An extension to other Nations.
The same holy Councel in the holy Ghoste lavvefully assem∣bled, the same Legates de latere of the See Apostolike, being pre∣sident in it, to al and singuler others, vvhiche haue not cōmunion vvith vs in those maters, that be of Faithe, of vvhat so euer King∣domes, Nations, Prouinces, Citties, and Places, in vvhiche openly, and vvithout punishement, is preached, or taught, or beleued the contrarie of that, vvhiche the holy Romaine Churche holdeth, geueth Faithe publique or Safeconducte, vnder the same forme, and the same vvordes, vvith vvhich it is geuen to the Germaines.
This being moste true, as the better part of the worlde seeth, and the Bookes, and publique instru∣mentes extant doo witnesse, your excuse of your refusal to come to the Councel, as Bishoppes of other Christian Realmes did, is founde false.* 1.1 Ye had al free libertie and securitie, graunted vnto you for that behalfe, in so ample and large maner, as mans witte coulde denise.
The seconde cause why ye came not, is, for that the Popes Legates, Patriarches, Archebishoppes. Bishoppes, and Abbotes, al being conspired together, al lincked together in one kinde of faulte, and al bounde in one Othe, sitte alone by them selues, and haue power alone to geue theire consent. VVhat is here that should let you to ioine with others for procuring vnitie, and peace in Christendome? Com∣plaine ye of the Fathers concorde and agreeinge togeather?‡ 1.2 That is a signe, the spirite of God, au∣thour of charitie and vnitie, gouerneth their hartes. In that respect, they seeme to comme togeather in the holy Ghoste. And in deede, had ye gone thither, your heresie•• had benne confuted, your selues re∣quired to yelde, and to conforme you to the Catholique churche or els ye had benne anathematized, ac∣cursed, and condemned.
Your third cause is, for that the determinations, and decrees of the Councel, be referred to the Pope. To that we haue answeared before. The Pope confirmeth al, being head ouer the Councel.* 1.3 Doth not the Queene so pardy cōfirme your actes of Parlament, by geuing her Roial assent vnto them at the ende of the Parlament? VVhat thinge can be done perfitly by a body without the head? And who might better confirme Councels, then he, whose Faithe in pronouncinge sentence, rightly and duely,* 1.4 in maters concerning Faithe, we are assured by Christes praier, to be infallible?
Your fourth cause is, for as mutche as the Ancient, and Christian libertie, which of right should specially be in Christian Councels, is now vtterly taken away. This cause is not different frō your first.
Your fifth cause is a false lie, that Princes Ambassadours be vsed, but as mocking stockes.‡ 1.5 Truthe it is, thei haue moste honourable seates in al Councels. In this Councel thei sate by the Legates. Euery Ambassadour hath his place there according to the degree of honoure, the kingdomes, common weales, states, and Princes be of, from whence, and from whom he commeth.
The sixt, and last cause ye alleage for your not comming to the Councel is, for that ye be cōdemned already before trial, as though the matter were aforehand dispatched and agreed vpon. In dede* 1.6 your heresies for the more part be and haue ben condemned about a thousand yeres past. And therefore thei are not nowe to be called vnto a newe trial, as though the Churche vntil this daie, had benne deceiued, and so many Fathers ouerseene. This notwithstanding, maie ye wel saie, touching that point, your mat∣ter is afore hand dispatched, and agreed vpon. For thei knowe, what ye can saie, and see, that ye saie nothing, but onely stande wilfully and stubbornly in your false opinions, and fleshly pleasures.