The question whether Re­cusants shold be executed, or rather im­prisoned, well discussed. I Am not ignorant that this latter Age hath brought forth a swarme of busie heads, which measure the great mysteries of State by the rule of their selfe-conceited wisdome. But if they should consider the Common­wealth governed by grave and wise Counsellors, to be like unto a Ship directed by a skilfull Pilot, to whom the necessity of occasions, [Page 2]and ground of reason why he steereth the helme to this or that point of the Compasse, are better known than to those that stand aloofe off; they would bee more sparing, if not more wary in their resolutions. For my owne particular, I must confesse I am natu­rally too much enclined to his opinion who once said, Qui bene latuit, bene vixit: and freely calling to minde the saying of Functius, Disce meo exemplo mandato mu­nere fungi— Et fuge tu pestem, I could easily for­beare to make my hand-writing the record of my opi­nion, which neverthelesse I protest to maintain rather deliberatively, than by the way of conclusive assenti­on; wherefore, without wasting precious time any longer, I will briefly set downe the question in the tearmes following.

Whether it be more expedient to suppresse Popish practi­ses against the due allegiance to his Majestie, by the strict execution of the Lawes touching Iesuites and Se­minary Priests: or to restraine them in close Prisons during life, if no reformation follow.

THe doubt propounded, consisting of two bran­ches to be distinctly handled, and by comparing either part, the conveniency mentioned in the questi­on, may be cleared with meere facility. In favour of the first division, Mercy fore­running the repentance of a malefactor, is an ill guar­dian to a prin­ces person. there are not a few, who grounding themselves on an ancient proverbe, A dead man bites not; affirme that such are dangerous to be preserved alive, who being guilty, condemned, and full of feare, are likely, for purchase of life and liberty, to engage their utmost in desperate adventures, against their [Page 3]King and Countrey. No lesse is to be feared, while the sword of Justice is remisse in cutting off heinous offendors against the dignity of the Crowne; A hard hand suddenly re­mitted, is sel­dome by rude people inter­preted in the best sence. the mis­led Papall multitude in the interim may enter in a jealous suspence, whether that forbearance proceed from the feare exasperating their desperate humours, or that it's now become questionable whether the exe­cution of their Priests be simply for matter of State, or pretended quarrell of Religion. There is no hope of refor­mation, were there no con­fession of the fault. And whereas in a remedilesse inconvenience its lawfull to use the ex­tremity of the lawes against some few, that others may by terror of their example be reformed; what hope can there be that clemency can tame their hearts, who interpret his Majesties grace in transporting their Priests out of the Realme, to be a meere shift to rid the prisons of those whom conscience could not con­demne of any capitall crime. While justice sleeps, the time serves to sow new laws, and rayse factions. Neither are there want­ing whisperings, not to be neglected, by which they seeke to confirme the fearefull soules on their party, and to inveigle the ignorant, doubtfull, and discon­tented persons. For if the glorious extolling of their powerfull friends, and the expectance of a golden day be suffered to win credit with the meaner sort, the re­lapse cannot be small, or the meanes easie to reforme the error, without a generall combustion of the State. Let experience speake something in this behalfe, Fearefull spi­rits by suffer­ance grow in­solent and cruell. which hath evidently descryed within the current of a few yeares, that the forbearance of severity hath mul­tiplyed their rout in such a manner, that it remaines as a corrosive to a thousand of his Majesties well af­fected Subjects. To what purpose serves it, to muster the names of the Protestants, or to vaunt them to be [Page 4]ten for one of the Romane faction, Vnion in a prepared con­spiracy pre­vailes more then number. as if bare signes of numeration could prevaile against an united party, and resolved, and advised before hand to turne their faces with assurance, to all dangers, whilest in the meane time the Protestants nusling in vaine security, suffer the weeds to grow up, that threaten their bane, and mercilesse ruine. Sometimes the oath of Allea­giance cloked their presumptuous imagination, It is hard to perswade those who by reason of their dependance on the pope are scarse ma­ster of their owne soules. and yet could not that infernall smoake be wholly smo­thered, nor the Locusts issuing thereout be cleansed from the face of this Land.

Now that the temporall power of the King, con­tained in the oath of Alleagiance, is by the Papall Sea, and may by the order thereof impudently be a­voucht unlawfull; Shall the broachers of such do­ctrine be suffered to live, yea to live, and be releeved of us, for whose destruction they groane daily?

Malis bene­facere, tan­tundem est, ac bonis ma­lefacere.To be a right Popish Priest in true English sense, is to beare the character of a disloyall, degenerate of his naturall obedience towards his Soveraigne, whom if by connivency he shall let slip, or chastise with a sleight hand; in what immunity may not treache­rous delinquents in lesser degrees expect or challenge after a sort in equity and justice? If there were no re­ceiver, there would be no theeves: Likewise if there were no harborers of these Jesuites, its to be presumed they would not trouble this Isle with their presence: Fellowship in misery easeth griefe, and by a clamor of a multitude ju­stice is many ti [...]es con­demned. and rigor must be extended against the receivers, that the Jesuite may be kept out of doores; were it then indifferent Justice to hang up the accessory, and let the principall goe free? to suffer the Priest to draw his breath at length, whilest the entertainer of him un­der [Page 5]his roofe submits his body into the executioners hands? without doubt if it be fit to forbeare the chief, it would be necessary to receive the second offendor.

Reputation is one of the principall arteries of the Common-wealth, which Maxime is so well knowne of the Secretaries of the Papacy, that by private for­geries and publique impressions of calumniations, they endeavour to wound us in the vitall part. How­soever therefore that some few of that stampe, being better tempered than their fellowes, in defence of their present government, have not spared to affirme that Tyranny is unjustly ascribed thereunto, forasmuch as freedome of conscience, after a sort, may be redeemed by money: It is not good to set a price upon that which being sold, repen­tance is to the seller. Notwithstanding there want not many Pamphlets of their side, who opprobriously cast in our teeth, that converting the penalty inflicted upon Recusants, and refusers of the oath of Alleagiance, is gone from the Kings Exchequer, to a particular purse. Surely we cannot presume that those Libellors should be disswaded from spitting out their venome malitiously against us, when they shall see their Priests mued up without further processe of Law. Warinesse is to be used with those Quines to­tamservitu­tem pati pos­sint, nec totà libertatem. For either they will attribute this his calme dealing to the justice of their cause, the strength of their parts, or patience, or that no act of time hath discovered our Lawes, im­porting over-much sharpnesse in good policy to be thought fitter for the abnegation of their non-sense, then repealed by a publique decree. Most men write good turnes in Sand, and bad in Mar­ble. Moreover it is thought by some, that if their Seminaries be only re­strained, that they may prove like snakes kept in ones bosome, such as Bonner, Gardner, and such of the same livery, shewed themselves to be after liberty obtained [Page 4] [...] [Page 5] [...] [Page 6]in Queene Maries daies, and if the lives of their ghostly Fathers agrieve them, its probable they would take armes sooner, and with more courage to free the living, then to set up a Trophee for the dead.

