The Catholics Supplication for Toleration
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The source of this document is the Early English Books Online (EEBO-TCP) website. Those books were transcribed in a character for character manner and can be very cumbersome to read since there was no standard spelling during that time. Many spelling variations such as "unlesse", "vnlesse", and "vnles" regularly appear.
This project was conceived to clean up those books as much as possible and make them more accessible to the interested reader, leading to the creation of a massive list of variant spellings and their corrections. This was used to clean up the text, but is of course only as complete as the list itself. Because of the nature of the original transcription, some words have missing characters or places where the original language (e.g., Greek) was not transcribed. This effort does not change that. Be aware that the original transcription can also be faulty and in some cases entire sentences may be missing.
Although this is no substitute for a properly compared, proofed, and scholarly edition, I believe that the result is a document which is far more accessible, particularly for searching for terms using standard spelling. The document has been cleaned and presented in what I hope is a pleasing and useful format for the vast majority of Christian brothers and sisters who just want access to read these spiritually nourishing works.
However, a word of warning: The Puritans were a very diverse group of people and their age was characterized with godliness, but also much upheaval, disputation and strife. They disagreed on many doctrines and some of these works contain less orthodox or Scriptural views than others. The reader is strongly advised to read with discernment, particularly if it is unknown whether author is trustworthy.
This project took a huge amount of time and skill to bring to fruition. I would particularly like to thank David Jonescue for the initial list of Puritans he found on EEBO and the concept behind this project as well as the continuous, unceasing efforts toward seeing this complete. Without his labor, this would not be available. Alex Sarrouf was invaluable in providing the initial list of over 7,000 spelling variations he had identified and corrected, as well as continuing to review more than 16,000 additions to that list for any typos.
Logan West
(with David Jonescue and Alex Sarrouf)
www.puritansearch.org
THE CATHOLIKES SVPPLICATION VNTO THE KINGS MAIESTIE; FOR TOLERATION OF Catholic Religion in England:
WITH SHORT NOTES OR Animaduersions in the margin.
Whereunto is annexed Parallel-wise, a Supplicatorie Counterpoyse of the Protestants, unto the same most excellent Majesty.
Together with the reasons of both sides, for and against toleration of diverse Religions.
AT LONDON Imprinted by Felix Kyngston, for Edmund Weaver, and are to be sold at his shop, at the great North door of Paul's Church. 1603.
THE CATHOLIKES SVPPLICATION.
Most puissant Prince, and orient Monarch,
1 S Vch are the rare perfections and admirable gifts of wisdom, prudence, valor and justice, wherewith the bountiful hand of God's divine Majesty hath endued your Majesty, as in the depth of your provident judgment, we doubt not but you foresee what concerneth both the spiritual and temporal government of all your kingdoms and dominions.
2 Notwithstanding your Graces most afflicted subjects and devoted servants, the Catholics of England, partly to prevent sinister informations, which happily may possess your sacred ears, before our answer be heard; partly almost as men overwhelmed with persecutions for our consciences, we are enforced to have speedy recourse in hope of present redress from your Highness, and to present these humble lines unto your royal person to plead for us some commiseration and favor.
3. What allegiance or duty can any temporal Prince desire or expect at his vassals hands, which we are not addressed to perform? How many Noble-men and worthy Gentlemen, most zealous in the Catholic Religion, have endured, some loss of lands and livings, some exile, others imprisonment, some the effusion of blood and life for the advancement of your blessed Mothers right unto the scepter of Albion? Nay, whose finger did ever ache, but Catholics, for your Majesty's present title and dominion?
4 How many fled to your Court offering themselves as hostages for their friends, to live and die in your Graces quarrel, if ever Adversary had opposed himself against the equity of your cause? If this they attempted with their Princes disgrace, to obtain your Majesty's grace; what will they do? nay, what will they not do, to live without disgrace in your Graces favor?
5 The main of this Realm, if we respect Religion (setting petty sects aside) consisteth upon four parts: Protestants, who have dominiered all the former Queens days: Puritans, who have crept up apace among them: Atheists or Politicians, who were bred upon their brawls and contentions in matters of faith: And Catholics, who as they are opposite to all, so are they detested of all, because Error was ever an enemy to Truth.
6 Hardly all, or any of the first, two three can be suppressed: and therefore we beseech your Majesty to yield us as much favor, as others of contrary religion (to that which shall be publicly professed in England) shall obtain at your hands. For if our fault be like, or less, or none at all; in equity, our punishment ought to be like, or less, or none at all.
7 The Gates, Arches, and Pyramids of France proclaimed the present King Pater patriae & pacis restitutor, because that kingdom being well nigh torn in pieces with civil wars, and made a pray to foreign foes, was by his provident wisdom and valor aquitted in itself, and hostile strangers expelled; the which he principally effected by condescending to tolerate them of an adverse religion, to that was openly professed.
