfilled: By all which I must in true judgement conclude from the appearance, disposition, temper and constitution of the spirit of the man, and from all Causes and Effects partaining to the said Semper Iidem, That the Author thereof is indeed chiefly a Member of the Church of Rome( to wit) mostly a down-right Papist, holding forth the Principles of Antichrist, in perfect form and manner, for the perfect End and Cause of Persecution, even burning again in Smi●hfield and elsewhere, and killing and destroying even all sorts of people under the scurrilous reproachful name of Phanaricks, that are in judgement and practise of Profession, contrary to this man's way, and differing from the Papists Religion: This, I say, I truly find to be the current and disposition of the nameless Author, and his proceedings in his method and matter of his Semper Iidem, &c. and I have taken in hand at this time to answer him a little, and to unfold some of the dangerous Intents towards England, which may inhabit and secretly lodge in that spirit of the Church of Rome, according to the current of the said Book, and from which I have just cause to suppose the thing that I partly assert, even That the spirit which hath indited the said Book, waits its opportunity to effect its End, and to revive and renew fire and faggor again, to the extinguishing and destruction of all that differ, and are contrary-minded in Principles and Practices of Religion and Worship from themselves; for the fury and reproach of the said spirit that indited and published Semper Iidem, reacheth not only to others whom they may call, more fanatical, as Quakers, Anabaprists, &c. but to the very Protestants themselves, even to all whatsoever that differ from the Church of Rome; for such by the nameless Author are no less than termed and vilified by that scornful term fanatics, distinguished by the name of ancient and modern, as hereafter I shall make it appear.  

And first, I shall show a little concerning the signification of the term Phauatick, as of late used; and the first use of it in these late dayes; and the exchange of the word from one sort to another; and in whose mouths it now remains; and who are now so accounted.  
1. Not to discuss the etymology and signification of the word fanatic in itself, and what its original is, and from whence derived, this I shall not now proceed to do, as being not needful to my occasion, though there is difference of Judgement amongst some in this matter; and some say the original and root of the word is from Phanos, a false god; and some say otherwise: and they are not in unity among themselves that do most of all use the word, concerning the derivation and signification of the word in itself: Neither shall I spend time to seek out a judgement, and to give it in this case, as counting the recompense that can be obtained, not answerable to such a work; but the signification of it, as now used at this day among people, is this; All that differ in judgement and practise of Religion and Worship from the generality of People, and cannot comform unto such way of Religion as generally practised in the Land, such are called fanatics: and this signification the word bears amongst people, as now practised, such as meet together to preach and pray out public places, and cannot either out of knowledge or conscience comform to the public Way of Worship held forth, such are called fanatics, and reproached by that name, from the mouths of Scorners and Revilers of the ways of God,( numbers of whom do now abound) and also such who make Conscience of their ways, and cannot run on in the ways of Iniquity, in Lying and Drunkenness, and such like, but have been and are more sober, and do walk more in meekness and the fear of God, and have separated themselves from the evil company of men, and from all evil ways, and could not run into the same excess of Riot with the multitude: Such have been called of these late dayes, fanatics, by the Scorners Generation. And thus much in brief of the signification of the word, as used of these late dayes.  
2. As for the first use of the word fanatic in this Age, it is but of very late use, for till within these two years, or less, we had very little or no use of the word fanatic, until about the time of then General Monk's Army coming out of Scotland to London, when the Army was new modeled, and many of the Sectaries( so called) were turned out of places, about the Eleventh Month, 1659. then began the common use of this word fanatic, and the Anabaptists, and such as were turned out of the Army, and all called by the name of Sectaries, that were different from the public way of Worship, then held out ( which was for the most part of it Presbyterian) these were called fanatics, and then the use of the word so common began about this time( as I have said) as now practised in our dayes; for the rage and indignation of the then Presbyterians( so called) and that party, was such against the Anabaptists, and such as differed in judgement and practise from them, that scornfully they called them in derision fanatics: and, so far as I know, this was the time and occasion of the first use of this word, as of late practised; or at least it was the first time and occasion of my observation of the common use of the word fanatic.  
3. And now as concerning the exchange of the word, from one sort of People to another, and how it hath been used by divers sorts of people against others, that have differed from themselves, this is also observable; That the word fanatic hath not so much proper relation to any one sort of people, as that it is only perfectly true to one sort of people more than to others; but the properness of the word fanatic, is only as Scorners& Revilers will wickedly use it, and as they will turn it to this sort of people, or to the other, to scorn them by it whom they have an enmity against, and whom they list to abuse by reproaching: And this is the end of the use of the word at this day, and not of any truth or verity in it to any people, but only it's used as a term of reproach and scorning, by the mouths of ungodly men against such as differ from them and their ways, though they are better in practise of Life and Conversation than themselves: And the term hath been changed divers times, and divers sorts of people reproached by it by others, since its first use: as first, The people called Presbyterians( as aforesaid) they used it towards such as were otherwise-minded than themselves, and reproached the Anabaptists and others that differed from them in judgement and practise of Religion, by the name of fanatics, and then they reproached many by that name that differed from them, and did not comform to their way of Worship and Religion; but this continued not long, for when others came over them, and they grew under Reproach, then they themselves were reproached by that name fanatic, by which they had roproached others not long before; and many that are for the Government of the Church under Episcopacy, they now reproach the Presbyterians( so called) by the name of fanatics; so the word is used in scorn to them by Scorners, as they used it to others that differed from them in the like scornful spirit: And thus the word is made use of only in derision and reproach to any that differ from the public way of Religion in the Land: for when the public was generally Presbyterian, then they that would not comform to that, but opposed it, were called fanatics; and now when the public is Episcopal, even the Presbyterians themselves, and all that differ from that way and cannot comform to it, are reproached by the scornful name of fanatics. And thus the word hath been exchanged from one sort of Scorners to another, and used reproachfully towards divers persons; so that, as I have said, the word fanatic is truly proper to none of the Sects more than others, but only proper to be used by Scoffers and Scorners against any whom they have a mind to vilify; and it's exchanged from one to another, and used by divers sorts of people, according as Times and Religion do change by the Powers of the Earth. So the term fanatic is changed into the mouths of Scorners, to reproach all that differ from the common general Way of Profession and practise of Religion.  
4. Now, last of all, it is changed yet once more into the mouths of the Papists, as by Semper Iidem doth appear, now under my explanation: and now the Papists have gotten the word fanatic both from the Presbyterians and Episcopals, and all must now be reproached by that name, that differ from them and their Way and Religion; and they have already begun to cry fanatic to the Protestants, that differ from them in Principles and Practices. And thus it's manifest, that the word fanatic is truly proper to none, but only used by Scorners, to all whom they will revile and hold in derision, as different from them in Religion, such they vilify by the name of fanatics: First, the Presbyterians used it to such as differed from them; then Episcopal men( so called) used it towards all that differed from them; and now, last of all, the Papists have got it from both, and use it to all in derision that differ from them. And thus I have shewed, first, the beginning of the use of the word fanatic, and upon what occasion, and its true signification, as used at this day. Secondly, Concerning the Exchanging of the word from one to another, and how that it's truly proper to no People, but Scorners only use it, to deride and reproach such as differ from them, and cannot run in the same excess of Vanity. Thirdly, How the Papists now, last of all, have got it, and use it against the Protestants; and in their mouths now it remains: and the Protestants( so called) are now the Persons and People that are accounted fanatics, because they differ from the Papists in Principles and Practices of Faith, Worship and Religion: and this is manifest by the scope of Semper Iidem.   