Fugitives that crave succor, use to lie much in favor of their cause and power.Howsoever, the Jesuits band is knowne in their na­tive soile to be defective in many respects, which makes them underlings to the Protestants, as in authority, armes, and the protection of Lawes, which is all in all, neverthelesse they insinuate them­selves into forraigne Princes, favouring their parries, with promises of strong assistance at home, if they may bewell backt from abroad; to which purpose they have delivered the inhabitants of this Realme into foure Sects, whereas ranking their troopes in the first place, as due to the pretended Catholikes, they assume a full-fourth to their party, and of that part again they make a subdivision into two por­tions; namely, of those that openly renounce the established Church of England, and others, whose cer­taine number as yet cannot be knowne, because they frequent our Service and Sacraments, reserving their hearts to their god the Pope. The second party they allot to the Protestants, It is a signe When a facti­on dare num­ber their side, they conceive an opinion of sufficient strength to at­tempt some innovation. who retaine yet as they say, some reliques of their Church. The third ranke, and largest was left unto the Puritans, whom they hate deadly, in respect they will not hold an indiffe­rent quarter with Papists. The fourth and last mani­ple they assigne to the Polititians, Huomini (say they) senza Deo senza anima, Men without feare of God, or regard of their owne soules, who busying themselves in matters of State, retaine no senfe of religion. No doubt if the authors of this partition have cast their [Page 7]accounts aright, we must confesse that the later brood is properly to be ascribed to them. Discontented mindes in be­ginning of tu­mults will a­gree, though their end be diverse. For if the un­dermining of the Parliament house, the scandalizing of the King in print, who is Gods anointed, and the re­fusall of naturall obedience, be markes of those that stand neither in awe of God, nor conscience; well may the Papists boast that they are assured of the first in number, and may presume of the last in friendship when occasion shall be offered. A multitude is never uni­ted in grosse, but in some few heads; which being taken away, converteth their fury a­gainst the first movers of the sedition. For the preventing of which combination, it is a sure way to cut off the heads that should tie the knot; Or at least brand them with a marke in the forehead before they be dismist: or after the opinion of others, to make them unwel­come to the feminine sex, which now with great fer­vency embrace them; like unto certaine Germanes in▪ Italy, who calling themselves Publicans, were marked with a hot iron in the forehead, and whipt, being thrust out in the midst of winter, with a prohi­bition none should receive them, and dyed of hunger and cold.

These are for the most part arguments vented in ordinary discourse, by many who suppose a Priests breath to be contagious in our English aire. Others there are who maintaine the second part of the que­stion, with reasons not unworthy of observation. Death is the end of temporall joyes, but it may no way he accounted the grave of memory. Therefore how­soever it is in the power of justice to suppresse the person of a man, the opinion for which be suffered, conceived truly or untruly in the hearts of the multi­tude, is not subject to any sword, how sharp or keene soever. I confesse, the teeth are seen that bite only out [Page 8]of the malice of a singular faction, Rooted su­perstition be­ing violently handled, doth grow more wary, not lesse obsti­nate. but when poison is diffused through the veines of a Common-wealth, with intermixtures of a blood good and bad, separati­on is to be made rather by patient evacuation, then present incision. The greatest biter of State is envy, joyned with the thirst of revenge, which seldome de­clares it selfe in plaine colours, untill a jealousie con­ceived of personall danger breake out into desperate resolutions. Hen [...] comes it to passe that when one malecontented member is grieved, the rest of the bo­dy is sensible thereof. If Conspira­tors have one sympathy of minde, the conspiracy is never suffici­ently suppres­sed so long as one of them remaineth. Neither can a Jesuit or a Priest be cut off without a generall murmuring of their fol­lowers, which being confident in their number, se­cretly arme for opposition, or confirmed with their Martyrs blood as they are perswaded, resolve by pa­tience and sufferance to glorifie their cause, and me­rit heaven: Doe we not daily see it is easier to con­front a private enemy, then a society or corporative? and that the hatred of a State is more mortall then the spleene of a Monarchy. Therefore except it be de­monstrated that the whole Romane City which con­sists not of one brood, Opinion set­led in a mul­titude, is like Hidras head, which must be cured by fearing, not by letting blood. but of a succession of persons, may be cut off at the first stroke, as one entire head; I see no cause to thinke our State secured by sitting on the skirts of some few Seminaries, leaving in the meane time a multitude of snarlers abroad, who only shew their teeth, but waite for opportunity to bite fiercely. I will not deny but whom we feare we com­monly hate, provided alwaies that no merit hath in­terceded a reconciliation. For there is a great diffe­rence betwixt hatred conceived against him that will take the life, and him that may justly doe it, and yet [Page 9]in clemency forbeares to put it in effect; for the lat­ter breedeth a reverent awe, Clemency is a divine ju­stice, and worketh su­pernaturall effects. whereas the former sub­jects to servile feare, alwaies accompanied with desire of innovation. And though it hath been affirmed of the Church of Rome, Quod pontificum genus semper crudele: Neverthelesse, out of charity let us hope that all devils are not so black as they are painted; Gorticus axiom. polit. some, or perhaps many of them there are whom con­science, or in default thereof, pure shame of the world, will constraine to confesse that his Majesty most gratiously distinguisheth the throne of Pope­ry from the active part thereof, as being naturally in­clined, Parvis peccatis veniam, magnis securitatem; Tacit. in vita Agricalae. poe­na semper, sed poenitentia aliquando contentum esse.

Mistaking of punishment legally inflicted, com­monly proceeds from fond pitty, and the interest which we have in the same cause, both which beget blinde partiality.

When trai­tors in mif­chiefes will not choose the least, it argues they are desperate and breathe nothing but extremity of mischiefe.Admit then, that the Papall side affecting merit by compassion, may be nearely touched with the re­straint of their Seminaries; I cannot be denied I hope, except they had the hearts of Tigers, that in humanity they will prefer their ease of durance, be­fore the rigor of death. And albeit that Parsons, Bel­larmine, and the Pope himselfe constraine their spiri­tuall children to thrust their fingers into the fire by refusing the Oath of Alleagiance; Notwithstanding we have many Courts, Judiciall testimonies, and printed Bookes, that the greater part of them are of the. The bane hunters minde, who would have rather seen his dogs cruell acts, then have felt them to his owne cost: Garnet himselfe also in one of his secret [Page 10] It was a pre­cept of Ma­chivell to put on the maske of religion, which is now become a po­pish aph [...] ­risme. Letters, laments, that after his death he should not be extolled amongst the Martyrs, because that no matters of Religion were objected against him, yet in his demeanors it plainly appeared, that he would gladly have had the possibility of that glory, if any such had remained; neither is it to be presumed, that being in prison, he would ever have conceived that we durst not to touch his reverence, or that the Law was remisse that had justly condemned him, and left his life to the Kings mercy. It is the distance of the place, So it pleased Parsons to cavill: of whom it may be truly said, Malus ma­lum peiorem, peiorem esse vult & sus similem. not Parsons, that interpreted the sending over the Seas of their Priests, to be a greater argument of their innocency, than of his Majesties forbearance: for had Parsons himselfe been Coram nobis, his song would rather have been of mercy, than justice. It is truly said, that we are instructed better by examples, than precepts. Therefore if the Lawes printed, and enditements recorded cannot controlle the calumnia­tions of 2023. of that back-biting number, I doubt not but that the question may be readily decided:

To dally with pragmaticall Papists, especially those that by their examples and counsels pervert his Majesties subjects, To bestow benefits on the bad, ma­keth them worse, and vi­lifies the re­ward to the vertuous. I hold it a point of meere injustice: for what comfort may the good expect, when the bad are by connivency freed to speake what they list, and emboldened to put their disloyall thoughts in execu­tion. For example therefore of my meaning, it is ne­cessary to have regard to the nature of the Kings [Page 11]liege people that are to be reformed to the example of justice, and other forreiners, who will they, nill they, must be observers of our actions. It hath truly been observed, that the Nations of Europe which are most remote from Rome, are more superstitiously inclined to the dregs of that place, then the nearer neighbours of Italy; whether the humor proceed from the complexion of the Northerne bodies, which is naturally inclined to old custome, more than Sou­therne regions: Or that the vices of the City seated on seven hills, are by crafty Ministers of that Sea, concealed from the vulgar sorts; I list not now to dis­cusse: but most certaine it is, that the people of this Isle exceed the Romanes in zeale of their profession; insomuch that in Rome it selfe, I have heard the English fugitives tasked by the name of Pischia petti Inglisi, Knock-breasts, hypocrites. Now as our coun­trimen tooke surer hold of Papall traditions from o­thers, so are they naturally better fortified with a courage to endure death for the maintenance of the cause. For this Climate is of that temperature, out of which Vigetius holds it fittest to choose a valiant sol­dier, where the heart finding it self provided of plen­ty of blood to sustaine sudden defects, it is not so soon apprehensive of death or danger, Valour is o­vercome, by meeknesse, but being too much sup­pressed turnes to unbridled fury. as where the store­house of blood being small, every hazzard maketh pale cheekes and trembling hands. Angli (say ancient writers) bello in trepidi, nec mortis sensu deterrentur. And thereupon Botero the Italian beares witnesse in his re­lations, that many strangers comming out of forrein parts, amongst the rarities of England, desired to see whether report had not been too lavish in affirming [Page 12]that our condemned persons sold their bodies to death with chearefulnesse, and were it not that by daily ex­perience we can call our selves to witnesse this truth, I could produce the reverent Judge Fortescue, The best laws are made out of those good customes whereunto the people are naturally inclined. who in commendation of our English Lawes, made sutable (as he well observeth) to the inbred conditions of the inhabitants of this foile, avoucheth that the English people in trial for criminal causes, are not compelled by tortures to confesse, as in other Nations it is used; forasmuch as the English Nation is knowne to bee lesse fearefull of deaths torments; Vse to see men die with resolution, ta­keth away the feare of death, for which reason the Romanes used the fights of the gladiators. for which cause if the torments of the Civill Law were offered to an in­nocent person, he would rather yeeld himselfe guilty and suffer death, than endure the houres of lingering paines. Insulam plerumque fures inhabitant, saith one, and so true it is that this Country is stained with that imputation, notwithstanding that many are put to death, to the end that others by their facts might learn in time to beware. If then it doth not appeare that terrors doe not prevaile to keep men from offences, The Here­ticks and publicans be­ing whipped, took their punishment gladly, their captaine go­ing before, and singing, blessed are men that hate you. which are to be condemned by Law and Conscience, what assurance can they have to scare those which are constantly satisfied in their mindes, that their suffer­ings are either expresly, or by implication for mat­ter of Religion, and health of their soules; in such a death to threaten death to English men, is a matter of small consequence: Purpur at is Gallis, Italis, aut His­panis ist a minitare. To a settled resolution it bootes not to shew the dreadfull vizzard of deaths menaces, to prolong a wearisome life prevailes much more in such cases. Androma­chen cogere sivis, vitam monitare. Sen Rightly did Clement the eighth consider, that by burning two English men in Rome for sup­posed [Page 13]heresie, rather impaired his cause, then better­ed it, insomuch that many being present at the death of Master Marsh, who was brought to dust, In campo de sancta Flora, spared not to proclaime him for a Martyr, carried away his ashes for a relique, and wish­ed their soules at the same place with his, which newes being brought to the Popes eare, caused him, as it was bruted about in Rome, solemnly to pro­test that none of the English nation should publique­ly from that time forward be consumed with fire. Worldly de­sires may be quenched with godly meditations, but heavenly hopes cannot be abated by earthly pu­nishments. On the other side, if we reade the Volumnes written in praise of their Priests constancy, their Martyrology, or Calendars of Martyrs, and path way of salvation chalkt out to the Papists, by sacrificing their lives to the Pope; we shall finde that by taking away of one, we have confirmed and invited many, whereof I could give particular instances, if I thought any scruple were made in that point. As for forraigne parts which hold with the Papall supremacy, it is cleare they will be severe and partiall judges in this cause. for albeit here in England it is well knowne to all true and loyall Subjects, It is a point of wisdome to maintaine the truth with as little dispu­tation as may be, least a good cause be marred with ill hand­ling. that for matter of Romish doctrine, no mans life is directly called in question, but that their disobedience in matters of State is the only motive of their persecution: Neverthelesse where a great Canton of Christendome is rooted in a contrary opinion, and things of the world are for the most part esteemed by outward appearance; the Land cannot escape malitious scandals, neither shall there want Colledges to supply the faction with Semina­ries. Therefore againe and againe I say, that if the state of the question were so set, that it were possible [Page 14]by a generall execution of Priests, and their adhe­rents to end the controversie, I could in some sort with better will subscribe thereunto. But seeing I had little hope in that course, It is hard to make a rule so generall, against which difference of circumstance cannot ex­cept. I hold it safer to be am­bitious of the victory which is purchased with lesse losse of blood, and to proceed as Tully teacheth his Orator, who when he cannot fully overthrow his ad­versary, yet ought he to doe it in some sort, and with­all to endeavour to confirme his owne party in the best manner he can. Hee that forbeares to sow his ground in expectance of a good winde, and favoura­ble moone, commonly hath a poore crop, and a leane purse; So shall it fare with the State, if private whisperings of discontented persons, that never lear­ned to speake well, never to be nicely regarded, yet are they not to be sleightly set at nought, lest our cre­dit grow light, even in the ballance of our dearest friends. He that is ca­lumniated by many, is in danger, first to be suspect­ed by his friends, and shortly to be condemned, if the slan­der continue. The papisticall Libels informe against us, that we are desirous to grow fat with sucking of their blood, the very walls of their Seminary counsels at Rome are bedawbed with their lying fancies, and in every corner the corner-creepers have some badge of their malitious spleene against us, crying out of our cruelty and persecutions. But if the penalty of death be changed into a simple durance of prisons, what moate can they finde in our eyes to pull out, or with what Rhetorick can they defend their obstinate mala­pertnesse, with repaying us evill for good, but deserve to have coales of indignation poured upon their heads. Visne muliebre consilium, to Augustus, let severi­ty sleep a while, and try what alteration the pardon­ing of them will bring: The Emperor hearkened un­to [Page 15]the counsel, That counsell takes best ef­fect, which is fitted to the nature of the times and persons. and thereby found his enemies mouthes stopped, and the fury of their malice abated; some there are perchance that will terme this clemency innovation, and vouch the president of that City, who permitted none to propound new Lawes, that had not a Collar about their necks ready for vengeance, if it were found unprofitable. But let such Stoicks know that there is a great difference betwixt the penning a new Law, and advice given for manner of executing it; Those chan­ges of State are safely made, which reserving most part of the ancient forme, bet­ters it, and re­duceth effects into order. neither by their leaves are all innovations to bee rejected: for divine Plato teacheth us, that in all Common-wealths, upon just grounds there ought to be some changes, and that Statesmen therein must be­have themselves like skilfull Musitians, Qui artem Musices non mutant, sed Musices modum. That an ill weed grows fast by the example of the new Catho­liques increase, is cleerely convinced; but he that will ascribe this generation simply to his Majesties heroi­call vertue of clemency, argueth out of the fallacy which is called Ignoratio Elenchi. Was not the zeale of many cooled