Christs Victory over Satans Tyranny

John Sharpe, Thomas Hall, Thomas Benion.

THese were burned in the town of Bristow, for saying that the Sacrament of the Altar was the greatest and most abhominable Idol that ever was: and Thomas Benion denied five of their Sacraments, and affirmed two: that is, the Sacrament of the body and blood of Christ, and the Sacrament of Baptism: they died godly, constantly and patiently.

John Corneford of Wortham, Christopher Brown of Maidstone, John Herst of Ashford, Alice Snoth, Katherine Knight, alias Tinley.

THese were the last that suffered in Queen Mary's reign: They were burned at Canterbury, but six days before the death of Queen Mary: The Arch-deacon of Canterbury being at London, and understanding the danger of the Queen, made post-hast home to dispatch these.

They were condemned for not believing the body of Christ to be in the Sacrament of the Altar, unless it be received, and for confessing that an evil man doth not receive Christ's body: and that it is Idolatry to creep to the cross, and that we should not pray unto our Lady and other Saints: when there sentence should be • read against them, John Cornefield excommunicated the Papists in these words as follow.

In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the most mighty God, and by the power of his holy Spirit, and of the authority of his holy Cathothick and Apostolic Church: we do give here into the hands of Satan to be destroyed, the bodies of all those blasphemers and heretics, that do • maintain any error against his most holy word, or do condemn his most holy truth for heresy, to the maint • nance of any false Church, or feigned religion, so that by this thy just Judgment, O most mighty God, against thy Adversaries, thy true religion may be known, to thy great glory, and our comfort, and to the edifying of all our Nation, good Lord, so be it.

This proceeded, as it seemed, from an inward faith, and hearty zeal to God's truth, and it took such effect against the enemies, that within six days Queen Mary died, and all tyranny with her.

These godly Martyrs, in their prayers which they made at their martyrdom, desired God that their blood might be the last that should be shed, and so it was.

Katherine Tinley, was the mother of one Robert Tinley, dwelling in Maidestone.

The Story of Nicholas Burton, Merchant of London dwelling in little S. Bartholomew.

THe fifth of November, he being in the City of Cadix, in the parts of A • do • azia in Spain about his merchandise, there came one of the inquisition unto his lodging, who feigned to h • ue a Letter to deliver unto his hands, when he came unto him, he invented another lie; and said that he would take lading unto London in his ships, delaying the time until the Alquisyell or Sergeants of the inqui • ition might apprehend them, and seeking to know his ships that they might attache them, when they had arrested him, he boldly asked them what cause they had against him, and he would answer them: They carried him unto a filthy common prison of the town of Cadix, where he remained in Irons amongst thieves thirteen days: all which time he instructed the poor prisoners in the word of God, that he had reclaimed sundry of them from superstitions to embrace the Word of God, which being known they conveyed him thence unto the City of Siuill, into a more cruel prison called Triane, where the Fathers of the inquisition proceeded against him secretly, that never after he could be suffered to speak or write unto any of his Nation: And the twentieth day of December, they brought him with a great number of other prisoners into the City of Siuil, into a place where the Inquisi • ion sat in Judgment: they put on him a Canuas coat, whereon was painted in diverse parts the figure of a huge Devil tormenting a soul in fire, and on his head a long cap of the same work: his tongue was forced out of his mouth, with a cloven stick fastened upon it, that he should not utter his Faith and conscience unto the people: and so he was set with another Englishman of Southampton, and diverse others condemned for Religion, as well Frenchmen, as Spaniards, upon a Scaffold over against the inquisition, where they were condemned, and they most cruelly burned him for his most constant Faith: He shown such a cheerful countenance, patience and gladness in the flames of fire, that the tormentors said, that the Devil had his soul, before he came unto the fire: there suffer • d with him another Englishman, and thirteen more; One a Nun, another a Frier constant in the Lord.

John Baker, and William Burgate.

THey were both Englishmen, and apprehended the second of November, at Cales in Spain, and were burned at Siuill.

Mark Burgess, and William Hooker.

THey were both Englishmen: Burgess was Master of a Ship called the Minion. He was burned at Lysborne in Portugal. Hooker was about sixteen years old, and was stoned unto death of certain young men in the City of Siuill for the confession of his Faith.

Franciscus Euzenas wrote to Philip Melanchthon, as followeth. In Sant Lucar in Spain dwelt a Brabander, called Rochus, a maker of Images: He liked not his science, because he maintained Idolatry, yet he was • aine to use it for maintenance for excellent workmanship he was commended of all men. Upon a time he had framed the Image of our Lady in wood, with singular dexterity, setting it out to be sold: One of the Inquisitors offered money for it: He answered, he had rather break it, then to sell it at his price: He bid him break it if he dare. At which word he flung a tool at the Image, and blemished the face thereof: By and by he was carried away unto prison: May I not said he make and mar mine own work, as I think good: perhaps I did not well like the countenance of it, and therefore did intend to make it better unto my mind: Notwithstanding, within three days he was carried unto the stake and burned, because he was an heretic against the blessed Lady.

Touching the Treatise and names of them who by reason of persecution, we •• forced to forsake their houses and goods in the time of Queen Mary. I have omitted it, and the Reader that is desirous to read them, may repair to the book at large.

Likewise I have omitted the Treatise, concerning such as were scourged and whipped by the Papists, in the true cause of Christ's Gospel, because all the Stories of them be elsewhere in the Book.

Likewise touching the story of such as by the providence of God, have been preserved from danger in the time of persecution: I refer the Reader to the book at large.

THE ACTS THAT HAPPENED in the flourishing Rain of Queen ELIZABETH.

H AUING by the power of Almighty God truly displayed the cruel practices of Queen Mary's Rain: now orderly coming to the flourishing and long wished for Rain of the most virtuous, and religious Queen Elizabeth, who can number the singular ornaments and noble graces, given of God unto this so princely a Lady, and puisant Princesse: the mildness of her Nature, the clemency of her Royal estate, the peaceablenes of her Rain: who a Virgin so mildly ruled her subjects, kept all things in order, quieted foreign Nations, recovered towns, enlarged her Kingdom, nourisheth and reconcileth amity, uniteth hearts, and love with foreign enemies, helpeth neighbors, reformed Religion, quenched persecution: She was feared with love, and loved with fear: how can we but give virtue her commendations, which in all persons as Plato saith, stirreth up great love, but especially in a Prince▪ and what cause have all we Englishmen to render most ample thanks to the mercifulnes of God, who hath granted, conserved, and advanced unto the Seat Regal of this Realm: so good godly and virtuous a Queen: such a chosen instrument of his clemency, through whom we cannot deny, but that God hath made amends, and recompense now unto England, for the cruel days that were before, for as then moderation had no place, but all was ruled by rigor: Contrary now clemency hath all the operation, as then was no end of butcherly killing: now is no b • ginning of spilling any drop of blood: She came in like a mother, not like a st • pdame, like a Lamb, not li • e a Lyon.

First i • begin with her princely birth be • ing borne at Greenewich, Ann • 1534. of the victorious Prince King Henry the eight, and of the Noble and most virtuous Lady Queen Anne her mother▪ She • was Christened in the Gray-Friers Church of Greenewich, having unto her Godfather Thomas Cranmer Archbishop of Canterbury: after she was committed unto godly Tutors, under whose institution, her Grace did so greatly increase in virtue, and knowledge of learning, so that she understood all tongues, and spake all languages: she was well learned in the liberal arts and sciences, and her noble breast was gernished, with all virtue, council and wisdom, that none of her Council could go beyond her majesty: it is wonderful in every man's conscience, to behold in that age, that s • xe, in such state and fortune, in so great occasions, so many enticements, in all these to refaine so sober conversation, so temperate condition, such mildness of manners, such humbleness of stomach, such clemency in forgiving, such traveling in study. Tully saith, a good man in other places is no matter, but in Asia to keep a sober, and temperate life, that is indeed a matter praise worthy: But she in th • midst of Asia, did so much degenerate from all Asia, as hath not lightly been in Europa.

Her first schoolemaister, reported of her to a friend of his, that he learned every day more of her, then she of him, which he expounded thus: I teach her words (quoth he) and she teacheth me things: I teach her tongue to speak, and her modest and maidenly life teacheth me to do, for I think she is the best disposed of any in Europe, and an Italian that was her teacher, said he found in her t • o qualities, which are never lightly y • ke-fellows in one woman, which are a singular wit, and a marvelous meek stomach.

But none of her princely qualities are more worthy of commendations, th •• her Christian patience, shown in her afflictions, and her incredible clemency declared towards her enemies: for though she was such a high Princes, and a Kings Daughter and a Queens Sis • er, and heir apparent unto the Crown, could she not escape without the • rosse: Yea her troubles were far above the condition of a Kings Daughter: for there was no more behinds to make a very Iphigenia of her, but her offering up upon the Altar of the Scaffold,

It was no small injury that she suffered in the Lord Protectors days by certain venomous vipers: And after the death of King Edward, the Council sought to defeat both her and her Sister from the natural inheritance and right of the Crown.

And in the days of Queen Mary, into what trouble of mind, and fear of death was she brought unto. First with • ands of ha • nished men to be fetched up as a great Traitor, and clapped into the Tower, and to be t • ssed from thence from prison to prison, from post to pillar: at length also she was prisoner i • her own house, guarded with a sort of cut-throats, which ever gaped for the spoil • of her.

In the beginning of Queen Mary's Rain, the Lady Elizabeth, and the Lord Courtenay were charged with false suspicion of Sir Thomas Wiats rising, and the Lady Elizabeth being at her house at Ashredge, Queen Mary sent her two Lord's, and Sir John Williams, afterward Lord Tame, with their retinue and troupes of horsemen, to the number of two hundred and fifty, who found her sore sick in her bed and very feeble and weak of body: and at ten of the clock at night they rushed into her Chamber without leave: whereat her Grace being not a little amazed, She said, my Lord's is your hast such that it might not have pleased you to have come tomorrow in the morning: They answered, that they came from the Queen for her, and that she must be at London the seventh day of that month: she answered, that no Creature was more glad then she to come unto her Majesty, and that she was sorry she was not able to go with them; they answered, That their Commission was such, that we must needs bring you with v •• live or dead. In conclusion, they willed her to prepare against the morning at nine of the clock to go with them, and on the next day morrow at the time prescribed, they had her forth as she was, very faint and feeble, and in such case, that she was ready to sound three or four times between them. From Ashridge all sick in the Litter, she came unto Redborne, where she was guarded all night: from thence to Saint Albons, to Sir Raphe Rowlets house, where she tarri • d all night both feeble in body, and comfortless in mind: from thence she came to Master Dodds house at Mimmes, where also they remained all night, and from thence to Highgate, where she being very sick, tarried all night and next day. During which time of her abode, there came many Purseuants and Messengers from the Court unto the Lord's, but about what I cannot tell: from thence she was conveyed unto the Co • rt, where she was straitwaies shut up, and kept as close prisoner a fortnight.

The Friday before Palmesunday, the Bishop of Winchester with nineteen others of the Priuy Council came unto her Grace, and b • rdened her with Wiats Conspiracy, which she v • terly deni • d: then they charged her with the business made by Sir Peter Carew, and the rest of the Gentlemen of the West country, which also she utterly denied: Then they told her that it was the Queens pleasure that she should go unto the Tower, until the mat •• r were further tried: Then she desired them to be a mean unto the Quee • e that she would be gracious unto her: declaring that sheee was innocent in all the matters wherein they had burdened her, and that she was a true woman unto to the Queen, in thought, word, and deed: that she might not be committed unto so notorious and doleful a place: The Lord's answered, that there was no remedy, for the Queen was determined that she should go vn • o the Tower, wherewith the Lord's departed, with their hats hanging over their eyes, but about an hour after, four of the aforesaid Lord's of the Council with the Guard, who warding the next chamber unto her, secluded all her Gentlemen, Yeomen, Ladies, and Gentlewomen, & one Gentleman Usher, three Gentlewomen, and two Groomes of her Chamber, were appointed in their rooms by the Queen to give attendance upon her that none should have access unto her.

At which time there was 100. of Northen soldiers in white coats, watching abo • t the Gardens all night, and two Lord's with their bands & companies watched in the hall: The next day two Lord's of the Council, certified her Grace that forthwith she must go unto the Tower: the Barge being prepared for her, & the tide now ready, which tarrieth for nobody, but she got leave of the Earl of Sussex, which was one of the two, to tarry till day to write to the Q. and he promised to deliver it, contrary to the will of the other: the next day, being Palm-Sunday, about nine of the clock, she took her Barge, with the said two Lord's, hovering upon the water an boure, because they could not shoot the Bridge, & when they did shoot the bridge, the st • rn of the 〈◊〉 struck upon the ground the fall was so big & the water so shallow: then her Grace desired the Lord's that she might not land at the stairs where all traitors & offenders use to land, whi • h they would not grant; then she protested that here steppeth as true a subject as ever was towards the Queens highness; and before thee, O God, I speak it, having none other friends but only thee: when she came into the Tower she rested her self upon a cold stone, the Lieutenant said, Madam, you were best come out of the rain, for you sit vnwholsomly: she answered it was better to sit there then in a worse place, for God knoweth I know not whether you will bring me, then her Gentleman Usher wept, and she asked him what his meaning was in that be used her so uncomfortably? so she went into the prison and the doors were locked and boulted upon her: then she called to her Gentleman for her book, desiring God in no wise to suffer her to build her foundation upon the sands, but upon the rock, whereby all blasts of blustering winds should not hurt her: the Lord's consulting about her straight keeping, the Lord of Sussex said, My Lord's, let us take heed that we do no more then our Commission will warrant us, whatsoever shall or may happen hereafter; for she was the King our Masters daughter, whereunto they all agreed and departed.

It would make a strange story to recite what examinations and rackings of poor men there were to find out that knife which should cut her throat: what gaping amongst the Lord's of the Clergy, to see the day wherein they might wash their white Rochets in her innocent blood, but most especially Stephen Gardner Bishop of Winchester then Lord Chancellor, and then rul • r and governor of the roast, who within few days after came unto her, with diverse of the Council, and very strictly examined her about a purpose that she had to remove to her house at Donnington Castle, and likewise they examined Sir James Acroft about the same matter: She answered, what is that to the purpose, my Lord's, but that I may go unto mine own houses at all times? but my Lord's, you do examine every mean prisoner concerning me, wherein you do me exceeding great injury: I beseech you join not me in this sort with any of these offenders. When they were departing Sir James Acroft kn • eled down, and said, he was sorry to be brought as a witness against her Grace, and that he had been meru • i • ously tossed and examined touching her Highnes, but I take GOD to record before whom I stand in your honors sight, I know not anything of that crime that you have laid unto my charge, and will take my death thereon if I be driven to so strait a trial.

When her officers had provided her diet, and brought it to the utter gate of the Tower, the common rascal soldiers received it. Wherefore they complained unto the Lord Chamberlain Constable of the Tower, and desired that her diet might be brought in by them, which were apppointed thereunto: He answered, I assure you for that she is a prisoner, she shall be served with the Lieutenants men, as other • he prisoners are: and they seeming to be offended at this answer: He sware that if they did either frown or shrug at him, he would set them where they should neither see Sun nor Moon; but after they obtained their request of the Council with much ado: Then he would have had his servants to have served with them, and he would have had his meat roasted with her Graces meat, & that his Cook should come thither to dress it: Her Graces Cook would suffer no st • anger to come about her diet, but her own sworn men, neither would they suffer any strangers to come into any other of their offices.

When she had lien a month in close prison, and was ill at ease, she requested the Lord Chamberlain and the Lord Shandoys to have liberty to walk in some place: they said they durst not grau • t it, because they had commandment to the contrary: but the next day the Lord Sandoys obtained of the Council, but with very much ado, that she might walk in the Queens lodging, in the presence of the Lord Chamberlain and the Lord Shandoys, the Windows being shut, wherewith she contented her self, and thanked him. Afterward she had liberty for to walk in a little Garden, and the Doors and Gates being close shut: during which time there used a man's Child in the Tower many times to bring her Grace Flowers, but certain suspicious heads thinking to make some great matter thereof, called the Child, promising him Figs and Apples▪ asked him when he was with the Earl of Devonshire, he answered he would go by and by thither: then they asked him when he was with the Lady Elizabeth, he answered every day: then they asked him what the Lord of Devonshire sent by him unto her Grace, he said; I will go know what he will give me to carry her. This is a crafty boy (quoth the L. Chamberlain ) I pray you (quoth the boy) give me the figs you promised me: no (quoth he) thou shalt be whipped if thou come anymore unto the Lady Elizabeth, or the Lord Courney, and the child's Father was commanded to suffer the Boy to come no more unto their chambers: the next day, as her Grace walked in the Garden, the Child peeping in at a little hole, cried unto her, Mistress, I can bring you no more Flowers; whereat she smiled, perceiving how the matter went.

The sixteenth day of May she was removed from the tower, where Sir Henry Benifield being appointed her Jailor, did receive her with a company of Rake • s to guard her, besi • es the Lord of Darbies Band: to whom the Lord of Tame was joined in Commission: the first day they conducted her to Richmond, where she was s • cl • ded from her Servants, and Soldiers were appointed in their rooms to give attendance upon her person, whereby she was in despair of her life, and desired her Gentleman Usher and the rest of his company, to pray for her.

Then the Gen • leman Usher desired the Lord of Tame, to tell him if there were any danger meant toward his Mistress this night, saying; certainly I and my fellows will rather die, then she should secretly miscarry: the Lord of Tame answered, rather then it should be so, I and my men are ready to die at her foot also. The next day she was carried to Windsor, and by the way she saw certain of her men, then she bad one go to them, and say these words; Tanquam Ouis, She lay that night in the Dean of Windsors house: The next night she was brought to Master Dormers house, where many people presented unto her gifts. Wherefore Sir Henry troubled the poor people very sore for showing their kindness unto her, calling them R • bells and Traitors: as she passed the villages the towns-men▪ rang the Bels for Joy: Sir Henry sent his Soldiers, and put some of the ••• gers into the stocks, and otherwise misused othersome the next night they came to the Lord of Tames house, where she was princely entreated of Noble men, Ladies, Gentlemen and Gentlewomen. Sir Henry told them that they could not tell what they did, and they were not able to answer their doings. The Lord of Tame said he was well advised of his doings, and that her Grace might or should be merry at his house. Then Sir Henry (whereas there was appointed for her Grace, a Chair, two Cushions, and a foot Carpet very Prince-like) wherein presumptuo • s • y he sat whilst his Bootes were plucked off: Wherefore the Ladies and Gentlewomen did laugh him to scorn: The next day she was brought to Woodstock, where she was enclosed as in the Tower, threescore soldiers every day warding within the walls and without, and forty every night without the walls during the time of her imprisonment there, when she went into the Garden to walk, she had five or six locks locked upon her, betwixt her lodging, and her walks. Sir Henry himself keeping the keys: Wherevpon she called him her Goaler: He desired her not to call him so, but her Officer: from such Officers, quoth she, good Lord deliver me.

At the last, by earnes • suite she was permitted to write unto the Queen, so that Sir Henry did stand by whilst she wrote (which he straightly observed:) when she was weary he would carry away the Letters, and bring them again when she called for them: he would have been the messenger to cartie the Letters, but she would not give him leave, but said one of her own men should carry them: he said • e • rowed none of them durst be so • old: yes (quoth she) I have none so dishonest, but w • ll as willingly serve me n • w as before, but he would not permit her Letters to be carried four or five days after the writing thereof, but in fine, he sent for her Gentl • man, demanding whether he durst enterprise the carrying of the Letters to the Queen: he answered yes that he durst and would, whereupon Sir Henry half against his stomach, gave them him.

Doctor Owen and Doctor Wendi • e were sent for by the Queens Grace, for that she was sickly, who ministered unto her and let her blood, tarrying with her 5. or 6. days: they reported to the Q. and Council of her Graces behavior and humbleness towards the Q. which her Majesty took very thankfully, but the Bishops rep • ned, and told the Queen that they marvelled that she submitted not her self unto her Majesty's mercy.

About this time her grace was requested by a secret friend to submit her self unto the Queen, which would be to her great commodity: she answered, she would not submit her self unto them which she had not offended: if I have offended, I crave no mercy but law: I would I were as clear out of the peril of mine e • emies, as I know myself out of the danger of the law.

About this time there was great consulting amongst the Bishops and Gentlemen touching a marriage for her Grace, which some of the Spaniards wished to be, with some stranger that she might go out of the Realm with her portion: then a Lord said, that the King should never have quiet Common-wealth in England, except her head were stricken from her shoulders: the Spaniards answered, God forbid that their King and Master should consent to such a mischief. From that day the Spaniards never left good persuasions unto the King, that he should never obtain the like honor as he should in delivering the Lady Elizabeth out of prison, whereby at length she was happily released of the same.