Secondly, I shall now show how maliciously the nameless Author of Semper Iidem hath slandered the Martyrs and Sufferers for Righteousness sake in former Ages; and how he hath accused the Protestants ( now living) and what effect this would work in England, if the Author's Intent were fulfilled.  
1. He hath slandered, accused and rendered the Martyrs of old, as Infamous as he possibly can, even termed them by the scornful name of fanatics, even the Protestant Martyrs( so called) who are said to be the very Fathers of the Protestant Church; as Bishop Latimer, Cranmer, Ridley, and many others, who have been accounted honourable in England for their faithfulness against the Church of ROME, who, because thereof, were martyred and burned by the Cruelty of the Papists: yet these persons, with Robert Woodman, Thomas Hawks, and many more of the ancient Protestant Martyrs, are slandered by the vilifying term of fanatics; and that they were men of mischief, and licentious tongues, and seditious behaviour, and they were erroneous and obstinate, as in the ninth page. of Semper Iidem doth appear: and in pag. 16. Latimer is again called one of the ancient fanatics. And thus the main work of this nameless Author throughout his Book is to accuse the Protestant Martyrs that suffered in Queen Maries dayes, to be rebellious seditious heretics, and he villifies them by the very title of ancient fanatics; and this is apparent through the whole Pamphlet, even by his Calumnies, Reproaches and Accusations against the Protestant Martyrs, who suffered for bearing Witness against the Church of Rome. And thus the very Fathers of the Protestant Church( so called) stand now in reputation to be heretics, seditious, rebellious, and judged fanatics; and this is for the Protestants( so called) even the very Bishops themselves in England to consider of.  
2. The Author of Semper Iidem hath accused some of the Protestants, even of the King's Friends now living, and villifieth them by the name of fanatics, as William Pryn, &c. whom he calls one of the Modern fanatics: And no doubt but the Intent of this man, with whom I am now in contest, reputes even all the Protestants of this present Age, to be fanatics, and such as the ancient fanatics, to wit, the Protestant Martyrs, as before-mentioned; for he having accused Ridley and Cranmer, and many more, being such who were some of the first Promoters of the Protestant Religion in England, and the very Instituters of that Book, called the Divine-Service-Book; it must needs follow consequently, and may be concluded from his words, and by his meaning, That all the Protestants now are such, even the present Prelates of England; and durst the Author have spoken plain, it is likely he would have said the same, but that he hath minced the matter a little, as well as concealed his name, though his work be cried up and down London; which all sober People may indeed well take notice of, seeing that the Martyrs of old, who have to this day been of good report and famed for their Piety and Faithfulness in London, and through these Lands, are now accused, slandered and reproached up and down the Streets of London by the name of Rebels and seditious, and by the term of ancient fanatics. Is London so blind that cannot see what is in the bottom and intent of such a work, as renders the very Fathers of their Church heretics, and no better than fanatics? And as for William Pryn, who is also accounted one of the chief Modern fanatics, I shall leave him to answer for himself, not doubting but he is sufficient to say something in the Case; only may mind him, with many others of his Principles and Familiarity, how they have cried out fanatics against such as have differed from them, and this not long since; and now themselves are under the same Reproach by others, as they have reproached others; and now he and they are reckoned the Modern fanatics and no better.  
3. What can possibly be the Author's intent in his proceedings? First, in relating of the burning, destroying and martyring of the Martyrs, whom he wickedly calleth ancient fanatics. And then, secondly, intimating the Protestants now living to be fanatics by this Parallel, the purpose and end of the man must needs be, that he would have Fire and Faggots up again, Burning and Martyring up again in England; and all that shall differ from this man's way( whom we find by Calculation to be chiefly a Papist) should be burnt, martyred and destroyed now again, as in the dayes of Queen Mary; this effect would follow: and this Semper Iidem is but as a little Item or Intimation beforehand, cried up and down London, to prepare its own spirit, where it shall meet with it, into Fury and Rage, even to the destroying of all the Protestants: And as this Semper Iidem may possibly work such an effect among the people of that spirit, that love to murder and burn for difference in Religion, It may also and ought to work an effect in the other party, to be considerate and diligent, and to regard the signs of the Times, even the sign of Semper Iidem, which seems to be a little black Star predicting a bad Effect, if the course of Heaven alter it not again. And Semper Iidem is indeed to be taken notice of in London, because the like hath not been for above an hundred years, nor any one ever durst to appear in such a publication of vilifying the Protestant Martyrs with Reproaches and Callumnies of Rebels, Seditious men and fanatics, as this nameless Author hath done: which gives us cause to say the Times are changed, and may yet change further, if the Effect of Semper Iidem be not diverted: for the Effect of his work is, to bring all to Fire, Faggot and Martyrdom that shall differ from the Church of Rome, of whom the Author is a Member, as by all signs and tokens doth appear.   

