To the extent possible under law, the Text Creation Partnership has waived all copyright and related or neighboring rights to this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above, according to the terms of the CC0 1.0 Public Domain Dedication (http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/). This waiver does not extend to any page images or other supplementary files associated with this work, which may be protected by copyright or other license restrictions. Please go to http://www.textcreationpartnership.org/ for more information.
FIRST, I am now to change my Argument, and to write not of mercy, but of misery, of the aduersity, not of the prosperity of the Gospell, and how the Catholike Faith was offended and not de∣fended, by the Successor Queene Marie, who made the most miserable change in the state of England, that euer that Nation indured;
she defacing the glorious worke of her Pre∣decessor of K. Edward her princely brother, extinguishing the lights of Truth, whereby men were directed in the way of life, & ob∣scuring al knowledge in the mist of Ignorāce, and blacke error, in which blindnesse the Christian world had for many yeares wan∣dered. This Eclipse being now againe (by the interpositiō of her darke time) brought vpon this Nation. So that no light of Truth was in her time to be seene, saue onely at the burning Stakes of Martyrs, which holy fire did kindle a Religious zeale in many Spe∣ctators, that beheld the mercilesse crueltie of the tormentors, and the Christian pati∣ence of holy Saints tormented.
Secondly, And therefore I am not (as be∣fore) to declare wherein Queene Marie hath defended the Catholike Faith, because shee neuer defended it in the least particular: but (of the contrarie) how shee did bend the powers of her endeauour, both against the profession and the professors of true Chri∣stian Faith, seeking by all violent and bloo∣die meanes, to depresse the prosperity of
Religion, whereof (by the dignity of her place) she was made defendresse. And in Truth it doth grieue me that I am to write the dishonor of this Queene; which willingly I would auoide, were the cause any other but Religion, & but that the declaration of these times, do tie me to a necessity of Truth, from which I dare not aberre: for it were an euill presumption in any one, to presume to write History, & then to obscure the truth thereof vpon what cause soeuer. For thereof would issue a double inconuenience. First he should wrong the vnderstandings of men in mis∣reporting the Truth, & also lay an euil impu∣tation on his name, in suppressing the know∣ledge of Truth; which is the life and true mo∣uing soule of all Historie.
Thirdly, And this I write in fauour of Q. Marie, because of her extraordinary indu∣ments of Nature. God hauing giuen her so much Maiesty, and princely spirit, as might serue to rule the greatest command in the world; & if to her other gifts, God had giuen her the knowledge of his Truth, she had well deserued to haue bene named most excellēt,
& to haue exceeded all the famous Queenes in the world, saue her sister the most famous Elizabeth, who hath exceeded her and al the world in the honour of true deseruing.
Fourthly, Yet notwithstanding, all these rare excellencies of nature merit little but only pittie: for if the best beauty of nature, haue not the benefit of grace, the greatest or∣naments therof, are (then) but punishment to them that so enioy them. And therefore they that haue not the gifts of grace, haue nothing of worth though they haue all that nature can giue them: and happie had Q. Marie bene if nature had giuen her lesse, and grace more; because any little breath of Gods Spirit is more worth than all other blessings whatsoeuer; For nature adornes the body, & grace the soule of euery one that hath it, & commonly where the power of wit & great spirit is in any one Subiect, not mo∣derated by grace, they are then meanes to make the enioyers of them most dangerous instruments, because nature cannot moue it self to good, but naturally to euill; and as the naturall motion is more easie to the mouer
than the violent. So the gifts of nature are more inclinable to euill than to good ends, being moued to euill by their owne proper motion, but to goodnesse by the motion of grace, which in all naturall things is violent & against nature. And therfore was the Q. more dangerous, hauing so much of nature, because she was therby armed for euill, the want of grace making her runne her natural course, & her great spirit & other naturall in∣duments, spurring her forward in her euill passage, whereby she became enemie to her self, mouing her self to her own destruction.
Fifthly, But that which made Q. Marie mon∣strous in her euill, was the two much credit she gaue to euill counsell, suffering her selfe to be transported, by the violent spirits of e∣uill and reuengefull men, who conceiuing a grounded displeasure for some hard vsage they indured in K. Edwards time, now take aduantage to reuenge the cause for which they had indured displeasure; & these men (like euill spirits) breathed the spirits of in∣dignation into the Queenes heart, & moued her to effect most bloodie & horrible deeds,
to the great displeasure of God, and disho∣nour of her princely place.
Sixthly, for it cannot be imagined that a La∣die of her spirit, being (in humane respects) mercifull & compassionate, would haue en∣tred her gouernement with such tyrannie & terror; bearing in both hands destruction, & (like Reuenge her self) entring the stage of her gouernement with fire & blood) had she not bene moued thereto by euil perswasion. Nei∣ther can it be but the Q. conscience would condemne the course of her violent procee∣ding, & that she would iudge the large effusiō of christiā blood, stood not with the honour of her name, nor with the Truth of Religion: yet so powerfull is the authority of them we trust, (especially in the case of Religion and consciēce,) as that many times we suffer our selus to be led against our own perswasiōs, by a reuerence we beare to other mens opiniōs
Seuenthly, And this no doubt was the cause why the Queene was so resolued in in her bloodie persecutions, shee giuing cre∣dit to their perswasion whom shee reputed most Reuerend, and Learned; and they per∣swading her, she could not discharge the of∣fice
of her Soueraigne place, nor defend the Catholike Faith, but by the extirping the Protestant Religion, which (in their opinion) was Heresie in the highest degree: neither could shee (as they thought) suppresse the generall fauour, that profession had got in generall estimation; but by seuerity & rigo∣rous laws, wherein they were farre deceiued For it is impossible that any Pollicie of man should be able to supplant Gods Husban∣drie, which he hath made prosperous: the Truth whereof is manifest in the experience of these persecuting times, when as the death of one holy man was the life of many. God raising a holy generation out of the ashes of his holy Martyrs, the Church not decresing but increasing by the stroake of persecution. And in this case was the Queene counselled, as Rehoboams was by his young states men, to make the yoake of persecution heauie: & whereas her Father did chastise with rodds, she should correct with scourges: and this was the euill counsell wherewith the Queene was ordered, for shee made her yoake hea∣uier than all her Predecessors had
done, and (in truth) insupportable for any true Christian Professor.