Shortly after she was sent for to Hampton Court, Sir Henry Benifield and his soldiers, with the Lord of Tame, and Sir Ralph Chamberlain guarding of her: the first night she came to Ricot, the next to M. Dormers, house and so to Colbrook, where she lay at the George all night: as she came thither, threescore of her Gentlemen and Yeomen met her, which had not seen her Grace a long season before: but they were commanded in the Queens name to depart the town, and she was not suffered to speak with them: that night all her men were taken from her but her Gentleman vsher, three Gentlewomen, and two Grooms, & one of her Wardrop: the next day her Grace entered Hampton Court, where she lay a fortnightere ever any had recourse unto her; at length came the Lord William Howard to • er, who used her Grace marvelous hanourably: she requested him to be a mean that she might speak with some of the Council. Not long after came to her Gardner Bishop of Winchester, the Lord Arundel, the Lord of Shrewsbury, and Secretary Peter, who with great humility humbled themselves unto her Grace. My Lord's, quoth she, I am glad to see you; for me thinks I have been kept a great while from you desolatly alone, wherefore I would desire you to be a mean to the King and Queens Majesty's, that I may be delivered from prison, wherein I have been kept a long space.

Then Gardner kneeled down, and requested her to submit her self to the Queen, and then he doubted not but her Majesty would be good unto her: she answered, rather then she would do so she would lie in prison all the days of her life, adding, that she craved no mercy but the law, if ever she did offend her Majesty in thought, word or deed; and in yielding I should confess myself to be an offender, which I never was towards her Majesty, by occasion whereof the King and Queen might ever hereafter conceive an ill opinion, therefore it were better for me to lie in prison for the tr • th, then to be abroad and suspected of my Prince. So they departed, promising to declare her message to the Que • n.

The next day Gardner came again unto her Grace, and kneeling down, declared that the Queen marvelled that she would so stoutly use her self▪ not confessing • o have offended, so that it should seem the Queens Majesty wrongfully to have imprisoned her Grace: Nay, quoth she, the Queen may punish me as it pleas • th her: Nay, quoth Gardner, her Majesty willed me to certify you, that you must tell her another tale ere that you be at liberty: her Grace answered, that she had as live be in prison with honesty and truth, as to be abroad suspected of h • r Majesty: this I will stand unto, for I will never bely myself. Then he kneeled down, and said, then your Grace hath advantage of me and other the Lord's for your long imprisonment: I take God to record, quoth she, I seek no vantage at your hands for your so dealing with me: then the other kneeled down, and desired her Grac • that all might be forgotten, and so they departed. A seven-night after the Queen • sent for her at ten of the clock at night: then she desired her Gentlemen and Gentlewomen to pray for her, for that she co • ld not tell whether she should ever se • them again. When she came unto the Que • ne she kneeled down and desired God to preserve her Majesty, not in any wise doubting but that she should prove her self as true and faithful a subject towards her Majesty as ever did any, and therefore she desired her Majesty so to judge of her, and said she should not • nd other of her, whatsoever report had gone of her: the Queen answered, you will not confess your offense, b • t stand stoatly in your truth, I pray God it may so fall out. It it do not, quoth she, I desire no favor nor pardon at your Majesty's hands. Well (said the Queen) you stiffly still perse • ere in the truth, belike you will not confess but that you have b • ene wrongfully punished. I must not say so (if it please your Grace) to you; why then, said the Queen, belike you will unto others: no, quoth she, I have borne the burden, and must bear it: I humbly beseech your Majesty to have a good opinion of me, and to think me to be your true subject, not only hitherto, but as long as life lasteth, and so they parted with a few comfortable words in English, but what she said in Spanish God knoweth. It is thought that King Philip was there behind a cloth, and not seen, and that he shown himself • a very friend unto that matter. Thus her Grace went unto her lodging again, a • d the seven-night after she was released of Sir Henry Benifield, and was set at liberty from imprisonment: she went into the Country, and had appointed to go with her. Sir Thomas Pope one of the Queens Counselors, & M. Gage one of her Gentlemen Ushers. And thus straightly was she looked unto all the time of Q. Mary's reign.

Then there came unto her house Master Ierningham, and Norris Gentleman Usher, Queen Mary's Men, who took from her Grace Mistress Ashly to the Fleet▪ and three other of her Gentlewomen unto the Tower, which was no little trouble unto her Grace; saying, That she thought that they would fetch all away in the end: but God be praised shortly after was fetched away Gardener, whereby the life of this so excellent a Princesse, the wealth of all England was preserved: for the said wicked Gardner had long labored his wits, and bent all his devises, to bring this our deer Souera • gne out of the way, as by his words and doings did well appear. After the death of this Gardner, followed the death also and dropping away of other her enemies: whereby by little and little her i • opardy decreased, and more gentle entertainmant did daily grow unto her, until in the month of November, the seventeenth day. Three years after the death of Stephen Gardner, followed the death of Queen Mary, as is before declared, the same day Queen Elizabeth was proclaimed Queen, with as many glad hearts of her subjects, as ever was any King or Queen in this Realm. The next day after the death of Queen Mary, Cardinal Poole died: and shortly after Christopher Bishop of Chichester, and Hopton Bishop of Norwich died, and Doctor Weston, which was the chief Disputer against Cranmer, Ridley, and Latimer. First, fell into displeasure with the Cardinal, and other Bishops, because he would not depart from his Deanerie of Westminster unto the Monks: being removed from thence, he was made Dean of Windsor, where being apprehended in aduoutry, was by the sa • d Cardinal put from all his spiritual livings: wherefore he appealed unto Rome, and flying out of the Realm he was taken by the way and clapt into the Tower, where he remained until Queen Elizabeth was proclaimed, then being delivered, he fell sick and died.

The fifteenth day of January Queen Elizabeth was crowned with triumphant and honorable entertainment of the City of London, with such celebritie, pra • ers, wishes, welcommings, cries, tender words, Pageants, Interl • des, decl • mations and verses set up, as the like hath not been seen: arguing a wonderful affection of loving hearts towards their Sovereign, and many Letters gratulatory were sent unto her Majesty, from sundry foreign places▪ as from Zurich, Geneva, Basil, Berne, Wertenberge, Argentine, Franckfort, &c.

It pleased the Queens most excellent Majesty to have a convenient chosen number of the best learned of either part, to confer together their opinions and reasons, and thereby to come to some good and charitable agreement:

For the Papists were appointed the Bishops of Winchester, Lichfield, Chester, Carlisle, Lincoln, Doctor Cote, Doctor Harpsfield, Doctor, Langdall, and Doctor Chedsey.

For the Protestants were appointed the Bishop of Chichester, Doctor Coxe, M. Whitehed, M. Grindall▪ M. Horne, Doctor Sands, M. Gest, M. Aelmer, M. Jewel, The matters which they should talk of follow:

1 It is against the word of God, and the custom of the ancient Church, to use a tongue unknown to the people, in Common-prayer, and the administration of the Sacraments.

2 Every Church hath authority to appoint, take away, & change ceremonies, and Ecclesiastical Rites, so the same be unto edification.

3 It cannot be proved by the word of God that there is in the mass offered by a sacrifice propitiatory for the quick and the dead.

It was resolved by the Queens Majesty, with the advice aforesaid, that it should be in writing on both parts, and that the Bishops should first declare their minds touching the matters, with their reasons in writing; and they on the other part should the same day declare their opinions in like manner, and each of them deliver their writings unto the other to consider what were to be improved therein, and the same also to declare in writing some other day: the parties of this conference were to put and read their assertions in the English tongue, before the Nobles and States of the Realm, that thereupon in the Court of Parliament, consequently following, some laws might be grounded.

The first meeting was the last of March, in Westminster Church: the Lord's and others of the privy Council were present, and a great part of the Nobility: the Bishop of Winchester and his Colleagues alleged that they had mistake • that their reasons should be written, but they were ready to argue and dispute; this seemed somewhat strange to the Council, yet it was permitted, so Doctor Cole Dean of Paul's was appointed the vtterer of their minds, who partly by speech, and partly by reading authorities written, and sometimes was informed by his Colleagues what to say, made a declaration of their meanings and reasons to the first proposition; which being ended, they were asked by the Council if they had anymore to say, and they said no: so the other part was licensed to show their mind, which they exhibited in a book written; which after a prayer made most humbly unto Almighty God for the induing them with the holy spirit, and a protestation to stand to the doctrine of the Catholic Church, built upon the doctrines of the Prophets and Apostles: the effect of the protestation i • as here followeth.

We refer the whole judgment of the controversy unto the holy Scriptures, and the Catholic Church of Christ▪ whose judgment unto us ought to be most sacred; notwithstanding by the Catholic Church we understand not the Romish Church, whereunto our adversaries attribute such reverence, but that Church which S. Augustine and other fathers affirm ought to be sought in the holy scriptures, and which is governed and led by the spirit of Christ.

It is against the word of God, and the custom of the primitive Church, to use a tongue unknown unto the people in the common prayers, and in administration of the Sacraments: by the word of God wemeane the written word of God, or Canonical Scriptures; and by the custom of the primitive Church, we mean the order most generally used in the Church for five hundred years after Christ, in which time lived Justin, Irenaeus, Tertullian, Cyprian, Basel, Chrysostom, Jerome, Ambrose, Augustine, &c.

This assertion hath two parts: first, that it is against the word of God; and secondly, that it is against the use of the primitive Church. The first is proved by Saint Paul in 1. Cor. 14. where he entreateth of this matter, ex professo, purposely: and though some say that he there meaneth of preaching and not of prayer, it appeareth, by the exposition of the best writers, that he speaketh of prayer and thanksgiving, and of all other public actions which require any speech in the Church: of prayer he saith, I will pray with my spirit, and with my understanding: and of thanksgiving he saith, Thou givest thanks well, but the other is not edified, and how can the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, when he understandeth not what thou sayest? then he concludeth, that all things ought to be don to edification; and he useth the similitude of a Trumpet, If it give an uncertain sound who can prepare to battle? so if thou speak with unknown tongues, you speak in the air, that is, in vain.

In the Old Testament all things belonging unto public prayers, benedictions, thanksgivings, and sacrifices were always in their natural tongue: if they did so in the shadows of the law, much more ought we to do the like.

S. Augustine • in his fourth book De doctrina Christiana, and the tenth Chapter, saith, If they, for whose cause we speak, understand not our speaking, there is no cause why we should speak.

The barbarous Heathen of all nations and sorts of men ever made their prayers and sacrifices to their gods in their mother tongue, which showeth that it is the very light and voice of nature.

Touching the second part of the assertion, that it is against the custom of the primitive Church: it is a matter so clear, that the denial of it must needs proceed either of great ignorance, or else of willful malice.

Justinus Martyr, Apol. 2. describeth the order of the primitive Church, saying, Upon the Sunday, assemblies are made both of the Citizens and Country-men, where the writings of the Apostles and Prophets are read as much as may be: when the Reader doth cease, the head Minister maketh an exhortation to follow honest things, then we rise altogether, and offer prayers, then bread, wine, and water are brought forth, then the head Minister offereth prayer and thanksgiving as much as he can, and the people say Amen. He lived about the year 160. This declareth plainly that the Scriptures were read, and prayers and administration of the Lord's Supper were done in a tongue understood.

Both the Liturgies of Basel in Chrysostom declare that the people were appointed to answer to the prayer of the Minister, sometime Amen, sometime Lord have mercy upon us, sometime With thy spirit and truth we have our hearts lifted up unto the Lord, which they could not have done if they had not understood the long the prayers were said in.

Basilius Epist. 63. saith, That their Psalms which they sing, being divided into two parts, they sing by course together, one beginning the song, and the rest following.

Ambrose upon the fourteenth of the first to the Corinthians, saith. This is that S. Paul saith, Because he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh to God, for he knoweth all things, but men know not, therefore there is no profit of these things; and further he saith, The unlearned hearing that which he understandeth not, he knoweth not the end of the prayer to say Amen. And again he saith, If an Infidel or one unlearned come in, if he hear in a language which he understandeth God to be praised and Christ to be worshipped, he seeth perfectly that the Religion is true, nothing to be done colourably nor in darkness as amongst the heathen, whose eyes are blinded, they not perceiving themselves to be deluded with diverse vanities, for all falsehood speaketh darkness, and showeth false things for true, therefore with us nothing is done covertly, for if there be none that he can understand he may say there is some deceit, because they are ashamed to open it: further, thus he concludeth, Let all things be done to edifying: this thing ought chiefly to be labored for, that the unlearned might profit, lest any part of the body should be dark through ignorance: and further he saith, He that speaketh in an unknown tongue, and hath no interpreter, let him pray secretly to God, which heareth all dumb things, for in the Church he ought to speak that which may profit all men.

And S. Jerome upon that place of Paul, Quomodo qui supplet locum idiotae, and upon other places useth the very same arguments that S. Ambrose did; and likewise Chrysostom upon 1. Cor. 14. useth the like arguments, and Dionysius, Cyprian and S. Augustine agree in the same, and Justinian the Emperor, who lived 527. years after Christ, made a Constitution that all Bishops and Priests should celebrate their holy oblations and prayers, not speaking low, but with a loud voice, that the minds of the hearers may be stirred up with greater devotion, for so saith the Apostle in the first to the Corinthians, saying, If we only bless and give thanks in the spirit, how doth he that occupieth the place of the unlearned say Amen? Thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified: And in his Epistle to the Romans he saith, With the heart a man believeth unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

When this was ended, certain of the Bishops began to say contrary unto their former answer, and that they had much more to say unto this matter, whereupon it was agreed that upon the Monday following the Bishops should bring their minds in writing unto the second assertion, and to the last also, if they could, and that they should first read the same; and that the other part likewise should bring theirs, and being read each of them shou • d deliver to the other the same writings, and that in the mean time the Bishops should put into writing all that Doctor Cole had that day uttered, and whatsoever they could more think of for the same, and that they should send it unto the other party, and receive that which they had written.

At which day the Bishops were concluded to read that which they had to say to the first question, and would not proceed then unto the rest; and after they ca • elled because they should read their writings, first saying that if the adversaries should end the talk, then should the verity on our sides not be so well marked, for they should depart speaking last, with the rejoicing triumph of the people, whereupon grew much contention betwixt the Bishops and the Council, because they observed not the order which they were agreed upon the day before: when there could be nothing done for contention all that day, the Lord Ke • eper said, My Lord's, since you refuse to read the writing after the order taken, we will break up and depart; and for that you will not that we should hear you, you may perhaps shortly hear of us.

Here you may perceive what the Papists be, if the sword be taken from them, how soon all their cunning lieth in the dust, or else why would they not abide the trial of writings, and stand unto the order agreed upon?

And because they gave such an example of disorder, stubbornness and self • will as hath not been seen in such an honorable assembly, whereby the godly and Christian purpose of the Queens Majesty was made frustrate; the Bishops of Winchester and Lincoln were committed unto the Tower, and the rest were bound daily to make personal appearance before the Council, and not to depart the City until further order was taken for their comtempt, and Bonner about the same time was committed unto the Marshalsie.

About this time was a Parliament holden at Westminster, wherein a great many of the Papists and Protestants were employed, the one to retain still, the other to impugn the doctrine established in Queen Mary's time. Amongst others, the words of Doctor Story, the stout champion of the Pope in the Parliament house, are worthy to be known of posterity.

He said, whereas he was much complained of to have been a great setter forth of such Religion, orders, and proceedings, as of Queen Mary were set forth in this Realm: he confessed it to be true, and protested that he therein had done nothing but what his conscience did lead him unto, and his Commission commanded him, and that he was no less ready now to do the like, and more, if the Queens Majesty would authorize him thereunto: and he said he was sorry for nothing but that he had done no more then he had done, and that they had not been more severe in executing those laws, wherein there was no default in him, but in them, whom he both oft and earnestly exhorted unto the same, being not a little grieved with them, for that they labored only upon the young and little springs and twigges, whereas they should have stricken at the root, & clean have rooted it out: and he said that he was once at the burning of an herewigge at Uxbridge, meaning Master Denley, where he tossed a Fagget at his face, as he was singing of Psalms, and set a bush of thorns under his feet, and he named Sir Philip Hobby, and another Knight in Kent, with such other of the richer and higher degree, whom his Council was to pluck at, wherein if they had followed my advice they had done wisely.

In this Parliament through the goodness of the Lord the true cause of the Gospel, had the upper hand, the papists hope was frustrated, & their rage abated: The proceedings in K Edwards time was reui •• d, and the bloody statutes of Q. Mary repealed: The old Bishops were deposed for refusing the oath, in renouncing the Pope, and not subscribing unto the Queens lawful supremacy. In the place of Cardinal Poole, succeeded Doctor Matthew Parker, Archbishop of Canterbury: In the place of Heath, succeeded Doctor Yong; Insteed of Boner, Edmund Grindall was Bishop of London: For Hopton, Thurleby, Tunstall, Pates, Christopherson, Peto, Coats, Morgan, Feasie, White, Oglethorpe, were placed Doctor John Parkust in Norwich: D. Cox in Eli: Jewel, in Salisbury: Pilkinton, in Duresme: D. Sands, in Worcester: Benton, in Coventry and Lichfield: Downam, in Westchester: David in S. David's Ally in Exeter: Horne, in Winchester: Story, in Lincoln: Scamler, in Peterborough: Bartlet, in Bathe: Gest, in Rochester: Barlow, in Chichester.

The severe punishment of God upon persecutors and blasphemers.

STephen Gardener, the Arch persecutor, whom the Lord took away in the midst of Queen Mary's Rain: of whose poisoned life, and stinking end mention is made already: He said in his death-bed; I have denied my Master with Peter, but never repented with Peter.

Bishop Morgan, who condemned Master Farrar, Bishop of Saint David's, and usurped his room: not long after he was stricken in such a strange sort, that the meat he eat would not go down, but rise up again; sometimes at his mouth: sometimes blow out of his nose most horrible to behold, and so continued unto his death. Also when Doctor Leyson the Sheriff had fet away the said Bishops cattle, diverse of the Cattle would never eat meat, but lay bellowing and roaring, and so died.

One Richard a Priest of Carmarthen, a little after the martyrdom of the said B. Farrar, standing upon the top of a stair, in one Master Downings house, jesting at the death of the said B. Farrar, fell down suddenly, and brake his neck.

Justice▪ Morgan, after he had set upon the death of the Lady Jane, fell mad, and so died, having ever in his mouth Lady Jane, Lady Jane.

Doctor Dunning, the cruel Chancellor of Norwich, was stricken wish sudden death as he sat in his chair.

Berry, the wicked Comissary of Norfolk, four days after Queen Mary's death, made a feast, and had one of his Concubines; therein the afternoon coming from Evensong, he fell down by the way and never s • irre • .

Bishop Thorneton, Suffragan of Dover, who was a most cruel tyrant: he fell in a palsy, as he looked upon his men playing at Bowles, and so was had to bed, he was willed to remember God: yea so I do said he, and my Lord Cardinal, and so he died.

After him succeeded another Bishop or Suffragan, who was Suffragan before unto Boner: he brake his neck down a pair of stairs in the Cardinals chamber at Greenewich, as he had received the Cardinals blessing.

The Parson of Crundall in Kent, having received the Popes Pardon: he exhorted the people to receive remission of sins, as he had done: And he said that he stood now, as clear in conscience as when he was first borne, and cared not if he should die the same hour: in so saying he was suddenly stricken in the pulpit, and leaning back he was found dead.

Not long after the death of Queen Mary, died Doctor Capon Bishop of Salisbury, and the cruel Chancellor of Salisbury: Doctor Geoffrey about the same time in the midst of his buildings was suddenly taken with the mighty hand of God, and so ended his life: The day before he departed, he had appointed to call before him 90. persons, to examine them by inquisition.

Cruel Master Woodroofe Sheriff of London, which rejoiced at the death of the Saints of Christ: A week after he was out of his office the one half of his body was stricken by the hand of God, that he was bedrid, and not able to move himself, and so he continued seven or eight years until he died.

Rafe Sardine, that betrayed George Eagles, was attached himself, arraigned and hanged.

Master Swingefield, an Aldermans Deputy in Thames street, understanding a Midwife which absented her self from the Church to be at the labor of one Mistress Walter at Crooked Lane end: he apprehended her being great with child, and carried her unto Boner, who sent her unto Lolards Tower: where for fe • re she was delivered of a child, & could have no woman to help her: after she had lien there five weeks, she was delivered upon sureties. Doctor Story hearing thereof, charged her with felony, and sent her unto Newgate: shortly after the said Master Swingfield and three more that came to take her died.