Thirdly, I shall now show how this spirit in the Papists, that burnt the Martyrs, ( which is the same spirit that indited Semper Iidem, that is again moving its Countenance now adays) I shall show how that spirit was not, nor is of Christ, but of Antichrist and the Devil.  
1. It was not the way of Christ and his Apostles, neither did they give Command or President for it, To kill, burn, or destroy their Enemies, and such as were heretics, as the false Christians do, and as the Papists did in Queen Maries dayes; who burned and destroyed many hundreds of the Protestants who dissented from them in their Profession and Practices of Religion: and this was not Christ's way, for he commanded To love Enemies, and not to kill them, and it was his practise; He did Good to them that did Evil to Him, and so did his Apostles; and there was no such thing in the Churches of Christ in the Apostles dayes, as killing and burning of heretics, and putting them to Death by Cruel Torments; but Christ and his Apostles did Convince Gainsayers by Love and Sound Doctrine; and did walk peaceably towards all their Enemies, and did not seek their Destruction, nor to be revenged on ther Persecutors: but the Papists and false Christians, contrary to Christ's Doctrine and Example, do burn and kill, and destroy their Enemies, such whom they judge to be in Error, though yet their judgement be utterly false, and their Killing and Burning, grounded upon such judgement: and this hath been the Papists way of proceeding, as is related in Semper Iidem; wherein is mentioned the burning and destroying of a great number of such as they then called heretics, whom Semper Iidem now calls ancient fanatics: and he hath justified their Martyrdom to be Right, and condemned the Martyred as fanatics; and this is published in London.  
2. All Persecution about Religion, and killing and burning for differences in matters of Spiritual things, hath been and is of the Devil and Antichrist, both in the Papists and other false Christians, though it hath long been practised in the World, for to destroy the workmanship of God, the Persons and Creatures, by Fires and Cruel Torments: This is not of God, but of the Devil, especially when it is done upon such an unjust occasion, as to destroy mens Persons by cruel Tortures for the Error of their Minds; This is of the Beast and Dragon, spoken of in the Revelations; For the Beast killed all that would not worship him, Rev. 13. For it was the Dragon that persecuted the Woman the true Church, and made War with the Remnant of her Seed, and cast floods out of his mouth, after the Woman had brought forth the Man-Child; and he pursued her into the Wilderness, and then he gave power to the Beast, his Seat and his great Authority, as you may red; and then that Beast, to whom the Dragon gave Authority, forced all to worship him, and killed all that would not worship him, and made War against them, and overcame them: And so it is manifest that this practise, which the Papists and false Christians have used, of Burning and Killing all such as will not worship after their manner, is of the Devil the Dragon and Antichrist, and hath no foundation in God, but is of the wicked One to all intents and purposes. And thus I have shewed the Papists Practices in Queen Maries dayes,( and at all times before and since, of burning and destroying of such as differ from them in Religious Matters) are of the Devil and Antichrist, though the Author of Semper Iidem seems to justify the Death of the Martyrs, and hath reproachfully vilified them, above an hundred years after they are dead, by the scornful name of fanatics.   

Fourthly, I shall now show something concerning the Cause of the Publication of Semper Iidem, which the Author saith, is from the late Insurrection in London, and comparing them with their Predecessors, he thought fit to publish the same; as in his Epistle.  
Now in Answer to this. As for the Insurrection in London, I shall not justify it, nor speak a word in vindication of the said Persons proceedings, but shall leave them without giving my judgement upon them further than this, That it was an Evil Occasion, administered against such as were no way guilty thereof, who are deeply suffering this day Imprisonment and Perfecution, and their peaceable Meetings broken up, and they violently dealt withal in many particulars, and only upon the occasion of that Insurrection aforesaid; And how unjust it is, let all the World judge, that any should suffer for the faults of others? and how unequal it is that many should be Imprisoned, fined, and taken out of their own houses and Meetings to Goals and Prisons, as at this day, upon the Occasion of that Insurrection, whereof they were clear and innocent both to God and men, though they are dealt withal as Plotters, Conspirors and Rebellious, when as hereof they are not guilty? And this is all that I shall say at present as about that Insurrection, and the Occasion of Semper Iidem its Publication.  
And whereas Sir John Oldcastle, and Sir Roger action, with divers others, are mentioned, and their Deaths related, whom this Author saith, were put to death for Treason and Rebellion, and making Insurrections. Concerning the Carriages and Death of such, I shall say little, nor can I justify any in so doing, neither in Ages past, nor in this present time, if they were put to death only upon that Account, for rebelling with Carnal Weapons, and rising up in Conspiracies against the Authorities which they were under, or for Evil-doing to their Neighbours; I say, such neither in this Age, nor in Ages past, do I justify nor will vindicate their Practices, nor condemn their Death, but shall leave them to be justified or condemned of God according to their doings, and according to the end and intent of their hearts in their proceedings: but many others are mentioned in Semper Iidem, who suffered and were put to Death, burned and killed, only for and because of their Principles and Practices in Religion, while yet they lived peaceably, and were of a harmless Conversation amongst men; the Persecution and Death of such, upon that account, I do condemn, and do charge it to be Murder in the sight of God, of such who were burned and destroyed because of their difference in Religion from the Church of Rome, when as no unrighteousness nor double-dealing, as to men, could be charged and proved against them; such( I say) as died and suffered for that Cause, have been murdered by the power of Antichrist among the Apostate Christians, and the Blood of such will the God of Heaven avenge one time or other.   