Eightly, And therefore this Counsell of theirs may haue Pollicie but no Piety, for if the State in King Edwards time, had vsed Gardiner and Bonner with like seuerity, and had taken from them their euill liues, which they had iustly forfeited, then had not these euill Ministers bene the cause of so much blood shed, neither happily, should the Queene haue had any such as they, to haue prouoked her to such dishonour and vn∣godly practise; for it is needfull Pollicie, that the haughty spirits of men, that haue autho∣rity and greatnesse, must either not be offen∣ded, or being moued to offence, must bee then made sure from taking Reuenge. And it had bene good for the Christian State, that the ambitious spirit of Winchester, had either not bene discontented, by his disgrace and imprisonment, or being so offended, to haue made him sure from reuengefull pra∣ctise; and if this had thus come to passe, no doubt much Christian blood had bene sa∣ued, which by his meanes perished. Neither
had the Queene come into that ignominy of blood and cruelty; shee being in her own Nature rather inclined to pittie, and mer∣cifull respect then otherwise. And therefore though the time of Queene Maries gouerne∣ment, was the most bloodie persecution that euer was in this Land, (I thinke) euer since it had a Christian Prince, yet was this Ladie, otherwise disposed in her owne Nature; neither would shee haue made her name so monstrous in blood, had not her consci∣ence perswaded a necessity, shee being so re∣solued by their perswasion, who (shee thought had authority to iudge her.
the persons of men: and therfore it is often seene, that thus God and the world diuide their seueralls; God markes his with Grace, the world hers with Nature and Fortune.
Secondly, It is a pollicie of long practise and large proofe, that Priests, Iesuites, and men of spirituall function, are appointed for State designes, as the most pregnant and con∣uenient m••n; for they haue this odds, that besides their helps of learning, and much ex∣perience; they haue alwaies the reuerence of their profession, which vndoubtedly (with people of their owne faith) doth gaine them, and their perswasions extraordinary credit.
Thirdly, It is a prouidence worthy of eue∣ry particular man, not rashly to be moued to any fact or opinion, by the loue or reue∣rence we haue to the persons of them that would perswade vs; because in this case we doe not satisfie reason, but affection.
FIRST, to remember euery par∣ticular grieuāce in this Queenes time, were a labour infinite, nei∣ther is it my purpose to trauell so largely therein, as others before mee haue done. And therefore I will (onely) reduce to memory, some particulars of most conse∣quēce, referring him that shal require further satisfaction, to the ecclesiasticall writings of those times, wherein they are largely dis∣coursed: neither among these the euill for∣tunes of the Duke of Northumberland, nor of his Sonne and daughter, the Lord Gilford Dudley, and the Ladie Iane his Wife, because
the Duke hath worthily deserued his for∣tunes, and therefore did not receiue wrong from the Queene and State. And though the Ladie Iane and the Lord Gilford her Hus∣bād, were forced to take the enterprize, they themselues being meerely passiue in that bu∣sinesse, yet hauing proceeded therein so far as they did. I see not how Queene Marie could giue them life and secure her selfe, es∣pecially considering the present condition of the State, how inclineable it was then to imbrace any occasion of quarrell.
Secondly, That wherein the Queene did first offend the Christian Faith, was in taking into her protection, such who had before declared themselues enemies to truth and Religion, and this was at her first comming to the Crowne, giuing liberty and honour to such men, whom her princely brother had before imprisoned, & degraded; for by this she opened hell, & let loose those euill spirits which King Edward had shut vp; who brea∣thing Reuenge, set the Kingdome in com∣bustion, burning and bloodying the holiest and best members thereof, to the dishonour
of the Prince and Nation; the discomfort of holy Christians, and to the discountenance of the Catholike Faith, and this (in a double respect) was euill in Queene Marie: First, [ 1] (hereby) shee gaue an assured demonstrati∣on how (in the case of Religion) shee was af∣fected. Secondly, shee armed reuenge in [ 2] in these men, giuing it authority, and the countenance of great place, wherewith they became most terrible.
Thirdly, And with this prologue, did Queene Marie begin the Tragedie of her life, fitting her with actors who had well lear∣ned their parts of blood & persecution; out∣truding them of much better merit, whom shee found in honourable and Reuerend places established, as Doctor Cranmer Arch-Bishop of Canterburie, the Arch-Bishop of Yorke, the Bishop of VVinchester and many others, giuing their dignities and places to their greatest enemies; men not compara∣ble to them in learning and holy life, excee∣ding them onely in cruelty and blood: who hauing gotten the sword of authority (once) into their hands, would not sheath it, before
it had bene made drunke with the blood of Saints, nor before the measure of their sins were full, whom God (for the pleasure of his will, and for the glory of his Saints) did suf∣fer and for a time forbeare.
Fourthly, in restoring the Nurseries of all abominations, the Abbeyes and Monasteries she had in giuing; she did much offend the Catholike Faith; because those assemblies were found to abuse the name of holinesse, making it a cloake to couer the bodie of their wickednesse: who (like horse∣leeches) sucke the blood and best mainte∣nance of the Kingdome, to support their la∣zie and most licentious trade of liuing; and in this did the Queene not onely offend the truth of Religion, but also the prosperity of her State in being so euill a president, and in giuing so much wealth to idle and altoge∣ther vnprofitable people, and not onely idle but euill vsers of their riches & large possessi∣ons; to the high offending of God, the wrong to Christian Religion, and the impoueri∣shing of the Common-Wealth: all which respects the Queene ought carefully to haue regarded.
Fifthly, Againe, the Queene restoring them did condemne the gouernement of her Fa∣ther, by whom they were dissolued, her making them of such necessity in a Christi∣an Kingdome, made him an euill doer to suppresse them, whereby she did dishonour her Father in that wherein he was most ho∣nourable, he deseruing the honour of his new stile, in this and in his act of Supremacie onely; both which she vtterly disclaimeth, damning the deed, and the honourable me∣rit of her Father, building againe that euill foundation, which he to his honour had cast downe. And therefore if he by suppressing them hath deserued to bee stiled Defen∣dor of the Faith: shee then by supporting them, may be iudged to haue offended that Catholike Faith whereof she was made De∣fendresse.
Sixthly, But that which is most worthy of sad remembrance in this Queenes time was the alteration of Religion: she reducing the Church of England to their former con∣dition of Popish Idolatry, which (in the happie time of King Edward) had bene dis∣continued,
she inhibiting al her subiects vp∣on grieuous paines, to acknowledge that profession of Religion, which she found in the State established, binding them to seuere lawes, to that Romish obedience which for∣merly they had abiured.
Seuenthly, And in this she did oppose her selfe with al violence against the Catholike Faith, as if she meant at one blow to bee the death of faith & true religiō; she disclaiming the good & proclaiming the bad; destroying Gods holy Temple, to build the groaues & altars of Idols, & this she did with such appe∣tite, that her gouernement was scarce begun before this was finished. So easily is mās na∣ture carried by violēce & forcible pursuit, to execute the most wicked and vngodly ends.