One Burton a Bailiff of Crowland in Lincolneshire, who made show to be a great friend of the Gospel in King Edwards time, but in Queen Mary's time he moved the parish to show themselves the Queens friends, and set up Mass speedily, and he called on them still in the Queens name: and when he saw his words were not regarded, he got him to Church upon a Sunday morning, when the Curate began to say service, according unto King Edwards time: he came to him and said: Sirra, will you not say Mass, buckle yourself to Mass you knave, or by God's blood I will sheath my Dagger in your shoulders: The poor Curate for fear settled himself unto Mass.

But not long after, riding from home with one of his neighbors, as he returned home a Crow flew over his head, singing after her wonted manner, knau • , knave, and dunged upon his nose, which ran down upon his mouth & beard; The poisoned savor thereof so annoyed his stomach, that he never ceased vomiting until he came home, whereof within few days he died, without any to • en of • epentance.

As James Abbes was a leading to be burned, poor people asking alms, he pulled off all his apparel unto his shirt, and gave it amongst them, to someone thing, and to some another: and he exhorted them to stand steadfast in the truth of the Gospel▪ which he (with God's help) would seal with his blood in their sight: Then a servant of the Sheriffs cried out, believe him not good people, he is an heretic & a mad man, and it is heresy that he saith, and thus he did until he came unto the stake: but as soon as the fire was put unto Abbes, this blasphemer was stricken with madness, wherewith he had charged the good martyr, & he cast off his shoes & the rest of his clothes & cried out thus did Abbes that true servant of God, who is saved, but I am damned: Thus he ran about the town of Berry, still crying James Abbes was a good man and saved, but I am damned: The Sheriff tied him up in a dark house, but he continued his old note, and being brought to his Masters house in a Cart, within half a year he died: And being ready to die, the parish Priest came to him with the Crucifix, and the Host of the Altar: but he cried out of the Priest, and defied all that baggage, saying that the Priest, a • d such other as he was, were the cause of his damnation: And that James Abbes, was a good man and saved.

Clarke, an open enemy of the Gospel, and all good pre • chers in King Edwards days, hanged himself in the Tower of London.

The great and notable Papist called Troling Smith, of late fell down suddenly in the street, and died.

Dal • the Promoter was eaten in his body with Lice, and so died.

Cox a Protestant in King Edwards days, and in Queen Mary's days a Papist and a Promoter, being well when he went to bed, he was dead before morning.

Alexander the keeper of Newgate, who to hasten the poor lambes unto the slaughter, he would go to Boner, Story, and Colmley, and others: crying out rid my prison, I am too much pestered with heretics, and he died very miserably, being swollen and so rotten within, that no man could abide the smell of him: and James his son being left very rich, in three years brought it to n • ght, and shortly after as he went in Newgate market, he fell down suddenly and died.

John Pether, son in law to this Alexander, ad horrible blasphemer of God, and no less cruel unto the prisoners, rotted away, and so died: who commonly when he affirmed anything, he would say, if it be not true, I pray God I rot ere I die.

Justice Lelon, persecutor of Jeffrey Hurst, died suddenly.

Robert Baulding, a • the taking of William Seaman, was stricken with lightning: whereupon he pined away and died.

Beard the Promoter, died wretchedly.

Robert Blomfield▪ persecutor of William Brown, consumed away miserably.

In K. Henries time, John Rockwood, who in his horrible end cried All to late, which were the words that he used in persecuting God's children at Calais.

The Lady Honer a persecutor, and George Bradway, a false accuser, were both bereft of their wits.

Richard Long a persecutor, drowned himself.

Sir Rafe Ellerker▪ as he was desirous to see the heart taken out of Adam Damlip, he being slain of the Frenchmen: after they had mangled him, and cut off his privy members, would not leave him until they saw his heart cut out.

Doctor Foxford, Chancelor to Bishop Stokely, a cruel persecutor, died suddenly.

Pauier, or Pauie, town Clarke of London, a bitter enemy unto the Gospel, hanged himself.

Doctor Pendleton died miserably, and at his death he repented that ever he had yielded to the Doctrine of the Papists.

John Fisher, Bishop of Rochest •• , and Sir Thomas Moore; after they had bro • ght John Frith, Bayfield, and Bainham, and diverse others to death: shortly after, they themselves were made a public spectacle of bloody death at tower hill.

These persecuting Bishops died a little before Queen Mary: Coates, Parfew, Glune, Brookes, King, Peto, Day, Holiman.

After Queen Mary, immediately followed Cardinal Poole, and these persecuting Bishops: John Christopherson, Hopton, Morgan, John White, Rafe Bayne, Owen Oglethorpe, Cutbert Tonstall, Thomas Reynolds: And about the same tim • died Doctor Weston, Master Slethurst, Seth Holland, William Copinger, and Doctor Steward great persecutors

The residue that remained of the persecuting Clergy, and escaped the stroke of death, were deprived, and committed unto prisons; these Bishops were committed unto the Tower: Nicholas Heath, Archbishop of York, Thomas Thurlby, Thomas Watson, David Poole, Gilbert Burn, Richard Pates, Troublefield, and John Fecknam Abbot of Wes • minster, and John Boxell Dean of Windsor and Peterborough, were committed with the said Bishops unto the Tower.

Gouldwell, Bishop of Saint Ass, a • d Maurice Elect of Bangor, ran away.

Boner, & Thomas Wood Bishops, were committed to the Marshalsey: Cutbert Scot, Bishop of Chester, was in the Fleet: from whence he escaped to Lo • ane, and there died.

These were committed unto the Fleet: Henry Cole, Dean of Paul's: John Harpsfield, Arch-deacon of London: Nicholas Harpsfield, Arch-deacon of Canterbury: Anthony Draycot, Archdeacon of Huntingdon: William Chadsey, Archdeacon of Middlesex.

One John Apowell, mock • one William Maulden, as he was reading an English Service Book in a Winters Euening, mocking him at every word, with contrari • gaudes, and flouting words: Wherefore the said William checked him; saying, he mocked not him, but God: As the said William was reading these words: Lord have mercy upon us: Christ have mercy upon us: The other with a start suddenly said, Lord have mercy upon me: The said William asked him wherefor he was afraid: He answered, when you read Lord have mercy upon us: me thought the hair of my head stood upright with a great fear that came upon me: The next day in the morning he fell mad, and after that he lay day and night, and his tongue never ceased crying out of the Devil of hell, I would see the Devil of hell, there he is, there he goeth, and such like words: Thus he lay six days, that his Master and all the rest of the house was weary of the noise, and sent him to Bedlam.

At Waltamstow six miles from London, certain children were talking what God was, and one said he was a good Old Father: and a Maid of twelve years old, named Denys Benifield said what he is, an old doting Fool: The next day she was suddenly stricken by the hand of God, that all one side of her was black, and she speechless, and so she died the same night.

Some being in communication about Cranmer, Ridley and Latimer, in an house of Abingdon in Barkeshire: One Le • ar • plowman, dwelling at Brightwell said that he saw that evil favored knave Latimer, when he was burned, and that he had teeth like a horse, at which time and hour, the son of the said Leauer most wickedly hanged himself in Shepton, a mile from Abbington.

Thomas Arundell, Archbishop of Canterbury gave sentence against the Lord Cobham, and died himself before him, being s • stricken in his tongue, that he could neither swallow nor speak, a good while before his death.

When Patrick Hamelton was burned for the truth in Scotland, in the fire he cited and appealed Frier Campbell, that accused him to appear before the High God, to answer whether his accusation was just or not, betwixt that and a day of the next month, which he named: The said Frier died immediately before the day came.

Haruy a Commissary which condemned a poor man in Calais, was shortly after, hanged, drawn and quartered.

William Swallow, the cruel tormentor of George Eagles, shortly after all the hair of his head, and nails of his fingers, and toes went off, and his eyes so closed, that he could scant see, and his wife was stricken with the falling Sickness which she never had before.

And Richard Potto, the other troubler of George Eagles, was suddenly taken with sickness, and falling upon his bed, like a beast died, and never spake.

Richard Denton a shrinker, whilst he refused to be burned in the Lord's quarrel, he was burned in his own house with two moe.

The wife of John Fetty, which was the cause of the taking of her husband immediately fell mad.

Thomas Mouse, & George Reuet, two persecutors were strike • miserably with the mighty hand of GOD and so died, as is mentioned in the Story of Adam Foster.

In the same Story is mention made of Robert Edgore, for being a Popish Clarke against his conscience, was bereft of his wits, and kept in chains and bands many yerres after.

John Pankney, and one Hanington, fellows of New College in Oxford, both stubborn Papists, drowned themselves, with Crucifixes about their necks.

Christopher Landesdale, a Yeoman of the Gard, dwelling in Hackney in Middlesex, he suffered a poor man to die in a ditch in his ground, for want of harbor and relief, having much out-house • s to spare; but shortly after he being drunk, died himself in a ditch.

In King Edwards time there was a lusty young Gentleman in Cornwall, wh • riding in the company of twenty Horsemen, began to swear and blaspheme the Na • e of God most horribly, one checking him for it, he bad him take thought for his winding sheet, and not for him: amend saith he, for death giveth no warning, God's wounds, said he, care not thou for me, raging still worse and worse in words: They rode over a great Bridge, upon which Bridge this Gentleman swearer spurred his Horse in such sort, that he sprang over the bridge with the man upon his back, and as he was falling he said; Horse and man and all to the Devil.

Henry Smith, a Student of the Law in the middle Temple, he was pe • uerted to Popery by one Gyfford, then he went to Leuven, and there was more rooted therein, and brought from thence with him pardons, a Crucifix, with an Agnus Dei, which he used to wear about his neck, and he had Images in his Chamber to pray before, with diverse other Popish trash.

After this Henry Smith, with Gyfford his companion, was returned from Leuven, he was a foul Gyrer, and a scornful scoffer of that Religion which he had professed: at length he tied his shirt, which he had torn for that purpose, about his privy places, and with his girdle fastened unto the bed-post, he strangled himself: The place where he had fastened the Girdle was so low, that his hippes well near touched the flour: his legs lying a cross, and his arms spread abroad, having his Agnus Dei in a silver tablet, with his other Idolatrous trash in a window by him. He was buried in a Lane called Foskew Lane.

Twyford was a busy doer in King Henries days by Bonners appointment, to set up stakes for the burning of poor Martyrs: When he saw the stakes consume so fast, he said; I will have a stake, I trow, that shall hold, and so he provided a big Tree, and set it up in Smithfield, the top being cut off, but ere the Tree was consumed, God turned the state of Religion, and he fell into a horrible disease, rotting alive above the ground before he died.

Forraigne Examples.

HOfmester the great Arch-papist, and chief pillar of the Popes falling church, as he was going to Ratisbone, to dispute against the Protestants, he miserably died, horribly roaring and crying out.

Examples of what inconveniences cometh by Popish desperate Doctrine.

IN the Uniuersity of Leuven was one Guarlacus, after he had stoutly main ••• ned the corrupt errors of Popish doctrine, when he was sick he cried out how wickedly he had lived, and that he was not able to abide the iugdment of God, and casting forth words of miserable despair, he said; his sins were greater then he could be forgiven.

Likewise Arnoldus Bomelius, a Student of Louan he: framed himself after the rule of the unsavory Doctrine of Papists, to stand in fear and doubt of Justification, and to work salvation by merits, he began more and more to grow into doubtful despair: at length, being overcome with despair, not having in that Popish Doctrine wherewith to raise up his soul, he going a walking with three other Students; he singled himself from them and stabbed himself, they seeing him shrink, ran unto him, and found that he had stabbed himself with his dagger, then they took him and brought him into a house, and he espying one of his • riends very busy about him, having a knife hanging at his girdle, he got out the knife and stabbed himself to the heart.

Jacobus Latomus, a principal Captain of the Uniuersity of Louan, after he had been at Brussels, thinking to do a great act against Luther and his fellows▪ he made such a foolish Oration before the Emperor, that he was laughed to • corn. After in a public Lecture at Louan, he uttered such words of desperation, and blasphemous impiety, that the Divines were fain to carry him away as he was raving, and shut him into a Chamber: from that time unto his death, he had nothing in his month but that he was damned, and that there was no hope of salvation for him, because he had wittingly against his knowledge withstood the truth. Ex Epist. Senarclaei.

A Dominick Friar of Munster, as he was inueighing in the Pulpet against the Doctrine of the Gospel, was stricken with a sudden flash of lightning and so died. Ex Pantal.

Manlius in his B •• ke De dictis Philip Melanchthon, reporteth that a Tailors ser • ant in Lipsia, first received the Sacrament in both kinds wlth the Gospellers, and after by the Papists persuasions, he received it with them in one kind, and afterward being admonished by his Master to go again unto the Communion of the Gospellers, he stood a great while and made no answer, and at last crying out upon a sudden, he cast himself out of a Window and brake his n • cke.

The same Manlius maketh mention of a Gentleman of authority, who hearing these words in Psalm 46. Our only hold and fortress is our God: he said; I will help to shoot against thy stay or fortress, or else I will not live: and within three days he died without repentance.

Sadole • us the learned Cardinal, died with great torments of conscience and desperation.

The Commendator of S. Anthony, who sat as spiritual Judge over that godly learned man Wolsgangus, burned in Lotheringe in Germany, fell suddenly dead shortly after he had condemed him.

And the Abbot Clariocus his fellow, at a crack of Gunnes saddenly fell down and died.

David Beaton▪ Archbishop of S. Andrew's in Scotland, shortly after the burning of M George Wisard, he was wretchedly slain in hi • own Castle, as you may see in the discourse of this Story.

Crescentius the Popes Legate, and Uicegerent in the Council of Trent; he was sitting from morning until night writing Letters unto the Pope: at his rising there appeared unto him a mighty black Dog, his eyes flaming li • e fire, and his ears hanging almost down to the ground: the Cardinal being amazed, called his Servants to bring in a Candle and seek for the Dog, and when the Dog could not be found, the Cardinal was stricken with a conc • it, and fell into such a sickness, as all his Physicians could not cure, and so he died. By Johannes Sleida •• s in his twelfth Book, he saith, his purpose was to recover again the whole authority and doctrine of the Romish Sea, and to set it up forever. The Council of Trident was dissolved by the death of this Cardinal.

Two adulterous Bishops belonging unto the said Council of Trident, one haunting unto an honest man's Wife, was slain with a Boar-spear: the other Bishop, whose haunt was to creep through a window, was hanged in a Ginne laid for him of purpose, and so couayed, that in the morning he was seen openly in the street hanging out of the window, to the wonderm • nt of all that passed by. Ex protestatione conceonatorum Germa.

John Eckius, the most vehement impugner of Martin Luther; as his life was full of all ungodliness, uncleanness and blasphemy, so was his end miserable hard and pitiful: his last words were these; In case the four thousand Guilders were ready, the matter were dispatched, dreaming belike of some Cardinalship that he should have bought. Ex John Carion. fol 250.

John Vaueler Warfe, the next in office to Magraue, he was of Antwarpe: he was a sore persecutor of Christ's flock; he had drowned diverse good Men and women, for the which he was much commended of the bloody Generation, being very rich, he gave up his office, intending to pass the rest of his life in pleasure, and coming unto a banquet at Antwarpe to be merry, being well laden with Wine, he rode home in his Wagon with his Wife, a Gentlewoman, and his Fool, the Horses stood still upon a bridge, and would by no means go foreward: then he in a drunken rage cried out; Ride on in a thousand Devils name, by and by r • se a mighty whirlwind, and tossed the Wagon over the bridge into the Town ditch, where he was drowned, and when he was taken up his neck was broken: his wife was taken up alive, but died within three days: the Gentlewoman and the Fool were saved.

Bartholomeus Chassaneus, a great Persecutor, died suddenly.

Minerius, the Bloody Tormentor of Christ's Saints, died with bleeding in his lower parts: the Judge that accompanied him in his persecution, as he returned homeward was drowned, and three more of the said company killed one another.

Johannes de Roma that cruel Monk, that devised such hellish torments for the poor Christians at Augrowne: the Lord paid him home again with the like torments, who rotted to death, and could find no euemie to kill him, nor friend to bury him, he could not abide his own stinking carrion, nor any man else that came near him could abide his stench.

The like persecutor was the Lord of Reuest, and after his furious persecution he was stricken with the like horrible sickness, and with such a fury and madness, that none durst come near him, and so most wretchedly di •• : The like grievous punishment happened upon one John Martin a persecutor, as appeareth in the History before.

In the year 1565. in the town of Gaunt in Flanders, one William de Weuer was imprisoned for religion by the Prouost of S. Peters: In Gaunt the Prouost sent for one Giles Brackelman, the principal Advocate of the Council of Flanders, and Borough-master, and Judge of Saint Peters, with others of the Rulers of the Town to sit in Judgment upon him: as the said Borough-master reasoned with the said William de Weaver upon diverse Articles of his Faith: And being about to pronounce his condemnation, the Borough-Master was suddenly stricken with a Palsy, that his mouth was drawn almost unto his ear, and so he fell down and died: The Lord's that stood by shadowed him, that the people should not see him, and commanded the people to depart, yet they burned the said William de Weaver within three hours after the same day.

The fifth of March 1566. Sir Garret Trieste Knight, he had promised the Regent to bring down the preaching; wherefore the Regent promised him to make him a Grave, which is an Earl: when he had brought with him to Gaunt tidings of the death of the Preachers; he received from the Regent a Commission, to swear the Lord's and Commons unto the Romish Religion: and being at supper, he bad his Wife call him an hour the sooner in the morning, for that he should have much business to do, to swear the Lord's and people unto the Romish Religion: but going to bed in good health, in the morning when he should be called, he was found dead: and as the Lord's of Gaunt proceeded to give the Oath the next day, Master Martin de Pester the Secretary being appointed, and about to give the Oath; as the first man should have sworn, the said Martin de Pester was stricken of GOD with present death, and •• uer spake again.

These Examples were contained in a Letter written unto HENRY the second French King, which is in the Book more at large.

THE Lord Poucher Archbishop of To • res, who sued for the Court called Chambre Ardente, there to condemn the Protestants to the fire, who after was stricken with a disease called the fire of God, which began at his lower parts, and so ascended upward, that one member after another was cut off, and so he died miserably.

Castellanus having enriched himself by the Gospel, and returning from pure Doctrine unto his old vomit again, became a Persecutor at Orliance, but God struck him with a sickness unknown unto the Physicians, one half of his body burned as hot as fire, and the other half was as could as Ice, and so most miserably crying, he died.

Du Prat, was the first that opened unto the Parliament the knowledge of Herisies, and gave out Commission to put the faithful unto death: he died swearing, and horribly blaspheming God, and his stomach was found pierced, and gnaune asunder with Wormes.

John Ruse, Counselor in the Parliament, coming from the Court, having made report of the Processe against the poor innocents, was taken with a burning in the lower part of his belly, before he could be brought home the fire invaded all his secret parts, and so he died miserably.

Claude des Asses, a Counselor in the said Court, the same day that he gave his consent to burn the faithful. After dinner he committed whoredom with one of his Servants, and in doing the act, he was stricken with a disease, that he died out of hand.

Peter Liset Chief President of the said Court, and one of the Authors of the said burning Chamber, fell mad and was put from his office.

John Morin, after he had been the death of many Christians▪ was stricken with a disease in his legs, called the Wolves, wherewith he lost the use of them, and died out of his wits, denying and blaspheming God.

John Andrew, the Book-binder of the Palace, became a spy to find out Protestants, died in madness.

The Inquisitor John de Roma in Prouence, his flesh fell from him by piece meal, and so stinking that no man might come near him.

John Minerius of Prouence, which was the death of a great number of men, women, and Children at Cabriers and Merindoll, died with bleeding in the lower parts; the fire having taken his belly, blaspheming and despising of God. Thus far out of the Letter.

Henry the second the French King notwithstanding the aforesaid examples might give him sufficient warning, yet would he not surcea • e his cruel persecution against God's Children: but being at the Parliament house, which was kept at the Friar Augustine's in Paris, because the Palace was a preparing • or • he marriages of his Daughter and his Sister: and having heard the opinion in Religion of Anne du Bourg, an eloquent and learned Counselor: he caused him and Loys du Faur another Counselor, to be committed Prisoners unto the Count Mongomery. The King said to the said Anne du Bourg; These eyes of mine shall see thee burned; and a day was appointed for the hearing the cause, at which day the King employed all the morning in examining, as well the Presidents as Counselors of the said Parliament against the Prisoners, and other their Companions that were charged with the same Doctrine: then they went to dinner, after dinner the King went to running at the Tilt, and brake many staves as well as could be; whereupon he was highly commended of the Lookers • n, and being inflamed with hearing his yraise, he would needs run with Montgomery, who kneeled down and asked pardon not to run with him: the King commanded him upon his Alleagiance to run, and himself put his staff into his hand, and as the King and he met the vizard of his helmet suddenly fell down, whereby the King was stricken in one of his eyes, so that his brains perished, and it so • estered, that no remedy could be found, so that the eleventh day after he died. He said he feared he was stricken for casting poor Christians wrongfully in Prison, but Cardinal Lorraine said, that it was the enemy that tempted him to think so: By this means the hall that was prepared for a place of joy and gladness, was now a place to keep the dead Corps, being hanged with mourning-clothe, and there was heard mourning for the space of forty days.