Now I come to search some particulars, which are stated pag. 3. which it's said John Wickliff held; which Doctrines the Author of Semper Iidem seems to say are Errors, by his condemning such for heretics as held them for Truths.  
The first, That the Sacrament of the Altar is nothing but a piece of Bread. This the Lollards( so called) are said to affirm, for which the Papists condemned them as heretics.  
Answ. As for the Sacrament of the Altar, so termed by the Papists, we find nothing of it in all the Scriptures, not Sacrament of the Altar nominated; only we find, That Christ took Bread and broke it, and gave it to his Disciples; not as Himself, for He only gave it them to eat in Remembrance of Himself. As oft as ye do it( saith Christ) do it in Remembrance of Me. Where it is manifest, that there is a distinction to be made, and a separation in expression to be put between that Bread which Christ gave his Disciples to eat, and his own Body; for they were to eat the Bread, not as Him, but in Remembrance of Him: and this shows that the Bread which Christ gave his Disciples, was Bread to be eaten in Remembrance of Him; and so it is no Error, but sound Truth to affirm, That the Bread, called the Sacrament of the Altar by the Papists, is but indeed a piece of Bread, and may safely so be called: But suppose it were Error in men so to believe and say; yet it is Murder, Cruelty, and not of Christ, but of the Wicked One, so to deal with them for their Errors sake, as before-mentioned.  
Doct. 2. That Priests have no more Authority to administer Sacraments then Lay-men; Held by the Lollards; Condemned as a great Error by the Papists.  
Answ. As for the Name and Order of Priests, we find none such among the Apostles in the Christian Churches in their dayes; Pastors, and Ministers, and Prophets, and Teachers we find, but not Priests by that Name, as a particular Order of men in the Church, saving that all the Saints are called Kings and Priests unto God; neither do we find such a thing, as Consecrating a piece of Bread into a more holy quality then it was in itself before; nor any Commission given by Christ to a particular Order of men to administer Bread to the People as His Body; we red that the Saints broke Bread when they were met together, and sometime from house to house, but that there were particular persons, by an Office among them, that did administer the Bread in the form and manner as among Papists, we red not of this in all the Scriptures; And as for Lay-men, as Papists term them, this Word we have not in all the Scriptures, but Saints we have of divers growths; but the Papists have made many inventions of Offices, Titles, and Names in their Church, for which they have no example at all in the Scriptures.  
Doct. 3. That all things ought to be in Common; Opposed by Papists as a great Error.  
Answ. It is a great question what signification may be put upon the Word Common; So I shall not vindicate for Truth, the Doctrine as it lies, and leave the Interpretation of the Word Common to my Adversaries, and so I pass it; onely do mind, that it is said in the Acts, That they that believed, had all things Comm●●; Though the Word Common there, I understand not Absolute, but with Restriction.  
Doct. 4. That it is as lawful to Christen a Child in a Tub of water at home, or in a Ditch by the way, as in a Font-stone, in the Church; Opposed by the Papists as a great Error.  
Answ. As for the Baptizing of Infants, by Dipping or Sprinkling, and calling it the Baptism into the Faith, and into the Church, as Practised and Held by the Papists, we have cause to question the Lawfulness of the thing in itself at any Place; For, we find no Command or President of Christ, nor among his Apostles in the Primitive Churches, for this thing of Christening Infants; and therefore we question, whether the thing in itself is lawful at any time or place? Suppose the Papists could prove the thing lawful, and that it ought to be done by virtue of any Command or Example of Christ or his Apostles: Then again we question, why not as lawful to be done at any other Place, as in a Font-stone?( so called,) Of what holiness or purity is that, more than other places? and of whose invention is it, of all the Christians since the Apostles days, seeing we find nothing at all of it in the Scriptures? But suppose the Principle to hold indeed absolute Error, the Papists yet do still wickedly in racking men, and burning them because thereof.  
Doct. 5. That it is as lawful at all times to confess unto a lay-man as to a Priest; Opposed by the Papists as great Error.  
Answ. As for that manner and form of Auricular Confession,( so called) practised among the Papists, we have no Command or Example for it in all the Scriptures; only the Apostle exhorted to Confess your faults one to another; but no mention of distinction of Persons, as if there was an Order of men among the Saints, Ordained for Confession to be made unto, as is among the Papists practised: But such kind of Inventions, are among them, and all that gainsay them in their ways, must be burned as heretics; and this is the way that the Papists do uphold their Religion, not by sound Arguments, and by the Spirit and Power of God, but by killing such as will not Believe, and Practise as they do.  
Doct. 6. That it is not necessary or profitable to have any Church or chapel to pray or perform Divine Service in; Opposed by the Papists as a great Error.  
Answ. As for the Church, it is in God, 1 Thes. 1. and the Body of Christ is the Church, Ephes. 1.23. The Saints of Christ, that have Believed in Him and Received Him, wheresoever or whensoever met together, they are the Church of Christ; for the Church was in Aquillas House, as may be red: and in this Church of Christ, wheresoever come together, is the Divine, Holy, Acceptable Service of God, performed in the Spirit and in the Truth; And as for Houses of Wood and ston, builded and called Churches and chapels, which Papists have builded to perform their Service in, these are Idolatrous Places, and not True Churches; God dwells not in Temples made with hands, as it's written: And though a man affirm, that God may be worshipped and served as well in any Place, as in your Churches and chapels, and that such Places are not necessary, but God may be served in other Places; This is no Error, deserving Fire and Faggot, as the Papists do Affirm and Practise.  
Doctrines. 7. and 8. That burying in the Church-Yard is unprofitable and vain. That Holy Days, Instituted by the Church, are not to be observed and kept in reverence, in as much as all Days are alike; Opposed by the Papists as Errors.  
Ans. There is no respect of Places with God, neither are the Dead more or less acceptable to Him, notwithstanding the place of burial, whether it be on the Land or cast into the Sea, if occasion so happen, as sometime it doth; The patriarches of old, had Places appointed and purchased for burial of their Dead, as it is at this day among the Lord's People; but that the Church-yard( so called) is more Holy than another place, as the Papists do account, This we believe not, nor can it be proved to us, by Scripture or sound Reason. And as for Holy Dayes instituted and observed, is but a mere Invention of the Romish Church, without any ground from the Apostles, and it is no sin against God not to observe them,& all days as to God are alike holy in His sight, without respect of one or another; And for the Papists to invent Practices, without Example in the Scriptures, as Religious, and then to Impose them by force upon all People, and to Kill and Burn such as heretics as cannot comform there-unto, How Impious, Oppressive, and Antichristian this manner of work is, let all sober People judge? And this is but a mocking of God, for the Papists to profess Holy Dayes, and with a pretence of God's worship to observe them as Holy, when as more Rudeness, Drunkenness, Wantonness, and Ungodliness is usually committed that Day, which they profess to keep Holy, man is on the other Dayes beside; And this is manifest to all People, that thus the Papists do mock God, in their exercise of keeping Holy Dayes.  
Doctrines 9. and 10. That it is sufficient to Believe, though a man do no Good Works at all. That no human Laws or Constitutions do oblige a Christian; Opposed by the Papists as Errors.  
Answ. It is sufficient to Believe in Jesus Christ, and that Believing is a Good Work, and if a man truly Believe, he cannot but bring forth by that Faith Good Works; and it is impossible for a true Believer in Christ but to do good Works; If a man do no Good Works, he is not a Believer, For Faith without Works is dead, and that is no true Belief, which is without Good Works; and a Christian, one that is truly so, is obliged and bound by the Law of God, to do all Good, and to forsake all Evil; and the Laws of men, they are subject to them all for Conscience sake, by performing them, or suffering under them. And as for human Inventions of the Papists, which they bind on the Consciences of men, upon loss of Life, or Estate, or Damnation; These things, we say, do not oblige the Conscience, nor any Laws or Constitutions of men do oblige Christians to Obedience, which are not truly grounded upon the Law of God.  
Doct. 11. That God never gave Grace or Knowledge to a Great Person, or Rich Man, and that they in no wise follow the same.  
Answ. This is a false Doctrine, for God gives Grace to all; The Grace of God which brings Salvation, hath appeared unto all men, as it is written, which Grace teacheth the Saints to deny all ungodliness; and the wicked turn the grace of God into wantonness: but the true knowledge of God is given but to a few; and not many Wise men after the flesh are called, but God chooseth the Poor and Contemptible( as saith Paul) to confounded the Wise and Mighty of this World; and yet God gives Knowledge to Rich and Poor without respect of persons, as it pleaseth Him.  
Doct. 12. That any Lay-man may Preach by his own authority, without Licence of the Ordinary; Opposed by the Papists as a great Error.  