towards the end of Queene Elizabeths raigne? Have not the impertinent heads of some of our owne side bereft us of part of our strength, and the Papacy with tract of time gotten a hard skin on their consciences? Parvametu primo mox sese, The Church is most zea­lous when persecution is most fresh in memory; when those times forgot­ten, we fall to loath that which we in­joy freely. attollit in altum. But if we will have a better insight, behold how this great quantity of Spawne is multiplyed; we must especially ascribe the cause thereof to their Priests, who by their deaths prepare and assure more to their Sect, then by their lives they could ever per­swade. It were incivility to distrust a friend, or one that hath the shew of an honest man, if he will frankly [Page 16]give his word, or confirme it with a sacred Oath, but when protestation is made at the last gasp of life, it causeth a greater effect, and possesseth those that can­not gainsay it upon their owne knowledge. The num­ber of those Priests which now a daies come to make a Tragicall conclusion is not great, yet as with one seale many Patents are sealed, so with the losse of few lives, numbers of: wavering spirits may be gained. Sanguis Martyrum, In this case the question is not so much of the truth of it, as who shall judge, and what censure be given. semen Ecclesiae, and though their Priests having a disadvantagious cause, are indeed but counterfeit Martyrs to a true understanding, yet will they be reputed for such by those that lay their soules in pawne upon their doctrine, with whom, if we list to contend by multitude of voices, we shall be cryed downe without peradventure. For the gate of their Church is wide, and many there be that enter there­into. By divers meanes it is possible to come to one and the selfsame end, In the first yeare of Qu: Elizabeth it was easier to subdue pope­ry then now, for then they feared to irri­tate the E­states, not knowing how far sin­cerity might extend. Now knowing the worst, they are resolved agere & pa­ti fortia. seeing that the Sum of our wil­lingnesse and well wishing is all one; namely, that Popish priests may have no power to doe harme, it is impertinent to try sundry pathes, which way to lead us to the perfection of our desires. Polititians distinguish Inter Rempublicam constitutam, & Rempub­licam constituendam: according to the severall natures therof, Statists are to dispose of their counsels and or­dinances. Were the Rhemists and Romulists new hatcht out of their shell, the former course of severi­ty might soone bury their opinions with their per­sons; but since the disease is inveterated, variety of medicine is to be applyed, but judiciously. The Ro­manes did not punish all crimes of one and the selfe­same nature with extremity of death, for some they [Page 17]condemned to perpetuall banishment in prison, and others they banisht into an Island, and some remote Countrey. In case of religion they were tender to dip their finger in blood; for when Cato was Consull, and it seemed good to the Senate to suppresse with violence the disordered Ceremony of the Bacchanals, brought into the City by a strange Priest, hee withstood their sentence, Vulgus est moresum animal, quod facili­us duci potest quam cogi. alleadging there was nothing so apt to deceive many as Religion, which alwaies pretends a shew of Divinity; and therefore it behooves them to be very wary in chastising thereof, lest any indignation should enter into the peoples minde, that something was derogated from the Majesty of their god. Others more freely, have not feared to place re­ligion which is ignorantly zealous, amongst the kindes of phrensie, which is not to be cured o­therwise then by time giving, to direct or qua­lifie the fury of the conceit. Tantum religio po­tuit suadere malorum. Howsoever in valuing the power of a City, as therein strength of argu­ments, quality, and worth is to be preferred be­fore number. Neverthelesse, where the utter­most of our feare is not knowne, Many Partizans en­courage the faint hearted: and where an enemy cannot pre vaile against number, his thoughts are not how to offend, but how to make a safe retreate. it imports much, to have it conceived that the multitude stands for us. For doubts and suspitions cast in an enemies way, evermore make things grea­ter, and more difficult than they are indeed. We have by Gods mercy the sword of Justice drawn in our behalfe, which in short time is able to disunite the secret underminers of our quiet. [Page 18]We have a King zealous for the house of the Lord, who needeth not to feare lesse successe in shutting up of the Priests, then our late Queen had in restraining them in Wisbitch Castle, where lest factious spirits should rust, they converted their canker to fret upon themselves, and vomiting out their gall in Quodlibets, More Priests may be shut up in a yeare, then they can make in many. shew­ed that their disease was chiefly predominant in the spleene: what tempests they have raised in their Colledge at Rome, their owne bookes, and many Travellers can witnesse, the scorne whereof was such, that Sixtus Quintus com­plained seriously of the vexation which he re­ceived oftner from the English Schollars, then from all the vassals of his Triple Crowne. And truly is the Magistrate noted of negligence, Desire of Innovation is rash and contenti­ous, and therefore can hardly agree of a head. or overmuch security, that laies not wait to catch the Foxes, the little Foxes which spoile the Vineyard, as without further punishments, re­serving them to the day wherein God will take account of their stewardships. For if Aristotles City deemed to be a society of men, assembled to live well, be the same which in our Law hath reference to the people in peace, so long as we taste of the sweet of the peaceable government, we cannot say but that we live well, and that the consisting of men, not of walls, is happily go­verned and guided. An oath is of force so long as it is thought lawfull; when that opinion is ceased, it doth more hurt than good. An Oath is but a weake band to hold him, that will for pretended con­science sake, hold no faith with Heretiques, or by absolution of a Priest, thinkes himselfe at li­berty to flie from any promise, or protestation [Page 19]whatsoever, therefore when I remember that Watson the Priest, notwithstanding his inve­ctive against the Jesuits, gained liberty to forge his trecherous inventions, and had others of his society in the complot; I judge it safer to make recluses of them, then to suffer such to dally with us by bookes, and some other idle intelli­gences cast abroad, only as a mist to blinde our eyes. But how shall we finde the meanes to ap­prehend those disguised Romanists, that borrow the shape of Captaines, Merchants, Gentle­men, Citizens, and all sorts of people, and by equivocation may deny themselves? In answer to this question, I will first shew the reason why they are not pursued and taken, and after make an overture how these may be bolted out of their hutches. The nature of man, One man in another beholdeth the image of himself, and there­by groweth compas­sionate, and sensible of that which may fall to himselfe. howsoever in hot blood, is to be thirsty of revenge in a cholle­rick temper, it hath a kinde of Nausea, as I may call it, a distaste of taking away the lives, even of the nocent. Insomuch that in all Assises and Sessions, and offender can hardly be condemned, whom the foolish pitty of many after a sort, will not excuse with laying some imputation on the Judges part, on the Jury, and much on the accuser, and surely by their blinde affections, praise the prisoner, who perhaps was never commended for handsomnesse, yet is esteemed of them for one of the properest men in the company. For hence it comes to passe that the name of Sergeant, or Pursevant is odious, and the executioner, though the hand of justice, is [Page 20]esteemed no better than an enemy to mankinde, and one that lost honesty in the Cradle. Reve­rend Master Foxe was wont to say, that spies and accusers were necessary members in a com­mon-Weale, What men doe un­willingly, they doe not effectually. and deserved to be cherisht; but for his owne part, he would not be one of that number, nor wish his friends to affect such em­ployments. And albeit the Law commands every man to apprehend a fellon, doe we not commonly see every man content to stand by, and look on whilest others performe that office? Likewise it is evident, that if such as are tender of their reputation, be very scrupulous per­sonally to arrest men for actions of debt, they will be more unwilling in drawing their bodies to the Rack or Gallows, especially when there is any colour of Religion to be pretended in the case. The diversity of mens faces is great, but that university of their minds and their cases are more variable, wherein the meanest have thoughts aswell as the highest. Besides, there are too many of the blinde Commonalty altoge­ther Popish, though not reconciled Papists, who in their foolish ignorance will say, it is pit­ty any should die for their conscience, though indeed thereby they make but honourable a­mends for their treason. Verily I doe not know what misgiving of the minde it is that makes men forecast the possibility of alteration in the matters of Religion, and for that respect they are exceeding backward in discovery, and lay­ing hands on Seminaries, yea, and over-time­rous [Page 21]in enacting sharp Lawes against them, as they that silently say amongst themselves, Sors hodierna mihi, cras erit illa tibi.