Eighthly, And as this alteration of Reli∣gion, was greatly to the offence of Catholike Faith, so was it also very preiudiciall to the State, the Kingdome hereby loosing the Lordship of it selfe, which King Henrie with much hazard, & great trauel had recouered. And assuredly if the Q. consciēce could haue bene perswaded, she would neuer for any
cause, haue giuen the Pope or any other Po∣tentate, the supremacie of her own state, and among all other least of all to the Pope, who hath no principality proper, but onely a gouernement compounded of many thefts; he hauing taken from euery christiā Prince somwhat of reuenew or dignity to make vp the measure of his greatnes. And it was great ouersight in the Q. to commend the trust of her state to the Pope, whose ambition & aua∣rice, hath made him euer inclineable to de∣ceiue: for when the couetous hath the trea∣sure in keeping, it is hard to make him ho∣nest; & he that hath nothing but by theft, wil be glad to imbrace oportunity & fit occasiō. And therefore by thus altering religion, she did not only offend the Catholike faith, but dishonor the English nation, binding it againe in the bonds of forraigne power from which her brother had redeemed it.
Ninthly, And from this act of Q. Maries did proceed another equally euill or worse, whereby she hath got a name of blood and crueltie, and whereby she hath run her selfe into the highest degree of euill and this
was the persecution of holy and faithfull men; slaughtering Gods Saints, with such fury and heathenish heate, as may well de∣clare the Religion and Faith of the persecu∣tors. For there is no profession of Christian Religion in all the world, except the Papisti∣call that thinke to merit by murder, blood and persecution: neither is there any that haue made their names so odious, by the ef∣fusion of Christian blood as they, whereby they haue made themselues the friends or Antichrist, but enemies to God, and to the truth of his holy Gospell. God hauing com∣manded his seruants to suffer, and not to in∣flict afflictions; for a Christians profession, is to beare the Crosse, and not to make it; and in euery euill worke holy men must suf¦fer, and wicked men doe, for such was the condition of Christ the Lord of Christians, bearing the rebukes of all men; applying his sacred hands to heale the infirmities of men and not to wound and destroy them, and as (in the Nature of God) his mercie doth reioyce ouer all his workes, so all the sonnes of Grace delight in the workes of
mercie, and abhorre the deeds of miserie, and desire to preserue and not to destroy the Images of God, nor the Temples of his holy Spirit, for such were these holy Martyrs, who in this time of Queene Mary, witnessed the truth of their Christian pro∣fession, in the burning flames of persecution and cruell torture.
Tenthly, So great was the persecution in these times, as that no Sex, no age, nor any condition of men were spared, the blind, the aged, and the Infant sleeping in the holy death of Martyrdome: And if wee may be∣leeue the remembrance of those miseries as they are recorded, then children new borne at the stake, did perish at the stake, little (but holy) Martyrs giuing their liues, as soone as they had them for the witnesse of their Lord Christ Iesus, and his truth, an example of strange and incomparable crueltie, yet did the enuie of these times reach further, to the Sepultures of holy men deceassed, where the persecutions euen there also would tri∣umph, raking vp the bones and ashes of good men, and after with great Ceremonie
and acclamation burne them; a reuenge very admirable, and such as onely the mal∣lice of the diuel could deuise. For the Graue is euery mans Sanctuarie, from which no man nor no offence can take him, without the breach of the Lawes of Nature and hu∣manitie: and to persecute and burne mens bones the life hauing long before left them, is a Iudgement most mercilesse, for the doome of Nature will haue one man to die but once, neither ought reuenge to reach the graues of our greatest enemies; it being enough for any that his enemy is dead, but more then crueltie to reuiue his death and to make him die againe. And therefore as Iob did blame his vncomfortable friend, be∣cause they did persecute him as God, and were not content with his flesh. So wee may lawfully condemne this Popish persecution, because they reuenge like Diuels, and are not content with the Death of them they loue not, but will then persecute the body, when they cannot the soule. God hauing ta∣ken that into his bosome of mercie, and into the saftie of his protection.
Eleuenthly, And if we truly consider the bloody persecution of Queene Maries time, and with what vehemency it was moued, it will appeare to be of like crueltie with them of the heathen Emperours in the Primitiue Church, not for the number though very ma∣ny, but for the manner and cruell circum∣stance.
Twelfthly, Againe the Queene in marrying with King Philip of Spaine, may bee said to haue offended the Catholike Faith, because by that meanes shee tooke away all hope, to be reclaimed from the stiffe defence of Po∣pish superstition, the King of Spaine being in most neare confederacie with the Pope. And this how preiudiciall it was to the profession of the Catholike Faith, may be easily consi∣dered, hee being chosen to assist the Queene in her defence of faith, by whom the ene∣mies of faith were principally to be suppor∣ted, and one so nearely bound to the Popes fauour, in respect of State practise, the Pope and the Spanish King being one anothers Ladder, whereby they haue ascended the steps of reputation and worldly greatnesse.
13. Againe, if wee regard the care of State, the Queenes marriage with the Spanish King, was not for the prosperitie and ho∣nour of the English Nation, but rather a meanes to depresse the glory thereof. For howsoeuer the Queene and the State, did ar∣ticulate with King Philip, thinking thereby they had secured the souereigntie of Eng∣land, by binding him to certaine Limitati∣ons; yet was that no assurance, but onely a false colour, to blinde and satisfie the grosse vnderstandings of the vulgar, lest by Rebel∣lion and tumult, they should oppose them∣selues against that purpose; for it is not to be thought, that any obligation can binde such men, as aspire soueraigntie, neither is it in the practise of great States, to binde themselues, but onely for aduantage, and then to cast off their bonds, when their pra∣ctise is ripe, and when they dare discouer their true intentions. For bonds to him that hath power to breake them, rather offend then profit, and in great Spirits, the remem∣brance to bee tyed to any Conditions, doth beget in them a desire of Libertie, and pro∣vokes
them to breake that faith, where∣unto they are obliged. And from this mar∣riage of Queene Marie what could be hoped, but either ciuill strife in disposing the Suc∣cession, which by this meanes might haue had many Competitors, or else that this Kingdome and the dominions thereof be∣longing, should haue bene vnited to the So∣ueraigntie of Spaine, which already (like Hydra) is become monstrous in largenesse; hauing vnited to that one body many heads many large dominions. And if this had suc∣ceeded (which no doubt was the expecta∣tion of Spaine) then had the glory of this Isle euen then perished, and our condition had bene alike miserable as is now that heretofore famous Kingdome of Portingale, and other great States by him obtained. And this kingdome which heretofore hath benee the supporter of that, should then haue stood at discretion loosing the soue∣raigatie, and fortunate honour which worthily had made it very famous; the ambition of that State rising by the fall of ours; the misery of this raysing the
glory of that, and we of Conquerors should haue bene seruants, and slaues, to that peo∣ple whom before we had conquered: and they (by our oppression) should haue wanted a power to haue restrained them from the generall Conquest of Christen∣dome, the which by vs hath principally bene letted, and by them most desirously pursued. And therefore (in respect of Pol∣licie and the practise of State) this marriage of Spaine was very hurtfull for our Nati∣on, ayming directly at the vtter ouerthrow of the English Monarchie; wherein Queene Marie was neither Poilitique nor Holy, not ho∣ly in not defending the Catholike Faith, combining her selfe so neerely with the Popes Confederate; and not pollitique, in hazerding the honour of her Kingdomes, in the hands of one so dangerous, as the King of Spaine then was, who already was so great, as made him iustly feared, and his proceedings suspected. God (of his good∣nesse) disposing otherwise of this businesse, deriuing still a Succession of Kingly power within our selues of our owne nation and of
our owne Kingly line; to the better defence of the Catholike Faith, and to the perpe∣tuall honour of this our English Monarchie.