Answ. All in the true Church, and that are of the Church may prophesy and Speak in the Church, one by one,( as Paul saith, without distinction of Titles, such as the Papists use, clergy and Lay-men, and such like terms of their own Inventions, without Example from the Churches of Christ in the Apostles days) For the Apostle saith, If any thing be revealed to another that standeth by, let the first hold his peace; for ye may all prophesy and Speak one by one, that all may be edified: And again, Peter saith, As every man hath received of the gift of the Spirit, let him administer the same one to another. Thus it is manifest by the Scriptures, That every Member of the true Church of Christ may Preach by the Authority of the Spirit of God, as that moveth and leadeth; And this was the Example of the holy men of God declared in Scriptures; Elisha that was a ploughman, and Amos that was a Herds-man, and Peter that was a Fisher-man: These and such as these, whom the Papists would have called Lay-men, did Preach and Teach, without any Licence from men, but as the Lord Commanded them, who said, Jer. 23. He that hath my Word, let him speak my Word faithfully, and this without respect of Persons, and without distinction of Names, of Lay-men, or otherwise; though contrary to this, the Papists would limit the Holy One, to such and such kind of Persons, whom they name clergy men; as if they knew all Religion, and might onely Preach, and all besides themselves might be in Ignorance, and know nothing, nor can be fit to speak of the matters of God's Kingdom; which is contrary to the Scriptures and Example of Saints in former Ages.  
As for the 13. and 14. Doctrines, about Baptism of Infants, I have spoken somewhat to it in my Answer to the Fourth Doctrine, so here I pass them.  
Then Semper Iidem goes on and saith, Who sees not among these, the principal Tenets of our Anabaptists, Fifth-monarchymen, Levellers and Quakers, &c.  
Answ. As for the Anabaptists, Fifth-monarchy-men, and Levellers( so called) I shall not now pled their Cause, but shall leave it to themselves, to do it against Semper Iidem; neither shall I Condemn them with him, nor justify them against him; But as for the Quakers( so called) I have a few Words to pled for them against their Adversary, though I shall be brief at this time: They are neither Rebellious, Seditious, heretics, nor fanatics, though accused at this time of these things; and accounted by the Author of Semper Iidem, as such; though neither he, nor any of their false and envious Accusers, that have ever risen against them, can prove any such matters, nor ought against them, saving that they are an Innocent harmless People towards all People; and though Sufferers by Injustice and Cruel Imprisonments, under all Authorities, yet not Rebellious nor Seditious against any, but Peaceable and Quiet under all; This is their practise since they were a People. And as for their Principles of Faith, and Worship, and Doctrine and Religion, they are according to the Scriptures, and Example of Saints in former Ages, and not ever yet Convicted by any either Protestants or Papists, of Error, false Judgement, or heresy; though all manner of Evil hath been spoken against them in that Case, yet never to this day truly detected, or reprehended concerning the same; And they desire no better way to be made manifest in their Doctrines, and to be approved or disproved therein through the World, than to have free egress and regress among the Papists and Protestants, and all others, in the way of sober Arguments and Disputations, and Reasoning out the Truth of what they hold and profess; and if they can possibly be Convicted, that their Way, and Doctrines and Religion are not sound Verities but Errors, then it is time to forsake them; But all the Persecution, that is already, or can be acted upon them, will never make them change their minds till Death, nor renounce the things which the Spirit of God in their own hearts doth bear witness to the truth of: And therefore let the Church of Rome lay down her cruel Weapons of Persecution, by Burning and Destroying of such as differ from them in Religion, and let her admit of Disputation and sound Arguments, to uphold her self thereby if she be able, and to Confute and Convince such as are contrary-minded to her, even the Quakers( so called) if she can; and let her cease her Fire, and Faggot, and Inquisition-Disputation, of Murders and cruel Tortures against such whom she calls heretics, and let her appear in the soundest Arguments of Reason, and Soripture, and Antiquity, that she can adorn her self withall; And the Quakers( so called) will not doubt nor fear, to advance towards her, and meet her, and answer her in the same, for the true and legal Trial of both; That all the World may see and understand the difference between these two, and whether the Papists Religion or the Quakers Religion, is of more Reason, Verity and Antiquity; and the Quakers are willing to try this Case with the Papists, engaging upon the adventure of certain proof or disproof of their Religion, in the view of the whole world: And this is the most I shall say at present on their behalf, and in the mean time 〈◇〉 this be performed, let the Church of ROME and all her members cease to persecute and accuse such, whom they know not, but by the evil reports of others; and the Tenets and Principles of the Quakers,( so called) will be Justified, where the false Christians cannot stand nor appear in Judgement.  
Then page. 7. The Author of Semper lidem, complains of some fanatics, as he calls them, that Nick-name what they dislike; Saith he, They call the Church, a Steeple-house; the Surplice, A Rag of Popery; the Organs, Grumbling Pipes, &c.  
Answ. As for the True Church, it is in God, 1 Thes. 1. The People of God that are Regenerated and Sanctified, wheresoever come together, are the true Church of Christ; for the Church was in Aquilla's House, as it is written: So that it is the People that are the Members of Christ, the True Church, and not the House or Place wherein they Assemble at any time. And as for Calling the public Meeting Places,( which some call Churches) Steeple-houses, this is no Error; For the Form, Fashion, and Service of the Place proves it to be so; A great House made of Wood and ston, and a Steeple with Bells, erected at the end of the House, may properly be called a Steeple-house without Error, and cannot at all be called a Church, but in Error. And as for the Surplice, which the Priests put on, this is without question an Invention of the Church of Rome; because there is no such thing in the New Testament, nor was there any Surplices worn by any of the Ministers of Christ in the Apostles days; but is an Invention introduced into the World by the Church of Rome; and so is, and may be called a Piece or Rag( if you will) of Popery. And as for Organs, and the practise of them, as held forth for the Worship of God, there was no such thing among the Apostles, neither did the Saints of the Primitive Church hold forth the Worship of God, by playing on the Organs; But the true Spiritual Gospel-Worship, is more Heavenly and Spiritual, even in the Spirit and in Truth is God Worshipped, as Christ said, and not by outward music, on Organs and such like; But this is also an Invention of the Church of ROME since the Apostles dayes. And Organs having Pipes of different sounds, may be called, Grumbling Pipes without offence.  
Again, page. 11. It is charged as a great Error in some that held, It was not lawful for a Christian to take an Oath.  
Answ. To deny all Swearing, and taking of Oaths, is according to the Doctrine and Command of Christ Jesus, who hath said, Swear not at all; so it's manifest, that the false Christians accuse and condemn such for heretics as abide in the Doctrine of Christ, and keep his Commands: And thus both Papists and Protestants are found in Error and heresy themselves, and breaking the Command of Christ, and walking contrary to his Doctrine, in Swearing and taking Oaths, and condemning such as heretics as cannot take an Oath for Conscience sake: and so such as refused to take any Oath, walked in the Doctrine of Christ; and such walked contrary to his Doctrine as did condemn them. And thus it is manifest, that Papists and false Christians are fallen from the Doctrine of Christ, and are calling Good, Evil, and Evil, Good; and putting Light for Darkness, and Darkness for Light: for they account such as will take Oaths and swear, good Christians, who are breakers of the Commands of Christ; and such as abide in the Doctrine of Christ, and cannot take any Oath, but keep the Commands of the Gospel, they are accounted Erroneous and heretics, and such like.  