8 Questionlesse, dread Sovereign, the kingdom of England, by cruel persecution of Catholics, hath been almost odious to all Christian Nations: Trade and traffic is decayed, wars and blood hath seldom ceased, Subsidies and taxes never so many, discontented minds innumerable; all which your Majesty's princely conniuencie to your humble Suppliants, the afflicted Catholics, will easily redress, especially at your Highness ingress. Si loquaris ad eos verba lenia, erunt tibi serui cunctis diebus, said the sage Counselors of Solomon to Rehoboam. For enlargement after affliction resembleth a pleasant gale after a vehement tempest: and a benefit in distress doubleth the value thereof.
9 How grateful will it be to all Catholic Princes abroad, and honorable to your Majesty, to understand how Queen Elizabeth's severity is changed into your royal clemency: and that the lenity of a man reedified that which the misinformed anger of a woman destroyed: That the Lion rampant is passant, whereas the passant had been rampant? How acceptable shall all your subjects be to all Catholic countries, who are now almost abhorred of all, when they shall perceive your Highnes prepareth not pikes and prisons for the professors of their faith, but permitteth them Temples and Altars for the use of their Religion? Then shall we see with our eyes and touch with our fingers that happy benediction of Isaiah in this land, that swords are changed into ploughs, and launces in to sithes. And all Nations admiring us will say, Hi sunt semen cui benedixit Dominus.
10 We request no more favor at your Graces hands, then that we may securely profess that Catholic Religion, which all your happy Predecessors professed, from Donaldus the first converted, unto your Majesty's peerless Mother last martyred.
11 A Religion venerable for antiquity, majestical for amplitude, constant for continuance, irreprehensible for doctrine, inducing to all kind of virtue and piety, dissuading from all sin and wickedness. A Religion beloved by all primitive Pastors, established by all Ecumenical Councils, upheld by all ancient Doctors, maintained by the first and most Christian Emperors, recorded almost alone in all Ecclesiastical Histories, sealed with the blood of millions of Martyrs, adorned with the virtues of so many Confessors, beautified with the purity of thousands of Virgines, so conformable to natural sense and reason, and finally so agreeable to the sacred text of God's word and Gospel. The free use of this Religion we request, if not in public Churches, at least in private houses; if not with approbation, yet with toleration, without molestation.
12 Assure your Grace that howsoever some Protestants or Puritans, incited by moral honesty of life, or innated instinct of nature, or for fear of some temporal punishment, pretend obedience unto your Highnes laws; yet certainly the only Catholics for conscience sake observe them. For they defending that Princes precepts and statutes oblige no subject under the penalty of sin, will little care in conscience to transgress them which principally are tormented with the guilt of sin. But Catholics confessing merit in obeying, and demerit in transgressing, cannot but in soul be grievously tortured, at the least prevarication thereof.
13 Wherefore most merciful Sovereign, we your long afflicted subjects, in all dutiful submission, protest before the Majesty of God and all his holy Angels, as loyal obedience and as immaculate allegiance unto your Grace, as ever did faithful subjects in England or Scotland unto your Highnes progenitors; and intend as sincerely with our goods and lives to serve you, as ever did the loyallest Israelites King David, or the trusty legions the Roman Emperors.
14 And thus expecting your Majesty customary favor and gracious bounty, we rest your devoted Suppliants to him whose hands do manage the hearts of Kings, and with reciprocate mercy will requite the merciful.
Your sacred Majesty's most devoted Servants, The Catholics of England.
THE PROTESTANTS COVNTERPOYSE.
Most puissant Prince and mighty Monarch,
1 S Vch are the rare perfections and admirable gifts of wisdom, prudence, valor, justice, religion and godliness, wherewith the bountiful hand of God's divine Majesty hath endued your Majesty, as in the depth of your provident judgment, we doubt not but you foresee what concerneth both the spiritual and temporal government of all your kingdoms and dominions.
2 Notwithstanding your Graces most faithful subjects and devoted servants, the Protestants of England, partly to prevent sinister suggestions against the peace of our Church and Common-wealth, which happily might importune your sacred Majesty: partly almost (not long sithence) as men in danger to be exposed as a pray unto the enemy, to be overwhelmed with persecutions for our consciences, we are enforced to have speedy recourse for present redress from your Highness, and to present these humble lines unto your royal person, to plead for us your Majesty's gracious favor and princely patronage.
