Exomologesis, or, A faithfull narration of the occaision and motives of the conversion unto Catholick unity of Hugh-Paulin de Cressy, lately Deane of Laghlin &c. in Ireland and Prebend of Windsore in England now a second time printed with additions and explications by the same author who now calls himself B. Serenus Cressy, religious priest of the holy order of S. Benedict in the convent of S. Gregory in Doway.

To the Right Reverend Fathers, the Fathers DD. Religious of the Holy Order of the Carthusians in the English Convent at Newport in Flanders.

Right R. R. Fathers.

SInce it was the eminent sanctity of your Order (in vaine endeavoured with greater care by you to be hid from the observation of the world, then by o∣thers their hypocrisie) which contributed much to put me in a condition of writing a discourse of this nature: And since it was by the command, and for the satisfa∣ction of certain Superiours of your Order likewise, that contrary to my Resolution I adventured upon this work: and last∣ly, since it was by the advice and encou∣ragement of certain of your Fathers Reli∣gious, that I took the confidence to publish it, being written; therefore in strict justice it ought to return and addresse it self thi∣ther, from whence in so many respects it took its originall.

But whereas the language made it un∣capable

either of the censure or apology of those persons who had the greatest and immediate influence upon it, and besides, though it had been Translated, it would not have procured that effect which I in∣finitely desire; Therefore it may seem that meer necessity hath cast upon you this trouble and charity. Though the truth is seeing the almost only argument of this Book is to maintain Catholike Uni∣ty against the sacriledge of Schisme, there could scarce be chosen fitter Patrons for it' then such persons, who are the true successors of those Innocent Martyrs, with the effusion of whose blood, both Ca∣tholike Unity expired in England, and that Sacrilegious Tyrant K. Henry 8. dedicated his accursed Idol of Schisme; an act, which alone may be able to rectifie the judgments of the seducing & seduced World: for can any man think otherwise, but that Catholike Unity is a daughter of heaven, whose Victimes have been the lives of persons so only heavenly in their conversation•• and how could that infer∣nall, monster of Schisme prove her ••rig••∣nall, better, then by being the designe of that Prince •••• abandoned to all impiety,

as that he made choice to establish this his darling by sacriledge and murder: Sa∣eriledge most palpably against his consci∣ence, since in that regard be always con∣tinued a Catholique: and murder of a most studied beyon••sness being commit∣ted upō persons so innocent•• that they that hated them, must thereby have professed that they hated innocence and Christian 〈◊〉〈◊〉 it self; and so far from provo∣king him, that they had no other com∣merce with mankind, but only in praying for it? But has not almighty God given a succes•• answerable? For what remains of that impious King, after six mariages (lawful & unlawful,) and innumerable 〈◊〉〈◊〉, but onely the issue of a wicked Soul, viz. God knows, how many sediti∣ous, murders, sacriledges, schismes, & be∣••••s••••r•• Whereas on the other side those in∣nor•••••• Martyrs d•••• no doubt, from hea∣ven 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 with joy 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 you a lawfull seed propagated in an uninterrupted suc∣cession in 〈◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊〉 way, & continu∣ing in the same Faith, Piety, Charity, & devotion, w^ch the•••• ••••••••lif••ed with their lives and sealed with their blood; a bles∣sing, 〈◊〉〈◊〉, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 all other Religious English

Orders of men, only allowed to you, though contrary to all humane judgement and probability; You being persons wholly un∣interessed in secular designes, unknown to the world, and, by reason of your solitude and never-discontinued devotions, unca∣pable of solliciting for the assistance of others.

Be pleased therefore (right RR. FF.) with your naturall benig••ity and chari∣ty to admit this discour••e into your peace∣full solitude: A blessing which the Author (alas!) dares not promise to himself, since by himself he is judged unworthy, and by others uncapable of it. He does notwith∣standing with the greater confidence ex∣pect this favour of your charity to his Book, because he may pretend in some degree to deserve it, since by presenting this Narration to your view, he shall af∣ford unto you, who live the life of An∣gells, the pleasure of Angells; viz. an oc∣casion to rejoyce at the conversion of a sinner, and the exercise of Angells too, which is to procure, at least by their prayers, a continuance of divine Mer∣cy to him. Which if by being remem, bred in your devotions, he shall obtain

he will think that he ha's prudently cho∣sen to prefer your Patronage before that of the greatest Princes.

Your RR. Fatherhoods Most humble and de∣voted servant. H. P. de Cressy.