In the year 1561. there were certain Gentlemen put to death at Amboyse, for taking • rmes against the house of Guise. The last that was put to death, thrust his hands into the blood of the others which were beheaded, and lifting them up unto heaven, cried with a loud voice; Lord behold the blood of thy Children, thou wilt in time and place revenge it. Not long after Counselor Olive • , the condemner of them, through great remorse of conscience fell sick, and shriked upon a sudden with an horrible cry, and said to the Cardinal of Lorraine: O Cardinal, thou wilt make us all to be damned! and shortly after died.

Francis the second, succeeded his Father Henry the second in the Kingdom of France: he, at the persuasion of the Cardinal of Lorraine and others, assembled the Estates of the Realm in Orleans to maintain the Papal Sea, to the overthrow of those that should live after the Gospel, but being sick of a Feauer thorough an Impostume in his left care, he died.

The Emperor Charles the fifth, being an enemy and a great terror unto the Gospel, was cut off from doing anymore hurt unto the Church. Anno 1558. but three months before the death of Queen Mary, and ten months before the death of Henry the second.

Not long after Anne du Bourgs death, the President Minard, who was a sore Persecutor, and the Condemner of the said Anne du Bourg, as he returned from the Council Chamber unto his own house, was flaine with a Dagge, and it was never known who did it.

The King of Navarre, Brother unto the Prince of Condie, after a while maintained the Gospel: he was persuaded by the Duke of Guise and the Cardinal of Lorraine his Brother, in hope to have his Lands restored again which the King of Spain detained from him, to be • entented to alter his Religion, and to join side with the Papists: and being in Campe with the Duke of Guise at the siege of Roane, he was shot in with a Pellet, after which wound he did vehemently repent his back sliding from the Gospel, promising earnestly unto God, that if he might escape that hurt, he would bring to pass that the Gospel should be preached freely throughout all France: notwithstanding within five or six days he died.

And the Duke of Guise himself, the great Arch-enemy of God and his Gospel, with the whole Triumuirat of France, that is▪ three the greatest Captains of Popery were cut off for doing anymore hurt: The Duke of Guise before Orleans; the Constable of France, before Paris; the Marshall of Saint Andrew, before Drewx.

THE ABRIDGEMENT OF A Christian Dialogue, called PASQVINE in a Trance.

T HE Author of this Treatise, was called Caelius Secundus Curio, an Italian, a zealous, godly, learned man, by whom, under the witty and pleasant invention of Pasquines going to Heaven, Purgatory, and Hell, the whole pack of the Popes pedlary wares is laid open, that we may see what stuff it is. It was written in the time of pope Paul the third, the chief substance whereof briefly followeth.

Superstition and Hypocrisy are the devils Rhetoric, by which Friers make the world believe so many falsehoods and toys, for by nothing else can Faith so easily be overthrown. The apparel of the Friars was devised of the Devil, that by these sheep's skins they might not seem W • olues, but by the strangeness thereof to make the simple people to think them holy.

Their Monasteries are a true representation of the qualities of the World; their reigneth nothing but passions in everyone to advance themselves, and drive out others: their pictures of Saints being God's of stone, very much differ from that which they were when they were upon earth. The Virgin Mary was not honored with so many chains, bracelets, perfumes, gold, silver, and wax, as she is now upon the Altar, with paintings on her face, and on her head crowns full of Jewels. She is attired with costly and many sorts of garments, like a young gyrle, they make her most covetous and niggardly, and to give nothing to the poor, but to bestow all that is given her, (which is abundance) upon Cardinals and Hipocrites, to be bestowed upon Whores, Dogs, and Horses.

The Popish manner to get Revelations.

FIrst he must fast eight days, then he must be confessed, during which time he must not medle with any flesh of male or female, then he must hear seven Masses of the holy Ghost, and upon a Friday at midnight, when the Moon is in the last degree of Cancer, he must lay himself down upon a Mat, which some Friar in a trance hath slept upon, and in such a Friars Hood, and a Stole on his Necke foulded, with a Cross on his breast, and these words In principio erat verbum written in Red Letters, and he must perfume the place with Holy Perfume, having a Lamp burning by him with Holy Oil, then he must make circles about the Mat of red earth and white: Betwixt the circles must be written these words, Pater filius & spiritus sanctus, nox visions, nox reuelationis, nox veritatis, with a Cross made betwixt every Word: then he must say a certain Charme which coniureth all spirits that are for Revelations to be there and to tell the truth. The Spirts must be called by Hebrew names, because they understand no other language. The name of the cheese Spirit for Revelations, is Herusatanaell, and when all this is done he must fall on sleep, and that which he desireth to know, shall be revealed unto him.

Calamichaell, and Saint Anthony of Padua are Spirits to be sought unto for things stolen, who appeareth in the shape of the Thief: and S. Helene Mother of Constantine, is to be sought unto for love matters, who if the love be true, appeareth to the fasting Friar with fair Damsels, at a table richly decked, and eateth with him: but if the love be feigned, the feareth him with weapons and fires, and changeth her self into a wild Boar, a Lyon, and an Ass, and crieth ilfauoredly. This love is not to be trusted.

The Franciscan Friars had gotten such estimation, that they were counted GOD'S Kinsmen: they only had the handling of the Gospel, they took out here and there a piece, and mixed it with lies, false miracles and dreams of Purgatory: they kept the people more in fear of their Commandments then of God's: that Town was counted unhappy where one of their Monasteries was not near: men thought to wear their apparel, or of their color, was good against the Ague, and other diseases, and for one to be burned in their habit, was the right way to heaven. Longolius was burned in their habit, and so was Carpi a Noble man, and Rodulphus Agricola, and diverse others: If thou consider their Laws with what burdens they have laden men's shoulders, thou wilt swear that the Jews Law is an hundred times more pleasant and easy then theirs. Because the Israelites forsook the trust in God, and made themselves a Calf to worship it, God laded them with Ceremonies that none could bear: so now, because Mans folly could not be content with Christ only, the divine judgment suffered them to fall into a Sea of Ceremonies and superstitions, that except Christ had been gracious to defend us, and had received the truth, we should have been drowned therein.

A Gentlewoman of Pulia hating her Husband, made her self of the order of Saint Francis, and of the same order took a young lusty Friar unto her adopted Son, who handled her in such sort, that he made her heart to faint, and her purse to shrink, that she was fain to leave but half built a Monastery to Saint F • auncis which was building: and this being complained of unto the Lord's of Bonony, there was good laughing thereat, but she could have no remedy at all.

Saint Katharine (as the Papists affirm) promised unto him that would remember her Passion, to deliver him from Lightning and Thunder, and that Saint Barbara maketh Soldiers to kill their Enemies: Many devout Soldiers have her painted upon many parts of their Armor to defend them from Gun-shot.

Saint Jerome did so much (but falsely) extol virginity, that he made this conclusion: it is good for a man to be without a Wife, therefore it is wicked to be married unto a Wife, and that God promiseth heaven unto Uirgines. And Origen mistook himself when he gelded himself, that he might be chaste for the kingdom of heaven.

The Sorbones or Inquisitors of Paris, said; if they had S. Paul in their hands, they would burn him.

Wheresoever a number of Nuns is, the Friars be of the one side, and the Confessors be on the other side: the Friars teach them how to conjure the Devil into Hell, and to fight with him, and to be in a trance; and the Confessors understanding all that they do, with their hands upon their heads, and their displing Roddes assayle them. The Monks can bring them under when they list.

Vastalla a Widow being very rich, ordained a sect of Women and men, who must seek to attain unto that purity that was in Adam and Eve before their fall: the means whereby they should attain hereunto, was long prayers, much silence, continual fastings, to be shreeuen every day, and to receive their maker every 8. days: there means to know their perfection is, as Adam for shame grew from • akednesse, to be more and more clothed; to these must go •• om being clothed, to be more & more naked, until they were not ashamed of their nakedness, whether they were Man or Woman; then they put Adam and Eve to bed together, and if they touch not, nor think upon the forbidden fruit, of which they must be straitly examined, then they are Angels; but if they do otherwise, as the virgin is for the most times sped, then are they cast out of Paradise.

S. Camella, to show that she was of high blood, said, that Lewis King of France warring in Italy, had to do with her Mother, and begat her. She had a Religion of her own making, she used to be accompanied with three women as superstitions as her self. They abide in no Monastery, but in a private house, and frequent solitary and pleasant places; her house is haunted with Women, Gentlemen, and Lord's, as unto an Oracle; sometimes she shutteth her self up, to be more familiar with Angels to talk with them: upon the Friday she will not be seen nor speak with any, but contemplats the Cross and nails of Christ, and thereby obtained the print thereof in her hands and feet, which she kept covered: she hath been seen to drop Malinesie into the marks. An Ambassador thought she had the pore, she loved well the Franciscan Friars, she got much by contracting marriages, and by making medicines.

In Bernia a Town of Switchers, certain Friars did seek to make the prints of Christ's wounds in a simple souls hands and feet: the news whereof was brought to Pope July the second, yet escaped they not unpunished therefore, for four of them that were privy to this and other so great sacrileges, were burned alive, before those of Berna had the Gospel, but they were ever e • emies unto the knauish devises and deceits of the Friars.

A Priest of Placentia was accused unto the Pope, that he had a wife & children, the Pope deprived him of his Benifices, and he went to Rome and shown that she was another man's wife, and but his Concubine, and never married unto him nor could be, and though he was a vile Adulterer, he was restored unto his Benifices again.

If any Jew become a Christian, the Pope confiscates their goods according to a Law of the Jews, else many Jews would become Christians.

S. Anthony is the Papists Saint to pray unto for fire, S. Rock for the plague, S. Bastion for the pestilence, S. Apolinia for the tooth-ache, S. Blase for the disease of throat. S. Anthony and S. Rock were called Martires, because they went from Citty to Citty to desire men to offer them by death, and could get none.

Saint Christopherus.

THE Christians in old time, pictured a Christian in the form of a great Giant, because he must be strong to bear Christ and his truth before men: they feigned he carrieth men over the water: by water they mea •• our life, which we cannot come over to come unto heaven, except we be taught by a Christian the truth, they pictured him with a tree in his hand to stay upon, by the which they meant faith, without which we should often fall: after he used this tree it grew green: to signify that Faith exercised with Charity is lively. His name was called Christopherus, which signifieth bearing Christ: He was painted at the entrances of the Churches. The Papists have converted it unto a Saint, and pray unto it.

Saint George.

LIkewise Saint George that killed the Dragon, to deliver the Kings Daughter from that terrible beast which had destroyed all Capadocia: By Capadocia is meant the world: The Dragon signifieth the Devil: The Kings Daughter the Church: And Saint George represents Christ: of which fable the Papists have made a great Saint and pray unto it.

The Papists have trantfsormed all the heathen God's of Rome to be their God's only by giving them other names. Pantheon in Rome which was the house of all God's, is Maria Rotunda, the house of all Saints: In the place of Cibile, mother of God's▪ is now placed to Mary. The Temple that was dedicated to Pallas Minerva a Virgin, is now dedicated Minerva a Virgin. The Temple of Romulus and Rheimes is now the Temple of Saint Cosmus, and Damian. The temple that was ef Castor and Pollux, is now of Saint Geruais and Protheys, the Heathens had Lucian to heal their eyes: the Papists instead thereof have Saint Lucy, and in steed of Ceres God of Corn, now is Saint Pancras: The Heathens had Mars, and Pallas, God's of War: in steed of them the Papist have Saint George, and Saint Barbera: The Heathen Sea men saw Castor and Pollux at the end of a tempest: the papists in such case see Saint Erenius: as Vesta Virgines could not marry, so the Nuns may not marry, in the old time they washed to cleanse sins, and now they fillip Holy Water upon their foreheads to cleanse sins: For the Heathens, Juno Feronia, they have Juno Lucina: For the heathens Juno Saturnia, they have Juno Curies; For the Heathens Lady of Grace, and Lady of Miracles: the Papists have our Lady, our Lord's Mother, and our Lady of People: The Papists fill their Churches with tables, containing vows for the help that the Saints have done for them, as were in the old time, in the heathen Churches, containing the miracles that their Idols had done.

Calapine, saith, that Cardinal is the self-same that Carneuale; neither the one nor the other doth attend to any other thing; then to eat, drink, sleep, commit whoredom, banquet, and do other wicked acts, so many that no tongue can express.

In place of the four Gospels, the papists have put the four Councils: Nice, Const • ntinople, Ephesus, Calcedon: Then four Doctors: Ambrose, Augustine, Jerome, Gregory: and four Books, to wit, of Decrees, of Decretals, of Sects, of Clementines, and whosoever had a Coule, or a shaven Crown, might write what they would and it should go for Gospel; whereby the Pope hath drawn all things to himself, and made himself above Christ. They will have Bels, carved Images, Crosses, Lights, Wax, Uessels, and Garments to be • o us in steed of Evangelists.

Saint Peter was made Pope after his death, which never was Pope, nor never could be, nor yet was at any time at Rome: so was Saint Jerome made a Cardinal: Saint John the Baptist, a Patriarck: And Saint Dominick, and Saint Frances Patriarchs long time after their deaths.

They picture John the Baptist a terrible fellow, with a fair sharp sword in his hand, and all in armor, followed with a number of Sea Rouers called knights of the Rhodes: they baptize no otherwise but by drowning men in the Sea: they do not make men repent of their sins as John the Baptist did, but they make them repent that ever they were borne, and drive them for necessity to dwell in the wilderness: They wear crosses on their breasts, because they cannot bear them in their heart, and to show them selves crucifiers of others: John dwelt in deserts, but they make deserts: John the Baptist lived in Fasting and Prayer, but these in pleasure like Sardanapalas, when they had the Isle of Rhodes, they did that which Turks would not have done: Therefore they were driven thence by God's just judgment: they marry not like John the Baptist, but they have the more harl • ts.

Dominick, by the procurement of Innocent the third: He at Tholosa quenched the heresy of the Lutherans with marvelous speed: He said he must not dispute, but fell to the business with fire and sword; and for this cause he was made a Saint

A Spaniard of the inquisition for heresies, accused certain of the best Spaniards for Lutherans, and said he smelt them, because they gave alms unto the poor, and not unto Friars: And because they left swearing, and blaspheming of GOD and his Saints, and playing, whore-hunting, and other vices, applying themselves to things grave and profitable, and all day long read in the Scriptures.

Saint Francis was required of his Disciples to give them a rule of living, and he gave them the Gospel: but his Friars have set forth a Book of conformities, which is preferred before the Gospel; with the with if thou compare the Al • oran of Mahomet, thou wilt say the Alcoran is more holy, although in many things they agree: His Friars were bold to preach, that a Frier once desired to knew in what place Saint Francis was, and therewith ran out of his wits, and was led about all parts of heaven and found him not: at last he came unto the throne of Divinity: where demanding for Saint Francis Christ rose up from his seat, on the right hand of the Father, and opened his clothes upon his breast, and S. Francis came out of his side: Then the Friar came to his wits again,

In the strife for the supremacy, Constantinople said to him it belonged, because with him was the Sea of the Empire: Jerusalem would have it, because the high Bishop Christ had triumphed there: Antioch would needs have it alleging that Peter the Apostle there had kept his Sea, and was never at Rome, as it may appear by the book called quod Petrus nunquam Romae fuit: He of Rome, not regarding the saying of Saint Gregory, that he should be Antichrist, that would be universal over Bishops, by deceits, gifts, and force, obtained to be called the chief Bishop, the greatest, the highest, universal; most blessed, most holy, and lawful successor of Peter and Christ.

The Friars of Dominick and Francis, dee chiefly apply themselves to sorcery, and witchcraft, and thereby learn evil devilish Arts: A man may read that Sylvester the second, one of them, got to be Pope, by the help of the Devil, upon condition that after his death he should be his: and in our days Paul the third, called Pope Farnese, hath not left his like in Astrology, and divination: it is certainly said, that he believed that the soul was mortal: so did Pope Louis, and Cardinal Chitty.

A Gentleman of Venice and his wife, were in doubt upon a case of conscience: The woman confessed her self in the Church of the Chittines, and opened the matter, praying to be resolved: The Frier did it as well as he could: and then he opened the whole matter to Cardinal Chitty, as it is their old use to do: he commanding him to be secret, and finding the resolution of the case in the Cannon Law, the morrow the Gentleman came unto Chitty, and opening the matter, he commanded him to hold his peace, and took him by the hand, and put it into the book, in the place which he before had marked for that purpose: Then he bad him tell his tale, & when he had ended, he said, look there where your hand is: The Gentleman read there, and found that which he sought: then forthwith he fell down, and worshipped him, as it had been another Christ which knew all secrets. Pasquine saith, he knoweth ten thousand such tricks by them.

Saint Ioyce is patron of fruitfulness of Children, she hath a Church in France: the Flemings go unto her to have Children and speed of their purpose, for whilst they be on their voyage, she useth the Priests and Friers, as instruments with their wives.

The Pope in policy sends flattering Courtiers to Francis King of 〈◊〉 , to flatter him in all his actions, to remember him of that Title of Most Chr ••• ian King, which his Progenitors received of the Pope, and that therefore he sh • uld defend the Dignity of them that gave him so goodly a Title: and to exhort him, that he should not fa • le to persecute the Lutherans, and that he should fail to Dancing and Banquetting, and to serve Venus, and to Hunting, rather then to savor Learning, as it seemed he would do.

In the Popes Policy it was decreed, That of all the chief Houses in Italy, or elsewhere, there should one ever be a Cardinal, to keep them in devotion of the Church of Rome, which they began to forsake for the Gospel, but above all things there should be six, or four at the least, of the Uenetians Cardinals, because a • umber of those Senators be witty, and of profound judgment, least they should slip their heads from the Pope.

It was decreed by the Pope concerning Spain, That the Inquisitors should not be severe with the Marraines, who denied the Divinity of Christ, but that they should be most cruel against the Lutherans, who deny the Divinity of the Pope. They have made Peace with the Turk, that they may the better maintain War against the Gospel, and to keep the Christian Princes in Wars and Business, that they may not seek for a General Council for Reformation.

There is not one man condemned by the Uenetians, but he is adjudged by forty Judges, and the offender may allege for himself the best he can, yet they suffer a Legate only to condemn whom he list for the Gospel, and the person accused cannot come unto his Purgation.

Cardinal Fernese made the lively Picture of his Sister over his Chamber door; she was Pope Alexander Borgias his Concubine, and by her honorable means, she made her said brother Cardinal, and after to be made Pope: Her Image goeth currant for the Picture of our Lady, and the Pictures of our Lady be made thereby.

By the Papists Tradition, the Soul for every deadly sin is to abide seven years in Purgatory: Moses ordained many Sacrifices for the sins of the living, but none for them in Purgatory; he chideth for weeping for the dead: It is devised only to deceive the people with Trentals and Quarentals, and other foolish Inuentions, full of Covetousness: The Scripture biddeth us remember the poor that be alive, the Papists bid us bring hither for the Souls of your dead Friends and Parents, with cry Miseremini: These Priests and Religious are the Prophets Sa • ke, never full; and Solomon's Horse-leaches, and the fire that never saith hoa: if thou shouldst give them the world, they will not be satisfied. The places of Scripture that they ground Purgatory upon, are the fifth of Matthew: Agree with thine Adversary by the way, least thou be cast into Prison, &c. And in the 18. of Matthew; He that owed thee ten thousand Talents, was delivered unto Prison, &c. And in the 12. of Matthew; The sin against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven in this World, nor in the World to come. And in the 1. Cor. 13. Stubble and trash, built upon Christ, shall be tried by Fire. And 2. Machab. 12. Macabeus offered two thousand drammes of Silver for the dead, which bought Beasts which were sacrificed. And Revelation 14. 21. Those that follow the Lamb are without spot, and no unclean thing shall enter into heaven: Therefore we must be purged with Purgatory before we can come there. Thomas Aquine confessed he could not find Purgatory in the Scriptures, yet he would have it believed. The Doctrine of Purgatory is the greatest Blasphemy that is unto Christ.

Boniface the • eight made a Decree, That every worldly creature should be subject unto the Pope, upon pain of Damnation.