3 What allegiance or duty can any King or earthly Prince desire or expect at his vassals hands, which we either do not presently yield, or are not addressed to perform? How many Noble-men and worthy Gentlemen, most zealous in the true Christian Religion, have ever specially respected your Majesty's sacred person? How many have most carefully & religiously, for conscience sake, in our late sovereign Queen Elizabeth, of blessed memory, her happy days, for the satisfying of their own duty, and the establishing of the ignorant and doubtful minds of their friends and favorites, privately without contention, breach of law, or disloyalty to their Prince, conferred together and explicated your Highnes just and lawful title, for the advancement of your successive right unto the Scepter of Albion? Nay, whoever traversed, but Protestants, for your Majesty's present title & dominion?
4 If this they did in the life of our late Sovereign, not to flatter and dissemble with your Grace, but for justice and equity, for truth and conscience cause: what will they do? nay, what will they not do, to live in grace, without molestation or disgrace in your Graces favor? Now therefore the hereditary right of the Scepter, being lawfully devolved unto your Majesty, who is he amongst us, that will not fly unto your Court offering himself as hostage for his friends, to lose lands and livings, to the effusion of his dearest blood, to live and die in your Graces quarrel, if ever adversary shall once dare to oppose himself against the equity of your cause?
5 The main of this Realm, if we respect Religion, consisteth upon two parts: Papists, who in the latter years of our late Queens time, by general neglect in executing of good laws and the slumber of justice, have crept up apace amongst us: And Protestants, who as they are opposit to the Papists; so are they detested of them: because Error was ever an enemy to Truth.
6 These two cannot possibly stand together: For what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness? what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath the believer with the Infidel; the Christian Protestant, with the Popish Idolatour? And therefore we beseech your Majesty to afford us as much favor, as other Princes of contrary religion (to that which is publicly professed in England) do yield unto their Subjects. Other Princes tolerate no Protestants to live and serve their God in spirit and Truth, amongst their Popish Subjects: And we hope your Majesty will tolerate no Papists to live and to blaspheme our God with Idolatry and false worship among your Christian Subjects: For if our case be like, or better then theirs is; in equity, our usage ought to be like, or better then theirs is.
7 The Gates, arches, and pyramides of France proclaimed the present King Pater patriae & pacis restitutor, because that kingdom being well nigh torn in pieces with civil wars, and made a pray to foreign foes, was by his provident wisdom and valor, aquitted in it self, and hostile strangers expelled; the which he principally effected, by adiudging the Jesuits, the firebrands of sedition and rebellion, to perpetual exile out of his kingdom. So shall your Highnes be truly called Pater patriae & fidei defensor, if you vindicate your own sacred Person from the treacherous attempts of hollow hearted Subjects, your Realms from the invasions and assaults of foreign foes, and the Majesty of the everliving God, from being blasphemed and profaned by vile Idolators: all which you shall wisely and valorously effect, by adiudging seditious Jesuits, treacherous Priests, and all their Scholars the stirrers up of commotions and broils, to perpetual banishment out of your kingdoms and dominions.
8 Questionlesse, dread Sovereign, the kingdoms of England and Ireland, by unnatural, disloyal and traitorous practices of cruel Romish Catholics, have been almost wasted, and made a spectacle to all Christian Nations. Trade and traffike is much decayed, wars and blood hath seldom ceased, subsidies and taxes never so many, discontented minds innumerable; all which your Majesty's princely regard of the humble suit of your devoted Suppliants, the faithful Protestants, will easily redress, especially at your Highnes ingress. Si Jehovah sit Deus ipse, sequere eum; sin autem istorum Baal, sequere eum, was the wise counsel of holy Elijah unto the people of Israel. But to admit of two contrary Religions, were to halt between two opinions.
9 How grateful will it be to all Christian Princes abroad, and honorable to your Majesty, to understand how Queen Elizabeth's sincerity is continued by your royal constancy, and that the courage of a man reedified that which the not- informed Justice of a woman winked at? That the Lyon rampant trampleth under foot the enemies of God and his truth, of their Prince and Country; whereas the passant had been nothing less then rampant? How acceptable shall all your subjects be to all Christian countries, who lately feared the apostasy of your kingdoms, when they shall perceive your highness still maintaineth true Religion, and permitteth not Idolatrous Papists to perturb & molest the sincere professors of the true faith, or to profane the worship of God, by profession and use of their superstition. Then shall we see with our eyes, and touch with our fingers that happy benediction of Isaiah in this land, that swords are changed into ploughes, and launces into sithes: And all Nations admiring us will say, Hisunt semen, cui benedixit dominus.
10 We request no more favor at your Graces hands, then that you would compel all your Subjects to seek the Lord and his face continually; that you would prohibit Idolatry, repress blasphemy, abolish false worship, and cause all, within your dominions, to embrace that only true religion which your happy predecessors King Edward the sixth, & Queen Elizabeth of blessed and famous memory, constantly maintained; yea which also your sacred Majesty hath ever hitherto with singular constancy, and doth now zealously and sincerely profess.