14. Lastly, Queene Marie in her vehe∣ment and vniust persecuting her most vertu∣ous Sister the Ladie Elizabeth (afterwards Queene) did hereby very much offend the Catholike Faith, because among all the Religions at that time in England; this Ladie was chiefe, not onely for holinesse of life, but also for her eminence of place, and dignity; being heyre apparant to the Crowne, and in whom the hope of King Henries issue onely remained. And there∣fore the right of Succession remaining in her Royal person, made her more than a priuate one, and made the euill of her Sisters perse∣cution more monstrous, being directed a∣gainst the life of one both holy, and a Prin∣cesse, and to whom God had purposed, to giue the inheritance of these kingdomes, and the office to defend the profession of faith, and holy worship. And if wee but remember the most gratious gouernement of this Ladie, the time shee was Queene,
and how nobly shee hath defended the profession of Faith and Religion, wee shall thereby iudge how much euill Queene Marie had done, if the euill practise against her Si∣ster Elizabeth had preuailed. Neuer any Defendresse nor euer any Queene in the world, hauing finished Gods quarrell with more honour, or with better resolution than shee did. And therefore if this holy life had perished, the glory of her honoura∣ble actions had bene preuented, neither had the world euer seene the admirations of her time, nor the seuerall states of christendome, euer had so noble a Patronesse to support them, in their iust quarrells, against the aspi∣ring insolencie of the ambitious: nor had the holy Saints on earth liued secure, vnder the late protection of her mercifull wings, whose holy faith shee hath victoriously de∣fended against all oppositions, cutting off (not by Pollicie) onely (as did Iudith) but by her power the head of Holophernes (Ido∣latrie.) And thus triumphing in the spoyle of Gods enemies shee hath purchased, an euerliuing name of honour, and an
euerlasting inheritance in heauen, with God and with the Children of Faith, whose quarrell shee hath most honourably defen∣ded.
15. And Queene Marie in seeking to destroy so holy a life did not the office of her Christian place, nor defend the quar∣rell of Faith whereunto her title bound her.
16. In respect of State likewise, was this very euill in the Queene, because by this in∣iurie to her neerest blood, shee sought to hinder the lawfull succession. For the La∣die Elizabeth being dead, it might proue quarrelsome, who should next inherit. Queene Marie hauing no issue to succeed her, was like to leaue the State to much trouble, and to many Competitors. And if Queene Elizabeth had not succeeded, hap∣pily our Nation had not bene so famous in the honour and reputation of warlike exer∣cise as now it is, neither had it flourished in the glorie of Learning, nor in the trauell of industrious artes as it hath, nor had there bene that peace, that plentie, and that secu∣rity
which presently we enioy; nor happily had the State bene thus left as by her it is, to a Prince of peace, full of hopefull issue, by whom and by whose posterity, England may hope neuer to want a noble Defendor of it, and of the Catholike Faith. And therefore God onely bee praised who did preuent the euill, that euill men intended against that Ladie, against this Nation, and against the Catholike Faith. In all these respects may appeare the euill gouernement of these times, and how the Queene was led by di∣shonourable meanes to an end most dan∣gerous, the cause (as I haue said) was onely the too much trust the Queene gaue to euill Counsell whereby shee was violently carried against her owne Nature, to most vnchristian designes; for her conscience did perswade her, that those things were of absolute necessity, which (in truth) were altogether vnlawfull. And this was the Bishop of VVinchester Stephen Gardi∣ners care, to set an edge on the Queenes offence, and to fit her for the stroake of persecution, whereto in her Nature she
was not fit. And this hee did by the authority of his Religious place, where∣to the Queene had speciall reuerence, framing her selfe to doe that onely, which in her abused conscience, shee thought was necessarie. For there is nothing can perswade like conscience, which in men of all Religions will desire satisfaction and ease. And though our conscience iudge falsly of Truth, yet cannot that Iudgement bee vnsatisfied, whithout Torment and much affliction: neither is there any so powerfull to per∣swade vs, as them of whom we conceiue a reuerend opinion, and thinke Religious and holy; because the opinion of ho∣linesse taketh away all suspition. And therefore many times men seeming de∣uoute, and verie precise, are best able to deceiue; because they are best credited; the greatest pollititians working their most damned proiects by men profes∣sing sanctimonious life: this being euer a foundation in that vile Art, that pretence and false couller are the hands of Pollicie,
whereby shee effecteth that which other∣wise were impossible. And if wee remem∣ber the number of Conspiracies, and Treasonous designes attempted in this last age of the world, we shall scarce finde any one wherein men professing Religion were not principalls, either plotters or practisers. The experience of the time, finding such men most fit instruments for such desperate attempts; because they dare doe any thing, and can keepe counsell, and as it is ieastingly said of playes, they are not pleasant without a Foole; so it may bee seriously said of Treasons, they are not bloodie without a Priest, these men hauing got them a name of admiration, for acting the most horrible parts of blood and treason; wherein they haue approued themselues forward but most vnfortunane. And by these men was the better nature of Queene Marie much abused, making her (by their euill counsell) become odious to posterity in shedding without mercy the blood of many holy Martyrs, treading vpon the face of truth, & dignifying Idolatrous &
euill seruice. Vnfortunate Queene to be de∣ceiued by these euill Ministers; but woe vn∣to them by whom the offence came; happie had shee bene, if they had neuer bene, and happie were we, if with vs they were not, for where they are, there is Faction, Conspira∣cie, and Treason; and it is they and their house onely (that is the house of Poperie) that troubleth Israell.
FIRST, There is nothing in this world, that can continue prosperity without all interruption. For the Spouse of Christ (the Church) had neuer any such immunity, but (like all other things, and for the worke of Gods glorie) she doth often vary her State, and like the Sunne often in clouds, and sometimes in Eclipse. The reason is the will of God who hath determined to leade vs
through this wildernesse, our pilgrimage to new Ierusalem.
Secondly, It is the Popish Religion, but no Religion, to destroy and not correct, to iudge without mercy, and to bee ter∣rible in the prosecuting their persecuti∣ons. But our most diuine and sacred Lord Christ hath said Blessed are yee when ye suffer these things. Surely then cursed are they that doe them.