Pope Alexander Borgias lay with his natural Daughter Lucrece, with whom also Duke Valentine, his brother, lay.

The Friers lay with the Nuns, and with Lay-sisters, and taught them to murder young Babes, least they should be discovered; or teacheth them how they shall not conceive with child, or to destroy it in her body: Some of them make Women to poison their Husbands: some of them have given meat to a whole household to make them to sleep, that he might not be seen to go to the good wife, and thereby hath killed them all: One feigneth our Lady doth Miracles, to get Offerings; another persecuteth the Truth, because he would be a Bishop: Another false knave, in Confession, caused a woman to given him her money in keeping, and then denied it. They sit toting in the bosom of simple young maids which come unto them to shrieue: others, in confessing the sick, cause them to leave their goods unto the Monastery, and deprive their wives and children.

A Can • n of • urney after his death left a Book, wherein he had noted the Names and Houses of two hundred women of the chiefest of that City, whom he had enio • ed at his pleasure.

A Friar in Fris • land had put into the h • ads of foolish women this opinion, That they must give unto the Church the tenth Night, as they do unto their Husband.

A Friar, with a poisoned Host, brought unto his death Henry, the seventh Emperor of that Name. Thus much out of Pasquine in a • rance; wherein, if thou be disposed, thou shalt find everything that I have set down, and much more: which, least I should be too tedious, I have omitted.

The Trayterous Practises of the Papists against Queen ELIZABETH, during her Rain, and of God's Preseruations towards her.

THe most just and apparent Judgments of God upon persecuting Papists, which have shed the innocent blood of poor Protestants, hath been declared: Wherein not only in other Countries God hath manifested his indignation against them, but most especially in this Realm, you have seen the Uiall of God's wrath poured upon the most part of the Persecutors in Queen Mary's time; especially upon the Persecuting Clergy, who all fell into the pit that they had digged for others. As for Bonner, whose Judgment is not yet declared, he died in Prison, and was buried in a Dunghill: And as for Doctor Story, as great a Persecutor as Bonner, you may read of his just Judgment in this History following; how he was drawn from the Tower to Tyburne, and there hanged and quartered for Treason. Tyburne was long time after called Stories Cap. If we do but consider the unhappiness of Q. Mary's Rain, together with the prosperous and long Rain of Queen Elizabeth, it is easy to see the loving countenance of God • uer the Protestants, and how God bendeth his brows against the Papists: And as sure as God hath overthrown them here in this Realm, beyond the expectation of any man, so certainly will the Almighty God •• nfound the whole Pope- • ome at his time appointed; how unlikely soever it seemeth unto the carnal-eyed Papist, that will not see the Prophesies of the Spirit of God, which most plainly fore-show the same. But now touching the History of Queen Elizabeth's Rain.

In the year 1569, Pope Pius the fifth sent Nicholas Morton Doctor of Divinity, an Englishman, into England, to admonish certain Noblemen that were Papists, That Queen Elizabeth was an Heretike, and therefore by Law hath lost all Dominion and Power, and may freely be accounted as an Heathen and Publican, and that her subjects are not from henceforth bound to obey her Laws and Commandments.

Whereupon presently the Earls of Northumberland and Westmorland rebelled against the Queen in the North: but the Earl of Suffex was sent into the North, being appointed the Queens Lieutenant general, who proclaimed them Traitors: and he sent out to all such Gentlemen as he knew to be her Majesty's loving subjects; which came unto him with such a number, as he was able to make above 5000. horsemen and footmen: and being accompanied with the Earl of Rutland, his Lieutenant; the Lord Hunsdon, General of his Horsemen; William Lord Eure, leader of the Footmen; and Sir Raph Sadler, Treasurer; Sir George Bows was made Marshall of the Army. When the Army was coming to Durham, the Rebels fled to Exham▪ The night before they came to Exham, the Rebels were gone to Mawarth; where they counseled with Edward Dacres concerning their own weakness, being they were pursued of the Earl of Sussex, seven thousand strong: and moreover, the Earl of Warwick, the Lord Clinton, Lord Admiral of England, and Lord Uicount Herford, with an Army of 12000. • ut of the South, being not far behind them at Brown-bridge.

The next night the Garles of Northumberland and Westmorland, with sundry principal Gentlemen, fled unto Hatlew in Scotland: The other Rebels were shortly after taken by the Earl of Sussex, and 66. of the name of Constables, and others, executed at Durham; amongst whom was an Alderman of the Town, and a Priest, called Parson Plomtree. Then Sir George Bows Marshall executed many in every Market Town and other places betwixt New-castle and Wetherby, six miles in length, and four miles in breadth.

And Leonard Dacre having raised a great number of people, the Lord Hunsdon set upon him, and slew many of his people, and • orc • d them to fly into Scotland.

Simon Digby, John Fulthroppe Esquire, Robert Peniman, and Thomas Bishop Gent. were drawn from the Castle of York to Knaues • er • , and there hanged and quartered.

Then they went with all their power into Scotland, and burnt, overthrew, and spoiled all the Castles, Towns, and Uillages before them, above fi • tie strong Castles and Piles, and above three thousand Towns and Uillages, and they took many Prisoners, and returned sa • ely.

Also a Conspiracie was made by certain Gentlemen and other in the County of Norfolk, whose purpose was upon Midsummer day, at Harlstone Faire, with the sound of a Trumpet to have raised a number, and then to proclaim their pretence. This matter was uttered by Thomas Kete unto John Kensey, who sent the said Kete unto the next Instice, before whom he opened the whole matter; whereupon Drew Drewrie apprehended John Throgmorton, and many Gentlemen of the Citi • of Norwich and the Country of Norfolk: at the next Sessions ten of them were indicted of Treason, and John Throgmorton, Thomas Brooke, and George Dedman hanged, drawn, and quartered.

Doctor Sanders de visibili Monarchia, lib. 7. pag. 730. saith, That the purposes and endeavours of these Noblemen were to be praised, which wanted not their certain and happy success; for though they were not able to draw the Souls of their Brethren out of the pit of Schism, yet both they themselves nobly confessed the Catholic Faith, and many of them gave their lives for their Br • thren, which is the highest degree of Charity: the rest of them rescued themselves from the Bondage both of Schism and Sin unto the Freedom wherewith Christ hath made v • free.

And in his Book of Motiues he calleth these Martyrs; to wit, the Earl of Northumberland, Doctor Story, Felton, the Nortons, M. Woodhouse, M. Plumtree, and so many hundreds of the Northern men.

The said Nortons were Thomas Norton and Christopher Norton of Yorkshire, and they were hanged, beheaded, and quartered for Treason, for the late Rebellion in the North.

The said Felton was one John Felton, which this year was drawn from Newgate to Paul's Churchyard, and hanged before the Bishops Palace Gate, cut down alive, bowelled, and quartered, for hanging a Bull from the Pope for the Excommunicating of the Queen, at the Gate of the Bishop of London's Palace.

And the afore-mentioned Doctor Story was that cruel Story that burned so many in Queen Mary's time: who the first of June, this year 1571. was drawn from the Tower of London to Tyburne, and there hanged and quartered.

And in his seventh Book, page 734. he saith, The fullness of the Apostolic Power hath declared the said Elizabeth an Heretic, and a favorer of Heretics, and that such as adhere unto her, have incurred the Sentence of Anathema: And that she is deprived of her Right of her Kingdom, and of all her Dominion, Dignity, and Priuiledge, and that the Nobles, People, and Subjects of the Realm, and all others that have made Oath unto her▪ are assoiled forever from such Oath, and all duty of Allegeance, Fidelitie, and Obedience, by the Authority of the Popes Sentence, whereby he hath deprived her of her Kingdom, and forbidden all the Nobles, People, and Subjects, and others aforesaid, that they be not so bold to obey her or her Laws, and whosoever doth otherwise, he hath bound with like Sentence of Curse.

And Bristow in his sixth Motiue, fol. 31. They miserably forget themselves, who fear not the Excommunications of Pius the fifth, in whom Christ himself hath spoken and excommunicated, with as great power as S. Paul excommunicated: and Christ hath done Miracles by him, even as S. Paul did Miracles.

And in his 40. Motiue he saith: When the Pope doth duly discharge us from subjection, and the Prince offender from Dominion, he doth it with such grief of heart, as if a man should cut off from his body, to save the wholesome most principal, but rotten part thereof.

And Sanders, lib. 7. fol. 744. he calleth Felton an honorable Martyr; for he was led with the love and zeal of the Catholic Faith: when he saw that the desperate health of his Country could not be restored but by some most bitter medicine, would not suffer the sentence of the Pope should be hidden from his Countrymen: And there he calleth Doctor Story a noble Martyr▪ saying: When he was arraigned of high Treason, for conspiring with certain of Antwarpe against the Queen, attempting to change the schismatical Religion, which now reigneth in England, unto the Catholic Religion; being brought unto the Barre, he only pleaded unto the Jurisdiction of the Court, denying that the English Judges had any power over him, being no Subject to the English Queen, but rather to the King Catholic; and he expounds his meaning to be, because he very well knew, that the Queen of England, by the declaratorie Sentence of the Pope, was for manifest Heres • e deprived from all Right of Kingdom, and that therefore no Magistrate created by her, or adhering unto her, could be acknowledged by him, least himself also should be bound with the same Curse.

And further, there were many Seminary Priests, which labored by all persuasions that might be to justify the foresaid Excommunication of Pope Pius, and to withdraw the Queens subjects hearts from their true obedience: of whom, many of them were taken and committed unto Prisons, as follow:

Edmund Campion.

EDmund Campion, was a chief champion for the pope: he was committed unto the Tower: he would neither deny nor confess the Queens supremacy nor iusti •• e, neither deny the power & justice of the popes excommunication, nor commend, nor discommend the doctrine of Sanders & B • istow, as before: but answered so cunningly, that nothing could be made thereof: He was after disputed withal touching all points of Religion, by the Deame of Paul's, and the Dean of Windsor, and diverse other divines, but because all their arguments and reason in this book before are moresuff • c • ently handled many times: I refer the Reader unto the book of the report thereof.

Thomas Forde, John Shert, Robert Johnson Priests.

THese were executed at Tyburne the 28. of May, because they were sent as instruments, for, and in the behalf of the Pope, in the aforesaid disloyal & tray • erous cause: they were drawn upon hurdles from the Tower unto the place of execution: when they were come beyond Saint Giles in the field, there approached unto the hurdle one of their fect, a Priest as himself hath confessed, who said unto the prisoners, O Gentlemen, be joyful in the blond of Jesus Christ, for this is the • ay of your triumph and joy: and further he said unto the prisoners, I pro • ounce a pardon unto you: yea I pronounce a full remission and pardon unto your souls: Wherevpon he was apprehen •• d, and▪ th • Sheriff asked him what he was, he answered, that he was the voice of a crier in the wilderness, and that he was sent to prepare the Lord's way: wh • revpon h • was carried to Newgate: where he confessed himself a priest, and that he had long so dissembled, and that he would now do so no more.

When they were brought unto the place of execution, Thomas Ford, was first brought up into the Cart: He said, he did acknowledge the Queens Majesty's supremacy in all things temporal▪ but as concerning Ecclesiastical causes, I deny her, that only belongeth unto the Uicar of Christ the Pope: He granted to nothing, but shown himself an impious and obstinate Traitor: he refused to pray in the English tongue, mumbling a few Latin prayers, and desired those that were ex domo Dei, to pray with him and so died.

John Shert, was brought from the • urdle unto the gallows, as Ford hanged there, he held up his hands unto him, and said, O sweet Tom! O happy Tom! O blessed Tom! Then Ford was cut down, and brought unto the place where he should be quartered: Then looking down from the Cart, unto the dead body, he kneeled down, & held up his hands unto it, saying again: O blessed Tom: O happy Tom: thy sweet soul pray for me: O deer Tom, thy blessed soul pray for me. Then the Sheriff had him ask the Queen forgiveness, and he might receive her princely mercy: He answered, what M. Sheriff shall I save this frail & vile carcass, and damn mine own soul: No, no, I am a Catholic, in that faith I was born, in that faith I will die & hear shall my blood • eale it: Then said M. Sheriff, is this the fruits of your religion, to kneel unto the dead body of thy fellow, & desire his soul to pray for thee: What can it profit or hinder thee, pray to God, & he will help thee: he answered, this is the true Catholic religion, and whosoever is not of it is damned: I desire his so • le to pray for me: The most glorious Virgin Mary pray for me; and all the holy company in heaven to pray for me: Then the people cried away with the Traitor: Then the Sheriff said: O Sherte, forsake the whore of Rome, that wicked Antichrist, with all his abhominable blasphemies and tr • acheries, and put thy whole confidence in Jesus Christ: Then he said, O Master Sheriff, you little remember the day when as I and you shall stand both at one Barre, and I shall witness against you that you call that holy and blessed Uicar of Christ, Whore of Rome: then he said his prayers in Latin▪ and the Cart was drawn away.

Robert Johnson likewise would not ask the Queen pardon, affirmed the Pope to be the head of the Catholic Church, and would not say his prayers in English; and when he had said them in Latin he died.

Luke Kirbie, William Filbie, Thomas Cottom, and Lawrence Richardson.

THese were executed at Tyburne: upon the thirteenth day of May they were brought from the Tower of London unto the place of execution: first, William Filbie was brought up into the Cart, being asked whether he would acknowledge the Queen supreme head of the Church of England; no (quoth he) I will acknowledge no other head of the Church then the Pope only. He prayed that God would incline the Queens heart to be merciful towards the Catholics, of which societi • he was one. They opening his bosom • ound two crosses in it, which were holden up and shown unto the people, and besides that, his crown was shaven; so after a few Latin prayers, the Cart was drawn away.

The next was Luke Kirbie: one charged him, that when he was at Rome he delivered him certain silk pictures, which he said were hallowed by the Pope; and you told me what indulgences were allowed by th • m • one of them, which was a Crucifix, you gave me, the other you willed me to deliver unto your friends at Reimes and in England, and you gave me two Iulios to go into the City to buy more, and when I had bought them, you took three or four of the fairest from me, promising to get them hallowed at the next benediction, which he confessed to be true: he affirmed that the Pope had power to depose any Prince from his Kingdom, if he fall by infidelity. He would not repent and ask the Queen pardon though upon that condition he might have been discharged: he would not pray in English: the preacher desired him to say a prayer after him, and if he could find any fault therein he should be resolved; O (quoth he) you and I be not of one faith, therefore I should offend God if I should pray with you; so saying his Pater noster in Latin, he ended his life.

Then Lawrence Richardson was brought up to be executed: he confessed himself a Catholic, and that he would believe in all things as the Catholic Church of Rome did, and he allowed the only suprema • ie unto the Pope; and after certain Latin prayers said he died.

Then was Cottom brought up: he looking upon the body of Lawrence Richardson, lift up his eyes and hands, and said, O blessed Lawrence pray for me, thy blessed soul Lawrence pray for me. The Preachers and people rebuked him, saying, that he ought to pray unto none but God; he answered, he was assured that Lawrence will pray for him: he denied to repent and ask pardon of the Queen. When he had said his Pater noster and an Ave Maria he ended his life.

As before is declared the rebellions in England by the seducing of wicked spirits, so not long after followed an open rebellion in Ireland: they took arms and came into the field against her Maies • ie, and her Lieutenants with their forces under banners displayed, inducing many simple people to follow them in their traiterous actions, being bent to have deposed the Queens Majesty from her crown, and to have traitorously set into her place some other whom they liked, yet by God's power given unto her Majesty they were quickly vanquished, some few of them suffered by order of the law, but the great • t part upon confession of their fa • lts were pardoned: some of the principal escaped into foreign countries. These notable Traitors and Rebels informed many Kings Princes, and States, especially the Pope, from whom they all had first secretly their comfort to rebel, that the cause of the flying was for the religion of Rome, and maintenance of the Popes authority, whereas the most of them before they rebel • d, lived notoriously evil: out of England fled Charles Neuill Earl of Westmorland, who was utterly wasted by looseness of life, and how afterward his body was eaten with ulcers of lewd causes all his companions did see. Out of Ireland ran Thomas Stukely a defamed person thorough out all Christendom: he fled out of England for P • racies, and out of Ireland for treason: these two were the first ring-leaders to the rest of the rebels, the one for England, the other for Ireland; yet it liked the Pope to favor their treasons, and to animate them to continue their wicked purposes, to wit, to invade Queen Elizabeth's Realm with foreign forces: he thundered out B • lls, excommunications▪ & other public writings, denouncing her not to be the Queen of the Realm, commanding her subjects, under pain of excommunication to depart from their alleagean • es, authorizing and provoking all persons within both her realms to rebel; and upon this vn • hristian warrant all those that were fled, and such as had forsaken their native country have many years run up and down from country to country to gather forces and money for forces, and to 〈◊〉 Princes to make war upon their native country, some practicing secretly to murder the Queen, and very many with public infamous Libels, full of poisoned lies, did seek to uphold that Antichristian warrant of the Popes Bulls.

And for better furtherance of these intentions, they devised to erect certain schools, which they called Seminaries, to nourish persons disposed to sedition, that they might become seedmen, in the • illag • of sedition, and to send them secretly into England, and Ireland, under secret maskes, some of priesthood, some of other inferior orders of the meaner sort, being called Seminaries; and the • ancor sort, Ies • ites, bringing with them, hallowed Wax, their Agnus Dei, many kind of beads, and such like, laboring secretly to persuade the people, to allow of the popes foresaid Bulls▪ and of his absolute authority over all Princes & Countries: And if this traiterous and crafty course, had not by God's goodness been espied, and stayed, there had followed horrible uproars in the Realms: for as many as should be persuaded to obey the Popes warrant, must needs b • e secret traitors, & there should have wanted nothing but power and opport • nitie to be open traitors: but God of his goo • nes discovered some of these seditious seedmen of rebellions: and when they could not be moved to repent of their traiterous determinations, they were justly condemned, for adhering unto the capital enemy of her Majesty, and her crown: The Pope who hath not only been the cause of two rebellions already in England, and Ireland: but in Ireland did manifestly maintain his own people: Captains and soldiers under the banner of Rome against her Majesty.

And further those Traitors provoke newly other seditious persons secr • t • y to enter into the Realm to revive the execution of the Popes Bulls, pretending when they are apprehended, that they came into the Realm only by the commandment of their Superiors the heads of the Ie • uits, to whom they are bound by Ooth against either King or Country, and that their coming is to inform, and reform men's conscience from errors, in some points of Religion as they shall think meet: but it is manifestly proved, that their labor is secretly to win all people, with whom they dare deal, so to allow the Popes Bulls and Authority, and be discharged of their Allegeance, and to be well warranted to take arms against her Majesty when they shall be thereunto called, and to be ready secretly to join with any Forraine force that can be procured to invade the Realm: whereof they give great comfort of success.

And because most evident perils would follow, if these virmine were suffered to creep by stealth into the Realm, and spread their poison therein, therefore do they most justly suf • er death as Traitors.

One of their compaine, Doctor San • ders a lewd Scholar and subject of England, a fugitive, a principal conspirator with the traitors and rebels at Rome, was the Popes Legat and commander and treasorer for those wars aforesaid, passing into Ireland, openly by writing he gloriously avowed the Popes Bull, as is before declared; but God plagued him with a strange death, who wandering in the mon • ntaines in Ireland without succor, died raving in a frenzy.

The miserable Earl of Desmond being a principal doer in the rebellion in Ireland, secretly wandering without succor, as a miserable beggar, was taken by one of the Irishrie in his Cabin, and his head cut off from his body: an e • d due to such an arch-rebel.

James Fitz Morrice the first traitor in Ireland▪ next unto Stukeley, was slain by an Irish young Gentleman as he went to burn his fathers country.

Desmount brother unto the Earl a blondie faithless traitor and a notable murderer of his familier friends, who likewise wandering to seek some prey like a Well • e in the woods, he was taken and beheaded, as he had used others, being, as he thought, sufficiently armed with the Popes Bulls, and an Agnus Dei, and a notable ring hanging about his neck, sent from the Popes ••• ger.

John Someruile a furious young man, of Warwick shire: of late he was discovered and taken in his way, coming with a full intent to have killed the Queen: he confessed his attempt, and that he was moved thereunto in his wicked spirit, by enticements of certain seditious and traiterous persons his kinsmen and allies, and by often reading of sundry seditious vile books, lately published against the Queens Majesty.

William Parry his treasons against Queen ELIZABETH.

HEe had committed a great outrage against a Gentlem • n, one M. Hare of the Inner Temple, meaning to have murdered him in his own chamber, for which he was justly convicted; wherefore he went beyond Sea, and subjected himself unto the Pope, and upon conference with certain Jesuits, he conceived his detestable treason to kill the Queen, which he vowed himself by promise, letters, and vows to perform it, and so returned unto England in January 1583. and put in practice diverse times to execute his devilish purpose.