11 A Religion venerable for antiquity, majestical for comely order, admirable for power and virtue, certain for truth, irreprehensible for Doctrine, inducing to all kind of virtue and piety, dissuading from all sin and wickedness. A religion approved by God himself, allowed by his wisdom, and confirmed by his holy spirit, rooted in the elect, beloved of all primitive pastors, established by the best Ecumenical councils, upheld by all ancient Doctors, maintained by the first and most Christian Emperors, recorded in the holy Scriptures, sealed with the blood of millions of Martyrs, and constantly professed by all holy confessors, that never was doubted of but by her enemies, never saw change but of Heretics, being the only Religion that is taught in God's sacred word and Gospel. Popish Idolatry it is that we crave to be repressed, if not by a new decree, at leastwise by strict execution of such good laws that in such cases are already enacted.
12 Assure your Grace that howsoever some Papists incited by moral honesty of life, or innated instinct of nature, or for fear of some temporal punishment, pretend obedience unto your highness laws; yet certainly the only Protestants for conscience sake observe them. For they defending these dangerous and damnable propositions, 1. That the Pope hath power to excommunicate Kings, 2. That he hath power to absolve subjects from their faith and allegiance, 3. That the Pope may depose Princes from their Scepter and Crown, and give the same unto another, 4. That any private man may be made executioner to murder or to poison the excommunicated King, 5. That faith must not be kept with Heretics, 6. That whosoever is not within the communion of the Romish Church is an Heretike, and consequently that your highness is such a one, 7. That no Clergy-man can commit treason against any temporal King, because he is not the Kings subject, but the Popes; and such like: care not in conscience, at the Popes beck, nay think it high merit, if he so command, not only to transgress your laws, but also to lay violent hands and to murder your sacred person, which God forbid. But Protestants, having learned to give unto Caesar the things of Caesar, and to God the things of God; and to obey the higher powers, which are the ordinance of God, cannot but in soul be grievously tortured for the least prevarication of the Magistrates just, necessary, or convenient laws.
13 Wherefore most gracious Sovereign, we your ever-faithful subjects, in all dutiful submission, vow and protest before the Majesty of God and all his holy Angels, as loyal obedience and as immaculate allegiance unto your Grace, as ever did faithful subjects in England or Scotland unto your Highnes progenitors and predecessors; and intend as sincerely with our goods and lives to serve you, as ever did the loyallest Israelites King David, or the trusty legions the Roman Emperors.
14 And thus, not doubting of your Majesty's constant profession of true Religion, and godly care for the rooting out of all Idolatry, we rest your devoted suppliants to him whose hands do manage the hearts of Kings, and with reciprocate Honor, will honor them that honor him.
Your sacred Majesty's most faithful Servants, The Protestants of England.
A BRIEFE CONSIDERATION OF THE CATHOLIKES REASONS FOR TOLERATION OF THEIR Religion in England, intimated in their Supplication to his Highnes.
I. REASON.
The Catholics are ready to perform any allegiance or duty that the King can desire or expect at their hands.
Ergo, It may please his Majesty to grant them a toleration of their Religion.
ANSWERE.
I. To the Antecedent.
1 The Antecedent must be understood conditionally, vid. If the King will grant a toleration, then the Papists say they will be dutiful; else they will not: but will run on the old bias again for practice and treachery against his Royal Person and the State, as they were wont in Queen Elizabeth's time. But if they will not be dutiful Subjects for conscience sake, as they are bound to be: Our dread Sovereign (in my opinion) shall have small good of their mercenary service.
2 Popish Religion in the Articles thereof, is treason against the lawful authority and state of our King. See the Counterpoyse, Sect. 12. Therefore whatsoever the Papists, either protest or pretend, it skilles not, they can be no loyal Subjects, so long as the Pope may discharge them from allegiance to their Prince. See note. 35.
3 By virtue of Popish Religion, the Ecclesiastical state challengeth immunity and exemption from his Highnes power, judicial courts, and in case of ordinary contributions; they withdraw their allegiance from the King, unto the obedience of a foreign Potentate, denying him an absolute power in his own Dominions.
II. To the Consequence.
1 Howsoever his Majesty, in policy, might wish all Papists within his Dominions, to be dutiful and obedient Subjects: yet cannot his Highnes allow and accept of the course leading thereunto, unless he find it warranted by the law of God; such as toleration of Popish Idolatry can never be.
2 The practices of the Papists being uncertain, it fits not the deep reach of a Prince, to remedy uncertain and lesser accidents, by opening free passage to more assured and greater perils.
II. REASON.
The Catholics have been very forward in maintaining and defending the Kings just and lawful title to the Scepter of Albion.
Ergo, His Majesty might do well to gratify them with a toleration.