Thirdly, The iudgements of God haue relation to mens offence, being the effect of that cause, and therefore who knoweth but that God in iudgement to K. Henrie, gaue him this contrariety in his Children, to condradict and countermand one another in the forme of their gouernements, because the King himselfe was so full of contrarietie and vnsetled constancie, at one time perse∣cuting both professions.
Fourthly, To reinduce the P••pall autho∣rity into the English State was a maruellous improuidence in the Queene, and so direct against all rule of State, as that questionlesse the Queene in this made her iudgement
yeeld to conscience (as she deemed it) which if she had not bene a woman, she would ne∣uer haue done, or at the least neuer so done without all limitation
Fifthly, The Marriage of Queene Marie with Spaine, was an oportunity for Spaine to depresse the glory of this Nation, for if the Queene had had issue by him, the principality had bene translated to such a Prince, as may yet iustly bee feared, to what extremities his growing Empire in∣tendeth.
Sixthly, The Queenes error in these pro∣ceedings, was to receiue her State instructi∣ons, from such Counsellors as did labour onely to frame her to their owne designes, not regarding the publike benefit of the State. For doubtlesse had the Queene bene ordered by her Pollitique State, or by any one Counsellor in the State of honourable quallity, she had not giuen so much of her title and Maiestie to Rome and Spaine as by the perswasion of her Clergie Counsell she did.
FIRST, there is no man in this life, (especially if he be of great place or great spirit) that can free himselfe from occasions of discontent, wherein euery man may make triall of his owne vertue, and exercise his Christian patience in his moderate bearing them: For there is no victory equall to that a man hath of himself, neither any seruitude so base as to be ouercome of Discont••nt. And therefore the most worthy men haue euer triumphed ouer Fortune, thinking it a deba∣sing of their Noble spirits, to be vanquished by so meane an enemie. And howsoeuer
such men (in common Construction) are reputed most miserable, that haue most cause of griefe, yet in true vnderstanding it is otherwise: and then especially, when the grieued hath patience (that true part of Man-hood) whereby he is able to make the greatest burden of griefe easie. For so did the famous men in old time by manly Con∣stancie, and so doe Christians now by pati∣ence support a liuing courage, in the middest of greatest extremities: Yet euer must this moderation be regarded, that as our griefe may not vtterly deiect vs, so wee must haue sense to feele and apprehend it, least in the one extreame wee proue cowherds, in the other Fooles. For griefe is the true phy∣sicke of the minde, which being well ap∣plied doth correct and heale vs, but other∣wise it doth destroy and make desperate, and in this case doe men reuenge them∣selues on themselues, and double the measure of griefe wherewith they are af∣flicted.
Secondly, And this was Q▪ Maries punish∣ment, who doubtlesse did verie much af∣flict
her selfe in the remembrance of her euill fortunes; some whereof I will relate, not obseruing the order of the time, where∣in they were occasioned, but ranke them ac∣cording to their degrees in greatnesse, and as the Queene found them most offensiue. And as the greatest, I remember first the trouble of her Conscience, whereby she be∣came enemie to her selfe, and hatefull to her former proceedings, iudging them much more violēt, then the cause required, or then might stand with the honour of her name, and with the discharge of Christian Con∣science, and this shee vnderstood by a gene∣rall sense of mercy, whereto in her Nature shee was inclinable, and from which shee was violently moued by the breath of bad perswasion. For though the Queene was made to beleeue, that her vehement perse∣cuting the Protestants Religion, was necessa∣rie for both states of Church and kingdome: yet when Christian blood was shed in that abundance, it much repented her; that shee (by that meanes) had giuen her name so bloody a remembrance. And in this case
might she say of Gardiner and Bonner (as Ia∣cob did of his two Sonns, Simion and Leui) that they had made her name odious to e∣uery mans eares, and that therefore they were Children of Blood. And surely the re∣morse of conscience, for her bloody gouern∣ment, did very much afflict the Queenes minde, whereof shee would oftentimes giue demonstration, and by words of dislike, wit∣nesse how much she did distaste the furie of persecution, and the generall waste those fires had made in her Kingdomes.
Thirdly, Neither need this seeme strange to any that Q. Marie should dislike her selfe in her owne practise, because wee know that Princes (though they haue soueraigne pow∣er ouer their Subiects; yet hath it such limi∣tation, as that Princes themselues, somtimes are not free, nor can compasse those ends, which most desirously they would; & some∣times are they forced to that they would not. The reason is, because no prince in the world can support himselfe, without the assurance of his Subiects: and when the State is in Faction (as then it was for Religion) it is
most dangerous for the Prince, to Discon∣tent them by whom he is principally suppor∣ted. And Queene Mary taking vpon her the protection of the Romish Religion, did then binde her selfe to the heads of that fa∣ction, lest by discontenting them, she should haue runne her selfe into a generall offence, and so haue hazzerded the fortunes of her State. And this was to the Queene so great offence, as they onely can conceiue, who haue endured the torment of an offended conscience.
Fourthly, Another cause of Queene Ma∣ries discontent was King Philip her husband, who either in truth or as she thought, did not so louingly respect her as the sacred bonds of marriage required, neither had shee issue by him according to her owne hope, and the expectation of her Subiects, and this did very much offend the Queenes patience, being by the Nature of her Sex most inclinable to apprehend such discour∣tesie, and the rather because of her princely place, and the great spirit of Maiestie, which shee wanted not. For the Kings not regar∣ding,
or his cold regarding her did conclude that (in his opinion) she wanted of that wor∣thinesse he had formerly imagined, and that shee did not merit the truth of his loue and most kind affection, whereto his bond of Marriage did binde him, his not regarding her, debasing her in worth and estimation, whereat shee might worthily take offence; the rather because the Queene in her owne e∣lection, had preferred him to her loue, and to the honour of that Marriage before all o∣ther Princes in Christendome, communica∣ting with him the honours of her Crowne and Dignities, to the hazzard of her life and State, being contrary to the generall liking of her Subiects, and for which had bene ve∣ry dangerous Rebellion in her kingdome. And therefore this offence taking of the Queene, was very causefull, and vpon iust consideration conceiued; shee hauing done so much for him that deserued so little, and he not recompensing the merit of her high deseruing.
Fifthly, A third cause of Queene Maries griefe was the losse of Callis, a towne of most
importance for the English State, especially considering the quarrell of those two king∣domes, England and France, who (besides the English claime to that Crowne & Dignity) haue euer had an honourable Contention to exceed each other in the reputation of Armes and warlike exercise; neither is it in reason to bee hoped that these two warlike Nations shall alwayes conspire peace, and for euer forget the emulation and glorious conquests of former times, hauing these maine prouocations to hinder it, the neare∣nesse of place, the equallity of power, the difference of Religion, and the claime to the lawfull inheritance, the least of which occa∣sions, may serue to incense a forward spirit with desire of honourable Warre and Con∣quest. And then considering the importance of the Towne of Callis, for the English wars, and how by hauing it, the passage was euer open to enter that kingdome: and being re∣couered by the French, England may be then said to haue lost the key, by which it hath heretofore so easily entred, In these respects had the Queene good cause to grieue at so
dishonourable a losse, and the rather it be∣ing lost by a meane power and in little space, which had bene honourably defended ma∣ny years against the whole power of France, and what other enuie soeuer to the glorie of her predecessors, the disaduantage of her Successors and her owne perpetuall disho∣nour.