And whereas the Author of Semper Iidem hath censured, judged and condemned in his work, John Wickliff and John Lambert, Thomas Evison and John Waddon, William White, Cornelius Bunge, John Maundrel, John Trankerfield, George Eagles, Hugh Latimer, Bishop Cranmer, and Bishop Ridley, Thomas hawks, Richard Woodman; all of whom were martyred and put to Death, because they dissented from, and denied the Papists Religion: These by name, with a great many more, this nameless Author, with whom I am now dealing, hath condemned for heretics and Erroneous Persons, and made voided, as much as in him lies, their Blood, and justified the Papists in putting of them to Death. Now every particular Case of these particular men that he hath name and accused as fanatics and heretics. I shall not seek to show or demonstrate, so as to justify every man's particular Case against this nameless Author of Semper Iidem; but this is evident, that these men are reputed by Fox in his Monuments, as Martyrs of Iesus, and they have been reputed in England for many years as such, and have been held of great Estimation, and have been accounted as the Fathers of the Protestant Church; and my Judgement of them is this, That their Death generally was for the Testimony of Iesus, and because of their faithfulness in denying the Church of Rome: for I do believe, that God did awaken these men, with many more, and stir up their hearts in their day against the Idolatries and Superstitions of the times they lived in; and many of them were sincere men, according to their Light and Knowledge in their day; though I shall not justify every particular man in every particular part and act of his Faith and Conversation, but shall leave that at this time reserved in mine own heart; and still I say for the most part they, suffered innocently on their part, and without Cause, and cruelly, inhumanly, and unjustly on their Enemies part; and they martyred them, and put them to Death, by Fires and Tortures unrighteously and as Cruel Murders on their part that Executed them: And in as much as their Sufferings were only and because of denying the Church of Rome, dissenting from her, and denying of her; and wherein only and alone their Sufferings were in this Cause, and for this End, they suffered as Servants of God; though, as I have said, I shall not justify every particular man of them in his whole Faith and Conversation. And for a further Relation of these Persons who were put to Death, mentioned by my nameless Author, whom he accuseth for fanatics and heretics, and such like, I leave it to be red in Fox's Acts and Monuments, where it may be red concerning the Martyrdom of every one of these particular men, with their Examinatiens, trials and Executions, as they are reported by Fox, who hath always been reputed a faithful Chronologer of the Protestants Cause, till this Semper Iidem seems to accuse him for a liar and false Reporter, and such like; And whether the People of England have not better cause to believe his Relations of these persons, than they have to believe they know not whom, viz. the Author of Semper Iidem, a nameless Author, who hath reviled the Protestants Cause, and accounted the Martyrs and faithful Witnesses thereof, fanatics and heretics, let themselves be Judges? But I shall leave this, only with desire, that these men whom he hath name, their particular Cases may be red in Fox's Acts and Monuments, which if ye look in the Table at the end of the Second volume you shall find the mens Names, with the Pages disciphered, where their Cases may be red; and when you have red them, then judge whether Semper Iidem hath not falsified their Cases, and wickedly reviled them by the name of ancient fanatics, thereby seeking to supplant the whole Protestant Religion, and all that dissent from the Church of Rome. And thus much in brief concerning the Martyrs, whom in the fourteenth page., Semper Iidem saith, That a notable part of the Sufferers, whom Fox makes relation of, were fanatics and Sectaries, and mad Saints, and such like naughty words, by which he accuses a notable part( these be his words) which is the chiefest part of the Martyrs, related of by Fox; and accuseth Fox himself of double Injuries in his Relations, in that he hath canonised fanatics and Sectaries and mad Saints, for Saints and Martyrs; and in that he reviled and accused Queen Mary and the Papists in those dayes, of greater Persecutions than they were guilty of, and saith, they did no more than Henry the Eighth, and Edward the Sixth, and Queen Elizabeth did to the Papists. Thus it is manifst, that that well reputed of and credited Historian, FOX, is reputed a liar, a false Reporter, and so the Book of Martyrs made worth nothing, and Queen Mary and the Papists justified in what they did, in martyring and putting to death the Protestants in their dayes; and also, Queen Elizabeth is secretly condemned in what she did against the Papists: On that these dayes should ever appear in England, which once was not thought of! These things are published and suffered, in this Old Government newly revived; Let the Protestants of England take notice of it, and see how the Records of their Martyrs are made null, and of none effect, and the Martyrs themselves slandered as fanatics, and the Martyrers justified as Righteous in what they did; and these things published and proclaimed with open face up and down London!  
These things I cannot but observe, as full occasion is given me by Semper Iidem, how that the Papists Cause seems to revive and to lift up its head again in England, in vilifying and reproaching the Cause of all the Protestants of all sorts, who seemingly begin to be crowed over again, and the Death of their Martyrs made of none effect( as aforesaid) And this is only in love towards the People of England, to make them consider what attends them, and what Invasion is coming upon them, if it be not prevented; not that I wholly justify the Cause of the Protestants against the Papists, though Semper Iidem pleads, That Queen Mary did no more to the Protestants, than Henry the Eighth, Edward the Sixth and Queen Elizabeth did to the Papists: as the one persecuted, burned and martyred the Protestants, so the other did persecute and destroy the Papists; by which he would reason a Justification of Queen Mary and the Papists, by the example of others against them. Now, I say, the Wickedness of one will not justify the Wickedness and Cruelty of the other; for neither party of them are justifiable in the sight of God, but condemnable in such proceedings; and it was doubtless of Antichrist and the Devil, in both Papists and Protestants, to destroy and burn one another, only for and because of difference in Religion; and wherein the Protestants did put any of the Papists to death, only for and because of difference in Profession and practise of Religion, and because they were Papists, herein the Protestants were acted by the same persecuting spirit of the Devil, as the Papists were acted by against them: So that I am not an absolute party with the Protestants against the Papists, for I know that there is Error of judgement amongst them, both in Faith, Worship, and their whole Religion; only my end is at present in pursuing Semper Iidem, to confounded his bloody spirit of Persecution and Exuelty, which I find him possessed withal, as by his discourse is apparent; and also to put the Protestants in mind how their Cause begins to be repreached, vilified and despised even in their own Land publicly in the Streets of their Chief City! which hath not been the like for above an hundred years; And this is the end of my pursuing Semper Iidem with this Answer, and I shall not much enlarge further, onely in the Eleventh page. there is one passage worth observing.  
There is instanced one Richard Woodman of Sussex, who affirmed that he had the Spirit of God; and can prove, said he, by the Scriptures, that Paul had the Spirit of God, as I myself, and all God's Elect have. Now, saith Semper Iidem, No Arguments nor Reasons could reclaim him from his Errors; and so he was burnt at Lewis, because he said he had the Spirit of God, and could prove that Paul had it.  
Answer.  
There it is manifest, that this Martyr suffered for Truth and Righteousness sake, as a Saint and Servant of God, and for witnessing the Truth according to the Scripture, which saith, If any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His: which is manifest in the Scriptures, that all that are Christs, and Members of his Church have; and it is also manifest, That the Papists have not the Spirit of God, because they burn such as do witness and testify that they have it, as here Semper Iidem himself hath given us an Instance, that they burn and destroy such for heretics as say they have the Spirit of God, he not believing that Paul had it, but saith it is an Error to affirm it: and yet this work seems now to be justified up and down London-streets, which is the double-Iniquity, and that which once many looked not to have seen, that any being condemned and burned as heretics for saying they had the Spirit of God, that this should be justified now in these glorious dayes of Light; this seems almost incredible, but that our eyes behold it; and causeth wonder in many what will be the effect of such a bad sign appearing, as a Justification of putting to Death the Innocent for no other cause, but in that he affirmed he had the Spirit of God! And by this we learn to know how great the Ignorance, Darkness and Blindness of the Church of ROME is, and deserveth not the name of a Church, if they be all of this mind, to condemn men, and burn them for heretics for saying they have the Spirit of God, and then an hundred years after justify the doing of it; to their shane and confusion let this be rehearsed, who have themselves denied that they have the Spirit of God, and Condemning and Destroying others for saying they have it: And this I leave to the Consideration of all the Protestants, who must either deny that they have the Spirit of God, or be Condemned, and[ may be] killed as heretics for affirming it, if so be the Church of ROME recover her desired Power and Purpose in England. It's worthy to be minded while it may be mended, lest the time come when it cannot be prevented.  
And thus I have run thorough the main part of Semper Iidem, and briefly hinted at the principal matters worthy to be taken notice of,( though much more might be said) but that it is my property in all cases to be as brief as may be, for that is the best for the Understanding to contain what is spoken or written, only shall not forget William Pryn, who is stated in Pag. 18. as one of our Modern fanatics, I would not forget to mind him, I say, to answer his part, and to clear himself, if he can, of the Aspersion of a fanatic, by which term he stands reviled, though Semper Iidem fawneth upon him, and flattereth with him, and telleth him, he is the only person in this unhappy parallel who hath given testimony of his Reconcilement. But what better is William Pryn for this Flattery? I hope he is not yet reconciled to the Papists, and become one of them: if he be, I desire he would let us know it; and if he be not, then Semper Iidem accounts him a fanatic. I shall say no farther, but shall leave him to answer for himself.   