ANSWERE.
I. To the Antecedent.
1 If the Papists were so firm (as now they say) for the Kings lawful title: they would not have been so forward for the Infantaes pretended title, as they have.
2 Grant they were so forward for his Majesty's title: yet it is very credible that they were but mercenary Iudases, for Quid vultis mihi dare, & ego tradam &c. They would do somewhat upon hope of toleration, else just nothing for conscience and equity.
3 This which they pretend should seem to be in Queen Elizabeth's days, which (if it were so) on their part, was great disloyalty to their Prince. And it may well be thought that traitorous hearts to Queen Elizabeth, can be none of the faithfullest Subjects to King James.
II. To the Consequence.
1 Suppose it lawful in Queen Elizabeth's days for Catholics to fly from their country, and to be factiously forward for the Kings lawful title; they did but their duty. Yet is it not lawful for his Majesty to permit the free exercise of Idolatry, which were plain impiety.
2 If this also were lawful in it self, yet were it no policy to grant the Papists a toleration, considering their intention and aim for alteration, their number, dependency, confederacy foreign and domestike, and other correspondent abilities, strong and to be suspected.
III. REASON.
Puritans and Atheists, being of contrary Religion to the Protestants, are tolerated in England.
Ergo, His Majesty may, with like reason, tolerate the free exercise of the Catholic Religion.
ANSWERE.
I. To the Antecedent.
1 Such as do scandalouslie or schismaticallie withdraw themselves from our public congregations, and refuse to serve the Lord together with us, are not permitted but punished by our laws.
2 Puritans (as they term them) are not contrary to the Protestants in Religion. See before note 11.
3 As for Atheism, it is not publicly professed in England, and therefore there can be no permission thereof. See note 15.
II. To the Consequence.
1 Upon supposed toleration of the factious and schismatical Puritan, there is no reason for toleration of the Papist; for diverse causes, videl.
- I. The Puritan holds no opinion directly opposit either to the Majesty of God, or his Highnes Soueraigntie: But the Papist doth.
- II. If the Puritaine did offend any of these ways, yet should not the Papist be admitted: for so the number of bad subjects should be increased.
2 The Papist is more dangerous then the Puritaine or Atheist, by reason of his opinion of learning, of his disloyal carriage, of his number and dependency at home and abroad.
IIII. REASON.
The French King hath granted a toleration of both Religions, which is the cause of quietness in his kingdom.
Ergo, The King of England may do so likewise.
ANSWERE.
I. To the Antecedent.
1 The cause of quietness in France was not toleration, but the banishment of the Jesuits. See the Counterpoyse Sect. 7.
2 The contrary religion in France is tolerated of necessity and disability of the Catholics part to expugne and ruin the other, as it was in the time of Charles the ninth, and Henry the third.
3 Such as the French King doth tolerate, do in opinion derogate nothing from his Soueraigntie, nor in action attempt anything against his person: But it is and ever was otherwise with Papists in England.
II. To the Consequence.
1 Men live by the rule of Reason and law, not by examples.
2 The French King holdeth correspondence in religion with the Pope; therefore in a question of the worship and service of the Lord, he cannot be a fit president to a Christian Prince professing the Gospel.
3 Though the French King permitteth the free exercise of the Gospel, a doctrine lawful in it self and holy, which derogateth nothing from Princes sovereignty: yet may not the King of England permit Papistry, the doctrine being Antichristian and unlawful in it self, joined also with dishonor and peril.
4 The French King alloweth toleration to such who acknowledge him for their lawful Sovereign, who never plotted against his Crown and life, nor can be induced upon any suggestion so to do: whereas his Majesty of England is solicited to yield it to such who hold that he is an Heretike, that he may be diuested, by the Popes Bull, of his imperial Crown and regalities; who have disposed of their allegiance to a foreign Prince; who never cease from projects and practices for alteration; who in fittest opportunity, upon mandate from the Pope, are ready to take arms for the subversion of his Scepter and state, of his royal person, and of the Gospel.
V. REASON.
Upon grant of toleration England will not be odious to all Christian Nations for cruel persecution of Catholics, as now they are.
Ergo, Toleration should in good reason be allowed and maintained.
ANSWERE.
I. To the Antecedent.
1 England is not odious to all Christian Nations, neither did it ever (within the supposed time) persecute Catholics, but punish Traitors.
Toleration being admitted, yet will not such as hate England cease to hate her still, because of the disgrace that must rely upon Popery; his Majesty, the State and almosy all the subjects professing the Gospel.
II. To the Consequence.
1 To grant toleration that England might not be slandered for proceedings against Papists, and hated by those of that faction, were for curing of the headach, to knock out the brains.