Some also revive a Text in Queene Maries time, alleaged by the Protestants, that the tares should not be plucked up before harvest. Nay, Vertue neither prai­sed or commended, waxeth cold. shall I speak a bugbeare word? there is no small number that stand doubtfull whether it be a gratefull worke to crosse Popery, or that it may be done without a foule aspersion of Purita­nisme, or a shrewd turne for their labour one time or other. By which unhappy ambiguity it comes to passe that these animalia, [...], the Priests I meane, that prey on the soules or bo­dies of either sexe unattached, revell where they list, though they are no more seene than a man dancing in a net. How much fitter were it for us couragiously to invite them to our party by preaching, or confuting them by writing; and to the State wherein we stand, wisely to apply the exhortation of the Assyrian King to his sol­diers. You are fooles quoth he, if there be any hope in your hearts, to redresse sorrow by flight, make them flie which are the causes of your griefe, assuring your selves, that more perish in flight then in battell, even as many seeking to meet the Papists but halfe way, discomfit our owne party.

It followeth now in order according to the method prescribed, that an overture be made how to get the Jesuits and their shadowes, the Priests, into our profession. It hath been hereto­fore [Page 22]recited, that the unwelcome name of a blood-sucker, a busie body, or a Puritane, hath been shrewd scare-crowes unto many honest mindes; by abrogating therefore of those or such like imputations, An ill name given to a good thing, discou­rageth a man from medling with it. many will be stirred up to the apprehending of the adversaries unto the truth, especially when for their paines and time imployed, they shall deserve to have the ti­tles of dutifull subjects, and zealous Christians. Yet how ready is every common person to carry every malefactor rather to the stocks, then to the Gaole, Wise men forecast how to doe most with least voice. or execution? And doubtlesse they will be no lesse forward to attach a Priest when they are assured that the worst of his punishment shall be a simple restraint within the walls of some old Castle. A certaine kinde of people there is, with whom mony plays a more forcible Orators part, then any perswasion of their duti­full service which they owe to the Common­wealth; these men will not be negligent to give intelligence, and also to procure it faithfully, provided that the reward may help to releeve their thredbare purse, and exempt them from need to sell liberty to Seminaries; and where assured hope of gaine is propounded for disco­very, what Master or House-keeper will trust his servant with keeping of his secrets herein, whilest he is thereby engaged to the danger of a mercenary? I remember that in Italy it was told me the bountifull hand of Sir Francis Walsing­ham made his intelligencers so active, that a Se­minary could scarce stirre out of the gates of [Page 23]Rome without his privity; which successe may be as easily obtained by the mediation of gold from Sivill, Valledolid, Doway, Lovaine, Particular offices must bee appointed; what is left for all, is commonly perform­ed by none. and Paris, and by forewarning of their approach, they may be waited for at the Port, and from thence be conveyed to safe lodging. But where shall the streame flow that shall feed this boun­ty? no doubt it may easily be satisfied, if some thousands of pounds out of the Recusants pe­nalties be reserved in stock, and be committed by his Majesty to the disposing of zealous distri­buters, who will not be afraid to conclude, Per­dat fiscus ut capiat Christus. Neither need we seek any further succour to repaire decayed Castles, and therein to defray the charge of the Priests, with a sure guard to keep them, then the fore­named forfeitures, that by the justice of the Law may be collected: which course, if ever it come happily to be entertained, and that Recusants cease to be an ignominious prey to the subject, the proceeding for Religion shall be lesse bla­med, and perhaps altogether unjustly accused by any Gretserus, or Cacodemon Johannes, their pens being tincted in Gall or Vineger. For beside occasion of calumniation given by suites of that nature, Service done for the Kings proper use, hath his warrant and coūtenance; but whē a private man hath the gaine, neither re­ward, nor bearing out can be expected, and by consequence Recusants are free. it is evident that many are Recusants that would be indited for the King, and for the effecting the project aforesaid shall escape without punishment, and be borne out against the power of a private person, begging then to no other purpose then hath before been used. And albeit the penalty be raised and rated [Page 24]at twenty pounds a moneth, yet was it never the Law-makers intent, that such as were not able to pay so great a summe, should goe scot-free, but rather according to the proportion of their ability, they should doe the penance of their parts for their disobedience. A poore man, saith one, is to be pittied, if he offend through necessity, but if he doe amisse voluntarily, he is to be punished severely; because wanting friends and means he shews his fault comes from pre­sumption. Let us now suppose that the whole regiment of Jesuits and Seminaries were lodged in safe custody, may we then perswade our selves that Popery will vanish like a dumbe shew? I am fully resolved, Medicines that work in the spirits of men, are of greater force, and cure more surely than plaisters. that though it receive a great eclipse, notwithstanding without the helpes, the kingdome of Antichrist will only be hidden as a weed that seemes withered in other winter, and is ready to sprout out again with the spring. Temporall armes are remedies for a time, but the spirituall sword is permanent in operation, and by an invisible blow works more than mor­tall man can imagine. The word of God caries the two-edged weapon in its mouth, which is to be used by faithfull Ministers in the Church, whom pure zeale, without respect to worldly promotions or persons, ought to encourage. Of Judges the Scripture saith, Estote fortes; and daily we see, that sitting in their judiciall seats, God inspireth them with greater courage then when as private men they are to give their opi­nions.