Pretending that he had matter of great importance to reveal unto the Queen, he obtained secret access unto her Majesty, she having then but one Counselor with her, who was so far distant as he could not hear his speech: he shown her Majesty his proceedings with the • esuits, and one Thomas Morgan a fugitive at Parris, who persuaded him to kill her Majesty, saying that his only intent of proceeding so far with • hem was but only to this end, to discover the dangerous practices devised and attempted against her Majesty, by her di • loyal subjects, and other malicious persons in foreign parts; but afterward it appeared most manifestly by his own confession, and by his dealing with one Edmund Neuill Esquire, that his intent in discovering the same in such sort as he did, was but to make the way the easier unto his most devilish purpose.

The Queen suffered him diverse times to have private conference with her, • & offered him a most liberal pension, yet notwithstanding he did vehemently importunat the said Neuill to be an associate unto his wicked enterprise, as to an action lawful and meritorious: but the Almighty God that was protector of her Majesty, even from her cradle, so wrought in Neuils heart, as he was moved to reveal the same unto her Majesty, whereupon the examination of the matter was committed unto the Earl of Leicester, and Sir Christopher Hatton; upon the examination whereof, when Parrie saw the said Neuill so to declare the truth, and so constantly affirm the same, he confessed all, saying: that coming unto the chamber of Thomas Morgan aforesaid, one greatly beloved and trusted in the Papists side; he broke with me that I should undertake to kill the Queen, I told him it would be easily done if it were lawfully done and warranted in the opinion of some learned Deuines: then I was resolved by Deuines, and I went so far by Letters and conferences in Italy, that I could not go back, but promised faithfully to perform the enterprise, if his holiness would allow it, and grant me remission of my sins: then I confessed myself unto a Jesuit, and took his advice in the matter, who most lovingly embraced and commended me: then I wrote a Letter unto the Pope to require of him absolution of my sins, in consideration of so great an enterprise undertaken, without promise or reward: then I went unto the Popes Nuntio, and read the letter unto him, and enclosed and sealed it, he promised me to procure answer from the Pope, and lovingly embraced me, wished me good speed, and promised me that I should be remembered at the Altar. Then he said he coming to England, he got access unto the Queen, as before: then came Letters into England unto me from Cardinal Como, whereby I found the enterprise commended and allowed, and my self absolved in the Popes name of all my sins, and willed to go forward in the name of God. That Letter I shown unto some in Court, who imparted it to the Queen, notwithstanding it confirmed my resolution to kill her, and made it clear in my conscience that it was lawful and meritorious. When I looked upon her Majesty, and remembered her many excellencies, I was greatly troubled, yet I saw no remedy, for my vows were in heaven, and my letters and promises in earth: after Doctor Collens book was sent me out of France, it redoubled my former conceits; every word in it was a warrant to a prepared mind: it taught that Kings may he excommunicated, deprived, and violently handled: it proveth that all wars, civil or foreign, undertaken for religion, are honorable, whereupon he was condemned of treason, and drawn upon a Hurdle from the Tower unto the Palace of Westminster, where he was executed.

Francis Throgmorton.

HIs confession was to this effect: When I was at Spaw in the Country of Liege, I entered into conference with one Ienney a notorious traitor, touching the altering of the State of the Realm here, and how the same might be attempted by foreign invasion, and to the like effect I had sundry conferences with Sir Francis Englefield in the Low Countries, who daily solicited the K. of Spain to invade the Realm, and I continued practicing against her Majesty and the State by letters betw • ene Sir Francis Englefield and myself, and I acquainted Sir John Throgmorton my father with my traiterous practices, who dissuaded me from any further meddling with these practices, but by my fathers advice I made a Catalogue of all the Noblemen and Gentlemen that were Catholics, and did describe the hauens of this Realm for landing of forces.

He confessed that he was acquainted by his brother Thomas Throgmorton with a resolute determination for invading of the Realm, and that the Duke of Guise should be the principal executor of that invasion, to the intent to prepare by force the Queens toleration in religion for the Catholics; and if her Majesty should refuse so to do, to remove her from her crown and state, and that the Duke of Guise had prepared the forces, but there wanted money and assistance of the Catholics in England, to join with foreign forces: for money messengers were sent, both to Rome and Spain, and the Spanish Ambassador gave out that the King his Master would not only make some notable attempt against England, but would bear half the charge thereof; and an especial messenger was sent into England, under a counterfeit name from the confederates in France, to signify here the plot and preparation that was there, whereupon I took upon me to be a follower and means for the effecting thereof amongst the confederates in England, with the help of the Spanish Ambassador, knowing that he being a public person might deal therein without peril, and that the Duke of Guise made special choice to land in Sussex, about Arundell, for the near cut from France, and for the assured persons to give assistance, and I shown the whole plot of the hauens for landing to the Spanish Ambassador, who did encourage me therein: also there was sent over from the confederates beyond Sea, into • ussex, Charles Pager, under the name of Mope, alias Spring, and that the Spanish Ambassador was made privy unto his coming, and it was to view the hauens and country for landing such foreign forces about Arundell, and to confer with certain principal persons for assistance, and he confessed that there was a device between the Spanish Ambassador and him, how such principal Recusants within the Realm as were in Commission for the peace in sundry countries, might upon the brute of landing the foreign forces, under color of defense of her Majesty, leuie m • n to join unto the foreign forces; whereupon he was justly condemned.

The Earl of Northumberland.

HEe had a hand in the rebellion in the North, as well as his brother, and behaved himself diligently in the managing of those treasons, yet the Queen was content to remit all, and accept him again, both in honor and favor, yet he after entered into a new plot for the invading of the Realm, and overthrow of the government of religion, and to endanger her Majesty's person, and put her from her Kingdom, being a conspirator in Throgmortons treasons: it was concluded by the Pope that the state of Christendom stood upon the stout assailing of England, and that it should be invaded with twenty thousand men, at the charge of the Pope and other Princes, and that her Majesty should be deposed, and some English Catholic elected King, and that many Priests should come into the Realm to win a number unto the Catholic faith to join, if opportunity served, either with foreign invasion, or with tumults at home.

The head Preacher at Narbon in Prouence, told an English-man that England should be invaded by a foreign King, and the Popish Religion restored, and that Priests dispersed themselves in England for the better strengthening of the parties.

One Paine executed for treason, confessed that this Realm could not continue in the State wherein it was, because the Pope had a special care thereof, and would in short time, either by foreign Princes, or by some other means, work a change of things here.

The Duke of Guise two years did solicit the Pope and other Princes, to supply him with forces to invade this Realm.

There was found about a Jesuit that was taken upon the Sea, a discourse that the Earl of Northumberland, and all the Catholic Lord's and Gentlemen in the North parts will assuredly join with foreign forces, and therein it is also affirmed that the Priests, dispersed within the Realm, can dispose of the Catholics of the Realm, as they shall be ordered, and that the Popes excommunication should be renewed and pronounced against her Majesty, and all those which shall take her part, and that all such should be holden as traitors which did not join with the Army by a day.

It was proved that the Earl had conference with the foresaid Charles Pager, coming over about the practice and prosecuting of the said enterprise, and that the • arle secretly received him into the Gallery at Petworth, where the Earl conferred with him an hour, from whence Paget was conveyed back into the town, where he lodged all night, and the next night he was conveyed secretly unto a Lodge in the • arls Park at Pe • worth, where he was kept with all secrecy eight days, and the servant which conveyed him was enjoined by the Earl in no wise to discover him, and Charles Paget returning from Petworth, took shipping again to go beyond Sea.

Paget told William Shelley of Michelgroue in Essex▪ Esquire, that foreign Princes would seek revenge against her Majesty, of wrongs by her done against them, and would take such opportunity as might 〈◊〉 serve them, and that the Duke of Guise would be a dealer herein, and that the Earl of Northumberland would be an assistant unto them, willing Shelley whatsoever should hap • , to follow the Earl of Northumberland, and that the Duke of Guise had forces in readiness for the altering of religion here in England, and that the Catholics would all join for so good a purpose, for that it would be a means to reform religion: he said the stir would be in the North parts▪ because Sussex was not convenient in regard there was no safe landing there▪ and that it was so 〈◊〉 Lond • n, and that when any stir should be the Earl of Northumberland would go into the North parts, and when the Earl perceived that all this was come to light, he killed himself in the Tower, with a Pistol charged with three Bullets.

Anthony Babington, with thirteen young Gentlemen more.

THese conspired the death of Queen Elizabeth: they swore they would set the Pope in h • s former state in England, or else die the death, and they combined and confederated themselves by vow and oath, in a most horrible enterprise, by murder to take away the life of her Majesty, wherefore they were justly condemned, and executed.

The story of the Spanish Fleet, Ann. 1588.

THe said Fleet was a preparing three or four years, and being in full perfection came into our seas, with such mighty strength, as no nauy of England or Christendom could abide their • orce. And to make the intended conquest of this realm sure, to the same should also have joined the mighty army which the Duke of Parma had made ready in the Low-countries, which Army should land in this realm, and so both by sea & land this realm should be invaded, and a speedy conquest made thereof, whereupon it was gathered that neither by sea nor by land there could be much resistance made, & that there would be a strong party in this realm of papists to join with the foreign forces; but within eight or nine days of the appearance of the popish so great a nauie upon the coast of England, it was forced to flee from the coast of Flanders near Calais, towards the unknown parts of the cold North, and all their hope of an imagined conquest was quite overthrown. It could proceed of no reason of man, nor of any earthl • power, but only of God, that such a work, so long time a framing, to be so suddenly overthrown.

Before this Army of Spain was ready to come forth unto the seas, there were sundry things printed, and sent into this realm, to not • fie unto the people that the realm should be conquered, the Queen destroyed, and all the Noble men & wealthy that did obey her, & would withstand the invasion, should be with all their families • ooted out, and their livings bestowed upon the Conque • ors, and a new Bull was published at Rome by the Pope, whereby the Queen was accursed, and pronounced to be deprived of her Crown, and the invasion and conquest of the Realm committed by the Pope, to the King Catholic, which was the King of Spain, to execute the sam with his armies, both by Sea and Land, and to take the crown unto himself, and there was a large explanation of this b • ll, written by Cardinal Allen, calling himself therein the Cardinal of England, and a number of them were sent over ready printed into England, most bitterly written against the Queen, and her Father King Henry the eight, and her Nobi • itie and Council.

In the Fleet were abundance of Princes, Marquesses, Condez, and Do • s, which came to have possessed the rooms of all the Noble men in England, and Scotland.

Don Brnardin Mendoza, in an open assembly did say in a bravery, that the young King of Scots, whom he called a boy, had deceived the King of Spain: but if the Kings Navy might prosper against England: The King of Scots should loose his Crown, when the brute was brought of the Spanish Fleet, and of the Army of the Sea coast of Flanders, with their shippings.

Charles Lord Howard, Lord High Admiral of England, who is of the most Noble house of the Duke of Norffolke, had the charge of the greatest company of the Queens Ships: another company were appointed to remain with the Lord Henry Seymer, second Son to the Duke of Somerset, and brother to the Earl of Hertford: these continued in the narrow Seas betwixt England and Flanders, to attend the Duke of Parmas actions.

A third company were armed in the West part of England towards Spain, under the conduct of Sir Francis Drake, but after it was understood, that the great Navy of Spain was ready to come out of Li • b • ne, my Lord Admiral was commanded to sails with the greatest ships to the west parts of England to join with Drake, whom he made Uice-admirall, and the Lord Thomas Howard, second Son unto the Duke of Norffolke, and the Lord Sheffield, with a great number of Knights, went with the Lord Admiral.

When the Popish Army came unto the Coasts of England, it seemed so great, that the Englishmen were astonied at the sight of them; yet the Lord Admiral and Drake having but fifty of the English ships out of the haven of Plymouth, they • uriously pursued the whole Navy of Spain, being about 160. ships: so that with the continual shot of the English one whole day, the whole Navy fled without returning: and after the English Navy being increased to an hundred ships, renewed the fight with terrible great shot all the whole day, gaining always the wind of the Spanish Navy, and for nine days together forced them to fly, and destroyed, su • ke, and took in three days fight, diverse of the greatest ships, out of which great numbers were brought to London, besides many that were killed and drowned, and many were brought unto other parts of the realm▪ to the great dissh • nour of Spain: in which fight the Spaniards did never take nor sink any English ship or boat, or break any mast, or took any one man prisoner, so that some of the Spaniards let not to say, That in all these • ghts Christ shown himself a Lutheran. The King of Scots gave straight commandment upon all his Sea coasts that no Spaniards should be suffered to land in any part, b • t that the English might be relieved of any wants.

The Popish Fleet was by tempest driven beyond the Is • es of Ork • ay, in an unaccustomed place, for the young Gentlemen of Spain, which had never felt storms and cold weather: about those northerne Islands their Mariners and Soldiers died daily by multitudes, as by their bodies cast upon the land, did appear. And after twenty days and more, having spent their time in misery, then as they returned homeward the Lord ordained the winds to be so violently contrarious, that the Navy was disse • ered upon the high Seas, west upon Ireland, and a great number of them driven upon sands, dangerous bayes, and rocks, all along upon the north and west parts of Ireland, in places distant above an hundred miles asunder: whereby we may see how God favored the just cause of Q. Elizabeth, in showing his anger against those proud boasting enemies of Christ's peace, and she and her Realm professing the Gospel of Christ, are kept and de • ended: according to the Psalm, under the shadow of his wings from the face of the wicked that sought to afflict her, and compass her round about to take away her soul.

John Weldon, William Hartley, and Robert Sutton.

John Weldon Priest, was borne at Tollerton in Yorkshire: he was indicted of • reason in Middlesex; first he took exception to the indictment that it was false, then to the Jury, that they were unfit men to try him, because they were Lay men, and unto the whole Bench as unworthy to be his Judges, because he did know them to be resolved before hand to condemn all Catholics brought before them: He acknowledged himself to be a Priest, and therefore not triable by the Common Laws. Whereupon persisting in that he would make no answer, and his Treasons manifest, he was condemned to be hanged, drawn and quartered.

William Hartly Priest was condemned for the same treasons that Welden was: it was proved that he sent a Letter to Paris to Seminary Priests, importing the full resolution of the said Hartly and some other of his confederates (immediately upon the landing of the Spaniards) to have surprised the Tower of London, and to have fired the City: he affirmed, that if the Pope do deprive the Queen and discharge her subjects of their obedience, and send an army to restore the Roman Religion in England, he would pray that the Roman army might prevail in that case, and in that faith he would spend ten thousand millions of lives, if he had them, whereupon he was likewise condemned to be hanged, drawn and quartered.

Robert Sutton Priest was indicted for the same treasons: he said the Queen was supreme governor within her Highness Dominions, over all persons, but not over all causes: he was found guilty▪ and had his judgment as the rest. It was proved that Welden was sent over into the Low-countries to kill the Earl of Leicester, who apprehended him, and sent him over into England; to which he answered he had done nothing but as a Catholic Priest ought to do by the direction of our most holy Father the Pope, being the head of the Church, who only hath authority over all persons, and in all causes Ecclesiastical, and in this Roman Religion. I will die. Then he prayed all Catholics to pray for him, and so mumbling certain Latin prayers, he died. The other likewise died as obstinate traitors as himself.

Doctor Lopez, Stephano de Ferrera de Gama, Manuell Lewis Tyuaco Portugalls.

DOctor Lopez was favorably received into the Queens house a long time, as one of her physicians, the other two were Portugalls lately received to the service of the King of Spain, yet colourably resorting into this Realm.

Lopez confessed that he was of late years allured secretly to do service unto the King of Spain, and from one of his Privy Council he received a Jewel of gold of good value, garnished with a large Diamond and a large Rubie, and afterward he assented to take away the Qu •• ns life by poisoning, upon reward promised him of fifty thousand crowns, for which purpose he sent a messenger over to Calais to confer with the Count • uents for this practice, and that after he sent another messenger unto Ibarra, the King of Spain's Secretary, and to the said Count Fuentes, promising to poison the Queen, if • he might have the fifty thousand crowns that were offered delivered unto him: and he confessed the other two were his messengers: in the aforesaid messages, and conspired with him to execute the same: and they all confessed, that the stay that it was not done, proceeded much against their minds, for want of the delivery of the said fifty thousand crowns, which was promised by a day: But the King of Spain finding fault that the messenger, which should carry the money, was too base a fellow to be trusted w •• h so much deferred the sending thereof: but after bills of Exchange were delivered by the Count Fuentes, for the money, by the direction of the King of Spain, at the very instant when it should have been done, it pleased God of his goodness towards her Majesty, to suffer this conspiracy to be very happily di • covered by the diligence of one of the Lord's of her Majesty's Priuy Council: so all the three offenders were taken with their Letters and writings, expressing their own actions and Councils, and the directions of the King of Spain's Counselors, and the other two confessed the like in effect, as Lopez had done: whereupon they were all three condemned for treason, and executed accordingly.

Manuel Lewis, repented at his death, and prayed God that all those things that are achieved by the King of Spa • ne, against the Queens Majesty, might take none effect, and that all the treasons which are wrought may be discovered, & that God would prolong the life of the Queens Majesty, as she deserveth, and her faithful subjects desire.

Edmund York, and Richard Williams.

NOt long after Lopez his treason, another like conspiracy was concluded at Bruxells to murder the Queen, whereof Stephano Ibarra, the King of Spain's Secretary▪ procuring the s • me to be done by the said York and Williams, and others: and Hugh Owen an English Rebell: a Spanish Pentioner, delivered unto the said York an assignation in writing, subscribed by the said Secretary Ibarra his hand, for assurance of payment of forty thousand crowns to be given unto him from the King of Spain, if he would kill the Queen: or if he would assist Richard Williams, or any other that should have performed the same; and the assignation was delivered unto Holt a Jesuit, an old English Rebell, who produced the Sacrament and kissed i • , and sware in the presence of York and other Rebels, that he would surely pay the same Money unto him as soon as the fact should be committed: and upon this matter were three several consultations of Englishmen, being Rebels and Fugitiues, and Pentioners of the King of Spain. The names of the principal parties of the consultations, are, William Stanley, the said Holt a Jesuit, Thomas Throgmorton, the said Hugh Owen, Doctor Gifford, Doctor Worthington, Charles Paget, one Tipping, Edward Garret, and Michael Moody, but b • God's good providence, the said York and Williams were taken coming into England, and confessed the whole matter as aforesaid. Holt said to York, many Englishmen have failed to perform this enterprise, but if it should not be performed by you, he would after employ strangers in it.

Patrick Cullen an Irishman

HE was likewise a Pentioner of the King of Spain, and a Fencer: he was persuaded by William Stanley, and one Iaques who was his Lieutenant, and one Shirwood and the said Holt to come secretly into England, and to kill her Majesty, and he assented thereunto, and had thirty pound of Stanley & Iaques towards his journey, with offer of great reward; and coming into England, he was taken, and by good proofs charged there with, he confessed the same in the manner as is before here expressed.

Richard Hesketh.

HEe was a Gentleman of Lancashire, well acquainted with the Lord Strange? he was sent into England by Cardinal Allen, William Stanley, and Thomas Worthington to entice Ferdinand, the Lord Strange, son and heir to the Earl of Darby, to take upon himself the title to be heir unto the crown of England, and to show him the opinion of the Cardinal and many others, that he should take upon him the title of King, with assurance of treasure and foreign forces, to maintain the same, which the said Hesketh did very diligently perform, with many reasons, as he was instructed, but the Lord Strange being at Heskeths coming newly Earl of Darbie, by the death of his▪ father, was so wise and dutiful, that he stayed Hesketh, who upon the Earls report was apprehended, and confessed the whole matter, wheupon he was condemned, and shown great repentance, and cursed his instructors, and was executed.

SQVIRE.

THis Uiper Squire was likewise sent by the enticement of the aforesaid Serpentine generation, beyond Sea, to kill her Majesty: his plot was to so poison the pummell of her Saddle, that if she did lay her hand upon it, her whole body should be therewith poisoned, but by the sure providence of God, which ever did preserve her, and • oreshew unto her▪ all her dangers, to the prevention of them, this practice came to light before it was executed, and the said Squire had the same most just reward of his foresaid treason, as his predecessors in like plots had.

The Earl of Essex Conspiracie.