Sixtly & lastly, the rebelling of her subiects did very much discontent her, because shee thereby vnderstood▪ how her gouernment was disliked, by many of her best Subiects. For though it bee not a necessary Conclu∣sion, that where there is Rebellion, there the State is misgouerned: yet is Rebellion e∣uer a cause that the gouernment is suspe∣cted, and those grieuances that are able to prouoke such numbers of people against their Souereigne, are generally belieued to arise vpon more then common considera∣tions. And therefore it is required in the per∣son of a Prince, not onely to bee of worthie deseruing, but also to seeme to be such, be∣cause it is most needfull for them to satisfie opinion, without which no Prince in the
world can be said to be great.
Seuenthly, Againe, the Rebells had such forward successe in their attempting, as thereby they did much distresse the Queene, and threaten the fortunes of her state. For if the proiect had proceeded according to their plot, and as it was deuised by the chiefe Conspirators; the issue was likely to haue proued much more dangerous. But Sir Thomas VVyat one of the chiefe Conspira∣tors, imagining the proiect was reuealed, dis∣couered himselfe in Armes, before the pra∣ctise was Ripe, and before the time agreed vpon; whereby he was vnassisted by his o∣ther Confederates, and the practise by this meanes became abortiue and perished by vntimely birth; which in likelyhood had otherwise succeeded, if the whole power of the Conspirators, had bene vnited. Sir Thomas onely with his Countrie-men of Kent, hauing done so much as may seeme to haue wanted but little, to haue fini∣shed the whole businesse. And this no doubt was GODS worke, who is enemie to euerie euill practise, bee the
pretence neuer so fare and reasonable.
Eighthly, Those and many other occasi∣ons of Discontent, had Queene Marie, where∣by God gaue her to vnderstand, how much he was displeased with her bloodie gouerne∣ment, and whereby (it may be) he had mer∣cie on her weakenesse, in laying these gen∣tle corrections on her, who had deserued the seuerity of his angrie Iustice; she being most vniust & most seuere in her persecuting the Children of faith, whom by the authority of her princely place shee was bound to pro∣tect. The God of mercy be for euer praised, who hath ended in this Kingdome the mise∣rie of persecution, making it die in the Death of Queene Marie, in whose gouerne∣ment it had got authority and life; and may it euer please God to deriue vpon his Church of England a perpetuall succession of holy and resolute Defendors of the Catholike Faith, to the honour of Gods diuine Ma∣iestie, the good of his beloued Children (the Children of Faith) and the true glorie of the English Nation, Amen.
FIRST, Gods temporall afflictions are mercies, for they doe but remember vs our sinnes, and inuite our repentance; yet they haue contrarie effects in contrarie subiects. For to some they are physicke to others poyson, they rectifie some and de∣stroy others. This difference haue the elect and the reprobate.
Secondly, The common pretenced quar∣rell in all Rebellions, is either Religion, or vsurpation of Empire; yet neither of these can giue successe to such treasonable at∣tempts, because they that would alter and transpose of Gods gouernement, and his of∣ficers, doe but fight against his prouidence, and contradict God in his owne appoint∣ments. In this case then, the best Pollicie is for men with patience to suffer, and let God with victorie doe.
in the soule, as that where it is vnmodera∣ted, there is a necessarie distruction. There∣fore the wise Morall man will oppose this enemie with reason, and inuincible pati∣ence and outtrude him from all society with his thoughts. For if there be any thing on Earth that can resemble hell it is Discon∣tent.
FIRST, It is not in my purpose to reckon vp the seuerall opinions of men in this argument neither to discourse at large herein, but onely to report my owne Iudgement, and that which I think is answerable in this que∣stion to Religion and holy reason. For if this controuersie were disputed, according to the Pollitique practise of time, and not by the rules of Religion, and reformed iudgement, it would be then verie controuersall, and re∣quire large circumstance, because the Matchiuells of these times, diuersly disagree in their seuerall iudgements, but if men de∣sire onely to satisfie conscience, to such men the testimonie of God is sufficient, which
ought to square the practises of all degrees of Christian men, and to determine all con∣trouersies, be they neuer so important; But this tryall hath not alwaies authority in go∣uernement meerely pollitique, for Religion and Pollicie, are two diuers (or rather in full opposition) and that (many times) in the practise of State is commendable which in the iudgement of Religion is most dam∣nable, because they conspire not one, but disagreeing ends, neither can the quarrell of these two be euer reconciled, but onely by these conditions, that Piety may command Pollicie, and that such Pollicie may bee onely in Christian States allowable as may be ser∣uant to the worke of holinesse, and iudged lawfull by the sentence of true Religion. And if these respects, had regard in Christian States, then should not Christendome haue had that dishonourable imputation, to bee reputed (of the barbarous Nations) vnfaith∣full and full of dishonourable practise: wherein the Popes haue especially abused the Christian Faith, who (vnder the outward face of holinesse) haue contriued and effe∣cted
Conspiracies and Treasons of most horrible report, and such as neuer were the like by men or diuells inuented.
Secondly, And these euill Ministers doe arrogate to themselues, authority (which they would deriue from God) not onely to license Rebellion in a Christian State, but al∣so to command it vpon paine of damnati∣on; a power which neuer any Christian Prince durst challenge, and a pollicie, where∣by they haue principally inriched them∣selues, with wealth and dignities, taken at the spoyle of Christian Princes; and where∣with he doth yet vnderprop the falling state of his Empire. And this how vnequall it is with Gods Word, may appeare to any iudgement, there being no example in the Storie of the Bible for his imitation, where any Priest did euer challenge any such soue∣raigne authority.
Thirdly, And in respect of State practise, there was neuer any thing more dishonou∣rable, then for Princes and free States to en∣ter voluntary into a seruitude so base & sla∣uish, taking their honours from their owne
heads, to dignifie their mortall enemy, and to feed his ambition, which (like Hell) can∣not be satisfied, who hath euer fed vpon the bowels of their wealth, and on the blood of Saints, and doth glorifie himself in the spoile of Christian Princes, and thus will doe, vntill God shall please to destroy him with the breath of his displeasure.