If we consider the parties that hate us, the insufficient ground they have for their hating us, the little measure of prejudice or damage that cometh thereof: and on the other side the inevitable dishonor, the danger and mischief of toleration; we shall see that the former is not worthy any regard, when there is question of the latter.
3 The surcease of Catholic-hate being altogether uncertain and accidentarie, it cannot be in policy a sufficient ground for embracing of dangerous toleration.
VI REASON.
Toleration will stay hostile attempts of Catholics against the Realm; and so Traffique will be free, Subsidies and Taxes shall not be so many, &c.
Ergo, Toleration is to be embraced.
ANSWERE.
I. To the Antecedent.
1 It is not the cause of Religion (though it hath been some part of their pretence) that embarked enemies against this land: But violent humors of ambition to a Monarchy, of malice and revenge upon supposed indignities; the securing of their own greatness by impairing their Neighbors, &c. therefore toleration cannot redress hostility.
2 Suppose Religion the cause, yet it is not toleration, but alteration that they aim at, and therefore their hostile practices and machinations are unlikely to cease for toleration.
3 Hostile attempts may cease without toleration; as by disability on the adverse part, necessity, compulsion, &c.
II. To the Consequence.
1 Evil must not be done that good may come thereof: Toleration of Idolatry cannot be denied to be evil.
2 Of two evils the lesser is to be chosen. Hostile attempts may endaunger the body: Toleration damneth the soul.
VII. REASON.
Toleration will be grateful to all Catholic Princes abroad.
Ergo, It ought to be granted.
ANSWERE.
I. To the Antecedent.
1 Alteration would be more grateful unto Catholic Princes, then toleration: should alteration therefore be granted?
II. To the Consequence.
1 Should his royal Majesty grant an impiety, and hazard his royal estate and person, yea his subjects and the Gospel, to gratify Catholic Princes?
2 Whether it be right in the sight of God, to obey you rather then God, iudgeye, Act. 4.19.
3 If I should please men, I were not the servant of Christ, saith the Apostle, Galat. 1.10. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
VII. REASON.
All English subjects would be acceptable to all Catholic countries, who are now almost abhorred of all, if toleration were granted.
Ergo, Toleration is not to be denied.
ANSWERE.
I. To the Antecedent.
1 It is false that Englishmen are abhorred of all Catholic countries, otherwise then for their religion, as all other Protestants be.
2 Suppose a toleration; yet dissension in religion extinguisheth acceptation in affection: therefore it is not probable that English subjects being Protestants in religion, should be esteemed and accepted among such as are of a contrary faction.
3 Nullus est fidus eorum affectus quorum est diuersa fides: saith Jerome.
4 Not toleration, but plain alteration would (peradventure) make English subjects acceptable.
II. To the consequence.
1 No sin must be committed against God for gaining of particular advantage.
2 It is a gross error in policy, in hope of idle and accidentarie reputation, to make choice of certain mischief.
IX. REASON.
Upon toleration of Catholic Religion, we shall enjoy assured peace; Swordes shall be changed into ploughes and launces into sithes.
Ergo, Toleration is to be admitted.
ANSWERE.
I. To the Antecedent.
1 Religion is not the cause of disturbance of peace and hostile attempts against this kingdom: as hath been said already.
2 If it were the cause: yet the Gospel, which is the thing they would extirpate, should remain still for all toleration; so that wars are not likely to cease.
3 Toleration would hatch simultation, jars, discord, dissension, and at last deadly war, rather then peace.
4 If Papists still attempted treasons in time of their restraint in Queen Elizabeth's days: is it not probable, that having more liberty, they would be more treacherous? especially the Popes malice against the Gospel being still the same, and their obedience to him not renounced?
II. To the Consequence.
1 Upon supposition of peace ensuing upon toleration, which is not likely: yet cursed be that peace, when it cannot be procured, but by sinning against God.
2 Maledicta sit omnis concordia, destituta sinceritate veritatis; saith Irenaeus.
X. REASON.
All the Kings happy predecessors professed the Catholic Religion.
Ergo, His Majesty ought (at least) to grant a toleration.
ANSWERE.
I. To the Antecedent.
1 The Antecedent is false: Popery was hatched but of late times.
2 Henry the eight, Edward the sixth, and Queen Elizabeth of happy memory, (to speak of no other) were the Kings predecessors, yet they professed not the Popish Religion.
II. To the Consequence.
1 If his Majesty's predecessors had professed Popery, yet that can be no warrant for his Highnes so to do; because we must not live by examples, but by laws and reason.
2 It is not antiquity, nor custom that makes a thing lawful in it self; neither must we so much regard the ancient way, as the good way. See Matth. 15.2. to the 12. Act. 7.51.52.1. Pet. 1.18.