And now, last of all, for Conclusion, I have some CONSIDERATIONS to present to the People of England, and particularly to the People of London, occasioned by the Publication of Semper Iidem.  

I.  
COnsider how the ancient Martyrs, as Wickliff, hawks and Cranmer, Latimer, Ridley, with many more, who have been accounted by the Protestants themselves, famous for Piety and Faithfulness, and honourably esteemed Innocent Martyrs, for their Witness-bearing against the Romish Idolatries, and this for many years in these Kingdoms; how, I say, they are now rendered Odious and Contemptible, and scorned and slandered as heretics, seditious factious Blasphemers, and fanatics, by the Author of Semper Iidem, and this published openly through the Nation, and up and down the streets of London, and this without rebuk of any in Authority that we know of! I say, this deserves serious Consideration, that the faithful Martyrs in their day, according to their knowledge, who were as the first Fathers of the Protestant Church( so called) and did lay down their Lives, and seal their testimony with their Blood against the Idolatry of the then present times: and the Lives and Blood of these men now to be made voided, and they that martyred them justified, as doing of Justice, and they now reputed heretics and fanatics publicly; this ought to be considered both in the Cause why it is thus, and in the Effect of it, if it be not restrained.   

II.  
Consider, how that the generality of the People of England and London, are reputed and stand under the present Reproach of being fanatics, even all the People of England, I say, except the Papists; not only the Separatists from the Church of England, as Quakers, Anabaptists, Independents( so called) and the rest, but the Presbyterians and Episcopals, and all of that way; and these Professions stand in Reputation, and are accounted fanatics and heretics, even William Pryn himself; and this is manifest by the Author of Semper Iidem, who hath reviled and reproached all the People of England publicly and openly: For, seeing the ancient Martyrs, the Fathers( so accounted) of the Church of England are vilified as fanatics, Then must needs follow, that the Church of England, even in the way of Episcopacy( as being in their own account the Successors of the Martyrs in some things at least) are also fanatics, and such as Semper Iidem saith, the Old fanatics were: for the men being reputed fanatics, who were as the Fathers, then needs must the Children be the same; and this deserves serious consideration by the Protestants of England.   

III.  
Consider how the very Cause itself of Protestants in this their long Contest for these many years, with, and against the Church of Rome, is now weakened, and even, as it seems, in a way of loss and decay; being now reproached and held under public scorn in England by Semper Iidem; I say, the very Cause of the Protestants is now struck at, and beat against, and sought to be destroyed, being already defamed and reviled, as appears by the discourse of the nameless Author, who hath rendered the ancient Martyrs( that promoted as much as they could the Protestants Cause against the Church of Rome, and dyed for it, many of them sealing the Cause with their Blood) as heretics, Erroneous Rebels and fanatics, and hath also rendered Fox, and his Acts and Monuments, who hath hitherto in England been counted a true Reporter and Historian of the Protestants Sufferings, as invalid as possible, even that he is a liar, and his Chronology Untruths; and hath justified Queen Mary and the Papists, who put the Martyrs to death. And these things considered duly and justly, how is the Protestants Cause itself struck at and weakened, and, as it were, the very Victory given to the Papists against the Protestants, in this long Quarrel between them, ever since Henry the Eight's dayes, and long before?   

IV.  
Consider, How the Papists Cause seems to be Reviving in England, and how bold the Members of the Church of ROME are of late dayes growing, as to appear so publicly in Print, Justifying their own Cause as good; as Q. Mary, and the Papists in her days, in Martyring and Burning the Protestants, and Condemning the Martyrs, of the Protestants as heretics and fanatics; This I say, is great boldness in Papists, more than hath been for this hundred of years, and a sign of a Reviving and Recovering of their Cause more than hath been for many years; who durst not any of them appear so public as the Author of Semper Iidem hath done, with that Boldness and Courage, to justify the Papists Cause and Condemn the Protestants: For if such a Discourse as Semper Iidem had been brought forth and published in the dayes of Queen Elizabeth, which were Darker dayes than these are, it is possible it would not have been suffered to be cried up and down London, but Restrained and Condemned for the Fire; But now the Papists have taken Confidence to themselves, and are of better hopes then formerly, even that they shall have Fire and Faggot again, and to Burn and Destroy such as differ and discent from them, whom they may call heretics and fanatics. And this I observe from the Spirit of Semper Iidem.   