Fourthly, The example of K. Dauid may suffice to conclude against this doctrine, who notwithstanding he had Gods promise to in∣herit the kingdome of Israel, being by the Prophet anointed (by which God did crown him King) and knowing moreouer, that God had forsaken his master Saul, hauing taken his good Spirit from him, whereby he was Anathemate, and interdict by the sen∣tence of God himselfe; yet did not Dauid (for all this) conspire against his master Saul, but onely sought to secure his life, by with∣drawing him from the kings presence, who hee assuredly knew did seeke after his life. And when opportunity was offered him so fit, as that he at one stroake, might both haue reuenged the iniuries of his greatest Enemy,
and vpon such an Enemy, as stood betweene him and a Kingdome, yet would he not de∣stroy him being vrged thereto by the earnest perswasion of his follower, but withstood both them and opportunity, induring the trouble of his Conscience, for presuming to cut off (not his Masters head, but) the lap of his garment only.
Fiftly, Another time Saul pursuing after Dauid to destroy him was found by Dauid and Abishai, sleeping with his speare at his head, as if occasion should haue led Dauid to an opportunity most fit, and thus haue per∣swaded him. See, here is thy enemy sleeping, and here is a weapon to destroy him; which aduantage when Abishai would most gladly haue imbraced, he was disswaded by Dauid, with this answere; Destroy him not, for who can lay his hand vpon the Lords Anointed, and be guiltlesse: whereby hee concludeth it to be impossible for any man whosoeuer, to conspire the death or dammage of his soue∣raigne, with the testimonie of good consci∣ence. And this opinion of King Dauids, is aduerse to the practise of the Romane State,
which hath often laid their hands of blood, and death vpon the Lords annointed; nei∣ther haue they euer done as Dauid did, de∣nie the offer of fit occasion to reuenge, wherein they are answerable to their Italian prouerbe. If thy enemie be vp to his knees in wa∣ter, reach him thy hand to helpe him: But if hee stand vp to the Chinne, set thy foot vpon him to destroy him.
Sixthly, Now if King Dauids example and authority will not serue, because he was but Man, I will then produce his witnesse, who was both God and Man the Lord Iesus; who commanded the Iewes, to giue obedience to Caesar in all those duties which respect Soue∣raignty; though Caesar did not acknowledge the Iewish Religion, but rather did persecute that profession. Neither did he perswade re∣bellion against the Romane state, though in his diuine wisedome he did foresee that the Kingdome of the Iewes, (which he so much loued) should be vtterly wasted by the pow∣er of the Romanes, whereby hee would teach vs, that as by God (onely) Kings do Reigne, so by him onely are they both supported,
(and as he shall onely please,) are they dis∣planted and deposed from their dignities.
Seuenthly, It is euident then, by the testi∣monie of them who are most holy and abso∣lute, (that no earthly man by the authority of his place) hath or can giue license, to con∣spire, against any Soueraigne power what∣soeuer, and the reason is, because there is no power but from God, and the powers that be are ordained of God: and therefore to resist that power, is to withstand God and his ordinance, and to condemne the forme of Gods gouernement. And such are all they, who goe about to translate authority, where God hath not giuen it, and to throw downe and depose them whom God hath esta∣blished, and such are all they who either plot or practise Rebellion, Conspiracie, or Trea∣son, or that can giue allowance thereto. Trai∣tors they be to God, Traitors to their Prince, Traitors to their Countrie and to them∣selues, Traitors whom God will withstand as Traitors, and iudge as Enemies.
Eighthly, And though the Pope challenge to be able, to giue that dispensation, which
Iehu had giuen him of God; yet is that one∣ly presumption in the Pope, for neither is he God to giue any such warrant, neither is he Gods Prophet, whose authority we may trust, neither doth God reueale his will immedi∣ately to the Pope, as he did to his Prophet Elisha, neither haue his Iehues euer had that fortune and prosperous successe, as had this; God confounding many thousands of their damned and Rebellious practises, to the honour of his name and to the shame of all such euill Ministers, for this is an vnan∣swerable argument, that the Popes power to dispence in this kinde is not from God, be∣cause many of their practises succeed not, which if they were from God they must of necessity prosper. And therefore neither Prince, Priest, or Pope, can giue dispensati∣on in this kinde. God onely being able to make that lawfull, which without his speciall direction is most damnable.
THESE two Ladies, of all whom the Histories of our times record, are nearest sutable to a para∣lell; hauing beene both of them honourable in place of dignity, both of them admirable in endowments of Nature, and both of them transported by ill counsell, too much effusion of Christian blood, by
persecution of the Protestant Religion in the seuerall precincts of their gouerne∣ment. I desire not to disparrage the me∣morie of noble personages. Historie will speake vnpartially; and the Christian hearts which reade or heare of their persecutions, will compassionate the troubles which holy men haue endured: and though the sense of sorrowes bee past and not sensible to them who indured them; yet will the knowledge of them beget a kinde of sense of those sorrowes which other men haue formerly sustained; and (according to our affections) as wee loue or hate the cause it selfe, so shall wee giue our cen∣sure of the Authors of the persecutions. I forbeare therefore to prosecute the com∣parison in particulars; the more, because I pittie the frailty of their Sexe, which ha∣uing but weake iudgement, is the lesse able to make resistance against stronge tempta∣tions. I onely deplore their ill hap, to sucke the milke of so venimous a breast as the Church of Rome; which is indeed the Circe of the world, transforming men
by her enchanted potions into beasts, and metamorphosing euen the innocent dispo∣sition of gentle Ladies, and Princesses into a Leonine and Tiger like sauagenesse; that Lupa Romana, which as shee first foste∣red Romulus with the teats of a shee-Woolfe, so nurseth now all others with the like milke, and propoundeth the highest re∣wards of heauen to them that will most play the hell-hounds vpon earth; shee which puts Princes vpon persecution of the Church vn∣der colour of zeale for the Church, and stirres vp Subiects to rebellion by pretense of piety, and giues the lawrell of Martyr∣dome vnto Treason: to her we are to im∣pute the miscarriages of these and many other worthyes, whose better nature was empoysoned by bad principles instilled into them: especially we may commiserate her of France, because her persecution there feasted Saint Bartholmew with more Christi∣an soules at one Supper, then perished by Queene Mary the whole time of her life: pray we almighty God, that the bloud suc∣king tyranny of that Romish strumpet may
Q. Marie. The change shee made in the Church of England.
The light of Truth put out.
The Queene obscured the glory of this Nation.
The purpose of the Histo∣rie of this Queenes time.
The truth of History must not for any consideration be concea∣led.
The inconue∣nience of misreporting the truth of Historie.
Queene Ma∣rie her ex∣traordinarie induments of Nature.
Q. Eliza∣beth incom∣parable.
Nature without grace doth merit no∣thing.
The least gift of grace is more worth then the whole riches of Nature.
The gifts of Grace.
The gifts of nature with∣out grace are dangerous in him that hath them.
The motion of Grace is 〈◊〉〈◊〉 against Na∣ture.