3 Our Fathers must not be followed in evil. Be ye not as your fathers, Zach. 1.4. Walk not in the ordinances of your fathers, neither observe their manners, nor defile yourselves with their Idols. Ezech. 20.18. See also Psal. 78.8. Psal. 95.9. Amos. 2.4.
XI. REASON.
The Catholic Religion is ancient, irreprehensible in doctrine, agreeable to God's word, &c.
Ergo, Catholic Religion ought to be tolerated.
ANSWERE.
The Antecedent is an impudent begging of the question, and can never be proved: therefore the Consequence falleth of it self.
XII. REASON.
The Catholics only serve the King, and observe his laws for conscience.
Ergo, Catholics ought to be tolerated.
ANSWERE.
Thi reason is of the same nature with the first reason and is there answered. See also the Counterpoyse Setion 12.
So much for the Catholics reasons for toleration: Now w • will consider the Protestants reasons against it.
THE PROTESTANTS REASONS AGAINST TOLERATION OF POPERIE in England.
T He reasons against toleration of Papistical religion in this land, are of two sorts: 1. Theological, drawn from the scriptures either expressly, or by necessary consequence. 2. Politike, taken from consideration of the particular state of this kingdom, or from the religion and persons of the Papists.
I. REASON.
Whatsoever is offensive unto God, is not to be admitted.
Toleration of Papistry is an offense unto God.
Ergo, Toleration is not to be admitted.
Only the assumption cometh in question, which I prove by this Prosyllogisme.
Toleration of Idolatry is offensive unto God.
Toleration of Papistry is toleration of Idolarie.
Ergo, Toleration of Papistry is offensive vno God.
The proposition is manifest, because Id • latrie it self is offensive unto God; and conseque • tly the exercise and permission of the same. A C • ristian Prince being the keeper of both tables of he Decalogue, should not suffer Idolaters t • defile the worship of God within his dominions.
The assumption no Protestant can deny; seeing popish worship of God is Idolatrous worship: wherefore it needeth no proof. Neither have I penned these reasons for Papists.
II. REASON.
Whatsoever the good Kings of Judah and other godly Princes are commended for in the scriptures, that Christian Princes ought to imitate.
But the good Kings of Judah were commended for expelling of contrary worshippers, and repressing of Idolatry.
Ergo, Christian Princes ought to expel contrary worshippers, & to repress Idolatry in like manner.
The proposition is manifest, for whatsoever is written, is written for our instruction.
The assumption is proved by induction: Asa brake down the altars and images of strange God's, 2. Chron. 14.3. Jehoshaphat removed the high places and groves, 2. Chron. 17.6. Josiah put down the Chemarims, that were Idolatrous Priests, 2. King. 23.5. Jacob would not suffer Idolatry to be committed in his house, but buried all the Images under an Oke, Genes. 35.5. All which were commended for so doing.
III. REASON.
Whatsoever is discommended in other Kings, is to be eschewed of Christian Princes.
Toleration of contrary worshippers and permission of Idolatry is discommended in other Kings.
Ergo, Toleration is to be eschewed of Christian Princes.
The assumption is proved by the examples of such Kings as had not taken away the high places; as Jehoash, 2. King. 12.3. and Azariah, 2. King. 15.4.
IIII. REASON.
Halting between two opinions is not lawful.
Toleration of two contrary religions, is halting between two opinions.
Ergo, Toleration of two contrary religions is unlawful.
The proposition is clear out of the words of Elijah, How long will ye halt between two opinions? If the Lord be God, follow him: But if Baal be, go after him, 1. King. 18.21. And also out of Zephan. 1.5. I will stretch out mine hand upon them that worship & swear by the Lord, and swear by Malcham.
The Assumption is manifest, for whosoever causeth another to sin, is said to commit that sin himself; so David is said to murder Uriah.
V. REASON.
That which would be a means to obdurate and harden Papists in their superstition, is to be avoided.
Toleration of their religion, is a means to harden them, whereas otherwise there might be hope of them, &c.
Ergo, Toleration of Popish religion is to be avoided.
VI. REASON.
That which would be offensive unto all Christian Princes and people, is not to be admitted.
Toleration of Popery in England, would be offensive to all Christian Princes and people.
Ergo, Toleration is not to be admitted.
VII. REASON.
Whatsoever would be dishonorable unto his excellent Majesty, is not to be admitted.
Toleration of popery, would be very dishonorable unto his Highnes. For he hath ever hitherunto constantly professed the Gospel; and now enjoyeth a kingdom wherein the Gospel is established; besides that the glory of a King proceedeth from entertaining such constitutions and decrees in religion, as God himself hath enacted and delivered.
Ergo, Toleration is not to be admitted.
VIII. REASON.
Whatsoever is not for his Majesty's safety, nor for the safety of his kingdom, that is not to be admitted.