No lesse is the power of the holy Ghost in his servants, that out of the Pulpit are to deli­ver his Embassage. Let them not therefore be dismaid to speake out plainly, and tell the truth without running the middle course, Such is the interpre­ter of the minde ther­fore who useth in di­vine matters to speak reservedly and in a double sence, he will be suspected to have a double heart and unfit to teach them that trust him not. betwixt heat and cold, unprofitably descanting upon the Scriptures with an old postell, or for want of better matter, waste the short time shut up in an houre glasse, with skirmishing against the worthy Pillars of our owne profession. Rumor which is over-ready to take hold of evill, hath [...] a secret thought, (I hope a causlesse suspi­ [...]) that there should be some combination unders [...]d, by changing the States of questi­ons, to put us in our olde dayes to learne a new Catechisme [...] and when they have brought us out of conceit with the reverent awfulnesse of the word, to use us then, as the Wolves menti­oned in D [...]mosthenes Apology handled the shep­heards when they had delivered up their dogs. Most sacred was the speech of our late gracious King, concerning Vorstius, He that will speake of Canaan, let him speake the language of Ca­naan. How can we draw others to our Church, if we cannot agree where, or how to lay our foundation, or how to cleanse the leprous dis­ease of dissention, which the Papists, most doubtfull of their salvation, are not ashamed to ascribe to many of us. I would not have Mini­sters undiscreet, like dogs, to bark at all, whether they know, or know them not: I like better the opinion of Aristotle, who advised those that [Page 26]stood in guard of a place, to be curst only to such as are about to endamage the City. A good pastor is the physitian of the soule and ought to ap­ply his doctrine ac­cording to the ten­dernesse of the con­science, for want of which discretion some mens zeale hath done hurt. If Pursevants and other civill Officers would learne to keep this rule, they might goe about their businesse with much more credit. The imagined feare of inviting the Romish factions by force to deliver their ghostly Fathers out of prison moves not me a whit. For I cannot be­leeve that they esteeme them at so great a price, that they would runne the hazzard of freeing o­thers out of hold, to put themselves into their places. Some will say that a man of straw is a head good enough for a discontented multitude. That the Papists are cholerick, False miracles and ly­ing news are the food of superstition which by credulity deludeth ignorant people. appeares by their writings, yet it hath pleased God to send those curst Cowes short hornes, that when they could not finde a man of mischiefe to serve their turnes, they were faine to doe homage to Garnets straw, forgetfull as they were, that such stubble cannot indure the triall of the fire. But to us that ought to be doers as well as professors of the Gospell, let this remaine as a memorable Theoreme, That religion is the mother of good order; good order is the cause of prosperate fortune and happy successe in all counsels, and enterprises. Wherefore in what state soever there wants good order, it is evident that reli­gion goeth backwards. I have ever held it for a kinde of injustice to omit the execution of meane Lawes made to pervert the effect of idle­nesse, and then to apply many extremities of the sword, when the habit of that vice comes to [Page 27]height. No lesse is the course uncharitable, with pardon of presumption be it spoken, when we spare them that have no religion at all, and censure those that give account of somewhat tending to the purpose: He that is in misery must be borne withall, if he speake miserably: and when the childe from the mothers breasts have suckt nothing but Popery, a man had need to be angry with discretion, if he heare him speake with the voice of a Priest; God calls some by miracles, but the ordinary means is the word; if that meanes in any place of this Land be wanting, of what religion will the peo­ple likeliest be? I suppose that few men will de­ny my assertion, That outward sense will direct them to Popery, which is fuller of Pageants, than spirituall doctrine. And whats the cause, that after so many yeares preaching of the Gos­pell, the common people still retaine a sense of the Romane perfume? The cause is, that the formall obedience of comming to Church hath been more expected than the instructions of private families. A man is said to know so much as he remem­breth, and no more, and wee remember what we learne in our youth: therefore if we would be wise when we are old, we must be taught yong. Publike Catechisme is of great use, but the first elements thereof are to be learned at home, and those which we learne of our Parents stick more surely in our mindes. What was the cause that the Spartans continu­ed their government so many revolutions of time without mutation? Histories record, that learning their country customes from their in­fancy, they could not be induced to alter them; and in this our native soile we perceive that [Page 28]common Lawes which relie on ancient custome are better observed than late Statutes of what worth soever they be. So doth it fare with the olde people, who being seasoned with the olde dregs of Papisme, will hardly be drawne from it, till the learning of the true faith be growne to a custome. I will prescribe no orders, or of­ficers to effect this. Such as the Princes house is such is the state of the commons for the most part, so that a Prince by a sur­vey of his owne house may have an [...]aime how the common­weale is affected. But I suppose the ancient laudable course of the Bishops Confirmation will not be sufficient to fulfill so great a taske. The Ministers ought and must be the principall and immediate hands to give assistance to so gracious a worke, and in case any be defective in this duty, the reverend Bishops may take notice thereof in their visitations. Perhaps it might be thought a hard taske to constraine old people to learne the A, B, C. of their Christian beliefe. By the lawes we are the tithingmen which give account for ten housholds, some such office might do good in this case, for I hold the breaking of the saboth to be the ruine of our religion. But howsoever it be, I hold it no inci­vility to prepare people of all ages for the kingdome of heaven, by the order contained in the booke of Common Prayer, or Sundaies and Holy-daies, halfe an houre before Evensong, the Curate of every Parish ought to examine Children sent unto him in some points of their Catechisme, and all Fathers, Masters, and Mo­thers should cause their Children and Appren­tises to resort unto the Church at the time ap­pointed, there obediently to heare, and be or­dered by the Curate, untill such time as they shall learne all that in the said Booke is com­manded. And when the Bishop shall appoint the Children to be brought before him for their [Page 29]Confirmation, the Curate of every parish shall send or bring in writing the names of those children in his Parish which can answer to the questions of the Catechisme. And there ought none to be admitted to the holy Communion, It were fit also they learned how to di­stinguish the com­mon grounds of Po­pery, whereby the Priests deceive your people. nor be confirmed untill such time as he can say the Catechisme. Many times I have stood ama­zed to behold the magnificence of our ancestors buildings, which their successors at this day are not able to keep up. But when I cast mine eyes back upon this excellent foundation laid by the grave Fathers of the Church, and perceive their Children neglect to build upon it, with exceed­ing marvaile I rest almost besides my selfe. For never was there better ground-plot laid, which was seconded with lesse and worse successe. It was not the hanging up of the Bull of Pius Quin­tus on the Bishop of Londons doores, He that knowes not the true cause of an evill, cannot help it but by chance, which is a dangerous guide of a State. for the forbearing to hang up Priests hath wrought the A postacy, but the idlenesse and insufficiency of many Teachers, conspiring with the peoples cold zeale, that have been the contrivers of this unhappy web. Vntill the eleventh yeare of Q. Elizabeths raigne, a Recusants name was scarce­ly knowne. The reason was, because the zeale begotten in the time of the Marian persecuti­on, was yet fresh in memory. And the late per­secutors were so amazed with the sudden alte­ration of Religion, that they could not choose but say, Digitus Dei est hic, in these there was an emulation betwixt the Clergy and the Laity, and the strife arose who should shew themselves [Page 30]most affectionate to the Gospell. Ministers haunted the houses of worthy men, where Jesuits now build their Tabernacles. And Countrey Churches were frequented with the best of the shire, Where good men are afraid to call vice by the proper name, it is a signe the vice is common, and great persons whom it is not safe to anger, are infected with it. the word of God was precious, and pray­er and preaching went hand in hand together, un­till Archbishop Grindals disgrace, and Hatfields hard conceit of prophecies brought the flow­ing of these good graces to a still water, and the name of a Papist smelt ranke even in their owne nostrils, and for pure shame to be accounted such, they resorted daily to our English Chur­ches, and exercises. But when they saw their great Coripheus, Sanders, had slily pinned the name of Puritans upon the sleeves of the Pro­testants that encountered them with most cou­rage, and perceiving that the word was pleasing to some of our owne side, that tooke hearty grace to set little by the service of God, and duty to their Soveraigne: If these mens zeal had been put to imploy it selfe otherwise, and a taske set them to do some good, they might have been re­formed or made harmelesse by di­version. Therewith started up amongst us, some that might have been re­commended for their zeale, if it had been tem­pered with discretion, who for ruining the au­thority of the Magistrate, tooke upon them in sundry places, and publikely to censure what­soever agreed not with their conceit, with which crosse tumults vented in Pulpits, and Pam­phlets, most men grew to be frozen in zeale, and in such sort benummed, that whosoever (as the worthy Lord Keeper Bacon observed) in those daies pretended a little sparke of earnestnesse, he seemed no lesse then red fire hot in respect [Page 31]of others. Headstrong passions are not easily subdued yet must they not be suffered to grow to a faction. Discretio perlegem distinguere quid sit: wee must lay the burthen in the right place. And as some things fare the worse for an ill neighbours sake dwelling besides them, so did it betide the Protestants, who seek­ing to curb the Papists, or reprove an idle, drone, was incontinently branded with the ig­nominious note of a Precisian.