LAstly, I will conclude with the conspiracy of the late Earl of Essex: for although it is not to be doubted but that his heart, with many of his followers, was upright unto the Queen, yet notwithstanding he had many Papists in the plot with him, whose hearts he knew not, and by whom, if his practice had took effect, the Queen should have been in as great trouble and danger as ever she was in her life; but the Lord of his accustomable wonderful mercy, delivered her Majesty from this danger likewise, who both by his holy spirit of comfort preserved her mind, still joyful without fear of her enemies, and also her royal person and her realm, by the safe custody of his holy Angels, from all wicked practices and treasons whatsoever, until her old age, and until he at his time appointed called her Majesty unto himself, out of her bed in peace, from a blessed Kingdom, wherein she had long reigned in great glory in this world, to reign with his Son Jesus Christ in the Kingdom of unspeakable and eternal joy and glory in the world to come.

By this story of Queen Elizabeth, the Papists that have any eye-sight of true understanding, may see by what wicked means the Pope and their Catholik Church hath always gotten and maintained their most unlawful supremacy over kings. And although they have wonderfully prevailed against all superstitious Emperors and Kings, by such like excommunications▪ wars, murders, and treasons as he used against Queen Elizabeth, yet as God preserved her heart purely to s • icke to his sincere word, and to despise all the Popes errors, superstitions, and trash, so God mercifully preserved her and her Kingdom from all the Popes treacherous practices four and forty years, five months, and odd days, with such glory and peace as never Christian King had more: her manifest protections of God were as apparent and as manifest as David's; and as he and Solomon built a most glorious material Temple in despite of their enemies, most gloriously did she build up the spiritual Temple and Spouse of Christ, in despite of the Papists and the Pope, and all kings that took their part: her outward glory and honor was • quall w • th Solomon's, and she o •• matched him in that: neither her glory in this world, nor any other means could withdraw her from her true zeal in setting for • h the pure word of God; wherefore all honor and glory be given unto God by this Realm of England and all his Church world without end. Amen.

OUR MOST GRATIOVS King IAME • .

W Hen the Papists triumphing that their long • xpected hour was come by God's taking away th • most blessed Queen • Elizabeth, yet the Lord of his great mercy brought their joy to naught, by p • anting our dear Sovereign, James, by his especial grace, to succeed Queen Elizabeth in these Realms, one that is as zealous of the word of God as she, and one whom the Lord hath been as provident over in all his ways, as over her, and endued with the like joy in the Holy-Ghost, in the assurance of God's providence in time of danger, wherefore no doubt but as the Lord hath, so he will cover him and his Realms with the sh • dow of his wings from all papistical treacheries, even as he did Queen Elizabeth. This is worthy to be recorded unto the perpetual honor of his Majesty, that he being h • ire apparent unto Qu • ene Elizabeth, could never be enticed by any Prince or Papist, to oppose himself against her. When the rising was in the North, and the rebels were • led into Scotland, he took the Queens part, though it were to the great ruin of much of his Kingdom: he made a Proclamation in Anno 1588. that none of the • pan • sh Fleet should land upon his coasts, but that the English should be relieved of anything they needed, and in the year 1592. he executed as traitors in Scotland, diverse for conspiring with the King of Spain against England▪ and before the coming out of the Spanish Fleet Don Barnardin Mendoza in an open Assembly did say in a 〈◊〉 that the young King of Scots, whom he called a boy, had deceived the King of Spain, but if the Kings Nauie might prosper against England, the King of Scots should lose his crown, whereby it manifestly appeareth how true and faithful his Majesty was • u • r unto the late Queen of famous memory.

Touching GOD'S wonderful preseruations over his royal person; who hath safely preserved him a King almost this eight and forty years, in despite of all his enemies, foreign and domestical, and no doubt but he • had many, ye • it doth most manifestly appear in some great and unheard of dangers, out of which the Lord hath most miraculously delivered him, as from Gowries Treason and the Gun-powder Treason, and others.

GOWRIES conspiracy against his Majesty the fifth of August, being Tuesday Anno Dom. 1600.

MA •• . Alexander Ruthwen, second brother unto the late Earl Gowrie, came to his Majesty as he was a hunting, and told him that it chanced the night before, as he walked about the Town of S. Iohnstone, he met a base fellow unknown unto him, and having suspicion of him he narrowly looked to him, and examined him, and he said he found a great wide pot to be under his arm, full of coined gold in great quantity, whereupon he took him, nobody knowing thereof, and bound him in a privy dark house, and locked many doors upon him, and said that he came in haste to advertise his Majesty thereof according to his bounden duty, earnestly requesting his Majesty with all diligence and • ecrecie to take order therewith before any know thereof, swearing that he had concealed it from all men, yea, from the Earl his brother; whereupon the King suspected that it had been some foreign gold, brought thither by some Jesuits for practicing Papists to stir up some new sedition, as they had often 〈◊〉 before, and that the fellow that carried it was some Seminary, so disguised for the more sure transporting thereof: and with many earnest persuasions he got the Kings Majesty as soon as he had done hunting, to ride with him to the Earl Gowr • es house to dinner, with a very small number with him, and after dinner his Majesty being ready to rise from the table, and all his servants in the hall at their dinner, M. Alexander standing behind his Majesty's back, pulled him softly, rounding in his Majesty's ear, that it was time to go, but that he would fain • have been quit of the Earl his brother, wishing the K. to send him out into the hall, to entertain his guests, whereupon the K. called for drink, and in a m • rrie and homely manner said to the • arle, That although the Earl had seen the fashion of entertainment in other countries, yet he would teach him the Scottish fashion, seeing he was a Scottish man: and therefore since he had forgotten to drink to his Majesty, or sit with his guests, and entertain them, his majesty would drink to him his own welcome, desiring him to take it forth and drink to the rest of the company, and in his Majesty's name to make them welcome. Whereupon as he went forth his Majesty rose from the table, and desired M. Alexander to bring Sir Thomas Erskine with him: who desiring the K. to go forward with him, and promising that he should make any one or two follow him that he pleased to call for, desiring his Majesty to command publicly that none should follow him. Thus the K. accompanied only with the said M. Alexander, comes forth of the chamber, pass • h through the end of the hall, where the Noblemen and his Majesty's servants were sitting at their dinner, up a Turnepeck, and through three or four Chambers, the said Master Alexander ever locking behind him every door as he passed: and then with a more smiling countenance than he had all the day before, ever saying he had him sure and safe en • ugh kept, until at the last, his Majesty passi • g thorough three or four sundry houses, and all the doors locked behind him, his Majesty entered into a little study, where he saw standing with a very abased countenance, not a bond-man but a free man, with a dagger at his girdle: but his Majesty had no sooner entered into that little study, and Master Alexander with him, but Master Alexander locked to the study door behind him, and at that instant changing his countenance, putting his hat on his head, and drawing the Dagger from that other man's gird • e, held the point of it to the Kings breast, auowing now that the King be hoou • d to be in his will▪ and used as he list: swearing many bloody oths, that if the king cried one word, or opened a window to look out, that the dagger should presently go to his heart: affirming, that he was sure, that now the kings conscience was burdened for murthering his father. His Maie •• y wondering at so sudden an alteration, & standing naked, without any kind of armor but his hunting horn, which he had not g •• ten leisure to lay from him, betwixt these two traitors which had conspired his life: the said master Alexander standing (as is said) with a dagger in his hand, and his sword at his side, but the other trembling and quaking, rather like • ne condemned, than an executioner of s • ch an enterprise.

His Majesty begun then to • ilate to the said M. Alexander, how horrible a thing it was for him to meddle with his Majesty's innocent blood, assuring him it would not be left unrevenged, since God had given him children and good subjects, and if they neither, yet God would raise up stocks and st • nes to punish so vile a deed.

Protesting before God, that he had no burden in his conscience, for the execution of his father, both in respect that at • he ti • e of his fathers execution, his Majesty was but a minor of age, and guided at that time by a faction, which over-ruled both his Majesty and the rest of the country, as also that whatsoever was done to his fath • r it was done by the ordinary course of Law and justice.

Appealing the said Master Alexander upon his conscience, how w • ll he all times since had deserved at the hands of all his race, not only having restored them to their lands and dignities, but also in now ishi • g and bringing up of two or three of his sisters, as it were in his own bos • me, by a continual attendance upon his Majesty's dearest bed-fellow in h • r • riuie chamber.

Laying also before him the terrors of his conscience, especially that he made profession, according to his education, of the same religion which his Majesty had ever professed; and namely his Majesty r • membred him of that holy man Mast. Robert Rollocke, whose scholar he was, assuring him that one day the said Master Roberts soul would accuse him, that he had never learned of him to practice such unnatural cruelty: his Majesty promising to him, on the word of a Prince, that if he would spare his life, an • suffer him to go out again, he would never reveal to any one living what was betwixt them at that t • me, nor never suffer him to in • ur any harm or punishment for the same.

But his Majesty's fear was, that he could hope • or no sparing at his hands, having such cruelty in his looks, and standing so irreverently covered, with his • at on: which form of rigorous behavior, could prognosticate nothing to his Majesty but present extremity. But at his Majesty's perswasiue language, he appeared to be somewhat amazed, and uncovering his head again▪ swore and protested that his Majesty's life should be safe, if he would behave himself quietly, without making any noise: and that he would only bring in the Earl his Brother to speak with his Majesty: whereupon his Majesty enquiring what the Earl would do with him, since (if his Majesty's life were safe according to promise) they could gain little in keeping such a prisoner. His answer only was, that he could tell his Majesty no more, but that his life should be safe, in case he behaved himself quietly, the rest, the Earl his brother, whom he was going for, would tell his Majesty at his coming. With that, as he was going forth for hi • brother, as he affirmed, he turned him about to the other man; saying these words unto him, I make you here the Kings keeper, tul I come back again, and see that you keep him, upon your own peril: and therewithal said to his Majesty, you must content yourself to have this man now your keeper, until my coming back.

With these words he passeth forth▪ locking the door after him, leaving his Majesty with that man he found there before. Of whom his Majesty then inquired, if he were appointed to be the murderer of him at that time, and how far he was upon the • o • nsel of that conspiracy, whose answer with a trembling and astonished voice and behavior, was, that as the Lord should •• dge him, he was never made acquainted with that purpose, but that he was put in there perforce, & the door locked upon him, a little space before his Majesty's coming: as indeed all the time of the said M. Alexanders menacing his majesty, he was ever trembling, requesting him for God's sake, and with many other attestations, not to meddle with his majesty, nor to do him any harm. But because M. Alexander had before his going forth, made the King swear he should not cry, nor open any window, his majesty commanded the said fellow to open the window on his right hand, which he readily did, so that although he was put in there to use violence on the King, yet God so turned his heart, as he became a slave to his prisoner.

While his majesty was in this dangerous estate, & none of his own servants nor • rain knowing where he was, & as his Majesty's train was arising in the Hal from their dinner, the Earl of Gowry being present with them, one of the E. of Gowries servants comes hastily in, assuring the Earl his master, that his majesty was horsed, & away through the Insh, which the Earl reporting to the Noble men, and the rest of his Majesty's train that was there present, they all rushed out together at the gate in great hast: and some of his majesties servants enquiring of the Porter when his majesty went forth? The porter affirmed, that the king was not yet gone forth? Wherevpon • he Earl looked very angerly upon him, and said he was but a liar: yet turning him to the Duke, & to the Earl of Mar, said he should presently get them sure word where his Majesty was, and with that, ran through the close, and up the stairs. But his purpose indeed was, to speak with his brother, as appeared very well by the circumstance of time, his brother having at that same instant left the king in the little study, & ran down the stairs in great haste.

Immediatly after, the Earl cometh back, • unning again to the gate, where the Noblem • n and the rest, were standing in a maze, assuring them that the king was gone long since out at the back gate, and if they hasted them not the sooner, they would not overtake him, and with that called for his horse, whereat they rusht all together out at the gate, and made toward the Inshe, crying all for their horses: passing all (as it was the providence of God) under one of the windows of that study, wherein his majesty was. To whom M. Alexander very speedily returned, and at his in coming to his Majesty, casting his hands abroad in a desperate manner, said, he could not mend it, his Majesty behooved to die: and with that, offered a garter to bind his Majesty's hands, with swearing, he behooved to be bound. His majesty at that word of binding, said, he was borne a free King, and should die a free King. Wherevpon he griping his Majesty by the wrest of the hand, to have bound him, his Majesty relieved himself suddenly of his gripes: whereupon as he put his right hand to his sword, his majesty with his right hand seized upon both his hand and his sword, and with his left hand clasped him by the throat, like as he with the left hand claspt the King by the throat, with two or three of his fingers in his Majesty's mo • th, to have stayed him from crying. In this manner of wrestling his Majesty perforce drew him to the window, which he had caused the other man before to open unto him, and under the which was passing by at the same time the Kings train, and the Earl of Gowry with them, as is said, and holding out the right side of his head and right elbow, cried, that they were murthering him there in that treasonable form: whose voice being instantly heard and known by the Duke of Lennox, the Earl of Mar, and the rest of his majesties train there: the said Earl at Gowry ever asking what it meant? and never seeming any ways to have seen his Majesty, or heard his voice, they all rushed in at the gate together, the Duke and the Earl of Marre running about to come to that passage his Majesty came in at. But the Earl of Gowry and his servants made them for another way up a quiet Turnepeck, which was • uer condemned before, and was only then left open, (as appeared) for that purpose.

And in this mean time, his Majesty, withstrugling and wrestling with the said M. Alexander, had brought him perforce out of that study, the door whereof, for hast, he had left open at his last in-coming, and his Majesty having gotten, (with long struggling) the said▪ M. Alexanders head under his arm, and himself on his knees, his master dro • e him back perforce hard to the door of the some Turn-pike, & as his majesty was throwing his sword out of his hand, thinking to have stricken him therewith, and then to have shot him over the stairs, the other fellow standing behind the kings back, & doing nothing but trembling all the time, Sir Io: Ramsey, not knowing what way first to enter, after he had heard the Kings cry, by chance finds that Turn-peck door open, & following it up to the head, enters in into the chamber, & finds his majesty and M. Alexander struggling in that form, as is before said: and after he had twice or thrice stricken M. Alexander with his dagger, the other man withdrew himself, his Majesty still keeping his gripes, & holding him close to him: immediately thereafter he took the said M. Alexander by the sholders, and shut him down the stair: who was no sooner shut out at the door, but he was met by Sir Thomas Erskine and Sir Hew Hereis, who there upon the stair ended him: the said Sir • ho: Erskine being cast behind the Duke & the Earl of Mar that ran about the other way, by the occasion of his meddling with the said late Earl in the street, after the hearing of his majesties, cry. For upon the hearing thereof▪ he had clasped y ^• Earl of Gowry by the gorget, & casting him under his feet, and wanting a dagger to have stricken him with, the said Earls men rid the Earl their master out of h • s hands: whereby he was cast behind the rest, as is said: and missing the company, & hearing the said Sir John Ramseys voice upon the Turn-peck head, ran up to the said chamber, & cried upon the said Sir Hew Hereis & another servant to follow him: where, meeting with the said M. Alexander in the Turn-peck, he ended him there, as is said the said M. Alexander crying for his last words, Alas I had not the weight of it. But no sooner could the said Sir Thomas, Sir Hew, and another servant win into the Chamber where his majesty was, but that the said Earl of Gowry, before they could get the door shut, followed them in at the back, having cast him directly to come up that privy passage, as is before said: who at his first entry, having a drawn sword in eve • y hand, and a steel bonet on his head, accom • anied with seven of his servants, everyone of them having in like manner a drawn sword, cried out with a great oath, that they should all die as traitors. All the which time his majesty was still in his chamber, who seeing the Earl of Gowry come in with his swords in his hands, sought for M. Alexanders sword which had fallen from him at his out shutting at the door, having no sort of weapons of his own, as it is said • but then was • hut back by his own servants that were there, into 〈◊〉 little study, and the door shut upon him: who having put his majesty in safe • y, re-encountered the said Earl and his servants, his majesties servants being only in number •• ure, to wit, Sir Hugh Hereis, and Sir John Ramsey, & one Wilson, a servant of James Erskins, a brother of the said sir Thomas, the said E. having 7. of his own servants with him: Yet it pleased God, after many strokes on all hands, to give his majesties servants the victory, the said E. of Gowry being stricken dead with a stroke through y ^• heart, which the said sir Io: Ramsey gave him, without once crying vpō God, & the rest of his servants dung over the stairs with many hurts, as • n like manner y ^• said sir Tho: Erskin, 〈◊〉 Hugh Hereis, & sir John Ramsey, were all thr •• very sore hurt and wou • ded.

But all the time of this • ight, the D. of L • nnox, the Earl of Mar, & the rest of his Maie • ties train, • ere striking with great hammer • at the utter door, wh • rby his majesty pa •• t up to the chamber with the said M. Alexander which also he had locked in his by-coming with his majesty to the chamber: but by reason of the strength of the said double door, • he whole wall being likewise of boards, and yielding with the strokes • it did bide the • 〈◊〉 space of half an hour & more, before they could break it • hau • entre •• e: who 〈…〉 with his majesty, found (beyond their expectation) his Majesty delivered from so imminent a peril, & the said late Earl the principal conspirator lying dead at his Majesty's • eet. Immediatly thereafter his majesty kneeling down on his knees, in the midst of his own servants, & they all kneeling round about him: his majesty out of his own mouth thanked God of that miraculous deliverance and victory, assuring himself, that God hath preserved him from so dispai • ed a peril, for the perfecting of some greater work behind, to his glory, and for procuring by him the weal of his people, y ^• God had committed to his charge.

In the first beginning of the Kings Majesty's reign over England, William Watson, & William Clarke Seminary Priests, and George Brooke, brother unto the Lo: Cobham, had most traitorously devised a plot, whereby the Kings person should have b • en surprised, and the whole kingdom overthrown, and they had enticed to the embracing their traiterous Machinations: Anthony Copley Gentleman: Sir Griffin Markam Knight, the Lord Cobham,▪ the Lord Gray. Sir Walter Rawleigh, and others: But before they had brought their Conspiracies unto • ffect: the Lord of his accust • med goodness, and carefulness over his Majesty made all their Conspiracies apparent unto the King and his Council, and about the midst of July, in the first year of his Highnes reign, proclamations were made out for the apprehension of them, whereby they were taken, and in Nou • mber after they were all condemned of High Treason: and the nine and twenty day of November, the two Priests were executed: and sir days after George Brooke was • eheaded, and the ninth of December Sir Griffin Markam, and the Lord Cobham, and the Lord Gray, after they had been severally brought upon the scaffold, in the Castle of Winchester, and had made their Confessions, and prepared themselves likewise severally to die, upon the sudden, the Kings warrant written with his own hand, was there delivered unto Sir Benjamin Tichborne, high Sheriff of Hampshire, commanding him to stay execution: these three and Sir Water Rawleigh, were returned pri • oners unto the Tower, the fifteenth of December.

The Gunpowder Treason.

THomas Pearcy, Robert Catesby, Thomas Winter & others in the last year of the reign of Q. Elizabeth, by the in •• igation of certain Jesuits, practiced with th • King of Spain, to send a well • urnished Army upon England, promising him great aid to entertain them at their arriuall at Milford Haven, and to that purpose the King promised to 〈◊〉 them fif • y thousand pound for leuying of horse and foot, and preparation of Munition in England to second them: but whilst this was in a manner concluded, Q. Elizabeth died, & the King of Spain upon certain knowledge that K. James was established, dispatch • d his Ambassadors and Commissioners for England, • or co • firmation of a lasting Peace between them, yet nevertheless the said Rob. Catesby sent Tho: Winter again to the King of Spain to resolicite their former project, but the King answered him, your old Queens is dead with whom I had wars, and you have a new King with whom I have ever been in good peace and amity, and for continuance thereof, I have sent my special Commissioners, and until I see what will become thereof, I will not hearken unto any other course whatsoever. When Winter returned, and made this known unto Catesby, Pearcy and the rest, then they began to cast about what they might do of themselves to advance the Romance Catholic Religion, but first they would see the event of the first Parliament, if that would mitigate any former Laws, and try what good the Conclusion of Peace with Spain would do unto them before they attempted any further: but when they perceived that neither Parliament, nor public Peace sorted in any part to their desire, and that the Peace concluded was rather a more ready means for the Law to proceed against them then otherwise, because the Peace concerned only the Amitie of Christian Princes, for the general good of Christendom, without any particular or private respect: then Catesby told the rest, he had a device in his head that should free them, and the rest of the English Catholics from their oppressions, and when he had found out • it Ministers for execution of his device, after they had taken oath and Sacrament for secrecy, he told them he had devised the mean to undermine and blow up the Parliament house, at the instant when the King, Queen, Prince, Peers, and Commons were all assembled, which project they presently embraced, and forthwith Pearcy hired certain lodgings close to the Parliament house: and then they appointed Miners, who with great difficulty digged and undermined a part of the wall, but after a while they understood that the Ua • t right under the Parliament house was to be let to hire, then Guydo Fawkes went and hired it: this Fawkes was late a Soldier in Flanders, and for this purpose was sent for, who by consent of the rest changed his nam • , and was called John Johnson Master Pearcies man: after they had hired the Uaut▪ the • secretly conveyed into it thirty and sir barrels of powder, and covered them all over with Billets and Faggots.