V.  
Consider, The Nature, and Constitution, and Disposition of the Spirit of the Church of ROME, How that it is not Changed, but the Self-same as ever it was, Viz. A Spirit of Murder and Cruelty, that hath Killed and Martyred such as have Differed from them, and been Contrary minded in Religious matters, and it would work and bring to pass the same still, if it had its Power without Limitation in England. The Papists, I say, would Burn, Kill and Torture, such as they judge heretics, and all that cannot Bow, and Bend, and comform, to their Ways, and Injunctions, and Religion; This they would be at again in England if it were in their Power, as it was heretofore: I say, this ought to be Considered, even the Cruelty of that Spirit, and what Danger there is in it to give way to the Exaltation of that Spirit, and to Embrace it in the least, whereby to give it occasion to get into the Power and Judgement Seat; For if it doth, then Fire, and Faggot, and Killing, and Burning, about Religion, will openly appear again, and this seems to be manifest by the Constitution of the Spirit of Semper Iidem, which may give good and wholesome Cautions, that the Spirit of the Papists, is still a Cruel Spirit, and would Destroy all that Differ from their Way, if they had Power; and that, that Spirit is not to be Hugged and Embraced, nor set highest lest the Effect of it prove woeful to England, by bringing forth again what it once did, in Renewing Fire and Faggot; for this is the Disposition of the Spirit of the Romish Church, as is apparent by Semper Iidem.   

VI.  
Consider, How Careful and Vigilant the People of England ought to be to wait and attend the Motions of the Spirit of the Church of ROME, lest it insinuate itself into Authority, and get its intended Advantage and Purpose, against the Protestants& their Cause, and advance itself against them, and Promote its own Interest, and Destroy and Overturn theirs; For without all Controvercy that same Spirit is now at work to Agitate its Desires, and according to its Old course it's Hatching and Contriving, how to Promote its self, and Destroy all that's Contrary; It is Undermining and secretly Surmising its Opponents overthrow; that its self may be exalted; For that Spirit is diligent in its way, to take the lest occasion for its self-advantage as is manifest by Semper Iidem; And therefore the People of England ought also to be Careful and Diligent in their Cause, to Preserve themselves, and their Interest, from the Defeat of the Church of ROME, and they ought to watch against that Spirit, to keep it in Subjection, under Authority and Command, and not to Exalt it into Command over them, lest they be Subjected to the Idolatries and Oppressions, and Persecutions of that Spirit to their own Destruction, both of Persons, Estates, and Religion; For that Spirit will attempt always to Rule, and if it Rule, then will follow Consequently, an utter overthrow of the Protestants Persons and Cause, That will be the Effect of the Authority of it, though it may bear hand in hand in seeming Love, and good Agreement with the Protestants, till it hath gained its desired end over them, which is to Promote itself, and Subdue by Burning and Cruel Tortures, all that which is Contrary to it: Let the People of England Consider this matter, now while it is time, and be Watchful over the Motions of that Spirit, and not put Confidence in it to far, nor to commit too much Credit upon it, even as they love their own Safety and Peace, which are concerned in this Case.   

VII.  
Consider, Into what a greater Danger the Protestants and People of England have run themselves by flying from a Less; For by avoiding the Sectaries( so called) they have run themselves into the very Borders of Popery; and to escape a Less Danger, they have exposed themselves to a far Greater; For the Protestants cried out of the Sectaries, and were afraid their Church and Religion should be overthrown by them, and made hast to escape and fly from the danger, and in so doing they have( as it appears by Semper Iidem) run themselves into a danger far Greater, even to have their Religion, and Persons, and Estates Destroyed by Fire and Faggot, if the Spirit that indicted Semper Iidem hath its desired end, which is grown Bold and Confident, more than formerly; Thus while the Protestants have fought to Destroy the Sectaries, an Enemy is appearing to destroy them, and they have exposed themselves( if Popery prevail) to an Enemy far more Cruel and Destructive to both their Persons, Estates and Religion, than ever the Sectaries would have been, had they Prevailed: And this is considerable to the Protestants, that they may Lament their Case who have run themselves into a far grater danger, of their own Destruction to escape a Less, and are in present Reproach, by the Papists, and exposed to Destruction if they prevail.   

VIII.  
Consider, How favourable the Church of ROME, seems to grow of these late dayes in these Kingdoms, and what Dignity, she seems to have attained to, besides of times past; and what Liberty she enjoys; more than many of the good Subjects of England, which may as justly have the privilege of Liberty, in their exercise of Faith, and Worship, and Religion, as she can have: As for Instance, In Ireland where the Papists have the enjoyment of their Liberty to Meet to hear Mass, very frequently, and are not Restrained nor Prohibited; and many of the English Inhabitants, known Faithful Protestants are not admitted the like Liberty, but their Meetings broken up and they sent to Prison and cruelly Persecuted, for meeting together, when the Papists are not meddled withall for the same Cause; and thus their Cause seems more to be favoured than the Protestants, and they more Liberty in their worship than many of the English Protestants. And also in and about London, upon search you shall find, Meetings of the Papists, Large ones too, consisting of very many foreigners of other Lands, which have their Liberty of Worship and Profession of Religion; and divers of the Inhabitants of the City, who have been, and are known, Upright, Honest and Just Persons and are true Protestants, and faithful Subjects of the Land, are not admitted to have their Meetings, but are haled out of Meetings, Persecuted, and sent to Prison, and cruel Sufferings inflicted upon them, for the Exercise of their Faith and Worship; when as the Papists, are admitted their Liberty without Persecution in the same Cause, for which many good Protestants are Persecuted, and not suffered to have their Liberty, even in the Exercise of their Faith and Worship, and this is mafest to all People; By which it is plain how the Papists Cause is Advancing, and the Protestants Cause Decaying in LONDON, and through ENGLAND; when as the Papists, and that Foreigners, have more Liberty in the Exercise of their Religion, then some Protestants have that are Natives, and known to be good Subjects: And these things deserve true and serious Consideration by all good Protestants. Alas that this day should be seen! Many more Considerations might be Asserted, in this case, of the Papists Cause being as it were Reviving, but these for present are presented to the public View of all People; And blessed are they that have an Ear to Hear.    
THE END.   

IT is to be observed, That although the Author of the said Semper Iidem hath not been so bold as to set his Name thereunto: Yet Richard Lownds Book-seller, appears publicly enough with his Name to it in these words following: Viz.  
London, Printed for Richard Lownds, at the sign of the White lion in St. Pauls Church-Yard, over against the Little North Door. 1661.  
At whose Shop the Books have been publicly sold, and( I suppose) still are privately, if not as formerly.