And which winde brought plenty to the Popes Well? And there will most men grinde, where they see appearance to be well se­cured. If without great inconveniency the chil­dren of Papists could be brought up out of their company, that were a happy turne. Without reformation in this point, Po­pery will still en­crease: but as all ver­tuous enterprises are difficult, so this most intricate. But I finde it to be full of difficulty: there is provision made to avoid Popish School-masters, but there is no word against Popish School-mistresses that in­fect the silly Infants while they carry them in their armes: which moveth me to suppose that the former proposition to examine how chil­dren and servants are brought up, and truly to certifie the life of Communicants and Recu­sants, will be the readiest meanes to let his Ma­jesty know the yearely increase of the Church in every Diocesse; A wise housholder will cast up his rec­koning, to see what losse or profit he hath made in a yeare. and whosoever shall send his children, or any his Majesties subjects to bee placed in Monasteries and Seminary Colledges, or Popishly to be brought up in forreine parts, I wish that for punishment, both the one and the other might be defranchised of the privi­ledges due to naturall Subjects, so far forth as any good by the Lawes might descend to them, but not be exempted from the penalties there­of, or the Regall jurisdiction of the Crowne. [Page 32]I know that contradiction is odious, and makes a man seeme ambitious, to be thought more un­derstanding than others. In which case the Spaniard uses to terme him only presumptu­ous, whom he would call foole, if civility would beare it. But my defence I hope shall serve to revive my former protestation, that I discourse by way of proposition rather than arrogance in defining any thing; The law which took immediate notice of an offence, gave a quick redresse, and corrected the poore as well as the rich. with pardon therfore may it be permitted, that the penall Law of twelve pence inflicted on him that would not give a reasonable excuse for his absence from Church on Sundaies, was one of the best Ordinances that hath been hitherto enacted: but while we sought to make new Statutes savouring of more severity, we neglected the old, and were loath to execute the new. For it is a certaine rule, that whosoever in policy will give liberty, and yet seeme to suppresse a crime, let him procure sharpe Lawes to be proclaimed, which are ne­cessary only for the times, and cause occasions to be put in execution, but not to be an ordina­ry worke for every day in the weeke; Sharpe Lawes that stand upon a [...]long processe, after a man­ner seem to dispense with a vice. daily use teacheth us likewise, that it is lesser grievous to punish by an old Law, than a new. Forasmuch as truth it selfe without it be praised, seldome gets credit, and its hard to free the people from suspition, that new Lawes are not rather in­vented against the particular persons and purses of men, than against their manners. By force of which reason I am induced to conceive that the old use of the Church contained in good [Page 33]nurture and Ecclesiasticall censure much more prevaile to nuzzle Popery, than any fresh devi­ces whatsoever. Neither doe I thinke it blame­worthy, to affirme that our cause hath taken harme by relying more on temporall, than spi­rituall forces, for while we trusted that Capi­tall punishments should strike the stroke, we have neglected the meanes which would for the most part have discharged the need of such secu­rity. The oath of Allegiance is not offered ge­nerally to servants and meane people, The allegiance to God ought to pre­cede the temporall obedience: for if the first may be obtained, the second will fol­low of it selfe. who if they had taken the oath of Absolution of a priest might recoile from it, and change their opini­on at leisure, without any ready meanes, to dis­cover their Lieger demeanes. That oath will not be often prest, and to them that shift from place to place, how can it be tendered. The principall Papists now cover themselves in the crowde of the multitude, but if we can disco­ver the affection of the multitude, they will ea­sily be unmasked, and being singled from the rest, they will be ashamed of their nakednesse. Which under correction of better judgements may be effected, if every new commer to inha­bite a towne, and servant newly entertained, within a weeke or fourteene daies be caused to repaire unto the Minister, This course will dis­cover more than the oath of Allegiance, and prevent many from falling off, by reason of the quicke discovery. there in presence of the Churchwardens and other honest men, to subscribe unto such briefe and substantiall arti­cles confirming Faith and Allegiance, as shall be according to Gods Word, and Justice or­dained to distinguish the Sheepe from the [Page 34]Goates. In forreine Countries every Host is bound to bring his guest before an Officer, there to certifie his name, with the occasion of his comming, and intended time of abode in those parts; and in case he staies longer, he must again renew his licence: so curious and vigilant also they are to keep their Cities from infection, that without a Certificate witnessing their com­ming from wholsome places, they may not escape the Lazzaretto. No lesse watchfull ought we to bee to prevent the contagions of our soules, As long as houses & lodgings in London are let to Papists, the Priests shall bee re­ceived, and from thence the Countrey infected. than other Nations are of their bodies; every thing is hard and scarcely pleasing in the beginning, but with hope some such course may be readily put in execution: I propound this rather as matter for better heads to worke on, then peremptorily to be insisted upon in