• bout ten days before the Parliam • nt should begin, an unknown party in the Euening met a servant of the Lord Mounteagles in the stre • t, and delivered him a Letter, charging him speedily to give it unto his Lord, which he did: when his Lord had read it, and observed the dangerous c • ntents, with a special caveat, not to appear the first day of Parliament, he was amazed, and forthwith delivered it to the Earl of Salisbury the Kings Principal Secretary▪ a chief Counselor of Estate: when the Earl had iudiciously observed the strange Phrase and Tenor thereof, with the terrible threats therein against the whole State, he acquainted the Lord Chamberlain therewith, and then they c • nioined unto them the Lord Admiral, the Earls of Worcester and Northampton, who instantly consulted what was fittest to be done, omitting neither time, diligence or industry, all which no • withstanding, they could not as yet find out the depth of this mystery, and were therefore much troubled in mind, b • cause the appointed day of parliament drew near, which was Tuesday the 5. of November: upon the Saturday before, the King being returned from hunting, the said Lord's acquainted his Highness with what had past, and when his Majesty had well noted the strange contents of the Letter, which purported the sudden ruin of the State, the King said notwithstanding the small respect and slight regard which might be given to Libels scattered abroad yet th • s was more quick and pithy then was usual in Libels, and willed them to search in all places, as well not daily frequented, as of usual repair▪ and concerning any foreign disturbance or invasion, he well kn • w the present force and preparation of all Christian Princes, and that whatsoever practice of trea • on was now in hand, it must be per • ormed in some unsuspected place, and by some hom • -bred traitors: thereupon new search was made in all places about the Court and the Parliament house, but could not as yet find anything worthy their labors: all which • earch • s were performed with such silence and discretion, as there rose no manner of suspicion, either in Court or City▪ the Lord Chamberlain, whose office it most concerned, never rested day nor night, and the night before the Parliament, as Sir Thomas Kneuet with others scowted about the parliament house, espied a fellow standing in a corner very suspitiou • lie, and asked him his name, what he was, and what he did there so late, who answered very bluntly hi • name was John Johnson Master Pearcies man and keeper of his lodge • ings. Sir • homas Kneuet continued still his search in all places thereabouts, and returning thither again▪ found him lingering there still, searched him, and found under his cloke a close Lantern, and a burning Candle in it: and about him other signs of suspicion, that he stood not there for any good: then the Knight entered the Ua •• , where they found the powder covered with Billets and Fagots as afore-said, and then the Lord Chamberlain caused the Traitor to be bound, and being now about three a clock in the morning • ee went unto the King, and with exceeding gladness told his Majesty the Treason was discovered and prevented, and the Traitor in hold, the King desired to see Fawkes, who when he came before the King us • d like traiterous and audacious speeches, as he did at his first apprehension, affirming himself was the only man to perform the Treason, saying, it sore vexed him that the deed was not done, and for that time would not confess anything touching the rest of the Conspirators, but that himself only and alone was the contriuer and practiser of this Treason.

Between five and six a clock in the morning the Council gave order to the Lord Mayor of London to look to the City, and in very calm manner to set civil watch at the City gates, signifying therewithal that there was a plot of Treason discovered, and that the King would not go to Parliament that day: and the same day in th • afternoon, the manner of the Treason was by Proclamation made known unto the people, for joy whereof, there was that night as many bonsires in and about London as the streets could permit, and the people gave humble and hearty thanks unto almighty God for their King & Countries right blessed escape.

Within three days after two other proclamations were made, signifying unto the people who were the chief conspirators, with commandment to apprehend Pearcy and Catesby, & to take them alive if it were possible, which said Pearcy and Catsby were gone to Holbach in Warwickshire to meet Winter▪ Gaunt, and others: where under pretence of a great hunting▪ they meant to raise the country, and surprise the Lady Elizabeth from the L. Harington, whom they meant to proclaim Queens, and in whose name they meant to enter into Arms, being persuaded that the King, the Prince, and Duke of York were by that time blown up in the Parliament house: but when they knew their treason was known and prevented, and saw the Kings forces round about the house, so as they could not escape, Pearcy and Catesby very desperately issued forth, and fighting back to back were both slain with one Musket shot.

Saturday the ninth of November the King went to Parliament, where in the presence of the Queen, the Prince, the Duke of York, the Ambassadors of the King of Spain, and the Arch-duke, and all the Lord's Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons of the same, he made a very solemn oration, manifesting the whole complot of this Treason.

The 27. of January at Westminster were arraigned, Thomas Winter, Guydo Fawkes, Robert Keys and Thomas Bates for plotting to blow up the Parliament house, digging in the mine, taking oath and Sacrament for secrecy, &c. and Robert Winter, John Grant, Ambrose Rookewood, for being acquainted with the treason afterward, giving their full consent thereunto, and taking oath and Sacrament for secrecy, and sir Euer •• d Digby for being made acquainted with the said Treason, yielding assent, and taking his corporal oath for secrecy: all which indictments were proved against them, and by themselves confessed, and thereupon had judgment given them to be drawn, hanged and quartered, their limbs to be set upon the City gates, and their heads upon the Bridge: according to which sentence the thirtieth of January, Sir Everard Digby, Robert Winter, John Grant and Bates were executed at the West end of Paul's Church, and the next day after the other four were executed in the Parliament yard, six of the eight, acknowledged their guiltiness in this horrible treason, and died very penitently, but Grant and Keys did not so.

Out of these and many other destructions, the Lord of his abundant mercy hath delivered his most faithful Servant, and our dread Sovereign King James: and still will preserve him according to his promise, so long as he putteth his trust in him: and it is not to be doubted, but God having given him the Spirit of confidence in him, and also fortified and built up this his hope and trust by the experience of ennumerable preseruations of his person and Stat • e and such ones as could be attributed to no means, but only to God's handy works: Nay, I will conclude by the warrant of God's word, that it is impossible for the Devil by any temptation in the world to steal this heavenly treasure out of his Royal heart, no more then he could steal it out of Job his heart: for although from them that have not the true grace of God, that which they have shall be taken from them: yet according to Christ's promise, which is truth itself, he that hath truly God's Spirit, be it in never so little manner, more shall be given him, and that which he hath shall never be taken from him.

And touching these blessed Realms of Great Britain and Ireland, over which the Lord hath appointed him supreme head next under his Son Jesus Christ over all causes spiritual and temporal, being that he maintaineth and defendeth the very same Doctrines, and no other, which Christ, the Apostles, and the Pri •• itiue Church taught: as the Lord hath most wonderfully blessed and p • ospered them by the hands of Queen Elizabeth, and his Majesty, this many years, so undoubtedly his wings of most safe preservation shall be still over this realm so long as no Idolatry is in Israel. I mean maintained by the Laws of the Realm: For though there be many Idolatrous Papists, yet the Law is against them, and though there be many sins and wickednesses in England, yet the Laws of the Realm are most strict against them: therefore the Realm is holy and righteous, because the laws be holy and righteous, and although there be abundance of wicked and abhominable people in this Realm yet there be as many both holy and righteous men and women as ever were in them: Therefore certainly the LORD will not destroy or plague this Realm for their sakes that be wicked and profane i • them, but most surely still bless and preserve them for their sakes that be righteous and holy therein, as hitherto he hath done: wherefore unto him be all honor, praise, glory, power and Dominion of all the inhabitants of this Realm, and of all his Church world without end.

The last but not the least use of these precedent Stories is therein diligently to mark the unspeakable cruelty, tyranny, and most subtle and wicked practices of Papists in many ages before Queen Mary, but then it was at the height and then papists shown their hearts truly without dissimulation, and from them have come all the treacherous practices against Queen Elizabeth, and all the treacherous practices against our dread Sovereign K. James: only Gowries treason excepted, but they never devised a more ungodly and inhumane tragedy, most abhominable to God, and odious in the judgment of all men, as their most devilish practice to blow up the Parliament house with Gunpowder, to the destruction of his Majesty, his Queen, and all his Royal issue: with all the Nobility, Bishops, Judges, and chief of the Commons of this Realm, with many thousands besides, to the utter undoing of this most noble Kingdom.

Their cruelty in Spain.

LIkewise of this their cruelty which no tongue is able to express sufficient testimony would appear by the most cruel murders upon God's Saints committed from time to time in innumerable abundance both upon our countrymen, there own and others, by the most devilish and cruel inquisito • s of the Spaniards, but these serpents are become so wise and subtle that there is no certain record to be found in any writer of their doings therein, since the book of Martyrs, but for all their subtlety they cannot hide it from Christ Jesus, at the day of Judgment,

The cruel practices of the Papists in France.

LIkewise there hell • ish cruelty hath been declared in no place in the world, so plainly as it hath been in France, by the innumerable massacres, and murders of God's Saints, that they have there committed. I will only recite one massacre, and the death of their two last Kings of France, for by these and other such like crueltyes already declared out of the Book of Martyrs, it is easily seen that they are the Brothers of Cain, and Children of the Devil.

In the year one thousand five hundred seventy two, the Duke of Guise by the advice of the French King Charles the ninth, came with a great company of Soldiers at midnight into the streets of Paris, to massacre the Protestants: the mark of the Executioners should be a hankercheefe tied about their Arms with a white Cross in their Hats, and the Palace Bell ringing at the break of the day, should give the Signall: they began by knocking at the Admirals Gate, who was a Protestant, they stabbed him that came to open the Gate, then they entered the Admirals Chamber: one thrust him through the body, and striketh him on the head; another shot him thorough with a Pistol, another wounded him in the legs, and everyone of them give him a blow: then the Duke of Guise commanded them to cast him to him out of the Widow, then the Duke spurned him with his foot, and going into the street, said; Courage Companions, we have begun happily, let us proceed to the rest, the King commands it. One carried the Admiralls head unto the King, and Queen his Mother, who sent it imbalmed unto the Pope, and the Cardinal of Lorraine: for assurance of the death of their Capitall enemy, one cut off his head, another his privy members, and three days they dragged his carcass with all indignity thorough the streets, then they hanged it up by the feet.

They murdered all his Servants and Gentlemen in his quarter, with like fury they murdered all the other Protestants throughout the Citty and Subburbs, of all ages, conditions, and Sexes, Men, Women, and Children, rich and poor. There was heard in Paris a lamentable cry of people going unto death, a pitiful complaint of such as cried for mercy: the street were strewed with carcases, the pavements, market place, and river, was died with blood: they destroyed that day above ten thousand of innocent Protestants.

Henry the Third.

HENRIE the third King of France, of the house of Valois, a mild and tractable Prince: courteous, witty, eloquent, and grave, but of easy access; devout, loving, learning, advancing good wits, a bountiful rewarder of men of merit, a friend to peace, and a Prince who deserved to be placed amongst the worthiest of that Monarchy: was traitorously murdered by a devilish Monk on this manner.

When as the Suisses and Lansquenets of Sansie, and Pontoise were by force reduced to the Kings obedience: The Duke of Longuevill gathered an Army of twenty thousand men and joined with them. Whereupon the Kings forces being about forty thousand men, lodged about Paris, and took Saint Cloud, and made the Parisians ready to yield; Whereat the Popish Monks and Priests of that Citty were so much displeased, that they vowed revenge thereof. And one James Clement, a Monk, an excrament of hell, a Iacobine by profession, of the age of twenty two or twenty three years old, vows to kill the Tyrant, and to deliver the Citty besieged.

This damnable project he imparts to Doctor Bourg • ing, Prior of his Convent, to Father Commolet, and other Jesuits, and to the heads of the League, to the chief of the sixeteene, and to the forty Counselors at Paris. All encourage him to do this happy design: they promise him Abbaies and Byshopprickes, and if he chance to be made a Martyr, no less then a place in heaven above the Apostles.

They caused the Preachers to persuade the people to patience seven or eight days, for before the end of the week they should see a notable accident, which should set all the people at liberty. The Priests of Orleans, Rouan and Amiens, clatter out the like at the same time, and in the same terms.

The first of August the Monk goes out of Paris towards Saint Cloud: upon his departure, they take above two hundred of the chief Citizens and others Prisoners, whom they knew to have goods, friends, and credit with the Kings party, as a precaution to redeem that cursed murderer, in case he were taken before or after the deed. In his way he was taken by the Regiment of Coublan, which was then in gard, telling them that he went then unto his Majesty, to let him understand something which concerned his service. Coublan caused him to be conducted by two Souldionrs unto the Kings quarter, which was at Saint Cloud, commanding him that (if happily the King were not there) they should b • ing him to someone of the Counsel: Whom the Monk gives to understand, that the first President, and other of the Kings Servants had sent him, to advertise him, that there is a good number of Partisans at Paris, who if it please his Majesty to give them a day and hour, will keep him a Port open. And to purchase the more credit unto his words, he shows a certain Paper written in Italian Characters, the which he said was a Letter of credit from the first President, accompanied with a Passport from the Garle of Brienne, signed Charles Leuxemburge; and faines that he had obtained it to go out of Paris vnd • r color of going to Orleans, and that he had many private instructions which he might not deliver but to his Majesty alone.

The King being advertised by La Guesle, the Proctor General, commands he should be brought the next day, but he is examined first by Portaile.

The next day, being come to the Kings lodging, they were called by Du Iotall, the first Gr • ome of his Chamber. At the first La Gues • e caused the Iacobin to stay near the door, and taking his Papers, he presents them unto his Majesty, who having read them, commands the Iacobin should approach, whom he asked what he would say, to whom he answered; That it was a secret thing. Some distrust made La Guesle to speak, being betwixt the King and him. Speak aloud (said he, twice or thrice) there is not any one here but the King trusts.

His Majesty seeing him make diff • cultie to speak, commands him again to approach.

The Baron of Bellegard, Master of the Kings Horse, and La Guesle (who were alone in the Chamber) retired two or three paces. The King bends his ear, but instead of hearing what he expected, this wretch draws a Knife out of his sleeve, made of purpose, thrusts his Majesty into the bottom of the belly, and there leaves the Knife in the wound. The King draws it forth, and with some striving and struggling of the Monk, strikes him above the eye: many ran in at this noise, and in the heat of choller, killing this vile and cruel Monster of men, prevented the true discovery and finding out of this enterprise, and the authors and actors thereof, worthy to be noted with a perpetual blot of disloyalty and treason.

The Physicians held that the wound was curable: and the same day the King did write of this attempt, and of his hope of recovery, to the Governors of Provinces, to foreign Princes, and to his Friends and confederates. But feeling that the King of Kings had otherwise determined of his life, he did first comfort himself in foreseeing, that the last hours of his crosses, should be the first of his felicities. Then lamenting his good and faithful Servants, who surviving should find no respect with those, whose minds had been so abandoned to mischief, as neither the fear of God, nor the dignity of his person could dissuade them from this horrible sacrilege.

One thing (said he) doth comfort me, that I read in your faces, with the grief of your hearts, and the sorrow of your souls, a godly and commendable resolution, to contiu • e united, for the preservation of that which remains whole of my estate, and the revenge which you owe unto the memory of him, who hath loved you so dearly. I seek not the last curiously, leaving the punishment of mine enemies unto God. I have learned in this school to forgive them, as I do with all my heart. But as I am chiefly bound to procure peace and rest unto this realm, I conjure you all by that inviolable Faith which you owe unto your Country, that you continue firm and constant defenders of the Common liberty, and that you never lay down Arms, until you have purged the Realm of the troubles of the public quiet. Thus and other such things he spake, as the last pangs of death carried him within few hours unto another world.

By his death he extinguished the second parcel of the third Race of Capets, in the branch of Valois, leaving the Crown to the third Royal branch of Burbons: whereunto the order of the Fundamental Law did lawfully call him. And thus you may see the damnable projects and dissignes of these Jesuitical Popish Spirits, against the Lord and his anointed.

The death of Henry the fourth.

HENRY the fourth King of France, of the Royal Race of the Burbons, who for his famous rescues and victories, and martial exploits, had purchased unto himself amongst his own Subjects, the sur-name of Great, whose life and actions, future ages may read with admiration, was likewise traitorously murdered by the disloyal and ungodly practices of the Papists.

A Parliament being holden at Paris, haning disanulled the Bulls of Cardinal Caietans Legation, and other Bulls come from Rome the first of March, together with their proceedings, excommunications, and fulminations, made by Marcellin Landriano, terming himself the Popes Nuntio: The said Bulls, and all their proceedings an edicts being burnt in the Market place, which contained a pardon of that most cruel paracide on Henry the third lately murdered: the King was first therefore excommunicated by Pope Gregory the 4. of that name. Afterward the Jesuits understanding that the King did purpose something against them, for the cruel murder committed on the person of the late King, and for other their exorbitant and devilish practices daily intended and contrived, the Devil stirs up another of his dearly beloved Sons to murder his Majesty on this manner following.

On Friday, the day after the Queens Coronation, the King being advertised of some omninous prediction, he went into his Chamber and fell on his knees and prayed: and thus he did three times, in the end he went and walked in the Gallery until dinner time. After dinner many Noble-men came into his Chamber, and began to tell some tales to put him out of his melancholy humor, and to make him laugh: having • miled a little with the rest (being by nature of a pleasant disposition) in the end he said: We have laughed enough for Friday, we may well weep on Sunday.

Hereupon he sent to the Arcenall at four of the clock; whereupon, they say that the Duke of Uendosme told him that he had been warned to beware of the fourteenth day; yet making no account thereof, he went down into the Court, whereas a man of a mean condition detained him a quarter of an hour, then he went into his Caroch, by the Duke of Espernon (who sat • in the first place of the Boote, upon the Kings right hand) Montbazon, the Marshall Lauardin, La Force, and Praulin, being followed by two Foot-men, and one of his Guard on horseback, having commanded Mounsier de Vitry, and the rest of his Guard to stay behind.

Being betwixt the draw-bridge and the pool, this miserable wretch, who watched his opportunity, drew near unto the Caroch on the right side, thinking his Majesty had been there; but seeing he was on the left hand, and hearing them command the Coachman to go on, he went the nearest way by the narrow lanes, and met with his Majesty in the street called Ferroneire, near unto S. Innocents Church, where staying to make way for a Cart to pass, the King leaned down on the one side towards Mounsier Esper •• on, pressing him to read a letter without spectacles. The Duke of Montbazon turned towards them, and one of the footmen was busy tying up his garter on the other side: so as this monster had opportunity to stab the King into the left pa • , but the wound was not great, whereupon crying out: O my God I am wounded, he gave him m • anes to give him a second blow which was mortal, the knife entering between the fifth and sixth rib, it cut asunder the vein leading unto the heart, and the wound was so deep, as it entered into caua vena, the which was pierc • d, wherewith the King did presently spit blood, losing all apprehension and knowledge, for anything they could perceive. They had great diff • culty to save the murderer from killing presently, yet in the end he was conveyed to the house of Retz.

The King was carried back unto the Louure, upon the way they met with the Dolphin, who went to take the air, but they caused him to return, and be carried into the Queens Chamber. The King was laid upon a Couch in his Cabinet, whereas presently after he gave up the Ghoast.

In that these Papistical and traiterous attempts, took effect unto the murthering of these two French Kings, when the Lord of his infinite goodness still preserved Queen Elizabeth, and our now dread Sovereign King James from so many, and from more dangerous practices: It may certainly be concluded, that if they had no worse feared the Papists then they did, and put their trust in God as well as they, and had according to their example purely purged their Realms from Papistry, the sure providence of God would have been as sure their Castle, strong hold, and defense, as it was to them and their Realms at all times, and in all occasions and needs.

NOw by the especial Grace of God, and the assistance of his blessed Spirit, I have sailed unto my expected Port, all laud and praise, and thanks therefore be given, unto the Father, the Son, and Holy Ghost: And I most heartily beseech him, that this Book may beget in the Readers a true dislike of all ceremonies, superstitions, and false Doctrines of Papistry, and to make them truly zealous of God's word and commandments. O Lord convert all Papists that belong unto thee, and hasten according to thy promises to gather all Kings together to destroy the Popedom: in the mean time, grant all Kings, Princes, and others Grace, to beware of him, that he corrupt not the souls of them nor their subieces, nor hurt their persons or estates.

And lastly, I beseech thee to gather together the number of thine elect, and hasten thy coming to judgment, that thou ma • st take thy beloved Spouse from the miseries of this World, unto thy eternal glory prepared for her: come Lord Jesus come quickly.