Toleration of Papists is not for his Majesty's safety, nor for the safety of his kingdom; because it is impossible for Papists to be loyal subjects to any Protestant Prince, as hath been often declared before.
Ergo, Fie upon toleration of disloyal Papists.
IX. REASON.
Whatsoever would breed confusion and disquietness in the land, that is to be avoided.
Toleration of Papistry would breed confusion and uproars in the land. For it would tend to the antiquating and repealing of diverse profitable laws already enacted against Popish practices; and harten the Papists to perpetrate any villainy, &c.
Ergo, Toleration of Popery is to be avoided.
X. REASON.
That which in Papists will double their allegiance and devotion to the Pope, is not to be tolerated.
Toleration of Popery will double the Papists allegiance and devotion unto the Pope. For immunity and freedom of profession will draw on more followers, and obdurate them in their blindness.
Ergo, Out upon toleration of Popery.
XI. REASON.
Whatsoever will treble the Papists detestation of our religion, and raise their desires of a full and entire reestablishment, that is to be abandoned.
Toleration of Popery will treble the Papists detestation of our religion, and raise up their desires of a full and entire reestablishment, as is manifest.
Ergo, Toleration of Popery is to be abandoned.
XII. REASON.
If the Pope in none of his territories, nor where he hath absolute jurisdiction, doth grant any liberty to Protestants, but tolerateth rather Jews and Turks; and persecuteth Protestants with fire and sword: neither is it any reason that his Popish Caterpillars should receive any such toleration in any Protestants dominions. For what measure they meat unto others, the same should others meat unto them.
But the Antecedent is true: otherwise they would repeal their Edicts and decrees against Protestants; cancel and frustrate the power of the bloody Inquisition; spare all search after their Persons; surcease their confiscations and all criminal process against them.
Ergo, The Consequent is true also, videl. That there is no reason to grant the Papists any toleration of their religion.
XIII. REASON.
If the Papists themselves do hold that King to be a stark Atheist and to have no sense of religiō, which admitteth contrary worshippers and mixture of religions: then do they intolerable injury unto our King in soliciting his Highnes to permit such freedom and mixture of religions.
But the Antecedent is true; as may be proved out of their own writings; Religio promiscua principem ostendit Atheum. And again, Qui magistratus liberum suis facit promiscuum vsum & coalitionem religionum, existimatur inde velle religionem omnem eneruare paulatim ac sensim, neque animo ac ingenue vllā colere, aut magnopere curare. Siquidem cordi si modo Principi esset Religio, nequaquā impune permitteret vagare ritus adscititios, prophanos, aut cultum diuinae religioni prorsus contrarium. Weston. Ibid. p. 187.
Ergo, The Consequence is true also. Wherefore toleration of Popery, is not to be admitted.
XIIII. REASON.
If the Papists themselves know in their own consciences and acknowledge in their writings, that amongst contrary worshippers, it is impossible for the King to live in safety; then are they wicked traitors against his royal Majesty, for importuning his grace to admit a toleration which they know to be so dangerous unto his person.
But the Antecedent is true. For so they write. Inter omnes minus tutus videtur Princeps, nec sane bone protectus, qui arbitrarias hasce religiones in republica permittit. Nam aut in alteram partem propendet, velin medio, & quasi aequilibrio suspensus consistit. Si aliquo inclinet, aduersaria factio eum pro host habebit cum Dei ipsius tum sacrorum & suarum rerum. Si neutro vergat, ab omnibus pro Atheo habebitur. Et sane orthodoxi cognoscentes haeresim adeo esse Deo exosam, ac hominib. pestiferā, videntesque Principem haereticis colludentem, ac illis indulgentem, haereticum ducent animo aut Atheum. Quod si fecerint, quid sacri aut tuti supererit in diademate, imo quid politici? &c.
Ergo, The Consequent is true also. videl. That the Papists are wicked traitors to his Majesty, for supplicating for Toleration.
XV. REASON.
If all Christian Princes be bound in conscience to persecute, afflict and torment the great Whore of Babylon: then ought they not to grant her a seat within their dominions.
But the Antecedent is true. For it is God's express commandment; Reward her even as she hath rewarded you; and give her double according to her works: in that cup that she hath filled to you, fill her the double. In as much as she hath glorified her self, and lived in pleasure, so much give you to her torment and sorrow.
Ergo, No Christian Prince ought to tolerate popery, or to suffer the Romish beast to roost within his territories. But is bound in conscience, by virtue of the Lord's express charge, given specially unto Kings and Princes who have renounced Antichrist, to plague and torment all Papists, to give them double payment, to antiquate and abolish all Romish and Popish abomination.
Revelation. 7.12.
Amen. Praise, and glory, and wisdom, and thanks, and honor, and power, and might, be unto our God forever more. Amen.