the same termes. Yet lest any man charge me with temerity, that when I desire to know the mul­titudes inclination by the meanes aforesaid, I satisfie my selfe with the Parrets language, pro­nouncing it knowes not what: I thinke it not impertinent to put them in minde, that I have hitherto required instruction, both precedent, and subsequent, and am ever of the minde, that though all this cannot be done at once, If we can prevent the increase of Papists, these that now live, must either bee re­formed, or in time, yeeld to nature, and then shall a new age of Christians succeed and by education made religions. yet it is necessary alwaies to be doing our best, knowing, that not to goe forward in Religion, is to goe backward. It is not the outward obedience of comming to Church, that discovers the inward thoughts of the heart, it is the confession of the tongue must utter these secrets, and where the [Page 35]Curate is insufficient, or the Parish great, I would they had Chatechists to assist them, maintained by the Priests of the Recusants, which pension being collected for good cause, will free us from scandall, though it grieve them to pay the speciall army wages against their owne Stratagems; surely in giving them way in petty matters, they are growne Master­full on their party. Plato affirmes, that the po­pular state proceeds from the licence which people take to make immoderate applauses in the Theatres; The broachers of a bad cause being tou­ched in conscience, at first move slowly, but if they prevaile, they grow tyrannous be­yond measure. when as by arrogating that im­munity without controlment, in the presence of their governours, and perceiving the Nobi­lity to joyne with them in the same passions, they thought their heads as worthy to governe, as any of those that were made out of the selfe­same mould. In like manner, while we suffer ignorance to maintaine such pretty glimpses of Popery as are thought to be scarce worthy to be looked at, and in small matters runne an in­different course, which neither make sure friends, nor feeble foes; unawares they take the bridle from us, and eate our Religion as it were by an insensible Gangrene, Principiis obsta, &c. For by sufferance of breaking smaller Lawes, people are emboldened to set the greater at nought. To comprehend all things in a Law that are necessary, I neither hold it profitable, nor expedient; yet it is discretion to provide for the most important, smaller matters whereof the Law speakes not, they are [Page 36]to be commended to the discretion of Parents, Masters, and other reverend persons, who by example and advise may prepare younglings by education and custome to obey the Lawes, especially such as are in high places, Most men will affect to bee such as the highest do most trust and favour. ought in this behalfe to be like Caesars wife, Non solum crimine, sed etiam criminis suspitione vacare: and with circumspection to behave themselves, that the world may conceive in requiring obe­dience to God and their Soveraigne, that they hold the multitude rather as companions then slaves. A great man is an I­doll in the eyes of the people, and drawes many to imitate his actions. If great men take another way, they may seduce many by example, though by words they expresse not their conceived opini­ons. Tace & eloquere, saith God to Moses, it is the speech of the heart, which utters more the Letters or Syllables. And in our Court of Ju­stice, it is holden even dangerous, when a great person only by his presence countenances a cause. Neither let us secure our selves with this argument; the Papists are pliable in some matters, and therefore they will yeeld in great; And because they tooke no armes in 88. it were needlesse curiosity to suspect them now; for who knowes not that smallest baites are used to take the greatest fish: Vt [...]cum escâ unâ etiam & humus devoratur. Warinesse is the sinew of Wisdome, and nothing is more dangerous, than to be secure in matters of State. There­fore concerning Lawes already made; I wish that the most effectuall of them, which least concerne life, may be executed: for better it [Page 37]were not to make them, Few Laws well exe­cuted, are better then many. than by neglect to set them at liberty, seeing that many offences there bee which many would abstaine from, if they were not forbidden; but when a strict Commandement is avoided without punish­ment, thereout springs an unbridled licence to be hardly reformed by any rigour.

To conclude, I say freely, he that endeth his dayes by a naturall death, hee shall bee subject to receive many doomes for every particular offence; but when for Religions sake a man trampleth over the Sword, that eminent Vertue (it may be avouched) chaseth out the memory of other errours, and placeth him that so dyeth, in Paradise of common opi­nion: which glory having many followers and admirers, maketh even dull spirits to affect their footsteps, A crowne of glory once attained, hath power to dispence with former faults. and so sell their lives for the maintenance of the same cause. I need not to envy the name of a Martyr to a Jesuite; for his cause if it bee rightly weighed, will banish that title: but I desire to have all those lineaments defaced which may com­pound that counterfeit Image.

In prosecution of which purpose, if I have failed in mine advise, and by confused hand­ling, obscured the Question, I humbly re­quest, that wise mens verdicts may mitigate the heavinesse of the doome. It is neither good to praise bad counsels, because of their good [Page 38]successe, Hee counsels best, that prefers the cause of God and the com­mon-wealth, before any particular. nor to condemne good counsell, if the end prove not fortunate: lest many be animated to advise rashly, and others disheartened to advise gravely.