The Queene an enemie to her selfe.
The Q. great ouersight.
Gardiner, Bonner the Queenes e∣uill instru∣ments.
The Q▪ good nature much abused.
She entred her gouern∣ment with great Tyran∣ni••.
Those wee trust most may best de∣ceiue vs.
A bad per∣swasion.
These euill Counsellors much decei∣ued.
God raiseth a new gene∣ration of holy men, from the ashes of Martyr∣dome.
1 King. 12. 10
Their Coun∣sell was wic∣ked pollicie, but no pietie.
A respect of pollicie.
Gardiner the euill spi∣rit which most tempted the Queene to her seue∣ritie.
The power of conscience.
Diuine.
Pollitique.
Morall.
The Duke of Northum∣berland.
The Duke guilty of his fortunes.
In respect of State.
The Q. first offence.
Gardiner Bonner and others.
The cruel∣ties of these times.
A double re∣spect.
How the Q. began her gouernement
D. Cranmer and others.
The Papists.
In restoring the Abbeyes.
The euill of a bloody life.
In respect of State.
Idle and euil vsers of wealth.
The Queene in her iudge∣ment con∣demned her Father.
The Queene erecteth that Idolatrie which her Father had defaced.
E contrario.
The worst of the Queenes euills.
Her establi∣shing of Po∣perie.
Her full op∣position a∣gainst the Catholike Faith.
Her for∣wardnes in punishing.
Mans na∣ture.
The altera∣tion of Reli¦gion is pre∣iudiciall to the Commō-Wealth.
The Q▪ con∣science abu∣sed.
The Pope hath not principality proper.
The Q. o∣uersight.
The English nation disho∣noured by the Queene.
The Q. per∣secutions of holy men.
No profession of Religion but the Popes that thinke to merit by blood & per∣secution.
Christians must beare the Crosse & not make it.
The exam∣ple ••f Christ.
Mercy the 〈…〉〈…〉 gift of grace.
The Mar∣tyrs.
The vehe∣mencie of this persecution.
For his booke of Acts and Monuments
Strange ex∣amples of en∣uie.
The graue is euery mans Sanctuary.
The doome of Nature.
Note.
A reuenge like the re∣uenge of Di∣uels.
This perse∣cution equall with them of the Primi∣tiue Church.
King Philip of Spaine.
The confede∣racie of the Spani••h King and the Pope
The Iesuites supported by the Spanish King.
Rome and Spaine the ladders of one anothers rising.
〈◊〉〈◊〉 respect of State.
The Spanish King bound to certaine conditions.
No obligatiō can binde the desire of the ambitious.
Note.
The inconue∣nience of the Queenes Marriage.
The greatnes of Spaine.
The expecta∣tion of Spaine
Portingale.
England the supporter of Spaine.
The inconue∣nience.
In respect of pollicie.
The Queene neither pol∣litique nor holy.
The proui∣dence of God in this busi∣nesse.
Queene Eli∣zabeth.
The hope of King Henrie his issue.
The gouern∣ment when she was Q.
Queene Eli∣zabeth in∣comparable.
What hurt the Q. death had bene to Christēdome
Iudith and Holopher∣nes.
The glorie of Queene Eli∣zabeths deeds.
In respect of State.
The incon∣uenience.
The glory of the English Nati•••• 〈…〉〈…〉 of Q. Elizabeth.
King Iames our Soue∣raigne.
God onely preuented the euill pur∣pose of euill men.
Queene Ma∣rie led to di∣shonourable ends.
The cause the perswa∣sion of her conscience.
Winchester Gardiner.
Nothing can perswade like consci∣ence.
Who are most power∣full to per∣swadevs.
Men see∣ming deuout are best able to deceiue.
The ground of euill pol∣licie.
Who are the chiefe plot∣ters and actors of treasons.
Why Priests are most fit for treasons.
The office of Iesuits.
By whom the Queenes na∣ture was most abused.
Who they be that trouble the peace of Israel.
Diuine.
Pollitique.
Morall.
No man can free himselfe from Dis∣content.
The greatest 〈…〉〈…〉 seruitude.
The error of common iudgement.
The power of patience.
A modera∣tion in griefe
For griefe is the true physicke of the minde.
The euill of discontent∣ment.
Queene Ma∣ries punish∣ment.
The trouble of her consci∣ence.
Her owne iudgement of her owne pro∣ceedings.
Her Nature.
Protestants.
The queenes griefe.
Gardiner Bonner. Gen. 34. 30.
The Queene veri much in her selfe offended.
How the power of Princes is limited.
The reason.
Faction.
Faction.
The torment of an offen∣ded consci∣ence.
King Philip of Spaine.
Her want of issue.
The natures of women.
The Kings not regar∣ding her.
Her iealou∣sie of her own merit.
The queenes deseruing of King Philip.
The queenes offence in re∣spect of King Philip very causefull.
The third cause of her Discontent was the losse of Callis.
Note.
Prouocations to French warres.
Callis the key of France.
The reason of the Queenes griefe for the losse of Callis.
The rebellion of her sub∣iects.
Rebellion a cause that the gouerne∣ment is sus∣pected.
What is re∣quired in the person of a Prince.
The forward successe of the Rebells.
One chiefe cause why they failed in their proiect.
Sir Thomas Wyat of Kent.
God the ene∣mie of all Conspirators
Gods mercie in thus pu∣nishing the Queene.
The mercie of God to this Nation in the Queenes death.
Diuine.
Pollitique.
Morall.
The diuers opinions of men in this Argument.
This contro∣uersie must be iudged by Religion and not by pollicie
The Testi∣monie of God the best au∣thority.
Religion and Pollicie two diuers.
The differēce of their ends and practise.
How to re∣concile piety and pollicie.
The Popes haue abused the Christian Faith.
The Pope doth chal∣lenge autho∣rity to li∣cence Rebel∣lion.
How the Pope doth inrich him∣selfe.
The Pope no follower of any holy example.
In respect of State pra∣ctise.
The exam∣ple of King Dauid.
Dauid would not conspire the death of Saul though he were a Reprobate.
Dauid refu∣seth the offer of opportuni∣tie to reuēge.
1 Sam. 24. v. 5, 6, 7.
Arare ex∣ample of a holy King.
Note.
1 Sam. 2. 6. 9
Dauid and the Pope disagree in their opini∣ons.
An Italian prouerbe Count Bal∣tezer.
The exam∣ple of Christ.
God who on∣ly maketh Kings, can onely depose them.
No earthly power can giue licensce for Rebellion.
All traytors oppose a∣gainst Gods prouidence.
The Pope his Dispensation.
Queene Mary. Queene Ka∣therine.
Commisera∣tion and Christian pittie.
The woman a weake Sexe.
The vene∣mous nature of the Romish doctrine.
Saint Bar∣tholmewes supper of S••ul••••.